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House of Justice raises number of Auxiliary Board members

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Beloved Friends,

The Six Year Plan has been launched and national Bahá’í communities throughout the world are engaged in formulating their national goals. On the Day of the Covenant, 26 November 1986, a new term of five years will begin for those appointed to the Auxiliary Boards. In preparation for that event, we find it propitious to announce the following decisions.

As from last Ridván, Turkey has been transferred from the area of responsibility of the Continental Board of Counselors in Asia to that of the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe. Counselor Ilhan Sezgin is, therefore, a member of the European Board of Counselors. It has also been decided to increase the size of the European Auxiliary Board for the Protection of the Faith to 36 members, which is the same as the number currently authorized for the Propagation Board in that continent.

In view of the growth of the Bahá’í community and its emergence from obscurity, we have decided to make the following further changes in the number of members of the Auxiliary Boards, to be effective from 26 November 1986:

Auxiliary Boards		Present Number	Number Added	New Number
AFRICA	Protection	81	9	90
	Propagation	99	9	108
AMERICAS	Protection	54	9	63
	Propagation	117	0	117
ASIA	Protection	99	0	99
	Propagation	117	9	126
AUSTRALASIA	Protection	36	9	45
	Propagation	36	0	36
EUROPE	Protection	27	9	36
	Propagation	36	0	36
TOTAL		702	54	756
Total Protection		297	27	324
Total Propagation		405	27	432

This further expansion of the institution of the Auxiliary Boards reflects the recent increase of the number of Continental Counselors from 63 to 72 and is required by the marked growth in the size of Bahá’í communities, a growth which it is confidently expected will accelerate during the Six Year Plan as the impact of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity begins to make itself evident in a growing interest in its teachings by people in all walks of life.

It will also assist the vital development in maturity and experience of the National and local Spiritual Assemblies, a process which must synchronize with the further development of the World Center of the Faith and the advance of mankind toward the attainment of the Lesser Peace. Who can tell what challenges these burgeoning divine institutions will have to face in the years immediately ahead—years which may well see the realization of mankind’s gravest fears and the appearance of the fulfillment of its highest hopes.

Our prayers at the Sacred Threshold are offered on behalf of every faithful follower of the Blessed Beauty who is laboring for the promotion of His Cause.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice May 25, 1986

National Assembly dissolves Assembly in Los Angeles

On July 19, at a special meeting in Los Angeles, the National Spiritual Assembly informed the members of that city’s Assembly of its decision to dissolve the Assembly in the best interests of the community.

Two days later the National Assembly sent the following letter to the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles explaining the reasons for that decision:

Dear Friends:

After prolonged and agonizing consultation over the past several months concerning the state of affairs in the Bahá’í community of Los Angeles, the National Spiritual Assembly has concluded that the situation requires remedial action.

The first step taken by the National Assembly to restore the spiritual vitality and historic presence...

Plans set for historic 1st Peace Conference

With plans completed and excitement growing the National Spiritual Assembly awaits the imminent arrival of thousands of Bahá’ís and other guests at the first Bahá’í International Peace Conference to be held August 28-31 in San Francisco, California.

The historic conference has been designed to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on peace-related topics through discussions, enjoyment of music and the arts, and opportunities for casual interaction.

General sessions will feature speakers, workshops, music and dance, and will use the arts as a spiritual expression of mankind’s age-old quest for peace.

The outstanding line-up of speakers includes:

• Ervin Laszlo, editor of the World Encyclopedia of Peace and a well-known authority in the fields of "systems science" and "world order."
• Robert Bellah, author of the best-selling book Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life.
• C. Eric Lincoln, professor of religion and culture at Duke University and author of Race, Religion...

Town Meeting

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

Pictured are some of the Bahá’ís who were present June 15 at a district Town Meeting in Bend, Oregon, one of 168 such gatherings held across the country in June to discuss goals and strategies for the Six Year Plan and to make recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly. Speaking is Ted Hays (left foreground, gesturing), an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick. We’ll have a complete report of the Town meetings in next month’s issue of The American Bahá’í. (Photo by Larry Pedersen)

Iran martyrs another Bahá’í

WITH HEAVY HEARTS WE ANNOUNCE EXECUTION BY HANGING OF FARID BIHMARDI ON 10 JUNE 1986 IN TEHERAN. HIS FAMILY WERE UNAWARE OF HIS EXECUTION AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS SAD EVENT A FEW DAYS AFTER HE WAS BURIED BY THE AUTHORITIES. MR. BIHMARDI, AGE 46, WAS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE CRADLE OF THE FAITH. HE WAS UNDER TORTURE FOR A VERY PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME, BUT HIS ENDURANCE WAS A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHER BAHÁ’Í PRISONERS WHO WERE WITNESSES TO HIS SUFFERING. FIVE OTHER PRISONERS HAVE INDICATED TO THEIR VISITING RELATIVES THAT IT MAY BE THE LAST VISIT THEY WILL HAVE, WHICH IMPLIES THEIR IMMINENT EXECUTION. YOU MAY APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA SO THAT IMMEDIATE ACTION MAY BE TAKEN TO TRY TO AVERT FURTHER CRUELTIES BEING METED OUT TO THE INNOCENT BAHÁ’ÍS OF IRAN.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JUNE 24, 1986 [Page 2]YES, THIS IS THE LOCAL BAHÁ’Í TELEPHONE NUMBER!

NO, BAHÁ’Í IS NOT A LITTLE JAPANESE TREE. NO, IT ISN’T A FAMOUS 40’S MARIMBA BAND.

NO, BAHÁ’Í IS NOT A CALIFORNIA ROAD RACE.

darian

by Darian Smith, Apex, North Carolina

Message of love, hope from Hand of Cause Ugo Giachery

Dear Lovers of Bahá’u’lláh,

The Seven Year Plan has just ended in the midst of celestial strains and the plaudits of the Divine Concourse, ushering with grace and joy another plan, the Six Year Plan (1986-1992), which will pass into history, bearing the name of “Accomplishment and Triumph.”

All the believers of this planet are asked to rally together, as never before. It will be the greatest effort to be accomplished by all of us—wherever we are or will choose to go.

By this time you may have received from your National Spiritual Assembly the detailed plan, elaborated by our august body, the Universal House of Justice. When I first glanced at the pages, filled with all the objectives we have to attain in such short lapse of time, I felt I was looking through the iron gate of an enchanted garden, filled with the most precious, divinely created remedies to heal the whole world.

Dearest friends, we shall win. We are laboring on the side of love, harmony, compassion, humbleness, perseverance, finding joy in working for the Cause of God, with passion and sincerity, by being always happy and partaking in this happiness with the rest of humanity.

I have served the Faith of God for many decades, and I am going to hand down the secrets of my blessed wife and myself to all of you. Devote your life to the service of the Cause of God.

The highest station man can aspire to is that of service. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá selected that name for Himself ... it means “Servant of Bahá.” Avoid any form of ambition. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in a Tablet addressed to the North American believers in 1898, said that ambition that is not applied to the service of mankind is an abomination.

Place always the needs of the Faith far above any personal affair and interest ... be always polite, kind and generous. Teach your children to grow up like that; plant in them the desire to learn and to love their teachers. Those younger believers who will reach the age of 15 this year, will in 1991 become the voting members. How many? How many? Shall we say millions!

My warmest love to you all and my prayers be around you every day.

Ugo Giachery April 1986

Meeting clergymen can be positive experience

This month’s article, “Fostering Friendships with Clerics,” was written by Sharon Babbitt, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Loveland, Colorado.

Last February the Spiritual Assembly of Loveland received an invitation from the new chaplain at McKee Medical Center, the city’s only hospital, to attend a get-acquainted luncheon at the hospital, the purpose of which was to familiarize clergymen with the chaplain’s duties and to explain the services he performed.

The Assembly asked me to attend the luncheon as its representative. Arriving early, I saw four ministers seated at a table talking.

Recognizing one of them as a young Lutheran minister who had spoken several years ago to some Presbyterian youth the same night that I had, I approached the group, introduced myself and shook hands with them, then seated myself at one of the empty tables across the room.

Soon other clergymen began to arrive. Among the first was a friendly man dressed in traditional black suit with high, white collar and wearing a long chain with a cross.

He crossed the room quickly, hand extended, and smiled broadly as he asked me which church I represented.

When I replied that I was representing the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Loveland, he smiled even more broadly and said he had lived near the House of Worship while attending Northwestern University “many moons ago.”

My nervousness began to melt, and I asked his name. “Call me Howard,” he said.

“I’m happy to meet you,” I said, “but surely you have a title.”

“The name is Howard Huff,” he said.

“Is that Father Huff?” I asked.

“Heavens no!” he replied, laughing. “I’m the preacher at Trinity Methodist Church.”

He then began to motion to other clergymen to join our table, saying, “Come sit with us. This is Mrs. Babbitt and we’ll all get along with perfect unity at this table, because she’s a Bahá’í ... and after all, the Bahá’í Faith includes all of us, so we’ll include her!”

During the luncheon the other ministers confessed that they knew almost nothing of the Faith. Naturally, I was quick to supply whatever information they needed.

The man on my right showed the most interest in the Faith. He was born and reared in India, and I took the opportunity to tell him about the new Temple there while Howard filled him in on details of the design and gardens that are typical of Bahá’í Houses of Worship.

After lunch the chaplain stood to address the group and opened his talk by welcoming the “honored guest” representing the Bahá’í Faith!

As 30 pairs of masculine eyes turned toward the only female in the room, I thanked the chaplain for his warm greeting.

I wondered how he had known my name, then remembered that I had sought him out as I entered the hospital lobby to introduce myself and thank him for the invitation—a reminder to all of us that it is important to show courtesy to a host and respect to members of the clergy.

Following his talk there was a time for socializing. I approached the chaplain to thank him again for inviting the Bahá’ís and asked if he would consider placing the prayer for expectant mothers and a healing prayer in bedside drawers. He said he would consider it.

While I had his attention I asked if he would consider having a rack for free literature on the back wall of the hospital chapel. He said it sounded like a good idea, and asked if the Bahá’ís could submit books or other literature for him to review.

As I turned to leave, another Lutheran minister asked if I would be interested in representing the Faith at monthly meetings of the Loveland Ministerial Association.

As I went down the hospital corridor I was “walking on air,” and all the way I was thanking Bahá’u’lláh for His help.

Before going to the luncheon I had prayed, “Loose my tongue to laud Thy Name amidst Thy people, that my voice may be raised in great assemblies, and from my lips may stream the flood of Thy praise” (Bahá’í Prayers).

I am writing this article with the hope that it will encourage others to become better acquainted with clergymen where they live. “Whoso openeth his lips in this Day and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name. ...” (Gleanings, p. 280)

Assemblies are asked to host Conventions

The National Spiritual Assembly has asked more than 290 local Spiritual Assemblies across the country to host this year’s District Conventions. The Assemblies have the choice of holding the Convention on Sunday, October 5, or Sunday, October 19.

In most cases two Assemblies will work together to organize the Convention, jointly forming a Convention Planning Team. In a few areas, however, a single Assembly, the District Teaching Committee, a Group or task force will be involved in making arrangements for the meeting.

There will be 168 Conventions this year, one in each of the new electoral units. Each of them will elect one delegate, except in New York City and Los Angeles, where two and three delegates, respectively, will be elected.

Delegates elected at the District Conventions will then convene at next year’s National Convention to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The host Assemblies have been encouraged to adapt the Convention’s length and agenda to suit the needs of the unit; thus, Conventions in some areas may not last a full day as in the past.

In addition, the host Assemblies and Convention planning teams have been encouraged to plan an activity before or after the Convention to attract more people and make the day more enjoyable.

Those Conventions held on October 19, for example, could be followed by a celebration of the Birth of the Báb which begins that day at sunset.

A listing of Convention sites and dates will be included in next month’s issue of The American Bahá’í and will be mailed to adult Bahá’ís with their voting materials. Please plan to attend the Convention in your area.

‘Executive arm of National Assembly’

Over the last several years the volume of business transacted by the National Spiritual Assembly through the Office of the Secretary has greatly increased. In the spring of 1984 the National Assembly determined that it needed an office that would deal exclusively with the federal government, national organizations, and national communications media. Therefore, the National Assembly established the Office of External Affairs.

The Office of External Affairs, which is headed by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, is, like the Office of the Secretary, an executive arm of the National Assembly. It is not a committee or a consultative body.

All Bahá’í administrative agencies as well as individuals who have dealings with the federal government or officials with national organizations or media should maintain close contact with the National Spiritual Assembly through its Office of External Affairs which is located at New Haven, CT 06510 (telephone 203-787-0303).

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman and director of the Office of External Affairs [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

To the Editor: I have read with interest the letters in The American Bahá’í about observing Christmas.

Before I became a Bahá’í 24 years ago, Christmas seemed to me to be a series of meaningless, irritating rituals and expectations in which I felt compelled to participate, and which I resented. I was glad, after becoming a Bahá’í, to have an excuse to no longer be involved.

As the years passed, I persisted in my lack of involvement in Christmas despite my family’s disappointment. I would always say, “Bahá’ís don’t celebrate Christmas.”

Then—wonder of wonders—I found a new meaning to Christmas. I discovered that Christmas was actually an ancient celebration of the winter solstice that was adopted by the early Christians. The celebration honors the triumph of light over darkness and is symbolized in nature by the sun which seems to return from its winter retreat with longer periods of light.

The promise of new life and hope which this event held made the ancient celebration most sacred. It is observed by many people in many forms; Persian friends have told me it is customary in their culture to celebrate this event.

For me, Christmas has now become a glorious time for sharing love and hope and the promise of new life with all mankind.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which tells of the transformation of the human soul, and the seasonal Christmas music in which we sing to the glory of the new Savior, are examples of hope and new life that represent the true spirit of the season.

Christmas has now become my favorite season, and I celebrate it with my fellow humans with all the Bahá’í fervor of which I am capable.

Had I not taken to heart the Bahá’í teachings, I never would have discovered the ancient beauty of Christmas.

Jan Jackson Torrance, California

To the Editor: I want to thank the National Spiritual Assembly for presenting at the recent “town meetings” the beautiful video tape of the accomplishments of the Bahá’í community during the Seven Year Plan.

With the many goals and challenges ever-present in the Bahá’í world, it was an inspiration to realize the progress we are making when it often feels like there is so much to be done, so many more goals to win.

Sometimes it is difficult when buried in our important task of building the new World Order to indeed see the progress we are making.

Perhaps we can take the National Assembly’s example of providing inspiration and use it in our own localities and districts.

Personally, I find it quite distressing and burdensome when at gatherings such as the town meetings, District Conventions, and even Feasts, individuals take the platform to remind us in a reprimanding tone that goals are not being met, teaching is not getting done, and people are not putting the Faith first.

When presented to the community in this way, such observations come off as accusations. Whether or not they are true, this reproachful method, unlike the video, is not very motivating.

Kim Meilicke Tucson, Arizona

To the Editor: Thank God for someone who has found a deeper spiritual maturity and can help initiate the reconciliation of religion, science and reason.

John Dale’s “World government: redefining terms” (Viewpoint, May) provides excellent stimulation for those who must explore the deeper aspects of people, life and our relationship to God.

His concept of “global self-government” is truly a stroke of genius.

Some of you may be inspired to pursue such ideas to an even deeper level, and I would like to suggest a few pointers in that direction. In the transition from a Formative Age to a more productive age we find certain prerequisites that have not yet been emphasized.

The most basic characteristic of what we call civilization is the capacity for self-government.

In the Utopian ultimate there would be no need for external guidance or control; we would all know exactly what was right for ourselves and for all others. But we are a long way from that.

And since all messianic contributions begin at home (“let there be peace, and let it begin with me”), the key to our future success lies in the development of spiritual maturity within each of us. So also with “self-government.”

We haven’t yet discovered the correct approach to spiritual maturity that lies within the essence of all religion.

Richard Pelto-Brodin Anoka, Minnesota

To the Editor: Until now, the only place that seems to me to provide a point of beginning would lie in a more mature and advanced approach to what we have called “deepening.” This may give us a new concept of true “self”-government.

One aspect of how “all the atoms of the earth” are changing is seen in the spontaneously emerging “do-it-yourself” network. God is the ultimate Provider, but His Laws require that we take the initiative.

And the first step—the ‘first Taraz and the First Tajalli’ ... from ... the Mother-Book—demands that we begin searching for the true approach to “know thyself”—the starting point of all religion—which in recent ages has been totally lost.

As with all levels of deeper truth, this principle likewise has universal application—to each person, to each Assembly, to each community and to each religion.

C.M. Gordon Denton, Texas

To the Editor: John Dale’s article (May), “World Government: Redefining terms,” hits the nail on the head.

It is true that “world government” has become one of the buzz-words of the ’80s with as many negative as positive connotations associated with the term.

The role of Bahá’ís thus becomes one of educating our fellow-men in the essential prerequisites of the age, dissociated from the political or simple-minded concepts that many people generally associate with the term “world government.”

Our first step is to study the concept of world government as envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh, and contrast that concept in our minds with those definitions of the term that are being used or abused (sometimes intentionally) by those who do not have access to the Creative Word.

By so doing, we begin to recognize the unifying principles envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh which include world government, world peace and world-mindedness.

These concepts spring from an all-encompassing Vision that includes the above-mentioned principles as well as others that we haven’t even begun to understand.

Only through true deepening will we be able to raise our understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision above the level of buzz-words and catchy phrases. Then our words can become like music to the hearer.

Let us begin to discuss, deepen, contemplate and truly grasp the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision, then communicate the beauty and sincerity of our Faith to those who are waiting and looking for us.

Jeff Palermo Falls Church, Virginia

To the Editor: The cartoon (March) was so funny! The one about the street “teacher” who thinks world peace is unrealistic. It was somewhat surprising to me to find letters of criticism in the June issue.

The cartoon had a valuable moral, that we be aware of contradictions that are often made by others (and ourselves) without question.

To me, the cartoon is reminiscent of the story on page 119 of Fire on the Mountain-Top, by Gloria Faizi. In the story, Mirza ‘Abu’l-Fadl (before becoming a Bahá’í) encounters a poor “ignorant” blacksmith who is a Bábí.

“Is it true, O learned divine,” asked the blacksmith, “that it is recorded in our traditions that every raindrop is brought down to earth by an angel from the sky?”

“Yes,” replied ‘Abu’l-Fadl, “it is true.”

The blacksmith continued working, then said, “I have heard that, according to our traditions, no angel ever enters a house where there is a dog. Is there indeed such a tradition?”

“There is,” said ‘Abu’l-Fadl.

The blacksmith hammered his last nail, then said, “I presume then that no raindrops ever fall in a place where there is a dog.”

The obvious contradiction removed the veil from Mirza ‘Abu’l-Fadl’s eyes and he began to study the Báb’s claim.

The March cartoon, remaining long in one’s memory, is a reminder of similar contradictions in our time, and a reminder of the teaching opportunities that surround us daily.

We must continue to investigate the truth even after becoming Bahá’ís.

Jeff Palermo Falls Church, Virginia

To the Editor: In reply to those who were concerned that my cartoon (March) would be seen by clergymen, I sincerely hope that indeed it will.

In fact, it was so designed that Bahá’ís could cut it out and post it for all to see.

Nothing unkind was said—only the direct message of the Faith and the most common response to it. This was at no one’s “expense.”

Are we forever to be confined to a trite, infantile humor? Can we not laugh at the unfair ironies that hold our Faith back?

I should like to submit the opinions of a few good Friends regarding professional clergymen:

“Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.” —Jesus Christ

“The blame falleth upon their doctors, for if these had believed, they would have been followed by the mass of their countrymen ... Consider how they themselves have been the cause of men’s failure to accept the Faith and attain unto salvation!” —The Báb

“The source and origin of tyranny have been the divines ... (who) because of their lack of discernment and their love and eagerness for leadership, have failed to submit to the Cause of God, nay, have even refused to incline their ears unto the Divine Melody.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Are we to fear that these words may be seen by clergymen? I thank The American Bahá’í for its audacity.

Darian Smith Apex, North Carolina

To the Editor: I think the idea of classifying believers as “American” and “Persian” is man-made and detrimental to the principle of the oneness of mankind and, like the problem of black and white, may one day backfire on us.

Therefore, I think it is better to divorce it once and for all from our community and consider everyone as equal and law-abiding in the sight of God.

Farrokh Sabeti Dearborn, Michigan

To the Editor: In an article (March) headlined “Faith places great emphasis on child’s proper education,” the author states that formal schooling should not begin until age five, and then, by giving the quotation justifying the statement, implies that it “must begin” at that age.

What is not taken into account is that the Master’s letter was directed to a group of Persian country women, most or all of whom we can presume were without any formal education, and it would seem He was suggesting that they should get some help in training their children, albeit at this age limited to spiritual teachings and learning simple basics through games.

The author also quotes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (from Star of the West) in reference to intelligence and development in relation to readiness for being taught, but looking at the complete quotation, we find He is also said to have said (it being pilgrim’s notes), “Many a child of 10 is sufficiently developed and advanced to receive some teaching and some are ready for it at the age of eight or nine.”

Bahá’ís are prone to cite the lone reference from the letter to Iranian mothers about the age of five, but my point is that a number of references are available with respect to the importance of readiness and the formal schooling should begin when the child can “make distinctions,” or, as we might interpret it, “reason

See LETTERS page 26

New from George Ronald, Publisher

Mama Buzurg is Coming by Joseph Sheppherd

Two young Bahá’í girls in West Africa prepare a surprise for their ‘grandmother’ who is arriving from Iran.

She had visited them once before three years ago. But when she returned to Iran, they heard that she had been put in prison. Now at last she was free again and coming back to Africa...

A lovely story for younger children. 32 pages, full colour cover. Softcover $3.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 4]

CHAMPION-BUILDERS

HOWARD J. SNIDER

Howard Snider was born in 1884, the only son of a farming couple in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Although his parents hoped he would continue in their footsteps as a farmer, Howard was lured away by a burning desire for higher education. He refused to attend nearby Ohio State University, saying he felt “divinely guided” to set out for the University of Illinois.

While there he met two young men who were searching for a religion stripped of superstition and the emotional oratory of the time.

The three of them visited all the churches in Champaign-Urbana, each time hoping to satisfy their inner longings, and finally learned of the Bahá’í Faith from Albert Vail who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and was on fire with love for Him.

Mr. Snider, very much attracted to the new Faith, brought its message home to his wife, Lucille, who, as a student preparing to become a missionary, delved into her Bible to check every bit of news, and to their joy, convinced them intellectually of what they had already accepted in their hearts.

Both became firm and devoted Bahá’ís, and served for many years on the Spiritual Assembly of Urbana. Their home was always open for Bahá’í meetings and Bahá’í guests.

Life in the Snider household was kept very simple. There was always enough good food, clothing, books and whatever was needed for their education and health, but they did without the fancier things in life so as to leave room for the more important things, such as giving to the Bahá’í Funds.

Howard gave not only his money to the Faith—he gave unstintingly of his time as well. He could never turn his back on anyone who was in trouble, and, quietly and selflessly, he helped more people than anyone ever knew.

After his death, many people wrote to or phoned his daughters, Virginia and Elaine, to say how much they appreciated the help he had given them with money, food, encouragement, or sound advice. He tried to “live the life,” and his deeds far exceeded his words.

Howard Snider had a firm belief in the eventual victory of the Faith.

See SNIDER page 27

Conference

from page 1

ion and the Continuing American Dilemma.

• Riane Eisler, coordinator of the Institute for Futures Forecasting in Carmel, California.
• Annie Dodge Wauneka, a Navajo tribal leader and the first and only American Indian to be awarded the Medal of Freedom.
• David Bernstein, professor of international studies at Stanford University.
• Thomas Banyaca, a Hopi Indian spiritual leader and well-known lecturer on Hopi prophecies.
• Richard Rathbun Jr. of the “Beyond War” Foundation.
• Laura Nader, professor of anthropology at the University of California-Berkeley.

Panel discussions, special interest topics and the arts will comprise the substance of nearly 200 workshops on themes of spiritual renewal, social and economic development, the elimination of prejudice, the equality of men and women, universal education, and world federalism.

The workshops will emphasize group participation with a goal of instilling “take-home” skills for spreading the concept that peace is inevitable.

Youth will take part with adults in the workshops and will also have a special session of their own on Friday afternoon.

“Night-owl” sessions at the Hilton Hotel ballroom will feature casual entertainment and offer youth the opportunity to socialize.

The curriculum for the children’s program will be aimed toward giving them an understanding of peace and skills necessary to the pursuit of peace.

Special activities such as a trip to San Francisco’s well-known Exploratorium and to the Academy of Sciences will highlight the concept of science as service to mankind.

To assure the peace of mind and enjoyment of the conference by the youngest attendees, a play and rest space for infants and toddlers will be available in the Civic Auditorium, site of general conference sessions.

St. Petersburg’s ‘audacious’ plan comes up a winner

BY BRUCE BUTLER

In April 1984 the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg, Florida, announced a goal of doubling the number of Bahá’ís in that city (from 65 to 130) by the end of the Seven Year Plan.

To tell you the truth, some of us thought the Assembly was being a bit audacious. By April 1985 there were 77 Bahá’ís in St. Pete, leaving 53 to go and one year in which to reach the goal.

The Bahá’í year 142 will be forever remembered in the annals of the St. Petersburg community. A Cambodian Bahá’í moved there and began telling other Cambodians about the Faith.

Before we knew it, we were having three weekly firesides for Cambodians, and English classes that also served as deepenings were being held many times each week.

After the Cambodians, Laotians started coming into the Faith, then Thais, and now Vietnamese are becoming interested. We’ve had to rent large halls for community meetings. And it sure is nice to have Feast translated into three languages.

Several times we’ve had the experience of teaching Cambodians, thinking that although friendly they were not interested in declaring, then, weeks or months later, they would approach the Assembly and say, “Can we be Bahá’ís, too?”

Our goal of 130 was reached on January 25, 1986. By April 21, the end of the Seven Year Plan, the number of Bahá’ís in St. Petersburg had reached 215, more than triple the number of two years earlier!

Of that number, 114 are from the Indo-Chinese community.

As the Seven Year Plan ended, the St. Petersburg community had grown by more than 300 per cent.

See ST. PETERSBURG page 28

The Bahá’í House of Worship of the Indian Sub-continent, which is nearing completion on the outskirts of New Delhi, is now free of scaffolding and the huge building crane so that one can see the entire edifice with the marble in place. The architect, Fariburz Sahba, is now working on finishing touches to the interior and grounds, and says the Temple and its landscaping will be completed in time for the formal dedication ceremonies December 23-27. Some 10,000 people are expected to attend those events whose climax will be a large public meeting at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Among those scheduled to take part in the formal dedication December 24 is world-renowned musician Pandit Ravi Shankar who will lead an Indian choir that will present songs composed by him especially for the occasion.

Heads of state continue to receive ‘Promise of Peace’

Reports received at the Bahá’í World Center indicate that to date (June 19) 168 special copies of “The Promise of World Peace” addressed to heads of state have been delivered; 142 of these have gone to heads of independent countries; and of these, 51 were presented directly by representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies and 91 through intermediaries for the most part or through the mail.

The dynamism which has been put in motion by the distribution of the peace statement has been manifested in many ways, some of which are:

• The National Spiritual Assembly of Reunion held a symposium on peace at which they presented the peace statement to the heads of their government, with excellent media coverage. For the first time, representatives of all the major religions were present, and it was reported that “at the time of the first prayer, spontaneously, all present stood up, some in tears.”
• In Belize a successful “Peace Exhibit” to which Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís contributed paintings, drawings, graphics, sculpture, needlework and stained glass, relating to the theme of peace, ran for six days.
• In an interfaith peace service at the House of Worship in Germany on the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, a capacity audience listened to exquisite choir music and readings on peace from Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.
• Another interfaith peace service organized by a Bahá’í was celebrated by ministers, pastors, priests, a Buddhist monk and other spiritual leaders in Colorado together with members of the “Great Peace March,” and copies of “The Promise of World Peace” were distributed.
• In Hong Kong an essay competition on the topic of peace involved 15 schools in the Southern District, with an award ceremony involving the media; Bahá’ís were thereafter asked to address a Catholic school on peace.
• In Montichiari, Italy, the mayor was presented with the peace statement at a Peace Exhibition involving more than 24 non-Bahá’í exhibitor groups, and a peace concert was attended by more than 700 people; neighboring villages requested Bahá’í help to organize similar events.
• From New Caledonia comes a report of presentations of the peace statement to tribal chiefs who accepted news of the Faith with enthusiasm when they understood that “progressive revelation” neither negated nor condemned previous religions, and indeed their own tribal faith predicted the coming of a great “Peacemaker.”
• In New Zealand the well-attended Auckland Regional Peace Conference organized by Bahá’ís opened with a performance by the high school Maori Club and ended with a concert.
• In Arequipa, Peru, thousands of people witnessed the presentation of “The Promise of World Peace” to the President, who suggested that his wife help the Bahá’í Women’s Committee participate in social and economic projects of the nation.
• A banquet for peace in Bangkok, Thailand, was attended by representatives of international agencies, the Sikh community, the World Fellowship of Buddhists, and Chulalongkorn University, all of whom received copies of “The Promise of World Peace.” Speakers included a Bahá’í who addressed the topic of the peace statement, and a professor of philosophy from the university.
• Australia reports another peace exposition, this time in Atherton, Northern Queensland, attended by some 4,500 enthusiastic people, 1,000 of whom attended an international concert in which a wide range of cultures was represented; 200 attended an all-day Peace Forum the next day.
• In Mozambique, 35 Bahá’ís joined a Peace March of 4,000 people who witnessed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of the Ministers of Education and Culture, and of Justice, receiving the peace statement on behalf of the head of state; the presentation, which included the reading of a Bahá’í prayer and a brief statement by the National Spiritual Assembly, was broadcast live on the national radio network and reported in the national newspaper.

—Office of Public Information, Haifa [Page 5]"I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements... that the same success which has attended your efforts in America may crown your endeavors in other parts of the world..." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

National Assembly sends card of appreciation to those who have supported the National Fund

Contributors to the National Bahá’í Fund recently received a lovely card from the National Spiritual Assembly as a token of appreciation for their support at the close of the Seven Year Plan and as an aid to maintaining regular giving during the opening year of the Six Year Plan.

On the back of the card is a list of the Bahá’í months with spaces by each in which to record the date and amount of contributions sent to the National Fund.

The cards are intended to be kept in a place where they will serve as a reminder of the lofty achievements of the American Bahá’í community during the most recent Plan and of the importance of regular sacrifice so that the challenges of the current Plan can be met.

The process of heightening public awareness of the aims of the Faith is about to take a dramatic leap forward with the San Francisco Peace Conference, and a strong National Fund is needed to ensure that every opportunity for publicity can be seized.

The potential for advancing the cause of world peace in the coming months is enormous. The sky is the limit, assuming adequate resources are available.

All American Bahá’ís can champion the cause of peace through living sacrifice. If a gentle reminder will aid you in this quest, and if you have not yet received this "Contribution Record Card," you can obtain one by writing to the Bahá’í National Center, Office of the Treasurer, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Six Year Plan to require big increase in financial resources of the Faith

Reports from 168 Town Meetings are coming to the National Center along with the plans submitted by local communities.

These reports describe a wide range of proposed activities in teaching, child education, proclamation through the media, social and economic development projects, interaction with society, youth development, and many other areas.

The plans and suggestions for national goals coming from the local level represent a promising start for the Six Year Plan. The successful completion of the Plan is certain to require a vast increase in the financial resources of the Faith—especially in the demands placed on the National Fund.

Consider that during the Seven Year Plan, to support the work that included such highlights as $7.5 million in contributions to the World Center, the building of WLGI Radio, the Native American Bahá’í Institute and the Louhelen Bahá’í School, the unprecedented publicity and interaction with leaders of thought, and the teaching work among minorities, some $40 million was received in contributions to the Fund.

This represents a 207 percent increase above the $13 million contributed during the Five Year Plan, and reflects a 220 percent increase in individual participation.

In the Seven Year Plan the Faith emerged from obscurity, and new areas of endeavor in social and economic development, peace, and interaction with society were introduced. As a result, the challenges and accomplishments of the Six Year Plan may well dwarf those of the last Plan.

What are some of these challenges? Shoghi Effendi, in 1954, foresaw three processes that would synchronize near the end of the century: the "establishment of the Lesser Peace," the "evolution of Bahá’í national and local institutions," and the further development of the World Center through the "construction ... of several other structures, which will serve as the administrative seats of such divinely appointed institutions as the Guardianship, the Hands of the Cause, and the Universal House of Justice." (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 74)

Each of these processes is singled out in the Six Year Plan. The Bahá’í community is charged with "greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society," especially "organizations, prominent persons and those in authority concerning the promotion of peace ..." (Universal House of Justice, February 25, 1986)

It was the "remarkable unfoldment of organic growth in the maturity of the institutions of the Cause" which led to the "opening of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age ..." (Universal House of Justice, April 1986)

See FUND page 13

Fund’s four-month total is $1.2 million

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund for the initial four Bahá’í months of this year total $1.2 million. The National Spiritual Assembly deeply appreciates the vision of the friends who are regularly contributing to the National Fund.

Since the Faith was first brought to this country, extraordinary achievements have been the hallmark of the American Bahá’í community.

We now face a glorious new challenge—the resolve of the Continental Board of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly of an early completion of the National Bahá’í Fund’s $1.5 million pledge to the Universal House of Justice.

In the past few months Bahá’ís around the world have been defining objectives, setting goals, and affirming their world-embracing vision. As a result, the Six Year Plan promises to be a fitting beginning to the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith.

An important victory that will distinguish the first year of the Plan will be the completion by December of the pledge to the Universal House of Justice—a victory made possible by the sustained sacrifice of thousands of individual believers intent on ushering in Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.

The promise of peace / The Challenge of ACTION

"Rejoice, therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice with exceeding gladness."

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

The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 6]

The Jensens: Nothing can dampen their pioneer spirit

Jane and Paul Jensen have been pioneers for the past 10 years. Paul sold a lucrative business in Northbrook, Illinois, and Jane gave up a well-paying job as a teacher, and with the profits they took one U-Haul full of possessions, bought a Jeep and sailed off to the Bahamas.

Neither was permitted to work there on Andros Island. Paul took on the voluntary job of remodeling the Bahá’í National Center in Nassau while he and Jane tutored their two teen-aged daughters, Karen and Susan, through high school courses.

During the two years that they lived on the island they held countless firesides and deepenings and found many people who became Bahá’ís.

When Paul was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas, the Jensens moved to Nassau where their daughters finished high school while Jane and Paul served the Faith in many capacities.

After four years in the Bahamas they left the country to renew their visas, and found to their dismay that the government would not allow them to return.

When they learned that a family was needed for caretaker work at the House of Worship in Panama they jumped at the chance, even though they would not be paid for their efforts but would be given a place to live free of charge near the Temple.

During the five years that the Jensens have been in Panama they have sacrificed time, energy and talent to beautify the grounds of the Temple and carry out other projects.

Jane directs the Temple choir and is host to countless visitors and dignitaries. Paul remodeled their living quarters, cleaned and grouted the roof and dome of the Temple, and was in charge of building a large tutorial school for the Guaymi Indians, teaching the native people to build clay bricks for the side of the school.

Paul was also in charge of building the new Bahá’í radio station in Panama and is supervising the construction of a new road to the House of Worship.

Paul has served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama for five years.

The Jensens have “adopted” a young Panamanian/American girl who lives with them while going to school. She sometimes helps Jane try to consolidate the 18 local Assemblies that Jane is working with in the Temple area.

Susan Jensen has married a Bahamian and lives in Florida, while Karen is working on a degree in Spanish.

The Jensens hope to remain in the pioneer field as long as possible.

Auxiliary Board members Eunice Braun and Javidukht Khadem (front row, right, and second from right), Steven and Rebecca Johnston, Jeff and Fariba Albert, and Will van den Hoonaard were among the special guests who spoke to prospective pioneers June 19-22 during a Pioneer Training Institute at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. Those attending the Institute were preparing to pioneer to the Philippines, Dominica, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Hong Kong, Korea, Pakistan, Zambia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and a Native American Reservation.

Jane and Paul Jensen, pioneers to Panama.

THE SIX YEAR PLAN

Goals for International Assistance

Goals assignment

Goals for sending pioneers and traveling teachers and the provision of manpower for assisting in development projects ... will be assigned by the World Center once it has received assessments from all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding their potentials and the needs in these areas. Consideration will then be given to announcing a pioneer call to the Bahá’í world. (Note: This will probably take place after November 1986.)

International pioneers

International pioneers are encouraged to persevere in this highly valued service, for pioneering has been a primary means for the spread and establishment of the Cause throughout the world. Although many goals may now be filled by homefront pioneering, the need for international pioneers remains, particularly for believers with specific capacities, such as:

• to assist in proclaiming the Faith and establishing sound public relations,
• in building and consolidating communities in remote areas,
• in deepening the faith and knowledge of the believers,
• in support of the special requirements of a widening variety of social and economic development projects,
• publishing trusts,
• audio-visual activities, and so on.

Resident teaching projects

In some countries, economic instability, restrictive immigration policies, civil unrest and other problems make it difficult for pioneers to earn a living. In such countries consideration should be given to the value of resident teaching projects lasting for a few months, or even for a year or two. ... Such projects permit the resident teacher to give full time and attention to a particular need of the Cause without concern for settling and obtaining work which, by the very nature and character of pioneering, are priorities usually imposed upon pioneers.

Traveling teachers

Traveling teachers, including youth who may be able to offer for short periods, also have an important part to play. ...

Manpower for development projects

Development projects may call for pioneers with special skills or for visits by skilled believers to advise and train local Bahá’ís ... (This can) be combined with general pioneering and traveling teaching assistance.

—International Teaching Center

Letter from Fiji describes bounties of pioneering, encourages friends to consider travel teaching

The following letter is from Dale, Diana, Dana and Meriah Hudson, pioneers to Fiji:

We have been in Fiji for four and a half years now, in spite of an impossible situation of not having work for two years, problems with our children’s education, hepatitis, meningitis, and other assorted conditions familiar to pioneers the world over.

It was that period of time when the inspiring, informative Pioneer Institute run by the International Goals Committee ended and Bahá’u’lláh’s examination began. However, this passed, and life has become more fruitful than it ever has been or could have been before.

Pioneering is so glorious, really—it is a way to sacrifice every day, every moment for Bahá’u’lláh. It is a way to practice our main purpose of life as Bahá’ís—that of promoting the oneness of mankind. Anyway, we thank God every day for the blessing and bounty of being allowed to stay at our post.

As we all know as Bahá’ís, each of us has unique talents and abilities. We have never realized this so much, however, as since we’ve been pioneering.

Because we have seen, for example, one or two traveling teachers come here, many times a widow, a retired couple, a youth en route to his university abroad, a Chinese or Persian, two women traveling together, each because of his devotion and loving kindness has lifted the spirits of the Bahá’ís and renewed their zeal, even in a short time.

It is a wise traveling teacher who realizes that the greatest pilgrimage is to relieve the sorrow-laden heart.

I hope that some people will read this and become inspired to travel teach, especially to remote places that don’t get many visitors. And when you go, you may find yourself preparing a special dinner for a busy, tired pioneer family, or mending a school uniform, or visiting a family with whom you can hardly communicate, and can only smile warmly at each other and enjoy their baby.

But you are a servant of the servants, and the love, encouragement and good news you share with the friends in other areas will surely strengthen the Faith wherever you go.

And it is really meeting members of your true family you didn’t know before. We Bahá’ís have family all over the world we haven’t even met yet.

I would also like to add that those who can’t travel but are supporting projects in other countries, preparing deepening materials, etc., or simply involved in Bahá’í activities on the homefront, are inspiring and helping Bahá’ís all over the world.

Whatever we do for Bahá’u’lláh, out of love, devotion and self-sacrifice, perfumes the whole world with a wonderful fragrance.

More than $150 was raised for the National Bahá’í Fund at the first Williamson County (Texas) Sports Fest and Bake Sale. Three teams participated in a volleyball tournament which was won by the Bahá’í community of Austin (pictured). The trophy, to be handed to next year’s winner by this year’s winning team, was provided by the Bahá’ís of Williamson County. [Page 7]

Youth must redeem martyrs’ sacrifices

As everyone may now know, our brethren in the Cradle of our beloved Faith are once again being subjected to the most severe tests one can withstand. One of those brave, steadfast souls was 15-year-old Payman Subhani who was beaten and stoned to death. This young soul had the privilege of sacrificing his life so that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh might further advance.

Now we must fulfill our destiny as “living sacrifices” for the Cause. Bahá’í youth must arise to teach so that Payman, and others like him in Iran, will not have given their lives in vain.

One of the ways in which to vindicate this bloodshed is to arise to participate in the Mighty Mobilization. On January 3, 1984, the Universal House of Justice, addressing the Bahá’í youth of the world, expressed the need for “a mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in the patterns of service rendered by young Bahá’ís.” To help you in your efforts to respond to that call, the National Teaching Committee is setting up 95 teaching projects in the U.S., and the National Youth Committee has set a goal of at least 1,000 youth participants in projects this summer.

In basic terms, it is no longer merely our privilege, it is our duty to spread this glorious Message. In fact, the Guardian says: “In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed upon every devoted believer and servant of His Faith. Should the friends become fully conscious of this duty and arise to do their share, this Cause will soon permeate every home throughout the world and the Kingdom of God will be established.”

Evidence of the validity of Shoghi Effendi’s statement will be made manifest by a goal that has been established for the Six Year Plan. That goal, phenomenal proof of the advent of the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, will require the steadfastness and dedication which only Bahá’í youth such as Payman Subhani, Mona Mahmudnizhad, and you (yes, you!) have had to possess. This goal is none other than exponential growth of the Faith throughout the Six Year Plan. In other words, we wholeheartedly expect to double the number of declarations each year of the Plan over the previous year. In quantitative terms, that means we will have 10,000 declarants this year, or twice the number we had in 1985, and foresee 20,000 new believers in 1987. With this process continuing for the entire Six Year Plan, the Bahá’í community will have embraced some 630,000 new believers!

With the knowledge that EVERY home can and will be permeated with the love of Bahá’u’lláh, we must now die in ourselves so that He may live in us and help us to achieve the great things expected of us.

On June 8, several Bahá’í youth from southern New Jersey planted 10 trees at Cooper River Park in Cherry Hill. With the help of a few adults, the service project was a complete success. This summer, the youth plan to help answer the National Youth Committee’s call for 1,000 projecteers. Pictured (left to right) are Sean McIlhenny, Afsoon Taheri, Stacie McIlhenny, Ed Williams, Karen Williams, Pam Strong and Omid Taheri.

Richmond host to Regional Youth Conference

About 185 youth gathered April 4-6 in Richmond, Virginia, for the sixth Regional Youth Conference sponsored by the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of Richmond and the Regional Youth Committee of the Atlantic Coast states.

The conference theme, “‘One Thing and Only One Thing ...’” was taken from a passage by the Guardian in which he concludes that the progress of the Faith depends entirely upon “the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth ... the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.”

The featured speakers were Counselor Eloy Anello; Linda Ahdieh, a member of the National Youth Committee; Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute; Shiva Tavana, the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations representative; and Gayle Gonzalez-Johnson, a Bahá’í youth from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Entertainers included Doug Cameron of Ontario, Canada; Mary Davis and Wilford Johnson of Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Wilford Johnson entertains at the sixth Regional Youth Conference held April 4-6 in Richmond, Virginia.

3 Texas youth respond to Iran’s gift of roses with 16-state teaching trip

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! There is still time to participate in a teaching project this summer. The summer projects are depending on YOUTH.

Even if you have only one weekend free, there’s a place for you. Check the teaching page for project sites!

And even if you’re short of cash, you can still go! Talk to your Assembly and then phone the National Youth Committee office (312-869-9039) for any additional scholarship funds necessary. (Half of these funds are earmarked for minority projecteers—youth other than whites or Persians.)

Arise and be “One of a Thousand”!

Notice to travelers

Bahá’í traveling outside the U.S., please contact the International Goals Committee, ‎c/ c/o‎ Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). Two months’ notice is desirable.

Remember the roses from the Iranian Bahá’ís, purchased from money raised by the Bahá’í prisoners in Iranian jails and sent to our National Convention in memory of the martyred and missing Bahá’ís and in gratitude for the efforts of the American Bahá’í community ...

“...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. ...”

“And now our eager hearts are once again imploring 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. ...”

In response to this moving gesture by the Iranian Bahá’ís, three youth from Graham, Texas, have arisen this summer to fulfill their destiny in the unfoldment of the new World Order. The National Youth Committee recently received this letter from them:

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Allah-u’Abhá! At the National Convention the Iranian Bahá’ís sent many roses and wrote a letter of love thanking us for our help. They asked us to keep teaching, so their sacrifices will not be in vain.

Taking the rose of their lives and their message, my parents, sister, cousin, and I will go travel teaching throughout 16 states in America and southeastern parts of Canada. We will spread the word of God and raise the flag of the Greatest Name.

Enclosed is a picture of (from left to right) my cousin Martha, my sister Leyla, and me, Shoaleh. Maybe we will visit you.

Sincerely,

Shoaleh Hedayati

Graham, Texas

Bahá’í among 643 in Florida honored by Duke University

Brian Raisler, a Bahá’í pre-youth from Casselberry, Florida, was one of 643 seventh-grade students in Florida honored June 10 at Stetson University in Duke University’s annual Talent Identification Program (TIP).

The young people were singled out for having obtained scores on at least one section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) equal to or greater than the scores obtained by 50 per cent of college-bound high school seniors.

All participants in the TIP ceremony received certificates of distinction, and the high scorers received scholarships and book awards.

Brian was honored for his high score on the verbal portion of the SAT.

Colorado youth compile excellent record

In the small ranching town of Mancos, Colorado, youth who are enrolled Bahá’ís or have Bahá’í family members are establishing a record of “excellence in all things,” especially school activities.

During the 1985-86 school year, they were consistently on the honor roll with grades of 3.70 or above.

These honor students are Jennifer and Cari North, daughters of Fred and Jean North; Lois and Joe Skaggs, daughter and son of Sine Skaggs and Mark Applequist; Todd Sehnert, son of Kathy and Lloyd Sehnert; and Julie Randles, granddaughter of the late Nelle Lynn.

Lois Skaggs was president of the Student Council, and Jennifer North was president of the National Honor Society. Both received awards in math and science from the Society of Women Engineers.

As a graduating senior, Lois was presented the High School Merit Award, chosen by a vote of the teachers as an outstanding student in terms of grade average and contribution to the school.

Jennifer is the first student from Mancos High School to receive a Boettcher Foundation scholarship, granting full tuition at the school of her choice within Colorado. She plans to attend the University of Colorado.

Jennifer is chairman of the Four Corners Bahá’í Youth Club, and Lois is secretary. Jennifer also serves as secretary of the Colorado West Bahá’í Schools Committee.

Jennifer’s speech as high school class valedictorian addressed the necessity for world peace.

ATTENTION all Bahá’í College Club members or those interested in establishing a club on your campus: Fall packets will be sent out in mid-September. If you do not receive your packet by mid-October, please call Carey Crimmel at the National Youth Committee office, 312-869-9039. [Page 8]The Bahá’í community of Concord, California, sponsored a City League volleyball team, the ‘Bahá’í Servers,’ which finished the season in second place with a 6-1 record while increasing unity and friendship within the community. Pictured are (standing left to right) Coach Jeff Price, Brian Burriston, Donna Burriston, Pam Maddock and Hooshmand Nikoui-Ghamsari, and (kneeling left to right) Massoud Fanaian, Ziba Fanaian and Tammy Slezack. Other team members were Kitty Toloui, Hugh Toloui, Tom Young, Amin Rafaat, Beau Rafaat, Iraj Farzaneh, Hooshmand Naraghi and cheerleader Mary Jo Goss (who took the photograph).

80 eager children’s class teachers attend Louhelen training conference

Enthusiasm and emotions ran high at the four and one-half day National Children’s Teacher Training Conference held July 2-7 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.

Some 80 children’s class teachers attended workshops on the following topics:

“Key Lessons for Five and Six Year-Olds” (conducted by Keith Boehme), “Music Education” (Mimi McClellan and Charlotte Richardson), “Learning Styles/Teaching Techniques” (Dennis Smith), and “Junior Youth” (Joy Sylvester).

General presentations were on “Using the Creative Word” (Melanie Smith), “Preparing Environments” (Beth Diehl), and “The Oneness of Mankind: New Perspectives” (Richard Thomas).

There were opportunities for participants to get together in small and large group consultation sessions to discuss a number of issues in child education.

Consensus was reached at the final conference session concerning recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly to help ensure meeting child education goals for the Six Year Plan.

The National Teaching Committee, which co-sponsored the event with the Louhelen Bahá’í School, plans to make teacher training materials from the conference available for use in local communities.

A similar conference is planned for July 1987, as well as regional conferences for teacher training and for sharing children’s curricular materials.

Local Spiritual Assemblies will be receiving information about children’s teacher training materials and plans for future conferences and workshops.

Many activities keep things humming at New Jersey Regional Bahá’í School

The New Jersey Regional Bahá’í School has been holding a fall and spring session each year since the fall of 1982 with typically 150-200 people—Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís—from the Atlantic Coast states of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia attending.

The school supports and fosters all forms of Bahá’í-oriented education, not just two weekends a year. There is a permanent staff including a Children’s Program Director/Task Force.

The school has never taken money from the National Fund; in fact, through contributions, money has always been sent to the Fund after each session.

Encouraged by the National Teaching Committee, the school is starting an endowment fund to initiate growth during the Six Year Plan.

The spring 1986 theme was “World Peace.” Among the highlights were talks on peace as a local issue; the Bahá’í community representing the diversity of the human family; strengthening the Bahá’í community; blending the spiritual and material aspects of the Faith; and family life and consultation.

Other activities include extensive children’s classes and activities; dawn group prayers; workshops; folk dancing; evening entertainment; and community service.

This year, on June 14, about 10 youth spent an afternoon cleaning and landscaping the Municipal Building in Andover, New Jersey.

Town officials inspected the work and commended the youth, indicating that such volunteer work was rare in that township.

The School Committee is keenly aware of the impact the weekend activities have on the local community. During this year’s spring session the public was invited to a Friday evening folk dance led by Casper Hossfeld.

Archives is seeking letters from Guardian to Elizabeth Cheney

The National Bahá’í Archives is trying to locate original letters from the Guardian to Elizabeth Cheney, an early pioneer to South America who died in the Dominican Republic in 1959.

If anyone has any information about Ms. Cheney, her relatives or descendants, he or she is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Peace Symposium set in Southern Illinois

Plans are being completed by an ad hoc committee of the Spiritual Assemblies of Alton and Edwardsville, Illinois, for a Peace Symposium to be held October 24-25 at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

The purpose of the symposium is to present the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement to university administrators, faculty and the general public, to create a greater awareness of its message, and to encourage an open dialogue with other peace-oriented groups.

Several keynote speakers will present ideas on how to move closer to world peace.

Included will be in-depth discussions of “The Promise of World Peace” including the elimination of prejudice, racism, universal education, the equality of men and women, and the disparity between rich and poor.

Also on the program are workshops, panel discussions, music, films and art.

The Ramada Inn in Alton is offering special rates for the event, and some hospitality can be provided with advance arrangements.

For more information, contact Mary Lou McLaughlin, 618-465-3404, Reuben Busby, 618-466-2466, or the Spiritual Assembly of Alton, P.O. Box 711, Alton, IL 62002.

Bahá’ís take part in UNA meeting

Bahá’ís took part February 12 in a community meeting on human rights sponsored by the United Nations Association of Davenport, Iowa.

Among the three panelists who discussed the topic “Human Rights—Fact or Illusion?” was Auxiliary Board member Dan Himes.

About 30 people, several of whom accepted copies of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, attended the meeting, which was held at the Unitarian Church in Davenport.

The Spiritual Assembly of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, recently presented five books to the local public library. The presentation to head librarian Sally Blackwell (left) was made on behalf of the Assembly by Liz Stradtner and Lee Stradtner.

Brilliant Star

Brilliant Star, formerly known as Child’s Way, is a publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. It is published bi-monthly. People of all ages and nationalities enjoy Brilliant Star both for their reading pleasure and as a source of ideas and materials. Its primary audience, however, is the five to twelve year old, and it strives to:

• develop the child’s awareness of the oneness of humanity and the importance of eliminating prejudice,
• increase the child’s conscious awareness of his spiritual nature and the need for its development,
• provide practical approaches to viewing life’s difficulties,
• develop the child’s reasoning power and stimulate his love for the order of the universe,
• provide a standard by which the child may learn to relate to others with love and justice,
• assist parents and teachers in developing all of the child’s hidden talents and virtues.

√ YES √ YES Brilliant Star is for me!

Enclose payment and send to: Brilliant Star, Suburban Office Park, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343

[ ] 1 year, U.S. ($12) [ ] 2 years, U.S. ($23) [ ] 1 year, foreign, surface ($15) [ ] 2 years, foreign, surface ($28) [ ] 1 year, foreign, air (A.O.) ($25) [ ] 2 years, foreign, air (A.O.) ($47.50)

Payment Must Be Made In U.S. Funds.

Name __________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ State & Zip ____________________________________________ Country ________________________________________________

[ ] [subscriber’s age] [ ] new subscription [ ] renewal

Enclosed is my gift of $ ________ to the Brilliant Star/Child’s Way Endowment Fund established in honor of the Bahá’í 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. [Page 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER: ’Izzat (Might), September 8. Thought for the week: “... let thine heart be afraid of none except God.” — Bahá’u’lláh. Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers (1982 ed.), pp. 128-29. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials. This week, “fear of God” will be investigated in the Writings. 1. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 27-28, 29, 32, 136. 2. Gleanings, p. 272. 3. Prayers and Meditations, p. 188. 4. References for parents on teaching the fear of God in Bahá’í Education: A Compilation, pp. 6, 7-8, 23-24. Activity: 1. Discuss fears that we have and how these can be overcome by relying on God through prayer and obedience to the teachings. 2. If your child is having difficulty with a particular fear, check with your local librarian for a book that deals with that fear. Refreshments: Seasonal vegetables and fruits. Have the children take part in choosing and preparing them.

SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER: World Peace Day, September 21. Thought for the week: “... when a thought of war comes oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. ...” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 102-3. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. Gleanings, pp. 249-50. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 231-34, 363. 3. Foundations of World Unity, pp. 14-17. 4. Brilliant Star magazine, May-June 1986, pp. 4-7. Activity: 1. One of the projects for the children’s peace campaign is to create illustrations, stories and poems for a book entitled Links for Peace that might be considered for publication. If published, it could be presented to public officials and agencies. Illustrations, articles or poems on the theme of peace can be sent to “Children for Peace,” Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Note: Bahá’í World Faith, p. 231 or 284, may help suggest ideas for an illustrated story or poem. 2. After reading the story of Sarah Farmer’s vision of peace and the Green Acre school (Lesson No. 4 above), draw/paint a picture of what Green Acre might look like in the future. Refreshments: Family’s choice!

THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER: World Peace Day. Thought for the week: “It is not our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. Upon them the eyes of Bahá are fastened.” — Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 18. Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers (1982), p. 101. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, p. ‎5,, 5,‎ No. 8 (Arabic). 2. Paris Talks, pp. 28-30. 3. The Divine Art of Living, pp. 113-14, Nos. 12, 13. 4. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 20-22. 5. “The Promise of World Peace,” pp. 23-24. 3-6. (Also recommended as sources: “Peace: More Than an End to War,” “World Peace and World Government,” and “Thoughts: Education for Peace and One World,” all available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.) Activity: Make up your own story. Starting with the opening “Once upon a time there was a peaceful kingdom ...,” let each family member add ideas about what a peaceful world would be like. Write them down as you go, and when you’re done, choose the favorite ideas and place them in a hand-made book, one line per page. Illustrate the pages with cut-outs and drawings. Save the book and perhaps add to it from time to time. Refreshments: Apple pie and ice cream.

FOURTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER: Mashíyyat (Will), September 27. Thought for the week: “The maturity of the gift of understanding is made manifest through consultation.” — The Universal House of Justice, in “The Promise of World Peace.” Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers (1982), pp. 71-72. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. “The Promise of World Peace,” p. 16, para. 2. 2. The Hidden Words, p. 3, No. 2 (Arabic). 3. Foundations of World Unity, pp. 73-74, 76. 4. Comprehensive Deepening Program: “Knowledge, Volition and Action,” pp. 7-8. 5. Principles of Bahá’í Administration, pp. 42-43. (Other recommended sources: “A Compilation on Consultation” by the Universal House of Justice.) Activity: Consult about some possible plans or goals for your family. Refreshments: Cottage cheese and fresh pineapple; fruit juice.

Louhelen to hold second Elderhostel session for senior citizens in October

The Louhelen Bahá’í School will hold its second Elderhostel session October 5-11.

Elderhostel is an educational program for senior citizens which holds six-day programs at educational institutions throughout North America and Europe.

The sessions employ a format much like that of a Bahá’í summer or winter school. There are three courses and social and recreational activities. In addition, a marvelous spirit pervades Elderhostel sessions that makes them very special.

Classes at the session in October will be “Religion and the Human Condition” taught by Dr. David Earle; “World Peace: More Than an End to War,” and “Exploring the Natural World,” taught by Jennifer Ward, a wildlife expert for the Genesee County Extension Service.

The Louhelen Council encourages senior citizens to bring non-Bahá’í friends to the session with them. The courses will be based on Bahá’í principles, although they won’t draw directly from the Bahá’í Writings, and those who are interested in investigating the Faith may attend an optional fireside one evening.

For information about registering for the course, please phone the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 313-653-5033, or the Elderhostel office in Boston, 617-426-8056.

John and Debbie Wehrman (right) of White Salmon, Washington, shared their pilgrimage adventure with Bahá’í youth during a recent retreat in Wasco, Oregon. The youngsters were captivated while listening for about an hour to stories of the Wehrmans’ 10-day trip to the World Center in Haifa which brought them into contact with other cultures and helped open their eyes to the oneness of humankind.

EDUCATION

By SHIVA TAVANA

On July 27-29, the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan, held its first Women’s Conference.

Its purpose was to strengthen one’s commitment to the advancement of women and to increase his awareness of the diversity of responsibilities that women can assume in society and of the barriers that prevent them from fulfilling those responsibilities.

The conference was attended by 115 women including a strong Canadian contingent from Ontario.

Dr. Jane Faily, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, presented a keynote address in which she discussed the historical oppression of women and outlined steps they can take to become empowered.

The pain of oppression, Dr. Faily explained, gives each of us a choice between becoming crippled by anger, bitterness and apathy, or becoming empowered through compassion, detachment and growth.

The object of our worship, which is the source of our power, she said, is God, Whom we know through His attributes: justice, compassion, love, wisdom.

In a second keynote address on “Women of Color in America,” Dr. Gwen Lewis provided an historical overview of the plight and oppression of black women and their double minority status as victims of racism and sexism.

She discussed the results of her research in oral histories of black American women and their lives, and shared stories of some of them to illustrate their love and spiritual intuitiveness.

Workshops were held on a variety of important topics: the role of women in local community activities for peace, women raising a voice in consultative meetings, careers, single parenting, health issues, the family, and single women.

The workshop on women and peace discussed the involvement of women in local community activities for peace, drawing upon the statements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that “when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world, enter confidently and capably the great arena of laws and politics, war will cease; for woman will be the obstacle and hindrance to it. This is true and without doubt. ...,” and, “...the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals, or to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more properly balanced.”

Saturday evening was highlighted by an arts program that drew on the rich diversity of talented women who presented their creative forms of communication through poetry, mime and song.

Dramatic readings were used to illustrate the Bahá’í writings on the equality of men and women, and Roger White’s poetry on the Persian poetess Táhirih and the American poetess Emily Dickinson.

Moving presentations by mime Sharon Nesbit-Davis depicted a woman’s life cycle, and the feelings of a woman whose son has been killed in a war.

Specific recommendations made during the closing plenary session will be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Tapes of the talks by Dr. Faily and Dr. Lewis are available for $6 each (postage and handling included) from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, c/o “Reflections,” 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

Recognition ceremony

On June 8, more than 30 students ranging in age from 18 months to 12 years took part in a Children’s Recognition Day ceremony at the Wilhelm Bahá’í School in Teaneck, New Jersey.

The program was sponsored by the Wilhelm Bahá’í School Council under the guidance of the National Teaching Committee.

Bahá’í, 13, enrolled in Georgia college

Quddus Varner, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Griffin, Georgia, has become the youngest student ever to enroll at Georgia State University in Atlanta, according to the school’s admissions office.

With his tuition paid by the Kelsey Property Committee Scholarship, Quddus is taking courses this summer in algebra.

“In a math test sponsored by the Math League of Georgia,” says his high school math teacher, Aqueel Ahmed, “Quddus ranked No. 1 in Spalding County, second in the region (nine counties), and third in the state.”

On seeing that his standardized test scores were well into the college level, his parents, William and Margaret Varner, approached Georgia State about the possibility of enrolling Quddus in the school.

The answer was yes, and Quddus, who is also the youngest member of the Northwest Georgia Bahá’í Youth Committee, was enrolled as a “summer scholar.”

He’ll receive college credit for his courses at Georgia State before returning to his ninth grade class in the fall.

An article about Quddus, headlined “13-Year-Old Griffin Math Whiz to Attend Georgia State,” appeared June 16 in the Griffin Daily News.

The article points out that Quddus and his parents are Bahá’ís, mentions their pioneering in Africa, and says Quddus “attributes much of his success to his religion.” [Page 10]

Northeastern States

The Gathering Montague Center area, MA Ongoing Contact: Jeanne Kendrick (617) 367-2363 teaching

The Lowell Project Lowell, MA May 26-Sept 1 Contact: Lorraine Matthews (617) 459-1604 teaching & consolidation

Project Fishkill Town Fishkill Town, NY September 27 - Nov. 29 Contact: Fuad Payman (914) 831-3627

Operation Daybreak 4 project sites Greater Boston & So. MA Summer 1986 Contact: Larry McCollough (617) 444-7722 teaching & consolidation

Project Lua New York in Newfane/Wilson Ongoing Contact: Jeanne Delaney (716) 825-5457 teaching & consolidation

West Hartford Teaching Project Elmwood Community Center July-August Contact: Janet Rothman (203) 232-8869

The Danbury Project Danbury, CT Summer Contact: Morgan Walker (203) 762-2721 or Beth Ann Henshaw (203) 746-4314 service

Project Huntington Huntington, NY ongoing Contact: Veni Raj (516) 423-7491

Project Bergenfield/Dumont Bergenfield & Dumont, NJ August 86 to April 88 Contact: Roger Harrison (201) 385-8904 Benjamin Kaufman (201) 384-6799

Central States

Spirit of the Rose Eagle Butte June 15 - Sept 1 Contact: Phil Castillo (605) 964-8592

Project Dawnbreakers Bemidji, MN area Contact: Bob Johnson (218) 751-0317 teaching

Project Shakopee Indian Reservation Shakopee, MN Summer/Fall 1986 Contact: Eileen Johnson (612) 432-8328

Amoz Gibson Ongoing Contact: Edwin Roberts (605) 747-2302

Toledo Bahá’í teaching Project Toledo, Ohio July-September 1986 Contact: Behrooz Modarai (419) 381-3931

Amoz Gibson Project Nebraska — Ongoing Contact: Kay Webster (402) 837-5736 consolidation and spanish teaching

Danville, Illinois LSA of Danville Ongoing Contact: Rachel Weller (217) 344-6182T teaching

Victory Harvest Kansas Ongoing Contact: Phyllis Medrano (316) 662-8243 teaching & consolidation

Victory Harvest Kansas City, MO Ongoing Contact: Bahá’í Center (816) 241-9478 teaching

Illinois Teaching Project southern Illinois June — August Contact: Mary Lou McLaughlin (618) 465-3404 teaching & music

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

Community Projects Yes! Our community would like to hold a teaching or service project this summer. _____________________________________ Name of Community _____________________________________ Contact Person _____________________________________ Address of Contact Person _____________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________ Phone Project type: (circle) service / teaching / other

Teaching Project Guidelines Please send us a copy of Teaching Project Guidelines to help us plan, carry out, and evaluate our project. _____________________________________ Name _____________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City, State, Zip Please include with your order a check for $2.00 per copy payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund".

Project Participants Yes! I would like to arise to teach this summer. Please send me more information. _____________________________________ Name _____________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Dates available: Financial assistance needed: (circle) yes / no Projects I am interested in:

[Page 11]

Western States

Central Oregon Teaching Project Madras, Oregon August-ongoing Contact: Dianne Henrikson (503) 475-6627

Booth at W. Washington State Fair Sept. 5-21, 1986 Contact: Anita Sheldrick (206) 845-3892

Unity and Action Project Astoria, Oregon April 87 Contact: Eda Lindstrom (503) 325-4907

Umatilla Service Project Umatilla Reservation, OR summer Contact: Adele McConnel (509) 278-0523 service

Local middle & high schools Springfield, Oregon September 1986-1987 Contact: Gregory Ives (503) 746-6708 Teaching Youth

Angus Cowan Spokane, WA June 8-Sept 21 Contact: Laura Lee Notley (509) 943-2416 teaching & consolidation

Lapwai Service Project Nez-Perce Reservation summer Contact: Ferris & Linda Paisano (208) 843-7745 service

Montana Youth Service Project No. Cheyenne Reservation summer Contact: Cynthia Lee Hagen (406) 477-8357 service project for youth

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Project California Ongoing Contact: Salimata Dia & Fatou Gueye (209) 928-3252

Lights of Unity Western Colorado summer Contact: Elin Griffith (303) 874-4970 proclamation

Aziz Project ‎Fort Half Fort Hall‎ Reservation summer Contact: Dale & Anne Sollars (208) 785-4495 service

So. Sacramento Sustained Teaching Project Ongoing Contact: Donald Erby (916) 381-5419 teaching

Raul Pavon Project Salinas Valley Ongoing Contact: Ann Miller (408) 688-0221) service & teaching

Trail of Light California proclamation

Hopi Reservation Youth Project Hopi Reservation, AZ Contact: Elizabeth Dahe 4533 W. Claredon Phoenix, AZ 85031

Navajo-Hopi Teaching Project Navajo Reservation ongoing Contact: Louise Ingraham (602) 729-2232 consolidation

Peace Scroll Campaign California summer Contact: Rosanne Groger (415) 647-0700 proclamation

W. Hollywood Third Sunday of the month Contact: Elena Allegro (213) 654-0356 Teaching & Consolidation

A.K.I.S.A. Santa Ana, CA Ongoing Contact: ‎Adclina Adelina‎ Browne (714) 554-6846 service

Mona Teaching Project Fresno, CA Ongoing Contact: Gayle Scott (209) 264-7393 teaching & consolidation

W. Hollywood Project 1 or 2 Sunday of Month Contact: Laurie Cantwell (213) 654-5109 Teaching

LA Workshop West Coast summer 1986 Contact: Lois Willows (213) 933-8281 teaching & cons. through drama

So. Arizona ‎Teaaching teaching‎ Project ‎Tuscon Tucson‎ to the border ongoing Contact: Dan Anderson (602) 624-7479

Annual Winter Teaching Project New Mexico, S/Texas, W Late December - January 1987 Contact: Richard Gurinsky (505) 437-0173 teaching & consolidation

Project Raul Pavon Phoenix Ongoing Contact: Martinez (602) 936-8114 teaching & consolidation

Southern States

Tabarsi Western Edgefield, SC July - August Contact: Gail Curwin (803) 229-7438 teaching & consolidation

Atlanta LSA of Atlanta late summer/fall Contact: John Simpson (404) 266-1729 Hispanic & Asian-American neighborhoods

Yellow Rose East Texas August 8-24 Contact: Andre’nea King (409) 886-4853 service

Operation Mankind U of A campus Contact: Ramin Yazdani (205) 752-1104 teaching & consolidation

Promise of World Peace Project Cable & Kanawha Counties, WV August 15-18 Contact: Parisa Payman (304) 466-5296 or Mark Weiner (304) 523-0114

Project West Virginia West Virginia August-October Contact: Leo Misagi (304) 763-2591

Project Olinga Maryland Ongoing Contact: Jeremy Lauer (301) 263-7205

Heart of Texas central Texas Ongoing Contact: Lynn Richards (512) 492-3147

Wilmington Summer Youth Project Wilmington, DE July 28 - August 3 Contact: Sandra Todd (302) 762-3529

Payman Sobhani Project West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. Ongoing through Summer Contact: Sohail (301) 339-7214 Greg (301) 424-764

Great Texas Service Project summer Contact: Shervin Hawley (713) 464-7124 unity & service

Bethany Cemetery Restoration Austin, Texas Contact: Cynthia Mull (512) 837-2663 Community Service

Race Unity, Assurance of World Peace Gainesville, FL July-Dec 86 Contact: Lucile Taylor (904) 332-4178 teaching

Angus Cowan Project Seminole Co. FL ongoing Contact: Martini Levy (305) 323-6805 proclamation

Project Muhajir Frogmore, SC July-August Contact: Amber Spahn (803) 838-5453

Carolina Victory Train North Carolina Ongoing Contact: Sam Williams (919) 679-2623 teaching & consolidation

Olinga Teaching Project Falls Church, VA Ongoing Contact: Jamshid Amini (702) 820-0610 teaching & consolidation

Peace Forum Norfolk, VA September Contact: James Perkins (804) 432-5038 [Page 12]

BAHÁ’Í CROSSWORD

Puzzle copyright © 1986 by Juliette Whittaker.

ACROSS

1. The Prophetic Cycle has ended, and Bahá’u’lláh has inaugurated the Cycle of ______. 6. To direct an action toward a purpose. 7. To rise high; attain a lofty state. 8. The new Prophet does not come to ______ the spiritual teachings of the One before Him. 9. “The Holy Spirit Itself hath been generated through the agency of a single letter ______ by this Most Great Spirit ...” (Bahá’u’lláh, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 109) 13. Faster than walking. 14. The Prophet of God seeks to ______ the hearts of men. 18. The new World Order calls for an ______ change in present-day society as the basis for the unity of mankind. 19. Driving under the influence (abbrev.). 20. Reaction to unexpected pain (exclamation). 22. Recreational vehicle (abbrev.). 24. Prison-city in which Bahá’u’lláh was incarcerated. 26. Salutation (male). 28. This is the first Cycle to produce a ______ of Manifestations. 32. “The Ancient Beauty (Bahá’u’lláh) hath consented to be bound with ______ that mankind may be released from its bondage.” (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, p. 99) 33. “The ______ Truth has now come.” (Gleanings, p. 60) 34. Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One of all the ______s.

DOWN

1. What justice should be. 2. Sell (scrambled). 3. To part with by accident. 4. To go astray morally. 5. To make an attempt. 8. District Attorney (abbrev.). 10. To cling to a contradiction is to make an ______ in judgment. 11. “The principle of the Oneness of Mankind ... is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or ______ and pious hope.” (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 42) 12. To make into law; decree. 15. Identification (abbrev.). 16. The fifth Bahá’í month (Arabic), meaning “light.” 17. Marked by distinct differences. 18. Fifteenth letter of the alphabet. 21. United Kingdom (initials). 23. Desire accompanied by the expectation of fulfillment. 25. The largest continent. 27. Present participle of verbs: tak______, mak______, lik______, etc. 29. To be in one place. 30. That is ______ 31. Rural route (initials). 32. California (abbrev.).

Answers to this month’s puzzle are on page 26

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

The National Bahá’í Archives needs to know both the names of those in this photograph and when and where it was taken. If you have any information about it, please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Edward Getsinger Papers: small but interesting

Edward C. Getsinger, alongside his renowned wife, Lua, figured in some of the earliest American Bahá’í history, and the Edward C. Getsinger Papers in the National Bahá’í Archives, though a relatively small collection, contain several items of great interest to scholars.

Edward Getsinger became a Bahá’í in 1897, and the Getsingers soon left for California where they interested Phoebe Hearst in the Bahá’í Faith. They also helped organize the first Western pilgrimage to ‘Akká in 1898.

The Papers document the Getsingers’ role in fortifying the American Bahá’í community during the trying days at the turn of the century when the community was faced with Ibrahim Kheiralla’s defection.

Also in the Papers is Lua Getsinger’s detailed account of events in Haifa in 1914-15 when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s life was in grave danger. Other manuscripts of general interest include:

“Shoghi Effendi at Beirut,” by the Dean of the American University, Bayard Dodge; “Extracts from Letters of Believers,” collected by Mary M. Rabb and containing reflections on living the life by American Bahá’ís of 1911; and “Scientific Explanation of the Centre of the Covenant,” by Mr. Getsinger himself.

Mishkín Qalam, the calligrapher ‎non pareil nonpareil‎ who had been imprisoned with Bahá’u’lláh, inscribed Prayers of the Blessed Beauty in a small notebook for Mr. Getsinger. He also executed art work with only his fingernails, on light card stock paper.

A perfectly detailed portrait of Edward Getsinger was done “while I looked on,” while various holy writings, and a nightingale in luxuriant bower are included in these astonishing fingernail drawings.

Finally, the Getsinger Papers contain more than 200 snapshots taken by Edward Getsinger in ‘Akká in 1899.

Volags provide many kinds of help to refugees

Sponsors should be within 50 miles of one

According to U.S. State Department regulations, sponsors of refugees should not be more than 50 miles from the local branch of a voluntary agency. The voluntary agencies (Volags) provide various kinds of administrative, employment and financial help to the refugees, and if the refugees are farther than 50 miles from the nearest local presence of a Volag, it creates difficulties for all concerned.

This regulation does not apply to those sponsoring family members or relatives. Such sponsors should proceed as usual, completing a sponsorship form and returning it to the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office as soon as possible.

In the case of Free Sponsors, however, they should be no farther than 50 miles from a Volag branch office in order to be the primary sponsor. There are Volag branch offices in all major cities and in many smaller cities as well. For information on the branch office nearest you, contact the State Refugee Coordinator in your state capital, or contact the Bahá’í Refugee Office at the Bahá’í National Center.

Those individuals who wish to sponsor, but who live more than 50 miles from a branch office, can still do so by providing assistance to Bahá’í refugees who have already completed the initial 90-day resettlement period. Many refugees would like to settle permanently in goal areas once they have become acclimated to the U.S., but they may still need the close assistance of other Bahá’ís or Bahá’í institutions in the process of relocating and finding employment.

Once refugees have arrived in the U.S., their sponsors should contact the Bahá’í Refugee Office to inform them of the date of arrival, and then contact Mr. Naraghi at the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center (312-869-9039) to transfer their Bahá’í membership to the American Bahá’í community.

If you have any questions about the refugee process or how to go about sponsoring refugees, please contact the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office at the above number. Thank you.

2nd Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference to focus on racial harmony, world peace

“Racial Harmony—A Key to World Peace” is the theme of the second Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, to be held December 26-29 at the Civic Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

One of the goals of the conference is to attract more black, Spanish, Asian and Indian peoples, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í alike.

To help accomplish this goal, the planning committee asks that Assemblies and District Teaching Committees consider establishing scholarship funds for those who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Approximate costs including food, hotel and registration fees are $125 per person.

Teaching and other activities before and after the conference present opportunities for everyone to expand his abilities. All activities at the Civic Center are a short walk from the downtown Phoenix Hilton conference headquarters.

Those who are interested in selling personal items should write in advance for permission to do so.

Registration forms will be available late this summer from your Assembly or District Teaching Committee.

For more information, write to the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068.

Bahá’ís from six communities in east Texas and three in northern Louisiana got together May 18 in Karnack, Texas, as a prelude to the ‘town meeting’ in their newly reorganized district for fellowship and to discuss the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice. Music and children’s classes were a part of the gathering. [Page 13]

140 see Texas Rep. Pickle receive ‘Promise of Peace’

U.S. Rep. J.J. ‘Jake’ Pickle of Texas receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Bahá’ís Virginia Rogers (left) and Cynthia Mull, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Austin.

On World Religion Day, January 19, U.S. Rep. J.J. “Jake” Pickle of Texas’ 10th Congressional District spoke to about 140 Bahá’ís and their guests at the new Bahá’í Center in Austin at a public meeting during which the congressman and other officials were presented copies of “The Promise of World Peace.”

Dr. Charles Urdy, a member of the city council, spoke about the search for the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., after which actor Julius Tennon presented a spell-binding rendition of Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech.

Joining them on the program were representatives of other faiths including a children’s choir from the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church.

Rep. Pickle, in accepting the peace statement, said, “The most pressing problem, really, is peace, world peace.

“That supersedes, overshadows everything, and yet it doesn’t get the detailed discussion in community exchanges as do the specific topics that affect your pocketbook, or your immediate life, your income or your housing.”

He expressed “the hope that I might receive added meaning from the cause to which you are committed, world peace.”

A 10-foot-long “World Peace” banner served as a backdrop for refreshments on the lawn following the program. The recently acquired Center is on the major thoroughfare to the Austin airport.

The unprecedented number of guests—including at least 40 non-Bahá’ís—required the use of an “overflow room” with TV monitor.

The entire program was video taped and broadcast nine times on two community access TV channels. It was also the lead story on that evening’s television news, using a quotation by Bahá’u’lláh and describing principles of the Faith while showing pictures of the children’s choir performing.

The event was organized by Austin’s Public Affairs Committee and publicized by the Inter-Community Media Committee.

Other recent events in Austin:

• The visit in January of Dr. Gary Rea-Arth, or “Umik,” a Canadian Indian pioneer to Paraguay, who performed Indian dances and spoke of Bahá’í beliefs to an estimated 3,500 people while receiving excellent television and newspaper coverage during his 10-day stay.
• A public meeting in February commemorating Black History Month and featuring award-winning authoress and local historian Ada Simond; Louise Hicks, curator of the George Washington Carver Museum; and actor Julius Tennon reading 19th century black poetry.
• Participation by Bahá’ís in the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration on the Cultures and Religions of the People of Austin, co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the World Council of Christians and Jews.

Seeds of Chinese teaching ready to bloom in Portland, Oregon

The Universal House of Justice said in the Seven Year Plan that teaching efforts among the Chinese should be undertaken, and so advised the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly in February 1985.

It was not until the following November, however, that the spiritual seed began to grow in Portland, Oregon, when Mrs. Faye Matthews, a longtime Bahá’í who had searched for 29 years for “something to do in the Faith,” began to mention it to a Chinese neighbor and friend, Mrs. Chan.

Since communication was limited because of the language problem, Mrs. Matthews wrote to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust for a list of publications in Chinese.

And after reading in The American Bahá’í that a Chinese Teaching Committee had been appointed, she wrote to them, announcing her interest in teaching the Chinese.

On January 9, Mrs. Matthews received a large packet of books and pamphlets in Chinese from the National Teaching Committee.

Meanwhile, she had learned through a friend that two students in the Portland area had “some” Chinese interest or activity.

One of them, Laura Williams, a young Bahá’í from West Linn, was studying China and its language at Portland State University.

The other, Roland Yazhari from Beaverton, had not only been to China several times but had lovely slides of his visits.

Mrs. Matthews contacted both Laura and Roland with the idea of “starting a Chinese Teaching Committee in Portland.”

After that, each day brought new information, opportunities, and preparation for teaching. Mrs. Chan was already teaching the Faith to her friends.

It was agreed that since Mrs. Matthews was at home, she would do the “arm-work” and act as coordinator of the emerging group.

During February the Bahá’ís, singly and together, and with groups of Chinese friends, celebrated the Chinese New Year, the “Year of the Tiger,” and with the boldness of tigers plunged forward with “The Promise of World Peace.”

On February 10, Mrs. Matthews met with the Spiritual Assembly of Portland to request that a Chinese Teaching Committee be established; four days later, the request was granted.

On March 9, Mrs. Matthews, accompanied by two other Bahá’ís from Portland, Howard Herrick and Loie Mead, was welcomed at a council meeting of the Chinese Benevolent Association, where presentations of the peace statement were made.

The committee then received word that Farzam Kamalabadi, representing the U.S. Chinese Teaching Committee, would soon be coming to Portland to speak at public meetings. Plans had to be made to let the Chinese community know of his visit.

“Connie” Chan, who had become a Bahá’í on March 1, went to work helping Mrs. Matthews prepare invitations while Laura and Roland were busy spreading the word at school.

By early May everything was ready, and nearly 200 mailers were sent with information in Chinese and English inviting the Chinese people of Portland to a series of talks by Mr. Kamalabadi.

Personal invitations were also given and flyers posted in various places.

Mr. Kamalabadi arrived in Portland on May 13, and although Chinese attendance was small at each of the three public meetings, the committee felt that “seeds” had been sown and that the effort was worthwhile.

The committee is deeply grateful for the help it has received from so many sources, and is keenly aware that it could have done nothing unless it was the Will of God and a necessary part of His great Plan.—Chinese Teaching Committee of Portland

Bahá’í women from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, along with three non-Bahá’í friends, met in Mount Vernon, New York, early in April for an all-day deepening and luncheon. The topic of the deepening was ‘Decision-Making: The Bahá’í View.’ As a result of this first effort, the Bahá’í community of Mount Vernon has decided to sponsor a minimum of four similar gatherings during the remainder of the year.

Fund

from page 5

Justice, Riḍván 1986)

And it is a goal of the World Center to pursue “plans for the erection of the remaining buildings on the Arc ...” (Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 1986)

These three areas are only a part of the wide-ranging endeavors to be undertaken by the Bahá’í community in the next six years. The resources of the Fund must grow to meet these expanding responsibilities.

Were the National Fund to grow at the same rate for the Six Year Plan as it did during the Seven Year Plan, we would provide $120 million, or $20 million per year! A significant sum considering where we stand now—but necessary to tackle the significant tasks we face.

How might such a challenge be met and overcome? Surely, one way is through an influx of new believers. Even more, it will be done through the spirit of devotion to the Cause that is demonstrated in the deeds of new and veteran believers alike.

Shoghi Effendi’s words, spoken at the end of the first Seven Year Plan in 1950, are equally significant today:

“Time is short. Opportunities, though multiplying with every passing hour, will not recur, some for another century, others never again. However severe the challenge, however multiple the tasks, however short the time, however somber the world outlook, however limited the material resources of a hard-pressed adolescent community, the untapped sources of celestial strength from which it can draw are measureless, in their potencies, and will unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing influences if the necessary daily effort be made and the required sacrifices be willingly accepted.” (Citadel of Faith, p. 85)

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

PEACE MORE THAN AN END TO WAR

Here is the most comprehensive compilation to date of the Bahá’í writings on peace.

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

The possibilities for using it in proclamation, teaching, and deepening are endless—

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

Hardcover $16.00 softcover $8.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 • TEL: 1-800-323-1880 *Price valid only in the United States [Page 14]

New audio tapes, video of Samoa Temple set for release

A wide variety of new and re-released audio-visual materials will soon be available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Among the items are two new audio cassettes and one new video cassette.

Wildfire ($7 CS) is a tape of songs from the well-known Bahá’í musician, Wilford Johnson, who has been criss-crossing the country in recent months lending his talents to a number of teaching projects.

Mr. Johnson’s performance was one of the highlights of this year’s National Convention, and he’ll be performing at the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco later this month.

Also newly available is a talk entitled Women: Equality and Peace ($7 CS) by Dr. Peter Khan, a Counselor-member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa.

Mr. Khan’s talk, presented earlier this year in Australia, focuses on the equality of men and women, the linkage between the role of women and the achievement of world peace, the moral courage of women, the means to open the Bahá’í community to foster greater equality, and principles from the Bahá’í writings for understanding equality in the sight of God.

Samoa: Dawning Place of the Pacific ($25 VT), in both Beta and VHS, is also now available. The film is a documentary of the dedication ceremonies of the Mother Temple of the Pacific and includes the participation of the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, head of state of Western Samoa.

An old favorite for children, Stories from the Dawn-Breakers, is expected back in the latter part of August. It is a series of four tapes adapted from the book of the same name by Zoe Meyer and narrated by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

The tapes will come as a set, packaged in a plastic case with a four-color cover drawing representing the period in Iran when the stories of the early heroes and heroines of the Faith were indelibly inscribed in history.

The four-tape set will sell for $24.

Several other tapes from the “Legacies of Service” series have also been reissued.

Included among those again in stock are Are You Happy? by the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga; In the Days of the Guardian by the Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas; In His Presence by the Hand of the Cause Tarazu’lláh Samandarí; My Only Desire by the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander; Strengthening the Administrative Order by the Hand of the Cause Horace Holley; The Triumph of the Cause by the Hand of the Cause H.M. Balyúzí, and A Visit with the Master by the Hand of the Cause Corrine True.

Each of the tapes is $7.

George Ronald raises prices on some older titles

George Ronald, Publisher, has raised the prices on a large number of its back list and older titles.

The most recent price list from the Bahá’í Distribution Service reflects a number of price increases on books from George Ronald, a commercial publisher in England producing books on topics relating to the Faith.

Nearly all of the George Ronald titles carried by the Distribution Service, except those published within the past 12-18 months, are affected by the price increase.

“The policy of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service is to change prices on its own books only on its January price list,” says Marketing Manager Robert Blum. “However, titles from other publishers will be adjusted when changes in currency values affect our cost, or when our price of a title is changed by the publisher.

“Occasionally,” he says, “we’ll absorb changes in the cost of a book for a short time, when the price change is caused by currency fluctuations, but since George Ronald prices its books on the cover and markets them directly in this country, it’s necessary for us to pass along the price increases immediately.”

Distribution Service makes $10 price cut on three video tapes

Lower production and decreasing costs for video tape cassettes are allowing the Distribution Service to reduce by $10 the price of three of its video tape titles.

Included in the price reductions are Ark of Destiny ($25 Beta and VHS), the film of the construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice; the cassette Education/Trustees ($30 Beta and VHS), containing two films, Bahá’í Education in India, which shows the development of Bahá’í-operated schools in that country, and Trustees of the Merciful, a film on Bahá’í community life, also filmed in India; and The Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity ($25 Beta and VHS), a film made at the 1982 International Conference in Australia.

In June the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service held an open house for neighbors, friends and National Center staff and their families to show off their newly remodeled offices at 415 Linden Avenue in Wilmette, Illinois. Work on the renovation of the building began last October.

Publishing Trust prepares new compilation on race unity

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust, in cooperation with the National Race Unity Committee, is producing the first comprehensive compilation on racial issues in more than 40 years: The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism ($7.95 SC)

“The Power of Unity goes beyond race relations into the larger sphere of the unification of the human race,” says Anne Atkinson, Publishing Trust promotions manager.

“The book assures us that the goal of world unity can and will be attained, and that discord and separation will give way to a complete harmony of the diverse elements that constitute the fabric of human society.”

In all, The Power of Unity contains 334 quotations from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, and includes newly translated Tablets and newly authorized translations of Tablets of the Master, and previously unpublished extracts from the writings of the Guardian.

The “most challenging issue” of race relations is broadened to include any racial or cultural minority—in particular, any group experiencing the effects of prejudice.

The Power of Unity calls for the protection, cultivation and assimilation of all minorities into the Faith, and gives us a glimpse of the profound outcome of our devoting attention to minorities.

Bookstore at S. Francisco Conference may be largest ever at a Bahá’í event

As is the case with every major Bahá’í event, the Bahá’í Distribution Service is providing a fully-stocked bookstore August 28-31 at the International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

“We believe the bookstore at the San Francisco conference will be the largest in many years, if not the largest ever, offered at a Bahá’í event in this country,” says Marketing Manager Robert Blum.

“We’ll be bringing several tons of books, tapes, albums, posters and special materials to San Francisco to provide the most complete inventory possible to the friends.

“Besides a complete stock of Bahá’í materials,” says Mr. Blum, “we’ll also be carrying books written by some of the key speakers at the conference.

“We’re certain that the quality of the speakers and their presentations will inspire conference participants to study more of the ideas presented by these eminent individuals.

“The bookstore,” he adds, “will also emphasize introductory material, so that the many hundreds of non-Bahá’ís who are drawn to the conference and its theme of peace will find material readily available to answer their areas of interest.”

World Order, Bahá’í News and Brilliant Star magazine will also have their subscriptions offered through the Distribution Service at the conference.

And in addition to the Distribution Service, a number of other businesses and artisans will have booths in the Civic Auditorium.

Seven Valleys returns in brand new edition

After several months The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys is once again back in print.

The new edition is bound in a fashion similar to the most recent edition of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.

The hardcover book is bound with a dark crimson leather-like material and embossed with a nine-pointed star. The softcover is bound in a lighter red vinyl with the title stamped in gold leaf on the front cover.

As with every reprint, any corrections indicated by the Universal House of Justice have been made in the text. The hardcover edition will sell for $6 and the softcover for $3.50.

ORDER FORM

Quan.	Item	Amt.	Quan.	Item	Amt.
___	Ark of Destiny—Beta, VT	$25.00	___	Samoa: Dawning Place of Pacific—Beta, VT	$25.00
___	Ark of Destiny—VHS, VT	25.00	___	Samoa: Dawning Place of Pacific—VHS, VT	25.00
___	Bahá’í Faith in America, HC	19.95	___	Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, HC	6.00
___	Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity—Beta, VT	25.00	___	Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, SC	3.50
___	Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity—VHS, VT	25.00	___	Special Measure of Love, SC	1.00
___	Divine Art of Living, SC	7.95	___	Stories from Dawn-Breakers—Set of 4, CS	24.00
___	Education India/Trustees Merciful—Beta, VT	30.00	___	To Move the World, SC	8.50
___	Education India/Trustees Merciful—VHS, VT	30.00	___	Unrestrained as the Wind, SC	7.95
___	Mama Buzurg Is Coming, SC	3.95	___	Unto Him Shall We Return, SC	7.95
___	O God, Guide Me!, SC	3.75	___	Wildfire, CS	7.00
___	Peace: More Than End to War, HC	16.00	___	Women: A Compilation, SC	2.00
___	Peace: More Than End to War, SC	8.95	___	Women: Equality and Peace, CS	7.00
___	The Peace Bible, HC	8.95
Total

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

Enclose a check for the full amount, or VISA/MC/AMEX (CIRCLE ONE)

Exp. Date _______ Card No. __________________ No postage within continental U.S. (add 15% outside U.S.)

Name _______________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City _______________ State ____ Zip _________

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

TAB 8/86 Prices good through September 30, 1986 [Page 15]

The Six Year Plan

If your town meeting was like our town meeting, much of the consultation was focused on carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to others—especially to minorities.

How can we better reach out to those of all races and backgrounds? What will prepare us to attract and answer the questions of those whose race, culture or economic status may be quite different from our own?

Increasing believers from all strata of society with attention to minority groups

The following books will give us insight into how we might best answer these and other questions:

A Special Measure of Love A compilation that encourages us to adapt our presentation of the Faith to the diverse people we meet and assures us that when we offer a special measure of love to the masses, a new process is set in motion that has great transformative power.

Louis Gregory and the Advancement: To Move the World A biography that gives us a remarkable example of a minority teacher who demonstrated the Bahá’í ideal of racial oneness and helps us to understand the challenges of overcoming racial prejudice.

Women A new compilation that presents the Bahá’í teachings on the importance of the development of women and their role in the world at large, particularly in building a peaceful civilization.

Publishing Trust

International Youth Year writing contest winner:

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is pleased to present the winning story in a writing competition undertaken in honor of the International Year of Youth. The purpose of the contest was to explore the challenges, opportunities and destiny of youth today and to inspire youth and adults to engage in creative thinking and writing about these issues.

Nineteen entries in three categories were submitted in the competition. The winning entry, "The Thank-You-Jesus Lady," is by Dawn Garrott of Zanesville, Ohio, a wife and mother and freelance writer of fiction with a B.A. in early childhood education and psychology from Tufts University.

The ‘Thank-You-Jesus’ Lady

"Angela, honey!" called Miss Sadie, sticking her head out of the shack's front doorway.

"Here I am," Angie answered. She hurried up the rickety porch steps, her rows of short braids bouncing, unwilted by the afternoon heat. She'd had her dress, used, for her eighth birthday almost a year before; although it was now too small, the suggestion of color which clung to it after many washings complemented the deep brown of her skin.

Miss Sadie said, "When I was prayin', the Lord put it in my mind we're goin' to have comp'ny." A delighted smile beamed from her fat face. "Do me a kindness, honey. Roll three of them big market melons under the porch to cool off."

"Yes, ma'am!" Angie scurried around to the garden by the side of the isolated cabin, her bare feet slapping up dust. All the watermelons she thumped sounded ready, so she started with the biggest.

"You ol' melon you," she panted as she pushed, "you're goin' to make folks happy. She's never wrong 'bout things like this."

Like a heavy black whirlwind, Miss Sadie swept through the three rooms of her home. She covered the sofa's holes with plumped-up, threadbare pillows. She moved geraniums potted in coffee cans to decorate the top of the oil heater that dominated the living room.

Giving the heater a friendly thump, she said, "You're purely a mercy in winter when I can get me some fuel. Thank you, Jesus!" She squeezed into the tiny bedroom and wrestled the bed aside so she could open the door fully. If need be, folks could sit on the edge of the sagging bed.

"I wonder who all's comin', Lord," she said when she had caught her breath. "I ain't questionin', I'm just wonderin'. This is Your house and I'm pleased and grateful to 'bide here. Thank you, Jesus!"

Angie brushed dust off her legs and feet outside the front door and stood grinning at Miss Sadie, eyes shining with excitement.

"My, my, ain't you fast!" marveled Miss Sadie. "That Moses, he's goin' to bring fish. You take this and meet him." She held out a change purse to the girl, who pocketed it carefully and darted away.

Angie met Moses coming from the river with two sloshing buckets hanging from his hands. He had on red suspenders to hold up his droopy trousers, one knee of which was adorned by a three-cornered tear. Sweat made rivulets of the creases in his face. Like Angie, he was barefoot and dust-covered.

Setting the buckets down, he smiled. "How's Miss Sadie's angel?" he asked.

"I'm fine, thank you," she mumbled bashfully, studying her toes.

A splash from a bucket drew her attention. Her eyes widened. "Them buckets are full!" she exclaimed.

"Had me some luck," Moses said modestly. "How many does she want?"

Angie replied, "She said to buy everythin' you got."

It was Moses' turn to be surprised. He scratched his gray-white hair with blunt fingers and asked, "What's she goin' to do with so many fish, girl?"

"She's got comp'ny comin'."

"Who all's comin'?"

Angie answered simply, "The Lord, He's the one to ask."

Moses took the shabby purse she held out and opened it. Staring at the $1 bill that made itself at home inside, he thought of the tobacco he craved.

"This is all she's got, ain't I right?" he asked.

Angie nodded.

He snapped the purse shut and returned it without touching the money. "Chile, that Miss Sadie, she's crazy. Thank-you-Jesus, thank-you-Jesus all the time. She 'bout froze to death in that house last winter, ain't I right?"

Angie nodded again.

"An' she's got the wastin' sickness chewin' at her vitals, eatin' up her insides, ain't I right?"

This time, when Angie nodded, tears glistened in her eyes.

"This here god of hers, he done gone an' forgot all about her, ain't I right?"

"No," said Angie with quiet respect. "You're wrong 'bout that one thing." With that she reached for a pail handle.

"Well, she learnt you your manners, girl," said Moses. "Here, I'll carry that."

Miss Sadie greeted them by the back steps, the pig-slop pail at her feet, a sharp knife in one hand. "My, my, Moses! You're 'bout the best there is at fishin'," she said happily. "You all got to stop an' eat with me."

He shuffled his feet in pleased embarrassment, then dug out his jackknife to help clean the catch. Angie sat on a step, listening while they talked.

Miss Sadie said, "The Lord, He's after you, Moses, You're welcome at church any time." When he smiled but shook his head no, she added, "You're just one little ol' lost lamb."

"Baa! Baa!" he bleated. Angie nearly fell off the step, laughing. He and Miss Sadie laughed too, but soon he said seriously, "This lord you're talkin' 'bout, he's a white god. He don't care nothin' 'bout niggers. Anyhow, you all can't teach this ol' dog new tricks."

Miss Sadie's joyous laugh burst forth again. "You sure are confused," she said. "First you're a lamb, now you're a dog!"

When they had finished, she heaved herself to her feet and admired the cleaned fish. "Ain't they purty! See them different kinds? The Lord, He throwed them all into the same river and they done fine together. They're just fish, and we're His chillen. Thank you, Jesus!"

Moses shook his head as Miss Sadie took the fish into the house. "I wish't it was true," he said.

After washing in water Angie pumped for him, he shambled to the shady front porch and lay down, spreading his handkerchief over his face. "Thank-you-Jesus, thank-you-Jesus," he muttered. "She's crazy, that woman. She's wonderful crazy."

Miss Sadie wedged herself into the kitchen. "Now ain't this here bottle-gas a blessin'," she rumbled, dolloping huge spoons full of lard into her two frying pans. "I used to 'bout cook to death in summer with that ol' coal stove. Lord, you sure is kind. Thank you, Jesus!"

She stacked the fried fish on newspapers covering every flat place in the miserably hot kitchen. After pouring the fat back into its storage can, she carried the pans out so Angie could scrub them in steaming, soapy water set by the back steps.

When the pans were clean and dry, she heaped them with the delicately browned fish, and finished by covering the food with newspapers to keep off the flies, saying, "Ain't it wonderful, Angela, honey? I ain't got roaches to worry me. Thank you, Jesus!"

"I seen 'em headed up the road with their travelin' bags, lookin' for a white kitchen," said Angie.

She was rewarded by a rich chuckle, but Miss Sadie interrupted herself: "Lord, chile, I 'most forgot."

She tore off a piece of paper and handed Angie fragrant, cooling fish with it. "Eat now, 'cause you'll be runnin' an' fetchin' when folks come. Get Moses to cut you some melon when he wakes hisself. I got to rest."

Stretching out wearily on her bed in the dreadful heat, Miss Sadie dreamed a strange dream. She swam beneath warm, blue-green water with others like herself. When she became used to it, she noticed that they were part of a multitude of many different kinds, all swimming in the same direction, ever closer together.

Suddenly, streams of light from somewhere above flowed through the water. She felt the unmistakable touch of a net against her side. Before she could panic, a wonderful voice spoke: "I still fish."

She wanted the dream to continue so she could see what happened, but Moses' voice woke her. From the porch, he called urgently, "Miss Sadie! Miss Sadie! We got us some trouble here."

Struggling to her feet, she came out, smoothing her hair and dress on the way. She, Moses and Angie watched a husky white youth get out of a van that had stopped on the dirt road by the path leading to the shack.

He returned Miss Sadie's tentative wave, then slid open the vehicle's windowless side door.

"Can you read that writin' on the door, chile?" Miss Sadie whispered to Angie.

"Yes, ma'am," she replied. "It says, 'Bah-hey-Faith-youth-can-move-the-world."

Although puzzled, the girl fairly vibrated with excitement. But it was fear that shook Moses. His body bore scars from a savage, unprovoked beating by drunken white men. Nothing would have suited him better than to quietly disappear, yet he stood by his friends.

"For what You send us, thank you, Jesus," Miss Sadie said quietly.

A young black woman in jeans climbed from the van, followed by an Oriental youth wearing a wrinkle-free business suit. Together, they and the driver carefully lifted out a wheelchair.

Miss Sadie caught her breath, for the person whose contorted body filled the chair strongly reminded her of her long-dead grandmother. No matter that the girl's skin was bronze, and her black hair straight; it had something to do with her eyes, and the peacefulness in which she wrapped herself like a blanket.

It was Granny who had told Miss Sadie repeatedly, "Jesus has returned—I know it in my heart and soul. One day someone's comin' down the lovin' road to tell you, an' that day will be a day fit for rejoicin'!"

As the group slowly approached the shack, the girl called, "We have something to share with you."

Understanding swept over Miss Sadie, and with her widest smile, she responded, "I know—I been waiting on you a long, long time. Thank you, Jesus!"

How to order

To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Bahá’í Distribution Service coupon on page 14.

Bahá’í institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 16]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

EMPLOYMENT

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Fund Education coordinator (Treasurer’s Office): Helps administer a nationwide program to strengthen the institution of the Bahá’í Fund by coordinating the National Treasurer’s Representative program and by responding to inquiries pertaining to the Fund from the field. College education, strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and a firm knowledge of the Bahá’í writings are necessary. Refugee Program assistant (Persian/American Affairs): Helps administer the refugee settlement program by handling correspondence with refugees, sponsors, and Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í agencies involved in refugee settlement, responding to telephone and personal inquiries about the settlement of individual refugees, maintaining files on refugees and agencies associated with the program, and preparing statistical reports. Good verbal and written communication skills, an eye for detail and an ability to work under deadlines is required, as well as typing of 50 wpm. Knowledge of Persian is not required. Secretarial assistant (Office of the Secretary): Helps with mail screening, processing correspondence, special projects and other duties as needed. Strong clerical and organizational skills and typing of 55 wpm are required; a firm Bahá’í background, common sense, and the ability to work independently or under close supervision are necessary. Secretary (Community Administration): Types confidential correspondence, transcribes dictation, maintains office supplies and performs other tasks as needed. Two to three years of previous office experience, strong typing skills (55 wpm), and the ability to handle a large volume of detailed and routine work quickly, efficiently and accurately are required. Knowledge of a Xerox 850 word processor is helpful; confidentiality is essential. Receptionist (National Teaching Committee): Greets visitors; answers telephones, routes calls, takes messages; helps with mail processing; types correspondence; and helps staff with various tasks. Some previous office experience, pleasant and courteous telephone manner, and typing of 30 wpm are necessary. Regional Development coordinator (National Teaching Committee): Motivates and inspires District Teaching Committees to set and fulfill goals; initiates and responds to inquiries from the field; helps with coordination and placement of traveling teachers and homefront pioneers; helps with conference planning; and maintains files for Assemblies, District Teaching Committees and Groups. Solid knowledge of Bahá’í administration is needed with experience on a District Teaching Committee and/or local Assembly helpful. Good written and verbal communication skills, organizational and clerical ability, and typing of 40 wpm are keys in this position. Secretary (Office of External Affairs, New Haven, CT): Acts as receptionist, types correspondence, and maintains files in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Previous office experience, good telephone manner, and typing skills of 60 wpm are necessary. Word processing experience is desirable. For applications or further information, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

NEEDED! Alcoholism counselor, Martin, South Dakota. Write to Louise Watson, Martin, SD 57551.

PHYSICIAN (general practice) needed on Nantucket Island, 30 miles at sea off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There are several doctors here, also the 50-bed Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Contact Nathaniel Bond, administrator, Nantucket, MA 02554 (phone 617-228-1200). Bahá’í contact is Anna Hall, secretary, Bahá’í Group of Nantucket, 617-228-2904 (or 617-228-9891, mornings).

PEDIATRICIAN with six years experience is seeking a partner. Please write to P.O. Box 337, Rockingham, NC 28379.

BAHÁ’Í couple or single adult (non-smoking) needed by September to care for 22-month-old twins weekdays in a non-Bahá’í home in a homefront pioneering location 45 miles from California’s Chico State University. Active Bahá’í community with an Assembly two miles away; position offers room, board and salary. For more information, write to Pamela Purcell, Red Bluff, CA 96080.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HELP strengthen and contribute to a small community which has maintained Assembly status for 16 years. Santa Clara County Southwest (California) offers fresh mountain air with close proximity to cultural events, Santa Cruz beaches and the Bosch Bahá’í School. We’re also near junior and four-year colleges and vocational/certification facilities. The diversified area allows for job opportunities from laborer to professional. Community members will offer help in orientation. Before packing your bags, please write to Los Gatos, CA 95031, or phone 408-353-1533. P.S.—We’re only 65 miles south of the upcoming Peace Conference.

TEACHERS of all sorts are needed in Exeter, New Hampshire. Bahá’í teachers are welcome, and school teachers as well. The Bahá’í community is seeking to make inroads with youth at the Exeter public high school and at Phillips Exeter Academy where we were able this year to conduct a world peace essay contest. We have one youth at the high school who needs encouragement, and we are starting to make inroads at Phillips Exeter, but a Bahá’í staff member would be a big help. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Exeter, c/o Phyllis Ring, secretary, P.O. Box 384, Exeter, NH 03833, or phone 603-772-4680.

IF YOU have a master’s degree in nursing, agriculture, English, engineering, electronics, computers, biology, chemistry, geology, business or other field, please send a resumé to Oglala Lakota College, Kyle, SD 57752, Attn: Louise Watson, Economic Development Research Institute. Teach or open a small business. We need you!

NURSING opportunities in a 250-bed hospital in Wilson, North Carolina, a mass-taught area where the embers of the Faith can burn brightly with patient nurturing. For more details, contact Karen Tarlo, director of Perinatal Nursing (and also secretary of the North Carolina Eastern District Teaching Committee), Wilson Memorial Hospital, Wilson, NC 27893 (home phone, evenings, is 919-237-2441).

THE LOVELY beachfront community of Hermosa Beach, California, needs homefront pioneers to help keep the locality open. Hermosa Beach is only 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and is close to the industrial headquarters of TRW, Hughes Aircraft, Xerox and other high-tech industries. Major universities (UCLA and USC) are no more than 20 miles away. If you can help by moving or would like more information, contact Sue or Don Berkman, 213-379-5221 or Chris Hendershot, 213-372-5856.

VICE-president for nursing services needed in a 250-bed county hospital in Wilson, North Carolina, used to progressive, supportive nursing management; master’s degree preferred. Also needed is an emergency room nurse manager, BS preferred. The Wilson community is mass-taught and needs loving nurturing. For more details, phone Karen Tarlo, 919-237-2441 (evenings).

HAVE YOU dreamed of being within an hour’s drive of the Bosch Bahá’í School, only 30 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula and the Santa Cruz beaches and enjoying a low-keyed lifestyle? Combine all these things with service to Bahá’u’lláh and you’re set for life. Hurry! Castroville, California—the artichoke capital of the world—needs you. Phone Brian Skeel, 408-728-3425.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed for two small towns in northern Florida, Havana and Quincy, about 25 miles from the state capital. Agriculturally based economy, some light industry, predominantly black populations with mass-taught believers; temperate climate, many lakes, forests, state parks nearby for recreation. Contact the Bahá’ís of Leon County, c/o Alice Kimble, Tallahassee, FL 32303 (phone 904-562-5279).

LOVELY rural Williamsburg County, South Carolina, site of the Louis Gregory Institute, needs school teachers and principals. Science and math teachers need no teaching certificate. Also needed are elementary school and art teachers. Many homes are for sale at reasonable prices in Kingstree (population 24,000), 30 minutes from the Gregory Institute, one hour from the beach. Please write and send a resumé to Mr. W. Burroughs, personnel director, Williamsburg County Schools, Kingstree, SC 29556, or phone 803-354-7007.

ONE physical therapist, respiratory therapist, medical technologist can help answer health care and spiritual needs in Wilson, North Carolina—a dormant community waiting to bloom. For more details, phone Karen Tarlo, 919-237-2441 (evenings).

WANTED: Homefront pioneers to Greeley, northern Colorado’s agricultural center and home of the University of Northern Colorado, about 40 miles east of the Rocky Mountain National Forest. There is a large Hispanic population just waiting for you, and, sadly, not a single Spanish Bahá’í. Please help by writing to the Bahá’ís of Greeley, P.O. Box 1712, Greeley, CO 80631.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

TESL instructors are needed for an English-language institute in Pusan, Korea. Initial contracts are for one year with possible renewal. Applicants should have a master’s or equivalent degree in language arts, TESL, or English. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A CLINIC in Samoa is looking for a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Good salary, transportation and moving expenses are included. If you would like more information about this position, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A HIGH school in Papua New Guinea has several openings for teachers beginning in January 1987. Areas needed are English, math, physics, biology, chemistry, drama or music, painting, sculpture, pottery, history, politics and geography. Applicants proficient in two teaching areas will be given preference. A university degree, teaching qualifications, and at least two years teaching experience are required. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SEVERAL elementary school teachers for grades 1-8 and an English teacher are needed in the Marshall Islands (South Pacific). Salary includes some transportation costs; housing may also be provided for or financially subsidized. Bachelor’s degree is required. To obtain more information about these positions, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

COOK Islands in the South Pacific are looking for secondary school teachers in science, math, agriculture and industrial arts. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GUATEMALA is seeking a food assistance consultant to provide technical guidance in improving the effectiveness of food assistance programs in Central America. The consultant will reside in Guatemala with frequent travel throughout Central America. Applicants should have an advanced degree in a related technical or developmental discipline, five years experience in food assistance or emergency relief programs, and be able to speak Spanish. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SETTLE in sunny Hawaii to help strengthen the weaker areas. Four communities on the Big Island (world famous for its ‎Volcan Volcanoes‎ National Park) need pioneer families: North Hilo, Ka’u, Hamakua and South Kona. Others are needed on the island of Molokai (which has one Assembly for the whole island); Waialua, on the north shore of Oahu; Wahiawa, only 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki; and Hanalei, on the island of Kauai, where the movie “South Pacific” was filmed. Consider any of these goals and make yourself available to the National Teaching Committee of Hawaii, Honolulu, ‎HA HI‎ 96817, or phone Robert McClelland, chairman, 808-922-6926, or Scarlett O’Hara Bill, secretary, 808-322-3564.

A LECTURER in technology/industrial arts is needed in Fiji to work as part of a staff team responsible for teaching all courses within the technology program. Applicants should have a master’s degree in technology or industrial arts and experience in developing new courses or teaching extension courses. If you are interested in pioneering to this South Pacific island nation, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TURKS and Caicos Islands has a part-time nursing position available at a well-equipped community-operated primary medical care clinic. Applicant must be LPN, LVN or RN. Duties include taking vital signs, helping physician examine and treat patients, giving IM injections, maintaining medical supply inventory, routing lab procedures, drawing blood samples, and sterilizing instruments and supplies. Hours are 8-1, six days a week, with some emergency call-out. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MAURITANIA needs a project director to manage an expanding rural primary health care project in isolated areas and to supervise three mobile teams of expatriate nurse/nutritionists. Excellent leadership skills, proven personnel management experience, and fluency in English and French are necessary. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

EL SALVADOR needs a program director for a primary health care program. Main duty is to implement a primary health care delivery service program for displaced and resettled persons in camps and cooperatives in various parts of the country. Applicants should have a medical degree, three years experience as a primary health care administrator, and a working knowledge of Spanish. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. [Page 17]Spanish. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

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 Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

CHILDREN’S Bahá’í membership cards are available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School. These attractive, wallet-sized cards can be used by Assemblies, District Teaching Committees and parents to strengthen a child’s sense of Bahá’í 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.

YOUNG ADULTS: If you would like to receive the "Youth Hotline," please send your name and address, along with your age (so we know who we are servicing) to the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

A COURSE on "Bahá’í Development: The Practical Processes of Transforming Mankind," by Holly Vick, Bahá’í World Center, is available on audio tape. The course examines the Bahá’í concept of development, compares it to other models, places it in the context of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity, and explores its prospects for instigating an organic change in human society as a means of building the Bahá’í world commonwealth. Four tapes, $26. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

HANDS ON!, a workbook of Bahá’í educational activities for children by Sandy and Alonzo Coleman and Diane Bogolub Petit, is available from the Louhelen Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

"REFLECTIONS" catalog listing "Mankind Is One" sweat-shirts and T-shirts, tapes, books and other Bahá’í-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE REFLECTIONS Distribution Center at the Louhelen Bahá’í School is developing a sales catalog for the public. The catalog will consist of items that reflect Bahá’í principles and themes, with the goal being to attract the attention and gain the support of Bahá’í-minded individuals through the use of Bahá’í-oriented arts and crafts. You can help by submitting any item, design or idea that you think would be suitable for promotion in the catalog. Compensation will be given for all submissions accepted. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

TALKS by Jane Faily ("Women and the Age of Equality") and Gwen Lewis ("Women of Color in America"), given June 27-29 at Louhelen’s Women’s Conference, are available for $6 each. Orders may be placed by phone (payment by VISA or MasterCard accepted) or by sending a check to Reflections, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

WANTED

GARDEN teachers are wanted to help teach the Faith at the House of Worship in Wilmette on Friday and Saturday evenings from 10-11 p.m. Visitors to the area are also welcome. Please contact Susan Woodall, 312-255-2207.

KANSAS Bahá’ís, past and present: To celebrate the 90th birthday of the Kansas Bahá’í community, a history is being compiled of activities back to 1897. We need your reminiscences, anecdotes, old bulletins (1920s-1970) and any other information you can share. Also needed are remembrances from traveling teachers. Send to: Duane Herrmann, Berryton, KS 66409.

HELP is needed from psychologists, counselors, HRD or communications specialists, Auxiliary Board members or anyone with experience working with groups, especially local Assemblies. Am writing a master’s thesis on the enhanced productivity of consultative decision-making and need ideas for an objective performance measure and a way to survey Assemblies to test that measure. Please write to Steve Angell, P.O. Box 3867, UBP, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

WANTED: information concerning Gifford Pinchot’s association with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mr. Pinchot was first Chief Forester of the U.S., co-founder of the School of Forestry at Yale University, twice governor of Pennsylvania, friend and associate of Theodore Roosevelt, and a supporter of women’s suffrage. On June 3, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a guest at "Grey Towers," the Pinchot family home in Milford, Pennsylvania, where He spoke to "statesmen and notables of the Republic" (Mahmud’s Diary). Anyone with information about this is asked to contact Lorraine Appelbaum, Philadelphia, PA 19144 (phone 215-438-3346).

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals, with approximate dates of the Tablets: George F. Ort, Chicago (1902), Isabella M. Newton, Portland, OR (1909), Mary C. Newton, New York City (1910), Emma Noble, Cleveland (1910), Raymond St. James Perrin, New York City (1908), the New York Peace Society (1912), Daniel R. Sutton, Portland, OR (1907) and Henry Clayton Thompson, Chicago (1910). Anyone having information about the possible whereabouts of any of these Tablets is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Committee Friesland, established in March 1986 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, would like to contact Frysian Bahá’ís or people who feel related to the Frysian culture to determine whether they are interested in Bahá’í literature in the Frysian language. Already published is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Gleanings from His Writings and Talks; in preparation are Bahá’í Prayers and Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. If you are interested, write to N.C. Friesland, p/o Raaigras 161, 8935 EZ Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

Bahá’í publisher needs editors to edit Bahá’í books. If interested, please write to Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

HOW DOES your community celebrate Bahá’í Holy Days? Several Bahá’í communities in central New Jersey need fresh ideas. We are also interested in making a compilation that could be sent to any community upon request. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you! Please write to Donna Duncan, Piscataway, NJ 08854, or phone 201-463-3683.

WANTED: Correspondence with anyone who can speak and/or write Khmer and English fluently. I am trying to learn Khmer to teach/deepen Cambodians and need all the help I can get. Please write to Bruce Butler, St. Petersburg, FL 33711.

WANTED: Realistic proposals concerning 20 acres of donated land on a 90-acre private estate in one of the choicest areas of northern Wisconsin, about 30 miles from Milwaukee and close to Canada with many Indian Reservations nearby—designated specifically to be used for the development and building of a Bahá’í school. The land is secluded but not wilderness—two miles from the modern city of Eagle River, beautifully wooded and landscaped with 1,000 feet of lake frontage and three private islands in a chain of 27 lakes. Need advice, consultation, and, eventually, realistic fund-raising plans from Bahá’ís experienced in real estate development. Please help make this dream come true. Contact E. Kolehouse, New Berlin, WI 53151, or phone 414-422-1197.

WANTED: Cambodian, Laotian and Thai pen-pals for new Bahá’ís. If you would like to correspond with Cambodian, Laotian or Thai Bahá’ís, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg, P.O. Box 15343, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Our new Bahá’ís would really appreciate it.

NEEDED: Dentists, physicians’ assistants, home health nurses, and family nurse practitioners for programs serving the Navajo communities in Arizona and New Mexico. Salary basis. Contact Project Concern’s AMDOC/OPTION, P.O. Box 85322, San Diego, CA 92138, or phone the American Indian Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the period 1952-67. The Archives has received lists for Wisconsin and Southern California but still needs lists from other states. Anyone having lists he or she could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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

WANTED: Any and all information, ideas, teaching/deepening tips, etc. pertaining to sharing the Faith with those of Cambodian, Laotian, Thai or Vietnamese background. If you have had experience in teaching or deepening people from Southeast Asia, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg, P.O. Box 15343, St. Petersburg, FL 33733.

MISCELLANEOUS

WALK for "The Promise of World Peace!" You don’t have to be a marathon walker. This is a relay walk September 19-28 covering almost 200 miles across northern Illinois from the Mississippi River to the Bahá’í House of Worship, and you can help publicize the Universal House of Justice’s healing message in towns and counties that have not yet been opened to the Faith. Join us for a day or half a day; walk a while, then ride to the next relay point. Needed are volunteer medical personnel (in case a medical emergency happens, we plan to be prepared); a van to house a bookmobile for the entire period of the walk; and entertainers, musicians and singers to help with public programs during the walk. If you can provide these or any other services, or wish to take part in the walk in any way, contact the Steering Committee, c/o Spiritual Assembly of Wheaton, P.O. Box 782, Wheaton, IL 60189, or phone Sandra Bundy, 312-668-6343. Mark your calendar for September 19-28 and join the Walk for the Promise of World Peace!

Nebraska Bahá’ís garner H.S. honors

In Nebraska, three young Bahá’ís who recently were graduated from high school received honors:

Rachel Schneider, daughter of Don and Kathy Schneider of Fremont, and Dulce Foster, daughter of Mrs. JoEllen Clifton of Grand Island, were Merit Scholarship finalists. Both plan to attend Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Chris Rozmarin, son of Marvin and Sandy Rozmarin of Lincoln, received the Bernard Nevin award, one of the top awards given by the Lincoln Youth Symphony.

from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

O God, Guide Me!

Prayers to bind the hearts of children to Bahá’u’lláh

• excellent for family devotions and fostering a sense of Bahá’í identity
• makes a special gift from parents and Spiritual Assemblies to children and libraries
• contains one NEW prayer and updated translations
• includes prayers for guidance, spiritual education, protection, spiritual happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, light of God, assistance from God

New design; durable cover 48 pages 22 illustrations $3.75*

*Price valid only in the United States

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (including 10% for postage and handling, minimum $1.50) to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 [Page 18]

La Conferencia Bahá’í Sobre la Paz Internacional, Información

La conferencia Bahá’í sobre la Paz Internacional presentará una visión de la paz mundial, y a la vez reunir Bahá’ís y sus invitados no-Bahá’ís a fin de elaborar componentes de la paz y facilitar un sentido de colaboración en la lucha por realizar el logro de la paz.

Los Planes Tienen como Puntos Principales:

EL PROGRAMA: La conferencia ha sido ideado de manera que proporcione un foro para el intercambio de ideas, el gozar de la música y las artes, y también oportunidades para la interacción personal. Las sesiones generales han de incluir conferencistas, workshops, música, baile y harán uso de las artes como expresión espiritual para acercarse al logro de la paz. Se ha hecho ‎en un‎ esfuerzo especial para tener un equilibrio entre las actividades, mediante una variedad de conferencistas, ya sean o no Bahá’ís, la participación de parte de todos en los workshops, y el entretenimiento y las artes.

CONFERENCISTAS: Ervin Laszlo, anterior director de UNITAR y conocido como autoridad en el campo de “la ciencia de sistemas” y “orden mundial,” es uno de los conferencistas principales. Robert Bellah, el autor del libro “Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life,” hará un repaso de la interdependencia mundial, así como el impacto de las avances científicas y técnicas. Riane Eisler, coordinadora del “Institute for Futures Forecasting” en Carmel, California, hablará sobre asuntos que afectan a las mujeres. Annie Dodge Wauneka, la primera y única persona entre los Indios Americanos que ha recibido la Medalla de la Libertad, hablará sobre la Educación Universal desde el punto de vista de integrar los conceptos de la educación, el aprendizaje y las habilidades adquiridas en la manera de vivir de uno. “La Gran Purificación” y la paz mundial serán tratados por Thomas Banyaca, lider espiritual Hopi y conferencista internacional sobre el tema de las profecías Hopi. Ha sido invitado David Bernstein, profesor de Estudios Internacionales en la Stanford University, quien sera miembro del panel que va a considerar la renovación espiritual. Motelapula Chabaku, desterrado de la Africa del Sur, hablará sobre la eliminación del prejuicio racial. C. Eric Lincoln, profesor de religión y cultura en la Duke University, y autor de “Race, Religion and the Continuing American Dilemma,” hablará sobre la eliminación del prejuicio en general.

WORKSHOPS: Discusiones de panel, tópicos de interés especial, y las artes constituirán lo principal de casi doscientos workshops sobre temas de la renovación espiritual, el desarrollo social y económico, la eliminación del prejuicio, la igualdad de los hombres y las mujeres, la educación universal, y el federalismo mundial. Los workshops pondrán énfasis en la participación colectiva con la meta de infundir habilidades que los participantes podrán “llevar a casa” para divulgar el concepto que la paz es inevitable. Los workshops estarán dirigidos tanto por Bahá’ís como por no-Bahá’ís.

ACTIVIDADES PARA LA JUVENTUD: El establecimiento de la paz mundial, una preocupación mayor de la juventud de hoy, es la base para los eventos que el Comité Nacional de Juventud ha planeado para la conferencia. La juventud tomará parte con los adultos en los workshops y también tendrán su propia sesión especial el viernes por la tarde. Sesiones de “tarde la noche,” que se llevarán a cabo en el Ballroom del Hilton Hotel, incluirán más entretenimiento casual, y les ofrecerá a los jovenes la oportunidad de llegar a ‎con erse conocerse‎ mejor los unos a los otros.

CONFERENCIA PARA LOS NIÑOS: Puesto que los niños son instrumentos esenciales de la paz mundial, los componentes de su programa tienen metas específicas para darles una comprensión de la paz, y las habilidades necesarias para la búsqueda de la paz. Actividades especiales, tales como una visita al bien conocido “Exploratorium” y la Academy of Sciences de San Francisco, hara destacar al concepto de la ciencia como servicio a la humanidad. Entretenimiento y conferencistas orientados a los niños completarán el programa que se llevará a cabo simultaneamente con el programa de la Conferencia. La guarderia cooperativa, la clase para pre-escolares, y las clases para niños menores, estarán ubicadas en la Civic Auditorium donde se basan la mayoría de las demás actividades de la conferencia. Las clases para los niños mayores estarán en el San Francisco Hilton Hotel, sede de la conferencia.

GUARDERIA COOPERATIVA: Para asegurar la tranquilidad y gozo de la conferencia de parte de los participantes de menor ‎e dad edad‎, un sitio de juego y descanso para bebes y niños pequeños estará disponible en la Civic Auditorium.

ENTRETENIMIENTO: Las ceremonias de abertura y clausura presentarán baile y música de una multitud de culturas y de los niños presentes. Entre los artistas que se presentarán en las noches de la conferencia habrá: Kevin Locke, Do’a, The L.A. Workshop, Wilford Johnson, Mary Davis y Leslie & Kelly. El sabado de noche habrá entretenimiento muy especial.

LIBRERIA: Una librería, y sector de ventas en la Civic Auditorium tendrá buena existencia de nuevos titulos sobre la paz, materiales para proclamación, y una variedad de recuerdos de la conferencia. El sector de ventas tendrá artículos producidos por Bahá’ís con una sección especial de artes y artesanía tales como batiks, vidrio de color y alhajas.

EXHIBITOS: Una area de exhibitos en la Civic Auditorium tendrá exhibiciones especiales sobre “Bahá’ís en America,” fotografías de la construcción de la Casa de Adoración en el Sub-continente de la India, una exhibición sobre “Niños en las Naciones Unidas,” y muchos otros exhibitos.

PROYECTO DE SERVICIO: Un proyecto de servicio de mayor categoría durante la conferencia será una campaña para donaciones de sangre, dirigida por la Irwin Memorial Blood Bank. Se necesita cuatrocientos donadores por dia. Los compromisos para donar sangre tienen

Posa CONFERENCIA a la pag. 28.

Preguntas ‎común comunes‎ respecto a la Fe

¿Que es un Bahá’í?

Un Bahá’í es alguien que cree que las promesas de nuestro Señor Jesucristo se han cumplido. Creemos que Bahá’u’lláh (que significa “La Gloria de Dios”) es el Mensajero de Dios para esta Epoca. Bahá’í significa “seguidor de la Gloria.”

¿Como y de donde proviene la Fe Bahá’í?

El 23 de mayo de 1844, en Persia (que hoy se conoce como Iran), un radiante joven conocido como el Báb, anunció la venida de un Educador Divino Quien ‎vivicaría vivificaría‎ las almas, iluminaría las mentes y unificaría los corazones de todos los hombres.

El Báb fue víctima de 6 años de persecución a manos de los enemigos de la Causa de Dios, y fue martirizado el 9 de julio de 1850.

Poco después del martirio del Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, un noble persa, anunció la aparición de una nueva era, una era en la que la confraternidad y la paz se extenderían sobre la Tierra como las aguas cubren el vasto inmenso del Mar. El exhortó a la humanidad a que participara de las enseñanzas espirituales y de la guía de las nuevas leyes reveladas en este Dia.

¿Que relacion existe entre Cristo y Bahá’u’lláh?

Dice la Enseñanza Bahá’í: “La Causa de Bahá’u’lláh es la misma Causa de Cristo. Es el mismo Templo y la misma base. Con la venida de Cristo, las Enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh tienen los mismos principios básicos, pero han sido dadas de acuerdo con la etapa de madurez de la humanidad y las necesidades de esta epoca. ...Esta es la inmutable Fe de Dios; eterna en el pasado, eterna en el futuro.”

¿Que creen los Bahá’ís acerca de las demas religiones?

Los Bahá’ís creemos en un solo Dios, aunque los hombres lo han llamado a El por diferentes nombres. Dios ha reveló Su palabra en cada período de la historia por medio de un Individuo escogido a Quien los Bahá’ís llamamos “Manifestación de Dios.” Esta Manifestación repite en cada era el propósito y la voluntad de Dios. Sus enseñanzas son una revelación de Dios. Abrahám, Moisés, Zoroastro, Cristo y Mahoma fueron Manifestaciones de Dios. Cada uno dio a los hombres enseñanzas divinas para que vivieran de acuerdo con estas. Los Bahá’ís creemos que la verdadera religión es la base real de la vida civilizada.

Por el hecho de que existe un solo Dios, estas Manifestaciones de Dios han enseñado cada una la misma Fe religiosa. La han desarrollado y adaptado para solucionar o satisfacer las necesidades de los hombres en cada período de la historia. Este desarrollo de la religión de edad en edad se llama: “Revelación Progresiva.”

Esta es la base de la creencia Bahá’í: Dios ha dado a los hombres una Fe por ‎media medio‎ de revelaciones progresivas de Su voluntad en cada epoca de la historia. Bahá’u’lláh ha revelado la Voluntad de Dios para la humanidad para esta epoca. Esta creencia básica capacita a los Bahá’ís para unirse y trabajar juntos a pesar de sus diferentes creencias religiosas anteriores.

¿Cual es el Mensaje de Dios en este Dia?

Bahá’u’lláh, la Gloria de Dios, renueva el espíritu de la fe en el mundo. Enseña que el Plan de Dios para esta nueva era es unificar a todas los religiones, razas, naciones y clases de la humanidad y, a la vez, espiritualizar el carácter. Bahá’u’lláh dio énfasis a ciertos principios que facilitarán la union de los pueblos del mundo:

• Toda clase de prejuicio tiene que ser eliminado. Todos somos hijos de un solo Dios y hermanos de una misma familia.
• Cada quien debe de buscar la verdad por si mismo.
• El hombre y la mujer deben de tener los mismos derechos y privilegios.
• Todos los niños deben de recibir una educación.
• Los extremos de riqueza y pobreza tienen que ser eliminados.
• La Fe tiene que ser la causa de la unidad y la armonía.

De esta manera, Dios está estableciendo Su Reino en la Tierra así como nos prometio Jesucristo.

¿Como han de vivir los Bahá’ís?

La Fe Bahá’í enseña que el propósito de nuestra vida es acercar el alma a Dios hacia todas las gentes. Debemos de orar diario porque la oración nos purifica el corazón y nos acerca más a Dios. También debemos de compartir el Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh con nuestras familias y compañeros. De esta manera se esparce la Palabra de Dios y se establece el Reino de Dios en la Tierra como nos prometió nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Bahá’u’lláh enunció: “Unid vuestros esfuerzos, oh gente de Bahá, que acaso el tumulto de ‎disenciones disensiones‎ que agitan a los pueblos de la tierra, sean apaciguados. Aquello que el Señor ha ordenado como el remedio soberano y el instrumento más grandioso para la curación de todo el mundo, es la unidad de todos los pueblos en una Causa Universal, una Fe común. ... No debe enorgullecerse aquel quien ama su patria, sino aquel quien ama al mundo entero. ... La tierra es una sola patria, y la humanidad sus ciudadanos.”

Important notice for all believers

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to inform the community that it has no responsibility and will not accept responsibility for the results of any loan to or any financial transaction with Dr. Farhang Holakouee, and therefore anyone who makes any loan to or engages in any financial transaction with him does so at his or her own risk.

Mayor of Flint, Michigan, responds warmly to ‘Promise of World Peace’

On May 20, Bahá’ís in the Flint, Michigan, area presented a copy of the peace statement “The Promise of World Peace” to Mayor James A. Sharp Jr. of Flint.

The mayor had just returned from a trip to China, before which he had been given a “Mankind Is One” T-shirt by a Bahá’í from Flint, Hermione Pickens, while he was attending a retreat at the Louhelen Bahá’í School sponsored by the Flint Human Relations Commission.

Mr. Sharp said he took the shirt with him to China, wore it on several occasions, learned to say “mankind is one” in Chinese and ended each one of his speeches with that phrase.

As a result of his contact with the Bahá’ís, the mayor said:

• He would like a Bahá’í representative on the Twin Cities Committee which promotes good will and understanding between Flint and its “sister city” in China, Changchun.
• He would like to make a public presentation of his China trip (slides and talk) at the Louhelen School because, he said, “cultural diversity is more appreciated at your school.”
• When the next cultural/educational exchange between Flint and Changchun takes place next October, he wants the Chinese youth brought to Louhelen so they can “experience the Bahá’í school.”

On behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Flint, the mayor was given a plaque in honor of his peacemaking efforts locally, nationally and internationally.

The presentation was filmed and broadcast that evening on local television.

James A. Sharp Jr. (second from left), the mayor of Flint, Michigan, receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Bahá’ís (left to right) Randall Kizer of Davison Township, Hermione Pickens of Flint, and Murene Semple Hawkins of Genesee Township. [Page 19]

Zohourallah Sobhani

Zohourallah Sobhani, who was born in Sangsar, Iran, in 1914, passed away in New York City in May. Mr. Sobhani, who had been a homefront pioneer in Iran, served the Cause devotedly in the U.S. as well. The following obituary, submitted by the Spiritual Assembly of the ‎Bahá’í s Bahá’ís‎ of the City of New York, gives a brief outline of his services to the American Bahá’í community:

Our dear friend Mr. Zohourallah Sobhani passed away May 17 in New York City.

Having moved to New York City in 1969, though a seemingly unassuming person, Mr. Sobhani became a mighty pillar of the community of the City of the Covenant. He was a steady teacher of the Faith, compensating for his language barrier by warm manners and hospitality.

His resounding voice chanting the sweet melodies of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayers still echoes in our memories, and we know that Mr. Sobhani has been a loving link between the Persian friends and the American Bahá’ís, always an example of service and involvement at the Bahá’í Center, always ready to welcome visitors of different ethnic backgrounds.

Helping and encouraging committees by his steady support, Mr. Sobhani attended Indian pow-wows with the Native American Relations Committee, went teaching in the streets and festivals of New York City with the Displays Committee, and, donning his native costume, was the first to respond and march with Bahá’í delegations in parades around the city. And still, Mr. Sobhani found time to participate in and support neighborhood Bahá’í community events. Whatever the event, the friends always knew that “Mr. Sobhani will be there.”

The love and radiance that Mr. Sobhani bestowed on the Bahá’í community was returned to him and his children, Bahei, Mouhebat and Enayat, as well as to his nieces and nephews, at his memorial on May 25, when the Bahá’í Center was the site of an overflowing attendance. Though speaking of sadness, we smiled, feeling united in the memory of such a beloved friend who now must be so happy in the Abhá Kingdom with Bahá’u’lláh and the Master whom he so longed to see.

REFUGEE UPDATE امور پناهندگان

طبق مقررات وزارت امور خارجه مؤسسات و یا کسانیکه تکفل پناهندگان را مینمایند میبایست بیش از پنجاه مایل بایکی از دفاتر یا نمایندگان مؤسسات كمك به پناهندگان Voluntary Agencies فاصله نداشته باشند. این ازآنرواست که این مراکز کمکها و فعالیتهای متنوعی را برای پناهندگان برنامه ریزی مینمایند بعلاوه بایستی از جهت كمك در کاریابی و رسیدگی بسایر نیازهای اولیه پناهندگان با آنان در تماس باشند و لذا نزدیکی آنان به پناهندگان ضروری تلقی گردیده است.

البته این قرار شامل کسانی که بعنوان پناهنده به نزد اقوام و خویشان خود میروند نمیگردد. متکفلین اینان طبق معمول میبایست فرمهای مخصوص تکفل را تکمیل نموده بدفتر امور پناهندگان در دارالأنشاء محفل ملی ارسال دارند و کپی آن را به دوست یا خویشاوند خود در کشور اقامتشان بفرستند. ولی متکفلین غیرفامیلی میبایست در حوزه پنجاه مایلی یکی از این دفاتر كمك به پناهندگان باشند تا بتوانند كفیل شناخته شوند این مراکز در اغلب شهرهای بزرگ و نیز در تعدادی شهرهای کوچکتر وجود دارند. برای کسب اطلاع از نزدیکترین محل میتوانید با مدیر امور پناهندگان (State Refugee Coordinator) در پایتخت ایالت خویش تماس بگیرند.

یارانی که علاقه مند به قبول تکفل پناهندگان هستند ولی خارج از حوزه پنجاه مایل زندگی مینمایند میتوانند با انجام خدمات متنوعه در این امر شرکت نمایند و بکسانی که ۹۰ روز اقامت اولیه خویش را طی نموده اند کمک کنند. عده ای از این یاران پناهنده میل دارند بنواحی مهاجرت داخله کوچ نمایند ولکن نیازمند كمك یاران الهی یا مؤسسات امری میباشند که منظورشان حاصل گردد و در محل جدید مستقر شود و مشغول به کسب وحرفه ای گردند. بمحض ورود پناهندگان به مقصد خویش متكفلين آنان میبایست فوراً بدفتر پناهندگان بهائی و همچنین بدفتر احصائيه Membership and Records Office در دارالأنشاء محفل ملی اطلاع دهند تا ترتیب انتقال عضویت این پناهندگان بجامعه بهائی آمریکا داده شود. هرگاه یاران الهی ‎سوؤالاتی سؤالاتی‎ در خصوص پناهندگان داشته باشند میتوانند با دفتر امور پناهندگان بهائی در دارالأنشاء محفل ملی تماس بگیرند.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office C/O Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091 phone — 312/869-9039

BAHA’I STUDIES معارف بهائی

اخيراً تحت هدایت معهد اعلی محفل مقدس ملی کانادا به تأسیس "مؤسسه معارف بهائی بزبان فارسی" موفق گردیده است و یاران الهی را تشویق مینماید که با آن مؤسسه تماس حاصل نمایند و اطلاعات بیشتری کسب کنند. بعلاوه مؤسسه مذکور علاقه مند است که یاران الهی که برای تعلیم و تدریس معارف امری آمادگی دارند شرحی به آن مؤسسه مرقوم فرموده تمایل خود را اعلام دارند و با تعیین آدرس خود اجازه فرمایند تا توضیحات و اطلاعات لازم بر مبنای اساسنامه مؤسسه بحضورشان تقدیم شود. همچنین مرقوم فرموده اند که "نفوس احبای عزیز اگر کسانی را می شناسند که برای این خدمت جلیل آمادگی دارند ضمن ارسال اسم و آدرس آنان مؤسسه را در توسعه خدمات محوله مساعدت و اعانت فرمایند" آدرس مؤسسه بشرح زیر است:

Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies C/O NSA of Canada 7200 Leslie Street Thornhill, ONT Canada L3T 6L8

ANNOUNCEMENT اطلاعیه

از یاران الهی که تغییر جا و مکان میدهند تقاضا میشود برای آنکه شماره های ماهنامه امریکن بهائی را مرتباً دریافت دارند تغییر آدرس خویش را هرچه زودتر بدفتر محفل مقدس ملی اطلاع دهند. فرم مخصوص تغییر آدرس همواره در صفحه آخر ماهنامه امریکن بهائی درج میشود. یاران الهی میتوانند از آن فرم استفاده نمایند و یا مطابق اطلاعاتی که در آن فرم خواسته شده طی نامه ای دفتر محفل ملی را از آدرس جدید خود مستحضر فرمایند. از یاران الهی تقاضا میشود این مطلب را بیکدیگر یادآور گردند. مؤید تایید و توفیق جمیع را در خدمت بآستان الهی سائلیم.

THE PASSING OF MR. SOBHANI صعود جناب ظهورالله سبحانی (۱۹۸۶ - ۱۹۱۴)

جناب ظهورالله سبحانی، متولد سنگسر ایران، بسال ۱۹۸۶ میلادی پس از شرکت در هفتاد و هفتمین کانو نشن ملی یاران امريك در شیکاگو، در شهر نیویورك بملكوت ابهی صعود نمودند. در ایران ایشان در خدمت مهاجرت داخله موفق بودند و سالهای اقامت در آمریکا را نیز مشحون از خدماتی نمودند که اثرات عمیقی در جامعه بهائی مدینه میثاق بر جای گذاشت.

دوران زندگانی جناب سبحانی در آمریکا از سال ۱۹۶۹ ببعد نمونه کامل و تحقق اهداف و ایده آلهای اندماج و آمیختن یاران ایران و آمریکا بمنظور نصرت امر الهی در این سامان بود. از بدو ورود به جامعه بهائی نیویورك گرچه ایشان تظاهر بخدمتی نمی نمودند ولکن اعمالشان بر یاران نیویورك مبرهن داشت که ایشان از خادمین اصلی آن جامعه محسوبند. جناب سبحانی مبلغی دائمی برای امر مبارك بودند و ‎اغلم اغلب‎ کمبود دانش انگلیسی را با رفتار محبت آمیز و میهمان نوازی جبران مینمودند. ایشان بمثابه نقطه عطف و ارتباطی فیمابین یاران امريك و احبای ایرانی قلمداد میشدند و همواره نمونه خدمت و تعهد در فعالیتهای امری و استقبال از میهمانان و کسانی که از هر قبیله و قوم برای دیدار به حظيرة القدس نیویورك میآمدند بودند. صوت رسای ایشان در تلاوت مناجاتها و الواح و انعکاس آن در مجامع یاران هنوز در اذهان موجود است.

از خدمات اخیره ایشان شرکت در مراسم جشن سرخ پوستان بهائی، تبلیغ در خیابانها و فستیوالهای شهر نیویورك ملبس بلباس محلی ایرانی، اولین داوطلب برای شرکت در کارناوال بهائی در سراسر شهر نیویورك، شرکت در جلسات تبلیغی محلات متعدد شهر را میتوان یاد نمود. هر جلسه یا فعالیتی که ترتیب داده میشد همه میدانستند که "جناب سبحانی در آنجا حضور خواهند داشت".

در جلسه تذکری که روز ۲۵ می در حظيرة القدس نیویورك بیاد ایشان برقرار شد فضای جلسه حاکی از عشق و محبت یاران نیویورك بود نسبت به ایشان که در حقیقت پاسخ محبت و دوراندیشی بود که جناب سبحانی به جامعه بهائی نیویورك ارزانی میداشتند. در آن حین اطمینان داشتیم که ایشان در ملکوت ابهی از حضور جمال قدم و حضرت مولی الوری کسب فیوضات ابدیه مینمایند.

جناب فرهنگ غلامی قطعه ای تحت عنوان "گل رز قرمز" ارسال داشته اند که در آن تقدیم ۱۸۲ گل رز از طرف یاران مسجون ایران را به وکلاء هفتاد و هفتمین کانونشن ملی یاران امريك شرح داده اند. بدینوسیله علاقه ایشان را بنظم معانی لطیفه می ستاییم و امیدواریم در این مسیر به موفقیتهای بیشتری نائل گردند. [Page 20]بلژیک، سنگاپور، کانادا، و مالزی تهیه و ارسال شده و بزبانهای فرانسه، انگلیسی، چینی، لائوسی و تایلندی میباشد. یکی از یاران اردوگاه بیانیه صلح بیت العدل اعظم را به زبان کامبوجی ترجمه نموده است.

از پدیده‌های دیگر اردوگاه پناهندگان اقبال برخی از رهبران بومی مسیحی میباشد که اخیراً بنظم امر جمال قدم وارد شده‌اند. یکی از آنان میگفت پس از تفکر زیاد در احوال و حوادث واقعه بر جمال قدم چاره‌ای جز این ندید که حضرتش را بعنوان اب آسمانی تصدیق نماید و پس از قبول این حقیقت از جاه و مقام و قدرتی که در کلیسا برای او مقرر شده بود گذشت و "قصد افق اعلی نمود."

پاپوا نیوگینی Papua New Guinea: محفل ملی پاپوا نیوگینی اخیراً اعلام داشتند که هدف خویش را در مورد خود کفائی مالی تحقق بخشیده‌اند و ده تنها وجوهی را که از صندوق بین‌المللی بهائی دریافت داشته بودند عودت دادند بلکه سهمی نیز بآن تبرع نمودند. خود کفائی مالی از جمله اهداف نقشه‌های آتی آن محفل مقدس خواهد بود.

ساموای غربی: متن تلگراف محفل مقدس ملی ساموا مورخ ۳۰ آپریل ۱۹۸۶ بساحت دیوان عدل الهی "حضور اعلیحضرت ملی پتوآ تنوما فیلی دوم در مراسم دعا در مشرق‌الاذکار روز یکشنبه گرمی و روحانیت بیشتری بقلوب جمیع یاران الهی (که برای انجمن شور روحانی ملی گرد هم آمده بودند) بخشید."

انگلستان: ارائه پیام صلح در ‎دوامبر نوامبر‎ به ملکه انگلستان الیزابت دوم بتوسط منشی مخصوص ایشان در نوامبر ۱۹۸۵ انجام گردید. و همچنین در ژانویه امسال نخست وزیر انگلستان بتوسط معاون وزارت خارجه بیانیه صلح را دریافت نمود.

خدمت جوانان

اخیراً از جناب ابوالفضل رحمانی نامه‌ای به هیئت تحریریه بخش فارسی امریکین بهائی رسیده که در طی آن همت جوانان بهائی را بخدمت و هجرت تمجید نموده ذکر خیر و تشویقی از جناب سیامک منجذب که نامه‌ایشان در شماره ‎چون جون‎ این نشریه درج گردیده است نموده‌اند. جناب رحمانی نامه خود را بلوح مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء خطاب به جناب سید کاظم سمندر یکی از حواریون جمال قدم مزین فرموده‌اند که در آن مرکز میثاق وعده جمال قدم را بقیام نفوس مقدسه‌ای بر خدمت کلمه الله تکرار فرموده شرایط و مشخصات اخلاقی و علمی آنان را بر میشمارند. (رجوع فرمائید به منتخباتی از مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء، نمره ۲۰۴، صفحات ۲۴۲-۴۴، ناشر محفل ملی امریکا ۱۹۷۹ میلادی) بدینوسیله از جناب رحمانی تقدیر مینمائیم و امیدواریم یاران الهی از شیخ و شاب همواره متن این لوح مبارک را نصب‌العین خویش قرار دهند.

خدمت نظام وظیفه و حمل اسلحه

خاطر یاران الهی را مستحضر میدارد که در مورد سئوال مخصوص در پرسشنامه مربوط بتقاضای کسب تابعیت ایالات متحده آمریکا "آیا شما حاضرید برای دفاع از ایالات متحده آمریکا اسلحه بدست بگیرید؟" جواب صحیح "بلی" میباشد. هرگاه در ذیل این سئوال جائی برای توضیح وجود داشته باشد میتوان به توضیح ذیل اکتفا نمود که "بعنوان عضو جامعه ملی بهائیان آمریکا ترجیح شخصی در این است که خدمات غیر جنگی مانند پرستاری، کمکهای بیمارستانی، کارهای دفتری و غیره را انجام دهید. اما اگر دستور مافوق حاکی از حمل اسلحه باشد در مقام اطاعت از حکومت اسلحه بدست خواهید گرفت.

در صورت احتیاج به راهنمائی بیشتر یا تحصیل گواهی مخصوصی در این باب از طرف محفل روحانی ملی یاران میتوانند با دارالانشاء محفل ملی تلفن ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۲۱۲) شماره فرعی ۲۲۰ تماس حاصل فرمایند.

انتشارات جدید

به علاقمندان آموختن لسان عربی

لجنه امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی با کمال سرور انتشار کتاب مخصوص آموزش عربی با استفاده از متون الواح و آثار الهی را اعلام میدارد. این مجموعه که بصورت "آموزش برنامه‌ای" تهیه شده و حاوی شش جزوه و شش نوار کاست در یک مجلد است توسط جناب بیژن شمالی و جناب امرالله همت تهیه شده و در ایران در کلاسهای موسسه عالی تبلیغ مورد استفاده قرار گرفته بود. قیمت این مجموعه ۲۵ دلار است.

بسته آموزشی عید رضوان برای اطفال ۴ تا ۹ ساله

این مجموعه، شامل کتاب نقاشی "بهار" و نوار کاست "الله‌ابهی"، توسط خانم فریده عبودیت و بمنظور آشنائی اطفال بهائی با مفهوم الله ابهی، حضرت بهاء الله، حضرت عبدالبهاء، و عید اعظم رضوان تهیه و از طرف لجنه امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی بطبع رسیده است. قیمت این مجموعه ۴ دلار است. قرار است دو بسته آموزشی فوق در کنفرانس بین‌المللی صلح در سانفرانسیسکو برای اولین بار بمعرض فروش گذاشته شود.

پیام بدیع

خاطر یاران الهی را مستحضر میدارد که "پیام بهائی" از انتشارات محفل روحانی ملی فرانسه کماکان در نشر اخبار و مقالات و اشعار بسیار مفید و جالب امری جاهد و ساعی است و اخیراً امکانات و وسائل تکثیر جدیدتری مهیا نموده تا بتواند در راه تزیید معلومات یاران و نشر معارف امری به خدماتی بدیع قائم گردد. کمک و حمایت مادی و معنوی یاران رحمانی به این ماهنامه پرارزش بهائی مورد نیاز است.

علاقمندان برای دریافت مرتب این نشریه لطفاً با دفتر لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی تماس بگیرند. حق‌اشتراک سالانه "پیام بهائی" شامل مخارج پست ۱۰ دلار است.

نشریه امری دیگری که مجدانه در راه نشر معارف امری قدم برمیدارد "پیام بدیع" است که تحت نظر محفل مقدس روحانی نیویورک انتشار مییابد.

حق اشتراک سالانه "پیام بدیع" شامل مخارج پست ۲۰ دلار است. علاقمندان میتوانند مستقیماً با نشانی زیر مکاتبه فرمایند:

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of New York 53 East 11th Street New York, NY 10003

خرید نوارهای نطق: عطف به آگهی مربوط به نوارها در شماره ماه جون امریکین بهائی لطفاً یاران الهی برای ابتیاع مستقیماً با موسسه ملی مطبوعات امری بآدرس زیر تماس بگیرند:

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

بهای هر نوار با مخارج پست ۳/۷۵ دلار است و برای تسریع در کار میتوانید پرداختی خویش را قبلاً بفرستید.

تذکره شعرا

عطف به آگهی سابق در شماره ماه مارچ ۱۹۸۶ امریکین بهائی در خصوص تهیه تذکره شعرای ایرانی بهائی مقیم خارج از ایران برای تماس با جناب اسکندر رفیعی لطفاً بآدرس زیر مکاتبه فرمائید

ANTHOLOGY OF BAHÁ’Í POETS Mr. E. Rafii, Sunnymead, CA 92388

میدان خدمت

نام محل	نوع خدمت	تماس برای اطلاع بیشتر
فلوریدا، ناحیه تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی	مهاجرت داخله	Alice Kimble 904/562-5279
کارولینای جنوبی (جنوبی)، ناحیه تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی	معلم و دبیر و ناظم مدرسه	Mr. W. Burroughs Personnel Director 803/354-7007
کارولینای شمالی (شمالی)، ناحیه تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی	طبیب اطفال با شش سال سابقه	P.O. Box 337 Rockingham N.C. 28379
کارولینای شمالی (شمالی)، ناحیه تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی	پرستار بیمارستان، نائب رئیس خدمت پرستاری	Karen Tarlo Director of Perinatal Nursing 919/237-2441
داکوتای جنوبی، رشته‌های مختلف مشاوره و طبی، معنا دین الکلی	دارندگان فوق لیسانس در رشته‌های مختلف	Oglala Lakota P.O. Box 490 College, Kyle, SD 57752 Louise Watson Martin, SD 57751
Greeley, CO	مهاجرت داخله	Bahá’ís of Greeley, P.O. Box 1712 Greeley, CO 80631

[Page 21]

ترجمهٔ تلکس بیت‌العدل اعظم

مورخ سه‌شنبه ۲۴ جون ۱۹۸۶

با قلوبی متألم شهادت جناب فرید بهمردی را که در تاریخ ۱۰ جون ۱۹۸۶ در طهران ‎بدادر به‌دار‎ آویخته شدند اعلام میداریم. خانوادهٔ ایشان از این واقعه بی خبر بودند و چند روز پس از این واقعهٔ غم انگیز که اولیای امور جسد ایشان را دفن نموده بودند با خبر شدند. جناب بهمردی، ۴۶ ساله، یکی از احبای برجسته و متدین بود و برای مدتی بس طولانی تحت شکنجه قرار داشتند. صبر و تحمل ایشان مایهٔ تشویق سایر یاران زندانی بود که شاهد مصائب ایشان بودند. پنج نفر دیگر از یاران زندانی به اقوام خویش که بملاقات آنان رفته بودند گفته‌اند که ممکن است آخرین ملاقات آنان باشد و بنظر میرسد که اشاره به اعدام قریب‌الوقوعشان باشد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

NSA’S LETTER TO THE L.A. FRIENDS

ترجمهٔ مکتوب محفل مقدس ملی خطاب به یاران الهی در لوس‌انجلس، کالیفورنیا

احبای عزیز: پس از مشاوراتی طولانی و رنج‌آور در طی ماه‌های اخیر در خصوص وضع جامعهٔ بهائی لوس‌انجلس، کالیفورنیا، محفل روحانی ملی باین نتیجه رسید که شرایط موجود اقدامات اصلاحی را ایجاب مینماید. اولین قدمی که محفل ملی بمنظور اعادهٔ نشاط روحانی و حفظ سابقهٔ اعتبار و احترام تاریخی آن جامعه برداشت انحلال محفل روحانی لوس‌آنجلس بود که در جلسه عمومی نوزده جولای اعلام گشت.

علت عمدهٔ این تصمیم تأسف‌آور ولی ضروری عدم توانائی محفل روحانی آن مدینه در پاسخ گفتن به نیازهای روحانی و اداری جامعه بود که منجر به خرابی تدریجی شرایط موجود در جامعه می‌گردید. محفل روحانی ملی علاج کار را در طرحی نو برای تجدید حیات روحانی جامعهٔ بهائی آن مدینه دید. بر این اساس قدم دومی که برداشته شد تشکیل کمیته‌ای خاص بود که مأمور ادارهٔ امور جامعه گردید و قرار است ضمن انجام بعضی وظائف محوله در راه برقراری مجدد و ازدیاد رونق فعالیت‌های امری و ایجاد ثبات در جامعه کوشش کند و مقدمات و شرایط لازم را جهت تجدید انتخاب محفل روحانی محلی در اسرع وقت فراهم نماید. یاران الهی که مایل باشند با کمیتهٔ مذکور تماس حاصل فرمایند میتوانند بوسیله تلفن با خانم گری کوالهایم Mrs. Gry Kvalheim در حظیرةالقدس لوس‌آنجلس صحبت کنند.

محفل روحانی ملی اطمینان دارد که فرد فرد یاران در لوس‌آنجلس از صمیم قلب حمایت و همکاری خویش را نسبت به کمیتهٔ اجرائی در انجام وظایفش مبذول خواهند فرمود.

یاران الهی را تشویق مینمائیم که در بیانات مشفقانهٔ حضرت عبدالبهاء خطاب بیاران اولیهٔ مدینهٔ لوس‌آنجلس که در یکی از ادوار امتحان آن نازل گشته تمعن نمایند قوله الاحلی: "... پس قدم را ثابت نمائید و بنهایت قوت بنشر نفحات الهیه و اعلاء کلمة الله و ثبات بر میثاق پردازید و یقین بدانید که اگر نفسی باکمال استقامت ندای ملکوت نماید و بنهایت متانت ترویج میثاق کند اگر مور ضعیف است فیل عظیم را از میدان بدر دهد... لهذا همت نمائید تا سپاه شبهات را بقوه آیات پریشان و متلاشی نمائید این است وصیت من و این است نصیحت من ... (منتخباتی از مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء، شماره ۱۸۴ صفحه ۲۰۴)."

میدانیم که اعضاء جامعهٔ بهائیان لوس‌آنجلس دارای قوای روحانی لازم برای عهده‌دار شدن وظیفهٔ خطیری که در مقابلشان قرار گرفته میباشند و آماده‌ایم که هرگاه لازم باشد بیاری آن جامعهٔ عزیز بشتابیم. از شما تقاضا داریم که برای این امر خطیر دعای خیر نموده چنانکه آن یاران عزیز را به ادعیهٔ خویش اطمینان میدهیم.

با اشواق گرم بهائی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده امضاء رابرت سی هندرسون - منشی

اطلاعیهٔ محفل مقدس ملی NSA’S ANNOUNCEMENT

محفل روحانی ملی باستحضار یاران الهی میرساند که در قبال عواقب هر گونه وام و یا هر گونه معاملات مالی افراد احباء با دکتر فرهنگ هلاکویی مسؤولیتی نداشته و نمیتواند داشته باشد و لذا هر نفسی که وامی بایشان بدهد و یا وارد معامله‌ای با ایشان بشود شخصاً مسؤول عواقب آن خواهد بود.

اخبار بین‌المللی INTERNATIONAL NEWS

اقتباس از سرویس بین‌المللی اخبار امری

بیانیهٔ صلح: تا تاریخ ۱۵ آپریل ۱۹۸۶ بیانیهٔ صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم توسط نمایندگان جامعهٔ بهائی به نمایندگان ۲۹ کشور در سازمان ملل متحد تقدیم گردیده است. نمایندگان این کشورها قول داده‌اند که بیانیه را به رؤسای دولت متبوعهٔ خویش ابلاغ نمایند. از جمله کشورهائیکه باین ترتیب بیانیه را دریافت نموده‌اند ممالک ذیل است: آلبانی، آنگولا، جمهوری بیلوراشیا از جمهوریات اتحاد جماهیر شوروی، جمهوری خلق چین، چکسلواکی، حبشه، رومانی، کامبوج، کره، لائوس، قبرس، مالتا، مغولستان، مجارستان، نپال، ویتنام.

استرالیا: مسک‌الختام نمایشگاه ۹ روزه صلح جهانی استرالیا برنامه مخصوص بود که روز ششم آپریل در مشرق‌الاذکار استرالیا تحت عنوان "صلح جهانی و ادیان" اجرا شد. در این روز آخر نمایشگاه بیش از ۱۲۰۰ نفر از غیر بهائیان با نهایت شور و انضباط در برنامه‌های گوناگون نمایشگاه شرکت نمودند. برنامه‌های مخصوص اطفال که با نهایت اتقان اجرا میشد باعث تهییج و تشویق حضار بود. در تمام ۹ روز نمایشگاه هر غروب مردمان گوناگون از نژادهای متنوعه و قبایل مختلف از جزائر اطراف و نواحی استرالیا شرکت نموده رقصها و موسیقی قومی خویش را اجراء مینمودند و مصداق بیان مبارک حضرت مولی‌الوری را که مناجات میفرمایند "ليتوجه الشعوب والقبائل الى ملكوتك الاعلى" را در "ماوراء بحار" ظاهر میکردند. رادیوی رسمی استرالیا تمام برنامه‌ها را ضبط نمود که در برنامه‌های مربوط به صلح جهانی و امر بهائی پخش شود.

گزارش کمیتهٔ برنامه‌های نمایشگاه حاکی از این بود که شرکت کنندگان غیر بهائی آگاهی بیشتری از وسعت نطاق دیانت بهائی و ارزش تعالیم امر الهی حاصل نمودند. از طرف دیگر ناطقین بهائی بنوبهٔ خویش ثابت نمودند که امر الهی در واقع دارای اصولی ارزشمند است که میتواند به ایده‌آل‌های صلح جهانی خدمت نماید.

بلژیک: یاران الهی در بلژیک نسخه‌های بیانیهٔ صلح را به شصت هزار نفر از رهبران افکار و مشاغل و رؤساء از عالی و دانی ابلاغ نمودند. این رقم معادل نیم درصد کل جمعیت کشور بلژیک است و بیانیهٔ صلح بوسیلهٔ پست بدست پادشاه بلژیک نیز رسیده است.

تایلند: یاران الهی اخیراً پیشرفت‌های چشمگیری در تأسیس کتابخانه‌های مخصوص اطفال حاصل نموده‌اند که مورد توجه مقامات مملکتی قرار گرفته است. دو شعبه از کتابخانه‌های مذکور از محل اعانهٔ احبای شیکاگو و اطراف آن تأسیس گشت. از طرف دیگر از اواسط سال ۱۹۸۴ که تبلیغ و تصدیق بامر الهی بین اردوهای پناهندگان لائوسی، ویتنامی و کامبوجی در تایلند رونق گرفت تعداد مؤمنین به امر الهی به بیش از یکهزار نفر رسیده است. بعلاوه عده‌ای از یاران الهی که در ممالک خویش تصدیق امر الهی نموده بودند و ناچار به تایلند و اردوهای پناهندگان وارد شده بودند بدینوسیله تماسشان با یاران الهی در تایلند ادامه یافت.

علاقه که احبای تازه تصدیق در اجراء امور مطابق اصول اداری امر الهی و تطبیق زندگی اردوگاه با شؤون حیات بهائی از خود بروز داده‌اند موجب تحسین ناظرین و مسؤولان اردوگاه شده است. مراسم تعطیلات و ایام محرمهٔ امریه همیشه بنهایت اتقان در اردوگاه‌ها با شرکت یاران الهی و اقوامشان برگزار گردیده است. جلسات ضیافات نوزده روزه تقریباً مرتباً برگزار میشود. در اردوگاه نونگ سامت Nong Sameth یاران محلی بدون کمک از خارج اردوگاه و صرفاً باتکا دانشی که از مطالعه آثار امریه بدست آورده بودند بانتخاب هیئت عامله پرداختند. امین صندوق یکی از امه‌الرحمن است. این محفل مرتباً تشکیل شده و گزارش خدمات خویش را به محفل روحانی ملی تایلند و به کمیتهٔ بین‌المللی تبلیغ چینی‌ها ارسال میدارد. آثار امریه‌ای که در اختیار این اردوگاه است توسط جوامع امری استرالیا، ایالات متحده آمریکا. [Page 22]

‘The Promise of World Peace’

More photos of presentations to public officials, groups

Mayor David Smith of Newark, California, receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ during a city council meeting January 23. Making the presentation to the mayor and the four other members of the council were Bahá’ís Michael Taylor and Debra Taylor. As always, the council session was broadcast on local cable television.

On March 20, a delegation of Bahá’ís from Montgomery County, Maryland, presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to U.S. Rep. Michael Barnes (center) of Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. The presentation was made in Congressman Barnes’ office in Washington. Pictured (left to right) are Arthur Bunyon, Doh Linh Khai, Nazila Khoshkhoo, Dr. Elsie Austin, Congressman Barnes, Allahina Russell, Dale Shore, Leon Jones, Larry LaCrosse and John Dale. Also helping to plan the presentation were Cynthia Love, Ajit Paralkar, Kioumars Aghazabeh, Ezatullah Rassekh and Asenath Weaver.

On April 25, Mayor James Leslie (center) of Hinton, West Virginia, and three members of the city council were given copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ by Bahá’ís (left to right) Sorour Payman, Khodam-Rad Payman, Dr. Bahman Payman, Michael Dooman, Patricia Dooman, and Parisa Payman. A photo of the presentation appeared in the local newspaper.

The mayors of the three largest cities in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley were each given copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ during their joint meeting held April 24 in Bethlehem. Bahá’í spokesman Ginny Mair Harry (second from left) of Allentown is pictured presenting copies of the statement to (left to right) Mayor Panto of Easton, Mayor Marcincin of Bethlehem, and Mayor ‎Dadonna Daddona‎ of Allentown.

On June 8, Race Unity Day, Mrs. Diane Smith Grych presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ on behalf of the Bahá’ís of Princeton, West Virginia, to Earlie Moon, president of the Mercer County chapter of the NAACP, at the AME Zion Church in Bluefield.

On March 4, ‘The Promise of World Peace’ was presented to Berlin Myers (right), the mayor of Summerville, South Carolina, by William A. Reeves of Summerville. Also present were Bahá’ís John Lansdowne Jr. and Adrienne E. Reeves.

Tom Hayden (right), a member of the California state Assembly, receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Santa Monica Bahá’ís Dr. Alfred Neumann and Sheila Banani. Also attending the presentation, which was made March 14 in Rep. Hayden’s office, was Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi Dabell. [Page 23]On April 4, U.S. Rep. George Gekas of Pennsylvania (center) received a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from two members of the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Behzad Zandieh and Joyce Fox. The congressman, who promised to read the statement carefully on his return to Washington, said after glancing at it that he agreed with the need for a world language and had often thought about it when he was a college student. He asked an aide to research and prepare for him a report on Esperanto, and asked his secretary to start a file on the Bahá’í Faith.

On January 17, Bahá’ís representing the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Washington, presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to Gov. Booth Gardner (second from left). Pictured with the governor are (left to right) Naomi Robinson, Megan McCarty, Allen Goldblatt, Linda Stevens and Robert Wilson.

Judith Mendenhall (second from right), the mayor of High Point, North Carolina, receives a copy of the statement ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from High Point Bahá’ís (left to right) David Jurney, Vedad Jurney and Douglas Johnson. The presentation was made April 28.

Dr. Robert K. Woetzel (left), president of the UN-affiliated Foundation for the Establishment of an International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law Commission, accepts a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Woodrow Jackson, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Culver J.D., California. The presentation was made during a public meeting April 4 at which more than 60 people heard Dr. Woetzel speak on ‘Terrorism and an International Criminal Court.’

U.S. Rep. Dan Schaefer of Colorado (fourth from right) accepts a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Bahá’ís representing the Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood. Shown with the congressman are (left to right) Charles “Chuck” Bennett, Roya Mahmoudi, Robert “Bob” Bitts, Robin Campbell, Nancy Jones, Myron Wilson and Betty Stellmaker. The presentation was made January 15.

On January 18, U.S. Sen. Steve Symms of Idaho (fourth from left) was given a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ by a delegation of Bahá’ís representing the Spiritual Assembly of Blackfoot, Idaho (left to right) Louard Crumbaugh, Laura Perkins, Zem Dixey, Jon Lyksett and Aziz Ghalili. Second from right is Sen. Symms’ administrative assistant, Sally Greenhalgh.

U.S. Rep. William Lehman of Florida (second from right) receives a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from a delegation coordinated by the Spiritual Assembly of North Dade County (left to right) Dr. Harold E. Guinyard, Ezekiel A Poitier Sr. and Dr. Iraj Majzub. The presentation was made on January 16.

On January 28, Bahá’ís in Wisconsin presented a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to Gov. Anthony Earl at the Capitol conference room in Madison. The governor acknowledged the gift by reaffirming his personal alignment with the ideals of the Faith, and said he would read the peace statement. [Page 24]

More than 60 attend weekend Grand Teton Youth Retreat

More than 60 youth attended the Grand Teton Regional Youth Retreat over the Memorial Day weekend at the home of J.F. and Stacie Strain in St. Anthony, Idaho.

This unique “family experience” included eight non-Bahá’ís, 15 pre-youth, and just enough adults to help provide transportation and teach.

Weekend highlights included presentations by Auxiliary Board member Carol Brooks on “Understanding the needs of the ’80s through popular music” and by Chris Weixelman, a member of the Regional Youth Committee, on teaching.

While there were many of the “usual” retreat activities, such as singing, dancing, eating and waiting for one’s turn in the shower, there were also some “unusual” activities like a trip to Yellowstone National Park for a group photo.

The trip was preceded by an excellent class in the geological history of the area by Tom Lachmar, a PhD. candidate in geology.

The really “hot” activity was a trip to Green River Hot Springs where the young people swam, soaked, talked and burned.

A key idea was presented by four members of the Regional Youth Committee who offered the youth an opportunity to become leaders in the emerging peace movement. The importance of working with non-Bahá’í groups, and of working for peace (not just enrollments) was discussed.

It was pointed out that the Universal House of Justice has explained that the world has the responsibility of establishing the Lesser Peace, and that Bahá’í youth can help in that process only if they work alongside non-Bahá’ís.

Members of the Western Colorado Bahá’í Youth Club (eight Bahá’ís and two friends) performed a song entitled “Year of Peace” which was arranged and rehearsed during a 12-hour drive to Idaho.

Besides Colorado, the youth came from California, Idaho and Utah. The Idaho-Colorado-Utah axis was established three months earlier at a youth gathering in Salt Lake City, after which the Idaho youth were so inspired that they pledged to reunite the group in their home state.

Pictured are Bahá’í youth and their guests who attended the Grand Teton Regional Youth Retreat over the Memorial Day weekend in St. Anthony, Idaho.

Yes, that’s ‘Old Faithful’ in the background; the photograph was taken at Yellowstone National Park.

Hand of Cause John Roberts guest at Southeastern Youth Conference

The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts was the honored guest at the Southeastern Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference held June 18-22 near Huntsville, Alabama.

This first Regional Youth Conference of the Six Year Plan was attended by about 150 Bahá’ís from most of the southern states.

The conference sought to emphasize spiritual development of the youth as well as racial harmony, teaching the Faith, and the peace statement released last fall by the Universal House of Justice.

Soo Fouts, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, helped the youth to understand their duty to prepare for the working world and to see it as an opportunity for service to the Cause of God.

Held at Alabama A&M University, a school dedicated to the advancement of minorities, the conference dedicated much of one day to the issue of racial harmony.

Speaking on the topic of “Civil Rights Today” was Bernice King, the daughter of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “I hope that one day we will have harmony between the races.”

Miss King, a 23-year-old graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta who shared the dais with Counselor Wilma Brady, vice-president of development and public relations at Spelman, was visibly moved as she was presented with copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and Gayle Morrison’s biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory and a silver commemorative plate engraved with Bahá’u’lláh’s admonition to “close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all with the light of oneness.”

Mrs. Beatrice Covington, wife of the president of Alabama A&M University, also was given a copy of the peace statement and said it would be placed in the library at the president’s mansion.

Other general session speakers included Auxiliary Board member William Roberts and Ellen McAllister Jordan, who has devoted much effort to the “Fort Tabarsi” teaching campaign in South Carolina.

Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Institute, moderated a panel discussion on the Bahá’í teachings on race unity.

One of the high points of the conference came when children of interracial couples on the panel answered the question, “Isn’t it a difficult life for the children of an interracial marriage because they are part of neither the white nor the black culture?”

The children were unanimous in answering that they felt quite comfortable with who they were and how they mix with both black and white groups at school.

Another conference speaker was Ruhíyyih Jahánpúr, now living in Canada, who shared jail cells in Iran with Bahá’í women who were later hanged and was herself beaten and threatened with death to persuade her to recant her faith.

Entertainers performing at the conference included Maureen Sidio; Patrice Henderson; Wilford Johnson and Debbie Bley; and Tim Alford and Jim Parker.

The conference was the top news story on local television Saturday night, ending with the conference title, “World Peace Is Inevitable.”

The speeches by Miss King and Jahánpúr were covered in two major area newspapers.

Growing number of U.S. legislators, governors have been given copies of ‘Promise of Peace’

More than 80 heads of state including President Reagan have been presented copies of “The Promise of World Peace.” Seven members of the Supreme Court and UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar have also received the statement.

As of July 25, the following federal legislators and state governors have received the statement:

Alabama—Rep. Erdreich. Arizona—Rep. McCain. Arkansas—Rep. Alexander, Rep. Robinson.

California—Rep. Bosco, Rep. Chappie, Rep. Fazio, Rep. Stark, Rep. Lantos, Rep. Mineta, Rep. Beilenson, Rep. Waxman, Rep. Berman, Rep. Hawkins, Rep. Dreier, Rep. Torres, Rep. Brown, Rep. Dannemeyer, Rep. Packard, Rep. Bates, Rep. Hunter.

Colorado—Sen. Hart, Rep. Brown, Rep. Schaefer. Connecticut—Rep. McKinney, Rep. Rowland. Delaware—Rep. Carper.

Florida—Sen. Chiles, Rep. Bennett, Rep. Chappell, Rep. Gibbons, Rep. Shaw, Rep. Smith, Rep. Fascell. Georgia—Rep. Gingrich. Idaho—Sen. Symms, Rep. Stallings.

Illinois—Rep. Porter, Rep. Annunzio, Rep. Martin, Rep. Michel, Rep. Bruce, Rep. Durbin. Indiana—Rep. Burton, Rep. Jacobs.

Iowa—Sen. Grassley, Rep. Leach, Rep. Tauke, Rep. Smith, Rep. Bedell. Kentucky—Rep. Mazzoli, Rep. Snyder. Louisiana—Rep. Roemer. Massachusetts—Rep. Atkins. Maryland—Gov. Hughes, Rep. Holt, Rep. Barnes.

Michigan—Rep. Siljander, Rep. Henry, Rep. Kildee, U.S. Rep. ‎Van Der Jagt Vander Jagt‎. Minnesota—Rep. Penny, Rep. Frenzel, Rep. Stangeland. Mississippi—Rep. Montgomery, Rep. Lott.

Missouri—Rep. Clay. Montana—Rep. Williams. Nebraska—Rep. Bereuter, Rep. Smith. Nevada—Rep. Reid. New Hampshire—Sen. Humphrey, Gov. Sununu, Rep. Gregg. New Jersey—Rep. Torricelli, Rep. Courter.

New Mexico—Gov. Anaya, Rep. Richardson. New York—Rep. Carney, Rep. Mrazek, Rep. Lent, Rep. McHugh, Rep. Horton, Rep. Lundine. North Carolina—Sen. Helms, Sen. East, Rep. Valentine, Rep. Coble, Rep. McMillan, Rep. Broyhill.

North Dakota—Gov. Sinner, Rep. Dorgan. Ohio—Gov. Celeste, Rep. Kaptur, Rep. Pease, Rep. Seiberling, Rep. Regula, Rep. Stokes. Oklahoma—Gov. Nigh, Rep. Jones, Rep. English.

Oregon—Rep. Smith, Rep. Wyden. Pennsylvania—Rep. Coughlin, Rep. Ritter, Rep. Walker, Rep. Gekas, Rep. Goodling, Rep. Murphy. Rhode Island—Gov. Di Prete. South Carolina—Gov. Riley, Rep. Derrick.

Tennessee—Rep. Sundquist, Rep. Ford. Texas—Rep. Chapman, Rep. Pickle, Rep. Stenholm, Rep. Combest, Rep. Ortiz. Utah—Sen. Garn. Vermont—Sen. Stafford, Sen. Leahy.

Virginia—Rep. Whitehurst, Rep. Olin, Rep. Slaughter, Rep. Wolf. Washington—Gov. Gardner, Rep. Miller, Rep. Morrison. West Virginia—Rep. Staggers. Wisconsin—Gov. Earl, Rep. Kastenmeier, Rep. Petri.

The National Spiritual Assembly expects the remaining federal officials to receive copies of the peace statement in the near future.

Please send a report to the New Haven, Connecticut, office of the National Spiritual Assembly of any completed presentations to members of Congress or governors that are not listed here.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the Bahá’í community that individuals, Groups and Assemblies need to ask permission from the National Assembly through its New Haven office before contacting national figures and organizations.

If you ‎have having are having‎ problems setting up an appointment with or meeting an assigned national official, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly in New Haven (Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, 26 High St., New Haven, CT 06510; phone 203-787-0303).

THE PEACE BIBLE

Words from the Great Traditions

This title collects together the peaceful teachings and admonitions found in the sacred scriptures of the world. Included are quotations from the Qu’rán, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Zend-Avesta and the Bahá’í Writings. An excellent gift for non-Bahá’ís.

$8.95* hardcover only

Order through your local community or send check or money order to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091 1-800-323-1880

• United States only.

If you can’t pioneer—deputize!

Pueblo leader invites Bahá’ís to discuss ‘Promise of Peace’

The pueblos of New Mexico, which are Indian Reservation villages, have been closed to religious groups and missionaries for quite a few years.

During the past three years, however, the Picuris Pueblo was visited by two “Trail of Light” teams, and recently, the governor of Picuris was presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.”

Shortly afterward, he invited the Bahá’ís to spend one of the annual Picuris Festival days with the pueblo community to discuss the peace statement.

The gathering was held July 4, with Chester Khan, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Maynard Eakin representing the Faith. [Page 25]

INTERMEDIA

News from Office of Public Information

SIGNIFICANT MENTIONS

The “Society World” section of the June 9 issue of Jet magazine features legendary tap dancer Fayard Nicholas of the famed Nicholas Brothers and his wife, Mrs. Barbara Nicholas. The couple celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary with what the magazine called “a special Bahá’í wedding ceremony” in Woodland Hills, California. Two photographs of the couple also included Fayard Nicholas’ two sons.

The May 31 international edition of The Jerusalem Post included a short feature article and photograph of Rúhíyyih Rabbání (the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum). The article, which gives a short biography of Mme. Rabbání as well as a synopsis of the Bahá’í Faith, says she does not consider herself a pessimist. On the contrary, she says, “that feeling of optimism for the glorious future of the human race the Bahá’í Faith predicts is something to cling to. Otherwise, I’d be bitterly disillusioned with the world.”

The June 23 edition of The Chicago Tribune printed a photograph of a large congregation of Hindus who had gathered for the blessing of their first Chicago-area temple. Beneath the picture, the cutline declared that “plans call for the temple, when completed, to be as distinctive in its setting as the Bahá’í’s temple is in Wilmette.”

Eremina Mvura, a Bahá’í from Zimbabwe, was featured in an article in the “Style” section of The New York Times when she was honored by the United Nations on behalf of all African women farmers. While the article doesn’t mention the Bahá’í Faith, Ms. Mvura told staff members at the Bahá’í International Community’s UN office that she declared her faith two years ago. The Bahá’í International Community was one of the co-sponsors of the symposium Ms. Mvura attended, entitled “Food Security: The African Woman Farmer.”

After describing the arduous life of the women who produce nearly 80 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s food, Ms. Mvura said, “The women of Africa—I don’t think they need food. We need help to improve our agricultural system, so we can produce more. Not to make people dependent,” she added, “but self-sufficient, with dignity.”

The quarterly bulletin of the Association of World Federalists, the World Federalist, recently ran an article on “The Promise of World Peace” by Philip Hainsworth, a member of that Association who also serves on the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

Pictured (left to right) are the three top winners in the Middlesex News—Bahá’í Peace Essay Contest, Virginia Schleman, Louis Smith and Daniel Shore. The contest was co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Framingham, Massachusetts, and the local newspaper, with winners in the adult, youth and children’s categories chosen by a board of judges comprised of a cross-section of the Framingham community. Prizes of $100 for first place and $25 for each of two runners-up were awarded at a subsequent event, the Symposium for World Peace, which was hosted by local Bahá’ís. The symposium also included a panel of speakers from the newspaper, various peace groups, and the Bahá’í community. The first place winner in the children’s category, Louis Smith, is a Bahá’í, a fact unknown to the judges at decision time. In addition to this photograph, the Middlesex News printed two articles publicizing the contest and the winning essays. The mutual cooperation of the Bahá’í community and the newspaper resulted in a project that promoted the serious discussion of world peace while it proclaimed the Faith in a manner beneficial to the entire community. (Photo courtesy of The Middlesex News)

BUSY BAHÁ’ÍS

The Key West Citizen recently published a half-page feature article on the Faith which included three photographs, one of a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Key West, Florida, and one each of the House of Worship in Wilmette and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel. The article also used extensive quotes from the peace statement as well as an expression of the 11-member Bahá’í community’s hopes for building or leasing a Bahá’í Center during the coming Six Year Plan.

Several Iranian-American Bahá’í’s living in Atlanta, Georgia, told the story of their flight from Iran to the U.S. in feature articles printed in the “People” section of the Marietta Daily Journal and other Neighbor Newspapers. Companion articles provided synopses of the Faith as well as photos of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The articles were published after a local public information representative sent a note with press releases about recent executions making these martyrs’ relatives available for interviews.

The front page of the “Metro” section of the Flint Journal in Michigan carried a large photograph of Sioux Indian Kevin Locke performing a traditional Native American hoop dance at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison. An accompanying article described the peace ceremony and the three-day conference sponsored by the Louhelen Native American Task Force, and underscored the underlying harmony between the Faith and traditional Native American values.

The Wisconsin State Journal covered an International Year of Peace panel discussion, “World Peace Through Racial Unity,” sponsored by the Bahá’í’s of Madison, Wisconsin, in an article on the front page of its “Metro” section. The article stressed the panel’s main theme, which was the elimination of racial prejudice as a key to the establishment of world peace.

An article on the front page of the Evening Independent’s “Home” section highlighted the Faith’s principles and history and featured a member of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg, Florida. It pointed out that in St. Petersburg alone, the number of Bahá’ís has doubled in the last year.

The video, “Mona’s Story,” was shown twice in recent months. The Bahá’í Media Council of North Bay reports that Channel 22 in the Rohnert Park/Cotati, California, area aired the tape in June, while in April, the Bahá’í’s of Warren County and Hartford, Iowa, played the tape during a proclamation event in Hartford where about half the audience was comprised of non-Bahá’í’s.

The Bahá’í’s of Indianapolis, Indiana, have taped seven meditations, readings from The Divine Art of Living, which were broadcast as sign-ons and sign-offs for Channel 6 TV. They report that interest was widespread, with responses and requests for copies of the readings coming in from several communities in the station’s broadcast area.

The Greater Houston, Texas, Office of Public Affairs reports that, among many other recent media successes, a new peace ad slick was mysteriously printed without their prior knowledge simply because the editor of the Houston Peace News, a monthly paper of the Houston Peace Network, liked it and printed the quarter-page ad. The Bahá’í’s have no idea how the editor happened to come by the ad.

Clearance-sale prices are now in effect for the media and proclamation materials listed below. This will be the last opportunity to purchase many of these materials—Bahá’í librarians and media committees take note! You’ll want to complete your collections of these items now while they are at these very affordable prices.

FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

BILLBOARDS
“Bahá’í It’s a Revelation” (30-sheet)	was $30, now $15
“Bahá’í It’s a Revelation” (6-sheet)	was $15, now $7.50
PAPERS
“The Bahá’ís in Iran” and Update	was $4, now $1.50
“Death in Tabriz”	50/ $1
RADIO SERIES
“Fireside Playhouse” (full series)	was $25, now $12.50
“Fireside Playhouse” (demo only)	was $5, now $2.50
TELEVISION SERIES AND VIDEOS
ABC’s “20/20” Program-Video
U.S. 1/2-inch VHS or Beta	was $37.50, now $18.75
Int’l. PAL or SECAM	was $50, now $25
Capitol Hill Press Conference-Video
1/2-inch VHS or 3/4-inch	was $25, now $12.50
Congressional Hearings (1982 or 1984)
1/2-inch VHS or 3/4-inch	was $25, now $12.50
Senate Hearings on Torture (June 26, 1984)
1/2-inch VHS, Beta or 3/4-inch	was $30/$45, now $15/$22.50

Make your check or money order payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund.” Include 10 percent of the total for postage (75-cent minimum). Mail with your written order to: Bahá’í Office of Public Information, Wilmette, IL 60091.

FROM THE BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

BUS CARDS
“Wage Peace” (11 1/2 x 27) pkg. 10	was $19, now $9.50
“House of Worship” (11 x 27 1/2) pkg. 10	was $12.50, now $6.25
POSTERS
“House of Worship” (11 x 14) pkg. 10	was $11, now $5.50
“House of Worship” (20 x 23) pkg. 10	was $19.50, now $9.50
AD SLICKS
Various Subjects (6 sheets/24 ads)	was $3, now $2
POSTCARDS
“House of Worship” (pkg. 50)	was $5, now $3.50
RADIO PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Bahá’í Themes” (various)	was $5, now $2.50
“Dizzy Gillespie”	was $5, now $2.50
“Equality of Men and Women”	was $5, now $2.50

Make checks payable to “Bahá’í Distribution Service.” NOTE: No postage is required if mailed in continental U.S. Mail with your written order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 1-800-323-1880. [Page 26]

Letters

from page 3

consistently,” a stage of development not likely for a pre-schooler.

There is a letter on behalf of the Guardian specifically advising against nursery school for Bahá’í children on the grounds that training at this age should be “at the hand of the mother.”

Thus it would seem that the place for most pre-schoolers is in the home or with small, compatible groups under the observation of the mothers until such time as the child’s personality is well enough developed as to not be unduly influenced in these critical formative years by non-Bahá’í standards and attitudes.

If Bahá’í parents are not willing to assume this responsibility, how can they hope that their children will one day become part of a “new race of men”?

Bahá’í institutions might do well to help mothers improve their competence in active listening to and observing the child and the consequent development of an understanding of his needs and improvement of the capacity for caring and loving as well as giving mothers ideas for teaching learning processes and basic science and spiritual concepts within the framework of everyday home activities.

Charles Hornby

Quito, Ecuador

To the Editor:

If you are planning a trip to England or are considering a stopover in London while en route for pilgrimage, you may like to come on a travel teaching trip to visit the Bahá’í communities in the “heart of England.” We are less than two hours’ drive from London Airport and 80 minutes by train from London itself.

We need visitors who can talk to small evening gatherings, and feel that having visitors from out of town would be of great value to local believers and inquirers.

Our communities encompass the historic towns of Warwick, Stratford, Kenilworth and Coventry as well as Shakespeare country and the area to the north of Oxford City.

If anyone is interested, please contact Martin Beckett, Coventry CV3 6NB, England (phone 0203-413002).

Martin Beckett

Coventry, England

To the Editor:

A major objective of the Six Year Plan is the “further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities.”

Bahá’í youth have an important role to play in the development of local communities. Local youth clubs and Bahá’í college clubs can be employed as a means of strengthening and invigorating the local level.

The formation of such clubs gives youth a sense of Bahá’í identity and can lead to deepenings, teaching projects, and youth activities at the local level, which is healthy for the Bahá’í community as a whole.

The Bahá’í youth in the U.S. have matured dramatically. The Guardian has called the Bahá’ís of North America the “spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers,” and this generation of Bahá’í youth, through the Youth Movement, are tapping into this destiny and aligning themselves more closely to the needs of the Faith.

Local youth and/or junior youth clubs offer your community the opportunity to enhance and reap the rich rewards of this growth.

This generation of Bahá’í youth will be in the forefront of the Bahá’í community as the Lesser Peace is ushered in. The foundation being built with the younger Bahá’í community will set the tone for the future. We urge you to please help inspire the initiation of youth activities at the local level.

Bahá’í National Youth Committee

Wilmette, Illinois

To the Editor:

I was one of the delegates to the National Convention whose name was still on the waiting list when time ran out. So I will use The American Bahá’í to voice my comments.

On peace: A group called “Beyond War” was mentioned by a delegate from California. The Bahá’ís had presented the head of that organization with their local Peace Award and have nominated the Universal House of Justice to be the next recipient of the Beyond War peace award.

For those of you who are not familiar with the award, it was presented two years ago to the International Physicians for Peace (who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year).

Last year’s recipients were the leaders of six countries that had signed the Five Continent Peace Initiative calling for the U.S. and Russia to conclude a peace treaty and offering their help in policing that treaty. Beyond War arranged for the first simultaneous live broadcast from all five continents for the presentation.

We Bahá’ís now have a choice of the kind of peace that will come. By action we can embrace the type of peace we all want, or by inaction we can be forced to peace, and many of us may well receive the peace of the grave.

On the Fund: We all know what needs to be done. We have been told by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, and on Friday night the Hand of the Cause William Sears again told us the answer. What is the answer? It is to TEACH!

On teaching: Teaching is the answer! Let us not argue about which teaching is best. Remember the Campaign of Unified Action, and let each of us pursue his own avenue of teaching.

But we must all follow the advice of Shoghi Effendi and be audacious—willing to take risks, willing to make mistakes, but prepared, through the Administrative Order, to correct our mistakes, but not to stop teaching.

How will your community respond to the call from Mr. Sears? Will you think hundreds? thousands? or will you think millions?

Samuel L. Williams

Yadkinville, North Carolina

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking the records of Regional Teaching Committees for the 1930s and 1940s, particularly minutes and correspondence. Anyone who has such records should write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bahá’ís in Northern Illinois plan September walk to spark awareness of ‘Promise of World Peace’

Inspired by the friends in Utah, Bahá’ís in northern Illinois have planned a nine-day walk that will begin September 19 at the Mississippi River in Rock Island and end with a public program September 28 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

The purposes of the walk, which is being sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Wheaton, are to promote public awareness of “The Promise of World Peace,” enhance presentation efforts of various Assemblies and District Teaching Committees, and show a unified determination to support the goals of the Six Year Plan.

This is a relay walk, not a marathon, and walkers are asked to volunteer for half a day or a whole day. Transportation will be provided for relay walk segments.

Lodging will be arranged in nearby Bahá’í homes or in motels, where necessary. Participants should be prepared to pay for their own expenses.

The walk will be preceded by a proclamation event on the evening of September 19 at the Centennial Bridge in Rock Island.

Actual walking will begin the following morning and proceed at an approximate rate of 20 miles per day. Walkers will not be on the highway after dark.

Proclamation events will be scheduled in nearby towns each evening.

All Bahá’ís in Illinois are urged to participate—by walking, providing financial or prayer support, taking part in proclamation events, and, for those along the route, providing hospitality.

For more information about the walk, write to the Steering Committee, c/o Spiritual Assembly of Wheaton, P.O. Box 782, Wheaton, IL 60189, or phone Sandra Bundy, 312-668-6343.

News in brief

18 embrace Cause in Lowell area

Eighteen people have embraced the Cause since last spring as a result of the ongoing teaching campaign in the Lowell, Massachusetts, area.

Consolidation efforts from last year have been successful and are continuing; there are four Cambodians on the new Spiritual Assembly of Lowell.

The campaign itself has been extended to neighboring towns.

•

The Bahá’ís of San Fernando, California, have announced the dates for the second Hispanic Conference, to be held October 11-13 in San Fernando.

The conference is co-sponsored internationally by the Spiritual Assemblies of Ensenada, Mexico, and San Fernando and Fillmore, California.

Check The American Bahá’í in September for more details about this significant conference.

•

The Raúl Pavón Teaching Project in northern Arizona continues throughout the year with door-to-door, fireside and other forms of teaching to attract the hearts of new believers.

If you speak Spanish or English and would like to participate at any time, housing can be provided and transportation is available in the city; however, on the Navajo-Hopi Reservations and in other areas such as on the border near San Luis, and the area outside of Phoenix, you will need your own vehicle.

In all instances, teachers are responsible for their own meals.

The length of time to be spent is at your discretion. The project covers most of Arizona.

To confirm your travel teaching trip, phone 602-863-6167 or 602-993-2347.

•

On June 15, about 30 people including 13 Bahá’ís from five communities attended a Race Unity Day meeting in Williamston, North Carolina.

The event was arranged by Robert Barnes, a Bahá’í from Williamston, and sponsored by the Bahá’ís of North Carolina’s Eastern District.

After opening remarks by Willie Peele, principal of E.J. Hayes School, and by a representative of the mayor of Williamston, Bahá’ís Karen Tarlo of Wilson and Jay Scales of Durham spoke about the importance of fighting racial prejudice.

The program included music by pianist Ella Mae Ormond of Williamston and singer/guitarist Greg Meyjes of Chapel Hill.

•

Ancient Beauty, a new Compact Disc on the Philo label by Do’a, received an excellent review in the July issue of Digital Audio magazine.

The reviewer, Tommie Richardson, gave the disc perfect 10s for performance and sound quality.

“The members of Do’a—the name is a Persian word meaning a call to prayer,” he wrote, “are members of the Bahá’í faith, which is founded on ‘the unity of the family of man.’”

Bahá’ís Randy Armstrong and Ken LaRoche, the original Do’a twosome, are joined on the recording by percussionists Robert Bennett and Bill Kinzie.

“Do’a’s Eastern and African motifs are strong and identifiable,” writes the reviewer, “but the music is never strange to the Western ear.

“... Do’a’s compositions have a springing joy ...”

•

Last November, the 18th Guam Legislature approved a resolution recognizing “the efforts of the people who embrace the Bahá’í Faith to effectuate the promise of world peace” and lauding the Bahá’ís “for publicizing this cause and encouraging mankind to work for this worthy and high goal.”

Copies of the resolution were sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Mariana Islands, the Universal House of Justice, President Reagan, the UN Secretary-General, the Pacific Basin Governor’s Council, the Association of Island Legislators, and the governor of Guam.

•

Three Bahá’ís from California, Joan Nemour and her daughters, performers Leslie and Kelly, traveled and taught the Faith for three weeks (May 3-23) in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, a trip arranged by the National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan.

During their stay the team reached out through the medium of music to several thousand students at two universities, and gave special performances for the mentally disabled and for handicapped children.

The Bahá’í themes of world peace and unity through diversity drew a warm response from audiences and the media wherever they went.

Regional SED conference set in Los Angeles

“The Preservation of Human Honor,” a regional conference on social and economic development, will be held October 25-26 at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, California.

The conference will focus on these themes: application of spiritual principles; demonstration of rectitude of conduct; practice of the art of consultation; freedom from prejudice of all kinds; aspects of cross-cultural communication; and the arts and human development.

All Bahá’ís who live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties are urged to attend.

For registration information, please write to the SED Committee, c/o Eileen Estes, Santa Monica, CA 90404.

Peace Conference to have S.C. ‘satellite’

As a follow-up to the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco, the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina will host a “Satellite Peace Conference” September 19-20.

For more information, write to the Louis Gregory Institute, Hemingway, SC 29554, or phone 803-558-5093.

Answers to crossword puzzle

ACROSS	DOWN
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[Page 27]

10 YEARS AGO

More than 750 people attend special Bicentennial proclamation events sponsored July 3-4 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Featured are performances by several ethnic choirs; a Sunday afternoon devotional program in English and Spanish; and a Bicentennial lecture by Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and dean of the School of Education at California State University, Fresno. ...

An ambitious teaching campaign called “Operation Outreach” is under way in South Carolina to inform everyone within a 30-mile radius of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute about Bahá’u’lláh.

The South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee reports 30 declarations during the first two weeks of the campaign. ...

A local Haziratu’l-Quds is obtained in Bermuda, completing another property goal assigned to the U.S. for the Five Year Plan. ...

An intensive teaching campaign in goal areas of Oregon results in declarations by 48 adults and 42 youth in three weeks, according to a report by the sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of Gresham.

Teachers begin each day with about two hours of prayer before breaking into small groups of two or three. As they teach, they extend invitations to public meetings which are arranged in each area. ...

On June 19, Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses a joint meeting of national committees in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship in Wilmette. ...

Twenty-four Bahá’í youth including five Native Americans take part in a Youth Work/Study Project held June 13-25 at the Bahá’í National Center.

The youth experience first-hand the Administrative Order in action. Their duties include typing, filing, mailing and helping the grounds and maintenance crews.

During the evenings, they attend classes conducted by the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’llah Khadem; Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Thelma Jackson; and members of the National Center staff.

A highlight of the project is a teaching campaign June 20 in nearby Niles, Illinois, preceded by a “Design for Victory” conference attended by projecteers and other youth from nearby communities. ...

About 50 Bahá’ís attend a training session June 25-27 in Agua Prieta, Mexico, that is designed to provide support for teaching and consolidation efforts along the Mexican-American border.

The project is a cooperative effort between the National Spiritual Assemblies of Mexico and the U.S. ...

A record-breaking total of 85 Bahá’ís attends a Pioneer Training Institute held June 10-13 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. ...

Snider

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lief in the importance of education. As a professor of agriculture at the University of Illinois, he encouraged many young people to get as much education as they possibly could and continued his own studies in a variety of fields well beyond his retirement from the university at age 67 in 1953.

Following his retirement Mr. Snider responded to a call for pioneers and was sent to Key West, Florida, for which service he was named a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh.

Lucille’s health failed rapidly in the hot and humid climate, however, and she was ordered by her doctor to return to the north. The Sniders went back to Illinois where they continued to devote most of their time to promoting and serving the Faith.

When Lucille died in 1960, Howard was asked by the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee to pioneer to Switzerland, which he did for four years, helping to organize the Swiss Bahá’í Archives while teaching the Faith.

Over the next few years he pioneered to Barbados and to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he began to suffer strokes. Forced by failing health to return to the U.S., he moved to Smyrna, Georgia, to live with his daughter, Mrs. Elaine Eilers.

Even while weak and ill, his burning desire was to teach the Faith. He served tirelessly in whatever capacity he was able, however small or humble, until his death in 1970 at age 86.

On hearing of his death, the Universal House of Justice cabled:

“Grieved learn passing Knight Bahá’u’lláh Howard Snider devoted steadfast dedicated believer distinguished services pioneer field. Convey family assurance prayers progress his soul Abhá Kingdom.”

A memorial service was held May 25 at the Bahá’í Center in New York City for Zohourullah Sobhani, a respected member of that community since 1969, who died May 17. Mr. Sobhani, a native of Sangsar, Iran, was the great-grandson of Siyyid Ahmad who was martyred at Fort Tabarsi. He was widely known in New York for his willingness to support any and all Bahá’í activities, and kept in touch with friends and relatives all over the world through a constant flow of letters and photographs. On learning of Mr. Sobhani’s death, the Universal House of Justice cabled: ‘Grieved passing steadfast devoted servant Blessed Beauty Zuhurullah Sobhani. Assure his relatives friends loving prayers progress his radiant soul.’

Mabel S. Manly, 98; her family was taught faith by Louis Gregory

Mabel Sadgwar Manly, whose family was taught the Faith by the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory and who became a Bahá’í in 1975 at the age of 87, died Sunday, May 11, at her home in Wilmington, North Carolina, one month after observing her 98th birthday.

Mrs. Manly’s father, Frederick Sadgwar Sr., was probably the first person in North Carolina to accept the Faith, declaring his belief in 1925 after a visit from Mr. Gregory.

Later that same year his youngest daughter, Felice, became a Bahá’í.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Manly and her husband moved to Philadelphia where they lived for 50 years. While there she worked as a horticulturist and practical nurse.

After her husband’s death in 1975, Mrs. Manly returned to Wilmington, accepted the Faith, and spent the last 11 years of her life teaching it to her many friends and acquaintances.

In September 1982, Mrs. Manly and her sister, who survives her, were brought from North Carolina to Wilmette, Illinois, by the National Spiritual Assembly for a special visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship and National Center.

IN MEMORIAM

Mabel Amidon Riverside, CA September 2, 1985	Charles Ealey Cedar Grove, WV Date Unknown	Richard Marshall Allen, SD June 1986	Chester Roubideaux Mission, SD June 1, 1986
Christine Anderson Spartanburg, SC Date Unknown	Socorro Fierro El Paso, TX March 1986	Jack McArter Kentucky April 1986	Ghodsich Samandari Walnut Creek, CA Date Unknown
Oscar Anderson Lancaster, KY April 1986	Clara Foster Chicago, IL April 1986	Esther McCollum Lafayette, IN June 5, 1986	Katayoon Shahrokh Fond du Lac, WI May 13, 1986
Estelle Barrus San Antonio, TX April 26, 1986	Hormoz Ghobad Sherman Oaks, CA April 15, 1986	Cozette McGee Vernon, TX Date Unknown	Maceo Simpson Beaufort, SC Date Unknown
Kay Bateman Austin, TX May 29, 1986	Jessie Gifford Broderick, CA June 20, 1986	Violet Meyers Groveland, FL May 17, 1986	John Singletary Pahokee, FL Date Unknown
Keith Bateman Austin, TX May 22, 1986	Henrietta Goss Monrovia, Liberia May 1986	Alphonse Miller Florence, SC 1985	John Smith Chesapeake, VA February 10, 1986
Harry Barnes Chicago, IL May 29, 1986	Nettie Gotcher Greenville, TX Date Unknown	Lopez Morales Eloy, AZ Date Unknown	Rance Smith Taylors, SC Date Unknown
Othad Barner Cordele, GA Date Unknown	Rico Grissit Moore Haven, FL Date Unknown	Betty Neal Marietta, GA July 9, 1986	Shirley Smith Chesapeake, VA Date Unknown
Annie Brown Wapato, WA June 25, 1986	Reinfred Harris Teaneck, NJ May 20, 1986	Henry D. Nelson Jackson, MS February 20, 1986	Versie Smith Watonga, OK 1984
Harvey Brown Waskom, TX Date Unknown	Willie Harris Jr. Lexington, SC Date Unknown	Louise Niblack Waukegan, IL February 9, 1986	Rosendo Solis Brownsville, TX Date Unknown
Leona Chatman Greenville, TX Date Unknown	Annie Hawkins Americus, GA Date Unknown	Alvin Norwood Bremerton, WA May 1986	James Stevens Sr. Ruffin, SC July 1983
David Lee Clark San Jose, CA June 2, 1986	Louis Hawkins Greenville, TX Date Unknown	Russell Owaleon Zuni, NM April 19, 1986	Dan Steward Ruffin, SC Date Unknown
Patricia Conrad Auburn, CA June 21, 1986	Joseph Hernandez Chicago, IL February 13, 1986	John Owens Beaufort, SC Date Unknown	Alice Strozier Grantville, OH May 1981
Barbara Cummings Concord, CA June 28, 1986	Lewis Hilliard Sun City, AZ May 9, 1986	Annie Flo Parker Clewiston, FL Date Unknown	Eleanor Svendsen Pompano Beach, FL Date Unknown
Martha Curtiss Mesa, AZ September 27, 1985	Johnnie Jackson Pahokee, FL Date Unknown	Barney Patterson Vernon, TX Date Unknown	Lula Townsend Rowland, NC July 1985
Mrs. Charles Decker Waskom, TX Date Unknown	Henry Jenkins Ruffin, SC 1982	Lula Pierce Florence, SC 1985	William Vance Hartford, CT January 1986
Jean Dickson Broderick, CA June 9, 1986	Lizzie Johnson Watonga, OK March 19, 1986	Charles Prive S. Portland, ME June 9, 1986	Vernon Vincent Morton, IL May 14, 1986
Dorothy Dalleine Commack, NY May 24, 1986	Robert Johnson Portsmouth, NH June 10, 1986	Habibullah Rahmani Walnut Creek, CA January 27, 1984	Sidney Way Brownsburg, IN May 27, 1986
Puran Dhariwal Mesa, AZ April 14, 1986	Carol A. Joy Richmond, VA June 13, 1986	William Roudy Maxton, NC January 23, 1985	Dan Williams Ridgeville, SC 1984
Ernest Dunk Lafayette, IN April 29, 1985	Ela Mae Key Pahokee, FL Date Unknown	Frances Reaves Mullins, SC Date Unknown	Toney Wilson Clewiston, FL Date Unknown
Leroy Dominick Lexington, SC March 1, 1986	Mary Linton Walnut Creek, CA March 3, 1986

N.C. media ads lead to hour-long panel on radio talk show

On May 9, radio station WLLE in Raleigh, North Carolina, presented an hour-long talk show featuring a diverse panel of four Bahá’ís.

The program resulted from the discovery by its two hostesses of public service announcements advertising local semi-monthly firesides that were being announced in 50 local media by the Greater Raleigh Bahá’í Public Information Office.

Total cost of each PSA mailing: $7 (14-cent postcards).

One result of the program was the reaffirmation of faith by a listener who had been enrolled elsewhere and now wishes to rededicate his efforts. [Page 28]Pictured are the Khmer Singers of St. Petersburg, Florida. Front row (left to right) Kimthier, Kimthai, Sopheap. Second row (left to right) Songhai, Vuthy, Songhy, Ramany, Kimthy, Youeth, Chanthou, Narin. Back row (left to right) Samoeun, Bruce Butler.

St. Petersburg

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later, finding that they had considered themselves to be Bahá’ís all along.

One night, the treasurer of the Assembly called to get an accurate count of the number of believers for his Feast report, and was told by the chairman, jokingly, to call back the next morning for the most up-to-date account.

Not five minutes later, the Assembly secretary returned from a deepening and announced two more declarations.

One Bahá’í had a dream about discussing with the English teacher the difference between “peach” and “pear.” She awoke to a telephone call from a social service agency asking if the Bahá’ís would visit a newly arrived Cambodian family.

That evening, several Bahá’ís met that family, and much to their astonishment, the mother’s last name was “Pheach” and she had a “pair” of daughters. All three have become active Bahá’í teachers.

In one Cambodian neighborhood, one house has had three families living in it at different times. Each one has joined the Faith. The house is now empty and we are eagerly waiting to see if the next family that moves in will become attracted to God’s Cause.

With all the teaching activities, we’ve been given many proclamation opportunities. It is known throughout St. Petersburg that if you want to hear music about peace, you should call the Bahá’í singing group, “New Horizons,” which has been asked to perform for the UN Association, the St. Petersburg Council on Human Relations, and many churches.

At a recent peace proclamation, a U.S. congressman said, with tears in his eyes, “What I am doing won’t work, but what you Bahá’ís are doing will work.”

So what happened to that goal of 130 Bahá’ís by the end of the Seven Year Plan?

Well, as of March 1986 the number of Bahá’ís in St. Petersburg was 162.

We thank God for the 85 gifts this past year and for the understanding that “audacious” should be a common word in every Bahá’í community.

Illinois ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ host ‘chocolate-tasting’ party as fund-raiser

As a fund-raising event, the Bahá’ís of Libertyville Township, Illinois, recently invited Bahá’ís and their guests from surrounding communities to a “chocolate-tasting party.”

Everyone was invited to enter a contest to determine the tastiest chocolate dish (homemade or store-bought).

Voting was done by the chocolate “experts” using dollar bills as “ballots” (non-Bahá’ís were provided with and children offered play money). A $25 gift certificate, redeemable at the Bahá’í House of Worship bookstore, was given to the person who brought the winning dish. After the tasting and voting were completed, leftovers were auctioned off.

A total of $134.50 was raised and forwarded to the National Bahá’í Fund.

Conferencia

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que hacerse de antemano. Ayude a que este proyecto tenga ‎exito éxito‎. Busque el formulario de donador en el número de julio de The American Bahá’í o ‎pongase póngase‎ en contacto con: Blood Drive, 101 Via de Tesoros, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

OPORTUNIDAD PARA VOLUNTARIOS: Hay necesidad de sus servicios para muchas de las tareas que harán que la conferencia sea un ‎exito éxito‎. Si Ud. puede ofrecer cualquier de sus talentos, favor de pedir hoy el “volunteer information profile.” Escriba a la dirección a continuación, o busque el formulario en The American Bahá’í: Volunteer Coordination Task Force, P.O. Box 243, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

Favor de Notar:

‎INSCRIPCION INSCRIPCIÓN‎: A pesar de que los formularios de inscripción en The American Bahá’í se vean diferentes de los que están incluidos en el folleto para la Conferencia sobre la Paz, ambos contienen la misma información y se puede usar cualquier de los dos.

FOLLETOS: Se encuentran disponibles gratis, al pedírselas, copias adicionales del folleto para la Conferencia sobre la Paz. Se enviarán a vuelta de correo. Escriba o llame a: Peace Conference Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (312-869-9030).

Los Angeles

from page 1

tige of the community was to dissolve the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, as announced at the community meeting on July 19.

The major reason for this regrettable but necessary action was the inability of the Spiritual Assembly to cope with the demands of the administration of the community’s spiritual and operational affairs and the resulting deterioration of conditions in the community.

The National Assembly perceives the remedy to be the mounting of a fresh program for the spiritual revitalization of the community. We have, therefore, taken a second step and appointed an administrative committee to carry out certain functions and to work toward the restoration of a vigorous pattern of community activities and the stabilization of the community’s affairs so that the Spiritual Assembly can be re-established at the earliest possible date.

Should you wish to contact the committee, please call Mrs. Gry Kvalheim at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.

The National Assembly is certain that each Bahá’í in Los Angeles will give wholehearted support and cooperation to the administrative committee as it works to fulfill its responsibilities. We encourage every believer to ponder the loving words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá written to the early Bahá’ís of Los Angeles during a period of difficulty.

... Walk, therefore, with a sure step and engage with the utmost assurance and confidence in the promulgation of the divine fragrances, the glorification of the Word of God and firmness in the Covenant.

Rest ye assured that if a soul ariseth in the utmost perseverance and raiseth the Call of the Kingdom and resolutely promulgateth the Covenant, be he an insignificant ant he shall be enabled to drive away the formidable elephant from the arena. ...

Endeavor, therefore, that ye may scatter and disperse the army of doubt and of error with the power of the holy utterances. This is my exhortation and this is my counsel. ...

We know that the members of the Los Angeles Bahá’í community possess the spiritual strength to undertake the demanding task which confronts them and we are ready to provide assistance to the community whenever needed. We ask for your prayers and we assure you of ours.

With warm regards, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States July 21, 1986

House of Justice, peace statement nominated for 1986 award from Beyond War Foundation

The Universal House of Justice and its statement “The Promise of World Peace” have been nominated for the 1986 Beyond War Award given each year by the Beyond War Foundation.

The nomination, made by Bahá’ís and Beyond War members William and Esther DeTally of Manhattan Beach, California, was acknowledged in a letter from the Foundation dated June 17.

Its selection committee is presently reviewing more than 300 nominations for the award. The recipient will be announced in September and the award given in December.