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Six Year Plan focus of historic World Centre Conference

To the Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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-Baháé Rúḥíyyih Khanum, Ugo Giachery, ‘Ali-Akbar Furdtan, ‘Ali-Muhammad Varga and Collis Featherstone, the Conference was organized and managed with admirable foresight and efficiency by the International Teaching Cen tre, whose individual members watched over and served untiringly the needs of the participants and the progress of the Corference itself.

Convened in the concourse of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice as the Counsellors of the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i literature; a firmer and world-wide demonstration of the Baha’i way of life requiring special consideration of the Baha’i education of children and youth, the strengthening of Baha’i family life and attention to universal participation the spiritual enrichment of individual life; further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Baha’i com

munities and a dynamic consolidation of the unity of the two arms of the Administrative Order; an extension of the involvement of the Baha’i world community in the needs of the world around it; and the pursuit of social and economic development in well-established Baha’i 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.

Ridvan 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, in the City of the

See WORLD CENTRE page 4

merican Baha’i

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

Volume 17, No. 2

February 1986

Changes hold great promise for future

Themes emerge from Seven Year Plan

New Baha’is During The Seven Year Plan 1979-1986

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

President thanks National Assembly for presenting peace statement, plate

The Honorable James Nelson, Chairman National Spiritual Assembly

of the Baha’is of the United States

Dear Judge Nelson:

I truly valued having you and your colleagues in the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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. | 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.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE to you from the Hand of the Cause of God Wil s is on page 3.

Assemblies has been formed, with more than 60 on Indian Reservations.

turn-around in teaching activity, and the number of new believers

Sincerely, Ronald Reagan December 27, 1985 REGULAR FEATURES Viewpoint. . 13 The Funds s 16 IGC: Pioneering. The Media 17 Youth News. . Letters .... 18 Education Persian/American . 19-21 Teaching. United Nations. 23

Distribution In Memoriam. .

The American Baha’i (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, $36 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL

60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor:

Laura E, Hildreth. The American Baha’i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith, Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black and. white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, 1L 60091. Copyright © 1986 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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

Another accomplishment is the 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-Baha’i world.’’ (Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1984)

In the Seven Year Plan, the Baha’i 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.” (Ridvan 1985)

Also during the Seven Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice called upon the community (Ridvan 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

4889

4267

2000

3922 as of 12/13/85

2695 2284

1980 1981 1962 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 Baha’u’llah to the problems facing society, which is the essence of Baha’i 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.

1983 1984 1985

1986

The efforts to establish a balance between expansion and consolidation

The increase in enrollments in the final year of the Plan is a dication 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 acceler ‘See TEACHING page 8

MORE THAN 70 LEADERS

GIVEN PEACE

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’ ap STATEMENT

preciation 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 Baha’i delegation.

A warm welcome to the representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly was also given by King Taufaahau IV of Tonga at a

See STATEMENT page 24 [Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i / February 1986

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Lt VIEWPOINT

Since last Ridvan, 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 Baha’j standard, and are now approaching their first Baha’i fast. I would like to address this open letter to them.

To my new Baha’i 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

by Ellen Wallen, Beloit, Wisconsin

Fasting: Spiritual bounty for one’s soul

stepping on a bathroom scale.

Unlike a diet, fasting is obligatory for a Baha’i, part of his Covenant with Baha’u’llah, 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 com

Austrian Baha’is welcome refugees, urge cooperation to aid resettlement

To Baha’is who are going to various countries via Austria:

The Persian Affairs Committee of the Baha’is of Austria would like to convey to every Persian Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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, sincein 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 Baha’i community of Austria, the friends can continue to

reach their destination through us. With warm greetings,

Persian Affairs Committee of the Baha’is of Austria November 1985

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

plete 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 AllWise.’ (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 Baha’is 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?’’

1 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-tomoment 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 stomach 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 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. i

“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 Baha’u’llah’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 spiritNational Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 3]

[Page 4]4/ The American Baha’i / February 1986

WLGI Radio capturing people’s attention

AUNT FLY’S HELPFUL HINTS

We begin this month a new series of columns offering helpful hints for ‘‘Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 ities. 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

See AUNT FLY page 27

WLGI RADIO

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

We in this country became even more excited and proud when WLGI—North America’s first Baha’j-operated radio stationwent on the air in 1984.

Added to this excitement is curiosity about Baha’i 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 Baha’ 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 Baha’i songs and music, present readings from Baha’i scripture as well as recorded talks and firesides.

WLGI does air Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah, 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 Baha’is, and readings from Baha’i scriptures and books such as Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era ot The New Garden?

World Centre

from page 1

Covenant, by the holding of the second Baha’i 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 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 “‘Baha’i’”’ programs. It’s unlikely even that most Baha’is would listen faithfully once the novelty had worn off.

Obviously, we cannot afford a radio station that only Baha’is (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, Baha’i radio must be different.

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

Baha’i radio stations are a new kind of Baha’ stitution. They are not intended to serve Baha’is 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 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 Baha’i institutions marks the inception of the fourth epoch of that Age.

Shoghi Effendi 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 Baha’i 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

The audience is the single most important factor in determining what kinds of programming will be on a radio station, even a Baha’i 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 Baha’j radio stations in South America, WLGI is in an area where there are relatively large numbers of Baha’is. Even so, the Baha’is comprise only a small percentage of the potential audience.

Usually, Baha’i 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 Baha’i radio station, in Otavalo, Ecuador, more than 30 radio stations can be heard.

At the time Radio Baha’i 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 Baha’i community, and were receptive to the Baha’i teachings, Radio Baha’i-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 Baha’i started playing a lot of music.

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

Baha’i 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 Baha’i in Ecuador.

While WLGI serves all of the people within its broadcast areathe 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i community itself. As the existing Baha’i 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 Baha’i development projects. As WLGI is the largest social and economic development project being undertaken by Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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, Baha’i radio stations have achieved great popularity. Within three years, more than 90 per cent of the potential audience was listening regularly to Radio Baha’i in Ecuador because the station is dedicated to serving them.

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

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

When Baha’i teachers visit those villages, they receive an immediate warm welcome because the people know that Radio Baha’i is their friend and servant. WLGI-Radio Baha’i experienced similar responses during the Project Tabarsi teaching campaign.

Like all Baha’i institutions, a Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i, 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, il i

Archives to compile

librarian resource file

The National Baha’i Archives is seeking to identify Baha’is 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 Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 5]Peace statement’s release galvanizes Baha’i community

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

This galvanization accounts directly for many of the recent successes of the national Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 5

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.

The promise of peace

The Challenge of ACTION

WLGI...

reinforcing hope

in the unity

of the human race.

Membership (12/9/84)

District Name

Alabama N

Alabama S/Florida NW Arizona N

Arizona S

Arkansas

California C No. | California C No. 2 California N No. 1 California N No. 2 California S No California Californi: California

Contributi ‘Starting Block’ Info

Nebraska at 38.3% leads 76 districts in double figures

Number giving

Percentage of participation

ns to the National Baha’i Fund by District

Membership (12/09/85)

Current Month Info (Qawl) Number giving

Percentage of participation

See VIE CHART page 26

THE FUNDS

Response aids pledge to World Centre

The American Baha’i 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 Baha’i Fund during the month of Masa’il. This encouraging response resulted in a total of $573,135 for that Baha’i 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 Baha’i community will go a long way toward filling this gap an ensuring that our pledge to the World Centre can be met.

rs

“The National Fund must be firnily established, generously supported and universally and continually upheld, for it is the prerequisite of future

progress and achievement.”

SHOGHI EFFENDI

TheNational Bahai

Fund

Wilmette, IL 60091

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]6 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

offers many surprises one never expects

Pioneering

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 forcefeeding religion.

Though Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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

Switzerland school open all year round

If you are traveling to Europe, you may wish to take part in programs at the permanent Baha’i 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.

OPEN GOALS

AFRICA (F) Mauritania 2 (E) Tanzania

AMERICAS

+(S) Argentina

(E) Dominica

(S) Ecuador, Galapagos Is.

• (F) French Guiana

Nene

AUSTRALASIA (E) Tuvalu 2

Total Goals to be Filled 13

• Replacement goals

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

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 i

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. | 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 Baha’i Center there and possibly one on another island.

Verna fell silent, then turned to look me in the eyes. ‘The Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 tour 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 Baha’u’llah to many countries this summer.

For more information about the project, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ists 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is, but had never taken the Faith for their own.

Unlike life at home, in Barbados it was not a question of which friends to spend time with. 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 ina 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 Baha’i Faith; I should know more.”

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

“What about meeting the Baha’is,”” 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 Baha’i 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 J 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 Baha’i, 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 Baha’u’llah.

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 iving 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 Baha’i 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.)

a Ne Learning to solve problems common to all pioneers is an invaluable part of each Pioneer Train ing Institute. The Institutes are

held four times a year by the International Goals Committee. [Page 7]YOUTH

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 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 _preyouth) guided by Baha’i standards and principles, helping each dividual to develop his potential for service, creativity and responsibility.

Non-Baha’i 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 districtwide 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 305-5841844.

The observance of the International Year of Peace will receive priority attention from Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Club and those without.

“‘We are hopeful that a majority of the nation’s university leaders will be reached with the state ment, 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 Committeee office.

“Other elements of the master

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 7

U.S. college leaders to receive peace statement

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

For example, Baha’i youth are being encouraged to enlist the active support of their non-Baha’i contemporaries in the themes of the peace statement and to interface with non-Baha’i 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 Baha’i youth,’’ says Mr. Lurie, ‘‘as we’ve been assigned special responsibilities for teaching and proclamation on an unprecedented scale.

“*Baha’i 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 Tyr.” t

Stories of some of the more outstanding .accomplishments of Baha’i 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,

New guidelines designed to foster growth of

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

ee ee

On United Nations Day, October 24, a tree was planted in memory of the martyrs in Iran by Baha’is 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, Baha’i Club adviser Dr. Clair Matz; student Swati Ojha; and biologist Dr. Dan Evans.

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

Youth Clubs

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 togeth

! Please send us the newly

revised local Youth Club formation kit. Mail the kit to:

Name

Community name

City

Approximate number of youth in community?

State Zip

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 Baha’i National Youth Committee to: Baha’i National Youth Committee, 1371 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313.

Standard correspondence course still available from Youth Committee

The Standard, a correspondence course for Baha’i youth, and now for adults too, is still

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 Baha’ is, (b) an unopened area, (c) an area that needs consolidation.

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

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

4. Attend a college at which the Baha’i 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 Baha’ is 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.

“T 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 Ican 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 Baha’ is in your immediate area.”’

available on order from the Baha’i 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 Babis 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]8 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

PLEASE PRINT

(Mr./Mrs./Miss)

TITH Baha’i 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.

USE ONE FORM PER FAMILY LIST ALL ADULTS ATTENDING

(Mr./Mrs./Miss)

(Mr./Mrs./Miss)

(Mr./Mrs./Miss)

Address so

Name

Name

ys pai, eens (

LIST ALL YOUTH ATTENDING

LIST ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING

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

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!

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

L.D. No.

=D, No.

1.D. No. _

Age Special needs

Age Special needs

More important information about 77th Baha’i National Convention May 1-4

‘The 77th Baha’i 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

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

The Baha’is 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 Baha’i community of Los Angeles and the Southern California Baha’i Schools Committee, who discussed the significance of Dr. King’s efforts to promote world peace and understanding.

addition to the bedrooms.

Reservations: Must be made directly with the hotel. Please be sure to identify yourself as attending the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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.

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

> EDUCATION

On December 13-15, the Councils of the three Baha’i-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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

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

Council members from the three Baha’i-owned schools—Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen—meet

at the site of the Martha Root Hali which is being constructed to help

Schechter; members of t) cils of the three Baha schools—Bosch, Green Acre ana Louhelen—and their supervising committees, the National Teaching Committee and National Properties Committee.

with the National Teaching Committee at the Bosch School.

improve the program facilities 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 Baha’i youth have taken a leading role in activities related to the growth of the community.

The Baha’i Youth Movement represents a concerted effort to live a life that follows Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah.

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 Baha’ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i community. Integration must take place—not in the old world sense of absorbing minority cultures in the majority, but in the wider Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah’’ that will follow ‘‘in the wake’’ of that Peace. (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come, p. 123) [Page 9]

Family

Unity Ee 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: Baha’i 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-RUZ, 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.”"—Baha’u’llah Prayer: Baha’i 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'tBahd, 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. ReJreshments: Using a favorite recipe, make a birthday cake for the new year (Naw-Rúz). Serve with milk.

THIRD WEEK OF MARCH—MARCH 21 HA-SPLENDOR). Thought for the week: “God has crowned you honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; “Abdu’l-Bahá. Prayer: Baha’i 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. Bahd’/ 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 Baha’i School in Michigan is the teacher, Mrs.

~ Ml 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)

> EDUCATION

The following article, reprinted from the British Baha’i Journal November 1985), explains the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to younger Baha’is (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.

Baha’u’llah 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 help us to learn. 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.

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 9

Peace statement explained for younger Baha’i children

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.

Baha’is 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.

Baha’u’llah 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 Baha’u’llah 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, Baha’u’llah 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.

Baha’is 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 Baha’i children’s classes can be obtained by writing to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. (Cost: $2. Make check payable to ‘“Baha’i Services Fund.’’)

Pictured are some of the Bahá’ís from Vermont who took part last ‘November 9-10 in the ‘Vermont

a na Wheaten < 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]10 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

Growth creates strong need for homefront pioneers

TEACHING

The growth this year in the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 t ing 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 Ridvan:

Jeopardized Assemblies (Membership in parentheses) Alabama, Northern—Jefferson

County (8).

Alabama, S/Florida, NWMacon County North (8).

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

Arizona, Southern—Cochise County SW (8).

Arkansas—Washington County M. California, Central No. 1—Albany (7), Lafayette (8).

California, Central No. 2—Tulare (8).

California, Northern No. 2Petaluma (8).

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

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

California, Southern No. 4 Lemon Grove (8), National City

Assembly goal (Seven Year Plan) Local Assemblies formed... . Assemblies on Indian Reservations (goal:

Welcome to these new Assemblies:

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

Seven Year Plan Teaching Progress

Green Sea, SC

Remember that although we have surpassed the goal of 1,750 Assemblies, we need to ensure this total at Ridvan 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 Ridvan are:

145 Fiorida 86 120 Oregon 66

. ‘unprecedented increase”’ 3,922 (as of December 13) Number of youth (included in total). . 1,080 (27 per cent of total)

South Carolina 1,819 NorthCarolina 161 A: South Dakota 241 Massachusetts California 229 Georgia

Texas 164

NEW BAHA’iS

Seven Year Plan goal.

Since Ridvan

(8), South Bay JD (0).

Colorado, Northeast—Com- 1,750 merce City (8), Greeley (7).

- 1,769 Colorado, Southeast—Beulah ++ 61 . DelMarVa—Sussex County (8).

Florida, Central—Gifford (7).

Florida, Southeast—Benbow (©), 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 ().

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).

na 104

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 Baha’i schools.

The program, which was tested last summer at the Bosch and Green Acre schools, provides a step-bystep 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

Baha’i Distribution Service.

Course lessons are: ‘‘What Is Teaching,” ‘‘Elements of Effective Teaching,”” “‘The Example of ‘Abdu’ l-Bahd,”’ ‘‘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 and instructor’s guides, simply use the coupon below:

eee

Order from:

Bahai Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois

Communities and group study; Be sure w order a work

book for each student along with your instructor's ytide

EFFECTIVE TEACHING | Numer} Cox Name of items. Wace Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea. City mi Zip Instructor's Guide _@ $2.00 ea. Bote 10% handling ($1.50 minimum) Credit card number exp. date total cost

(circle one) MasterCard / Visa

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

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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).

Towa—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), Greece 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, SouthwestPierce County Peninsula (7), Shelton.

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

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 Baha’is in the Los Angeles suburbs. Speakers have included Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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.’

WLGI introduces new ‘record club’

WLGI-Radio Baha’i invites Baha’is 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 fo the club!

WLGI-Radio Baha’i 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-timeonly 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 Baha’i,

Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977. [Page 11]TEACHING

In a letter of Riḍván 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 Baha’i 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 0 two categories, direct and indirect. ‘‘The one method,”’ he writes, ‘‘would as sume an open, decisive and challenging tone. The other, progressive and cautious ...’”’ (Baha’i Administration, p. 124)

In many cases seekers need to

12-year-old Baha’i named best student at Portsmouth school

Ryan Khavari, a 12-year-old Baha’i 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 ae! World in Orlando, Florida.

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 guidehim, ‘‘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 Baha’i 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 5 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 Baha’i hospitality, and ask all questions which bother them. They can feel there the true Baha’i 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 Baha’is, one and all ... to arise, put their reliance in Bahda’u’llah 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

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 11

No reason to debate methods of teaching

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

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415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091» 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois

[Page 12]12 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

Distribution Service adds items from new sources

DISTRIBUTION SERVICE.

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

In an agreement with a number of offices at the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

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 Baha’is use only the $3 presentation editions of “The Promise of World Peace”? in their proclamation efforts with public officials and other dignitaries.

“Tt 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is will understand the need to make our presentations of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ with the edition designed for that purpose.”’

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 cus tomers 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.

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 num

Completion of remodeling marks end of Publishing Trust’s restructuring

Final touches in the remodeling, of the Baha’i 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

Quan.

_The Advent of Divine Justice, SC

Baha’i Pocket Calendar "i Wall Calendar

—Baha’i Prayers, SC —Circle of Peace, SC —The Divine Art of Living, SC

NET price

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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 Baha’i 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.

ber 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 Baha’i 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.

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

Kalimat Press has announced the release of the second book in its ‘‘Circle’’ series on Baha’irelated topics, Circle of Peace: Reflections of Baha’i 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 Baha’i agenda.

“Circle of Peace is a book that attempts to respond to the new importance of peace issues in the Baha’i 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 Baha’is to come to grips with current peace issues; the writers offer their personal views based on their experience and their study of the Baha’s writings.

“These are not ‘official’ Baha’i positions, nor do they represent the thinking of all Baha’is,’’ he adds. ‘‘In fact, the authors of the

($1.50 minimum for postage)

Amt. Quan. Amt. $8.00 "The Hidden Words of Bahd’u'lláh, HC $6.00 20,00 The Hidden Words of Bahá’v'tlah, SC 3:50 10.00 iod, Guide Me, SC 3.75 2.00 _ Promise of World Peace—Study Ed., SC 15, 10/185 Promise of World Peace—Pres. Ed., SC 3.00 1.25 Promise of World Peace—Deluxe Ed, HC 30.00 7.90 —Per: Promise of World Peace, SC 60 CARD NO. 3.75 Span: Promeza de Paz Mundial, SC 1.00 9.95 _—Unrestrained as the Wind, SC 1.95 7.95 _Unto Him Shall We Return, SC 79s Name Address City

Prices good through March 31, 1986

Baha’ Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE

WILMETTE, IL 60091

Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312251-1854 (within Illinois).

TAB 2/86

Total plus 10 per cent postage

Enclose a check for the full amount, or

VISA/MC (CIRCLE ONE) EXP. DATE —___

Prices good through February 28, 1986

essays in this collection disagree among themselves on a number of points.

“*Together, the essays represent only the beginning of a dialogue among Baha’is 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, Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Service for the Blind. For information, write to Baha’i Service for the Blind, 3110 East Lester St., Tucson, AZ 85716.

State Zip

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[Page 13]The Creative Word

Guardian a master

at shedding new light

on Creative Word

ee ih

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 Jus

tice he wrote

“I can do no better ...

. than to direct your special atten tion, 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i community—its successes, responsi

lities and glori ous 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 Baha’u’llah he lovingly places before us in the context of his elaboration of Baha’u’llah’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 Ayyam-i-Ha and Naw-Rúz For children:

O God, Guide Me!; O God, My God (English and Persian); 1 Am a Baha’i; Special Strengths; B.J. and the Language of the Woodland; Zahra’s Search; Fly Away Home; The Spotlessly Leopard; The Secret in the Garden; Happy Ayydm-i-Ha! (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!; Baha’i Prayers (new edition); Youth in the Vanguard; The Advent of Divine Justice; Baha’i calendars for 143 B.E.; Bahá’í DayBook.

For adults:

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

All books, calendars, records and cassettes can be ordered from the Baha’i Distribution Service. Subscriptions to Baha’i News and World Order may be ordered from Subscriber Service, Baha’i 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 Ayyam-i-Ha 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 Baha’i

How to order

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

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

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 Baha’i 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.

PUBLISHING TRUST

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The American Baha’i recently conducted an interview with Terrill Hayes and Richard Hill of the Baha’i 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

Thank you!

The Baha’i 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 Baha’i.

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 13

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

Publishing Trust staff members Terrill Hayes (left) and Richard

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 sights 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

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 Ayyém-i-Ha, according to Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Baha’i 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 Baha’i Distribution Service.

T \ |

sent ef

Al, the end P| February is here.

Krow what that means

Hill typically hard at work on the new peace compilation.

that we might approach the right nuances.

TAB: What uses for the book do you foresee?

Mr. Hayes: For the first time the reader—Baha’i or non-Baha’i—will find a comprehensive selection from the writings on peace all in one book. They’ll be able to connect the various dimensions of Bahd’u’ll4h’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 Baha’ schools and institutes can use it as a resource.

And, perhaps most significantly, it will appeal also to non-Baha’is who will be amazed by the depth of what the Baha’i teachings have to offer. It’s not a book of warm fuzzies; it presents a strong statement about how weyou, 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: 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

See INTERVIEW page 25

What is its expected [Page 14]

NESS EE a PO EES

Baha’i Distribution Service Price List February 1986 1 Wellspring of Guldance me 9,00 Baha’ Distribution Service Wellspring of Gufdance sc 4,00 “ANS Linden Avenue Wit and Testament of ‘AbGu'T-Rabs sc 128 3 World Order of Rahé'u'T 6h Re 11,00 Wilmette, IL 60091 World Order of Bahá*u' 18h sc 6.50 800-323-1880 BO Comp! tat on: 312-251-1854 (in Illinois) America's Spiritual Destiny 2.50 Price List: February 1986 Bahá!{ DavBook se 2375 Rand'f Marriage and Fantly Live so 175 EScplanatiged ot ebro ve tiSee ald ty bous Rand" { Meet ings/the 19 Day Feast sc 2,00 Rand't Pravers He 7.50 Rand'{ Prayers 375 + = on order LT = Lishtwetsht Batttion Bané'{ Readings sc 5.50

1. = Net (no d{scount) PA = Pamphlet Bahá'{ Readings--Leather nC (15.00

CA = Calender PER = Perstan Band" Writings on Music sc 250 cS = Cassette PP = Photograph or Lithograph Bahfyyth Khfnum: Greatest Holy Leaf He 10.00 WD = Folder PR = Poster Banfyyih Khánum: Greatest Roly Leaf sc 5.00 Gt = Gane PS. = Pocket-stzed Fattion Centers of Rahé'{ Learning sc 1.50 HC = Hardcover SC = Softcover Consultation Compt at fon sc 1.50 LP = Record SPN = Spantsh Continenta! Roards of Counselors 3,00 Days to Renenber sc 7.00 vre = Wigeotare Death: The Messenger of Joy sc 3.00 Desire of the World so 5.25 Divine Art of Living so 7.95" Bahd'u'lláh, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoght Excellence in All Things sc 2.00 Effendt, and the Universal House of Justice Teportance of Deepening s 2.00 Individual and Teaching sc 150 Inspiring the Heart 9.00 Title Type Price Inspiring the Heart sc 4.50 Lights of Gutdance RC 20.00 HC $13.50 Living the Life sc 2.00 Avent of Divine Justice HC 12.00 Local Spiritust Assesbly x 50 Advent of Divine Justice SC 8.00 Miphey River sc, = iso Call to the Nattons HC 6.00 attonat Sptrftual Assesbiy sc 1,00 Citadel of Fatth ict E7100. patie oF Bandit Life see = doo Constitution: Universal House of Justice SC 1.50 power of Divine Assistance sc 2.00 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf We 12,00 Principles of Rahé'{ Administration sc 4,00 Foundations of orld Untty’ HC 10.00 Qutekeners of Mankind sc 1,00 Gleanings fron the Writings of Bané"u'Il& HC Spéclat Heasure OF Love s 1.00 Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'1lsh PS Spirttuat Foundat fons sc 1,00 Hidden Words of Bahá'u'11&h We Universal House of Justice sc 3.50Hidden Words of Ban6'u'116h sc Unrestrained As the Wind sc 7.95 Kitáb-{-Tqin He Unto Him ShaH We Return st 7.98 Kitáb-t-Iqin Ps 3.75 Waging Peace se 7.93 Light of Divine Gutdance ee 21008, sear cP a 1.00 Light of Divine Gutdance, Volume 2 He 14.008 Menortals of the Fetthfut HC 10.00 etek Ticied Messages to the Bahá'{ World we 10,00 Messages from the Universal House of Justice HC 9.00 411 Flags Flying sc 20,00 Mensages from the Universal House of Justice SC 4.00 alt Flags Flving sc 10.00 Parts Talks St, 5100 = Another Son, Another Season s 2.00 Prayers and Medttations--Britieh Edition HC 11,00 Ra. Herald of the Tay nf Days He 11.95 Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh HC 7.50 Bahá'{ Challenge fod 20.008 Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh sc 3.00% BahS'{ Faith in America: 1892-1900 AC 19.95 Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition SC 3,00 ahf"{ Faith: The Frerning Global Religion HC 14.98 Promise of World Peace--Study Edition sc 75 Bahá'{ Fatth--Perkins and Haynesworth sc 2.00 Promised Day Is Cone HC 8.00 Bahd'{ Focus on Human Rights sc. 3.50 Promulgation of Untversal Peace HC 16.00 Baha’i Proofs RC 16.00 Secret of Mvine Civiltzatton HC 11,50 _Bahd'£ Studtes Notebook: Conference on Health SC 6.50 Selected Writings of BahA'u'I1éh HC 10.00 Bah" Studies Notebook: Development sc 6.50 Selected Uritings of Bahá'u'!1én SC 1,00 __Bahd"f Studies Kotebook: Heath sc 6.50 Selected Writings of Shoght Effendi SC 1,00 —-Rahd'f Studies Notebook: Marriage sc 6.50 Selections fron the Writings of ‘Abéu'-Rahé HC 12.50 ‘Rahd"{ Studies 6: Violence-Free Soctety SC_—«5.00 Selections from che Writings of ‘Abdu'I-Rahé SC 6.00 -BahA"{ Studfes 17/13: Persecution 1R4s-19R SC 5,00 Selections fron the Writings of ‘Abdu'I-Rahé LT 6,00 —_‘Bahá'{ World Volunes 1-19 (set) Re 200,008 Selections from the Writings of the Báb RC 10,00 Baha’i World: oiune 13 (X17) Re 77,00 Selections from the lritings of the Báb LT 6.00 Bah" World: Volume 16 (XIV) Be 16.00 Seven Year Plan--1981 SC 150. Ran" World: Volune 15 (XV) He 17.50 Some Answered Questions: HC 14.00 Bahd'{ World: Volume 16 (XVT) aC 20.00 Sone Answered Questions PS 3.75. Bahd'{ World: Volure 17 (XVI1) Fe 72.50 Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas HC 2.50 Bahd'u'll&h: King of Glory HC 2.00 Tablets of Bahs'a'126h RO 12,00 —Rahtu'114h and the New Fra xc 10,00 Tablets of Bahá'u'I1sh TT 6,00 —-BahS'u'116% and the Kew Fra sc 278 Teblets of the Divine Plan SC 5.00. —-Bahá'ullAh: The Word Made Flesh sc 395 ‘Traveler's Narrative HC 10.00 Christ and Bahá’u’lláh sc 2.95 Traveler's Rarrative SC 5.00 _Cirele of Peace sc 9.958 Unfolding Destiny HC 63,50® —Ctrele of Unity 9.95

Baha’i Distribution Service Price List February 1986 2 Commentary: Will & Testanent of ‘Abdu'l-Rahh SC 7.75. Story Of Mone sc 5.00

Concordance to the Hidden Words SC 2.50 Story of My Heart sc 7.50

Consultation: Lamp of- Guidance NC 9.95. Studies tm BADE and BanS"t Htstory RC 19.95

Consultation: Lamp of Guidance SC 4.95 Studies tn BADE and BahS'{ History, Vol. 2 EC 19.95

Crom of Reauty sc 9.75. ‘Téhtrih the Pure He 10.95

Datly Lessons Received at ‘Akks sc 6.00 Teaching the Baha’i Fatch sc 4.35

Dawn-Breakers--Rritish Feition HC 14.00 Ten Days in the Light of "Akká sc 6.00

Dawn Over Mount ira HC 4.50 These Perspicuous Verses sc 4.50

Dawning Place HC 21,00 Thief {n the Night sc 2.95

Dawning Place SC 13.00 To Move the World sc 8.50

Dawning Place of the Pactfic sc 8,00" 239 Days Nc 10.00

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA SC 1.00 Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu'l-Bané sc 5.95

Deepening Packet for New Believers FD 4,00“ Wine of Astonishnent sc 7.75

Mary of Juliet Tompson sc 9.95 Witness of Pebbles sc 5.95

Door of Hope SC 9.75 Youth in the Vanguard Hc 10.00 E.G. Browne and the Rahé'{ Faith He 12,95

Earth Ts But One Country sc 8.00 Cntidren and Youth

Eminent Bahá'{s in the Tine of Rahé'u'llh HC 28.508

Eminent Bahá"{s in the Tine of Bahá'u'Ii4h SC_-15.95* Anthology for the BahA'{ Chile sc 3.00* For the Good of Mankind HC 10.95 BL J. and the Language of the Woodland sc. 3.75 For the Good of Mankind SC 4.95 -Baha’i Prayers and Tablets for the Young we 5.00 Fortress for Well-Retng--Cift Fastton RC 12,00 ‘Birth of the Baha’i Faith sc 1.00 Four on an Tsland sc 4.50 Dfamond {n the Darkness scan 3530 Fron the Auroral Darkness SC 9.95 Dragons of Rizvanta nc 8.95 From Copper to Gold HC: 15.95 Fly Away Home sc 5.25

Fron Copper to Cold sc 7.95 From Behind the Vetl scmees.75

From Discontent SC 5.95 T Ama Bané'{--Sunflower Set ? sc 5.95

From Strength to Strength sc 2.00 Magnified Be Thy Name HC 5.50 George Toxnshend sc 9.50 Mull& Husayn sc 3.50 God Loves Laughter sc 5.50 My Baby Book RC 5.00 He Loved and Served sc 6.50 My Name Is Nab{1 ne 6.00 Heart of the Gospe? sc 2.75 Mine Holy Days sc 3.50 Imperishable Dominion sc 8.75 O God, My God Ld 6.00 In Galilee AC 7.95 Queaés: sc 3.50 In Search of Nirvana pa eles a letuge wel tie Gave sc 5.50% In Search of Nirvana sc 3.50 Remember My Days sc 4.50

Tran's Secret Pogrom sc 3.50 Remember the Rainbow se 3.95

Letters & Essays: Mirca Abu'l-Fadl HC 11,98 Second Btreh sc 4,50" Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto HC 26.50 Secret in the Garden ‘WC 5.00 Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto sc 11.95 Secret in the Garden x 3.00 Light Shineth in Darkness HC 10.95, Song in the Ground sc 3.95 March of the Institutions sc 3.50 Special Strengths sc 4.50 Mark Tobey: Art and Belief sc 8.95 Spottessly Leopard sc 3.75 Martha Root Herald of the Kingdom RC 16.00 Stories of "Abdu’l-Bahá& se 4.50% Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold RC 21.00 Sunflower Booke=-Set 1 se 3.50 Martha Root Lioness at the Threshold sc 14,00 Sunshine Tree 4 haha Memories of 'Abéu'l-Rahé HC 10.00 Téntrin a 3.50 Memories of ‘Abdu'l-Bahs sc 6.00 Vonderlamp ne 12.95 Miracles and Metaphors sc 8.95 Zahra's Search x 3.25 Mission of Bahá'y'116h Re 8.95

Mothers, Fathers, and Children sc 6.95 Foretan Language

My Memories of Bahá'u'116h sc 8.95

Mystery of Goa HC 16.09 PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá'u'I14h Fe 71.50

once To Every Man and Nat {on SC $.9° PER: Advent of Divine Justice sc 4.25

Other People, Other Places HC 13.75 PER: Amr Va Khalq ne 16.00

Phoenix and the Ashes SC 4.95 PER: Badayt"u'l Athar 1 yc 11.00

Portals to Freedom SC 6.50 PER: ‘RahA"f Faith Not Political sc 4.00

Power of the Covenant, Part 1 SC 2.00 PER: Cnildren‘s Prayer Rook ne 7.95

Power of the Covenant, Part 2 SC 2.00 PER: Fptstle to the Son of the Holf ne 20,00" Power of the Covenant, Part 3 SC 2.00 PER: Fire and Lighe ee Prayer: A Baha’i Approach HC 8.95 PFR: Garden of Truth WO 12,95

Prayer: A Baha’i Approach sc 4.50 PER: Gleanings We 11,00

Prescription for Living PS 4.75* PER: Colzér-i-Ta'Al{m-i-RahA'f Re 6.00

Priceless Pearl sc 5.00 History of the Martyrs of Yazd Ne 12.95

Promise of All Ages He 8.95 Kttsb-1-Tqan Re 10.50

Promise of All Ages se 5 2.75 Menoirs of 9 Years in ‘Akká He 15.95

Renewal of Civilization SC 2.50 PER: ‘The Nine Days HC 12,95

Revelation of Bahá'u'114n, Volune 1 Ho” 15.95 Prayers of Bahátu'118h He 8.95

Revelation of Bahá'u'116h, Volume 1 sc 9.75 Prayers of Shoghi Effendi He 2.50

Revelation of Bahá'u'116h, Volume 3 He 18.50 Principles of the Rahé'{ Faith sc 2:50

Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak He 8.50 Secret of Divine Civilization sc 4.00

Seven Martyrs of Hurnuzak sc 3.95 Selected Letters of 'Ab¢u'I-Bahá He 8.00

Shell and the Pearl sc 2.50 Selected Letters of 'Abéu'!-Rah; c 5.00

Shf"th Isldm: An Introduction ~ HC 25.00 Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. ? HC 6.00

ShE"th Telém: An Introduction sc 15.00 Selected Uritings of the BS He 16.00

Shoghi Ef fend: Recollections RC 14.95% Synopsis/Codification of Kit&b-i-Aqdas HC 2.50

Some Early Bahd'{s of the West HC 12.98 PER: Tablet of Ahmad HC 12.00

Song Celestial HC 7.50 PER: ‘Tablets/BahS'u'11sh After Kitab-t-Agdas HC 1995+ Stories from the Delight of Hearts RC 9.00 PER: Tablets for the Departed RC 16.00

ovens 2S eT

[Page 15]| Baha’i Distribution Service Price List February 1986 3

PER: Tablets of the Divine Plan sc 25.008 ssages to Tran sc 25.008

lento De Justicia Divina sc Espiritual Naciénal sc 1éh Y La Nueva Era sc Christo ¥ Bahá'u'l14h sc Constituctén: Casa Universal de Justicia SC

Datos Basicos PA

Dios Pasa sc

Pia Pronetido Ha L sc Dispensacién de Bat sc Epistola del Hijo de 0 sc 10 cA Estud{o-Fseritos BahA'{s sc ca Fe Rahd'{ Teaching Rocklet sc + Black, Pkg of 10 PP Hoja Mas Sagrada sc Silver = téb-i-Taén se jouse of Justice PR SC 1,25 Wilmette House of Worship PR sc 3.75 ibalictones "ye itactorip sc 6.00 Palabras de Dios sc 30 Palabras Ocultas sc 2.00 Pasajes-Rscritos De Banh sc 7.00 Poder De Aststancia Divi sc 1.00 Principios Administ Baha’i sc 4.50 Mu

D-f-Aqdas SC 3.50 poles

God's New Age,

In Search of Supreme Talisman, Pkp of 10 A Mea PA Message of Bahátu'll4h, PA Open Door with Envelope, Pke of 10 PA Peace Pamphlets, 10 Assorted PA Peace Panphlers, 100 Assorted PA

Peace Pamphlets: More Than Fnd to War,Pke/50 PA Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion, Pke/S0 PA

Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity, Pkp of 50 PA Pee ne beak ‘pp Te ofa, He Ordering Instructions

ee ‘ To process your order, the Distribution

i Videotapes and Recordings Service needs your name and address and a

daytime telephone number. For each item

cs 7.00 ordered you must give the quantity, title and T 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

ee Sa he es See Distribution Service cannot accept responLope tandd = 8.00 sibility for lost shipments unless the loss is "Mona" Music Video--Beta VT 45.008 due to an error on our part. VISA and Master"Mona" Music Video--VHS vr 45.008 Card orders should include the full account My Only Desire...Alexander cs 7.00 number and the date of expiration of the Triuaph of Couse...Ralyort cs 7.00 card. Credit card orders may be placed over par See Sr pe the phone on our toll-free line, 1-800-323-1880. isit With the Master...True cs 7.00 We Are Bahá'{s cs 7.50 Order forms for new and selected items

appear each month in The American Baha’

Baha’i Distribution Service Price List February 1986 4

le Are One cs 0

availavie rom Baha’i Distribution Service

[Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha’i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted Sor 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, Baha’i 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 to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i 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 Baha’i community and hopes that these ‘itions can be filled quickly by pioneer families. For more details, please contact the- International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

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 hightech 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i references to New Dawn Productions,

Malibu, CA 90265 (phone 213457-5336).

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 803877-0563.

TRANQUIL, friendly, picturesque San Juan Island in Washington state needs two Baha’is 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 Baha’u’llah. Please contact the Baha’is 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 Ridvan 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 Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: The National Baha’i 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 Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

HELP WANTED

BROADCAST engineer: WGLI Radio Baha’i 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 Baha’i,

Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-2977.

EXPERIENCED radio personnel, or will train, for a Baha’iowned station set to begin broadcasting May 2, 1986. The format will be one-half country and western music and one-half Baha’i 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 Baha’i_ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for acceptance of applications is March 1, 1986.

THE LOUHELEN Baha’i 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 Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

A FULL-TIME coordinator of child education is needed at the Louhelen Baha’i 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 Baha’i children’s classes is needed; experience with Baha’i summer and winter sessions is pre

ferred. 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 Louhelén Child Education Committee, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313653-5033.

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 Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-6535033. 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 “‘Baha’i Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind,”’ by Holly Vick, a member of the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Baha’i World Centre, is available on audio tape. The course examines the Baha’i 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 Baha’i_ world commonwealth. Four tapes, $20. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i 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 Baha’ 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

See ADS page 28 [Page 17]

INTERMEDIA

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 Baha’is in Iran are worth mentioning. They are listed below by newspaper name, headline and date:

Chicago Sun-Times, (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 Baha’is”” (December 14). on Wall Street Journal (editorial), ‘‘The Horrors of Iran’? (Decem t 27). wie oe Globe, ‘‘Reagan denounces Soviets on rights’’ (Decem Washington Times, ‘“‘Baha’i followers describe arrests, torture in Iran’’ (December 13).

BUSY BAHA’iS

The Baha’is 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 Baha’isthose practicing an extremely logical, down-to-earth faith, only 142 years old but with more than four million followers worldwide.”

The Baha’is 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 NewsHerald. 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 Baha’i-sponsored meetings for the discussion of peacerelated 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 Baha’i spokesperson, the article became ‘‘local’’ news. Newtown organizations were invited to phone him for a copy of the peace statement.

Dr. Francis Gilbert, a Baha’i 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 Baha’is be ended if it be His Will.”

The Baha’is of the Miami-Globe area of Arizona garner strong news coverage with few resources. There are only seven Baha’is scattered throughout a large area. They are running 60-second spots, called ‘‘Baha’i 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.

Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i community of Coconino East, Arizona, writ: ‘Thank you for sending all the up-to-date news and helpful guidelines in approaching media. We couldn’t go forward without it!’’

The Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah, ‘‘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.

“Reagan calls rights a key to Soviet tie”

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 Baha’i 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

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

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i. 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

various reasons, certain materials

l OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS I I Proctamation and Advertising Materials

BILLBOARDS

“Baha’i It’s a Revelation’’—30sheet ... $30.00 ea.; 5 or more, $25.00 ea. “‘Baha’i It’s a Revelation’’—6sheet ... $15.00 ea.; 5 or more, $12.50 ea.

Print Materials

PAPERS “The Baha’is in Iran’’ and Update. .... . $4.00

Audio-Visual Materials

RADIO SERIES

reside Playhouse’’—full series. Fireside Playhouse’’—demo rental. Jeff Reynolds—full series. . Jeff Reynolds—demo rental J NOTE: On any Jeff Reynolds order, please specify either contemporary or country and western music.

“Spiritual Revolution” TV series Demo rental (specify 1/2-inch VHS or S/AATRCIO) ee eee poeta Page sks ne $5.00 i rental/purchase of series: $65.00/$130.00

ABC’s ‘‘20/20"’ Program-Video: U.S. specify 1/2-inch VHS or Beta. Int’l. specify PAL or SECAM. .

Capitol Hill Press Conference-Video specify 1/2-inch VHS or 3/4-inch. .. .$25.00 rental (3/4-inch only) . $5.00

(Congressional Hearings (specify 1982 or 1984) specify 1/2-inch VHS, Beta or 3/4-inch. .. .

. $30.00/$45.00

$37.50 - $50.00

rental (3/4-inch only). Senate Hearings on Torture (June 26, 1984) specify 1/2-inch VHS, Beta or 3/4-inch... . . $30.00/$45.00 rental (3/4-inch only). - $5.00

Make all checks payable to ‘“‘Bahá’í Services Fund.” Include total plus 10 per cent (75-cent minimum) for postage, and your full name and address, Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipment.

| ! I I I I ! l | I I I I | I I TELEVISION SERIES AND VIDEOS I I I | I I I | | | | I I | ! | |

ee a a ee ee ee ee ee

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 the country. We may have information important and relevant for your trip.

by the Distribution Service.

Baha’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

. l Proclamation and Advertising Materials .

BUS CARDS “Wage Peace” (1-1/2 x 27 inch) pkg. of 10. .

ba 2SONE,. hana Bee: 3 10/$19.50 “House of Worship” (11 x 27-1/2 inch) pkg. CIO ei Ie cet $10/$12.50

POSTERS

“House of Worship” (11 x 14 inch) pkg. of 10 $10/$11.00 “House of Worship” (20 x 23 inch) pkg. of 10 ‘fee robtaetbtyes - open cesitasen GRD $10/$19.50 AD SLICKS

Various subjects (6 sheets/24 ads). . Spanish language (various subjects). POSTCARDS

“House of Worship” (pkg. of 50). .$50/$5.00

-$3.00 - $2.00

Print Materials, Reprints and Fact Sheets

FACT SHEETS (set of 3, NSA and Baha’i - $2.00

folder), 220%, Funeral Director’s tion folder)

| H I ' I i I | 7 | 4 I 4 | H I

I

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$5.00 8

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sentation folder). ..........0..0000 054 $5.00 U.S. COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES REPORT ON IRANIAN REFUGEESDECEMBER 1984.... $10/$1.50 READER’S DIGEST reprint of “Their Crime Is Faith (December 1984)........... 25/$5.75

Audio-Visual Materials

RADIO PUBLIC SERVICE SPOTS “‘Baha’i Themes”? (variou: “Dizzy Gillespie’ “Equality of Men and Women”’ “Racism” “There’s Still Time” (peace themes) “Wage Peace’’

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LETTERS

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.’’—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Baha’i 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, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

To the Editor:

We who are the members of the Baha’i 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 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 Baha’is 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!’’ (Baha’i 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 to Y.

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 ad dress 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 Baha’i 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.

T 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 Baha’i carried an interesting letter concerning the Baha’i stance on apartheid in South Africa. In it, the writer calls upon Baha’is 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 Baha’is, 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 Baha’is 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, Baha’is 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, Baha’is must recognize these subtle distinctions.

The writer mentions that Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is, we are occupied in obeying the commands of the Manifestation of God to build up the Baha’i 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-Baha’is to obey Baha’i laws and 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’j.’’ To illustrate the point, ask yourself what an “‘active’’ Baha’ is is when compared to an “‘inactive’”’ Baha’i.

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 Baha’is,’’ and they know it.

Now assume that you are living in a Baha’i 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 Baha’i’” 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 Baha’i jargon, along with “‘non-Baha’i,”’ 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 Baha’i, | felt a great joy in reading the articles and news about the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota.

Thad 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is like these who held innumerable Feasts alone, drove long distances to talk to another Baha’i, and built the foundations on which the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is in Iran

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

1. Islamic background of Baha’i 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 ‘Ali-Muhammad of Shiraz proclaims himself to be the ‘‘Bab.”” His teachings identify him as the expected Imam. He quickly wins many converts, including prominent members of the Shi’i clergy.

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

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

1852, August 15—Two Babis attempt to avenge the execution of the Bab by firing upon the new ruler, Nasiru’d-Din Shah. Though 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 Babis. As a result of the incident, Bahá’u’lláh, who was recognized as the leader of the Babis, 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 Baha’i Faith

1856-63—Baha’u’llah becomes the recognized leader of the exiled Babi community at Baghdad.

1863—Under pressure from the Iranian government, Baha’u’llah 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 Bab’s teachings.

1868—Once again under pressure from the [ranian 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 Baha’i literature is banned in Iran. 1955, Ramadan—Falsafi, a well-known cleric, incites attacks against Baha’is via the government-owned radio. Army generals and clerics take part in the destruction of the National Baha’i Center, a prominent landmark in Tehran. Attacks on Baha’i lives and property spread throughout Iran; in a small village near Yazd, seven Baha’is are killed by the mobs. Less extreme forms of persecution of Baha’is 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 Baha’is are once more subject to state-orchestrated persecution. Baha’is are not legally recognized by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic.

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

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

1982-1985—Evidence begins to mount that Baha’i prisoners are being tortured to extract false confessions. Many Baha’is 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, etc. 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 Baha’is have been executed. More than 700 others are in prison. Baha’i children have been barred from schools. Baha’is have been dismissed from their jobs and deprived of their pensions. The family members of executed Baha’is have been required to pay for the bullets before burying the bodies of victims. The present situation of the Baha’is in Iran has been compared to that of the Jews in Nazi Germany in the late 1930s.

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Rocky River, Ohio 44116

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Sore [Page 22]22./ The American Baha’i / February 1986

Trust releases splendid new edition of Divine Art of Living

PUBLISHING TRUST

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The Baha’i 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,’’

Archives needs local researcher

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

The Archives needs to trace some early Baha’ 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

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 Baha’is. 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

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 Baha’i Distribution Service page.

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 Baha’i approach to peace, the Pacific Southwest Regional Committee of the Association for Baha’i Studies

is sponsoring a conference on peace April 18-20 at the University of California-Irvine.

The conference theme, ‘‘T: sition to a World at Peace, based on the following passage in the Universal House of Justice’s

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-Baha’is 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 Baha’i community has honored

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

Visit to Louhelen pays dividends

A visit to the Louhelen Baha’i School last December by Victor de Araujo, the Baha’i 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

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 Baha’i 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

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[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 TYSH 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 what soever.

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 TYSH will comprise:

¢ A national information cam

‘Caretakers,’ Steven Weitzman for the International Year of Youth which was

a sculpture by

unveiled October 23 at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Sculpture in American elm pays tribute to accomplishments of Year of Youth

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 Na tions Day.

Attending were former UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim and UNDP Administrator Bradford Morse as well as representatives from the Baha’i International Community’s UN office and Office of Public Information and the UN representative of the Baha’is of the U.S.

Baha’i 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.

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United Nations logo for International

Year of Shelter for the Homeless paign to increase public awareness of national and_ international TYSH 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 Baha’i standpoint, TYSH 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.

Aneth’s Labor Day gathering canceled

Although it has not been formally announced, many people are aware that the Aneth (Utah) “‘Baha’i Gathe: ing of Unity and the Onene: of Mankind’’ would be scheduled for the Labor Day weekend in 1986.

Because of this, we feel ii necessary to announce in The American Bahd’s that the wi camp-out will not be held thi year.

We apologize for this, and assure everyone that, God willing, we will resume with a wonderful gathering already being planned for 1987.—The Baha’is of Aneth, Utah

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 23

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 Baha’is of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Baha’is open drive to bring peace statement to every level of society

Responding to the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, the Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i from

Santa Cruz, speak on the history of the UN and the future vision that Baha’is 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, Baha’is and non-Baha’is alike, came away a little more united and hopeful.

Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i International Community.

The opening address at the cel ebration was given by UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéliar. 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.

Baha’i 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 Baha’i_ particip: tion. 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 Baha’i from Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Both the Baha’i International Community and the U.S. representative at the UN were actively involved in putting together the youth celebration program.

Baha’i National Center Office Hours

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

Phone 312-869-9039

[Page 24]24 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

World Centre has need for workers in variety of areas

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The Department of Human Resources at the Bahd’{ National Center, on behalf of the Department of Organization and Personnel at the Baha’i World Centre, is in the process of identifying Baha’is 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, Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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

Statement

from page |

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 Baha’is 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 Rúḥíyyih 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.

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 Baha’i World Centre is to serve th Universal House of Justice in its Godgiven responsibility to develop and to govern the affairs of the Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah’s Supreme Institution and the members of the International Teaching Centre.

Working in the spirit of worship and sacri! 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 Baha’i 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 ‘‘Baha’i 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 Baha’i World Centre.

The Department of Human Resources lovingly encourages any individuals who may have an in Article notes Baha’i artist’s Okinawa show

An article about an exhibit of paintings by Baha’i artist Sara Lashmett Hatch was prominently featured in the October 20-27 issue of This Week on Okinawa, an English-language magazine that listens of interest on the is

Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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.

terest 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 responsibiity 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 histotical degree and experience in working at a museum desirable.

for several other Baha’is from

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; abili 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.

Tron 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:

Re sponsible 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 rei 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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone them at 312-869-9039.

We would remind you once again to apply for service direct!y to the Baha’ National Center as requested by the Department of Organization and Personnel at the Baha’ World Centre.

nearby communities.

ber Bahá’í Group of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, hosted a unity Feast for the Spiritual Assemblies of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Westminster, Maryland, as well as

New from Kalimat Press

For Baha’is and non-Bah:

$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

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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.

CIRCLE OF PEACE

Reflections on the Baha’i Teachings

The second in a series of new books which explore approaches to current social issues.

ach 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?”

Baha’i Distribution Service

415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091

1-800-323-1880 [Page 25]BAHA’| CROSSWORD

“Beyond the Quest for Peace: Creating a New World Order’’ is the theme of the 11th annual Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies to be held August 22-24 at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.

In addition to the Conference

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 25

‘Beyond Quest for Peace’ theme of Association’s 11th Conference

itself, there will be an International Children’s Conference on Peace; an International Youth Conference on Peace; and a Baha’i Peace Art Exhibit.

Five concomitant symposia on peace will be held August 20-21, sponsored by the Baha’i International Health Agency, the Baha’i

Across

1. The person one marries 2. Deep affection

4. Everything

5. To be faithful

8. Opposite of ‘‘down’”

9. The pract of morality

10. The behavior and conduct of Baha’is should always be : 11. To show regard and appreciation

14. A wise person

15. Abbrev: Hidden Words

16. Proper, worthy and desirable

Puzzle copyright © 1986 by Juliette Whittaker

17. Sound used in Hindu meditation

Down

1. Choosing a mate largely on the basis of physical attraction is being im. 3

3. Moral standard

6. Abbrev: years

7. To fasten 11. A tattered cloth 12. The self 13. The sum of one plus one

The answers to this month’s puzzle are on page 26

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 Ḥakím (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 Baha’u’llah’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. : Sleep? What’s that?

An open letter to U.S. Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Chi Teaching Committee, you keep us regularly (or perhaps bi-monthly; formed 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

Institute for Environmental Design, the Baha’i Family Institute, the Baha’i Institute on Education, and the Baha’i 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

Baha’i speakers from various parts of the world.

¢ The annual Hasan Balytzi 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 o! ise of World Peace’ 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 Baha’i Studies, Ottawa, Ontario KIN 7K4, Canada, from which more information about the Conference can also be obtained.

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¢

Name. ilo Address. Sai si Pickett taecnadill City. its State. Zip. se Phone__ Salanenl MasterCard / VISA {circle one) card number expiration date___aaa] amar a reac: | SRTER N |lner etre cae RENEWAL 00 | 35:00 WOMEN 700] 3500 (oie) EDUCATION 100] 35.00 PREIUDICE 100] 35.00 RicHand POOR 100 | 35.00 ASSORTED 20 each) 100 | 3800 Please add 10% for handling ‘Sumotat {$1.50 minimum) Handling fs Mail coupon and check or phone aa Be exes 2 Bu, F Baha’i Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, IL 60091 * 800-323-1880 or 312-251-1854 in Illinois

[Page 26]2 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

VIE Chart

from page 5

District Name

Membership as of 12/9/84

‘Starting Block’ Info

Number giving

Percentage of participation

Membership (12/09/85)

Current Month Info (Qawl)

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

Ss

Indiana lowa

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 Dakowa

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. | South Carolina E No. 2 South Carolina N South Carolina S No. South Carolina $ No. South Carolina W South Dakota Tennessee E Tennessee W Texas C No. Texas C No. Texas E No Texas E No. Texas N Texas S Utah Vermont Virginia N Virginia SE Virginia SW Washington NW i Washington SW ; West Virginia } Wis. N/Peninsular Mich. 7 Wisconsin S ‘ Wyoming 1

ae

ees

(New districts; established after 12/9/84)

S.C. Baha’is teach in Kansas in return for help in building Center

“SPIRITUAL Assemblies: We are willing to send traveling teach ers to more affluent Assembly areas in return for help in raising funds for a much-needed Baha’i Center in Florence, South Carolina ...””

In September, Baha’is in Kansas responded to the above ad in The American Bahá’í. As a result,

four members of the Baha’i 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 Baha’is raised more than $800 to help build a Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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, Baha’is 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 Baha’is and was accepted. Baha’is took part in the walk, finding sponsors who pledged a certain amount of money for each kilometer cover

The promise of peace The Challenge of ACTION

Promote PIONEER PLACEMENT worldwide TheNational Baha‘ Fund

Wilmette, IL 60091

Milwaukee Baha’i architects included among paper’s ‘most interesting people’

Allen Washatko and Tom Kubala, Baha’is from Cedarburg, Wiscensin, 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 Baha’i community of Cedar

burg,’’ and notes the master plan and ongoing building design work they have been doing at the Rabbani School, a Baha’i-operated technical/vocational school for boys in Gwalior, India.

Answers

to crossword puzzle

Down 1. Mature 3. Value 6. Yrs 7. Attach

11. Rag

12. Ego

13. Two

[Page 27]

10 YEARS AGO

The Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’ll4h 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 Baha’i 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 Ridvan, 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 Rúḥíyyih Khanum meets with the National Spiritual Assembly and speaks before another overflow audience in Foundation Hall at the Baha’i 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 Rubiyyih Khanum 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 Baha’u’llah ...””

On November 8, all four members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America conduct a deepening for more than 200 Alaskan Baha’is.

The Counsellors and their guests meet in Anchorage on the same weekend on which the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska dedicates its newly built Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds ...

“Each One Teach One’’ conferences are held December 27-28 in Northern and Southern California, drawing about 1,000 Baha’is to San Jose and more than 750 to Long Beach.

Among the speakers are the Hands of the Cause of God Rahmatu’ll4h 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is in towns and cities all over America.

Too, well-documented and intelligently conceived community histories can be a source of importance to future Baha’is and future Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i algorithm (love God, love mankind).

Under Bahá’u’lláh’s ministry, being a Baha’i was essentially twodimensional: (1) live the life; (2) teach.

Under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, being a Baha’i became four-dimensional: (1) live the life; (2) teach; (3) be firm in the Covenant; (4) promote the Baha’i dynamic, social principles.

Shoghi Effendi added a fifth dimension: Baha’i 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 Baha’i courts, (9) education with Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 one 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 Christ

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 ener Mary Preston, Baha’i for more than 50 years, dies in Muskego at 99

Mary Preston of Muskego, Wisconsin, a Baha’i for more than 50 years, died November 29 at the age of 99.

She became a Bahd’{ in 1934 and was the first secretary of the Milwaukee Baha’i Group before becoming an isolated believer in Muskego.

While serving as a nurse at the Osage Indian Reservation School in Pauhuska, 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.

gies 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 Ridvan!

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.)

The American Baha’i / February 1986 / 27

mas 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 Baha’i 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 fouryear-old. ‘“‘We don’t celebrate Christmas.”” He wasn’t sure why, except that it had something to do with his being a Baha’i.

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 Baha’i 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.’ (Baha’i News, No. 134, March 1940)

Moreover, it is apparent that, understandably, the Persian Baha’i teacher did not realize the difficulties that many American Baha’i parents confront every year as they attempt to overcome the siege of Christmas and the pressures of non-Baha’i family and friends during the Christian holiday season.

It is equally apparent that if our Baha’i children are to be suecessful 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 Baha’i elders, and especially by their Baha’i 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 Baha’i community of Oakton, Virginia

No es la cantidad, sino el espiritu Fondo Nacional Baha’i Wilmette, IL 60091

Can you identify this family?

The National Baha’i Archives would like to identify the members of this early Baha’i family. The photograph may have been taken in Chicago. Anyone having

any information about them is asked to write to the National Bahd’ Archives, Bahdé’t National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

IN MEMORIAM

Sharon Berry-Ingold Godfrey, IL November 12, 1985 Vernon L. Breach Post Falls, ID September 11, 1985 Irving Fiddler Mobridge, SD August 1985 Winnie N. Foster

Arlie Mitchell

New Castle, AL September 15, 1985 David Neal Newcastle, CO December 16, 1985 Hazel Rinaldi Wells, ME October 27, 1985 Alberta Robinson

Grace Sugick Orangeburg, SC Date Unknown Gladys Thomason Greenville, SC Date Unknown Edward Thornton Silver Spring, MD December 4, 1985 Norma C. Tracy

Palm Harbor, FL Macy, NE Urbana, IL

June 15, 1985 August 1983 November 22, 1985 Clare S. Irwin Laura Smithson Dorothy Wedgewood Healdsburg, CA Carmel, CA Walthill, NE October 1985 December 1985 August 9, 1985 Sophie Johnson William Sherman James Welborn Mobridge, SD Macy, NE Henderson, NV November 1985 1985 May 1984

Doris G. Marston Versie Smith Louis Williams Huntsville, TX Prentiss, MS DePere, WI

November 22, 1985 Terrence McAtee Twain Harte, CA November 21, 1985

Date Unknown

December 9, 1985 [Page 28]28 / The American Baha’i / February 1986

Ads

from page 16

withstand the sea voyage, for example, cars, balls, whistles, airplanes, books, games; jigsaw puzales, 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, Dominess Windward Islands, West Inies.

Baha’i SCHOOLS

THE LOUHELEN Baha’i School’s winter-spring program guide can be obtained for no charge simply by writing to the registrar, Hermione Pickens, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or by vhoning 313-653-5033.

CHILDREN wanted as campers at Indiana’s Nur’u’llah Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 direcLaPorte, IN

“PEACE Through Education’’ is the theme of the program and events for 1986 at Tagungszentrum Landegg, Europe’s first permanent Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Studies will have as its theme ‘The International Year of Peace.” For a brochure, write to Tagungszentrum Landegg, Wienacht/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 Baha’i-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 Baha’i. 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 313653-5033.

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. Baha’ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’ 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 Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313653-5033.

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 Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

SPECIAL INTERESTS

BAHA’I 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 Baha’is are invited to send an outline of their aviation

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHA’ send your new address and your mail label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new

address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

Title

Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames,

Title

Full name

Title

Full name

ID# Title

Full name

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:

House/Space #, Street or Description

P.O. Box or other Mailing Address

State

Zip City

State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:

Name of new Baha’i community

Z

‘Area Code — Number

Z Area Code

Z

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Please indicate inthe right-hand space whose work numbers these are.

Number

Area Code Number

Moving date

Name

Name

G We receive exten 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 1D. numbers, and the corrections we will receive ‘only one copy.

BAHA’{ NATIONAL CENTER

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

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 KIP SR1, Canada.

HELP wanted! Professionals, para-professionals and others interested in developing a network and educational exchange of the clinical and practical application of Baha’i and other religious teachings on health and healing. Contact Carl Pomey, B.S., clinical nutritionist, Tahoe City, CA 95730, or phone 916583-8212.

WANTED: contact with Baha’is 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.

The promise of peace

The Challenge of ACTION Promote BAHA’| SCHOOLS nationwide

TheNational Baha’i

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Our household receives only one copy of The American Baha’i. | wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, num ber and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

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Baha’i contributes article to new book on women’s issues in religious education

Janet Tanaka, a Baha’i 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 writ ten 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 10 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 Baha’i National Center, or Phone 312-869-9039.

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