The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 11/Text

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Two more Bahá’ís, both imprisoned for three years, put to death in Iran

WITH PROFOUND SORROW AND DEEP SENSE OUTRAGE WE CONVEY REPORT JUST RECEIVED AT WORLD CENTER THAT ON 28 SEPTEMBER TWO BAHÁ’ÍS WERE EXECUTED IN TEHRAN. MR. ARDISHIR AKHTARI AND MR. AMIR-HUSAYN NADIRI WERE FORMER MEMBERS OF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF IRAN. BOTH HAD BEEN IN PRISON SINCE 12 SEPTEMBER 1984. DEATH SENTENCES WERE PASSED WHILE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF UNITED NATIONS WAS VISITING IRAN.

MESSRS AKHTARI AND NADIRI AS WELL AS MR. SURUSH JABBARI AND MR. ABU’L-QASIM SHAYIQ WHO WERE EXECUTED ON 3 MARCH 1987 WERE AMONG GROUP OF 14 BAHÁ’Í PRISONERS WHOSE FATE HAS BEEN SOURCE ACUTE CONCERN TO BAHÁ’ÍS IRAN SINCE BEGINNING THIS YEAR.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OCTOBER 1, 1987

December 5, 1912: Friends say sad farewell to Master

‘Abdu’l-Bahá left America on December 5, 1912. During His last days in the U.S. the Master made few public addresses; he was busy with the friends, encouraging and instructing them as to what they should accomplish in His absence. One of the things that He stressed in His instructions was the importance of building the House of Worship.

Many of the friends, coming to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the last time, brought gifts for Him and His family. He asked that the gifts be sold to help build the House of Worship:

“I am pleased with your services and I am grateful for all you have done for Me....Now you have brought presents for the members of My family. They are acceptable, but the best of all presents is the love of God which remains preserved in the treasuries of hearts.

“Material presents require chests and shelves for safe keeping while this is preserved in the repositories of the minds and hearts and remains eternal and immortal forever in the divine worlds.

“I shall, therefore, convey to them your love which is the most precious of all gifts. No one uses diamond rings in our home and no one wants rubies. That house is free from all these things.

“I, however, accept your presents but I leave them in your safe keeping with the request that you will kindly sell them and send the proceeds to the funds for the...

Nearly 1,200 at Green Lake keep ‘service entrance’ busy

By LAURA E. HILDRETH

The nearly 1,200 people who gathered September 18-20 for the 28th annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference at the American Baptist Assembly center in Green Lake, Wisconsin, were asked to “Please Use the Service Entrance” because, as the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic visit to North America was being celebrated across the country, living a life of service to the Cause as exemplified by the Master was the central theme of the world’s largest annual Bahá’í conference.

Bahá’ís and their guests enjoyed talks by a number of outstanding speakers, and attended a variety of optional Saturday afternoon sessions, each of which concerned some aspect of service to the Cause of God.

In helping the friends to prepare themselves for service, Counselor Robert Harris quoted the late Hand of the Cause of God Rahmátu’lláh Muhájir: “Don’t wait until it’s convenient to serve. The opportunities will not be there if you wait.

“The day will come when you’ll be ready to serve the Faith; you’ll go to the Bahá’í Center and say, ‘Please, let me sweep the floor!’ And you’ll be told, ‘Sorry, all the brooms are busy now!’

“We have the vision,” Counselor Harris added, “the dream of...

United Nations honors Bahá’í community as ‘Peace Messenger’

During a ceremony held September 15 at United Nations headquarters in New York City, the worldwide Bahá’í community was honored for its “significant and concrete contributions” to the 1986 International Year of Peace.

The Bahá’í International Community was designated by UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar as a “Peace Messenger” for its efforts during the year-long...

Louhelen Residential College

Pictured are members of the 1987 student body at the Louhelen Residential College, the first class ever enrolled in the college based at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan. Back row (left to right) are Sophia Bemnet (Ethiopia), Lisa Keillor (Costa Rica), Shirlene Brown (South Carolina), Najin Mansuri (Ecuador), Donna Jenkyns (Haifa, Israel), Kareem Abdullah (Michigan) and Erik Larson (Alaska).

Front row (left to right) are Dirk Myers (Alaska), Calvin Pumpkinseed (South Dakota), Phyllis Begay (Arizona), Perry Jenkyns (Haifa), Barbara Hennix (South Carolina) and Lutha Mae Williams (South Carolina). Not pictured are Seraj Ardakani (Michigan) and Philippa Cameron (Solomon Islands).

Presentation of ‘The Promise of World Peace’

On October 9, Judge James F. Nelson (second from left), chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to Ezra Taft Benson (second from right), president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon), at the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Also pictured are Gordon B. Hinkley (left) and Thomas S. Mansen, first presidents of the Church. During the meeting, which lasted nearly half an hour, Mr. Benson presented Judge Nelson with a copy of the book The Mormons. A press conference followed at which Judge Nelson spoke with representatives from seven media outlets including the Associated Press, one television station and two radio stations. He was also interviewed for an hour on the Bahá’í radio program in Salt Lake City.

Gregory Peace Fest ’87 features A Peace Award, ‘Peace Orchestra’

By DAVID E. OGRON

The presentation of a new Peace Award to the Attorney General of South Carolina and the first two performances of a 16-member Bahá’í “Peace Orchestra” were among the highlights of Peace Fest ’87 held September 16-19 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

The second annual Peace Festival also featured Gospel singing, dance, contemporary music, an international buffet, excellent speakers, and special recognition ceremonies.

The four-day event began September 16 with a jazz concert attended by some 350 Bahá’ís and their guests who saw and heard the premier performance of the Peace Orchestra, composed almost entirely of Bahá’ís from across the country and fronted by internationally acclaimed trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie. Prior to the performance, Mr. Gillespie was presented the first Louis G. Gregory “Ambassador of Peace” Award.

Also on the program Wednesday evening was Palmetto Jazz, a group from Columbia.

The Peace Orchestra performed again the following evening, this time under the leadership of its coordinator, Marvin (Doc) Holladay, a Bahá’í from Rochester, Michigan, who has played saxophone with some of the outstanding big bands in the country including those led by Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Carter, Gerald Wilson and...

Tenor saxophonist Roger Hogan takes a solo turn with the Bahá’í Peace Orchestra. [Page 2]

Ceremony at Louhelen School opens its Residential College

The Louhelen Residential College was officially opened with inauguration ceremonies September 6.

This major development project, a first step in bringing about a full-fledged Bahá’í post-secondary institution, was launched after four years of planning and consultation.

Fifteen students are enrolled in the first class including two Native Americans, two Persians, five whites (non-Persian) and five blacks.

The students have come from Ethiopia, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Solomon Islands and Israel as well as from Alaska, Arizona, Michigan, South Carolina and South Dakota.

They are living at the Louhelen Bahá’í School and are enrolled in degree-earning programs at either the University of Michigan (Flint campus) or Mott Community College. (One student, Eric Larson from Alaska, is also taking pilot training at an area flight school.)

The students are also involved in a Bahá’í Studies class, a study skills class, a weekly deepening program, a program of service at Louhelen.

Dr. Vi Clark is conducting the formal Bahá’í Studies class while other Bahá’ís in the area are helping with deepening classes, tutoring, and social and recreational activities.

While the LRC is intended to provide a strong spiritual, social and intellectual framework for any college-age student, the National Assembly has directed the Louhelen school to help especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds and from regions where the growth of the Faith has been significant.

At the inauguration, held during Louhelen's traditional Homecoming, William Davis, representing the National Spiritual Assembly, and Counselor Wilma Brady spoke to the students and a large number of guests.

A representative of the chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint also spoke and pledged its full support in the development of this joint educational venture.

Representatives of admissions and minority affairs offices at Mott Community College also were present.

The Universal House of Justice sent this message to the assembled students and guests:

"The inauguration of the Louhelen Residential College today marks a milestone in the progress of the Bahá’í community in the United States, initiating a process which it is hoped will culminate in the fulfillment of Shoghi Effendi's vision for the emergence of a full-fledged university from the Bahá’í summer school activities made possible by the generosity of Lou and Helen Eggleston.

"May the unflagging endeavor of all involved in this highly significant enterprise be so abundantly nourished and confirmed by the outpouring of Divine blessings as to result in the raising up of successive groups of uniquely trained, spiritually ennobled persons able, willing and ready to render services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh that will enrich the quality and contribute to the peace of all humankind.

"You are lovingly remembered in our ardent prayers at the Holy Shrines."

The LRC hopes to admit a second class in the fall of 1988, bringing the student body to about 26.

Additional information about the Louhelen Residential College can be obtained from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

And then a member of the Schools Committee arose, and tearfully said, "This is the day for Valiant youth to arise and serve... Where is that heroic example of virtue who will give a Year of Service to his glorious Baha'i school?" And I said, "Here I am." well, somehow I had envisioned something else, but the more I do this, the more a-peeling it becomes...

QB EMPLOYEES ONLY IN KITCHEN AREA

By Chris Cholas, Corozal Town, Belize

Strong family society's 'basic building block'

"GREATEST Name" plaques in plexiglass and picture frames in which to mount them are available in a number of attractive colors from "Unity," 324 Highland Drive, Suite 103, Glen Burnie, MD 21061.

VIEWPOINT

As we review the goals of the Six Year Plan, many of us are fascinated by the possibilities that lie ahead for our Faith.

We are bringing ourselves to account and developing, both individually and collectively, plans of action.

As we develop these plans it becomes all too easy to underestimate the role of the family in achieving growth, development and integration.

The family is not only the basic building block of society but part of the very foundation upon which will be built the promised World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

In "The Promise of World Peace," the Universal House of Justice says to the peoples of the world, "If the Bahá’í experience can contribute in whatever measure to reinforcing hope in the unity of the human race, we are happy to offer it as a model for study."

With the eyes of the world on our Bahá’í community, it is imperative that we develop our families which can contribute so greatly to the life of the community.

Because the family is the basic unit of society, it must be the cornerstone of world unity.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked that we "compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations and you have all humanity.

"The conditions surrounding the family surround the nation. The happenings in the family are the happenings in the life of the nation... for nations are but an aggregate of families.

"Therefore as strife and dissension destroy a family and prevent its progress, so nations are destroyed and advancement hindered." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 157)

The foundation of a strong family is a strong marriage. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá described what a strong marriage should be, saying:

"Bahá’í marriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart....

"The true marriage of Bahá’ís is this, that husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other and may enjoy everlasting unity throughout all the worlds of God." (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 118)

We must prepare ourselves for marriage through a firm grounding in the Sacred Writings of the Faith and a thorough investigation of the character of a potential spouse.

Moreover, having married, we must continually strive to strengthen that bond through consultation, support and action.

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1987 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Growth

Our own families offer potential for the growth of our beloved Faith. Bahá’u’lláh says, "Enter into wedlock, O people, that ye may bring forth one who will make mention of Me...." (Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 17)

This entails not only bringing new life into the world through the procreative process but a manifestation of our philoprogenitive spirit in the education and training of our offspring.

Additionally, many of us have non-Bahá’ís in our immediate and extended families. We can strive to reach them with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

This month's column, "The Bahá’í Family," was written by Gilbert Smith of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Development

A major aspect of the development of the Bahá’í community is the strengthening of Bahá’í family and community life.

Many of our Six Year Plan goals reflect the import thereof. Some of them are:

• to encourage and support the improvement of Bahá’í family life through the establishment of local and national programs on marriage, child-rearing, family development and other related topics;

• to encourage individuals, families and communities to engage regularly in dawn prayer;

• to increase the understanding and practice of the art of consultation among children, youth and adults, within families, and among those serving on institutions of the Faith and their agencies;

• to foster the development of distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life among individuals, families and Bahá’í communities;

• to further the development of the role of women and to foster the practice of the equality of the sexes both in the Bahá’í community and in the society at large and, for these purposes, to hold conferences and initiate programs for women and men;

• to initiate a campaign, based on both the Bahá’í writings and the findings of science, on the use and effects of drugs and alcohol;

• to initiate a campaign on the spiritual and social importance of chastity;

• to encourage the development of drama and the arts as an integral part of Bahá’í life and to expand the participation of artists in all kinds of community activities, such as the Nineteen Day Feast, conventions and conferences.

Consultation is a commandment of God and a must in the development of strong Bahá’í families. Bahá’u’lláh has written:

"The Great Being saith: The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion.

"Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding." (Quoted in Consultation: A Compilation, p. 3)

The Universal House of Justice has added that "Bahá’u’lláh came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental unity is that of the family. Therefore, one must believe that the Faith is intended to strengthen the family, not weaken it, and one of the keys to the strengthening of unity is loving consultation.

"The atmosphere within a Bahá’í family as within the community as a whole should express 'the keynote of the Cause of God' which, the beloved Guardian has stated, 'is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation.'" (Quoted in Family Life, pp. 61-62)

Integration

If we foster complete and total love and affinity within our families, we can have a profound impact on those around us. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:

"When you love a member of your family or a compatriot, let it be with a ray of the infinite love! Let it be in God, and for God! Wherever you find the attributes of God love that person whether he be of your family or another." (Paris Talks, p. 38)

"If love and agreement are manifest in a single family," He tells us, "that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 144-45)

Beyond developing unity and understanding, families can address social and cultural issues af-

See VIEWPOINT page 20 [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 views or to attack anyone on a personal level. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and 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.

More about UNIFON

To the Editor:

In response to Susan Gilman's letter (July) about the reformed English alphabet, UNIFON, while I can understand and sympathize with a wish to simplify what is admittedly a difficult language to learn and use, I have severe problems with some of the assertions made in her letter.

In teaching my five-year-old daughter the English alphabet, I am not "telling phonetic lies" to her; I am teaching her the symbols used by my particular tribe to communicate.

The symbols used by UNIFON are no more or less honest than any symbols; they simply correspond more closely to 20th century spoken English.

As to whether or not this imparts enough of an advantage to justify the cataclysm that would be generated within our society by a change in alphabets, I have no opinion. Note, however, the enthusiasm with which we Americans have embraced the metric system for measurements.

Ms. Gilman writes that UNIFON symbols would be "easily adaptable to computers." As a software engineer, I agree that the symbols wouldn't mind a bit. After all, they have no objective existence. Nor would the computers mind, being made out of pieces of rock.

However, all operating system software, application software packages and programming languages would be rendered instantly obsolete, not to mention keyboards, video display terminals and printers. We'd be back to pencil and paper. (I started to say typewriters, but they'd be gone too, wouldn't they?)

Changing from the ASCII and EBCDIC character sets to some as yet uninvented set of character codes for the UNIFON alphabet would be no harder than changing to Sanskrit, but no easier either. An illustrative study in this area can be found in the recent effort to devise a good set of character codes for the Japanese language.

I find myself arguing against the merits of UNIFON, but this was not my intent. Everyone needs a hobby, and there is nothing wrong with Ms. Gilman having UNIFON as hers, or even as her profession if she can find someone willing to do the paying; but it's not the "boon of boons." God's message is the boon of boons.

Nothing on this earth, not the field of education or anything else, will be a "veritable garden" until mankind accepts the balm offered by the True Physician.

Everyone, as I said, needs a hobby, but let's keep our hobbies in perspective. We already have the divine remedy for the redemption of this tired old world; let's not start adding ingredients just 'cause they're handy and we like the smell.

Mark A. Clark Fort Worth, Texas

To the Editor:

This is in response to Susan Gilman's letter (July) about UNIFON (a system to reform the English language).

I have often felt the same frustration with English that she has, especially when it comes to spelling, and I must use my dictionary frequently. But I am not in favor of UNIFON, for several reasons:

1. Which English language would be used as the base for UNIFON? Sounds must correspond to letters, but whose sounds? The Australians? The British? The Canadians?

Is it possible to develop UNIFON without a great deal of international planning on the part of all English-speaking people? How will all the foreign diplomats, businessmen, tradespeople, tourist agents, and so on learn the new system without great expense to themselves?

2. And think of the tremendous expense that would occur in our own country as all of our literature, our Constitution and other documents, our highway signs, maps, in fact everything in print would have to be rewritten so that our younger generations could read them.

And there are our wonderful computers with their programs based on English, and our electric typewriters with their 50,000-word dictionaries, etc.

3. Would a free-wheeling society such as ours accept a sweeping change toward uniformity? I think not. As an example, one need only look at our excitement about using the metric system, which has been in general use elsewhere for some 200 years.

There is, however, a language which does use an exact sound-to-letter relationship, has no exceptions, is extremely easy to spell, pronounce and learn.

Having studied that language, Esperanto, for more than 10 years, I have found it to be both uniform and user-friendly. Let our children study this amazing international language, now 100 years old and more useful than ever.

When students learn Esperanto, they'll be learning the basic roots of their own and most western European languages.

With a good teacher, they'll also learn a new awareness of English and learn how its history appears in its odd spelling.

There is a reference in the Old Testament (Zephaniah 3:9) which says that at the time of the end, God will give the people a "pure language."

We Esperantists believe that Esperanto is that very language, and that none of the present national languages is pure because of the very nature of language.

Only Esperanto, having been developed and used as an auxiliary language to promote communication among all the various language groups on earth, can, by its process of regulation through the Universal Esperanto Association, remain a fairly pure language, whereas any attempt to "purify" English in any way would meet with insurmountable obstacles.

June Fritz Wilber, Nebraska

Auxiliary Board member Marchia Morey wears the shawl she was given during a Bahá’í-sponsored friendship dance in July on the Crow Reservation in Montana.

Credit where it's due

To the Editor:

Your August issue reported on the Crow Reservation friendship dance; it did not mention that the event was initiated by James Door, a Crow Indian Bahá’í at Crow Agency who consulted with other non-Indian Bahá’ís of Montana on how to begin the process of activating the Bahá’í community at Crow Agency.

Mr. Door asked the Bahá’ís of Montana to help with a picnic. From this grew the event which eventually became the first Bahá’í-sponsored dance on a Reservation.

In fact, it was pointed out by the Crow master of ceremonies that this was the first time anyone had ever brought them "a feed" since the Crow had always provided the food for their guests.

At this event, the Crow were the guests, and the Bahá’ís supplied the food, beverages and money for the drums and dancers.

They were very appreciative. Several of the Bahá’ís, including Auxiliary Board member Marchia Morey, were called out to be presented shawls or blankets.

It was a lovely event which all began because of the devotion of James Door who would like to see a closer association between the non-Indian Bahá’ís in Montana and the Bahá’ís on the Crow Reservation.

George B. Galinkin Butte, Montana

The '12-Step Programs'

To the Editor:

I was enlightened by the woman who wrote the letter (August) about the "12-Step Programs." It is interesting because the Green Acre School is having something on them this weekend.

At a Bahá’í meeting in New Hampshire, it was brought up many times that Bahá’ís have to go outside the Faith to those support groups when they should be getting that support from the Bahá’ís themselves. I couldn't agree more.

But one Bahá’í near here has a book that we borrowed called Love and Estrangement in the Bahá’í Community. In it are many things that are dealt with in the 12-Step Programs.

For example, there is a chapter on powerlessness which talks about admitting to God that we are powerless. That is also one of the 12 steps: admitting that one is powerless over alcohol, food, drugs, emotions, or whatever, to God.

I think that if every Bahá’í were to read this book, many of the things that bring about disunity could be eliminated.

Lori Fabian White River Junction, Vermont

Thanks to Project HELP

To the Editor:

Thank you for the article (August) on Project HELP.

I am impressed by the work of the principal organizers, David Langness and Deanne LaRue. I feel proud that a couple of Bahá’ís would initiate a massive medical relief airlift to the poorest and indigent children in the Philippines.

This effort reflects the sensitivity, generosity and practicality of the American Bahá’ís and the American nation.

J.S. Laurico Sacramento, California

'Myth'-or prophecy?

To the Editor:

Ben Norris' letter (August), in which he refers to a session at the Bosch School on "Bahá’í myths"—that is, concepts which are held as true by individual Bahá’ís although they do not exist in the Writings—has prompted me to write.

One of the "myths" concerned the idea that people in the future will become exclusively vegetarian. In Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (p. 102), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is quoted as saying:

"Fruits and grains (will be the food of the future). Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground."

On the same subject, the Master also said: "As humanity progresses, meat will be used less and less, for the teeth of man are not carnivorous. For example, the lion is endowed with carnivorous teeth, which are intended for meat, and if meat be not found, the lion starves.

"The lion cannot graze; its teeth are of a different shape. The digestive system of the lion is such that it cannot receive nourishment save through meat. The eagle has a crooked beak, the lower part shorter than the upper. It cannot pick up grain; it cannot graze; therefore, it is compelled to partake of meat.

"The domestic animals have herbivorous teeth formed to cut grass, which is their fodder. The human teeth, the molars, are formed to grind. The front teeth, the incisors, are for fruits, etc.

"It is, therefore, quite apparent according to the implements for eating that man's food is intended to be grain and not meat. When mankind is more fully developed, the eating of meat will gradually cease." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 170-71)

I do not intend to make an issue of this, or to say that Bahá’í law forbids meat-eating, when in fact, it does not. But it appears to me that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá clearly stated that mankind would someday discontinue the use of animals for food.

Wallace Pryor Farmington, Missouri

Let's use our calendar!

To the Editor:

Lately I've noticed a lack of desire to use the Bahá’í calendar. I've heard the excuse that since the rest of society uses the Gregorian calendar it's too confusing.

I feel the time has come for the American Bahá’ís to create a Bahá’í identity, and one way is to use the Bahá’í calendar prominently.

I was happy to see the calendar by the Publishing Trust conform...

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A new range of books for the very young child God Is... — Why in the World? — Growing

The first three in a series of twelve, these booklets are designed to help parents teach their very young children some of the abstract concepts of the Faith. Each booklet is illustrated with fifteen line drawings suitable for the child to colour in.

Set of 3, 32 pages each booklet Softcover $8.95

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880 or through your local distribution representative No postage on orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States (add 15% outside this area). [Page 4]

GEORGE W. HENDERSON

Shortly after becoming a Bahá’í in 1915, Professor George W. Henderson moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he established a successful black business college. The Faith was well-received in Memphis, but the development of a deepened Bahá’í community was slow.

As Gayle Morrison notes in her biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory, To Move the World, Memphis was isolated from the greater Bahá’í community, and the group of Bahá’ís there depended heavily on Professor Henderson, who had many other interests and responsibilities competing for his time. For many years, Louis Gregory was the Memphis community's only contact with other Bahá’ís.

In a letter dated June 13, 1921 (now in the National Archives in Wilmette), addressed to Louis Gregory, Professor Henderson wrote:

"It is not mine to write, but I try to teach. It seems that the city of Memphis has taken me up in its arms and put me on the mountain top.

"Churches, clubs, organizations of all kinds and the various schools are calling on me to talk from time to time. I have very little to say and yet they are always asking me to say that little.

"...I have been asked to conduct this Lyceum every Sunday during the summer. The attendance ranges from six hundred to one thousand people of all classes, ages and colors....Every church or denomination is represented...."

With Mr. Gregory's help, the Memphis community formed its first local Spiritual Assembly in 1941, and Professor Henderson was elected to serve on that Assembly.

When he died in 1944, Louis Gregory published a tribute to him in The Bahá’í World:

"Professor George W. Henderson, Henderson Business College, Memphis, Tennessee, ascended to his eternal home December 24, 1944. Then ended a mortal career which in two ways bore a similitude to that of the Master.

"The length of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry as Center of the Covenant was 29 years. George Henderson's Bahá’í life, at a different time, covered exactly the same..."

Green Lake

"...world peace, and we have the Source of power to bring it about.

"We must serve mankind; give the world this dream that's in our hearts. Let's do it now, because when we feel like doing it, all the brooms may be busy."

Other featured speakers at Green Lake were Dr. Jane Faily, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor; Ernestine Berkey, representing the Bahá’í National Committee on Women; Dr. Manuchehr Derakhshani, secretary of the National Persian/American Affairs Committee; and Dr. Daryush Haghighi, a Trustee of the Huqúqu’lláh.

Dr. Faily, speaking on "Servitude," observed that we have been given the opportunity to serve during the Six Year Plan, 1986-1992, which coincides with the hundredth anniversary of the last six years of Bahá’u’lláh’s life.

During that time, she said, Bahá’u’lláh had left the prison-city of ‘Akká and was living in the mansion of Bahjí, where He wrote the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, a warning to the people, calling them to account.

"The Universal House of Justice," she said, "has said that the Faith has emerged from obscurity. Even as Bahá’u’lláh left the Most Great Prison, we have now emerged from the prison of obscurity.

"In 'The Promise of World Peace,' the House of Justice addresses the peoples of the world, repeating the warnings given by Bahá’u’lláh. Like Bahá’u’lláh, Who summoned the people to achieve their salvation, the Universal House of Justice summons the people of the world to achieve peace.

"The old world order is crumbling around us. We have been given the opportunity to serve before the establishment of the Lesser Peace. We have a chance to respond to the agony of a world torn by racism. Let us seize this path of service; let us long to be servants!"

Mr. Taylor spoke about the possibilities of extraordinary Bahá’í communities, describing the unique and impressive nature of the Bahá’í world community.

"When we look at the big picture," he said, "what we are able to achieve seems quite incredible, yet on the local level, the global perspective is not always apparent to the friends."

Colorful costumes helped make the party a 'knight' to remember.

The challenge before us now, he said, is to use that power inherent in the Faith to do things that are "a little less spectacular," in other words, to meet the challenges we deal with every day in the local community.

"Through the development of healthy Bahá’í communities, building and maintaining strong relationships, and nurturing a distinctive Bahá’í spirit in our large and diverse family," said Mr. Taylor, "we can demonstrate to the world that our vision is indeed becoming a reality."

Mrs. Berkey's two addresses were entitled "Service Above and Beyond the Call" and "The Maidservants of Bahá’u’lláh."

We need to ask ourselves, she said, "how we can best serve to help bring about the maturity of the Faith.

"It would be nice," she added, "if, as the Faith emerges from obscurity, we as Bahá’ís would follow it and emerge also."

In addition to the speakers, the main sessions included entertainment and two splendid audio-visual presentations.

Anne Atkinson of Wilmette, Illinois, delighted everyone with "The Lotus," a slide presentation on the House of Worship in India produced by Charles Nolley, while Ben Levy of Lake Mary, Florida, presented a series of slides on "The Guardian: A Life of Service."

The Green Lake bookstore included many new titles as well as new editions of old favorites.

A series of "peace posters" made by children was displayed, and a new feature was a slide presentation on "Service at the Bahá’í National Center," produced by the Department of Human Resources at the National Center.

This year's 16 optional Saturday afternoon sessions were given titles which aptly described various ways in which to serve.

The children, of course, were well-cared-for and well-fed.

Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor urges the friends to look at the 'big picture.'

The sessions, and those conducting them, were:

PLEASE USE THE SERVICE ENTRANCE

Singer/guitarist Mark Spittal was among the many fine entertainers at Green Lake this year.

• Soft Service (chanting in English): Donna Kime.
• First Service (Bahá’í basics): Don Quintenz.
• Dedicated Service (Persian-American Affairs): Manuchehr Derakhshani, Puran Stevens.
• Equal Service (women's issues): Ernestine Berkey.
• Public Service (for Public Information Reps): Ronald Precht.
• Integrated Service (the challenge): Kathleen Magill.
• Prayer Service (prayer and meditation): Carolyn and Loren Ritacca.
• Social Service (social and economic development): Sharon and Ron Hicks.
• Family Service (parenting and children): Steve Suhm.
• Family Service (parenting teens): Steve Suhm.
• Funeral Service (writing a will): Diane Loftus and Claudius Adebayo.
• The Art of Service (spirituality and the arts): Ann Atkinson, Mark Ochu.
• Extended Service (Huqúqu’lláh): Daryush Haghighi.
• Service Contracts (the Covenant): Robert Harris.
• Recruiting Service (for potential authors): Betty Fisher, Terrill Hayes.
• Recruiting Service (for potential employees): Mary Hansen.

Counselor Harris also addressed a special session for youth, saying today's young people feel they are living in "Disney World."

"They need to be allowed to travel to other countries where they can truly experience life," he said. "They need to be shown those who are truly in need, so that their Bahá’í hearts can respond to that need and they can learn how to serve."

The younger children took part in a variety of activities including a "nature hike." They enjoyed an afternoon in the kitchen baking cookies and a large "bread-person" which was the hit of their Sunday morning party, at which they shared the products of their endeavors.

The musical presentations at Green Lake are always splendid, and this year was no exception. The friends enjoyed music by guitarist Mark Spittal; singers Phyllis Peterson, Becky Rice, Jill Simon, George Davis, and "Songstone," a quartet from Milwaukee; pianists Donna Kime and Mark Ochu; and the santour-piano duo of Kiu Haghighi and Rosamond Brenner.

Also greatly appreciated were eloquent speeches by three young Bahá’ís, Erin Bodan, Errol Doris Jr. and Saba Firoozi; and dramatic performances by Anne Atkinson, Michelle Broussard and Gregory Gaboo.

Following Saturday evening's session, many of the friends gathered at the Green Lake Barn for a gala dance and costume party, "Everybody Loves Saturday Knight," whose theme was medieval but whose music was definitely modern.

Many of the friends came dressed as their favorite medieval "pun," and enjoyed dancing and fellowship far into the "knight." [Page 5]

ALL HANDS ON DECK! CALLING ALL SKILLS!

While many things were learned from our consultation with the handful of business and financial experts who gathered at the National Center in September (see article on this page), one message rang through loud and clear: We have a tremendous reserve of experience and talent in the Bahá’í community that is waiting to be used.

The Office of the Treasurer needs to identify Bahá’ís with experience and training in the following areas: finance, investments, banking, real estate, tax planning, estate planning, business ownership, business financing, fund-raising, financial planning, accounting, business law, commercial law, insurance, pension planning, manufacturing, small business development.

If you have experience or training in any of these areas, or know of someone in your community who has such expertise, please let us know! To meet the challenges facing the National and International Funds, the National Spiritual Assembly will need to draw heavily upon your knowledge and experience. Lending your expertise is another way to give to the Fund; it saves dollars that can be used for other needed projects.

Please fill in the attached form, or send us your resumé or a short letter describing your background. Tell us about your Bahá’í friends too who are skilled in these areas—sometimes they are too shy or modest to tell us themselves, but we need to know. College and graduate students, that means you too!

Name Address Phone number: home work Attach resumé or brief description of your background or business card where appropriate. Send to: Fund Development Director, Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Milwaukee thanks those who attended 'Indian Summer '87'

The members of Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Bahá’í Native American Task Force would like to thank those who attended "Indian Summer '87" in Milwaukee. Among the 24 Bahá’ís at the event was Kevin Locke, a Lakota Indian from South Dakota, who offered a prayer using a small flute in the traditional manner.

If you would like information about the Task Force or any of its upcoming events, phone Lyn Locust at 414-786-5926.

Financial, business pros meet to advise National Assembly

Fifteen business and financial professionals from throughout the American Bahá’í community gathered September 26 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette to consult with and advise the National Spiritual Assembly on its management of assets and expansion of the financial resources of the National and International Funds.

The timing of this meeting, called for in June, proved auspicious in light of the letter of August 31 from the Universal House of Justice received only a few days before calling on each of us to help hasten the day when the "numerical strength," "material power" and "spiritual authority" of the Faith will be increased a thousandfold.

Inspired by that message, and urged by the National Spiritual Assembly to bring to bear their experience in finance, investment, business planning, law, taxation, estate planning, real estate, capital development, insurance and money management on the challenges facing our community in meeting the financial needs of the Universal House of Justice and our National Assembly, the group divided itself into task forces and consulted at length on a variety of issues.

Initially, their consultation was focused on three areas:

1. Business planning and development including evaluating business proposals, cultivating a network among Bahá’í businesspersons, and identifying experienced business owners, managers and advisers.

2. Financial management including cash management and investment policies, investigating the development of Bahá’í-owned financial institutions, and assembling large amounts of capital.

3. Estate planning and fund development including sharing of estate planning techniques among the Bahá’ís, identifying financial planning and fund-raising expertise, and inspiring the friends to help one another increase their personal wealth and material support of the Faith.

Participants included Deanna Recker (Arizona); Ron Carrigan, Anthony Reid and Fred Bruning (California); Jeff Mondschein (Connecticut); Rick Miller (Florida); Bonnie Barnes (Georgia); Mike Hampton (Indiana); Ted Amsden and Steven Gonzales (Michigan); Mike Furst (Minnesota); Grant Kvalheim (New Jersey); Karen Kennedy (New Mexico); Don Decker (Oklahoma); and Iraj Radpour (Tennessee).

If you're involved in ecology...

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of individuals who are involved in ecology, conservation and related areas. Relations with national and international organizations have developed to the point at which the expertise of Bahá’ís in these areas is required. Those who are interested should send a resumé or description outlining their skills and experience to one of the following addresses:

National Bahá’í Office of External Affairs 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009

Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information Attn.: Mr. Hugh Locke New York, NY 10017

"Make me ready, in all circumstances, O my Lord, to serve Thee and to set myself towards the adored sanctuary of Thy Revelation and of Thy Beauty. If it be Thy pleasure, make me to grow as a tender herb in the meadows of Thy grace, that the gentle winds of Thy will may stir me up and bend me into conformity with Thy pleasure, in such wise that my movement and my stillness may be wholly directed by Thee." (Bahá’u’lláh, Prayers and Meditations, CL, p. 240)

To celebrate their son's first birthday, a Bahá’í couple in Reston, Virginia, invited other members of the community to share a Persian dinner. The guests were asked not to bring presents; instead, there was a brief program that focused on the spiritual bounties of giving. A Fund box was provided, and $400 was sent to the International Fund in young Nabil Amini's name. Here he prepares to blow out the lone candle on his cake while his friends Jordan Glist (left) and Amelia Buczinski (with her father, Stephen) look on.

Speech on world peace garners splendid publicity for Durango, Colorado, Bahá’ís

A speech by Ruth Tobey-Hampson of Canon City, Colorado, was the occasion for unprecedented publicity for the Faith in Durango, Colorado, in mid-September.

Invited by the Spiritual Assembly of Durango to speak on September 15, the UN International Day of Peace, Mrs. Hampson spoke about the foundations of world peace.

Few people attended the talk, to which the public was invited, but local media provided a great deal of exposure for the event itself and for Mrs. Hampson's message. The local newspaper, television station, four radio stations, three religious groups and one women's organization carried announcements prior to her talk, mentioning its Bahá’í sponsorship.

One radio station twice broadcast a feature interview, while another (Fort Lewis College's student radio) aired a 15-minute live interview the day after her appearance.

In addition, the newspaper carried a follow-up feature two days later under the headline "Believing peace is possible," which mentioned many of the Bahá’í principles pertaining to women and peace.

The substantial and cost-free coverage brought peace and the Faith to the public's attention as never before in Durango.

CORRECTION

In a photo caption in the August 1987 issue of The American Bahá’í, the names of seven Bahá’ís martyred in June 1981 in Hamadan, Iran, are presented incorrectly. The correct order is: standing (left to right) Husayn Khándil, Dr. Násir Vafá’í, Muhammad Suhráb Habíbí, Dr. Firúz Na’ímí, Tarázu’lláh Khuzayn, and (kneeling left to right) Suhayl Habíbí, Husayn Mutlaq. We regret the error.

Stories relating to Faith, Fund sought

If you have any ideas, or personal stories, relating to developing an affection for the Faith and the Fund in children, youth or new believers, please share them with your Treasurer's Office:

Office of the Treasurer Fund Promotion Department Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Telephone 312-869-9039

"Huqúqu’lláh is indeed a great law. It is incumbent upon all to make this offering, because it is the source of grace, abundance, and of all good. It is a bounty which shall remain with every soul in every world of the worlds of God, the All-Possessing, the All-Bountiful."—Bahá’u’lláh

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to the Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, P.O. Box 927, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (phone 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 213-394-5449).

Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, 21300 Avalon Drive, Rocky River, OH 44116 (216-333-1506). [Page 6]

Some thoughts on balancing pioneering, motherhood

PIONEERING

The Pioneer Post, a publication of the Office of Pioneering, has served as a vehicle for our pioneers to communicate among themselves, sharing events and thoughts that may be helpful to one another.

In September, we included the following letter which we felt brought to light a universal concern. (The Garman family have been pioneers to Africa for 16 years).

Martha Garman, Nigeria—

Merideth's question about the balance of motherhood and Bahá’í service (Pioneer Post, June 1987) needs addressing.

Now in my 17th year of trying it, some ideas have emerged of which the brief summary is this:

Family first—Bahá’u’lláh has made the family the foundation of society. Our service to God can take many forms and must mesh into our lives.

The institution of family has its own cycles: a couple, then babies join the couple, they grow to be school children, then teen-agers. And then, when they leave, a couple again.

Each stage requires varying amounts of input from Mom. Caring for the family is a primary service to God. The family will benefit from a happy Mom who can get a lot of her spiritual joy and satisfaction from her service to God through teaching the Faith and committee work.

Talents—If Mom is an American pioneer who can type, she often finds herself filling a need for organization, planning and secretarial work in whatever group of Bahá’ís she meets. She may need the wisdom to pick and choose the area of greatest contribution.

Mom cannot do everything she would like for everyone she meets or every Bahá’í group that needs her talents. She needs to make choices based on prayer and experience, then proceed to carry out the decision with full concentration.

Her prayers can ardently ask God to help those whose needs she cannot fill herself at that time.

Don't be afraid to say no. Here is the story of how I learned to say no.

One year my husband and I were serving as secretary or treasurer on five national committees at our pioneering post. I was also teaching college courses full-time and raising two girls.

After a big Bahá’í project, feeling frustrated and exhausted, I resigned from my three committees in the middle of the Bahá’í year.

Not long after, a lovely African Auxiliary Board member came, unexpectedly, for a visit. He played with the children, chatted about all kinds of things, and asked me—almost casually—what I thought should be done about some literature needs.

I gave my opinion and, as he encouraged me to talk, more and more ideas came out until I got really excited about what could be done.

It never occurred to us that he was sent to see what was the problem, as he was so tactful in his weekend visit that he never mentioned his assignment.

By the end of the visit, he saw the situation, heard about my frustration with too many committees, and had me offering to do work on the literature project.

In my letter to the National Assembly, and every National Assembly since then, I offered to accept any job they wished to give me, and I would do it with all of my heart.

When they gave me a second assignment, I would write to them, reminding them that I could accept only one job, and saying they could decide whether they wished me to do the first or the second.

For pioneering mothers around the world, surround your life with prayer, work in your profession to earn money and improve the rest of the world, enjoy the delightful development of your special Bahá’í children who will enlighten the next generation, and develop Bahá’í attributes through community service.

You'll find the balance for yourself and be a treasure to your family and your community. Service is an individual expression of love everyone serves differently, and it's okay!

Martha (Marty) Garman (right) and her 21-year-old daughter, Julie, have been pioneers to Africa for 16 years.

Please exercise care in these countries

The following countries are ones in which special care must be exercised for the protection of the believers who live there. If you are planning to travel to any of these countries, please contact the Office of Pioneering for guidance:

AFRICA Algeria, Angola, Comoros, Congo, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia.

AMERICAS Turks & Caicos Islands.

ASIA Afghanistan, Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia), Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kampuchea (formerly Cambodia), North Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen), Yemen, Democratic (South Yemen).

AUSTRALASIA Nuie, Wallis & Futuna Islands.

EUROPE Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia.

Pioneer Post: A window on world

"I wonder how the Faith is progressing in Africa. ... What's the news from South America, the Pacific, Europe. ...?" You'll feel a real connection to the struggles and victories of the U.S. pioneers scattered throughout the world by subscribing to Pioneer Post. This newsletter, published quarterly for the past nine years by the Office of Pioneering, is offered on a subscription basis for only $4 a year. Please make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund," earmarked for O/2P Pioneer Post, and send them to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Twenty-eight future pioneers including five youth preparing for a Year of Service took part in a Pioneer Training Institute held August 20-23 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

Among their destinations were Kenya, Zimbabwe, Macau, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Unexpected special treats on the program were talks by the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone, who was visiting Wilmette, and Ed Widmer, a pioneer to Guyana who is vice-chairman of that country's National Spiritual Assembly.

Some news of events taking place in other countries of world

What's cooking in St. Lucia?

(Where is St. Lucia?) St. Lucia's Winter School will be held December 17-20 in Castries and will be preceded by a one-day Institute for Youth on December 13.

St. Lucia needs help in rejuvenating its youth activities and would like youth from the U.S. to help inspire and fire up the youth at these two events.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Great things are afoot in Botswana!

A Bahá’í Youth Teaching Symposium will be held June 19-July 1, 1988. Its purpose is to train Bahá’í youth to teach in the southern African region for the summer.

Botswana is collaborating with other National Spiritual Assemblies in Southern Africa to make this a widespread effort. The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has already requested 10 traveling teachers and five youth Year of Service volunteers.

Start gathering your resources for next summer to travel and teach in Africa. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

And in Switzerland...

A conference on International Travel Medicine is scheduled April 5-8, 1988, in Zurich.

U.S. International Pioneer Call Ridván 1987-Ridván 1988

AFRICA

• (F) Burundi: 1 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Ciskei: 1 Assigned, 0 Won (youth to enroll in university or with musical talent)
• (E) The Gambia: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably self-supporting for rural areas)
• (E) Kenya: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably outside Nairobi)
• (F) Martinique: 1 Assigned, 1 Won (French-speaking)
• (E) Nigeria: 3 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Sierra Leone: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably Persian to work in village development)
• (E) South Africa: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) St. Helena: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) SW Africa/Namibia: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Transkei: 2 Assigned, 2 Won
• (E) Uganda: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (One to teach in the university; one doctor)
• (E) Venda: 2 Assigned, 1 Won
• Total Africa: 23 Assigned, 5 Won

AMERICAS

• (E) Bahamas: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island)
• (E) Barbados: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably Persian)
• (E) Belize: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Employment opportunities for a dentist)
• (S) Bolivia: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (For radio, consolidation, development projects; skills for National Secretariat)
• (P) Brazil: 2 Assigned, 2 Won (Preferably for Amazon Project; possibly of Persian background)
• (S) Chile: 1 Assigned, 0 Won (Juan Fernandez Islands, preferably Spanish-speaking couple)
• (E) Dominica: 1 Assigned, 0 Won
• (F) French Guiana: 1 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably Persian)
• (E) Grenada: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (F) Guadeloupe: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Guyana: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably East Indians and blacks)
• (S) Honduras: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; preferably Spanish-speaking)
• (E) Jamaica: 4 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably self-supporting)
• (S) Nicaragua: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (S) Paraguay: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably Persian)
• (E) St. Lucia: 1 Assigned, 0 Won (Skills in community consolidation)
• (E) St. Vincent/Grenadines: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (D) Suriname: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Trinidad/Tobago: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Preferably Persian)
• (S) Venezuela: 2 Assigned, 0 Won
• (E) Virgin Islands, British: 3 Assigned, 2 Won
• Total Americas: 45 Assigned, 4 Won

ASIA

• (E) India: 1 Assigned, 1 Won
• (E) Malaysia: 1 Assigned, 1 Won
• (E) Nepal: 2 Assigned, 2 Won (To help develop public relations experts)
• (M) Taiwan: 2 Assigned, 2 Won (Chinese background)
• Total Asia: 6 Assigned, 6 Won

AUSTRALASIA

• (E) Marshall Islands: 1 Assigned, 0 Won (To help with administration)
• Total Australasia: 1 Assigned, 0 Won

EUROPE

• (P) Portugal: 2 Assigned, 0 Won (Couples for goal areas outside greater Lisbon, preferably Portuguese or Spanish-speaking; opportunities for English teachers)
• Total Europe: 2 Assigned, 0 Won

Language Key: (E) English, (F) French, (S) Spanish, (P) Portuguese, (D) Dutch, (M) Mandarin. [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb doesn't have a lot of Bahá’í students; in fact, the whole city of DeKalb has barely enough Bahá’ís for an Assembly. But you can't measure the power of the Faith by counting the number of believers.

Last year the continued devotion and faith of this small club and community allowed them the opportunity to present the peace statement to the president of the university.

Presenting the statement to the head of a university is always an achievement, even more so for a club with only three members, but the club and the community could never have suspected what results would come from the crumbling of the old world order and the universal power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Later that year the dark and evil cracks of racism which undermine the foundation of our society manifested themselves on the NIU campus. The administration took quick action and vowed to do everything in its power to assure that the Northern campus would be a model of racial unity from that moment on.

A "cultural awareness week" was one vehicle suggested; the university would celebrate the many cultures, races and religions represented on its campus.

A committee was set up to plan the week, and the Bahá’í Club was asked to play a major role in its development.

The Blessed Beauty had handed the Bahá’ís a perfect opportunity to present the world-changing concepts of His Faith, to work with others interested in promoting those ideals, and to increase the recognition of the name "Bahá’i" on campus.

The hand of God in all of this became especially obvious when the university president announced that he wanted to name the event "Unity Through Diversity Week."

The week was scheduled to run from September 27-October 4, and included no less than 46 major events sponsored by a large number of groups and organizations.

The Bahá’í Club was to sponsor three events and take part in a video to be shown in all the dorms which featured representatives of all the religious groups on campus.

First, the club planned special Bahá’í devotions, and it was noticed that the director of housing and his wife were among the participants.

Next, they sponsored a workshop on building multi-cultural alliances that lasted for an entire day and was described as "incredible! Some people went through some profound changes."

Finally, the Bahá’í Club sponsored a mime and narration entitled "Stories from the Garden of the Human Family," which was

Youth Conference to center on service to Cause

The Bahá’í International Youth Conference '88, to be held in Bloomington, Indiana, will be inspirational and entertaining, with the emphasis on discourse, the significance of this Day and of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, and service to the Cause.

It is only by changing our characters and organizing our lives in conformity with the Bahá’í principles that we can effectively promulgate the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The youth around the world are expected to gather at the conference with unity, love and maturity. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet brothers and sisters from all over and to break cultural barriers.

Shoghi Effendi said time and again that the only way we can become effective teachers of our fellow youth is to set an example of high moral character, service to mankind, intellectual achievement, and loving unity.

The International Youth Conference will concentrate on four main ideas from the statement "Our Choice Is Change: Peace in Progress."

From this, each day of the conference will focus on each of the key words: choice, change, peace and progress. After the conference, there will be many service and teaching projects for youth to channel their energy and spirit into.

There will also be projects before and during the conference for any of the expected 7,500 youth who would like to take part.

Meanwhile, your creative talents are being summoned. Individuals; families; regional schools; local, district and regional youth groups; local Assemblies, and communities are invited to make "peace banners."

Start planning now for these International Youth Conference banners which are to be used for teaching and proclamation before, during and after the conference.

To make a banner, use a piece of cloth (3 by 5 feet) with the theme of peace; get ideas from the peace statement. Attach ribbons to the corners of the banner so that several banners can be tied together.

If you have any questions, please phone the National Youth Committee office, 312-869-9039. Themes and logos are also needed; if you are one of those creative youth with any ideas, please send them to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Now is the time for youth to contact any local peace organizations and tell them about the International Youth Conference. It will be the largest international gathering of youth dedicated to peace, and those groups may wish to send a "peace ambassador" to attend the conference.

For guidelines on contacting peace and social associations, please contact the National Youth Committee office.

THE BLOOMINGTON CONFERENCE JUNE 30-JULY 4, 1988

The gravity of the task facing the Bahá’í youth in this age and how great are our responsibilities in changing the "fortunes of mankind" are illustrated in the following statement from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:

"The present condition of the world-its economic instability, social dissensions, political dissatisfaction and international distrust-should awaken the youth from their slumber and make them inquire what the future is going to bring.

"It is surely they who will suffer the most if some calamity sweeps over the world. They should therefore open their eyes to the evil forces that are at work and then with a concerted effort arise and bring about the necessary reforms-reforms that shall contain within their scope the spiritual as well as social and political phases of human life."

It is hoped that the conference will cause a transformation within each person and direct each one to strengthen his Bahá’í identity and personal development to maximize his service to "...this new World Order."

Youth Year of Service program marked by growth, enthusiasm

Are you out of, or soon to finish, high school? Do you yearn to grow spiritually by leaps and bounds? Would you like to dedicate a year or two to teaching the Faith or helping with development work?

If your answer is YES, then the Youth Year of Service program is for you. The program has been growing rapidly, and National Assemblies throughout the world, and local Assemblies in the U.S., have developed positions for youth to serve-full-time!

Such places as Peru, the Leeward Islands, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Samoa, Alaska, Honduras, Hong Kong, Zambia, the Cental African Republic, Venezuela, Swaziland, New Mexico South/Texas West, Portsmouth, Virginia, Providence, Rhode Island, Chandler, Arizona, and Canutillo, Texas, are beckoning to YOUth to arise to meet the challenge.

Remember, one soul can enlighten an entire continent. Will you be that one soul, or will God raise someone else up instead?

For more information, contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

N. Illinois youth to discuss unity

Youth: mark the dates January 15-18, 1988, on your calendars because that's when the District Youth Committee for Northern Illinois No. 2 will hold a conference on "Youth Working Toward the Unity of Mankind."

The conference, to be held at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston, will stress the need for Bahá’í youth to work for the unity of mankind and explore ways in which this can be done.

Features will include dynamic speakers, workshops addressing various aspects of unity, a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship, and a Unity Dance to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Youth (ages 14-28) are encouraged to attend and to take part in learning ways to contribute to the unity of mankind... and have fun! Everyone is welcome.

To obtain conference and hotel registration forms, please contact the District Youth Committee of Northern Illinois No. 2, c/o Jian Khodadad, 627 Sheridan Road, Winnetka, IL 60093.

Youth urged to dedicate December to memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s U.S. visit

Seventy-five years ago, on December 5, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá left the shores of America and returned to the Holy Land.

If we put ourselves in the position of the Bahá’ís who were living in the U.S. in 1912, we would probably want to give ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a gift, something to gladden His heart, satisfy His yearning, grant His every wish, and fulfill His heart's desire.

What can we, the youth living in the U.S. today, give to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in memory of His leaving?

During the last days of His life, He said:

"Friends! The time is coming when I shall be no longer with you. I have done all that could be done. I have served the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh to the utmost of my ability. I have labored night and day, all the years of my life.

"O how I long to see the loved ones taking upon themselves the responsibilities of the Cause! Now is the time to proclaim the Kingdom of Bahá!...All the resources of my physical strength I have exhausted, and the spirit of my life is the welcome tidings of the unity of the people of Bahá....

"Ah me, I am waiting, waiting, to hear the joyful tidings that the believers are the very embodiment of sincerity and truthfulness, the incarnation of love and amity, the living symbols of unity and concord.

"Will they not gladden my heart? Will they not satisfy my yearning? Will they not manifest my wish? Will they not fulfill my heart's desire? Will they not give ear to my call?

"I am waiting, I am patiently waiting."

The National Youth Committee would like to ask each one of you to start thinking about how you can dedicate this December, and, if you are in school, your entire winter break, to pleasing the Master, giving Him the greatest gift you can give.

There are several teaching (teaching expansion + consolidation) projects waiting for your support. If you plan to attend a conference this winter, consider how you can help in a project before, during or after the event.

Contact your Regional Youth Committee right away for information on what projects are being held in your area, or contact the National Youth Committee Office, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Archives has items available for sale

The National Bahá’í Archives has the following items available for purchase through the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

1. Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives. A 63-page manual on the organization and functioning of a Bahá’í Archives. Price: $7.50.

2. The American Bahá’í (1970-1985) and National Bahá’í Review (1968-1983) on 35mm microfilm. Set of five rolls of microfilm. Price: $75.

Send orders to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Overseas orders, add 15 per cent.

Did we say Sunshine State? That's peachy!

00000PS! Did we say a conference in Florida? ...No, we said Georgia... Well, maybe we did say Florida, but we meant to say Georgia! That's Atlanta, Georgia, and the date is set: December 28, 1987, to January 1, 1988. Happy New Year!

What a New Year's resolution-come to a great conference, one that will have a totally different approach from previous conferences. For more information, call Walter Canady, 404-758-2524, or layli Miller, 404-993-7067. [Page 8]

FOR NEW BAHA'IS...

Poignant stories reveal suffering, Station of Bahá’u’lláh

The following stories, taken from various sources, concern themselves with the childhood and early life of Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God for this Day. In the first of them, Bahá’u’lláh says:

When I was a child ... one of my brothers intended to marry.... The program for the last day of the entertainment for the guests was the play of Sultan Salim.... They raised a great tent in the middle of the court. Representatives of human forms only a few inches in height would come out of the tent and cry: "The king is coming...." Then other figures came out, sweeping the ground while a number were sprinkling the streets with water. Then another figure was presented who was supposed to be the herald bidding the people to be ready for review before His Majesty, the Sultan.

The ministers came... while a number of others were garbed as chamberlains, aides-de-camp, ferrashes and executioners.... All these lined up according to their station and class.

At last the king appeared with sovereign power and shining diadem upon his head.... Immediately a thief, captured by the police, was brought before the king and a royal order was issued to behead him. Then the chief executioners took the captive and beheaded him....

While the Sultan was consulting with some of his ministers the news was brought that a certain person had become a rebel. The Sultan issued orders that several regiments of soldiers be sent to the scene to quell the disturbance.

After a few minutes the thunderous noise of guns and artillery was heard.... I became astonished and bewildered at all these affairs. Then the review ended and the curtain descended.

After 20 minutes a man came out from behind the tent with a box under his arm. I asked him, "What is this box? Where are the king and all the men?"

He answered that all the great things and manifest objects, such as kings, princes and ministers, glory, majesty, power and sovereignty which we beheld were enclosed in this box.

I declare by the Lord Who has created all things through His Word that from that day all the conditions of this world and its greatness have been like that play before my eyes. It has not nor will it ever have the weight of a mustard seed.

I wondered greatly that the people should glorify themselves in these affairs. Notwithstanding this, the people of insight will discern with the eye of certainty the end of the glory of every great one before beholding it. (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 13)

Bahá’u’lláh, now that the Báb was no more, appeared in their (the divines and leaders of the government) eyes to be the arch-foe whom they deemed it their first duty to seize and imprison. To them He was the reincarnation of the Spirit the Báb had so powerfully manifested, the spirit through which He had been able to accomplish so complete a transformation in the lives and habits of his countrymen. The precautions the Russian minister had taken, and the warnings he had uttered, failed to stay the hand that had been outstretched with such determination against that precious Life.

From Shimírán to Tihrán, Bahá’u’lláh was several times stripped of His garments, and was overwhelmed with abuse and ridicule. On foot and exposed to the fierce rays of the midsummer sun, He was compelled to cover, barefooted and bareheaded, the whole distance... to the dungeon....

All along the route, He was pelted and vilified by the crowds whom His enemies had succeeded in convincing that He was the sworn enemy of their sovereign and the wrecker of his realm.

Words fail me to portray the horror of the treatment which was meted out to Him as He was being taken to the Síyáh-Chál of Tihrán. As He was approaching that dungeon, an old and decrepit woman was seen to emerge from the midst of the crowd, with a stone in her hand, eager to cast it at the face of Bahá’u’lláh. Her eyes glowed with a determination and fanaticism of which few women of her age were capable.

Her whole frame shook with rage as she stepped forward and raised her hand to hurl her missile at Him. "...I adjure you," she pleaded, as she ran to overtake those into whose hands Bahá’u’lláh had been delivered, "give me a chance to fling my stone in His face!"

"Suffer not this woman to be disappointed," were Bahá’u’lláh’s words to His guards, as He saw her hastening behind Him. "Deny her not what she regards as a meritorious act in the sight of God." (The Dawn-breakers, pp. 606-8)

We were in no wise connected with that evil deed (an attempt on the life of the Shah), and Our innocence was indisputably established by the tribunals.

Nevertheless, they apprehended Us, and... conducted Us, on foot and in chains, with bared head and bare feet, to the dungeon of Tihrán....

We were consigned for four months to a place foul beyond comparison. As to the dungeon in which this Wronged One and others similarly wronged were confined, a dark and narrow pit were preferable.

Upon Our arrival We were first conducted along a pitch-black corridor, from whence We descended three steep flights of stairs to the place of confinement assigned to Us.

The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by which We entered.

No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling and gloomy place!

Day and night, while confined in that dungeon, We meditated upon the deeds, the condition, and the conduct of the Bábís, wondering what could have led a people so high-minded, so noble, and of such intelligence, to perpetrate such an audacious and outrageous act against the person of His Majesty.

This Wronged One, thereupon, decided to arise, after His release from prison, and undertake, with the utmost vigor, the task of regenerating this people.

One night, in a dream, these exalted words were heard on every side: "Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him."

...During the days I lay in the prison of Tihrán, though the galling weight of the chains and the stench-filled air allowed Me but little sleep, still in those infrequent moments of slumber I felt as if something flowed from the crown of My head over My breast, even as a mighty torrent that precipitateth itself upon the earth from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every limb of My body would, as a result, be set afire. At such moments My tongue recited what no man could bear to hear. (Bahá’u’lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 21-22)

Bahá’u’lláh loved the beauty and verdure of the country. One day He passed the remark: "I have not gazed on verdure for nine years. The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies."

When I heard indirectly of this saying I realized that He was longing for the country, and I was sure that whatever I could do towards the carrying out of His wish would be successful....

One day I went to the Holy Presence of the Blessed Beauty and said: "The place of Mazra'ih is ready for You...."

He refused, saying: "I am a prisoner." Later I requested Him again, but got the same answer. I went so far as to ask Him a third time, but He still said "No!" and I did not dare to insist further.

There was, however, in ‘Akká a certain Muhammad Shaykh, a well-known man with considerable influence, who loved Bahá’u’lláh and was greatly favored by Him. I called the Shaykh and explained the position to him....

He went directly to Bahá’u’lláh and... asked, "Why do you not leave the city?"

He said: "I am a prisoner." The Shaykh replied: "God forbid! Who has the power to make you a prisoner? You have kept yourself in prison. It was your own will to be imprisoned, and now I beg you to come out....

For a whole hour he kept on pleading. At last Bahá’u’lláh said "Khayli khub" (very good), and the Shaykh's patience and persistence was rewarded....

For two years He remained in that charming and lovely spot (Mazra'ih). Then it was decided to remove to another place, at Bahjí.

...Bahá’u’lláh was nominally a prisoner (for the drastic firmans of Sultán ‘Abdu’l-‘Aziz were never repealed), yet in reality He showed forth such nobility that He was reverenced by all, and the Rulers of Palestine envied His influence and power. Governors and Mutasarrifs, generals and local officials, would humbly request the honor of attaining His presence.... (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 36-37)

The Mansion of Bahjí where Bahá’u’lláh spent His last days.

From the Writings . .

"O Jews! If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put Me to death, for He hath once more, in My person, been made manifest unto you. Deal with Me as ye wish, for I have vowed to lay down My life in the path of God.... Followers of the Gospel! If ye cherish the desire to slay Muhammad, the Apostle of God, seize Me and put an end to My life, for I am He, and My Self is His Self. Do unto Me as ye like, for the deepest longing of Mine heart is to attain the presence of My Best-Beloved in His Kingdom of Glory.... Followers of Muhammad! If it be your wish to riddle with your shafts the breast of Him Who hath caused His Book the Bayán to be sent down unto you, lay hands on Me and persecute Me, for I am His Well-Beloved, the revelation of His own Self, though My name be not His name. I have come in the shadows of the clouds of glory, and am invested by God with invincible sovereignty. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen. ...O people of the Bayán! If ye have resolved to shed the blood of Him Whose coming the Báb hath proclaimed, Whose advent Muhammad hath prophesied, and Whose Revelation Jesus Christ Himself hath announced, behold Me standing, ready and defenseless, before you. Deal with Me after your own desires."

"Know verily that whenever this Youth turneth His eyes towards His own self, he findeth it the most insignificant of all creation. When He contemplates, however, the bright effulgences He hath been empowered to manifest, lo, that self is transfigured before Him into a sovereign Potency permeating the essence of all things visible and invisible. Glory be to Him Who, through the power of truth, hath sent down the Manifestation of His own Self and entrusted Him with His message unto all mankind."—Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, pp. 101-2

Discuss the preceding passages with the Bahá’í who taught you the Faith, or with another believer. Together consider the following questions:

• What is Bahá’u’lláh’s relationship to other Manifestations of God?
• What is Bahá’u’lláh’s relationship to God?
• What station does Bahá’u’lláh claim for Himself?

The following books, along with many others, describe Bahá’u’lláh’s life and station, and are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

• God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi. This book is a history of the first century of the Bahá’í Faith written by the Guardian. See especially Chapter 6.
• Bahá’u’lláh, the King of Glory, by Hasan Balyúzí. A biography of Bahá’u’lláh.
• Stories of Bahá’u’lláh, compiled by Ali-Akbar Furútan, a book containing brief stories told by early followers of the Faith.
• The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volumes I-III, by Adib Taherzadeh, a series of books that review the history and content of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, with stories of His life interspersed.

[Page 9]

Dayspring School celebrates 'power of unity' tow

"The diversity of the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of a different race and color from yourself... rejoice to be among them."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

I will long remember the Dayspring Bahá’í School as a celebration of the greatest kind—a celebration of the power that is latent in the human family and that appears only in unity.

The school, held this year from July 2-6 in Westminster, Maryland, gathered people from all over our region to join in the creation of a Bahá’í identity through study and friendship.

The school used a workshop approach in which the participants focused their thoughts by hearing a talk on the topic (this time, Unity in Diversity), then met in small groups to read and discuss the Writings together and bring to life, through an activity, the principles of the Faith.

These workshops became the life of the school. Through the union of Bahá’ís and friends of all backgrounds: black and white, Persian and American, rich and poor, urban and rural, old and young—diverse as well in ideas, opinions and expression—we saw the truth of our oneness as spiritual beings.

The power we witnessed was the reflection of the attributes of God in each person.

One of our workshop activities was for each person to tell the others in the group of a divine attribute that was reflected in his or her actions within the group. Wary of approaching a subject that hinted of show-and-tell, we soon found that our hesitation had stemmed from our lack of training in seeing the God-like in each other.

Fortitude, nurturance, search, sincerity, faith, justice, courtesy—these things were within us. Happily, we saw indeed that we are "the stars in the heaven of understanding."

Because of the bonds that were developed among the members of each workshop, the youth had a desire to take part in the adult sessions.

Age ceased to be a factor in determining friendships as all shared together and contributed his or her wisdom, energy and humor to the whole.

And the spirit of our unity was channeled into expression in mime, dance, art and song throughout the four days, ending in an orchestra performance in which each person, with a simple instrument, helped make one piece of music.

Had anyone ever laughed so hard? We had found that "perfect chord"; we saw Bahá’í principles in action.—Juliet Porch

An ‘orchestra’ comprised of simple everyday items performs during the Dayspring Bahá’í School held last July 2-6 in Westminster, Maryland.

Rick Johnson of Kansas recipient

Rick Johnson, a writer and teacher from Winfield, Kansas, is the recipient of the 1987 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

Mr. Johnson, who is on the faculty of Southwestern College in Winfield, has been writing poetry for 11 years and has had several poems published.

He was chosen as the 1987 Hayden Fellow by a board of four established poets. As part of the Fellowship, he and his family were in residence at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for three weeks during which he worked on his poetry, participated in workshops, and gave public readings.

Mr. Johnson said it was a productive and rewarding time for him, and later wrote that the support given by Bahá’ís attending conferences during his stay "encouraged the hope that art may live in the hearts of all races and classes as a unifying force."

The fellowship program was established in memory of Robert Hayden, a Bahá’í who was a renowned poet.

Mr. Hayden was the first black writer to be named Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress. The author of many published poems and books of poetry, and a faculty member at the University of Michigan until his death in 1980, Mr. Hayden helped shape the direction of American poetry in this century.

The fellowship program is aimed at continuing Mr. Hayden's practice of encouraging and supporting promising poets in developing their craft and in encouraging the development of the cultural and artistic elements in the emerging Bahá’í society.

Summer of Service in Redlands

The theme ‘Let It Be This Generation’ was wonderfully demonstrated in Redlands, California, during July and August by SOS (Summer of Service) in which more than 100 Bahá’í youth took part. The summer was well-organized with service projects during the day and deepenings, firesides or social get-togethers in the evenings. All youth met for morning prayers and breakfast before starting their day, then took part in service projects in the city such as yard work, painting the community center, clean-up for the police, moving for Family Services, and more. Letters from various organizations praised the youth for their refreshing character and their eagerness to serve.

Louhelen School slates upcoming conferences

The Louhelen Bahá’í School has scheduled the following Bahá’í conferences for the coming months:

December 4-6. "Prevention of Substance Abuse: A Global Perspective" with Dr. A.M. Ghadirian, author of In Search of Nirvana; Elizabeth Ritter, a Bahá’í active in programs in the San Francisco area; other professionals in the field, and individuals with experience in successful programs for substance abusers. Special Saturday evening session of Louhelen's '87 Hayden Fellowship on "Coping with Stress," to which the public is invited.

December 27-January 1. Family Winter Session with classes and activities for adults, youth and children. Louhelen's traditional Winter School will focus on developing the family as a source of unity, love and peace. Teachers include Jean Paul and Patricia Vader (Jean Paul is a former Auxiliary Board member in Sweden) on "Creating a Spiritual Home," Linden Qualls on "Educating for Peace," and Vanessa Clark on "The Family and Interracial Understanding."

January 22-24. Parents/Teens Conference with Dan and Linda Popov and Carole Dickson. Intense consultative weekend for parents and teens ages 13-19.

February 19-21. Singles Weekend with Paula Drewek and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor, presenters. Fun-filled weekend with classes, recreation, devotions, social activities, etc. No children's program planned.

February 26-28. Artists Conference planned by Michael Naylor, Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Rene Steiner and Jeanne Gazel. The conference will include discussions about the sharing of art by Bahá’í artists, with emphasis on developing the cultural aspects of the new World Order, using art to teach the Faith and expand the vision of others, and establishing a formal organization of Bahá’í artists. Writers, musicians, performing artists and visual artists are all encouraged to attend. Saturday evening will include a play written by Carolyn Duell and performed by students at the Louhelen Residential College and other local youth. Limited children's program due to the nature of the conference.

March 19-20. Naw-Rúz Gala! Fun, food and merriment galore! Excellent event to bring friends and relatives to!

April 1-3. "Integration of Diversity in the Bahá’í Community" sponsored by the National Race Unity and Persian/American Affairs Committees.

April 8-10. Regional Youth Conference planned by the Louhelen Youth Board. Classes, recreation, devotions, consultation and other activities for junior and senior youth.

April 22-24. "Financial Development in the Bahá’í Community" with Yvor Stoakley (National Fund Development Officer) and Ted Amsden of the Louhelen Council, planners. To focus on ways to develop the financial resources of the community, both institutionally and individually. Also, special sessions for youth who are interested in pursuing careers in business.

April 22-24. "Developing Social and Economic Development Programs"—Michael Hyde, planner. Procedures and ideas for developing these programs will be discussed and case studies of communities that have successfully launched such programs presented.

May 6-8. "Bahá’í Law and Administration," planned and co-sponsored by the Louhelen Council and the Bahá’í Justice Society with Anna Lee Strasburg of the Bahá’í National Center's Office of Community Administration and members of the Justice Society as presenters. The conference will explore the scope and intent of Bahá’í law and administration and its similarities with and differences from our present systems. Of special interest to local Spiritual Assemblies and to individuals working in any area of law.

Renew your spirit by attending Bahá’í Winter School near you

"Such gatherings will give a chance to friends from different localities to come together and exchange views on the different problems of the Cause and also attract new souls to the spirit and teachings of the Faith. Not only will their knowledge of the writings deepen but also the unity of the Cause will be strengthened and the work of teaching be enhanced...."—Shoghi Effendi

ATTEND A BAHÁ’Í WINTER SCHOOL. FALL/WINTER SESSIONS ARE:

Alabama. February 19-21, 1988 (Ascap Camp, Auburn). Contact: Linda Detweiler, 205-233-3841.

Arizona. February 13-14, 1988 (weekend school). Contact: Roberta Mevis, 602-375-0919.

California, Southern. January 1-3, 1988 (Pilgrim Pines). Contact: Hanna Osborne, 714-839-0663.

Colorado, Eastern. December 25-27. Contact: Don Brayton, 303-577-1207.

Florida. November 26-29 (Lions Camp, Lake Wales). Contact: Ardeshir/Phyllis Khorsandian, 813-581-0829.

Georgia. February 5-7, 1988 (Rock Eagle, near Eatonton). Contact: Janet New, 404-834-0352.

Idaho. January 1-3, 1988 (American Falls). Contact: Seme Newlin, 208-548-2677 or 2672.

Illinois, Heartland. January 1-3, 1988 (Holiday Inn Conference Resort, Decatur). Contact: Scott/Debbie Martin, 618-382-3771.

Indiana, Nur’u’lláh. December 26-29 (school for youth and junior youth only). Contact: Joy Sylvester, 317-632-4795 (evenings).

Minnesota. November 27-29. Contact: Ron Hick, 612-825-5048.

North Carolina. November 27-29 (Penn 4-H Center, Reidsville). Contact: Diane McKinley, 919-469-2783.

Oregon, Eastern. February 13-15, 1988. Contact: Polly Helmhout, 503-426-4372 (evenings).

Oregon, Western. November 26-29 (Menucha Center near Portland. School for youth and adults only). Contact: Star Stone, 503-673-3737.

South Carolina. January 7-10, 1988 (Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute). Contact: Jaci Jones, 803-571-2912 or 803-558-5093.

Texas. December 26-30 (Bridgeport. Attendees under 18 must have sponsor when registering). Contact: Shahran Rohani, 214-642-8923.

Texas, Southern. November 26-29 (Pastoral Retreat Center, Corpus Christi). Contact: Jim Wonders, 512-939-8993.

Washington, Western. December 27-30 (Seabeck Conference Center). Contact: Harry Taylor, 206-435-8245.

Wisconsin, Southern. January 2-3, 1988 (youth conference at Green Lake Baptist Center). Contact: Kamyar Saian, 414-461-4140. [Page 10]

TEACHING

The Word of God has the power to attract and bind together the hearts of those who share it.

What better way to forge the bonds of unity in a community than to deepen together using the sacred texts.

Recently, the National Teaching Committee released a new deepening booklet entitled "The Word of God." Designed for use in individual study or as a text for group deepening, the booklet offers a series of six chapters each with commentary, short paragraphs from the Bahá’í writings, and questions both for self-testing and group discussion.

It makes group deepening easy because all the materials including a glossary are for study right there. The $2 cost allows each person to have his/her own copy to mark up, and the questions to help focus the discussion.

The Bahá’í community of East Lansing, Michigan, in an effort to promote community cohesiveness, encourage group study of the Creative Word, and deepen a new believer, held a six-week study series using "The Word of God."

Since the booklet is arranged to give communities latitude in the deepening format, the Bahá’ís in East Lansing decided to have a rotating chairman whose responsibility it was to summarize the chapter introduction, direct the session, and monitor the discussion so that everyone participated.

In addition, the chairman conducted the deepening in a manner he/she was comfortable with.

One approach, designed to encourage interaction with the Writings and promote universal participation in discussion, became a favorite.

After the chairman's summary, each participant read the first passage from the "Readings" section either silently or aloud.

Next, to foster the search for the "pearls of wisdom" hidden in Bahá’u’lláh’s words, everyone pondered the passage in silence and then wrote a comment or question on something in the passage found to be especially meaningful or striking.

Each person then took a turn and shared his/her comments. The comments often were quite different from one another, demonstrating the multi-layered nature of Bahá’u’lláh’s words and the variety of perspectives.

One participant said, "It's as though we're looking at a jewel and each person's insight gives us an awareness of the outline of the jewel itself, not just our own side of it."

Another said, "I like this method of deepening because it forces us to think and process the passage before speaking. It also prevents a few people from dominating the discussion and points out the importance of everyone sharing his own insight."

According to those who have taken part, the benefits of this regular deepening series have extended beyond the room in which the deepening is held.

One benefit has been the establishment of new friendships between community members who previously saw one another only at Feasts.

A second has been the emergence of a sense of trust born of the feeling that each person's opinions are valid, valued, and worthy of being acted upon.

In turn, there is a new sense of commitment to community life, especially toward the development of more cohesiveness between black and white members.

A third benefit has been the deepening of new believers as well as older but undeepened ones.

A new pattern has been initiated in community life that group members hope can be continued.

Recommendations for future deepening series include "The Power of Unity" and "Peace: More Than an End to War."

Campus from page 7

attended by 30 to 40 people. Nan Wolgel, a club member, said, "The role of the Bahá’ís was clear... just working on it (Unity Through Diversity Week) was real good; working with the administrators."

The club and the community that supported it worked together to make this an important and precedent-setting event at Northern Illinois University.

Not only was the word "Bahá’í" presented to perhaps more students than ever before, but the Faith and the Bahá’í Club were intricately connected and identified with the ideals and values of world unity and the elimination of prejudice.

If your club would like to know more about the events that the Bahá’í Club at Northern Illinois University held during Unity Through Diversity Week, write to Kern Kuipers (College Clubs coordinator), National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Commemorative print splendid souvenir of Master’s U.S. visit

The commemorative print, "‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America," is a lasting souvenir of the Master's travels in North America and of our efforts to carry on His work for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh during the 75th anniversary of His visit.

In a few short days, the commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America will be over. He left this continent on December 5, 1912, ending an historic eight-month journey to the U.S. and Canada.

Through our efforts to celebrate His visit, many of us were deeply touched, possibly for the first time, by the fact that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá actually was here 75 years ago.

In the grove at West Englewood we thought, "Could He have stood at the spot where we are standing now?" At the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs we thought, "Could He have sat on the bench where we are now sitting?"

Hundreds of the friends reported that they felt His presence—as if He truly were here again—at unity picnics and at special commemoration programs in the cities and towns He visited from the east coast to the west.

Because of our experiences in commemorating His visit, many of us now feel that we know the Master in a somehow more intimate way than we did before the 75th anniversary of His visit, and we want to remember this special year often as we continue to try to carry out His exhortations for us to be unified and to teach.

The National Teaching Committee has produced, in a limited special edition, an 18- by 24-inch print to commemorate the anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America.

The print is a photograph of a vase of roses in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room in Teaneck, New Jersey. Proceeds from its sale will help support the National Bahá’í Fund.

Please use the form below to order. As this is a limited offer, please do not delay.

Available now... for only $2.00 per copy! Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 in Illinois Please send The Word of God at $2.00 each. Copies: Total: $ Name Address City State Zip Phone Credit Card Number (circle one) Mastercard/Visa Exp date

Commemorative Print of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America Name Address City/State/Zip Amount Enclosed ($10.00 per print)

1. of prints requested,

($ 1.25 for postage and handling) Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Services Pand Please send order to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

‘Abdu’l-Bahá set example in minority teaching

One of the goals of the Six Year Plan for the U.S. is to share the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with minority groups, making "special efforts to enroll blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians."

However, we are not able to communicate freely and fluently with many of the members of these groups because of language or cultural differences.

How is it possible for us, as individual believers, to reach the minorities with the glorious Message of Bahá’u’lláh?

We must remember the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He came to America 75 years ago.

He was not well-versed in English; indeed, He knew only a few words. He was not a trained public speaker—in fact, He had never addressed an audience in public before coming to the Western world. Nor had He, in His 40 years as a prisoner, become accustomed to Western culture.

Yet the scope of His influence in the Western world was so tremendous that, according to Shoghi Effendi, His years of traveling to spread the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh marked "a turning point of the utmost significance in the history of the century."

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taught the Faith, He spoke from the heart, and it was to this that people responded.

By speaking from the heart

In Portals to Freedom, Howard Colby Ives tells the story of an illiterate miner who had made a long journey to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in San Francisco, and attended a meeting at which the Master spoke.

The miner was startled when an interpreter began speaking, and it had to be explained to him by one who sat nearby that it was necessary to translate the Persian into English. "Was he speaking in Persian?" the miner asked. "Why, anyone could understand that."

The story of the miner illustrates that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had the ability to communicate with the spirit of sincere love, with purity of motive, or, as we sometimes refer to it, from the heart.

When teaching in this way, firm knowledge of another's language or culture is not really necessary. Although books about customs and languages can often be found at a public library, and it is well-advised for a Bahá’í teacher to become basically familiar with cultural differences, what is more important is that those being spoken to are treated with courtesy and respect.

Once the spark of interest has been ignited in a seeker's heart through sincere and dedicated efforts on the part of a Bahá’í friend, further teaching may occur through continued contact.

Bahá’í literature is available in many languages through the National Teaching Committee, and can be offered to the seeker as a gift.

Imagine, if ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had not tried to share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with Americans because our language and customs were different from His!

Fortunately for us, He put forth the effort, letting the spirit of the Bahá’í teachings flow through Him. He was a true embodiment of the Hidden Word:

O SON OF BEING! Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation.—Bahá’u’lláh

UNITY

SO POWERFUL IS THE LIGHT OF UNITY THAT IT CAN ILLUMINE THE WHOLE EARTH

For the second year, the small Bahá’í community of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, entered a float in the town's annual parade. This year, braving late winter weather on May 2, the float won the third-place plaque and received considerable applause along the parade route. The float was constructed by Elsie and Corkie Gregory of nearby Edmonds. [Page 11]

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA: Another state capital that needs pioneers

TEACHING

In the October issue of The American Bahá’í, readers were introduced to Cheyenne, Wyoming, as one of the National Teaching Committee’s homefront pioneering priority goal localities. Cheyenne is a state capital that, along with Carson City, Nevada; Charleston, West Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Montpelier, Vermont; Trenton, New Jersey, and Pierre, South Dakota, does not have a Bahá’í community large enough to form a local Spiritual Assembly.

In an effort to encourage and help potential homefront pioneers to move to these cities, the National Teaching Committee has prepared a series of articles containing helpful information about each of them. The fourth city to be highlighted in this series is:

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA

Located along the Missouri River in the center of South Dakota, Pierre is an attractive smaller community that seems larger than its size because it is a state capital.

It is central to most of the state’s Indian Reservations, many of which have local Assemblies that need help with consolidation efforts.

There is only one adult Bahá’í in Pierre’s population of 13,000. A Spiritual Assembly was formed there in 1977, but was lost a few years later.

Homefront pioneers are needed who can stay in Pierre on a long-term basis and who are skilled in effectively teaching the Faith.

A wide variety of employment opportunities are available in Pierre through the state and federal government, and there are further opportunities for those in education and the health professions, and for those with sales, computer, machine, construction or office skills. (Addresses and phone numbers of some potential employers are listed below.)

Pierre has one public high school, one junior high school and five elementary schools. For adults there is the Capital University Center, which is a community college, and a small secretarial school.

The price range for a two-bedroom home is $25,000-$30,000, and the range for three bedrooms or larger is $30,000-$50,000. One-bedroom apartments can be rented from $100 to $250 a month, and two-bedroom apartments from $200-$375.

For more information, write or call:

Doris Christmann (Bahá’í), Pierre, SD 57501 (phone 605-224-5488).

State of South Dakota, Bureau of Personnel, Public Safety Building, Pierre, SD 57501 (phone 605-773-4918).

Pierre Public Schools, 302 E. Dakota, Pierre, SD 57501 (phone 605-224-8896).

St. Mary’s Hospital, 800 E. Dakota Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 (phone 605-224-3170).

Your decision to move to Pierre could help achieve one of the goals of the Six Year Plan!

Ongoing and Upcoming Teaching Projects

Central CA South Dakota

AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT Ongoing Edwin Roberts PROJECT 95 605/462-6309 Lapwal, ID

BAKER PROJECT Ongoing Ruby Ongoing Baker, OR John Lang 503/389-1381 Eagle Butte, SD

SPIRIT OF THE ROSE PROJECT Ongoing Sandi Le Beau 605/964-7340 2005ayao Tuolumne Mi-wuk Rancheria, CA

TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT Ongoing Dia 209/928-3252

THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE PROJECT Ongoing Jack or Linda Raplee 415/370-0496 Los Angeles, CA

CENTER FIRESIDE Ongoing Jeanette Roberts 213/933-8291 Beverly Hills, CA

BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT Ongoing (Weekends) Margaret Naismith 213/275-8450 PROJECT Los Angeles, CA

WEST HOLLYWOOD PROJECT Ongoing (1st or 2nd Sunday each month) John Angelo 213/654-4622 Phoenix area, AZ

PROJECT RAUL PAVON Ongoing Judith Spychalski 602/269-2703 Picurts Pueblo, NM Southern Arizona

DESERT ROSE PROJECT Ongoing (Weekends) Winifred Byrd 602/882-3041

PICURIS PUEBLO SERVICE PROJECT Ongoing John McGimsey 505/758-3338

On the map above are listed the ongoing and upcoming teaching projects that the National Teaching Committee has been informed of as of October 5. The committee feels that there are probably more teaching projects that it is unaware of, and would like to be able to count all the projects toward its goal of 200 this year. If your community is sponsoring a teaching project that does not appear on this map, please fill out the form (at right) and return it to the National Teaching Committee. If you would prefer that information about your project not be published in The American Bahá’í, please indicate this in the 'comments' section of the form.

Kansas PROJECT ARISE Ongoing Gray Bashop 316/788-5378

Macy, L AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT Ongoing (Saturdays) Jo Elon Caton 402/946-5409

Mandaree, ND MANDAREE SERVICE PROJECT Ongoing Joyce Standish 701/759-3347

Wichita, KS GENOLA WEST PROJECT Ongoing Linda Tedder 316/838-9125

Central Texas CENTRAL TEXAS PROJECT Dec. 19, 1967-Dec. 27, 1988 ma Gray 512820-5077

Mille Lac Roservation, MN ANGUS COWEN PROJECT Ongoing John Skoog 612532-3611

Bemidji, MN DAWNBREAKERS PROJECT Ongoing Nanette Missaghi 218/751-8282

Davenport, IA FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND Ongoing Fred Frazer 319391-3621

Indianapolis, IN Buffalo, NY PROJECT LUA Ongoing Jeane Delaney 716/825-5457

MR. KHADEM PROJECT Ongoing Carol Niss Phelps Co., MO

KHADEM PROJECT Ongoing Lynn Wieties 314/364-2740

East Texas YELLOW ROSE PROJECT Ongoing Andrenea King 409/886-4853 317/547-3691

Raceland.ockport, LA RACELANDLOCKPORT TEACHING PROJECT July Nov. 1987 Elenore Lombard 504/368-6876

Lowell, MA LOWELL PROJECT Ongoing Zamine Alshar 617/452-1380

Medford, MA OPERATION DAYBREAK why Shaw 617/473-5102

New Jersey Providence PROJECT PROVIDENCE Ongoing Kingsley Swan 401/273-8364

SOUTH JERSEY TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Meissa Spatucci 605/354-1177

Wilmington, NC Falls Church, VA OLINGA TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Thomas Ndousse 703/848-0266

WILMINGTON TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Kim Austin-Bowden 919/763-6188

Lancaster, KY THOMAS LEON HILL PROJECT Ongoing Sarah Lee 606/266-8055

NC HICKORY TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Jim Martindale 704/328-3709

St. Petersburg, FL SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT Ongoing Marsea Ulmer 306/825-0702

Avondale, LA AVONDALE TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Bernice Dormio 506436-1581

Teaching Projects -- 1987-88

Name of Project: Sponsor: Dates: Location: Contact Person: Phone Number(s): Cost per participant: Type Project & Goal(s): Comments:

Return to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

UN Day of Peace celebration draws 85 in Harrisburg, Pa.

More than 85 people including about 20 who were not Bahá’ís gathered September 13 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to observe the United Nations International Day of Peace.

The event was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg with help from the Interfaith Peace Committee of Greater Harrisburg.

The mayor declared it the Day of Peace in the city, and a member of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation declaring a Day of Peace in the county.

The speaker, Dr. Jim Jones, a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Interfaith Peace Committee, spoke of the need for personal relationships with those of different nationalities, accepting one another, and of how people want peace regardless of their backgrounds.

He also shared highlights of a Congress held last June in Moscow that was attended by 2,500 physicians from 150 countries.

Kathy Penn of Philadelphia spoke of achieving peace through prayer and meditation on an individual level for a universal and lasting peace.

Members of the "Peace Child" chorus, one of whom, Jaleh Zandieh, is a Bahá’í child, sang three songs from that musical production.

Three newspaper articles advertised the event in advance, three radio stations announced it, and a cable TV station sent a crew to cover it.

TEACHING PEACE

This float, entitled "Teaching Peace," is seen on its 'maiden voyage' in this year's Hillsboro Happy Days parade, recognized as the largest Fourth of July parade in Oregon. The float, designed and constructed by the Oregon Bahá’í Float committee, has also been displayed in other parades throughout the state.

'Heart of Lotus' video highlights impact of Faith on grassroots growth in India

"Heart of the Lotus" is a 26-minute documentary film (also available on video cassette) focusing on the Bahá’ís of India. Produced by Asterisk Films of Toronto, under the supervision of the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community, the film highlights the impact of the Faith on grassroots development efforts and provides a look at a rapidly developing religious community in action.

Although the film is primarily about development, it can be used in proclamation or teaching efforts.

"Heart of the Lotus" is suitable for presentation to a wide range of groups—students, social agencies, and religious organizations, for example—that are concerned with East Asian studies, Third World development, and/or comparative religion. It can also be used to help educate Bahá’í communities on the effect that the Faith can have on the development of a country.

"Heart of the Lotus" is available in VHS or Beta video tape for $25 through the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

It is also available in 16mm film for $250 (U.S.) through the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre, 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L8, Canada.

Bahá’ís recognized for dispute resolution

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times about the successful operation of Pasadena's Community Dispute Resolution Center mentions five Bahá’ís who are involved with that organization.

The five are Judge Dorothy W. Nelson of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge James F. Nelson of the Los Angeles Municipal Court, both of whom are members of the National Spiritual Assembly; Juana Conrad, a Los Angeles court administrator and founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration; and two volunteer mediators—Stephen Licata, an engineer at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Lisa Edwards, a college student. [Page 12]

Annual observance of Day of Covenant honors ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His unique station as center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant

The Day of the Covenant, a Bahá’í Holy Day, is celebrated on November 26 in honor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Bahá’ís in His time pleaded with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be allowed to celebrate His birthday, but since the Master was born on the very eve that the Báb declared His mission, the Master told the believers that this particular day, May 23, was not under any circumstances to be celebrated as the day of His birth, insisting that it be exclusively associated with the Declaration of the Báb.

But since the Bahá’ís continued to ask for a day to be celebrated as His, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave them November 26, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Center of the Covenant, which is known in the West as the Day of the Covenant.

In the distinctive manner of the perfect Exemplar, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had removed the emphasis from His personal self and placed it on His unique station as the Center of the Covenant.

The word "covenant" means "agreement." Throughout the ages of mankind, God has kept an agreement with man through His Manifestations that if humanity accepts and follows the teachings of the next Manifestation, God will never leave humanity alone to its own devices.

In the same way that Abraham promised the coming of Moses, Moses promised the coming of Christ and so on until the Báb promised the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh also promised that, after at least a thousand years had passed, another Manifestation of God would appear.

Yet there was a second Covenant that Bahá’u’lláh made with His followers, a characteristic of His Revelation that made it unlike any others in the past.

Bahá’u’lláh, at first obscurely in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and later quite clearly in His Will and Testament, indicated the One to whom the Bahá’ís should turn after His passing. He appointed His eldest Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to be the "Center of the Covenant"—the interpreter and expounder of His Writings and the exemplar of His Teachings.

It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that the followers were instructed to obey. This was done to assure that there would be no disagreement, discord or disunity among the Bahá’ís in the absence of Bahá’u’lláh, so that the Faith could advance toward its primary objective of world unity without the interference and distraction of petty differences among the followers.

In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made a Covenant with the believers, stating that after His passing the Bahá’ís should turn to the twin institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order, the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.

This year, on the Day of the Covenant, many of the Bahá’í communities will be holding special observances in honor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As the Day of the Covenant also falls on Thanksgiving day, there will undoubtedly be much reflection upon how we, as American Bahá’ís, were especially blessed by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 75 years ago.

And as the Day of the Covenant is only 10 days removed from the anniversary of the day on which the Master left America, we will not only reflect upon what the past has brought but will also look forward to carrying on in His absence to fulfill the spiritual destiny of America:

"Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

COMMEMORATE THE DAY OF THE COVENANT AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s departure from America with VIDEOS!

"Meeting the Master. Recollections of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá" 30 minutes contains accounts by a number of those still living who met the Master. Cost: $19.95. Available in VHS or Beta from: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 800/323-1880 or 312/251-1854.

"The Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá" 25 minutes—featuring Hand of the Cause William Sears on the history and significance of the 1912 Souvenir Unity Feast in Teaneck, New Jersey. Cost: $50 plus 10% mailing/handling. Available in VHS or Beta from: Wilhelm Properties Committee, c/o Gil Muro, Suffern, New York 10901. Phone: 914/368-0248.

ORDER IMMEDIATELY TO RECEIVE BEFORE THE DAY OF THE COVENANT!

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, observes 75th anniversary of Master’s visit there

At 2 a.m. September 27, 1912, a train from Denver pulled in to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, a small town on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, disembarked from the train and took some rooms at the Hotel Colorado.

There, for the first time since He began His historic journey to America several months earlier, He relaxed for one day to enjoy the scenery before continuing on to California.

From September 11-13, 1987, nearly 300 Bahá’ís gathered at the Hotel Colorado to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs.

The commemoration program provided a unique opportunity to deepen on the central theme: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Covenant.

Featured speakers, all of whom touched on that theme in various ways, included Carol Brooks, Jalil Mahmoudi, Marge Gallagher, Kay Zinky and Ruth Hampson.

Those who attended also enjoyed a comprehensive slide presentation by Duane Troxel of the early history of the Faith in America which highlighted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels.

Nine rose bushes were planted in a garden near the steps leading to the front entrance of the hotel by many of the youth who attended, and a commemorative plaque was placed near them.

Throughout the weekend the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was felt by those this special event.

Bahá’ís traveling through the Rocky Mountains are encouraged to visit this site. Restored to the original grandeur of the time when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was there, the Hotel Colorado provides a wonderful atmosphere in which to relax as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did before continuing His long and arduous journey to the west.

The Hotel Colorado, site of the commemoration in September of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs on September 27, 1912.

Led by Kay Zinky (far right), Bahá’ís at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, share stories about the Master in the lobby of the Hotel Colorado where He stayed in September 1912.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America: November 1912

Dates and events were extracted from the book 239 Days

• Friday, Nov 1: Continued to meet crowds who sought Him. Viewed a private collection of ancient art and spoke of peoples' ignorance of divine strength in the artwork.
• Saturday, Nov 2: Spoke at an inter-racial meeting. Later, went to the home of Mrs. Corrine True for a "board of consultation meeting" with the friends. Chicago Inter-Ocean reported on visit.
• Sunday, Nov 3: A farewell banquet was held at the Great Northern Hotel. 300-600 attended. The Master spoke of the oneness of mankind to the Bahá’ís.
• Thursday, Nov 7: Spoke at a synagogue; explained with force and clarity the unity of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Also spoke with the friends.
• Friday, Nov 8: The friends held a banquet at Rauscher's Hall. 300 attended. Walked among them distributing candy and flowers, and applying attar of roses. Spoke to them concerning the living of Bahá’í life. Conducted many private interviews.
• Sunday, Nov 10: Had many interviews. Went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hannan for a meeting. Commented on the beauty of the inter-racial gathering.
• Monday, Nov 11: Sent a telegram to Cincinnati informing the friends that He would visit for a day. The Chicago Herald had an article.
• Tuesday, Nov 12: Arrived at Cincinnati noon. Went to the Grand Hotel where a public meeting was held. 300 attended a meeting and banquet.
• Wednesday, Nov 13: Travelled from Cincinnati to Washington D.C. Spoke to the friends.
• Thursday, Nov 14: Spoke at the Church of Brotherhood and visited with the friends.
• Friday, Nov 15: Addressed the Divine Knowledge Club.
• Sunday, Nov 17: Went to Baltimore. Granted interviews to the press and spoke at a Unitarian Church.
• Monday, Nov 18: Wired the friends in Philadelphia, to inform them that He would see them at the train station. Arrived in New York.
• Tuesday, Nov 19: The Times reported: "Prophet Blesses Morgan" referring to a visit to J.P. Morgan's library. Children gathered near Him, wondering about the person who looked like Christ. They asked to meet Him and were invited to come.
• Friday, Nov 22: Spoke at the Minerva Club's annual luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria.
• Saturday, Nov 23: Visitors and talks.
• Tuesday, Nov 26: Mahmud wrote: "There was not a moments rest for the Holy Being. He was either delivering an address to a public meeting or talking to a friend in His private chamber. [He] was imparting joy to the sad, hope to the hopeless, and flame to the dormant, while He guided the strugglers to the Right Path."
• Wednesday, Nov 27: Along with the White friends served the Black friends whom the management of the hotel excluded the night before. The Tribune reported: "‘Abdu’l-Bahá Going Away."
• Thursday, Nov 28: Crowds came to see Him but He could not conveniently see them all individually.
• Friday, Nov 29: Spoke at the Kinneys. Told them to distribute their offer of money to the poor—best gift is unity of the friends and service to God.
• Saturday, Nov 30: Politely accepted gifts of the friends, but told them to sell them for funds for the Temple.

From Nov 12-Dec. 5 stayed in New York and deepened the friends. Refused most interviews because He preferred to visit the believers. Refused invitations to the homes of prominent New Yorkers saying, "I have work with the poor and not with the rich. I love all with heart and soul yet I am not here to visit the homes of the rich." However, Andrew Carnegie implored Him, and He did accept. [Page 13]

Volunteer worker comments on WLGI Radio's progress

WLGI RADIO

Paul Mantle of Grass Valley, California, wrote the following report after serving at WLGI Radio last summer as a substitute broadcaster. He is presently working on a series of recorded excerpts from "The Promise of World Peace" for possible broadcast on WLGI.

Worldwide, there are now seven Bahá’í-owned radio stations. As a licensed broadcaster, I had the privilege last summer of working for three weeks at one of them, WLGI, a 50,000-watt non-commercial station (90.9 FM) in a rural area of eastern South Carolina near Hemingway.

The station is funded solely by the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and is presently on the air from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, except for certain Bahá’í Holy Days.

Almost all stations east of the Mississippi River begin with the letter "W." The "LGI" comes from Louis Gregory Institute, the Bahá’í teaching center campus on which the station is located.

When I was there in July, the programming went like this:

Each broadcast day begins with 10 minutes of Bahá’í prayers (tape recorded) read by a variety of voices: old and young, male and female, black and white.

The rest of the first hour is devoted to gospel music, an entertaining and uplifting vocal music that is an integral part of the local culture.

At 7 a.m. the music shifts to WLGI's primary format, urban contemporary, with an emphasis on black artists. The sizeable black population of the area is targeted as the station's main listening audience.

In addition to current "Top 40" pop songs, "oldies," jazz, and even a bit of reggae, blues and "Bahá’í music" (Gordi Munro, etc.) are mixed in throughout the day.

All music is screened by the station's staff to ensure that the lyrics are in keeping with Bahá’í moral standards.

Live public service announcements and social and economic "spots" (brief recorded messages) on topics such as public safety, nutrition and consumer education alternate throughout the day with Bahá’í spots that present the Faith and its principles.

Weather forecasts are given every other hour and a recorded Bahá’í "Verse of the Day" (from the Writings) is played three times daily. Recorded public affairs programming also airs weekly at regular times.

Station ID's (announcements of call letters and location) are given frequently during each hour and often include what are known as "image liners"—phrases that define the station's character and focus; for example, "Working for unity in the community, this is..." or "Uniting South Carolina one heart at a time, this is..."

All station ID's include the name "Radio Bahá’í."

WLGI seems to have struck the right balance, its disc jockeys sounding neither too slick and commercial nor too unprofessional. As station manager Kurt Hein says, "The love our deejays have for our listeners comes across over the airwaves."

On weekends the format changes somewhat with a Saturday afternoon "Dance Party Show" for the youth (who comprise a large segment of the station's listeners); an extended Gospel show on Sunday morning; and jazz and ballads featured on Sunday afternoon.

Every broadcast day ends the way it began, with 10 minutes of Bahá’í prayers.

With the flexibility that community radio offers, occasional spontaneous events take place such as July's in-depth interview with Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, which was conducted live by the director of the Louis Gregory Institute, Dr. Roy Jones.

The future holds exciting opportunities for WLGI. Despite shortages in the National Fund, the National Spiritual Assembly seems determined to maintain and stimulate the growth of the station, and recently approved funds that will enable it to produce new Bahá’í programming and initiate extended community service and public relations projects.

Thus far WLGI has succeeded in the significant accomplishment of becoming a popular station, accepted by the public as a viable voice in the community.

For many, it provides welcome relief from the advertising harangues of its commercial counterparts, promoting ideals of unity and decency instead.

For this reason, it is trusted by parents in the area as the alternative of choice for their children and youth. The younger people identify with WLGI and count on it to play the music they like.

The challenge that lies ahead for WLGI is to keep the loyal audience it has already won while at the same time (1) becoming even more distinctly Bahá’í in character; (2) integrating more substantive programming of an educational nature into its format; and (c) broadening its base of appeal to include more adult listenership in diverse strata of society.

As the only Bahá’í radio station in one of the most dynamic Bahá’í national communities in the world, WLGI naturally assumes a leadership role for her sister stations in Africa and Central and South America.

The management, staff and supporters of WLGI stand poised and eager to move into the next stage of progress. With prayers and support from all of us, WLGI Radio Bahá’í will continue to thrive and mature.

Overseas

sues surrounding the health risks faced by international travelers and residents.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Parents organize 'Fun Day Institute' for children in western South Carolina

Pictured are children, youth and adults who took part August 8 in a 'Children's Fun Day Institute' in Chester, South Carolina. (Photo by Dr. Kamran Borhanian)

The concern of a group of parents in South Carolina for the spiritual growth and development of their children led to the organization in August of a "Children's Fun Day Institute" held under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Rock Hill in the spacious home of Dr. Kamran Borhanian in nearby Chester.

About 38 children and 20 adults attended the day-long event. The theme of "Bahá’í identity" focused also on courtesy, which flowed throughout the programs and activities.

After prayers and songs, the children enjoyed a play on "The Conference of Badasht" which was put together by Mahin and Steve Kozlow. It was centered on the event that marked the beginning of women's emancipation: the unveiling of Táhirih in the presence of men at the conference.

Afterward, the children engaged in art projects based on the play.

In the afternoon, the group shared consultation and songs, while a series of skits displaying courtesy was performed by eight groups of about four children each.

Outdoor recreation included volleyball and other games. Leisure time was allowed for socializing, resting and preparing for supper.

Before the day ended, each child was given a certificate for displaying "extraordinary courtesy" and a bag of candy.

The uniqueness of the day was that adults, youth and children spent it together to integrate all ages in classes, activities and recreation.

It was a learning experience for all, and everyone left feeling closer to one another; a sense of Bahá’í identity was achieved.

WLGI still needs your used records

A current need of WLGI Radio Bahá’í in Hemingway, South Carolina, is to fill certain major gaps in its record library. There is a particular need for "oldies" (popular music of the '50s, '60s and '70s) in the rhythm and blues, soul and Motown genres.

Also useful would be modern gospel music records including "golden" gospel of the kind that originated in the late '40s, the '50s and the '60s from groups such as the Pilgrim Travelers, Dixie Hummingbirds, Gospel Harmonettes, Swan Silvertones, Soul Stirrers, Staples Singers, and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, among others.

Contributed records, either albums or 45s, should be in good or excellent condition to be of use. Donations of scratched records do more harm than good, as the staff uses precious work time searching through them for material of "air play" quality.

For information about donating records, contact Laurie James, WLGI Record Club, Route 2, Box 69, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Bahá’í chosen to play leading role in summer Shakespeare Festivals

Mehr Mansuri, a Bahá’í from Costa Mesa, California, was chosen from more than 500 aspiring actors and actresses to play a leading role in this summer's Utah Shakespeare Festival in Park City and in the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Vail.

Ms. Mansuri, who was not able to take part with her fellow Bahá’ís in a "summer of service," created instead a solo summer teaching project, mentioning the Faith in all promotional activities including radio, state fairs, an arts festival, in newspapers and other interviews while performing in the Shakespeare plays.

By befriending other members of the acting company, she was able to give firesides at pre- and post-show gatherings; as a result, one actor from Texas will be re-contacting a Bahá’í friend in Austin, two members of the company have promised to contact the Bahá’í Club at the University of Utah, and an actor from New York City said he would like to attend firesides there.

MEHR MANSURI

Ms. Mansuri, who was graduated from the University of California-Irvine last June, received excellent reviews, with one notice describing her as "the jewel of the Festival."

She has returned to Costa Mesa to serve on the local Spiritual Assembly and to continue teaching the Faith through her acting.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

What is the Bahá’í Faith? An Introduction for Young People by René Derkse

Written specially for the 12-16 age group, this book fills a long-neglected gap in Bahá’í literature. The book discusses the idea of God, presents the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh for the well-being of the human race, and tells the history of the Faith.

176 pages, 80 illustrations, full-colour cover Softcover $8.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 14]

Let It Be This Generation

NEW! from the Bahá’í Distribution Service

‘Let It Be This Generation,’ the audio tape made at this summer’s Bahá’í Youth Conference in London, Ontario, is now being sold through the Bahá’í Distribution Service. The tape includes a number of youth-oriented songs including two versions of the title track. The second side of the tape is a play depicting the life of the Báb called ‘Midsummer Noon.’ The artists on the tape include Jack Lenz, Doug Cameron, Greg Hoskins, Lynn Simmons, Jason Collett, and Warren Harness. ‘Let It Be This Generation’ is $8.

Distribution Service invites the friends to place their names on its mailing list

The Bahá’í Distribution Service is inviting interested individuals to place their names on its mailing list.

Regular mailings of promotional materials are sent out by the Distribution Service to thousands of people around the country. The mailing list is made up of those who order items directly from the Distribution Service.

"A number of people have asked to be included on our list," says Marketing Manager Robert Blum, "and we wanted to open it to anyone who would like to receive our flyers and brochures.

"We mail announcements of our new titles, reprints, and other items of interest about every other month.

"A number of people find this an easy way to find out about our publications and to order them," he says. "Each flyer includes a form that can be used to place an order.

"Of course, many Bahá’ís just want the mailings for their own information. That's fine, too. We do purge the list periodically of people who haven't ordered in at least two years.

"That's simply to make sure we aren't sending brochures to addresses that are no longer valid."

Anyone who wants to be included on the mailing list may send their name and address to Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

If you have any questions, you may call the Distribution Service at 1-800-323-1880 (except in Illinois).

ORDER FORM

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette IL 60091

ORDERED BY Name Address City State Zip Home Phone No. Work Phone No.

ORDERING INFORMATION FOR INDIVIDUALS 1. Please be sure your name and address are legible. List the quantity and title of each item you are ordering. There are no stock numbers so it is essential that the title be shown for each item. 2. Payment may be made by check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Orders containing payment for less than the full amount will be returned.

Quantity / Title / Type: Hard Cover, Soft Cover, Poster, Cassette, Card, etc. / Price / Amount

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

SHIP TO (if different) Name Address City State Zip

If you have questions please call 1-800-323-1880.

UPS does not deliver to post office boxes. The Distribution Service does not accept responsibility for an insured item that is lost except for loss through shipment by UPS. All UPS domestic shipments are insured up to $100.

Charge card orders for less than $10.00 will be subject to a $1.00 service charge.

Check or Money Order VISA MasterCard American Express

If VISA or MasterCard Expiration date Total UPS class

Basic Truths Series

The first in the Basic Truths Series of books for children is available now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Twelve books by Bambi Betts are included in the series. The first three are "God Is ...," "Why in the World?" and "Growing." These books are designed to explain to a young child some of life's mysteries. Each page is illustrated with a line drawing that a child can color. Each set includes guidelines on how the booklets can be used. Set No. 1 of the Basic Truths Series from George Ronald is $8.95.

Corinne True—Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Corinne True—Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a new biography of the woman who was a Hand of the Cause of God and known as "Mother of the Temple" for her work to help erect the House of Worship in Wilmette.

Nathan Rutstein, author of several other books also published by George Ronald, has written the story of Corinne True, her family, and their remarkable services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Included in this biography is information about the voluminous correspondence between ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Mrs. True, which directed her toward her active defense of the Covenant, her public teaching, her involvement in advancing women in the administration of the Faith, and her role in the evolution of the Cause in North America. Corinne True—Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is $18.95 in hardcover and $11.95 in softcover.

The Naming of Femi's Brother

Young readers especially will enjoy this story set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It's about a five-year-old named Femi, who has a new brother, only eight days old. The Yoruba have a special naming ceremony, and Femi is particularly excited about it. Because Femi and his family are Bahá’ís, the new brother is given a very special name. Author Kiser D. Barnes also uses his story to tell readers how the Manifestations of God received their names and titles. The Naming of Femi's Brother is $3.75 in softcover. [Page 15]

NEW! from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Blessings Beyond Measure—Recollections of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. Described in this new book are the unusual and intimate experiences of Ali Yazdi during an extraordinary 10-year period. In the years 1910-1920, Ali Yazdi was often in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, either as a guest of the Master or when He came to visit the Yazdi family in Ramleh, Egypt. Later, as a student, Ali was both a friend and classmate of Shoghi Effendi’s in Beirut and at Oxford. Mr. Yazdi's recollections of these two peerless figures in Bahá’í history are the more treasured for the unique insights he offers—those of a Persian familiar with the customs of a Persian household written in English. Available in late November or early December. Hardcover only, $12.95.

Bahá’u’lláh Epistle to the Son of the Wolf

Blessings Beyond Measure Recollections of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi ALI M. YAZDI

The Publishing Trust is expanding its series of pocket-size editions of the Sacred Texts with the publication of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. In the introduction to his translation of this last major Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi says its Author "quotes some of the most characteristic and celebrated passages from His own Writings" and "adduces proofs establishing the validity of His Cause." Introduction by Marzieh Gail and glossary by the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend. This is the fourth book of Bahá’u’lláh's Writings published in a pocket-size edition and is expected to be available late this month. A reprint of the hardcover edition of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is scheduled for publication in December.

The Consolidating, Six Year Plan: strengthening local Assemblies, communities

The 18th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

There are now about 1,650 local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. Some have been around, in one form or another, for 80 years and some for a matter of months.

They all hold one need in common: the need—expressed by the Universal House of Justice in the Six Year Plan—to consolidate and strengthen their activities.

Under that heading, the Six Year Plan includes among Assembly activities the challenging tasks of holding regular meetings with harmonious and productive consultation; properly organizing the Secretariat and Treasury; appointing and coordinating local committees; winning the respect of their communities in resolving problems; developing local Centers where appropriate; achieving incorporation or similar legal recognition; exercising their responsibilities for marriages and funerals; and maintaining a register of declarations, births, transfers of membership, marriages and deaths.

Some of the best tools to help those growing institutions are the various compilations prepared by the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center and by Publishing Trusts in various countries. These compilations deal directly with the issues raised in the Six Year Plan or with issues it suggests (such as the roles of the other administrative institutions of the Faith).

Each compilation includes the Creative Word of Bahá’u’lláh, the Sacred Texts of the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the infallible guidance of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice. The compilations suggested here are only a few of the ones that are available as resources to help individual Assembly members and the institutions themselves meet the challenges set before them by the Universal House of Justice in its Six Year Plan.

The Local Spiritual Assembly Softcover $.50

The National Spiritual Assembly Softcover $1.00

The Continental Boards of Counselors Softcover $3.00

Consultation Compilation Softcover $1.00

Unto Him Shall We Return—compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, this is one of the most popular compilations published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and is now being reprinted for the second time. The work deals with the nature of the human soul, spiritual growth, and life after death. The reprint is expected to be available late this month. Softcover, $7.95.

The Purpose of Physical Reality—Dr. John Hatcher's exploration of the reasons our life begins in a physical existence. The overwhelming demand for this title is due largely to its ability to offer answers to questions that philosophers and students of religion have been grappling with for thousands of years. A second printing is in progress to try and meet the rapid sales generated since its publication in April. Softcover, $9.95.

The Individual and Teaching Softcover $1.50

Divorce Compilation Softcover $2.00

Principles of Bahá’í Administration Hardcover $6.00; Softcover $4.00

Trustworthiness Compilation Softcover $1.50 [Page 16]

Minnesota Institute sponsors six Race Unity symposia

RACE UNITY

The Minnesota Bahá’í Institute is presenting a series of six Race Unity Symposia this year in the metropolitan Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) area.

The programs are held in the homes of Bahá’ís in an atmosphere conducive to consultation, education and social interaction.

The symposia presented so far include:

February: "Prejudice: A Class Divided." The video tape "Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes" with consultation on conscious steps needed to build unity and achieve oneness.

April: "For a Drop of the Lover's Blood." Video tape with a letter from the Persian/American Affairs Committee and consultation on Persian/American relationships.

June: Presentation on "Institutional Racism" with consultation following.

August: Presentation on "Offsetting the Effects of Racism on Children" with consultation following.

October: "Weeding Out the Inheritance" with a presentation on discovering unconscious attitudes about race, followed by consultation.

Every two weeks, the Bahá’í Women's Committee of Roswell, Georgia, sponsors a women's luncheon for Bahá’ís and seekers in the metro Atlanta area. Pictured are those who took part in a recent event at which the speaker was Dr. Gwenn Etter Lewis (seated at right), a Bahá’í from Ypsilanti, Michigan, who is researching an oral history of black women in the Bahá’í Faith.

The final program in the series, to be held in December, is entitled "Who's Responsible for What?" and is a presentation on responsibilities of the races toward one another as described in the Bahá’í teachings.

The Race Unity Symposia are designed to stimulate an awareness of the importance of applying spiritual principles within the Bahá’í community regarding "the most challenging issue" as described in the teachings of the Faith.

Those who are not Bahá’ís, or groups concerned with the elimination of prejudice and building race unity, are welcome to attend.

To date, about 35 people have attended each of the programs.

The symposia are planned by a task force of the Minnesota Bahá’í Institute. A conference on achieving race unity is being planned for 1988.

The Minnesota Bahá’í Institute is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and operated by an appointed board of directors.

Yusef Mjeni (center), program director of the Northwest Area Foundation and a nationally-traveled speaker on the topic, discusses 'Institutional Racism' during a symposium June 7 in the Twin Cities sponsored by the Minnesota Bahá’í Institute. After his presentation Mr. Mjeni, who is not a Bahá’í, was given a copy of "The Promise of World Peace."

For more information about the Race Unity Symposia, the Institute and its other activities, you may write to: Minnesota Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 18057, West St. Paul, MN 55118, or telephone 612-456-9391.

Standard course for Bahá’í youth

The Standard is a 12-month correspondence course for Bahá’í youth. Begin to increase your methodical study of the Writings as requested in the Six Year Plan by subscribing to The Standard today! Simply send your name, address and $5 to the National Youth Committee.

St. Petersburg Bahá’ís plant 'race unity garden'

On June 14, the Bahá’ís of St. Petersburg, Florida, celebrated Race Unity Day by dedicating a Race Unity Garden they installed at a community center.

The meeting was well-attended by area Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, who numbered about half the audience.

An article about the dedication appeared in a local newspaper, as well as announcements and a display ad using the "Celebrate the Unity of Mankind" logo.

Among the non-Bahá’í speakers was Judge James Sanderlin, a prominent civic leader who was the lawyer for the NAACP in the case for desegregation of the county's schools in the 1960s.

Other speakers included the co-chairmen of a prominent race relations organization, and the new director of the community center who mentioned the various ways in which Bahá’ís have been involved in its development.

Bahá’í participants included Dr. Kerry McCord; the singing group "New Horizons," and a group of young Bahá’í singers ages 7-10, "The Peace Kids."

Dr. David Closson, a Bahá’í from Orange County, inspired the gathering with a participatory presentation using African drums and bells that was an active demonstration of the theme of "unity in diversity."

Richard Juma Oketch, originally from Uganda, came from Davenport, Iowa, to speak at the dedication; he and his wife, Libba, spoke about race unity at a fireside and took part in other teaching activities.

In the opening talk, Evelyn Newman-Phillips, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg, proposed that a race unity conference be held in St. Petersburg.

The Race Unity Garden was designed by landscape designer Cindy Holmes, a Bahá’í from Jupiter, Florida.

In one area of the garden where the diverse and colorful flowers are grouped closely together, there is a sand-blasted redwood sign with raised letters reading "Ye are the flowers of one garden-Bahá’í Faith" and a nine-pointed star.

Other plaques in the garden bear the inscriptions "Race Unity Garden, a gift from the Bahá’ís of St. Petersburg" and "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illumine the whole earth.—Bahá’u’lláh"

Persian, Race Unity committees plan 'spiritual integration' program at Bosch

RACE UNITY

The National Persian/American Affairs Committee and National Race Unity Committee have met together a number of times recently to plan a special program to be held December 29-January 2 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California.

The members of the National Persian/American Affairs Committee for 1987-88 are (left to right) Riaz Khadem (chairman), Puran Stevens, Evander Gilmer, Sheila Banani, and Manuchehr Derakhshani (secretary).

The session, titled "On the Way to Unity: Spiritual Integration" has as its purpose the task of instilling a sense of urgency among the participants to promote racial and cultural unity and to build models of unity in diversity.

It is expected that those attending will leave the session with a feeling of personal responsibility and the skills to become catalysts for change in their local communities.

Topics to be discussed include: • Defining integration. . What are the barriers to racial and cultural harmony? What conduces to racial and cultural harmony? Exploration of the problems associated with the integration, assimilation and dispersion of Persian believers. How does one manage his/her own cultural growth in the U.S. and not take on negative characteristics which exist in the larger society? What is it like to be a newly arrived person or group in American society? The unity of East and West.

A variety of teaching strategies, speakers and audio-visual materials will be used throughout the session. It is hoped by the two committees that the session may serve as a pilot for similar programs in other parts of the country.

The session is open to any Bahá’í age 15 years or older. A $15 deposit is required, which can be sent to the school at 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

For further information, please phone the school at 408-423-3387.

Award from page 1

UN-sponsored observance.

In all, about 300 national and international organizations were awarded "Peace Messenger" certificates "in recognition of a significant contribution to the programme and objectives of the International Year of Peace."

Among those organizations, and in addition to the Bahá’í International Community, five national Bahá’í communities—Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Kenya and Lesotho—received separate "Peace Messenger" awards for their activities during IYP.

Separate award ceremonies were held in each of those countries.

In New York, Victor de Araujo, a UN representative for the Bahá’í International Community, accepted the "Peace Messenger" award on behalf of the worldwide Bahá’í community, which sponsored numerous activities and events to promote peace during 1986.

"The Bahá’í International Community is honored to receive this award," said Dr. de Araujo, "and would like to thank the Secretary-General for recognizing the efforts of all such organizations involved in attempting to advance the cause of peace.

"The Secretary-General should rest assured that the Bahá’í International Community is committed to continuing this work."

In a letter notifying the Bahá’í International Community of its selection as an honorary Peace Messenger, Vasiliy S. Safronchuk, the UN Under Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, said the award was being given to those organizations and institutions which had made "significant and concrete contributions" to the observance of the International Year of Peace.

During 1986, Bahá’í communities in at least 109 countries sponsored activities or events to promote the IYP including peace expositions and exhibits, workshops and academic conferences, essay contests, and marches and caravans. [Page 17]

PUBLIC INFORMATION

More tips to help avoid confusion

In public information a wise and deliberate approach is required. Bahá’ís should put aside their uniquely Bahá’í perspective in order to use concepts and terms that will make sense to people who are not Bahá’ís. While Public Information Representatives will find the following guidelines helpful in their contacts with the communications media, individual believers may find them useful in their teaching efforts.

1. The names and titles of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith, and the titles conferred upon the members of their families, are designations that indicate the glory of their stations. They can, however, confuse journalists and their readers. The Office of Public Information advises that the names listed below are the wisest choices with the media:

Bahá’u’lláh—Avoid use of Blessed Beauty, Blessed Perfection, His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh, etc. Bahá’u’lláh was the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith.

The Báb—Avoid references to the Primal Point, the Revealer of the Bayán, or the Blessed Báb. He was the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Forgo the designations of Center of the Covenant, Mystery of God, the Master, and the Exemplar. He was appointed by Bahá’u’lláh as the interpreter of the Bahá’í writings and as the leader of the Bahá’í community.

Shoghi Effendi—Avoid the expression Beloved Guardian. He was the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, the authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í teachings, and the successor to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as leader of the Bahá’í community.

Mirza Mihdi, Bahíyyih Khánum, Navváb—If the members of the family of Bahá’u’lláh are mentioned, they should be mentioned by name. Do not refer to them as the Purest Branch, the Greatest Holy Leaf or, collectively, as the Holy Family.

Rúhíyyih Rabbani—Avoid references to Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum. She is the widow of Shoghi Effendi, formerly Mary Maxwell.

2. "The Promise of World Peace" is the document about peace issued by the Universal House of Justice. We should first refer to it by its title. In subsequent references it can be referred to as the Bahá’í peace statement, the peace message, or by other descriptive terms. The title of the document says much about its content. It therefore plants the thought of the promise of peace in the mind of the reader or listener, and also helps to distinguish the Bahá’í statement from other statements about peace.

Faith makes inroads in newspapers, on cable TV

The St. Petersburg, Florida Times published a column August 29 condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Egypt and Iran. The columnist discussed the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and described the periodic persecution of Bahá’ís since the inception of the Faith. She cited U.S. Bahá’í Report as one of the sources of her information.

The Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop was featured in two articles in the Florence, South Carolina Morning News.

The coverage resulted from Bahá’í participation in a "March for Mankind."

The Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute and the Bahá’ís of Rock Hill, South Carolina, were also featured in recent newspaper articles in South Carolina.

From the Office of Public Information...

Movietime Channel and the University of Connecticut cable TV system have asked for use of Bahá’í public service announcements.

Max Media, which provides programming and services to local cable television systems throughout the U.S., will be distributing the psa's to all of its clients.

These companies, as well as the Discovery Channel, are among those who have recently requested the use of Bahá’í psa's either nationally or regionally.

Letters

We're constantly being told that the Faith is emerging from obscurity, yet we can't seem to use our Bahá’í calendar to help a national Bahá’í identity emerge.

The American Bahá’í isn't printed and mailed according to the Bahá’í calendar; national events such as Conventions and conferences, all the Bahá’í schools, and the UN days are scheduled according to the Gregorian calendar.

Perhaps the time has come for American Bahá’ís to accept the Bahá’í calendar and use it in their daily lives.

Kathi Wright-Hulett Doraville, Georgia

One small step toward adjusting to the Bahá’í calendar would be to use the Bahá’í date when writing letters to friends (Bahá’í or otherwise).

Another way would be for each community to create its own calendar of events—even if the only event is Feast.

The important thing is to introduce the Bahá’í calendar into our everyday lives. A simple format that prominently displays the Bahá’í months and days with plenty of space to write down later details is easy to create. Post it somewhere that everyone looks to see what's happening.

Take down Gregorian calendars so the Bahá’í calendar is the calendar in the house to be consulted about coming events. The Bahá’í calendar may be supplemented, but not usurped, by the Gregorian.

How many of us know the Bahá’í months and days? How many know the Bahá’í month and date of the Holy Days? I know I don't, and it bothers me.

Our community does have a regular Bahá’í calendar, but it's not consulted when we're scheduling meetings or other events. Instead, everyone pulls out his or her Gregorian calendar to find a time. This disheartens me.

Book mirrors Bahá’í views on equality

Riane Eisler, who was one of the speakers at the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco in August 1986, is the author of a widely praised new book, The Chalice and the Blade, which equates the movement toward peace with the equal partnership of men and women.

The book uses a 10-year study of 25,000 years of human history to illustrate that male dominance during the last 5,000 years of that period has resulted in a warlike society unknown to those who lived in earlier times.

For more than 20,000 years, she writes, our cultural evolution moved in a peaceful direction, orienting toward the "partnership model," which is now re-emerging worldwide through the peace, feminist, ecological, humanist and other New Age, spiritual and economic movements.

Many of her conclusions parallel Bahá’í thought with respect to the promise of world peace.

The Chalice and the Blade is published by Harper and Row.

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER ARCHIVES OFFICE

Did you receive a letter from the Guardian? Do you know anyone who received a letter from the Guardian?

The Universal House of Justice refers to the writings of the Guardian when preparing legislation and consulting on matters relating to the progress of the Faith.

• The Bahá’í World Center Archives maintains a collection of the Guardian's letters.

THE GUARDIAN WROTE AT LEAST 21,000 LETTERS TO INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS, GROUPS AND BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTIONS IN THE WEST, BUT ONLY 11,014 OF THEM ARE IN THE ARCHIVES AT THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER.

If you, your family, friends or local Spiritual Assembly have any originals or photocopies of letters from the Guardian, please send them to the National Spiritual Assembly for forwarding to Haifa. Or send them yourself to the Archives Office at the Bahá’í World Center.

If you wish to retain the originals, they will be returned to you after the necessary copies have been made for the Archives. If you wish to donate the originals, to be kept in your name in the International Bahá’í Archives, we will send you photocopies of them in return.

National Bahá’í Archives Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í World Center Archives P.O. Box 155 Haifa 31 001, Israel

Some thoughts on youth

To the Editor:

In the spirit of sharing, in the spirit that we are all in the same boat in this turbulent channel, I would like to offer some thoughts about our Bahá’í youth and invite more discussion on the topic from others.

One of the tasks of Bahá’ís at a fireside is to say silent prayers so that the spirit of the gathering can be raised and felt by the seekers.

The young person is just emerging as an independent self and does not have a firm grip on the Faith as yet; in that sense, it is similar to the journey of the seeker.

So is the implication for the Bahá’ís to regularly remember a specific youth, or Bahá’í youth in general, in daily prayers? Can we give youth less attention than we give seekers?

A young person is seeking to make the Faith his own in a culture that is strongly pressuring him in other, non-spiritual, directions. Again, perhaps we can treat our friends, youth and seekers, with a special respect.

We know that the time of transition has begun. It is like labor when having a baby; we know we must prepare.

How are we preparing the average Bahá’í youth? I don't mean the ideal image of a Bahá’í youth, one who attends all the conferences, teaches constantly, etc.

There are plenty of young Bahá’ís who get into the alcohol scene, become a part of the drug culture for a time, and don't make it to marriage easily. They stay with the peer group; they want to belong and not be "different." So the need to reach out to them is clear.

Whether we have children or not, we as adults can all be a Bahá’í "aunt or uncle" to the youth.

We hear how a Bahá’í can "adopt," so to speak, a seeker or new Bahá’í so that he or she does not get lost in the community; the same could be done by having an adult adopt a youth. That way, each youth would have at least one adult other than the parents looking out for him.

Can there be prayers for steadfastness at every Assembly meeting? Can there be youth deepenings and youth firesides along with the regular schedule?

If the youth are to "move the world" into the 21st century, there must be enough of them, and they must have a strong spirit, with the help of Bahá’u’lláh, to withstand whatever is to come and even what they must face today.

We adults won't be in the first line, but we are vitally needed in the second line with our contact, prayers, support and encouragement of the youth.

Youth want to have fun. It's sort of their barometer that they are part of a peer group.

They know their peers are having fun. They also know the Faith says "no" to a lot of things. If they are having fun as Bahá’ís, this gives them some security.

How can we join together and have fun as a community?

Judy Orloff Foxboro, Massachusetts

NOTICE

At its most recent meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to remove the administrative rights of Dr. [Name Redacted] of Greater Vienna, Virginia, for his civil conviction of income tax evasion.

NEW! FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

REPRINTS

The Christian Century, December 3, 1986—"Iran's Bahá’ís: Victims of Continuing Genocide." 25 cents each.

The Atlantic Monthly, April 1987—"Iran Holy Terror." 25 cents each.

UPDATED MATERIALS

Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community gives a concise overview of Bahá’í teachings, history, laws, characteristics of the Bahá’í community, the Administrative Order, Houses of Worship, relationship to the United Nations, Bahá’í World Center, and the non-political character of the Faith. 20 cents each.

Bahá’í Statistics—Worldwide gives statistics on the number of NSA's, countries open to the Faith, localities, languages, schools, Temples, etc. 20 cents each.

Special Background Package on Bahá’ís in Iran includes: Winter 1983-84 issue of World Order magazine, "The Bahá’ís in Iran: A Report on the Persecution of a Religious Minority," "Major Developments: July 1982-July 1983," Update Report, "The Bahá’ís in Iran: The Minority Rights Group Report No. 51," "The Many Faces of Persecution." $2 each.

PRICE CHANGES

The following price changes are now in effect for Public Information materials available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

Ad Slicks. Various subjects (6 sheets/24 ads) NOW 50 cents each.

Radio Public Service Announcements. "Bahá’í Themes" (various), seven 30-second spots. NOW $6. "Dizzy Gillespie," one 60-second spot. NOW $6.

• • Make all checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund." Include your full name and address. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. And please include 10 per cent to cover postage (minimum 75 cents) on all orders.

[Page 18]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

EMPLOYMENT

THE BAHÁ’Í National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Administrative Assistant to the U.S./UN Representative (Office of External Affairs-New York City); Secretary (Office of External Affairs Washington, D.C.); Program Assistant-Area Committees (Persian/American Affairs Committee Office); Administrative Assistant (Office of Pioneering). For job descriptions and applications, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE LOUHELEN Residential College is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Resident Counselor. The 15-member student body consists of students from around the world. Duties include serving as a personal counselor, helping to plan the students' devotional, teaching, social and recreational activities, and overseeing their work at Louhelen. This person must have excellent skills in relating to and communicating with young adults and must provide a strong Bahá’í role model coupled with tolerance and understanding. The job requires being a concerned listener, a fair mediator, and a wise counselor. Should be in good physical condition and have an energetic and enthusiastic manner. The position includes room, boara and a weekly stipend. Those who are interested are urged to contact the Louhelen Residential College, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or to phone 313-653-5033.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

BE A homefront pioneer where there are no Bahá’ís for an hour's drive in any direction in the lovely Genesee Valley town of Hume, New York, birthplace of Lua Getsinger. In the future thousands of pilgrims will me to visit her birthplace. Former pioneers to Hume had to leave their post but would like to sell their six-bedroom home for less than $30,000 to Bahá’ís who could pioneer there. Ideal location in town of 650 for "bed and breakfast" or other business. State park nearby; ideal location for nature lovers, retired persons, or those with small children who would like to get out of the big city. Employment opportunities in teaching, health care and human services. Friendly community with many opportunities to teach and serve the Faith. Ideal location for future Bahá’í Center or school. For more information, phone Rick or Brenda Snyder, 716-372-3663.

BECOME part of the historical landmark of an original Arizona mining camp: Bisbee. Now a resort community, Bisbee, on the slopes of the Mule Mountains 90 miles from Tucson and five miles from the Mexican border, offers a mild, sunny, high-desert climate and a dynamic art community with poetry festivals, international bicycle races, theatre, and fascinating tourism. Housing is inexpensive, and employment is available in Sierra Vista or Douglas, each of which is 30 miles away. Bisbee has maintained a Spiritual Assembly since 1973, but now its numbers are low. Needed are deepened, energetic, warm, loving Bahá’ís to reinvigorate the community and help maintain the Assembly. Please come visit, and, if attracted, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bisbee, Bisbee, AZ 85603, or phone Carol Ann Telander, secretary, 602-432-2037, or Herb and Sally Gilbert, 602-432-3426.

NEED a spiritual challenge? Are you able to support yourself? Yearn for a slower, more relaxed pace of life? Come to Williamston, a small town in eastern North Carolina, and live the Bahá’í life. Williamston is relatively close to Greenville, the home of East Carolina University, and a fairly short drive from the Outer Banks, a beautiful undeveloped coastal area. It would be a good place for a retired couple or single person. For more information, phone Warren Rochelle (919-772-1340), Art McKinley (919-469-2783), or Robert Barnes (919-792-1973), or write to Williamston, NC 27892.

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed. There is already one family of homefront pioneers in Nashville, North Carolina, a cozy little town an hour or so from Raleigh and 10 minutes from Rocky Mount. Nashville (pop. 5,000) would be a good place for a retired couple single person to settle down amidst tree-lined streets and flowering dogwoods. For more information, phone Warren Rochelle (919-772-1340) or Mary Spires (919-446-5889), or write to Mary Spires, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.

FORT BEND County: Small incorporated Assembly near Houston; area ripe for all teaching activities and homefront pioneering. Have lost population due to decline in oil/engineering industries. Flourishing medical, educational and legal fields; many colleges and universities in the area. Magnet school system K-12. Abundance of housing: buyer's market. We lovingly invite Bahá’ís to heed the Guardian's call and move to the central regions. Contact Bob or Sue Badrak, P.O. Box 1194, Missouri City, TX 77459 (phone 713-438-0521.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Easley, South Carolina, needs two or more Bahá’ís to move there. The city's one Bahá’í family, trying to teach via weekly firesides, needs help. Easley's population (14,264) is 12 per cent black. Median value of homes, $33,000; median rent, $117/month. Work available at nearby Clemson University, Furman University, two technical schools, Central Wesleyan, and in various industries within 15 miles. Good place to raise children, near lovely foothills; recreation areas include three lakes, national parks. Great nearby Bahá’í communities. Contact Gail Black, Easley, SC 29640 (phone 803-859-8514).

THERE ARE no deepened Bahá’ís in Williamston, South Carolina. Needed are homefront pioneers who can relate to blacks from a typically rural background. Population 4,310, 19 per cent black. Median value of homes, $25,300; median rent, $89 per month. Close to Anderson (the county seat), 17 miles away, for employment if none is found in Williamston. Small town environment. We need help. Contact Nancy Markovich, Greenville, SC 29609 (phone 803-268-4971 evenings), or Gail Black, Easley, SC 29640 (phone 803-859-8514).

HEALDSBURG, California, with an active Assembly established in the 1950s, will need four adult Bahá’ís by Ridván 1988 to maintain its Assembly status. The town is 70 miles north of San Francisco in a lovely agricultural region on the Russian River. Great climate with all services available (15 miles north of Santa Rosa, pop. 100,000). For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Healdsburg, P.O. Box 158, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

WANTED: Homefront pioneer(s) to settle in scenic Port Jefferson on Long Island's north shore. Open a locality while enjoying a lovely waterfront village, excellent schools, proximity to Stony Brook University and other colleges, employment opportunities, an easy commute by ferry to Connecticut. For more information, phone the Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven, 516-289-2006.

BECOME a homefront pioneer to Cedar Hill, Texas, a lovely town in rolling hills 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. New lake and state parks, and a new three-bedroom home for sale or lease. Bahá’í Group was formed last year in this community of diverse neighborhoods and schools. Contact Clare or Margaret at 214-291-9606.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Lakeside, California, needs four adult believers to restore its Assembly. Lakeside offers a country atmosphere only 25 miles from downtown San Diego and some of Southern California's finest beaches. There are five county parks within a 10-minute drive, and a major shopping mall is a few miles away. If you're looking for a small-community atmosphere with big-city amenities, Lakeside is for you. For more information, contact Linda Gurney, secretary, P.O. Box 1731, Lakeside, CA 92040, or phone 619-561-5129.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EL SALVADOR, Central America: To comply with a request from the World Center, we are trying to locate the following people, their relatives, or people who have known them: John Eichenauer Jr., Clarence Iverson, William H. Maxwell Jr., Margaret Mills, Marjorie Stee, Flora Emily Hottes, and Natalia Chavez. Also, we are trying to locate letters sent to these people from 1937-57 by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. We are attempting to reconstruct the early history of the Faith in this country; anecdotes, photos, negatives or any information about El Salvador would be most appreciated. Please write to the International News and History Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador, Aptdo. dor, Central America. El Salvador.

THE U.S. Navy's Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) on Andros Island in the Bahamas is seeking applicants for the following openings: Radar technician, requiring strong digital experience and 5-7 years in the operation and maintenance of communications equipment; Sonar/hydroplane technician, requiring at least three years' experience appropriate for maintaining in-water tracking systems including digital and analog processors, underwater communications equipment and multi-channel recorders; Diesel power generator mechanic, requiring 3-5 years experience in maintaining power generation plant diesel engines; Diesel power plant operator, requiring two years' experience as a shift operator in a diesel electric generation station; Marine diesel mechanic, requiring four years' experience in repairing and overhauling GM series diesel engines and all related shipboard equipment. For more information about these positions, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

FRANCE: The opportunity exists for a quality engineer to engineer ride systems, show and ride components: and audio-animatronics figures for Walt Disney's new Euro Disneyland. Duties include designing, analyzing, implementing and maintaining internal vendor surveys, audits and systems and helping in the preparation and review of acceptance test plans and procedures for procured hardware and systems. Applicants should have a technical degree with 10 years' experience in all aspects of quality control, engineering and inspection including familiarity with nondestructive testing methods. Fluency in French is also required. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

DISTRIBUTORS: Individuals, groups or Assemblies are sought to serve as distributors of the "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive compensation. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

THREE volunteer positions are open in Sierra Leone, West Africa. One volunteer is needed to run Institutes and deepening programs at the new Regional Bahá’í Center; housing is available. A second volunteer is needed to deepen teachers and to provide extra materials for children at the government-approved Bahá’í primary school; a third is needed to help develop and run a proposed clinic. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED

THE BAHÁ’Í World Center Library is interested in making contact with all Bahá’í professional librarians, library technicians, and others interested in libraries, to establish a network to exchange information and offer help with library- and book-related questions. The Library is also interested in maintaining contact with those who would be willing to do short projects for the Library, including researching reference questions, reviewing books that the Library may wish to purchase, clipping Bahá’í-related articles from newspapers and magazines, and so forth. Those who are interested should write to: Bahá’í World Center Library, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel. Kindly include background information on your experience and interests.

WANTED: an old used video cassette recorder that works. Great teaching tool for public meetings in Guatemala whose National Audio-Visual Committee hopefully requests the donation of a VCR so we can use the great Bahá’í videos that are available. Please contact Sta.-Janet Dodge, secretary, Comité Audio-Visual, c/o 3 Calle, 4-54, Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America.

WOULD LIKE to share my mountain hideaway in a newly opened area on an American Indian Reservation. Would like musicians to form a group like Do'a in California. Painters are also welcome, but all must have income and transportation. There is an airport nearby; last outpost on a wild river, Mendocino. You must be willing to do it all for the Bahá’í Faith. Send SASE to S. Bird, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

THE LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for fall 1988. A minimum of 13 additional students (for a total of 26) is needed to enroll in this program. Students live at the school, have classes in Bahá’í Studies, and take part in Bahá’í conferences, fellowship, social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

GREEN LAKE Bahá’í Conference Children's Activities Committee is looking for individuals with creative and innovative ideas for children's activities. Age range is 3-15 years; activities are to effect positive attitudes and feelings through various experiences and activities. The committee strongly discourages the use of mere facts and figures unless they are absolutely essential in communicating a feeling or experience, or in facilitating the formation of a positive attitude. Those who would like to try out their ideas are asked to write for guidelines and proposal procedure information to Stoughton, WI 53589. The Green Lake Bahá’í Conference is held on a September weekend each year. Housing is provided for teachers. The deadline for submission of proposals is January 15, 1988.

I AM planning a series of proclamation events for insurance agents in the U.S. and would appreciate hearing from Bahá’ís now or recently in the business. Please write and let me know your company affiliation, type of license, and location of your head office; I'll write back with details and a proposed timetable. Please understand that although I am now serving at the Bahá’í World Center, this is something I am doing personally and not as an official activity of the World Center. Write to Jaellayna Lasky, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

ELDERLY Bahá’í woman in Fishkill, New York, presently living independently, seeks a young Bahá’í woman, preferably a nurse, to share a house. Room in exchange for some assistance; live in a suburban town near a number of small cities with job opportunities in nursing, health care and other fields. Chance to move to a new area, learn from and help a deepened Bahá’í and help return a Bahá’í Group to Assembly status. Please write to Diana Metreaud, RD 2, P.O. Box M431, Monroe, NY 10950, or phone 914-496-7579.

WANTED: Bahá’í (female) to help the Bahá’ís of Clay County, Florida. Free room and board in exchange for getting children (all girls, ages 5, 11 and 14) off to school. Need to be at home when they return from school and if one is home ill. Would be responsible for cooking meals. Can work outside home if hours are flexible. For more information, write to Marie Smith, Green Cone Springs, FL 32043, or phone her at 904-284-0545. Can use you even if you want only to vacation in Florida for several months.

ARTISTS! The District Teaching Committee of East Texas No. 2 is seeking a T-shirt design for the Yellow Rose Teaching Project, which is aimed primarily at teaching the Faith to the Alabama-Coushatta Indians through service on their Reservation but is also directed toward the greater Livingston, Texas, area. Designs should reflect a theme of all peoples coming together based on Indian traditions. Please submit designs by March 1, 1988, to Kamran Mouzoon, Houston, TX 77005.

CHILDREN'S library abroad seeks used book dealer interested in supplying requested titles to a parent-supported library for Bahá’í children. Please respond with information about terms and pricing policy to Rachel Collins, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

WANTED: correspondence with someone versed in Vedic literature. Karen Gould, P.O. Box 141264, Dallas, TX 75214.

ARE YOU skilled with a camera? Can you capture on film images which convey the unity of faith and love that binds together the Bahá’í world community, images which will touch the hearts and fire the imaginations of people who see them on books or posters? If you can, or if you have already built up a file of photos like this, we'd like to hear from you. One World Publications is seeking photographs in color or black and white for a major publishing project. The visuals in this book will have to distinguish [Page 19]themselves in competition on the bookstore shelves with the best that the publishing industry has to offer. They must teach the public the Bahá’í Faith as surely as the finest text. To find out more and take up the challenge, contact us at P.O. Box 2543, Larnaca, Cyprus. (Telex 4567 LOVECY; telephone 041-20722.)

PIONEER to Costa Rica needs old copies of the following magazines: Glory, Varqa, Child's Way and Brilliant Star. If you have magazines you would care to donate, write to J. Mirenda, c/o Standard Fruit Co., P.O. Box 10304, Wilmington, DE 19850.

WRITER of children's activities books wishes to collaborate with an educator with a background in theory; specifically, matching program content to the child's capabilities. Would prefer a Canadian or an American from the area around upstate New York, Ohio or Illinois. Write to Michelle Cooney, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

WANTED. Stories to be published of Bahá’ís recovering from substance addiction or co-addiction, what it used to be like, what happened, and what it is like now. Include any special problems encountered in becoming (1) a Bahá’í, and (2) sober and clean. Anonymity will be respected. Also, if desired, relationship experiences between membership in 12 Step fellowships and the Bahá’í Faith. Please forward all stories, questions, comments and observations to Dann Irish, P.O. Box 1865, Petersburg, Alaska 99833.

AS ONE of it Six Year Plan goals, the National Spiritual Assembly of Tuvalu is trying to set up a lending library and welcomes donations of books from the friends, especially Bahá’í books or those written by Bahá’ís. If you can help, the address is: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tuvalu, P.O. Box 48, Funafuti Island, Tuvalu Group.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of the Wounded Knee district in South Dakota are sponsoring a clothing/blanket/toy drive. Many of the friends in the area of the Pine Ridge Reservation are very poor, and need to feel the support and love of the American Bahá’í community. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. They may be sent via UPS to Clynda Medicine, Wounded Knee, SD 57794 or by mail to Clynda Medicine, Box 027, Wounded Knee, SD 57794.

CHILDREN'S program teaching staff sought at the Louhelen Bahá’í School: child education coordinator, master teachers, teacher assistants are needed for weekend conferences from November through May. For details and to apply, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Bellingham, Washington, are getting ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in Bellingham and Whatcom County and need information on pioneers and traveling teachers to and from that area. If you have such information or know of anyone who does, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98227, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505 (evenings).

THE CENTER for Interracial Unity is seeking materials on models of interracial unity and seeking to identify Bahá’ís who have worked and/or trained in this area. Please contact the CIU at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

BOOKS, TAPES, ETC.

CLEMENTINE and the Cage by Wendy Heller, a delightful story intended for children ages five and up, blends themes that touch the deepest concerns and most universal challenges of the human spirit—striving to be the very best one can be in spite of ridicule and opposition, and facing the unknown with courage and faith. The use of Bahá’í themes in an indirect way makes Clementine an excellent gift for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike and a good library presentation item. Regularly $7.95 in hardcover, now available for $6.95! Order today from Images International by sending a check (plus 10 per cent for shipping and handling, minimum $1) to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

ON SALE now... Gordi Munro's "Unity in Diversity" audio cassette tape. Regularly $8.50, now only $7.99! Gordi Munro's spirited and upbeat music will have everyone singing. Powerful themes of unity and love are echoed in all the songs by this exciting young Canadian musician. Order today from Images International by sending your check (plus 10 per cent for shipping and handling, minimum $1) to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

THE SONG Celestial, by Howard Colby Ives, is a book-length poem that captures the essence of the eternal conversation between God and man—man expressing his longing, his love, fears and doubts, while God offers love, reassurance and understanding. Beautifully written and printed; your choice of white or red in hardcover. A lovely gift by the author of Portals to Freedom now available from Images International for $5.95 (regularly $6.95). Order today by sending a check (plus 10 per cent for shipping and handling, minimum $1) to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

OUT-OF-PRINT books. The following titles are available only from the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop: Prescription for Living ($10.95); ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by H.M. Balyúzí ($10.95); Muhammad and the Course of Islam ($29.95); Bahá’í Readings, leather-bound ($15); The Heart of the Gospel ($3.75). Add 10 per cent (minimum $3) for shipping. These and 200 other hard-to-find titles are available from the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016; phone 213-933-8291. Send for our free price lists.

NOW AVAILABLE from Naturegraph: The Top of the Hill by Morris Taylor, the story of a young Indian boy who cannot conceive of life without his great-grandfather. It will touch the hearts of those from 8 to 80 as Great-Grandfather, a wise medicine man, leads the young boy to understand the purpose of this life as well as the life to come. 64 pages, illustrated. Send $4.95 with your name and address to Naturegraph, Box 1075, Happy Camp, CA 96039.

NATIVE American books and pamphlets: Four Remarkable Indian Prophecies, $1; The Return of the Indian Spirit, $1; Gospel of the Redman, $4.95; Tapestries in Sand, $6.95; many others. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Telephone 213-933-8291.

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal, the quarterly magazine for Bahá’í parents, offers a blend of practical and inspirational ideas on parenting based on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Each issue is arranged around a theme and includes columns on fathering, marriage, and attribute acquisition. Dedicated to the spiritual well-being of the family, Spiritual Mothering is a perfect gift for those of all faiths. By subscription only, $10/year. Write to Sandy, OR 97055.

TAPES from Louhelen conferences: "Questions" by Jack McCants (set of four, $20); "The Forces of Light and Darkness" by Counselor Hooper Dunbar (set of four, $20); "Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind" by Holly Vick (set of three, $16); "Marriage Enrichment Institute" by Dr. Hossein Danesh (set of four, $20); "Women and the Age of Equality" by Dr. Jane Faily and "Women of Color in America" by Dr. Gwen Lewis ($6 per tape). Contact: Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

BAHÁ’Í books in Persian: we have more than 80 titles. Send two 22-cent stamps for a 12-page descriptive list. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone 213-933-8291.

ONE WORLD Products is a Bahá’í-owned company that distributes games, books, posters and other materials that reflect Bahá’í values and principles (for example, "The Earth Game"). For a free brochure, write to One World Products, 1710 South Barry, Apt. 3, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

"REFLECTIONS" catalog listing "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts 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).

CONFERENCE catalog of fall, winter and spring conferences at the from the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá' Louhelen Bahá’í School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

MISCELLANEOUS

INFORMATION about applying for the 1988 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry may be obtained by writing to Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for applications is March 15. The fellowship provides room and board at Louhelen for three weeks during which one is free to write.

SUBSTANCE Abuse Conference scheduled December 4-6 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Seeking Bahá’ís with training in that area, those whose lives have been disrupted by substance abuse, and representatives of Assemblies which have had to struggle with this problem. Please write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

RETIRED Bahá’í couple with limited income interested in becoming caretakers at a Bahá’í Center in a moderate climate. Phone Dale or Olive Sinclair, 815-758-2292.

Pictured at the Bahá’í table during September's convocation ceremony at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, are the college president, Dr. Martha Kime Piper (second from right) with Bahá’ís Helen Thomas (to Dr. Piper's right) and Mahshid Yousefian.

Rock Hill take part in Winthrop College ceremony

Registration by the Spiritual Assembly of Rock Hill, South Carolina, with the local Chamber of Commerce paid off in September when the Assembly was invited with other community groups taken from the Chamber's list to attend the annual convocation ceremony at Winthrop College.

The college provided a table and asked that the Assembly bring refreshments and literature to inform the public about Bahá’í beliefs and activities.

The college also prepared a sign that read "Bahá’í World Faith Church." As the friends tried to take the word "church" off the sign, they drew attention that led to a number of impromptu firesides.

The Assembly asked three Bahá’ís to man the table: an American woman, Mrs. Helen Thomas; an Iranian woman, Mrs. Mahshid Yousefian; and a black man from the Caribbean, Ralph Defetters. The table was decorated with a floral centerpiece, homemade fig cookies, Bahá’í books, posters and many pamphlets.

Among the visitors to the display were members of the freshman class, faculty members, and members of churches and local civic organizations.

The president of Winthrop College, Dr. Martha Kime Piper, expressed her appreciation for the Bahá’ís' cooperation and accepted a pamphlet on the equality of men and women and a copy of "The Promise of World Peace."

A few days later Mrs. Thomas received a telephone call from a woman who said she was a reporter for the Charlotte Observer and had spoken with one of the friends at the convocation.

She asked to interview some of the Bahá’ís, the result of which was an article with photo in the Sunday, September 13, edition of the Observer.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust Tablet of the Heart God and Me Memory verses selected from the writings and talks of Abdulaha Comped to Lisic tanding and Te

Introduce a Child to the Sacred Text 27 memory verses from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá More than three dozen drawings—half in color—illustrate the quotations and sensitively depict the diversity of the world's peoples and cultures Compiled by Leslie Lundberg Illustrated by Terry Ostovar Hardcover $995 Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1800

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 20]

From the House of Worship

In the glow of the following letter from one of our summer youth volunteers, we are beginning to think about next summer and the bounties of having young people add their happy presence in service to the House of Worship. Jaleh Dashtizadeh, in writing to us about a Bahá’í information booth on her college campus, says:

"...We had four or five interest cards which is really incredible when compared with our lack of success in the past. After guiding at the House of Worship it was so much easier to talk with the people who stopped by—thank you so much for that opportunity to learn that it doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience!"

Our appreciation for the youth who were here this summer knows no bounds. We hope that many of you are thinking in terms of the House of Worship as a service project either for next summer or as a place for a Year of Service. If you'd like information on how to go about coming here, please feel free to write to us.

With fall in the air, special events are again stirring at the House of Worship. Beginning in October, our special event and Holy Day observances began earlier to encourage more family participation.

Children played a large part both in devotions and programs for Universal Children's Day and the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, providing devotional readings, program talks and music.

The newly formed Chicago Bahá’í Children's Choir is a great addition to House of Worship programs. United Nations Day (October 24) also encompassed the second birthday of "The Promise of World Peace."

November's programs were to include a celebration in music and prayer of the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, and observances of the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. For December, we're looking forward to United Nations Human Rights Day and the annual Corinne True awards to our volunteers.

A "friend of the Temple" from St. Louis, Missouri, sent us a copy of an article she wrote for her area newsletter. We'd like to share it with you and hope it brightens and encourages you as it did us:

"HOUSE OF WORSHIP NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

"I recently had the privilege of visiting the House of Worship on my way to the Green Lake conference. At both the Temple and Green Lake, the staff of the House of Worship made urgent pleas to the Bahá’ís to volunteer as tour guides. I was shocked to learn that sometimes only one person is available to guide the more than 1,000 people who pass through the House of Worship each day.

"There is a Bahá’í stewardess from another city who stays over in Chicago once a month just so she can guide at the House of Worship. One woman drives to Wilmette from Iowa every month. Evidently, the need for guides is greater than the number of volunteers from the Chicago area.

"What a privilege it is to live in this day, and how much we should treasure the opportunities to serve that will be denied to future generations. Perhaps in a short time there will be many thousands clamoring to be the ones to escort visitors and seekers through the holiest House of Worship on earth. Will we not regret not seizing the opportunity—an opportunity we may never see again?

"Don't feel you are not deepened enough to guide. I met a woman at Green Lake who has been a Bahá’í for two months, and the director of guides said she's (one of) the best guides they have—because she has the right spirit and enthusiasm.

"You can commit yourself to regular (every few months, once every six months?) guiding or whenever you can get to Chicago. As a matter of fact, if you happen to be going to Chicago on short notice, you can call and ask to guide the next day. The staff at the House of Worship are grateful for whatever help they can get.

"And, of course, you yourself will have the assistance of the entire Concourse on High."

In closing, we again ask that those believers who became Bahá’ís primarily through the influence of the House of Worship drop us a line—one of two or three pages—and share your experience with us. We hope to use these in a way that would indicate the power of the House of Worship to bring people to the Faith. We see it in action every day—how about your story from your point of view?

Help sought for exchange students

Student Exchange International (SEI) is conducting a nationwide search for part-time regional coordinators and community counselors to work directly with bright, interesting foreign exchange students, local families and school officials.

The majority of the inbound students are from Northern Europe and are of high-school age. A family's solid belief system, although not always the exact same religious affiliation as the exchange student's, helps add stability and continuity to the student's American stay.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the program, please send inquiries and resumés to SEI, c/o Dr. T.E. Ferah, director, Fresno, CA 93073. Honorariums are available.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

The Archives would like to know the names of the Bahá’ís in this group and when and where the picture was taken. Please send any information you may have to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Viewpoint

...fecting the integration of the Bahá’í community and the whole of mankind. An essential step is to develop, individually or collectively, a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our ethnic and cultural heritage.

It is important to note, however, that there will be instances when we must abandon tradition and cultural norms in favor of the Bahá’í standard as evinced by our Sacred Writings and the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Families can also study other cultures in order to better understand and appreciate people whose heritage differs from their own.

Service

Service on administrative bodies, traveling teaching, pioneering, and other such activities are obvious forms of service to the Cause. Another, often overlooked, form of service is the development of strong Bahá’í families.

Development of a Bahá’í culture will be threatened if our families are weak. Moreover, it is possible for us to find a balance in our lives between activities in support of the Cause and family development.

"A truly Bahá’í home is a true fortress upon which the Cause can rely while planning its campaigns," the Guardian said in a letter of November 6, 1932, written on his behalf to an individual believer. "If and love each other and would like to marry, Shoghi Effendi does not wish them to think that by doing so they are depriving themselves of the privilege of service; in fact such a union will enhance their ability to serve.

"There is nothing more beautiful than to have young Bahá’ís marry and found truly Bahá’í homes, the type Bahá’u’lláh wishes them to be." (Quoted in Family Life, p. 33)

As we survey the possibilities before us in strengthening our family life, let us not wait for "National" to develop new programs and services; let us instead arise in the spirit of individual initiative to act on some level, no matter how small.

We can seek support for our efforts from our fellow Bahá’ís as well as institutions and agencies that may assist in the spirit of the Six Year Plan and the Campaign of Unified Action.

Whatever measure of support we receive, we must work tirelessly to build model Bahá’í families inasmuch as strengthening our Bahá’í families will accelerate the unfoldment of God's promised Kingdom on earth.

5 Bahá'í families in S.D. take part in 'Peace Child' play

Five Bahá’í families from the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area took part recently in a three-evening production of "The Peace Child" play.

The songs and script reflected Bahá’í goals and concepts about peace.

The play was sponsored by the South Dakota Arts Council, the state Council for the Humanities, and the Shalom Center from a local private college, giving the cast a wonderful flavor of diversity drawn from the local community at large.

Visiting Bahá’ís attending the event were later able to participate in a mini-production of "The Peace Child" at a nationally advertised Conference on Non-Violence held in the Black Hills of western South Dakota.

Children in international costumes accompanied the cast for the finale, singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

Pocket-size copies of "The Promise of World Peace" were given to each cast member, and to stage hands, directors, members of the music ensemble, production coordinators and sponsors, resulting in several requests for information about the Faith and for "Wage Peace" bumper stickers.

Louis Gregory Institute co-sponsors Atlantic Beach Heritage Festival

The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute was a co-sponsor September 18-20 of the Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, Heritage and Founders Day Festival. Atlantic Beach is perhaps the only all-black incorporated township in the U.S.

On the final day of the festival, the Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir appeared with main speaker, Eric McNair, the brother of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair. In addition to honoring Atlantic Beach, Mr. McNair presented the Ron McNair Foundation Scholarship program in support of potential science students.

Also during the program, Mayor Joe Montgomery of Atlantic Beach received a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" on behalf of its residents from Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Dr. Jones was also asked to open the program by giving the invocation and to close it with the benediction. In both instances, he selected appropriate Bahá’í prayers.

After the program, the McNair family expressed genuine interest in what the Bahá’ís were doing and appreciation for their prayerful support of the family after Ron McNair's death in the Challenger disaster.

His mother told the Bahá’ís that she had attended Peace Fest '87 at the Gregory Institute and listens regularly to WLGI from her home in Lake City. [Page 21]

Spirit, love carry Glad Tidings

Toward the beginning of August, the Spiritual Assembly of Florence, South Carolina, had a five-day project for youth wherein they went out to meet with Bahá’ís and do some proclamation work. More than 45 young people—American and Persian, black and white—participated, some from neighboring states. Here is what went on:

On the morning of the first day, after breakfast and prayers, a representative of the local Spiritual Assembly explained the aims of the project. The friends were reminded that they must be examples of Bahá’í conduct, especially in the way they dress, then were divided into teams of three, and away they went.

Fifteen teams, each carrying folders containing the names and addresses of Bahá’ís, maps and Bahá’í literature, went to different parts of the city to meet the Bahá’ís. On the second and third days, the same teams went out for proclamation.

One day was devoted to clearing the grounds of the newly bought Hazíratul-Quds of weeds, rocks and debris. The evening of the same day, in an atmosphere of devotion, the youth prayed under a shady tree near the Hazira for the accomplishment of the Assembly's goals.

On the final day, everyone joined in a march for unity and peace—another program of the local Assembly. There were nearly 200 people, and excitement was in the air. The youth from Atlanta gave two performances of their group dance, the theme of which is the abandonment of prejudices and cooperation between the black and white races. The dance drew appreciative notices and prompted an article with photograph in the local newspaper.

Through it all, the team spirit and fellowship of the young people came through and ensured the success of the project. Differences of language, color and nationality were forgotten; it mattered not if one was a newly enrolled Bahá’í or was born in a Bahá’í family, or was from the north or the south.

An important aspect of the project was its efficiency and organization under the supervision of the local Spiritual Assembly. But perhaps what mattered most was the spirit of the participants who met two or three times each day to read the Writings together and strove to take the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the needy multitudes.

موسسه معارف بهائی بلسان فارسی

موسسه معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی که بر اساس اراده و هدایت بیت العدل اعظم الهی توسط محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان کانادا تأسیس شده و مژده آن قبلاً به اطلاع دوستان عزیز رسیده بود اینک به اطلاع یاران میرساند که به تأیید الهی انتشارات خود را در آتیه نزدیکی در اختیار عموم خواهد گذاشت.

جمال قدم میفرمایند: "طوبی از برای نفسی که در فراش تکیه نماید و قلبش به محبت اهل عالم منور باشد."

اولین انتشارات موسسه بشرح زیر خواهد بود:

۱ مجموعه خودآموز نماز بهائی، لوح احمد، ادعيه مخصوصه شامل نوار ضبط شده جزوه شامل متن نماز، لغت نامه و توضیحات.

۲ اولین شماره دوره دوم نشریه "مطالعه معارف بهائی" رساله الوان در آثار بهائی اثر تحقیقی تأليف جناب دکتر وحید رافتی.

شرایط عضویت در موسسه و اشتراك نشریات آن متعاقباً به اطلاع دوستان خواهد رسید. مراجعات در زیر به استحضار میرسد:

ANNOUNCEMENT BY PERSIAN INSTITUTE FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies P.O Box 8464 Dundas, ONT. CANADA L9H 6M2

بهائیان ایرانی و سیاهان

در مقاله قبلی گفته شد که تعصب دینی و ملی بیش از تعصب نژادی در میان ایرانیان به چشم می‌خورد خصوصاً این تعصب نسبت به سیاهان اما در بین ایرانیان مجالی برای ظهور نداشته چه که عده سیاهان در میان ایرانیان بسیار ناچیز است.

افراد سفیدپوست که ایرانیان نیز از آن شمارند تعصبی نسبت به رنگ سیاه وجود دارد. فی المثل در زبان فارسی موارد استعمال رنگ سیاه عموماً معنی منفی دارد. بدین معنی که "سیاه" در تعدادی از ترکیبات به معنی "بد" استعمال شده است کسی که دلی از سنگ داشته باشد "سیه دل" نامیده میشود. آنکه از اقبال حاصلی نبرده "سیه بخت" گفته میشود آنرا که آبرویش ریخته شده باشد "سیه روی" میگویند و بد فرجام را "سیه فرجام" میخوانند.

نمونه ای از این ترکیبات و استعارات را در زبان سایر سفیدپوستان نیز میتوان یافت. این تعبیرات همگی نشان از پیش داوری مبغضانه ای درباره رنگ سیاه دارد برخی گفته اند که تعصب نسبت به رنگ سیاه محتملاً ناشی از تداعی با تاریکی است. حتی با قبول این نظر اگر چه علت اولیه این تعصب ارتباطی با نژاد سیاه نداشته معذلك در طرز تفکر مردم نسبت به سیاهپوستان تأثیر میگذارد و عواقب آن در رفتارشان نسبت به سیاهان ظاهر میشود.

در عصرهای گذشته ایرانیان سیاهان را که معمولاً زنگی نامیده میشدند بعنوان برده خرید و فروش میکرده اند تغییر کلی در آداب و رسوم و تعصبات تنها با تدریج صورت وقوع می‌پذیرد. بهائیان ایرانی نیز از آنجا که در بطن جامعه ایران نشو و نما کرده اند بناچار حامل بعضی از این پیشداوریها می‌باشند خصوصاً ارتباط با سیاهان برای آن دسته از بهائیان ایرانی که در طی چند سال اخیر به اختیار یا به اجبار رحل اقامت در این دیار افکنده اند ممکن است مشکلاتی به همراه داشته باشد. این مشکلات بر سایر مسائلی که یاران با آنها مواجه شده اند مزید میگردد و مستلزم بذل دقت و توجه تام جهت حل و رفع آنهاست. لازم به تذکر است که مشکلات بهائیان ایرانی در ارتباطات آنان با سیاهان در چند مقوله مختلف گنجانده میشود:

یکی از این مشکلات عدم آشنائی آنان با سوابق روابط نژادی در ایالات متحده است. در قسمت اول این سلسله مقالات به اختصار اطلاعاتی درباره سوابق روابط مذکور به استحضار خوانندگان رسید.

دیگر عدم آشنائی آنان با بعضی اصطلاحات و عناصر فرهنگی اقلیتهاست ممکن است بکار بردن بعضی از کلمات که در عرف سیاهپوستان توهین آمیز است باعث حدوث کدورت مابین ایرانیان و سیاهان شود.

دیگر قبول یا تقلید از بعضی عقاید و تعصبات سفیدپوستان است: بعضی از بهائیان ایرانی در برخی موارد شوخیهائی را که جنبه نژادی دارد تکرار میکنند و یا عقایدی را که به غلط درباره سیاهان رواج دارد (مثلاً تنبلی) میپذیرند.

دیگر اشتباه ناشی از تعصبات طبقاتی است: برخی از سیاهان که با بافت جامعه ایرانی آشنا نیستند رفتارهایی را که منبعث از تعصبات طبقاتی است حمل بر تعصب نژادی ایرانیان میکنند. مثلاً ممکن است که عدم رضایت پدر و مادر ایرانی به ازدواج فرزندشان با يك نفر سیاهپوست صرفاً به علت تعصبات طبقاتی باشد و این خود تعبیر به تعصب نژادی شود.

بار سنگین هموطنی با جمال قدم که از يك سو افتخاری بزرگ و از سوی دیگر مسوولیتی به همان اندازه بزرگ است بر سایر مشکلاتی که ایرانیان دارند مزید میشود و آنان را در وضعی دشوار قرار میدهد.

(ادامه در شماره بعد)

مبلغ خردسال در زئیر

در زئیر يك دختر پنج ساله بهائی که بوسیله آموزگار مدرسه اش تنبیه بدنی شده بود حیرت زده به معلم تذکر میدهد که حضرت بهاء‌الله ضرب اطفال را ممنوع داشته اند. اما معلم به گفتار او اعتنائی نمیکند و همچنان به تنبیه بدنی کودکان ادامه میدهد. كودك بهائی دوباره می‌گوید: "باور کنید که مادرم به من گفته که حضرت بهاء‌الله زدن اطفال را ممنوع فرموده اند."

رفته رفته احساس احترام معلّم نسبت به آن شاگرد مدرسه خرد سال جلب میشود تا اینکه یکروز از او میخواهد که در غیابش مواظب شاگردان کلاس باشد. پس از اینکه آموزگار به کلاس برمیگردد از دختر بهائی میپرسد کدامیک از شاگردان شلوغ کرده اند. در جواب دختر بهائی می‌گوید: "ما نباید راجع به دیگران بد بگوئیم. اگر لازم است مرا تنبیه کنید چون اسم شاگردهای شلوغ را به شما نخواهم گفت." در آنوقت معلم از دختر بهائی میپرسد که چه دینی دارد و دختر در جواب میگوید "بهائی." بعد از مدتی معلم به خانه پدر و مادر شاگرد خردسال بهائی رفته با آنان به معاشرت میپردازد و امروز آن آموزگار خانمی بهائی است. [Page 22]تاریخ تکرار میشود و بصورت "توالی فاجعه" درمیآید.

اما مژده باد که در جهان از سیاستی الهی نیز میتوان سراغ گرفت. منشاء این سیاست اراده و امر خداست. نام آن دیانت، و میقات تجدید آن به تصریح قلم اعلی حدوداً هر هزار سال است. ظهورش به فرمودهٔ جمال قدم "محض نجات و اصلاح و اتحاد و اتفاق و راحت اهل عالم بوده." دربارهٔ رسم و راهش حضرت عبدالبهاء چنین فرموده: "سیاست الهی مهربانی به جمیع بشر است بدون استثناء. آن سیاست حقیقی است و این روش شایان نفوس مقدسهٔ رحمانیه."

پیداست که بهائیان با قبول دیانت بهائی سیاست الهی را برگزیده‌اند و با آنکه در سیاست بشری نیز به چشم تحقیر نمی‌نگرند، در حال حاضر به آن اشتغال نمی‌جویند، بلکه با ایثار و محبت به اشاعه و تبلیغ سیاست الهی می‌پردازند.

ناگفته نماند که بهائیان در عین حال که به هیچیک از احزاب سیاسی نمی‌پیوندند، با آنها مخالفتی و مخاصمتی نیز ندارند، منتهی چون هدف نهایی خود را جامعتر از اهداف اهل سیاست میدانند، با تحقق مقاصد خویش، مقاصد خیر بسیاری از سیاسیون را نیز متحقق میدانند. در خاتمه قسمتی از یکی از توقیعات حضرت ولی امرالله خطاب به یاران ایران درج میگردد. این توضیح برای بهائیان ایرانی خصوصاً در زمان حال از اهمیت خاصی برخوردار است.

"اهل بهاء، چه در ایران و چه در خارج آن، موطن جمال اقدس ابهی را پرستش نمایند و در احیاء و تعزیز و ترقی و ترویج مصالح حقیقیهٔ این سرزمین، منافع و راحت، بلکه جان و مال خویش را فدا و ایثار نمایند، ولی به وسائطی فعاله و وسائلی الهیه متشبثند. در تحسین اخلاق و تقلیب قلوب افراد و اصلاح ملت ساعی و جاهدند نه در تأسیس و وضع قوانین و سنن و مشروعات مادیهٔ حدثیه. از تقلید بیزارند و به اسماء و رسوم جدیده تقیدی ندارند و از احزاب و فرق مغرورهٔ متخاصمه، چه از حزب اشتراک و انقلاب، و چه از نظامیان و سلطنت جویان و جمهوری طلبان و تقلید پرستان، متحاید و درکنار. ادنی مخالفتی با هیچیک ندارند و ضدیت و مقاومت ننمایند، بلکه خود را مروجین امری روحانی دانند که بالمال فائق و شامل بر مقاصد اصلیهٔ کل است نه معارض آن ... احباء باید به اموری مشغول گردند که ثمراتش به عموم ملت راجع گردد نه آنکه فقط مایهٔ انتفاع بعضی از رؤساء و اشخاص معدود باشد."

۲۶ نوامبر روز میثاق

DAY OF THE COVENANT

پس از صعود جمال مبارک بسیاری از بهائیان از حضرت عبدالبهاء تمنا کرده بودند که روز جلوس مبارک را بر سریر مرکزیت عهد جشن بگیرند. اما مرکز میثاق که راضی نبودند که توجه یاران الهی معطوف به شخص ایشان شود از قبول تقاضای احباء ابا میفرمودند. اما بعد از آنکه عدهٔ زیادی از دوستان اصرار ورزیدند که حضرت مولی‌الوری روزی را بعنوان روز عهد و پیمان معین فرمایند، هیکل مبارک با اکراه روز ۲۶ نوامبر را تعیین فرمودند.

حضرت عبدالبهاء راجع به معنی و مفهوم این روز و چگونگی تعیین آن در یکی از مکاتیب مبارک چنین میفرمایند:

"اما در خصوص یوم جلوس مرقوم فرموده بودند، جلوس این عبد این است که به عبودیت آستانهٔ مبارکه و نشر نفحات قدسش و اعلاء کلمه‌اش به تأییدات ملکوت ابهایش موفق شویم. پس از صعود آن جمال مبین و افول آن شمس علیین و حرمان و مهجوری و هجران از مشاهدهٔ آن انوار تابان، ای خاک بر سر من و جلوس من. الیوم باید که جمیع توجهات محصور بر اعلاء شؤون تقدیس و ظهور حقایق تنزیه و اشتغال بر استقرار کلمات‌الله گردد ... در خصوص مسألهٔ یوم همانست که از پیش مرقوم گردید. بعد ملاحظه شده که آن حضرت قدری از آن جواب افسرده شدید و از جهت دیگر نیز اصرار در این مسأله کسان دیگر در جهات سائره بینهایت مینمایند، و شاید در جایی بدون استیذان اجراء نمایند آنوقت اسباب حزن شدیدی از عدم اجازه بجهت آن حضرت حاصل گردد. لهذا این قضیه را موکول و محول بر رأی خود آنجناب نموده که به هر قسم و هر وقت که مصلحت بدانند مجری دارند. اگر صد و هشتاد روز چیزی از یوم صعود بگذرد که ابعد ایام از یوم صعود باشد بهتر است و اگر چنانچه کلّ از این فکر بگذرند خوشتر و دلکشتر آید. الیوم جمیع افکار را در توسیع دائرهٔ تبلیغ و شوق و ذوق احیاء باید صرف نمود."

از آن پس روز ۲۶ ماه نوامبر بعنوان روز میثاق مقرر گشت. در این روز به تصریح حضرت ولی امرالله اشتغال به کار "حرام نه ولی جزو ایام مخصوصهٔ متبرکه است"، معمولاً جلسات بزرگداشتی گرفته میشود.

حضرت بهاءالله در کتاب عهدی به اهل عالم گوشزد فرمودند که "افق اعلی از زخرف دنیا خالی" بود. آنچه مظهر امر خدا در این عصر برای افراد بشر به ارث گذاشت میراث بینظیری بود که با رنج و گنج عالم رابطه‌ای نداشت. این میراث "عهد" خدا با همهٔ مردم دنیا بود.

از لفظ "عهد" معانی مختلفی اراده میشود. یکی آن عهد کلی است که مظهر امر با بندگان میبندد و میتوان گفت که شرط ایفای آن قبول مظهریت مظاهر امر است. این عهد در قرآن "امانت" نیز نامیده شده است. مطابق نصّ قرآن امانت الهی بر همهٔ آفریدگان عرضه شد و تنها انسان بود که حامل آن گشت. میتوان این عهد را پیمان محبت خواند زیرا بر طبق صریح آیات الهی، خدا انسان را دوست داشته، به او عشق ورزیده و بدین سبب وی را آفریده است. آنگاه که آدمی نیز مهر خدا و مظاهر امر او را در دل بپروراند و فرمان آنان را کمر به خدمت بندد، میتوان گفت که به عهد الهی وفا کرده است.

اما سوای این مفهوم کلی، عهد را معنائی اختصاصی نیز هست. در امر بهائی از مرکزیت امر بعد از صعود جمال قدم به عهد و پیمان تعبیر میشود. بر اساس نصّ صریح کتاب عهدی، غصن اعظم، حضرت عبدالبهاء مرکز میثاق دیانت بهائی و مبیّن آیات بعد از صعود حضرت بهاءالله میباشند. پس از صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء، مطابق مفاد الواح وصایا، حضرت شوقی ربانی بعنوان ولی امر خدا و مبیّن آیات تعیین گردیدند. وفای به عهد در معنی خاص خود مستلزم اطاعت اوامر حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله و در زمان حال بیت‌العدل اعظم است.

با توجه به آثار مبارکه هر روز برای اهل بهاء روز میثاق است، زیرا یاران باوفا هرگز انتظارات معشوق حقیقی را فراموش نمیکنند. بنابراین اهمیت روز میثاق برای ما در آنست که عهد محبّت را تجدید کنیم و انتظاراتی را که از ما بعنوان حبیب و محبوب خدا میرود به یاد آوریم.

اعلان انفصال اداری

REMOVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE RIGHTS

در آخرین جلسهٔ محفل روحانی ملی رأی داده شد که انفصال اداری آقایان دکتر عباس بشیر الهی ساکن گریتر وینا Greater Vienna واقع در ایالت ویرجینیا، و وحید سهیلی ساکن توسان Tucson در ایالت آریزونا اعلان گردد. انفصال اداری دکتر بشیر الهی به علّت محکومیت قضائی بر اثر تخلف از قوانین مالیاتی، و انفصال اداری آقای سهیلی به علّت سرقت و اخاذی بوده است.

اعتذار

CORRECTION

با عرض معذرت از دوستان عزیز، مستدعی است که در پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مندرج در شمارهٔ قبل، کلمهٔ "اعظم" را در ستون اوّل از صفحهٔ ۲۵، سطر ۱۳ از پائین، به "اطهر" تبدیل نمایند. عبارت باید چنین خوانده شود: "... مراقد مطهرهٔ حضرت ورقهٔ مبارکهٔ علیا و حضرت غصن اطهر و حضرت نوّاب...."

یادآوری

روز ۱۲ نوامبر مصادف با ولادت حضرت بهاءالله و یکی از ایام محرمهٔ امری است. [Page 23]

دربارهء عدم مداخله در امور سیاسی

ON NON INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS

عرصه سیاست خالی از حضور بهائیان است و شاید تا مدت مدیدی نیز امور بر همین نهج و منوال بگذرد. اما میتوان پرسید که چرا بهائیان در این عرصه قدم نمیگذارند. امور سیاسی که با تار و پود جامعه انسانی عجین شده و اگر نتوان گفت که همه امور لااقل میتوان مدعی شد که اغلب امور مربوط به زندگی آدمی را در بر گرفته، قابل غفلت نیستند. بنابراین خط مشی بهائیان نسبت به تمشیت امور سیاسی باید روشن گردد. بدین ترتیب هم اهل بهاء که بر طبق تعالیم قلم اعلی مأمور به تحری حقیقت میباشند به درک گسترده‌تری از علل احتمالی اجتناب از امور سیاسی توفیق مییابند و هم افراد غیربهائی از توجیه و وجه ترجیح این تعلیم اساسی آگاهی نسبی حاصل مینمایند.

بی‌تردید آنچه از قلم افراد بهائی درباره احکام و تعالیم امر مبارک نگاشته میشود نباید بعنوان کلام آخر یا نص صریح تلقی گردد، معهذا کوشش و تلاشی لازم است تا در محدوده اندیشه بشری مطالبی راجع به تعالیم بهائی نگارش یابد. با اذعان به این امر است که حکم عدم مداخله در امور سیاسی را در نظر میگیریم.

از همان آغاز تاریخ بهائی، بابئیان به اتهام سیاسی بودن متهم گردیدند. حتی جمعی از کارگزاران ممالک اروپائی از آنها بعنوان سوسیالیست و کمونیست و آنارشیست یاد کردند. از آن پس اتهامات صورت دینی بخود گرفت و بهائیان اهل کفر و الحاد قلمداد شدند. سپس، از اوایل قرن حاضر، دوباره اهل بهاء مورد اصابت تیر اتهامات سیاسی قرار گرفتند. گروهی مرام آنان را ساخته دولت روسیه تزاری گفتند و مجعولاتی بنام اعترافات دالگورکی منتشر نمودند. عده‌ای در رده‌های گوناگون کوشیدند بهائیان را فرقه‌ای با حمایت و پشتیبانی دولت انگلیس قلمداد کنند و بدین منظور، از مراسم اعطای نشان تقدیر به حضرت عبدالبهاء مستمسکی ساختند. پس از تشکیل دولت اسرائیل در سال ۱۹۴۸، گروهی بدان سبب که اماکن متبرکه و مرکز جهانی بهائی در کشور اسرائیل قرار گرفته، دیانت بهائی را با دولت آن کشور مرتبط دانستند. اخیراً نیز مخالفان اهل بهاء آنان را باین علت که رئیس جمهور ایالات متحده درباره ستمهای زمان حال ذکری از ایشان کرده، بهائیان را به دولت این مملکت مربوط میدانند.

نفس تفرق و چندگانگی این اتهامات مضحک که حتی گاهی با هم مخالف نیز میباشند، همه حاکی از آنست که مخالفان امر بهائی، با آنکه در مورد مخالفت با آئین بهائی "از يك گوهرند"، در باب منشاء این دیانت به وحدت نظر نرسیده‌اند. علت این امر بر بهائیان آشکار است: مخالفان امر بهائی به چشم سر شاهد پیشرفت صوری و خارجی آن بوده‌اند. اینان به عیان دیده‌اند که زندان و آزار و غارت و کشتار هيچيك مانع از توسعه این دیانت نبوده است. از آنجا که این افراد قبل از هر گونه تحقیق و بررسی، بر خود متحتم داشته‌اند که امر بهائی "بر حق نیست"، لاجرم بر خود لازم دیده‌اند که محملی برای پیشرفت آن جعل نمایند. و کدام محمل مردم پسندتر و پرخریدارتر از تهمت وابستگی سیاسی است؟

اما اهل بهاء خود مطابق تعلیمات جمال ابهی و بر طبق تبیینات حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله باید از مداخله "مستقیم" در امور سیاسی دوری گزینند. ذکر قید "مستقیم" از آن جهت است که چون بسیاری از امور در عصر حاضر با سیاست ممزوج شده، مشکل بتوان از امور سیاسی مطلقاً اجتناب نمود. مثلاً، فرد بهائی با پرداخت مالیات به خزانه دولت بطور غیر مستقیم در امور سیاسی مشارکت میجوید. زیرا دولتها بخش بزرگی از عایدات مالیاتی را صرف تحقق مقاصد سیاسی خود مینمایند. بدین جهت اهل بهاء خود را از مداخله "مستقیم" در امور سیاسی برکنار میدارند.

فعالیت سیاسی معمولاً مستلزم تحزب است. بدین معنی که شخص باید عضو حزبی شود و در آن به فعالیت مشغول گردد. در اینگونه فعالیتها غالباً احزاب در مقابل یکدیگر قرار میگیرند. برای موفقیت و نشستن بر کرسی قبول، با یکدیگر به جدال و نزاع میپردازند. میکوشند تا از هر وسیله‌ای برای کسب موفقیت استفاده کنند. بدین ترتیب هیاهوئی از قیل و قال بر پا میشود و مجادلات اهل سیاست که در ‎وحله وهله‎ اول جنبه نظری دارد، به مخاصمات فردی مبدل میگردد. بسیار ‎ندرند نادرند‎ افرادی که در مسابقه سیاست مخالف هم باشند و در عین حال از محبت یکدیگر نیز دم بزنند.

آشکارا، بهائیان که حتی از "مجادله در قول" نیز تحذیر گشته‌اند، نمیتوانند در عرصه‌ای داخل شوند که موجب نفاق و جدال و مورث نفرت و انزجار است. بسیار اتفاق میافتد که حتی ورود در مباحث سیاسی نیز باعث حدوث کدورت میگردد، بنابراین پیداست که چرا مروجین وحدت عالم انسانی نباید در امور سیاسی دخالت نمایند و از دخول در مشاجرات سیاسی نیز برکنار باشند. در این مورد حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند: "اساس امر بهائی الفت بین جميع ملل و ادیان است و مکالمات سیاسی سبب تفرقه و حصول ضدیت و تعصب."

باید از سوء تعبیر بر حذر بود: عدم مداخله در امور سیاسی به معنی غفلت اهل بهاء از مکاتب و عقاید سیاسی نیست. چه بسا که برای تبلیغ امر مبارک نیز لازم باشد که بهائیان از احوال سیاسی جهان و طرفداران سیاستهای مختلف آگاه باشند و با تشخیص مخاصمات و مکاید اکثر سیاست‌بازان، ورشکستگی بازار آنان را به مردم خاطر نشان سازند و با ارائه و ابلاغ تعالیم بهائی طریق اقبال آنان را به امر الهی هموار نمایند. منتهی اهل بهاء باید با هوشیاری و کیاست از جانبداری و دخول و عضویت در احزاب سیاسی اجتناب کنند. بنا به فرموده حضرت عبدالبهاء: "مداخله در امور سیاسیه عاقبت پشیمانی است. لا يُسْمِنُ و لايُغنی. باید از جمیع احزاب در کنار بود، افکار را در آنچه سبب عزت ابدیه است بکار برد."

از سوی دیگر، عدم مداخله در امور سیاسی از لحاظ اخلاقی نیز حافظ اهل بهاء است: شاید بتوان ادعا کرد که تخلق به اصول اخلاقی و اتصاف به "صفات کمالیه" برای بهائیان از جمله اولیات و بدیهیات است. برخی از این صفات اخلاقی را حضرت مولی‌الوری در رساله مدنیه برشمرده‌اند: "... باری، باقی صفات کماليه، خشية الله و محبة الله في محبة عباده، و حلم و سکون و صدق و سلوك و رحم و مروت و جلادت و شجاعت و ثبات و اقدام و جهد و کوشش و کرم و بخشش و وفا و صفا و حمیت و غیرت و همت و بزرگواری و حقوق پروری و امثال ذلك بوده، و فاقد این اخلاق حسنه انسانیه ناقص است."

در عین حال در لوح دیگری که از قلم مرکز میثاق صادر شده چنین مسطور گشته: "... امرالله را قطعاً تعلق به امور سیاسیه نبوده و نیست. امور سیاسیه راجع به اولیای امور است، چه تعلق به نفوسی دارد که باید در تنظیم حال و تشویق بر اخلاق و کمالات کوشند؟"

با بذل دقت در بیان فوق میتوان چنین استنباط کرد که تمشیت امور سیاسی را با امور اخلاقی ارتباطی نیست. اگر اهل بهاء بخواهند به عهد محبتی که با جمال قدم بسته‌اند وفا نمایند، باید در ‎وحله وهله‎ اول به جمیع اصول اخلاقی تمسك جویند. ورود در عالم سیاست مخل تمسك تام به اصول اخلاقی است.

شاید بتوان به يك اعتبار دو گونه سیاست در عالم یافت: سیاست بشری و سیاست الهی. عقل انسانی سیاست بشری را میسازد و میپردازد. بازار برخی از این عقاید چند صباحی در جامعه یا جوامعی رونق مییابد. گاهی آن گروه از سیاست پیشگانی که از وجدان اخلاقی بهره‌ای برده‌اند، با خدماتی به بهبود وضع ملتی موفق میشوند. اما در اکثر مواقع سیاست بازیچه کس یا کسانی میشود که دور از توجه و خدمت به مردم، به قیادت و رهبری مملکتی ارتقاء میجویند. با ارتقاء اینان بر مسند حکومت چه بسیار ستمها که بر ملت و رعیت وارد می‌آید و چه جانها و مالها که در ورطه نیستی میافتد. پس از مدتی مردم از بیداد به ستوه می‌آیند و با حمایت رهبر دیگری تحت سلطه او قرار میگیرند و بسیار اتفاق میافتد که وضع جدید را بدتر از وضع سابق می‌یابند. بدین ترتیب [Page 24]

ABDU’L-BAHA’ IN AMERICA

حضرت عبدالبهاء در تاریخ ۵ دسامبر سال ۱۹۱۲ ایالات متحده را ترك فرمودند. در ماه نوامبر آن سال از شیکاگو به سیسیناتی و واشنگتن رفتند و سپس از طریق بالتیمور و فیلادلفیا وارد نیویورك شدند. بر طبق معمول در هر کدام از این نقاط به ایراد خطابه در مجامع مختلف پرداختند ولی چون ماه آخر حضور مبارك در آمریکا بود، بیشتر اوقات خود را به نصیحت احباء و تشویق آنان بر قیام به تبلیغ امرالله و عمل به تعالیم مبارکه و اجتناب از تفرقه و اختلاف و تمسك به محبت و اتحاد اختصاص دادند. در این ایام اخیر سفر مبارك، مرکز میثاق چندین بار از عروض خستگی شکایت فرموده بودند. جناب میرزا محمود زرقانی در سفرنامه مبارك چنین نگاشته:

"چون مجال تشرف يك يك (ملاقات کنندگان) نبود، لهذا باقی جمعاً در محفل عمومی منظور نظر میگشتند و چون وجود اکرم از کثرت کار و شدت گرما خسته میشدند به باغچه‌های کنار نهر تنها تشریف میبردند و میفرمودند: 'تنها که هستم صحبت نمیکنم فکرم مشغول نمیشود، قدری راحت میشوم. اما تنها که نیستم لابد صحبت میکنم، عرق میآید و خسته میشوم.' و آن ایام چون اواخر ایام اقامت مبارك در آمریکا بود، لهذا ممکن نبود ساعتی در منزل آسوده و راحت باشند."

نا گفته پیداست که خستگی مانع از ادامه مراحم حضرت عبدالبهاء نبود. احبای آمریکا نیز که خدمات و زحمات مرکز پیمان را به چشم میدیدند، میکوشیدند عنایات مبارك را قدردانی کنند. به همین جهت بسیاری از آنان با هدایای بسیار به ساحت مبارك میشتافتند، اما مرکز عهد هدایای آنان را نمیپذیرفتند. در روز ۲۰ نوامبر عده‌ای از دوستان با هم پیمان بستند که دست بدامان حضرت عبدالبهاء شده، از حضور مبارك دور نشوند مگر اینکه هدایایشان مقبول افتد. هیکل میثاق همه صاحبان هدایا را احضار فرمودند و با آنان چنین گفتند:

"من از خدمات شماها بسیار ممنونم. فی‌الحقیقه مرا خدمت کردید، مهمان نوازی نمودید، شب و روز قائم به خدمت بودید و ساعی در نشر نفحات‌الله... من هیچوقت خدمات شما را فراموش نخواهم کرد... حال هدایائی جهت اهل بیت من آورده‌اید. این هدایا بسیار مقبول است و مرغوب، اما خوبتر از اینها هدایا محبّة‌الله است که در خزائن قلوب محفوظ ماند. این هدایا موقتی است ولکن آن هدایا ابدیست... لهذا من محبّت شما را که اعظم هدایاست به جهت آنها میبرم. در خانه ما نه انگشتر الماس استعمال مینمایند و نه یاقوت نگاه میدارند. آن بیت از اینگونه زخارف پاك و مبراست. حال من این هدایا را قبول کردم ولی نزد شما امانت میگذارم که بفروشید و قیمت آنها را برای مشرق‌الاذکار شیکاگو بفرستید."

هر چه احباء اصرار کردند که هدایایشان مقبول واقع شود، هیکل مبارك قبول نفرمودند و کلیه هدایا را به مشرق‌الاذکار ارجاع فرمودند. در آن ایام بنای مشرق‌الاذکار آمریکا برای احباء در درجه اول اهمیت بود.

در پیام اخیر بیت‌العدل اعظم یاران الهی دعوت به تقدیم تبرعات جهت ساختمانهای باقیمانده در ارض اقدس شده‌اند. امید است هر يك از دوستان بتواند با شرکت در این خدمت اساسی سهم مؤثری در اجرای منویات معهد اعلی جهت بنای ساختمانهای باقیمانده داشته باشد.

MEMBERS OF NPAAC

اولین جلسه لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی در سال جاری از تاریخ ۷ تا ۹ آگست در ویلمت انعقاد یافت. محفل روحانی ملی در نامه‌ای از خدمات اعضای سابق لجنه، خانم شارلین مغزی و آقای شاد افصحی قدردانی نمودند.

اعضای لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی (از چپ به راست) آقای ریاض خادم (ناظم)، خانم پوران استیونس، آقای اوندر گیلمر، خانم شیلا بنائی، و آقای منوچهر درخشانی (منشی لجنه).

HEART OF LOTUS

اخیراً فیلمی بنام "قلب نیلوفر آبی" Heart of the Lotus تحت نظر روابط عمومی جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی تهیه شده است. موضوع این فیلم چگونگی رشد و نضج جامعه بهائی در هندوستان است. از فیلم مذکور میتوان جهت ابلاغ امرالله استفاده نمود. نوار ويديوئی فیلم "قلب نیلوفر آبی" را میتوان به قیمت ۲۵ دلار از طریق مکاتبه با مؤسسه توزیع کتب امری به نشانی زیر خریداری کرد.

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

2ND ANNUAL APAAC CONFERENCE

دومین کنفرانس سالانه لجنات ناحیه‌ای احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی از تاریخ ۸ تا ۱۱ اکتبر سال جاری در دفتر محفل ملی انعقاد یافت. این کنفرانس که با حضور نمایندگان ۱۲ لجنه ناحیه‌ای تشکیل شده بود با بیانات جناب رابرت هندرسن، منشی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده آغاز گردید. جناب هندرسن با دقت و مهارت به تحلیل اوضاع بهائیان ایرانی در این سامان پرداختند و سهم آنان را در رابطه با تحقق اهداف نقشه شش ساله گوشزد ‎حفار حضار‎ نمودند.

دو تن از اعضای هیئت معاونت، سرکار خانم جاویدخت خادم و آقای موریس تیلر Morris Taylor نیز درباره وظائف و امکانات لجنات ناحیه‌ای و چگونگی ارتباط محافل روحانی محلی با آنها و طرق تبلیغ اقلیتهای بومی و نژادی بیاناتی اظهار داشتند.

شرکت کنندگان در قسمتهای شور درباره تجربیات خود در ارتباط با ادغام و اختلاط یاران به تبادل نظر پرداختند و به درك عمیقتری از مسائل مربوط به آن توفیق یافتند.

همچنین شرکت کنندگان بر مزار ایادی امرالله جناب ذکرالله خادم که خود تجسّم اتحاد شرق و غرب بود حاضر شده به تلاوت ادعیه و مناجات پرداختند.

در آخرین جلسه کنفرانس حضار برنامه‌ای برای سال جاری طرح ریختند. یکی از اهداف این برنامه تشویق بهائیان ایرانی جهت شرکت در فعالیتهای تبلیغی اقلیتهای نژادی و بومی و دیگری ترغیب آنان به مطالعه دقیق توقیع ظهور عدل الهی صادر از قلم حضرت ولی امرالله است. توقیع مبارك از طرف محفل روحانی ملی بعنوان "کتاب سال" شناخته شده است.

TEACHING NATIVE AMERICANS

در ظرف چند ماه گذشته احبای قسمت غربی ایالت اورگان به فعالیتهائی در مورد تبلیغ سرخپوستان پرداخته و به موفقیتهائی نیز نائل شده‌اند. در بهار سال جاری ۱۵۰ نفر از احبای اورگان در کنفرانسی که در منطقه سرخپوستی نزپرس Nez Perce انعقاد یافته بود، شرکت جستند و درباره ابلاغ کلمة‌الله به سرخپوستان به تبادل نظر پرداختند. در پی موفقیت آن کنفرانس، ۳۵ نفر از احباء در مدرسه سرخپوستی چماوا Chemawa در شهر سیلم Salem ملاقات کرده، درباره تبلیغ امرالله و تعصبات نژادی مذاکراتی به عمل آوردند. قرار است در آینده نیز جلساتی منعقد گردد. [Page 25]

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه: تلگراف بیت العدل اعظم مورخ اول اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۷

با غم و اندوه بسیار توأم با احساس انزجار گزارشی را که هم اکنون به مرکز جهانی واصل گردیده اعلام می‌نماییم. در روز ۲۸ ماه سپتامبر دو نفر بهائی در طهران اعدام گردیدند. جنابان اردشیر اختری و امیر حسین نادری از اعضای سابق محفل روحانی ملی ایران بودند و هر دو نفر از تاریخ ۱۲ سپتامبر سال ۱۹۸۴ در زندان بسر می‌بردند. حکم اعدام آنان مقارن با بازدید دبیر کل سازمان ملل متحد از ایران صادر گردید.

جنابان اختری و نادری و همچنین جناب سروش جباری و جناب ابوالقاسم شایق که در تاریخ ۲ مارچ سال ۱۹۸۷ اعدام گردیدند، از جمله ١٤ زندانی بهائی بودند که از اوایل سال جاری سرنوشتشان موجب نگرانی شدید یاران ایران بوده است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

یادی از جناب دکتر بهرام افنان

MARTYR'S FILE

جناب دکتر بهرام افنان فرزند آقا سید مهدی افنان، پدر حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله بود. جد پدری ایشان، جناب حاجی میرزا ابوالقاسم، برادر ارشد حرم حضرت اعلی و پسر عموی والده آنجناب بود. مادر دکتر افنان، ایران خانم، دختر جناب میرزا اشرف عندلیب لاهیجانی مبلغ مشهور و شاعر معروف بهائی است.

دوران طفولیت و صباوت دکتر افنان در شیراز گذشت و تحصیلاتش تا خاتمه دوره دکتری در همان شهر سپری شد. پس از اتمام تحصیلات در رشته پزشکی، تخصص خود را در بیماریهای قلبی و عروق کسب نمود و سپس به خدمات پزشکی اشتغال یافت و در کار طبابت به حذاقت مشهور شد.

پرورش روحانی دکتر افنان، تا آنجا که به تشکیلات بهائی مربوط میشد، در کودکی و نوجوانی با حضور در کلاسهای درس اخلاق آغاز شد و از آن پس با شرکت در تشکیلات جوانان ادامه یافت و تا عضویت در لجنه های مختلف و سرانجام محفل روحانی شیراز گسترده شد. و آنگاه که قضا اقتضا کرد بر سر همین خدمات دستگیر و زندانی شد و بدین طریق صدق گفتار و رفتارش آشکارتر گردید.

دکتر افنان مردی سلیم‌النفس و آرام بود. قلبی مهربان و هوشی شایان داشت. در کار وحرفه خود به حد تبحر رسیده بود. هر چند شخصی کم گوی بود، معهذا عده بسیاری از یار و اغیار او را دوست صمیمی خود میدانستند.

در همان زمانی که دکتر افنان در زندان بسر میبرد جمعی از اهالی شیراز و عده ای از اطباء طوماری تهیه نمودند و به دادگاه فرستادند. در این عریضه نوشته شده بود که در این هنگام که مردم از لحاظ پزشکان در مضیقه میباشند، اجازه داده شود که دکتر افنان آزاد گردد و به معالجه بیماران کما فی السابق بپردازد و بدین ترتیب از وجود چنین طبیب حاذقی استفاده شود. اما حاکم شرع در جواب گفته بود که: "بهائی هر قدر هم خوب کار کند و یا کار خوب انجام دهد مورد رضای خدا نخواهد بود،" و به این بهانه از آزاد کردن او امتناع ورزیده بود.

مراسلاتى که سایر زندانیان از زندان نوشته‌اند حاکی از آنست که دکتر افنان نهایت انجذاب و اشتعال و بردباری را از خود نشان داده و علیرغم شکنجه و تازیانه که پیکرش را مجروح کرده بود، همچنان به اظهار محبت و صمیمیت ادامه میداده و از تشویق و ترغیب دوستان باز نمی مانده است.

گزارش شده بود که قاضی شرع، به زعم اینکه با تبرى دکتر افنان از امر مبارک سایر بهائیان زودتر به انکار تن خواهند داد، بیش از سایر احباء میخواسته که او تبرى کند و با هر گونه وعده و وعید او را مجبور بر ترک ایمان و اعتقاد کرده بود. غافل که در این گونه موارد اصرار بر ترک عقیده ممد روحیه مؤمن میشود و اجبار بر تبرى سبب رسوخ اعتقاد و اطمینان میگردد و بیم و امید و وعد و وعید عاشق صادق را پشیزی نمیارزد.

بهر تقدیر، دکتر افنان از آنجا که عاشق دلسوخته بود و محب لب دوخته، سخن از تبری نراند و جز حکایت مهر و وفا نخواند تا آنکه پس از تحمل هشت ماه زندان و شکنجه و آزار تنها به پرسش طناب دار آری گفت و در روز ۱۶ ماه ‎چون ژوئن‎ سال ۱۹۸۳، همراه با پنج نفر دیگر از بهائیان، پیکرش زینت آن گردید.

در زمان شهادت چهل و هشت سال از عمر او میگذشت. همسر و سه فرزندش از او باقی مانده اند. یادش گرامی باد!

اطلاعیه نشریه پیام بدیع

A BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE

بدینوسیله مجله "پیام بدیع" را که تنها مجله امری منتشره در ایالات متحده امریکا به زبان فارسی میباشد به احبای مقیم آن سامان بار دیگر معرفی مینماید. توضیح اینکه دارالانشاء معهد اعلی درباره نشریه مذکور خطاب به محفل روحانی نیویورک چنین مرقوم فرموده‌اند:

"معهد اعلی نسخه‌ای از 'پیام بدیع' که تحت اشراف آن محفل جلیل جهت احبای ایرانی منتشر میشود دریافت نموده، بسیار اظهار مسرت فرمودند و مقرر داشتند مراتب تقدیر ساحت رفیع به نفوس مبارکه‌ای که این مجله را از قبل آن محفل منتشر میسازند ابلاغ گردد. با تقدیم تحیات از طرف دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم"

ضمناً به استحضار احبای الهی میرساند که "پیام بدیع" سالی ۱۲ شماره منتشر مینماید و حق اشتراک آن حد اقل مبلغ ۲۰ دلار است. علاقمندان میتوانند مبلغ مذکور را در وجه New York Bahá’í Fund به سرکار خانم مهین وفائی به نشانی زیر ارسال دارند:

Wyckoff, NJ. 17481

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

جمال قدم در لوحی میفرمایند: "اگر ناس حقوق الهی را حبس نمی‌نمودند و ادا نموده یا بنمایند، حق به ایشان عنایت میفرمود. از حق میطلبیم وسعت به ایشان عنایت فرماید."

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

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

ضمناً برای کسب اطلاعات و دریافت نشریات مربوط به حقوق‌الله میتوان با یکی از امنای حقوق یا با دفتر مؤسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust 21300 Avalon Dr. Rocky River, OH. 44116

یادآوری

۲۸ نوامبر مصادف است با روز صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء. [Page 26]

Texas Bahá’ís take part in service at Church of White Eagle Lodge

On Sunday, July 5, six Bahá’ís from East Texas District No. 2 and Dallas gathered with 35 followers of the Church of White Eagle Lodge in Montgomery, Texas, the church’s center for North and South America.

As a result of a news release sent to various groups concerning the availability of the film “American Indian Prophecies and the Bahá’í Faith,” the Bahá’ís were invited to take part in an Indian Heritage Retreat sponsored by the church.

Frank McLemore, secretary of the American Indian Teaching Committee, offered a presentation on tribal heritage prior to the showing of the film.

Afterward, he presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to the Rev. Jean le Fevre, minister of the church and its representative in the Americas.

The Church of the White Eagle Lodge is a non-denominational Christian church founded 50 years ago in England. Despite its name, the members are not American Indians; their teachings are based on the Gospel of St. John and those of White Eagle, a title given by ancient American Indians to a spiritual teacher of great wisdom.

They are a peace-loving people who believe that all religions teach the same spiritual truths; to them, the eagle is the sign of a new age of brotherhood, the Aquarian Age.

The retreat center in Montgomery is a place where emphasis on the spiritual healing of wounded animals occurs. Many veterinarians in the area refer injured animals there.

Navajo translation

A translation in the Navajo language by Chester Kahn of a summary of “The Promise of World Peace” is now available on an audio cassette for $3 from the Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506.

Some aspects of Bahá’í burial law apply in West

The Bahá’í law of burial, which consists of several parts, is found in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. However, not all parts of the law are binding on the believers in the Western world.

According to a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador, dated December 3, 1975, the parts of the law which are now obligatory are:

1. That the body must be buried, not cremated.

2. That the Prayer for the Dead is to be recited for a Bahá’í of the age of 15 years or older. This is the prayer which appears as No. CLXVII in Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh.

3. That the body not be taken more than an hour’s journey from the place of death. The method of transport is not specified, but the journey must not take longer than one hour.

Also, the body should not be embalmed unless the practice is required by state law.

There is nothing in the Writings which says that a body may not be left for scientific research or that organs may not be donated for transplant, but if this is done, care must be taken to stipulate in one’s will that the body may not be cremated or taken more than one hour’s journey from the place of death.

A Bahá’í funeral service is usually handled by the local Spiritual Assembly, but can be carried out by individual Bahá’ís. Arrangements for the service should be made in consultation with the family of the deceased, and, because the family is often unaware of the Bahá’í burial laws, it is important to make sure that the members are informed.

If the family does not wish to cooperate, the Bahá’ís must not interfere, but may wish to hold a special memorial service for the deceased Bahá’í.

The funeral service itself should be simple, consisting of the Prayer for the Dead and a selection of readings from the Bahá’í sacred texts. Flexibility, according to local traditions and customs, may be observed, and non-Bahá’ís are welcome to attend.

Some other parts of the burial law that are not presently binding on Bahá’ís of the West are that, after the body has been carefully washed, a special burial ring is to be placed on a finger of the deceased, that the body is to be wrapped in cotton or silk, and placed in a coffin of crystal, stone or wood. When placed in the grave, the position of the feet should be toward ‘Akká.

The Universal House of Justice has stated that the building of a headstone should be left to the family of the deceased.

There is no specific ruling on the type of gravestone that should be used, but the beloved Guardian asked the Bahá’ís not to use any form of the Greatest Name or the ringstone emblem as an inscription.

A nine-pointed star may be used, or an appropriate quote from the Bahá’í Writings.

Many newer Bahá’ís would love to meet, study Faith with you

Afraid of teaching? It can be kind of scary meeting people for the first time and introducing them to the Faith.

There are many Bahá’ís who are new and would love to meet other Bahá’ís, and maybe read something from the Writings with you. They already believe in Bahá’u’lláh and could benefit from meeting other Bahá’ís, sharing time, fun, the Writings, and praying together.

So if you think you might be able to serve the Cause in this way, please contact your Regional Youth Committee for a list of consolidation projects, or contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

We’ll be more than happy to let you know where you can serve in this greatly needed way.

Bahá’í Club at Marshall University

The two-member Bahá’í Club at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, with help from non-Bahá’í friends, has planted three trees on campus in memory of the Bahá’í martyrs in Iran. A plaque was placed in front of each tree so people would know why they were planted. One member of the Bahá’í Club, Swah Ojha (second from left) is pictured with other students and Dr. Dan Evans (left), a botany instructor at Marshall.

NATIVE AMERICANS

Oregon youth help at Shaker meeting, make many friends on service project

As part of a service project in which Bahá’í youth of Oregon were involved on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon during August, they picked up roadside litter on a driveway leading to the Shaker church.

To the delight of the Shakers, the youth attended services at the church on Sunday, the last day of the project.

The Bahá’ís were told that the Shakers were going to hold a convention at the church on September 11-13, and arrangements were made for them to return to help with that event.

A diverse core group of about 10 Bahá’ís from Oregon and Washington, with several others who came for part of the weekend, helped the Shakers during their convention.

Among the services provided by the Bahá’ís, most of whom were youth, were cooking, busing tables, and entertaining children while the Shakers met and consulted.

About 150-200 Shakers came from all over the Northwest. Most were American Indians, with many tribes represented.

Reference was made to the services of the Bahá’ís several times during the program, and it was mentioned that, although they were “dressed” in many different ways, they got along with one another very well.

That weekend, many new friends of the Faith were made.

Katie Fools Crow, 95, Lakota leader, dies

Funeral services were held September 16 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Kyle, South Dakota, for Katie Fools Crow, 95, who died September 11 at Bennett County Community Hospital.

She was born August 15, 1892, in Chicago, Illinois.

Katie, who was the wife of Chief Frank Fools Crow, declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh and was enrolled in the Faith in 1985.

She and her husband, respected elders of the Lakota people, graciously received visits from Bahá’ís after he became a Bahá’í in 1983. She will be greatly missed by her Lakota and Bahá’í families.

Young Bahá’ís help in NABI development

As a part of the Six Year Plan, the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona has been under intense development. The Youth Task Force has been a major part of the process.

A large number of young Bahá’ís from many parts of the western U.S. have been involved in such activities as office work, construction, participation in the 75th anniversary of the Pine Springs unity picnic, and almost everything else under the sun.

The goal of the youth project was to bring at least 64 people to the Reservation over the summer to help rejuvenate the Reservation.

Children’s classes held in Tuba City

Meg DeAngelo, a teacher from Pennsylvania, joined forces this summer with Elizabeth Dahe, Anna Yazzie and Ken Morphet-Brown to bring Bahá’í children’s classes to the Tuba City, Arizona, area.

In July, classes were held in Dinnebito and Polacca, with some 23 children (Navajo and Hopi) attending.

After classes, the children went swimming at Tuba City. Teachers reported that they seemed to have a great time learning about Bahá’u’lláh, Navajo and Hopi culture, and each other.

Ms. DeAngelo and Rosanne Groger of San Francisco helped with children’s classes at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck which began August 2 and continued each Sunday through that month. [Page 27]

4 Bahá’ís take part in Filipino-American Unity Conference

Four Bahá’ís were among the more than 800 people from 18 states who took part August 7-9 in the 2nd National Unity Conference of Filipino-Americans in Anaheim, California.

Two Filipino-American Bahá’ís—Mar Laurico, a member of the local Teaching Committee of Glendale, and Nelson Sapad, a member of the District Teaching Committee of Southern California No. 1—were joined at the conference by fellow Bahá’ís Sandy Chetendero of Zambia and Eileen Estes of Santa Monica.

The conference adopted the first constitution of the National Filipino-American Council, which is aimed at making Filipino-Americans more influential nationally and creating more support for the Philippines in the U.S.

Speakers at the event included Rep. Stephen Solarz of New York, chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Asian and Pacific Affairs; Mayors Tom Bradley of Los Angeles and Dianne Feinstein of San Francisco; and California Lt. Gov. Leo T. McCarthy.

The Bahá’ís were able to present copies of "The Promise of World Peace" to 186 people at the conference including:

George Davis, an internationally known San Francisco lawyer and political figure.

The Hon. Ed Portugal, mayor of Rouces Point, New York, one of the first Filipino-Americans to be elected a mayor in the U.S.

Col. (Ret.) Hermie T. Ongkeko, chairman of the National Filipino-American Council.

Mrs. Irene Natividad, chairman of the National Women's Political Caucus.

Mrs. Eva Baldwin, convenor of the conference's Religion Workshop.

• Nonong Guia, a member of the Jaycees who invited the Bahá’ís to present the Faith to a group of about 800 members in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Rey and Anita Ong Vano, a couple visiting from Cebu City, Philippines, who had already taken a keen interest in the Faith when they were invited to a Bahá’í function in the Philippines.

During the Religion Workshop, the Bahá’ís were able to join other participants in reciting a Bahá’í prayer for unity.

George Davis (center), a prominent San Francisco attorney, is pictured after receiving a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" from Bahá’ís (left to right) Nelson Sapad, Sandy Chetendero, Eileen Estes and Mar Laurico. The presentation was made during the 2nd National Filipino-American Unity Conference held August 7-9 in Anaheim, California.

Bahá’í graduates with honors from University of Pacific

ROYA BAUMAN

Roya Bauman, a 21-year-old Bahá’í who lives in Washington, D.C., was graduated with honors from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

She had a double major, music and psychology, and received many awards including Outstanding Graduate in the Social and Behavioral Sciences; Outstanding Graduate in the Department of Psychology; and the National Orientation Directors' Association Student Leadership Award.

She served as secretary and chairman of the Bahá’í Club, chapter president of the professional music fraternity, class coordinator of the Student Adviser Program, and was elected to Phi Kappa Phi national honor society and Phi Kappa Lambda national music honor society.

She is presently working toward a Ph.D in industrial/organizational psychology at George Washington University, where she received a university fellowship, a teaching assistantship and full tuition grant.

L.A. hosts fourth Bahá’í History Conference

Bahá’ís and their guests from several states and countries gathered at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center over the Labor Day weekend for the fourth annual Bahá’í History Conference to be held in that city.

The purpose of the conference was to present research papers of scholarly interest and to discuss the present state of Bahá’í studies.

One non-Bahá’í scholar, Dr. Margit Warburg, a professor of the sociology of religion at the University of Copenhagen, received a grant from her university to attend the conference.

She presented a paper on the history of the Faith in Denmark that is to be published in a future volume of the Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History series.

Dr. Warburg traced the growth of the Bahá’í community from the work of a lone Bahá’í woman who came to Denmark in 1925, through the gathering of a group of believers around two American pioneers after World War II, the development of a brotherhood after the pioneers left in the 1950s, the consolidation of the country's Bahá’í administration, and the recent arrival of a number of Persian Bahá’ís following the Iranian Revolution.

Dr. Peggy Caton, who teaches at the University of California-Santa Barbara, presented the preliminary results of her work on the history of the Bahá’í community of Sacramento. Those at the conference were fascinated to find similarities between the development of that community and the history of the Faith in Copenhagen.

Richard Hollinger, who is pursuing graduate work in history, discussed his research into the early American Bahá’í community.

Uncovering the teaching work of Ibrahim Kheiralla before 1897, and taking a second look at the early lists of believers, Mr. Hollinger challenged some current notions about the beginnings of the Faith in America.

Anthony Lee, a graduate student at UCLA and managing editor of Kalimát Press, presented a paper that represented the work of several authors on the history of the service of women on the institutions of the Faith.

The paper noted that the earliest local Assemblies in Iran and the U.S. were limited to men only. It traced the struggle of women in both East and West to gain admittance to those institutions.

Dr. Amin Banani of UCLA lectured on the figure and personality of Táhirih, presenting some of her poems in the original Persian and in translation.

He noted that one poem in particular was so strikingly modern in style and content as to demand a reassessment of Táhirih's thought.

Dr. Jackson Armstrong-Ingram presented a survey of artistic expression in the early North American Bahá’í community, and the conference held a forum on a recent article in World Order magazine on the laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the status of men and women.

Counselor Fred Schechter was able to attend a part of the conference, and to discuss the need for Bahá’í scholarship and the role of the scholar in the Bahá’í community.

By the end of the weekend, everyone felt that the gathering had been fruitful and looked forward to another session next year.

Trinidad/Tobago seek retirees as pioneers

The National Spiritual Assembly of Trinidad and Tobago suggests that suitable persons to come there as pioneers might be retired persons who might have a pension of about $1,500 U.S. per month.

The hope is that arriving pioneers would be able to settle in an area where they were most needed; therefore, not needing to find employment would be a great advantage.

Winter School set in North Carolina

The North Carolina Bahá’í Winter School will be held November 27-29 at the Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville, 25 miles north of Greensboro.

Sessions for youth and pre-youth will be held.

For more information, please contact Diane McKinley, Cary, NC 27511, or phone 919-469-2783.

Keene Productions casting new movie, ‘The Dawn-Breakers’

Keene Productions is casting a major motion picture, "The Dawn-Breakers," which is scheduled for release in theatres next year.

The film, with a budget of $4 million to be financed by independent investors, explores contemporary issues while telling the true story of the Bábí movement in Iran. The producer is Dr. Jim Keene.

Among the film's major characters are (1) Mulla Husayn, (2) a "wild and weird" 50-year-old dervish who becomes a Bábí martyr, (3) the young American missionary Austin Wright, (4) Russian envoy Dimitri Dolgorukov, (5) Persian Prime Minister Haji Mirza Aqasi, (6) Táhirih, (7) the young Bábí Shaykh Hasan-i-Zunuzi, (8) Quddus, and (9) Vahid.

Aspiring performers should send a photo with age, height, weight and other data such as experience to Keene Productions, Villas del Mar Este 7-G, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico 00913.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Enges from the Capture the Spirit of the Dedication of The Mother Temple of India

Four cassettes filled with more than five hours of material

• Talks by Three Hands of the Cause, a Counselor and the Temple architect
• One tape of the music consecrated to the Temple dedication ceremonies

Set of all four tapes $2995 Music tape sold separately $995

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1800 Price valid only in the United States [Page 28]

DR. BAHRAM AFNAN

Dr. Bahram Afnan was born in the mid-1930s in Shiraz, Iran. His father was a descendant of the family of the Báb, which is why his last name is Afnan.

His mother was the daughter of a well-known Bahá’í poet on whom Bahá’u’lláh had conferred the title "Andalib," which means "nightingale."

In his childhood and youth, Dr. Afnan was an active Bahá’í, took part in all the Bahá’í classes, and served on the local Youth Committee.

He attended school in Shiraz, completed his education in the medical field, became a heart specialist, and began practicing medicine in that same city.

Besides serving on the Spiritual Assembly of Shiraz, Dr. Afnan served on various committees. After the Islamic Revolution swept Iran in 1979, Dr. Afnan was arrested along with a number of other Bahá’ís.

Many of the non-Bahá’í physicians and residents of Shiraz signed a petition asking the government to release him on the ground that there were not enough doctors in the town. But the religious judge refused to do so; he argued that the work of even a competent Bahá’í doctor would not be pleasing to God!

Those who were in prison with Dr. Afnan have reported that, while in the prison, despite torture and other forms of cruelty he was forced to endure, he demonstrated great forbearance and detachment. It is also said that his treatment of others in the prison was exemplary.

As with most of the Bahá’í martyrs, Dr. Afnan was given a chance to recant his faith or face death. He refused to recant and therefore became a martyr.

He was a skilled physician, a kind, loving, intelligent, unassuming and gentle soul who spent his free time with the friends, helping them with their problems.

Dr. Afnan was hanged on June 16, 1983, with five other Bahá’ís. At the time of his martyrdom, he was 48 years old. He is survived by his wife and their three children.

NOTICE

At its recent meeting the National Spiritual Assembly voted to remove the administrative rights of Mr. of Tucson, Arizona, for his civil conviction of theft by extortion.

'Peace Orchestra' smash hit at Peace Fest '87

By DAVID E. OGRON

A group of Bahá’ís from 11 states who are professional musicians was assembled September 16-17 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina, as "The Peace Orchestra," a 16-member big band that performed on two occasions during the four-day Peace Fest '87.

During its first concert September 16 the orchestra was led by John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, a world-renowned jazz trumpeter and native of South Carolina. The program that evening consisted primarily of Mr. Gillespie's own musical compositions and arrangements.

For its second concert the orchestra turned to arrangements by a variety of well-known artists including charts by Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Marian McPartland and Don Sebesky.

Baritone saxophonist Marvin (Doc) Holladay, an associate professor of music at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, is coordinator of the Peace Orchestra.

The other members of the group, most of whom performed at both concerts, include:

Trumpets—Greg Ives, Warren Kime, Roger Lewis, Paul Seaforth.

Trombones—Todd Lowery, Charlie Lee, Jim Tangney, Ed Craft (bass), Scott Crum.

Saxophones—Jay Corre, Don Erdman, Roger Hogan, Daryl Lowery, Abe White.

Piano—Mike Longo (Wednesday), Charlie Glick (Thursday).

Drums—Sherman Ferguson.

Bass—Derrick Jordan-Polk.

Jazz great Dizzy Gillespie leads the 'Bahá’í Peace Orchestra."

Members of the Peace Orchestra, all but four of whom are Bahá’ís, represent a wide range of ages and have an impressive array of professional credentials, having played with such bands as those led by Harry James, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Nelson Riddle, Lionel Hampton, Tex Beneke, Ray Anthony, Ralph Marterie, Benny Carter, Mercer Ellington, Quincy Jones, Gerald Wilson, Manny Albam, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, Larry Elgart, and many others.

Besides performing with guitarist Kenny Burrell, trumpeters Bobby Shew and Shorty Rogers, saxophonist Benny Carter and others, drummer Sherman Ferguson of Los Angeles, who became a Bahá’í last year, has been an actor on television and appears in four episodes of the current NBC-TV series "The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd."

Trombonist Todd Lowery, one of the younger members of the orchestra at age 20, is a student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York; his brother, Daryl, teaches at the Berklee School in Boston.

Another teacher is trumpeter Roger Lewis who played professionally for 21 years before settling down to teach at Wichita State University in Kansas where he directs the school's jazz ensemble.

Roger Hogan, a much sought-after musician on the West Coast, is a former member of the Airmen of Note, the official jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, and performed in the television version of "Ain't Misbehavin'," the story of the life of legendary pianist Fats Waller.

Trumpeter Paul Seaforth, with fellow musician Rob Jenkins, has recorded a tape for Kalimát Press entitled "Dove." Seaforth and Jenkins are popular performers at Bahá’í-sponsored events on the West Coast.

The idea for the Peace Orchestra sprang from last year's Peace Fest at the Gregory Institute during which Dizzy Gillespie performed with a small group consisting of some musicians from New York City along with saxophonists Doc Holladay and Don Erdman.

Both Messrs. Gillespie and Holladay would like to see the Peace Orchestra become a permanent musical organization.

Mr. Holladay says that although the membership of the orchestra may change, as indeed it did to some extent during Peace Fest '87, he hopes that the concept and the orchestra itself can continue in some form.

The Peace Orchestra's trombone section plays a unison passage during rehearsal for the Peace Fest '87 jazz concerts.

Top: Flutist Daryl Lowery. Above: Drummer Sherman Ferguson.

Soloing: Saxophonist Jay Corre, trumpeter Roger Lewis. [Page 29]

Peace Fest

others.

Earlier, members of the orchestra were interviewed on WLGI Radio Bahá’í, which is located at the Institute.

On Friday, September 18, a Gospel jubilee, which lasted more than four hours, brought members of the audience to their feet to sing and clap along with seven top-flight Gospel groups.

The entertainment began with a performance by the newly formed Louis Gregory Bahá’í Choir composed of area believers representing a wide range of ages.

Following the Gregory Choir onstage were the Andrews Community Choir, Sam and the Exciting Linen Singers, the Super Bowl of Gospel (three groups), and the Brown Brothers.

At the conclusion of the program, which continued until after midnight, Gospel singers and members of the audience carrying lighted candles formed a circle of unity around the large tent and sang songs of peace.

Then Dr. William Roberts, an Auxiliary Board member from Springfield, Massachusetts, read prayers of unity from the Bahá’í Writings.

On Saturday, Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the first speaker during an inter-religious panel discussion on religion's role in bringing about peace.

Dr. Henderson told the audience of about 200 that we must move beyond the artificial separation of people based on skin color and achieve the unity of races "at the kitchen table and on the sofa."

In describing the need to eliminate the disparity of rich and poor, he used as an illustration the disaster which befell the S.S. Titanic in 1912, pointing out that although there were both rich and poor passengers on the ill-fated ship, its sinking took the lives of both the wealthy and those of more modest means.

Referring to humanity as a whole, Dr. Henderson said, "If there's a hole in the boat, we will all go down."

Other prerequisites to peace that must be addressed, he said, include elimination of the inequality between men and women, the need for universal education, and elimination of unbridled nationalism and religious strife.

The second speaker on the panel, which was moderated by Dr. Roberts, was Dr. Howard McClain, a research fellow at the Institute for Southern Studies at the University of South Carolina, who spoke of peace efforts being developed within the Southern Baptist Assembly.

Pastors must give peace a continuing emphasis, he said, and their congregations must pick up this rhetoric.

Love conquers all, but hatred destroys all in its path, said the third speaker, Imam Hakim Abdu’l-Ali, a Sunni Muslim and head of the Islamic Society of Charleston.

The Imam used the example of a relay race to explain that in order to overcome racism, people must pass the baton of love from one person to another, and emphasized the role of religion in the peace process by using quotations from the Qu’rán.

Later in the program, Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, presented the Institute's first Peace Award to Attorney General Travis Medlock, recognizing his initiative in working to eliminate drug abuse in South Carolina through the "Be Free to Succeed" program.

The plaque was accepted for Mr. Medlock by Deputy Attorney General Robert Cook, who spoke favorably about the Faith's strong anti-drug position.

The "Be Free to Succeed" program was described to the audience by Casey Manning, an assistant to the Attorney General and former star basketball player at the University of South Carolina who heads the state's drug task force.

This final day of Peace Fest ’87 included an international buffet luncheon with outstanding cuisine from five continents for all those attending, and entertainment by the Ilu African Drummers and Umoja Dancers from Charleston; the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop; "Bahá’í Brothers," a youth rap presentation by young believers from Kingstree and Florence; and music by a rock band known as The Educators.

The Gregory Institute received from Gov. Carroll Campbell Jr. of South Carolina a proclamation designating September 14-20 as "Peace Week" in the state.

It was estimated that about 85 per cent of the 800 people who attended all or a part of Peace Fest ’87 were not Bahá’ís.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, speaks during a panel discussion at the Gregory Institute's Peace Fest ’87.

Above: Dr. Roy Jones (right), director of the Louis Gregory Institute, presents the Peace Award to Deputy Attorney General Robert Cook, representing state Attorney General Travis Medlock. Below: A part of the audience at the first of two jazz concerts by the Bahá’í Peace Orchestra.

PEACE FESTIVAL 87

Among the crowd-pleasing entertainers at Peace Fest ’87 were members of the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

Above: The Umoja Dancers from Charleston, South Carolina, perform. Below: Doc Holladay (second from left) puts aside his saxophone to sit in with the Ilu African Drummers.

Alto saxophonist Skip Pearson of 'Classic Collection.' [Page 30]The Bahá’í National Youth Committee and the Bahá’í Distribution Service invite you to ... Read Grow & GO!!! By offering you a special discount throughout the Six Year Plan on selected books Take advantage of this special offer and accomplish two goals:

"Increase the regular methodical study of the Bahá’í Writings" as requested in the Six Year Plan Build your own Bahá’í library.

THE ADVENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE Shoghi Effendi's letter to the North American Bahá’í community assuring us of our successes, responsibilities, and glorious future. Here the paramount importance of teaching is spelled out, with instructions and encouragement that will help each believer acquire the virtues and contribute to the achievement of the destiny of this continent.

Regular price $8.50 Discount price $7.65

Please send me copies of this month's selection, The Advent of Divine Justice, at the special price of $7.65 each.

I enclose $ Name Address Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Mail order only. Payable by check or money order. No postage necessary in the U.S. Fourth class shipping only. Offer good only in the continental U.S.

Archives seeks letters to Bahá’ís from the Guardian

The Universal House of Justice has issued another urgent appeal for letters written by the Guardian or on his behalf and addressed to Bahá’í institutions or individual believers. It is important that the World Center maintain a com- plete collection of the Guardian's letters as the House of Justice re- fers to his writings when preparing legislation and consulting on mat- ters relating to the progress of the Faith.

The National Bahá’í Archives is searching for the following letters written to Bahá’ís in the U.S. If you have a letter, the Archives would like to receive either a good photocopy or the original letter. Please send letters to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

27-SEP-1956 ANDERSON, JOHN B 17-DEC-1956 ANDERSON, KH 03-MAR-1957 ANDERSON, KATHARINE H 01-MAY-1957 ANDERSON, MAHDI 12-OCT-1957 26-OCT-1957 03-FEB-1954 23-MAY-1954 27-DEC-1954 09-NOV-1956 ANDERSON, JOHN B ANDERSON, KH 06-SEP-1957 26-AUG-1937 24-JUL-1955 28-FEB-1956 21-APR-1957 05-SEP-1951 25-FEB-1950 08-MAY-1954

ARMSTRONG, JACK 27-SEP-1956 ARMSTRONG, JACK 17-DEC-1956 ARMSTRONG, JACK 03-MAR-1957 ARMSTRONG, JACK 01-MAY-1957 ARMSTRONG, JACK 12-OCT-1957 ARMSTRONG, JACK 26-OCT-1957 ARMSTRONG, JOHN E 03-FEB-1954 ARMSTRONG, JOHN E 23-MAY-1954 ARMSTRONG, JOHN E 27-DEC-1954 ANDERSON, JOHN 09-NOV-1956 ANDERSON, JOHN ANDERSON, JOHN B ANDERSON, JOHN B ANDERSON, JOHN B

AUSTIN, CLELAND 06-SEP-1957 AUSTIN, ELSIE 26-AUG-1937 AUSTIN, ELSIE 24-JUL-1955 AUSTIN, ELSIE 28-FEB-1956 AUSTIN, ELSIE 21-APR-1957 AUSTIN, ELSIE 05-SEP-1951 AUSTIN, ELSIE 25-FEB-1950 AUSTIN, ELSIE 08-MAY-1954 AUSTIN, ELSIE 23-APR-1928 AUSTIN, ELSIE 11-JUN-1945 AUSTIN, ELSIE 12-SEP-1947 AUSTIN, ELSIE 30-APR-1949 AUSTIN, ELSIE 06-APR-1952 AUSTIN, ELSIE 20-JUL-1952 AUSTIN, ELSIE 06-APR-1953 AUSTIN, ELSIE 26-APR-1953 AUSTIN, ELSIE 04-JUN-1953

BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 24-JUL-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 01-SEP-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 24-SEP-1956 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 10-OCT-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 26-OCT-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 18-NOV-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 15-DEC-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 27-DEC-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 13-JAN-1957 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 04-FEB-1957 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, N 18-FEB-1957 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 16-MAR-1957 BANAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 05-APR-1957 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 22-APR-1957 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 22-JUL-1957 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 01-AUG-1957 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 22-AUG-1957 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 02-OCT-1957

AUSTIN, GEORGE J 31-MAR-1967 AUSTIN, HENRY R 20-JAN-1939 AUSTIN, O P 08-OCT-1927 AVERY, GAIL 19-JUL-1954 AVERY, GAIL 10-DEC-1954 AYERS, AGNES MAE 28-JUL-1952 AYRES, J N 29-MAR-1923 AYRES, J N 08-DEC-1923 AYRES, J N 23-JUL-1928 AYRES, JN HRS 29-MAR-1923 AYRES, JN MRS 08-DEC-1923

ANDERSON, MAHDI 20-FEB-1955 ANDERSON, MARY 08-MAY-1954 ANDERSON, MARY 20-FEB-1955 ANDERSON, R TED 06-SEP-1949 ANDERSON, ROGER 10-OCT-1956 ANDRADE, MARCIA 01-JUN-1947 ANDREWS, EARL M 26-JUN-1955

AYRES, JN MRS 23-JUL-1928 AYRES, J NEWELL 27-JAN-1927 AYRES, J NEWELL 13-JAN-1928 AYRES, J NEWELL 05-JAN-1929 AYRES, J NEWELL 29-DEC-1929 AYRES, J NEWELL MRS 05-JAN-1929 AYRES. J NEWELL MRS 29-DEC-1929 AYRES, NEWELL 22-DEC-1930 AYRES, NEWELL 05-JAN-1932 AYRES, NEWELL 02-JAN-1933 AYRES, PAULINE 22-DEC-1930 AYRES, PAULINE 05-JAN-1932 AYRES, PAULINE 02-JAN-1933 AYRES, PAULINE K 13-JAN-1928

ANDREWS, EARL M 05-SEP-1955 ANDREUS, EARL. M 28-SEP-1955 ARMSTRONG, LILY CHARLES 10-SEP-1932 ARMSTRONG, LILY CHARLES 28-NOV-1933 AYRES, PAULINE S NEVELL 28-MAR-1926 AYRES, PAULINE S NEWELL 18-JAN-1936 AZUMA. TY 29-JUN-1953 AZUMA, TY 22-JUL-1934 AZUMA, TY 10-DEC-1946 AZUMA, TY 14-SEP-1953 AZUMA, TY 21-FEB-1957

ARNO, MAY 21-OCT-1941 ASBERRY, NETTIE J 31-MAR-1947 ASHRAF, ELIZABETH 03-FEB-1955 ASHRAF, ELIZABETH F 08-JUL-1953 ASHRAF, ELIZABETH FARLAND 15-JUL-1953 ASHTON, BEATRICE O 05 MAY-195 19-JUL-1954 20-SEP-1957

BACHMAN, M 13-SEP-1952 BACHMAN, MARY 04-DEC-1952 BACHMAN, MARY 21-AUG-1953 ASHTON, FRANK 14-DEC-1924 BACHMAN, MARY 27-APR-1954 ASHTON, FRANK 30-NOV-1939 BACHMAN, MARY 03-SEP-1954 ASSOCIATION TO MAKE ENGLISH INCORPORATED 27-FEB-1928 BACHMAN, MARY 19-NOV-1954 BACHMAN, HARY 11-MAR-1955 ATKINS, EDNA R 30-AUG-1953 BACHMAN, MARY 13-JUL-1955 ATKINSON, C NEWELL 01-APR-1933 BACHMAN, MARY 07-DEC-1955 ATKINSON, CHARLES SYDNEY 05-SEP-1946 BACHMAN, MARY 05-MAR-1956 ATKINSON, HENRY A 06-MAY-1928 BACHMAN, MARY 18-JUL-1956 ATKINSON, HENRY A 12-DEC-1928 ATKINSON, HENRY & 24-MAR-1929 ATWATER, MARGARET H 31-JUL-1938 ATWATER, MARGARET H 12-JUL-1939 AUFORTH, MAI 09-FEB-1942 AUFORTH, MAT 20-MAY-1945 BACHMAN, HARY 18-NOV-1956 BACHMAN, MARY 19-FEB-1957 BACHMAN, MARY 19-JUN-1957 BACHMAN, MARY 26-OCT-1957

BACON, ALICE 14-MAY-1927 BACON, ALICE 07-FEB-1928 AUFORTH, MAT M 29-NOV-1926 BACON, ALICE 25-JUL-1928 AUFORTH, HAI M 26-SEP-1955 AUFORTH, MAI MARGARET 11-FEB-1953 AULT, ONA 31-AUG-1951 AULT, ONA 11-NOV-1951 AULT, ONA N 21-APR-1952 AULT. ONA 30-JAN-1952 AUPPERLE, ROSEMARY SEHMER 08-MAY-1942

BAHAI YOUTH OF QUINCY, IL 20-FEB-1955 BAHAI YOUTH OF QUINCY, IL 18-AUG-1955 BAHAI YOUTH OF QUINCY, IL 14-DEC-1955 BAHAI YOUTH OF QUINCY, IL 08-JUN-1956 BAHAI YOUTH OF QUINCY, IL 06-JUN-1957 BAHAI YOUTH OF RIVERSIDE, NJ 14-DEC-1955

BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 30-DEC-1954 BANAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 24-JUN-1955 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 05-SEP-1955 BANAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 28-SEP-1955 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 28-OCT-1955 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 11-NOV-1955 BARAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 31-JAN-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 06-FEB-1956 BAHATS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 11-MAR-1956 BAHAT YOUTH OF THE MIDDLE WEST 28-NOV-1939 BAHAIS AT CRUSADE DINNER HARRINGTON PARK, NJ 13-JUN-1955 BAHAIS AT NEW YORK, NY 22-MAR-1952 BAHAIS OF ADA COUNTY, ID 27-JUL-1951 BAHAIS OF ADA COUNTY, ID 27-AUG-1951 BAHATS OF ALASKA 26-MAR-1951 SAMAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 22-APR-1938 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUA, 17 30-APR-1954 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 18-MAY-1954 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 13-APR-1956 BAHAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE NM 27-APR-1956 BAMAIS OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM 04-JUL-1956

Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne discusses 'The Dispensa- tion of Bahá’u’lláh' with Bahá’ís who gathered July 18 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California. That same evening, Mr. Osborne addressed a largely non-Bahá’í audience at the school on the topic 'Overcoming Obstacles to Peace.'

Bahá’í youth in Nigeria's Oyo State enroll 802 in week-long teaching project

In September, the Universal House of Justice shared with Ba- há’í communities the following excerpt from a telex from the Na- tional Spiritual Assembly of Ni- geria reporting teaching activities undertaken by youth in that coun- try:

"Six youth joined week-long teaching project in Balogun near Ife, Oyo State, August 17-22. En- rolled 802 majority Yoruba tribe including 80 women.

"Team stayed in home of a lo- cal Bahá’í, walked to five villages, formed three new LSAs and strengthened two existing commu- nities.

"The youth who had attended Samuel Bakare Teaching Project and used the same method includ- ed coordinator Sunday Egwu, Sa- rafa Amuda, Fatai Adesina, Solo- mon Wariso and Kemi."

On July 11, the Bahá’ís of Jupiter, Florida, sponsored a World Peace panel discussion which focused on questions about the possibility of peace and what the individual must do to help make it happen. Panelists included representatives of the National Organization for Women, the Miccosukee Indian Tribe, and the chairman of the Equal Opportunity Board as well as a local rabbi. The moderator was Auxiliary Board member Charles (Cap) Cornwell (seated in center at table). More than 75 peo- ple, most of whom were not Ba- há’ís, attended the event.

Errol Doris Jr., a 10-year-old Ba- há’í from LaGrange, Illinois, was one of the speakers at the dedica- tion September 20 in Evanston of the 'Avenue of the Righteous,' a park honoring heroic gentiles who risked their lives to save those of Jews during the holocaust, 1933- 45. Other speakers included Joan Barr, the mayor of Evanston; Dr. Arnold Weber, president of Northwestern University; and Jewish, Catholic and Protestant clergymen. The program chair- man was Robert Armbruster, a Bahá’í from Glencoe. Errol Doris is one of a number of children coached in public speaking by Gayle Woolson, a Bahá’í from Evanston.

Resolution praises peace statement

When a member of the Bahá’í Group of Arden Hills, Minnesota, approached the city administrator on behalf of the Bahá’í commu- nity to arrange to present "The Promise of World Peace" to the mayor and city council, the city's administrative staff "took the lib- erty" of adapting the Kansas leg- islature's resolution about the peace statement and placing the matter first on the agenda at the next city council meeting (August 31).

After a brief introduction, the mayor and four council members were given copies of the state- ment. The mayor then asked if anyone was opposed to the resolu- tion, and the council adopted it unanimously.

Among other things, the reso- lution says that "study of this document (The Promise of World Peace) is enthusiastically encour- aged" by the city council of Arden Hills. [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

The American Bahá’í community arises in response to a challenge issued by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and the National Spiritual Assembly to redouble its teaching efforts in the last critical days of the Five Year Plan.

By the end of the first week following "Victory Sessions" held in communities around the country, 20,755 firesides are pledged for the National Month of Firesides from September 20-October 20, and there are 109 offers to go pioneering overseas, 125 to pioneer on the homefront, 397 to travel and teach in the goal states of California, Illinois and New York.

Also, 5,874 postcards are received bearing the names of seekers the friends pledge to teach personally during the coming year, and $30,606 is pledged to the National Bahá’í Fund....

275 Bahá’ís from 20 states gather over the Labor Day weekend for a Southern States Teaching Conference hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Among the speakers are Dr. Magdalene Carney, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Sam McClellan; John Conkling, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; Trudy White, secretary of the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee; Larry Miller, a business motivation consultant from Marietta, Georgia; and Robert Imagire, a member of the Asian/American Teaching Committee.

Dr. Carney stresses the need for teachers to recognize that enrollment is a two-step process involving not only declaration but the consolidation of new believers....

Thirty-two Bahá’ís from across the U.S. spend August 18-21 taking part in a "Special Visit" program sponsored by the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Besides touring the National Center, the visitors hear talks by the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem; Counselor Edna True; and Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly....

Six Bahá’í youth spend three weeks in July and August at the National Summer Youth Teaching Project, held this year at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

The projecteers, most of whom are teaching on a Reservation for the first time, are Nancy and Earl Henrikson, sister and brother of a homefront pioneer on the Reservation; Barbara Jennrich of Navajo, New Mexico; Robin Kelley and Cindy Simons, both of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Jahangir Tavangar of Blacksburg, Virginia....

Seventy-seven National Treasurer's Representatives (NTRs) spend the Labor Day weekend at the Bahá’í National Center studying the meaning of the Bahá’í Fund in terms of accounting and, more importantly, in terms of the Covenant....

Betty Morris, a Montessori-trained teacher from Fort Worth, Texas, is named program director at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Powell Lindsay, Bahá’í who was Broadway producer, actor, director, playwright dies at age 82 in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Powell Lindsay, 82, a former Broadway producer, director, playwright and actor, and a Bahá’í since 1961, died September 22 at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after a long illness.

Mr. Lindsay began his long theatrical career in New York City in the 1930s, moved to Detroit in the mid-'50s, and to Ann Arbor in the mid-'60s where he served the State Legislative Service Bureau and revived the Suitcase Theatre before his retirement in 1979.

On winning the Yale University-City of New Haven Drama Tournament with his production of "Mighty Wind A-Blowin’," which he also directed, Mr. Lindsay co-founded the original Harlem Suitcase Theatre with Langston Hughes in 1937, then formed the Negro Playwrights Company (with Theodore Ward, George Norford, Theodore Browne and Owen Dodson), staging and directing its first production, "Big White Fog," in 1940.

He wrote, directed and starred in films produced by William D. Alexander, appeared on network television, and toured the U.S. and Canada nine times with his Negro Drama Group in the '40s.

On Broadway, Mr. Lindsay co-produced (with Jack Kirkland) and starred in "Tobacco Road" in 1950, and co-produced (with John Young III) and starred in Garson Kanin's "Born Yesterday" in 1953.

He brought his play "Flight from Fear" to Detroit in 1954, and the following year wrote, produced and directed "This Is Our America" for the Panorama of Progress at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

During the '50s, Detroit television audiences became familiar with Mr. Lindsay in a variety of roles in "Youth Bureau" and "Marriage Counselor," productions of Granville Ryan.

During that time he also did a special study on police brutality for the NAACP that was published in The New York Times, and wrote a newspaper column, "The Curtain Is Up," for the Ecorse Star Journal, a biographical feature series for The Michigan Chronicle, and articles and poetry for The Negro History Bulletin.

In addition, he performed special investigations for the Mayor's Committee for the City of Detroit, and public relations for the senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns of Philip A. Hart and John B. Swainson, respectively.

After becoming a Bahá’í in 1961, Mr. Lindsay served as chairman of the Detroit Assembly's Teaching Committee, co-directed (with Oliver LaGrone) "Outlook for Liberals," a Human Relations Forum series for the Bahá’í Club at Wayne State University, and (with June McKee) Detroit chapter activity of the Norman Cousins Society for Individual Responsibility.

On renewing in 1962 his collaboration with Langston Hughes for the Michigan Emancipation Centennial Commission, Mr. Lindsay conceived his first presentation of "...these truths...." a documentary dramatizing the 400-year struggle of black Americans for full freedom, inspiring later productions by the Suitcase Theatre.

In 1965, Mr. Lindsay founded the Research Association for Michigan Negro History, and conducted for the Michigan Education Association in-service training of school administrators and teachers, helping to upgrade the coverage of the contributions of black Americans in American history textbooks.

For the occasion of the State Convention of Michigan Bahá’ís held in Lansing in November 1965, Mr. Lindsay wrote the Concurrent Resolution of Tribute to the Bahá’í World Faith that was passed by the membership of the Michigan state legislature.

This was the first document of its kind to be asked for and received by the archives of all continental Bahá’í Houses of Worship as well as the Museum of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí, near the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel.

After the death of Langston Hughes, Mr. Lindsay launched programs of tribute from which his 1967-68-69 productions (with Kent Martin) of "Langston Hughes Looks at Dark America" emerged and were staged in Detroit's Ford Auditorium after performances in Lansing and Ann Arbor.

Mr. Lindsay revived the Suitcase Theatre in 1970, giving talented young people of all races equal chance to share in an international cultural exchange and to experience family living in other countries while demonstrating "democracy in action" through racially integrated productions about life in America.

From its Lansing base, Suitcase Theatre became, in the words of then-Gov. William Milliken, "Michigan's most unique export," traveling to 13 countries on three continents in nine years. Michigan State University Television produced two special programs on the troupe's achievements, the Michigan Association of Classroom Teachers conferred an Award of Excellence, and the Michigan legislature and city of Lansing gave tributes to Suitcase Theatre.

Mr. Lindsay is survived by his wife, June; a son, Raymond, of Mt. Vernon, New York; and a stepson, Kris Costa-McKee, of Towson, Maryland.

Henderson

"At the Master's funeral no Bahá’í spoke, making way for non-Bahá’í orators of various faiths, Christian, Jewish, and Moslem, all so eager to pay their tributes of veneration to their beloved teacher and the "Father of the Poor." The only Bahá’í speaker at the obsequies of His devoted follower I was limited to a few minutes because of a similar condition.

"Months before, George was aware of his proximate end, remarking that he had much work but little time, as he would not

"He proceeded to set his house in order. He incorporated his school so that its services might survive him. He also provided that, agreeable to the wishes of the Bahá’ís, it might always be used by them.

"Despite stormy weather the funeral assembled a capacity audience. There were prayers for the departed. Remarks touching his success as educational pioneer and in discovering Bahá’u’lláh, whose Glory now encircles the earth,

"His bold proclamation of faith; his humble and grateful acknowledgement of it as the foundation and motivating power of his life's work received mention.

"There followed an array of distinguished speakers from the clergy, the field of education, religious and secular, the officialdom of his native state.

"Most impressive of these was that of a venerable clergyman of the white race who left a sick bed to attend, exposing himself to further perils through taxi shortage on a stormy day. With tear-dimmed eyes and faltering voice, he pictured his great love for his brother; how they had spent long hours together meditating and conversing about the mysteries of the divine worlds.

"His former Sunday school teacher told of the bright promise of his youth. The dean related his connections with faculty and students. A state official described the esteem of Tennessee, also how he found him an ideal companion. Another clergyman suspended a rule of his church to eulogize George Henderson.

"The pastor of the church which he often attended brilliantly portrayed him as a planter, builder, writer, and father, in all of which he was par excellent.

"The aroma of flowers, the spiritual atmosphere, the fine opportunity to teach the oneness of humanity to an interracial gathering, Tennyson's beautiful poem, 'Crossing the Bar,' added joy to the solemnity.

"This tribute has come from Haifa:

"He (the Guardian) was sorry to hear Prof. Henderson had passed away. No doubt he will now find himself in that happy state promised by the Beloved as the reward of His faithful servants. The Guardian will pray for his spiritual advancement and that his deeds in the South may bear fruit.'"-Louis Gregory

Bahá’ís interviewed

On Sunday, August 16, two radio stations in Memphis, Tennessee, carried pre-recorded interviews on the Bahá’í Faith.

The first, "Congregations United," a 30-minute program on WHBQ AM sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, was devoted wholly to the Faith and featured an interview of Manooch Hakimi by Dr. Harry Moore and Dr. W.C. Holmes.

The second, a program titled "Concern '87" on WHKO FM, included a 15-minute interview of Mr. Hakimi and Mark Gilman about the Faith and its approach to peace by the host, Coleman Brousky.

Message from the Universal House of Justice

Kindly convey Sylvia Collins, Duncanville, Texas, our profound sympathy loss her dear mother devoted handmaiden Bahá’u’lláh Arabelle Haywood. Ardently supplicating Holy Shrines that her many years unstinting Bahá’í service will be richly rewarded Abhá Kingdom.

Universal House of Justice September 24, 1987

IN MEMORIAM

Leila Antonson Lakewood, CA January 22, 1987

Emma Lou Barnes Norway, SC January 1987

Raymond Chamption Sr. Lewisville, TX 1986

Frank Drayton Kissimee, FL Date Unknown

Gladys Flanders Winnemucca, NV August 29, 1987

Hanson Ficklin Baton Rouge, LA December 9, 1986

Eva Lois Himes Swartz, LA July 24, 1987

Daisy Mae Holman Holly Hill, SC 1986

Carson Jackson Philadelphia, MS Date Unknown

Lula Johnson Norway, SC 1986

Mattie Jones-Sampson Alexandria, VA August 7, 1987

Grace Kenna Round Lake Beach, IL June 18, 1987

Rena Mack Holly Hill, SC May 15, 1987

Charles Myers Willow Creek, CA September 16, 1987

Andy Otto Pass Lewisville, TX July 1986

Alberta Tipton Monroe, LA August 28, 1987

Clarence Townsend Meggett, SC April 1983

Vernell Welfare Holly Hill, SC Date Unknown

Leslie R. White Long Valley J.D., CA Date Unknown [Page 32]

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

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

A ID Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City D—NEW COMMUNITY: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address State Zip State Zip City Name of new Bahá’í community E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: G Area Code Number

We receive extra copies because: we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

Moving date F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Area Code Number

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy. Name Name

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

17 couples attend Institute's Minnesota Marriage Workshop

Dennis and Pam Johnson lead a group discussion of Bahá’í marriage during a Bahá’í Marriage Workshop presented August 15 in the Twin Cities area by the Minnesota Bahá’í Institute.

Seventeen Bahá’í couples from Minnesota and Iowa attended a Bahá’í Marriage Workshop presented August 15 in the Twin Cities area by the Minnesota Bahá’í Institute.

The daylong workshop was conducted by Pamela Jones-Johnson and Dennis H. Johnson, Bahá’ís who are marriage and family therapists in private practice in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The program began with selected prayers and readings from the Bahá’í writings. Short presentations that included large group discussion were made by facilitators throughout the day. Participants also took part in smaller group consultation sessions and in consultation as couples.

With workshop facilitators, they consulted about the behaviors of healthy couples and reviewed characteristics of personality within the perspective of the appreciation of differences and the dynamics that such differences can create in a growing marriage. Couples also examined qualities of mutually rewarding and productive marriages, and practiced techniques for setting priorities through consultation.

Throughout the workshop, the gift of consultation given by Bahá’u’lláh was shown to be the key to unity and to strengthening Bahá’í marriages.

The distinct nature of the workshop was evident in the following characteristics: (1) Participants were all Bahá’í couples; (2) facilitators were Bahá’ís who integrate the Bahá’í teachings into their theory and practice; and (3) greater scope and scholarly depth were exercised in the process of applying Bahá’í principles to the marital relationship.

The Bahá’í Marriage Workshop was prepared and offered as a result of a proposal generated from the Conference on Mental and Emotional Well-Being presented by the Minnesota Bahá’í Institute in January 1987.

The Institute, which was created to promote and conduct activities to develop and foster Bahá’í scholarship in the north central states, is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and operated by an appointed board of directors.

For more information about the Bahá’í Marriage Workshop or the Institute and its activities, write to: Minnesota Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 18057, West St. Paul, MN 55118.

Farewell

(from page 1) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár."

As the time draws near for the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to this country to end, we are faced with a new challenge, as great as was the building of the holiest House of Worship. We have been directed by the Universal House of Justice to help complete the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Across the country, Bahá’í communities are preparing to commemorate the departure of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with special gatherings. Again, gifts will be offered—this time in memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—for another great enterprise in the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

As a final gesture, it seems fitting and appropriate to carry on in the spirit of what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the perfect Exemplar, would have us do—to offer our gifts of love and appreciation in thanksgiving for all that He brought to us on His long journey to an enterprise which, as we are told in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, will hasten the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

In gatherings either on the Day of the Covenant (which falls on Thanksgiving day this year) or on the 75th anniversary of the Master's departure (December 5), communities are urged to join in the gift-giving to the Arc of the Covenant in memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His visit to America.

Communicating topic at Bosch School's winter holiday session

The Bosch Bahá’í School's winter holiday session for all ages (December 22-26) promises to help you become a more effective communicator in your family, at work, in the community, and as a teacher of the Faith.

A practical seminar on "Effective One-to-One Communications and Constructive Relationships" will be conducted by Jack Lee of Reno, Nevada, and Eileen Norman of Carlsbad, California.

To register for the session, which begins with dinner on Tuesday and ends with lunch on Saturday, send a deposit of $15 for each person to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Oregon Bahá’ís meet to discuss Regional Center

Members of Spiritual Assemblies in the metropolitan Portland, Oregon, area, met August 8 at the invitation of the Assemblies of Portland and Beaverton for a Metro Assembly Conference for a Regional Bahá’í Center.

Twenty-five people from nine of the Assemblies and Groups in the area attended. The conference followed an in-depth survey and study by the Socio-Economic Development Committee's Consortium for a Regional Bahá’í Center.

Presenting findings of the Consortium, Farzam Majd of West Linn said the survey reflects the clear interest of the area's Bahá’ís to establish a regional Center.

Consultation flowered as the friends turned to the realities, knowing that there is a spiritual side to being able to do all the things necessary for God's Cause. One Bahá’í pointed out that an expansive and positive vision is needed for the Cause, one that incorporates the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian, and the Universal House of Justice.

Another believer called for the vision to be one of a Center for the Northwest. When still another mentioned the existing fund for a Bahá’í Center, a number of creative ideas burst forth.

Copious notes were taken during a Metro Assembly Conference for a Regional Bahá’í Center held August 8 in Portland, Oregon.

Ideas were soon transformed into tasks, and a recommendation was made to make Portland the sponsoring Assembly to appoint a management board for completion of the tasks by February 1988.

The friends then rose up, formed a circle, and sang "Alláh’u’Abhá."