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[Page 1]

Six Year Plan focus of historic World Centre Conference

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly-loved Friends,

The eager expectation with which we welcomed to the World Centre, on 27 December, sixty-four Counsellors from the five continents to discuss, with the International Teaching Centre, the challenges and opportunities facing the Bahá’í world community, has, at the conclusion of their historic Conference, been transmuted into feelings of deepest joy, gratitude and love.

Graced by the presence of the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Ugo Giachery, ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá and Collis Featherstone, the Conference was organized and managed with admirable foresight and efficiency by the International Teaching Centre, whose individual members watched over and served untiringly the needs of the participants and the progress of the Conference itself.

Convened in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice as the Counsellors of the Bahá’í world entered upon their new five-year term of office, within months of the termination of the Seven Year Plan and the opening of the new Six Year Plan, its aura heightened by the spiritual potencies of the Holy Shrines and the euphoric sense of victory and blessing now pervading the entire Bahá’í world, the Conference attained such heights of consultative exaltation, spirituality and power as only those serving the Blessed Beauty can enjoy.

The organic growth of the Cause of God, indicated by recent significant developments in its life, becomes markedly apparent in the light of the main objectives and expectations of the Six Year Plan: a vast expansion of the numerical and financial resources of the Cause; enlargement of its status in the world; a world-wide increase in the production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature; a firmer and world-wide demonstration of the Bahá’í way of life requiring special consideration of the Bahá’í education of children and youth, the strengthening of Bahá’í family life and attention to universal participation in the spiritual enrichment of individual life; further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities and a dynamic consolidation of the unity of the two arms of the Administrative Order; an extension of the involvement of the Bahá’í world community in the needs of the world around it; and the pursuit of social and economic development in well-established Bahá’í communities. These are some of the features of the Six Year Plan which will open on 21 April 1986 and terminate on 20 April 1992.

Ridván 1992 will mark the inception of a Holy Year, during which the Centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh will be observed by commemorations around the world and the inauguration of His Covenant will be celebrated.

Changes hold great promise for future

"The real treasury of man is his knowledge."—Bahá’u’lláh

Themes emerge from Seven Year Plan

A wide range of activities throughout the country has led to significant accomplishments as the Seven Year Plan draws to a close.

Among these are, of course, the presentation of "The Promise of World Peace" to the President of the United States. Also, a total of more than 1,750 local Spiritual Assemblies has been formed, with more than 60 on Indian Reservations.

Another accomplishment is the turn-around in teaching activity, and the number of new believers entering the Faith during the last year of the Plan. As of December 13, enrollments for the year had exceeded those of the previous year by 40 per cent. This year could bring the highest number of new believers in any year of the Plan.

As important as these specific accomplishments are, however, they are not in themselves the greatest fruits of the Seven Year Plan. A number of themes have been raised that have created new patterns of thought and activity which promise dramatic changes in our community. These will position us to play our role, not only in the upcoming Six Year Plan, but in the spiritual transformation of the planet.

Among the most important of the new processes that have emerged are:

• • The evolution of our relationship with society**

"There can be no doubt that the progress of the Cause from this time onward will be characterized by an ever increasing relationship to the agencies, activities, institutions and leading individuals of the non-Bahá’í world." (Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1984)

In the Seven Year Plan, the Bahá’í community emerged from obscurity. Innumerable examples exist of the progress made in dealing with governments, media and other organizations. Although the world's perspective of the Faith is quite positive, it is as yet "inadequate insofar as the reality of the Faith and its aims and purposes are concerned." (Ridván 1985)

Also during the Seven Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice called upon the community (Ridván 1985) "to become more involved in the life of society around it" by opening doors to involvement in the peace movement and social and economic development.

What must follow in future Plans are efforts to create a public awareness of the Faith based on the true nature of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation and its purpose in establishing the unity of mankind; apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the problems facing society, which is the essence of Bahá’í scholarship; and develop communities that are stable, dynamic, united and loving, led by vigorously functioning Assemblies, that will stand as a contrast to the disintegrating old world order and its institutions.

• • The efforts to establish a balance between expansion and consolidation**

The increase in enrollments in the final year of the Plan is an indication of renewed teaching activity. The renewal involves both teaching projects and individual efforts. We must continue our present efforts, especially in teaching the masses where progress must "be not only maintained but accelerated."

• • New Bahá’ís During The Seven Year Plan 1979-1986**
• 1980: 3770
• 1981: 4889
• 1982: 4267
• 1983: 2695
• 1984: 2793
• 1985: 2284
• 1986: 3922 (as of 12/13/85)

President thanks National Assembly for presenting peace statement, plate

The Honorable James Nelson, Chairman National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Judge Nelson:

I truly valued having you and your colleagues in the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States at the White House ceremony marking the signing of Proclamation 5420 and the 37th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

As the battles for freedom and human dignity continue to rage in countries around the world, the United States will remain loyal to the voices of outcry against the suffering of the Bahá’ís and other persecuted peoples and always hold fast to the cause of liberty.

Let me express my sincere thanks again for the commemorative plate which you presented to me on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly and for the statement on world peace from the Universal House of Justice. I am deeply grateful for these expressions of support and friendship.

With my best wishes to you and your membership for peace and happiness in the New Year. May God bless you all.

Sincerely, Ronald Reagan December 27, 1985

MORE THAN 70 LEADERS GIVEN PEACE STATEMENT

As of January 3, the Universal House of Justice's peace statement, "The Promise of World Peace," had been presented to more than 70 heads of state, to a great many leaders of political, academic, religious, national and international organizations, and to royalty.

Among heads of state who subsequently responded in writing were those of Colombia, Switzerland, France, Denmark and the Marshall Islands, while many reports quoted the recipients' appreciation on receiving the statement.

Among the members of royalty who have received "The Promise of World Peace" is Prince Mikasa of Japan who read and discussed it at length during a friendly meeting with a two-member Bahá’í delegation.

A warm welcome to the representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly was also given by King Taufaahau IV of Tonga. [Page 2]

VIEWPOINT

(Child reciting): O God, guide me, protect me, illumine the lamp of my heart and make me a brilliant star. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful.

Child: ...Hey Mom!

Mother: Yes dear?

Child: What’s aluminum?

Mother: That’s illumine dear ‘illumine my heart’ means to better understand

Child: Oh... ... Hey Mom! What ain’t understanding better?

Mother (thinking): Sometimes I wish she would just ask for a drink of water like other kids

—by Ellen Wallen, Beloit, Wisconsin

Austrian Bahá’ís welcome refugees, urge cooperation to aid resettlement

To Bahá’ís who are going to various countries via Austria:

The Persian Affairs Committee of the Bahá’ís of Austria would like to convey to every Persian Bahá’í who refers to your committee to obtain visas for Austria the following items:

1. The National Spiritual Assembly of Austria, members of the Persian Affairs Committee, and the Austrian believers welcome the friends and are ready to administer their affairs for resettlement.

2. So far, all matters of resettlement or obtaining visas for other countries have been taken care of through a particular order or arrangement. Therefore, our request is that the friends, on arrival in Austria, leave their affairs in the hands of the institutions of the Cause, and avoid making any attempts to act without first consulting with an appropriate committee. Experience shows that such personal attempts simply result in delays in achieving the desired results.

3. The small Austrian Bahá’í community will help in every way possible, but the friends should know that the resources of a 600-member community are not inexhaustible. Generally, the friends should pay their own expenses or have their friends or relatives in the U.S. or Iran or elsewhere pay them. In the case of relatives of martyrs and in cases of urgency, the committee, after carefully studying the situation, will grant a loan to be repaid as soon as possible.

4. The friends should avoid bringing with them items for sale, since in such a case, especially with regard to Persian carpets, this would cause problems and difficulties both for the friends and the institutions of the Cause.

5. At present, in eight locations in Austria, residences have been provided through the help of various local Assemblies and individuals. These are rented below the market price. The friends must commit themselves to accept whatever arrangements the committee makes in terms of dividing and sharing the residence. Otherwise, they must reside in places where they themselves will rent.

6. The waiting period in Austria is determined by the U.S. Embassy and by the quota that is assigned for giving visas in each country. There is no validity to any guarantees given regarding the duration of one’s stay in Austria. Experience has shown that the waiting period could be anywhere from four months to one year.

We hope that by accepting the above points and being ready to cooperate with the Bahá’í community of Austria, the friends can continue to reach their destination through us.

With warm greetings,

Persian Affairs Committee

of the Bahá’ís of Austria

November 1985

Fasting: Spiritual bounty for one’s soul

This month’s column, “An Open Letter to New Bahá’ís Regarding the Fast,” was written by Thomas F. Armistead of Milford, Connecticut.

Since last Riḍván, more than 3,900 people have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. That means there are more than 3,900 people who have just begun learning to adjust their lives to the Bahá’í standard, and are now approaching their first Bahá’í fast. I would like to address this open letter to them.

To my new Bahá’í brothers and sisters:

Although fasting is an ancient religious practice, it is seldom done in our culture. Few of us indeed have ever voluntarily gone without food or water for extended periods for any reason, religious or not.

This is an age of instant gratification; self-denial is alien to most people these days.

There is, of course, dieting, but we can stop that at will (or by admitting our weakness), and it leads to results we can measure by stepping on a bathroom scale.

Unlike a diet, fasting is obligatory for a Bahá’í, part of his Covenant with Bahá’u’lláh, and its results are not so easily measured. But like the prayers the Blessed Beauty has revealed for our daily use, it is indispensable to learning to surrender our will to Him.

Faithfully observe it

“In the Prayer of Fasting,” Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “We have revealed: ‘Should Thy Will decree that out of Thy mouth these words proceed and be addressed unto them, “Observe, for My Beauty’s sake, the fast, O people, and set no limit to its duration,” I swear by the majesty of Thy glory, that every one of them will faithfully observe it, will abstain from whatsoever will violate Thy law, and will continue to do so until they yield up their souls unto Thee.’ In this consisteth the complete surrender of one’s will to the Will of God. Meditate on this, that thou mayest drink in the waters of everlasting life which flow through the words of the Lord of all mankind, and mayest testify that the one true God hath ever been immeasurably exalted above His creatures. He, verily, is the Incomparable, the Ever-Abiding, the Omniscient, the All-Wise.” (Gleanings, p. 337)

Fasting is yet another bounty He has given us to benefit our souls. Neglecting it will surely harm them.

To fast for 19 days in a row must seem to many new Bahá’ís a pulse-quickening challenge to their self-control and endurance. “How will I handle it?” you may well ask yourself. “What if I can’t? What if I fail?”

I would like to offer some insights and assurances from one who is approaching his 16th fast.

One day at a time

First, I would like to assure you that the fast is not excessively hard. It lasts long enough each day to cause a reasonably noticeable hunger and thirst.

Gently but persistently, that hunger and thirst remind us how frail we are, how vulnerable to the demands of our physical nature.

If we were inclined before the fast to feel strong and independent, our hunger takes us down a peg. We learn that reliance on the necessary things of this world is a weakness we cannot transcend in this life. Yet God teaches this lesson gently and with love.

We say the fast lasts 19 days; in fact, it lasts only 12 hours each day. Take it one day at a time.

You may find, as I have, that 19 days is an ideal length of time for the fast. It is long enough to give real spiritual benefit without becoming burdensome.

At first, I have to deliberately break my usual eating patterns. I have to remember not to drink when I get thirsty. It inconveniences me a little.

As the days pass, though, I cease to focus on the moment-to-moment challenge of fasting and begin to sense the growth in my spirit.

My fasts have generally progressed through an initial stage, when I am consciously adjusting to the unaccustomed abstinence from food and drink, to a stage at which I scarcely feel hunger. In its place, I feel my spirit becoming more susceptible to the influence of God’s love and to His presence in my life.

More than once, I’ve approached the end of a fast wishing I could extend it throughout the year so I could continue to feel the peace, and gain the insights, which it brings to my soul.

‘Spiritual lunch’

You may find that you have some extra free time during the fast. Don’t forgo breakfast to gain an extra hour or two of sleep in the morning. Your hunger will so distract you it will very likely ruin your day.

Instead, rise joyfully before daybreak and have a hearty breakfast. Then use the time before going to work for prayer, meditation, recitation of the holy verses and deepening.

Devote your lunch time to more prayer and meditation, a “spiritual lunch,” rather than feeling sorry for your stomach. Your spirit will survive, and your spirit will thrive!

The mystical Writings especially yield their greatest treasures to me during the fast. The Seven Valleys, The Four Valleys, The Hidden Words and many similar Tablets contain gems of spiritual wisdom that are most accessible in this special month.

If you have found them obscure before, or if you have been intimidated by their depth, devote some time to reading and meditating on them now. They have finally truly come alive for me during the fast.

Use the prayers for fasting in the back of your prayer book. They are long, to be sure, but you will have the time to read them and meditate on their meanings. They are filled with reminders of the proper attitude to take when fasting, and of the bounties in store for those who faithfully observe the fast.

Recite them aloud, for the Blessed Beauty has promised, “Whoso reciteth in the privacy of his chamber the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb. Though he may, at first, remain unaware of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace vouchsafed unto him must needs sooner or later exercise its influence upon his soul.”

You’ll find other prayers for the fast beginning on page 299 of Gleanings and on page 294 in Prayers and Meditations.

An open channel

Although the Christian Church in this country no longer emphasizes fasting, Jesus offers some advice that is worth recalling:

“Moreover when ye fast,” He says, “be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.

“Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:16-18)

I find that keeping my fast largely a private matter between God and me opens a channel of constant communion with Him as I go about my daily business in the fasting period.

Appreciate your hunger and turn it to positive use. Let it prompt you to remember that you are fasting in obedience to God’s command, and for love of Him, and “in complete detachment from all else” but Him.

If you will let your hunger stimulate you to loving remembrance of God, you will achieve a degree of inner peace beyond any other you can find.

Making the effort

Above all, don’t become discouraged. You may well find yourself living for six o’clock and the opportunity to break your fast. That is a natural and very human response to fasting.

If that happens, use your period of evening prayer to “bring thyself to account,” meditating on the attitudes that distracted you during the day and resolving to correct them the next day.

Pray for forgiveness, and trust Bahá’u’lláh’s promise, “Whoso maketh efforts for Us, in Our ways will We guide them.”

At the end of the fasting period, if you have sincerely “made efforts” for God and tried to understand and gain the benefit of the fast, you will find that your soul has undergone a course of therapy.

Like the proverbial mirror turned toward the sun, it will have been polished and adjusted to reflect God’s glory, beauty and peace for the new year.

It is not the quantity, but the spirit—

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 3]To all my dearly-loved fellow Bahá’ís in the United States!

I hope you didn’t miss the exciting news we shared on tape recording at the Feast of Dominion, February 7th.

If you did, be sure to try your best to hear it or ask to hear about it. We’re doing something spectacular!

The entire American Bahá’í community is gearing up for one of the most smashing ‎victaries victories‎ of the Seven Year Plan.

Don’t miss the fun and excitement at the Feast on March second!

Love,

Hand of the Cause of God William Sears (Bill) [Page 4]

AUNT FLY’S HELPFUL HINTS

We begin this month a new series of columns offering helpful hints for “Bahá’í homemakers” and others. This month’s column is titled “The Winter Gardener’s Notebook.”

By FLY A. WAYHOLM

Before the swallows come home to nest and the robins begin warbling once again, those who are avid gardeners will need winter projects and ideas to keep alive the old “green thumb spirit.”

Herewith, a few suggestions for you heartier souls to husband the seedlings and saplings you planted last spring and to recycle and mulch October’s withered plants, rotten vegetables and dead weeds.

While your more dainty and conventional friends are turning their attention to the safety of cultivating African violets or indoor parsley and chives, I hope there’ll be some who are willing to brave with me the really serious gardening tasks.

Auntie Fly is talking the real thing, friends—soul gardening! Soul gardeners do not get off seasons. So here are a few suggestions to help keep the buds blooming, the leaves sprouting and souls free of mildew, black spot, fungus, and your various powdery rusts. These tips will counter winter’s waning light with some spiritual sizzle!

The first step is to take stock: mentally stroll through your associations of the warm planting season where you have dropped seedlings and deedlings of Bahá’í recognition and example.

Which of these seeds seemed most eager for nourishment? Regrettably, all seedlings do not root readily.

Now, of those that showed positive signs of growth, pick several to which you can devote your winter gardening months. Make sure you have access to and association with these seedlings so that they don’t succumb to damping off, drying out, and other dangers that can attack the young plant.

The next step is fertilization. Please disregard those who mock praying for plants, talking to plants and other such nurturing activities. This is precisely the regimen for healthy soul growth. It cleans out the system, opens the pores and allows the sunlight of spiritual understanding to be absorbed.

Of course, as gardeners we all know where the real growth power comes from—we simply act as facilitators.

Fertilization with prayer and loving speech must be consistent! It would be a shame to have all your seedlings bursting forth and growing new shoots, only to have them overtaken by weeds through neglect.

The fertilization process should continue until the plant’s roots are well established through deepening and interaction with other thriving plants.

Now, as your young seedlings begin to show signs of independent growth, winter gardeners must turn some of their attention to their “own backyard.”

Yes, Auntie Fly is referring to the mess of weeds, old plants and

WLGI RADIO

WLGI Radio capturing people’s attention

Ever since the inauguration in 1977 of Radio Bahá’í in Ecuador, Bahá’ís around the world have been attracted to and stimulated by the concept of Bahá’í-owned radio stations.

We in this country became even more excited and proud when WLGI—North America’s first Bahá’í-operated radio station—went on the air in 1984.

Added to this excitement is curiosity about Bahá’í radio, especially WLGI: What does it sound like? What kinds of programs does it carry?

Many of us in America have listened to “religious” (Christian) radio stations. They are known for their evangelizing, their use of charismatic personalities, and gospel music.

We know that the content of a Bahá’í radio station would be different, but we may expect that such a station would follow the style of “religious” radio stations with which we are familiar.

Naturally, we would expect WLGI to present programs about the history and teachings of the Faith, to play Bahá’í songs and music, present readings from Bahá’í scripture as well as recorded talks and firesides.

WLGI does air Bahá’í songs and programs regularly, but this is not the main type of programming it carries. In fact, it may account for less than 20 per cent of the programming. At this point in its early development, WLGI is primarily a music station.

Why? If we are spending precious funds for a radio station and if thousands of people have an opportunity to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, why isn’t the station teaching the Faith intensely 24 hours a day?

Why isn’t WLGI’s programming dominated by talks by the Hands of the Cause and other prominent Bahá’ís, and readings from Bahá’í scriptures and books such as Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era or The New Garden?

The answer is simple: Most people don’t listen to such “evangelistic” or “radio reader” programs. People listen to radio primarily to be entertained—for fun, companionship, relaxation, enjoyment. Studies have shown that if a radio station isn’t entertaining, most people won’t listen to it.

The kind of radio we associate with “religious” broadcasting in the U.S. reaches very small audiences. Even fewer people listen to “formal” programming, whether it’s an educational lecture or a sermon.

The experience of advertisers confirms this. Advertisers pay a lot of money to have their messages broadcast on the most popular stations. But they don’t do half-hour ads.

Instead, they are able to communicate their messages in short doses, 30 to 60 seconds long. These “spots” are then aired a few times a day for a period of several weeks. This proves far more effective than airing an occasional half-hour program.

People are willing to listen to a 30-second spot or a short program about the Faith, but they simply would not listen to hour after hour of “Bahá’í” programs. It’s unlikely even that most Bahá’ís would listen faithfully once the novelty had worn off.

Obviously, we cannot afford a radio station that only Bahá’ís (occasionally) listen to! A radio station must attract and serve an audience—one that is large enough to justify its existence. Our goal is to reach the masses. Therefore, Bahá’í radio must be different.

Just as the Bahá’í Houses of Worship are different from more traditional temples and churches, a Bahá’í radio station is quite different from “traditional” religious stations.

Bahá’í radio stations are a new kind of Bahá’í institution. They are not intended to serve Bahá’ís alone, they are intended to serve the public. A Bahá’í radio station is a public service institution.

Like a successful business, a public service institution must be clear about who it is serving. It must know who its “product” is intended for.

The audience is the single most important factor in determining what kinds of programming will be on a radio station, even a Bahá’í station. (In fact, if the community objected to the station’s programming, they could take legal action to have the station’s broadcast license revoked.)

Like the Bahá’í radio stations in South America, WLGI is in an area where there are relatively large numbers of Bahá’ís. Even so, the Bahá’ís comprise only a small percentage of the potential audience.

Usually, Bahá’í radio stations have tried to serve people who are not being adequately served by existing radio stations.

For example, in the region surrounding the world’s first Bahá’í radio station, in Otavalo, Ecuador, more than 30 radio stations can be heard.

At the time Radio Bahá’í was built, no station was focusing on the indigenous peasants—rarely could one hear their music or their native language on the radio. Even though they comprised the majority population in that region, the peasants were not considered economically or socially important.

Because indigenous people comprised the majority of the Bahá’í community, and were receptive to the Bahá’í teachings, Radio Bahá’í-Ecuador was developed to serve the indigenous audience. But before serving them, it first had to attract them!

The most popular form of entertainment on radio is music. Therefore, Radio Bahá’í started playing a lot of music.

But what kind of music? Classical European? International pop? Persian?

Bahá’í radio stations play the kind of music the station’s target audience likes best. In Ecuador, the peasants prefer listening to traditional Ecuadorian music. So that is what is played on Radio Bahá’í in Ecuador.

While WLGI serves all of the people within its broadcast area—the predominantly rural lowlands of South Carolina—the primary target audience is rural blacks.

There are several reasons for this. In its letter of October 20, 1983, to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice made it clear that our efforts at social and economic development must first address the needs of the Bahá’í community itself. As the existing Bahá’í community in the region around WLGI is composed primarily of rural blacks, the station is gearing its programming toward their tastes and needs.

The service of oppressed people is clearly one of the primary duties of Bahá’í development projects. As WLGI is the largest social and economic development project being undertaken by Bahá’ís in the U.S., it must serve the oppressed within its reach.

Rural people in the South, especially blacks, still are severely victimized by economic and social discrimination.

WLGI reaches and attracts all strata of society, but rural blacks have shown the most receptivity to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh; they are eager and ready to embrace His truth.

Therefore, WLGI plays mostly the kind of music that appeals to this audience: “urban contemporary” jazz, break dance music, and gospel music.

All music played on the station is carefully monitored and heavily censored to conform to the highest Bahá’í standards of dignity and morality.

Besides playing music that is popular with the target audience, it is important that the station speak to them in their own language. While a variety of voices are heard on WLGI, the full-time announcers are local people.

By following these basic principles, Bahá’í radio stations have achieved great popularity. Within three years, more than 90 per cent of the potential audience was listening regularly to Radio Bahá’í in Ecuador because the station is dedicated to serving them.

Of course, the station’s success allows the Bahá’ís to strengthen and expand their teaching work. As the station becomes popular, the amount of Bahá’í-oriented programming is carefully increased.

In Ecuador, the Bahá’í radio station became successful because it did much more than talk about the teachings of the Faith—it also applied the Bahá’í teachings indirectly by using the station as a tool for community service. This attracted loyal listeners who became friends of the Faith.

When Bahá’í teachers visit those villages, they receive an immediate warm welcome because the people know that Radio Bahá’í is their friend and servant.

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í experienced similar responses during the Project Tabarsi teaching campaign.

Like all Bahá’í institutions, a Bahá’í radio station is a new concept. It is organic and evolutionary; it grows slowly.

When encouraging the use of the media in Latin America, the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, said the media must “capture the attention, win the sympathy, and secure the active and unreserved support of a steadily increasing proportion of the population....” (Citadel of Faith, p. 15)

At this stage in its development, WLGI is focusing its efforts on “capturing the attention” of the masses.

On first hearing WLGI, many Bahá’ís are surprised by the popular music and gospel songs. But as they become more familiar with the station, they understand that when mixed with popular music, messages about the principles of the Faith are proving to be most effective at capturing people’s attention.

E. Bob Brown is one of WLGI’s announcers. Recently, Bob, who is not a Bahá’í, was talking to some friends. They were attracted to the station, but were a bit confused. WLGI was different from other stations, and they wanted to know why.

“It’s a black station, isn’t it?” they asked. To which Bob replied, “No, it’s a Bahá’í station.”

World Centre

Covenant, by the holding of the second Bahá’í World Congress.

The beloved Counsellors, strengthened and enriched by their experience in the Holy Land, will, as early as possible, consult with all National Spiritual Assemblies on measures to conclude triumphantly the current Plan, and on preparations to launch the Six Year Plan.

In anticipation of those consultations, National Spiritual Assemblies will receive the full announcement of the aims and characteristics of that Plan, so that together with the Counsellors they may formulate the national plans which will, for each community, establish its pursuit of the over-all objectives.

This new process, whereby the national goals of the next Plan are to be largely formulated by National Spiritual Assemblies and Boards of Counsellors, signalizes the inauguration of a new stage in the unfoldment of the Administrative Order. Our beloved Guardian anticipated a succession of epochs during the Formative Age of the Faith; we have no hesitation in recognizing that this new development in the maturation of Bahá’í institutions marks the inception of the fourth epoch of that Age.

Shoghi Efferdi perceived in the organic life of the Cause a dialectic of victory and crisis. The unprecedented triumphs, generated by the adamantine steadfastness of the Iranian friends, will inevitably provoke opposition to test and increase our strength.

Let every Bahá’í in the world be assured that whatever may befall this growing Faith of God is but incontrovertible evidence of the loving care with which the King of Glory and His martyred Herald, through the incomparable Centre of His Covenant and our beloved Guardian, are preparing His humble followers for ultimate and magnificent triumph. Our loving prayers are with you all.

The Universal House of Justice January 2, 1986

Archives to compile librarian resource file

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking to identify Bahá’ís who are professional librarians in the Midwest with the intent of compiling a small resource file to help in networking.

Interested persons should send a resumé to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 5]

Peace statement’s release galvanizes Bahá’í community

In releasing ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,’’ the Universal House of Justice unleashed a force so powerful as to affect the entire world. It is interesting to note how quickly this force has galvanized the entire American Bahá’í community.

This galvanization accounts directly for many of the recent successes of the national Bahá’í community.

In the past few weeks we have succeeded in presenting ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to scores of dignitaries including President Reagan and members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

What’s more, for three consecutive months, we have exceeded our National Fund goal.

These kinds of accomplishments are made possible when thousands of Bahá’ís arise in unity to champion the Cause. The Universal House of Justice noted in the peace statement that ‘‘the drive towards world unity is one of the dominant, pervasive features of life on the planet during the closing years of the twentieth century.’’

In addition, it has instructed the leaders of the world that ‘‘the experience of the Bahá’í community may be seen as an example of this enlarging unity.’’

How wonderful it is to be able to point to our National Fund chart as one important example of unified action.

‘The Path to Universal Peace will be Paved with Universal Participation by a United People’ was the message to this year’s Southeast Florida District Convention from National Treasurer’s Representative George Savitt of Miami.

What do you do with your receipts from the Bahá’í Funds? The Bahá’ís of Lake Washington, a suburb of Seattle, gathered their receipts from contributions to the various Funds and framed them. ‘How inspiring,’ they write, ‘for a Bahá’í Group to see receipts from such places as China, Bolivia, India and the Universal House of Justice alongside those from the District Youth Committee, Persian Relief Fund, the National Fund and Bosch School in such a place of honor at our Feasts. It truly is a world-embracing Faith.’ Pictured (left to right) are Janiece Miller, Michael Miller, Janelle Kidd and Linda Stevens. Other members of the Group are Joyce Kidd Miller, Peg St. Clair, Carol Oliver and Mary Stevens.

Response aids pledge to World Centre

The American Bahá’í community continues to respond encouragingly to the goal of the National Spiritual Assembly to fulfill its $1.5-million pledge to the World Centre.

As of the end of December, $500,000 had been sent to Haifa, and the contributions continue to mount.

More than 8,500 individuals contributed to the National Bahá’í Fund during the month of Masa’il. This encouraging response resulted in a total of $573,135 for that Bahá’í month—$115,135 above the monthly goal.

This brings our contributions to date to $4,652,698, or $1,301,302 under our goal to date.

The continued loving response of our national Bahá’í community will go a long way toward filling this gap and ensuring that our pledge to the World Centre can be met.

The Challenge of ACTION

WLGI . . . reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race.

‘‘The National Fund must be firmly established, generously supported and universally and continually upheld, for it is the prerequisite of future progress and achievement.’’ —SHOGHI EFFENDI

The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Nebraska at 38.3% leads 76 districts in double figures

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund by District

District Name	‘Starting Block’ Info			Current Month Info (Qawl)
	Membership (12/9/84)	Number giving	Percentage of participation	Membership (12/09/85)	Number giving	Percentage of participation
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

See VIE CHART page 26

Winners’ Circle

Highest percentage participation 1. Nebraska 2. Pennsylvania Western 3. Kansas 4. Georgia Northeast 5. Louisiana Northern 6. Pennsylvania Eastern 7. Iowa 8. Utah 9. Minnesota Southern 10. Idaho Southern 11. Indiana 12. New Hampshire 13. Minnesota Northern 14. Maine 15. Vermont 16. Nevada Southern 17. Idaho N/Washington E 18. West Virginia 19. Wyoming

Most improved participation 1. Texas Central No. 2 2. South Carolina East No. 1 3. Oregon Eastern 4. Georgia Southern 5. Kansas 6. Mississippi 7. New Mexico S/Texas W 8. West Virginia 9. South Carolina Central 10. Texas Central No. 1 11. Texas Southern 12. North Carolina Eastern 13. Arizona Southern 14. South Carolina Western 15. Pennsylvania Western 16. Utah 17. Florida Central 18. Idaho Southern 19. Nebraska [Page 6]

Pioneering offers many surprises one never expects

By DOROTHY FREEMAN (Second of two parts)

We had decided not to say we were on the island (Barbados) as pioneers, as most people assume that means “missionary” with all the unpleasant images of force-feeding religion.

Though Bahá’ís know that “no act, however great, can compare,” new friends might not see pioneering in the same way.

The first week after we were settled a Guyanese Bahá’í couple, Frank and Eve Fernandes, took us to a party. I didn’t know what to expect, but wore the lone ruffled dress I had bought, extravagantly, on my otherwise mundane shopping trip in Dallas.

We pulled up alongside some large gates and made our way down a darkened drive. The front door opened and we walked into an entry hall as grand as any Hollywood concoction of our home town.

There was marble everywhere, and at the other end of the hall, barely visible on a curved porch overlooking the sea, a chandelier the size of a small car.

Eve introduced me to an American woman at the front table. It was a charity party to help an island school the woman funded for disabled children.

Before we’d left the states a friend had sent us a note saying that Bridgetown, Barbados, was the third most expensive city in the world, after Abu Dhabi and Paris. By then our house was empty and we were packed, and I simply couldn’t compute the information. But here was the beginning of evidence.

I learned as the night progressed that the house we were in had been built by an Englishman, Ronald Tree, who apparently had “discovered” Barbados some years back.

Heron Bay House was built from the white coral stone quarried on the island. The arced rooms opened onto a curved veranda and garden with the beach beyond.

From out in the darkness, beyond the light and chatter of the party, came the steady repetition of water on water as the waves rolled in.

It was a beautiful sight. Lords and ladies, bejeweled Europeans and brilliantly dressed Barbadians together under the clear West Indian sky. This was not what I had imagined Barbados would be from my childhood visits to Grenada, nor what I had expected when we left “the world” behind, in Dallas.

It was a pleasant, entertaining picture, but after an hour or so and several introductions, I began to wonder how long we needed to stay.

I was losing patience and wondering how we had ended up in a post so different from my conceptions of pioneering. I was bored and about to get moody. The simple life might be dull, but at least it wouldn’t have been a replay of pretenses I had grown tired of years before.

I excused myself before I embarrassed someone and walked toward the entry hall. There I found the same American heiress, a woman named Verna, at the desk by the door.

I felt a little shy, but Eve had told me Verna was interested in how humans learn, a topic I’d just been reading about, so I introduced myself.

Verna wondered why we had chosen Barbados. “You know, it’s really dying,” she said. “Santa Fe is the place now.”

I told her that Bobby was going to be renovating the National Bahá’í Center there and possibly one on another island.

Verna fell silent, then turned to look me in the eyes. “The Bahá’í Faith?”

“Oh my God,” I thought. “Here it comes. She’s probably some sort of fanatic.”

Verna continued looking at me, then finally spoke.

“My mother became a Bahá’í in Pasadena, California, in 1920,” she said. “My most vivid memory of her is watching her sit in bed at night with a small black prayer book and some amber beads.”

Barbados is not a simple place. There are about 250,000 people living there, and the last record I saw said that some 450,000 tourists visit the island each year.

This has led to wealth for some locals, a new awareness of their poverty for others, and a wariness of foreigners on the part of most.

Though we eventually made lasting friendships with many of the Bahá’ís there, in the beginning we didn’t see much of them as they were busy with their own full lives and often lived rather far from us. But we did begin trying to consolidate our not very active local community.

In contrast to some of the other Assembly areas in Barbados, our parish was primarily made up of mass-taught believers who had been visited over the years by deepened Bahá’ís, but had never taken the Faith for their own.

Unlike life at home, in Barbados it was not a question of spending time with friends. From the moment I mentioned the Faith, Verna had decided to take us in hand and be sure we met the “right” people.

I had no room now for prejudice. It was a question of spending time with these new friends or being isolated, of making an effort to reach them or reaching no one.

Since that time much emphasis has been laid on “reaching the upper strata,” but I actually didn’t know how to feel about the ongoing opportunities to mix with the elite.

Bobby was accepting of everyone; my prejudices were there, but they lightened as I slowly became aware of the reality of these lives that were touching ours. They seemed as wrought with pain and change and need as any I had known.

I had imagined pioneering to be one thing, but it was quite another. I expected fresh fish and got caviar on the beach; I expected simple native people and got Paul McCartney staying at the house two doors away.

Instead of the ease of leaving it all behind, I found myself busy in a world I hadn’t been looking for.

Verna came to several firesides, and sometimes we would go to parties together.

At the first one she took us to we met another new arrival on the island, Ulla Ward, a fashion designer from England whose Barbadian husband had come home to run his family’s hotel. We had arrived on almost the same day and became very close as we all made the adjustment to island life.

Ulla was an astrologer, and in a short time her vivid personality and amazing style, imported directly from her life in London, had attracted a large number of people to her.

She knew of the Faith, was drawn to it, then somewhat repelled. After a few months our friendship faltered. Many of our mutual friends knew of the rift and related it to the Faith. We agonized because of this and used the Tablet of Ahmad.

Finally, almost a year later, during the fast, a time of marvelous catharsis, the problems between us fell away. Ulla invited us to a party and I went, though Bobby was off the island. It was the last day of the fast.

I remember sitting next to Ulla on a couch and thinking, “She seems interested in the Faith, but should the teaching be direct or indirect?” and hearing the reply in my mind, “Indirect!”

So I simply sat and listened to her and talked with her friends. Toward the end of the evening she said, “You know, I really don’t know much about the Bahá’í Faith; I should know more.”

I suggested that she read something, but Ulla had other ideas.

“What about meeting the Bahá’ís,” she said, “going to the Center Bobby worked on?”

Usually we are so careful to keep people apart until we are sure their commitment to the Faith is such that very different people won’t frighten them away, but Ulla wanted to visit the Center and the Naw-Rúz party was the next night, so I invited her.

She came, adored the diversity of the friends, took home several books, read Thief in the Night all night, and became a Bahá’í the next day.

From there she went to everyone she knew of who was aware of our falling out and told them, “Bobby and Dorothy and I are all friends again and now I am a Bahá’í too!”

Her teaching started from that point and has never stopped. We had already made plans to leave the islands, as Bobby’s work on the Centers was finished, but ever since we get wonderful letters from Ulla telling of teaching victories among every strata of Barbadian society.

Even Verna became a Bahá’í, which must have made her mother very happy in the next world.

When we lived in Dallas I was sure of a lot of things. For one thing, I knew that the fashion business was a waste of time, yet it gave us a base for our friendship with Ulla Ward, who has now done so much for the Faith in Barbados.

I also knew the world of high society was ridiculous, yet some of those very people had recognized Bahá’u’lláh.

Both those prejudices were even more dissipated by a magazine called Ultra. I had always disliked the magazine because it glorifies the same Texas lifestyle toward which I felt so negative.

But they wanted to publish an article about Texans who were “living a different lifestyle,” and through an old friend they found that we had lived in the islands.

The fashion editor invited us to return to Barbados with her, a photographer and a make-up artist to shoot a fashion spread and research our life there.

So through what I had considered a pretentious glossy magazine we were reunited with our dear Bahá’í friends within months of leaving them and an article was published that mentioned the Faith to an audience that is not easily reached.

When we left the U.S. I thought I knew what pioneering was all about, but my image was based on man-made preconceptions, not on trust in God. Trusting the human vision of pioneering vs. experiencing the reality is like studying the dials on a stereo rather than turning it on and becoming lost in the music.

I’m not pretending there weren’t bitter disappointments and frightening moments during our time in Barbados; there were. There were also times when we were as hot and bored and felt just as useless as I had feared.

But those bad moments or months pass, and what is left is a sense of the miraculous ways God finds of bringing change and victory. The standard of judgment changes; no longer is life’s worth determined by one’s own sense of achievement, but by the often unknown and always unforeseen results that come from striving to persevere.

This may sound vague, but it is not. It is just trusting and allowing the forces that be to work around and through you, though it may seem that nothing is happening.

I don’t understand pioneering; perhaps no one does. But I do know that there is nothing like it in all the world.

When we returned to Dallas we were exhausted, but as our energies were replenished we wanted nothing, not the business opportunities Bobby had, not the reassuring pace and scope of the life we had known there, nothing more than to find a post that we could settle in and again experience the unique opportunities for service, the stretching of self and the transformation of vision that come with pioneering.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert and Dorothy Freeman are now pioneering in Ireland.)

Switzerland school open all year round

If you are traveling to Europe, you may wish to take part in programs at the permanent Bahá’í school in Switzerland.

The school, located near Lake Constance in eastern Switzerland at Tagungszentrum, Landegg, offers courses all year long.

More than 29 courses will be offered through 1986 with about seven in English and the rest either in German, Persian, French, Arabic or Italian.

For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee.

Youth plan summer teaching excursions

Do you have plans for the summer? If not, perhaps you can go to Europe with a group of youth and young adults who will take the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to many countries this summer.

For more information about the project, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9030.

OPEN GOALS
AFRICA
(F) Mauritania	2
(E) Tanzania	1
AMERICAS
*(S) Argentina	3
(E) Dominica	2
(S) Ecuador, Galapagos Is.	1
*(F) French Guiana	2
AUSTRALASIA
(E) Tuvalu	2
Total Goals to be Filled	13

• Replacement goals

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

Learning to solve problems common to all pioneers is an invaluable part of each Pioneer Training Institute. The Institutes are held four times a year by the International Goals Committee. [Page 7]

U.S. college leaders to receive peace statement

The observance of the International Year of Peace will receive priority attention from Bahá’í college students this season as presentations are made to university and college officials of the House of Justice’s statement on world peace.

“This is all a part of the master plan,” says Sean Lurie, a member of the National Youth Committee. “In the fall of 1985, the Youth Committee developed a nine-point ‘master plan’ for this commemorative year.

“The plan, which was published in the November issue of The American Bahá’í and the October issue of ‘Youth Hotline,’ covers a range of activities for youthful expression including scholarly and artistic statements that defend and explain the many arguments set forth by the Supreme Body in this historic document.

“Key among the activities,” he says, “is the presentation of the statement to university officials at schools with a Bahá’í Club and those without.

“We are hopeful that a majority of the nation’s university leaders will be reached with the statement, and we’ve chosen February as the month when the majority of presentations are to be made.”

Guidelines for formal presentations of the peace statement were mailed to all local Spiritual Assemblies and College Clubs last fall, and additional copies are available from the Youth Committee office.

“Other elements of the master plan for the observance of IYP,” says Mr. Lurie, “are more qualitative in nature.”

For example, Bahá’í youth are being encouraged to enlist the active support of their non-Bahá’í contemporaries in the themes of the peace statement and to interface with non-Bahá’í agencies that promote peace in an effort to identify and develop areas of common thought on peace.

“This is truly a unique challenge for this generation of Bahá’í youth,” says Mr. Lurie, “as we’ve been assigned special responsibilities for teaching and proclamation on an unprecedented scale.

“Bahá’í youth are in a position to reach not only their peers but leaders of thought and intellect on campuses across the country.

“The National Youth Committee is confident that the audacity and energy shown by the youth during the observance of International Youth Year, which led to victories such as the rapid development of the Youth Movement and the 1985 summer teaching campaign, will aid in the establishment of fresh victories during IYP.”

Stories of some of the more outstanding accomplishments of Bahá’í youth in observing the Year of Peace are being compiled by the National Youth Committee for future publication in The American Bahá’í. The friends are asked to send articles to the committee for consideration at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844.

Local Youth Clubs remain vital link in Youth Network

The National Youth Committee now serves as the sponsoring agency for all District Youth Committees.

This has caused some local communities to wonder if there is any need for local Youth Clubs to continue to be formed and who the sponsoring agency for such clubs would be.

Local Youth Clubs remain a vital link in the Youth Network. They will continue to be sponsored by local Spiritual Assemblies.

These clubs exist to foster the development of a peer group for a community’s youth (and pre-youth) guided by Bahá’í standards and principles, helping each individual to develop his potential for service, creativity and responsibility.

Non-Bahá’í youth are encouraged to join these clubs and to take part fully in all activities.

District Youth Committees, on the other hand, are appointed by the National Youth Committee.

These committees have relatively small memberships, usually four to seven individuals, who work to fulfill certain goals given to them by the National Youth Committee which deal primarily with encouraging increased teaching and deepening on a district-wide level.

New guidelines for local Youth Clubs have recently been developed by the National Youth Committee and can be ordered from its office. Each community with two or more youth is encouraged to order the guidelines and to sponsor a club for its community’s youth.

In many areas, it may be appropriate for intercommunity clubs to be formed where several communities are close to one another and have few youth in each locality.

It is wise, however, to limit the boundaries of these clubs to county-wide areas, because it is important for the youth to be close enough to one another to be able to meet often.

If you have any questions about local Youth Clubs, please contact the Youth Committee office. Write to 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or phone 305-584-1844.

New guidelines designed to foster growth of Youth Clubs

A fresh initiative has recently been launched to foster the formation of local Youth Clubs between now and the beginning of the Six Year Plan in April.

Duane Omid-Varan, a member of the National Youth Committee, says, “These local Youth Clubs can serve to direct the activity and channel the energy of youth at the grassroots level.

“This is where the youth in a community can really create bonds of unity through service to the Cause and, at the same time, deepen in the spiritual and administrative aspects of the Teachings.”

The National Youth Committee has completed the revision of the formation kit for local Youth Clubs (LYCs), and copies of the new guidelines are available from the committee office, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313 (see order coupon).

Local Spiritual Assemblies, which serve as the sponsoring bodies for LYCs, are especially encouraged to consult on the formation of a club in their area.

The newly developed guidelines urge the formation of clubs for youth as well as for junior youth between the ages of 12 and 14.

We’re ready to help our youth get it together! Please send us the newly revised local Youth Club formation kit. Mail the kit to:

Name __________________________________________________________________

Community name _________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________ State _______ Zip __________

Approximate number of youth in community? ________ In county? __________

Mail to: National Youth Committee, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313.

YES! I want to increase my knowledge in this interesting and enjoyable way. Send The Standard to:

Name __________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________ State _______ Zip __________

Return this form with a $5 check ($10 for overseas) made payable to the Bahá’í National Youth Committee to: Bahá’í National Youth Committee, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313.

On United Nations Day, October 24, a tree was planted in memory of the martyrs in Iran by Bahá’í at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. A prayer was said for America and students were made aware of the Bahá’í martyrs in Iran through an article in the school newspaper. Shown planting the tree are (left to right) student Kayvon Nezhad; Bahá’í Club adviser Dr. Clair Matz; student Swati Ojha; and biologist Dr. Dan Evans.

Youth Committee pushes to locate youth homefront pioneers

Youth homefront pioneers: where are you?

The National Youth Committee is making its final push of the last phase of the Seven Year Plan to locate youth who are homefront pioneers.

Says Karen Pritchard, secretary of the National Youth Committee, “The youth have a goal of 40 homefront pioneers for this final phase of the Plan. Presently, we are aware of 30 youth pioneers. Only 10 more to go!”

Many youth, she says, are unaware that they are pioneering.

“There are many who qualify as homefront pioneers,” she says. “Somehow we find out about them and send them a letter of congratulations at their new post.

“Unfortunately, many don’t even know they are pioneers, so we never hear from them. If we don’t, we can’t count them toward the youth goals.”

Do you qualify as a homefront pioneer? If you are a youth, age 15 through 21, who in the past two years has moved to an area with the intention of remaining there until specific teaching/consolidation goals are achieved, you are a pioneer! The goals are as follows:

1. Settle in (a) an area with few Bahá’ís, (b) an unopened area, (c) an area that needs consolidation.

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

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

4. Attend a college at which the Bahá’í College Club is in jeopardy.

5. Attend a goal college (as designated by the National Youth Committee) with the intention of teaching the resident minority population.

How do you report to the National Youth Committee that you are a homefront pioneer? By writing to the committee at 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313, or by phoning 305-584-1844.

Why do we need these goals? Believe it or not, these statistics count toward the over-all goals for the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and are reported to the Universal House of Justice.

Would you like to pioneer? Carey Crimmel, a staff member at the Youth Committee office, says, “Very few youth contact our office for assistance in locating a homefront pioneering post, but we do offer that service.

“I really enjoy helping youth find a college where they can be counted as pioneers.

“High school-age youth who are looking for a college where they can pioneer, or college-age youth who want to change schools, are welcome to write to me. I’ll do all I can to help them locate a post where they can acquire the education they want and still be a youth homefront pioneer.

“Pioneering can be a real challenge and a growing experience, especially if there are few or no Bahá’ís in your immediate area.”

Standard correspondence course still available from Youth Committee

The Standard, a correspondence course for Bahá’í youth, and now for adults too, is still available on order from the Bahá’í National Youth Committee.

The course consists of 12 lessons—one each month for a year—on various topics designed to help individuals deepen their knowledge of the basic teachings of the Faith at their own pace.

Each month you’ll receive one lesson and the answers to the previous month’s lesson, so you can check your knowledge of the lesson and review the material at the same time.

Each lesson is three-hole punched so that it can be conveniently saved for future reference and review.

The Standard is named for the black standard carried into battle by the Bábís as they defended themselves against the enemies of the Faith.

Arm yourself with the weapon of knowledge by unfurling The Standard. Only $5 (which covers the cost of postage and materials). $10 overseas. Order yours today! [Page 8]

77TH BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

(May 1-4, 1986)

CONVENTION SEATING REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION BY LETTER IS ACCEPTABLE; HOWEVER, PLEASE INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW. NOTE: This does not reserve hotel accommodations. Please contact the hotel directly.
PLEASE PRINT	USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY
LIST ALL ADULTS ATTENDING
I.D. No. ________________
I.D. No. ________________
I.D. No. ________________
I.D. No. ________________
Phone ( ) _______________
LIST ALL YOUTH ATTENDING
Age Special needs
_________________________
_________________________
LIST ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING
Age Special needs
_________________________
_________________________

A QUALITY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM IS PLANNED. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL TO ASSURE YOUR CHILD’S PLACE IN THIS PROGRAM.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

Mail to: Office of the Secretary, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Attention: National Convention Registration.

More important information about 77th Bahá’í National Convention May 1-4

The 77th Bahá’í National Convention will be held May 1-4, 1986, at the McCormick Inn, 23rd & the Lake, Chicago, IL 60616. The toll free number is 1-800-621-6909 (in Illinois, phone collect 312-791-1901).

Rates: $55 per night (plus tax)—1, 2, 3 or 4 in a room (two double beds). Rollaways are available @ $10 each.

Suites available: 1- and 2-bedroom suites are available (phone the hotel for rates). All suites have parlors with sleepers in addition to the bedrooms.

Reservations: Must be made directly with the hotel. Please be sure to identify yourself as attending the Bahá’í Convention, May 1-4. Request confirmation to ensure that your reservation was received. Please (1) give the names of all those sharing the room with you, and (2) indicate any special facilities needed for the handicapped (rooms to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.), as the number of such rooms is limited.

Sharing rooms: The hotel will not find you a roommate. You must make your own arrangements.

Transportation: There is regular bus service—Continental Air Transport—to the McCormick Inn from O’Hare Airport ($7.50) and from Midway Airport ($6.50). Taxis are also available.

Remember: You must register in person, with your Bahá’í membership card in hand. You may not register another family member or a friend by proxy. The coupon above includes registration information for seating and for registering children and youth at the Convention.

Rosemead, California, program pays tribute to Dr. King’s memory

The Bahá’ís of Rosemead, California, honored the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a public program January 19 at the Rosemead Public Library.

The speaker was Alvin Lewis, a member of the Bahá’í community of Los Angeles and the Southern California Bahá’í Schools Committee, who discussed the significance of Dr. King’s efforts to promote world peace and understanding.

School councils, sponsoring bodies discuss common concerns during conference at Bosch

EDUCATION

On December 13-15, the Councils of the three Bahá’í-owned schools—Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen—came together at Bosch with their supervising committees, the National Teaching Committee and National Properties Committee.

It marked the first time the three Councils had met together to discuss their common concerns.

Mrs. Blanche Grant, the National Bahá’í Schools coordinator, also met with the Councils, while the National Spiritual Assembly was meeting that weekend, also at Bosch, with Counsellor Fred Schechter there as well.

On Friday evening, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly shared their experiences in Washington where the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice was presented to President Reagan as a part of the annual Human Rights Day observance.

The Councils met with the National Teaching Committee to discuss the interaction of the committee with the school Councils, and ways of carrying out the vision for Bahá’í schools, especially in light of the upcoming Six Year Plan.

Sessions with the National Properties Committee centered on facility development, maintenance and operation.

Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, led the entire group in prayers at the site of the Martha Root Hall which is being constructed to help improve the program facilities at the Bosch School.

Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, leads prayers at the site of the new Martha Root Hall at the Bosch Bahá’í School during a weekend session December 13-15 whose participants included the National Assembly; Counsellor Fred Schechter; members of the Councils of the three Bahá’í-‎ownea owned‎ schools—Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen—and their supervising committees, the National Teaching Committee and National Properties Committee.

Council members from the three Bahá’í-owned schools—Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen—meet with the National Teaching Committee at the Bosch School.

Teaching

from page 1

ated” (Universal House of Justice, February 2, 1966), seeking “diligently for the merit of every method devised to teach and deepen the masses.”

While teaching all strata of society, any response “should be quickly followed up, for success in a fertile area awakens a response in those who were at first uninterested.” (October 31, 1967)

This will allow us to perfect our efforts through action, until we establish the proper balance between expansion and consolidation. Our efforts must reflect what we already know as fact, that teaching does not end with enrollment.

The result of achieving the balance will be a consistent increase from year to year in the size and diversity of our community and the range of its endeavors, leading us to the stage of entry by troops, then to mass conversion.

“The Faith of God does not advance at one uniform pace. Sometimes it is like the advance of the sea when the tide is rising. Meeting a sandbank the water seems to be held back, but, with a new wave, it surges forward, flooding past the barrier which checked it for a little while. If the friends will but persist in their efforts, the cumulative effect of years of work will suddenly appear.” (Universal House of Justice, July 27, 1980)

The role of youth

Ignited by the example of the youth in Iran, American Bahá’í youth have taken a leading role in activities related to the growth of the community.

The Bahá’í Youth Movement represents a concerted effort to live a life that follows Bahá’í standards, to deepen in the Writings, and to create a revolution in society that will attract the young people of the nation to the call raised by Bahá’u’lláh.

New avenues of service, such as volunteering for periods of one to two years in teaching or development, have been added to the responsibilities to teach, deepen and prepare for a life of service.

These results of the Seven Year Plan must continue to unfold, with particular attention to the training of youth as teachers of the Faith, for “the obligation to teach is essentially the responsibility of young believers” (Shoghi Effendi, Centers of Bahá’í Learning, No. 36), and it is through their activities “that the Cause ... will in future spread all over the American continent.” (Centers of Bahá’í Learning, No. 34)

The building of a Bahá’í culture

During the Seven Year Plan, entry and a wider participation in the affairs of the Cause occurred with a number of significant groups of peoples: Asian, black, Hispanic, and Native American; these results must be systematically pursued and expanded.

The community also experienced an influx of Persians as a result of the persecutions in Iran.

Our diversity provides new opportunities to receive the benefits of all backgrounds represented in the American Bahá’í community. Integration must take place—not in the old world sense of absorbing minority cultures in the majority, but in the wider Bahá’í sense of taking the contributions of each to help build a new society.

Wherever necessary, homefront pioneers must arise with the same spirit displayed by the international pioneers of the past to take the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to these population groups.

Their aim must be to raise up leaders from among these groups who will apply the teachings to the needs of their people, and will return an even greater portion of assistance to the development of the American community as a whole.

These patterns of thought and activity have placed the American Bahá’í community on a new and exciting course. Far from being fully manifested, they are like seeds planted during the Seven Year Plan, and they must continue to be nurtured and to grow during the Six Year Plan.

They will in time bear fruit between now and the end of the century—when the Lesser Peace will be established—and beyond, with the spiritualization of the masses “consequent to the ... acknowledgement of the claims of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh” that will follow “in the wake” of that Peace. (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come, p. 123) [Page 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF MARCH—MARCH 7 (PURPOSE OF THE FAST). Thought for the week: “Fortunate are ye to have obeyed the commandments of God.”—Bahá’u’lláh Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, p. 167 (top). Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested reading materials. 1. The Hidden Words, No. 1, p. 3; No. 38, p. 12. 2. Gleanings, pp. 299-300. 3. Divine Art of Living, p. 71, Nos. 5, 6. 4. The Reality of Man, pp. 51-52 (4th sig.). 5. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 69-70, No. 35. Activity: If there is a fireplace or wood stove, build a fire together. Use the example of the iron and the fire on page 52 in The Reality of Man mentioned above. Talk about the qualities of the iron (solid, black, cold). Place the end of the iron in the fire until it begins to turn red. Note its new qualities (hot, light color) and mention that the iron would become fluid at a very hot temperature. Variation: If there is no place to have a fire, use a candle. Observe its qualities before lighting it; then watch it burn and again observe its qualities. Refreshments: Fresh fruit plate and apple juice.

SECOND WEEK OF MARCH—MARCH 14 (NAW-RÚZ, MARCH 21). Thought for the week: “Grant, O my Lord, that the fire of Thy love and the heat produced by the fast enjoined by Thee may inflame them in Thy Cause.”—Bahá’u’lláh Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 262-64. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested reading materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 64, p. 18. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 252-53, No. 205. 3. The Reality of Man, pp. 55-56. Activity: (See The Reality of Man, p. 55.) This is the analogy used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in referring to the Sun of Divinity being reflected in various mirrors. Gather together different mirrors and view the same light in each of them (sun, candle, or light fixture). The same light is reflected in each of the mirrors, just as the Sun of Divinity is reflected in the different Manifestations of God. Each Manifestation caused a spiritual springtime to begin, just as spring is beginning in the phenomenal world on March 21. Refreshments: Using a favorite recipe, make a birthday cake for the new year (Naw-Rúz). Serve with milk.

THIRD WEEK OF MARCH—MARCH 21 (BAHÁ-SPLENDOR). Thought for the week: “God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts Has He set a radiant star; ...”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 72-73. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested reading materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 15, p. 7. 2. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 220-21 (beginning with second paragraph). 3. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 229-30 (beginning with second paragraph). 4. The Reality of Man, p. 28 (first paragraph). Activity: Go outside on a starry night and find some stars together, such as the Big Dipper and/or Little Dipper, or visit a planetarium. Or, cut out stars from stiff paper or cardboard and cover them with aluminum foil or shiny wrapping paper. Hang them up as a decoration for Feast. Refreshments: Celery sticks, dates, and/or apple slices stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter; fruit juice.

FOURTH WEEK OF MARCH—MARCH 28 (TRUTHFULNESS). Thought for the week: “Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá Prayer: page 36. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested reading materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 2, pp. 3-4. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 384 and p. 321 (top of page). 3. The Reality of Man, pp. 24-25. Activity: Go to the library and get the story of Pinocchio to read together. The librarian may be able to help in finding other fairy or folk tales that deal with truthfulness or lying. Refreshments: Homemade cookies (make them together) and milk.

Pictured with her class at a recent Children’s/Parenting Conference at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan is the teacher, Mrs. Judy Russell. Louhelen’s next conference for children ages 7-10 and their parents will be held May 16-18. (Photo by Michael O’Shea)

Peace statement explained for younger Bahá’í children

The following article, reprinted from the British Bahá’í Journal ‎November 1985), (November 1985)‎ explains the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to younger Bahá’ís (ages nine years and up). Parents may wish to read through it slowly with their children to help them understand the context of the peace statement.

The Peace Message is written to all the peoples of the world. It tells them that for the first time ever world peace is possible.

Bahá’u’lláh promised that this is the time when the “Most Great Peace” would come. But the world must choose how this will happen.

If we turn to God and obey His laws, peace will come quickly. If we choose not to, then we will have to suffer a great deal before peace will finally come.

Many people believe that we have become so selfish that peace will only come after much suffering. But there are some who believe that peace is possible through loving and caring, and they are coming together all over the world to plan how they can solve the problem.

We are always learning. Even when we grow up, we don’t stop learning. God sends Teachers to help us learn the most important lessons about how to get along with one another.

These Teachers (or Messengers) give us instructions and laws to learn from. Without these laws people could commit crimes without being punished for them. The world would become a dangerous place in which to live. We need God’s laws to keep order in the world.

But man has not always obeyed the laws properly. Sometimes people argue about what the Messengers of God are telling us to do.

People have different religions and some believe that theirs is the only true one, and end up fighting with each other. Sometimes these bitter disagreements cause wars. God doesn’t want that.

Greed is another cause of war. In an attempt to gain more power, or more land, some countries have attacked weaker ones. The people in those countries then become poorer, while the rich people become richer. While the poor people starve, the rich become more unwilling to share their wealth.

The governments tax their people, and spend a great deal of money on weapons to make sure that no one else can take any of their land or wealth from them. Because the starving people are in a far-away country, some think that it has nothing to do with them, so they don’t try to make their leaders take steps to help them.

Simply throwing away the guns and bombs would not be enough to stop the wars. We have been clever enough to invent all kinds of weapons to make each other miserable. Now we must find ways of bringing about peace.

In some countries people are badly treated because they are a different color, or because they have different beliefs. Now we must learn that if we are going to at last have peace, everyone must be treated fairly.

Many people believe that nothing can be done—that the world will always be torn apart by wars because man will always care more about himself than about anyone else, especially if the “anyone else” is far away.

But Bahá’ís know that it is possible to love and care for people of other lands.

Leaders all over the world must set their arguments aside. They must search their hearts for a way of working together for the good of all people, as well as themselves and their own countries.

Everyone must go to school. This is because we often fight simply because we do not understand something. If we were to learn about different peoples and ways of doing things, this wouldn’t happen so often.

It is even more important that girls be educated. When they grow up and have babies, they are the first “teachers” their children have. They must learn things so that they can teach their children from an early age that all people everywhere are the same deep down inside.

Girls must be allowed to say what they think, the same way as boys. In some countries now they are forced to keep quiet, and to obey the men. Half the people in the world are girls. Often they are not treated as equals, and that is not right.

The world should have a second language which everyone can speak, as well as their own. Then people from different countries can understand one another. By talking together, people can work out their problems in a friendly way. There would not be as many wars.

But wars will not end if leaders only sign a piece of paper saying they won’t fight anymore. In the past, this promise has been made but it has often been broken.

To have a lasting peace, people must begin to really try to understand God’s laws and to live by them. We must have a deep wish to have peace, learn to look at everyone as if they were our brother or sister. Then there would be peace.

Bahá’u’lláh has given us clear instructions to bring about peace. He said that there must be a government for the whole world, like the governments each country now has. There would also be a world court, like the courts in each country, to sort out quarrels.

Bringing about peace is a big job, and one of the things holding us back is that we think we cannot do it. But just believing that we CAN (and Bahá’u’lláh promises us that there will be peace) is the first step.

We must believe that peace is possible and wish for it with all our hearts. To make the wish come true, we must work on changing every hateful thought into a loving one.

First we must consult with one another. By doing this simple thing, Bahá’u’lláh says, we are releasing a power stronger than anything else on earth. With this new power we can have unity, and work out ways of taking care of all the people of the world.

Then the governments must agree to get rid of their weapons of war. After that, if any one of them should break the rules made by the world government, the world court would punish them.

When we begin to talk to each other, and to consult, that will be the first sign that the world is moving toward peace. The sooner we do this, the sooner peace will come.

Bahá’ís around the world are working to bring about peace by uniting people. Our wish is for people everywhere to work together for a secure and happy life. When this happens, Bahá’u’lláh promises that the “Most Great Peace” shall come.”

Peace materials for kids available

International Year of Peace curricular material for Bahá’í children’s classes can be obtained by writing to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. (Cost: $2. Make check payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund.”)

Pictured are some of the Bahá’ís from Vermont who took part last November 9-10 in the ‘Vermont Love and Unity Weekend’ at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

Use judgment in showing ‘Mona’ to children

Parents and other adults are asked to exercise judgment before showing the “Mona” video tapes to children. They should be prepared to answer children’s questions to help alleviate any strong reactions from children who may be especially sensitive to the violent themes underlying the “Mona” story. [Page 10]

Growth creates strong need for homefront pioneers

The growth this year in the Bahá’í community and the need to strengthen the approximately 157 jeopardized local Spiritual Assemblies has created a strong need for homefront pioneers.

These needs go beyond moving from one place to another. Homefront pioneering in its truest sense parallels international pioneering. Its objective is to build strong local communities from the residents of that homefront pioneering post.

The need is especially great in South Carolina, South Dakota and other areas that have seen significant expansion.

Pioneers, particularly strong families, can provide a base that can serve to build a balance between consolidation and expansion, raising up new institutions and laying a foundation for a systematic, unprecedented increase in the growth of the American Bahá’í community.

The chief goal of the pioneer is to raise up from among the people of the area the future administrators, teachers and leaders of the Faith.

Emphasis on homefront pioneering will continue to grow during the Six Year Plan. A new program for training and recruiting homefront pioneers is presently being developed.

While international pioneering remains the most meritorious of teaching services, homefront pioneering, undertaken with the same spirit of detachment and sacrifice which characterized those American believers who helped carry the Faith throughout the world during the Ten Year Crusade, will be a key to victory in the next Plan.

Following is a list of jeopardized Assemblies which should constitute priority goals for homefront pioneers between now and Riḍván:

Jeopardized Assemblies (Membership in parentheses)

Alabama, Northern—Jefferson County (8).

Alabama, S/Florida, NW—Macon County North (8).

Arizona, Northern—Coconino East (8), Cottonwood (8), West Buckeye (4).

Arizona, Southern—Cochise County SW (8).

Arkansas—Washington County (7).

California, Central No. 1—Albany (7), Lafayette (8).

California, Central No. 2—Tulare (8).

California, Northern No. 2—Petaluma (8).

California, Southern No. 1—El Monte (7), Lakewood (8), Montebello (8), Rosemead (7).

California, Southern No. 3—Grover City (8), San Luis Obispo.

California, Southern No. 4—Lemon Grove (8), National City (8), South Bay JD (0).

Colorado, Northeast—Commerce City (8), Greeley (7).

Colorado, Southeast—Beulah (7).

DelMarVa—Sussex County (8).

Florida, Central—Gifford (7).

Florida, Southeast—Benbow (6), Bryant (6), Carol City (8), Jupiter (6), Marathon (7), Tamarac (8).

Florida, Southwest—Clearwater (5), Citrus County (7), Collier County (5), Gulfport (8), Lakeland (8), Pasco County W (7).

Georgia, Northeast—Columbia County West (7).

Georgia, Northwest—Barnesville (6), Cherokee County (8), Clayton County (8), Cobb County SE (5), Henry County (1), Lincoln Park (7), Rockdale County (8), Thomaston (8).

Idaho, N/Washington, E—Millwood, WA (6), Moses Lake, WA (8), Nez Perce Reservation, Toppenish, WA (8), Wapato, WA (7).

Illinois, Northern No. 1—DeKalb (8), Hanover Park (5), Highland Park (5), Moline (7), West Chicago (8).

Illinois, Northern No. 2—Berwyn (6), Hoffman Estates (8), Morton Grove (8), Northfield Twp. (5), Schaumburg (8).

Illinois, Southern—Alorton (8), Chatham (6), Limestone Twp. (7), Mahomet Twp. (7).

Indiana—Marion (8), Speedway (7).

Iowa—Cedar Falls (7), Marshalltown (7).

Missouri—Clayton (7), Jefferson City (8), Maplewood (5), St. Joseph (8).

Nebraska—Bellevue (8), Crete (4), Sarpy County (8).

Nevada, Southern—Clarke County W (6), Sunrise Manor (8).

New Hampshire—Durham (8), Exeter Town (8).

New Jersey—Piscataway Twp. (8).

New Mexico, Northern—Espanola (8).

New York, Eastern—Hempstead Village (8).

New York, Western—Clarence (8), Brant Town (8).

North Carolina, Central—Orange County (8).

North Carolina, Eastern—Rocky Mount (8).

Ohio, Northern—Akron (8), Euclid (8).

Oklahoma, Western—Anadarko (8), Duncan (7), Midwest City (6), Noble (5), Umatilla Reservation (7).

Oregon, Western—Creswell, Gladstone (7), Greater Grants Pass, Klamath Falls (8), Lane County East, Marion, Oregon City (7), Polk County.

Pennsylvania, Eastern—Bethlehem (8), Cheltenham (7), Elizabethtown Borough, Lower Marion Twp. (8), Radnor Twp. (7), Swarthmore (4).

Pennsylvania, Western—State College (8).

South Carolina, Northern—Gaffney (6), Greater Cowpens (5).

South Dakota—Rosebud (8), Vermillion (5), White River (8).

Texas, Eastern No. 1—Allen (8), Marshall (6), Mesquite (8).

Texas, Southern—Brownsville (8).

Vermont—Hartford Twp. (7), Rochester (8).

Virginia, Northern—Springfield (7).

Virginia, Southwest—Highland County (6), Roanoke County (4).

Washington, Northwest—Normandy Park (6), Richland.

Washington, Southwest—Pierce County Peninsula (7), Shelton.

Wisconsin, Southern—Delafield (8), Janesville (8).

Seven Year Plan Teaching Progress

Assembly goal (Seven Year Plan)	1,750
Local Assemblies formed	1,769
Assemblies on Indian Reservations (goal: 50)	61

Welcome to these new Assemblies:

Morton, IL	Oyster Bay, NY	Green Sea, SC
Socorro, NM	Port Royal, SC

Remember that although we have surpassed the goal of 1,750 Assemblies, we need to ensure this total at Riḍván by continuing to form new Assemblies and strengthening jeopardized Assemblies. Presently, there are 157 jeopardized Assemblies in the U.S.

Enrollment statistics for the top 10 states since Riḍván are:

South Carolina	1,819	North Carolina	161	Arizona	104
South Dakota	241	Massachusetts	145	Florida	86
California	229	Georgia	120	Oregon	66
Texas	164

NEW BAHÁ’ÍS Seven Year Plan goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “unprecedented increase” Since Riḍván . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,922 (as of December 13) Number of youth (included in total) . . . 1,080 (27 per cent of total)

Teaching Committee’s new course helps build teaching skills through self-evaluation, action

The National Teaching Committee has completed preparation of a course for individuals, communities and Bahá’í schools.

The program, which was tested last summer at the Bosch and Green Acre schools, provides a step-by-step process for self-evaluation and building strong teaching skills based on guidance given by the Central Figures of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.

Because of this foundation, the course offers something for the experienced teacher as well as for those who wish to make a beginning.

The course workbook is designed for self-study or can be used in group study along with the easy-to-use instructor’s guide. No special trainer is needed; anyone can pick up the instructor’s guide and begin teaching the course.

Audio-visual materials (including an audio cassette tape and a video tape program) can be obtained from the National Teaching Committee office. The workbook and instructor’s guide are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Course lessons are: “What Is Teaching,” “Elements of Effective Teaching,” “The Example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” “Systematic Teaching,” and “Unfoldment of the Plan of God.”

Topics covered include self-evaluation; developing a personal plan of action; choosing a personal method of teaching; overcoming obstacles to teaching; preparation for teaching; creating answers to specific concerns of seekers; the relationship between the teacher, seeker and God; the unfoldment of God’s plan for humanity from 1963 and into the future, and many others.

The course provides the foundation of principles of teaching from the Writings. No two presentations of the course would be identical because of the unique contributions and perspectives of those who are taking it. There is always greater progress to be made as we grow to become more effective teachers.

To order ‎a student workbooks student workbooks‎ and instructor’s guides, simply use the coupon below:

Order from: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois

Communities and group study: Be sure to order a workbook for each student along with your instructor’s guide!

EFFECTIVE TEACHING	Number of items	Cost
Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea.
Instructor’s Guide @ $2.00 ea.
10% handling ($1.50 minimum)
total cost

(circle one) MasterCard / Visa Name __________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City ____________________ State ___________ Zip __________ Phone __________________________________________________________________ Credit card number _____________________________ exp. date ______________

WLGI introduces new ‘record club’

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í invites Bahá’ís from around the U.S. to join an unusual record club.

The club is different from most record clubs because instead of receiving records from the club, you send them to the club!

WLGI-Radio Bahá’í needs records. We receive some of our music from record companies, but we need much more! It’s a great way to make extra contributions to the Faith, to take part in the activities of WLGI, and to help keep our expenses down.

Here’s how it works. Simply call or write WLGI and let us know how many albums you can contribute (it could be one a month, one a year, or a one-time-only contribution).

We’ll then get in touch with you and give you the name of an album we need. When we receive the album, we’ll send you an acknowledgement including a receipt for an “in-kind” contribution.

As an extra incentive, WLGI is holding a “Name the Record Club” contest. Send us your suggestions for a name for this crazy record club. If your entry is the one chosen, you’ll receive a free WLGI T-shirt and other goodies!

For more information, write to WLGI-Radio Bahá’í, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

The South Bay Bahá’í Marriage Institute, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Torrance, California, has been meeting once a month on Sunday afternoons at the homes of various Bahá’ís in the Los Angeles suburbs. Speakers have included Bahá’ís with backgrounds in counseling and others with no formal training but with a special interest in marriage and family life. The Institute’s facilitators, Gail and Emin Selcuk, have tried to follow the directives of the Universal House of Justice in planning each program and providing an environment in which Bahá’ís can endeavor ‘...through their application of spiritual principles, their rectitude of conduct and the practice of the art of consultation, to uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant.’ [Page 11]

No reason to debate methods of teaching

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

From time to time there arises in the Bahá’í community a debate over the most effective methods of teaching. Each group tries to encourage the others to choose its method. In fact, a look at the Writings quickly shows that such a debate has no foundation.

Shoghi Effendi indicates that “there should be as many ways of approach as there are types of individual seekers.” (Letter written on his behalf in The Individual and Teaching, No. 44) Each soul is unique, and each must be approached in a way that will attract, not offend the heart.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has indicated that “Souls are liable to estrangement. Such methods should be adopted that the estrangement should be first removed, then the Word will have effect.” (The Individual and Teaching, No. 17)

Yet at the same time, He recognizes that there are times when the teachers must “avail themselves of the occasion, seize the opportunity, rush forth and win the prize. If their task is to be confined to good conduct and advice, nothing will be accomplished. They must speak out, expound the proofs, set forth clear arguments, draw irrefutable conclusions establishing the truth....” (The Individual and Teaching, No. 22)

Shoghi Effendi divides teaching methods into two categories, direct and indirect. “The one method,” he writes, “would assume an open, decisive and challenging tone. The other, progressive and cautious....” (Bahá’í Administration, p. 124)

In many cases seekers need to be exposed to a variety of methods designed to meet their evolving interest in the Faith.

The key is that for each seeker, the teacher must “first diagnose” the conditions and needs, “then prescribe the remedy” to guide him, “for such is the perfect method of the skillful physician.” (The Individual and Teaching, No. 28)

A wide range of teaching methods is suggested in the Writings. Some of these are:

Example “... one way every Bahá’í can spread the Faith is by example. This moves the hearts of people far more deeply than words ever can.” (Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, No. 60)

Association “Let him also attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the teachings ... or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations and enterprises ...” (Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, No. 33)

Fellowship “The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen ... every one of the believers should choose one person each year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is the best method.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Individual and Teaching, No. 27)

Firesides “The most effective method of teaching is the Fireside group, where new people can be shown Bahá’í hospitality, and ask all questions which bother them. They can feel there the true Bahá’í spirit—and it is the spirit that quickeneth.” (Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, No. 104)

(Is there a contradiction between ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement and Shoghi Effendi’s? See The Individual and Teaching, No. 91)

Mass teaching “... The friends must certainly explore new channels and have more audacity, if they are to get anywhere in adding to their numbers.” (Letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, No. 103)

“We note that the new teaching methods you have developed, in reaching the waiting masses, have substantially influenced the winning of your goals, and we urge the American Bahá’ís, one and all ... to arise, put their reliance in Bahá’u’lláh and, armed with that supreme power, continue unabated their efforts to reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard-won victories. New methods inevitably bring with them criticism and challenges. ... The influx of so many believers is, in itself, a call to the veteran believers to join the ranks of those in this field of service. ... Far from standing aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors.” (Universal House of Justice, A Special Measure of Love, pp. 32-33)

Note that as far back as the Nine Year Plan, the House of Justice outlined the procedures that we should follow to deal with differences of opinion over teaching methods. Consult! This will assure that new methods that open up promising opportunities for the teaching work can be guided by the collective wisdom of the entire community.

Therefore, it is clear to see that there can be no debate over methods of teaching. The door is open to all methods that, within the principles set forth in the Faith, open a channel between the teacher and seeker.

“There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause,” Shoghi Effendi assured us. “You can choose the one that suits best your nature and capacity.” (Letter on behalf of the Guardian, The Individual and Teaching, No. 45)

The Universal House of Justice added: “... everyone can find some effective method of teaching according to his own particular capacities and talents ...” (The Individual and Teaching, p. viii)

12-year-old Bahá’í named best student at Portsmouth school

Ryan Khavari, a 12-year-old Bahá’í from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, won this year’s Outstanding Student Award at Dondero Elementary School in Portsmouth.

Ryan’s older brother, Michael, won the same award four years ago.

Ryan has been selected by the Johns Hopkins Talent Search as a candidate for possible inclusion in special summer programs for the academically talented.

He is a member of the Touchstone youth group in his area and attended the 1985 Youth Conferences at Ohio State University and Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Now Available... Proclamation Materials for the 1986 Media Program

International Year of Peace

The IMAGES of WORLD PEACE... expressed with dignity and clarity by the Bahá’í communities throughout the nation—

Outdoor Billboards, Posters, Buttons, Stickers, Balloons, T-Shirts and other support items to follow Camera Ready AD Campaigns

...Thoughts expressed by the Bahá’í Faith TO THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD

YES... RUSH MY ORDER PLEASE...

Name ____________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________

City ________________________ State _______ Zip _______ Phone ____________

MasterCard / VISA (circle one) card number ____________________ exp. date _____

Description	Quantity	Cost
OUTDOOR BILLBOARD / 30 sheet $45.00 ea. [Global Theme]
BUS POSTER / 11½" x 27" Pack of 10 @ $2.00 ea. — $20.00/pack [Global Theme] Full Color	___ PACKS
14 x 17" POSTER / Set of 2 $2.50 per set (Global and Logo Peace Themes) Full Color; Allows for imprint area	___ SETS
8½" x 11" POSTER / Set of 2 $1.00 per set (Global and Logo Peace Themes) Full Color; Allows for imprint area	___ SETS
BUTTONS [2¼"] / Variety Pack (Global and Logo Peace Themes) 10 per pack $5.00 per pack	___ 10-PACKS
BUTTONS 100 per pack $40.00 per pack	___ 100-PACKS
BALLOONS / Variety Color Pack $12.50 per pack 100 per pack	___ 100-PACKS
BUMPER STICKER / Rectangle $5.00 per 10-pack 10 per pack	___ 10-PACKS
WINDOW STICKER / Circle $6.50 per pack 10 per pack	___ 10-PACKS
EXTRA PLUS CAMERA READY ‎NEWSPAPER AD S NEWSPAPER ADS‎ / Peace Campaign $3.00 per set (Theme topics, with imprint area) 2 column and 1 column; Black & White, 85 line screen; All ads ready for repro in your local newspaper	___ SETS
PEACE PRESENTATION KIT — MEDIA $3.50 per kit	___ KITS
PEACE PRESENTATION KIT — GENERAL PURPOSE $2.00 per kit	___ KITS
Please add 10% for handling. ($1.50 minimum) Mail coupon and check or phone:		Subtotal Handling Total

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 • 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois [Page 12]

Distribution Service adds items from new sources

DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Just after the first of January the Bahá’í Distribution Service began offering additional services to the Bahá’í community.

In an agreement with a number of offices at the Bahá’í National Center, the Distribution Service will handle the sale and distribution of many items that formerly had been available from a number of sources.

“Over the years,” says Larry Bucknell, general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, “the offices at the National Center have developed their own materials and have been distributing those items themselves.

“That has meant that offices have had to run a part-time distribution service, taking up space and time from their primary activities.

“The benefits of a central distribution point,” he says, “have been discussed for some time, and it became possible recently to work out an arrangement which is equitable for all parties concerned.”

To accommodate the new materials, the Distribution Service completely reorganized its warehouse during the first week in January, which involved moving tons of books and shelving material.

“We worked very hard at the end of 1985 to catch up with any backlog of orders we had,” says Mr. Bucknell, “so that our customers wouldn’t notice any appreciable delays in receiving their shipments.

“Our shipping operation was affected for only about three days. Those days were over a holiday period when business was slower than usual, so we were able to make up the lost time quite rapidly.

“A supplementary price list will be printed in a forthcoming issue of The American Bahá’í that will list all the materials from the National Center offices now being carried by the Distribution Service.

“We’ll update that list when necessary so that communities and individuals will be kept current on what items are available.”

All of the items being added to the Distribution Service inventory can be ordered in the same way that books and other materials have always been ordered.

Individuals may mail in their checks or charge their orders by mail or phone. Community Distribution Representatives may order these materials in the standard way.

However, since these items are being sold at cost by the Distribution Service, all items will be sold at net prices.

Conference set at Florida site

A conference for Distribution Representatives in Florida and the southeastern U.S. is scheduled for February 22-23 in Eustis, Florida.

Information about the location, cost and other specifics was mailed to Distribution Representatives in January.

The conference will focus on the role and direction of the Publishing Trust and its Distribution Representatives, and will highlight publication plans and priorities.

Friends asked to use presentation edition of peace statement

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs is asking that Bahá’ís use only the $3 presentation editions of “The Promise of World Peace” in their proclamation efforts with public officials and other dignitaries.

“It was a National Assembly decision to produce the presentation edition for specific purposes: presentations to public officials and leaders of thought,” says Katherine Bigelow of the Office of External Affairs.

“There is some concern,” she says, “that Bahá’ís may consider using the $30 deluxe edition in their presentations to officials. We hope to make our presentations uniform, so that, say, one member of Congress or a governor will not receive the $3 edition and another the much more elaborate deluxe copy.”

The purpose of the deluxe edition, she says, “is for Bahá’ís to buy as gifts for family and friends and as keepsakes for themselves.

“Proceeds from these sales go toward the materials being produced during the International Year of Peace,” Ms. Bigelow adds. “We hope that Bahá’ís will understand the need to make our presentations of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ with the edition designed for that purpose.”

Timely reminder to BDS customers about shipping policies

With the great demand for books, especially the various editions of “The Promise of World Peace,” a number of people have been calling the Distribution Service with urgent orders for books, or with last-minute worries over the arrival of shipments.

The Distribution Service feels this is a good time to remind its customers about its shipping policies, how long it takes to receive orders, and the various methods of shipment that are available.

In general, the Distribution Service is able to ship orders within five working days of receipt. In many cases, shipments are dispatched in two to three days.

With large shipments of the peace statement coming in and being met with large quantities of orders for them, shipments can be slowed somewhat. If for some reason friends need a small shipment of books sent immediately, the Distribution Service does offer a rush shipment for an additional $15 fee.

There are a number of available methods of shipping, but the two primary methods are United Parcel Service and the U.S. Postal Service Fourth Class.

UPS promises delivery in from one to five days anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. Its shipments are much faster, are insured up to $100 per box, and have fewer problems, according to the Distribution Service’s experience.

Fourth class mail offers flexibility, in that UPS does not deliver to post office boxes. Delivery of shipments by fourth class mail can range from one to four weeks.

In cases where books are needed more rapidly, UPS Second Day Air shipments are guaranteed by UPS for delivery in two working days. UPS Next Day Air and Express Mail next day service are also available.

Those who take orders over the phone ask that you have your account number or credit card number ready when you phone to place your order, as well as any questions you may have.

Our WATS line service does bill us by the time used. The more rapidly the order can be placed, the less it costs the Distribution Service. Any savings will eventually be reflected in the cost of the books you buy.

By encouraging concise orders, the Distribution Service does not mean to discourage people from taking advantage of the WATS line service for any questions, problems or orders they may have.

We cannot, however, answer questions for, or transfer calls to, the offices at the Bahá’í National Center.

When mailing in a personal order, it must be accompanied by payment, including 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum charge, $1.50).

Those purchasing via credit card are billed for the exact amount of the order plus the standard fee for postage and handling. As always, the Distribution Service welcomes any comments or questions you have about its services.

Kalimát press releases second book in ‘Circle’ series of personal essays

Kalimát Press has announced the release of the second book in its “Circle” series on Bahá’í-related topics, Circle of Peace: Reflections of Bahá’í Teachings ($9.95, SC), which is expected to be available this month.

“World peace and the unity of mankind have always been two of the most central teachings of the Faith,” says Anthony Lee, editor of Circle of Peace.

“But the UN proclamation of 1986 as the International Year of Peace,” he adds, “and the publication of a statement on peace by the Universal House of Justice have suddenly raised these issues to the top of the Bahá’í agenda.

“Circle of Peace is a book that attempts to respond to the new importance of peace issues in the Bahá’í community.

“The focus of the book,” says Mr. Lee, “is on humanity’s collective struggle toward peace and world unity.

“The essays represent the attempts of Bahá’ís to come to grips with current peace issues; the writers offer their personal views based on their experience and their study of the Bahá’í writings.

“These are not ‘official’ Bahá’í positions, nor do they represent the thinking of all Bahá’ís,” he adds. “In fact, the authors of the essays in this collection disagree among themselves on a number of points.

“Together, the essays represent only the beginning of a dialogue among Bahá’ís on these topics.”

Among those whose essays appear in Circle of Peace are Richard Hollinger, Robert T. Phillips, Charles Lerche, Tahmineh Roshanian, Rouha Rose, Susan Brill, Karin Ryan Barnes, David Langness, and Brad Pokorny.

Their topics include American peace groups, women and peace, changes in personal consciousness that are prerequisites to peace, Bahá’í involvement in American peace movements, youth and peace, and an essay titled “What About the Russians?”

The next book planned in the “Circle” series is a collection of essays with Bahá’í perspectives on feminist issues.

Service for Blind has books, tapes

A wide selection of books in braille or on audio tapes is available from the Bahá’í Service for the Blind. For information, write to Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 3110 East Lester St., Tucson, AZ 85716.

Completion of remodeling marks end of Publishing Trust’s restructuring

Final touches in the remodeling of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust building at 415 Linden Avenue in Wilmette were completed in late January, after several months of work on the building.

During the remodeling, the entire front area of the building was opened and offices were created using modular materials.

In the editorial department, modifications were made on some offices to provide for fewer distractions and increased soundproofing. One new office was created in the editorial area.

A new conference and work room was realized by eliminating an existing wall between two offices.

This was the final stage, says General Manager Larry Bucknell, in a reshaping of the publishing and distribution operation in Wilmette.

“Over the past two years,” he says, “we have taken a number of steps to drastically lower our costs of operation and, at the same time, improve our service.

“A new computer system was installed that will pay for itself in a few more months by allowing us to reduce and reassign staff. We’ve also moved our warehouse operation into the Publishing Trust building, and that required relocating some staff members to temporary quarters.

“We’ve now been able to restructure our operation, and the building it’s housed in, to better serve the Bahá’í community. And now our staff is working in offices and at work stations that are designed to meet their specific needs.”

A reception for National Center staff, contractors, and the Publishing Trust’s neighbors in the Wilmette area is planned for the near future.

O R D E R F O R M

Quan.		Amt.	Quan.		Amt.
___	The Advent of Divine Justice, SC	$8.00	___	The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, HC	$6.00
___	All Flags Flying, HC	20.00	___	The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, SC	3.50
___	All Flags Flying, SC	10.00	___	O God, Guide Me, SC	3.75
___	Bahá’í Datebook	2.00	___	Promise of World Peace—Study Ed., SC	.75
___	Bahá’í Pocket Calendar	10/1.85	___	Promise of World Peace—Pres. Ed., SC	3.00
___	Bahá’í Wall Calendar	1.25	___	Promise of World Peace—Deluxe Ed., HC	30.00
___	Bahá’í Prayers, HC	7.50	___	Per: Promise of World Peace, SC	.60
___	Bahá’í Prayers, SC	3.75	___	Span: ‎Promeza Promesa‎ de Paz Mundial, SC	1.00
___	Circle of Peace, SC	9.95	___	Unrestrained as the Wind, SC	7.95
___	The Divine Art of Living, SC	7.95	___	Unto Him Shall We Return, SC	7.95

• NET PRICE

Prices good through March 31, 1986

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

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

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

VISA/MC (CIRCLE ONE) EXP. DATE ____________

CARD NO. _________________________________

Name ____________________________________

Address __________________________________

City ___________________ State _____ Zip _____

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

TAB 2/86

Prices good through February 28, 1986 [Page 13]

The Creative Word

Guardian a master at shedding new light on Creative Word

When we turn our attention to the goal of the Seven Year Plan that asks us to read and study the Creative Word, we generally reach for a volume of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings. But do we ever think to examine the Creative Word within the context of the Guardian’s works?

Shoghi Effendi was a master at incorporating the Creative Word into all of his books and letters. Near the end of The Advent of Divine Justice he wrote: “I can do no better ... than to direct your special attention, at this decisive hour, to these immortal passages, gleaned in part from the great mass of Bahá’u’lláh’s unpublished and untranslated writings ... each having a direct bearing on the tasks which actually face or lie ahead of the American Bahá’í community.”

Reading and rereading The Advent of Divine Justice with the goal of finding new meaning in passages from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and relating them to the points made in the peace statement can increase our awareness of how we can arise to face the challenges that lie before us.

The Advent of Divine Justice gives us an overview of the North American Bahá’í community—its successes, responsibilities and glorious future. Here, we are reminded of those virtues we must cultivate, the inherited flaws we must eradicate, the material sacrifices we are privileged to be called upon to make, the paramount importance of our teaching.

Here, too, we see the Guardian’s great longing for us to be imbued with the spirit of the Cause and to help the American nation lay the cornerstone of a universal and lasting peace.

Our response to this longing should be to take to heart his admonition to incorporate the Creative Word into our lives, for, as the Guardian states, “Bahá’u’lláh’s sublime utterance ... cannot fail to produce on the minds and hearts of any one ... who approaches them with befitting humility and detachment, such powerful reactions as to illuminate his entire being and intensify tremendously his daily exertions.”

Let us fulfill the longing the Guardian had for us to exert every effort to transform ourselves and help upraise the standard of peace. The gems from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh he lovingly places before us in the context of his elaboration of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of our spiritual destiny will help us greet our own special challenges with a new joy, a new understanding based on our absorption of the Creative Word.

Ideas for Ayyám-i-Há and Naw-Rúz

For children: O God, Guide Me!; O God, My God (English and Persian); I Am a Bahá’í; Special Strengths; B.J. and the Language of the Woodland; Zahra’s Search; Fly Away Home; The ‎Spotlessly Spotless‎ Leopard; The Secret in the Garden; Happy Ayyám-i-Há! (LP); Loving Hands (cassette); Brilliant Star (magazine).

For youth: Unrestrained as the Wind: A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh; From Behind the Veil; O God, My God!; Bahá’í Prayers (new edition); Youth in the Vanguard; The Advent of Divine Justice; Bahá’í calendars for 143 B.E.; Bahá’í DayBook.

For adults: The Divine Art of Living (new edition); The Hidden Words (new edition); Bahá’í Prayers (new edition); Bahá’í DayBook; Peace: More Than an End to War; Unrestrained as the Wind; Unto Him Shall We Return; Bahá’í calendars for 143 B.E.; World Order (magazine); Bahá’í News (magazine).

All books, calendars, records and cassettes can be ordered from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Subscriptions to Bahá’í News and World Order may be ordered from Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Subscriptions to Brilliant Star may be ordered from Brilliant Star Subscriber Service, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

Give friends, relatives ‘Gift of Love’

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

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

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

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

Gift certificates may only be purchased from or redeemed by the Bahá’í Distribution Service. They cannot be charged to community or school accounts, nor are they eligible for the 10 per cent community discount.

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

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.

Publishing Trust’s splendid peace compilation result of broad vision, hard work, long hours

The American Bahá’í recently conducted an interview with Terrill Hayes and Richard Hill of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust about an extensive compilation on peace that is now being prepared.

TAB: Everyone is eagerly awaiting the peace compilation expected soon from the Publishing Trust. We hear you two have been working pretty hard on it.

Mr. Hayes: Yes, we’ve been working at night and on holidays and weekends, as well as during regular working hours. The peace compilation has been by far the most challenging and time-consuming compilation we’ve ever put together.

TAB: What makes it such a challenge?

Mr. Hill: In anticipation of the International Year of Peace, and long before the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice arrived, we asked Anne Marie Scheffer of Iowa to gather material from the writings on peace and to prepare a compilation. Then the peace statement arrived, and it revolutionized our thinking about the organization and content of the compilation.

TAB: In what way?

Mr. Hayes: In the first place, we knew that the peace statement should be included, so we created an outline with “The Promise of World Peace” coming at the end. But after several in-depth readings of the statement, we decided to place it at the beginning of the book and to organize the rest of the compilation according to the ideas it presented.

Mr. Hill: The more we pondered the statement and the more we understood how the Universal House of Justice had integrated the complex ideas in the writings, the more connections we made and the more gems we mined from the writings.

Mr. Hayes: For example, the concept that man is innately inclined toward God, toward transcendence, is something we hadn’t thought about. So we began researching the writings for material to support that idea.

We also found a large difference between the oneness of humanity (which is already a reality, albeit largely unrecognized) and the unity of humanity (which is a process that must occur).

Indexes of the writings have up to now treated “unity” and “oneness” as if they were one and the same. This compilation, however, examines the process through which humanity must evolve in order to reach unity.

TAB: How have these new insights affected your role in preparing the compilation?

Mr. Hill: We feel we’ve been led to a much more mature outlook on the writings, which has given us the ability to reject many of our earlier ideas and organization. Even after we put together several chapters, we decided to go back and painstakingly revise them so that we might approach the right nuances.

TAB: What uses for the book do you foresee?

Mr. Hayes: For the first time the reader—Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í—will find a comprehensive selection from the writings on peace all in one book. They’ll be able to connect the various dimensions of Bahá’u’lláh’s all-encompassing vision in ways that were much more difficult to come by before the release of the peace statement. As we’ve found and connected the passages from the writings, we have been in a state of awe.

Mr. Hill: This compilation will be extremely useful in personal and community deepening. Whole courses could be based on it, and Bahá’í schools and institutes can use it as a resource.

And, perhaps most significantly, it will appeal also to non-Bahá’ís who will be amazed by the depth of what the Bahá’í teachings have to offer. It’s not a book of warm fuzzies; it presents a strong statement about how we—you, me, our families, our communities, our nations—can grapple with the problems in the world.

TAB: When do you expect the book to be released?

Mr. Hayes: Originally, we planned to have the book out by late February in time for the 18 regional peace conferences scheduled then. But the conferences have been moved forward to June, and that has given us more time to refine the compilation. We feel that it is becoming a much stronger book as a result. It may be ready by late March, at least in softcover.

TAB: What is its expected length?

Mr. Hill: About 300 pages including the glossary, references and index.

TAB: Can you give us some idea of what it will cover?

Mr. Hayes: Above all, the compilation provides a sense of hope. The peace statement itself comprises the first section. The second section contains supportive quotations from the writings and is divided into five parts—each one based on the corresponding division of the statement.

Topics covered include the coming of age of civilization, the roots of war and strife, the vital role of religion and the results of irreligion, barriers to peace, the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the eventual development of the Most Great Peace.

Thank you! The Bahá’í Publishing Trust would like to thank all those who submitted stories for the International Youth Year writers’ competition. Because of the process of remodeling the offices at the Trust and because of editorial deadlines, the stories have not yet been judged. The results will be announced in a forthcoming issue of The American Bahá’í.

Coming soon ... O God, Guide Me!

The new edition of O God, Guide Me!, the prayer book for children, will be released just in time for Ayyám-i-Há, according to Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

“The new edition,” says Dr. Fisher, “contains one new prayer and several new translations. It also features a new cover design and a typeface that can easily be read by children.”

The attractive interracial illustrations in O God, Guide Me! help the child conceptualize the meaning of the prayers. The interior text and the drawings in the new edition are printed in an attractive brown ink.

“Aside from its visual attractiveness,” says Dr. Fisher, “the importance of a child’s prayer book cannot be overemphasized.

“There are many references in the writings on the importance of teaching children prayers. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that children must be continually reminded to remember God. He also uses the analogy that children are like young plants and that teaching them prayers is like letting the rain pour down upon them.

“With the complexities of life our children will inherit, we can’t afford to let them go without this necessary spiritual nourishment.”

O God, Guide Me! will be available in softcover only for $3.75 in mid- to late February from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Publishing Trust staff members Terrill Hayes (left) and Richard Hill typically hard at work on the new peace compilation.

“Well, the end of February is here. Know what that means?” “Yeah—time to start using my new Bahá’í Calendars!”

See INTERVIEW page 25 [Page 14]Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List February 1986 1

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

Price List: February 1986

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

* = On Order	LT = Lightweight Edition
# = Net (no discount)	PA = Pamphlet
CA = Calendar	PER = Persian
CS = Cassette	PP = Photograph or Lithograph
FD = Folder	PR = Poster
GM = Game	PS = Pocket-sized Edition
HC = Hardcover	SC = Softcover
LP = Record	SPN = Spanish
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	$13.50
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.00
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.00
Call to the Nations	HC	6.00*
Citadel of Faith	HC	12.00
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	11.00
Foundations of World Unity	HC	10.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.25
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.75
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.50
Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	14.25
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.75
Light of Divine Guidance	HC	21.00
Light of Divine Guidance, Volume 2	HC	14.00*
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*
Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Study Edition	SC	.75
Promised Day is Come	HC	8.00
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.00
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.50
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 the Báb	HC	10.00
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.00
Seven Year Plan--1981	SC	.50
Some Answered Questions	HC	14.00
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	SC	5.00
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	10.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	5.00
Unfolding Destiny	HC	43.50*
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	1.25
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.50

Compilations

Title	Type	Price
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	2.50
Bahá’í Daybook	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Meetings/the 19 Day Feast	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	7.50
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Readings	SC	5.50
Bahá’í Readings--Leather	HC	15.00
Bahá’í Writings on Music	SC	2.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.00
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.00
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.50
Consultation Compilation	SC	1.50
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	2.25
Days to Remember	SC	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.00
Desire of the World	SC	5.25
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95*
Excellence in All Things	SC	2.00
Importance of Deepening	SC	2.00
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.00
Inspiring the Heart	SC	3.00
Lights of Guidance	HC	20.00*
Living the Life	SC	2.00
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
Mighty River	SC	.50
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	2.00
Power of Divine Assistance	SC	2.00
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	SC	4.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.50
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Into Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Words of God	SC	1.00

General Titles

Title	Type	Price
All Flags Flying	HC	20.00
All Flags Flying	SC	10.00
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Báb: Herald of the Day of Days	HC	11.95
Bahá’í Challenge	CM	20.00#
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	19.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	14.95
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	4.50
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Proofs	HC	16.00
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Conference on Health	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Development	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Health	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage	SC	6.50
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	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 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	2.75
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	3.95
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	2.95
Circle of Peace	SC	9.95*
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Commentary: Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.75
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	9.75
Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká	SC	6.00
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	14.00
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	4.50
Dawning Place	HC	21.00
Dawning Place	SC	13.00
Dawning Place of the Pacific	SC	8.00*
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Deepening: For New Believers	SC	4.00
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Door of Hope	HC	12.95
E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	12.95
Earth is But One Country	SC	8.00
Eminent ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	28.50*
Eminent ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	15.95*
For the Good of Mankind	HC	10.95
For the Good of Mankind	SC	4.95
Forgiveness for Well-Being--Gift Edition	HC	12.00
Four on an Island	SC	4.50
From the Auroral Darkness	SC	9.95
From Copper to Gold	HC	15.95
From Copper to Gold	SC	7.95
From Discontent	SC	5.95
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	SC	9.50
God Loves Laughter	SC	5.50
He Loved and Served	SC	4.00
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
Letters & Essays: Mirza Abu’l-Fadl	HC	11.95
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	HC	26.50
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	SC	11.95
Light Shineth in Darkness	HC	10.95
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	10.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Messages of the Báb	SC	2.00
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	8.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children	SC	6.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mystery of God	HC	16.00*
Once To Every Man and Nation	SC	5.95
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
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	HC	8.95
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	SC	4.50
Prescription for Living	PS	4.75*
Priceless Pearl	HC	5.00
Promise of All Ages	HC	8.95
Promise of All Ages	SC	2.75
Renewal of Civilization	SC	2.50
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 3	HC	18.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	HC	8.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	SC	3.95
Shell and the Pearl	SC	2.50
‎Shf’ih Shí‘ih‎ Islám: An Introduction	HC	25.00
‎Shf’ih Shí‘ih‎ Islám: An Introduction	SC	15.00
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	HC	14.95*
Some Early Bahá’ís of the West	HC	12.95
Song Celestial	HC	7.50
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	SC	9.00
Story of Mona	SC	5.00
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
Táhirih the Pure	HC	10.95
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.35
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	6.00
These Perspicuous Verses	SC	4.50
Thief in the Night	SC	7.95
To Move the World	SC	8.50
239 Days	HC	10.00
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	2.75
Witness of Pebbles	SC	5.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	10.00

Children and Youth

Title	Type	Price
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00*
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Prayers and 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	5.25
From Behind the Veil	SC	3.75
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.95
Magnified Be Thy Name	SC	5.50
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	5.00
My Name Is Nabíl	HC	6.00
Nine Holy Days	SC	3.50
O God, My God	HC	6.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
Refuge and the Cave	SC	5.50*
Remember My Days	SC	4.50
Remember the Rainbow	SC	3.95
Second Birth	SC	4.50*
Secret in the Garden	HC	5.00
Secret in the Garden	SC	3.00
Song in the Ground	SC	3.95
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	HC	9.75
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.75

Foreign Language

Title	Type	Price
PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER: Advent of Divine Justice	SC	4.25
PER: Amr Va Khalq	HC	14.00
PER: Badayi’u’l Athar 1	HC	11.00
PER: Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	4.00
PER: Children's Prayer Book	HC	7.95
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: Gulzár-i-Ta’álím-i-Bahá’í	HC	6.00
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: The Nine Days	HC	12.95
PER: Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.95
PER: Prayers of Shoghi Effendi	SC	2.50
PER: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	2.50
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, Vol. 2	HC	6.00
PER: Selected Writings of the Báb	HC	16.00
PER: Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
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

[Page 15]

PER:	Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	1.80
PER:	U.H.J. Messages to Iran	SC	4.50
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 Y Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
SPN:	Constitución: Casa Universal de Justicia	SC	5.00
SPN:	Datos Basicos	PA	.10
SPN:	Dios Pasa	SC	9.00
SPN:	Día Prometido Ha Llegado	SC	4.50
SPN:	Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75
SPN:	Epistola del Hijo del Lobo	SC	7.50
SPN:	Estudio-Escritos Bahá’ís	SC	4.00
SPN:	Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet	SC	1.50
SPN:	Hoja Mas 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	7.50
SPN:	Poder De Asistencia Divina	SC	1.00
SPN:	Principios Administ Bahá’í	SC	4.50
SPN:	Promesa de Paz Mundial	SC	1.00
SPN:	Quienes Dios Confia	PA	.50
SPN:	Recopilacion de Escritos	SC	3.50
SPN:	Renovación De Civilización	SC	3.00
SPN:	Sabiduria De ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	4.75
SPN:	Sinopsis y Codificación Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	3.50
SPN:	Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.00

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
Building a Unified Community, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
Communion With God--Large Type	SC	1.50
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	5.00
Message of Bahá’u’lláh, Pkg of 10	PA	3.00
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: More Than End To War, Pkg/50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion, Pkg/50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity, Pkg of 50	PA	7.50#
Peace Pamphlets: World Government, Pkg of 50	PA	7.50#
Prophecy Fulfilled, Pkg of 10	PA	4.50

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...Glenford Mitchell	CS	2.25
Flight	LP	4.00
Foundations of Learning	CS	7.00
If You Only Knew	CS	7.50
In His Presence...Samandari	CS	7.00
Legacies of Service--Set of 5	CS	30.00
Lote	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
Triumph of Cause...Balyuzi	CS	7.00
Unity in Diversity	CS	8.00
Visit With the Master...True	CS	7.50
We Are Bahá’ís	CS	7.50
We Are One	CS	8.50
"Working with Mona" Materials--Beta	VT	25.00#
"Working with Mona" Materials--VHS	VT	25.00#

Photographs, Calendars and 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
Bahá’í Datebook 143 B.E.	CA	2.00
Bahá’í History Calendar	CA	5.50
Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 1986, Pkg of 10	CA	1.85
Bahá’í Wall Calendar 143 B.E.	CA	1.25
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	PR	3.00
Wilmette House of Worship	PR	1.00

Ordering Instructions

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

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

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

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

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 in our work —Developing spirituality and excelling in our work —Interpersonal relationships and Building the New World Order

191 pages softcover only ‎795* $7.95‎

Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service Wilmette, IL U.S.A. 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. Because of this, 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; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

PIONEERING (ABROAD)

THE CAYMAN Islands, a pioneering goal of the Seven Year Plan, need a professionally certified and experienced physical therapist with a minimum of five years' experience. The position is at a government-owned hospital, and is a rare opportunity for a prospective pioneer. If you are interested in obtaining more information about this position, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEER opportunities: there are openings for teachers and a principal at an American school in Liberia, West Africa. The principal would be for the elementary school. Teachers are needed in music (grades K-12), physical education (grades 9-12, one for boys, one for girls), and business education (grades 7-12). For more information, write the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE FIJI School of Medicine needs two surgeons for teaching positions. These tropical islands are among the most developed in the South Pacific. Fiji also has an active Bahá’í community and hopes that these positions can be filled quickly by pioneer families. For more details, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

SOUTH Carolina needs you! Project Tabarsi continues! 2,500 new believers have enrolled since last June. Their efforts to teach others and to deepen their own knowledge can be aided by you and your family. Become a homefront pioneer in 1986! Seventy homefront pioneers have joined Fort Tabarsi during the past 18 months, but 243 are still needed. Come to where the fire is—add your energy and spirit! Come to South Carolina! Write today to the Regional Teaching Office, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-5194.

HOMEFRONT pioneers—help save the jeopardized Assembly of Radnor Township, a lovely, historic mainline suburb west of Philadelphia. Easily accessible to center city Philadelphia public transportation (20 to 25 minutes). Nearby industrial park and high-tech center of King of Prussia and Valley Forge is a 10- to 15-minute drive. Besides those in Philadelphia, local hospitals and health centers include Bryn Mawr, Paoli Memorial and Lankenau Hospital. Radnor Township is known for its excellent public school system, and there are many good colleges and universities in the area including Villanova, Haverford, Cabrini, Bryn Mawr and Rosemont College. The Radnor Township Bahá’í community includes eight adults, two youth and two children with both Persian and American believers. It's an active community supported by a strong Assembly and inspired by its dedicated youth. If interested, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Radnor Township, P.O. Box 16, Wayne, PA 19087, or phone 215-687-4256.

DIVERSITY sought by unified, functioning Colorado community of 13 middle class Anglo adult professionals with small children. Easy commute to Boulder or Denver. If interested in relocating, write to P.O. Box 283, Louisville, CO 80027.

IF YOU ARE a school teacher who yearns to serve in a needy area, who is frustrated with a high percentage of disruptive and disrespectful students, and who has dreamed of homefront pioneering to South Carolina, then come on down—down to Fort Tabarsi! Down to the country, near the Louis Gregory Institute, to Kingstree, a town with 300 recent enrollees and a non-functioning Assembly, one hour from the ocean and Charleston. The principal at the rural high school, Williamsburg-Blakely, stresses discipline, supports the teachers, and appreciates creativity in the classroom. There will be many teaching positions open in the county, and possibly a principal's position, in 1986-87. Please write to Mr. D. Burroughs, personnel director, Williamsburg County Schools, School Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, or John Gore, District Teaching Committee No. 2, Louis Gregory Institute, Hemingway, SC 29554.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: come to North Dakota! Live on or near the Fort Totten (near Devils Lake) or Fort Berthold Indian Reservations to teach especially the Indian people. An individual or family can be helped financially at $100 per month for up to one year. Send a letter of application by March 1 to the Spiritual Assembly of Fargo, c/o Dr. Mavis Nymon, Fargo, ND 58102.

Also, have a letter of reference sent by your Assembly or District Teaching Committee.

NEEDED: Homefront pioneer (mature woman) for formation of the Spiritual Assembly of Malibu, California. Temporary accommodations with mature woman lyricist who will share small oceanview apartment with reduced rent and use of a car in exchange for household assistance; preferably for compatible musical collaboration. Please send resumé and Bahá’í references to New Dawn Productions, Malibu, CA 90265 (phone 213-457-5336).

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

THE DTC is calling for pioneers to come to Rock Hill, South Carolina, and be "occupied with the greatest undertaking" in our area. We have a four-year college and a technical college and are a 25-minute commute to Charlotte, North Carolina. Single, couple or family with children—we need you to help us! Come, immerse yourself in the spirit of the South! Contact the Northern District Teaching Committee of South Carolina, c/o Donna Landau, Greer, SC 29651, or phone 803-877-0563.

TRANQUIL, friendly, picturesque San Juan Island in Washington state needs two Bahá’ís to re-form its Assembly. We would be grateful to God for anyone, and would welcome especially minorities, young families, or those ready to retire in a place that is lovely and needs workers for Bahá’u’lláh. Please contact the Bahá’ís of San Juan Island, P.O. Box 81, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, or phone 206-378-2037 or 206-378-5290.

TRAVELING TEACHERS

TRAVELING teachers are needed in Florence, South Carolina, to help win the goal of 1,000 avowed believers by Ridván 1986. Bring sleeping bag and car, if possible. For information about hospitality, phone Dr. or Mrs. Rassekh, 803-667-8140. Join the spirit of Tabarsi!

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals, with approximate dates of the Tablets: Charles A. Bjork, Chicago (1907); Arnauld Belmont, Washington, D.C. (1910); Elizabeth B.H. Bates, New Haven, CT (1911); Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Bruce, New York City (1913); Mrs. Josie Banny (1912); and Mary Augusta Bissell, Alameda, CA (1911). There may be errors in the spelling of some of these names. Anyone having information about the possible location of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the period 1952-1967. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

HELP WANTED

BROADCAST engineer: WGLI Radio Bahá’í needs the regular, reliable assistance of a broadcast engineer on an occasional basis. If you are experienced in that field, live in the eastern part of the U.S., and might be able to volunteer your services to WLGI, please write to WLGI-Radio Bahá’í, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

EXPERIENCED radio personnel, or will train, for a Bahá’í-owned station set to begin broadcasting May 2, 1986. The format will be one-half country and western music and one-half Bahá’í music/views. Needed are eight deejays, four sales persons, four technicians, five administrators (managerial/secretarial/clerical) and four newspersons. Positions are both full- and part-time. The station will be managed under Bahá’í principles. All promotions will be made from within. We encourage minorities to apply, also those who are bi-lingual in Spanish, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese or Portuguese, as this will help in the mass teaching work in this area. Send resumé (deejays, include demo tape) to Patrick C. Labbe, program director, Pawtucket, RI 02860, or phone 401-728-7861. The deadline for applications is April 10.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School has openings at its Residential College for a head resident and an academic assistant/secretary. The head resident will serve as an academic and personal counselor to students by overseeing and helping them plan their devotional, educational, work, social and recreational activities. Interested applicants must have experience working with youth. They should also have completed high school and preferably college, be in good physical condition and be in their mid-20s or older. Compensation for this position consists of room, meals and a $75 per week stipend. The academic assistant/secretary will serve as an assistant and secretary to the director of academic affairs. This includes work in the areas of publicity, planning and implementing retreats and conferences, drafting correspondence, compiling reports, and working on special projects. Interested applicants must have good typing skills and should have completed high school and, preferably, college. Compensation consists of room, meals and a $75 per week stipend. These positions would be ideally filled by a married couple who would have the qualifications between them to divide the duties of each job. It would be preferable if both were experienced and interested in working with youth so that they could share in the counseling of students. To apply for either position, or to obtain a more complete job description, send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for acceptance of applications is March 1, 1986.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is taking applications for summer staff positions for July and August 1986. Positions include assistant registrar, housekeeper, grounds/maintenance, assistant librarian, volunteer coordinator, public relations assistant, child education coordinator, and recreation director. Compensation includes room, board and a modest stipend. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. Send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

A FULL-TIME coordinator of child education is needed at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The position involves recruiting teachers for weekend conferences and week-long sessions, developing curricula and child education materials, ordering materials and supplies when needed, and planning and coordinating teacher training programs. It calls for a person who is able to consult and work well with others, who is patient and easy-going and who loves children. Experience in teaching Bahá’í children's classes is needed; experience with Bahá’í summer and winter sessions is preferred. This is a volunteer position and requires someone with an independent income of at least $5,000 a year. Free housing is provided. The position would be ideal for a retired teacher. Someone who would be willing to take a part-time teaching job in the area and devote about 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summer would also be suitable. Applicants may send a curriculum vitae to the Louhelen Child Education Committee, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

ITEMS FOR SALE

A COURSE on "The Forces of Light and Darkness" by Counsellor Hooper Dunbar is available on audio tape. The course examines the origin and operation of these forces, the power of the Creative Word, the interaction of spirit and matter, and presents an analysis of the forces of darkness and of the diffusion of the forces of light. The impact of these forces on society and the individual is explored, as are the Major and Minor Plans of God, the twin processes of integration and disintegration, the purging of one's character, and becoming incarnate light. Six tapes, $30. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

BY BUYING our 3-2-2 home in Missouri City (20 minutes from Houston, Texas), you would help our family in its efforts to meet a Seven Year Plan goal of pioneering to Ireland and at the same time would prevent an active Assembly from becoming jeopardized. $5,000 equity, $630 monthly payments. Phone Lily, 713-438-4411.

A COURSE on "Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind," by Holly Vick, a member of the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Centre, is available on audio tape. The course examines the Bahá’í concept of development, compares it to other models, places it in the context of the Faith's emergence from obscurity, and explores its prospects for instigating an organic change in human society and as a means of building the Bahá’í world commonwealth. Four tapes, $20. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

DONATIONS WANTED

URGENTLY needed: used books and other materials in Spanish or English. The newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Mesa County, Colorado, would like to increase materials in its lending library. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please send to the Mesa County Bahá’í Library, P.O. Box 4089, Grand Junction, CO 81502, Attn: Gigi Robinson.

DO YOU have any friends, neighbors, relatives who would like to share a few of their children's discarded but still usable toys? In Dominica, toys, games and children's books are luxury items and there is a year-round need for them. Small, sturdy, easy-to-pack items would best [Page 17]

Distribution Service to handle some materials previously available from Public Affairs, other national offices

Changes, changes, changes! Public information representatives, consultants, members of media committees, and anyone who may someday need to order media materials from the Office of Public Affairs (are you paying attention?), please take note!

As of February 1, certain of the media materials previously available from the Office of Public Affairs should be ordered through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Here’s what’s happening: several different offices at the National Center have been distributing materials to their networks in the field. To increase efficiency, these services are being consolidated and order fulfillment handled from a central point.

Unfortunately, the BDS will not be able to handle every item. For various reasons, certain materials are more appropriately handled by the individual offices.

You will find, then, two lists on this page. One serves as an order form for media materials now available only from the Distribution Service; the other is an order form for items still being handled by the Office of Public Affairs.

There will be a transition period as we all adjust to the new system and, as with all systems, there are advantages and disadvantages to the new set-up.

It is felt that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and that this step is necessary and inevitable as demands for services and materials increase. Serving as a mini-distribution center has taken time and energy away from working more directly with dedicated PI reps, consultants, and committee members.

Once the transfer has been made, we hope to have more time to serve the other needs of the Bahá’í Public Information Network.

The primary disadvantage is the initial confusion that may result from the move. So please clip this article and the order forms and save them. You’ll need them for the next few months.

The Distribution Service will have an article detailing this new service in the March issue of The American Bahá’í. Please bear with us as we make these changes for the better.

If you have questions about the use of materials, or about anything pertaining to dealing with the media, please write or phone the Office of Public Affairs for information. It cannot be provided by the Distribution Service.

News from the Office of Public Affairs

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

In addition to the major news coverage of the Human Rights Day ceremony at the White House that was listed in last month’s column, a few other articles about the ceremony and the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran are worth mentioning. They are listed below by newspaper name, headline and date:

Chicago Sun-Times, “Reagan calls rights a key to Soviet tie” (December 11).

Chicago Tribune, “UN looks behind Iran’s veil covering brutal rights abuses” (December 8).

Los Angeles Times, “U.S. Assails Iran’s ‘Alarming’ Persecution of Bahá’ís” (December 14).

The Wall Street Journal (editorial), “The Horrors of Iran” (December 27).

The Boston Globe, “Reagan denounces Soviets on rights” (December 11).

Washington Times, “Bahá’í followers describe arrests, torture in Iran” (December 13).

BUSY BAHÁ’ÍS

The Bahá’ís of Longmont, Colorado, reported that the cover story in the Sunday magazine section of the Daily Times Call featured the entire peace statement. The article was titled “Is World Peace Possible?” The Sunday editor wrote an introductory editorial that began as follows: “This is a pretty long piece about peace, but getting a planet’s peoples to live in harmony isn’t simple. Yet it can be done, say the Bahá’ís—those practicing an extremely logical, down-to-earth faith, only 142 years old but with more than four million followers worldwide.”

The Bahá’ís of Lake County, Ohio, combined all the important elements of publicity and proclamation by publishing an account of their meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations as a letter to the editor of the local paper, the News-Herald. They covered the key points of the peace statement. The public was invited to support and hold prayer sessions and to take part in the study and planning of strategies for the attainment of world peace. A schedule of Bahá’í-sponsored meetings for the discussion of peace-related issues was included.

Public information representative Christopher Koll of Newtown, Connecticut, submitted a press release to The Newtown Bee about the presentation of the peace statement to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. By adding comments as the local Bahá’í spokesperson, the article became “local” news. Newtown organizations were invited to phone him for a copy of the peace statement.

Dr. Francis Gilbert, a Bahá’í in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, succeeded in getting two column inches printed about recent events by combining two releases (the White House Human Rights Day event and the UN General Assembly resolution) and inserting comments as the local spokesperson. The article, published December 24 in the Kewaunee Enterprise, aptly concluded: “During this Christmas season, when ‘peace on earth’ is proclaimed universally, let all lovers of peace on earth and good will to mankind stand united in their supplication to God asking that the persecution of the Bahá’ís be ended if it be His Will.”

The Bahá’ís of the Miami-Globe area of Arizona garner strong news coverage with few resources. There are only seven Bahá’í scattered throughout a large area. They are running 60-second spots, called “Bahá’í Messages,” on radio station KIKO, and are using the same themes for newspaper display ads in the Arizona Silver Belt Newspaper. The messages have also been placed on the cable TV network on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

Bahá’ís in Northern Arizona combined efforts to place a half-page ad in The Sun newspaper in Flagstaff, headed “Peace is a Basic Human Right.” The ad stated, “Our future, our children’s future, and life on our planet depends on peace,” and extended an invitation to a public meeting about the peace statement at the local high school. Despite subfreezing temperatures, about 30 people attended. Channel 2 camera crews also arrived and broadcast thorough coverage on the evening news. The station saw the local event as an ideal tie-in to coverage of the Human Rights Day ceremony at the White House, which was the lead story that evening. In addition, the Flagstaff paper printed an article about the presentation to President Reagan. The Bahá’ís report that their rapport with the local press is getting better all the time. Persistent, consistent efforts pay off!

It’s nice to be appreciated! Audrey Balkenbush of the Bahá’í community of Coconino East, Arizona, writes: “Thank you for sending all the up-to-date news and helpful guidelines in approaching media. We couldn’t go forward without it!”

The Bahá’í Club at the University of Washington made a spectacular proclamation by placing a two-page ad, “The Promise of World Peace,” in the school newspaper. The ad included photos of the United Nations building and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice; the “Wage Peace” graphic with the quote from Bahá’u’lláh, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,” and an invitation to the public to attend an observance honoring the 40th anniversary of the UN to discuss the topic, “Realizing the Promise of World Peace.” Complimentary copies of the peace statement were promised for those who attended, the statement was summarized, and local phone numbers were listed for those who might want more information.

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Attention travelers

It is extremely important for ALL travelers, whether on business or for pleasure, whether travel teaching, relocating or pioneering, to contact the International Goals Committee before leaving the country. We may have information that is important and relevant for your trip. [Page 18]

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 denigrate another’s opinion or to 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: We who are members of the Bahá’í Faith are the "elect" for this day. Our destiny can be seen in these words of the Universal House of Justice:

"The mighty ones of this world have rejected the call of Bahá’u’lláh, and it is now upon us ordinary men and women that He has conferred the inestimable bounty of raising up the kingdom of God on earth." (Letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies, December 29, 1970)

Being such a unique group of people, we are like an island of hope in a sea of despair. As the "elect," we ordinary men and women must concentrate our efforts and financial resources on the needs of the Faith, which is now entering a crucial period in its development.

In another letter (December 18, 1963, to the Bahá’ís of the East and West), the House of Justice gives guidance in that direction:

"Let each believer in his inmost heart resolve not to be seduced by the ephemeral allurements of the society around him ... but instead to transfer all he can from the old world order to that new one which is the vision of his longing and will be the fruit of his labors."

I believe this means that we should contribute sacrificially those financial resources which we may be tempted to spend on the many "ephemeral allurements" offered all around us.

As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "Resign thyself to God! Content thyself with little of this world’s goods! Economy is a great treasure!" (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 375)

George Savitt Miami, Florida

To the Editor: Recently I had a chance to buy a copy of a new book, Ending Hunger—An Idea Whose Time Has Come, and wish to recommend it to the friends.

It is very good, probably one of the best, clearest and most comprehensive books ever written on the issues underlying the persistence of hunger in the world today.

The book identifies five major issue areas surrounding hunger: population, food, foreign aid, national security, and the new economic order.

I find it more than coincidental that this book has been published at the same time as "The Promise of World Peace," the major address by the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world. It contains much of the groundwork and discussion of issues that is necessary for the people of the world to work through, in the consultative process of creating the institutions for world order.

It occurs to me also that in addressing the needs of the developing nations, the problem of hunger will be solved as a natural part of the peace process. Both this book and "The Promise of World Peace" have their focus on the closing years of the 20th century.

Ending Hunger is published in the U.S. by Praeger Publishers, CBS Educational and Professional Publishing.

Laurence Rockwell Auburn, Washington

To the Editor: The Bahá’í community of Mount Vernon, New York, has devised a painless plan to increase the coffers of the National Fund.

Early in October, after consultation, the community agreed, for the benefit of the Fund, to "pick our pockets" every night.

At the end of each day we take our left-over loose change, spill it into our own special receptacle, deliver the contents to Feast, and empty it into a common vessel.

At the first Feast, less than two weeks after we started, our community of 13 members amassed $63.59 from our randomly collected pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.

The idea is so simple and effortless, to say nothing of obvious, that to elevate it to the level of inspiration or innovation is, we think, pretentious. All we know is that it works.

I hasten to add that each member has pledged to say the prayer for the Fund at least once a day. Clearly, we are assisted!

Doris Kuller Mount Vernon, New York

To the Editor: In December, The American Bahá’í carried an interesting letter concerning the Bahá’í stance on apartheid in South Africa. In it, the writer calls upon Bahá’ís to join him "in writing to our President to support Congress ... in demanding justice and human rights for black South Africans ..."

While I was moved by the spirit of the letter, I cannot agree with the actions that are suggested. My reason is as follows:

As Bahá’ís, we must speak out against injustice and inequality, but we cannot speak out against governments and their policies.

Apartheid is a government policy. And if we criticize it, no matter how much we are opposed to it, we are criticizing the government of South Africa.

This point is made clear in a letter of April 16, 1985, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice:

"Revulsion against the segregation of races, particularly as it is practiced in South Africa, is increasing, and the House of Justice appreciates that the friends ... are much affected by feelings of wanting to show how objectionable racial prejudice is to them.

"However, as apartheid is identified with the South African government, the participation of Bahá’ís in the demonstrations and protest activities of the anti-apartheid group would be construed as opposition to the South African government, which would be tantamount to involvement in politics.

"On the other hand, Bahá’ís could, and indeed should, support groups advocating the abolition of all racial prejudices."

Speaking out against racial prejudice is one thing; speaking out against apartheid (which is government policy) is another. For the protection of the Faith, Bahá’ís must recognize these subtle distinctions.

The writer mentions that Bahá’ís have been encouraged to write to their elected officials to help relieve the persecution of our co-religionists in Iran. Here, too, there is a subtle distinction, and once again the House of Justice gives us guidance in a letter of August 18, 1985, written on its behalf:

"... you ask what is the difference between Bahá’í appeals to various governments about the persecutions of the friends in Iran and similar appeals about apartheid.

"While we have indeed sought support from governments of the free world on behalf of our Faith, we have never called for political demonstrations to bring pressure to bear on governments. As Bahá’ís, we are occupied in obeying the commands of the Manifestation of God to build up the Bahá’í Administrative Order and to diffuse His Message throughout the world. In doing this we will use every legal method available to us to obtain recognition for the Faith. ...

"We will not, however, attempt to obtain legislation to compel non-Bahá’ís to obey Bahá’í principles, nor will we ever engage in subversive activities or advocate rebellion.

"The world around us is seething with unrest caused by the conflicting interests of governments, peoples, races and individuals. Each of these contending parties has some good and some evil on its side, and, whereas we will unhesitatingly uphold Bahá’í principles, we will never become embroiled in these internecine conflicts by identifying ourselves with one or other of the parties, however much in our hearts we may sympathize with its aims."

We must be in the forefront of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the masses, whether it be from oppression, hunger, disease or the like. At the same time, however, we must remember that the best way to achieve this is to gather these masses into the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

James Mock Evanston, Illinois

To the Editor: As our Faith evolves we must be ready and willing to abandon models of reality that no longer serve our needs.

One of these models is that of the "inactive Bahá’í." To illustrate the point, ask yourself what an "active" Bahá’í is when compared to an "inactive" Bahá’í.

The definition probably includes going to Feasts, giving to the Fund, serving on committees, being an Assembly member, going on all the teaching projects—the list goes on.

Therefore, people who choose not to do these things are labeled "inactive Bahá’ís," and they know it.

Now assume that you are living in a Bahá’í community of, say, 40,000, which isn’t far off. If the definition of "active" is as above, how are we going to have 40,000 people on committees? How will we then define people?

I suggest that the "we and they" attitude engendered by the model of "the inactive Bahá’í" not only has outlived its usefulness, but further that it has never had any usefulness.

Can we not, by an act of will, strike the term from our long list of Bahá’í jargon, along with "non-Bahá’í," and consign them both to the fires of eternal oblivion?

Yahzdi Taillon San Francisco, California

To the Editor: While reviewing previous issues of The American Bahá’í, I felt a great joy in reading the articles and news about the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota.

I had read about the project before going there this summer, but this time, after experiencing and observing the work of my brothers and sisters, and meeting the Native American friends, I had quite different feelings.

Each line in the articles now had a meaning, a vision, a memory that enabled me to remember a spiritual happiness I had felt even though I wasn’t there at that moment.

This time the articles were not merely news but were like a diary of my closest friends that I longed to read over and over. I am sure it must be the same for those who have taken part in other teaching projects.

So I want to ask my spiritual brothers and sisters to go to those projects, and I am certain that it will be the most precious and memorable time of their lives.

Behrad Majidi Lynnwood, Washington

To the Editor: About 50 years ago Bahá’í teacher Ruth Moffett passed through Wisconsin. After her talk, two people declared their belief immediately: Lucille and Clarence Creager had found what they were searching for.

You could say that this couple pioneered—straight to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where they continued with their lives, working and raising a family.

They weren’t perfect, but their intellectual and spiritual approach to the Faith has touched three generations.

It’s time we stopped to appreciate the little-known Bahá’ís like these who held innumerable Feasts alone, drove long distances to talk to another Bahá’í, and built the foundations on which the Bahá’í community rests today. I’m proud to be a part of their legacy!

Kimber Creager Richter Wyoming, Ohio

To the Editor: Robert Stockman’s book, The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, is an excellent source of carefully documented information, and fascinating reading as well. His creative research sustains a text that is sound in its thrust and focused in its purpose.

It occurs to me that Bahá’í communities at the local level (especially those characterized as "older" communities) might find in Mr. Stockman’s retelling of the early history of the American Bahá’í community the inspiration to write of the early history and subsequent development of their own community.

See LETTERS page 27

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[Page 19]

A short outline of the history of persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran

The following information is presented in outline form as a reference tool for Bahá’ís to better understand the context of the present persecutions in Iran.

I. Islamic background of Bahá’í Faith

16th Century—The Safavid dynasty establishes Shi’ism as the official state religion of Iran. Doctrines include the belief in the appearance of the 12th Imam.

1844, May 23—Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad of Shiraz proclaims himself to be the “Báb.” His teachings identify him as the expected Imam. He quickly wins many converts, including prominent members of the Shi’i clergy.

1847—The Báb is arrested by order of Haji Mirza Aqasi, Prime Minister to Muhammad Shah, and imprisoned in the remote mountains of Adharbayjan. Persecution against the growing number of Bábís erupts. They are considered to be heretics, and the shedding of their blood is thus lawful to Muslims.

1850, July 9—The Báb is executed by a firing squad composed of 750 soldiers in Tabriz and His remains were thrown by the side of a moat outside the city.

1852, August 15—Two Bábís attempt to avenge the execution of the Báb by firing upon the new ruler, Nasiru’d-Din Shah. Although the official court determines that they had acted completely on their own (i.e., that there was no conspiracy), a ferocious wave of persecution breaks out against the Bábís. As a result of the incident, Bahá’u’lláh, who was recognized as the leader of the Bábís, is imprisoned in the Siyah Chal (a dark, damp and foul-smelling underground dungeon in Tehran reserved for murderers and highwaymen) and subsequently banished to Baghdad.

II. The rise of the Bahá’í Faith

1856-63—Bahá’u’lláh becomes the recognized leader of the exiled Bahá’í community at Baghdad.

1863—Under pressure from the Iranian government, Bahá’u’lláh is exiled to Constantinople, further from the border with Iran. Before His departure in April 1863, He announces Himself to be the divinely-inspired prophet foretold in the Báb’s teachings.

1868—Once again under pressure from the Iranian envoys, the Ottoman Empire exiles Bahá’u’lláh to ‘Akká in Palestine, and orders Him imprisoned there.

III. Modern times

20th Century—Waves of persecution continue to break out periodically: 1903—Yazd. 1933—Publication of Bahá’í literature is banned in Iran.

1955, Ramadan—Falsafí, a well-known cleric, incites attacks against Bahá’ís via the government-owned radio. Army generals and clerics take part in the destruction of the National Bahá’í Center, a prominent landmark in Tehran. Attacks on Bahá’í lives and property spread throughout Iran; in a small village near Yazd, seven Bahá’ís are killed by the mobs. Less extreme forms of persecution of Bahá’ís continue throughout the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, the former Shah of Iran.

1979, February—With the overthrow of the Shah and the institution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Bahá’ís are once more subject to state-orchestrated persecution. Bahá’ís are not legally recognized by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic.

1978-1982—Prominent Bahá’ís are abducted, assassinated and executed. Mobs in rural areas attack, kill and force Bahá’ís from their homes.

1983—Membership in Bahá’í institutions is declared a crime. In an open letter dated September 3, 1983, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran in a spirit of obedience announces the dissolution of all Bahá’í Assemblies in Iran.

1982-1985—Evidence begins to mount that Bahá’í prisoners are being tortured to extract false confessions. Many Bahá’ís die in prison under torture. Various world agencies and governmental bodies condemn the persecution, including the European Parliament, the House of Lords and House of Commons in the United Kingdom, the United Nations, the Australian Parliament, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate, President Reagan, Amnesty International. Despite this, the persecution continues.

1985—Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations denounces the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for which Iran had voted. Iran is the first country to officially denounce this Declaration, which has the force of international customary law.

To date, at least 180 Bahá’ís have been executed. More than 700 others are in prison. Bahá’í children have been barred from schools. Bahá’ís have been dismissed from their jobs and deprived of their pensions. The family members of executed Bahá’ís have been required to pay for the bullets before burying the bodies of victims. The present situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran has been compared to that of the Jews in Nazi Germany in the late 1930s.

REFUGEE UPDATE پناهندگان ایرانی در اطریش

توسط لجنه محلی احبای مهد امرالله — لاهور پاکستان

خدمت فرد فرد یاران عزیزی که از طریق اطریش عازم ممالک خارجه شده اند.

پس از عرض تحیات ابدع ابهی لجنه امور احبای ایرانی در اطریش تقاضا دارد مفاد این مکتوب را بیک بیک یارانی که جهت ویزای اطریش بآن لجنه محلی مراجعه میفرمایند ابلاغ و یک نسخه از موارد مذکوره را با مضاء آن عزیزان برسانید:

اول آنکه احبای اطریش و محفل مقدس روحانی ملی این مملکت و اعضاء لجنه امور احبای ایرانی مقدم یاران را خوش آمد گفته و برای انجام امور مربوطه خود خود ساعی و جاهدند.

دوم آنکه الحمدلله تابحال امور اقامت و تهیه ویزا بممالک ثالثه بترتیب و نظم خاصی انجام و اتمام پذیرفته علیهذا تقاضا دارد از بدو ورود صرفاً خود را در اختیار تشکیلات امر به قرار داده از هر نوع اقدام و فعالیت شخصی بدون مشورت مستقیم با لجنه مربوطه خودداری فرمایند چه که به تجربه همیشه این نوع فعالیت‌ها منجر به تعویق و تأخیر امور یاران شده است.

سوم آنکه جامعه کوچک بهائیان اطریش تا حد ممکن از مساعدت دوستان خودداری نمیکند در عین حال یاران عزیز باید بدانند که امکانات مالی و نفری یک جامعه شصت نفری در اروپا چندان زیاد نیست. یاران علی‌الاصول باید مخارج مدت اقامت خود را خود بپردازند و یا از اقوام و نزدیکان خود در آمریکا، ایران و نقاط سایر دریافت دارند در موارد خانواده شهداء و موارد بسیار ضروری دیگر لجنه با در نظر گرفتن شرائط، وام خواهد داد که دوستان در اولین فرصت ممکن بازپرداخت نمایند.

چهارم آنکه دوستان از آوردن اشیاء مختلفه بقصد فروش بایستی خودداری نمایند چه که این مسئله بخصوص در مورد فرش‌های ایرانی اسباب زحمت و گرفتاری خود دوستان و تشکیلات خواهد بود البته همراه داشتن اشیاء مختلف برای بردن بمملکت مقصد بلامانع است. مضافاً بر آنکه فرش‌های ایرانی بهمان قیمت پاکستان در ممالک اروپائی نیز قابل ابتیاع است.

پنجم آنکه در اطریش فعلاً در هشت نقطه مختلف بکمک یاران و محافل محلیه محل سکونت برای یاران فراهم شده است که با کرایه بسیار مناسب و پائین تر از حد معمول سکونت نمایند. یاران باید تعهد نمایند که هر نوع تقسیم بندی محل سکونت که از طرف لجنه پیشنهاد میشود خواهند پذیرفت والا بایستی در محلهائی که خود کرایه میفرمایند سکونت نمایند.

ششم آنکه مدت انتظار در اطریش صرفاً در اختیار سفارت آمریکاست که براساس عددهای بین‌المللی تقسیم شده برای هر مملکت ویزا صادر میگردد هر نوع تخمین برای مدت اقامت در اطریش بدون اعتبار است و تجربه نشان داده که این مدت از چهار ماه تا یکسال متفاوت بوده است.

این لجنه امیدوار است با قبول تعهدات فوق و آمادگی قبلی برای همکاری با جامعه بهائیان اطریش ادامه استفاده بقیه احبا از این راه مسافرتی ممکن و تسهیل گردد.

با رجای تأیید لجنه امور احبای ایرانی - اطریش

NATIONAL CONVENTION اطلاعاتی در مورد هفتاد و هفتمین کانونشن ملی آمریکا ۱ الی ۴ می ۱۹۸۶

• محل برگزاری کانونشن: McCormick Inn, Chicago, Illinois 60616
• شماره تلفن مستقیم به هتل مک کورمیک: 6901-621-800-1
• احبای ایلینوی بشماره تلفن 1901-791-312 تماس بگیرند.
• نرخ هتل ۵۵ دلار برای هر شب برای هر اطاق با ظرفیت اضافه ماکزیمم ۴ نفر. با پرداخت حدود ده دلار میتوان تخت اضافه تهیه نمود.
• دستگاه یک و دو اطاق خوابه موجود است (برای نرخ هریک تلفنی تماس بگیرید). همه این دستگاهها شامل حمام و دستشوئی و محل اضافی برای خواب علاوه بر اطاق خواب میباشد.
• برای رزرو کردن بایستی مستقیماً با هتل تماس بگیرید. لطفاً در تماس با هتل بگوئید که برای شرکت در کانونشن بهائی ۱ الی ۴ می اطاق میخواهید ضمناً بایستی تقاضای تأیید رزرو را بنمائید تا مطمئن شوید که جای شما در هتل محفوظ خواهد بود.
• لطفاً (۱) نام همه کسانی را که با شما در اطاق خواهند بود ذکر کنید. (۲) اگر نیاز بایستی برای شرکت کنندگان علیل دارید ذکر کنید زیرا تجهیزات هتل در این مورد محدود است.
• هتل نمیتواند برای شما هم اطاق پیدا کند. این امری است که هر فردی بایستی خودش به انجام آن بپردازد.
• رفت و آمد با وسائط نقلیه - علاوه بر تاکسی شرکت Continental Air Transport برنامه روزانه رفت و آمد از فرودگاه O'Hare تا هتل (۷/۵۰ دلار) و از فرودگاه Midway تا هتل (۶/۵۰ دلار) دارد.
• یادآور میشود که هر یک از احبای بایستی حتماً با در دست داشتن کارت معرفی بهائی اقدام به ثبت نام برای کانونشن بنمایند. نمیتوان وکالتاً دوست یا عضو خانواده را ثبت نام نمود.
• فرم مخصوص مندرج در شماره ژانویه امریکن بهائی برای ثبت نام خود و اطفال و جوانان بمناسبت کانونشن میباشد.

کنفرانس بین المللی صلح INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE

بعضی اطلاعات مربوط به کنفرانس بین المللی صلح که تا کنون بدست آمده:

• هتل بین ۵۰ تا ۶۷ دلار برای هر اطاق (یا برای ۱ الی ۴ نفر)
• محل کنفرانس: تالار شهرداری CIVIC AUDITORIUM واقع در مرکز شهر.
• سرویس اتوبوس بین هتلها و محل کنفرانس برقرار خواهد بود.
• تهیه برنامه سفر هوائی به محل کنفرانس با تخفیف ۴۰ درصد در حال مطالعه است.
• برنامه های مخصوص برای اطفال همزمان با کنفرانس وجود خواهد داشت.
• تاریخ کنفرانس: ۲۸ آگست - اول سپتامبر ۱۹۸۶
• اطلاعات بیشتر در شماره آتیه درج خواهد شد.

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نامه آقای ریگان رئیس‌جمهور ایالات متحده به محفل روحانی ملی

PRESIDENT REAGAN’S LETTER TO THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

کاخ سفید واشنگتن ۲۷ دسامبر ۱۹۸۵

عالیجناب جیمز نلسن رئیس محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده جناب قاضی نلسن عزیز:

حضور شما و اعضاء محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده در مراسمی که در کاخ سفید بمناسبت توضیح اعلامیهٔ شماره ۵۴۲۰ و سی و هفتمین سالگرد امضای اعلامیهٔ جهانی حقوق بشر منعقد شده مغتنم بود. با ادامهٔ مبارزات در کشورهای مختلف دنیا برای حفظ آزادی و شرافت مقام انسانی دولت ایالات متحده نسبت به کسانی که صدایشان را با اعتراض به مصائب و ‎ناملأمات ناملایمات‎ بهائیان و سایر ستمدیدگان عالم بلند کرده‌اند وفادار خواهد ماند و همواره مدافع و پشتیبان آزادی خواهد بود.

اجازه بدهید مجدداً مراتب امتنان صمیمانهٔ خود را از پلاک یادبودی که از جانب محفل روحانی ملی بمن اهداء کردید و همچنین از بیانیهٔ صلح جهانی که از طرف بیت‌العدل اعظم صادر شده است ابراز دارم. از اینگونه اظهار حمایت و دوستی عمیقاً سپاسگزارم.

با تقدیم بهترین آرزوها برای صلح و سعادت شما و اعضاء جامعه‌تان در سال جدید و تمنای شمول برکات الهیه برای همگی.

دوست دار صمیمی شما رونالد ریگان

نامه‌ای از جوانان بهائی ایران

LETTER FROM A YOUTH IN IRAN

... این روزها و ساعت‌ها هر دقیقه‌ای که سپری می‌شود با چنان هیجانات روحی و درونی همراه است که حتی قادر به بیانش نیستم. تاریخ تجدید میشود با شکوه و عظمتی چند برابر از قبل. عشق طاهره شور طاهره نجابت و صداقت طاهره گذشت و فدا شدن طاهره اکنون در این عصر مشعشع و قرن بدیع در صدها نفر از عزیزان با عظمت و شکوهی چند برابر جلوه نموده اگر یک عزیز یک بدیع یک سلیمان یک قدوس یک طاهره و یک انیس یا یک ژینوس و یک مونا فدا شدند حال بجای هر یک از آن عزیزان قهرمان صدها نفس دیگر قیام میکنند فیا مى عاشقانه آن چنان عاشقانه که چشم و دهان به حیرت و تعجب باز میماند نمونه این همه شیدائی و دلدادگی و این همه ایثار و نثار جان و مال و انقطاع جوان پرشور و شیدائی است که مدتها در بند عشق اسیر است و چنان عمل و رفتار و گفتاری از خود نشان داده که همه در حیرت و شگفتی مانده‌اند همه آنانی که عاملین این عمل بوده‌اند خود مهر تایید بر صداقت و راستی و شهامت و شجاعت این جوان عزیز که نامش دل هر مؤمنی را به لرزه می‌آورد زده‌اند و این نیست مگر تائید او که از روز ازل قائل عشاق خودش بوده و هست. در لوح حضرت عبدالبهاء چنین زیبا و شیوا میفرمایند "... عادت دیرین آن دلبر نازنین کشتن عاشق و سوختن دل مشتاق است ... آن دلبر رعنا را خوی و رفتار چنین است چه باید کرد زخمش مرهم است و زهرش درمان ... پس چون او چنین راضی است ما هم راضی و شاکر و آمل استقامت و صبر و سکون و آرزومند فدا شدن در راهش هستیم."

منتخب اخبار

NEWSBRIEFS

• در اخبار امری انگلستان مقاله‌ای در شرح "وعده صلح جهانی" درج شده که مخصوص اطفال است و والدین میتوانند این مقاله را که خلاصهٔ بیانیه بیت‌العدل اعظم در یک صفحه است با اطفالشان مطالعه کنند. عین مقاله مذکور در صفحه همین شماره امریکن بهائی درج شده است.
• تاکنون در ایالات متحده آمریکا ۱۷۵۰ محفل روحانی محلی تشکیل شده که شامل ۶۰ محفل مناطق سرخ‌پوستان است.
• میزان عدد منضمین با امر الهی در سال جاری ۴۰ درصد بیش از سالهای نقشة هفت ساله جاری بوده است.
• بنا به گزارش کمیته ملی تبلیغ مهمترین پیشرفت در نقشه هفت ساله تنها تحقق اهداف نقشه نبوده بلکه ظهور و بروز طرحهای بدیعی در جریان عمومی روابط جامعه بهائی با دنیای خارج نیز از جمله موفقیتهای این دوره بوده است که در پیام رضوان ۱۹۸۴ بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی پیش‌بینی شده بود. یکی از خصوصیاتی که در تاریخ امرالله همیشه توأم و مقارن با نقشه هفت ساله جاری یاد خواهد شد خروج امر الهی از مرحله مجهولیت خواهد بود.

این خروج و آمیختگی بیشتر با دنیای خارج طی انجام برنامه‌های خدمات اجتماعی و اقتصادی از جمله پیشرفتهایی بی‌سابقه‌ای است که مشخص نقشه هفت ساله جاری میباشد. کمیته ملی تبلیغ اظهار میدارد که آنچه ابقاء میماند که در نقشه‌های بعدی میبایست تعقیب گردد ایجاد آگاهی بیشتری برای عموم مردم جهان در خصوص واقعیات اساسی شریعت حضرت بهاءالله و منظور از ظهور حضرتش که همانا تأسیس وحدت کافهٔ نوع انسان است میباشد. نکته دیگری که کمیته ملی تبلیغ بدان اشاره کرده است که در طی نقشه هفت ساله کنونی محقق شده کاشته شدن بذرهای اولیهٔ فرهنگ بهائی میباشد. مشاهدهٔ ورود پناهندگان آسیائی و ایرانی به آمریکا که مقارن با تشریک مساعی بیشتر اقلیتهای موجود در آمریکا چون سیاهان، سرخ‌پوستان، و اسپانیولی زبانها در خدمات امری بوده معرف این طرح تاریخی است که در عرصهٔ جامعه امری آمریکا بتدریج گسترده شده، مفهوم توحید و اندماج که محل توجه محفل روحانی ملی و لجنات تابعهٔ آن در سالهای اخیر بوده نه تنها شامل احبای ایرانی و آسیای جنوب شرقی میشود که در سالهای اخیر به امریکا مهاجرت آورده‌اند بلکه شامل تمامى افراد جامعهٔ ملی بهائی امریکا میشود و البته اقلیتهای نژادی مختلف را در بر میگیرد، زیرا ورای معنی ظاهری اندماج که نقطه نظرش نفی نفس جامعهٔ امری است معنی ضمنی و تلویحی آن اینست که کلیت جامعهٔ امری با تمامی عناصر متشکله‌اش بایستی مندمج در جامعه عمومی بشری و مقتضیات عصر در این برهه از تاریخ تکاملی بشری گردد و بتمامی در سبیل بسط و انتشار و تقویت اساس آئین الهی موفق گردد که صفحات اخیر عهد و ‎لآلت جلالت‎ عصر ثانی دور مقدس کور مشعشع حضرت بهاءالله را زرین نماید.

ابرت ... وفقهم على إعلاء كلمتك العليا و نشر آثارك في كل الأنحاء و انتشار نفحاتك في جميع الأرجاء و سطوع انوارك من الأفق الأعلى لتتوجه كل الشعوب و القبائل الى ملكوتك الابهى ... ع ع

برنامه‌های توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی بهائی

UPDATE, SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

استخراج از گزارش شش‌ماهه دفتر آمار و احصائیه مرکز جهانی بهائی بتاریخ ۲۳ دسامبر ۱۹۸۵ در خصوص برنامه‌های مختلف خدمات اجتماعی و اقتصادی امری در سراسر جهان.

در دیباجهٔ گزارش اشاره شده که نقشهٔ منشعبهٔ هفت ساله شاهد خروج امر الهی از مرحله مجهولیت بوده است و این مرحله بنفسها محرک ظهور و بروز آمال و مقاصد حقیقی اهل بهاء یعنی قیام بخدمت جمیع من علی الارض است. مراحل اولیه این قیام در سال ۱۹۸۰ شاهد شرکت ۱۷ محفل روحانی ملی در ۱۱۵ برنامهٔ توسعه اقتصادی و اجتماعی بود در صورتی که در اواخر ۱۹۸۵ هفتاد و هشت محفل روحانی ملی و دو مؤسسه امری دیگر مشغول رسیدگی به هفتصد و سه برنامه توسعه بودند. اغلب این برنامه‌ها در سطح محلی و بدون کمک‌های مالی و غیره از خارج طرح و اجرا شده‌اند. در نتیجه در جریان این نقشهٔ هفت ساله عدد برنامه‌های توسعه به بیش از پنج برابر رسیده که اغلب آنها از تاریخ ۲۰ اکتبر ۱۹۸۳ بوده یعنی از هنگامی که بیت‌العدل اعظم طی پیامی موضوع برنامه‌های توسعهٔ اقتصادی و اجتماعی را اعلام و تبیین فرمودند.

اطلاعات رسیده تا تاریخ اول اکتبر ۱۹۸۵ به دفتر آمار و احصائیه مرکز جهانی بهائی شامل برنامه‌های خدماتی است که مؤسسات اداری امرالله در اجرای آنها مراحل پیشرفته‌ای را طی مینمایند. ضمن این گزارش خلاصه‌ای نیز از بعضی برنامه‌های خدماتی ارائه شده است که گرچه بوسیلهٔ افرادی بهائی رأساً و مستقل از تشکیلات امری انجام شده است ولی با مفاهیم و مقاصد برنامه توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی هماهنگ هستند. اما این برنامه‌های خصوصی از آنجا که مسؤولیتی در قبال موسسات امری ندارند در جداول آماری منعکس نشده‌اند.

بطور کلی میتوان گفت برنامه‌های بسیار متنوع و مختلفی که بوجود آمده عکس العملی نسبت به نیازهای محلی بوده است حتی در کشورهایی که ظاهراً از نظر اقتصادی پیشرفته‌ترند.

نوع برنامه :	در حال اجراء	برنامه‌ریزی شده یا در حال شروع	جمع کل
تعلیم و تربیت :	۵۳۷	۳۶	۵۷۳
افریقا	۱۱۵	۱۳	۱۲۸
نیمکره غربی	۹۵	۱۳	۱۰۸
آسیا	۳۰۹	۱۰	۳۱۹
استرالیا و جزایر پسیفیک	۱۲	-	۱۲
اروپا	۶	-	۶
خدمات اجتماعی و بهداشتی :	۵۰	۶	۵۶
مؤسسات ارتباطی	۴	۳	۷
زراعت و جنگلبانی	۴۱	۱۸	۵۹
توسعه و بهبود اجتماعی و برنامه‌های متفرقه	۷۱	۱۰	۸۱
جمع کل	۷۰۳	۷۳	۷۷۶

• همه اینها در حال حاضر با حضور نیروهای بهائی هستند.

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ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به احبای الهی در سراسر عالم مورخ ۲ ژانویه ۱۹۸۶

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE 2 JANUARY 1986

یاران عزیز: انتظار و اشتیاق ما در روز ۲۷ دسامبر هنگام ورود شصت و چهار نفر از حضرات مشاورین از قارات خمسه عالم به ارض اقدس بمنظور مشاوره در دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی در خصوص فرصتها و وظائفی که جامعه جهانی بهائی با آن مواجه است در خاتمه کنفرانس مبدل به احساسات عمیق شادی و سپاس و محبت گردید.

این کنفرانس که از برکت حضور حضرات ایادی عزیز امرالله امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم، جناب دکتر یوگو جیاکری، جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن، جناب دکتر علی‌محمد ورقا و جناب کالیس فدرستون مستفیض بود بهمت دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی ترتیب داده شده بود و با دوراندیشی و کفایت قابل تحسین آن هیئت و مواظبت تام و خستگی ناپذیرشان در رفع حوائج شرکت کنندگان و پیشرفت کار کنفرانس اداره شد. این جلسات که مقارن با شروع دوره خدمت پنج ساله جدید مشاورین عالم بهائی و بفاصله چند ماه از خاتمه نقشه هفت ساله و افتتاح نقشه شش ساله تشکیل میشد در تالار ‎دارالتبریغ دارالتبلیغ‎ منعقد گردید. تحت تاثیر قوای روحانیه مقامات متبرکه و احساس وجد و سروری که از حصول انتصارات و شمول برکات الهیه سراسر عالم بهائی را در بر گرفته، جلسات این کنفرانس روحی بس متعالی داشت و به چنان درجات و مراتب عالیه‌ای از مشورت و روحانیت و قدرت نائل گردید که فقط خادمین جمال مبارک قادر به وصول بآنند.

رشد طبیعی هیکل امرالله که از علائم آن توسعه و پیشرفتهای قابل ملاحظه‌ای است که اخیراً نصیب جامعه جهانی امر الهی گشته در اهداف و آمال اصلیّه نقشه شش ساله به بهترین وجه منعکس شده است. بعضی از اهداف و مآرب نقشه مذکوره که افتتاح آن ۲۱ آوریل ۱۹۸۶ و ختامش ۲۰ آوریل ۱۹۹۲ خواهد بود عبارتند از: بسط عظیم منابع فردی و مالی امرالله، توسعه مقام و موقعیت امرالله در عالم، ازدیاد تولید و انتشار و استفاده از آثار امری در سطح جهانی، ارائه نمونه حیات بهائی بنحوی بارزتر و وسیعتر که خود مستلزم توجه مخصوص به تربیت روحانی اطفال و جوانان، تقویت حیات خانواده بهائی، و توجه به مشارکت عمومی افراد احباء در فعالیت‌های جامعه و غنی ساختن حیات فردی است؛ تسریع بیشتر جریان رشد و بلوغ جوامع محلی و ملی و ایجاد اتحاد عمیق بین ارکان دوگانه نظم اداری امرالله، ازدیاد تشریک مساعی جامعه جهانی بهائی در رفع نیازهای دنیای خارج، و تعقیب برنامه‌های توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی در جوامع ملی قوی‌تر.

رضوان ۱۹۹۲ شروع سال مقدسی است که در خلال آن جلساتی بیاد بود صدمین سال صعود شارع اعظم در سراسر عالم بهائی برگزار گشته با تأسیس میثاق منتهی با برگزاری دومین کنگره جهانی بهائی در مدینه میثاق جشن گرفته خواهد شد.

حضرات مشاورین عزیز که با شرکت در این کنفرانس کسب قوای جدید نموده‌اند هرچه زودتر با محافل ملّیّه در خصوص اقدامات لازم بجهت اختتام موفقیت‌آمیز نقشه هفت ساله و تهیهٔ مقدمات اجرای نقشه شش ساله مشورت خواهند نمود. قبل از شروع این مشاورات، محافل روحانیّه ملیّه متن اهداف کلی و مشخصات نقشه آتیه را دریافت خواهند داشت تا بمعیت حضرات مشاورین به تنظیم نقشه‌های ملّی پرداخته طرز تعقیب اهداف کلی نقشه را برای هر جامعه ملی تعیین نمایند.

این روش جدید که قسمت اعظم اهداف ملّیّه نقشه آتیه بتوسط محافل روحانیه ملیّه و هیئت‌های مشاورین تعیین و تنظیم میگردد، آغاز مرحله‌ای جدید در رشد و تحول نظم اداری آئین نازنین است. حضرت ولی‌محبوب امرالله دوره‌های متعدد و متوالی را در عصر تکوین امر الهی پیش‌بینی فرموده‌اند و این هیئت هیچگونه تردیدی در شناسائی این مرحله اخیر از رشد و تکامل موسسات اداری امرالله بعنوان آغاز عهد چهارم عصر تکوین دور بهائی ندارد.

حضرت شوقی افندی رشد حیاتی امرالهی را متضمن تناوب دوره‌های فتح و بحران تشخیص داده‌اند. فتوحات بی سابقه‌ای که در استقامت خلل ناپذیر احبای ایران ایجاد شده بطور حتم محرک مذهبیت و شعائر حق خواهد بود که نیروهای ما را آزمایش و تقویت خواهد نمود. یاران الهی در سراسر عالم بایستی مطمئن باشند که هر آنچه بر این شرع انور دائم الاتساع الهی وارد آید صرفاً شاهد بدون انکاری از عنایات مالک قدم و مبشر شهودی بوده که بتوسط مرکز بی مثل میثاقش و ولی امر محبوبمان پیروان خاضعش را آماده فتح و ظفر عظیم نهائی میفرماید. ادعیه و مناجات این جمع همواره همراه شما عزیزان است.

بیت العدل اعظم

بیش از آنکه مجمع عمومی سازمان ملل متحد قطعنامه خویش را در خصوص وضعیت تأمین حقوق بشر در ایران صادر نماید، کمیسیون حقوق بشر پارلمان اروپا از هیئت نمایندگی بهائی دعوت نموده بود که در جلسه ۲۸ نوامبر ۱۹۸۵ در بروکسل شرکت کند. در این جلسه بریاست لورد بتل Lord Bethell از انگلستان و خانم وان دهوول Van de Heuvel از هلند بیش از سی نفر از اعضاء پارلمان با نهایت همدردی گزارش نمایندگان بهائی را در خصوص وضعیت احباء در ایران استماع نمودند. از تاریخ انتشار اولین گزارش مخصوص تا کنون کشورهای زیر بیانیه صلح را مستقیماً دریافت داشته‌اند: آلاسکا، باهاماس، بوتسوانا، کاستاریکا، دانمارک، آلمان، گواتمالا، جمهوری ایرلند، اسرائیل، موریشیوس، سری لانکا، توگو، تونگا، ترانسکی، ترینیداد و توباکو، جزایر ویرجین، ایالات متحده آمریکا، ساموآی غربی و زیمبابوه. بیانیه صلح بطور غیرمستقیم به کشورهای زیر تقدیم شده است: بلژیک، جمهوری دومینیکا، فرانسه، آلمان، گوادلوپ، کامبوج، ماکائو، هلند و انگلستان.

جامعه جهانی بهائی دفتر اطلاعات عمومی - حیفا

توزیع بیانیه صلح

PEACE STATEMENT PRESENTATION

بیانیه «وعده صلح جهانی» تا کنون به سران هفتاد دولت و بسیاری از رهبران سازمانهای سیاسی، فرهنگی، دینی، ملی و بین‌المللی و انجمن بین‌المللی روتری Rotary تقدیم شده است. از جمله سران دولتهائی که کتباً پاسخ داده‌اند میتوان کلمبیا، سوئیس، فرانسه، دانمارک، و جزائر مارشال را نام برد. گزارشهای رسیده حاکی است که بسیاری از رهبران در هنگام دریافت بیانیه از این اقدام قدردانی نموده‌اند.

در ‎پزدیدنت پرزیدنت‎ ریگن این بیانیه را در محل کاخ سفید و در حضور اعضاء مهم هیئت دولت و نمایندگان جراید و رادیو و تلویزیون در تاریخ دهم دسامبر طی مراسمی که بمناسبت روز حقوق بشر ترتیب داده شده بود دریافت داشت. بیاناتی که ایشان در ضمن اجرای مراسم در خصوص موقعیت احبای ایران ایراد نمودند توسط رادیوهای بی‌بی‌سی و صدای آمریکا در سراسر جهان شنیده شد از جمله اعضاء خاندانهای سلطنتی که بیانیه «وعده صلح جهانی» را دریافت داشتند پرنس میکاسا از ژاپن بود که متن بیانیه را خوانده و در ملاقاتی بسیار دوستانه با دو نفر نمایندگان جامعه بهائی آنرا بررسی نمود. اعلیحضرت تافاهاپا نویوی چهارم King Taufaahau Tupou IV پادشاه تونگا اعضاء نمایندگی محفل ملی تونگا را طی مراسمی کامل و سنتی بگرمی پذیرفت و ضمن آن بیانیه صلح را دریافت داشت.

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLÁH

دوستان عزیز روحانی مکرراً سؤالاتی در مورد مقایسه و ارتباط بین تبرعات تقدیمی به صندوقهای محلی و ملی و صندوق حقوق‌الله به اعضای هیئت امانت حقوق‌الله میرسد بمنظور توضیح و تصریح این مطلب قسمتی از پیام منیع بیت العدل اعظم الهی مورخه ۱۰ شهر‌العلاء ۱۲۷ (۲۵ اکتبر ۱۹۷۰) خطاب به محفل مقدس روحانی ملی بهائیان ایران جهت مطالعه دوستان گرامی درج میگردد.

... مختصراً آنکه حقوق‌الله از تکالیف قاطعه شرعیهٔ اهل بهاست که طبق نصوص مبارکه بمرجع امر راجع و قرارش بفرموده جمال قدم جل ثنائه بعد از تحقق بیت العدل علی ما اراد الله تعیین گردد و احدی جز مرجع امر حق تصرف در آن ندارد یعنی آنچه از اموال نفوس بحقوق‌الله راجع و مخصوص است تعلق به مرکز امرالله دارد نه بآن نفوس لهذا یاران به تشخیص و اراده خود نباید وجوه حقوق‌الله را بمصارف دیگر رسانند ولو آنکه مصارف خیریه امریه باشد زیرا بنص صریح تبرعات و اعانات سائره باید بعد از تقدیم حقوق‌الله یعنی از اموال باقیه طاهره که متعلق به خود اشخاص است تقدیم گردد. امیدوار چنانیم کل بر این وظیفه مبارکه مقدسه که کافل سعادت حقیقیه و مؤید اجرائیات عمومیه اهل بهاست موفق و فائز گردند والله غنی عن العالمین.

لطفاً پرداخت‌های مربوط به حقوق‌الله را فقط به نشانی یکی از اعضاء هیئت امناء ارسال فرمائید.

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, Ohio 44116

[Page 22]

Trust releases splendid new edition of Divine Art of Living

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is pleased to announce the release of the new edition of The Divine Art of Living.

The new book has its roots in the old, familiar Divine Art, in that it contains many short quotations from the writings that focus on the spiritual progress of the individual in a warm, reassuring way. It will appeal to persons of any religious background who are looking for ways to enhance their spiritual lives.

Then why should one buy a new copy of The Divine Art of Living if one still has the old edition?

“There are many reasons,” says Anne Atkinson, promotions coordinator at the Trust. “One is that there are a significant number of new selections in the book as well as re-translated ones.

“The scope of the book has been expanded as well. It still has many passages on individual spiritual development, but now it also includes material on marriage and family life, child-raising, peace and unity, and the importance of contributing to the regeneration of society. The reader is inspired to move from the realm of contemplation to the realm of action.”

The new cover design, says Ms. Atkinson, is striking—a photograph of an open rose with silver stamping.

“We’ve given The Divine Art of Living a face-lift,” she says. “With its beautiful new cover and reorganized and expanded contents, it seems like a new book. But readers will find that it has all of the elements that made it so popular from the beginning—and more.

“It’s a great book to give to seekers, family members, and other close friends as well as being a special companion to Bahá’ís. It provides the loving counsel and support we all need to cope in the world in which we live.”

The new edition of The Divine Art of Living was prepared by Anne Marie Scheffer of Sioux City, Iowa, assisted by Terrill Hayes, Richard Hill and Dr. Betty Fisher of the Publishing Trust.

The new preface was prepared by Dr. Fisher and Dr. Robert Atkinson, the new index by Frances Worthington.

The new edition of The Divine Art of Living is now available, in softcover only, for $7.95. For more information, please see the coupon on the Bahá’í Distribution Service page.

Archives needs local researcher

The National Bahá’í Archives requires the services of a local Bahá’í who could do some research in the court and county records of Walla Walla County, Washington.

The Archives needs to trace some early Bahá’í families to locate important Tablets and family papers.

Anyone who would be able to carry out this research is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Association’s Pacific Conference to provide forum for lively exchange of ideas on peace

To provide a regional forum for the exchange of ideas on peace and to generate papers and works of art that represent a Bahá’í approach to peace, the Pacific Southwest Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies is sponsoring a conference on peace April 18-20 at the University of California-Irvine.

The conference theme, “Transition to a World at Peace,” is based on the following passage in the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement:

“The primary question to be resolved is how the present world, with its entrenched pattern of conflict, can change to a world in which harmony and cooperation will prevail.”

The Pacific Southwest Regional Committee urges you to take part in this historic event by submitting papers and/or works of art (that is, poetry, painting, songs and music, dance, etc.) for inclusion in the conference.

Those who wish to submit their work for consideration must first send a 250-word (maximum) abstract or description to:

Association for Bahá’í Studies, Pacific Southwest Regional Committee, P.O. Box 2924, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Abstracts or descriptions must be received before March 1; upon approval, the completed work must be submitted to the above address by April 1.

In any event, please plan to attend this important conference. For more information, you may contact the Pacific Southwest Regional Committee at the above address or phone Vafa Mavaddat, 714-856-1145, or the Spiritual Assembly of Irvine’s message line, 714-559-5528.

Veteran Red Cross volunteer honored at Linn County Rights Day observance

On December 10, 33 people including Oregon state Senator Mae Yih and 14 other non-Bahá’ís attended the third annual Linn County Human Rights Day observance in Lebanon, Oregon.

This year’s honoree was 80-year-old Peg Hatfield who has been a Red Cross volunteer since World War I, helped set up the Linn County blood donor program in 1949, the Lebanon RSVP program in 1972, and continues to serve her community through Altrusa activities and many other interests.

Also attending the event was county commissioner Carl Stephani.

In past years, the Linn County Bahá’í community has honored workers at the Sweathouse Lodge (an Indian alcohol treatment center), and the Senior Citizens Nutrition Program.

Lebanon has for many years been an extension goal of the Linn County Assembly.

Visit to Louhelen pays dividends

A visit to the Louhelen Bahá’í School last December by Victor de Araujo, the Bahá’í International Community’s representative at the United Nations in New York, resulted in an article in The Flint (Michigan) Journal by its religion editor, Betty Brenner, who interviewed Dr. de Araujo at the school.

The article mentions the presentation in November of “The Promise of World Peace” to the UN Secretary-General and how the Bahá’í ideals of peace and equality tie in with concepts being debated and considered by the UN membership.

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Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 ■ TEL. 1-800-323-1880 [Page 23]

UN to turn focus to plight of world's poor in 1987 with 'Year of Shelter for Homeless'

UNITED NATIONS

To focus worldwide attention on the problem of inadequate shelter, the United Nations has designated 1987 as the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (IYSH).

The impetus for dedicating a year especially to the problems of people who are homeless came from Prime Minister Premedasa of Sri Lanka who, in proposing IYSH to the 1980 UN General Assembly, said, "I see the provision of adequate housing as a basic aspect in the global assault on poverty."

According to the UN Centre for Human Settlements, one-quarter of the world's population lacks adequate housing. About 100 million people have no shelter whatsoever.

In developing countries, 50 to 75 per cent of urban dwellers live in slum or squatter settlements; within 15 years, the urban population in those countries is expected to increase by two million.

The philosophy behind IYSH is to secure renewed political commitment and effective action within and among nations to help the millions of poor all over the world to build or improve their shelter and neighborhoods and, by so doing, to make it possible to integrate them into the process of economic development.

Governments have been invited to nominate national action committees and to develop a national action program for IYSH.

In the U.S., "Housing America: Freeing the Spirit of Enterprise" is to be the theme for the year. U.S. efforts in behalf of IYSH will comprise:

A national information campaign to increase public awareness of national and international IYSH goals. Rehabilitation of declining neighborhoods and improvement of services to them is one goal.

A national awards program to recognize local projects to improve shelter and neighborhoods for the poor.

Involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the UN in support of IYSH.

A major national conference to be held early in 1987 to exchange information on activities.

From a Bahá’í standpoint, IYSH ties in with this statement by the Universal House of Justice in its message, "The Promise of World Peace":

"The inordinate disparity between rich and poor, a source of acute suffering, keeps the world in a state of instability, virtually on the brink of war. Few societies have dealt effectively with this situation.

"The solution calls for the combined application of spiritual, moral and practical approaches. A fresh look at the problem is required, entailing consultation with experts from a wide spectrum of disciplines, devoid of economic and ideological polemics, and involving the people directly affected in the decisions that must urgently be made.

"It is an issue that is bound up not only with the necessity for eliminating extremes of wealth and poverty but also with those spiritual verities the understanding of which can produce a new universal attitude. Fostering such an attitude is itself a major part of the solution."

For more information on domestic activities in support of IYSH and how your community can become involved, write to June Q. Koch, PhD., Domestic Focal Point for IYSH, Office of Policy Development and Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C. 20410.

United Nations logo for International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.

Sculpture in American elm pays tribute to accomplishments of Year of Youth

'Caretakers,' a sculpture by Steven Weitzman for the International Year of Youth which was unveiled October 23 at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

On October 23, the United Nations unveiled a unique contribution to International Youth Year 1985: three young people planting a tree, sculpted from an American elm, symbolizing the positive interaction of youth and the environment.

Steven Weitzman, a sculptor with a remarkable talent for transforming wood images into life, crafted the special tribute to the youth of the world by carving a 200-year-old American elm that had died of Dutch elm disease. The tree was the Maryland state champion and one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.

The unveiling ceremony for the sculpture, entitled "Caretakers," was held on the eve of United Nations Day.

Attending were former UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim and UNDP Administrator Bradford Morse as well as representatives from the Bahá’í International Community's UN office and Office of Public Information and the UN representative of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.

Bahá’í youth in many communities around the world have supported the tree project as their contribution to the International Year of Youth with more than 20,000 trees planted in the U.S. alone.

The sculpture will be permanently displayed in Washington, D.C.

Aneth's Labor Day gathering canceled

Although it has not been formally announced, many people are aware that the Aneth (Utah) "Bahá’í Gathering of Unity and the Oneness of Mankind" would be scheduled for the Labor Day weekend in 1986.

Because of this, we feel it is necessary to announce in The American Bahá’í that the unity camp-out will not be held this year.

We apologize for this, and assure everyone that, God willing, we will resume with a wonderful gathering already being planned for 1987.—The Bahá’ís of Aneth, Utah

Santa Cruz Bahá’ís open drive to bring peace statement to every level of society

Singer/songwriter Linda Arnold performs during a United Nations Day observance last October 24 in Santa Cruz, California, one of a series of peace-related events being sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Santa Cruz.

Responding to the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, the Bahá’ís of Santa Cruz, California, have begun a series of meetings and celebrations designed to bring the peace message to every stratum of society in that area.

The most recent of these events was an observance October 24 of United Nations Day, co-sponsored by the Bahá’ís and Unity Temple, a local Christian church whose members are devoted to bringing about unity in much the same way as the Faith.

An audience of more than 70 heard Bob Phillips, a Bahá’í from Santa Cruz, speak on the history of the UN and the future vision that Bahá’ís in particular have for the eventual unfoldment of world peace.

The event was held, most appropriately, at Veterans' Hall whose hallways are lined with old photos of bearded, uniformed men and whose display cases contain faded flags and dusty muskets.

Singer/songwriter Linda Arnold performed at the beginning and end of the program.

Everyone, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, came away a little more united and hopeful.

Bahá’ís present at New York gathering celebrating International Year of Youth

UNITED NATIONS

"Youth for a Better World," a celebration of the International Year of Youth, was held November 14 before an overflow audience at the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium at UN headquarters in New York City.

The event was co-sponsored by the UN Non-Governmental Organizations Committee on Youth, the NGO section of the Department of Public Information, and the NGO unit, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

It was a parallel event to the UN World Conference for International Youth Year being held at UN headquarters in New York. All UN NGOs were encouraged to send delegates, and eight Bahá’í youth from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut participated.

Taking part in an afternoon program of song, dance and drama from around the world were Canadian Bahá’ís Doug Cameron and Jack Lenz, the singer and producer, respectively, of the "Mona" video, who performed two songs, "Get Up," dedicated to the Year of Youth, and "Don't Tell Me It Never Will Be," dedicated to the International Year of Peace.

Following the song of peace, flowers symbolizing peace and unity were distributed to the audience as a gift from the Bahá’í International Community.

The opening address at the celebration was given by UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar. Also speaking was Mohammad Sharif, executive secretary of the IYY Secretariat.

Statements by various youth leaders were followed by a slide program of youth conferences and events that had taken place during 1985.

During the lunch break, discussion groups shared information on projects sponsored and implemented during IYY, and plans for ongoing activities on the three themes of the year: participation, development, peace.

Bahá’í youth spoke of their contribution to the tree project and the planting of more than 20,000 trees in the U.S.

Another item on the program also involved Bahá’í participation. The play "Destiny," presented for an audience of 300 by the Children's Academy of the Performing Arts, was written and directed by Barbara Eyges, a Bahá’í from Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Both the Bahá’í International Community and the U.S. representative at the UN were actively involved in putting together the youth celebration program.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday-Friday Phone 312-869-9039 [Page 24]

World Centre has need for workers in variety of areas

The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center, on behalf of the Department of Organization and Personnel at the Bahá’í World Centre, is in the process of identifying Bahá’ís as potential candidates for service at the World Centre for filling existing, as well as future, openings.

Anyone who is interested in participating in this special form of service should contact directly Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for an application and further information.

Please note that the World Centre is now asking the friends to direct all of their inquiries and applications to the Department of Human Resources at the National Center, rather than through their offices as was the case in the past.

Those who are considering such a step should realize that service at the World Centre is not employment; rather, it is voluntary service and therefore not rewarded by emoluments.

Those who are invited to serve in the Holy Land are all Bahá’ís whose devotion to the Faith is recognized; thus, in providing for their accommodation and subsistence, the Universal House of Justice relies on each individual to exercise restraint and an element of self-sacrifice in the expenditure he or she incurs for personal needs.

At the same time, the Universal House of Justice believes it is conducive to the well-being and work efficiency, both of the community as a whole and of each individual member, if every believer serving there is supplied not only with adequate food and clothing but with accommodations in which he or she can feel comfortable and relaxed, with opportunities for social exchanges and with certain facilities for recreation.

Beyond this, it is felt that it is important for each person serving a definite term or on an indefinite basis to be enabled periodically to have a holiday away from the World Centre and from Israel.

General standards and guidelines

1. Purpose of our work

Our purpose at the Bahá’í World Centre is to serve the Universal House of Justice in its God-given responsibility to develop and to govern the affairs of the Bahá’í world and to protect the Holy Places; thus, by giving the best we can in the way the House of Justice has defined, we may in some measure lighten the burden of the members of Bahá’u’lláh’s Supreme Institution and the members of the International Teaching Centre.

Working in the spirit of worship and sacrifice not only fulfills important principles of our Faith but also contributes essentially to the spiritual development of every individual believer.

2. Setting an example

It is essential that every Bahá’í who serves at the World Centre be aware that he should constantly support, through his general behavior and appearance, the unique image and the respect that our Faith enjoys in Israel.

3. Service at the World Centre

The characteristic spiritual elements of “Bahá’í service” apply at the World Centre as anywhere else. The different form of our service, the requirements of the present time, and life in this part of the world create an exceptional environment necessitating considerable self-discipline and adaptation.

Since we are deprived of the privilege of teaching the Faith, and the necessities of our daily life are largely taken care of, we are able to concentrate all our energy on the fulfillment of the purpose of our being here—to give our best service to our tasks at the Bahá’í World Centre.

The Department of Human Resources lovingly encourages any individuals who may have an interest now or in the future in serving at the World Centre to look over the following list of current and future positions there:

Short-term positions

• • Interns for Archives Office:** General clerical work related to archives material; individual should have office skills such as typing, filing and data entry; the work is routine but must be accurate; an inquiring mind and flexibility would be helpful.

• • Garden helpers:** Friends with experience in gardening are welcome to offer help in the gardens for six- to 12-month terms; extensions are possible for those with professional background; due to the nature of the work and local customs, only men should apply, except for work in the greenhouse.

• • Security staff:** The function requires shift work, physical fitness and the ability to learn Hebrew. Experience in security or police work is preferred but not essential. Only single persons should apply; 18-month terms.

• • Janitorial:** Includes cleaning work in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and other Bahá’í properties. Calls for considerable physical work; previous experience in cleaning or manual labor preferred.

Middle or longer term

• • Administrative assistants/executive secretaries:** To compose and draft letters and reports, conduct research, organize and maintain files; at least five years experience in high-level secretarial or administrative assistant positions, as well as in the Bahá’í Administrative Order; accuracy, good stylistic sense in English are necessary; shorthand, knowledge of more than one language and familiarity with word processing equipment are desirable but not essential. Urgent need.

• • Cook/kitchen supervisor:** Assumes responsibility for meal programs at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice including food preparation; supplies coffee and tea service; maintains standard of cleanliness and sees that supplies are purchased and stocked. Urgent need.

• • Curator:** To establish and maintain a complete record of the appearance as well as the contents of all Holy Places and establish preventive maintenance, etc., for them. Museology degree, or historical degree and experience in working at a museum desirable.

• • Carpenter (or equivalent):** Experienced in renovations, finishing work, new construction; good knowledge of concrete/masonry construction; should be self-starter and able to work well with blueprints.

• • Electrician:** Preferably licensed, familiar with electrical codes, particularly European; work involves old and new construction; ability to read electrical blueprints. Urgent need.

• • Plumber:** Preferably licensed, familiar with plumbing codes; work involves old and new construction in concrete and masonry buildings; ability to read plumbing blueprints.

• • Mason/plasterer:** Several years’ experience in all types of concrete/masonry work required; will be involved in renovations and new construction; knowledge of cut-stone construction desirable; ability to understand blueprints.

• • Iron worker:** Several years’ experience in fabrication of wrought iron gates, fences, security grilles and doors required. Should qualify as a welder and forge blacksmith and be able to read blueprints. Urgent need.

• • Painter:** Several years’ experience required in varied applications to wood, concrete/masonry, stone, etc., using brush, spray equipment required. Work involves restoration in old construction. Special qualities require meticulous attention to detail.

• • Auto mechanic:** Licensed/certified; experienced in all phases of repair including electrical, transmission, brake, engine, carburetor. Mainly Swedish, German or Japanese-built automobiles, but some English and French.

• • Professional gardeners:** Responsible for supervising garden work and training short-term help. Education and broad experience in either horticulture, landscaping or agriculture; knowledge of pest and general biological control is useful. Urgent need.

• • General office:** There are a number of positions at the World Centre that require clerical skills, fast and accurate typing, good spelling ability, knowledge of filing methods and office experience. Some experience using word processing equipment is desirable.

• • Bookkeeper:** Training in general bookkeeping and accounting procedures is essential; good typing skills and experience with data processing equipment would be helpful.

• • Indexer:** To review a variety of documents and record selected data, using video terminal; work includes analysis of subjects, writing summaries and teaching work procedures. The work requires good analytical and writing skills, basic typing and knowledge of the Faith; a bachelor’s degree or adequate general education is required; library and/or information science degrees, library technician certificate, or experience in these named professions is desirable. Urgent need.

If you have further questions about any of these positions, or would like an application, please write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone them at 312-869-9039.

We would remind you once again to apply for service directly to the Bahá’í National Center as requested by the Department of Organization and Personnel at the Bahá’í World Centre.

Statement from page 1

full traditional ceremony during which he was presented the peace statement.

In the U.S., President Reagan received the statement December 10 from the National Spiritual Assembly during the annual Human Rights Week observance in Washington.

Mr. Reagan’s comments during the ceremony concerning the situation of Bahá’ís in Iran were heard around the world via radio broadcasts on the BBC and the Voice of America.

Earlier, on November 22, UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar accepted a copy of the document from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, the House of Justice’s representative, at UN headquarters in New York City.

Direct presentations to heads of state since the House of Justice’s first report in November included those in Alaska, the Bahamas, Botswana, Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Guatemala, the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tonga, Transkei, Trinidad and Tobago, the Virgin Islands, the U.S., Western Samoa and Zimbabwe.

In addition, “indirect” presentations were made in Belgium, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Guadeloupe, Kampuchea, Macao, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Article notes Bahá’í artist’s Okinawa show

An article about an exhibit of paintings by Bahá’í artist Sara Lashmett Hatch was prominently featured in the October 20-27 issue of This Week on Okinawa, an English-language magazine that lists events of interest on the island.

Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Bahá’í community of Kadena, which is comprised of five American pioneers and their children.

Her paintings were shown through October at the Sheraton Okinawa hotel. The article in This Week says, “Mrs. Hatch, a member of the Bahá’í Faith, uses many of the concepts of her beliefs in her work.”

Mrs. Hatch, a graduate of the University of Illinois, has been painting for 25 years and previously taught art at universities in the Philippines and Korea.

Unity Feast in New Oxford, Pennsylvania

On September 8, the three-member Bahá’í Group of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, hosted a unity Feast for the Spiritual Assemblies of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Westminster, Maryland, as well as for several other Bahá’ís from nearby communities. Thirty-six adults and children including some from Iran and Cambodia and one woman from Jamaica enjoyed a potluck luncheon and a presentation of the ‘Mona’ video.

New from Kalimat Press

• • CIRCLE OF PEACE: Reflections on the Bahá’í Teachings**

Edited by Anthony A. Lee

The second in a series of new books which explore Bahá’í approaches to current social issues. Each essay in this collection focuses on an aspect of humanity’s struggle toward world peace: women and peace, human rights, war, and “What about the Russians?”

For Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. $9.95* paperback only

Order through your local community or send check or money order (include 10% for postage and handling Minimum: $1.50) to:

• United States only.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091 1-800-323-1880 [Page 25]

BAHÁ’Í CROSSWORD

Across 1. The person one marries 2. Deep affection 4. Everything 5. To be faithful 8. Opposite of "down" 9. The practice of morality 10. The behavior and conduct of Bahá’ís should always be ________. 11. To show regard and appreciation 14. A wise person 15. Abbrev: Hidden Words 16. Proper, worthy and desirable 17. Sound used in Hindu meditation

Down 1. Choosing a mate largely on the basis of physical attraction is being im________. 3. Moral standard 6. Abbrev: years 7. To fasten 11. A tattered cloth 12. The self 13. The sum of one plus one

Puzzle copyright © 1986 by Juliette Whittaker

The answers to this month’s puzzle are on page 26

‘Beyond Quest for Peace’ theme of Association’s 11th Conference

"Beyond the Quest for Peace: Creating a New World Order" is the theme of the 11th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies to be held August 22-24 at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.

In addition to the Conference itself, there will be an International Children’s Conference on Peace; an International Youth Conference on Peace; and a Bahá’í Peace Art Exhibit.

Five concomitant symposia on peace will be held August 20-21, sponsored by the Bahá’í International Health Agency, the Bahá’í Institute for Environmental Design, the Bahá’í Family Institute, the Bahá’í Institute on Education, and the Bahá’í Institute on Arts.

Highlights of the Association’s Conference will include:

• Keynote presentations by world renowned speakers including Ervin Laszlo of the Club of Rome.
• Addresses by distinguished Bahá’í speakers from various parts of the world.
• The annual Hasan Balyúzí Lecture series.
• A gala evening of song and music.
• A reception and dinner for dignitaries.
• Multiple presentations on "The Promise of World Peace."

The deadline for submission of works on the topic of "The Promise of World Peace" is May 15. The best of them will be chosen for presentation at various events and conferences and/or for inclusion in a special book to be published by the Association.

Submissions should be sent to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada, from which more information about the Conference can also be obtained.

An open letter to U.S. Bahá’í community from the Chinese Teaching Committee

Dear Bahá’í Co-Workers:

The speed of the unrolling of events associated with the development and progress of teaching among the Chinese race is so rapid that at any moment a new door could be opened to areas and avenues of opportunity and service hitherto unimagined and undreamed-of by even the most far-sighted among us.

Filled with the pure emotion of love for these people, assured of the unfailing efficacy of the one remaining healing medicine—the Divine medicine, prescribed by the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh, the Divine Physician Himself—and in response to the crying need of the time to urgently deliver this panacea to the groaning multitudes, we have disregarded our own impotence and all human limitations and have arisen to lend our eager share of assistance to the speedy progress of so precious a Cause.

It is in this spirit that we have decided to write to each and every one of you beloved Bahá’ís in the U.S. who are either interested in or already involved with teaching the Chinese. Our hope is that you would write to us and introduce yourselves and others of whom we may not be aware, and let us know the extent of your interest and involvement with these activities.

Moreover, we also request that, as the arms of the National Chinese Teaching Committee, you keep us regularly (or perhaps bi-monthly) informed of the state of affairs in your local communities as far as Chinese teaching is concerned.

We offer our assistance to you and eagerly await your positive response. With love,

National Chinese Teaching Committee December 18, 1985

Members of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City met November 25 with Herbert Rickman, special assistant to Mayor Edward Koch, to present the statement ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to the mayor of New York. Pictured (left to right) are Eliane Hopson (public information officer), Helene Steinhauer, Hussein Ahdieh (treasurer), Viola Wood (secretary), and Kambiz Hakim (chairman). Mayor Koch expressed his appreciation through Mr. Rickman for ‘this superb code which should be a guide for all nations and their leaders.’

Interview

from page 13

prerequisites for establishing a peaceful world and securing the basis of human happiness, and more. The final section contains 12 prayers for peace.

Mr Hill: The compilation takes the reader beyond arms reduction and a peace legislated out of necessity. It asserts the view that man has unique qualities that give him the power to establish a lasting peace. Many people feel powerless to help shape the destiny of our planet. We hope that this compilation will amplify our understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of hope for humankind.

TAB: By the way, what’s the title of the compilation?

Mr. Hayes: It’s called Peace: More Than an End to War.

TAB: We can’t wait to read it. In the meantime, you fellows look as though you need some sleep.

Mr. Hill: Sleep? What’s that?

NOW... NEW LEAFLETS AVAILABLE for International Year of Peace 1986

Topics: Spiritual Renewal ■ Equality of Men and Women ■ Universal Education ■ Elimination of Extremes of Wealth and Poverty ■ Elimination of Prejudice

YES... Rush my order now! @ 5¢ each

Topic	Number/ Package	Cost	Number of Items	Cost
RENEWAL	100	$5.00
WOMEN	100	$5.00
EDUCATION	100	$5.00
PREJUDICE	100	$5.00
RICH AND POOR	100	$5.00
ASSORTED (20 each)	100	$5.00
Please add 10% for handling ($1.50 minimum)			Subtotal
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Mail coupon and check or phone:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 • 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois [Page 26]

VIE Chart

from page 5

District Name	‘Starting Block’ Info (Membership as of 12/9/84)	Number giving	Percentage of participation	Current Month Info (Qawl) (Membership (12/09/85))	Number giving	Percentage of participation
Colorado NE
Colorado SE
Colorado W
Connecticut
DelMarVa
Florida C
Florida N
Florida SE
Florida SW
Georgia NE
Georgia NW
Georgia S
Idaho N/Washington E
Idaho S
Illinois N No. 1
Illinois N No. 2
Illinois S
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana N
Louisiana S
Maine
Maryland W/D.C.
Massachusetts
Michigan Mainland
Minnesota N
Minnesota S
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Navajo/Hopi
Nebraska
Nevada N
Nevada S
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico N
New Mexico S/Texas W
New York E
New York W
North Carolina C
North Carolina E
North Carolina W
North Dakota
Ohio N
Ohio S
Oklahoma E
Oklahoma W
Oregon E
Oregon W
Pennsylvania E
Pennsylvania W
Rhode Island
South Carolina C
South Carolina E No. 1
South Carolina E No. 2
South Carolina N
South Carolina S No. 1
South Carolina S No. 2
South Carolina W
South Dakota
Tennessee E
Tennessee W
Texas C No. 1
Texas C No. 2
Texas E No. 1
Texas E No. 2
Texas N
Texas S
Utah
Vermont
Virginia N
Virginia SE
Virginia SW
Washington NW
Washington SW
West Virginia
Wis. N/Peninsular Mich.
Wisconsin S
Wyoming

(New districts; established after 12/9/84)

S.C. Bahá’ís teach in Kansas in return for help in building Center

“SPIRITUAL Assemblies: We are willing to send traveling teachers to more affluent Assembly areas in return for help in raising funds for a much-needed Bahá’í Center in Florence, South Carolina ...”

In September, Bahá’ís in Kansas responded to the above ad in The American Bahá’í. As a result, four members of the Bahá’í community of Florence came to Kansas from October 26-November 7 and helped in the declaration of nine adults and 18 children in Kansas City, Kansas, and one more adult from Kansas City, Missouri.

In return, the Kansas Bahá’ís raised more than $800 to help build a Bahá’í Center in Florence.

The District Teaching Committee is presently working on plans for a major teaching project in Kansas next summer with help from the friends in South Carolina, thus continuing what is an outstanding example of the ways in which Bahá’í communities can cooperate for the good of the Faith.

About 200 people in Manhattan Beach, California, carried balloons that read ‘One Planet, One People ... Please’ during the 1985 Walk for the Hungry sponsored by the Church World Service, a coalition of Protestant churches that annually raises money for world famine relief with a 10-kilometer walk. This year, for the first time, Bahá’ís were admitted to the CWS planning board. The idea of carrying helium-filled balloons with a universal message was presented to the board by the Bahá’ís and was accepted. Bahá’ís took part in the walk, finding sponsors who pledged a certain amount of money for each kilometer covered.

The promise of peace The Challenge of ACTION Promote PIONEER PLACEMENT worldwide... The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Milwaukee Bahá’í architects included among paper’s ‘most interesting people’

Allen Washatko and Tom Kubala, Bahá’ís from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, a city near Milwaukee, were chosen for inclusion in Milwaukee magazine’s annual January feature, “The most interesting people in Milwaukee.”

Partners in the firm Kubala Washatko Inc., the two have captured the attention of area media and building trade associations with innovative designs for a variety of retail businesses in the greater Milwaukee area. They recently won the “Excellence in Masonry” award for their design of the “Valentina” shop at Bayshore Mall in Glendale, Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee magazine article mentions that Mr. Kubala and Mr. Washatko “are active in the Bahá’í community of Cedarburg,” and notes the master plan and ongoing building design work they have been doing at the Rabbani School, a Bahá’í-operated technical/vocational school for boys in Gwalior, India.

Answers

to crossword puzzle

Across	Down
1. Mate	1. Mature
2. Love	3. Value
4. All	6. Yrs
5. Loyal	7. Attach
8. Up	11. Rag
9. Virtue	12. Ego
10. Chaste	13. Two
11. Respect
14. Sage
15. HW
16. Good
17. Om

[Page 27]

10 YEARS AGO

The Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir is in the U.S. for several months to help with several important teaching projects.

In Wilmette, Dr. Muhájir addresses a capacity audience in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship. Focusing on the importance of pioneering, he stresses that the Faith has spread to every part of the world because of the sincerity and capacity of the Bahá’í pioneers ...

The National Spiritual Assembly advances by almost six months the deadline for reaching the international pioneering goals of the Five Year Plan.

Three hundred-ten pioneers requested by the Universal House of Justice must be at their posts by Ridván, April 21. The previous deadline had been October 1976.

The decision means that 123 pioneers must be recruited and trained within a short time. However, the National Assembly says it is confident the American believers will respond to this urgent call ...

On January 9, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum meets with the National Spiritual Assembly and speaks before another overflow audience in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Her consultation with the National Assembly centers around plans to distribute the film, filmstrips and slides of her “Green Light Expedition” to South America.

In her talk at the House of Worship, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum discusses the “Green Light Expedition,” a teaching trip through villages along the Amazon River, and praises the capacity and receptivity of the South American Indians, comparing the friends in those tiny villages to candles “lighted with the love of Bahá’u’lláh ...”

On November 8, all four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America conduct a deepening for more than 200 Alaskan Bahá’ís.

The Counsellors and their guests meet in Anchorage on the same weekend on which the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska dedicates its newly built Hazíratu’l-Quds ...

“Each One Teach One” conferences are held December 27-28 in Northern and Southern California, drawing about 1,000 Bahá’ís to San Jose and more than 750 to Long Beach.

Among the speakers are the Hands of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and William Sears; National Spiritual Assembly members Richard Betts, Franklin Kahn, Firuz Kazemzadeh and William Maxwell; and Auxiliary Board members Anthony Lease, Paul Pettit and Fred Schechter ...

The National Spiritual Assembly acquires a 20-acre tract of land in the Bahamas as the site for a future House of Worship.

The site is located and purchased by Mrs. Rose Gronsund, a Bahá’í from Wilton Manors, Florida, in consultation with the National Properties Committee.

Letters

from page 18

Mr. Stockman’s approach to his research could possibly be used in many instances as a guide or model for prospective local historians.

Of course, the local Assembly would have to approve the undertaking, and archival records should first be arranged in good order. Perhaps the local archivist might work on such research, or perhaps a believer with some writing skills and enthusiasm for historical research.

Even a group of local Bahá’ís could combine their talents on such a project.

Mr. Stockman is lighting the way. Individual and/or collective effort and initiative, and a dash of creativity, can provide histories that will be a source of inspiration and pride to Bahá’ís in towns and cities all over America.

Too, well-documented and intelligently conceived community histories can be a source of importance to future Bahá’ís and future Bahá’í historians.

Miriam Newman Wiener

Alexandria, Virginia

To the Editor:

Perhaps I’m a little odd. I do not see the “peace message” as a pep talk, even though it has certainly excited the entire Bahá’í world community.

I do not see it as a “tool” for teaching, although it is doing a whale of a job in teaching.

And I do not see it as a social and economic development message, even though its adoption by the world will be the greatest social and economic aid in the history of man.

I see it, rather, as an added dimension of the Bahá’í algorithm (love God, love mankind).

Under Bahá’u’lláh’s ministry, being a Bahá’í was essentially two-dimensional: (1) live the life; (2) teach.

Under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, being a Bahá’í became four-dimensional: (1) live the life; (2) teach; (3) be firm in the Covenant; (4) promote the Bahá’í dynamic, social principles.

Shoghi Effendi added a fifth dimension: Bahá’í administration. The Universal House of Justice has added a sixth, social and economic development, and seventh, which could be called promoting the Lesser Peace.

Other dimensions yet to be added could be (8) social justice with Bahá’í courts, (9) education with Bahá’í schools, and so on.

Each dimension is a function of the original expression and an exponential fraction thereof. No dimension is exactly like another, and each is an added quantity leading to the grand sum.

The peace message, to me, is a mandate to the worldwide Bahá’í community to light the first candle of divine unity—the political unity or, as Bahá’u’lláh expressed it, the “Lesser Peace.”

To do that we must help create an avalanche of world opinion, which will help the world’s leaders move willfully from “old world order” nationalism toward “new world order” internationalism. Until that first candle is lit, no other can be.

Teaching is an act of finding waiting, prepared souls. Promoting the Lesser Peace is finding those who desperately want peace.

One is a spiritual service, the other a social service. One is related to Bahá’u’lláh’s Throne, the other to His Footstool.

Fred Bell

Houston, Texas

To the Editor:

An incident that took place in our community during the Christmas season underscores the need to ensure that the beloved Persian friends be lovingly made aware of the status of Christmas as a Christian holy day rather than simply a western commercial or cultural event.

On welcoming one of the Bahá’í children to a class in her home on the Sunday before Christmas, the teacher, a lovely young Persian woman, asked the four-year-old if he was ready for Christmas.

The boy, puzzled, said he was not, and seemed dejected at having to answer a question he had been asked so frequently in recent days.

The teacher then asked him if he was excited about Santa Claus coming. “No,” said the four-year-old. “We don’t celebrate Christmas.” He wasn’t sure why, except that it had something to do with his being a Bahá’í.

Later, the youngster went into an adjoining room to play with the teacher’s son. As he entered the room, he was surprised and excited to see a small Christmas tree with presents underneath.

One can only surmise the confusion the boy must have felt when he saw the tree, something he was deprived of for reasons he couldn’t fully understand, in a Bahá’í home where his children’s classes were held.

It seems clear that the Persian family was simply unaware of the Guardian’s advice that “it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Year.” (Bahá’í News, No. 134, March 1940)

Moreover, it is apparent that, understandably, the Persian Bahá’í teacher did not realize the difficulties that many American Bahá’í parents confront every year as they attempt to overcome the siege of Christmas and the pressures of non-Bahá’í family and friends during the Christian holiday season.

It is equally apparent that if our Bahá’í children are to be successful in detaching themselves from the influences of the old world order, they must see unity and consistency in what is presented to them by their Bahá’í elders, and especially by their Bahá’í teachers.

We believe that a concerted effort to inform the Persian friends of the Guardian’s advice regarding the observance of Christmas would serve as a significant step toward this end.

The Bahá’í community

of Oakton, Virginia

No es la cantidad, sino el espíritu Fondo Nacional Bahá’í Wilmette, IL 60091

Aunt Fly

from page 4

maybe even poor soil that you’ve allowed to grow right under your own noses during the frolicsome summer months.

First, take stock. What needs to go? Don’t toss out; turn under.

Mulching is the recycling of nutrients for later growth—your own self-fertilization.

Suppose you don’t like those spending sprees when you splurged on buying candy, crackers or new clothes. Recycle those energies to the bedrock of the new World Order. Edge in God’s future flower garden with an attractive design in fiscal productivity.

What about the old vegetables of too many hours in front of the TV set, you ask? Again, recycle those relaxing, seated hours into loving consultation, writing letters, or reading the Writings.

As you begin cleaning up your own backyard, you’ll allow space for new growth to occur.

Finally, let’s not forget the soil of the human heart! Unless this is kept moist and rich with prayer and study, new growth has little chance of success and will be underfed (a common malady of soul soil in today’s world).

Poor soil and unmulched weeds are open invitations to the most detestable of fungi (very difficult to kill off), black spot, and the insects of idle diversion which hover like vultures, waiting to attack the weak and sickly plants in your backyard as well as those of your neighbors.

Well, Green Thumbs, a busy gardener is a happy gardener! You should have a fine crop by next spring, and the flower of your radiant acquiescence will be bursting to greet Ridván!

Please write and let me know how your gardening efforts are coming along. Bye, bye, dears.

Auntie Fly

(P.S.—Future issues will include helpful hints for all you cooks, handymen, seamstresses and interior decorators out there.)

Mary Preston, Bahá’í for more than 50 years, dies in Muskego at 99

Mary Preston of Muskego, Wisconsin, a Bahá’í for more than 50 years, died November 29 at the age of 99.

She became a Bahá’í in 1934 and was the first secretary of the Milwaukee Bahá’í Group before becoming an isolated believer in Muskego.

While serving as a nurse at the Osage Indian Reservation School in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1910, she met and married Indian agent Ross Preston.

Her lifelong interest in Native Americans resulted in the compilation of a complete study of the Indians and settlements of the Muskego area. She also wrote a history of the Mill Valley School.

Can you identify this family?

The National Bahá’í Archives would like to identify the members of this early Bahá’í family. The photograph may have been taken in Chicago. Anyone having any information about them is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

IN MEMORIAM

Sharon Berry-Ingold Godfrey, IL November 12, 1985	Arlie Mitchell New Castle, AL September 15, 1985	Grace Sugick Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown
Vernon L. Breach Post Falls, ID September 11, 1985	David Neal Newcastle, CO December 16, 1985	Gladys Thomason Greenville, SC Date Unknown
Irving Fiddler Mobridge, SD August 1985	Hazel Rinaldi Wells, ME October 27, 1985	Edward Thornton Silver Spring, MD December 4, 1985
Winnie N. Foster Palm Harbor, FL June 15, 1985	Alberta Robinson Macy, NE August 1983	Norma C. Tracy Urbana, IL November 22, 1985
Clare S. Irwin Healdsburg, CA October 1985	Laura Smithson Carmel, CA December 1985	Dorothy Wedgewood Walthill, NE August 9, 1985
Sophie Johnson Mobridge, SD November 1985	William Sherman Macy, NE 1985	James Welborn Henderson, NV May 1984
Doris G. Marston Huntsville, TX November 22, 1985	Versie Smith Prentiss, MS Date Unknown	Louis Williams DePere, WI December 9, 1985
Terrence McAtee Twain Harte, CA November 21, 1985

[Page 28]

Ads

from page 16

withstand the sea voyage, for example, cars, balls, whistles, airplanes, books, games, jigsaw puzzles, blocks, used crayons, animals (plastic, metal or stuffed), dolls. (Unfortunately, there is neither the skill nor materials to repair broken articles.) Please, no play-dough—the little darlings would probably eat it. Mark parcel Used Toys, No Value, and mail to Mrs. Rosaline Volney, c/o Tropicrafts Ltd., Roseau, Dominica, Windward Islands, West Indies.

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School’s winter-spring program guide can be obtained for no charge simply by writing to the registrar, Hermione Pickens, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or by phoning 313-653-5033.

CHILDREN wanted as campers at Indiana’s Nur’u’lláh Bahá’í School fifth summer session to be held at 237-acre Camp Kikthawenund, nestled along Pipe Creek in America’s heartland. Swimming instruction, Native American programs and an experienced staff will provide a Bahá’í community experience for all children ages 8 through 14. Families are invited to join us for the first session, June 17-22; the children’s session will follow from June 22-28. Children may attend both sessions or just one. Volunteer youth staff positions are available. For information, write to Roy Meyer, Children’s Session director, ‎LaPorte La Porte‎, IN 46350.

“PEACE Through Education” is the theme of the program and events for 1986 at Tagungszentrum Landegg, Europe’s first permanent Bahá’í school, near Zurich, Switzerland. Course topics include “Peace: The Decisive Role of Women,” “Partnership and Marriage,” “Facets of Peace: Religion, Economy, Laws, Language and Morals,” “Peace, True Liberty, and the Nature of Divine Law,” “The Development of Human Potential,” and “The Bahá’í in Everyday Life.” An International Peace Festival will focus on the role of the arts in bringing about a universal consciousness, while a Peace Forum is planned to establish a dialogue among public figures, scientists and artists. The second annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies will have as its theme “The International Year of Peace.” For a brochure, write to Tagungszentrum Landegg, Wie-nacht/AR, Schweiz (Switzerland).

ITEMS WANTED

I AM looking for articles, papers and information about Dr. Daniel Jordan and his work with the ANISA model. I am especially interested in any research findings on the application and implementation of the ANISA model in school programs. Please write to Marylou Krummenacker, Las Cruces, NM 88001, or phone 505-522-7834.

OPPORTUNITIES

YOU GOT the music in you? We need it! A Bahá’í-owned radio station set to begin broadcasting May 2 wants pro and amateur music about the Faith for “on the air” programs, as well as any radio shows that have aired in your area. Our programming will be 50 per cent Bahá’í. Contact or send to Patrick C. Labbe, program director, Pawtucket, RI 02860, or phone 401-728-7861.

Spiritual Assemblies: We are willing to send traveling teachers to more affluent Assembly areas in return for help in raising funds for a much-needed Bahá’í Center in Florence, South Carolina, the heart of mass teaching, WLGI Radio, and the spirit of Tabarsi. We have everything but money! If interested, please write to Anne Breneman, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Florence, P.O. Box 4323, Florence, SC 29501 (phone 803-667-1540).

THE REFLECTIONS Department of the Louhelen Bahá’í School is seeking persons, groups and Assemblies to act as distributors of the “Mankind Is One” T-shirts and sweatshirts. Distributors will receive at least a 15% commission. Write to “Reflections,” 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Excellent Sun Belt locations for retired couple or family looking for a back-to-basics lifestyle. Opportunity for rural family practice physician, school teachers (including driver education). Real estate is available at below market cost. Bahá’í localities are open in Safford, Thatcher, Duncan, Morenci and Clifton, Arizona, and Virden, New Mexico. For more information, please write to Elena Morrow, Duncan, AZ 85534.

ARTISTS, craftspersons: One of the objectives of the Louhelen Bahá’í School is to support the arts. We do this through various means such as the “Reflections” catalog, the Louhelen bookstore, the Rotating Art Gallery, and a new development, the Bahá’í Art and Artists catalog. If you have art work, a craft or design you would like displayed, promoted and/or sold via any of the above means, please contact the Reflections office, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

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

SPECIAL INTERESTS

BAHÁ’Í pilots, amateur or professional, airplane or helicopter, including all aviation enthusiasts, are invited to join an association to explore ways of serving the Faith especially in remote areas. Interested Bahá’ís are invited to send an outline of their aviation experience and suggestions about the nature of such an association. Suggestions for a name also are welcome. Address inquiries to New Era Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 1003, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5R1, Canada.

HELP wanted! Professionals, para-professionals and others interested in developing a network and educational exchange of the clinical and practical application of Bahá’í and other religious teachings on health and healing. Contact Carl Pomey, B.S., clinical nutritionist, Tahoe City, CA 95730, or phone 916-583-8212.

WANTED: contact with Bahá’ís who have experience in script writing for radio and television; acting; production for radio and television. Disabled friends as well as the able-bodied are encouraged to write for more information to Lori Fabian, St. James Hotel, San Diego, CA 92101.

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, years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A	ID#	Title	Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames
1.
2.
3.
4.

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:
House/Space #, Street or Description	P.O. Box or other Mailing Address
City, State, Zip	City, State, Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:
Name of new Bahá’í community	Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Area Code, Number	Area Code, Number, Name

G We receive extra copies because:

[ ] we do not have the same last name.

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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 contributes article to new book on women’s issues in religious education

Janet Tanaka, a Bahá’í from Issaquah, Washington, is one of eight women whose articles are included in a new book from Religious Education Press titled Women’s Issues in Religious Education.

Ms. Tanaka’s article, “The Role of Religious Education in Preventing Sexual and Domestic Violence,” addresses an issue about which many feel especially vulnerable and powerless.

She discusses misinterpretations in several religious traditions that have tended to condone violence and have helped maintain discrimination against women and shows how a greater understanding of scripture contradicts the former ideas.

The article encourages open and frank consultation in acknowledging and exposing domestic and sexual violence and challenges religious educators of all faiths to openly question any religious premise that is not consistent with what they believe and wish to teach about a loving and just God.

Ms. Tanaka has been involved in adult religious education for more than 20 years and has written and taught extensively on interfaith concerns, especially those of women.

The book in which her article appears is the first major volume to deal forthrightly with women’s issues in the religious education curriculum. It is presently being used as a text at New York’s Fordham University Theological School, and is available at $12.95 from Religious Education Press Inc., 1531 Wellington Road, Birmingham, AL 35209.

Teachers needed

Chinese-speaking traveling teachers have been requested to go to Panama to help teach the Chinese there.

The International Chinese Teaching Committee, a committee appointed by the Universal House of Justice, writes that enthusiastic plans have been made to reach this important group of 100,000 Chinese.

For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee at the Bahá’í National Center, or phone 312-869-9039.

The Challenge of ACTION

Promote BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS nationwide . . .

The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091