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[Page 1]

The e 790

merican Baha’i

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

Volume 17, No. 6

June 1986

The 77th Baha’i National Convention

Seven Year Plan ends in victory; drive to win new Plan under way

By JACK BOWERS Nearly 1,700 believers gathered May 1-4 at the historic 77th Baha’i National Convention to salute the accomplishments of the Seven Year

Plan, celebrate th

ith’s rapid emergence from ob: course toward victory in the Six Year Plan who

rity, and set their inauguration has

signaled the opening of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the

Cause of God.

This year’s Convention, held at the McCormick Inn on Chicago’s lakefront, was blessed by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem and William Sears.

Other special guests included Counselors Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter; a former Counselor, 97-year-old Edna True; and Dr. Victor de Araujo, the Baha’i International Com jity’s representative at the United Nations in New York.

The Convention was marked from beginning to end by a spirit of optimism and resolve as delegates, guests and members of the National Spiritual Assembly reviewed the remarkable progress of the Cause during the Seven Year Plan and made ready to consult in district “town meetings’ this month to formulate the local and national goals of the new Plan.

The Convention was opened Thursday evening with a moving celebration in word and song of the 12th Day of Ridvan, after which Mr. Khadem welcomed those who had assembled in the auditorium.

Rounding out the first evening were a presentation by Dr. de Araujo on behalf of the Baha’i International Community; a video tape of the presentation of the

Report available

The annual report of the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly for B.E. 142 is available to the friends for $2.50 from the Baha’i Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 1-800-323-1880).

Text of National Assembly’s annual report, Page 28

peace statement to President Reagan; and a reception for delegates and others at the Convention.

Friday morning was devoted to reading and consulting on the Naw-Rúz and Ridvan messages from the Universal House of Justice and the annual reports from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Office of the Treasurer and the Office of External Affairs.

“Our response to the crisis (in Iran) and the resulting victories of the past seven years testify that we are not the community we once were,” the National Spiritual Assembly said in its report. ‘“‘We have become a rapidly emerging presence on the world scene.’’

The American Baha’i community, it said, stands “‘at a grand juncture in the history of our Faith: The Cause has emerged from obscurity and we have entered a new epoch in the Formative Age of its development.

“What the future holds no one can tell. But we will meet its challenges as we always have, fearless, confident and strengthened by these words of the Bab, ‘... know ye of a certainty that He will render you victorious, will exalt you among the peoples of the world and will demonstrate your high rank before the gaze of all nations...’ ”? :

On Friday afternoon, in an atmosphere charged with emotion, a message of love from the Baha’is of Iran, addressed to “‘the beloved ones of our heart and soul,”” was read in Persian and English.

See CONVENTION page 12

IN THE NEWS...

THE ANNUAL Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá commemorates the Master’s visit to New Jersey in 1912. Page 8

A ROCK musical based on Baha’i principles draws a warm response in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Page 9 _ r

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee begins a systematic plan to recruit homefront pioneers. Page 1]

WE PRESENT our annual year-end review of the events that shaped our lives during B.E. 142. Pages 18-19

The American Bahá’í(USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, 536 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 Bahd’é 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, IL 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.

Ferida Khanjani of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, reads in Persian a letter to the 77th Baha’i Na tional Convention from the Baha’is of Iran as Judge James Nelson, the Convention chairman,

looks on. In the foreground are 189 red roses sent as a token of love by Baha’i prisoners in Iran.

Ervin Laszlo to present Conference keynote, Dizzy Gillespie to perform

Ervin Laszlo, former director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), has agreed to deliver the keynote address at the first Baha’i International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

The conference is to be held August 28-31, primarily at the Civic Auditorium and the San Francisco Hilton and Towers. If you haven’t yet registered, you'll find the necessary information on Page 4.

Another highlight of what promises to be one of the most extraordinary Bahd’{ conferences ever held in this country is ‘An Evening with Dizzy Gillespie’ featuring. the world renowned trumpeter and other top flight jazz musicians.

The concert is part of an outstanding program that includes plenary sessions with noted speakers, workshops, multi-media presentations and entertainment.

Each workshop is to include a “highlight session” panel discussion of various aspects or viewpoints on a specific theme. The panelists will be primarily non-Baha’is with a Baha’i moderator.

Highlight sessions will be held in the Civic Auditorium’s Polk Hall, which seats about 700-900 people.

Among the themes to be explored in these sessions are ‘‘Spiritual Renewal,” ‘Racism/Elimination of Prejudice,”’ ‘‘Disparity of Rich and Poor/Social and Economic Development,” ‘‘Equality of Men and Women,”’ ‘Universal

Education,”’ and ‘World Government.””

In addition, there will be about 30 ‘“‘hands-on’’ workshops to be repeated in each time segment (morning or afternoon) that are designed to develop the themes presented in the highlight sessions.

These workshops will include multi-cultural and artistic presentations.

Mr. Laszlo, a well-known authority in the field of systems science, was a speaker in 1983 at the eighth annual Conference of the Association for Baha’ Studies in Chicago.

He is the author of several books including Introduction to Systems Philosophy, The Systems View of the World, Goals for Mankind, A Strategy for the Future, and The Inner Limits of

Mr. Gillespie, one of the true pioneers and innovators in modern jazz, was honored last year by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Los Angeles on his 50th anniversary in music.

In addition to his remarkable trumpet playing, he is a talented composer whose best-known works include ‘‘A Night in Tunisia,”’ ‘‘The Champ,”’ ‘‘Salt Peanuts’’ and ‘‘Woody n’ You.””

Have you registered yet for

SUMMER SCHOOL?

“How wonderful it would be if all the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools ...”” —Shoghi Effendi

Mankind.

THE SEVEN MAJOR GOALS OF THE SIX YEAR PLAN

1. Carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind

2. Greater involvement in the Faith in the life of human society 3. A worldwide increase in the translation, production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature

4. Further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Baha’i communities

5. Greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of individual believers

6. A wider extension of Baha’i education to children and youth, and the strengthening of Bahá’í family life

1. The pursuit of projects of social and economic development in well-established Bahá’í communities

[Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i /June 1986

Many Iranians can now receive visas in Pakistan, travel to U.S.

For the first time it has become possible for many Iranians to receive refugee visas in Pakistan and enter the U.S. directly. They do not need to move to another country for transit to the States.

During the weekends of April 11-13 and 18-20, some 330 Iranian Baha’ is were interviewed in Islamabad, Pakistan, by special officers of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service’ (INS) dispatched from Rome.

According to information available to the National Spiritual Assembly, the majority of those cases were approved and are being processed for issuance of visas.

A requirement for issuing visas is the assurance of sponsorship which has to be submitted through one of the voluntary agencies involved in the resettlement of ref ugees.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Refugee Office and the Refugee Data Center in New York are cooperating in finding sponsors for those Baha’i refugees who do not have relatives in this country and/or wish to settle in homefront goals.

Since it is now possible for Baha’i refugees who do not have relatives in this country also to come here as refugees, the Baha’i Refugee Office is trying to locate sponsors for such refugees with a view to helping them settle in homefront goal areas.

That office has been informed of more than 40 cases (individuals or families) who are in need of sponsors at this time. For this reason a memorandum has been sent to all those friends who had volunteered to sponsor refugees and had not yet had a refugee placed with them.

The hope is that from June to September of this year, all of those who have been interviewed and approved will arrive in the U.S. As announced earlier, it may still be necessary for some Baha’i refugees to go through Austria or other countries where refugee processing centers exist.

Although going on to those countries may reduce the length of time refugees have to wait, there are certain costs involved that the refugees themselves or their sponsors would have to bear.

SMILE

Every year about this time I pick up a box of Matzoh ball soup and prepare it for our family and we talk about the Jewish Passover celebration.

This year I missed Passover but was planning to mix the soup one Friday evening. I called a Jewish friend that afternoon and mentioned what I was serving. She laughed and said that was a perfect Sabbath meal—then told me she and her family were having fish.

When I mentioned this to my husband, he said, ‘“Well, the Baha’is are serving Jewish Matzoh ball soup, and the Jews are having a ‘Christian’ fish supper—now all we need to find are some Christians serving potluck!’’—Joan Haskell, Merrimack, New Hampshire

Those costs include transportation from Pakistan to Europe (about $430) and $180 monthly living expenses while waiting in Europe. At this time, the waiting period in Austria is about six months.

Those refugees who have close relatives in this country need to have affidavits of relationship. This is important because after each case has been approved the order of processing of the cases is determined by the closeness of the relationship between the refugee and the relative in the U.S.

If the relationship is close (that is, parent, spouse or sibling), the refugee will be Priority 3 instead of 4 and will be able to leave Pakistan earlier.

Warning: Some local Assemblies have arranged directly with various voluntary agencies to sponsor refugees. In some cases these refugees may not be Baha’ is in good standing.

If a sponsor checks first with the Baha’i National Center before making such arrangements directly with a voluntary agency, advice and guidance can be given that may avoid many potential problems.

| U VIEWPOINT

When I received a letter from my parents some years ago telling me they had joined a religion called the Baha’i Faith, my immediate reaction was, ‘‘They’re nuts!’”

What, I thought, had they gotten into now? They were not ‘‘religious’? people and had never been involved with a church as I had been all my life.

I always wondered about that ..» how could anyone justify to himself not being involved with a church? Personally, I was afraid of the consequences.

But here was this letter telling me they had become Baha’is. I couldn’t even pronounce it, and immediately began to conjure up in my mind all kinds of weird pictures.

They must have something to do with those airport people, or the ones I had seen on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I wondered if they would dress radically and move into a commune.

How in the world, I wondered, could two apparently sane parenttype people get involved with some kind of cult? Before this, I'd never had any indication that they were having an identity crisis. Parents should have outgrown that stage.

What I decided to do was to watch what happened, pray for them, and wait for my opportunity to try to convince them that there was only one “‘normal and true”’ religion and that was the one that followed Jesus Christnot some guru or robed self-proclaimed prophet with his head shaved.

You should keep in mind that I was born, raised, and still lived in a small town in Alabama with absolutely no exposure to anything outside of that environment except what I saw on television. So my knowledge of “‘Baha’i Faith’’ was zero.

What made you think we haven! t had many Seekers lately ?

by Heidi Burns, Lakewood, Ohio

‘..-but he wouldn’t argue with me!’

The first chance I had to visit with my dad, I tried to open the topic of religion so that I could impress on him how wrong he was.

But this never happened, because before I got my chance, he gave me several books on the Baha’i Faith and said that when I had read them he would be glad to talk to me about his new religion—but not before.

“What dirty pool,”’ I thought. “That’s not fair—he won’t even discuss it.’’

Also, I saw that there was nothing noticeably strange going on in their household. They looked and talked normal—had even given up their drinking. So I had no angle; what could I point my finger at to let them know they were messed up?

The books my dad gave me lay unopened for about five years, and even when I did at last open them I was convinced they held no truth so I merely skimmed over a few pages.

Meanwhile, I kept my eyes and ears open for my parents to make their slip-up so the faults could surface. They still did not discuss the Baha’i Faith with me; just a few words now and then.

After seven years and still no sign of their becoming ‘‘strange,”’ I finally began to read a little about the Faith, and, much to my surprise, it made plenty of sense.

So I let my defenses down a bit and invited my stepmother to speak to our Methodist Sunday school class on the Baha’i Faith.

It was then that a really strange thing happened—my classmates instantly rejected this new religion and all but declared it false. Like me, they knew absolutely nothing about it, but they knew it was wrong.

I found myself defending the Baha’i teachings that day. What had happened to me?

The next year I really began to

This month’s column, “He Wouldn’t Argue With Me,”’ was written by Lynda Couture of Pensacola, Florida. It is reprinted Jrom her weekly column in a black-oriented newspaper, The Pensacola Voice.

read, and the more I read, the more I wanted to know.

Somewhere between the front cover and the back cover of a book called Thief in the Night by William Sears, I knew I was a Bain spite of myself. Now I was really confused!

My dad’s wisdom started to become clear to me. He would not discuss with me something I knew absolutely nothing about, especially when my idea of ‘‘discuss’’

was to ‘‘disprove.””

After reading enough to be able to “‘discuss’’ the Baha’i Faith, I had no desire to ‘‘disprove’’ it because I had discovered the truth.

What a lesson I learned, one I have tried to share with my children: never practice condemnation without investigation.

Later, I was to discover that one of the primary principles of the Baha’i Faith is personal investigation of truth.

Before you decide that the Baha’i Faith is not true, I urge you to read the writings for yourself instead of accepting someone else’s opinics.

I am proud to be a Baha’i, and so far, at least, I don’t do weird things either.

Phone listing pays dividends in Maine

As a result of placing a telephone listing on the church page of the local newspaper, the twomember Baha’i Group of China, Maine (Alma Carr and Lin Poyer) was contacted by a reporter from the paper, the Waterville Daily Sentinel, who wrote a lengthy article which appeared on February 21 under the headline ‘‘Baha’i Faith: A spiritual and social world ‘view.””

The article, which includes a large photograph of Mrs. Carr and Ms. Poyer, discusses their backgrounds and how they became Baha’is and touches on the history and principles of the Faith,

Don’t contact

national leaders

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Baha’i community that no individual or local Spiritual Assembly should contact or send the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to any federal government official or agency, to the head quarters of any national organization, to any nationally prominent individual, or to any national media headquarters or media leader without first contacting the National Assembly at its New Haven, Connecticut, office, the Office of External Affairs: 203-7870303.

Baha’i Holy Days on which work should be suspended

The Feast of Naw-Rúz, March 21 The first day of Ridvan, April 21 The ninth day of Ridvan, April 29 The twelfth day of Ridvan, May 2

The anniversary of the declaration of the Bab, May 23 The anniversary of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, May 29 The anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bab, July 9 The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, October 20

The anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, November 12

[Page 3]

LETTERS

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.’’—‘Abdu’|Baha

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “‘letters”’ column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s opinion or to attack anyone on a personal level.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a maximum of 250 words is suggested). Letters are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to the Editor, The American Baha’i, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

To the Editor:

I have been a Baha’i for 15 years and have seen few stories about Baha’is who are handi capped (blind, crippled, deaf, etc.) teaching the Faith despite their disability.

I’ve heard some stories that I’ve been unable to verify, but they show the feeling of love for Baha’w'lláh’s Message and the dedication to teach.

For example, a Baha’i (in India or Africa, I think) who was bedridden was told after declaring his belief that he must deliver the Message too. After giving it much thought, he decided to ask the two young men who had taught him to carry him and his bed so they could teach together.

I hope someday we'll have a collection of short stories like this one. If anyone has a verifiable story he can share, please write to me. Also, please print or type, as I am legally blind myself.

My address is

Galt, CA 95632. Lawrence E. Crason Galt, California To the Editor:

There is an area of service that the. friends may not have considered.

Have you reflected on your reaction if you or a loved one were told that the only way to survive was to have an organ transplant?

Signing a Uniform Donor Card, available from Departments of Motor Vehicles, transplant banks, hospitals and medical schools, may let you give “‘the gift of life.”

While alive, donating blood is always possible. But most transplants come from brain-dead donors.

Many parts of the body can be used: cornea and sclera from the eyes; pituitary gland and dura mater; bone, muscle and cartilage covering; kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and pancreas. Skin can help a burn victim’s own skin to heal.

Patients sometimes wait for many years in hope of a new life; many do not survive the wait.

Some 25,000 patients succumb to brain death in U.S. hospitals each year and are within the acceptable age range to qualify as organ donors, yet no more than 10 per cent ever become donors.

Three states—California, New York and Oregon—have recently enacted legislation requiring hosPitals to routinely ask relatives of dead patients to allow organ removal.

Baha’is often ask, ‘‘Is it per missible?’’ The answer is found in the National Baha’i Review, No. 118 (March 1982), in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian and dated March 22, 1957:

“‘There is nothing in the Teachings against leaving our bodies to medical science. The only thing we should stipulate is that we do not wish to be cremated, as it is against our Baha’ laws. ...

“«... The spirit has no more connection with the body after it departs, but as the body was once the temple of the spirit, we Baha’is are taught that it must be treated with respect.’”

The Guardian, through his secretary, suggests that one make the necessary provision in one’s will.

However, this is usually inadequate because the will is often not reviewed until after interment. Useful tissues and organs must be taken within hours of death.

Therefore, the Donor Card and the family’s awareness of your wish to donate are the best way for ‘‘stipulating that you wish your body to be of service to mankind in death, and that, being a Baha’i, you request that your remains not be cremated and not be taken more than an hour’s journey from the place you die.””

Kent Dana Palo Alto, California

To the Editor:

It is obvious that The American Baha’i has worked hard to upgrade the quality of our publication while attempting to be creative.

The cartoon strip has a definite potential as a humorous teaching tool. However, the content and message should always be positive, unifying, and conform to our high standards.

The feeling your most recent cartoon (March) left me with was not one of encouragement. Please, let’s not belittle anyone to get a laugh.

Kate Goodrich Eastsound, Washington

To the Editor:

‘As an aspiring Baha’i humorist, 1 wish to express my concern about the cartoon that appeared in your March issue.

While from a Baha’i perspective the cartoon has a kernel of truth, it makes its point at the expense of Fundamentalist preachers.

With Baha’u’llah’s admonition that we should “‘consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship”’ in mind, we might perhaps ponder what the reaction of some non-Baha’is would be on seeing a cartoon such as this in a national Baha’i publication.

Surely, we would not appreciate being made fun of in a cartoon that appeared in a Christianoriented publication.

While we as Baha’is know that God loves laughter, we should also realize that such laughter must never come at the expense of others, no matter what their religious views.

David C. Mueller Champaign, Mlinois

To the Editor:

Thank you for the article (March) regarding the teaching of children. It gave special guidance and support to me as an early childhood education student.

Of course, many of the teachings of the Faith mesh with those of many child developmentalists who stress respect of the child in their philosophies.

In studying the developmental

issues of teaching and working with children under age six, I have wanted to contribute in some way to the materials used in teaching very young children about the Faith.

To begin, I would like to compile a book of ideas from Baha’i parents and teachers, such as anecdotes, songs, games—anything that parents and teachers use to augment the materials already available in Baha’ literature.

I think it would be wonderful, too, to compile this book as a cooperative and uniting effort of Baha’i parents and teachers as a gift for their children.

If anyone is interested in contributing ideas, etc., to such a project, please write to me at

Boulder Creek, CA

95006. Sue Cauhape Boulder Creek, California

To the Editor:

The letters to the Treasurer’s office (January) were nice, but was there any follow-up as to what the letter-writers’ lives (financially) were like after they had made their sacrifices?

For example, there was a time in my life when I cried if I didn’t find at least one penny a day because I was worried about not having money for medical bills if I should get sick.

I had been studying the preamble to the prayer for the Fund: “O Friends of God! Be ye assured that in place of these contributions, your agriculture, your industry, and your commerce will be blessed by manifold increases, with goodly gifts and bestowals. He who cometh with one goodly deed will receive a tenfold reward.’”

I decided to give it a try; so for the past year, I’ve been giving all my ‘‘found money”’ to the Fund.

And would you believe, I don’t have to cry any more about not finding at least a penny, because I usually do—and then some! That “one goodly deed” has really paid off for the Fund—note the amount of “found money”’ this coming Feast!

Baha'u'llah tells us that “‘a miracle is only a miracle to the eye of the beholder.”” Would telling stories of what happens afterward make an impression in the mind (or soul) of the believer? Would

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 3

he/she be willing to give it a try just to see what happens?

About the only thing left to say is, “Try it, you may like it.” Believe in miracles. Pray for them. But you have to make them happen to you.

Sylvia W. Jenkins Evanston, Illinois To the Editor:

The purpose of religion, we are told, is the attainment of a peaceful and united world. However, there seems to be no outward unity among the thousand of large and small religious groups that exist today.

With the exception of a few, all claim to be the way for the people of the world to follow. At the same time, many of the religious, social and political groups have in common progressive ideals, goals and means that can lead mankind to that ultimate peaceful and united world.

Most progressive groups have specific ‘physical’ goals. At the local level, these include the various routes of community development projects. At the global level, the major goal is peace through disarmament and international cooperation.

One cannot claim that there is no spirituality involved with these goals simply because most of the people associated with them are not Baha’is. Any non-violent and peaceful method of attaining harmony and justice has the notion of spirituality inscribed in it.

Baha’is are one of the progressive groups and should not claim to possess the sole solution to the world’s problems.

As Baha’is, we should pursue our goals while cooperating as much as possible with other likeminded groups.

If along the route others decide to join us formally, they are welcome, but as long as they are sincerely working for the same ideals, they should be considered ‘as one with us regardless of their outward political or religious allegiance.

Payam Foroughi Logan, Utah To the Editor:

In response to an inquiry about the celebration of holidays, the Guardian said it was ‘“‘surely preferable and even highly advisable’’ for Baha’i communities to empha

size the observance of Baha’i Holy Days rather than such holidays as Christmas.

However, the attitude of some Baha’is about non-Baha’i holidays is so negative that it seems to us closer to Puritanism than to the spirit of the Guardian’s advice.

Recently, ,a letter appeared in The American Baha’i from some Baha’is who were upset by a Persian friend celebrating Christmas, in what sounded like a wellmeaning attempt to participate in American culture.

The writers of the letter described Christmas as a “‘Christian holy day.’’ Christmas, in our culture, is in fact both a religious and a cultural event. It is celebrated by many people who are not theologically Christian (whose beliefs range from Jewish to agnostic to Zen), while there are some Christian churches whose members do not observe it.

Although Christmas—like almost everything else in our public life—is debased by commercialism, it is still associated, for several hundred million people (not only Christians), with a genuine spirit of giving, of family unity, and of a sense of the spiritual life. These are certainly values that Baha’is should support!

In view of these connotationsas well as the association of this holiday with Jesus Christ—speaking of Christmas as though it-were something sinful does not seem an appropriate way to convey the spirit of the Faith.

The fact is that Christmas is still celebrated, in varying degrees, by many Baha’is—especially older, more tradition-oriented ones. It would seem most unkind to try to “‘purge’’ these people of a practice which has had for them, all their lives, connotations of love and reverence.

A more positive approach would involve helping the Baha’i community to find more meaningful and joyous ways to observe Baha’i Holy Days, and to help everyone share in the spirit. (The Persians, with their heritage, have much to offer here.)

Also, our feeling is that in raising a family, and taking part in activities for children both inside and outside the Baha’ community, the important meanings to

See LETTERS page 35

WSO SSR

Foreword, appendix, glossary, references, bibliography, index.

Hardcover $4 §©9 softcover sg95

wt

The possibilities for using it in proclamation, teaching, and deepening are endless (Order through your local librarian. or send check or money order (including 10°» for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to:

Baha’i Distribution Service 41S TINDEN AVENUE, WIEMEPTE TE 00091 @ TEL. 1-800-323-1880.

“Proce salt only an the Unite! States,

Here is the most comprehensive compilation to date of the Baha’i writings on peace.

312 pages, 504 excerpts from the Baha’i writings, beginning with the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice and concluding with prayers for peace.

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

CHAMPIONBUILDERS

G

Joseph H. Hannen, one of the earliest and most distinguished American Baha’is, became a believer and an active worker in the Cause during the early years of this century, around 1903 or 1904.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, he lived for many years with his family in Washington, D.C. Few souls have arisen at any time who possessed such a variety of gifts and who used them so ceaselessly and devotedly for the Cause of God and the betterment of humanity.

In Washington, Mr. Hannen served as secretary of the Baha’i community, handling both records and correspondence; was a member of Washington’s Working Committee, a group whose many tasks did not belie its name; and served as both a resident and traveling teacher, instructing children and the poor, promoting race unity, and speaking often at public meetings.

Since his business required that he travel a great deal, he made a large number of personal contacts and had many opportunities to help groups in other cities.

Mr. Hannen served as a delegate to several national Conventions, and was always well-prepared to face large audiences. His address at a public meeting during the Baha’i Convention held in San Francisco during the World’s Fair in 1915 was especially well-received.

His most triumphant public moment, however, came with his address to the League to Enforce Peace, meeting in Washington.

The organization was comprised of many of the most eminent men in the country. President Woodrow Wilson was one of the leading advocates present; another was former President William Howard Taft who chaired the session.

Mr. Hannen’s opportunity to speak to the League came as a result of its expressed desire to hear from other groups whose members cherished the ideals of peace. His brief address, based on the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, received the largest ovation of the session.

During ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s three visits to Washington in 1912, the Faith was proclaimed in many circles through public meetings and the media.

Later, the Master wrote that it would be unwise to agitate the public mind, but that articles written by Mr. Hannen would be ac See HANNEN page 30

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

Name Confirmation Address City, State, Zip

Arrival Date and Time ____

Departure Date Please reserve rooms ______ Single Double Twin Suite: | BR_ 2 BR

Baha’i International Peace Conference August 28-31, 1986 San Francisco, California

Mail to:

Baha’i International Peace Conference Housing Bureau P.O. Box 5612

San Francisco, California 94101

Note: You will receive acknowledgment of your reservation(s) directly from the Housing Bureau. To assure your reservation, a $100 deposit check or charge for each room must be received by the hotel 15 days prior to arrival. Details will be explained on hotel confirmation. Send deposit to hotel where assigned. DO NOT SEND deposit to convention Housing Bureau. For cancellations up to fifteen (15) days prior to your arrival, contact the Housing Bureau in writing. Less than fifteen (15) days prior to arrival, contact the hotel directly. All cancellations must be received by assigned hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival for refund.

All other changes must be made directly with the hotel.

Reservations will not be held past 6:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made with the hotel from which you receive confirmation.

Conference rates in effect for | week prior to and 1 week

Hotel:

Ist Choice Lateey Ditiss 2nd Choice:

following the conference.

______ 31d Choice: s

Name and address of all occupants of room(s). Please “bracket” those rooming together. Incomplete information will delay assignment of space!

NAME(S) & ADDRESS(ES) ARRIVAL/DEP. DATES.

Re aia teeth Saree — = ea a re at er ct eee CONFERENCE Baha’i International Peace Conference Mail to: REGISTRATION August 28-31, 1986 Conference Registration FORM San Francisco, California Beiea ational Centes

$10 Discount for

Wilmette, IL 60091

Registration Rates Early Registration’*** Number x Rate $50. Adults (21+) .. e740) hf Os Stl $ 40. Children & Pre-youth* $ 30 x ions bone $ 30 Student/youth** $ 20 Moi kite $135 Family of 4 or more*** .... $125 eee e ra Shuttle Bus Rates: Guest 0 Baha’i ID * Age Adults $10/weekend - = 2. Name =o Children $6 /weekend accesses i i os Guest) Baha’i ID # a Shuttle bus routed between conference TOTAL SL a i facilities, Thur. pm through Sun. noon. ENCLOSED salad aealene —— (Public transport - MUNI, 75¢ per ride) aiID ses C7 Babs’ ID a Make checks payable to: Baha’i Peace Conference 4. Name nck ts aft pit pH Chargeto: VISA [MASTERCARD

eee a Card #* pa ke Expiration Date ____ Please send info on work/study scholarships Signature MA a

• Ages 3-14 (under 3 free) Papacaton

“*With current student ID

• • • Parents and 2 or more children over 3

Address

• • • • MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 31, 1986 City, State, Zip —____ —

Media Task Force lays plans to publicize Peace Conference

To Baha’i communities, Groups and isolated believers Dear Friends:

The mandate given us by the National Planning Committee for the International Peace Conference to be held August 28-31 in San Francis0 is as follows:

Develop plan to increase awareness about the Faith and the peace Statement among the community at large. Assess teaching plans in the area and begin to identify local non-Bahá’ís who have shown a particular interest in the peace statement. Develop a plan to utilize media coverage prior to and during the conference.

Our Task Force is in the process of developing comprehensive plans to take advantage of the many media opportunities the conference will present. These plans include paid advertising, development of public service announcements for radio and TV, press kits, personal contact with Bay Area media, many press releases as conference plans progress to publicize all aspects of the conference, and a press room at the conference itself.

We will also strive to obtain radio and television interviews for the keynote speakers and other appropriate guests on the local networks and with newspaper reporters.

A great many of the materials we produce will be useful in your efforts to publicize the peace statement and activities in connection with the International Year of Peace, as well as the conference itself. These materials will be made available to you at cost, and you will soon be receiving information about them. .

Since the effects of conference publicity will be far-reaching and no doubt will enhance and reinforce local publicity efforts, we are asking

you to help defray the costs involved with such an extensive campaign. Please send your contributions to Natalie Reyes, 2971 Kentridge Drive, San Jose, CA 95133 (phone 408-923-1068), made payable to the ‘‘Media Task Force.””

Your wide distribution of the peace statement is impressive. Please let us know the names of the VIPs in your area who have received the message enthusiastically. We urge you to continue to distribute the statement in order to saturate the entire area with knowledge and awareness of the Baha’is, our beliefs, and the Message of Baha’u’llah.

If your community has a media rep, we would appreciate having the name, address and phone number. If not, you are encouraged to appoint someone who can develop local media contacts to use the publicity we will generate. Also, if there are people in your community who have expertise in graphic arts, print and/or broadcast journalism, advertising, audio-visual production, or other media skills who would be willing to work with our Task Force, please forward their names, addresses and phone numbers as soon as possible.

We commend you for all the activities you have already undertaken and look forward to working with you during these coming months. This is the first major international conference the Baha’is have ever held on the West Coast, in the birthplace of the United Nations, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said the first flag of international peace would be unfurled. It is a rare opportunity for us, and no doubt our joint endeavors will produce a rich harvest for our beloved Faith.

Please let us hear from you promptly. Thank you.

Natalie Reyes For the Media Task Force [Page 5]THE FUNDS

The annual financial report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States Sor 1985-86 was presented to the assembled delegates and guests at the 77th Baha’ National Convention held May 1-4 in Chicago. The following is a summary of the report. The entire report as presented to the Convention is available on request from the Office of the Treasurer. All figures are estimated as of April 30, 1986.

Contributions

The highest level of contributions ever recorded was achieved in fiscal 1986—$7.5 million. Throughout the year monthly contributions exceeded the same month one year ago. Monthly gains in contributions surpassing 140 per cent were recorded.

Annually, individual contributions show the highest gains. Individual believers increased their support of the Baha’i Fund by 30 per cent. Contributions from local Assemblies experienced a four per cent gain, and a slight decline (four per cent) was recorded for Groups. Over-all, a 20 per cent increase in annual contributions was reached—an historic achievement for the American Baha’i community. Participation

Individual participation levels echoed the success achieved in contributions. An average of 6,000 individual Baha’is contributed to the National Baha’i Fund throughout the year—a growth rate of seven per cent above the previous year.

Participation from local Assemblies remained stable, showing a one per cent increase. Although Group participation declined by 10 per cent, the shift of 96 Groups to Assembly status probably ac

‘Right of God’ purifies wealth through giving

Ḥuqúqu’lláh (the Right of God) is a law revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitab-iAaqdas. Obeying the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh purifies the material wealth we acquire throughout our lifetime by giving back to the Cause of God a part of that which came from our Creator.

At this time, the law of Ḥuqúqu’lláh is binding only on Persian believers and those who are required to observe the law in their native country.

Western believers are free to pay Huqtqu’lláh if they so choose. Payments to Huqtiqu’lah are deductible for federal income and estate tax purposes.

Questions or payments should be addressed to one of the following Trustees:

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

Santa Monica, CA 90402; Dr. Daryush Haghighi,

. Rocky River, OH 44116.

counts for this loss.

Automatic Contributions

The Automatic Contribution System (ACS), announced during the Baha’i National Convention last year, is now a firmly established alternate method of giving. A base

now use this system to provide a regular source of monthly income for the financial needs of ongoing national activities. The current rate of contributions from this source exceeds $500,000 annually. This new contribution system will

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 5

Office of Treasurer’s financial report

a firm financial foundation for the Faith in the United States.

Call for 20,000

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears mounted a call for 20,000 contributions to the Na period of the Fast and Naw-Riz. For 20 days (March 2 through March 22) more than 20,000 “tokens of love’’ flooded the Office of the Treasurer. This is the largest number of contributions ever received during an equivalent

of more than 1,200 contributors

Contributions

play a significant part in providing

GOAL PER MONTH

t { t t 1 ' 1 t ' 1 1 ! Pore d ' 1 I

tional Baha’i Fund during the time period.

GOAL PER MONTH f inorvouas” 10,000

i g

risers

Fund progress during the Seven Year Plan

Total *4Omillion

$6,427,000

$4,649,000

$3,602,000

$6,270,000

1986

Contributions to the National Baha’i Fund increased by 108 percent during the Seven Year Plan. Total contributions exceeded $40 million for the seven year period—an unprecedented level Of financial progress

va of the National Baha’i Fund during the Seven Year

jan

• Contributions to the National Baha’i Fund increased by 108 per

cent

• Participation in giving to the National Baha’i Fund grew by 220

per cent

© Total revenue from contributions surpassed $40 million

© National support of the Baha’i International Fund escalated from $900,000 to $1.5 million annually

Accomplishments during the Seven Year Plan

• Reconstructed the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Wilmette

• Purchased the new National Administration building bordering

Wilmette

• Built the Native American Baha’i Institute on the Navajo-Hopi

Reservation

• Expanded permanent and regional Baha’i Schools from 29 to 46

• Established a Persian/American Affairs Office

¢ Established an External Affairs Office

• Increased the number of new believers by more than 25,000

• Formed more than 300 new local Spiritual Assemblies

• Assisted the filling of nearly 2,000 international pioneer posts

• Reconstructed the Louhelen Baha’i School

• Constructed WLGI, the flagship North American Baha’i radio

station

¢ Engaged in an ongoing renovation plan for the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette

• Renovated and refurbished the Baha’i Publishing Trust building

in Wilmette

[Page 6]6 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Spirit of faith, love conquers pioneer’s fear

SW rioncenine

There is a spirit that moves the heart, that gives us a courage we know we do not possess and a strength we could not have imagined. It is a spirit of love, of devotion, and, finally, of faith. This is the power given to us at times of true sacrifice.

In December 1985, Jill Johnston left her home to travel to her pioneering post in the Marshall Islands. She had prepared to go pioneering by September 1986, but the job came through in September 1985!

To assume her new responsibilities in December, Jill had to leave her husband and 13 1/2-year-old son in the States until they could join her eight months later. Her words describe the experience best:

“It has been one month today since we landed on Majuro Atoll. Jim, 12, wasn’t sure he'd like it. After all, ‘we'll leave all the good things of life behind.’

Friends can ‘adopt,’ write to pioneers

Pioneers in other lands need letters and encouragement from Baha’is in the States, If you or your local Spiritual Assembly would like to “‘adopt’” a pioneer, please write to the International Goals Committee and we'll assign you a pioneer who has expressed an interest in the program.

“But within two days he was surrounded by a dozen kids and more. He fits like an old shoe. Watching him and his friends playing for hours in the surf, it’s hard to believe this is the same boy who hated salt water.

“Because my husband, Gary,

and our son, Lonnie, were unable to come at once, after prayer and meditation, Gary said, ‘Go now while the opportunity is here.’ So we did. ’ve never been so lonely, so filled with heartache as during the flight from Seattle to San Jose, our first stop. I cried most of the way.

“But at the same time, I felt assured that Baha’u’llah wouldn't allow so much pain for nothing. I knew there would be rewards. And that’s what this letter is really about.

“In my nine years as a Baha’i, never have I been so conscious of the presence of Baha’u’llah as I have been in this short time. Each day brings confirmations, one of which is the general lack of loneliness.

“Yes, I miss Gary and Lonnie and I cry over their letters. But on a day-to-day basis, I’m not lonely.

“In one of the teaching prayers. it says: ‘O Lord! Grant me communion with Thee in my loneliness, and be my companion in these foreign lands.’ And it’s true! That terrible, ever-present ache doesn’t exist now.

“I feel close to Gary and Lonnie even though we’re 5,000 miles apart and likely will be for six or seven more months. And it’s not because I’m a strong person. It’s

PIONEER GOALS . Ridvan 1986

ASIA

) India

(K) Korea

(E) Nepal

(E) Philippines (Th) Thailand

AUSTRALASIA

Caroline Islands (E) Kosrae (E) Palau (E) Truk

) Fiji

Mariana Islands (E) Rota (E) Tinian

(E) Marshall Islands

(E) Samoa

(E) Tuvalu

AFRICA

(F) Benin

(E) Lesotho (€) Liberia (F) Mauritania (E) Nigeria

Until a new assignment is given to the United States by the Universal House of Justice, all goals assigned for the last phase of the Seven Year Plan must be kept filled. The countries are:

AMERICAS (S) Argentina Bahamas (E) San Salvador Is. (E) Barbados Chile (S) Easter Island (S) Colombia (E) Dominica (F) French Guiana Ecuador (S) Galapagos Is. (S) El Salvador (E) Grenada (S) Guatemala (S) Honduras Jamaica (E) Cayman Islands (E) Leeward Islands (E) Anguilla (E) Montserrat (S) Mexico (S) Yucatan (S) Puerto Rico (E) St. Lucia (E) St. Vincent Turks and Caicos Is. (E) Grand Turk (E) Providenciales (Provo) (E) North Caicos (E) Middle Caicos (S) Uruguay

EUROPE

(E) Ireland

Bahá’u’lláh transforming a former moth into a falcon, “‘Jim’s changes in attitude were not conditioned by me; I don’t have that power. It’s the power of the Blessed Beauty. “So friends, if you want to see

some heavy-duty confirmations, if you’re tired of being a moth, consider making some sacrifices, perhaps big ones, and check out pioneering. The Goals Committee has lots of practical information in addition to their spiritual

booster.

“Bahá’u’lláh led us here quickly—from September to December. I didn’t think we could pioneer. Bahá’u’lláh showed us we could. ‘O Lord, increase my astonishment in Thee!’ ””

Pioneer must abandon our ‘no risk’ ideology

The following remarks are taken from a talk given April 3 to a Pioneer Training Institute at the Baha’i National Center by Dr. Will C. van den Hoonaard.

.

It is a blessing to have been invited to speak at this Pioneering Institute.

I grew up as a Baha’i thinking that teaching and pioneering were as integral to one’s living as breathing. My spiritual parents, Ed and Mary Bode—(the latter had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and helped unveil the Tablets of the Divine Plan in New York)—were pioneers to Holland, my home country.

In my own life, I have spent five years pioneering in the subarctic areas of the world: the Canadian Northwest Territories, climbing down 10-story ladders in a gold mine, and in Iceland, living in a remote fishing village.

Pioneering is a spiritual act which creates new ways in which we think, act and pray. Phenomena, whether spiritual or physical, take on new meaning because they are brought into relationship with a larger cosmos or world.

For example, one’s education takes on new meaning. It either becomes particularly valuable in a pioneer setting, or it becomes useless.

Also, one’s relation to his or her family becomes stronger, or it becomes weaker. You who have gathered here tonight know what I am talking about.

You have decided to be pioneers, and already you have experienced the process of detaching yourself from your familiar surroundings. The spiritual revolution, albeit a personal one, is already beginning to take placeand you haven’t even left your home yet!

The significance of pioneering relates to another point, namely the particular value of tests.

Have you noticed that whenever you decide to teach, or pioneer, for the Faith, tests seem to multiply? It’s as if God is saying to us, “Now, you are worthy of My tests!”’

The act of pioneering creates an opposite set of standards from those that prevail in America today, especially with respect to our attachment to the ‘‘no pain’’ and “‘no risk’’ society.

The whole medical establishment is built on the former premise; the legal and insurance professions are founded on the latter.

But here you are, a prospective pioneer, throwing out the ‘‘no pain” and ‘“‘no risk’’ ideology! There is probably no better way to

Notice to travelers

Baha’ is traveling outside the U.S., please contact the International Goals Committee, c/o Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312869-9039). Two months’ notice is desirable.

ferment mental and spiritual anguish. Ah, the soil is being tilled well.

A third, but no less important result of your decision to pioneer may quite well lead to ill health and some sort of physical deprivation. (Mind you, there are countless pioneers who have somehow managed to escape this fate.)

In researching early histories of pioneering, I was fascinated to

find a universe of maladies which have beset pioneers: malaria, kidney ailments, dental problems.

I remember once meeting a Baha’i who suffered intensely from back pains because of a certain area’s barometric pressure.

These internal, personal and material conditions of pioneering require sacrifices of various kinds. For some, the sacrifice consists of

See PIONEERS page 34

Universal House of Justice clears way

for summer travel to

teach in Europe

Because of terrorist activities in Europe and the recent nuclear accident in the Soviet Union, the International Goals Committee sent the following message on April 28 to the Universal House of Justice:

“MONTHS OF PLANNING HAVE RESULTED IN TEACHING

PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES IN ITALY, SPAIN,

IRELAND,

UNITED KINGDOM, NORWAY, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, BELGIUM, WEST GERMANY, EAST GERMANY AND POLAND. SOME PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED A DESIRE, TO PARTICIPATE. NOW WE ARE UNSURE WHETHER TO PROCEED OR CANCEL THE PROJECTS. ALL INFORMATION IS READY TO DISSEMINATE AT CONVENTION. WE ANXIOUSLY

AWAIT YOUR ADVICE.

On April 30, the committee received the following reply:

... DELIGHTED PROSPECT MOUNT TEACHING PROJECTS IN COUNTRIES NAMED. AS LONG AS NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES INVOLVED CONCUR, WE SEE NO REASON (TO) HESITATE. IF YOU NEED FURTHER ADVICE KINDLY SPECIFY

NATURE YOUR CONCERN.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

The above should allay your anxieties about whether it is wise to go to Europe this summer. However, if you have further questions, the International Goals Committee will be happy to request further advice from

the Supreme Body.

Summer Teaching Projects for Youth and Young Adults: 1986 Countries Languages Dates EUROPE Belgium French 15 AugustGerman 15 September Dutch 2-week minimum English Germany German 7 June or Poland Polish 12 July English 2-week minimum. Ireland English 3-31 July; 2-10 August Italy Italian 3 July-open English Norway Norwegian open English 2-4 weeks July is good Spain Spanish 3-19 July only Switzerland German open English United Kingdom English open AMERICAS Belize English 4-week minimum Grenada English August Guyana English May-November St. Lucia English open j 2-week minimum

[Page 7]An open letter to Baha’i youth

Dear Baha’i Co-workers,

The close of one global Plan and the launching of another is a significant milestone for the Cause of God. It is a time to appraise success and a time to both delight in past victories and prepare for future gains.

The Seven Year Plan was a time of mighty strides forward for the Baha’i youth of America as the youth proved themselves to be active, vital supporters of the Cause at all levels of the community, winning the support and praise of both the adults and the institutions.

The past two years were especially significant as young Baha’is moved rapidly from victory to victory, winning every challenye along the way. We have not only met, but indeed surpassed every youth goal targeted for the final phase of the Seven Year Plan. Spurred on by the challenge of the Universal House of Justice that ‘‘youth can move the world,”’ the Baha’i observance of the International Year of Youth in 1985 was an enormous success.

Demonstrating the renewed spirit of the Baha’i Youth Movement, we arose last summer to participate in teaching projects in a manner and with a spirit unprecedented in the Plan. Moreover, the spiritual discipline and maturity of today’s Baha’i youth leave even the most skeptical of observers in awe. Indeed, in the span of but two years, the youth have emerged to stand in the front ranks of the teaching work of our beloved Cause.

The victories of the past year bear eloquent testimony to the victories that must inevitably lie ahead. We must begin the new global Plan with victory so that the momentum can build into increasing success for the Cause. The House of Justice, in 1984, asked the youth to begin a “mighty mobilization for teaching,’’ and it is time now, at the start of the new Plan, to launch that process.

The immediate goal is this: to raise up, as an initial commitment to this “mighty mobilization,” more than 1,000 summer projecteers for domestic and international teaching and service projects. The summer of ’86 has the potential to be record-breaking ... the key ingredient is your participation and support. Will you arise to contribute to this effort?

You won't have to travel far to serve this summer with at least 95 domestic projects planned in addition to several border efforts and a host of opportunities overseas. And with scholarship funds available through the National Youth Committee for domestic projecteers, those who require financial assistance can also participate fully.

The commitment is yours to make. The National Youth Committee hopes to hear from each of you, whether you can serve for a few days or for the whole summer. We ask that you stand up and be counted by making our Offer of service today. on young and active Baha’is, like you, that the Guardian centers all his hopes for the future progress and expansion of the Cause, and it is on their shoulders that he lays the responsibility for the upkeep of the spirit of selfless service among their fellow-believers. Without that spirit no work can be successfully achieved. With it, triumph, though hardly won, is but inevitable.”

Our gratitude and loving admiration goes to each of you who have served the Faith so devotedly during the Seven Year Plan. With loving Baha’i greetings,

Baha’i National Youth Committee

YES! I WILL BE ONE OF THE ONE THOUSAND to arise to teach this summer! Please count on my participation.

Name Age Sex Address Phone City State Zip

Do you plan to attend a travel teaching institute?

Where would you prefer to teach?

What dates will you be available to serve?

Will you need financial help?

Upon receipt of this coupon, we will send you an updated list of summer

projects. Mail to: National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Montana host to youth conference

Auxiliary Board member Margaret Gallagher was the keynote speaker at a Northwest Regional Youth Conference held March 28-30 in Missoula, Montana.

Thirty-two youth including six non-Baha’is attended what was the largest gathering of Baha’i youth ever held in Montana, traveling from as far as Olympia, Seattle and Bellevue, Washington; Lapwai, Idaho; and Portland, Beaverton and Aloma, Oregon, to join local youth, adults, pre-youth and children at the event.

Mrs. Gallagher spoke several times during the conference on “Youth as Peacemakers,” using as her guide the book Unrestrained As the Wind, which she referred to as a “‘handbook”’ for Baha’i youth.

Also taking part were Mrs. Gallagher’s assistants, Keith Blanding, George Galinkin and Michael Wood.

The Baha’i youth of Missoula presented several workshops on the prerequisites for peace as outlined in the statement by the Universal House of Justice, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”

Maria Nelson conducted a workshop on ‘Eliminating the Extremes of Wealth and Poverty,”’ and Stephen Dimitroff, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Opal Conner, presented a workshop on ‘‘Young Heroes and Heroines of the Faith.”

A group of youth who had taken part in a service project in Lapwai, Idaho, gave an exciting report about the project.

Plans are being made for another youth conference in the fall.

YOUTH

The following excerpts present a sense of the spirit of the Youth Year of Service program which has grown from the vision of the Universal House of Justice to the reality of the lives of individual youth who are serving in the field.

Their words speak for themselves—the tests, the struggles, and the many joys and victories that shed bounties on these individuals, on the communities where they are serving, and on the U.S. Baha’i community which has sent them.

Contact the National Youth Committee office at the Baha’i National Center (312-869-9039) if you would like to be a part of this glorious service.

Some comments about the Youth Year of Service

The Universal House of Justice in a letter of January 1984 to the Baha’ youth of the world:

“‘... while still young and unburdened by family responsil ties, you (should) give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say, one or two years, to some Baha’i service, on the homefront or abroad, in the teaching or development field. It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth. Regardless of the modes of service, however, youth must be understood to be fully engaged, at all times, in all climes and under all conditions.””

Counselor Farzam Arbab, speaking at the Baha’i International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, July 1985:

“This social and economic development of the world, according to the Baha’is, is going to be very different from social and economic development according to many other people.

“It will not be something that the powerful will do to the powerless, or the rich to the poor, or that the so-called ‘knowledgeable’ will do for the ignorant.

“The Universal House of Justice has told us very clearly that the heart of social and economic development of the world is the activity of the local communities, from the stirrings at the grassroots of the Faith. We will see all of humanity participate in its own destiny using the Teachings of Baha’u’ lah.

lowa Baha’i named to Phi Beta Kappa

Joseph Foroughi, a member of the Baha’i community of Ames, Towa, has been inducted into Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society, at lowa State University in Ames.

He was honored for being in the top two per cent of his class, the class of 1987. As a Baha’i, he is presently serving on the Regional Youth Committee, has served on the District Youth Committee and Great Plains School Committee, and has taken part in teaching projects in Wanblee, South Dakota, and Belize, Central America.

‘Year of Service’ leads to many joys, victories as youth meet, pass tests

“It is imperative that people, Baha’is from all over the world, go to these places, to participate in the lives of these people, becoming one with them, bringing to them their knowledge and technology, even while learning from the traditional knowledge of the culture, thus blending modern science with traditional knowledge and lasting values, and then begin to forge new villages and new towns, places that humanity has never seen before.

“To promote this, the Universal House of Justice has once again called upon the youth. They gave you a very special gift.

“They asked if you would give, while you are young, one or two years of your life in service ... to travel to these places, li ving among the peoples and helping

them with their projects of social and economic development.

“This is a beautiful development for the Faith. I hope you have pondered this service and begun to grasp the impact of this service.”

Nicole Ewing, now serving in Paraguay: ‘‘Many prayers need to be said, and one really learns how to depend on Baha’u’llah and His Writings. One learns that nothing else keeps you going.

“One learns to appreciate what little one has. One also learns a whole bunch about one’s self! Oh boy, is it hard—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.””

Tom Haanen, Panama: ‘‘We learned what it means to develop unity in diversity. This concept is not an accidental occurrence when

See YOUTH page 36

On the weekend of January 25-26, 20 youth and pre-youth and three adults held a retreat at the home of the North family in Mancos, Colorado. Seventeen of the youth came from eight towns in Colorado and three others from Utah. The weekend was spent deepening on such topics as the importance of prayer, the necessity of teaching, the principles of the Faith, and Baha’i laws as set forth in the

Kitab-i-Aqdas. Pictured are (front row left to right) Mary Francis Poole, Badi Reddy, Blaine Johnson, Jennifer North, Stephanie Snook, Rebecca Johnson, Sine Doherty, Trina Richardson, Joe Skaggs, and (back row left to right) Taraz Samandari, Jason Zillich, Andishe Samandari, Fred North, Elin Griffith, Kii Hursey, Chey Hursey, Matt Hitti, Cari North, Wendy Wilson.

More than 50 babysitters are needed at San Francisco Peace Conference

If you are a youth and would like to be of service while making some money during the International Peace Conference in San Francisco, all you have to do is fill out this application to be a babysitter.

The Baha’i youth of Northern California District No. 2, responsible for operating a babysitting agency for the conference, need your help. Their goal is to get

babysit each night of the conference (August 29, 30, 31) during the evening program.

Asa sitter, you’ll be responsible for caring for the children in their hotel room until the parents return from the evening program, for which you will be paid $2 an hour by the parents.

Please mail the application as soon as possible. The deadline is

more than 50 ) responsible youth to to Ji uy 9. ‘BABYSITTING. ‘APPLICATION

Name

Address.

Phone number (_ ) Night(s) available (circle): August 29, August 30, August 31

Ages of children most comfortable with babysitting (may check more

than one): 0-2 years ___ 3-5 _ Name of community Signature of Assembly member

Please send to: The Youth of Northern California District No. 2 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 [Page 8]8 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Annual ‘Souvenir’ commemorates ‘Abdu’!l-Baha’s visit

On June 29, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave a Unity Feast for more than 300 guests at the Roy Wilhelm property in West Englewood, New Jersey.

With warmth and joy, He personally welcomed the friends, served Persian food with His own hands, and anointed everyone with attar of roses.

The gathering lasted well into the evening with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speaking by candlelight.

In God Passes By (p. 266), Shoghi Effendi writes of the great importance that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá attached to His trip to North America, and of “‘... the symbolic feast He Himself offered to a large gathering of His disciples assembled in the open air, and in the green setting of a June day at West Englewood ...’”

In The Promulgation of Universal Peace (p.213) is found a paraphrase of the speech given that day by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as compiled by Howard MacNutt from notes by Esther Foster:

“This is a delightful gathering, you have come with sincere intentions and the purpose of all present is the attainment of the virtues of God. The motive is attraction to the divine Kingdom. ... This is a new Day, and this hour is a new Hour. ...””

In a Tablet revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Roy Wilhelm in 1913, He wrote: ‘“‘O Thou, my dear son! Thy letter dated July 13, 1913 was received. Its contents indicated the firmness and steadfastness of the believers of God and told of holding a divine meeting in your radiant, charming country place.

“Praise be to God that that day was spent in the utmost joy and happiness. That Annual Memorial Meeting will be the Souvenir of ‘Abdu’ l-Bahd especially when it is passed with infinite delight and gladness.””

Since that time, the last Saturday in June has seen the gathering of hundreds of Baha’is at the Wilhelm properties for a picnic held in the spirit of joy and unity followed by prayers, a keynote speech, and music.

In 1916, Roy Wilhelm and Curtis Kelsey began construction of an Evergreen Cabin at the site of that original Unity Feast. The

74th ‘Souvenir’ set for June 28

The 74th Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be held from 2:30-5 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Wilhelm property in West Englewood, New Jersey.

The keynote speaker will be Gerald Knight, United Nations representative for the Baha’i International Community, whose topic will be ‘‘World Peace.’’

Special guest Hooper Dunbar, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa, will discuss “The Six Year Plan,’’ and Donald Kinney will comment on the first Unity Feast hosted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912.

The program, which will extend into the evening with children’s entertainment, a fireside, and other activities by candlelight, is free, no preregistration is required, and everyone is invited to attend.

Pictured are Bahá’ís and their guests who gathered June 25,

cabin was enlarged over the years uni now contains nine rooms, a kitchen, attic and basement. The properties also include the original country house, a caretaker’s house, the Evergreen Grove, and the 1911 Reo touring

jouvenir of

‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Wilhelm

the

sedan used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on several of His trips.

• Abdu’l-Bahá indicated that the

Evergreen Grove would, in the future, become a national memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America. The property, now owned by

the National Spiritual Assembly, serves as a National Baha’i School whose regularly scheduled events include classes for children and adults, public meetings, firesides, social gatherings, marriages, conferences, and local, state and na

Jersey.

tional committee meetings.

The annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá serves to remind us that “«... this is a new Day, and this hour is a new Hour. ... You must become united and agreed among yourselves.””

New compilation explores contemporary views on peace

In its letter of January 23, 1985, regarding the UN’s International Year of Peace, the Universal House of Justice encouraged Baha’is to ‘engage people at the grassroots and at all other levels of society in a broad range of profoundly effective activities through which they will interact with the Baha’i community in a sustained, world-wide effort to attend to the fundamental issues of peace, aided by the unique sights provided by the Teachings of Baha’u’llah.””

A number of questions become apparent to any Baha’i who arises to meet the challenge presented by the Universal House of Justice.

What is the “Baha’i view of peace’’? Are there Baha’i teachings on specific issues related to peace? What is the range of views of others on this issue? What have Baha’is already done for peacehaven’t we just been concerned with our community’s growth

throughout the world? What solutions do the Baha’i teachings propose, and how will these solutions unfold?

To help Baha’is in their study of these and other questions about peace, a new publication has been prepared by the National Teaching Committee with the help of some of the believers around the country. In Pursuit of Peace is composed of a number of essays that explore contemporary views on peace as well as the Baha’i perspective. Topics covered include:

• The Baha’i definition of peace

• Six contemporary views on

peace—from ‘‘peace through strength’’ to “‘peace through personal transformation’’

• Baha’ references on specific

peace topics, such as disarmament and deterrence

• The role of the Universal

House of Justice’s peace statement in dialogue between Baha’ is and the world

• Baha’ teachings on the future

unfoldment of peace

Each major section in the book is followed by questions for group discussion. The last section provides suggested readings, and references for a more detailed study of issues raised in the essays.

In Pursuit of Peace can be used by individuals or groups. It complements the study of the Baha’i writings on peace and ‘The Promise of World Peace.’ There is no fixed format; communities can adapt Jn Pursuit of Peace to fit their needs.

One possibility is to hold four consecutive sessions, one on each part of the material, spaced a week or perhaps a month apart. Participants can read the material in preparation for a group discussion of questions during class time.

Another alternative is to have one person (perhaps a local Baha’i with knowledge of the peace

movement) develop a presentation using the material as a reference; the group could discuss questions following the presentation.

A third option would be to ask peace organizations in your area to make presentations as part of a series of classes; In Pursuit of Peace could be used to help prepare a Bahd’{ segment. Baha’is, members of peace groups, and the general public could be invited to attend.

The Baha’i involvement in peace activities will extend well beyond the International Year of Peace. The National Teaching Committee hopes this course will help Baha’is engage in discussion and activities with other people and groups who are working for peace and on peace-related issues, and will enrich our understanding of the scope of Bahá’u’lláh’s unparalleled vision for the re-ordering of human affairs.

Order from:

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

In Pursuit of Peace, 64 pages. ____ copies @ $3.00 per copy. Include 10% for handling ($1.50 minimum).

Please send

City

Phone

Credit Card # _ af (circle one) Visa / MasterCard

exp.date

tributions to that Fund:

60091.

As one of the four permanent Baha’i Funds, the Continental Baha’i Fund supports the work of the Counselors and Auxiliary Boards. There are now three options in the manner of making con 1, Contributions may be made payable directly to the Continental Baha’i Fund and sent c/o the Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL

Contributions may be included in gifts to the National Baha’i Fund by earmarking a portion for the Continental Fund.

Continental Fund supports work of Counselors, Auxiliary Boards

3. Contributions may be made to the Continental Fund through one’s local treasurer by earmarking them for the Continental Fund.

The Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas wishes to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your devoted and continued support of this Fund. The Counselors ask for your prayers as they work closely with the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the Americas during these exciting times in the history of the Cause of God.—Farzam Arbdb, Trustee for the Continental Board of

Counselors in the Americas

[Page 9]Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF JULY: Martyrdom of the Bab (July 9, noon). Thought for the Week: “O Thou Remnant of God! I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; Ihave accepted curses for Thy sake, and have yearned for naught but martyrdom in the path of Thy love ...”"—the Bab. Prayer: Baha’i Prayers, p. 22. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 71, p. 21. 2. Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 59. 3. Choose from any of the following: Release the Sun, chapter 19; God and His Messengers by Hofman, pp. 30-33; or Stories from the Dawn-breakers, pp. 57-9. Activity: 1. Say prayers for the present-day martyrs of Iran. If children are older, try reciting the ‘Fire Tablet” (Baha’i Prayers, pp. 214-220). 2. Decorate a box beautifully—like a precious gift. Perfume the box on the inside. Make six cut-out letters to spell “The Bab” and place them in the box, but do not tell the children what is in it yet. Sit together in a circle and talk about the joy in giving and receiving gifts. Practice sharing this boxed gift by handing it to one another and sharing it. When the time feels right, open the box, take the letters out, and share the words inside. Refreshments: Fresh berries with milk or cream.

SECOND WEEK OF JULY: FEAST OF KALIMAT (WORDS) JULY 13. Thought for the Week: ‘*... If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face ...””—Bahd’u'llah. Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, p. 174("O my God, aid ...”). Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 44, p. 37. 2. Gleanings, pp. 315-16, CXLVI. 3. Vignettes, No. 25, pp. 52-53. Activity and refreshment: ‘Alphabet bread sticks."” Set oven temperature at 300 degrees. Ingredients: 3-3 1/2 cups flour; 1 Tbs. sugar; I tsp. salt; 2 pkg. yeast; 1/4-cup salad oil; 1 1/4 cups hot water. 1. Stir 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast together. Add oil. Gradually add hot water. Beat two minutes with electric mixer or 300 strokes by hand. 2. Add 1/2-cup flour and beat two more minutes or 300 strokes. Add the remaining 1 1/2-2 cups flour to form a soft dough. 3. Turn onto floured board. With floured hands knead into a smooth ball, shape into a log, then divide into 20 pieces. 4, Roll each piece into a rope. Place the ropes on a greased pan and roll to grease all sides. Arrange in alphabet letter shapes, leaving an inch of space between the letters. 5. Let rise 15 minutes or until puffy. Then bake 25-30 minutes, Arrange the letters into words.

THIRD WEEK OF JULY: THE BAHA'I CALENDAR. Thought for the Week: ‘*... for any movement animated by love moveth from the periphery to the centre.""—Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 197. Prayer: Triumph of the Cause, p. 200. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 3, p. 4. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 10-11 3. “The Promise of World Peace,” p. 1, para. 1. 4. The Baha’i World, Vol. XVI (1973-76), pp. 499-502. Activity: Play Baha’i calendar ‘*Conc Write the names of the Baha’i months on squares of paper, two copi Spread the cards face down on the table and mix them up. Turn them over one at a time and try to match pairs by remembering where they are. If you have younger children, use only half of the months’ names. Refreshments: Make “banana splits” of frozen yogurt piled in a glass with sliced bananas, cherries, and favorite toppings.

FOURTH WEEK OF JULY: THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE. Thought for the Week: “‘Lift up your hearts! The Day of God is at hand!” —The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1985. Prayer: pp. 120-21. Lesson: Read and s One or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 2, p. 3. 2. Baha’i World Faith, pp. 446-48. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 132-33; pp. 306-7. 4. Paris Talks, pp. 99-100. Activity: During the new ‘ the Universal House of Justice will publish the Kitdbi-Aqdas in English for the first time. This is Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of Laws. Discuss the value of laws and make a family book of laws. Use paper, paste and pretty decorations for the sheets, then write your family’s laws on each page. Keep the book for future reference! Refreshments: Pear halves stuffed with softened cream cheese; fruit jui

“‘Destiny,’’ an original rock musical based on Baha’i principles, has drawn an enthusiastic response from audiences since its introduction in February 1985 at the Children’s Academy for the Performing Arts (CAPA) in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

The script was co-authored by two Baha’i women, Barbara Eyges of Marblehead and Shay Whitman Cooper of Salem, with music by a non-Baha’i, Amanda Maffei of Marblehead.

The play, whose themes include love, unity, world peace and the elimination of prejudice, was written as a theatre project for the Children’s Academy, a_professional training-ground in acting for young people, and premiered by the Youngest Theatre Company, CAPA’s performing group, for 10 performances.

Since its premiere the show has toured numerous elementary, middle and high schools in the greater Boston area.

It was performed at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Maine as a part of the Association for Baha’i Studies’ New England Conference last spring, and in November the cast traveled to New York City where a part of the play was presented at the United Nations for the ‘*Youth Can Save the World’’ celebration. On that occasion, the cast received a standing ovation.

The authors’ goal is to have the play performed for young people and families throughout the country and by as many theatre groups as possible. They have submitted it to publishers and looked into the possibilities of TV and/or film versions.

Another Baha’i, Mark Sadan of

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 9

Baha’i-centered rock musical draws warm response in Massachusetts

Cast members of the rock musical ‘Destiny’ rehearse a scene in which the youngsters pledge to eli Kiva Productions in New York, has submitted proposals to raise money to create a video version of “Destiny.”

Assemblies, Groups or indivi minate prejudices and unite like ‘one big happy family.”

dual Baha’is who would like more information about the play may write to Barbara Eyges,

Marblehead, MA 01945, or phone 617-631-8175.

Louhelen conference to train teachers in classroom skills, planning, curriculum

Don’t forget the National Child Education Teacher Training Conference which is to be held July 2-7 at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan.

The conference, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee in cooperation with the Louhelen school, will focus on classroom teaching skills, lesson planning and curriculum.

Each participant will, as a result of training activities, be in a position to improve the quality of his ‘own program and to serve as a resource person for other class programs in his area.

Local Assemblies are encour

aged to sponsor, and to subsidize if necessary, children’s teachers in their areas who might not otherwise be able to attend the conference.

The conference fee is $130 per person (with a $10 non-refundable advance fee required to secure registration). Attendance will be limited to 100.

Parents are encouraged to make home care arrangements for children. Child care will be provided only in special cases.

For information, contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

<i". Or

a

Debbie Bley (right), editor of Brilliant Star magazine, and Mary K. Radpour met recently with the Subscriber Service workers to discuss ways 10 make it easier for people to subscribe to the Baha’i children’s magazine. For example, did you know you can write out the information on a piece of

if Bix, |

notebook paper or Xerox the form in The American Baha’i? You don’t have to cut up your newspaper! If you have a good idea to help others subscribe, please send it to: Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

] foreigi t ] foreign, O foreign,

Name Street City,

Ss

e & Zip : Age of recipient __ Be:

Enclosed is my gift of $

Brilliant Siar

C one year $12.00 (six issues)

O two years $23.00

O foreign, surface, one year $15.00 surface, two years $28.00 air (A.O,), one year $25.00 ir (A.O.), two years $47.50

_ to the

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

pK Sots

Send to:

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

[Page 10]10 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

TEACHING PROJECTS ’86

ai Service Pi

Lapw: roject Nez-Perce Indian Reservation

Montana Youth Service Project No. Cheyenne Indian Reservation

surmer 1986 ihe Comac:Gunihia laa tegen Project Dawn Breakers Victory Harvest Gontact. Ferris & Linda Paisano (406) 477. u357 y Bemidji, MN area Kansas City, MO (208) 843-7745 Service project for youth ppocaoeen Fs Contact: Bob Johnson ‘ongoing at Wind River Service Projact, Contact: Kay Webster (eachng et Wind River Reservation, WY wa ene. Kansas Giy, MO 64127 Gohtact: Mary Churchill Spare ec ae The Gathering Warriors of Light (07) 332-98 ase Montague Center area Jaan San ame Service & youth activities a pepe Teaching Project Project NIWJIL (Fondshie) Gohtad: Jeanne Kendrick fee tltiee Contact: Edwin Roberts Fegan thay 81 paeaes| (206) fe é (605) 332-0127 Contact: Charlotte ings teen (715) 588. The Lowell Projact asco Project & Yakima Projoct Kanegs ot acta Lowel. MA veer fashingion Canna: Phyllis M Ilino’s Teaching Project eyes Matthews. July 10-20 : (ne 662 oan ore southern illinois Ue Contact: Steve & Jeni Godtrey SIS cbr ee June, July & August teaching & consolidation Saas er mF conse Contact: any Lou ‘McLaughlin ing & consolidation LY sh helena Cros Boste oe, MA ier Boston Umatilla Reservation Service Project ¥ summer 1986 Umatilla Reservation, OR L ss i x Contact Lary McColough Goa: Atle McConnel {ex2hing & concatdation (563) 278-0523 == fj 4 N service _ Fort Hall Teaching Project. Ks June 15 July 26 Fort Hall Reservalon cP) / A Teaching & ion Contact: Dale & Anne Sollars \ Project Lua 785-4495 LL \\ Co FN) New York in Newtane/Witson i y ’

een oo

S. Sacramento Sustained Teaching Campaign x f ing & southem Sacramento, CA paar B88 nad Wost Chester Project, ) 381-5419 Ey CY West Chester, PA ing July 1-31

Kathie & Peter Schawaker

(215) 696-3018 ‘San Francisco Drama Workshop teaching Cato, Contact: Rosanne j Olinga Teaching Project (419) 647-0700 Eopearneeck

• dea Pret fageetsngcane

Baud Pavon Project \ South Carolina Coding consordation on pm ell ortat Ann Mater Carolina Victory Train ‘Service & teaching pent paar on ing Pro} Gontack: Sarn Wiliams Mona Teaching Project (919) 679-2623 fresno, CA aids teaching & consolidation ee rail o ca pape eot CAno. 80. Gohea & consolidation Perea Heart aa ig LUghts of eee Project Contral Texas, ‘Yellow Rose 5 Eine fea Lymn Fichards Suet 24 i Pee ean ela aees er. ‘Contact: Andre'nea M. King LA. Workshop Spanish Language Institute ines aed pees Juarez, Mexico Pee Genta iri Cardona asa get a ’& consolidation a Df Cone & teaching Aone Wer Teaching Proj Groat Texas Service Project xi00, so. Texas & Mex late Decomber anwar 1987 ‘summer 1986 Contact: Richard Gurins 5 [a salhoae| Pavon mney ky (713) 464. 7i08 eng99 ing & consolidation unity, soserta sass New Mexico T Pro} noe Hopi Reservation Youth Pi ‘Anthony, TX & Juarez, Meno | indian Reservior. June 30-Jul Contact Eleabeth Bane” tact: Rob & Sylvia Gibietz (915) 886-2524 , : Phoenix, AZ 85031 deepening & spanish teaching

Send coupons to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091; or call at (312) 869-9039

I Project type: (circle) service / teaching / other

ee Se A A A SS

Community Projects I Teaching Project Guidelines : Project Participants :

I Yes! Our community would like to hold a I Please sendus a copy of Teaching Project § Yes! | would|ike to arise to teach this summer. I I teaching or service project this summer. I Guidelines to help us plan, carry out, and I Please send me more information. | I I evaluate our project. I | ‘ Name of Community io eae : : Name :

Contact Person : Name | Address I

en I J Address of Contact Person I Address : City, State, Zip I i City, State, Zip i City , State, Zip oa 0% : Phone ' la ——— J J Dates available: I I I Please include with your order a check for $2.00 | Financial assistance needed: (circle) yes/no i

I per copy payable to "Baha’i Services Fund”.

el

Projects | am interested in: [Page 11]TEACHING

New Hispanic Task Force seeks volunteer help

In response to one of the goals of the Six Year Plan, the National Teaching Committee has appointed a five-member Hispanic Teaching Task Force.

Under the goal of ‘‘carrying the healing Message of Baha’u’llah to the generality of mankind,” the Supreme Body says this: “Increase the number of believers from all strata of society, identifying as goals of the Plan those specific sectors, minority groups, tribal peoples, etc., which are at present under-represented in the Baha’i community and which will, therefore, be given special attention during the Plan.””

With this goal in mind, the Task Force would like to hear, in writing or by telephone, from anyone who would be interested in helping with the teaching work among Hispanics.

Besides teachers, we would like to hear from Hispanic musicians who could offer their time and talent to this effort.

To volunteer, please contact the Task Force member nearest to your geographic location. The members are:

Maria Estela Hermosillo,

South Windsor, CT 06074 (203-644-3087).

Manuel Marcial,

Key West, FL 33040 (305-7451151, home; 305-294-2060, work).

Sergio Montenegro,

San Jose, CA 95118 (408-264-1398).

Don Roupe,

Chicago, IL 60625 (312-275: 3359).

Judith Spychalski,

Phoenix, AZ 85035 (602269-2703).

The National Teaching Committee has begun to lay plans for a continuous, systematic effort to recruit and train homefront pioneers.

“This comes at a time when we're seeing increased interest in homefront pioneering as expressed by many local communities and at the National Convention,”’ says Cap Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

“There is also an inc need for pioneers, especially in South Carolina, South Dakota and southern Georgia, to help consolidate last year’s successful teaching efforts.’”

The new program will be patterned after the successful international pioneering program of the International Goals Committee. A number of institutes will be held throughout the Six Year Plan to introduce prospective homefront pioneers to the special nature of

S.C. communities work together to present statement

The Spiritual Assemblies of Cross and South Berkley County, South Carolina, have been working together to present the peace statement to local officials, and have held several joint deepenings on the statement.

Thus far, the peace statement has been presented to:

The mayors of Goose Creek, St. Stephens and Moncks Corner.

• State Senator Rembert Dennis.

° The sheriff of Berkley County.

• Many officials and leaders of

thought in Berkley County and Moncks Corner.

Other presentations are being planned for teachers, educators, judges and the local chief of police.

Assemblies

Local Assemblies formed.

SEVEN YEAR PLAN TEACHING SUMMARY

Assembly goal (Seven Year Plan).

Assemblies on Indian Reservations (goal: 50)

The number of Assemblies for the Seven Year Plan is based on the number formed before Ridvan, 1986. This represents the inclusion of two Assemblies that formed in the closing hours of the Seven Year Plan—Bismarck, North Dakota, and Oak Brook, IIlinois—which then re-formed at Ridvan. Congratulations to these and all other local Spiritual Assemblies formed during the Seven Year Plan.

The total number of Assemblies formed at Ridvan 1986 based on telephone reports from districts is 1,737. This total will be subject to change based on the receipt of Assembly election forms from local communities. While a loss of 48 Assemblies occurred, this represents only a 2 percent drop at the Ridvan elections. Between the end of the Five Year Plan and the start of the Seven Year Plan, Assembly totals dropped from 1,489 to 1,400, a 6 percent loss.

New Baha’is

Seven Year Plan goal Since Ridvan (1985). Total for entire Seven Year Plan (adults and youth). 25,757

At the start of the Seven Year Plan there were 75,448 believers in the American Baha’i community. With the addition of 25,757 new Baha’ is during the course of the Plan, along with deaths and withdrawals, the total membership is now 97,557.

The first individuals to enroll in the Faith during the Plan have now been Baha’is for seven years! To them, and to their brothers and sisters recently enrolled in the last few days of the Plan, we extend a loving welcome as we begin an exciting new Six Year Plan—and a new epoch in the development of the Cause of Baha'u'llah

“unprecedented increase” 5,059

their task.

“The more strenuous the effort exerted daily and methodically,” Shoghi Effendi wrote in Citadel of Faith (p. 155), “‘by the individual laboring on the home front to rise to loftier heights of consecration, of self-abnegation, to contribute, through pioneering at home ... the lighter will be the burden of the impending contest that must be waged, sooner or later ... between the rising institutions of Baha’u’llah’s embryonic divinely appointed Order, and the exponents of obsolescent doctrines and the defenders, both secular and religious, of a corrupt and fast-declining

As a first step in preparing for

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 11

Plans under way to recruit homefront pioneers

the homefront pioneering workshops, two consultations were held with homefront pioneers to gain a clearer understanding of the role of the homefront pioneer in supporting the growth and development of a local community.

The first of these was held March 15-16 at the Native American Baha’i Institute, with 17 pioneers attending; the second took place March 22-23 in Rapid City, South Dakota, with 13 believers in attendance.

At each, there was considerable consultation about the development of the new Baha’i communities, as well as about how to involve new Baha’is in a study of the writings.

The consultations with homefront pioneers will be followed by additional meetings and discussions with the International Goals Committee before the program for homefront pioneers is put in place, tentatively by late summer or early fall.

In the meantime, the National Teaching Committee is compiling a list of individuals who are interested in homefront pioneering, and a list of localities seeking homefront pioneers.

Interested individuals or communities should contact the Teaching Committee office at the Baha’i National Center or phone 312-869-9039 for more information.

Enrollments during the Seven Year Plan

5000

4500

4267

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

- 1981

1979-1986 4889 e059 2793 2695 a 1981-1982 1982-1 i 1084 1984-1985 1985-1986

Prepared by the National Teaching Committee + May 1, 1986

WLGI renews invitation to join its ‘record club’

WLGI-Radio Baha’i extends its invitation to Baha’is from around the U.S. to join its unique record club.

The club is different from most other such clubs because instead of receiving records from the club, you send them /o the club!

It’s a great way to make extra contributions to the Faith, to take part in the activities of WLGI, and to help keep the station’s expenses down.

Here’s how the club works. Simply call or write WLGI and let them know how many albums you can contribute (it could be one a month, one each year, or a onetime-only donation).

They’ll get in touch with you and give you the name of an album that’s needed. Once it is received, you’ll be sent an acknowledgment including a receipt for an “in-kind’’ contribution.

As an extra incentive, WLGI is holding a ‘‘Name the Record Club”’ contest. Send your suggestion 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.

Here are some of the Baha’is who have joined the club so far:

Anayatollah Behjat, Rowland Heights, California; Pierre A.A. Croonenberghs Jr., Greensboro, North Carolina; Harlene Finn, Evanston, Illinois; Kenyon Fo

Towa; Kimber Richter, Cincinnati, Ohio; the Phelan family, Greensboro, South Carolina; Luann Scribani, Ridgewood, New York.

For more information, write to WLGI-Radio Baha’i, Route 2, Box 71A, Hemingway, SC 29554,

roughi-Gross, Council Bluffs, or phone 803-558-2977.

Teaching and peace

“In connection with your teaching work; what the Guardian wishes you to particularly emphasize in all your talks is the supreme necessity for all individuals and nations in this day to adopt in its entirety the social program given by Baha’u’llih for the reconstruction of the religious, economic and political life of mankind. He wishes you to explain and analyze the elements that help in raising this Divine World Order in the light of the present-day events and conditions in the world. Special stress, he feels, should be laid on the impending necessity of establishing a super-na and sovereign world-state, as the one described by Baha’u’llih, With the world becoming increasingly subject to tumults and convulsions never experienced before, the realization of such a necessity is entering into the consciousness of not only the wise and learned, but of the common people as well. The believers should, therefore, seize this opportunity and make a supreme effort to present, in a convincing and eloquent language, those social and humanitarian teachings of the Faith which we believe to constitute the sole panacea for the innumerable ills afflicting our present-day world.”” (November 15, 1935)

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

Convention

from page 1

Accompanying the letter was a gift of 189 red roses from Baha’is imprisoned in Iran as a token of appreciation for the U.S. Baha’i community’s efforts on their behalf.

Friday afternoon was also the occasion for a dramatic multimedia review of the Seven Year Plan entitled ‘‘Emergence from Obscurity: An American Perspective.’”

After supper, the broad outline of the Six Year Plan was formally presented to the delegates and guests.

Mr. Sears addressed the Convention that same evening, saying that his call for 20,000 contributions to the National Fund in the 20 days from March 2-21 had been surpassed with 27,431 contributions recorded by the Office of the

To the Universal House of Justice Your loving messages of guidance, the presence of beloved Hands of the Cause Khadem and Sears, along with Counselors Brady, Harris and Schechter, as well as the love expressed through the words and roses (189) sent to us by our stalwart Persian brothers and sisters have deeply moved our hearts and challenged each of us to action. Inspired by the success of our Seven Year Plan and aware of the potential for national, local and individual growth that the Six Year Plan offers, we confidently launch the fourth epoch of the Formative Age. As we embark on this Plan, a Plan conceived through the participation of individuals on all levels of our administrative order, our hearts are filled with joy at our opportunities and we feel assured that with your loving prayers and the continued blessings of Baha’u’llah, we will succeed. With much love and gratitude, 77th National Baha’i Convention May 3, 1986

Your Convention message joyfully received. Greatly pleased happy resolute spirit evoked by large attendance, by loving gesture beleaguered Iranian friends, by varied inspiring features marking triumphal conclusion Seven Year Plan and confident beginning new Six Year Plan. Dynamic participation Hands Cause Khadem Sears and three Continental Counselors gratefully noted. Rest assured our supplications Holy Threshold that he who watches over special destiny highly prized American Baha’i community may release fresh outpouring divine confirmations your noble sacrificial continuous strivings in His Name enable you

Treasurer.

The $540,000 contributed during that period helped raise the total for the fiscal year to a record $7.5 million, an increase of 108 percent above the $3.6 million contributed in 1979, the first year of the Seven Year Plan.

Mr. Sears challenged his audience to arise as one soul to serve the Faith—and to help them solve any problems they might encounter, he brought with him ‘The Answer,” a large and mysterious box festooned with a red ribbon and a large padlock

At the end of his talk Mr. Sears opened the box and_ released

Some photographic vignettes from the 77th Baha’i National Convention: (1) As always, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears had ‘the answer’ to any problems his listeners were experiencing, which he is about to ‘unlock’ for them. (2) Counselor Robert Harris introduces a diminutive Cambodian friend, Many Mann, who (3) performs a classic dance from her country, much to

the delight of everyone present. (4) A view of some of the audience in the ballroom of the McCormick Inn in Chicago where the Convention was held. (5) Vocalist Donna Kime belts out a lively jazz tune while baritone saxophonist Marvin (Doc) Holliday supplies the accompaniment. (6) Music with a country flavor was also very much in evidence with singerguitarist Mary Davis shown here.

achieve unscaled heights service garner untold abundance victories.

Universal House of Justice May 4, 1986

about 50 colorful balloons, each of which was inscribed with the single word ‘‘Teach.””

On Saturday morning the delegates, 163 of whom were present at the Convention, were taken by bus to the House of Worship in Wilmette, there to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1986-87.

Those elected are Dr. Robert Henderson, Judge James Nelson, Judge Dorothy Nelson, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Soo Fouts, Chester Kahn, Dr. William Maxwell, Dr. William Davis, and Dr. Alberta Deas.

This year’s non-delegate session was a mini-conference of its own with seven workshop sessions covering the following topics:

© The major themes of the Six Year Plan.

© The Baha’i Youth Movement: retrospect and prospect.

© The Six Year Plan goals for international assistance.

© The dimensions of unity.

© Social and economic development and the Six Year Plan.

© Fostering equality of the sexes.

© True integration: The challenges of creating a world culture and civilization.

Each workshop was presented twice, in the morning and afternoon, with special afternoon sessions conducted in Persian.

The National Youth Committee arranged special sessions for youth and pre-youth including a Friday morning discussion of the “Baha’i Youth Movement”’ and an address that evening by Counselor Harris.

Classes and other activities for younger children were conducted by a task force coordinated by Janice Lever, a member of the National Teaching Committee’s staff at the Baha’ National Center.

Saturday evening was set aside for a gala celebration of the Seven Year Plan victories with music ranging from gospel, jazz and country to classical Persian as performed by santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi.

Among the many show-stoppers was a classic Cambodian dance by nine-year-old Many Mann whose delicate grace and winsome smile quickly captivated the large and enthusiastic audience.

Other performers included “‘Wildfire’’ (Wilfred Johnson and Mary Davis); vocalist Susan Engle and drummer Rudi Fox; the “‘Improv Blues Quintet’’ with vocalist Donna Kime; and Gospel singers from South Carolina and other areas who had many in the audience on their feet and ‘‘Marching to the Kingdom” in a rousing finale to the evening’s entertainment.

The Sunday morning session, in which Mr. Khadem, Mr. Sears and the three Counselors parti pated, was charged with emotion as Maria Azadullah Zadeh, a Baha’i from Iran whose mother, grandfather, aunt and uncle were martyred, addressed the Convention, saying her relatives had been “pillars of the castle of Bahá’u’lláh’”’ and urging the friends to redeem their sacrifice by exerting even greater efforts in the Path of God.

Afterward, the Counselors presented a single rose from the Baha’is of Iran to the delegates, each of whom promised to take it home and urge those in his or her district to perform some heroic service to the Cause in return.

As the Convention reached its close at the McCormick Inn chartered buses were waiting to take the delegates and others back to the House of Worship for a devotional service dedicated to the Six Year Plan.

Many remained afterward for a program in Foundation Hall at which a large four-panel ‘Peace Tapestry”’ by Vicki Hu Poirier of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was formally unveiled.

Among the fabric techniques used in the 7- by 25-foot tapestry are appliqué, reverse appliqué, needlepoint, petit point, hand weaving, silk embroidery, crewel embroidery, silk painting, bead work, tatting, needle lace, machine embroidery, commercial machine floral embroidery, yarn flowers, ribbon work, batik, hand spinning of yarn, and soft sculpture.

The tapestry, in which are incorporated the main themes of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, uses authentic clothing and other materials from many parts of the world and took an estimated 500 hours to complete.

[Page 13]The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 13

The 77th National Convention: A pictorial remembrance

(1) Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vicechairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, delivers the annual report of the Office of External Affairs. (2) The many booths at the Convention were a good place to renew old acquaintances and discuss important matters pertaining to the Faith. (3) The Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem welcomes delegates and guests to the Convention at Thursday evening’s opening session. (4) Candace Moore, who has a smile and a pleasant word for everyone, helps a customer at the Subscriber Service booth. (5) A highlight of the Saturday evening musical celebration: Gospel singers from South Carolina and other areas lead the way as members of the audience begin ‘Marching to the Kingdom.’

(6) A delegate casts her ballot for the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. (7) The Hand of the Cause William Sears admires the flowers sent by Bahá’í prisoners in Iran. (8) It’s Donna Kime again, this time performing a duet with fluegelhornist Warren Kime. (9) The age of electronics wasn’t overlooked; here, one of the Convention’s younger participants tries his hand at a Bahá’í ‘truefalse quiz’ on a personal computer. (10) The view from onstage as vocalist Susan Engle leads a Saturday evening sing-along. (11) Music with an Eastern flavor: santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi of Glenview, Illinois, has the audience spellbound as he displays his remarkable command of the instrument. [Page 14]14 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Many of the nearly 1,700 Bahá’ís who attended this year’s 77th Baha’i National Convention at the McCormick Inn in Chicago took time to browse at the Baha’i bookstore, taking careful note of a number of new books and compilations that are now available along with many of the old favorites from years gone by, some of which were being offered at

special sale pric

Especially popular this year were materials dealing

with peace such as the compilation ‘Peace: More Than an End to War’

and the newly released ‘World Peace and World Government.’

EXTRACTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF

Baha u'llah. Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice

In early May the compilation on women arrived at the Bahá’í Dis

Publishing Trust, Distribution Service reach sales milestones, break new ground in relations with publishers around world

DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

The last year of the Seven Year Plan saw the Baha’i Publishing Trust and its Distribution Service reach significant milestones.

Both branches finished the year with sales far ahead of the goals set at Ridvan 142 B.E. Asa result,

Amex phone orders

are now accepted

Individuals who order books by phone may now charge orders to their American Express cards.

The Distribution Service now accepts American Express charges as a convenience to customers who have requested this service. Both VISA and MasterCard have been accepted for telephone orders for a number of years.

“‘Now that we have eliminated postage charges to our customers,” says marketing manager Robert Blum, ‘‘we expect to find that many more people will want to place telephone orders.

“We encourage our customers to place larger orders so that the postage costs we incur won’t be too high in relation to the cost of the books.

“If we find that our postage costs are too high,’’ he says, ‘‘it may be necessary to set a minimum amount for orders, and that’s something we really hope to avoid.’”

both ended the Seven Year Plan on firm financial ground.

142 B.E. was the first full year in which the Trust and Distribution Service operated as separate financial entities, and the result was a profitable operation for both divisions.

“The success of the Trust and Distribution Service,”’ says Terrill Hayes, acting general manager, “was in large part attributable to the publications produced by the Trust. Several new compilations produced over the last two years have been among our sales leaders.

“Included among these compilations,’’ he says, ‘‘were Unrestrained as the Wind, which was produced in cooperation with the National Youth Committee; Unto Him Shall We Return; Bahá’í DayBook; and Peace: More Than an End to War.

“Publishing compilations such as these is much different than editing a manuscript from an author,” says Mr. Hayes. “You must first decide on the form of the book and the theme that will be pursued, then find the quotations from the Writings which fall within the general outline. This places a much greater burden on the editorial staff of the Trust.

“We've been especially pleased with the response to these compilations, which have been reprinted once or even twice since their publication. The Trust is certainly looking to produce more of this

kind of book during the Six Year Plan.

“In the last year,’’ says Mr. Hayes, “‘work was completed on the revised, re-translated and updated version of The Divine Art of Living, a book that has been a valuable teaching and deepening tool for nearly 40 years. A prayer was also added and translations updated when the children’s prayer book O God, Guide Me! was reprinted this year.’”

Corrections, new prayers and an index were added to the latest reprint of Bahd’/ Prayers, and The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah was also reprinted during the last year.

“‘While the Trust was finding success with its new titles,’’ says Mr. Hayes, “‘the Distribution Service was breaking new ground in its relations with publishers of Baha’i materials all over the world.

“Perhaps the most important development was the establishment of a new level of cooperation with the Baha’i Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom. An agreement on distribution was reached that will make many more titles from England available to Baha’is in the U.S.

The number of National Assemblies that are publishing books and other materials in English is growing,‘‘ Mr. Hayes observes.

“We'll be making available these quality publications—many at very low cost—through the Dis See MILESTONES page 31

te ora a De | a Q Amt. Quan, Amt Enclose a check for the full amount, o1 oO able for sale. Women—A Compi- rarer oS Be i icles sol ora ani SA/MC/AMEX (CIRCLE ONE) lation sells for $2 and contains a | Ro —Oe 333 Supe ns 13s R number of quotations from 16.00 _Women--A Compilation, SC 2.00 Exp/Datee 6 CardNow Bahd'u'lláh on the station of | TD) —Pese:MoreManant 895 “World Peaceand World Governmen, SC 230 3 ae aa D women that have never before | yy j Total ii sen Gide US SS E been translated into English. A Sees second compilation, this one on a the Hugiqu'lláh, is being pre- | R ee R pared with an introduction by the Address Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alt- F OMENS a F Muhammad Vargd. It is hoped City Stat Zi that this eagerly awaited compila- | cy ” Salecemaigg metres ee oO tion will be available this month ae re denariindan. sees neat ‘ Credit card orders ($10.00 minimum) are accepted

R Bahá’í Distribution Service by phone: 800-323-1880 (outside Illinois), or 312- R

251-1854 (within Illinois). M 415 LINDEN AVENUE M

WILMETTE, IL 60091

TAB 6/86 Prices good through July 31, 1986

[Page 15]The SIX Year Plan

In the Seven Year Plan, emphasis was placed on the Creative Word (the writings of Bahá’u’lláh) as a means of our demonstrating the positive effects of the Baha’i way of life and on the development of Baha’i literature for our children. From 1979 through Ridvan 1986 we featured on the Baha’i Publishing Trust page in The American Baha’i a column highlighting various volumes of the Creative Word and suggesting ways in which they could be used in our teaching and deepening.

In addition, we gave special attention to producing new books and materials for children, and established, with money from the sale of the leather-bound prayer book, a fund to subsidize (and thus lower the selling cost) of such materials.

In the new Six Year Plan, even more goals relate to the use of Baha’i literature. Goal No. 3 is entirely devoted to an increase in the production, distribution and use of Baha’i literature. Other goals contain subpoints that encourage us to see Bahd’{ literature as an essential component of our spiritual development and that suggest the importance of using Baha’ literature as we mature as a community.

In studying and meditating on the goals related to publishing, we at the Baha’i Publishing Trust have been struck by the fact that although Baha’i literature has certainly always played a crucial role in Baha’ life, we are all as a community challenged to use our Baha’i literature in the fulfillment of our goals and dreams.

Hence we have decided to expand the Creative Word column to explore way: hich books produced by the Publishing Trust and other Baha’i institutions can be used to help win the goals of the Six Year Plan. We hope to challenge us all to find new and even more creative ways to use our precious Baha’i literature. In doing so, we welcome your comments and feedback during the exciting months and years ahead.

If you haven’t yet ordered your copy of The Six Year Plan, we suggest that you order the booklet, which is our road map leading to 1992. This booklet, available from the Baha’i Distribution Service at 75 cents each or 10 for $5, provides us with a handy reference to the inspiration and information we need as we move resolutely into the new Plan.

Next month we’ll begin our exploration of specific titles and how they relate to the goals of the Six Year Plan. We look forward to your participation in this adventure.

New column

to emphasize aims, goals of new global Plan

Customers praise newly restructured edition of old favorite Divine Art of Living

One of the most talked about books at this year’s National Convention was the new edition of The Divine Art of Living.

As customers passed by the display of the handsome new book some were heard to say, “I’ve been waiting for this book to return for a long time,”’ or, “This is the best book for seekers I’ve ever found,”’ or, ‘‘Isn’t the cover lovely?”’ or, ‘I wonder what makes it different from the old edition.”

The fact is that The Divine Art of Living is significantly different from its precursor, last revised in 1960. The new edition has been restructured and updated for the 1980s.

Two new chapters have been added—one on marriage and one on the day in which we live—and many of the original passages were

The new edition of The Divine Art of Living is now available from

replaced by new translations.

In addition, the new material included in the revised edition deals with the family and with the regeneration of society.

Yet The Divine Art of Living remains one of the best compilations of the writings dealing with

How to order

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

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

the Baha’i Distribution Service in softcover only for $7.95.

individual spiritual growth. It has retained the qualities that endeared it to so many Baha’is and their friends in earlier decades while now providing a focus on the needs of the present.

“My mother would have been the first to approve the changes,’’ says Sylvia Parmelee, daughter of Mabel Hyde Paine, who produced the compilation in the 1930s to meet the needs of that era, when there were few Baha’i books and even fewer compilations available.

To order your copy of the new edition of The Divine Art of Living, see the coupon on the Distribution Service page.

Children’s prayer book draws warm response

The new edition of the children’s prayer book.O God, Guide Me! has evoked comments from a number of parents and educators about the relationship between prayer and child development and education.

The following remarks were gleaned from telephone interviews with Baha’is from various parts of the country.

From a Montessori teacher who has also worked with handicapped children:

“When we help to guide a young heart to supplication, we are helping it develop a dependence on God—a dependence that will eventually be there without thinking.

“In the new edition of O God,

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 15

Guide Me! there is a newly translated prayer that asks God to bestow upon the child a ‘pure heart, like unto a pearl.’ This pearl will become more and more lustrous with supplication.

“The prayers and illustrations in O God, Guide Me! are full of concrete imagery. They help the child see the relationship between saying prayers and acquiring spiritual attributes and conditions, such as obedience to God, assistance, protection, healing, purity of heart, and spiritual education.

“When the child learns to ask for God’s help to develop these qualities, a feeling of love and reverence for the Creator grows. The child then learns to talk to God about practical reality.

TRUST’S PEACE COMPILATION IS MOST EXHAUSTIVE TO DATE

Question: So many new materials are coming out on peace that I’m becoming confused by all of the options. Can you tell me the difference between your new peace compilation and the one published by the Baha’i Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom?

BPT: The new peace compilation created by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and published by the Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom is entitled Peace. The 45-page compilation includes selections from the Baha’i writings, letters of Shoghi Effendi, and messages from the Universal House of Justice. It is now available from the Baha’i Distribution Service for $2.95.

Our book, Peace: More Than an End to War, is a 308-page compilation that includes many of the references in the smaller compilation, It is the most exhaustive compilation to date of the Baha’i writings on peace. Part 1 includes the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice. Part 2 is a compilation of Baha’i writings organized to support the five sections of the peace statement. Part 3 contains prayers for peace and unity. This structure allows the reader to see the broad Baha’i vision of world peace and then to focus on many of the specific, concrete aspects of it with passages from the writings.

Peace: More Than an End to War includes a foreword by Counselor Peter Khan, an appendix with information about the Faith by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, a glossary of Baha’i terms, ref

erences, a bibliography, and an index.

The compilation was designed with both Baha’i and non-Baha’i readers in mind. Baha’is can use it as a deepening tool and as a presentation gift for dignitaries, libraries, organizations and seekers, perhaps in follow-up to the peace statement.

We hope that individual Baha’ is and communities will take advantage of all of the new resources on peace that are available. These tools will help us understand the breadth and depth of our teachings on peace, prepare us for our role in achieving peace, and provide us with appropriate books and materials to give to others.

Peace: More Than an End to War is available from the Baha’i Distribution Service in hardcover at $16 and in softcover at $8.95.

One of the special events at this year’s National Convention bookstore was the appearance of author Robert Stockman, who autographed copies of The Baha’i

Faith in America: Origins, 18921900 for the friends. The book is available, in hardcover only, for $19.95 through the Baha’i Distribution Service.

O God, Guide Me! is available from the Bahd’( Distribution Service for $3.75; Baha’i DayBook Sor $3.75; and The Divine Art of Living for $7.95. We welcome your comments about these or other books for children.

“‘O God, Guide Me! has an appeal for the younger child—third grade and below—and is very helpful for the classroom teacher. When we use this book to nurture the child’s link with God, we are participating in his spiritual present and future.”

From a mother, educator and co-author of a series of books for mothers in Africa:

“‘Not only do prayers help attune the new soul to its spiritual reality and to God, they also establish the spiritual bond between mother and child.

“Prayers are associated affectively with love, warmth, solace and nurturing. When we put children to bed at night with prayers, we are encapsulating them in the bosom of God’s love as manifested by the mother and father.

“After we teach the children to read and recite the prayers, they develop a natural response to prayer, which in turn becomes a habit over a long period of time.

“‘When everyone in a family shares this habit, it is very reinforcing. Saying prayers together can unify a family in a way that no other activity does; this offers a protection for the family in a society that is divisive.

“Our family loves O God, Guide Me! with its beautiful and dignified illustrations. The prayers help to teach our children about symbolism and metaphor. Prayer is the highest form of language. What a gift it is to introduce this language to our children.’’

From a third-grade teacher and parent:

“Giving the child a tool to use in times of difficulty can help him develop some independence from the forces around him, such as his. peers.

“Through turning to God, a child can also learn that there is something beyond his parentssomeone to turn to when there are problems at home, for example. This relates to the process of investigating truth independently, developing spiritual habits, and acquiring a reliance on God.

“Children are innately susceptible to spiritual growth, and are not bound up by logic. If they don’t grow up with a belief in God, it is much harder to develop later. When we nurture our children with prayers, we help build a

See PRAYER BOOK page 35 [Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / June 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.

°

EMPLOYMENT

THE Baha’i World Center is continuing its search for qualified individuals to serve in a variety of positions in the Holy Land. Among the immediate needs are these: administrative assistants/ executive secretaries; cook/kitchen supervisor; electrician; iron worker; professional gardeners; indexer. Also, there are a number of positions for which an ongoing need exists. Positions that require individuals who are available for short-term employment (up to one year) include interns for the Archives office, garden helpers, and janitorial and security staff (18 months). Other positions that require a commitment of two and one-half years or possibly longer include carpenter, plumber, mason/plasterer, painter, automotive mechanic, curator, general office helper, and bookkeeper. We strongly encourage any of the friends who possess the necessary skills and have a desire to serve at the World Center now or in the future to contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

SUMMER jobs at the Green Acre Baha’i School: cooks, innkeeper, program directors for adult, youth and children’s programs, registrars, librarian, book sales, kitchen, housekeepers. Please contact the Green Acre Baha’i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

WE NEED you ... to serve ina variety of positions at the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette. As you explore your role in the Six Year Plan, please consider service at the National Center. We are presently taking applications for the following positions: administrator, Baha’i House*of Worship Activities Office; Fund development officer, Office of the Treasurer; director, Office of Public Information; secretarial assistant, Persian/American Affairs Office; administrative assistant, Interna

GENERAL MANAGER Baha’i Publishing Trust This individual will be responsible for the general operations of the Publishing Trust in Wilmette. Duties include budgeting, staffing and planning. Experience in a managerial position in a small- to medium-size company is necessary with a background in marketing, finance and human resources preferred. Please send resumés no later than July 1 to the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

tional Goals Committee Office; pioneer consultant, International Goals Committee Office. For further information and/or an application, contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

THE OFFICE of the U.S./UN Representative to the United Nations is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an administrative assistant to help the Representative prepare for briefings, conferences and special projects. Types correspondence, maintains files and office accounts. High energy, good verbal and written skills, typing of at least 55 wpm are essential, as are basic accounting skills. College degree is desirable. Please send resumé to Shiva Tavana, UN Representative, Baha’is of the United States,

New York, NY 10017.

THE Baha’i International Community at the United Nations in New York City is seeking qualified persons to fill two key positions: special assistant in human rights and administrative assistant. For more information and an application, please write directly to the Baha’i International Community, UN Office,

- . New York, NY 10017.

THE LOUHELEN Baha’i School is taking applications for intern positions in maintenance, food service and ‘‘Reflections’”’ sales. Intern positions entail living at Louhelen and receiving room, board and a weekly stipend for other living expenses. Positions are full-time. Length of service depends on the needs of the school and the Louhelen Residential College. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age. This isa marvelous opportunity to help in developing the Residential College and other services at Louhelen. Please send a letter and resumé to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

WORK-study program at Green Acre: work one week, study one week. For youth and adults. Contact the Green Acre Baha’i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Northwest Arizona has no Assemblies or active Baha’i Groups. Mohave County has three incorporated cities and no Assembly. Greater Kingman (pop. about 22,000) is the county seat, 45 minutes from the Colorado River, 12 miles from a lovely mountain park. Fresh air, sunshine, low crime rate. Write to Gloria B. Troy, _ Kingman, AZ 86401, or phone 602-753-9422.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Meadville, Arizona, two hours from Las Vegas, two hours from Kingman, and a few minutes from a lake, is an ideal retirement community. Lots sell for about $4,500 and one can put a mobile home on them. The community has no resident Baha’is. For information about any area in Mohave County and a tour of the area, write to Gloria B. Troy,

Kingman, AZ 86401.

NATIVE Americans who are interested in attending a chiropractic college may be eligible for a four-year tuition scholarship to Western States Chiropractice Col lege in Portland, Oregon. The scholarship award of approximately $25,000 will be given to a Native American who has indicated an interest in chiropractic health care and intends to practice in a Native American community upon graduation. The Indian Student Project is part of a three-year federal grant awarded by the Health and Human Services Department to Western States in 1983. Applicants must be of Native American heritage (defined as one-fourth or greater Indian blood) and complete the scholarship application by July 15. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office, Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR 97230 (phone 503-256-3180).

BLACK Mountain, North Carolina, awaits you city dwellers looking for the right opportunity to escape. Clean air, the highest mountains in the Southeast, a moderate climate, and employment in nearby Asheville compete with the attraction of being able to help save a jeopardized Assembly. Please write to Happy Dobbs,

Black Mountain, NC 28711, or phone 704-669-5537.

IOWA invites you to become a homefront pioneer and open new areas of Iowa to the Faith. Storm Lake: population 10,000, in northwestern Iowa, home of Buena Vista College (4-year, coed, liberal arts, enrollment 950). Storm Lake is also home of a 3,200-acre water playground with beaches and a center of agribusiness in the area. Fort Dodge: population 30,000, in west-central Iowa less than two hours from the state capital, Des Moines; known a retail in a 60mile radius. Has a community college, a number of major manufacturers and other large employers. Please write to the lowa District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 63, New Liberty, IA 52765, or phone the committee secretary, 319-843-3382.

VAN HORN, a small West Texas town, needs school teachers. Teachers receive bonuses to work in this remote town. Many stay only a few years, which creates a need every year at this time. What is more important, the District Teaching Committee of West Texas and Southern New Mexico has a great need for homefront pioneers here. Write to Tim Mullen, __. Las Cruces, NM 88001, and we’ll put you in touch with the right people.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Dolan Springs, Arizona (pop. 2,500), which has no Baha’is at present, is great for people who love horses or want an acre or more of ranch land. Clear air, mild climate, hot in summer. For information, write to Gloria B. Troy,

Kingman, AZ 86401, or phone 602-753-9422.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Pitkin County, Colorado, in the heart of the Elk Mountains in beautiful Roaring Fork Valley, 30 miles from Glenwood Springs, site of the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912. Pitkin County has skiing, a Music Festival and other cultural events, hiking and backpacking in the summer, many low-paying jobs and plenty of opportunities to teach the Faith. Temporary housing is available

for single women until they can get established. Contact the twomember Baha’i Group of Pitkin County, Snowmass, CO 81654, or phone Janet Coester, 303-927-3036.

TEACHERS: street teachers, door-to-door, coffee shop, laundromat—however you teach, we need and want you in Kingman, Arizona, where much work has already been done and many people are aware of the Faith. Also needed is a homefront pioneer who can consolidate and pull together the work that has been done. Floor sleeping space for two. If you have sleeping bags, can sleep in the backyard of Mohave County Baha’is. For iaformation or a tour, write to Gloria B. ‘Troy, Kingman, AZ 86401, 602-753-9422.

THE IOWA District Teaching Committee invites you to become a homefront pioneer to central Iowa, home of the Sac-Fox (Mesquakie) Indians, who live on their own 3,300-acre tract of land near Tama-Toledo, the twin cities of Iowa. There may be possibilities for teaching at the Indian Settlement School, which offers classes through grade five, or at the local elementary, junior high or high schools. Tama-Toledo is in the heart of Iowa, surrounded by lovely farm lands, an hour’s drive from any of the three state universities at Ames, Iowa City and Cedar Falls. For information, write to the Iowa District Teaching Committee, P.O. Box 63, New Liberty, IA 52765, or phone the committee secretary, 319-8433382.

Baha’i chiropractor is needed in Walsenburg, a town of about 5,000 in southeastern Colorado nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 45 minutes from the northern border of New Mexico and one and onehalf hours south of Colorado Springs. The Baha’i community of Walsenburg consists of one full-time resident and one who travels frequently. The town lost its only licensed chiropractor last summer and needs someone who is responsible, consistent, outgoing and professional. For more information, write to Judy Kennedy Silcock, Silver Scissors, 510 Main St., Walsenburg, CO 81089, or phone 303-738-1060 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

PEACH Springs, Arizona, needs homefront pioneers. One may be able to get a job in the health field or as a teacher. Peach Springs, on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, is an hour from Kingman. Contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or write to the Peach Springs School, Peach Springs, AZ 86434. For a tour of the area, write to Gloria B. Troy, Kingman, AZ

or phone

86401.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

A UNIVERSITY in Nigeria is advertising for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, librarians, a medical officer, radiographer, medical records assistant, assistant chief accountant, graphic artist, computer operator, data analysts, key punch operator, purchasing officer, secretaries, and civil and/or structural engineers. Nigeria is a goal country. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Ba ha’i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). TWO universities in Cheong-ju, Korea, are looking for professors in their English and linguistics departments. An advanced degree in English, linguistics, TESL, or a related field is required. The work load is 10 hours per week. Housing may be offered. Knowledge of Korean is not required. For information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE ISLAND of Yap in the U.S. Trust Territory of the Caroline Islands needs two high school teachers for the September term. If you are interested in pioneering on a tropical island in the South Pacific, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A POSITION for a nutritionist/dietician is open with the Ministry of Health on the Caribbean island of Grenada. A registered dietician or someone with a masters degree in public health would qualify. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

COLEGIO Granadino in Colombia is looking for certified elementary school teachers to begin work next February. The school is privately owned and bi-lingual. A comfortable salary is offered with housing and transportation to Colombia. If you are interested in this pioneer post, please write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

ARUBA, a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, is looking for qualified persons to fill vacancies at its international school for a principal, second and fourth grade teachers, and math and social studies teachers for grades 6-9. A position may also be open for a TESL teacher. For more information about this pioneer post, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ENJOY a summer in the sun on a tropical island in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. A second “‘Mona’’ teaching project is scheduled for the month of August in Grenada. Cost: travel to Grenada plus food (about $2 U.S. per day). Interested persons should contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

UNIVERSIDAD Nur is a new university in the heartland of Bolivia whose founders and governing board are all Baha’is. Now in its second academic year, the administration of the school is based on Baha’i principles; the curricula are interdisciplinary and unique in Latin America. The university, recognized by the Universal House of Justice as a social and economic development project, is seeking resumés of qualified professionals with teaching experience in administration and management, computer sciences, communications, human services, sociology and anthropology, earth and life sciences, ecology, and comparative religion. Fluency in Spanish is a necessity. It is pos[Page 17]sible to provide service to Nur in its early stages as a short-term visiting scholar, during one’s sabbatical leave, or as a Baha’ pioneer-scholar seeking eventual faculty status. If interested, please send a resumé to Universidad Nur, vice-rector academico, Casilla 3273, Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

WANTED FEATURES and other articles ‘on any topics related to the Faith are needed for possible inclusion in Bahd’s News. Please send to the editor, Baha’i News, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. INTER-RACIAL pioneer family returning from the West Indies on September | is seeking a locality that will meet our needs and use our experience. Needs: to be located (1) near a vibrant community with children’s classes and teaching projects; (2) near an adult education program (leading to high school diploma) and community college; (3) near a good pre-school (Montessori, etc.); (4) near prospective employment in management (business) or counseling/mental health fields. Experience: Mass teaching and consolidation; youth and children’s activities; media proclamation; administration (National Assembly, local Assemblies, National Teaching Committee, Auxiliary Board, other committees). Contact Richard Pellegrino, c/o National Teaching Committee, Baha’i_ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). WANTED: Information about Eve Nicklin, the ‘‘Spiritual Mother of Peru,”’ for a book that is now being written. Please send information to Boris Handal, Peru, South

America.

A GROUP of Baha’is working at Digital Equipment Corp. are eager to locate other Baha’is working for ital Equipment. We are looking for Baha’is to communicate with electronically over the E-net or by other means. If you work for Digital, please contact Mike Register, DTN 2255848, HLO2-3/M10 (E-net address ILM: REGISTER) or Kamran Ḥakím, DTN 225-6925, HLOI1/E03 (E-net address UNCLE: HAKIM).

WRITERS are needed to contribute essays for two books in the Circle of Unity series from Kalimat Press: Circle of Harmony: The Challenge of Diversity and Circle of Spirit: The Aris and Community. Both books require individuals with experience and knowledge in the field who are willing to research the Writings and relevant materials to produce well-rounded, fresh essays. Circle of Harmony will concentrate on the issue of race unity including black-white, Hispanic and Native American, while Circle of Spirit will offer those with a creative bent to explore the arts, music and literature in light of the Baha’i teachings. Please send completed manuscripts of 7-10 pages (double-spaced) to Michael Fitzgerald, Winchester, VA

22601.

ARTISTS are wanted to design rubber stamps for Stampinks Unlimited, a graphic rubber stamp company created to offer rubber stamps that relate to Baha’i subjects, ideas and ideals. We need sharp, clear, black-and-white original drawings depicting or relating to Baha’i themes. We pay thé

artist a royalty twice a year and give free stamps of his/her design. A catalog of rubber stamp images (including educational and creative applications and examples) will be made available, and will include a brief biographical/professional sketch of each contributing artist. Please submit art work for consideration to Stampinks Unlimited,

Mentor, OH 44060. For more information, include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

WANTED: Any _ information regarding the whereabouts of three letters allegedly written by V.I. Lenin to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, or His response (one letter) to Lenin. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who even so much as knows that the letters did exist at one time, even if they have no knowledge of their present location. Please contact Mary Hart,

Con

cord, NH 03301.

THE “‘Reflections’’ department at tHe Louhelen Baha’i School is seeking persons, Groups and/or Assemblies to serve as distributors of the ‘‘Mankind Is One”’ sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive compensation. Write to ‘‘Reflections,”’ 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

SOON | will attend an Intensive Journal Workshop given by Dr. Ira Progoff and would like to hear from people who are familiar with his ideas. How are you implementing his ideas in your work or in the Baha’i community? Please write to Marylou Krummenacker,

Las Cruces, NM 88001, or phone 505-522-7834.

WANTED: Volunteer staff members for an exciting teaching project in West Chester, Pennsylvania (40 minutes from Philadelphia). Must be dedicated, enthusiastic and have use of a car. Knowledge of Spanish would be useful but is not mandatory. Room and board furnished. Conact Kathie or Virginia Schawack West Ree PA 19382, or phone 215696-3018.

SWISS psychologist Carl Jung is the focus of my graduate studies. I would like to correspond with people who have met, studied with or studied Dr. Jung’s writings and ideas. Do you know his views of the Baha’i teachings? Write to Marylou Krummenacker,

Las Cruces, NM 88001, or phone 505-522-7834. ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha’j Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the period from 1952-67. Anyone having lists they could donate should contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’ I-Baha to the following individuals, with approximate dates of the Tablets: Maude H. Irvine, New York City (1909), Lars Johnson, Chicago (1909), Miss Belle Jorgenson, Baltimore (1910), Jennie Kingsbury, Chicago, Emma Josephine La Pierre, Chicago (1902), Edgar Lucien Larkin, director, Lowe Observatory (1909) and Fanny M. Meadowcraft, New York (1911). Anyone having information about the possible location of any of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Ba ha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHA'I SCHOOLS

ADULT literacy teaching training is scheduled July 27-August 1 at the Louhelen Baha’i School. An intensive training course in the methods of teaching literacy, conducted by Dr. William Diehl. To register, or to obtain more information, see the schools’ insert in the April issue of The American Baha’i or contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE LAND on which the Conifer Hill Baha’i School was held was returned last October to its original owner and will no longer be operated as a national Baha’i school. Items, if still in existence, that were given to the Committee/Council will be returned if a request is received by July 15. Cost of shipment should be included with the request and sent to R.J. Harris, P.O. Box 860, Lyons, CO 80540. Information about possible future use of the property may also be requested.

THE GREEN Acre Volunteer Program: Many skills are needed, especially carpentry and painting. Room and board are provided. If you have a weekend or a week to help, please contact the Green Acre Baha’i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

A COURSE on ‘‘Baha’i Development: The Practical Processes of Transforming Mankind,’’ by Holly Vick, Baha’i World Center, 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 as a means of building the Baha’i world commonwealth. Four tapes, $26. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

HANDS ON!, a workbook of Baha’i educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogolub Petit, is available from the Louhelen Baha’i School. Included are more than 100 practical activities, 178 pages, 80 photos of activities described in the text along with sample record-keeping forms and reproducible activities. The cost, including a three-ring binder, shipping and handling, is $19 (for U.S. orders only). Phone orders with VISA or MasterCard accepted. Write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

HIKE a new horizon this summer on ‘Quest ’86.’” Backpack for five days in the Black Hills of South Dakota, August 4-9, while deepening on the Creative Word. Space is limited to 20 youth ages 15-21, so make plans early. Contact the South Dakota Baha’i Schools Committee, c/o Dan Binder, Spearfish, SD 57783, or phone 605-642-4636.

“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing ‘Mankind Is One’’ sweatshirts and T-shirts, tapes, books and other Baha’j-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 17

VOLUNTEER workers are needed at the Louhelen Baha’i School for landscaping and grounds projects, carpentry projects, and major office projects planned for the late spring and summer. Louhelen is seeking a few volunteers to stay at the school during conference sessions and help with these projects. Room and meals provided. For more information or to express your interest, please write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

COULD you receive college credit for working on the Green Acre School’s youth or children’s program? Excellent experience, good for your resumé. Contact the Green Acre Baha’i School, P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

A COURSE on “‘The Forces of Light and Darkness”’ by Counselor Hooper Dunbar is available on audio cassette. 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 the individual and society 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. Four tapes, $26. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-6535033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

CONFERENCES

INTERESTED in serving the Faith by teaching or working with children? Your talents and abil ties are needed to serve our children September 12-14 at the annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha’i

Conference. Contact Laurie Kautz,

Lodi, WI 53555, or phone 608-592-5612.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal is a non-profit, Baha oriented magazine that aims to inspire, support and help parents raise their children as spiritual be

ings. Themes for 1986 include “Prayer and Meditation,’’ ‘‘Music and the Arts,”’ “‘Domestic Violence,’ and ‘‘Education.’” The magazine is published quarterly. Subscription rate: $10/year. Write to

Gresham, OR 97030.

DO YOUwant to make Feasts as meaningful for the children in your community as they are for the adults? The Nineteen Day Feast Lesson Guide for Children, a compilation of easy-to-teach lessons for ages four and up, based on the 19 months of the Baha’i year, is back in print after being unavailable for several months. Designed to be used during the business portion of Feast only, the guide makes it possible for every adult to share the responsibility of teaching the children on a rotating basis. It’s that simple! The guide is a non-profit publication by Baha’is in the Local Education Adviser Program (LEAP). Copies of the current printing are $12 each (Texas residents add 72 cents sales tax). Please make checks payable to ‘BCC Publications’ and send to Bonnie Wilder/Claude Sellars,

. Houston, TX

77077.

CHILDREN’S Baha’i membership cards are available from the Louhelen Baha’i School. These attractive, wallet-sized cards can be used by Assemblies, Distric* Teaching Committees and parents to strengthen children’s sense of Baha’i identity. Cost: $1 for 15, $2 for 30, $3 for 50. Payment by check, VISA or MasterCard. Write to ‘‘Reflections,”” 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE SAN Francisco Alcohol Education Project is preparing a script to be used in filming a video that will focus on certain techniques used in treating family alcoholism. Is your community concerned with this problem? Do you have suggestions for the script content? Do you have a need for education on other issues involving this discipline? Please address comments to the San Francisco Alcohol Education Project, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103.

by J. Tyson

Peace — practical answers for those difficult questions.

112 pages, $2.50

from

World Peace and World Government: A Baha’i Approach

An outline of the way forward to the Lesser

GEORGE RONALD

Mi aa eg

Onder through including 10

Bahai Distribution

[Page 18]18 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

B.E. 142: Sweet victory crowns Seven Year Plan

MAY

• The Hand of the Cause of God

iam Sears leads a triumphant Victory Celebration”” in Kansas as Baha’is there prepare to harvest the fruits of their unrivaled teaching/proclamation effort during the “month of firesides”” campaign in November 1984.

Mr. Sears and his wife, Marguerite, travel to communities all over Kansas, urging the friends everywhere to keep the teaching fire ablaze.

x IN

JAMES NELSON

In response to Mr. Sears’ call to “arise and teach,’’ the Kansas District Teaching Committee calls on the National Teaching Committee, the Continental Board of Counselors, Auxiliary Board members, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and National Center personnel to help them proclaim the Faith during ‘Baha’i Victory Month"’ in Kansas.

© The Campaign of Unified Action assumes a dynamic new dimension May 24-25 as four members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas, members of the Na tional Spiritual Assembly, 21 Auxiliary Board members, members of national committees and National Cen. ter staff assemble at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan to ‘strength. en the pledge of partnership” forged during the historic first Louhelen meeting the year before.

This year’s conference, permeated by the “spirit of Kansas,” centers on four components of the Campaign of Unified Action whose challenge to the American Baha’i community looms as especially important during the closing months of the Seven Year Plan: con necting hearts to Bahá’u’lláh; achieving an unprecedented level of enroll‘ments; attaining unity in diversity; and releasing and fostering individual initiative.

• The National Spiritual Assembly

begins publishing through its Office of External Affairs a new quarterly ne letter, “U.S. Baha’i Report, aimed at government and United Nations officials and leaders of thought i ion, philanthropy

• Judge James F. Nelson, chairman

of the National Assembly, is one of more than 100 honored guests at a luncheon held during the annual convention in New York City of the United Nations Association of the United States. Also attending are Baha’is Monireh Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly's UN representative, and Mrs. Evelyn Diliberto, president of the UNA chapter in Long Beach, Californis

• The National Youth Committee

reports that as of early May, at least 8,497 trees have been planted by Baha’i youth in the U.S., about 40 percent of the goal of 20,000 to be planted in memory of the martyrs in Iran during the International Year of

Youth.

© The Universal House of Justice ‘announces that during the last year of the Seven Year Plan—that is, from April 21, 1985, to April 20, 1986lapsed Assemblies that achieve adequate strength to regain Assembly status, as well as those that are being established for the first time, may form at any time during the year.

• The House of Justice sends a letter

dated May 8 to the Baha’i youth of the world, introducing ideas for meditation and consultation, inspiring the youth and assuring them of the trust and confidence placed in them by the Supreme Body.

© Twenty-six Baha’is from Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey attend an orientation seminar for prospective Public Information consultants May 4-5 at the University of Massachusetts. The conference, conducted by the National Office of Public Affairs, is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Amherst.

JUNE of Kansas begin planning a ry Harvest” campaign that is to last through Ridvan 1986. Committee members are putti least one eight-hour day per week to begin making arrangements for the far-reaching campaign.

The goals of the Victory Harvest which begins officially the weekend of ichita, are (1) to raise itual Assemblies; (2) to i crease diversity among the Baha’is in Kansas; and (3) to double the number of believers in the state.

• The Persian/American Affairs

Committee announces the production of a new video tape, “For a Drop of the Lover's Blood,”’ designed for use as a catalyst for discussion and co’ sultation in local communities. The tape depicts the efforts of one community to overcome its raci d cul tural differences and achieve unity.

• About 250 people attend a World

Unity Day proclamation event June 9 at Hofstra University, sponsored by the Baha’is of the Village of Hemp

stead, Long Island. Mayor George Milhin of Hempstead sends a proclamation in honor of the event.

• Members of the National Race

Unity Committee are among the guests June 8 for a Day of Unity at the People’s Church in Chicago sponsored by that city’s Race Unity Task Force. The keynote speaker is Dr. Roy Jones, a member of the Race Unity Committee and director of the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

• About 70 Baha’is from nine states

including Counselor Farzam Arbab and Auxiliary Board members Joyce Dahl and Edward Diliberto are present May 31-June 2 at a California Regional Conference of the Associa

tion for Baha’i Studies held at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz.

• The Martha Root Conference,

sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania District Teaching Committee, is held May 31-June 2 at Alliance College in Miss Root's hometown, Cambridge Springs. Keynote speakers are Robert Stockman, author of The Baha’i Faith in ‘America: Origins, 1892-1900, and Mabel Garis, author of Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold.

FRED SCHECHT.

The “Fire from Within” group, composed of more than a dozen Baha’i youth from lowa, Kansas and Nebraska, undertakes a 19-day journey through 17 communities en route to the Baha’i International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, stopping along the way to plant trees, paint park equipment, pick up trash, provide free car washes, and visit the elderly and handicapped.

© After 10 years as editor of Brilliant Star magazine, Mary K. Radpour steps down and is replaced by Deborah Bley of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

JULY

• “Youth Can Move the World” is

the rallying cry of more than 3,300 serious-minded young Baha’is from 42 countries who gather July 3-7 in Columbus, Ohio, -for an International Youth Conference. Joining the youth at the unique “triple conference” are more than 1,200 adults and some S00 children under age 12.

Conferences for parents and child. ren are held simultaneously with the youth conference at Ohio State Uniblessed by ind of the Cause ikrullah Khadem. ing an active part in each of the conferences are Counselors Farzam Arbab and Fred echter; Hooper Dunbar, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa; and eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Faith’s emergence from obscuored by the presence at tors, U.S. Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa and Ohio state Sen. Robert Ney.

To support the National Fund, FUNd runners of all ages log more than 17,000 laps around a 1/8-mile track. The Red Cross, conducting its first blood drive at any conference, is astonished by the number of Baha’is who volunteer to give blood.

Canadian Baha’is Jack Lenz and Doug Cameron perform at all three conferences, presenting their new video, ‘Mona with the Children.” ‘The song, written and sung by Mr. Cameron, tells the story of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 16-year-old Baha’i who was martyred in Iran.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Baha’i Youth Workshop presents its uniquely upbeat and modern style of music and dance in a number of communities

while traveling cross-country to the conference, and gives two public performances in Columbus, at a shopping mall and on the lawn of the state capitol building.

After the close of the conference, about 65 youth spend Sunday afternoon cleaning up a local park in Columbus, collecting about 250 bags of trash.

• Forty-five Baha’is are among the

more than 14,000 people at the “World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace’” held July 15-26 at the Jomo Kenyatta Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

The U.S. National Assembly is represented by Dr. Alberta Deas. Also attending are Dr. Magdalene Carney, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, and Dr. Jane Faily, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

• Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of

the National Spiritual Assembly and Judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is named co-winner of the Justice Award of the American Judicature Society, a national group of some 30,000 lawyers, judges and lay persons dedicated to improving the country’s judicial system. The corecipient is Fred Friendly, former

“Project Tabarsi” was begun at Ridvan in South Carolina, and ly since entering its recent intensive teaching phase, more than 1,500 new believers have been enrolled in the Faith thanks to the efforts of some 130 volunteers, many of whom are youth. As of mid-July, the Regional Teaching Committee reports, eight new Assemblies have been formed in the state. AUGUST

• The National Spiritual Assembly

receives from the Universal House of Justice an advance copy of the eagerly awaited statement, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.’”

The Supreme Body asks that the 12-page statement be made ‘‘a matter of serious consideration, conversation

DOROTHY NELSON

and action within and without the Baha’i community,” and directs the National Assembly to:

• prepare to present the statement to

the country’s chief executive;

• prepare the believers to undertake

the broadest possible proclamation of the statement; and

• prepare a media kit to accompany

the statement with answers to those questions that are certain to arise as a result of its proclamation.

• The “Lowell Project,” a summer

teaching campaign supported by 125 participants from 16 states and 10 countries increases the number of enrolled Baha’is in Lowell from 17 to 108 in 40 days. The Lowell community, in an area that had never before

sponsored a direct teaching campaign, now boasts the largest Baha’ population in New England.

© The American Veterans Committee of the World Veterans Federation, meeting in Washington, D.C., drafts a resolution on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran that decries ‘‘an unparalleled national policy which denies fundamental religious freedom to -an’s 300,000 Baha’ is’ and “labels as “criminal acts’ all Baha’ teaching and

MAGDALENE CARNEY,

religious activities.” The resolution calls on the government of Iran to respect and ensure the rights of all its minorities.

© On August 15, the National Spiritual Assembly sends a letter to all regular contributors to the National Fund expressing the Assembly's appreciation for their continued support

• A production crew from the Bri

ish Broadcasting Corporation visi the Baha’ National Center, the Louis Gregory Institute, and the Baha’i Center in New York City to gather material for a 50-minute TV documentary on the Faith to air in October as a part of the BBC’s award-winning “Everyman” series.

• More than 600 people from North

America, Europe and Africa gather August 15-18 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, for the 10th annual Conference of the Association for Baha’ Studies.

• Fourteen Baha’is from seven

countries including three from the U.S. are among the 2,300 delegates from 56 countries at the 70th Universal Esperanto Congress in Augsburg, West Germany.

A seven-year effort to proclaim the Cause in Winfield, Kansas, is rewarded in August with the formation of that city’s first local Spiritual Assembly.

• Some 200 youth from many religious backgrounds including a number

of Baha’is take part August 2-4 in an Interfaith March for Peace in Oregon. The theme of the 25-mile event is “Youth Can Move the World.””

‘An International Year of Youth proclamation from the mayor of Portland is read along with a letter of en

-couragement from U.S. Sen. Mark

Hatfield of Oregon. SEPTEMBER

• The National Spiritual Assembly,

working closely with several of its committees to carry out the wishes of the Universal House of Justice concerning the statement ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,”’ mails a study guide to every local Spiritual Assembly and Group in the U.S. to help the friends understand the statement’s far-reaching implications for the American Baha’i community.

• Meanwhile, National Treasurer's

Representatives from across the country meet in Wilmette over the Labor Day weekend for the eighth annual [Page 19]NTR Training Institute. Task force groups, addressing such issues as “Unified Action’? and “Children and the Fund,” produce valuable ideas and direction for the future of the NTR program.

• On September 5, eight Baha’i

youth leave the U.S, for Cali, Colombia, to begin their Youth Year of Service. Alex Blake, Alex Carlberg, Laura Clayton, Nicole Ewing, Thomas Haanen, Yvonne Kraus, Scott Pflueger and Amy Schechter are the first young Baha’is from this country to be chosen for the first project of its kind, initiated by the Universal House of Justice during the International Year of Youth,

• “Creating Love and Unity Between Blacks and Whites’ is the

theme of a keynote address for the Labor Day weekend at the Green Acre Baha’i School by Dr. Richard Thomas, a professor at Michigan State University and member of the executive committee of the Associ tion for Baha’ Studies.

• “Mona with the Children,” a

recording by Canadian Baha’ singer/ composer Doug Cameron, is released in the U.S. following a favorable reception in Canada where it ranks 23rd on the pop music charts.

• More than 1,000 people including

the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem attend the 26th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha’i Conference whose theme is ‘working together to win the goals of the Seven Year Plan and devise preliminary strategies for the Six Year Plan.”

Among the other speakers are Auxiliary Board member Nat Rutstei Charles (Cap) Cornwell, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; Bruce Whitmore, administrator of the Baha’i House of Worship; Duane Dumbleton, a member of the National Race Unity Committee; Katherine Bigelow of the Office of External Affairs; and Kevin Locke, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in South Dakota.

• More than 60 Baha’is from California, Mexico and as far away as

Texas gather over the Labor Day weekend in San Fernando, California, for the first Conference of Spanishspeaking Baha’is.

CAP CORNWELL

• Some 500 fans, friends and fellow

Baha’is meet at the Los Angeles Baha’i Center to honor legendary jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie on his 50th anniversary in music. A certificate of commendation from Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles is presented to Mr. Gillespie by Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

‘© About 212 Baha’is from several states and even from Africa gather in Crossville, Tennessee, over the Labor Day weekend for the sixth annual Tennessee Baha’ Institute, while at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, more than a thousand people attend three major events in September during Native American Month.

• Hugh Chance, a member of the

Universal House of Justice, returns to his hometown, Winfield, Kansas, to help celebrate the formation: of the town’s first local Spiritual Assembly and to take part September 29 in a “World Peace Through Education” conference at Southwestern College.

Prior to the conference, the mayor of Winfield proclaims September 29 “Hugh Chance Day” in the town of 10,000.

• Also in Kansas, the ‘Victory Harvest”” continues with a goal of at least

one direct teaching project every

weekend. The District Teaching Com DIZZY GILLESPIE

mittee responds to an ad in The

American Bahá’í in which the Baha’is

of Florence, South Carolina, offer to

come and teach in return for help in

building their Baha’ Center. OCTOBER

• The Universal House of Justice releases its eagerly awaited statement to

the peoples of the world, ‘The Promise of World Peace,” the full text of which appears in the October issues of Baha’i News and The American Bahd.

• On October 24, the House of Justice announces the appointment of the

Continental Boards of Counselors for the five-year period beginning on the Day of the Covenant, November 26.

Named as Counselors for the Americas from the U.S. are Dr. Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter:

In making the appointments, the Supreme Body pays tribute to 19 devoted Baha’is “who are being relieved of the onerous duties of membership on the Boards of Counselors’? and who will, ‘as distinguished servants of the Cause, continue through their outstanding capacities and experience to be sources of stimulation and encouragement to the friends.” Among these “distinguished servants of the Cause’” are Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Velma L. Sherrill of St. Louis, Missouri.

© The National Spiritual Assembly announces that the registration of Baha’i children is to begin this month. Parents may obtain registration cards from their local Assembly or District Teaching Committee, or may request them directly from the Office of Membership and Records at the Baha’i National Center.

• The tree-planting project sponsored by the National Youth Committee for the International Year of

Youth draws recognition from the national and international [YY Commissions while forming new bonds of friendship with offices at the UN and exceeding the goal of planting 20,000 trees in memory of the Dawnbreakers.

© In anticipation of public response to the recording and video of “Mona ith the Children” by Canadian inger/composer Doug Cameron, the National Assembly niames a task force to launch the ‘Mona Project,” intended to help the friends use

“Mona’” as a teaching tool. The task force is putting together a 40-minute video tape entitled “Working with Mona” to help point the way.

• Meanwhile, Doug Cameron and

his band undertake a cross-country U.S. tour from October 18-November 10, taking the story of Mona to 17 cities in less than a month.

Excavation begins October 8 for construction of the Martha Root Hall at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California. The hall will bring the school’s facilities up to a minimum capacity of 125.

(OVEMBER

• The National Spiritual Assembly

announces that a Baha’ International Peace Conference will be held over the 1986 Labor Day weekend in San Francisco, California. Plans are being made to accommodate 5,000 to 7,000 participant

• On November 6, the National

Teaching Committee announces that the Seven Year Plan goal of establishing 1,750 local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. has been won, Sixteen days later, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum, representing the Universal House of Justice, presents a special copy of “The Promise of World Peace’? to UN_ Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar at UN headquarters in New York City.

© On November 17, the Universal House of Justice announces the r terment of Mirza Muhammad-Qu! the faithful half-brother of Bahá’u’lláh, and IL members of his family “in a new Baha’i cemetery on a hillside looking across Lake Kinneret and the hills of Galilee toward the Qiblih of the Faith.

• According to the Baha’

tribution Service, combined sales of the various editions of ‘*The Promise of World Peace’ are approaching 100,000 in only the first two months in which the Universal House of Justice’s e statement has been available.

• Baha’i scholars from as far away

as Thailand gather November 21-24 in Los Angeles for that city’s third annual Baha’i History Conference

DECEMBER

• On Tuesday, December 10, Pres:

ident Ronald Reagan receives from the

HUGH CHANCE

National Spiritual Assembly a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s statement, ‘“‘The Promise of World Peace,’’ during a White House ceremony marking Human Rights Week. In his remarks, the President refers to the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, saying, “One of the more tragic cases today is that of the Baha’is whose leaders are with us today. The government of Iran is engaged in rampant religious persecution, especially against the Baha’is. The ceremony caps a 14-month effort by the National Assembly and its Office of Exernal Affairs to set up a meeting with Mr. Reagan, and marks the third year in a row in which the President has mentioned the persecu

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 19

tion of Baha’is in Iran during his Human Rights Week address.

© On December 27, President Reagan expresses his thanks in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly for the peace statement and commemorative plate presented to him on December 10, saying in part, “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.””

© Sixty-four Counselors from five

& RUHIYYIH KHANUM

continents gather at the World Center in Haifa to discuss with the members of the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Center, and the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land ‘the challenges and opportunities facing the Baha’i world community”’ as the Seven Year Plan nears its end and the friends prepare to launch the new Six Year Plan at Rid van.

• Dr. William E, Davis of Menlo

Park, California, is elected in a byelection to the National Spiritual Assembly, replacing Dr. Wilma Brady who is now a member of the Board of Counselors in the Americas.

• About 1,700 people a

first. Grand Canyon Bah: Conference, held December 27-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix and planned by Baha’i youth in the greater Phoes

JANUARY

• In a letter to the Baha’is of the

world dated January 2 concerning the new Six Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice says the opening of that Plan at Ridvan coincides with the inception of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith. is reported, the House of Justice’s peace statement has been presented to more than 70 heads of state as well as to a great many leaders of political, academic and religious organizations and to royalty.

© After several months of work, the remodeling of the Baha’i Publishing Trust building in Wilmette is completed.

© Forty-eight Baha’is from 18 states, Canada and the Bahamas including 29 lawyers, judges and law students take part in a conference January 10-12 at the Louhelen Baha’i School entitled “Baha’is and the Legal Profession.””

• Also at Louhelen, the Association

for Baha’i Studies sponsors the first “Baha’i/Marxist Dialogue’’ in which two of Canada’s leading Marxist scholars, Professors Colin Leys and Howard Buchbinder, participate.

© At Green Acre, more than 80 youth gather for the school’s ninth annual College Club Conference, planned and carried out by the Regional Youth Committee. Counselor Eloy Anello addresses a standing-roomonly audience, discussing the Lesser

x area.

Peace and the role of Baha’i youth in helping to bring it about.

© Forty-one people including 28 non-Baha’is attend a commemoration at Central Oregon Community College of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a symposium on the elimination of racism. The event is sponsored by the Baha’is of Bend, Oregon.

• The “Trail of Light” Native American teaching team travels in California from January 8-15, presenting

cultural programs and copies of the peace statement from the Hupa Reservation in northern California to the Tuli Reservation in the central part of the state.

FEBRUARY

• The Hand of the Cause of God

William Sears challenges the American Baha’i community to achieve one final victory for the Faith before the end of the Seven Year Plan: 20,000 contributions to the National Fund in 20 days, from March 2-21.

“During the month of the Fast and Naw-Rúz,”” Mr. Sears says in a taped message for the Feast of Mulk, Baha’is throughout the country “‘will demonstrate their love for the Faith’” by offering continuous outpourings to the National Fund.

• The ‘‘Baha’i Youth Movement’’

in North America is the main topic of discussion during a meeting February 1 at the Baha’i National Center in Wilmette. Taking part are Counselors Eloy Anello, Farzam Arbab, Wilma Brady, Robert Harris, Lauretta King, Donald Rogers, Fred Schechter and David Smith; the National Youth Committees of Canada and the U.: and representatives of Alaskan Baha’i youth.

• After 37 years of debate, the U.S.

Senate ratifies by a vote of 83-11 the UN International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, also known as the Genocide Convention. In the debate preceding its passage, several senators mention the persecution of Baha’is in Iran as a contemporary example of attempted genocide.

• By the end of February, the National Spiritual Assembly has received

almost 60 reports of presentations of the peace statement to governors, sen

WILLIAM DAVIS

ators and congressmen. The reports include many heartwarming stories of supportive comments and questions from the officials involved. MARCH

• In its Naw-Rúz message to the Baha’is of the U.S., the Universal House

of Justice says, ‘Now, at the inception of the fourth epoch (of the Formative Age), your National Spiritual Assembly, working in close collaboration with the Continental Board of Counselors and drawing upon the advice of the delegates to your National Convention and of your local Spiritual Assemblies, has the inestimable privilege of devising the plans that will

See YEAR page 31 [Page 20]

20 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

A treasured gift from iran

At the 77th Baha’i National Convention in Chicago, the National Spiritual Assembly was presented a gift of 189 roses from the Baha’is of Iran.

This touching gift, purchased with contributions from. the Baha’i prisoners in Iranian jails, was given in memory of the martyred and missing Baha’is, and in gratitude for the efforts of the American Baha’i community to alert the world to the fate of Iran’s Baha’is and to help restore the basic human rights that have been denied them.

As the roses were presented, a two-page letter from the Baha’is of Iran dated Ridvan 143 B.E. was read. Here are some excerpts from that letter:

“*... Dearly loved ones who are enthralled by the Beauty of the All-Merciful! You who are scattered all over the world and are in the forefront of the Army of Redemption, engaged in conquering the cities of mens’ hearts, you should be well aware that we, the friends in Iran, consider the things that have befallen us and the painful vicissitudes of our fortune as our ‘truly special mission,’ a divinely prescribed Plan entrusted to us by the Everlasting Father. ...

“It is precisely because of this vision that we are happy to submit heart and soul to all manner of difficulty and hardship and are full of hope that all of God’s binding promises will come to pass, just as all the gladtidings of the past are continually being fulfilled in our day and are giving great joy to the hearts of all the deprived ones of the world. ...

“*... we should like to announce to you that on the first day of the Baha’i month of ‘Ilm, the friends of Iran, especially our imprisoned brethren, those incarcerated and in fetters in various prisons of the country, joined all of you with one heart and one communion, and we besought with all the hope and ardor of our hearts His Holy Threshold that (the peace statement of the Universal House of Justice) will vouchsafe great and beneficent effects all over the world. ...

“And now our eager hearts are once again imploring you and beseeching you that the servants of the Cause of God all over the globe and in particular the Iranian friends, our well-loved fellow countrymen—men and women who have drunk (to a greater or lesser degree) from the same cup we drink from and who have now left—that you dear friends will rise and delight ... our hearts in compensation for the services that we are prevented from rendering because of the conditions prevailing here.

“(We are) earnestly hoping that the true spark of your spirit may soon become manifest with a new incandescence and shine resplendent with wondrous glory, and may truly give solace to our eyes and a sense of spiritual pride as we journey in the Path of the Well-Beloved in the Cradle of the Faith of God.

“May you be very happy.

The Friends of Iran’”

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ay ot Tata Medial Spo KOT ge Uh psy! [Page 24]24 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

BAHA'I CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 'S 6 7 8 9 10 1 12 43 14 15 16 17 18 19 F | a ACROSS person is wrong.

1. Written consent to marry must be secured from all natural

5. Highest card in the deck.

6. Common name for “‘father.”’ 8. To cut or chop into small Pieces.

10. A force of great effect.

11. Stubborn as an ___.

12. Name of first woman in the Bible.

14. Marriage is a partners.

15. First three letters in ‘‘nocturnal.””

16. One way to grow: through a

of two

18. Common address to a second

person. 19. A cycle of time marked by certain events.

20. To inflict

on another

21. To be habitually shows a selfish disrespect for others.

DOWN

1. The ‘‘cement”’ needed to encourage consultation.

2. What family members must show to one another.

3. Always use this word prudently.

4. The ideal Baha’i marriage is both physical and 7. A “‘fruit”’ to be tasted in marriage only for our highest wellbeing. 8. and women marry. 95 is needed from parents in order to marry.

13. A solemn promise to God. 17. A general term for an hour, day, season, etc.

18. An ardent longing.

Answers to this month’s puzzle are on Page 30

Dorothy Hansen (left) served as chairman at a peace conference April 19 sponsored by the Baha’is of Napa, California, whose speakers were (seated left to right) Ba

il

ha’t Tom Kilpatrick of Orinda, California, and representatives of the Church of Religious Science and the peace group ‘Beyond War.’

39 at peace conference/panel discussion

sponsored by Baha’

Thirty-nine people including 14 non-Baha’is attended a peace conference and panel discussion April 19 sponsored by the Baha’is of Napa, California.

The conference was chaired by Dorothy Hansen of Napa. Panelists were Baha’i Tom Kilpatrick of Orinda, California, and representatives of “‘Beyond War”’ and the Church of Religious Science.

The event was publicized by flyers posted in the city and at the

is of Napa, California

community college and by articles in the local newspaper and an interview of Mrs. Hansen on local radio.

The panel discussion was followed by a lively question-andanswer session, after which every‘one was invited to Mrs. Hansen’s home for dinner. The majority accepted the invitation, and thus had an opportunity to continue discussing the topic of peace well into the evening.

This photograph was taken by Curtis Kelsey at Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1947. If you can identify

write to the National Baha’i Arch

ives, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Midwest Youth

The Louhelen Baha’i School was the site April 25-27 of a Midwest Regional Youth Conference co-sponsored by the school and the Regional Youth Committee,

About 120 youth and pre-youth attended the event which featured workshops, devotions, recreational activities, a late evening “rap session,’’ and fellowship.

The youngsters were divided into two groups, those 11-12 years old and those 13 and older, for Saturday and Sunday workshop sessions.

Topics discussed by the younger children were ‘Becoming Your True Self’? and ‘“‘Life After Death.””

Meanwhile, the older group was discussing topics that ranged from “Some Christian Concepts’? and “Relations with Parents—How to Improve Them”? to ‘‘Relations Between the Sexes,”’ ‘“‘The Most Challenging Issue,’’ ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ and ‘The Other Side of the Picture.’”

A special Saturday evening program was arranged by the Regional Youth Committee.

Pictured are many of the 120 Baha’i youth and pre-youth who attended a Regional Youth Confer Conference held at Louhelen

ence held April 25-27 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.

Chinese Council receives peace statement

The peace statement was presented in Mandarin Chinese on March 9 at a Chinese Council meeting in Portland, Oregon, to Dr. Lee, vice-president of the Chinese Benevolent Association, and Gene Chin, chairman of the Chinatown Cultural Development

Program.

More than 20 people witnessed the presentation by Faye Matthews of the newly formed Portland Chinese Teaching Committee who was accompanied by Mrs. Loie Mead and Howard Herrick.

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[Page 25]NTERMEDIA

News from Office of Public Information

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

The April 15 edition of the Chicago Tribune carried a photograph of a delegation of church leaders from the Soviet Union in front of the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The 18 clergymen representing the Baptist, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Georgian Orthodox churches were in the area for a theological conference with American clergy. They received a warm welcome from the Baha’i community and a special tour of the House of Worship as well as presentation copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”

The April issue of the nationally distributed Connoisseur Magazine included an article about Mildred Mottahedeh, a Baha’i who is a collector of rare porcelain and manufacturer of fine porcelain reproductions. Mrs. Mottahedeh, besides having been elected to the International Council in Haifa during the time of the Guardian, has been a member of the International Goals Committee for 20 years. She founded the Baha’i International Office (now the Baha’i International Community) at the United Nations, and designed the commemorative plate that was given to President Reagan when he was presented with the peace statement.

In the article, she describes the work of the Mottahedeh Foundation: “Ours is not a glamorous foundation—we do the most essential, elemental things. We build schools in Uganda to teach adults and children how to read and write. We ‘adopted’ four villages in India—there are a hundred now—where first we de-loused the inhabitants and cured their skin diseases. Then we helped raise their milk production from two and a half liters per cow per day to 28. We do similar work in Bolivia, Liberia and Zaire, where there are 13,000 kids in a school run by my nephew. I visit all of them regularly. When you have only so many years left, you want to spend them right.””

The monthly tabloid Religious Freedom Alert, published in Washington, D.C., printed an article about the persecution of the Baha’ is in Iran that detailed the nature of the persecutions and described the outcome and potential effects of the recent UN General Assembly vote on the human rights resolution. Included was a photograph of a Baha’i cemetery in Yazd, Iran, that was desecrated by Islamic fundamentalists. BUSY BAHA’iS

Providencia Lord, a Baha’i from Niantic, Connecticut, was the subject of an in-depth article that began on the front page of The Day, ran three and one-quarter full pages, and included a number of photographs. Reporter Marcel Dufresne spent 10 months researching the story of Mrs. Lord’s struggle to overcome the paralysis of her legs and her insistence that a steel pin, inserted in her lower spine to prevent further damage but now doing more harm than good, be removed. The topic of the Baha’i Faith’s transforming effect on Mrs. Lord’s life and outlook runs throughout the article.

News, Events, and More, the campus newsletter of Western lowa Technical Community College in Sioux City, printed a summary of the peace statement at the request of the superintendent of the college. The Baha’is of Sioux City had presented him with the statement and afterward were asked by him to work with the newsletter’s editor to summarize it for publication. So, while it was initially presented to only one person, many more were able to read it as well. Another good example of how the message of peace spreads exponentially!

Baha’is in East Texas recently received $3,000 worth of free air time for Baha’i television public service announcements (PSAs). Public Information consultant Kim Bowers, working in conjunction with the Spiritual Assembly of Tyler, Texas, arranged for 24 showings of the PSAs on their local cable station.

Kim Bowers also reports that the Kilgore News Herald and the Longview News Journal carried articles about a Baha’i, Candice Bowers, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Kilgore, Texas, who is a department chairman and instructor at Kilgore College and was chosen this year as an ‘‘Outstanding Young Woman in America.”’ The articles mention her 17 years of Baha’ service.

Marian Dessent, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Durham, North Carolina, was featured in an article on the Faith in the ‘Family Scene”’ section of The Durham Sun. The article describes some of Mrs. Dessent’s personal history with the Faith and presents information about Baha’i Holy Days, the Nineteen Day Feast, and the Baha’i calendar as well as about the persecutions in Iran. It is accompanied by a large photograph of Mrs. Dessent.

The peace statement was presented recently to four prominent authors by the Office of Public Information in New Jersey. Writers Susan Sonntag, E.L. Doctorow, F.D. Laing and Harold Brodkey each received a copy of the statement during a panel discussion in Philadelphia on “‘World Peace and the Individual.”

The Baha’ is of Vermont were written up in the Bennington Banner on Naw-Riz, the day on which they presented the peace statement in Montpelier to all members of their state legislature. Dr. and Mrs. Francis Brooks of Bennington, representing the Baha’is of Vermont, opened the morning session in the House of Representatives with a prayer for America and one other Baha’i prayer.

The religion editor of the Tempe, Arizona, Daily News interviewed Baha’is from Tempe and Scottsdale and the paper subsequently printed a half-page article with a group photo of the Tempe community. The article also appeared in the Mesa Tribune and the Chandler Tribune. The Greater Phoenix Baha’i Public Affairs Committee reports that they expect to carry on the tradition of harmonious relationships with their local news editors.

The two-member Baha’i community of China, Maine, was the subject of a lengthy half-page feature on the religion page of the Morning Sen See INTERMEDIA page 34

The 77th annual Baha’i National Convention not only accomplished the primary business of electing the National Spiritual Assembly for B.E. 143, it also commemorated the achievements of the Seven Year Plan and propelled us all into the exciting, dynamic activity of the newly inaugurated Six Year Plan.

Those of us who work at the National Office of Public Information were able to connect names with faces when many of you who work with the media in your communities stopped by our booth at the Convention, held May 1-4 in Chicago.

It was a genuine pleasure to meet so many of the people who keep the Baha’i Public Information Network (BPIN) going, along with your families and friends.

Please remember to keep those PI rep forms coming

Keep those light green Public Information Representative appointment forms rolling in to the Office of Public Information!

The forms for registering your local PI rep were included in the Ridvan 1986 mailin; all Assemblies, and an addi nal form was provided on the media page in the May issue of The American Bahá’í for all interested Groups or isolated believers.

Whether you are appointing a new rep or re-appointing the same person, you must send in a form! We are updating our mailing list, and want to be sure we include everyone who wants to be a part of the Baha’i Public Information Network.

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 25

National Convention sees beginning of media strategies for Six Year Plan

The display at the booth reflected the juncture of the two Plans, and in our talks and consultations, with those who visited the booth (whether members of the BPIN or not), we began to look ahead to the coming months and years.

There could be no better time than right now to begin reflecting ‘on the objectives of the Six Year Plan! Baha’i communities across the country have received copies of the Plan as outlined by the Universal House of Justice, and many are about to hold “town meetings” to consult on how these goals relate to the local level.

Several sections of the Six Year Plan refer to the role that public information work will play in accomplishing the goals of the Faith. You may want to begin your consideration of the Plan as it relates to PI work by examining the connections between various specific objectives and the use of the media to achieve them.

For example, Section One calls for ‘‘carrying the healing Message of Baha’u’llah to the generality of mankind.”” It asks Baha’is to “‘seize teaching opportunities by planning projects in areas where receptivity is found, aiming at large-scale enrollment and entry by troops where possible.’”

Entry by troops should attract some media attention! Are you prepared to have the media knock on your door?

Clearly, any attempt at ‘‘largescale enrollment” will not only attract the press, but will provide us with abundant opportunities to use the tools of mass communication to proclaim the Faith. In fact, Section One calls for precisely that—‘‘utilizing the mass media systems for greater proclamation” of the Faith.

How might a weekly notice now in your local paper’s community

calendar possibly pave the way for major coverage of the Faith later? What projects might you undertake that would not only serve your community but also merit attention by a local television station as both a significant and visually interesting event?

Make a realistic assessmentwhere is your community now in terms of developing a good working relationship with your media, and where would you like to be in six months? In a year? In six

2

In this way, you can take steps that are appropriate for you in terms of your resources, and have the satisfaction of watching a series of small accomplishments add up to the larger accomplishment of the Plan itself.

Section Two, aimed at ‘greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society,’’ sets as one objective “training suitable Baha’is to undertake public relations activities.’” While the scope of public relations work goes well beyond dealing solely with the media, that is still its very core.

How is your community planning to represent the Faith? What might you do to enact the Faith’s principles, whether as an individual or as a community, so that others remember it for the promise it holds for the world?

Using the media well can spread the influence of any single public relations activity you might undertake well beyond the boundaries of the event itself.

These points are offered as starting places for your consultation. The Office of Public Information stands ready to respond to your requests, to the feedback we expect to receive in the next few months, and to your suggestions.

Together we can meet the challenges of the Six Year Plan!

The Earth Is One Country...

A thought expressed by the Bahai Fath

9 camera-ready newspaper ads on peace ready for your use

A set of four pages with nine different camera-ready ads for insertion in newspapers is now available from the Baha’i Distribution Service. The themes of the peace statement are typeset attractively with peace logos. Also included are variously sized peace logos which can be used for your own paste-up art work and ad designs. Ads are designed with white space for insertion of local information by the Baha’i community. The complete set is $3. Send checks to the Baha’i Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone toll free 1-800-323-1880.

A though expressed by the Baha’i Fateh

[Page 26]26 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Pictured are city ‘and county. ofSicials and elders of the Chumash Indian tribe who were given copies of the peace statement ‘The Promise of World Peace’ at a gala

Ventura Baha’is present peace statement

Naw-Rúz party in Ventura County, California. At the podium behind them is the master of ceremonies, Auxiliary Board member Anthony Lease.

to officials, media, Indians at banquet

At Naw-Rúz, March 21, the Baha’is of Ventura County, California, presented the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to city and county officials, elders of the Chumash Indian tribe, and representatives of the local media at a gala banquet in the ballroom of a resort hotel.

The presentations, made on behalf of the seven Baha’i communities by the master of ceremonies, Auxiliary Board member Anthony Lease, were preceded by a talk on the Baha’s perspective of world peace by William Davis, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The honored guests included a

representative of the county Board of Supervisors; two mayors; a mayor pro-tem; other counmembers; two elders of the Chumash tribe; and representatives of three large newspapers in the area.

The statement on the commendation given to each official with the peace statement was read for all to hear while the dignitaries stood before the audience.

Also on the program were dinner, entertainment by the County Master Chorale, and live dance music.

The event was planned by the intercommunity Peace Message Presentation Committee.

to us

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In order that we proudly demonstrate to the world at large the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of the followers of Baha'u'llah who will assemble here during this historic dedication, we request you to furnish the following information.

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nt 12 yrs old and over is US $ 40 Please complete this form and mail it with your Cheque Bank Draft /M.O. payable to:

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sembly Green Lake, WI Advance Deposit Room. 1 Day Room Charge Housekeeping/Camping, |, total charge LAST NAME kato ie ‘ ow your First Name. Title g fou to nae ol eat are Otte Me hr curren member accompanying you | 18 |Rev. etc| Attending 3. 1 plan to room with. | desire single occupancy I not checked, a room Antving by Cat, ‘Address sa City & State Zip. Tiassa’ Contumation Aurival date Circle Time BB AM PM. EVE Departure date Circle Time BB AM PM. EVE TBH Bore Breakiat

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| School Dates Accommodations for | Recreation Facilities | Speakers 2 Recommediations Rates September 12. 13, 41986 Meals and Lodging | All recreational facilities are __| Newly appointed member of “under NO CHARGE All accommodations in quiet — | Within the gates of ABA. Acres | the Continental Board of Coun- peur r te Ne . cs of serene meadows and wood- | sellors, Robert Harris. ¢ following per persor Site Name psn. ABR eis lands with freely roaming deer . ‘ per night rates apply to

y roaming

American Baptist Assembly Wide variety available from and wildlife. Indoor pool, bi. | Longtime veteran believer cverjone’ age 6 adult ‘ : patie ea Fate rooms | celine. boating, fishing, tennis, | With extensive oe Bahai |B, dormitory style room Site Capacity poe eae golf and miles of nature trails | ¢XPerience. Tony Pelle. for I. cottage and cabins with , Tetaiaat 1400 Cooking facilities hotel rooms. | {ough hills and valleys Secretary of the National Spiritual oom $13.25 ieluetec and homes Sl ream | f0F photographers. Assembly, Robert Henderson. | — C. rooms with semi-private Site Phone lakefront hotel, Mortis sTayiore i bath 13 Berton ee, 42943133 homes. Meal served cate | Pre-registration Date | pus..,ahai standup comic. | Haperroom S140 ae style on site. Overnight guest See det poke ote ee end = 4 ti must take meal plan unless there | While accommodations variety E. limited campsites, cabins, Location is great, the number ineach | Rates cottages and TEA South Central Wisconsin just category is limited. Room reser- i ae homes—contact tl West of the bily of Green Lake vations should be made assoon as | T caleulate Coatetenice Com. | SRMealicosts possible. The earlier the better— re a ces A.tots-5 NO CHARGE Classroom Facilities to insure your first choice. 1. Conference Fees B. children 611 | Fac cS ‘on inquiries | _ A overnight adults breakfast 92.10 Remar esis in sentra Deere reer rare Dandup $10 reer B10 rll lpsar pie ein ies : Green Lake, WI 54941 (tele- ic sine, + adults 12 and up beautiful grounds innearby | Attractions phone 414-294-3323 or 1-800- tseaie aay cuna prcektast at buildings. Nursery outstanding | Exhibition Hal featuring Pub point io a an children’s classes, pre-youth | lishing Trust Bookstore, Bahai asvidivoiaratl ; ; : 1G Lak and youth classes also in nearby | Publishers, and suppliers, Na-_ | only, Sue Schaut, Planning Com- | P- roars on rs faa wieal iad baler reen Lake buildings. Persian sessions in| tional Committee Booths, Baha’i | mittee Secretary, E-day died children ai ep for main auditorium. artists and artisans. Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (telephone n Baha’i Conference 5 608-837-8609). infant to 11 $5 cooking facilities GREEN LAKE CENTER RESERVATION \one per family) icellation Fee:

‘and 4:00 p.m. day before reservation, '> Camping: Between 30 days and 4:00 p.m,

vation. '> deposit, AMter 4:00 p.m. day before etund,

may be assigned. Public Transportation.

1 using public transportation, please give Date, Time, City and lace to be met it known, otherwise send when finalized

(C1 Frioay oinnen— NUMBER ATTENDING

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

[Page 27]DEDICATION OF THE Baha’i HOUSE OF WORSHIP OF THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT NEW DELHI DECEMBER 1986

O people of creation! It is incumbent upon you to build, in the cities and in the name of the Lord of Revelation, Houses as perfect as can be built on earth, and to adorn them with that which beseemeth them, not with images and statues. Magnify ye then therein the praise of your Merciful Lord in a spirit of joy and radiance. Lo! It is through His mention that hearts are illumined and eyes solaced. (Newly-translated extract from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

..the raising of that beautiful edifice is already serving as a magnet, attracting divine blessings and support to the Baha’is in that land.” (UHJ, January 4, 1981)

the raising of the Temple in India, the Faith of God.

“....the Masbriqu'l-Adhkár in India will be a magnet of divine blessings, not only for India, but for the whole continent of Asia, and all of the Indian believers should feel proud to have the bounty of providing, within their individual means, a large share in the raising of this “Dawning-place of the Remembrance of God.” (UHJ, July 26, 1981)

is one of the many positive signs of the onward progress of

“It shares your delight in witnessing step by step the raising of the “Dawning place of the Remembrances of God” in that country, as well as your expectations of the great influence this edifice will have, not only in India but in many other countries of the world.” (UH), March 30, 1982)

“The House of Justice is sure that you are as excited as it is, in anticipation of the dedication of the Temple and in the great blessings which that Institution of God will bring to your beloved country.” (UHJ, June 24, 1985) NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF INDIA 6 Canning Road, New Dethi- 110001

Dearly-loved Friends, March 21, 1986

We were called upon by the Universal House 1974 to “initiate the construction of the Mother

inning of the Five Year Pla Sub-continent in New Delhi

the collective and over the world,

Under the loving and inspiring guidance of the Universal House of Justice sacrificial efforts of the Baha’is of India together with their brothers and siste have drawn nigh the blessed hour of the triumphant completion of this mighty edifice in the very first year of the new Six Year Plan. It is, therefore, with a feeling of profound cestacy and a deep sense of gratitude, that we joyfully convey the Supreme Body's auspicious announcement to hold the dedication of the Mother Temple in December 1986.

Beloved Hand of the C: of God, ‘Amatu’l

ahiyyih Khanum, will represent the Universal House of Justice at this historic oc: te the House of Worship. The dedication will be followed by a three-day conference, the theme of which has been announced by the Universal House of Justice as “The Baha’i House of Worship dedicated to the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, and the Unity of Mankind.”

The dedication of institution of God” falls at a momentous time in the history of the Faith; a period which, “signalises the inauguration of a new stage in the unfoldment of the Administrative Order”, marking “the inception of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the «and the culmination of the Year of Peace

On behalf of the Baha’i community of India we are delighted to extend a very warm welcome to you to participate in this purely spiritual experience and share in the divine blessings released by the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. With warm Baha’i greetings, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF INDIA GENERAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Dedication of the Baha’i House of Worship of the Indian Sub-continent New Delhi, December 23-27, 1986.

Event Site Dates Registration Baha’i National Center Dec. 19-22 Designated Hotels Dec. 22-23 Stadium Dec. 23 afternoon Conference Inauguration Stadium Dec. 23 evening Dedication Events House of Worship Dec. 24 entire day

Conference Sessions Stadium Dec. 23 evening and Dec. 25-26 Public Meeting & Cultural Program Stadium Dec. 27 evening Children’s Conference Sessions Velodrome (stadium) Dec. 23-26 House of Worship Dec. 26 morning Distribution Service Committee Sales Stadium Dec, 23-27

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 27

The House of Worship of the Indian Sub-continent will be dedicated by the beloved Hand of the Cause of God, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum, representative of the Universal House of Justice. A three-day international conference following the dedication will feature inspinng talks by several Hands of the Cause, Counsellors and other prominent Baha’is on the progress and growth of the Cause of God in Asia and in other parts of the world. The program will include a specially prepared audio-visual presentation on World Peace, and also on the uniqueness of the design and construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. World renowned musicians and artists will perform during the conference and at a special public meeting for an anticipated twenty thousand strong audience. A children’s programme will also be conducted concurrently with the main conference.

THE VENUE The site of the Conference is the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium located centrally in New Delhi. Constructed for the 1982 Asian Games, it is the largest indoor stadium in Asia.

CONFERENCE LANGUAGES The official languages of the Conference are English and Hindi.

BAHA'I CREDENTIALS A pre-registration form is provided here which should be completed and sent to the committee. You will then be sent a special Baha’i Dedication Credential Card in advance of your arrival for the dedication. When you arrive in New Delhi, please report to the registration area and present your Baha’i credentials to obtain your Dedication identification badge. There will be no admittance to any of the dedication activities without the identification badge, which should be carried at all times.

Remember to bring your dedication credential card, your Passport and your current Baha’i I.D. card or a Baha’i Credential from your National Spiritual Assembly.

REGISTRATION FEE The Registration fee for each participant (12 years old and over) is US $40 (payable in any currency except Indian Rupees). The fee is non-refundable and covers the following. @ Transportation: Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers; and local transfers from Hotel to the conference site/House of Worship and back during the entire conference period. © Other conference arrangements. The Registration fee for children ages 5 to 11 years is as follows: US $ 15 per single child $25 for two children per family $30 for three or more children per family $40 for each child 12 years and above.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Since a large number of participants are expected, conditions in Delhi require a ceiling on the total number of participants. Therefore, friends will be registered on a first-come first-served basis. The last date for receipt of registration forms is August 31, 1986.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM We expect many children drawn from all around the Baha’i world and belonging to diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to take part in this special programme which will run concurrently with the plenary sessions of the dedication conference. The site of the. children’s programme is the Velodrome which is adjacent to the site of the main conference.

Registration The programme is designed for children from ages 5 years to 14 years only. The children must be pre-registered by their parents using the form provided here. Children 12-14 years old are allowed to attend the dedication of the House of Worship and the sessions of the main conference in the stadium. However, the parents are responsible for their supervision. Children less than twelve years old will not be allowed to be taken into the House of Worship dedication programme or the Conference sessions. However, there will be a special session for the children at the House of Worship.

PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN Due to limited facilities we regret that we are unable to organise any programme for children under 5 years of age. The care of these children is the responsibility of their parents. Parents planning to attend the dedication are urged to make private arrangements to have their infants and toddlers taken care of at home. Infants and pre-school children (0-4) will not be allowed to be taken into sessions at the House of Worship or at the Conference.

MUSIC AND CULTURAL EVENTS Baha‘! professional musicians and other renowned artists will perform during the conference. Pandit Ravi Shankar, the famous Indian musician will compose music and conduct the Indian choir at the dedication. A variety of cultural items featuring classical, folk, and tribal Indian dance and music will also be presented.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT A dedicated volunteer corps is one of the keys to the success of the conference. There is an urgent need for volunteers for a number of different areas of service indicated on the volunteer form provided.

Baha’i BOOKSTORE The friends attending. the dedication will be provided by the Baha’i Distribution Service of the Dedication Committee with a large and varied selection of Baha’i literature and related items for sale. All sales will be handled exclusively by the Baha’i Distribution Service of the Dedication Committee

TRAVEL TEACHING The National Spiritual Assembly warmly encourages the friends to travel teach either before or after attending the Dedication. If you are able to contribute in this way you are requested to contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India P.O. Box 19, New Delhi 110001, India, as soon as possible with a curriculum vitae.

PASSPORT AND VISA As per latest regulations, all visitors in their individual capacity as Tourists require a tourist visa to enter India which may be obtained from the nearest Indian embassy or consulate by making an application to them in advance. It is recommended to apply for TOURIST VISA for TOURISM purpose. (Those who intend visiting neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka etc, should apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA for TOURISM purpose). Nationals of countries with which India does not have diplomatic or consular relations should register three months in advance giving all passport particulars. People arriving in India without a proper Visa would be returned immediately from the airport to their country of origin by the Indian authorities unhesitatingly.

OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENTS TRAVEL CORPORATION (I) PVT. LTD. (TCI), and SITA WORLD. TRAVEL (India) Pvt. Ltd. are the officially appointed Travel Agents and will handle all hotel accommodation, local pre- and post-dedication tours, and local transportation, only for those participants who have registered with the Dedication Committee. Registered participants, on their arrival at the airport at Delhi should immediately report to the special information booths set up by SITA/TCI.

[Page 28]28 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly

The Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States: Ridvan 1986.

°

The beginning of the Seven Year Plan coincided with the renewal of persecutions of the Iranian Baha’is. Our excitement about the launching of the new Plan was overshadowed by our concern for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Iran and by our initial sense of powerlessness in the face of their suffering.

We found comfort in the writings of Shoghi Effendi who explained that periodic crises in the “mysterious evolution’? of the Cause, ‘‘invariably sudden, seemingly fatal to both its spirit and its life,” have historically ‘‘failed to arrest its march or impair its unity.””

“Yet,”” the Guardian added, “viewed in their proper perspective, each of them can be confidently pronounced a blessing in disguise, affording a providential means for the release of a fresh outpouring of celestial strength,” “an agency for the purifica‘ion and revitalization of the life of the community, an impetus for the enlargement of its limits and the propagation of its influemice. ...””

He concluded that sometimes at the height of the crises, ‘the significance of these trials has manifested itself to men’s eyes and the necessity of such experiences has been demonstrated ..

The wisdom of that prophetic analysis is evident to us now. It can be argued that the achievements of the Seven Year Plan are the legacy of the sacrifices of our Iranian brethren. The emergence of the Baha’i Faith from obscurity was purchased with their blood. The revitalization of the community of believers and the dramatic growth of our capacities were related, in some mysterious way, to the suppression of the Baha’i community in Iran.

Its sacrifices have propelled us to a: level of accomplishment and international prominence completely unanticipated at the outset of the Plan.

Our response to the crisis and the resulting victories of the past seven years testify that we are not the community we once were. We have become a rapidly emerging presence on the world scene.

As attempts were made to force our brethren to recant their faith, a world outcry arose focusing international attention on_ their plight and on the Baha’i Faith itself. This outcry included the defense of the Iranian Baha’is by

Unity Conference slated in Atlanta

“World Peace Through Racial Unity’’ is the theme of a Race Unity Conference to be held July 4-6 in Atlanta, Geor

Kay Radpour, Jean Scales, June Thomas and Richard Thomas.

No pre-registration is necessary. For information, contact Barbara or Foad Monadjem,

_ Lit burn, GA 30247, or phone 404925-1572.

many governments and by the United Nations. And, in the United States:

© the persistent defense of the Iranian Baha’is and of the Faith itself by the President and the Congress;

• the announcement of scores

of local and state level proclamations protesting the persecutions and asserting the integrity of the Faith;

© the publication of over 15,000 articles in newspapers and magazines, including eight editorials in The New York Times;

the broadcast of major television programs about the Faith including ABC’s ‘*20/20” and the BBC’s “Everyman” series, along with a sharp increase in local television programming; and,

• the establishment of the National Persian/American Affairs

Committee and the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office, which works with the government and with the agencies of the United Nations to assist the immigration and resettlement of Iranian Baha’; refugees.

As the world watched the outlawing of Baha’i institutions in Iran and the relentless efforts to strangle one of our largest and most resourceful Baha’i communities, the Baha’i International Community persevered to secure:

© the establishment of the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice;

© the erection of Houses of Worship in India and Samoa;

¢ the formation of 23 National Spiritual Assemblies, 8,000 new local Spiritual Assemblies, and 16,000 new localities;

• the initiation of over 700 social and economic development

projects worldwide including Baha’i schools and colleges, health clinics, and agricultural development programs; and, in the United States,

¢ the construction of the Native American Bahi Institute, the Louhelen Baha’i School, and Radio Baha’j-WLGI.

And, finally, as a systematic effort to vilify the Faith and to distort its teachings continued to spread, the Universal House of Justice addressed the peoples of the world, for the first time, with the statement, The Promise of World Peace, galvanizing Baha’is everywhere and triggering proclamation and teaching activities on a scale far beyond any achieved before.

Within months of its release, the peace statement was presented to more than 70 heads of state. In the American Baha’i community:

© the President of the United States received the statement in a public ceremony commemorating Human Rights Day, during which he repeated his protest of the persecution of the Iranian Baha’is and reaffirmed their innocence;

© members of the U.S. Supreme Court welcomed a delegation of the National Spiritual Assembly;

• Baha’is made literally scores

of presentations to governors, senators, congressmen, mayors, city councils, tribal councils, tribal chairmen, and community organizations;

• Baha’i communities sponsored conferences, television programs, and an increasing number

of joint efforts with other organizations;

Navajo and Lakota Baha’is be

gan working on translations of the statement; and,

• the Universal House of Justice

announced a World Congress, to be held in November 1992 in the City of the Covenant, New York, to mark the centenary of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant.

The Seven Year Plan

A recitation of the accomplishments of the Seven Year Plan must also include the following highlights:

The major numerical goals of the Plan were achieved and exceeded in each instance. The number of Spiritual Assemblies rose from 1,489 to 1,785; Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations increased from 31 to 62, far surpassing the goal of 50.

Over the course of seven years almost 2,000 pioneers left for international service. And, while the enrollment of new believers could only be described as modest at 25,000 for the seven-year period, the past 15 months have seen a steady increase of teaching and enrollment activity in all sections of the community. This year, enrollments will exceed 5,000, the highest level since 1978 and the second highest rate in the past 15 years.

While the statistical achievements of the community are impressive, perhaps even more important to the future progress of the Cause is the change in the patterns of local and national activities.

The Seven Year Plan saw the spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action take root in the heart of the community. From this movement to foster initiative and collaboration has sprung a range of activities. Local communities have assumed new levels of responsibility for the direction of their development and the propagation of the Cause. A few examples serve to illustrate this encouraging trend:

• conferences of urban Spiritual

Assemblies, organized by the communities themselves, were held in the West and the Midwest. These efforts were supported by members of the Continental Board of Counselors, the Auxiliary Board, and the National Assembly;

• efforts to promote The Promise of World Peace have included

the purchase of 120,000 copies of the statement and the printing and distribution of tens of thousands more by local communities;

• regularly scheduled children’s

schools now number more than 350, while summer schools are currently scheduled at more than 40 sites;

• Indian people from the U.S.

participated in three international and two U.S. regional ‘Trail of Light’”’ programs;

® locally initiated race unity activities, social service and development projects, and minority teaching efforts are increasing steadily.

On the national level, similar evidences of growing strength are visible:

• the mutual support and coordination among the Board of

Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly and their agencies have given the Campaign of Unified Action its spirit and accelerated its progress;

• contributions to the National

Fund, during the past seven years, have totaled more than $40 million. An additional $6.6 million was raised for special projects such as the Louhelen Baha’i School, the Native American Baha’i_ Institute, WLGI and the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute, the repair of the Temple apron and dome, and the reconstruction of the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds;

• the birth of the Youth Movement, reinforced by the overwhelming success of the Baha’i International Youth Conference,

has re-established the role of youth as a driving force in the community;

¢ the appointment of the National Committee on Women’s Rights signaled the advance of an essential area of our work;

¢ the establishment of the Louhelen Residential College, and the emergence of Radio Baha’iWLGLI as a widely heard voice of community service, entertainment, and spiritual broadcasting, represent a dramatic entry into new fields of service;

© the expansion of a national network of Persian/American Affairs Area Committees adds strength to our efforts to facilitate the resettlement and integration of Iranian refugees;

• the successful reorganization

and profitable operation of the Bahi Publishing Trust which, this year, will record more than $1 million in sales;

• the increased use of the skills

and expertise of the friends in such areas as architecture, data processing, law, education, finance, public relations, and management development; and espe

cially,

© the growth in the number of teaching projects from three in 1984 to 95 scheduled this summer. Conclusion

Throughout this period of violent and unpredictable change, the Hands of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem and William Sears, the Continental Counselors, and their Auxiliary Boards have played a prominent role in encouraging the friends and inspiring and supporting our progress. We owe them a great debt and our heartfelt gratitude.

To the Baha’is everywhere, and to the local agencies of the administration whose strength, farsightedness and initiative could not be adequately described in this summary, we express our deepest appreciation. And, especially, to the committees and offices of the National Spiritual Assembly whose work has contributed to so many victories, domestic and international, past and future, we offer our thanks.

Dear friends, we stand at a grand juncture in the history of our Faith: The Cause has emerged from obscurity and we have entered a new epoch in the Formative Age of its development. What the future holds no one can tell. But we will meet its challenges as we always have, fearless, confident and strengthened by these words of the Bab, “... know ye of a certainty that He will render you victorious, will exalt you among the peoples, of the world and will demonstrate your high rank before the gaze of all nations. ...’”

The National Spiritual Assembly Riḍván 1986

Ethel Murray papers reflect involvement with wide cross-section of community

It’s no accident that the correspondence in the Ethel Murray Papers at the National Baha’i Archives represents a wide crosssection of the American Baha’i community. This reflects Ethel Murray’s life-long involvement with the Baha’i grassroots.

It was a long way from Providence, Rhode Island, to the deprived conditions surrounding the Native Americans she came to teach,

But Ethel herself had had to make do in trying circumstances during her service in the first Seven Year Plan (1937-44) in Richmond, Virginia, and she willingly shared the life she found.

Her reports in Baha’i News about the need on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina for warm clothing and _ blankets brought responses from many Baha’i communities.

The correspondence is endearing, even when coming from the American Indian Service Committee, which was unflagging in its support of its stalwart southern colleague.

One of the most touching parts concerns Minnie Feather and Nellie Jumper, the first declarants resulting from Ethel Murray’s efforts among the Cherokee.

The fulfillment of this statistical goal loses all impersonality when the letters are read concerning Nellie Jumper’s struggles with a hard life and a partially conceived faith. Debts, crops, babies and health are what life was about, and while Nellie Jumper had a sin

cere belief in Baha’u’llah, in many practical respects Ethel Murray was the Faith for her.

Ethel was acutely aware of this trust, refusing to have her own straitened conditions eased as long. as others around her were suffering, and declining to leave her post until severe health problems made the decision for her.

Other mementos of Ethel Murray’s life found in her papers include the card file of all recipients of Baha’i literature from her; a report by Peter McLaren (now a Counselor in South America) of the time he and a fellow youth, Bernard Streets, spent with her in the summer of 1956; and one of Ethel’s paintings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Although she was a photographer by trade, Ethel Murray is better known as the creator of dozens of treasured portraits of the Master that decorate the homes of American Baha’is today.

ABS seeks papers

The Association for Baha’i Studies Pacific Northwest Regional Committee has issued a call for papers for its conference entitled ‘‘Universal Peace: The Challenge of Our Day’’ to be held October 4-5 at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Please submit abstracts by July 15 to ABS, P.O. Box 91055, West Vancouver, BC Canada V7V 3N3.

For more information, phone Dr. Nasser Sabet, 604-986-8839 or 604-984-7223. [Page 29]Soplanaiat

Members of the ‘Nayriz Connection’ are pictured with their school bus during the group’s stop at the Grand Canyon Youth Conference

in Phoenix, Arizona, while en route from San Diego, California, to North Carolina.

‘Nayriz Youth Connection’ teaches Faith from California to N. Carolina

YOUTH

Twenty-five Baha’i youth from around the country gathered in Riverside, California, during their winter break to launch the ‘‘Nayriz Youth Connection,’’ a travel teaching campaign conceived by a group of young people last August at the Tabarsi Project in Hemingway, South Carolina.

The campaign, dedicated to the martyrs in Nayriz, follows the Tabarsi Project which was named after the first of three major Babi upheavals in Iran.

The main purpose of the ‘‘Los Angeles to North Carolina’ teaching trip was to proclaim the Faith and world peace through direct teaching, firesides, musical performances, presentations of the peace statement, slide programs and public talks.

It was also intended as a vehicle for establishing ‘‘connections’’ within the American Baha’i community.

On December 24, the projecteers, helped by North Carolina Baha’is Wilford and Lollie Johnson, loaded their bus and headed for San Diego, the first stop on their cross-country trek, where they taught in a predominantly Asian neighborhood and handed

Women’s Conference set at Drake University

“Women as Peacemakers’’ is the theme of a day-long conference to be held Saturday, July 26, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Included will be workshops and addresses. Child care will be provided.

For information, phone Kim Heidarian, 515-265-5535.

out invitations to a public meeting.

Already, they had attended a unity dance sponsored by the Varqa Baha’i Club in Tustin, California; taken part in door-to-door teaching in Placentia; and participated in presentations of the peace statement to the mayors of Fontana and Rialto.

Traveling from San Diego to Arizona, the youth took part in the Grand Canyon Youth Conference in Phoenix. During that event, $3,300 was donated to the Nayriz Fund which not only helped the youth complete the trip but will be used to fund further projects this summer.

On December 30 the Nayriz Connection, joined by youth and adults from the conference, taught on the Sacatan Indian Reservation.

“In many ways,’’ one of the youth reported, ‘“‘this evening with the Native Americans was the highlight of the whole trip. The energy, love, unity and receptivity was electrifying and awe-inspiring.””

Together with new recruits from the youth conference, the youngsters traveled next to New Mexico. While about half of the group remained in Las Cruces, the others went to Juarez, Mexico, where they met with local Baha’is.

Those who remained in New Mexico taught in several towns from Las Cruces to Anthony, Texas, conducting public meetings and firesides in Spanish and English and handing out invitations to a ‘‘peace fiesta’ in Anthony’s American Legion Hall.

With 22 enrollments and three new localities opened, the Juarez projecteers returned to Las Cruces to begin a 48-hour non-stop drive to North Carolina that ended this first “‘Nayriz Connection’’ campaign.

News briefs

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 29

Green Acre to offer 30-hour institute on foreign, homefront pioneering

The Green Acre Baha’i School will offer a 30-hour institute in foreign and homefront pioneering during the week of July 7-11.

The teachers will include Mary Louise Suhm, secretary of the International Goals Committee and Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the American Indian Teaching Committee and staff member in the National Teaching Committee office.

Among the topics will be identification of goal areas, crosscultural preparation, the pioneer’s role and relationship to the Administrative Order, and such “nuts and bolts’’ issues as health, moving, and employment.

““Abdu’l-Bahá called pioneer‘the most meritorious of ” says school administrator Dick Grover. ‘‘This institute is for people who are planning to go to another community either in this country or abroad, or who may only be starting to consider such a move.

“People who have pioneered, or who are presently pioneering, are especially invited,’’ Mr. Grover adds. ‘‘Their experience will be a rich resource for this program.””

In March, the Baha’i Group of Black Jack, Missouri, presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to Mayor Fayette Paul of nearby Warrenton.

A photograph of the ceremony appeared March 26 in the Warrenton News-Journal.

.

“Gateway to Peace’’ is the theme of a Native Council to be sponsored July 25-27 by the Spiritual Assembly of the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington.

Highlights will include a multicultural presentation on Saturday evening; study and other activities for children and youth; presentations and consultation during the

morning sessions by various special coordinators; and a Saturday evening salmon bake.

Because Neah Bay is a fishing resort and this is a peak season for fishing, it is suggested that one make reservations early if planning to stay at a motel or camp.

For more information, write to Rita Markishtum, P.O. Box 654, Neah Bay, WA 98357, or phone 206-645-2659.

.

In December, The American Bahá’í reported the opening of “The Dry Spot,’’ a drug- and alcohol-free entertainment center for young people operated by Baha’is in Westminster, Maryland.

“The Dry Spot”’ remains open, and in February its director, Paula Myers, received the following letter from Nancy Reagan:

“Someone special wrote to me recently about the wonderful work you are doing in your community on behalf of the campaign against drug and alcohol abuse, and I wanted to write this little note to extend my own thanks and admiration for your dedication.

“Because of concerned, conscientious people like you, we are beginning to see a reversal in the tragic trend towards drug abuse. It is so very important that we continue working together, increasing our efforts, until we witness all of our young people choosing drug-free lives.

“I am confident that your he roic efforts will provide an added impetus to the success of the drug prevention activity in your city. You have my best wishes, and I thank you for your commitment to the youth of your community. “Sincerely, Nancy Reagan’’ .

Farsheed Ferdowsi, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, Tennessee, was profiled in the January issue of Advantage Magazine, which is devoted to business and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Mr. Ferdowsi, an engineer by training, is chief executive officer and president of Access Data Services Inc., a time-sharing computer company which he started six years ago with no other employees and no telephone, and which has grown at an average annual rate of 30 percent for the past five years.

The Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has presented ‘“‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to the following elected officials in its area: 4

U.S. Congressman George Gekas, Pennsylvania state Senator John Shumaker, state legislator Pete Wambach Jr., Dauphin County Commissioner Larry Hockendoner, Mayor Steve Reed of Harrisburg, and the members of the Harrisburg city council.

All of the recipients said they would like to receive copies of U.S. Bahá’í Report.

tion and love.

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Pioneer Post is a newsletter consisting of excerpts from letters written by pioneers from the U.S. to the International Goals Committee. In its eight-year existence, it has been sent quarterly to the 1,500 or so U.S. pioneers in the field as well as to Counselors, Auxiliary Board members, and a few others who have requested it. Now it is being offered on a subscription basis to anyone who is interested for $4 a year. Send your checks to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You'll find Pioneer Post a continuing source of inspira

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= excellent for family devotions and fostering a sense of Baha’i identity

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‘Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to:

[Page 30]30 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

‘Beyond Quest for Peace’ theme of 11th ABS Conference

“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 with auxiliary events beginning August 20.

The Conference schedule provides a splendid alternative for those who won’t be able to attend the Peace Conference in San Francisco the following weekend.

Highlights of the Conference will include:

© Keynote presentations by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum.

© World renowned speakers including Ervin Laszlo of the Club

of Rome.

© Distinguished Baha’i speakers from all over the world including the Hand of the Cause of God AliMuhammad Varqé at the Youth Conference.

The Hasan Balyuzi Lecture by Counsellor Adib Taherzadeh.

© Plus a gala evening of music and song, a reception and dinner for dignitaries, and a multiple presentation on ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”

Two other events will be held August 22-24 alongside the ABS Conference: an International Children’s Conference on Peace (for ages 6-12) and an International Youth Conference on Peace (ages 12-14).

In addition, five Symposia on

Hannen

from page 4

ceptable.

Mr. Hannen continued to submit articles to the press up to the time this country entered World War I, when newspapers no longer published articles on peace. One of his letters, in response to a clergyman’s attack on the Faith, was so wise, gentle and spiritual that opposition was immediately silenced.

It was natural that one so capable and willing should receive many calls to serve. One of these requested that Mr. Hannen forward mail to traveling teachers.

It was while on such a mission, near the post office, that he was struck by a passing truck. Mr. Hannen quickly forgave the careless driver, but after lingering for a week, surrounded by shocked, tearful and prayerful friends, he died peacefully.

In the words of Louis Gregory, “No praise from a limited source, however earnest and heartfelt, can

do justice to the memories of Mr. and Mrs. Hannen, who share the spirit of the Persian martyrs in the heroic age of the Faith.

“Only a Great Writer can adequately describe them, and that Writer, Whose pen is guided by God, is no other than the incomparable Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”’

In a Tablet to Mrs. Hannen written after the passing of her husband, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:

“*... The favored servant of the Kingdom, Mr. Hannen, that pure and spotless soul, was the first self-sacrificing person in the path of the Merciful One.

“At night he was restless and during the day he was untiring. Not a moment did he rest and all his life time was consecrated to the service of the Kingdom. In the assemblage of the friends he was an active member and in the gathering of Thy favored ones an enkindled torch.

“In the Horizon of guidance he twinkled like a radiant star and in the Abha Paradise he appeared a magnificent palm. He was an illumined soul, merciful, kingly, lordly.””

Peace will be held August 20-21, sponsored by the Baha’i International Health Agency, the Baha’i Institute for Environmental Design, the Baha’i Family Institute, the Baha’ Institute on Education, and the Baha’i Institute on the Arts.

A Peace and Minorities Confer ence also is confirmed, and an Agricultural Policy Conference has been scheduled to begin August 20.

Due to limitations of space, preregistration is absolutely essential both for adults and children. To ensure adequate supervision, no children can be accepted for the

Children’s Conference unless preregistered.

Send your registration with a non-refundable $30 deposit to the Association for Baha’i Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN 7K4.

For information, phone 613233-1903.

REGISTRATION

Please complete a separate application for each registrant (Adult, Youth, Child, Infant)

PLAN A includes:

4 nights (from Wednesday to Saturday); Il meals (Thursday Breakfast to Sunday lunch) and registration fee

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tration and non-refundable deposit of $30 to

The 1986 Special Visit Program to the Baha’i National Center*

National Archives.

visiting the:

View relics of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arranged especially for your visit by the

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

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

Tour the entire Baha’i National Center

July 31 - August 3

Housing at Holiday Inn in Evanston Rooms (per night): Single, $60; Double, $65

The hotel is close to public transportation coming to the Baha’i House of Worship and O’Hare Airport.

Send a $20 deposit to reserve each room. Please make checks payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund.”” Reservations made through the House of Worship only.

Registration Form: Special Visit Program 1986

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[Page 31]

Year in review

from page 19

chart your course during the next six years to the eve of the Holy Year (1992) when you will join your sister communities in commemorating the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and host, in the City of the Covenant, the second Baha’i World Congress.””

• On March 12, the UN Commission on Human Rights adopts its fifth

resolution on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The new resolution, following closely in language and intent the resolution adopted in December by the UN General Assembly, calls for the appointment of a new Special Representative whose task would be to report on the human rights situation in Iran, including that of minority groups such as the Baha’is, to the General Assembly at its next session later this year and to the Commission on Human Rights at its 1987 session.

© Former Counselor Angus Cowan dies March 9 at his home in Invermere, British Columbia, after a long illness. On March 29, a memorial service is held at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette.

© More than 650 people attend a gala banquet March 22 in Los Angeles, California, at which Mayor Tom Bradley and others are presented copies of “The Promise of World Peace.””

© The national Baha’i Office of Public Affairs is renamed the Baha’i Office of Public Information. Its primary function remains the same: developing and serving the national Baha’i Public Information Network.

APRIL

© For the third year in a row, Iran’s persecution of its Baha’i minority is cited by the U.S. State Department in its annual review of human rights around the world, ‘Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1985.""

“The Baha’i religion is not recognized in Iran,” the report says, ‘and since the revolution (in 1979), the Baha’is, Iran’s largest non-Muslim minority, have suffered severe persecution, mainly government-directed and aimed at the religious leadership.””

‘© On April 11, the largest contingent of religious leaders allowed outside the Soviet Union in recent decades visits the Baha’i House of Worship. The group, representing the Russian Orthodox, Armenian and Baptist churches, is in the U.S. to attend a conference of Russian and American clergy. Each of the visitors is given a presentation copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’? with a Russian translation.

© According to estimates as of April 30, fiscal 1986 sees the highest level of contributions ever made to the National Baha’i Fund—$7.5 million. The friends far surpass the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears’ call for 20,000 contributions from March 2-21 with a total of 27,431, the largest number ever received during a comparable period of time.

© On April 25-27, a Midwest Regional Youth Conference is held at the Louhelen Baha’ School in Michigan. The event is co-sponsored by the school and the Regional Youth Committee.

“The Sacred Literature of the Baha’i Faith conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For believers, the Word is not a philosophy to be learned, but the sustenance of being throughout the span of mortal existence.’’ —Horace Holley Religion for Mankind, p. 64

GOD

ABRAHAM KRISHNA MOSES: ZOROASTER BUDDHA CHRIST

THE BAB RAHAU'LE

MUHAMMAD

HUMANTIY

ANT

MOJGAN SAMI

Baha’i principles score high in debates

Mojgan Sami, a 16-year-old Baha’i from Bellingham, Washington, has been competing this year in speech and debate tournaments throughout the state using as her topic an expository speech on the Baha’i Faith.

Mojgan, who moved from Iran to the U.S. with her family in 1975, has won five first place awards, two second places and one third place in these events, and was named fourth best speaker in the Northwest District.

At Naw-Rúz, the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham presented her with an “‘Outstanding Baha’i Youth Teacher Award’? in the form of a plaque.

Mojgan, a top student throughout her school years, has been dancing since age three, has studied piano for six years, and is pres

Milestones

from page 14

tribution Service in the coming months and years. At the same time, we hope to continue to supply items from established Baha’i institutional publishers and commercial publishers of Baha’i books.

“Improvements in our fulfillment department made it possible for the Distribution Service to ship 1,100 orders in a single week—a figure higher than what was possible in a month only a few years ago,”’ says Mr. Hayes.

““We've also noticed a decrease in problems of billing and shipping. And all of this is being done with half the staff we had in 1983.

“Some of our success in the past year has to be attributed to the new vitality of the Baha’i community and the inspiration provided by the International Year of Peace and the statement from the Universal House of Justice.

“Staff of the Baha’ Publishing Trust were involved in the production of both the presentation and deluxe editions of ‘The Promise of World Peace.’ Sales of all the editions contributed to an over-all 60 percent sales increase for the year.

“Our sales this year,’’ says Mr. Hayes, ‘‘have allowed us to make some much-needed improvements at the Publishing Trust building, which will allow for growth without Sacrificing a comfortable

“Based on our recent experience, we cannot but look with great optimism toward the coming Six Year Plan, from the standpoint of both the publication and distribution of Baha’i books.”

ently involved in forming a “Youth Movement Peace Club” at her high school.

She is the oldest daughter of Parviz and Simin Sami. Her sisters, Mojdeh and Mojan, also are top students at their school.

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 31

Among the features of this year’s Bahá’í National Convention was a devotional program presented by children in the Chicago area. Pictured with their teacher, Mrs.

Gayle Woolson, are (left to right) Lisa van den Hoonaard, Shani Eftekhari, Maia Ashby and Jian Khodadad.

“Freedom from racial prejudice, in any of its forms, should, at such a time when an increasingly large section of the human race is falling a victim to its devastating ferocity, be adopted as the watchword of the entire body of the American believers ...”-Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 30

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[Page 32]32 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

‘The Promise of World Peace’

Baha’is throughout U.S. present statement to public officials, groups

On February 13, a delegation of Baha’is from five communities in San Diego South County, California, presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to

Rep. Duncan Hunter (left). Wit him are Baha’is (left to right) Telia Nunn (San Diego N. County

Lopez of Forest Grove, and Lily Willis of Oregon City. The presentation was made February 12.

U.S. Rep. Denny Smith of Ore- from Bahá’ís (left to right) Tim gon (center) receives a copy of Healy of Milwaukie, Manigeh ‘The Promise of World Peace’ Cannon of Oregon City, Tony

J.D.), Doris Rodgers (San Diego), Michael Lavach (Lakeside), Farzad Ghaenizadeh (El Cajon) and Randy Newcomb (Lakeside). Rep. Hunter expressed his concern about the persecutions in Iran and his appreciation for the statement ‘on peace.

pe

n February 10, U.S. Rep. Robin Tallon (seated) received a copy of the peace statement ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Baha’is in South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District and the Spiritual

Mayor Raymond Ambrose Jr. of

Altamonte Springs, Florida (standing), is pictured as he received a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ during a meeting of the city’s commissioners on April 1. The presentation, which was

ee : Assembly of Florence. Standing (left to right) are Dr. A. Misagh Rassekh, Jack LaBlanc, Dr. Anne Breneman, Dr. Kurt Hein, and Bret Breneman.

video taped and documented as a part of the record of the meeting, was made by Pearl Fleischhacker of the Baha’i Group of Altamonte Springs and Francine Levy, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Seminole County.

Mayor Harvey Gantt of Charlotte, North Carolina, receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Charlotte (left to right) Pam Harden, Minoo Hauck, Mahtaj James, Bob James, Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, Celeste Hicks, Dana Innis, Charles Hicks, Diane Nevill, and Regena Bruce. On December 16,

copies of the peace statement were presented to the Mecklenburg County Commissioners, and two weeks later were given to members of the Charlotte city council. On January 15, the Baha’is of Charlotte co-sponsored a service commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On February 10, Mayor John Sampier (left) of Rogers, ArkanSas, was presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ on behalf of the Baha’i community of Rogers by two of its members, David O’Neill (center) and Kamran Talebi.

=D g gon (left to right) Helen Becker, Omar Lopez and Mark Johnson. The presentation was made February 25 at the Senator’s home.

Oregon state Sen. Charles J. Hanlon (right) receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Forest Grove, Ore

[Page 33]On January 28, the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to Liz Leonard (center), Selectwoman of the Town. Making the presentation were Kim Streets (left) and Melba Barbour. Mrs. Leonard was also given a specially

U.S. Rep. Wayne Fawbush of Oregon (right) receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’

from Richard Young, a Baha’i ‘from Hood River, Oregon. Bahá’ís from seven localities gathered to serve meals to indigent

On February 24, the Spiritual Assembly of South Gate, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, presented copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to Mayor Bill DeWitt (right) and members of the

made porcelain dish emblazoned with an American eagle which was made by Mildred Mottahedeh, a Bahá’í from Stamford, Connecticut, for special presentations at the U.S. State Department. The dish and peace statement are now on permanent display in the Selectwoman’s office.

people in The Dallas, and the statement was presented to Rep. Fawbush while the meals were being served. (Photo by Jerald Ericksen courtesy of Reminder Publications, The Dalles, Oregon)

South Gate city council. Making the presentation was Assembly member Joel Suffens. At least

three weekly newspapers carried

articles about the event with

photos.

On January 18, U.S. Rep. Jim Bates of California was presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ by Bahá’ís from communities in San Diego South County.

On March 31, ‘The Promise of World Peace’ was presented to U.S. Rep. Frank Annunzio of Illinois (center) by a delegation of

J

On January 28, the Baha’is of LaJSayette and Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, presented a copy of the peace statement to Phyllis Mouton (center), the first woman pres

ident of the local Chamber of

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 33

The congressman said he would he remarked about how closely read and study the document, and _ the principles of the Faith coincide asked for information about the with his own aims, views and Faith, which he was given. Later, hopes.

Mary Margaret Whipple, chairman of the Arlington County (Virginia) Board of Commissioners, addresses the audience after receiving a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ February 25 Srom John Russo, who represented the Bahá’í communities of Arlington County Northeast, Northwest and South. About 30 Baha’is attended the ceremony at which other members of the Board also were given copies of the peace statement and Anthony Vance, a Baha’i from a neighboring community in Northern Virginia, presented a talk on the meaning of the statement.

ery

Baha’is that included Parvaneh Lohrasbi of Schiller Park and David Sperry of Niles.

a ie. >

y

psa . pre bs

yn?

4

d

Commerce. With her are Baha’is (left to right) Thomas Viator, Laural Sandoval, Shokouh Zaeri and Bijan Zaeri. The two Bahá’í

communities have also combined

forces to present the statement to the mayor of Lafayette, the LaFayette Parish council, and several Officials at Southwestern Louisiana University.

[Page 34]34 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Pioneers

from page 6

forgoing a particular comfort; for others, it is a whole way of life.

Whatever the sacrifice, God seems to accept the spirit in which it was given. No sacrifice in the pioneering field is untouched by God’s endless rewards.

As individuals we differ greatly in the extent to which pioneering touches our lives. Some remain

unshaken by the experience; others are shaken to the foundation.

But it is the larger picture of pioneering, the great image of the purpose of pioneering, which remains unaltered. Here are some possible large-scale implications of the act of pioneering:

Pioneering by Baha’is is the largest process of religious education seen anywhere in the world’s history. Wherever Baha’is go, they are busy teaching about all of

the Prophets of God.

In some sense, Baha’is are also Jewish, Christian, Muslim pioneers, laying the foundation for common understanding and tolerance.

There is also a secular aspect. Although we might be ethnocentric enough to tell our host lands about our own native country, there is also the undeniable fact that we share with our family and friends news of our new home.

Again, we are involved in a

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large educational process. All 10,000 pioneers to date have been involved in this type of education.

For example, it might not be stretching the mind too far to say that the improvement of conditions on Canadian Indian Ri serves was started by the Baha’is without their really being aware of it!

In the early ’50s the Guardian pleaded with the friends to go to the Reserves. In the course of many years, it was the Baha’is who conveyed to their friends and families, and possibly to secular leaders, news of the deplorable conditions on many of the Reserves, thus laying the foundation for future programs.

It is this ‘‘invisible’”” education that you as pioneers should be proudly aware of.

Within the Baha’i community, your departure represents a revitalization of the home community. You are the active Baha’is, leaving a vacuum that can only be filled by those who are left behind.

For a long time we Baha’is upheld the model that following every pioneer, there is a Group, followed by a local Assembly, and then by.a National Spiritual Assembly.

This is still largely true, of course, but now every pioneering move will eventually lead not only to the formation of a National Assembly but also to the uplifting of the total society in a given country.

The pioneer today has a much greater and more immediate impact. The stages are following each other in much more rapid succession than ever before.

Before the pioneer knows it, he or she is well into social and economic development projects.

There is one more final, largescale aspect of pioneering today. During America’s first two Seven Year Plans, the focus was on establishing local Spiritual Assemblies in Central and South America, in every province and state in

goals—our attention, our efforts, are constantly drawn toward the matter of consolidation.

In short, we have gone from finding nine seekers to forming an Assembly to training a whole society to bring about that new World Order of Baha’u’llah.

Can we meet the challenge of our illustrious forebears? How can we ever match the heroism of such pioneers as wheelchairbound Catherine Huxtable in St. Helena?

And what of that pioneer family whose only way to their home in the jungle was by holding on to meat hooks in a cattle plane, and whose only means of getting from their hut to the teaching area where Indians were still held in feudal bondage was by fording a river on horseback?

How can we ever hope to equal their successes—the one dying at her pioneering post with a tribute from at least 100 natives of St. Helena, the other winning over a feudal rancher, leading to the establishment of schools and other improvements of all kinds.

The answer is that you will find your own unique way of serving the Faith, which will bring an equal amount of amazement to the next generation of pioneers.

I don’t need to encourage you. You have managed to encourage yourselves, and to face bravely the “pain’’ and ‘“‘risks’’ of pioneering.

Baha’i listed among outstanding women

Melinda Armstrong, a Baha’i from Lee, New Hampshire, is one of 26,000 women whose biographies are included in the 1986 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America.

Now in its 21st year, the Outstanding Young Women of America program is designed to honor and encourage exceptional young women between the ages of 21 and 36 who have distinguished themselves in their homes, professions and communities.

Canada and the U.S., and onto Answers to opening Europe. These were the crossword puzzle “‘let’s open an area’’ plans. This was still largely true during ACROSS DOWN the Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade. 1. Parents 1. Patience How exciting it must have been in 5. Ace 2. Respect 1953-54, when 100 countries were 6. Pa 3. No opened to the Faith! 8. Mince 4. Spiritual And how inspiring it must have 19. Power ie been to the Guardian when 60 per !!- Ox een cent of the British Baha’i com- {2- Eve a coet munity pioneered (a record that {¢ Union Bina a 16. Test 18. Yen While the Plans of the Uni- 18. You versal House of Justice call for 19. Era opening new areas—and there are 20. Pain still many of these unopened 21. Late ) . Intermedia from page 25

tinel. Baha’is Lin Poyer and Alma Carr were approached by a Sentinel reporter after she saw their phone numbers listed each week on the religion page as places to get more information about the Faith. The article is a testimony to the power of small, consistent efforts to proclaim the

Faith.

A two-part series of feature articles about the Faith ran recently in the Sun News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 65 column inches of writing are representative of current trends in coverage of the Faith: only three lines are devoted to the contemporary persecution of Iranian Baha’is. The remainder of the articles goes into great depth and detail about the history, nature and goals of the Faith. Two photographs are included, one of the House of Worship and one of Dr. Kurt Hein, general manager of WLGI-FM at the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in

Heaesaeinay [Page 35]

10 YEARS AGO

In its annual Ridvan message to the Baha’is of the world, the Universal House of Justice says the most critical need of the Faith is for every believer to concentrate on attaining the goals of the Five Year Plan, to ‘‘promote (the) process (of) entry by troops, achieve (a) vast increase (in the) size of (the) community, increase (the) number (of) steadfast self-sacrificing believers dedicated (to) conform every aspect (of) their lives (to the) high standards set (in the) Sacred Texts.”’ ...

Delegates to the National Convention, held May 1 in Wilmette, re-elect eight members of the previous year’s National Spiritual Assembly. The ninth member, newly elected, is Soo Fouts of Fairfax, Virginia. At an organizational meeting, the National Assembly elects its officers: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, chairman; Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, vice-chairman; Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary; Dr. Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer. ...

In a message to the Universal House of Justice, delegates to the National Convention pledge to renew their efforts to revivify the spiritual life of the Baha’i community, inflame the spark of enthusiasm for teaching, and enlist troops of new believers.

The delegates also express their loving appreciation to the House of Justice for the recent visits of four of the Hands of the Cause of God and two Counselors, and for “the unceasing guidance to (the) American Baha’i community in (the) administrative and teaching spheres.”’ ...

The Universal House of Justice announces the completion of excavation work on Mount Carmel, the first step toward erecting the majestic edifice that will serve as its Seat and the center of legislation of the Baha’i Faith. ...

The National Assembly, delegates and guests at the National Convention, and the Board of Counselors pay a moving tribute to the dedicated service of Charlotte Linfoot, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly for 22 years. Miss Linfoot is seriously ill and unable to attend the Convention, but her indomitable spirit permeates its deliberations. ...

Members of the Spiritual Assemblies of Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., are guests of the National Spiritual Assembly at a luncheon May 1.

The Assemblies report their accomplishments of the past year and their plans to help attain the goals of the Five Year Plan. Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh points out that these five cities are important as centers of social, intellectual, economic and cultural activities in the U.S., adding that they are especially important to the Faith because of the spiritual legacy given to them as a result of the visits in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ...

A number of representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) gather April 26 at the United Nations in New York to hear an address by Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, on the teachings of the Faith. ...

Letters

from page 3

convey about holidays—whether birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Naw-Riz or Ayyam-i-H4—always have seemed to us to be those of giving and fellowship. The differences have seemed less important. Albert McNett Sr.

Chris McNett

Orange, Virginia

To the Editor:

We Baha’is have done a good job over the years of placing Baha’i books in public libraries.

Now, and I am sure that some Baha’ is are doing this, as we become more visual, may I suggest that we offer our other materials as well. I am thinking particularly of Baha’i magazines:

Brilliant Star (5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343, $12 for one year—six issues), and World Order (415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, $10 for one year—four issues).

It’s a friendly thing to go into a public library and see a Baha’i magazine on display and Baha’i books listed in the catalog.

Violet Wuerfel Clark Highland Park, Michigan

To the Editor:

Just a brief comment about the heartwarming story ‘‘Peruvian Consul among those at meeting in Houston Center’’ (The American Baha’i, March, p. 26): some readers may be puzzled by the phrase ‘‘oral dehydration,’”? wondering what sort of malady it could be.

The writer surely intended to report Radio Baha’i’s efforts to combat dehydration among children in Peru through oral rehydration.

Each year, many of the world’s children who suffer debilitating bouts with diarrhea become critically ill or die due to accompanying dehydration. An important goal is to change the environmental conditions that often cause the diarrhea.

An immediate step to check dehydration is to have the mother (or father or sibling) administer a simple salt/sugar/water solution in small doses before the situation becomes critical.

Ready-to-mix packets of this life saver are now being distrib

Correction

In the April issue of The American Baha’i, the dates for the Colorado West Baha’i School were listed incorrectly as August 12-13. The actual dates are August 1-3. We regret the error.

uted through local arms of such agencies as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and others. This homebased intervention is called ‘‘oral rehydration.’’

Availability is one thing. Winning mothers away from practices which often aggravate the problem and training them to properly mix and deliver the solution is another.

Radio has been widely and successfully used for that purpose, coupled with village visits by health workers.

It’s little wonder that health and other developmental organizations seek to include Baha’i radio stations in their efforts. The nature of Baha’i stations, which are of and for the indigenous peoples, engenders an unusually high degree of trust, for reasons the article points out so well. What a difference we Baha’is can make!

Michael Stokes Columbia, South Carolina

To the Editor:

Public opinion in the U.S. equates the attainment of financial goals with dedication and vitality within movements, religious and otherwise.

Support of the Fund by a large percentage of the diverse adherents of the Cause, and well-planned and efficiently executed social and economic development projects in well-established Baha’i communities, demonstrating the spirit and effectiveness of the Baha’i teachings are, in my opinion, essential to success in proclamation, teaching and the further development of administrative institutions at this stage of the development of our national community.

Many Baha’is are professional businessmen and women and have highly developed skills for getting things done, for analysis and implementation of activities, for administering projects and exploiting unexpected opportunities to the fullest for long-range planning.

It has always been a mystery to me that these skills seldom are carried over into their Baha’i community life. Perhaps they think these are ‘old world’? skills and are not relevant to the functioning of Baha’i administration.

The truth is, however, that the Baha’i community may desperately need them and their experience within the administrative process itself. The Assembly’s guidance can help these believers make outstanding contributions to the Cause.

The Assembly should seek their advice and exert every effort to in

Prayer book

from page 15

foundation for their entire spiritual lives.’”

From a reading teacher and mother:

“‘When children have their own prayer books, it helps them establish a sense of ownership for their own spiritual life and responsibilities.

“Prayer should evoke pleasant associations—times of happiness and consequence. The Creative Word has the power to connect children’s hearts to Baha’u’llah and also to the person with whom they are saying the prayers.

“Prayers are in themselves edu cational tools. The prayers in O God, Guide Me! have a lot of imagery. The prayer on page 17, for example, compares the child to a “fresh plant in the rose garden’ of God’s love.

“When we discuss such concepts with our children, they begin to see the symbolic nature of the world. That in itself increases a child’s intelligence.

“Besides O God, Guide Me! 1 would also recommend for children the Baha’i DayBook and the new edition of The Divine Art of Living, both of which have short Passages from the writings on specific topics.

“Providing our children with such resources will have a lasting effect on their spiritual and material growth and development.””

The American Baha’i / June 1986 / 35

volve them in every aspect of community life. Further, the Assembly should examine carefully every resource and strength at its disposal, design activities and programs that are built around these strengths, and manage effectively the utilization of these resources in ways that will foster the maturation of the community and enrich the spiritual lives of its members.

Activities that encourage universal participation in this way will surely attract more people to the Faith and help build a more unified Baha’i community.

Then it can be said all the more that the ‘Community of the Greatest Name”’ is truly a model for the world to examine and emulate.

Kim Bowers Kilgore, Texas To the Editor:

I suppose it must be necessary to have a “‘First Baha’i/Marxist Dialogue’ (see ‘‘Viewpoint,’’ April issue).

It is interesting to see what side of the fence people are straddling.

I have a suggestion: in the spirit of fairness for which Baha’is are so well known, why don’t they have a “‘Baha’i/Capitalist Dialogue’ or is ‘‘capitalist’’ or ‘‘capitalism’’ considered a nasty word?

Marxism has no ideals, while capitalism is an unknown ideal. I think it’s time we know which side our bread is buttered on.

You can be sure the starving masses in Ethiopia know. Marxist dialogue and philosophy put them there, and it was the material wealth and compassion generated by a capitalist society that attempted to save them.

Baha’ is are not supposed to be involved in politics, but if they are going to (as is evident in the fact that they held a ‘‘dialogue’’), they had better understand what and who they are dialoguing.

Arthur M. Ryan Kent, Washington

Be like the fountainempty yourself, and be refilled

National Bahd’{ Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

IN MEMORIAM

Hilario Alcorta

Elizabeth McHenry

Mohtaram Sarlati

Kerrville, TX Placitas, NM San Francisco, CA: April 17, 1986 1985 March 3, 1986 Betty L. Barrett George McKain Jeannette Schmidt Evergreen, CO Robersonville, NC Chippewa Falls, WI April 1984 October 18, 1983 September 14, 1983 Barbara Blandin James Moore Fred Smith Montpelier, VT Post Falls, ID Muskogee, OK June 11, 1985 March 26, 1986 April 24, 1986 Edward Bonney Lottie Bell Murray Golda Snell

Grants Pass, OR Perry, GA Thousand Oaks, CA March 30, 1986 Date Unknown April 12, 1986 Earline Coger Afagh Naraghi Myrtle Silva Riviera Beach, FL San Diego, CA San Diego, CA 1985 November 20, 1985 December 20, 1985 Fern H. Garleb William Nemour Corine Spry Pueblo, CO Leucadia, CA Vero Beach, FL March 16, 1986 March 1986 January 1984 Henry Graham Robert Newman Ethlynne Thomas Rowland, NC Vero Beach, FL Durham, NC

Date Unknown January 1985 April 11, 1986 James Hammond Yaghoub Nosrat Tony Torres Glencoe, IL San Diego, CA Avondale, AZ March 21, 1986 March 18, 1986 Winter 1984

Nora Harper Miles Oliver Myron Tucker Blacksburg, SC Redbird, OK Eliot, ME

Date Unknown 1985 March 18, 1986

Ross Harper

James Owens

William Vance

Springfield, MA Blacksburg, SC Hartford, CT December 22, 1985 Date Unknown January 1986 Sophia Hiller Manual Padilla Hazel Watts Mountain Air, NM Rosemead, CA Londonderry, NH Date Unknown 1984 January 1986

Myrtis Jacob

Sheila Parham

Green Wells

Maitland, FL Alto, GA Riviera Beach, FL January 1984 December 25, 1985 February 1985 Sie Willie Johnson Emory Plant Raymond Wells

Charleston, WV Fort Valley, GA Maywood, IL April 19, 1986 January 11, 1986 April 9, 1986 Alice Josephine Ruperto Pringle Andrew West Mansfield, OH Woodland, CA Redbird, OK April 1, 1986 March 6, 1986 May 1985 Joseph Jones Ole Bear Robe Grace W. Woods Columbia, SC Pine Ridge, SD Seaside, CA Date Unknown March 20, 1986 April 30, 1986 Jeanette King Francis Reaves Hattie Wooten Scottsdale, AZ Mullins, SC Wilson, NC Summer 1985 1985 Date Unknown Beverly Lang Juanita Reeves Johnny Wooten Spokane, WA Chicago, IL Wilson, NC August 3, 1985 Date Unknown Date Unknown James McClain Doris Reilly Alieh Zafarmand Mullins, SC Rock Island, IL Passaic, NJ

1985 March 28, 1986 March 15, 1986 Margaret McFay

Anadarko, OK

October 1985 [Page 36]36 / The American Baha’i / June 1986

Australia’s Peace Exposition highlights worldwide reports of Baha’i Peace Year activities

Reports of Peace Year activities continue to be received at the World Center in Haifa, Israel, from Baha’i communities all over the world.

On Sunday, April 6, more than 1,350 people were present at the Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney, Australia, for a service on “Religions for World Peace’’ that marked the conclusion of a 10-day Peace Exposition sponsored by that country’s National Spiritual Assembly.

A key feature in all aspects of the event was the participation of non-Baha’is.

The keynote address was given at a well-attended media banquet on March 31 by Douglas Martin, director-general of the Universal House of Justice’s Office of Public Information.

Each day and into the evening music and dancing from many cultures continued with varied programs and activities for all: Baha’is, visitors, busloads of school children, the elderly and the handicapped.

A popular event was the eighthour open-air concert on the grounds of the House of Worship, followed by a fireside conducted by entertainers Seals & Crofts.

An audience of 2,500 enthusiastic, hand-clapping people (including about 1,800 non-Baha’is) attended a concert at the Sydney Opera House, listening to classical and rock music by Martin Lass, Seals & Crofts, and the Baha’i Choir with a slide presentation in the background featuring Baha’i quotations on peace.

More than 10,000 banners arrived from 40 countries and together created a ‘‘Peace Ribbon’” which led from the Temple to the ocean nearly four miles away.

Conflict resolution workshops were quite successful, and attendants included school principals from Pacific islands and African nations.

Each conference attracted prominent people and was effective in its own right. The cumulative impact of the nine days of conferences was far-reaching as a result of wide coverage by the

30 present at second in series of Oregon symposia on peace

Fourteen Baha’is and 16 non-Baha’ is were present April 6 at the second in a series of symposia sponsored by the Baha’is of Central Oregon whose focus is the basic requirements for peace.

The keynote speaker was Marcia Van Orman of West Linn.

Other guests included Bill and Rene Knight-Weiler of Gresham, publishers of Spiritual Mothering Journal; Vicki Allen, executive coordinator of Central Oregon Battering and Rape Alliance (COBRA); Jane Poor of the League of Women Voters and Church Women United of Bend; and Debra Cook of Eugene, who represented Clergy and Laity Concerned at the women’s conference last July in Nairobi, Kenya.

The local newspaper and radio stations carried news items about the event, and the local television station interviewed two local Baha’is to help publicize it.

media.

A luncheon for dignitaries and leaders of the organizations involved in the Exposition was followed by the planting of an olive tree by the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone and the president of the ‘Men of the Trees’’ organization, and the release of white doves against the background of the Temple.

Teachi opportunities continue to arise; meetings are being held with representatives of the Pacific Basin, and plans are being made to hold workshops throughout the various regions to develop the study of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ and of the ideas generated by the Exposition including social and economic development and teaching.

Also from the Pacific area comes the news that the legislature of the Territory of Guam adopted a resolution last November citing “the International Year of Peace as designated for 1986 by the United Nations, the promise of world peace as exemplified by the Baha’i Faith, and acknowledging the importance of world peace to everyone,”’ and resolving to ‘“recognize the efforts of the people who embrace the Baha’i Faith to effectuate the promise of world peace and recognize the Baha’is for publicizing this cause and encouraging mankind to work for this worthy and high goal.’”

Farther east, ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’’ was presented April 4 to Lee Teng-Hui, the vicepresident of Taiwan, who promised to give his response after reading it.

The peace statement was presented March 3 to the representative of the President of Gabon, the political commissioner of Foreign Affairs, at the request of the President; likewise, the President of Burkina Faso charged his general coordinator at the presidency to receive the statement on his behalf.

Three thousand copies of the peace statement have been distributed in the Republic of Ireland to the government and to local councils, ambassadors, members of the judiciary, educational organizations, trade and professional groups, women’s groups, religious and business leaders.

In Spain, the statement was sent by mail to the King, and a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly delivered it to the government’s chief of protocol.

The peace statement was given in person to the public defender who is at the same time the honorary president of the Committee for the International Year of Peace in Spain.

It was also presented to the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference and to the well-known professor and writer, Aranguren.

As a result of the wide distribution of “The Promise of World Peace’’ and the publicity it has received, Baha’is are being asked to serve On government and private sector committees for peace, and to give courses on the topic in schools and universities.

Meanwhile, Baha’is themselves are organizing conferences, forums and even a torchlight parade in Norway.

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Youth

from page 7

people of different cultures and beliefs are living and working together. It’s more the end product of the clash of egos, buffered by prayers.

“In our case, the spiritualization of the Ruhi courses turned the demolition derby of self-will into a parallel, harmonious search to please God. We became an example of ‘one human family.”

“*.. we find out that we’re not just teaching children, we’re developing Baha*is. We're trying to effect a change that will bear fruit in 10-15 years, in two or three generations.

“To me, this was a new concept in social development, being used to the ‘quick fix’ and the short term. So we worked our way down to the point of departure, seeing a lifestyle lived by more than 80 percent of the world’s population, feeling our perception, preconceived ideas, vain imaginings, sometimes our very concept of what life is, shattered ... the pieces unworthy of retrieval.’”

Scott Pflueger, Bolivia: ‘There were communities in such poverty

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. ‘We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive ‘only one copy.

BAHA’{i NATIONAL CENTER

with the people suffering so much materially that it helped me to realize more the potency of Baha’u’llah’s Word and His Station as the Divine Physician.

“At first sight these conditions are intolerable, but after teaching, the children and consulting with their parents, tolerance turned to respect and love for these people.””

Yvonne Kraus, Colombia: “I was out in La Dominga to help the youth paint a classroom as a service project, but there were holes in the walls that needed to be patched up before painting could begin.

“So we went out to dig up dirt that would be mixed with ‘machooga’ (I hadn’t any idea what that was!) to patch up the room.

“Everyone started to mix the dirt and machooga with their hands and I pitched in to help ... until I learned that machooga is cow dung! I had to leave the room.

“I was more than certain that no one I knew by the name of Yvonne Marie Kraus was going to plunge her hands into cow dung! So I sat outside feeling sorry for myself.

“After a few minutes I recalled.

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

ase gece teases os ee one le ee

stories I’d heard about pioneers who had been offered monkey brains or fried cockroaches to eat—absolutely repulsive! But they ate what they were offered to demonstrate their belief that all men are brothers, none better than the other, and that they cherished the friendship of those people and the love with which such things had been offered.

“So, I went back into the room and threw my hands into the mixture, joining my brothers and sisters of La Dominga, trying to hide my repulsion, and, after awhile, actually enjoying myself! I thank God that I didn’t lose the opportunity to be a real part of the youth group of La Dominga.”

Women’s Congress

The 23rd Congress of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom will be held July 23-29 at Zeist, The Netherlands.

The over-all theme is “The World Economic Crises—Causes, Consequences and Solutions,”’ with emphasis on the role of women in peace and education.

For information, write to Nationale Geestelijke Raad van de Baha’is van Nederland,

Den Haag, Netherlands. �