The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 12/Text

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Exciting teaching news from Taiwan, Nigeria, Canada

DELIGHTED SHARE FOLLOWING TELEX RECEIVED FROM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TAIWAN:

QUOTE NSA OVERJOYED TO INFORM SUPREME INSTITUTION THAT TWO AND HALF YEARS OF PERSISTENCE ON PART OF NSA TO LAUNCH TEACHING PROGRAM AIMED AT ENROLLING LARGE NUMBER OF BELIEVERS HAS COME TO FRUITION, NEARLY 450 NEW BELIEVERS DECLARED SINCE INCEPTION MUHAJIR TEACHING PROJECT LATE MAY 1987, 420 OF WHOM ENTERED FAITH SINCE JUNE 19, REPRESENTING OVER 28 PERCENT INCREASE TOTAL NUMBER BAHÁ’ÍS TAIWAN SO FAR. AVERAGE OF 10-15 NEW BELIEVERS EACH DAY ARE ENROLLING. DEEPENING CLASSES ATTENDED BY 10 OR 15 NEW BELIEVERS OCCUR REGULARLY. MASS CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM THROUGH 14 'NOVA' BAHÁ’Í VIDEO PROGRAMS DUBBED INTO CHINESE BEGINS NEXT WEEK. TEACHING DONE WITH CARE AND APPLICATION HOUSE JUSTICE INSTRUCTIONS MASS TEACHING PROGRAM. NSA FULLY CONCERNED ABOUT CONSOLIDATION, SPENT MOST OF ITS LAST WEEKEND MEETING ON WAYS AND MEANS TO ENSURE THE MASS CONSOLIDATION DONE IN PROPER WAY. NSA FEELS OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE IN TERMS OF PIONEER TO HELP CONSOLIDATE NEW COMMUNITIES IS MUCH NEEDED. OUR EFFORTS IN RECRUITING NEW PIONEER HAVE INCREASED. ANY GUIDANCE AND HELP GREATLY

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

The focus: To unify our vision

This special issue of The American Bahá’í is a response to the letter of August 31, 1987, from the Universal House of Justice to the followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world. Its focus is to unify our vision in preparation for vast opportunities to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Teaching concepts, methods and goals—along with an array of examples of teaching activities already taking place across the country—form the content of this special issue.

In its letter, the Universal House of Justice opened the way for the construction of the remaining buildings on the Arc on Mount Carmel—a manifest symbol of the task we have yet to accomplish. The letter says that the purpose of the construction is to "be capable of meeting the challenges of coming centuries and of the tremendous growth of the Bahá’í community which the beloved Guardian has told us to expect." To bring about the process of entry by troops, our underlying task is to teach vigorously and unceasingly the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Universal House of Justice reminds us that, according to Shoghi Effendi, entry by troops "will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature, and which cannot as yet be even dimly visualized, will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. This is the time for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten," the Supreme Institution tells us.

Events taking place on Mount Carmel have had an interesting correlation to events taking place in America. For instance, America's first national Bahá’í organization, Bahá’í Temple Unity, was established in Chicago on the very day on which the remains of the Báb were laid to rest on that holy mountain.

It was only after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had carried out that sacred task that He turned His full attention to the Western world and came to America to set forth the principles of the Revelation and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. After explaining His purpose on His arrival in New York, the Master added, "It will then become the duty of the Bahá’ís of this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts and lives of the people."

How fitting it is that, as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's departure from America, we are called on by the Universal House of Justice to continue the work begun by the Master—not only by completing the Arc on Mount Carmel but also by giving the principles of the Faith the unfoldment and application to which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred.

What's Inside?

Building Unity of Thought On Teaching • The purpose of teaching • The individual and teaching • The community and teaching • Teaching the masses • Teaching methods Summary

A model of the Arc on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, whose completion, the Universal House of Justice says, will enable the World Center to meet the challenges of coming centuries.

Master left America: vision of glorious role in Divine Plan

‘Abdu’l-Bahá left America on December 5, 1912. He departed with a vision of our future—a vision of a unique mission which He later revealed in Tablets addressed to the Bahá’ís of North America. These messages are known collectively as the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

What was the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—what did He see for the American believers?

It was the glorious role that America is destined to play in the unfoldment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It was a vision of a destiny that Shoghi Effendi elaborated.

Association for Bahá’í Studies holds 12th Conference at Princeton University

By LAURA E. HILDRETH

More than 350 people gathered October 22-25 in Princeton, New Jersey, for the 12th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

The focus of this year's event was the "Converging Realities" of science, religion and the humanities.

Featured speakers at the plenary sessions presented papers on various topics which were later discussed by panels of respondents.

Among the speakers were two members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas: Dr. Farzam Arbáb, director of FUNDEAC, an educational and rural development program in Cali, Colombia; and Donald Rogers, a professor of fine arts at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada.

Other featured speakers included...

Building Unity of Thought on Teaching

If one hundred Bahá’ís were asked to describe the means by which God communicates His purpose to humanity, they all would be likely to offer the same answer—a description of progressive revelation. Naturally, the friends would use different words, offer different analogies, emphasize different aspects, but the essential message would be the same. Our common understanding of progressive revelation is a result of the explanation provided by Bahá’u’lláh's Writings. Because we have unity of thought on this topic, we can convey the idea to the masses of humanity.

If, however, the same group of Bahá’ís was asked to describe what teaching is, or to describe the means by which the Faith grows and develops, there could be one hundred different answers. Some of the answers would even be the opposite of others. One individual, quoting from the Writings, would say that the only way to teach is for each one to teach one. Another, quoting the Guardian, would say that the only way to teach is by example. We do not have unity of thought on the topic. Therefore, we are unable to make consistent progress in our teaching efforts.

"No power can exist except through unity," Bahá’u’lláh states (Consultation: A Compilation, p. 3). This is certainly true when it comes to attracting souls to the Cause of God. Creating unity of thought about how we grow and the role of individuals and communities in the process of growth is a prerequisite to the systematic spread of Bahá’u’lláh's Message. Our purpose here is to provide a foundation on which we can build our common understanding of teaching.

Unity of thought on the issue of teaching can come from only one source—the Bahá’í Writings. We must explore the Writings, letting them instruct us in what teaching is and what it is not. We cannot hold preconceived notions of teaching, choosing references that support our personal beliefs. Nor can we ignore references that touch on aspects of teaching that go beyond our present methods and practices.

The principles of teaching found in the Writings give us the knowledge to act. Yet principle also has a second critical attribute. As the Universal House of Justice describes in the peace statement, spiritual principle "not only presents a perspective that harmonizes with that which is immanent in human nature, it also induces an attitude, a dynamic, a will, an aspiration, which facilitate the discovery and implementation of practical measures." [Page 2]

Building Unity on Teaching: the purpose of teaching

The purpose of teaching is not to increase our numbers. Increase of membership is, of course, a result of our teaching efforts. But it is not our purpose. Rather, our purpose in teaching, as Bahá’u’lláh states, is “that thereby all men may enter the pavilion of unity and all the peoples of the earth be regarded even as a single body....” (“The Local Spiritual Assembly,” p. 11) Achieving this goal requires more than acceptance of God’s Manifestation. It requires that individuals conform to His Teachings. “...Is not the object of every Revelation,” Bahá’u’lláh asks, “to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind? A transformation that shall manifest itself both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions? For if the character of mankind be not changed, the futility of God’s universal Manifestations would be apparent.” (Kitáb-i-Íqán, pp. 240-41)

Teaching the Faith consists of two inseparable processes: expansion and consolidation. Expansion is, essentially, acceptance of God’s Messenger. It includes an increase in the number of new adherents, new localities and new Assemblies. Consolidation involves conformance to His Teachings. It is “that aspect of teaching which assists the believers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings, and fans the flame of their devotion to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause....” (Letter of April 17, 1981, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

Teaching may be compared to breathing, which involves inhaling and exhaling. It is impossible to focus exclusively on breathing in without concern for the complementary process of breathing out. To conceive of expansion without consolidation is likewise impossible.

“Expansion and consolidation are twin processes that must go hand in hand,” the Universal House of Justice states (Wellspring of Guidance, p.33). “Consolidation is as vital a part of the teaching work as expansion” for “proper consolidation is essential to the preservation of the spiritual health of the community, to the protection of its interests, to the upholding of its good name, and ultimately to the continuation of the work of expansion itself.” (Universal House of Justice, letter of April 17, 1981) “A proper balance between these two essential aspects of its development must, from now on, as we enter the era of large-scale conversion, be maintained by the Bahá’í community.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 78)

There is a body of opinion in our community that considers teaching to be expansion alone, that views consolidation as a secondary element dealt with by “consolidators” rather than teachers, and that assumes the purpose of teaching is achieved when an enrollment card is signed. The Writings of the Faith do not support such a perspective. The Universal House of Justice states:

“Teaching the Faith embraces many diverse activities, all of which are vital to success, and each of which reinforces the other. Time and again the beloved Guardian emphasized that expansion and consolidation are twin and inseparable aspects of teaching that must proceed simultaneously, yet one still hears believers discussing the virtues of one against the other. The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people. Viewed in this light a declaration of faith is merely a milestone along the way—albeit a very important one. Teaching may also be likened to kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot be truly said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord. Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind.

The aim, therefore, of all Bahá’í institutions and Bahá’í teachers is to advance continually to new areas and strata of society, with such thoroughness that, as the spark of faith kindles the hearts of the hearers, the teaching of the believers continues until, and even after, they shoulder their responsibilities as Bahá’ís and participate in both the teaching and administrative work of the Faith.” (Letter of May 25, 1975)

Three processes of growth

To learn how the Faith grows we need to understand three processes of growth described in the Writings. The processes concern the individual, the community, and mass conversion.

The three processes are obviously linked. The growth and development of communities depends upon individual action. Mass conversion involves individual action and the evolution of communities. It is important, however, to distinguish between the three processes in order to gain a better understanding of each. In this way we can avoid confusing or misapplying statements found in the Writings about teaching.

VIEWPOINT: Education and Teaching the Faith Are Synonymous

By Rebecca A. Huff

Like most Bahá’ís, I am earnestly aware of my responsibility to teach the Cause of God. Furthermore, I am cognizant of the fact that the teaching efforts of Bahá’ís around the world must gain momentum, reach the multitudes, and be magnificent in their magnitude.

Our goal, of course, is no less than to build a new world civilization in which spiritual growth will be encouraged and mankind will be freed from the shackles of hatred, prejudice, violence and injustice.

The “Lesser Peace” is the transitional stage, and the “Most Great Peace” the fruition of Bahá’u’lláh’s glorious Dispensation. Reflecting upon these lofty goals, I realize that they can only be brought about through education.

The Bahá’í concept of education differs markedly from the present-day system of education, which lacks unity of purpose and is morally confusing.

The Bahá’í system of universal compulsory education will place equal emphasis on spiritual growth and the balance between intellectual learning and manual skills.

Recognition of the inherent worth of each human being will contribute to the development of a well-rounded society, thereby raising up a new race of men, spiritually mature and with a vision that is world-embracing.

The object is to teach humanity that God is one, religion is one, and mankind is one.

The chief instrument for the development of such an awareness is the study of the Bahá’í Writings and the teaching of this message.

Bahá’u’lláh commands: “Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves.” (Gleanings, p. 277)

Focusing on the sublimity of teaching the Faith and its ultimate consequence has a way of reducing my efforts to feelings of inadequacy and sometimes even of apathy.

I think that every Bahá’í has struggled with teaching the Faith when faced with the rigors of present-day pressures of work, education and family. To strike a balance between one’s everyday life and the Bahá’í life isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult.

When I lived in a community in which I participated as an Assembly member, held weekly firesides, attended deepenings and children’s classes, I felt that teaching the Faith was at best a privilege and at worst an exhausting one.

But after having moved to a new locality in which we are isolated believers, to my surprise I felt the burden of teaching the Faith because of my own feelings of inadequacy and ineffectiveness.

While trying to adapt to a new neighborhood and new people, I became a bit discouraged. For the sake of brevity, I’ll say only that the power of prayer sustained me.

I thought that there must be way for me to be an active Bahá’í regardless of its expression. My soul thirsted for inspiration, and I wanted to deepen, but what with attending college three nights a week for four hours each night, ample homework, and the responsibility of raising a family that included two small children, there was so little time. [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

"...the supreme and urgent duty—so repeatedly and graphically represented and stressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His arraignment of basic weaknesses in the social fabric of the nation—of remedying, while there is yet time, passing through crisis:"

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.

That Brilliant Star cover

To the Editor:

I am offended by the cover on the September/October issue of Brilliant Star which inappropriately depicts two European-American girls and one African-American boy.

The young people on the cover are sardonic misrepresentations of our precious children.

The Creator of this universe has designed beautiful black and beautiful white children to inhabit this lovely planet. Why has this magazine displayed these children in a manner that can only be described as the bastardization of the arts?

The cover of Brilliant Star displays the girl on the extreme right such that her legs seem to be screwed on in the wrong sockets. The girl in the middle has her legs cocked wide open toward the boy. The boy is depicted in a manner used in the all-too-recent past to degrade African-American people. Such pictures were widely circulated during the period that began with slavery and extended to the civil rights movement of the ’60s.

In light of the insanity which manifests itself as fear, laden with sexual overtones, inherent in white racists of the world in general and of America in particular, this picture would be appropriate only if our primary objective as Bahá’ís was not to unify mankind.

I am aware that the dominant culture in this country is conservative in its approach to issues dealing with racism, and that, reminiscent of the 1960s, whites are taking the liberty to be discourteous to blacks, but for a Bahá’í publication to echo the racist sentiments of the dominant culture is nothing less than a disgrace.

The Bahá’í Revelation, being progressive and liberal in its approach to issues dealing with racism, stands in bold relief against the dominant culture in America which, on those issues, is regressive and conservative.

Must the Bahá’í world mimic the old world order and thereby experience having the streets bathed in the blood of our children and loved ones?

My friends, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá talks about bloody streets, He is talking about your blood and mine; he is not talking about some unknown people in a distant land.

Shoghi Effendi, in Citadel of Faith, writes about America passing through a revolutionary change in the concept and attitude of the average white American toward his Negro fellow citizen, a situation which, if allowed to drift, will, in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, cause the streets of America to run with blood..."

During the early part of this century many of the leading African-American thinkers became Bahá’ís. However, racism within the Bahá’í community caused many of them to leave the Faith before their souls could be healed by Bahá’u’lláh’s pure medicine.

In the ’60s and ’70s, with no hope of ever attaining social justice, African-Americans laid down their lives in protest against the blatant racism that permeated the very warp and woof of the American social fabric. This evil manifested itself in a general disregard for, and a discounting of the feelings, wishes, ambitions and attainments of the African-American.

And remember that those who did so were the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters of those whom we hope to bring into our Faith today.

That racism vegetates in the subconscious stratum of the minds of white Americans merely describes its insidious nature. In no way does this excuse the high level of insensitivity evidenced today by the racism found within American art, actions, arguments and attitudes.

Racism has a gradual and cumulative effect. That is why encountering a picture of this ilk in a Bahá’í children’s publication is so offensive. It does a disservice not only to the minds of children who will absorb it, but to the entire body of African-American believers as well.

Moreover, it validates indiscretion in the arena of racial imagery. And this must not be tolerated for a moment longer than it takes to put pen to paper and cry out, in righteous indignation, against this insult which is nothing other than a sign of bigotry. This is a moral outrage!

LaJuana Williams West Chicago, Illinois

To the Editor

We are writing on a matter of vital importance and sensitivity to all of the American Bahá’í community.

The cover of the September/October issue of Brilliant Star magazine depicted three children drawn stylistically. In the art work, there were two white children and one child of African descent.

We are aware that the art work, particularly of the black child, may have been hurtful and offensive to some of our readers, especially our dearly-loved Afro-American Bahá’í brothers and sisters.

We want to apologize to any and all who might have responded to this cover with anger and hurt. This was not the intent of the artist, nor certainly of the magazine, which holds as its first objective increasing an awareness of the oneness of humanity.

We have noted the pain of some of you who have spoken out to us, and we know that there must be many more who did not choose to make a statement beyond their own personal response.

We feel that this mistake gives us and the American Bahá’í community an opportunity for growth and increased sensitivity in the area of racial and ethnic issues, which is critical to our progress as a community and as a magnet for mankind.

There is a story that goes with the painting, and that may, at least in part, help to heal any hurts.

The cover recalls a true experience in the childhood of the artist. The artist is Swedish, and when she was a child, she and her sister had to make a trip. When they arrived in a foreign place, they felt alone and frightened. Adults in the station did not tend to their needs or fears. It was only the child (who happened to be black) who offered comfort, welcome and friendship.

All of the children on the cover are drawn in a style that is not real. What the artist did not have as a "second nature" part of her cultural framework, because she was not raised in this country, was the knowledge of a history of stylistic art done in a manner similar to her drawing that was intended in the past to parody and discount the reality of African racial characteristics.

This cultural gap resulted in our unfortunate and unintended error. Of course, this does not diminish or discount the hurt or offense the art may have caused.

Our editorial board has discussed strategies for avoiding this kind of error in judgment again, and we need the help and support of the American Bahá’í community.

We have asked repeatedly in many ways for artists of African-American descent in particular to submit their work to us for consideration. Again, we make that appeal.

We need a wider body of artists from which to gather illustrations for the magazine, and the more diverse the artists (and writers), the more likely we are to offer a further refined and consistently excellent presentation of all members of the human family.

We also need artists from Asian, Hispanic and Native American backgrounds.

Brilliant Star will publish a page for children and families in January/February 1988 (which is the soonest we could do) that discusses the September/October 1987 issue’s cover and that we hope will spark discussion with your children about developing greater cultural sensitivity.

Finally, we want to offer a word about how Brilliant Star is compiled and put together, and what we hope to do to get more input on our cover art.

We are an all-volunteer staff and editorial board, scattered across the country in seven states. We know that if we had the advantage of a central office and staff, and were at a different stage in our growth which could support such an arrangement, consultation and review of possibly delicate and sensitive issues would be easier.

That does not, of course, release us from the responsibility of monitoring sensitive issues. Logistically, however, it has been difficult because editorial content is decided in Tennessee, then layout and art assignments are made in Pennsylvania.

Proofreaders’ copies sometimes do not include cover art, as the color separations are done in Chicago, so review and approval of cover art has been difficult. We have on occasion pulled illustrations before the final printing which we felt were racially stereotyped or otherwise offensive, and had them redone or excluded.

We will be instituting a review policy and procedure, particularly on covers, that will provide consultation from people offering the perspective of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and look forward to the creative process of honing our sensibilities.

We thank the friends who had the courage and commitment to speak out for calling us to a greater degree of excellence and accountability. We want to assure all of the American Bahá’í community of our continued dedication to fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cornerstone of our Faith: the oneness of humanity.

The Editorial Board of Brilliant Star Deborah L. Bley, editor

The Master and Mexicans

To the Editor:

When people talk about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic journey to the West, they usually do so from an American or Canadian perspective (since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá also visited Canada).

Seldom is the trip considered in a historic sense from a Mexican point of view, and yet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s trip to America was a fulfillment of a number of Mexican-Indian prophecies.

For some time now I have been studying the religion, history and heritage of Mexican-Americans, Mexicans, and many Central and South Americans.

For many false reasons it is generally believed that these people are predominantly of Spanish heritage; however, a little research will quickly point to the fact that the majority (not all) of these people are predominantly (not all) of indigenous heritage.

To most people this is often overlooked or considered insignificant, and under normal circumstances it might have little value; but in light of what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said about the indigenous people of America, it makes all the difference in the world.

In The Advent of Divine Justice (p.46), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:

"...should these Indians be educated and properly guided there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined."

This great prophecy is usually associated with American Indian tribes like the Hopi, Navajo, Cherokee or others living in the U.S. or Canada.

The connection is seldom made that it applies equally to millions of Mexican-Americans, Mexicans and many Central and South Americans of predominantly indigenous heritage who have recently migrated to the U.S. or who have been here for hundreds of years.

The fact that many Mexican-Americans and Mexicans are predominantly of indigenous heritage is extremely important because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá represents the fulfillment of some of their greatest prophecies.

Just as Christians prophesied the return of Christ, Muslims the return of the 12th Imam, and Buddhists the return of the Fifth Buddha, so the Indians in Mexico, as well as Indians in other Central and South American countries, prophesied the return of their Prophet.

Among the Indians of Mexico there are many prophecies that speak of "the bearded men who (will) come from the East....the Man-Priest will come; He will bring the Sign of God."

It is documented even in high school books that when Hernando Cortez, the Spanish conqueror, arrived in Mexico in 1519 the Aztecs worshipped him because they...

New from George Ronald, Publisher

Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Nathan Rutstein with the assistance of Edna M. True

Many well-loved passages from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were originally written to Corinne True. This inspiring biography provides the opportunity to find out how and why.

272 pages Hardcover $18.95 Softcover $11.95 Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service H15 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]

CHAMPION-BUILDERS: LOUISE STAPFER BOSCH

Louise Stapfer Bosch was born July 11, 1870, in Zurich, Switzerland. Little is known of her childhood, as she rarely spoke of herself but seemed happiest when conversing with others about “the oneness of God, the oneness of the Prophets, and the oneness of mankind.”

In April 1889, she landed in New York and soon began to study homeopathic medicine. Within two years she had met Fanny Montague of Dobbs Ferry, New York, who introduced her to the Faith, and she began to study at Green Acre under the guidance of Sarah Farmer.

Soon afterward she became engaged to Dr. William Moore, the brother of Lua Getsinger, and together they made plans to live a life of service in the Southern states. To her great sorrow, he contracted yellow fever and died before she could join him there.

She then met and became a close friend of May Maxwell. Attesting to her great love for her friend, Louise wrote: “I cannot speak of the great benefits to my life and the transformation I (have) experienced through the association of May Maxwell.”

In 1909 she accompanied Mrs. Maxwell to Haifa where she came into the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. While walking with the Master one day, she expressed to Him her great desire to rise to the heights of spiritual knowledge. She asked Him fervently, “‘Abdu’l-Bahá what can I do to attain this?”

He gazed at her fondly and replied, “Give me thy heart.” She dedicated her life to fulfilling this inspiring request.

On her return to America, she found employment in the medical department at Briarcliff Manor School in New York. It was during this time that Edward Getsinger persuaded Louise to write to John Bosch, a Bahá’í in California.

She followed his advice, and to make a long story short, on January 19, 1914, Louise Stapfer and John David Bosch were married in San Francisco.

From this union was “born” one glorious “child”—the Geyserville Bahá’í School, which they nurtured with fervent prayers, steadfast devotion and unceasing service.

John Bosch wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “...May this simple place on the hill be dedicated to the uni-

A Special Issue on Teaching: Fireside a means to ‘weave bonds of fellowship’

Shoghi Effendi described the fireside as “the most powerful and effective teaching medium.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 31)

But what actually is a fireside? It is clear that the Guardian saw the fireside as an extension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exhortation that the believers should establish bonds of love and fellowship with others. The Master wrote:

“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen.

“When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach.

“In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all his fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is the best method.” (In The Individual and Teaching, p. 12)

Shoghi Effendi tied this description to the fireside as follows:

“The Guardian feels that the most effective way for the Bahá’ís to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbors and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Bahá’ís and the Bahá’ís in their friends, they should give the Message and teach the Cause. Individual teaching of this type is more effective than any other type.

“The principle of the fireside meeting, which was established in order to permit and encourage the individual to teach in his own home, has been proven the most effective instrument for spreading the Faith.” (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Individual and Teaching, p. 33)

Besides providing an opportunity to build strong friendships by inviting people into one’s home, the Guardian gave us other characteristics of the fireside.

He described it as a “little teaching group” that involves “personal, informal, home teaching” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 29) where people “can ask all the questions that bother them.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 37)

“Each one” of the believers, he says, should invite “friends into their homes once in 19 days” to introduce them to the Faith. (The Individual and Teaching, p. 38)

The Bahá’ís are to demonstrate “Bahá’í hospitality” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 37), the “loving spirit of the Master,” and “close association and loving service,” for this “affects the hearts; and when the heart is affected, then the spirit can enter.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 38)

The Guardian concludes that the fireside is effective because in such meetings “intimate personal questions can be answered, and the students find the spirit of the Faith more abundant there.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 31)

This spirit, he says, is “the true Bahá’í spirit—and it is the spirit that quickeneth.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 37)

Fundamentally, then, a fireside does not require an expert speaker or even a formal program. It is a tool for personal teaching that every believer can use effectively by building friendships, inviting those friends to his or her home at least once each 19 days, showering upon the guests Bahá’í love and hospitality, and providing an opportunity for the Faith to be discussed and questions answered.

No task too unusual for traveling teacher

Chester Kahn, a Navajo from Arizona and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, recently contacted the Traveling Teaching Coordinator in the northwest and asked her to arrange a visit to two Indian Reservations, neither of which had any Bahá’ís living there.

A woman living near one of these areas had long been a Bahá’í, but had not been in touch with other Bahá’ís for some time. Recently, however, she had decided to marry and wanted a Bahá’í wedding, so she contacted the nearest Spiritual Assembly. She married a member of the neighboring tribe.

While getting to know her husband’s people, she learned that Chief Joseph was buried on the Reservation and that his gravesite had not been kept up.

She offered to help her husband’s minister clean the site, but her offer was refused because no money was available.

Ten days before the call from the Traveling Teaching Coordinator, the minister phoned the Bahá’í woman with the news that he had found a source of funds for the clean-up project. He invited her to a planning meeting on a specific date.

As it turned out to be the same date on which Mr. Kahn wished to visit the Reservation, he said he would help with the project.

The services performed by a traveling teacher can indeed be varied and unusual, but they are always greatly appreciated.

Have You Had Your Word of God Seminar?

If not, contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 312/869-9039x231

The Six Year Plan

INTRODUCTION: ...FOR GROWTH

The goal of carrying the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind is the foundation of the Six Year Plan. The success of our efforts to achieve large-scale growth will favorably affect the progress of our endeavors to strengthen the local and national Bahá’í communities.

OBJECTIVES:

• to increase significantly the number of believers from every stratum of society and to make special efforts to enroll Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians;
• to increase the number of spiritual assemblies and of localities opened to the Faith through the encouragement and support of local and district extension teaching goals;
• to establish a spiritual assembly in every state capital;
• to further the progress of the Bahá’í Youth Movement;
• to introduce a significant percentage of the American public to the history, beliefs, and teachings of the Faith through the distribution of audio and video programs suitable for broadcast over the air waves;
• to support the expansion of the Faith throughout the world by increasing the number of pioneers and by providing them with training in the social and economic development fields;
• to increase the number of international traveling teaching projects;
• to increase international collaboration on border teaching projects, traveling teaching, “youth year of service” projects and in other areas of mutual concern with other National Spiritual Assemblies, particularly those of Alaska, Canada, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and the Caribbean;
• to continue the development of relationships with the government, national organizations, and leaders of thought;
• to encourage the establishment of professional societies among Bahá’ís, which would invite participation of non-Bahá’í professionals, to facilitate professional development and the application of Bahá’í principles to professional life;
• to assume a major role in championing world peace through the promotion of the Peace Statement, development of relations with peace organizations, and the application of spiritual principles to the problems of mankind;
• to expand the awareness and understanding of the aims of the Faith among individuals and organizations with goals similar to ours, and to establish relations with such groups by conducting a series of conferences on the major themes of the Peace Statement (such as race, women, economic disparity, education, law, and spiritual transformation) which would feature large-scale attendance and participation of non-Bahá’ís;
• to complete the development of plans to establish a large-scale Bahá’í radio and television broadcasting capability.

[Page 5]

Charts give idea of what ‘entry by troops’ might look like

In its letter of August 31 introducing the initiation of the task of completing the Arc on Mount Carmel, the Universal House of Justice called upon national Bahá’í communities to strive to attain entry by troops during the Six Year Plan. The Supreme Body wrote:

"In a passage written on July 18, 1953, in the early months of the Ten Year Crusade, Shoghi Effendi, referring to the vital need to ensure through the teaching work a 'steady flow' of 'fresh recruits to the slowly yet steadily advancing army of the Lord of Hosts,' stated that this flow would 'presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Bahá’í world.' This day the Bahá’í world has already seen in Africa, the Pacific, in Asia and Latin America, and this process of entry by troops must, in the present plan, be augmented and spread to other countries..."

The following charts prepared by the Department of Statistics at the Bahá’í World Center give us an idea of what entry by troops looks like. Since about 1963 there has been an explosive increase in the number of believers, localities, and local Assemblies:

5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 1953 1963 1973 1979 1986 Number of Believers (Total: 4,680,000) Africa Americas Asia Australasia Europe

120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 1953 1963 1973 1979 1986 Number of Localities (Total: 119,400) Africa Americas Asia Australasia Europe

32,000 28,000 24,000 20,000 16,000 12,000 8,000 4,000 1953 1963 1973 1979 1986 Local Spiritual Assemblies (Total: 31,100) Africa Americas Asia Australasia Europe

In the U.S., the number of believers in 1964 was 12,450. By 1975 that number had reached 65,200 as a result of a period in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the American Bahá’í community itself temporarily achieved the process of "entry by troops." In a letter dated January 31, 1971, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice stated:

"Joyfully announce Bahá’í world process entry by troops rapidly accelerating United States evidenced by enrollment 8,000 new believers South Carolina course six weeks campaign raising number new believers entire country 13,000 since Ridván. Process gathering momentum." (Messages from the Universal House of Justice, p. 65)

By the following year, however, the rate of increase had noticeably declined. In a letter to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly dated February 14, 1972, the Universal House of Justice noted 3,053 new believers in the previous six months and urged "the American Bahá’ís, one and all, newly enrolled and believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Bahá’u’lláh and armed with that supreme power, continue unabated their efforts to reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard-won victories."

Since 1975, when there were 63,470 believers, the American Bahá’í community has grown to only about 101,200 in 1987. The growth in membership from 1964-75 rose by 425 per cent, while from 1975-87 the increase fell to 60 per cent.

To attain once again the level of entry by troops in the U.S., we have but to follow the advice of the Universal House of Justice given in its letter of February 14, 1972, when it called upon us to:

1. further develop the "new teaching methods" created to "reach the waiting masses" by grasping "this golden opportunity which has been presented to (us), to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of (our) endeavors."

2. Increase our "efforts to reach the minorities," including "all minority groups such as the Indians, Spanish-speaking people, Japanese and Chinese."

3. Reach "every stratum of American society" through the efforts of individuals who will "arise and go forth with the spirit" which had been "conquering the citadels of the southern states."

"Such a program," the House of Justice concludes, "coupled as it must be with continuous consolidation, can be effectively carried out by universal participation on the part of every lover of Bahá’u’lláh."

By taking such actions, which will include a wide range of teaching methods involving individuals, communities and efforts to reach the masses. the American Bahá’í community can play its part in meeting the fervent appeal of the Universal House of Justice:

"The great work of constructing the terraces, landscaping their surroundings, and erecting the remaining buildings of the Arc will bring into being a vastly augmented World Center structure which will be capable of meeting the challenges of coming centuries and of the tremendous growth of the Bahá’í community which the beloved Guardian has told us to expect.

"Already we see the effect of the spiritual energies which the completion of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice has released, and the new impulse this has given to the advancement of the Faith.

"Who can gauge what transformations will be effected as a result of the completion of each successive stage of this great enterprise? The Faith advances, not at a uniform rate of growth, but in vast surges, precipitated by the alternation of crises and victory.

"In a passage written on July 18, 1953, in the early months of the Ten Year Crusade, Shoghi Effendi, referring to the vital need to ensure through the teaching work a 'steady flow' of 'fresh recruits to the slowly yet steadily advancing army of the Lord of Hosts,' stated that this flow would 'presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Bahá’í world.'

"This day the Bahá’í world has already seen in Africa, the Pacific, in Asia and in Latin America, and this process of entry by troops must, in the present plan, be augmented and spread to other countries for, as the Guardian stated in this same letter, it 'will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races, and as a direct result of a chain of events, momentous and possibly catastrophic in nature, and which cannot as yet be even dimly visualized, will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. This is the time for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.

"At this climacteric of human history, we are called upon to rise up in sacrificial endeavor, our eyes on the awe-inspiring responsibilities which such developments will place upon Bahá’í institutions and individual believers in every land, and our hearts filled with unshakeable confidence in the guiding Hand of the Founder of our Faith.

"That our Beloved Lord will arouse His followers in every land to a mighty united effort is our ardent prayer at the Sacred Threshold." (Letter of August 31, 1987)

‘Project 95’ makes travel teaching an adventure in West

Travel teaching is no longer merely a trip... it's an adventure. "Project 95," a teaching effort begun by American Indian believers to reach out to other American Indians who live along Interstate Highway 95, is spreading the "Light of Bahá’u’lláh" throughout the western states.

In accordance with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's command to "attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America," and with one of the goals of the Six Year Plan, to "carry the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind," several believers got together this year to undertake a family teaching project and spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

A number of activities have been sponsored by the project. For example, the "Compilation on Women" was presented to the chief of the Creston Reservation and, showing respect and appreciation for the Indian culture, it was conducted in a traditional way.

One of the goals, to form 19 all-Indian local Spiritual Assemblies, is consistent with a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi which says in part:

"The goal should be all-Indian assemblies, so that these much-exploited and suppressed original inhabitants of the land may realize that they are equals and partners in the affairs of the Cause of God, and that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God for them."

This can be achieved by the "harmonious collaboration" of local Spiritual Assemblies, traveling teachers, individual Bahá’ís, and Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.

This unified effort, as outlined in the Six Year Plan, is setting up a framework in which "to develop systematically spiritual assemblies... on Native American Reservations..."

Through the continued steadfast efforts such as those of persons taking part in Project 95, and the spiritual energy released by the sacrificial efforts of the Iranian believers, the divine healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh will assuredly be spread throughout the West.

Homefront pioneers needed in goal areas

During the Six Year Plan, the National Teaching Committee is calling for dedicated Bahá’ís to arise as homefront pioneers and disperse to goal areas throughout the country.

The call for homefront pioneers goes beyond the need for Bahá’ís to move from one place to another. Homefront pioneering in its truest sense parallels international pioneering. Its goal is to help local residents build strong Bahá’í communities.

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

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

The greatest need for pioneers is in those areas where the initial teaching has brought the enrollment of a great number of people, especially in South Carolina and southern Georgia.

Other areas where rapid expansion has taken place are central California, eastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, central Texas and eastern Iowa.

Other priority goal areas include capital cities that do not have Spiritual Assemblies. Homefront pioneers are also needed to save jeopardized Assemblies, to restore Assemblies lost last Ridván, and to serve on Indian Reservations and in areas where there are large Bahá’í Groups.

Unopened localities and isolated centers are also goal areas, although not as high in priority as those already mentioned.

Bahá’ís interested in helping with this vitally important work may contact the National Teaching Committee, which will provide names, addresses and phone numbers of contact people in those areas who can advise prospective homefront pioneers about employment, housing, schools and so on.

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

Curriculum materials sought

The National Teaching Committee is continuing to gather curriculum materials to be shared with communities to assist with the education of children and youth ages 5-15 in the Bahá’í community. The committee requests:

1. Educational curricula that are or have been in use in local Bahá’í communities.

2. Examples of week-long programs such as institutes, summer schools, and so on that have been successful with children and youth.

3. Ideas about the content or nature of the curriculum and the best format for the curriculum.

4. Programs and approaches of other groups outside the Bahá’í community that have been found valuable in working with the spiritual and/or psychological needs of children and youth.

All materials received will be reviewed for possible use in an educational program for children and youth. Please send all materials to the National Teaching Committee, ATTN: Child Education, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 6]

PIONEERING

The Year of Service program is providing incredible opportunities for youth and adults to experience the challenges, trials and joys of serving the Cause on the home-front and overseas. These dedicated souls are also providing much-needed services to the host communities. Here is part of a letter from Sarah Porth, a Bahá’í youth at her Year of Service post in Botswana, southern Africa:

"I've been living in a remote village in a small hut for awhile. There is no electricity here. To get water, we must walk to the pump. To heat water for bathing or to cook, we use a fire outside.

"There are no showers—we bathe in about an inch of water in a metal wash tub, usually by candlelight in the hut because the water is warm in the evening.

"For the time that I've been in this strange village called Lethlakane, I've had two house- (sorry) hut-mates: Odette, a German Bahá’í youth, and Tiny, a Batswana girl who lives in this compound of huts. The Bahá’í Center is a hut as well.

"Everything here is sand, sand, sand—I eat sand, drink sand, breathe sand, see sand, sleep sand, etc. We have terrible sandstorms—quite dangerous at times.

"Odette and I are probably the only two white women in the village; some people have only seen our color in books. The village is quite large, but word gets around.

"When we first arrived, people shouted 'Lekgowa!' (white person). Whereupon I would yell back 'Batswana!' Not insultingly; telling me I'm white is just a statement of fact, and calling them Batswana is also a statement of fact.

"It all evens out in the end.... (People have even laughed cheerfully when I called back 'Batswana,' so it's okay, as if I passed the test, didn't take it in a bad way. It's always important to have a sense of humor.)

"Now we walk outside and around the village and people who we've never seen before call out 'Sarah! Odette!'

"There are two phones in the village, one at the post office and one at the Kgotla's (chief's) office. To call Gaborone (the capital of Botswana) you must give the postman two pula plus 40 tebe along with the phone number, then wait for an hour until the connection is made, then yell at the top of your lungs at the person on the other end for three minutes.

"It is frustrating when no one is home... especially because the walk to the post office is quite long and hard, in deep sand.

"I am learning how one begs in Setswana. When an eternity of people ask for money, actually demand money, you get to understand the language. A bit, anyway. If I am ever stranded and need money, I'll know how to ask for it. If I had a penny for every time somebody asked me for money, I'd be rich....

"Today was quite amusing. While I was walking in 'the Mall' (marketplace), a Batswana child came and started begging for money. Of course I said no, but he would not leave me alone. So this time I turned around and begged him for money as well.

"'Oh please, I just spent my last tebe on this apple; would you give me one pula?'"

When the child told me he had no money, I kept insisting: 'Please, I'm so hungry,' etc.

"I followed the child around the mall, continuously begging him for money. At first, the look of utter shock on his face was almost too much for me—it was too funny!

"Then after a while we were just having fun; he begged, I begged. Of course, we got nowhere. (Darn! After that plane ticket, I could have used 10 tebe!)

"When we came to Lethlakane we had the task of memorizing the names of 12 children who live in the compound. Every morning and night, they would file into our hut for Bahá’í prayers and songs. It was wonderful. And still is.

"The people here can sing. We had never heard anything like it.

"Anyway, since I had memorized the Remover of Difficulties in Setswana by the end of my first week in Botswana, I felt it should be no problem for the children here—who are fluent in Setswana—to memorize it. So we worked on it.

"The children, some sweets (a little encouragement can work wonders) and I worked on it, and now all of the children who can read know not only the Remover of Difficulties by heart, but also 'O God, Guide Me...'

"I really love America now. It's amazing, America is such a contradiction—so extremely bad and so extremely good.

"I say the prayer for America every day and hope that the American people will use what they have—the knowledge and wisdom and materials (bucks) for good. There is so much potential there—so many good people—it would be a shame not to put those things to use.

"And really, the Bahá’í youth of America are so 'with it' (in my opinion). There is an incredible amount of energy and a desire for peace. I hope that energy will be put to use—perhaps the flame will catch on to the youth of other religions and of no religion.

"I hope the youth (and elders, who are to be respected, loved and appreciated) of America will put their minds and hearts to work. First, try to develop true friendships—love and trust and unity and fun—then get together and decide what the needs are. You'll accomplish more that way.

"Love, Sarah."

For more information about the Year of Service program, contact either the National Youth Committee or the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Bahamians needed to help win goals

Bahamians are needed to travel and teach in the Bahamas to help achieve the goals of the Six Year Plan. The major goal is to raise up 200 new believers.

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

SIX YEAR PLAN JUNE 1987

Region	Goal
AFRICA
Liberia	Provide traveling teachers.
Liberia	Provide public relations materials.
Malawi	Provide one resident teacher, preferably with qualifications to act as building supervisor at the Amalika Institute.
Nigeria	Provide traveling teachers.
Tuvalu	Provide traveling teachers.
AMERICAS
Alaska	Provide traveling teachers, including Native Americans.
Bahamas	Provide traveling teachers.
Barbados	Provide traveling teachers.
Belize	Provide English-speaking traveling teachers, preferably youth.
Belize	Contribute toward the renovation of the new Hazíratu’l-Quds.
Canada	Provide traveling teachers, including Native Americans.
Canada	Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
Costa Rica	Contribute toward the acquisition of a new national Hazíratu’l-Quds.
Costa Rica	Encourage and support Music Center.
Dominica	Provide traveling teachers.
Dominican Republic	Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.
El Salvador	Provide traveling teachers.
Grenada	Provide traveling teachers.
Guadeloupe	Provide traveling teachers.
Haiti	Provide traveling teachers.
Jamaica	Provide traveling teachers including those skilled in media and public relations.
Leeward Islands	Contribute toward the acquisition of a regional Hazíratu’l-Quds in St. Kitts-Nevis.
Leeward Islands	Provide traveling teachers.
Martinique	Provide traveling teachers.
Mexico	Border teaching projects.
Mexico	Provide traveling teachers.
Peru	Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.
Puerto Rico	Provide traveling teachers, preferably Spanish-speaking.
St. Lucia	Provide traveling teachers.
St. Vincent and Grenadines	Provide traveling teachers.
Trinidad and Tobago	Provide traveling teachers.
Virgin Islands	Provide traveling teachers.
ASIA
India	Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
Japan	Provide Bahá’í teachers prominent in the field of entertainment.
Malaysia	Provide two teachers to develop public relations expertise among local believers.
AUSTRALASIA
Samoa, Western	Provide traveling teachers.
EUROPE
Germany	Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
Germany	Cooperate in developing the Bahá’í home for the aged.

Now is perfect time to start planning to take part in summer teaching efforts

But it's winter! Seriously, friends, in this new epoch of the Cause of God, we can't start planning too soon.

Now is the time to start gathering our resources to participate in the teaching projects coming up next summer. In a few months, we'll be announcing the details of these projects, so we want to be sure everyone is ready.

COMMUNITIES, sending a traveling teacher (or two) to another country can really revitalize the teaching work at home.

YOUTH, now is the time to consult with your local Spiritual Assembly to come up with ways to raise funds to travel and teach.

ADULTS, you are an integral part of the whole effort. Can you travel teach? Can you help send someone in your community or in a neighboring community?

Every person's effort is vital, no matter how small it may seem. We are a community of victors, and every contribution has its victory. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Talwan needs traveling teachers

Talk about a vast increase in the number of avowed believers in the Cause of God! Taiwan has seen more than 700 new enrollments since May of this year.

In the space of a few days, 127 people declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Localities that had only a few believers now have more than 100.

As a result, Taiwan urgently needs traveling teachers to help with consolidation. Can you come to help strengthen and deepen these new Bahá’í brothers and sisters?

Come take part in this most challenging and exciting work that will hasten the day when one-quarter of the world's population will hear and respond to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

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

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Leaving country? Call us first!

Are you planning an international trip? Vacationing overseas? Going on a business trip to another country? Contact the Office of Pioneering as soon as you start making plans. We have information about various countries, visas, health and vaccination requirements. We can also put you in touch with the National Spiritual Assemblies of the countries you plan to visit. Contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting a number of Bahá’í clubs in the New England states. Some highlights of the trip included meeting wonderful and fired-up Bahá’ís, eating at the best health food restaurant in Massachusetts, and getting to know a number of Boston's homeless people because I missed an early flight and had to spend the night in the airport.

But this is small bananas. I'd like to tell you the really big story. While I was sitting in the best health food restaurant in Massachusetts, I was also talking about Bahá’í Clubs with a truly wonderful student from Smith College. She said, "Kern, I never feel like I'm doing enough."

I wiped some alfalfa sprouts off my chin and said, "Uh huh," feeling a little embarrassed about being caught with underdeveloped vegetables in my beard.

"There are only a couple of us at Smith," she continued. "We never seem to get a lot done; you know, major events like Princeton's 'Images of Peace,' and I've been extremely busy just keeping up this semester."

Now comes the really big story! You don't have to hold major events to be effective teachers on campus.

I know, the big events are almost all you hear about in "Campus Clips," and that's partly my fault, but one big event could never match the basics.

By basics, I mean maintaining a visible Bahá’í presence on campus, and living the best Bahá’í life you can.

"Awww!" you say. "Is that all? You mean to say we had to read all about your trip, and the airport, and the alfalfa sprouts just to have you say that?"

In a word, YES! Major proclamation events are important, of course, but there is no way they can match the sheer teaching power of 200 Bahá’í clubs that hold regular firesides, make sure that there are posters and flyers up on campus, present the peace

Like the Bahá’ís at the University of Nebraska at Omaho who have been doing a lot of the really big things.

Like the University of Nebraska at Omaha who have been doing a lot of the really big things.

They presented copies of The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion and "The Promise of World Peace" and a two-year subscription to World Order magazine to the university library; they showed the video, "The Promise of World Peace," on campus, and plan to show the "Unity in Diversity" video.

What I'm trying to say is, be creative, do what you can, and never underestimate the importance of what you do.

Even if you don't see immediate results, you've introduced the Faith to a great number of people. Years from now they may meet a

Youth Conference to focus on teaching, service

Dedicate your summer of 1988 to Bahá’u’lláh! Now is the time to prepare for teaching and service projects.

The International Youth Conference '88, to be held June 30-July 4 in Bloomington, Indiana, serves as a great focal point.

Teach on the way to the conference, come together in unity, and then, with a new level of energy and spirit, attend projects throughout the country.

Adults and youth are encouraged to work closely together in developing teaching and service projects.

"The stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God. The immediate and basic challenge is pursuit of the goals of the Six Year Plan, the preliminary stages of which have already been initiated.

"The all-important teaching work must be imaginatively, persistently and sacrificially continued, ensuring the enrollment of ever larger numbers who will provide the energy, the resources and spiritual force to enable the beloved Cause to worthily play its part in the redemption of mankind." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1987)

Youth especially need to concentrate on teaching. One of the most effective ways to teach is individual teaching: one on one.

A goal of the Bloomington conference is for every Bahá’í to bring a friend of the Faith. To do this, though, the non-Bahá’ís need to be prepared for a truly Bahá’í conference.

They need to know what the Bahá’í Faith is all about and who Bahá’u’lláh claims to be.

The same applies in inviting members of non-Bahá’í peace groups or ambassadors to the conference.

Some ways of preparing friends of the Faith for the International Youth Conference are to invite them to attend smaller conferences during the course of the year, share with them the peace statement, and be a true friend.

This conference for the New Age is intended for mature Bahá’ís who are advancing into the new World Order by deepening in the Creative Word of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Youth Committee is seeking papers and reports based on the Bahá’í Writings and written by youth or adults for possible publication and presentation at the conference.

The deadline for submissions is March 31, 1988. Please limit your paper to 2,000 words on one of the following topics:

1. Allowing, guiding and empowering children to choose great paths of service to the Cause. 2. Solutions to the problems facing families. 3. Unity is the foundation.

THE BLOOMINGTON CONFERENCE JUNE 30-JULY 4, 1988

4. Bahá’u’lláh and the significance of His Revelation. 5. Materialism and me-who's winning? 6. The time is short; the time is now. 7. The role of women in achieving world peace. 8. The spiritual reality of reward and punishment. 9. Free will and our choice to change. 10. Surviving the transition from the old to the new World Order. 11. Prejudice is a handicap. 12. Bahá’u’lláh's Covenant: its meaning, its origin, and what our attitude toward it should be.

There is a Peace Banner project in which individuals; families; regional schools; local, district and regional youth groups; college clubs; local Spiritual Assemblies, and communities are welcome to participate.

The purpose of the banners is to teach and proclaim the Bahá’í concept of world peace before, during and after the conference. Banners should be three feet high by five feet long to represent the theme(s) of peace.

Please attach ribbons to the corners of the banner(s) so that several can be tied together.

Are you a talented musician who would like to perform at the youth conference? All you need do is submit a sample tape of your music to the National Youth Committee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

If you have any questions, please phone 312-869-9039, ext. 256.

Superb speakers slated at Evanston youth conference

A number of excellent speakers are scheduled to appear at a conference on Youth Working Toward the Unity of Mankind sponsored by the District Youth Committee of Northern Illinois No. 2 to be held January 15-18 at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston.

Heading the list are Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board members Stephen Birkland, Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor; Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; and a member of the National Youth Committee.

The program also includes workshops on various aspects of unity, a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, and a Unity Dance in honor of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Youth (ages 14-28) are encouraged to attend, participate and have fun. Everyone is welcome.

For conference and hotel registration forms, contact the District Youth Committee of Northern Illinois No. 2, c/o Jian Khodadad, Winnetka, IL 60093 (phone 312-446-6827).

Some guidelines for youth representatives

The National Youth Committee was delighted to learn that the idea of sending a youth representative to accompany the delegate from their district was discussed at many of the District Conventions in October.

To help make the experience as rewarding as possible, we would like to share with you the following guidelines:

Youth representatives, as stated in District Convention materials, are expected to "accompany the delegate" from their district. The main reason we are encouraging youth to attend the National Convention is so that they will learn about another aspect of Bahá’í administration and how it is practiced in the U.S.

If the youth have any concerns or questions during the Convention, they will be able to consult with the delegate with whom they came. It is then hoped that the youth will return home and share with their fellow Bahá’í youth the spirit and knowledge gained at the Convention.

The National Convention is not a "conference." It is a time when the National Spiritual Assembly is elected and when delegates share the views and news of their communities.

The National Assembly, in turn, shares with the delegates the various matters that must be considered in the coming year, and weighs and studies the opinions and recommendations of the delegates.

Youth are expected to attend all open sessions of the Convention. There will not be a special "youth convention."

During some part of the Convention, the National Youth Committee will share with the youth its vision of the coming year.

Please remember that the program of having youth representatives at the National Convention is strictly optional. Youth in general are welcome to attend.

The National Youth Committee cannot be responsible for youth during the National Convention, or for making hotel or travel arrangements.

Two Bahá’ís from Hamlet, North Carolina, 14-year-old Omid Ahdieh (left) and 13-year-old Navid Ahdieh, won this year's awards for Best All-Around Student in the eighth and seventh grades, respectively, at Hamlet Junior High School. Omid had won the award for seventh grade last year. [Page 8]The Sarah Farmer Inn, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá slept, is the spiritual center of the Green Acre Bahá’í School now being restored after 100 years of service to the Faith and to mankind. A fund-raising drive was launched at District Conventions in the Northeastern states which have been given the primary responsibility by the National Spiritual Assembly of raising the needed $1.1 million. More details about the restoration project will appear in the January issue of The American Bahá’í.

Make plans to attend one of many splendid Bahá’í Fall/Winter School sessions in U.S.

“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 their knowledge of the Writings 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:

ALABAMA: February 19-21, Ascap Camp, Auburn. Contact: Linda Detweiler, 205-233-3841.

ARIZONA: February 13-14, Weekend School. Contact: Roberta Mevis, 602-375-0919.

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN: January 1-3, Pilgrim Pines. Contact: Hanna Osborne, 714-839-0663.

COLORADO, EASTERN: December 25-27. Contact: Don Brayton, 303-577-1207.

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

IDAHO: January 1-3, American Falls. Contact: Seme Newlin, 208-548-2677 or 2672.

ILLINOIS (Heartland): January 1-3, Holiday Inn Conference Resort, Decatur. Contact: Scott or 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).

OREGON, EASTERN: February 13-15. Contact: Polly Helhout, 503-426-4372 (evenings).

SOUTH CAROLINA: January 7-10, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Contact: Jacquie 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.

WASHINGTON, WESTERN: December 27-30, Seabeck Conference Center. Contact: Harry Taylor, 206-435-8245.

WISCONSIN, SOUTHERN: January 2-3, Green Lake Conference Center (youth conference). Contact: Kamyar Saian, 414-461-4140.

Louhelen helps spread teachings through many non-Bahá’í events

The Louhelen Bahá’í School rents its facilities to a number of non-Bahá’í groups. Even though the staff makes sure that the Faith is never discussed except by request of the guests, the opportunities for teaching have been plentiful with these groups.

For example, one such group, the Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, has used Louhelen for its fall conference for five years in a row. For four of those years, one of its workshops has been on the Bahá’í Faith with presentations by Louhelen staff members.

Other groups such as General Motors Institute, Michigan Legal Services, the Association for Research and Enlightenment, and the Flint Urban League have included talks on the Faith as a part of their programs.

Additionally, guests often talk informally with Bahá’ís on-site, read the Bahá’í literature on the registration desk or bulletin board, or spend time in the library or bookstore.

What guests comment on most, however, is the attitude of service and the feeling of spirituality and tranquillity that they experience at the school.

Since Louhelen was reopened in 1982, more than 5,000 people have attended such non-Bahá’í conferences and have heard, directly or indirectly, about the Faith.

Teaching youth has been one of the principal functions of the Louhelen Bahá’í School, and was stressed in letters to Louhelen from the Guardian and in letters from the Universal House of Justice in connection with the reconstruction of the school.

Not only have Bahá’í youth attended Louhelen in great numbers, many have brought their friends to sessions. Also, many undeclared youth from Bahá’í families have come to the school to investigate the Faith on their own.

Louhelen has hosted 18 youth conferences in the last five years. Close to 200 seekers have come to these events, and 34 youth have declared at Louhelen during that time.

Children’s classes weld bonds of unity among Navajo, Hopi

EDUCATION

Teaching the Faith to children in creative ways is not only fun for them, but provides opportunities to teach in an informal, open atmosphere. This summer, children’s classes on the Navajo Reservation near Tuba City, Arizona, provided just such an environment.

The goal of the two-day institute was to help the Navajo and Hopi children to overcome cultural differences and work together.

The goal was accomplished on several levels.

First, a sense of unity and teamwork was established through social events. The children went to a park in a Hopi Reservation village, where they not only interacted socially but planned activities that required their working together.

They also traveled to a Navajo Reservation town where they went to a park, swam and picnicked. Through these activities the bonds of friendship and unity grew stronger.

Besides the social aspects, classes were conducted to teach spiritual principles.

The Universal House of Justice, in the Six Year Plan, encourages the use of “drama and arts as an integral part of Bahá’í life and to expand the participation of artists in all kinds of community activities. ...”

This was done in classes conducted by Ken Morphet-Brown, who used art to convey spiritual principles and truths. Moreover, the children presented what they had learned to their parents, which provided further exposure for the Faith.

The results of the institute were quite positive, and plans are being made for an even larger effort next summer, using the experience of this past summer as a foundation to plan for next year.

Even now, some activities are being continued in Phoenix by the Bahá’í youth who helped with the project in Tuba City.

Names of God weekly theme at YMCA camp

When Nancy Coker of Sparland, Illinois, served as YMCA camp director in Peoria for 12 weeks this summer, she named each week for one of the attributes of God. Field trips each week supported the theme.

During the week of knowledge, for instance, trips were taken to the local newspaper, library and water works.

Each day began with songs from the “Teaching Peace” tape and with a Bahá’í prayer. The Parents’ Orientation Night opened with the “prayer for parents” recited from memory by 10-year-old Josh Coker.

The audience was so impressed by the memorization and the vocabulary that they broke into spontaneous applause.

The Coker children were thrilled to find three other Bahá’í children from two other countries also attending the camp.

Louisiana/Mississippi to hold winter school at park in Westwego

The Bahá’í School Committee of Louisiana/Mississippi will hold its winter school February 26-28 at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego, Louisiana (only minutes from New Orleans).

Lodging is dormitory-style; the cost is $3 per night for adults, $3 for children, and free for those under three years of age.

Meals are $3 each (age 13 and up), $2 (ages 3-12) and free (under age three).

Registration begins at 1 p.m. February 26 with an Ayyám-i-Há social that night.

Classes will be held from Saturday morning to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, phone Randy Landry, registrar, at 504-446-1826, or write to __________, Schriever, LA 70395.

Bahá’í parent in N.Y. shares Faith with her children’s teachers

Parents of young children can render invaluable services to the Cause in the teaching field.

In Sodus Point, New York, one Bahá’í mother planned how she was to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the elementary school teachers of her children.

First, she met with teachers at the beginning of the school year, introduced herself and her children as Bahá’ís, and gave the teachers a list of Bahá’í Holy Days on which she would be keeping her children home from school.

Later in the year, about two weeks before Ayyám-i-Há, she proposed to one teacher the idea of celebrating the Bahá’í festival in class with a piñata and the reading of a story.

The teacher readily agreed, welcoming the diversity and change of pace in the class. During one of the days of Ayyám-i-Há, the mother brought and shared the piñata and the Bahá’í story. The children had a wonderful time. All the students learned about the religion of their classmate, and he felt good and accepted by his peers although he was of a different faith.

At the end of the school year, her children’s teachers were given a copy of the peace statement, a card inscribed with a quote from the Writings about the importance and station of teachers, and a note thanking them for educating her children.

Pictured are young Bahá’ís attending the Oklahoma Regional Bahá’í School during the weekend of October 30.

[Page 9]

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JOHN NASH

John Nash receives humanitarian award

John Nash, chairman of the Louhelen Bahá’í School Council and longtime chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Flint, Michigan, was honored at a community banquet September 18 with the Richard Allen Humanitarian Award.

The handsome plaque, presented by the Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church, was given to Mr. Nash for "dedicated, unselfish service and leadership to the Flint community for 25 years."

Several hundred people including many community leaders attended the event at the Sarvis Center in Flint.

Mr. Nash, an artist and teacher, is a member of 13 organizations related to the arts, social services, and civil rights, serving on the Board of Trustees or Board of Directors of four of them.

He has held teaching and administrative positions with the Flint community schools for 31 years, and presently is a Staff Associate in Visual Arts.

Mr. Nash is a graduate of Talladega (Alabama) College, has a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and has also studied at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

While still a student at Talladega College, he received the Armstrong Award for Creativity for three successive years.

Subsequently, he was named Outstanding Junior High School Art Teacher by the Michigan Art Association (1970); Artist of the Year by the Flint Club National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. (1974); Art Educator of the Year by the Michigan Art Education Association (1979); received the Regional Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Profession of Art Education from the National Art Education Association (1980); and the Eugene Griggs Award for Meritorious Service in Art Education from the Committee on Minority Concerns, National Art Education Association (1982).

Green Acre radiates the Master’s loving spirit

The Bahá’í schools have a mystical attraction about them, and Green Acre, which was blessed by a visit from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, seems to retain His loving spirit.

Its very presence in the community provides the school with an opportunity to teach the masses, both directly and indirectly.

A non-Bahá’í from California recently contacted the Green Acre office for information about Marsden Hartley, a highly-respected early 20th century American painter and writer.

According to the caller, a number of individuals involved with art history are presently researching Mr. Marsden’s life. They are especially interested in his visit to Green Acre in the summer of 1907, which apparently resulted in some sort of "personal transformation."

The caller was given some information, such as the main speakers at the programs that summer as well as the names of some well-known artists of the time who were known to have attended programs at Green Acre.

One of those programs was presented by Mirza Ali-Kuli Khan.

These facts inspired the woman who had called and her husband to visit Green Acre, where a lengthy discussion of the Faith and the early history of Green Acre was held.

The woman’s husband was especially attracted to the principles of the Faith. They left Green Acre with pictures, literature and a promise that they would send a copy of Mr. Marsden’s biography upon its completion.

•

The Eliot, Maine, softball league for youth enjoyed two months of play using Green Acre softball fields.

At the season’s end, at a dinner for all the participants, the Green Acre school was given an engraved plaque as an expression of gratitude. The presentation was seen by about 200 townspeople.

•

This year Green Acre opened the doors of the Sarah Farmer Inn for the use of the Eliot, Maine, residents as a place to hold their annual bean supper, a fund-raising event for the annual Eliot Festival.

Many Bahá’ís took part in serving the supper and set an example of hospitality, earning the respect of the townspeople attending.

This kind of community activity has brought many people to Green Acre who might not otherwise have ventured onto the campus.

•

During the 75th anniversary commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Green Acre, a young girl and her mother were found seated on the porch of the Sarah Farmer Inn, enjoying the atmosphere following the Unity Feast to which the entire Eliot community had been invited.

When someone greeted her, the girl asked for more information about the Faith.

She was shown to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room to say prayers, and shortly thereafter she declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

•

This past summer, a woman who had learned of the Faith some 10 years ago attended a session at Green Acre on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

It was the laws of the Faith that had discouraged her during that first encounter. Now, after a week’s immersion in the very aspect that had troubled her, she returned home with an expensive piece of gold Bahá’í jewelry, some addresses of people to visit, and a declaration card tucked into her new prayer book.

"How is Green Acre? When will the season be opened? Green Acre is a most delightful spot. I enjoyed my visit to that charming place.

"If I go to America I will pay a second visit to Green Acre. It is a most ideal spot for the dissemination of lofty ideals. ...

"You must lay such a foundation so that the influence of the confederation of religions and sects may permeate to all parts of the world from Green Acre; and Green Acre for all the future ages and cycles may become the standard-bearer of the oneness of the world of humanity. I will pray for the fulfillment of this truth."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

More than 200 children attended this year’s Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Regional Bahá’í School. Here some of the children take part in a parachute game.

Images International has ABS, Green Acre audio tapes for sale

Images International has audio tapes of talks given at the 1987 Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and the 1987 Green Lake Conference in Wisconsin.

With every tape purchased, these groups receive a 10 per cent royalty from Images International.

For more information, please write to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

Books used in Kenya to train mothers are available from Teaching Committee

"So long as the mother faileth to train her children, and start them on a proper way of life, the training which they receive later on will not take its full effect. It is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assemblies to provide the mothers with a well-planned program for the education of children, showing how, from infancy the child must be watched over and taught. These instructions must be given to every mother to serve her as a guide, so that each will train and nurture her children in accordance with the Teachings."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya has developed and is using an effective program for training mothers. Another shipment of the books used in the Kenya program has arrived and is now available from the National Teaching Committee office.

The program, which was designed to help women become better mothers, includes six topics: "Creating a Spiritual Home," "Learning at Home and at School," "Raising Healthy Children," "Teaching About Religion," "Teaching Good Character," and "Using Good Discipline." Each topic includes a Teacher’s Guide Book and a Mother’s Book.

Assemblies or individuals may wish to initially order a basic set of 12 books (on the six topics, each with a Teacher’s Guide and Mother’s Book), and then order additional copies of the Mother’s Book as needed.

The cost is $18 per set ($1.50 per book). They can be ordered from the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Checks should be made payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund" and earmarked "Children."

Children’s class information sought

The National Teaching Committee is seeking to update its directory of all Bahá’í children’s class programs. The following information is needed by January 15: 1. name of class program; 2. contact person for the program; 3. address of contact person including street number, city, state, zip code and home phone number with area code.

All schools on the list will receive important information and a class directory so that they can network with each other.

Please send this information—by January 15—to the National Teaching Committee, ATTN: Children’s Classes Directory, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

NOW AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE

Educational Materials for Children

Description	Cost	Quantity	Total
Music Education Tape for children 5-6. Includes a booklet, cassette tape, and a compilation of the Bahá’í Writings on tape.	$4.00
Objectives for a Bahá’í Child Education Program	FREE
Key Lessons for 5 and 6 Year Olds	$2.50
Cassette Tapes:
Television in the Home	$1.50
The American Family	$1.50
Meeting the Needs of Children, Youth, and Families	$1.50
Mr. Faizi Speaks on the Education of Children	$1.50
Philosophical Basis of the ANISA model	$1.50

Please make checks to: The Bahá’í Services Fund — earmarked for child education. Mail check and coupon to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

LOUHELEN SCHEDULE

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

February 19-21: Singles Weekend. Paula Drewek and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor, presenters. Classes, recreation, devotions, social activities, etc. No children’s program.

February 26-28: Artists’ Conference planned by Michael Naylor, Doc Holladay, Rene V. Steiner and Jeanne Gazel. Discussion about and 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.

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 Committee and the Persian/American Affairs Committee. [Page 10]

Building Unity on Teaching: the individual and teaching

At the foundation of teaching is the individual believer. “The Pen of the Most High hath decreed and imposed upon every one the obligation to teach this Cause,” Bahá’u’lláh states (Gleanings, p. 314). And the Guardian emphasizes that the challenge to teach, “so severe and insistent, and yet so glorious, faces no doubt primarily the individual believer on whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community. ...Without his support, at once whole-hearted, continuous and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated ... is fore-doomed to failure.” (Citadel of Faith, pp. 130-31)

The Writings instruct us in how to fulfill our “first obligation” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 25). We must, as teachers, educate ourselves. This involves both acquiring a knowledge of the Teachings and reforming our character according to the standards established by Bahá’u’lláh.

Arising to take action, however, does not require that we wait until we are perfect. We must not only provide an attractive example of a Bahá’í life, but also, when potential barriers to accepting the Faith have been removed, we must speak out and expound the Teachings. Preparation and action in teaching are mutually supportive. Better preparation makes us better channels for the Holy Spirit and more effective in our teaching; arising to act draws divine assistance that promotes our knowledge of the Faith and our spiritual development.

In individual teaching the experience of the seeker is no less important than the action of the teacher. Uniting the seeker’s heart with Bahá’u’lláh is, after all, the central purpose of this process. We, as teachers, serve as a facilitator or guide—a physician who will “first diagnose the disease” and then “prescribe the remedy” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “The Individual and Teaching,” p. 13). We must—certain of the promise of divine assistance—arise to find and attract receptive souls, deliver the Message with wisdom and, through use of the Word of God, nurture souls until they accept Bahá’u’lláh, then confirm them until they become active and steadfast Bahá’ís. The seeker’s journey is complete only when they can stand on their own, steadfast in their Faith and striving to be obedient to its laws.

To strengthen individual action in teaching, special attention needs to be directed toward three groups: teachers of the Faith, new believers, and youth. We, as teachers, need to be guided in how to teach the Faith according to the explicit instructions and principles liberally provided by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. New believers, so receptive to adopting new patterns of behavior, must receive loving and sustained attention from individual teachers, especially those who won their allegiance to Bahá’u’lláh, and from their new communities, until, thoroughly deepened in the Covenant and other basic verities, they are able to arise as teachers and administrators. Youth are not only our future but have, since the Nine Year Plan, been playing an ever greater role in the growth of the Faith. Their efforts must be encouraged and supported by all, for as Shoghi Effendi indicates, “the obligation to teach is essentially the responsibility of young believers” and “it is through their activities that the Cause of our Beloved Master will in future spread all over the American Continent.” (Quoted in “Centers of Bahá’í Learning,” p. 15)

Thrailkill family makes good use of summer time

It’s into the station wagon and away we go!

Each week last summer Tom and Claudia Thrailkill of Red Bluff, California, loaded up a station wagon with their four children, camping equipment and a dog, and headed off to visit isolated believers and small Bahá’í Groups in remote areas of California Northern District No. 1—a district that comprises 15 counties.

Mr. Thrailkill, who is a schoolteacher and has the summers free, had been the district’s delegate to the National Convention last year and was traveling especially to share the Convention report.

With the approval of the District Teaching Committee, the Thrailkills phoned isolated areas beforehand, offered the Bahá’ís a choice of dates on which to meet, and then drove to the area, camping there for two or three days to share information and discuss various aspects of the Faith with friends who had not been visited by other Bahá’ís for up to seven years.

Traveling all summer in a station wagon with four young children and a dog was not without its problems, but, according to Mrs. Thrailkill, the trip was worthwhile for everyone.

The children loved the adventure of traveling, and the children of isolated Bahá’ís were delighted to have new friends to play with while the adults chatted.

Although the primary goal of the trip was consolidation, the Thrailkills had many opportunities to introduce the Faith to others as well.

One woman, met at a campsite and given the message, said she had been praying all week for a spiritual experience and had wanted something meaningful to happen to her on that day in particular, which was her birthday.

At another campsite, a man who had been given a copy of the Gleanings opened the book to a quote which began “O divine physician!” He promptly shut the book, saying, “I’m a physician.”

Upon being coaxed to open the book again, he read, “O Jews!” Whereupon he shut the book again, saying, “I’m a Jew!”

It seemed obvious to him by then that he was meant to read the book, which he promised he would do.

The Thrailkills relied heavily on prayer throughout their travels, often saying 500 “Remover of Difficulties” on long stretches of roadway.

The excitement of not knowing what adventure in teaching might happen along the way kept the trips interesting, and they are looking forward to visiting the isolated friends in remote areas again next summer.

A few tips for traveling teachers

Last summer, the Region No. 1 Traveling Teaching Office (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Wyoming) invited Bahá’ís in that area to gather in Bend, Oregon, to discuss traveling teaching. Many questions—how? where? what can I do?—were addressed, and some of the ideas that came out of this conference are shared here:

1. If you can travel to teach in your own district, ask your District Teaching Committee to help you schedule your trip.
2. If you can travel outside your district, contact your regional traveling teaching coordinator. (If you do not know who your coordinator is, or if you would like to travel through more than one region, contact Dale Sollars, 208-785-4495.)
3. If you want a traveling teacher to come to your area, contact your District Teaching Committee or the regional traveling teacher coordinator.
4. Travel especially to places that usually do not receive Bahá’í visitors.
5. Have a traveling teacher exchange program. (One month, Bahá’ís from one area go to another and then trade.)
6. Since consolidation is the focus of traveling teaching, (a) go share the news of an exciting Bahá’í event you have recently attended; (b) tell stories—to the adults as well as to the children; (c) take a “party” with some cooperative games.
7. Since musicians can be effective traveling teachers, (a) ask the Bahá’ís to invite friends to come and hear you play; (b) sit in a park in a small town and sing; (c) offer to come to a community and play at a Feast or Holy Day observance.

The ideas offered here by the friends in Region 1 are but a few of the innovative ways in which Bahá’ís can arise to undertake traveling teaching. Elsewhere on this page are stories of some traveling teachers.

How one Bahá’í realized three modest goals

In early 1985, Nancy Kocur of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, was inspired by traveling teachers to set some personal teaching goals.

“The three goals,” she explains, “were to place an ad in the local newspaper informing the town of the presence of a Bahá’í, to teach the Faith primarily to my family, since my mother and I were the only Bahá’ís in a family of six, and to begin Bahá’í children’s classes for my niece and nephew.”

The first goal was easily accomplished by submitting to the paper a short quote from the Writings with her name and phone number and sending money each week to keep the ad running.

A new Bahá’í family (left to right): Valerie Ashley Neitz, Nancy Ashley Kocur, Jacquie Ashley, David Ashley, Annette Almeida, Diana Wilson, and Karyn Estrella (holding her daughter, Lauryn).

As for the second goal, Ms. Kocur decided to hold her first fireside after having been a Bahá’í for eight years. She invited her father, David Ashley, and three cousins, Diana Wilson, Karyn Estrella and Annette Almeida. Nick and Joann Outchunis gave a slide presentation, and discussions followed.

“Bahá’í activity in our area was pretty stagnant at the time,” says Ms. Kocur, “but after that first fireside, activity soared!

“My mother, Jacquie Ashley, and my father held firesides at their home every Friday thereafter, and William Fagan faithfully traveled 30 miles each time to give his exciting talks on the Faith.”

Her second goal was achieved within the year when several family members declared—one in March, two in April, one in June, and the last in September.

In addition to her father and three cousins, her sister, Valerie Neitz, also became a Bahá’í.

“The final goal, to begin children’s classes,” Ms. Kocur reports, “occurred on the same morning that my father declared—April 21, 1985. Our weekly classes, which started with four children, now range in number from nine to 12. A future local Spiritual Assembly!”

Traveling teacher’s yen for ice cream leads to a ‘dream’ of an experience

Toni Wagner, a traveling teacher from Hawaii, was on her way across the U.S. when she took a side road off a Missouri highway to purchase gasoline.

The road passed through a town called O’Fallon where there was a “soft serve” ice cream business. According to Mrs. Wagner, her car “usually stops automatically” at any ice cream stand. But this time she decided to use will power and continue on to the gas station without stopping.

On her way back to the state highway, Mrs. Wagner approached the ice cream stand again. This time she told herself that to practice such will power twice was really too much for that day, so she pulled into the parking lot and went inside.

As she stepped forward to be waited on, the woman working behind the counter said, “Is your name Toni?”

Startled, Mrs. Wagner turned to see to whom she could possibly be talking. There was no one behind her.

“Yes,” she replied hesitantly, “it is.”

The woman then asked, “Can you stay for a while?”

Again hesitating, Mrs. Wagner said, “Yes, I’m in no hurry.”

“My mother died three months ago,” the woman told her, “and last night she appeared to me in a dream.

“You were with her, and she introduced you to me. My mother told me you had something very important to tell me, and that I should listen to what you have to say.”

The woman then made a call to someone to come and watch the store. When that person arrived, Mrs. Wagner and the woman sat at a table from about 7 p.m. until 3 o’clock the next morning talking about the Faith.

They exchanged addresses so that Mrs. Wagner could send her some books. Mrs. Wagner then headed back to the state highway to continue her cross-country trip.

More than 40 attend District Convention on N.D. Reservation

More than 40 people attended this year’s District Convention in North Dakota, held on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, the locality with the greatest number of Bahá’ís in the state.

During the afternoon, a feast was prepared with four deer which the tribe had allowed the Bahá’ís to take from the land.

Most of those present shared in the feast and stayed for a public meeting and dance that followed.

A blanket dance raised $20 for each of four families who had recently lost loved ones.

That evening, three women who had been steadfast friends of the Bahá’ís and had helped with the day’s activities declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 11]

Weekend trip welds bonds of love to Hmong believers

On Friday, October 16, a group of five Bahá’ís left Southern California for a weekend teaching trip to the central part of the state.

The main purpose of the trip was to visit some of the Hmong Bahá’ís who had moved from San Diego to Tulare, Porterville and Fresno, to help them become an active part of the Bahá’í community in the Central Valley area, and to initiate a plan to deepen them in the teachings of the Faith.

The first stop was Tulare where the traveling teachers spent the night at the home of a Hmong family who had recently moved from San Diego.

The Hmong, who were expecting their visitors, greeted them warmly, saying they were lonely in Tulare, missed their old friends, and were unable to contact the Bahá’ís in their new area.

The next day the group left for Porterville, taking with them the friends who had moved to Tulare.

Earlier, the traveling teachers had contacted two Bahá’ís in Porterville and asked for their help in arranging a picnic, inviting the Hmong Bahá’ís to attend.

The Bahá’ís they contacted did a marvelous job, and the traveling teachers were able to spend a pleasant day visiting with friends old and new. About 30 people came to the picnic.

During the picnic, the traveling teachers asked for another time when they could come to visit and when more of the Hmong friends could take part.

They were told about a three-day celebration that the Hmong community of Porterville was setting up for their New Year on November 26-28, and it was suggested that they choose one of those days and invite representatives from the District Teaching Committee and local Spiritual Assemblies of Fresno and Visalia, along with the local Bahá’ís, to attend the New Year festival and consult about the needs of the Hmong Bahá’í community.

Saturday evening and part of Sunday were spent in Fresno, where the group had an opportunity to speak with the secretary of the local Assembly and inform her of the upcoming gathering in Porterville.

The traveling teachers thoroughly enjoyed their trip, and were looking forward eagerly to the November 28 meeting in Porterville.

Homefront pioneer finds true happiness on Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation

In 1984 Louise Watson was working out of Colorado State University, putting up acid rain stations, when she began looking for another job.

She had recently become a Bahá’í, had heard a talk by Counselor Farzam Arbáb at the Green Acre Bahá’í School on social and economic development, and decided she was ready to pioneer on the homefront.

All summer she had prayed for a job connected with her new Faith. At last she decided to go to Bismarck, North Dakota, where she could make the ninth member of the local Spiritual Assembly.

En route to North Dakota, she stopped in South Dakota to visit the Amoz Gibson Project and met many of the Indian Bahá’ís.

Returning there the next weekend, she went for a job interview at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Although it was already October, she was hired for a position that had just been reopened after having been vacant all summer. She had walked in with exactly the right resumé.

One of Louise's primary goals is to help the local Bahá’í community function independently. The Bahá’ís continue to be increasingly self-reliant, taking the initiative in holding Nineteen Day Feasts, dealing with the administrative business of the local community, and developing children's classes.

"It's fantastic," Ms. Watson says, "to be able to balance my life serving the Lakota people both in my job and in my private life.

"There are lots of teaching opportunities. I enjoy associating with friends from all economic levels, not just with instructors."

She describes her experience as both isolated and exciting, saying she misses most the availability of a wider range of art and music, foods and exercise facilities.

But she is excited to be working with Lakota people who are dedicated to helping the people empower themselves spiritually and economically.

"Things are happening so fast," she says, "that you can see the new world evolving."

As an example, she points to a recent conference on the Reservation to discuss how the Indians can share their spiritual knowledge with the rest of the world.

During her second year in South Dakota, Ms. Watson worked with a local Research Institute, helping to form policies and write proposals to encourage economic development of resources on the Reservation. Input from local Lakotas was sought through many seminars.

The largest issue to come out of those discussions was the need for land ownership reform as a prerequisite for families to begin developing their resources.

Often, the consolidation of small parcels of land split up among a family's many heirs takes years to accomplish.

Another interesting concept that emerged during the seminars was the cultural aspect of economic development.

It has been quite difficult, Ms. Watson explains, for the outsider to understand the significance of the "tiyospaye," or extended family, in Lakota culture.

Many efforts, she says, are under way to revitalize the role of the "tiyospaye" in the process of social and economic development.

The college has responded by developing a new Natural Resources Program, coordinated by Ms. Watson.

One of the first courses was a practicum taken right into the homes of "extended families." During the course, all of the family—grandparents, parents and children, aunts and uncles and cousins—are involved in the "class," discussing their hopes, dreams and needs.

The result often has been to link the people with sources of information or services previously unknown to them.

It is appropriate that the administrative center at the college is called "Piya Wiconi," Lakota for "new life" or "fresh start on life."

In another exciting project, Ms. Watson and the Lakota students received special training in tree-marking for two weeks from the U.S. Forest Service.

A paying contract to mark 550 acres of land for the Forest Service was the result of two weeks of hard work by the group. The skills learned will be used by the Indians to selectively maintain the composition of their own forests.

Such educational experiments, says Ms. Watson, are drawing support from other institutions such as South Dakota State University, the Forest and Park Services, and the Ford Foundation.

It has become obvious how economic development and education go together. Each year, the college has chosen a motto for the year; last year's was "Self-sufficiency, Self-respect, Self-esteem."

Through the various courses being developed, the Lakotas can get a college degree and can gain knowledge and skills directly applicable to their Reservation.

Ms. Watson continues to be both confirmed and challenged in her new career, helping to improve local social and economic conditions.

She is also challenged to expand her contributions to the local Bahá’í community in ways she never dreamed.

For example, she and other members of the community grapple with understanding and combatting alcoholism.

"I contend that the Indian people will eventually be setting the standards for the rest of the country in regard to combatting alcoholism," she says. "It is not a part of their culture, religion or economics. There is a growing momentum toward success."

Louise Watson, a homefront pioneer to the Pine Ridge Reservation, explains directions to Martin, South Dakota, to Hooshang Norouzi, a Persian refugee who now lives in Wanblee.

Another challenge is visiting all of the local Bahá’ís; there are more than 40 new Bahá’ís on the Pine Ridge Reservation including many youth.

Teaching and encouraging help with the weekly children's classes is another of Ms. Watson's priorities. And there often are visits back and forth between other pioneers and local Bahá’ís from other areas and from the Amoz Gibson Project in Wanblee.

By arising with pure motives and the will the serve Bahá’u’lláh in her pioneering effort, one Bahá’í has found the answer to her prayers for service.

Peace statement given to N.Y. Congressman

On October 19, the Bahá’ís of Olean, New York, presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to U.S. Rep. Amory Houghton Jr. of New York.

The presentation was made in Rep. Houghton's office by two representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Olean, Farhad Behrouz and John Lawrence.

Scriptural Excerpt

Utterance must needs possess penetrating power. For if bereft of this quality it would fail to exert influence. And this penetrating influence dependeth on the spirit being pure and the heart stainless. Likewise it needeth moderation, without which the hearer would be unable to bear it, rather he would manifest opposition from the very outset. And moderation will be obtained by blending utterance with the tokens of divine wisdom which are recorded in the sacred Books and Tablets. Thus when the essence of one's utterance is endowed with these two requisites it will prove highly effective and will be the prime factor in transforming the souls of men. This is the station of supreme victory and celestial dominion. Whoso attaineth thereto is invested with the power to teach the Cause of God and to prevail over the hearts and minds of men. [Page 12]

Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant ‘priceless legacy’ for mankind

“Although the Realm of Glory hath none of the vanities of the world, yet within the treasury of trust and resignation we have bequeathed to our heirs an excellent and priceless heritage.”

With these words Bahá’u’lláh opened His last testament and left to all humanity the priceless legacy of His Covenant.

In a religious sense, a Covenant is an agreement between God and humanity; God provides certain blessings which are accessible to people if they accept their role in the Covenant.

The Greater Covenant is the promise of God that He will provide humanity with divine guidance through the successive Manifestations and their Revelations.

Humanity’s duty is to accept and recognize the Manifestation and to obey His teachings.

There is also a second type of Covenant. In this Lesser Covenant, the Manifestation of God appoints a successor—one to whom His followers should turn after His passing.

In previous dispensations, this Lesser Covenant was alluded to in a general sense, such as Jesus’ reference to Peter, or only through oral statements, such as Muhammad’s appointment of Ali as His successor.

In such cases, the appointment had only a limited influence on the Manifestation’s followers.

Bahá’u’lláh has, in this Day, made a clear and firm Covenant with His followers that after His passing they are to accept and obey ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

This Covenant is unique in religious history because it is clearly made in writing. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh states: “When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.”

This statement does not explicitly identify ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, but there was no doubt in the minds of the believers that Bahá’u’lláh was referring to His eldest son.

Then, in the last document written before His passing, the Kitáb-i-Ahd, or Book of the Covenant, Bahá’u’lláh wrote:

“The Will of the Divine Testator is this: It is incumbent upon the Aghsán (descendants of Bahá’u’lláh), the Afnán (descendants of the Báb), and My kindred to turn, one and all, their faces towards the Most Mighty Branch.”

“Consider that which we have revealed in Our Most Holy Book: ‘When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.’ The object of this sacred Verse is none other except the Most Mighty Branch.”

The statement by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Ahd is an explicit reference to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was not until after the passing of Bahá’u’lláh that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá chose for Himself the title ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which means “servant of Bahá.” Before that time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was known by many titles among the believers, including the “Most Great Branch.”

Through the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became the Center of the Faith, the One to whom all should turn for authoritative interpretation of the words of Bahá’u’lláh and for clarification of differences of opinion.

“To direct and canalize these forces let loose by this Heavensent process,” Shoghi Effendi explains, “and to insure their harmonious and continuous operation after His (Bahá’u’lláh’s) ascension, an instrument divinely ordained, invested with indisputable authority, organically linked with the Author of the Revelation Himself, was clearly ‎indispensible indispensable‎. That instrument Bahá’u’lláh had expressly provided through the institution of the Covenant. ...” (God Passes By, pp. 237-38)

The purpose of the Covenant is to protect the unity of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith, to assure its integrity, and to assist its worldwide expansion.

By serving as a center around which all the Bahá’ís can be united, it protects the Faith from breaking up into a number of denominations like the religions of the past.

Because the Faith itself remains undivided, it can therefore serve to unify all humanity—the main purpose of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Know this for a certainty,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, “that today, the penetrative power in the arteries of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant.

“The body of the world will not be moved through any power except through the power of the Covenant. There is no other power like unto this.

“This Spirit of the Covenant is the real Centre of love and is reflecting its rays to all parts of the globe, which are resuscitating and regenerating man and illuminating the path to the Divine Kingdom.” (The Power of the Covenant, p. i)

From the Writings . . .

“The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from the doubts of the people of error. It is the fortified fortress of the Cause of God and the firm pillar of the religion of God. Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Bahá’í world. It is evident that the axis of the oneness of the world of humanity is the power of the Covenant and nothing else. Had the Covenant not come to pass, had it not been revealed from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book of the Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun of Reality, illumined the world, the forces of the Cause of God would have been utterly scattered and certain souls who were the prisoners of their own passions and lusts would have taken into their hands an axe, cutting the root of this Blessed Tree. Every person would have pushed forward his own opinion! ...Therefore, in the beginning one must make his steps firm in the Covenant so that the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh may encircle from all sides, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse may become the supporters and the helpers, and the exhortations and advices of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, like unto the pictures engraved on stone, may remain permanent and ineffaceable in the tablets of the hearts.” *** Discuss the preceding passages with the Bahá’í who taught you the Faith, or with another believer. Together consider the following questions: How does the Covenant act to protect the unity of the Bahá’í Faith? How does the Covenant act as “axis of the oneness of the world of humanity”? What do you think it means to be “firm in the Covenant”? *** The following books, along with many others, describe the Covenant and are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service: The Kitáb-i-Ahd, in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 217-223. God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi, especially Chapter 14, pp. 237-251. The Power of the Covenant, Part I.

The Seat of the Universal House of Justice which today guides the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith all over the world as executor of the Divine Plan set forth in the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

Master’s Will and Testament, Charter of a new World Order, places affairs of Faith in hands of Guardian, House of Justice

Just as Bahá’u’lláh appointed His successor so the believers would have someone to turn to after His passing, so too did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrange for the Center of Authority after His passing.

In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked the believers to turn to the twin infallible institutions of the Bahá’í Administrative Order—the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.

“The sacred and youthful branch, the guardian of the Cause of God (Shoghi Effendi), as well as the Universal House of Justice, to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty (Bahá’u’lláh), under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One (the Báb) (may my life be offered up for them both). Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whosoever obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God. ...” (The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 11)

The directions given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá conformed completely to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and other Tablets that outlined the establishment and duties of the Universal House of Justice and intimated the institution of the Guardianship.

“The creative energies released by the Law of Bahá’u’lláh,” Shoghi Effendi states, “permeating and evolving within the mind of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, have, by their very impact and close interaction, given birth to an Instrument (the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) which may be viewed as the Charter of the New World Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most great Dispensation.

“The Will may thus be acclaimed as the inevitable offspring resulting from the mystic intercourse between Him Who communicated the generating influence of His Divine purpose (Bahá’u’lláh) and the One Who was its vehicle and chosen recipient (‘Abdu’l-Bahá). ...”

“Bahá’u’lláh’s inscrutable purpose, we must ever bear in mind, has been so thoroughly infused into the conduct of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and their motives have been so closely wedded together, that the mere attempt to dissociate the teachings of the former from any system which the ideal Exemplar of those same teachings has established would amount to a repudiation of one of the most sacred and basic truths of the Faith.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 144)

After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, Shoghi Effendi began his role as the Guardian. He was the Center of the Faith to whom all could turn, and was the interpreter of the words of Bahá’u’lláh. His position, however, as he himself described it, was far below that of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Shoghi Effendi worked during his ministry to spread the Faith throughout the world, expanding the number of local and National Assemblies so that a strong foundation would be laid for the election of the Universal House of Justice.

Although he passed away in 1957 before the House of Justice had been formed, the Guardian left detailed instructions to guide the work of the Faith through the year 1963.

At that time the Bahá’í world, under the direction of the Hands of the Cause of God—the “Chief Stewards” of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—elected the first Universal House of Justice.

Although ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will indicated that the Guardian should appoint a successor to the Guardianship in his lifetime, Shoghi Effendi was unable to do this because there were no individuals who met the qualifications set forth by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (that the new Guardian must be a male descendant of Bahá’u’lláh who was a firm believer—see Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 44-56, 81-91, and Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973, pp. 37-43, for a more complete explanation).

The Universal House of Justice now serves as the Supreme Body of the Bahá’í Faith. Its Seat is in Haifa, Israel. The operation of the Covenant continues through this divinely ordained institution. [Page 13]

The National Bahá’í Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

"...Today, as never before, the magnet which attracts the blessings from on high, is teaching the Faith of God. The Hosts of Heaven are poised between heaven and earth, just waiting, and patiently, for the Bahá’í to step forth, with pure devotion and consecration, to teach the Cause of God, so they may rush to his aid and assistance. Let those who wish to achieve immortality step forth and raise the Divine Call. They will be astonished at the spiritual victories they will gain." (Shoghi Effendi, March 28, 1923, in The Individual and Teaching, p. 32)

Treasurer’s Reps report Convention focus is on action

The NTRs reporting on District Convention to date convey a strong conviction that the success of the Faith lies in the extent to which each individual translates the love for Bahá’u’lláh and his fellow Bahá’ís into action.

Those present focused on the letter of August 31 from the Universal House of Justice, with the importance of teaching, giving to the Funds, the need for even greater sacrifice, and a greater concern for each other being the four dominant themes in this year’s District Convention consultations, according to the NTRs.

A variety of other comments, such as "we must move forward" and "we must love people back into the community," a calling for a rededication of our lives, and the need for a greater appreciation of the Huqúqu’lláh, the spiritual significance of the Arc, and of building the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh were often expressed.

The challenge, most agreed, is to participate in "the indispensable laboratory" of Bahá’í community life, examine all of the counsel contributed through the channels of the Administrative Order, and integrate it into the poetry and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh ... and ultimately, into our own lives ... to separate the wheat from the tares ... and to sift through the waters to find the "gems of inestimable value."

Four Simple Questions

• Do you have a will?
• Does it include your entire estate?
• Does it name every person and favorite charity (including the Bahá’í Faith) which you would like to benefit?
• Have you revised your will to meet your changing needs and goals?

Unless you answered "yes" to each of these questions, you should probably review carefully your needs and goals to determine how a will can best help you achieve them. The complimentary booklet offered below can help you. Send for it or phone Yvor E. Stoakley, Fund Development Director, at 312-869-9039.

Clip & Mail

To: Yvor E. Stoakley Fund Development Director Office of the Treasurer Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Please send me a complimentary copy of "A Checklist for Preparing Your Will."

Name ________________________ ID No. __________

Address ______________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________

Telephone ( ) ________________________________

National Assembly says no to credit union

At a recent meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly decided it would not proceed with its plans to establish a national Bahá’í credit union.

The primary reasons for this action were that a credit union would provide no financial benefit to the Fund and that a great deal of administrative machinery would be required to put it in place.

Other reasons a Bahá’í credit union would not make sense at this time are:

The high start-up costs would most likely have to be subsidized by the National Fund for a number of years; the American Bahá’í community appears to have an insufficient potential membership base; there is a trend toward a declining number of credit unions; there is a potential for misunderstanding and estrangement within the Bahá’í community; many banking institutions outside the Faith are available; and it would be difficult to obtain credit evaluations within the Bahá’í community over long distances.

Tax Reform Act may enhance gifts in ’87

The 1986 Tax Reform Act calls for lowering the maximum tax rate for individuals from 38 1/2 per cent to 28 per cent, effective January 1, 1988.

Therefore, many people who were planning to make gifts in January 1988 may find it more advantageous, from a tax standpoint, to accelerate their contributions into December 1987.

However, since everyone’s tax situation is unique, and since there may well be circumstances in which this advice may not be appropriate, we recommend that you consult your tax adviser before acting on this suggestion. (More on taxes on page 45.)

Treasurer has details about loan program

Many people have asked questions about the National Spiritual Assembly’s loan program, in which individuals who desire to help the National Assembly can lend money to the Fund at interest rates below current bank rates.

The National Spiritual Assembly asks that loans be for a minimum of $5,000 and for a period of at least one year with the interest rate to be negotiated with each individual.

If you would like to make a loan, please contact the Office of the Treasurer, 312-869-9039, for further details.

Pictured are many of those who attended a Conference on the Huqúqu’lláh held September 12-13 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

Louhelen conference on Huqúqu’lláh divides time on deepening, education

A Conference on the Huqúqu’lláh was held September 12-13 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.

Present were Auxiliary Board members William Roberts and June Thomas; representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of the Treasurer; and members of the Board of Trustees of the Huqúqu’lláh and its representatives.

Saturday’s session was devoted to deepening; on Sunday, there was consultation about the education of the American Bahá’í community on the sacred Law of Huqúqu’lláh.

Issues that were discussed included the participation of Trustees and their representatives in summer and regional schools to teach Huqúqu’lláh, and arrangements for local or regional meetings to be sponsored by local Assemblies, District Teaching Committees, or area Persian/American committees for studying the Law of Huqúqu’lláh.

A task force was appointed to study, prepare and outline an extensive program to educate Bahá’í youth in the Law of Huqúqu’lláh.

Also, a recommendation was made to the National Spiritual Assembly to produce literature on the Huqúqu’lláh in English and Spanish as well as in Persian.

At the close of the conference, messages were sent to the Universal House of Justice, the Continental Board of Counselors, and the National Spiritual Assembly.

On September 15, the Universal House of Justice cabled the following reply:

"Kindly convey participants recent Huqúqu’lláh Conference Louhelen our deep appreciation their heartwarming message assure them our loving prayers Holy Shrines their behalf."

NOTICE

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to make it clear that Bahá’ís who enter into private business with other Bahá’ís or form private corporations, etc., do so completely at their own risk and should not expect help from Bahá’í institutions, or think that they may have claims against those institutions.

Any questions? Please call on us!

Do you have any questions or ideas about Fund promotion, the Automatic Contribution System, local Assembly public liability insurance, Fund development, estate planning, wills, the National, International or Continental Funds, the Persian Relief Fund, contributions, accounting procedures, gifts of securities and real estate, or taxes and tax exemption?

Please call on us: Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

‘Let your vision be world-embracing.’ —Bahá’u’lláh

LOCAL BAHÁ’Í FUND (Ask your local Bahá’í community for the correct address)

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND Wilmette, IL 60091

CONTINENTAL BAHÁ’Í FUND c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL FUND P.O. Box 155 Haifa, Israel 31-000

PERSIAN RELIEF FUND c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

BAHÁ’Í HUQÚQU’LLÁH TRUST Office of the Secretariat 21300 Avalon Drive Rocky River, OH 44116 [Page 14]

Four talks by Hand of Cause A.Q. Faizí available on video

Four films of talks given by the Hand of the Cause of God A.Q. Faizí are now being made available on one video tape.

The films were originally made from a series of talks given by Mr. Faizí when he traveled in the U.S. in 1974. Produced by the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, the talks were broken into four separate films by themes: “Prayer and Meditation,” “Answered Questions,” “Stories and Excerpts,” and “Education of Children.”

“What is particularly unique about these films,” says Robert Blum, Bahá’í Distribution Service marketing manager, “is how timeless they are.

“They have value not only as one of the few records we have of Mr. Faizí, but also as a rich body of his unique insights into various aspects of Bahá’í life.

“These films were originally looked on as deepening films,” he says, “and the talks they were taken from were given exclusively to Bahá’í audiences.

“It is because the talks were given to Bahá’í-only audiences that they are so valuable now and will be for a long time to come.”

The four films, each of which runs about 30 minutes, provide about two hours of material on one video tape.

They can be used in the home for personal deepening, for a series of community study classes, or in summer schools.

The Films of the Hand of the Cause A.Q. Faizí are $49.95 in VHS or Beta.

Bahá’í Distribution Service Top 25 Best-Selling Books 144 B.E.

1. The Purpose of Physical Reality
2. The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (Compilation)
3. Bahá’í and the New Era, SC
4. Tablet of the Heart: God and Me
5. Tapestry Note Cards
6. Heart of the Lotus, VHS
7. The Promise of World Peace, PS
8. God Passes By, SC
9. Echoes of the Lotus, 4 CS
10. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, Deluxe Edition
11. All Things Made New, SC
12. The Jewel of the Lotus, CS
13. Equal Circles
14. The Promise of World Peace, Presentation Edition
15. Summon Up Remembrance, SC
16. The Promise of World Peace, Large Format
17. Bahá’í Prayers, SC
18. Teaching Peace, CS
19. Bahá’í Prayers, HC
20. Echoes of the Lotus, CS
21. Blessed Is the Spot
22. The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction
23. Teaching Cards: Wilmette House of Worship
24. The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
25. God Passes By, HC

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TAB 12/87

The popular format introduced last year for the Bahá’í Datebook has been retained for the edition covering the year 145 B.E. The only change has been to add a one-page list of the dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts for the year. The Bahá’í Datebook is now available for $2.95.

The Bahá’í Wall Calendar for the year 145 B.E. features a new photograph of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in honor of the 25th anniversary of its establishment. Two letters from Shoghi Effendi, which deal with the significance of the Universal House of Justice, are printed on the back of the calendar. The format for the Bahá’í Wall Calendar remains essentially the same as in previous years. Feast days are highlighted with a box and are printed in a different color, while Holy Days are surrounded by a box and printed in a third color. The Feast of Naw-Rúz appears as a red star. All Feast days are listed on the back with information about Holy Days on which work should be suspended, special details about observances of specific Holy Days, and a list of special events observed in Bahá’í communities. The price for this year’s Bahá’í Wall Calendar is $1.75.

For 1988 Kalimát Press is offering ‘The Peace Organizer,’ a weekly planning calendar. ‘The Peace Organizer’ comes in a three-ring binder with a vinyl cover. Each month has a number of quotations on a specific peace-related theme such as unity, justice, world order, women, or education. All Bahá’í Holy Days and Feasts are included on the pages of the calendar, as well as Christian and Jewish Holy Days and national holidays. ‘The Peace Organizer’ can be used as a desk calendar or (at 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches) as a carry-along organizer. It can also be given as a gift to friends or relatives to introduce or further acquaint them with the Bahá’í views on peace. ‘The Peace Organizer’ is $19.95. [Page 15]

The Six Year Plan

Strong Assemblies to help strengthen community life as integral part of Plan

The 19th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

As Assemblies begin taking the steps needed to consolidate and strengthen Bahá’í community life, they will also be strengthening themselves as institutions.

This symbiotic process is one that will spur the advance of the Cause of God in our localities, in our nation and throughout the world.

This advance, represented by the maturation of local and National Assemblies, is one of three events cited by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, as occurring simultaneously.

The other two are the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel and the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

In its Six Year Plan message, the Universal House of Justice says that specific goals and programs should be adopted to encourage regular attendance at the Nineteen Day Feasts and observances of Bahá’í Holy Days, and to enhance the spiritual quality of such gatherings.

It also calls for specific goals and programs designed to encourage teaching and deepening activities, the equality of men and women, the development of activities for children and youth, support for the Fund, and the prosecution of local extension teaching projects.

A wealth of material exists to help local Spiritual Assemblies with the tasks that are so necessary in developing strong and vital Bahá’í communities.

Several compilations that deal directly with the issue raised by this goal are shown below.

Effective Teaching Workbook and Instructor’s Guide, $2 each.

Women’s Compilation, $2 SC.

Days to Remember (on order from Australia).

Bahá’í Meetings and the Nineteen Day Feast (on order from England).

One of the most well-received aids for the Bahá’ís to keep track of events has been the “Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kits.” These kits can be used with Bahá’í calendars to remind you of upcoming firesides, Assembly meetings, deepening classes, potlucks, and to highlight Feasts. You can also use the kits to turn a Gregorian calendar into one that shows all the Bahá’í events you need to remember. With stickers for Holy Days and Feasts, in addition to those mentioned above, you won’t miss any events not listed on the Gregorian calendar you prefer to use. Each Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kit contains more than 200 helpful stickers and sells for only $2.50.

Also available for the year 145 B.E. are Bahá’í Pocket Calendars. Packages of 10 sell for $2.95 and each calendar—which is about the size of a credit card—shows the Bahá’í year at a glance.

The 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal House of Justice is highlighted in the 1988 Bahá’í History Calendar from Hawaii. The text of the first letter written by the House of Justice is printed on the inside cover. This year’s theme for the photographs for each month is the Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world. There are exterior photographs of all seven Houses of Worship and several interior photos as well. There is also a photograph of the obelisk in Haifa where Bahá’u’lláh designated that a House of Worship should one day be built. As in past years, the Bahá’í History Calendar includes information about significant dates in Bahá’í history, as well as notations of the dates of Feasts and Holy Days. The 1988 Bahá’í History Calendar sells for $5.50.

Dawning Place is on sale until April 1

The Dawning Place, Bruce Whitmore’s vivid history of the building of the House of Worship in Wilmette, is now on sale. The price has been reduced on the hardcover edition from $21.95 to $9.95, and on the softcover from $13.50 to $4.95. Mr. Whitmore’s remarkable account tells the story of the genesis of the idea for a House of Worship in the Chicago area, the many years before ground was finally broken, and the efforts, over more than 30 years, to complete the building. The Dawning Place shows how the progress of the building mirrored the growth of the American Bahá’í community. Included among the 300 pages are 83 photographs detailing the various stages of construction of the House of Worship. The sale prices will be in effect until April 1, 1988.

Where was the first Local Spiritual Assembly in America? Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900 [Page 16]

Building Unity on Teaching: the community and teaching

The foundation of a Bahá’í community is, as in society at large, the family. The Universal House of Justice states that if “a believer is the only one of his family who has embraced the Faith, it is his duty to endeavor to lead as many other family members as possible to the light of divine guidance.” When “the Bahá’í family unit emerges, the members should feel responsible for making the collective life of the family a spiritual reality, animated by divine love and inspired by the ennobling principles of the Faith. ...In this way the friends could make of their families strong healthy units, bright candles for the diffusion of the light of the kingdom, and powerful centers to attract the heavenly confirmations.” (Letter of April 17, 1981, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

As the number of individual believers and families in a locality grows, a Bahá’í community emerges. A local Spiritual Assembly is soon formed which must be nurtured, supported, loved and prayed for by community members.

Bahá’u’lláh states that in Assembly consultation “teaching the Cause of God must be accorded precedence. ...” (“The Local Spiritual Assembly,” p. 112) Assemblies are encouraged to adopt their own local teaching plan, which “can exert a far-reaching influence on its work and on the life of the community” (Universal House of Justice, letter of December 24, 1975). Through its plan the community fulfills its responsibilities for teaching which include expanding the Faith within that locality, guiding individuals and families in the development of the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life, and taking the Faith to new localities.

In its expansion work the community strives to “swell the number of adherents who compose its local community” (The Universal House of Justice, letter of May 25, 1975). It uses proclamation, another component of teaching, to “complement and reinforce” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 112) expansion and consolidation and to attract the attention of “every stratum of human society” and “leaders of thought” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 117). The Assembly endeavors to “use the energy and competence that exists in the rank and file” of believers to pursue the teaching work. (Shoghi Effendi, in “The Local Spiritual Assembly,” p. 22)

As it expands, each community strives also to consolidate its work, so that it may, as indicated by the Universal House of Justice, “be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of prejudice, the spirit of love among its members, and for the closely knit fabric of its social life” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 147). The Assembly “is concerned with individuals and families whom it must constantly encourage to unite in a distinctive Bahá’í society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation” (Universal House of Justice, “Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life,” p. 71). The members must “endeavor, by their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom, to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the newcomer into Bahá’í maturity, and win him over gradually to the unreserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings” (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Wellspring of Guidance, p. 33). They “must concern themselves not only with teaching the Faith, with the development of the Bahá’í way of life and with the proper organization of the Bahá’í activities of their communities, but also with those crucial events which profoundly affect the life of all human beings: birth, marriage, and death. ...” (Letter of April 17, 1981, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

In addition to work within its locality, each Assembly has been called upon by the Universal House of Justice to “assume responsibility for helping the teaching work of groups, isolated believers, and other Spiritual Assemblies in their neighborhood. Such extension teaching goals should be assigned by the National Spiritual Assembly or one of its teaching committees, or can be spontaneously adopted by local Spiritual Assemblies, and should be carried out within the framework of the overall teaching plans of the country” (Letter of Naw-Rúz 1974). Systematic efforts to establish the Faith in a new locality, raise a group, then form an Assembly which itself can then progressively undertake responsibility for teaching is the basic pattern by which the Faith spreads from one locality to another. It is not enough that an extension goal is simply adopted. Perseverance in action is essential if the goal is to be accomplished.

Austin UNICEF banquet is ‘feast or famine’

A “Feast or Famine” banquet to benefit UNICEF was sponsored October 24, United Nations Day, by the Bahá’í community of Austin, Texas, and Austin Friends of UNICEF.

To emphasize the critical problems associated with inequitable distribution of wealth and the hungry masses of people in the world, a steak dinner was reserved for one out of every four people who made reservations; the other three received a bowl of rice.

When everyone was seated, each person drew from a bowl either a red clip—feast—or a black clip—famine.

The program included talks by Dr. Anthony Russo of the Physicians for Social Responsibility and Dr. Richard Bell, a briefing leader from the Hunger Project.

Two professional groups, Toqui Amaru, a Latin American ensemble, and Keito St. James’s Tropical Productions presented dynamic ethnic music and dance.

Two children’s groups, the Childbloom Guitarists and Armadillo Suzuki Violinists, also performed.

Dinner music was provided by Bahá’í pianist Trudi Davis, while Enayaht (Ben) Ziaie, a Bahá’í from Dallas, closed the program with santour music.

Our great privilege National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Newport Beach strategy aims at expansion in neighborhoods

The goal of the Spiritual Assembly of Newport Beach, California, is to have 50 Bahá’ís in each of the city’s 30 neighborhoods by the end of the Six Year Plan.

To help bring this about, the Assembly has written a comprehensive plan consisting of firesides and deepenings.

Community members are experimenting with various approaches to invite people to attend firesides. Through computer analysis, for example, they have learned that people told of firesides through the distribution of flyers have a three per cent response rate.

Also, a new believer is asked to attend a “New Believers’ Briefing” which consists of four meetings on Saturday mornings at the home of an Assembly member.

The four briefings are usually held over breakfast, and the order of items discussed is as follows:

1. Skim through the book Becoming a Bahá’í and discuss it. 2. Read quotes from the Writings that pertain to the person’s profession. Discuss the possibilities for teaching that the new Bahá’í may encounter in his workplace. Discuss the teaching that work performed in the path of God is considered worship. 3. Deepen on the purpose, meaning and significance of prayer and meditation. 4. Discuss the importance of building a personal Bahá’í library, introducing 25 books that represent a good basis for a beginning library.

Soon after a person is enrolled, he or she is asked if he/she would like to serve on a committee.

For those who choose to do so, the committee work is an excellent way to become acquainted with other Bahá’ís and to become involved in Bahá’í community affairs. This practice seems to be appropriate and effective in the Newport Beach community.

The community’s next step will be to implement an 18-month deepening program to cover the basic teachings of the Faith.

In February, four volumes of Adib Taherzadeh’s Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh will be studied. Twelve facilitators will work on particular chapters of the Tablets.

The Newport Beach community is willing to share the materials it has with any Bahá’í community.

In Pocomoke City, hard work pays off

For 14 years, Pocomoke City, Maryland, had an Assembly. But in the summer of 1986, there were only three adult Bahá’ís in that community.

From consultation at a Feast there emerged the ambitious goal of re-forming an Assembly by Ridván 1987.

At the Town Meeting for the DelMarVa district (Delaware, Maryland and Virginia), the goal was announced and enthusiastically received. The Regional Youth Committee offered to send three traveling teachers.

During the summer, traveling teachers and Bahá’ís from neighboring communities helped with firesides which were being held each night of the week.

As a result of these activities, one person embraced the Faith and the Pocomoke City Bahá’ís were able to find two other believers who had become inactive many years ago.

Over the next few months the number of traveling teachers rose to nearly 30. Soon a family of homefront pioneers moved in, and now Pocomoke City had eight adult Bahá’ís and five children.

From fall through winter, the teaching activities became so successful that a school cafeteria had to be rented for the larger functions. At one dinner there were 52 adults and many children attending.

Soon two others embraced the Faith, and another Bahá’í was located who had been active years ago. At Ridván 1987 the Spiritual Assembly of Pocomoke City was re-formed with 11 adult Bahá’ís in the community.

Now the Pocomoke City community is very diverse—racially and socially. Since the Assembly’s reformation, the community has experienced many tests of faith and commitment to the Cause. The challenge of the new Assembly is one of consolidation: the community must continue to grow, to strengthen its connection to the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, and to build a community that is distinctive for its Bahá’í way of life.

Vision-Impaired Bahá’í noted for ‘ham’ radio work

Jane McIver, a Bahá’í from Cincinnati, Ohio, was featured in an article in the Fall 1987 issue of “Clovernook Perspective,” a publication of the Clovernook Home and School for the Blind.

Ms. McIver, who has been blind since birth, was recognized for her 25 years as an amateur (ham) radio operator.

After learning Morse code from an uncle at age 12, she quickly developed a passion for amateur radio, and soon, using some of her uncle’s equipment, was operating her own “rig.”

“I was addicted to it,” she says in the article. “When I was a teenager in Virginia my parents would set my alarm clock for 4 or 5 a.m. I would get up and put out a CQ (general call) and wait to hear from someone. I’ll never forget when a fellow from Australia said ‘hello.’”

She received her novice ham license in September 1962 and presently volunteers every Saturday and every other Tuesday as “net control” for the Tri-State Amateur Traffic Net, a message-handling network of amateur radio operators.

And of course, Ms. McIver’s interest in amateur radio has enabled her to “see” much of the world and to make friends with ham operators in many parts of it.

Albert White Hat (third from left), a spiritual teacher and linguist from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, spoke October 11 at the Bahá’í Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Indian traditions and some of the experiences of his people in the political arena. About 50 people including many non-Bahá’ís and some Native Americans from the area near the Bahá’í Center came to hear him. Copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ were given to Mr. White Hat and to John Clifford (left), an Ojibwa who is director of the WE Indians Program in the Milwaukee public schools. The event was sponsored by the Bahá’í Native American Task Force.

Presentation to Mormon president has ‘positive results’ in one town

“Very positive experiences resulted from an article in our local paper about the presentation of the peace statement to President (Ezra) Benson of the Mormon Church,” writes Margaret Hanich.

Her neighbor happens to be the Mormon Bishop, and he seemed favorably impressed by the cordiality with which Judge James Nelson had accepted The Book of Mormon during his meeting with President Benson. Also, a classroom friend began questioning Ms. Hanich about the Faith.

Until 20 years ago her town in Wyoming was an isolated, totally Mormon area. Many residents had expressed concern about the negative effects “outsiders” have on the community.

However, she says her Bahá’í family has been well-received by the residents. “Many people,” she writes, “were encouraged to see extensive coverage about another religion in the local paper.” [Page 17]

Decatur, Illinois, tries a more direct approach

The Six Year Plan calls for a significant increase in the number of believers from every stratum of society.

The Spiritual Assembly of Decatur, Illinois, decided that it would need to try every method at its disposal to reach the general population of that city.

In assessing the best approach for finding new seekers, the Assembly felt that it needed a more direct way to balance the indirect approach being used in most of its activities.

The Assembly had sponsored race unity events and annual banquets during American Education Week with good media coverage.

Through these and similar proclamation efforts, it seemed there was an awareness of the Faith in Decatur, but there were no seekers coming to the regular weekly firesides.

As a result, the Decatur Assembly decided to host a direct teaching campaign in which the Bahá’ís would go out and meet members of the community face-to-face.

A Saturday was set aside early in October in which area Bahá’ís and local youth were invited to take part in a “door-to-door” invitation/teaching effort for a public meeting being held.

The purpose of the activity was to meet new people who might be interested in learning about and studying the Faith.

Fourteen adults, five youth and 11 children participated in the project, which included morning orientation and inspiration, lunch, prayers and seven teaching teams that visited local neighborhoods in the afternoon while some adults supervised the children and prepared a meal.

In an effort to reach all strata of society, diverse neighborhoods were chosen.

The teaching teams invited people to an evening program on the Faith and gave them an opportunity to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh at the “door-to-door” encounter or to have someone call on them at a later time.

Six people were found who showed an interest in learning more about the Faith; one of them has been coming to community firesides recently.

The Decatur Assembly is pleased with the results, and feels that the teaching project achieved its over-all goal of finding sincerely interested seekers.

It plans to continue to invite the interested individuals to firesides and will plan other direct teaching activities along with its proclamation efforts.

Years ago, Eva Bishop decided to dedicate her life to Bahá’u’lláh. Before the end of the Seven Year Plan, she left California and went to South Carolina as a homefront pioneer. There she met Melton Flagler, who, helped by the love and unity she demonstrated, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Shortly afterward, they were married. Eva and Melton then decided to go to Wilmette, Illinois, to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship and the Bahá’í National Center before undertaking a traveling teaching trip in areas from Washington, D.C., to California. They are pictured at the National Teaching Committee office with Robert Ferguson (left), pointing out the exact location of their local Spiritual Assembly—one of more than 260 Assemblies in South Carolina.

Elderly help ‘unity in diversity’ take shape in Davenport, Iowa

A moving development in the Bahá’í community of Davenport, Iowa, is the recent attraction of elderly people to the Cause of God.

“Unity in diversity” is taking shape in Davenport because of teaching efforts that have brought in several new members from Cambodian and Mexican families in the area, and a new Korean friend has become a Bahá’í.

“I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee.” The words seem to come vibrantly to life when one meets Ernest Jennings (age 79), Henry Byars (91), Fred Thomas (86) and O.C. Sims (70).

All are new members of the Bahá’í community of Davenport.

All embraced the Faith through the efforts of Lenard Thomas whose teaching at age 71 has remained consistent and tireless.

At a recent victory picnic, Mr. Thomas demonstrated his pleasure in sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, introducing Ernest and Fred by saying, “This is my brother Larry, and that’s my other brother, Larry.”

Considering the racial difference between the trio, the result of the joke was heartfelt joy among the seniors.

One of the new Bahá’ís, Ernest Jennings, will be 80 years old on December 22. A Cherokee-Seminole Indian, he said he really didn’t see any purpose for his life or any clear spiritual hope, even though he had read the Bible several times.

Today he says he believes that Bahá’u’lláh has answered his doubts and fears, adding that he has found the spiritual love that all humanity has been waiting for.

He describes how he now feels much closer to God than ever before, and says that, at his age, he is overcome by the compassion being shown to him by the Bahá’ís.

Since his acceptance of the Faith, Mr. Jennings has become a joyful being. He smiles often, even though he is physically sick.

Ernest Jennings, one of several senior citizens who have recently become Bahá’ís in Davenport, Iowa. He’ll celebrate his 80th birthday on December 22.

Non-English materials for sale

The National Teaching Committee has a number of non-English language Bahá’í books and pamphlets available for purchase.

Chinese (traditional characters)
Release the Sun	$7.00
Paris Talks	$5.75
Purify My Heart	$3.00
Bahá’í Prayers (HC)	$4.00
Miscellaneous pamphlets	.50
Dutch
The Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	$3.00
The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	$3.00
The Hidden Words	$3.00
The Bahá’í Faith (Gloria Faizi)	$2.00
Esperanto
World Faith for Modern Man (pamphlet)	$.50
Short Prayers	$.50
French
One World, One People (pamphlet)	$.50
God Passes By (HC)	$18.00
The Seven Valleys	$1.00
German
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	$3.00
Hmong
The New Garden	$4.00
Italian
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	$4.00
Khmer (Cambodian)
Bahá’í Administration	$2.00
Laotian
Buddhist Prophecy Fulfilled	$2.00
The New Garden	$3.00
Norwegian
Gleanings (HC)	$5.00
Vietnamese
Teaching Card packets	$.50

Please note that “The Promise of World Peace” is available in many languages. For more information, please contact the National Teaching Committee office.

Make checks payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund.” Please send orders, adding 15 per cent for postage and handling, to: Bahá’í National Center, National Teaching Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091.

New Introductory video released by Unlimited Visions

Unlimited Visions Productions, a Stamford, Connecticut-based video company, has announced the availability of a video program entitled “The Bahá’í Faith—An Introduction.”

The 45-minute program, which was shot last summer, includes footage from such places as the Louis Gregory Institute, the Yellow Rose Project in Texas, the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona, the San Diego Youth Workshop, and the New York City community.

The program is hosted by Bahá’í actor Alex Rocco who was video taped on location at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

It was previewed October 4 for an audience of more than 100 (half of whom were not Bahá’ís) in Stamford, and had its official premiere at the Bahá’í Center in New York City as part of the celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

The video, which is the first such Bahá’í program that has been closed-captioned for the hearing impaired, is available through Kalimát Press for $29.95.

‘Promise of Peace’ video warmly received at Pennsylvania’s Bloomsburg University

Recently, in eastern Pennsylvania, an expansion-proclamation task force was given a goal by the District Teaching Committee to plan a project in Columbia County, an “unopened county” in which no Bahá’ís presently live.

As part of the project, the task force offered a copy of the 20-minute video tape, “The Promise of World Peace” (distributed by Kalimát Press) to the Learning Resources Center at Bloomsburg University in Columbia County.

A letter of thanks was received from the director of the Learning Resources Center in which he said that faculty members in the Political Science Department had previewed the video tape and found it “useful to incorporate into their classroom presentations.”

A copy of the Bahá’í peace statement was donated along with the video tape, which has been filed as part of the learning materials at Bloomsburg University.

UNM symposium held

An open academic symposium featuring original papers, artwork and multi-media presentations on peace was held October 23 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

The event was co-sponsored by the UNM Peace Studies Committee and the school’s Bahá’í Association.

Community notes from all over...

• San Marcos, Texas: The Bahá’í community has adopted two miles of highway as a service project. The plan is to pick up trash along the highway four times a year. The first pick-up, on October 8, yielded 30 large bags of trash. As with other sections of highway where the pick-up is sponsored by a group or organization, a large billboard on the road announces the Bahá’í section.

• Antigo, Wisconsin: On the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, the Bahá’í community handed out long-stemmed roses to the city’s school crossing guards. A card accompanying each rose read, “For all you do to keep the children safe in all kinds of weather and in all conditions, your local Bahá’í community wants to say, ‘Thank you.’” The next day, a display ad in the Antigo newspaper read, “Thank you to the Bahá’í community for the roses. They were beautiful, but the thought was even more beautiful.—The Crossing Guards.”

• Winnebago, Nebraska: The Bahá’í community sponsored a “Unity Thanksgiving Dinner” on November 21 in which members of many churches and community groups took part. The day-long program included prayers and a potluck dinner. The event came about through a suggestion from a member of the Native American Church who attended the Unity Picnic in Winnebago last June and was impressed by the spirit of unity among the Bahá’ís and their guests.

[Page 18]

UNITY PICNICS

Above: A bulletin board at the National Teaching Committee office at the Bahá’í National Center with a map showing many of the sites at which Unity Picnics were held last June 27. The map is surrounded by photographs from the picnics.

Below: Two members of the National Teaching Committee staff, Amy Pawlak (left) and Kathy Magill, sort through some of the many hundreds of photos used in putting together the Unity Picnic photo album for the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears whose idea it was to hold the picnics across the country to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the picnic hosted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in West Englewood (Teaneck), New Jersey, in 1912.

Sacramento marks anniversary of Master's visit

It was a lovely fall day, perhaps much like that October 25 of 75 years ago, on which more than 200 people from Bahá’í communities in Northern California gathered to commemorate the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to California's capital city, Sacramento.

As the smooth, rich tones of a flute rang out over the capitol park, the laughter quieted and people gathered in chairs on the lawn to listen.

A brief program followed by a light luncheon at the east steps of the capitol building marked the historic occasion.

The program included music by flutist Stephen Whitehead; a welcome and introduction by Dr. Betty McCarty; prayers read by Rene Sprattling and Laura Berg; a short address on the relationship of the Faith to Christianity by Donald Erby; and a talk on the history of the Faith including memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by Joseph Ioas.

The luncheon was followed by a tour of the capitol park during which park guides pointed out the location of the carriage trail, the garden house, and other landmarks that were a part of the park at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit.

On October 25, to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Sacramento, California, Bahá’ís and their guests rode aboard a locomotive similar to the one that brought the Master to the city in 1912.

After the tour, the group of Bahá’ís and their guests gathered at the reconstructed Central Pacific train depot in Old Sacramento for a ride on the Steam Excursion Train.

The locomotive was similar to the one that pulled the train on which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived 75 years earlier. Although not authentically a part of a passenger train, a caboose was provided as a special treat for the children.

The event was organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Sacramento and supported financially by surrounding communities.

Proceeds from the sale of train tickets and souvenir brochures will be sent in memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Universal House of Justice to help complete construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Master often used humor to teach

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America ANNIVERSARY DIAMOND JUBILEE 1912-1987

"Look at Me, follow Me, be as I am," urged ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. For in His unique station as Center of the Covenant, He was not only the Interpreter but also the perfect Exemplar of the Bahá’í Teachings.

By His example we are shown how to conduct our lives, promoting the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taught the principles of the Bahá’í Faith in a variety of ways, from all of which we can gather inspiration in our own efforts. One way in which He often taught was through the use of stories and humor.

Howard Colby Ives, in his book Portals to Freedom, tells a story that illustrates how humor was used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

In Dublin, New Hampshire, a Bahá’í had invited many of her wealthy and socially prominent friends to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at a luncheon party. Most of her friends were not religiously inclined; in fact, several were agnostic. The anxious hostess wanted the party to be a success, yet at the same time, she wanted her friends to glimpse the divine reality that she had seen through the Master, and through which her own life had been transformed when she met Him in ‘Akká a few years earlier.

As the dinner progressed, with only polite conversation, the hostess—See EXAMPLE page 41

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America: December 1912

Wednesday 4: Discussed the establishment of universal peace.

Thursday 5: Instructed and exhorted the friends to follow the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Sunday 8: Mahmud noted: "Today a spirit of sadness came over the lovers of the Peerless Beauty as preparations were made for His leaving."

Monday 9: Two well attended meetings were held—one in the afternoon at the home of Mrs. Krug and the other in the home of Mrs. Kinney.

Tuesday 10: Continued to talk with the streams of visitors. That night, addressed the New York Theosophical Society bidding them farewell.

Wednesday 11: On the 239th day after His arrival in America, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood on the ship, Celtic, and bid the friends farewell.

Commemorative Print of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America

In tribute to the 75th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America, a limited edition of 2000 18"x24" commemorative prints have been made. Captured in this photograph is a vase of roses on a table in "‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room" at the Wilhelm house, Teaneck, New Jersey. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed in the Wilhelm house in 1912 and at that time gave His Souvenir picnic unity feast in the grove behind the house. The proceeds from the sale of this print will offset the expenses of the Souvenir picnics.

The Farewell of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

"An inscrutable Wisdom has, in His infinite bounty singled out your native land for the execution of a mighty purpose. Through the agency of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant I, as the ploughman, have been called upon since the beginning of my ministry to turn up and break its ground. The mighty confirmations that have, in the opening days of your career, rained upon you have prepared and invigorated its soil. The tribulations you subsequently were made to suffer have driven deep furrows into the field which my hands have prepared. The seeds with which I have been entrusted I have now scattered far and wide before you. Under your loving care, by your ceaseless exertions, every one of these seeds must germinate, every one must yield its destined fruit.

A winter of unprecedented severity will soon be upon you. Its storm clouds are fast gathering on the horizon. Tempestuous winds will assail you from every side. The Light of the Covenant will be obscured through my departure. These mighty blasts, this wintry desolation, shall however pass away. The dormant seed will burst into fresh activity. It shall put forth its buds, shall reveal, in mighty institutions, its leaves and blossoms. The vernal showers which the tender mercies of my heavenly Father will cause to descend upon you will enable this tender plant to spread out its branches to regions far beyond the confines of your native land. And finally the steadily mounting sun of His Revelation, shining in its meridian splendor, will enable this mighty Tree of His Faith to yield, in the fullness of time and on your soil, its golden fruit." [Page 19]

Massachusetts DTC launches a bold new plan to weld community into close-knit, thriving unit

A dynamic plan to pull the 1,200 Bahá’ís in Massachusetts together into a close-knit, thriving community with an inspiring vision their neighbors will be eager to share has been launched by the state’s District Teaching Committee.

The enthusiastic support of the local Spiritual Assemblies in Massachusetts, Auxiliary Board members Mara Khavari and William Roberts, their assistants, the National Teaching Committee and others has been thrown behind “Project Massachusetts,” which was officially announced November 15 at a statewide conference in Worcester.

Members of the National Teaching Committee say they believe the plan can serve as a model for Bahá’í communities in other parts of the country.

At its most basic level, Project Massachusetts, a truly grassroots plan, implements the goals of the Six Year Plan.

As a first step, the friends in Massachusetts are being asked to “raise their vision” by studying the Tablets of the Divine Plan, The Advent of Divine Justice, Citadel of Faith, and plans for the Campaign of Unified Action as detailed in the letter of May 30, 1984, from the National Spiritual Assembly.

Thus inspired, believers will evaluate objectives, assess the needs of their respective communities, make plans and set goals. At this point, Project Massachusetts takes off.

“As part of raising the vision, we will try to improve consultation in the community,” says the chairman of the District Teaching Committee of Massachusetts.

Bahá’ís—individuals, Groups or Assemblies—with a plan will no longer be left alone to implement it as best they can. Once the plan is announced, other Assemblies, Groups and individual Bahá’ís will lend support.

“Furthermore,” the Teaching Committee chairman says, “once the consultation has taken place and the plan is made, all Bahá’ís will clearly recognize that where a decision has been made by an Assembly or through a consultative process, it is final.

“Every member of the community is going to pledge that he or she will support it—not pick it apart.”

In recent months, much effort has been put into the DTC newsletter with the intention that communities will use it as a clearinghouse to appeal for support and resources to help implement their plans.

Issues have been produced regularly, and letters to the editor had begun to flow in even before the official November 15 start of Project Massachusetts.

Statewide conferences have been planned for every other month, and Assemblies have agreed to send at least one representative to each of them besides encouraging community members to attend.

In addition, the state has been divided into 19 “planning units” called areas, each with a coordinator responsible for meeting with and helping to inspire communities and isolated believers, keeping track of statistics, and reporting regularly to the District Teaching Committee.

In areas where there are no Assemblies, these coordinators will play an especially vital role in spreading information ‎arfd and‎ inspiration.

Communications will be greatly stepped up among the 25 local Assemblies in Massachusetts, each of which will be appealing for support and resources to help carry forward its projects.

The Bahá’ís of Massachusetts intend to create a spirit of cooperation among Assemblies that was never there before.

Once an Assembly announces plans for a campaign, the chairman says, others “all have to rush to support it.”

One obvious outgrowth of this increased consultation, communication and inter-community support is an increase in travel by Massachusetts Bahá’ís.

In the past, demographics have been allowed to cut off Bahá’í communities in the state from one another.

Now, however, ways will be found to get around traffic jams and other barriers to intercommunity activities.

The final wave of communication activity will be implemented through a computer network headquartered at a home in Braintree, a network that has the capacity for global communication.

The District Teaching Committee envisions Project Massachusetts as an ever-widening “circle Covenant at the center,” the District Teaching Committee chairman says.

“In the days and weeks ahead,” he says, “the circle will continue to expand to include every institution and agency of the Faith in Massachusetts.

“Included is every Bahá’í community, and, most important, every individual believer who, through the exercise of individual initiative, will ‘free himself from any consideration of limitation or inhibition’ and ‘assert his rightful claim to the distinction of being a teacher for Bahá’u’lláh.’ ”

Redwood City series turns spotlight on ‘Faces of Racism’

Seventy people, 20 of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the first of a series of conferences sponsored by local Spiritual Assemblies in Northern California, “The Faces of Racism,” October 24 in Redwood City.

Guest lecturer Dr. Tom Piazza from the University of California at Berkeley’s Survey Research Institute, reported on a survey of racial attitudes, describing the conflict of values as the basis of racist behavior.

Gustavo ‎Arius Arias‎, director of education at the San Jose Indian Center, spoke about racism as American Indians experience it in the urban environment.

Another speaker, Patricia ‎Barrararra Barrera‎ of the Public Service Center at Stanford University, focused on her own search for cultural identity.

She spoke of how, as an adolescent, she gained pride in being Hispanic; then, as she moved out of her home, she went through a stage of refusal and denial, influence by the society around her.

Later, as she matured, she again began to search for her Hispanic identity.

Other speakers included Ron and Carol Lyles, a bi-racial couple who used music to express their ideas about racial unity, and Ron Gilpatrick, who spoke on the meaning of getting “Beyond Prejudice” and its relationship to world peace.

Claudia Mulvaney, a Bahá’í who is a professional clown, involved conference participants in a play that showed how separateness limits one’s growth.

A unique children’s program was organized in which noted inventor Paul Brown, who is black, demonstrated some of the toys he has invented.

Also, Sandy Moon, from the Unitarian Church, who is a professional story-teller, told stories of racial intolerance and the lessons that can be learned from them.

Issaquah women’s conference to focus on knowledge for ‘full partnership’

“Greater Boldness—Greater Love” is the theme of the Eastside Women’s Conference to be held February 20-21 at the Holiday Inn in Issaquah, Washington.

The conference will focus on the capacity of women to become emboldened with knowledge and strengthened with wisdom so that they may more readily seize the opportunities of “full partnership” so generously and lovingly awaiting them in this age.

Early registration is $9 per person; registration at the door is $12 per person.

To reserve a place, please send your name, address, phone number and payment for the number of reservations desired to: Eastside Women’s Conference, 13915 240th S.E., Issaquah, WA 98027.

A Special Issue on Teaching

Vision

from page 1

rated upon, and often mentioned in his books and correspondence.

It is the role, globally significant, of which the Universal House of Justice continually reminds us.

Throughout our commemoration this year of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America, the purpose of His long and eventful journey in 1912 has become even more clear for us all. His divine wisdom and loving care have, once again, rejuvenated our spirits.

And what better time for our spirits to be refreshed than now. The most recent letter from the Universal House of Justice reminds us clearly of the urgency of the time and place in which we live, echoing the message given to us by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 75 years ago.

It is remarkable how similar are the challenges of beginning the fourth epoch of the Faith to those faced by the American Bahá’í community in 1912.

Assisting the American believers, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá paved the way for the construction of the Mother Temple of the West, fortified the American believers against the tests they would soon endure, cemented their unity, and blessed the beginnings of the Administrative Order.

He taught, deepened and instructed the friends, preparing them to strive toward the spiritual destiny which He so clearly envisioned for the North American continent.

And He opened the door for the unprecedented expansion of the American Bahá’í community.

Our challenge today is twofold: first, to arise wholeheartedly in preparation for a vast surge of new believers promised us by the Universal House of Justice; and second, to redouble our efforts to complete the next phase of construction on Mount Carmel.

Just as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit 75 years ago still invigorates our spirits, so the effects of today’s efforts will be felt throughout the epochs yet to come.

Shoghi Effendi, writing of the Master’s visit, said, “The seeds which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s activities so lavishly scattered had endowed the United States and Canada, nay the entire continent, with potentialities such as it had never known in its history.”

Ours today is the opportunity to realize those potentialities.

“The continent of America,” wrote ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, where the righteous shall abide and the free assemble.”

“The American continent,” He has furthermore predicted, “giving signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far reaching. It will lead all nations spiritually.”

“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.” (God Passes By, pp. 254-55)

The Tablets of the Divine Plan are the concrete expression of the parting hopes and wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. They provide an ongoing source of divine instruction, illumined direction, and spiritual sustenance for the Bahá’ís of North America.

These Tablets are, according to Shoghi Effendi, the “mandate” and the “supreme charter for teaching.” The moving words of the Master shall continue to be a source of guidance, inspiration and confirmation for the American believers.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (312-869-9039) for information.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

A Young Man’s Unique Recollections

Ali Yazdi’s warm personal account of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi including

• A boy’s pure delight waiting daily for a few moments with the Master
• A youth’s friendship with a “lively, happy” classmate who was to become the Guardian

116 pages with 37 photographs

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to:

HC $12.95

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 20]

Eight ABS 'interest groups' also confer in Princeton

In the past several years, the Association for Bahá’í Studies has established nine professional interest groups within its membership: agriculture, the arts, consultation and conflict resolution, environmental design, health, intercultural issues, marriage and the family, science and technology, and women's studies.

On October 22, immediately preceding the opening of the 12th annual Conference of the Association, eight of these groups held seminars in Princeton.

Attendance at these sub-group sessions ranged from about 10 to more than 30.

The session presented by the Bahá’í Institute on Agriculture was convened by Roy Steiner of Ithaca, New York.

Papers submitted to that seminar related to the development of an effective, just and sustainable system of agriculture at the local, national and global levels.

The Institute for the Arts welcomed the participation in its session of Counselor Donald Rogers, a professor of fine arts at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada.

A meeting was held to discuss the promotion and development of the Institute for the Arts, which was established to provide a forum in which to explore the relationship of the Bahá’í Revelation to the artistic process and artistic expression.

The seminar held by the Institute for Environmental Design included a talk by Fariburz Sahba, project manager for the Universal House of Justice, on the construction of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India, for which he served as chief architect.

That seminar was combined in midday with the arts seminar.

Members of each group shared ideas about how to promote the Bahá’í teachings through their work.

Included in the seminar on Consultation and Conflict Resolution were presentations by Steven Angell of Boston, Massachusetts; Rick Johnson of Winfield, Kansas; Pamela and Dennis Johnson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Ted Amsden of Detroit, Michigan; John Cornell of Reedley, California; and Nancy Moore of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The session conducted by the International Health Agency was geared toward "Current Issues in Health Care."

The keynote address on primary health care was given by John LeBlanc in collaboration with Dr. Ethel Martens.

The Intercultural Issues group, formed within the past year, did not hold a seminar at the Conference.

The session on Marriage and the Family featured talks by Nossrat Peseschkian of Wiesbaden, West Germany ("The Principles of Positive Psychotherapy and Their Applications to Marriage") and Dr. Victor de Araujo of New York City ("The Family and the Family of Nations: A Discussion of the UN Work on the Family").

The seminar on Science and Technology was designed to encourage a dialogue between science and religion, to advance the understanding of technology and its role in the new World Order, and to foster respect and appreciation for the Faith in scientific circles.

At the seminar, Dr. William Hatcher, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, presented a paper titled "Science, Myth and Reality."

Other talks were given by Michel Duguay of Quebec, Canada; Azar Majidi of Newark, Delaware; Ishrat Naqvi of Regina, Saskatchewan; Gilbert Bartholomew of Deep River, Ontario; and Brian Aull of Lexington, Massachusetts.

The seminar on Women's Studies was focused on issues relating to the equality of men and women, women's studies as an academic discipline, and the role of women in establishing peace.

The speakers included:

Hoda Mahmoudi of Santa Monica, California ("Bahá’í Concepts of Equality: Exploration and Interpretation" and "From Oppression to Equality: The Emergence of a Feminist Perspective").

Judith Filson of Toronto, Ontario ("Reflections on the Bahá’í Principle of Equality").

June Remignante of Eliot, Maine ("Women, the Primary Educators: Meaning and Application in Light of the Bahá’í Concept of Equality" and "Being a Primary Educator: First Principles in a Global Context").

Robin Chandler of Arlington, Massachusetts ("The Endangered Species: Parenthood and Motherhood—Builders of the Generations").

Respondents to those talks included Elizabeth and Michael Rochester of St. Johns, Newfoundland; Richard DaBell of Santa Monica, California; and Bahíyyih Nakhjavání of Washington, D.C.

Two new interest groups were established at the Conference. One will focus on the study of economics, the other on education. — Laura Hildreth

Above: Fariburz Sahba (left), architect of the House of Worship in India, at a workshop session of the Institute for Environmental Design. Below: Another of the interest group workshop sessions.

BAHAI INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN INSTITUT BAHÁ’Í

Bahá’í is consultant for major renovation project in Cleveland

KAV Consulting Engineers Inc., a civil/structural engineering firm owned by Amir H. Farzaneh, treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has been named structural consultant for the "Historic Warehouse District, Phase I," a major revitalization and renovation project in Cleveland.

Mr. Farzaneh also serves on the Cleveland Heights Interfaith Council and on the Board of Trustees of Heights Community Congress (HCC), an organization dedicated to promoting racial harmony in Cleveland Heights.

Cables from page 1

NEEDED. NSA IS SPONSORING A TEACHING INSTITUTE ON AUGUST 30 IN CENTRAL TAIWAN WITH PURPOSE EXPLAINING MASS TEACHING PROCESS TO ALL FRIENDS TAIWAN. SPIRIT ECSTATIC. NSA AND NTC IN FULL CHARGE OF EVENT. 7 NEW LSA'S FORMED, 17 NEW LOCALITIES OPENED SINCE RIDVÁN RESULTING THE FIRST ACHIEVEMENT OF LOCALITY GOAL (15) OF THE 1ST PHASE OF SIX YEAR PLAN. FULFILLMENT GOALS WELL IN SIGHT. HUMBLY BESEECHING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES OUR BEHALF. LOVING BAHÁ’Í GREETINGS, NSA TAIWAN UNQUOTE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 23, 1987

DELIGHTED SHARE FOLLOWING EXCERPT FROM TELEX FROM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA REPORTING TEACHING ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY YOUTH: QUOTE ...SIX YOUTH JOINED WEEK-LONG TEACHING PROJECT IN BALOGUN NEAR IFE, OYO STATE, AUG. 17-22. ENROLLED 802 MAJORITY YORUBA TRIBE INCLUDING 80 WOMEN. TEAM STAYED IN HOME OF A LOCAL BAHÁ’Í, WALKED TO 5 VILLAGES, FORMED 3 NEW LSA'S AND STRENGTHENED 2 EXISTING COMMUNITIES. THE YOUTH WHO HAD ATTENDED SAMUEL BAKARE TEACHING PROJECT AND USED THE SAME METHOD INCLUDED COORDINATOR SUNDAY EGWU, SARAFA AMUDA, FATAI ADESINA, SOLOMON WARISO AND KEMI. UNQUOTE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 23, 1987

WE ARE HAPPY TO SEND FURTHER NEWS OF UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS OF TEACHING/CONSOLIDATION ENDEAVORS. THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF CANADA: QUOTE DELIGHTED TO INFORM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OF RECENT TEACHING AND CONSOLIDATION EFFORTS IN THE FORT VERMILION AREA OF ALBERTA. IN THIS REMOTE PART OF CANADA, DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF A FEW DEDICATED BAHÁ’Í PIONEERS AND TRAVELING TEACHERS, OVER 120 PEOPLE HAVE BECOME BAHÁ’ÍS, RAISING THE NUMBER OF BAHÁ’ÍS IN THIS REGION TO 300 IN THE SPAN OF A FEW SHORT YEARS. THESE NEW BELIEVERS ARE ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE NATIVE POPULATION OF CANADA. THE MOST RECENT DECLARANTS CAME TO THE FAITH AS A RESULT OF DEEPENING AND TEACHING EFFORTS LAUNCHED THIS SUMMER IN THE MEMORY OF GOL AIDUN. A RECENT LETTER FROM ONE OF THE PIONEERS, EUNICE HITCHCOCK, READS IN PART: "JOHN D'OR (A NEWLY-DECLARED NATIVE BAHÁ’Í) IS ON FIRE....JOHN IS DEAF SINCE BIRTH AND SPEAKS SIGN....IT IS VERY SPIRITUAL TO WATCH HIM TEACH, AND HE DOES IT THOROUGHLY USING THE TEACHING BOOK AND NATIVE SIGN. IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF THE POWER IN THIS FAITH THAT THE MUTE CAN TEACH THE CAUSE OF GOD. . . ." WE BESEECH THE SUPREME BODY FOR PRAYERS ON BEHALF OF THE CANADIAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY FOR SUCCESS IN THE ALL-IMPORTANT TEACHING FIELD. UNQUOTE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 23, 1987 [Page 21]

Association for Bahá’í Studies

Dr. Ervin Laszlo of Pisa, Italy, a member of the Club of Rome and editor-in-chief of the World Peace Encyclopedia.

• Douglas Martin, director general of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel.

Dr. Anatol Rapoport, Peace Chair professor at the University of Toronto, Canada, and president of Science for Peace.

Dr. June Thomas, an Auxiliary Board member and associate professor in the Urban Planning Program at Michigan State University.

Dr. Lowell W. Livezey, director of the undergraduate program at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Dr. Karl H. Pribram of the Department of Psychology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

Dr. Hossain B. Danesh, chairman of the executive committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Dr. George Land of Paradise Valley, Arizona, a general systems theorist and Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. William Hatcher, professor of mathematics at Laval University, Quebec, and chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Dr. Ross Woodman, professor of literature at the University of Western Ontario, London.

John Fobes of Washington, D.C., a member of the Club of Rome.

The Conference was preceded by the annual Members' Meeting, which was chaired by Dr. Hatcher and attended by 155 people who were treated to two hours of lively consultation.

Plenary sessions were held at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton's Alexander Hall.

At the first of these, Dr. Danesh presented a welcoming address, then introduced Dr. Livezey and Camm McGuire, a member of the Princeton University Bahá’í Club, both of whom welcomed everyone on behalf of the university.

The plenary sessions were divided into six areas of discussion.

The first of these, entitled "Unity in Diversity: Models for a New World Order," included an untitled talk by Dr. Laszlo and "Unity in Diversity: The Bahá’í Model for a New World Order" by Mr. Martin.

Both talks looked at the Bahá’í community as an example for society in building a new World Order.

Dr. Laszlo focused on key problems in building such a new society. "I see tremendous potential in the Bahá’í Faith," he said, "which could trigger cultural and sociological change, leading us not to war but toward integration—unity in diversity."

Respondents to those papers included Dr. Livezey and Dr. Arbáb.

The second session was on "Overcoming Institutional Violence: Beyond War, Racism and the Denial of Human Rights."

Papers were presented by Dr. Rapoport ("The Redemption of Science") and Dr. Thomas ("Poverty and Racism in Urban America"). Dr. Thomas pointed out that these ideas were not being presented merely as an intellectual exercise, but were, in her words, "...something that I hope will reach your heart."

Dr. Livezey then presented a paper on "The Role of Human Rights Organizations."

Respondents to these presentations were Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Will C. van den Hoonaard, a professor of sociology at the University of New Brunswick, Canada.

In the third session, entitled "New Perspectives on the Nature of Human Reality," Dr. Pribram spoke on "The Brain: Where Converging Realities Meet," and Dr. Danesh on "From Dualism to Integration: The Convergence of Body and Soul."

Respondents were Dr. Rapoport and Dr. Hatcher.

Three speakers then addressed the topic "The Convergence of the Scientific and the Spiritual": Dr. Land ("The Evolution of Reality: A Transformational View of Science and Spirit"); Dr. Hatcher ("Platonism and Pragmatism"); and Dr. Woodman ("In the Beginning Was the Word").

The respondents were Dr. Pribram, Dr. Laszlo and Dr. Glen Eyford, a professor in the Department of Adult Education and Developmental Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada.

The fifth session was devoted entirely to an audio-visual presentation by Counselor Rogers entitled "Art and Spiritual Education" during which he pointed out that, in this Dispensation, the work of an artist in service to humanity has been elevated to the level of worship.

The final session, on "The Human Agenda: An Exchange with the Club of Rome," included talks by Dr. Laszlo, Dr. Arbáb and Mr. Fobes.

The respondents were Dr. Thomas and Dr. Tapio Varis, rector at the United Nations University for Peace in Escazu, Costa Rica.

Talks on four topics were given in simultaneous sessions:

• "Esperanto vs. English as an International Auxiliary Language" by John T. Dale Jr., a lawyer from Falls Church, Virginia.

• "Resurgence, Convergence and Synthesis" presented by Sheila Banani on behalf of its author, Betty Hoff Conow of Hacienda Heights, California, who was unable to attend the Conference because of illness. Mrs. Banani is a member of the executive committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies; Mrs. Conow is the author of Bahá’í: A Resurgent Model of the Universe.

• "Dilemmas and Prospects of Writing a Bahá’í Encyclopedia" by Dr. van den Hoonaard.

• "The Tao of the Middle East" by Amrollah Hemmat of Great Falls, Virginia.

An awards presentation was held to honor those whose papers submitted to the Association showed particular excellence in Bahá’í scholarship.

University category: Elham Afnan for "The Good of the World and the Happiness of the Nations: A Study of Modern Utopian and Dystopian Literature."

• Multi-author category: "The Validity of Human Rights: A Bahá’í Approach," prepared by Morten Bergsmo, a student of law at the University of Oslo, Norway, and Kishan Monocha, a medical student at St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College in London, England.

• General category: Dr. van den Hoonaard for his paper, "Development and Decline of an Early Canadian Bahá’í Community: St. John, New Brunswick, 1910-1925."

A Saturday evening concert, "The Moving Spirit," which was open to the public as well as to Conference participants, included performances by Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í artists.

It began with a performance by santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi of Glenview, Illinois, and pianist Rosamond Brenner of Wilmette.

Following them were an all-male vocal group, "The Nassoons," and an all-female group, "The Tigressions," both composed of Princeton students.

Also performing were two members of the Princeton Mime Workshop who presented skits with such titles as "Mental Floss" and "Dueling Zen."

Later, Juliet Be Ofiro Menkata, a student at Princeton, read her moving poem entitled "Of War and Peace."

Other Bahá’ís who entertained at the Conference included pianists Jack Lenz of Goodwood, Ontario, Mark Ochu of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Matthew Freeman of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England; vocalists Carol Rutstein of Amherst, Massachusetts, and Nancy Ackerman of Scarborough, Ontario; and violinist Farzad Khozein of Benbrook, Texas.

Those at the Conference especially enjoyed a performance by the newly formed "Bahá’í Studies Choir" made up of courageous members of the audience who, directed by Mr. Freeman and accompanied by Mr. Lenz, presented a spirited rendition of Mr. Lenz' and Doug Cameron's composition, "Let It Be This Generation." [Page 22]

Houston Bahá’ís mark ‘American Indian Heritage Week’

NATIVE AMERICANS

Texas Gov. Bill Clements proclaimed the week of September 20-26 “American Indian Heritage Week.”

To help observe the occasion, Chester Kahn, a Navajo artist and member of the National Spiritual Assembly, visited Houston to display a new art exhibit and to take part in the celebration.

Between 150-200 people visited the Houston Bahá’í Center throughout the week to view the art exhibit, which was open daily to the public.

Each evening, a special program was held on a topic of great significance not only to the American Indian people but also to non-Indians.

Some of the subjects covered were “Return of the Indian Spirit,” “Myths and Stereotypes Commonly Held About American Indians,” “Sandpainting,” and “American Indian Prophecies.”

Sixty-five people attended a Grand Opening reception at the Bahá’í Center on Saturday, September 19.

On that occasion, Mr. Kahn explained that many of the paintings had a deep spiritual meaning based on his own Navajo religion and the depth of understanding that being a Bahá’í has given him.

He shared the story of how he became a Bahá’í and how the encouragement of two Bahá’í women to learn more about his culture and religion had helped him along the path that allowed him to accept Bahá’u’lláh.

Among the 20 or so non-Bahá’ís attending the opening were a young woman from the Belgian Consulate (who continued to study the Faith and later became a Bahá’í) and the leader of an African dance troupe.

On September 20 a special devotional prayer service was held at the Houston Bahá’í Center with prayers offered in English, Persian, Spanish, Zuni, Navajo, Winnebago and Coushatta.

Bahá’ís and their guests are pictured at a devotional prayer service held September 20 at the Bahá’í Center in Houston as a part of ‘American Indian Heritage Week’ in Texas.

Tuesday, September 22, was another significant day in the week-long celebration as Mr. Kahn, with a member of the District Teaching Committee, visited the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, 90 minutes north of Houston.

During the visit they were able to present the peace statement to a member of the tribal council.

The celebration offered many media opportunities that were followed up each time with some form of personal contact by members of the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs for the Greater Houston Area.

Interviews were conducted on local radio stations KPFT and KTRH and on such programs as “Earth Music” and “Peace, Pipes, and Visions.” Articles in the local newspapers added to the variety of media activities.

The co-producers of “Peace, Pipes, and Visions,” Beverly Carusona, an Oneida, and Anna Edwards, a San Juan Pueblo, along with Walter Celestine, a Coushatta, gave the talk on “Myths and Stereotypes Commonly Held About American Indians” at the Bahá’í Center.

Ms. Carusona thanked the Bahá’ís for holding the week-long celebration for American Indian Heritage Week. Later, several Bahá’ís attended a pow-wow with Ms. Carusona and Ms. Edwards.

The friends were invited into the circle to participate in social dances, and Ms. Edwards presented a gift of a shawl to one of the Bahá’ís who had been involved in various activities with the American Indians.

Some of these activities, undertaken during the past two years, included the holding of an Indian Market at the Bahá’í Center, helping to establish the local American Indian radio show, and establishing a video library.

Future plans for continued cooperation between the Bahá’ís and local American Indian friends included a visit in December by Mitchell Silas, a Bahá’í and well-known Navajo sandpainter.

Work begins on new classroom building at the Native American Bahá’í Institute

Paul Yellowhorse lifts one of the rammed-earth bricks that were specially made on-site to build the classrooms at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona.

Based on plans drawn by John Nicol and carried out under his supervision, work on the new classroom building at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona was begun this summer.

The construction work was made possible by generous contributions from devoted Bahá’í friends of the Institute.

Most of the walls were built with compressed adobe blocks made on-site by a special adobe-making machine owned and operated by Bob Barnaby of Alternative Block in Grants, New Mexico.

In addition to the summer work crew, volunteers from all over the area and as far away as Phoenix, Cottonwood, Albuquerque, Vermont and even Wilmette, Illinois, helped with the building.

Mr. Nicol’s design seeks to use passive and active solar energy in making the structure beautiful, economical and comfortable.

By summer’s end, it was three-quarters completed.

Native American Institute’s plans address goal of ‘entry by troops’

The Native American Bahá’í Institute is planning events that will help accomplish several objectives of the Six Year Plan as well as address the goal of “entry by troops.”

In the most recent message from the Universal House of Justice, it is mentioned that the time for “entry by troops” is near, and that “this is the time for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.”

Because there have been 20 declarations in recent months in the surrounding communities, the NABI held a New Believers’ Conference in early December.

By giving the new believers a solid introduction to the tenets of the Faith, the integration of new believers into the Bahá’í community should be hastened.

In addition, one of the goals of the Six Year Plan, to encourage youth “to increase the regular, methodical study of the Bahá’í writings,” has been given a high priority.

Presently, two new adobe classrooms are being built at the Institute to provide space for children to study; moreover, a new Child Education Committee is working on developing a unified vision of what the spirit and function of children’s activities across the Reservation should be.

Lastly, a Scholarship Committee has been established to help the Navajo Bahá’í youth to attend the Grand Canyon Conference in Phoenix and to provide an equal opportunity for everyone in the community to know of and attend upcoming events.

All these activities have complemented the ongoing teaching work in the surrounding communities.

The present teaching efforts include many components, one of the most prominent being the effective use of traveling teachers, the work of which will soon be supervised by the District Teaching Committee.

Across the Reservation, a traveling teacher network is being formed to support the traveling teachers when they arrive and to introduce them to the community.

One traveling teacher is presently helping local communities to grow and develop. There will be a summer teaching project next year, to be planned by February, that will emphasize strong youth involvement in consolidation.

Other projects being considered are a Navajo Bahá’í Translation Conference and the formation of an “Elders’ Council” to help strengthen and guide the local Bahá’í communities.

At present, there is a great need for people who can befriend the young people and draw them closer to Bahá’u’lláh.

There is also a need for someone skilled in the use of audio-visual equipment.

If you have even a short period of time free, please consider the Native American Bahá’í Institute as a possible teaching activity.

For more information about the NABI or its activities, write to the Native American Bahá’í Institute, Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126.

Award-winning fireside video tape available

The award-winning fireside video tape, “Bahá’í Faith: Put It to the Test,” is available (in one-half inch VHS format) for $10 plus $3 for shipping and handling.

To obtain a copy, simply send a check to BIO (Bahá’í Information Office), P.O. Box 624, Dayton, OH 45409. [Page 23]

Arizona Bahá’ís aid gathering to help stop use of drugs, alcohol

Bahá’ís from throughout Arizona gathered September 26-27 at the San Carlos Apache Reservation’s Seneca Lake to help with what tribal officials and members later said was “the largest drug-free and alcohol-free gathering we’ve ever had.”

The goal of the event, which was brought into being by the San Carlos Tribe, the Indian Health Service and the Reservation church members, was to show that one can be a traditional American Indian and enjoy life physically, emotionally and spiritually without substance dependence.

Structured around a plan by substance abuse counselor Harold Belmont and members of the Alkali Lake Indian Band of British Columbia, the weekend featured running and walking races, counseling sessions, public information booths, a pow-wow, an ecumenical religious service, a “talking circle,” and a fishing derby.

Bahá’ís helped with planning and implementation, cooking meals for the more than 1,000 people attending the weekend activities and performing whatever other tasks were asked of them.

A highlight for the Faith was having three Indian Bahá’ís take part in leading the religious service. The Faith was well-represented in a short discussion and in the prayers that were read.

At the close of the service, Mr. Belmont, emphasizing his message of unity and peace for all the world’s people, told everyone present of his recent consultation with the Universal House of Justice and of his prayers at the Shrine of the Báb for Indian people everywhere.

It was a memorable weekend not only for the 1,000 Indian people from many tribes attending, but also for the handful of Bahá’ís who worshipped through their work and taught through their example.

Longest-standing Bahá’ís on Reservation honored during 186th pow-wow in Omaha

On August 15, the Spiritual Assembly of the Omaha Indian Reservation honored the longest-standing Bahá’ís on the Reservation during the 186th Pow Wow of the Omaha Tribe in Macy, Nebraska.

The honorees, Marie Camby and her brother, Calvin Tyndal Sr., are children of Frank and Daisy Tyndal, members of the first all-Indian Spiritual Assembly formed at Macy in 1947.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amelia Collins had held meetings in the Tyndal home after returning from the Holy Land, and it was at one of those meetings, in 1947, that Marie and Calvin accepted the Faith.

Pendleton blankets were presented to Mrs. Camby and Mr. Tyndal by the longest-standing Bahá’í from Omaha, Mrs. Doreen Brown, who has been a Bahá’í for 50 years.

Mr. Tyndal accepted his gift in the traditional manner by dancing around the great drum in the center of the arena.

This brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience, for Mr. Tyndal, a talented Indian dancer in his youth, has spent the last two years in a wheelchair because of weakness in his legs.

The Spiritual Assembly of Macy chose the occasion to present to the tribe a framed photograph of the first all-Indian Spiritual Assembly. The picture now hangs in a prominent place in the Tribal Administration building in Macy.

The original photo of that Assembly was placed by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí, in the Holy Land, for pilgrims from all over the world to see.

The 186th annual Pow Wow of the Omaha Indian Tribe at which the two longest-standing Bahá’ís on the Reservation were honored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Omaha Indian Reservation.

Ben, Lorraine Kahn, family spend month performing in Sweden

Ben and Lorraine Kahn, their four children, and one young member of the Pine Springs Singers spent a month in Sweden this summer at the invitation of Mrs. Wanda MacDonald, wife of Navajo Tribal Chairman Peter MacDonald.

They performed traditional Navajo songs and dances in various places and were able to tour the country to some extent.

As this was not a Bahá’í-sponsored trip, they were unable to reach the Bahá’ís of Sweden (although they tried often); however, they were able to share the Faith, both directly and indirectly, in their many contacts with the Swedish people.

Indian school in Oregon given Bahá’í Message

On the weekend of September 18-20, a gathering was held at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon.

A presentation was made Saturday evening to the student body, composed of 400 Indian high school students from eight western states, concerning the purpose of the gathering.

Mary Gubatayao and Jacob Bighorn, the academic principal (who is not an enrolled Bahá’í), presented the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The “Mona” video was then shown, after which the presentation was completed with an American Indian honor song sung by the Bow and Arrow Club, an Indian cultural group from Portland.

The Bahá’ís and members of the Bow and Arrow Club were then invited for dinner, socializing and entertainment.

During the gathering, there was consultation on several issues. Teaching, the greatest gift of God, was the focus of the discussions.

First, several people volunteered to serve on a task force to help communicate about the Indian teaching ‎acitivities activities‎ in the Northwest.

The focus will be on two Reservations that have local ‎Spirituai Spiritual‎ Assemblies but need further community development. The goal is to continue present teaching activities while focusing the energies and resources of traveling teachers and homefront pioneers on developing the two Assemblies so that they will be strong enough, in turn, to begin helping two more Bahá’í communities by Riḍván 1988.

The group will be aiding in the establishment of a systematic approach to further develop Indian communities, the culmination of which will be to raise functioning Assemblies on every Reservation in the Northwest. By Riḍván, the efforts of the group will be reevaluated and decisions made on how to proceed.

Another issue addressed was how Indian and black Bahá’ís can best support each other in teaching and community life.

Most of the consultation focused on the feelings of disappointment after experiences with racism within the Bahá’í community.

At the end of the discussion the unity and fellowship was so heightened by the frank and loving consultation that it was unanimously agreed that there should be more such meetings. Plans were then made to meet in Seattle.

Several other issues were discussed, such as the Fund and Indian teaching materials.

The over-all result of the meeting was the strong feeling of unity and a strengthened desire to spread the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Pictured during consultation at the 1986 Bahá’í District Convention at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona, are (left to right) Inez Miller, Mary Manybeads and Angela Ashley.

From August 17-22 the metro area-wide Social and Economic Development Committee, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, provided a hospitality booth with free ice water for visitors to the National American Indian Exposition in Anadarko. Besides serving more than 2,000 exhibitors, dancers and tourists refreshing drinks of water, the Bahá’ís gave out about 15,000 pieces of literature including Wage Peace posters, prayers, bookmarks and pamphlets. Pictured at the booth are Bahá’í Cindy Van Kley and her children, Carlie and Kurt.

Amelia Tong (left) and Carmella Kahn play outdoors during the 1986 Navajo/Hopi District Convention on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. [Page 24]

teaching the masses

"Teaching the waiting masses," the Universal House of Justice states, "is a reality facing each national assembly" (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 36). The masses are "the rank and file, steeped in traditions of their own, but receptive to the Word of God, by which, when they truly respond to it, they become so influenced as to transform those who come in contact with them" (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32). The Universal House of Justice also notes that "due to the splendid victories in large-scale conversion" the Faith "has entered a new phase in its development" and it is "imperative, therefore, that the process of teaching the masses be not only maintained but accelerated." (Letter of February 2, 1966)

The Guardian, in a letter to the U.S., foresaw "a steady flow of reinforcements" in the membership of the community that "is absolutely vital and is of extreme urgency" in order to "reanimate the world Bahá’í Community" and "safeguard the prizes which... are now being won in virgin territories." This flow, moreover, he adds, "will presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Bahá’í world-a day which... will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races... will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith, derange the equilibrium of the world, and reinforce a thousandfold the numerical strength as well as the material power and the spiritual authority of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh." (A Special Measure of Love, p. 11)

Particularly in the process of teaching the masses, a balance between expansion and consolidation is of vital importance. If, in our efforts to achieve a steady flow of new believers that will lead to entry by troops, we pursue expansion without consolidation we would "leave the community unprepared to receive the masses who must sooner or later respond to the life-giving message of the Cause." (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 77)

New declarants "need not know all the proofs, history, laws and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey" (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32). "As you are aware," the Universal House of Justice states, "the beloved Guardian encouraged early enrollment of new believers upon their declarations, and not the creation of obstacles to their acceptance. After declaration, follow-up with deepening is imperative, and it may be that some will fall away. However, those who remain are the true fruits of the teaching endeavor and may include persons of great capacity who might have been lost to the Cause through arbitrary early judgments." (Universal House of Justice, letter of November 18, 1980)

Presently, however, our efforts leave the work of consolidation undone. "After declaration," the Universal House of Justice warns, "the new believers must not be left to their own devices" (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32). Shoghi Effendi informs us that "it is not enough to bring people into the Faith; one must educate them and deepen their love for it and their knowledge of its teachings, after they declare themselves." (Letter written on behalf of the Guardian in A Special Measure of Love, p. 19)

Thus it is clear that, while it is essential for us to pursue, even more diligently, the process of teaching the masses, we must bring our efforts into conformity with the balanced approach presented in the Writings.

It should not be assumed that because people are poor or illiterate they are unable to learn and to practice Bahá’u’lláh's principles of administration. After all, who runs the churches in which they presently worship? Throughout the world the Faith has been taken by pioneers with the specific aim of having native believers assume the responsibilities of teaching and administration. Large-scale growth will depend upon souls from every stratum of society accepting the Message and carrying it to their peers.

In its efforts to develop the process of mass teaching, the Bahá’í world, including the American Bahá’í community, has engaged in a wide range of experiments. "It is obvious," the Universal House of Justice informs us, "that not all of these experiments will meet with success....However, in the present period of transition and rapid growth of the Cause we must seek diligently for the merit of every method devised to teach and deepen the masses" (Letter of March 22, 1973). Such experiments, however, should never become a cause of disunity. In order to perfect our methods to better achieve a balance between expansion and consolidation, and to avoid the evils of ineffective or careless teaching, the Universal House of Justice has called upon us to unitedly address the issues related to teaching the masses through consolidation:

"We note that the new teaching methods you have developed, in reaching the waiting masses, have substantially influenced the winning of your goals, and we urge the American Bahá’ís, one and all, newly enrolled and believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Bahá’u’lláh and, armed with that supreme power, continue unabated their efforts to reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard-won victories. New methods inevitably bring with them criticism and challenges no matter how successful they may ultimately prove to be. The influx of so many new believers is, in itself, a call to the veteran believers to join the ranks of those in this field of service and to give wholeheartedly of their knowledge and experience. Far from standing aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors." (Messages from the Universal House of Justice, pp. 85-86)

reaches out to American Indians

The Yellow Rose is an ongoing teaching project sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of East Texas No. 2. It has three main goals:

1. to regain the lost Spiritual Assembly of Livingston; 2. to increase the awareness of the friends to teach American Indians in an urban or suburban setting; 3. to bring about the election of the first American Indian Spiritual Assembly in Texas.

The unique teaching and service project began almost as an accident at a meeting filled with love and laughter, but its growth has been remarkable.

The Yellow Rose is also a love story, based on the love of Bahá’ís for the people they are reaching out to, the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe and the tribal community of Houston.

From its inception, the District Teaching Committee chose to adhere to the guidance of the Writings in every aspect of the teaching work. From this guidance has come the spirit and vitality of the project, expressed through the important power of consultation.

The Teaching Committee has held talks with every institution of the Faith and with individual Bahá’ís who are knowledgeable in this area of teaching.

The need for teaching among the American Indians in Texas is real. The Indian population is about 40,000 in the state (1980 census) and growing. About half of that number are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with 10,000 in and around Houston-Galveston, 5,000 in the Austin area and the rest in other parts of the state.

There are two Reservations, the Alabama-Coushatta north of Houston, and the Tigua in El Paso.

Because of a restriction by the Tribal Council that no religious group should openly teach its faith on the Reservation, all of the teaching work on the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation has been in the form of service projects.

For two summers, Bahá’í youth from across the country have traveled to Texas to take part in this effort. The friends undertook a number of service projects including working in the tribal offices, general clean-up of the camp grounds, and minor repair work on a cabin.

As a result of the quality of the services rendered over this past summer, the Bahá’ís were able for the first time to talk about the Faith because people asked them who they were and why they were there. Many remembered the Bahá’ís from the previous summer and the Health Care Fairs sponsored by the Faith.

In November 1986, before the opening of the first Health Care Fair, the District Teaching Committee presented the Tribal Council with the Universal House of Justice's peace statement. That first Fair, held over the Thanksgiving weekend in 1986, served about 15 per cent of the tribe's population. A second such event was held in April 1987.

With the growth of friendship, new doors have been opened and the tribes have asked the Bahá’ís to come back a third time; but this time they are asking the friends to stay and attend a local pow wow.

For each effort being made on the Reservation, an even greater effort is being made in urban teaching in the Houston area. Since January 1987, the District Teaching Committee has worked hand-in-hand with the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs for the Greater Houston Area to reach the tribal community in Houston and nearby towns.

Activities have included an Indian Market, an American Indian Council Fire, and celebration of American Indian Heritage Week. The greatest accomplishment, however, has been the establishment of a video library whose most popular item is "Traditional American Indian Prophecies and the Bahá’í Faith." The library is used by both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Even though the teaching campaign has been directed toward American Indians, the Bahá’ís have been able to touch the lives of others simply by being open to all people. As one youth volunteer said last summer, "Everyone shares the love at the Yellow Rose."

The District Teaching Committee plans to continue to share that love as part of a Youth Exchange Program with the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona. Those in the Yellow Rose Project are living the "spirit of the roses." The dates for next summer's project are June 5-26, and everyone is invited to come!

Regional distribution service undertaken by Assembly in S.C.

The Spiritual Assembly of Pickens County, South Carolina, addressing the goal of the Six Year Plan "to increase the production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature," began a regional distribution service in October 1986.

Starting with $300 "seed money," the community sold Bahá’í books, along with handicrafts donated by local friends, at various Bahá’í gatherings throughout the state until, using the proceeds, they were able to build an extensive inventory.

At two District Conventions in October, the Bahá’ís of Pickens County, encouraging and promoting the use of Bahá’í literature, gathered $1,525 from the sale of books.

It is the goal of the Spiritual Assembly to have available in the future a walk-in mobile bookstore.

Lowell's 'Cambodian connection' leads to unprecedented population increase

Four Bahá’í families in Lowell, Massachusetts, have guided their small community to grow to 235 Bahá’ís in three years.

Eighty per cent of the present membership in Lowell is Cambodian. An effort that began with an immigrant Bahá’í family and the goal expressed by a handful of Bahá’í youth to begin a teaching project to reach Asians has transformed the Bahá’í community of Lowell into a teaching community.

The project sprang from efforts in the fall of 1984 to awaken Bahá’í youth in New England to start teaching.

In July 1985, two youth in Lowell, in consultation with and supported by the local Spiritual Assembly, organized a six-week teaching campaign in which 130 Bahá’ís, mostly from New England but also from 12 countries outside the U.S., took part.

The effort began with Bahá’ís introducing themselves to people in local parks. When friendships were made, the Bahá’ís would then be invited to people's homes to meet their relatives and friends. Each night a fireside was held with many new believers present.

Lorraine Matthews, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Lowell, describes 1985 as a "year of sacrifice" for the community. Some people moved out, while others grew stronger. All were challenged by the many changes brought about by the addition of so many new believers to the Bahá’í family.

The winter of 1985 was occupied by special firesides and deepenings. Much effort was required to involve the new friends in community life; often, a personal visit or phone call was needed to invite people to meetings.

Progress was slow until the older Bahá’ís learned more about the cultural differences between them and their new friends, especially how to show respect and friendship.

As Mrs. Zarrin Afshar of Lowell says, "They are so warm and friendly. The doors just open when you say you are a Bahá’í."

Many of the Cambodian children attend weekly children's classes that are held regularly. The Assembly is struggling to hold systematic classes for the adults.

The teaching continues, with emphasis on visiting and nurturing the new friends. New Bahá’ís are often found among family and neighbors.

The local newsletter is written in English and Cambodian. Visits to Green Acre, especially to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room, are a cherished activity of the friends in Lowell.

The community is short of deepened Bahá’í manpower and funds but creatively continuing the work of nurturing the new believers.

The Spiritual Assembly of Lowell invites everyone, especially youth, to join its members January 2-15 in a consolidation project for the newer Bahá’ís.

Paper cites Bahá’í for unique Invention

Ray Knaus, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Mentor, Ohio, was recently featured in an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer about inventors who have had success in marketing their inventions.

Mr. Knaus has invented a device called the "gas hook" which holds the latch on a gasoline-dispensing nozzle open. [Page 25]

Cambodians embrace Faith in St. Petersburg, Florida

About four years ago, the St. Petersburg, Florida, community decided to set a goal of doubling its numbers.

Shortly thereafter, a Bahá’í who was from a Cambodian refugee camp asked the St. Petersburg Bahá’ís to visit him.

The community responded immediately and befriended him. Within a short period of time a number of his friends showed an interest in the Faith and became Bahá’ís.

It was apparent to the friends that this wonderful increase in believers from the Cambodian community was the result of befriending others and reaching out to help them through cross-cultural barriers rather than a concerted effort on the part of the community to increase or "double" its numbers.

Over the first year many others of Cambodian background became Bahá’ís.

During the next couple of years the Bahá’í community decided to adopt this avenue of teaching and gradually became more systematic in reaching out to the more than 5,000 Cambodians in the St. Petersburg area.

About midway through this exciting expansion of the community, one of the St. Petersburg Bahá’ís, Bruce Butler, found himself without a job. Reflecting on his situation, Bruce decided that while looking for work he would visit the Cambodians to help them learn English.

Part of his teaching approach was to teach the Cambodians Bahá’í songs and prayers. Many of them were touched by the purity of the Bahá’í teachings.

Over the next couple of years, thanks to the diligent efforts of Mr. Butler, Sharon McCord and Marsea Ulmer, many more Cambodians declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The St. Petersburg community has developed many activities to help integrate the new believers into the mainstream of Bahá’í community life, such as holding special summer school sessions for the Cambodian believers.

These efforts have led to a greater interest and involvement by the whole community in the expansion of the Faith.

Besides working with the Cambodian adults, the community has also pursued intercultural children’s classes, the special emphasis of which has been on cross-cultural socialization rather than the presentation of facts and information.

The St. Petersburg community welcomes help with its teaching activities. For more information, contact Marti Lindsey, 813-323-0474.

Ongoing and Upcoming Teaching Projects

On the map above are listed the ongoing and upcoming teaching projects in the U.S. that the National Teaching Committee has been informed of as of November 6. If your local Spiritual Assembly or community is sponsoring a teaching project that does not appear on this map, please fill in the form at the 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. Best wishes for a successful project—we look forward to hearing from you!

Teaching Projects listed on map:

• Medford, MA: OPERATION DAYBREAK
• Lowell, MA: LOWELL PROJECT
• Albany, NY: ALBANY PROJECT
• Warwick, RI: WARWICK PROJECT
• Providence, RI: PROVIDENCE PROJECT
• Buffalo, NY: PROJECT LUA
• Indianapolis, IN: MR. KHADEM PROJECT
• Middleton, WI: SPIRIT OF AMANI
• Mille Lac, MN: ANGUS COWEN PROJECT
• Bemidji, MN: DAWNBREAKERS PROJECT
• Davenport, IA / Rock Island, IL: FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND
• Rock Island, IL: ROCK ISLAND PROJECT
• Mandaree, ND: MANDAREE SERVICE PROJECT
• Eagle Butte, SD: SPIRIT OF THE ROSE PROJECT
• Wanblee, SD / Macy, NE: AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT
• Baker, OR: BAKER PROJECT
• Lapwai, ID: PROJECT 95
• Mi-wuk Rancheria, CA: TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT
• Central CA: THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE PROJECT
• Los Angeles, CA: CENTER FIRESIDE PROJECT
• Beverly Hills, CA: BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT
• Los Angeles, CA: WEST HOLLYWOOD PROJECT
• Mission, CA: MISSION VIEJO PROJECT
• Phoenix area, AZ: PROJECT MIBDI
• Phoenix area, AZ: PROJECT RAUL PAVON
• Southern Arizona: DESERT ROSE PROJECT
• Houck, AZ: NABU PROJECT
• Picuris Pueblo, NM: PICURIS PUEBLO PROJECT
• Wichita, KS: GENOLA WEST PROJECT
• Kansas: PROJECT ARISE
• Phelps Co, MO: KHADEM PROJECT
• Central Texas: VAHID II PROJECT
• Avondale, LA: AVONDALE PROJECT
• Eastern Texas: YELLOW ROSE PROJECT
• Southwestern Kentucky: MARTHA JEFFERS PROJECT
• Northwest Georgia: GEORGIA ABLAZE
• Hickory, NC: HICKORY PROJECT
• Lancaster, KY: THOMAS LEON HILL PROJECT
• Wilmington, NC: WILMINGTON PROJECT
• Falls Church, VA: PROJECT X
• Pocomoke City, MD: DELMARVA PROJECT
• Zenia, OH: PROJECT X
• New Jersey: SOUTH JERSEY PROJECT
• St. Petersburg, FL: SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT

Closer unity focus of Virginia workshop

On September 20, the District Teaching Committee of Virginia Southwest hosted a day-long workshop in the spirit of the campaign of unified action emphasizing collaboration among the various agencies of the Faith in the teaching work.

All local Spiritual Assemblies were invited along with Auxiliary Board members, their assistants, and the District Youth Committee. About 30 representatives attended.

The general consensus of the group was that there is a need for more social activities in order for the Bahá’ís to get to know one another and to establish closer unity among the believers—a unity that people will be attracted to and want to become a part of.

It was also agreed that there need to be more informal gatherings where the Bahá’ís can come together and strengthen the bonds of love and unity, thereby providing the inspiration and motivation to tell others about the Faith.

As a result, five Unity Feasts were planned for the coming year, each to be hosted by one of the local Assemblies in the district.

The first was held October 24 with nearly 40 adults, youth and children attending.

As a further extension of working with communities in encouraging teaching, the District Teaching Committee will be meeting with all Groups and isolated believers in the district to help them with their teaching plans and activities and to encourage them to use the deepening program "Effective Teaching."

TEACHING PROJECT GUIDELINES

Prepared by the National Teaching Committee, the "Teaching Project Guidelines" booklet provides helpful information to aid a Bahá’í community in organizing and carrying out a teaching project whether it involves direct teaching, indirect teaching, or is service-oriented. Included are sections on project planning, securing resources needed for the project, implementation of plans, monitoring and reporting progress, and project evaluation. To order a copy of the guidelines, simply complete and return the order form below:

Teaching Project Guidelines Order Form

Please send ___ copy(s) of the Teaching Project Guidelines to:

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________________

Please include a check for $2.00 per copy payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund".

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

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

Ongoing Pavon Project propels teaching momentum forward in greater Phoenix

The Raul Pavon Project, an ongoing expansion-consolidation campaign, was launched in the fall of 1985 by the District Teaching Committee of Northern Arizona.

Its aim is to attract "a steady influx of new believers" to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, deriving its inspiration from the life of Counselor Raul Pavon.

As the momentum of teaching activity has increased in the Phoenix area, it has attracted teachers from among the veteran Bahá’ís as well as from among the new adherents, and as teachers have persevered the twin processes of expansion and consolidation have continued.

The Bahá’ís are becoming consolidated as the processes unfold in natural and often unexpected ways.

The project has helped stimulate Bahá’í institutional support and participation, encourage individual initiative, and develop qualities of trust in God, dependence on the Holy Spirit, perseverance, patience, constancy and courage.

The Pavon Project is now at the next step in the teaching process.

Some communities have the bounty of dedicated homefront pioneers, and the continuation of the teaching process receives considerable attention. Little by little, children’s classes are beginning (in Tolleson and Avondale), local Assemblies meet (Avondale), and the observance of Feasts and Holy Days is being established.

See PAVON page 48 [Page 26]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed: Come to Jacksonville, North Carolina, and be just a hop, skip and a jump from the lovely North Carolina coast. But more important than that, come and help the Jacksonville Group raise and maintain its first Assembly ever! Jacksonville is a fair-sized town with its main businesses providing services to Camp LeJeune, a U.S. Marine base. For more information, contact Shida Mali, Jacksonville, NC 28540 (phone 919-455-5704) or the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

NEW BERN, North Carolina, needs you! This historic town, a former colonial capital only a short drive from the coast, has a small but active Bahá’í community that needs dedicated, hard-working pioneers. For more information, contact Audrey Compere, 827 Fields Road, New Bern, NC 28560 (phone 919-633-4944), or write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

HOMEFRONT pioneer or pioneer family is needed in Lancaster, a town of about 5,000 in Kentucky’s bluegrass region, a half-hour from Lexington and 20 minutes from Danville, to undertake the consolidation and expansion of a Bahá’í community composed of black mass-taught believers. Lancaster has had an Assembly for 10 years, but it does not meet; however, the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ remain steadfast in their identification with the Faith and read the state and national literature that is sent to them. They welcome visits from other ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎, and warm friendships have developed. But a resident is needed to provide the daily nurturing that will make this community grow. Both Lexington, which has an Assembly, and Danville, near Assembly status, will offer enthusiastic support to any pioneers to Lancaster. Are you interested? Bless you! Please write to Sarah Lee, secretary, District Teaching Committee of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40502, or phone 606-263-1820.

LOOKING for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities? Want to be within commuting distance of a state university? If you’re self-employed or retired, this scenic Montana Valley in the northern Rockies could be the ideal place for you. Ranked No. 18 on the recent Rand-McNally list of the 50 most desirable retirement spots in the U.S., our valley enjoys a climate of mild and the friendliest people anywhere. And it’s not cold! The average January temperature is 20 degrees, while the July average is 84. For more information, write or call us today: The McBrides, P.O. Box 151, Stevensville, MT 59870 (phone 406-777-2613).

SMALL-TOWN life awaits the homefront pioneer to Wilson, North Carolina, a scant hour and a half from the bustling Triangle and only minutes from Rocky Mount and several job opportunities in light industry. Wilson will soon become a part of the Tri-Angle East area with more job opportunities to follow. Perfect for a retired couple or single person with an income. The Wilson Bahá’í community is like a fallow field waiting for you to till it and bring in a rich harvest. For more information, phone Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340; Art McKinley, 919-469-2783; Mary Spires, 919-446-5889, or write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

NEED a spiritual challenge? Want to work hard for the Faith? Become a homefront pioneer in Goldsboro, North Carolina, a fair-sized town that once had an active Bahá’í community and needs someone like you to help revitalize, rejuvenate and reawaken. Goldsboro would be perfect for a retired couple or single person with an income. For more information, phone Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340, or write to Gregory Meyjes, Garner, NC 27529.

LIKE PICKLES? Love pickles? Want to work hard for the Faith, be spiritually challenged, and have all the pickles you ever wanted? Come to Mount Olive, North Carolina, home of Mount Olive Pickles and Mount Olive College, a small town in eastern North Carolina that would be perfect for a retired couple or a single Bahá’í with an independent income. Interested? Phone Warren Rochelle (919-772-1340), Art McKinley (919-469-2783), or Mary Spires (919-446-5889), or write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are desperately needed in Victoria, Virginia, a rural town of about 2,000 people approximately 70 miles southwest of Richmond. Employment: two community colleges, two prisons within reasonable driving distance; 17 miles from Fort Pickett Army Base; also have factories and textile plants. Housing is available, well below the national average price. We have given the peace statement to the mayor and town council with favorable results, and have community activities which present the opportunity to teach the Faith. We are a group of four (two adults, two youth) and we need help! If you are up to the quiet challenge of small-town living, please contact the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of Victoria, Victoria, VA 23974.

KINSTON, North Carolina, once an active, on-the-go Bahá’í community, now lies dormant, awaiting the awakening touch of hard-working homefront pioneers. There is great potential in Kinston: think of it as baked coals, just waiting to be rekindled. Interested? This would be a good place for retired couples or singles with their own income. Phone Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340; Art McKinley, 919-469-2783; or Mary Spires, 919-446-5889, or write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

KENYA: Applicants are sought by the UN Volunteer Program for an Appropriate Technology Officer in Nairobi. Duties include establishing, coordinating and developing women’s groups, establishing viable water storage systems, introducing and improving use of renewable energy sources, educating target groups in use of available agricultural inputs. Qualifications include experience in planning, organization and administration; teaching ability in relevant fields; university diploma/degree in social sciences agriculture or nutrition. Home economics would be an advantage, as would a working knowledge of Kiswahili. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GUYANA: Applicants are sought for the following UN Volunteer positions: wood/forest product technologist, requiring a university degree in forestry with a minor in wood technology; project and information systems manager, requiring a degree in engineering or information systems and experience in these areas plus management experience; speech therapist, requiring a degree and license in speech therapy. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

JAMAICA: Applicants are sought by the UN Volunteer Program for a Resident Psychiatric Registrar in Kingston. Duties would include clinical management of patients, daily ward rounds, handling emergency calls, admitting and examining patients, supervising work of nursing and occupational therapy staff, conducting patient follow-ups, and helping in-service training and outpatient services. Requirements are an MBBS, a one-year internship or clinical attachment and emergency evaluation ability. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA: A health program administrator is sought to manage a national family health/population program. Major responsibilities include developing and reviewing annual plans and evaluations, supervising sub-contractors in program implementation, developing and executing over-all program management system, and identifying and resolving potential problems. Applicants should have 10-15 years of progressive leadership in management of large-scale health/population programs, experience in LCD’s graduate training, and knowledge of an experience with AID policies and procedures. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

THROUGH professional publications, the Office of Pioneering has learned of the need for medical and para-medical personnel in a number of goal countries. Positions listed are for dentists, physicians (general practitioners as well as specialists), physiotherapists, technicians, occupational therapists, pharmacists, nurses, physician’s assistants, nurse educators, and hospital administrators. The above positions are listed for the following countries: India, Jamaica, Guyana, Turks & Caicos Islands, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, Marshall Islands, Taiwan, Nepal, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. For more information about any of them, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE United Nations Volunteer Program is looking for persons with background and experience in food technology for a fruit processing project in Mustang, Nepal. Duties include helping in fruit processing activities, carrying out studies to improve product quality, advising farmers on fruit processing techniques, and organizing farmer training programs. Applicants must have MS degree or equivalent in food technology, and a minimum of three years’ experience in fruit processing, particularly in apples. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PORTUGAL: There is a need for a site development manager with building and/or surveying experience on high-rise works. Applicants must have a diploma plus five years of experience. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE UNITED Nations Recruitment Service lists openings for the following positions in India: Systems Expert/Power Systems Operation; Artificial Lift Consultant; Water Legislation Expert; Mathematical Modeling Consultant; Hydraulic Research Consultant; Structural Behavior Consultant. In Burundi, these positions are listed: Economist; Geological Consultant; Associate Director of Public Administration; Associate Expert in Computer Management; Associate Expert in Business Management; Associate Expert in Handling Audio-Visual and Computer Materials. Also listed are the following positions in the Caribbean: British Virgin Islands—Associate Expert/Statistician; Cayman Islands—Civil Engineer; Grenada—Civil Engineer; Jamaica—Associate Expert in Modeling of Water Resources Systems; Turks and Caicos—Civil Engineer. For more information about any of these positions, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NEPAL: Opportunities exist for medical technologists for a laboratory in a 138-bed hospital in Patan. Applicants must have the ability to supervise staff and train local residents. Experience in hematology is advantageous. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED

BAHÁ’Í songwriter/lyricist seeks female Bahá’í vocalist/keyboard player for songwriting partnership. Must be able to read and write music, top 40/pop/dance. Write to James Boyd, Moline, IL 61265.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following deceased Bahá’ís: Edna Angell, Jean Anthony, Edna R. Atkins, Charles Sydney Atkinson, Margaret H. Atwater, Henry R. Austin, Pauline Ayres, Mary Bachman, Alice Bacon, and Gustav Bagge. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have the letters to these individuals is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

CASSETTE tape duplicator is needed by a pioneer. Should be able to make three or more cassette duplicates at a time. Cassettes are used extensively in semi-literate area for teaching and deepening, such as helping to bring local Spiritual Assemblies to an active level. Pioneer is able to do electronic and mechanical maintenance. For shipping instructions, please write to William Richter, c/o Hofeling, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850-3023. Please describe the equipment.

IBM PC or compatible wanted by pioneer for drafting manuscripts for daily 15-minute Bahá’í radio broadcasts and for cassettes for deepening. Must be reasonable cost. For shipping instructions, please write to William Richter, c/o Hofeling, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850-3023. Please describe the equipment.

WANTED: Prayers for the realization of the implications in the name of our city: Santa Fe, or "City of the Holy Faith." Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Santa Fe, P.O. Box 1767, Santa Fe, NM 87504 (phone 505-982-3788).

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 foster 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.

LET US hear from you! The Green Acre Bahá’í School has embarked on a campaign to collect historical records of the school as well as personal accounts of experiences from those who have attended Green Acre sessions. Our goals are to produce a commemorative book, a thorough history, and organized archives for the future Bahá’ís of the world. Please share with us the invaluable information, pictures, etc. you may have stored in your attic, and the feelings in your heart, by writing to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200).

BAHÁ’Í-sponsored, weekly one-hour radio program is set to air on the Pacifica public radio station in Houston, Texas, at the beginning of next year. Would appreciate donations of music of other cultures, themes of peace and Bahá’í principles, tapes, records, compact discs, poetry, readings, books and/or music. The show will include interviews of people who have lived in other cultures. If you plan to be in the Houston area in the future and would like to be interviewed for the program, or if you would like a copy of the program outline to use as a basis for your local community radio station, contact the Houston area Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, c/o Jackie Cone, Houston, TX 77081, or phone 713-667-2176.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists for the years 1952-67 for the states of Washington, Maine, New Mexico, Florida, Minnesota and Virginia. Anyone having lists he or she could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BERKELEY Bahá’í community alumni: please give us your name and address if you are interested in any of our "welcome home" events. Write to P.O. Box 765, Berkeley, CA 94701.

WE ARE getting ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington, and need information about pioneers and teachers to and from the 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).

SINGERS: The House of Worship Choir is looking for additional singers of all races and levels of experience to fill out its size and sound. This is an open invitation to all singers within driving distance of Wilmette to sing at the Mother Temple of the West. Also, if you or your community know of any singers from minority backgrounds, we would especially welcome their participation. We rehearse each Thursday evening and sing at devotional services two Sundays per month. Take part as much as your schedule allows—the idea is to join us in song and prayer as much as you are able ... and bring along a friend! For a choir schedule and more details, contact Merrill Miller at the Bahá’í National Center, 312-869-9039, ext. 283.

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. [Page 27]

CLASSIFIEDS

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala urgently needs simple, durable, lightweight, economical filmstrip and/or slide projectors. If you know where such equipment can be obtained, please send details about the cost with a description of the projector(s) to the National Spiritual Assembly, Guatemala.

ELECTROSTATIC copier for typewritten or printed matter is needed by a pioneer couple for making copies of teaching and deepening materials for seekers and Bahá’ís. Can give it a good home and loving care. For shipping instructions, please write to William Richter, c/o Hofeling, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850-3023. Please describe the equipment.

FOR SALE

PAMPHLETS: Seven introductory Bahá’í pamphlets are available. Sold in packs of 50 for $5, one title to a pack. For a sample set—one of each title—send four 22-cent stamps (unstuck please) to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291). We also have introductory pamphlets in Spanish and Vietnamese.

FOR SALE by State Farm Insurance: unique property in Valentine, Nebraska, in the heart of a recreation area and 20 miles from the Rosebud Reservation, site of much Bahá’í teaching since 1984. Lovely 8,000-square-foot house on two and one-half acres with 40 acres available. Has potential for lodge, restaurant, recreation center, and gardening. Tourism potential for hunting, fishing, canoeing and touring the beautiful Niobrara and Snake River areas. Those interested should have ambition, vision and the desire to own their own business. Financing available. Contact R. Schroeder, Dallas, TX 75224, or phone 214-373-3364. For more information about the area, write to Larry Scott, St. Francis, SD 57572, or phone 605-747-2133 before 8:30 a.m. central time.

AWARD-winning fireside video tape, “Bahá’í Faith: Put It to the Test,” is available (in 1/2-inch VHS format) for $10 plus $3 for shipping and handling. To obtain your copy, send a check to BIO (Bahá’í Information Office), P.O. Box 624, Dayton, OH 45409.

BAHÁ’Í book collection for sale: 160-plus titles, all in excellent condition, value in excess of $1,200 including nearly 60 titles unavailable from the Publishing Trust. Mostly hardcover, nearly all pre-1981. Splendid opportunity for a newly enrolled Bahá’í, a Bahá’í school or community library. Asking $595 (shipping within continental U.S. included). Full listing available for large SASE and two 22-cent stamps from H. Hall, P.O. Box 386, Ludington, MI 49431. Phone 616-845-0298 (evenings).

SCHOOLS

YOUTH seeking an education: consider Ferris State College in Michigan, an excellent school for many careers at a reasonable cost. Over the years, many seeds have been planted for the Faith at Ferris State, and the signs of a rich harvest are evident. Ferris is three hours from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, and less than one hour from several large communities with Assemblies. Splendid dental, pharmacy, business, computer, trade and industrial programs available. Learn an employable skill while serving the Faith in beautiful Big Rapids, Michigan. For information about the school, write to: Admissions, Ferris State College, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (phone 616-592-2100) or phone Richard Harmsen (a Bahá’í and FSC instructor) at 616-592-2847 or 616-796-1120 (evenings).

ESL (English as a Second Language) students needed to establish a Bahá’í Club at Seminole Community College near Orlando, Florida. Free tuition; excellent intensive ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) program; open-ended enrollment. Program includes TOEFL preparation. I-20’s available. Room, board, transportation and tutoring available for $350 a month in the lakeside home of a Bahá’í faculty member. Please contact Mrs. Kathryn Dekle Roberts, Chuluota, FL 32766 (phone 305-365-4499).

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING firm owned and managed by a Bahá’í family is seeking contributions for a prospective book, directed primarily toward youth, dealing with the many facets of chastity. Sought are personal truths based on experience, insights into the Bahá’í writings on the topic, observations of the negative social and psychological pressures facing youth and adults, and reflections on the immediate and long-term (whether spiritual, emotional, psychological or social) consequences of a chaste vs. unchaste condition. The project is consistent with specific goals of the Six Year Plan. Youth and adults of all ages are encouraged to share their experiences and insight on this critical topic; confidentiality is assured. Previous writing experience is not a prerequisite. If you have insights or experiences that you believe might be of help to youth or adults, single or married, in their efforts to attain to spotless chastity, please write for guidelines for submissions to: Publisher, GTTS Publishing, P.O. Box 424, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or phone (evenings) 616-796-1120.

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.

SEEKING contributions—experiences, insights, successes—for a book on Bahá’í family life that would serve as a resource for tested ideas and as an encouragement and inspiration for prospective and growing families. Topics should relate to such things as the moral and spiritual education of children and youth, practical ideas for inculcating Bahá’í identities in children, insights into how to make the home a haven and spiritually enriching environment for all family members, and practical approaches to everyday human relations and pragmatic problems. If you have raised children who are now dedicated to serving the Cause, if you have found practices, activities or customs that spiritually enrich the home and bring the family closer to God, please share your successes as well as any lessons, positive or negative, learned that may be of help to others. For more information and guidelines for submissions, write to GTTS Publishing, Box 424, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or phone 616-796-1120 (evenings).

MISCELLANEOUS

ATLANTA Bahá’ís ask others to join them for the third annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade on Monday, January 18. They would like to have 300-500 Bahá’ís take part. The parade begins at 1 p.m., allowing Bahá’ís from Georgia and nearby states to be able to participate and return home the same day. Bahá’í youth are forming a 50-100 strong flag corps. This is perhaps one of the major holiday parades in the country, will give the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ high visibility, and is a great way to teach. For more information, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

Thanks for identifying those in this picture!

This photograph was published in the March 1986 issue of The American Bahá’í as an unidentified photograph. Since then the following people have been identified: back row (left to right) Orville Fry, Betty Clark (Koyl), Anna Howard, Grace ?, Claude Winans. Front row (left to right) Nellie ?, Opal Winans, Count Harvey, Pearl Harvey, Mary Harvey, Marion Clark (Goodfellow).

Harrisburg Bahá’í among seven women honored by paper for careers, service

Joyce Ann Fox, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was among a group of seven area women singled out October 18 by the Harrisburg Patriot-News for “demonstrated excellence in their chosen careers or volunteer services.”

Ms. Fox, who is head nurse of Holy Spirit Hospital’s Drug and Alcohol Medical Services, has, says the newspaper, “demonstrated a strong commitment to service through her roles as a human services professional and community leader.

“Regardless of the area of human services in which she works, whether voluntary or professional, helping people has always been central to her personal and professional satisfaction.”

‘Silent auction’ at Florida Convention raises $1,474 for International Fund

Bahá’ís attending the Broward County, Florida, District Convention in October contributed $1,474 to help cover the National Fund’s $2-million commitment to the International Fund.

The money was collected via a silent auction held by Bahá’ís from Pembroke Pines who had been asked to give a presentation on the National Fund.

Following a talk by Auxiliary Board member Charles (Cap) Cornwell and the reading of messages from the Universal House of Justice and National Spiritual Assembly, the Bahá’ís from Pembroke Pines shared with the audience what they had learned during a pilgrimage to the World Center last May of the urgent need to support the efforts of the House of Justice to complete the Arc on Mount Carmel.

The presentation included slides taken on the pilgrimage, inspirational readings, and illustrations of how monies sent to the World Center are used.

The keynote speakers were:

• Craig Schindler, a former professor of environmental law at the University of California-Santa Cruz and now president of Project Victory, whose topic was “The Turning Point ... and Beyond.”
• Daniel Kerlinsky, a member of the Peace Studies Committee, assistant professor in the Children’s Psychiatric Hospital at UNM and delegate to the World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, who spoke on “Peace Studies: The Interdisciplinary Imagination.”

The program also included a dance performance by the Bahá’í Youth Workshop and music by John Barnes and Marva King, Bahá’ís from Los Angeles, California.

New from Kalimát Press

THE PEACE ORGANIZER 1988

A Bahá’í Calendar Compiled by Esther and Bill DeTally

A weekly planning calendar that can be used at your desk or as a carry-along organizer. Each month is devoted to a peace-related theme—Justice, World Order, Women, Faith, Education—with quotations from the Bahá’í Writings, from the scriptures of other religions, and from contemporary thinkers.

• Includes all Bahá’í Feasts, Holy Days, and anniversaries. Also, Christian and Jewish Holy Days, and national holidays.
• Three-ring binder (5 1/2 x 8 1/2) with grey vinyl cover allows easy addition of other items.
• A great holiday gift for non-Bahá’ís ... or for Bahá’ís.

$19.95* *Price valid only in the United States

Order through your local distribution representative, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling within the continental U.S.) to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue / Wilmette, IL 60091 / (1-800-323-1880) [Page 28]

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

“It is better to guide one soul than to possess all that is on earth, for as long as that guided soul is under the shadow of the tree of Divine Unity, he and the one who hath guided him will both be recipients of God’s tender mercy, whereas possession of earthly things will cease at the time of death. The path to guidance is one of love and compassion, not of force and coercion.” —The Báb (Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 77)

During the past year, approximately 200,000 visitors have come to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Some have come in tour groups, some to various programs at the House of Worship.

The large majority, however, have come as individuals or in small groups of family or friends to enjoy for a few minutes or a few hours the beauty and serenity of this spiritual place.

Our volunteer hosts and hostesses welcome these visitors as they enter the Visitors’ Center. We ask them if this is their first visit.

For the 80-85 per cent who are here for the first time, we suggest that they begin their tour in Foundation Hall with a 10-minute audio-visual presentation that will inform them about some of the history of the House of Worship and what the Faith stands for.

For those who have visited before, we ask if there is any way we can help make this visit more enjoyable for them.

Usually, the frequent visitor has brought first-time friends and is encouraged to act as a guide for those friends.

Often, we ask what has brought them back to the House of Worship. This friendly exchange encourages conversation and interaction between visitors and guides and, many times, results in interest cards being filled out by our guests.

The increase in the number of interest cards completed in the past few months has been dramatic, changing from less than one a day on the average to between 15-30 on a typical weekend during the past two months.

Many of those interested check the boxes that ask for “information on how to become a Bahá’í” or state that “I believe in Bahá’u’lláh and want to become a Bahá’í.”

It is important, says Ken Jeffers, administrator of the House of Worship, that once cards are forwarded to the proper communities prompt attention is given to their requests and further personal contact is made.

The recent increase in cards, he says, may be a result of:

1. A warm and friendly atmosphere in the Visitors’ Center.

2. More guides doing a better job of answering questions in Foundation Hall after the audio-visual presentation.

3. Interest cards placed in a more appropriate place on a writing table with a slot for the cards in the Visitors’ Center.

4. The quickening of the souls which has resulted from entry into the fourth epoch of the Faith as referred to by the Universal House of Justice.

In the past year, there have been about 50 declarations at the House of Worship.

One of these was Cheryl Lundgren of Lake Zurich, Illinois, who had heard of the Faith from the recruiting officer who had enlisted her in the Navy and brought her to the House of Worship.

She returned on her own a few days later and declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

On June 25, Barbara Wassilee, a Lakota who lives in Chicago, accepted the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings after visiting the House of Worship at the invitation of a visiting Bahá’í.

She said she had been outside the House of Worship before, but “did not know I was welcome within.” Her declaration followed her first visit.

Georgine Moore has been coming to the House of Worship since 1923 when she was in her mother’s womb and her mother would come to the Temple to pray.

At that time, only the basement was finished; it would be another seven years before the upper structure would begin to appear.

As a child and young adult, Georgine continued to visit the Temple often, with her mother or by herself. Through her seminary training and many of the twists and turns in her life, she always thought of herself as a believer in Bahá’u’lláh as well as a devoted Christian.

On June 3, 1987, Georgine made her formal declaration of belief in Bahá’u’lláh and became a member of the Bahá’í community of Evanston.

The Garcia family, Margontz, Kernich and son Omar, embraced the Faith at the House of Worship on October 11. The Garcias live in Chicago and have visited the House of Worship on several occasions. They are radiant new believers.

After the audio-visual program was shown on April 19 to about 20 visitors, they began to disperse — except for one woman who remained seated.

She hadn’t asked many questions, and when the guide approached to ask if she had enjoyed the film, she said “yes,” adding that she had seen it many times.

When asked where, she replied, “In Guatemala.” However, she had lived in the Wilmette area for 13 years.

She said she had been to Bahá’í meetings in Guatemala. When asked if she had thought about becoming a Bahá’í, she said, “Yes, I have.”

When asked what it was that was keeping her from becoming a Bahá’í, she said “nothing,” and added that she would like to become a Bahá’í now.

During the conversation she mentioned that her friend, who was also from Guatemala, was outside in the gardens, and she felt that she, too, would like to embrace the Faith.

So on April 19, Elsa Melgan and Raquel Vargas of Highwood, Illinois, entered the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh at the House of Worship.

Rachel Daniels, the oldest of four children of a Bahá’í mother in Chicago, declared her faith while at the House of Worship on October 25. She has been attending Feasts, children’s classes, and many other Bahá’í activities for several years due to the encouragement of her mother.

One of the most recent new believers at the House of Worship is Thomas Lavigne, a 25-year-old law student from Detroit who recently returned from eight weeks in China where he was on an extended visit with many other students interested in world law.

When he stopped in Chicago to visit a friend on his way back to Detroit, another friend told him he must visit the Bahá’í House of Worship because of its beauty and symbolism.

Thomas jogged eight miles looking for the Temple, asking many people along the way, “Where is the beautiful House of Worship?”

People kept directing him north toward Wilmette until, finally, he saw the Temple rising above the trees. He approached with awe, he said later, his feet literally dancing for joy as he pirouetted around the concrete apron.

Upstairs, a guide engaged him in a brief conversation, saying, “You already sound like a Bahá’í,” and suggesting that he “go downstairs to our Visitors’ Center and ask for the administrator.”

At 6 p.m. Sunday, November 1, Thomas wholeheartedly embraced the Cause, and after a joyous dinner gathering at a Bahá’í home, began his homeward flight to Detroit where he would meet his new Bahá’í family — a few short hours after seeing the Temple and meeting his first Bahá’ís.

These are but a few of the more than 50 souls who have declared their belief in the Glory of God at the House of Worship in recent months.

Campus

from page 7

Bahá’í and decide to look into the Faith because your club was concentrating on the basics.

“...you, if you act in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, may rest assured that you will be aided and confirmed. In all affairs you undertake, you will be rendered victorious, and all the inhabitants of the earth cannot withstand you. You are the conquerors because the power of the Holy Spirit is your assistant.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in Star of the West, Vol 4, p. 118)

We’re not always the best judge of when we’ve done best for Faith

At the Green Lake Conference in Wisconsin this fall, a Bahá’í from Canada told a story of how her sister had been a homefront pioneer many years ago in South Carolina.

Although she arrived at her post as a single woman with much time to devote to Bahá’í activities, she soon married and began a family, which limited the time in which she could be involved outside the home. Her home, however, was a meeting-place for the local Bahá’í community. She and her family left South Carolina after some years, and the woman felt that she had not been able to do as much for the Faith as she had hoped.

This year the National Spiritual Assembly wished to commemorate the address by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) by presenting a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to the president of that organization at its annual convention in New York. Such a presentation seemed impossible, however, because of the many other items on the agenda.

A Bahá’í from South Carolina, who had been a friend of the NAACP president for years, offered to call him. In spite of the heavy agenda, the president said he would welcome a Bahá’í speaker at the convention and would somehow make room for the presentation.

Brushing aside thanks, the president explained that many years ago, while he was a teen-ager in South Carolina, he had been invited to a Bahá’í home. It was the first time he had ever entered the home of a white person. When he walked in the door, he said, he was welcomed as if he were a member of the family.

This was the home of the woman who felt she had not done enough for the Faith while she was in South Carolina.

Ohio Bahá’í finalist in 33rd annual Merit Scholarship program

Kean Oh, a Bahá’í who is a senior at Poland Seminary High School in Poland, Ohio, is one of 15,000 students chosen nationwide as finalists in the 33rd annual Merit Scholarship program.

These academically talented students will have an opportunity to continue in the 1988 competition for about 6,000 Merit Scholarships worth more than $23 million.

Mr. Oh, who was born in Malaysia and came to the U.S. in 1972 when he was 11 months old, spent the summers of ‎1965-68 1985-87‎ as a student at the Center for the Advancement of Academically Talented Students at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Traveling teacher Rosanne Groger (center) teaches a children’s class on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona during a two-week visit this summer.

In Arizona, traveling teacher lends talent to teaching non-Bahá’í Indian children

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after His visit to the U.S. and Canada in 1912, called on the Bahá’ís in those countries to arise and carry the Faith to all areas of their own nations and to the rest of the world.

In responding to that call, Rosanne Groger of California found traveling teaching to be a rewarding experience and a fantastic opportunity to share the Faith.

Several options for teaching are available on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, but in traveling there last summer, Ms. Groger was uncertain as to exactly what would be required of her during her two-week stay.

On arriving at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, she consulted with the friends about the needs of the community. It was decided that her talents could best be used teaching children’s classes for 10-12 Hopi and Navajo children from non-Bahá’í families.

The classes used the arts to teach spiritual principles. Through jazz dance classes, the children learned a new art form. Also, spiritual qualities were taught during class, especially a strong attitude of prayer. Often, the children prayed in a nearby prayer hogan, and sometimes read from prayer books on their own.

The desire of the children to stay at the Institute all day showed the enthusiasm created by this environment.

During two presentations, the children taught their parents what they had learned in class. Through these experiences their families learned about the Faith.

Ms. Groger later said that one of the most rewarding aspects of the teaching trip was the close relationships she formed with the children.

Moreover, many opportunities to teach the Faith were created by the trip.

Of His own Revelation, Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad tidings of this Revelation....”

Rosanne Groger, and many other traveling teachers, are fulfilling His desire. [Page 29]‘I want to be a butterfly!’ (Continued from the September 1987 issue)

Hong became enchanted. Her eyes filled, tears plopped on the tiny creature floundering in her hands, and away it flew, none the worse for its unexpected shower.

“I want to be a butterfly!” she cried, as she followed the azure wings out of sight across the meadow. She was five years old, speaking Persian, Chinese and English at home.

“You are a butterfly, love,” her mother consoled.

“I am?”

“You fly from place to place, don’t you?” said father, holding her left hand.

“And you are beautiful,” said mother, holding her right hand.

“And you love flowers,” through which they were passing, “and you are soft and gentle.”

Hong was looking down, still unsatisfied. “But I’m not purple and blue!” she rightly complained. Father yielded the floor to mother; mother passed.

On they walked as Hong studied the ground. At last they came to a patch of wildflowers—purple, dusty red, golden and bright yellow. Hong selected a bunch, and, raising it to her parents, declared, “I want to be these colors too!”

“All at one time?” said father, receiving the gift.

“Yes.”

“What about at night?” mother asked. “We won’t be able to see you.”

“You won’t?”

“Without the sun the flowers wouldn’t have their colors. The sun gives color to everything.”

Hong thought hard, and studied her flowers. “I’m going to give back all my colors,” she said.

“But why?”

She looked across the morning land, and her vision grasped anew the butterfly’s blue, the dragonfly’s wispy green, the meadow’s gold, and all the dawn colors about her. “I want to be like the sun,” she said.

“Inshallah,” said mother and father. “Inshallah.”

ویدیوى "بخاطر يك قطره از خون عاشق" به نمایش گذارده شد. شركت كنندگان بعد از دیدن فیلم مذكور به مذاكره درباره آن پرداختند. در خاتمه مناجاتهائى به زبان انگلیسى و فرانسه تلاوت گردید.

لجنه ناحیه اى اورلندو براى اولین بار در تابستان سال جارى از طرف لجنه ملى امور احباى ایرانى/آمریكائى انتخاب گردیده است.

با اقوام و خویشان و غیره، در میان بسیارى از اقلیتها و خصوصاً سیاهپوستان وجود دارد. اینگونه مشابهتها زمینه مشتركى در اختیار ایرانیان میگذارد و راه معاشرت و دوستى با سیاهان و دیگر اقلیتها را هموار میكند.

آنچه از این پس نگارش مییابد میتواند فهرستى از كارها و رفتارهائى باشد كه با بكار بردن آگاهانه آن بتوان در راه رفع تعصبات گام نهاد و مصداقى عینى و عملى براى مفهوم وحدت در كثرت یافت. البته اذعان میكنیم كه این فهرست كامل و جامعى نیست و امیدواریم یاران عزیز ایرانى به قوه ابتكار فطرى خود بر مواردى كه یاد میشود بیافزایند و ما و دیگران را نیز از آن باخبر سازند.

وحدت نژاد و بهائیان ایرانی

چند راه حل ساده

در طى سلسله مقالاتى كه راجع به وحدت نژاد و بهائیان ایرانى در شماره‌هاى قبلى مرقوم گردید، سعى بر آن بود كه درباره گذشته سیاهپوستان در ایالات متحده و تاریخ روابط نژادى تا زمان حال مطالبى به اختصار نگاشته شود. همچنین كوششى به عمل آمد كه اوضاع بهائیان سیاهپوست از آغاز تاریخ امرى ایالات متحده تا امروز مجملاً به آگاهى خوانندگان برسد. سپس كیفیت تعصبات نژادى و بومى ایرانیان بطور كلى مرورى شد و آنگاه وضع كنونى بهائیان ایرانى ساكن این كشور و سوء تفاهمهاى ناشى از روابط آنان با سیاهان مختصراً بررسى گردید.

مطالبى كه اكنون به نظر خوانندگان میرسد، میتواند در واقع نتیجه مباحث قبلى و بعنوان راه حلهایى ساده‌اى جهت رفع تعصبات و سوء تفاهمات نسبت به سیاهان و دیگر اقلیتهای بومی و نژادی و ایجاد تفاهم بیشتر با آنها، تلقى شود.

قبلاً نوشته شد كه بهائیان ایرانى از دیرباز با مفهوم تعصب آشنا بوده و چه بسا كه در وطن مقدس خویش كمابیش آماج تیر تبعیض و در نتیجه مورد آزار و ستم قرار گرفته‌اند. باز گفته شد كه اگر چه اذیت و محرومیتى كه احباى ایرانى گرفتار آن بوده‌اند فى‌نفسه ناروا و ستمگرانه است ولى میتواند در عین حال تجربه‌اى آموزنده و سودمند باشد. همچنین گفته شد كه تلاش ما بر آن خواهد بود كه با همدلى و مهربانى دردآشناى دردمندان شویم تا درد آشناى خود را در آنان بازیابیم و هم بكوشیم تا در وراى نام و ننگ، و در آنسوى رسم و رنگ بر بساط برادرى و برابرى بنشینیم.

یادآورى این نكته لازم بنظر میرسد كه چون ایرانیان ساكن ایالات متحده خود نیز اقلیتى در این كشور بشمار میروند، به آسانى میتوانند با سایر اقلیتها از در دوستى درآیند. همچنین مشابهتهاى بسیارى در میان ایرانیان و دیگر اقلیتها از لحاظ آداب و رسوم وجود دارد. مفاهیمى چون احترام به بزرگترها، علاقه به معاشرت و مهمان نوازى، روابط نزدیك خانوادگى و معاشرت پیوسته با اقوام و خویشان و غیره، در میان بسیارى از اقلیتها و خصوصاً سیاهپوستان وجود دارد.

- گام نخستین خواندن آثار مباركه بهائى راجع به اتحاد و ترك تعصبات است. بدون كمك از چشمه زاینده و جوشان آیات الهى درك مفهوم وحدت و سعى در ترك تعصبات اگر محال نباشد دست كم بسیار دشوار است. مطالعه دقیق توقیع "ظهور عدل الهى" كه براى احباى ایرانى ساكن ایالات متحده از ضروریات است. همچنین مناجات به درگاه الهى را از یاد نباید برد.

- دیگر تأسى به رفتار حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá است. مطالبى كه درباره روش مركز میثاق نسبت به سیاهان نگارش یافته و تأسى به حركات آن پدر مهربان بهترین راه براى ایجاد تفاهم با سیاهان است.

- دیگر آشنائى با فرهنگ اقلیتهاست. مطالعه آثار فرهنگى و ادبى اقلیتها و دیدن آثار هنرى آنها مانند نقاشى و تئاتر یكى از مؤثرترین راههاى آشنائى با آداب و رسوم و انتظارات آنانست.

- دیگر معاشرت و دوستى حقیقى با اقلیتهاست. باید توجه داشت كه بسیارى از افرادى كه طی سالیان دراز مورد تبعیض قرار گرفته‌اند عواطفى بسیار حساس دارند و اگر در معاشرت رنگ ریا و تصنع به چشمشان بخورد سخت دلگیر میشوند.

- دیگر استخدام اقلیتهاست. آن دسته از ایرانیانى كه از لحاظ كار و حرفه در موقعیتى قرار دارند كه افرادى را استخدام كنند، میتوانند با استخدام اقلیتها خدمتى درخور به آنان نمایند.

- دیگر مسافرتهاى تبلیغى و تشویقى و یا مهاجرت به ایالات و نقاطى است كه ساكنان آن از اقلیتها میباشند. در این مقوله میتوان بعنوان بعضى از نقاط روستائى ایالات جنوبى و مناطق سرخپوست نشین را بعنوان مثال نام برد.

- دیگر نگهداری از اطفال مادران یا پدرانى است كه باید كار كنند و ناچارند كه فرزندان خردسال خود را به مؤسسات نگهداری اطفال بسپارند.

- دیگر تقدیم تبرعات و سایر خدمات به مؤسسه لوئیس گرگورى است. این مؤسسه كه بنام یكى از خدوم‌ترین و سرشناس‌ترین بهائیان سیاهپوست ایالات متحده نامیده شده، موفقیتهاى گوناگونى در مورد ایجاد اتحاد و تفاهم در میان اقلیتها و خصوصاً سیاهان داشته است.

مطالب فوق بعنوان نمونه ایست از آنچه میتوان راجع به ادغام و آمیزش فرهنگى و حصول الفت و تفاهم مابین بهائیان ایرانى و سایر اقلیتها بیان نمود. اما غافل نباید بود كه همت شخصى افراد در مورد ترك تعصباتى كه در طى سالها در منش آدمى رسوخ یافته اهمیتى فوق‌العاده دارد. تا تلاش فردى و كوشش ارادى افراد براى كسب فضائل و ترك رذائل نباشد هر راه حل دیگرى زائد و عبث مینماید.

اهل بهاء نیك آگاهند كه بدون جنگ با تعصب نژاد و رنگ و بدون ستیز با ننگ، تبعیض، این جهان، جهان دیگر نخواهد شد. اگر بهائیان نیز سنگر رها كنند و تسلیم تعصب و تبعیض شوند، دیگر چگونه میتوان به تحقق وحدت نوع انسان امید بست؟

آغاز این سلسله مقالات با درج فقراتى از آثار مباركه آراسته شد، چه بهتر كه انجام آنها نیز با نقل قسمتى از یكى از الواح حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá مزین شود.

"امروز اعظم مواهب الهیه اتحاد و اتفاق احباست تا این اتحاد و اتفاق سبب ترویج وحدت عالم انسانى گردد و جهان از این ظلمت شدید بغض و عدوان رهائى یابد...." [Page 30]...را با این آشنا میگذراند و زمانی را با دیگری. جلسه سرانجام در روز ۵ تیر ماه سال ۱۳۶۳ در خیابان دستگیر شد و به زندان اوین اعزام گردید. بیش از چهار ماه و نیم در آن محبس بود. بارها مورد شکنجه و عذاب واقع شد، بطوریکه یکبار پس از شکنجه بسیار او را جهت مداوا به بیمارستانی انتقال دادند. عاقبت چون مخالفان بوی تبری از او نشنیدند و نشان انکار و اعراض در او ندیدند، حکم اعدامش را صادر نمودند. بار دیگر عاشقی دلداده راه معشوق دلبرده را پی گرفت. گلی از بوستانی پرپر شد، آبی برآمد و خونی بچکید. در روز ۲۶ آبان سال ۱۳۶۲، پیکر عاشق صادق دیگری بر دار شد و ارزشهای والای آدمی دیگر بار ارتقائی یافت.

دکتر اصدقی براستی نمونه اخلاق و صفات عالی انسانی بود. پزشك جانها و طبیب دلها بود. در خدمت به امر بهاء به اصحاب وفا اقتدا کرد. دلی پاك داشت و بدین سبب دمش درمان بود. علیرغم برخورداری از میراث پدری، در نهایت انقطاع میزیست. در جهان ولی نه از جهان بود. سیمایی آرام و آرامش بخش داشت. از چشمانش عطوفت و مهر میبارید و محشرش همه صفا و خلوص بود. آنها که میشناختندش همصحبتي و دوستیش را افتخار بزرگی میدانستند.

مادر و همسر و فرزند خردسالش از او باز مانده‌اند. روانش غرق نور ایزدی باد!

جلسه مشترک محافل ملی کانادا و ایالات متحده آمریکا

JOINT MEETING OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA AND THE U.S

از تاریخ ۱۶ الی ۱۸ ماه اکتبر سال جاری اعضای محافل روحانی ملی بهائیان کانادا و ایالات متحده بهمراهی مشاورین قاره‌ای ساکن در آمریکای شمالی در جلسات مشترکی که در پورت هوپ Port Hope واقع در ایالت اونتاریو در کشور کانادا انعقاد یافت شرکت جستند.

روح یگانگی در این جلسات دمیده شده بود و کلیه شرکت کنندگان درباره اقدامات لازم برای تحقق وعده‌های حضرت عبدالبهاء که در الواح فرامین تبلیغی Divine Plan مندرج گردیده و همچنین اتمام ساختمانهای قوس کوه کرمل به بحث و مذاکره پرداختند.

از جمله در جلسات مذکور قرار گذاشته شد که مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضای دو محفل ملی شخصاً در خدمات تبلیغی شرکت جویند و هیئت مشاورین مصمم گشته‌اند که لشکری از مبلغین فراهم آورند و به ابلاغ پیام الهی به اهالی این دو کشور پهناور مبادرت نمایند.

محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان کانادا و ایالات متحده تصمیماتی جهت رسیدن به مراحل جدیدتری از وحدت عمل اتخاذ نمودند که عبارتند از:

- تهیه دو نوار ویدیوئی درباره اعلام اتمام بنای قوس در کوه کرمل. یکی از این دو نوار مخصوص بهائیان است و در ماه دسامبر منتشر خواهد شد و دیگری برای عموم است و در رضوان انتشار خواهد یافت.

- تشریک مساعی در زمینه اموری که مورد نظر و احتیاج دو جامعه امری کانادا و ایالات متحده میباشد از قبیل تهیه مواد و جزواتی برای ترشید و معلومات و تبلیغ سرخپوستان آمریکای شمالی و اختلاط احبای ایرانی با یاران غیر ایرانی و تعلیم و تربیت کودکان و نوجوانان و تهیه مطالبی برای تدریس در مدارس تابستانه.

- انعقاد کنفرانس مشترکی به مدت يك هفته برای مذاکره درباره دخول گروهی مردم در ظل امر مبارک.

علاوه بر این اقدامات امنای صندوق هر يك از این محافل به تشریک مساعی برای ازدیاد تبرعات خواهند پرداخت.

شرح این جلسات مشترک به بیت‌العدل اعظم مخابره گردید. معهد اعلی اقدامات محافل ملی مذکور و مشاورین قاره‌ای را تمجید نمودند و تلگراف ذیل را ارسال داشتند:

"خبر کنفرانس موفقیت آمیز هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده و کانادا باعث سرور موفور این مشتاقان گردید. مطمئنیم که اقدامات آن عزیزان و روح و تشریک مساعی محبت آمیزی که در جلسه مذکور دمیده شده بود، مغناطیس قوای متزایده روحانیه ای جهت تقویت مجاهدات فداکارانه یاران محبوب و عزیز، در آمریکای شمالی خواهد بود."

بیت‌العدل اعظم

طرح تبلیغ اقلیتها

IRANIAN BAHA’IS TEACH OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS

در روز ۳۰ آگوست سال جاری لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی از لجنه ملی نشر نفحات و لجنه ملی وحدت نژاد دعوتی به عمل آورد تا درباره موضوع ادغام و اختلاط در جوامعی که تعداد معتنابهی از یاران ایرانی سکونت دارند به مشورت و مذاکره پرداخته به ارائه طرحی موفق شود. چهار شهر و حومه‌های آن برای این طرح در نظر گرفته شده‌اند که عبارتند از: آتلانتا در ایالت جورجیا، دالاس در ایالت تکزاس، واشنگتن دی‌سی و لوس آنجلس.

یکی از راههایی که برای تحقق اختلاط یاران ایرانی با افراد غیرایرانی پیشنهاد شد، تشویق دوستان ایرانی جهت ابلاغ امرالله به اقلیتهای بومی و نژادی بود. دلائل مختلفی این پیشنهاد را موجه میکرد که برخی از آنها در زیر نقل میشود:

۱- تنوع و گوناگونی جامعه بهائی مانع از نتایج زیانبار حاصله از تمرکز زیاده از حد يك گروه است. به علاوه، این تنوع جامعه بهائی را جذابیتی میبخشد که بنوبه خود باعث ورود افراد بیشتری در ظل امر مبارک خواهد بود.

۲- همگونی و مشابهتهای بسیاری در میان آداب و رسوم و ارزشهای ایرانیان و اقلیتهای بومی و نژادی وجود دارد. به همین جهت بهائیان ایرانی زودتر مورد قبول سیاهپوستان و سرخپوستان و زردپوستان و سایر اقلیتها قرار میگیرند.

از لجنات ناحیه ای امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی و لجنات ناحیه ای نشر نفحات دعوت شده است که جهت تحقق این منظور به تشریک مساعی بپردازند. همچنین از یاران عزیز الهی تقاضا میشود که تا آنجا که ممکن است در این خدمات تبلیغی شرکت نمایند و بدین ترتیب ضامن سعادت جاودانی خود گردند.

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

جمال مبارک در لوحی میفرمایند: "امر به اداء حقوق، این فضلی بود از جانب حقّ جَلَّ جَلالُه و خیر آن به عاملین راجع. باید کلّ شکر نمایند حقّ منیع را که ایشان را مؤید فرمود بر اداء حقوق."

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 موسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust Rocky River, OH. 44116

جلسه الفت احباء در اورلندو

INTEGRATION CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO

در روز ۲۱ اکتبر سال جاری لجنه ناحیه ای امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی در اورلندو Orlando واقع در ایالت فلوریدا جلسه‌ای در حظیرةالقدس آن شهر تشکیل دادند. در این جلسه ۴۵ نفر از احبای ایرانی و غیرایرانی شرکت نمودند. جلسه با تلاوت مناجاتها و الواحی به زبان فارسی و انگلیسی آغاز شد. سپس مطالبی راجع به علت و هدف از تشکیل جلسه گفته شد و پس از آن... [Page 31]

یادی از دکتر فرهاد اصدقی

MARTYR’S FILE

جناب دکتر فرهاد اصدقی بسال ۱۳۳۱ در خانواده‌ای مؤمن در شهر طهران متولد گردید. اجدادش از بهائیان اولیه آذربایجان بودند. دوران طفولیت او در طهران گذشت. تحصیلات ابتدائی و متوسطه‌اش به ترتیب در دبستان منوچهری و دبیرستان البرز اکمال پذیرفت. مادر ایشان حکایت میکند که از همان دوره کودکی هرگاه از او میپرسیدند که در آینده چه شغلی خواهد داشت، با معصومیت کودکانه میگفت که میخواهد پزشک شود و بیماران را مجاناً مداوا نماید. اکثر کودکان در دوره طفولیت درباره شغل آینده خود رؤیاهائی میپردازند و تنها معدودی به آرزوهای کودکی تحقق میبخشند. دکتر اصدقی از جمله این معدود کسان بود. میخواست که مانند جناب دکتر مهاجر که از طرف مادر یکی از منسوبان بود به خدمت امر مبارک پردازد و روز و روزگار زندگانی را وقف فداکاری و پاکبازی سازد.

بدین امید با جدیت تحصیلات دبیرستان را گذراند و در دانشگاه ملی ایران پذیرفته شد و از پائیز سال ۱۳۴۹ به تحصیل علم طب پرداخت.

در سال ۱۳۵۷ پدر خود را از دست داد. با اینکه علاقه‌ای ناگسستنی با پدر داشت و حکم فراق برایش بسی دشوار بود، با فقراتی از آثار مبارکه، از جمله بیان مبارک حضرت بهاءالله در کلمات مکنونه "جَعَلْتُ لَکَ المَوْتَ بِشارَةً کَیْفَ تَحْزَنُ مِنْهُ" (مرگ را از برای تو نویدی ساختم، چگونه است که از آن غمگینی؟)، خود را تسلی میداد. در سال ۱۳۵۸ با درجه عالی به اخذ مدرک دکتری در رشته طب توفیق یافت. از این پس وارد خدمت نظام وظیفه شد و به بیرجند منتقل گردید. لازم به تذکر است که او میتوانست بعنوان کفالت قانوناً تقاضای معافیت از خدمت نظام نماید اما نظر به انجام وظیفه و خدمت به ملت و مملکت و مداوای بیماران در نقاط دورافتاده، بر آن شد که در کسوت سرباز به خدمت بپردازد. پس از چند ماه مطبی در بیرجند دائر نمود. صبحها در پادگان خدمت میکرد و بعد از ظهرها در مطب خود مریضان را درمان مینمود.

مطب او يك آپارتمان چند اطاقه بود و صاحب آن حاجی متدین و متعصبی بود. در ابتدا بعضی از کسبه شهر حاجی مذکور را سرزنش میکردند و خود او نیز از اینکه ملک خود را به يك فرد بهائی کرایه داده ناراضی و پشیمان بود، اما رفته رفته که اهالی شهر جوان بهائی را شناختند و مفتون حسن معاشرت و اخلاق و رفتار او شدند، حاجی نیز حسن نیتی نسبت به او حاصل کرد و بعدها که دکتر اصدقی در زندان بسر میبرد حتی پروانه کسب و کار خود را نیز در گرو نهاد و ضامن آزادی او گردید.

رفتار دکتر اصدقی با بیماران و طریقه مداوای آنان براستی نمونه حیات يك طبیب بهائی بود. بدین قرار که مریضان را به دقت معاینه میکرد و مدت زیادی را صرف مطالعه پرونده آنان مینمود. کسانی را که استطاعت مالی نداشتند مجاناً مداوا میکرد و دارو میداد. همچنین در مطب خود بخشی را به تزریقات تخصیص داده و سه نفر را که بیکار شده بودند استخدام کرده بود. بابت اطاقی که در اختیار آنها گذاشته بود نه تنها کرایه‌ای نمیگرفت بلکه ماهیانه حقوقی نیز به آنها میداد.

چون در بیرجند کمبودی از لحاظ چشم پزشک بود، دکتر اصدقی شبها را به مطالعه درباره چشم پزشکی میگذراند تا بتواند با آشنائی به این حرفه نیز به مردم شهر خدمت نماید. پس از مدتی که به کلیات چشم پزشکی علم حاصل نمود، کسانی را که احتیاج به درمان چشم داشتند نیز میپذیرفت. یکی از اطاقهای مطب را اختصاص به کارگاه عینک سازی داد و وسایل لازم را خرید و با وارد کردن شیشه‌های عینک از طهران و بکار گماردن شخصی بعنوان سرپرست کارگاه، در مطب خود به وضع کسانیکه احتیاج به متخصص تعیین نمره عینک داشتند رسیدگی میکرد و برایشان عینک میساخت و از این طریق هم خدمت و مساعدتی به مردم میکرد. البته چون مردم استطاعت مالی چندانی برای خرید عینک نداشتند، وجهی که در قبال ساختن عینک دریافت میداشت بسیار اندک بود.

علاوه بر این خدمات امری و لاجرم انسانی، در روزهای تعطیل با وسائل پزشکی و مقادیری دارو به دهات اطراف میرفت و روستائیانی را که احتیاج به مداوا داشتند و به علت اشتغال به کار یا عدم برخورداری از امکانات مالی قادر به دیدن پزشک نبودند، مجاناً معاینه میکرد و دارو میداد. بعضی از شبها پس از تعطیل مطب با مقداری دارو به دیدار بیمارانش میرفت و تا پاسی از شب گذشته، به عیادت و معاینه و مداوای آنان مبادرت مینمود. نفسش پاک بود و قلبش عاری از ریا. لاجرم هم پزشک جسم بیماران بود و هم طبیب دل و جان آنان.

اما در مورد خدمات تشکیلاتی دکتر اصدقی باید گفت که در دوره نوجوانی در کمیسیونها و لجنات جوانان عضویت داشت. بعدها به عضویت لجنه ملی نشر نفحات درآمد و سپس در لجنه ملی جوانان به خدمت اشتغال یافت. پس از انتقال به بیرجند نیز افتخار عضویت در محفل روحانی آن شهر نصیبش گردید و مدتی هم در جرگه مساعدین و سپس هیئت معاونت انتصاب یافت. پس از آنکه اعضای محفل روحانی ملی برای بار دوم دستگیر شدند، چون نام دکتر اصدقی در صورت ذخیره اعضای آتی محفل ملی بود، به عضویت آن محفل مقدس درآمد و در عالیترین و پرخطرترین تشکیل اداری امر در ایران به خدمت ادامه داد.

از خدمات تبلیغی او نیز باید یاد کرد. در دوران دانشجوئی به سفرهای تبلیغی مبادرت میکرد. و از سال ۱۳۵۶ تا سال ۱۳۵۸ با عده‌ای از دوستان به یکی از نقاط شمال شرقی ایران به نام شیان هجرت نمود و به تأسیس محفل روحانی توفیق یافت. ناگفته نماند که در دوره نوجوانی و جوانی خود با حضور در کلاسهای مبلغاتی چون دکتر مسیح فرهنگی و جناب موحد، که هر دو در وقایع اخیر به دام ناپاکان افتادند و اولی قتیل و دومی ناپدید گردید، بر معلومات امری خویش میافزود و چه بسا که خود را برای مقام شهادت آماده میساخت.

آوازه محبوبیت دکتر اصدقی و خدمات تبلیغی و امری او در بیرجند پیچیده بود. مخالفان امر نیز بهائی بودن او را مستمسکی ساختند و در ۷ شهریور ماه سال ۱۳۶۰ او را بازداشت کردند و روانه زندان نمودند. زندان مذکور حظيرة القدس سابق بیرجند بود که چندی قبل از طرف حکومت مصادره شده بود. دکتر اصدقی مدت سه ماه و نیم در زندان بسر برد ولی پس از محاکمه، با ایراد دفاعیه بلیغی آزاد گردید. روز پس از آزادی که مصادف با گرفتاری اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بود به طهران احضار گردید و چنانکه گفته شد به عضویت آن محفل مقدس انتخاب شد.

از این پس به طهران رفت و خدمات پزشکی و امری را همچنان ادامه داد. آتش عشق در تمامی وجودش چنان زبانه میکشید که زمام آرام و قرار را از کفش ربوده بود. خور و خواب را گذاشته بود و روز و شب را در خدمت دوستان میگذراند. بیماران را درمان میکرد، مستمندان را مساعدت رایگان مینمود، رنجوران را غمگسار بود و محرومان و مأیوسان را امید میبخشید.

چون مطابق قانون کشوری، پزشکان میبایست سالی یکبار به نقاط دور افتاده و جبهه بروند، او خود بندر عباس را برگزید و راهی آن دیار شد. چند روزی بیش نگذشته بود که به علت عضویت در محفل روحانی ملی از طرف حکومت تحت تعقیب قرار گرفت و شبانه به خانه او هجوم آوردند. اما او که خود بوئی از ماجرا برده بود قبلاً از مهلکه دور شد و به طهران بازگشت.

از این پس دوران آوارگی پیاپی او آغاز شد. هر شب در منزل یکی به سر میبرد. روزی... [Page 32]

دربارهء اطاعت از تشکیلات

OBEDIENCE TO THE INSTITUTIONS

مفهوم نظم اداری بدان صورت که در امر بهائی بیان گردیده در ادیان گذشته وجود ندارد. اوضاع و شرایط جهان و اهداف و مقاصد آن ادیان در زمان ظهور خود وجود چنان نظمی را اقتضاء نمی‌نمود. علم لایتناهای الهی در زمان ظهور جمال قدم با توجه به هدف غائی دیانت بهائی - که همانا ایجاد وحدت در میان همه مردمان است - مصلحت چنان دید که نظم اداری با ویژگیهایش در ظهور جدید به بنی آدم اعطاء گردد.

نظم اداری فی نفسه مفهومی انتزاعی است و برای ظهور محتاج به وسائلی است. در امر بهائی ظهور نظم اداری در قالب تشکیلات امری حصول می‌یابد. بدین معنی که تشکیلاتی با مسؤولیتها و اختیاراتی در نظر گرفته شده تا بتواند حامل و محل بروز نظم اداری به حساب آید. در ادیان گذشته بسیاری از وظائفی که در آئین بهائی بر عهده تشکیلات گذاشته شده، بر ذمّه افراد یا مؤسسات خاص آن ادیان بود. فی‌المثل در عالم مسیحیت پاپها و اساقفه و سایر افرادی که در سلسله مراتب روحانیون قرار دارند، و همچنین خود کلیسا عهده‌دار این وظائف بودند. در عالم اسلام مراجعی چون محاکم شرعی و برخی از متعلقات دستگاه خلافت، و قضات و ولاة و جمعی از فقهاء و علماء موظف به ایفای این مسؤولیتها بودند.

تشکیلات نظام اداری در امر بهائی علاوه بر ایفای وظائف و مسؤولیتهای خاص خود عهده‌دار وظائف افراد و جانشین مراجعی است که در ادیان قبل وجود داشته‌اند. نبودن طبقه‌ای به نام فقهاء و علماء در شریعت جمال قدم خود حاکی از این امر است.

تشکیلات اداری امر بهائی در سه مرحله محلی (یا ناحیه‌ای) و ملی و بین‌المللی قرار دارد. افرادی که در این مؤسسات به خدمت می‌پردازند یا از طرف جامعه‌ای (محلی، ملی، یا بین‌المللی) با رأی سرّی و آزاد انتخاب شده‌اند، یا از طرف یکی از تشکیلات بهائی (که اعضای آن انتخاب شده‌اند) به سمت خود انتصاب یافته‌اند. در مرحله اول از تشکیلات انتخابی محافل روحانی محلی قرار دارند که اعضای آنها با رأی افراد جوامع محلی به مدت يك سال انتخاب میشوند. در مرحله بعدی محافل روحانی ملی جای دارند که اعضای آنها در دو مرحله ناحیه‌ای و ملی جهت تمشیت امور جوامع ملی به مدت يك سال انتخاب میشوند. در رأس تشکیلات بهائی بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی قرار دارد که امنای آن از طرف اعضای محافل ملی هر پنج سال یکبار انتخاب میشوند. اهل بهاء باید آنچه را که بیت‌العدل اعظم مقرر بدارد بی چون و چرا مجری دارند، چه که به اعتقاد آنان بیت‌العدل اعظم در مورد مسائل مربوط به جامعه بهائی مصون از خطاست.

ناگفته نماند که تصمیمات محافل محلی و ملی نیز برای بهائیان لازم‌الاجراست اما چون قرارهای این محافل مصون از خطا نیست در مورد آنها میتوان به تشکیلات بالاتر رجوع کرد و تقاضای رسیدگی مجدد نمود. این مراجعه به مقام بالاتر در مورد بیت‌العدل اعظم امکان پذیر نیست.

محافل روحانی محلی و ملی و همچنین بیت‌العدل اعظم افراد و مؤسساتی را جهت مساعدت در اجرای وظائف خود به خدمات امری انتصاب مینمایند. لجنات محلی و ملی جوانان، نشر نفحات، مهاجرت و غیره، و مؤسساتی چون مؤسسه مطبوعات امری و نظائر آن نمونه‌ای از این مقوله‌اند. وجود هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و هیئت معاونت و مساعدین که همگی عهده‌دار دو وظیفه اصلی تبلیغ امرالله و حفظ و صیانت جامعه میباشند از جمله مواردی است که افراد بهائی برای ایفای مسؤولیت خاصی انتصاب میگردند.

در مرام اهل بهاء تشکیلات اداری در خدمت امر بهائی، در خدمت جامعه بهائی اعم از محلی و ملی و بین‌المللی، و در نهایت، در خدمت عالم انسانی است. وجود این تشکیلات بدون در نظر داشتن وظیفه اصلی آنها که همانا تحقق وعده وحدت نوع بشر است، زائد مینماید چه که در جامعه‌ای غیربهائی تعداد تشکیلات اداری، که با دقت و کفایت عمل میکنند، کم نیست. عبث و بیهوده و حتی تالی کفر و الحاد است اگر بپنداریم که مراد جمال قدم از ایجاد و تنزیل نظم اداری و شرایط مربوط به آن تنها افزودن تشکیلاتی به تشکیلات موجود در عالم بوده است. هدف هیچيك از مؤسسات اداری عالم اعم از دینی و غیردینی نظیر هدف غائی و اصلی تشکیلات بهائی نیست. بدین سبب شیوه‌ای که اهل بهاء در رابطه با آن تشکیلات برمیگزینند با طریقی که خود و دیگران در ارتباط با سایر مؤسسات پیش میگیرند تفاوتی کلی و کیفی دارد.

در ارتشهای نظامی جهت پیشرفت در امور جنگی هر گاه از طرف سرداران دستوری صادر گردد سربازان مأمور به اجرای آن دستورند و تخلف از دستورات امراء موجب ایجاد دوگانگی و شکست است و متخلف مستوجب مجازات.

چون اهل بهاء به لقب "جند هدی" و "لشکر نجات" مفتخر گشته‌اند، رمزی از آنچه در سپاه دُوَل جهان وجود دارد، در میان آنان نیز هست. ایجاد وحدت عالم انسانی در جهان کنونی محتملاً دشوارترین امری است که میتوان بدان مبادرت نمود. بدین جهت لازم است که اهل بهاء تمام هم خود را مصروف تحقق این هدف دارند. وحدت عمل و وحدت طریقه رمز دستیابی به این هدف والاست. و جهت حفظ همین وحدت عمل است که اطاعت از تشکیلات بهائی که در رأس آن مرکز مصون از خطا جای دارد، در رأس رفتار بهائیان نسبت به آن تشکیلات قرار میگیرد.

اهل بهاء به کرات این بیان حضرت عبدالبهاء را شنیده‌اند که: "آنچه را محفل روحانی مصلحت بدانند اگر به من تکلیف کنند من مجری میدارم ابداً توقف ننمایم."

تأکیدی که حضرت عبدالبهاء در این بیان مبارک فرموده‌اند به صراحت اهمیت تبعیت از احکام و دستورات محافل را خاطرنشان میسازد.

حضرت ولی امرالله در یکی از مراسلاتی که از طرف ایشان مرقوم گشته بیانی به این مضمون فرموده‌اند که یاران باید همواره دو اصل اساسی را در خاطر داشته باشند و تلاش نمایند که با دقت آن دو را به مرحله عمل رسانند. یکی تعلق و وفاداری تام به آیات مبارکه نازله و اجرای مفاد آنها و دیگری اطاعت کامل و فوری از محافل محلی و ملی است.

بی‌ تردید گاهی اتفاق میافتد که نظر افراد احباء با بعضی از قرارهای محافل تفاوت پیدا میکند. در اینگونه موارد احباء البته مختارند رأی محفل را به تشکیلات بالاتر برده تقاضای رسیدگی مجدد نمایند. اما مادام که رسیدگی صورت میگیرد باید حکم محفل را اطاعت نمایند. حضرت شوقی ربانی صراحهً فرموده‌اند که احباء مجاز میباشند که با رجوع به محافل از نظریات و تصمیمات و حتی رفتار اعضای محافل انتقاد نمایند، اما نهایهً آنچه را که محفل مقرر دارد باید به دل و جان بپذیرند. اعتماد بهائیان به تشکیلات امری علی‌الخصوص محافل محلی و ملی و تبعیت از اوامر آنها باعث پیشرفت سریع جامعه و سبب شکوفائی استعدادات نهفته آنست.

ختام مقال را با نقل قسمتهائی از سه توقیع از حضرت ولی امرالله میآرائیم:

"یاران باید اعضای محفل خویش را در تمام امور نمایندگان خویش دانند و امنای الهی محسوب نمایند. هر حکمی را محفل صادر نماید به دل و جان اجرا نمایند و در تألیف قلوب و رفع اختلاف و تبدیل برودت و خمودت را به انجذاب و اشتعال اعضای محفل را مساعده تام و معاونت قلبی نمایند."

"نفوسی که اطاعت اوامر محفل را ننماید و با وجود تذکرات و انذارات متتابعه تمرد و مخالفت نمایند، از حق انتخاب در جامعه و عضویت محافل روحانیه هر دو محروم...."

"اعضای محافل روحانی محلی و مرکزی باید از مآرب و منافع و مصالح شخصیه فردیه خود بیزار و در کنار باشند و نظر را حصر در ترویج مصالح جمهور و فوائد عمومیه و پیشرفت جامعه بهائی نمایند و در امور مفروضه ‎موگوله موکوله‎ تفحص و تعمق نمایند و بعدل و انصاف حکم فرمایند و در امور مرجوعه در کمال صراحت و صداقت و جدیت مشورت تام نمایند." [Page 33]

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمهء تلگراف بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۲۱ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۷

این مشتاقان با اندوه فراوان خبر دستگیری شش نفر از احباء را در تاریخ ۲۱ اکتبر اعلان می‌نمایند. باعث مزید اضطراب و نگرانی است که دو تن از این یاران، جناب جمال‌الدین خانجانی و جناب حسن محبوبی از جمله اعضای محفل روحانی ملی سابق می‌باشند و دستگیری آنان مدت کوتاهی پس از اعدام دو تن از اعضای سابق محفل روحانی ملی در تاریخ ۲۸ سپتامبر صورت گرفته است.

چهار نفر دیگری که دستگیر شده‌اند عبارتند از جناب چنگیز فنائیان و جناب سهراب حاجیان و جناب بهمن سمندری و همسر ایشان سرکار خانم روزیتا سمندری. این شش نفر همگی در یک منزل شخصی دستگیر و به مقصد نامعلومی برده شدند.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمهء تلگراف بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۷

طبق اطلاعی که واصل شده، خانم روزیتا سمندری دستگیر نگردیده، بلکه به فاصله کوتاهی پس از دستگیری آن پنج نفر، خانم دیگری که از منسوبان یکی از زندانیان است دستگیر و بعداً آزاد گردیده است.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

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EXCERPTS FROM THE MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE ADDRESSED TO THE IRANIAN BAHÁ’ÍS

اخیراً دستخطی از بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به بهائیان ایرانی ساکن ممالک خارجه صادر یافته است. این دستخط از طرف محفل روحانی ملی تکثیر و به یاران ایرانی ساکن ایالات متحده ارسال گردید.

مرقومه معهد اعلی با بیانی در مورد پیشرفتهای امر مبارک آغاز می‌شود. به فرموده مرکز منصوص "روزی نیست که از جهتی بشارتی نرسد". همچنین از خصوصیات عهد چهارم عصر تکوین سخنی رفته که به مناسبت حلول آن "آثار رشد و نمای آیات پروردگار از هر طرف نمودار گشته است." در این خطاب مبارک به اهل بهاء خاطرنشان شده که "هوشمندان جهان این امر نازنین را دیگر شعبه‌ای از ادیان سلف و منحصر به کشوری و قاره‌ای نمی‌شمارند."

دیوان عدل الهی از یاران ایرانی خواسته‌اند که "آنچه را در حد قدرت خویش می‌دانند بدل و جان اجرا کنند و به این اکتفاء ننمایند و بمقتضای وفا بالوکاله از یاران جانفشان مهد امرالله ... در میدان عبودیت قدم نهند و بنام آن مقربان درگاه کبریاء در مشروعات متنوعه محافل ملیه بخدماتی لایق فائز گردند."

همچنین یاران را متذکر داشته‌اند که "چه خطاست که جمیع قوی را صرف تأمین معیشت و بهبود کسب و تجارت و ازدیاد ثروت و طلب راحت نمائیم و از آنچه ما را در دو جهان توانگر و جاودان سازد غافل مانیم." در قسمتی دیگر چنین فرموده‌اند: "بکرّات از یاران عزیز ایرانی که در ممالک و دیار منتشرند تقاضا شد که هر يك چون مشعل هدایت باشند ... نه آنکه در نقطه‌ای مجتمع شوند و بامور ثانویه پردازند زیرا اجتماع آنان در يك شهر و يك نقطه بمنزله اتلاف قوای معنوی جامعه یاران است. ایرانیان عزیز که سابقه‌ای درخشان در ظل امر یزدان دارند و به فتّوت و کرم و مهمان نوازی و نوع پروری شهره آفاق گشته‌اند نباید به بهانه‌های واهی از قبیل ندانستن زبان و ترس از غربت و از این قبیل معاذیر نارسا خود را از خدمتی که از ایشان ساخته است محروم سازند و اوقات خود را اغلب به دید و بازدید و مصاحبت یکدیگر هر چند مطبوع و مقبول باشد بهدر دهند. بتجربه ثابت شده که يك خانواده بهائی ایرانی در يك شهر پایه و مرکزی برای امر مبارک و یاران نورسیده ممالک تواند بود و حال آنکه اجتماع چند خانواده در يك محل چه بسا اسباب خمودت گردد و با وجود حسن نیتی که یاران ایرانی دارند ارتباط شخصی و اجتماعی و تجاری مرتب آنان در يك محل توقعات بیجائی را بوجود آورد و سبب شود که باندک حادثه‌ای دلهایشان از یکدیگر مکدر شود و اختلاف و کدورت ببار آورد و ضررش بامرالله راجع شود."

در ادامه بیانات معهد اعلی تذکری درباره ادای حقوق‌الله داده شده است: "شکی نبوده و نیست که بهائیان ایران که یاران قدیم و عزیزند و از عظمت این حکم مبرم آگاه و از عواقب خیانت در آن باخبرند... جهدی بیشتر خواهند نمود تا از این وظیفه عظیمه... غافل نمانند."

پس از این تذکرات لازم، بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی اهل بهاء را نویدی نیز داده‌اند: "بشارت آنکه طراحی ابنیه فخیمه‌ای که... قرار است در مستقبل قریب... ساخته شود و محور و مرکز دوائر و تأسیسات اداری امرالله قرار گیرد بهمت مهندس عالیمقامش جناب مهندس حسین امانت اکمال پذیرفت و بتصویب رسید و اقدامات اولیه جهت مباشرت به ساختمان آغاز گردیده است. علاوه بر این ابنیه شامخه رفیعه از جمله اقدامات مهمه اتمام طبقات کوه کرمل است... طراحی این ۱۸ طبقه به جناب فریبرز صهباء که یکی دیگر از یاران عزیز و جلیل‌القدر ایران است تفویض گشته که بموقع خود باکمالش توفیق خواهند یافت." پس از تذکر اهمیت بنای ساختمانهای مذکور، معهد اعلی چنین فرموده‌اند: "ای عزیزان حق امروز شرف مشارکت در این خدمت جلیل و بی‌نظیر بما اهل بهاء در این نسل و در این عهد تفویض گشته و چنین فرصت مبارکی از دسترس آیندگان بیرون است.... شروع ساختمان این ابنیه مبارکه لازمه‌اش فراهم شدن ذخیره‌ای بمبلغ لااقل پنجاه میلیون دلار است که استمرار در ساختمان را تضمین نماید و پس از آن اقلا برای ده سال آینده درآمدی سالیانه بمبلغی بین بیست تا بیست و پنج میلیون دلار لازم است که بصندوق بیت‌العدل اعظم تبرع شود. مسلّم است که حصول این مقصد در حیطه استعداد اهل بهاء است که چون قیامی عمومی و عاشقانه فرمایند و عظمت مشروعات آینده را دریابند آن وقت حیات و هستی خویش را وقف خدمت امر اعظم کنند و دیگر بدل مال که بالمال از دست ما بیرون رود و بفنا راجع شود سهل و آسان گردد."

در خاتمه پیام معهد اعلی لوحی از حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá درج گردیده که قسمتی از آن نقل می‌شود:

"از ملکوت ابهی فیوضات جلیله متتابع بر حقایق لطیفه نازل گشت و نغمات و ترنّمات محامد و نعوت الهیه از طیور حدائق قدس بلند شد و ما هنوز مخمود و افسرده در زاویه خمول خزیده و بآلایش شئون این دار جنون چسبیده نه ناله‌ای نه آوازی نه نغمه‌ای نه سازی نه افغان جانگدازی نه شوری نه شغفی و نه اشتعالی و نه آه جانسوزی طیور قدس اگر در این موسم بهاری قرن اعظم الهی بابدع نغمات رحمانی بر شاخسار توحید نسرایند چگونه بیاسایند و منتظر چه موسمی چه فصلی هستند پس از بهار خزان است و بعد از اردیبهشت فصل دی پر خمار آیا منتظر چه باشیم و چه آیامی را آرزو نمائیم که بال و پری زنیم و پروازی کنیم و جولانی نمائیم و ساز و آوازی آغاز کنیم..."

دوستانی که هنوز مرقومه معهد اعلی را دریافت ننموده‌اند می‌توانند از طریق تماس با لجنه امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی آنرا دریافت دارند.

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 34]

Bahá’ís en E.U. juegan papel mayor en completar el Arca

A la comunidad Bahá’í americana

Estimados amigos:

A la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional le place compartir con ustedes este mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia a los seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh en todas partes del mundo.

El tema de este mensaje es la erección de los edificios del Centro Administrativo en el Monte Carmelo, la construcción de las terrazas del Santuario del Báb y la extensión del Edificio Internacional de los Archivos.

En este mensaje, la Casa Universal de Justicia nos recuerda de las energías espirituales y el nuevo impulso que la terminación de la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia ha liberado y ha dado al avance de la Fe.

La Casa Universal de Justicia explica que la estructura ampliamente extendida en el Centro Mundial, será capaz de enfrentar los desafíos del tremendo crecimiento de la comunidad Bahá’í que el amado Guardián nos dijo que ‎esperaramos esperáramos‎ y nos llamó para prepararnos para tal hora cuya venida es nuestra labor en adelantar.

A nosotros, los miembros de la comunidad Bahá’í americana, nos desafía el jugar un papel mayor en esta gran labor.

¿Podemos nosotros, a quiénes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá personificó como “los apóstoles de Bahá’u’lláh,” cuya misión es “indeciblemente gloriosa,” y a quiénes Shoghi Effendi caracterizó como “los constructores Principales” del poderoso Orden Administrativo, fallar en llevar a cabo nuestra “parte de león” en la oportunidad presentada y juntar la mayor parte de los fondos necesitados para terminar los proyectos de construcción de los edificios?

Pedimos a los amigos que tomen a corazón el contenido de esta urgente súplica y consultar sobre los medios para (1) juntar la mayor porción de los fondos pedidos por la Casa Universal de Justicia y (2) acelerar la expansión y el desarrollo de la comunidad Bahá’í americana y su Fondo Nacional para que podamos enfrentar nuestras obligaciones crecientes al mundo Bahá’í y a toda la humanidad.

Tus planes y recomendaciones para enfrentar estos desafíos, son esenciales a las deliberaciones de la Asamblea Nacional. En formular una campaña nacional para responder a la petición de la Casa Universal de Justicia, nosotros necesitaremos tener una noción de nuestra capacidad y compromiso como comunidad.

Por lo tanto, les pedimos que ustedes manden sus recomendaciones tan pronto les sea posible.

Se necesita aprovechar las oportunidades que la edad actual presenta, para el propósito de difundir el conocimiento del poder redentor de la Fe de Bahá’u’lláh. Una oportunidad tan apreciada, que jamás pueda volver a ocurrir otra vez.

Ahora es la hora, la hora designada, para que nosotros, la vanguardia de los huestes del Más Gran Nombre, proclamemos nuestra capacidad y disposición para rescatar una generación caída que se ha rebelado en contra de su Dios, y que le ofrezcamos esa completa seguridad que solamente la fortaleza de la Fe de Bahá’u’lláh puede proporcionar.

Nuestras oraciones les rodean en cada paso del sendero. Les aseguramos de nuestras ‎contínuas continuas‎ súplicas de que las confirmaciones divinas desciendan sobre ustedes y les permita levantarse con vigor siempre creciente y con entera devoción a las necesidades urgentes de la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh.

Con calurosos recuerdos, Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos 21 de septiembre de 1987

Arca en Monte Carmelo para ser completado liberará grandes energías espirituales

A los Seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh a través del mundo

Amados Amigos,

Hace unos cien años Bahá’u’lláh caminó sobre la Montaña Sagrada de Dios y reveló la Tabla del Carmelo, la Carta del Centro Mundial de Su Fe, llamando a la existencia la metrópolis del Reino de Dios en la Tierra. A través de décadas de opresión y expansión, persecución y emancipación, Sus seguidores han laborado exitosamente para llevar Su mensaje a las regiones más remotas de la tierra, para erigir la estructura de Su Orden Administrativo y para proclamar a la humanidad la cura divinamente prescrita para todos sus males. Durante los últimos ocho años las agonías sufridas por Sus amantes en Irán han despertado el interés de un mundo adormecido y han puesto a Su Fe en el centro de la atención humana.

Sobre este mismo Monte Carmelo ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, tras sufrimientos infinitos, levantó el Mausoleo del Báb en el sitio escogido por Su Padre, y puso reposar dentro de su corazón los restos sagrados del Profeta Heraldo de la Fe, estableciendo un Centro Espiritual de significado inconmensurable. De acuerdo con el mismo mandato divino Shoghi Effendi embelleció el Santuario con una estructura exquisita, y luego comenzó, bajo su ala protectora, la construcción del Centro Administrativo de la Fe que comprendería cinco edificios en un estilo arquitectónico armonioso, colocados sobre un amplio arco con los monumentos de la Hoja Más Sagrada, su Madre y su Hermano, como punto central. El primero de estos cinco edificios, los Archivos Internacionales, se completó durante la vida del amado Guardián. El segundo, la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia, se yergue ahora en el ápice del arco. Los planos para los tres restantes se prepararon en cumplimiento de una meta del Plan de Siete Años y en estos momentos se trabaja en sus detalles.

Según lo indicamos en nuestra carta del 30 de abril de 1987, el camino está abierto ahora para que el mundo Bahá’í erija los restantes edificios de su Centro Administrativo, debemos dar pasos hacia adelante y sin demora resueltamente en este sendero.

Son cinco los proyectos estrechamente relacionados que requieren nuestra atención: la erección de los tres restantes edificios sobre el Arco y, agregados ahora, la construcción de las terrazas del Santuario del Báb y la ampliación del Edificio de los Archivos. Una breve descripción de cada uno de ellos trasmitirá una impresión de su importancia para la Fe.

• Las Terrazas del Santuario del Báb. En sus planes para el desarrollo del Monte Carmelo, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá vislumbró diecinueve terrazas monumentales desde la base de la montaña hasta su cúspide, nueve que conducirían a la terraza donde se levanta el Santuario del Báb y nueve hacia arriba. Shoghi Effendi se refirió frecuentemente a estos planes y completó en forma preliminar las nueve terrazas que constituyen el acercamiento al Santuario desde la avenida central en la antigua Colonia de los Templares Alemanes.
• El Centro Internacional de Enseñanza será la sede de la institución que fue investida particularmente con las funciones gemelas de propagación y protección de la Causa de Dios. La institución misma, a la que se refiere el amado Guardián en sus escritos, se estableció en junio de 1973, llevándose a la fructificación la labor de las Manos de la Causa de Dios residentes en la Tierra Santa y disponiéndose para la extensión hacia el futuro de las funciones con las cuales ese cuerpo había sido dotado.
• El Centro para el Estudio de los Textos. Este edificio será la sede de una institución de eruditos Bahá’ís, el florecimiento del actual Departamento de Investigaciones del Centro Mundial, que ayudará a la Casa Universal de Justicia a consultar las Sagradas Escrituras y preparará traducciones y comentarios sobre las versiones autorizadas de los textos de la Fe.
• El Edificio de los Archivos Internacionales. Hemos decidido construir hacia el oeste una ampliación del sótano del actual Edificio de los Archivos para acomodar la creciente oficina central de los Archivos en el Centro Mundial. Esta institución tiene la responsabilidad de la preservación de los Textos Sagrados y Reliquias, así como de los documentos históricos de la Causa de Dios.
• La Biblioteca Bahá’í Internacional. Esta Biblioteca es el lugar de depósito de toda la literatura publicada sobre la Fe, y se constituye en fuente esencial de información para las instituciones del Centro Mundial sobre todos los temas relacionados con la Causa de Dios y las condiciones de la humanidad. Sus funciones deberán crecer en décadas futuras, servirá de centro activo para el conocimiento en todos los campos y llegará a ser el núcleo de grandes instituciones para la investigación y descubrimientos científicos.

Es imposible en este momento calcular con precisión el costo de la realización de estos proyectos. Todo lo que podemos decir ahora es que deben cumplirse dos objetivos en el futuro inmediato: acumular rápidamente una reserva de cincuenta millones de dólares sobre la cual podrá iniciarse en forma realista la implementación de los planos de construcción y proveer un ingreso de veinte a veinticinco millones de siguientes diez años. Anunciaremos mayor información a medida que avancen las obras, se firmen los contratos y se pueda determinar con exactitud los costos.

La gran labor de construir la terrazas, desarrollar los jardines de sus alrededores y erigir los restantes edificios del Arco, traerá a la existencia una estructura vastamente aumentada del Centro Mundial que será capaz de hacer frente a los desafíos de los siglos venideros y del tremendo crecimiento de la comunidad Bahá’í que el amado Guardián nos dijo que podíamos esperar. Ya se puede ver el efecto de las energías espirituales que la terminación de la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia ha desatado, y el nuevo impulso que ese hecho le ha dado al avance de la Fe. ¿Quién podría estimar las transformaciones que resultarán de la terminación de cada etapa sucesiva de esta gran empresa? La Fe avanza, no a una tasa uniforme de crecimiento, sino en vastos impulsos, precipitados por el alternar de la victoria y la crisis. En un pasaje escrito el 18 de julio de 1953, durante los primeros meses de la Cruzada de Diez Años, Shoghi Effendi declaró, refiriéndose a la necesidad vital de asegurar por medio del trabajo de la enseñanza un “flujo constante” de “nuevos reclutas del ejército del Señor de las Huestes que avanza lenta pero constantemente,” que este flujo “presagiaría y aceleraría el advenimiento del día que atestiguaría, según lo declaró el Guardián en esa misma carta, ‘el preludio de aquella largamente esperada hora cuando una conversión en masa de parte de esas mismas naciones y razas al mundo Bahá’í.’” El mundo Bahá’í ya ha contemplado este día en África, en el Pacífico, en Asia y en América Latina, y este proceso de entrada en tropas debe, durante el presente plan, aumentarse y diseminarse a otros países, ya que será, según lo declaró el Guardián en esa misma carta, “el preludio de aquella largamente esperada hora cuando una conversión en masa de parte de esas mismas naciones y razas, y como resultado directo de una cadena de eventos, decisivos y posiblemente catastróficos en su naturaleza, y que no pueden aún vislumbrarse siquiera vagamente, súbitamente revolucionarán los destinos de la Fe, dislocarán el equilibrio del mundo y reforzarán mil veces la fuerza numérica y el poder material y la autoridad espiritual de la Fe de Bahá’u’lláh.” Estos son los tiempos para los cuales debemos prepararnos; esta es la hora cuyo advenimiento debemos acelerar.

En este momento crítico de la historia humana se nos llama a levantarnos en esfuerzo sacrificado, con nuestros ojos sobre las imponentes responsabilidades que tales desarrollos colocarán sobre las instituciones Bahá’ís y los creyentes en todas las tierras, y nuestros corazones llenos de confianza inamovible en la guía de la Mano de Fundador de nuestra Fe. Que nuestro Amado Señor incite a Sus seguidores en todas las tierras a hacer un esfuerzo unido poderoso es nuestra oración ferviente ante el Sagrado Umbral.

Con Amorosos Saludos Bahá’ís,

La Casa Universal de Justicia 31 de agosto de 1987

Pictured are some of the young Bahá’ís who took part in the International Youth Conference last July in Guadalajara and later went travel-teaching throughout Mexico.

Noticias de Latino América

GUATEMALA

El nuevo Instituto Nacional Bahá’í “Shiraz” fue ‎inargurado inaugurado‎ el 21 de marzo de 1987 en El Tejar, Chimaltenango. El alcalde de El Tejar y el gobernador del departamento de Chimaltenango, estuvieron presentes durante la ‎inarguración inauguración‎.

Durante la ceremonia inaugural, el Consejero Arturo Serrano explicó el propósito y la importancia del Instituto. El gobernador expresó sus esperanzas por el progreso de la Fe Bahá’í y del Instituto. Reporteros de varios periódicos importantes del país, estuvieron presentes y llegaron a publicar noticias y fotografías sobre este evento.

HONDURAS

El 30 de mayo de 1987, el Presidente de Honduras, el Sr. José Azcona Hoyo, junto con el Vice-presidente, el Sr. Haim Rosenthal, sus esposas y el resto del gabinete, visitaron la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia.

En una visita inesperada y no oficial, el Presidente Azcona logró ver el edificio; las explicaciones les fueron dadas en español por el Secretario de la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í en Jerusalén. El Presidente expresó su admiración por la visión y la belleza de las propiedades Bahá’ís en el Monte Carmelo. [Page 35]ESPAÑOL

Conferencia de Hispanos enfatiza progreso del alma

“Re-Encuentro Con Nuestra Espiritualidad” fue el tema de la Tercera Conferencia Anual de los Bahá’ís de habla Hispana que tuvo lugar en San Fernando, California, durante el fin de semana del 16 al 18 de octubre de 1987.

El re-encuentro con nuestra espiritualidad nos recuerda de cuando nosotros primero supimos sobre Bahá’u’lláh y Su Mensaje para este tiempo, el nuevo sentimiento y alegría que nosotros sentimos en nuestra relación con Dios.

Más de setenta y cinco Bahá’ís, de diferentes trasfondos étnicos, atendieron esta conferencia. Algunos de los invitados especiales eran miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros, el Sr. Rodrigo Tomás, el Dr. Arturo Serrano, la Sra. Isabel Pavón de Calderón y el Dr. Hedi Ahmadiyyih; miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar, la Srta. Teresa McGregor; el Sr. Carlos Ioas.

Algunos de los temas cubiertos durante la conferencia trataron sobre el alma y su desarrollo espiritual, el prejuicio y el amor, la doctrina Católica, y el Fondo Nacional.

Los participantes de la conferencia tuvieron también la oportunidad de estudiar la carta de la Casa Universal de Justicia sobre la terminación del Arca en el Monte Carmelo.

Se enfatizó la importancia de amar y confiar en las Instituciones Bahá’ís y de que nosotros debemos orar por las Instituciones para que hagan las decisiones correctas al guiar la comunidad.

El programa de la conferencia era variado, con charlas, oraciones al amanecer, actividades de enseñanza y consulta en grupos.

Sin embargo, uno de los aspectos de más valor de esta conferencia, fue la ‎camadería camaradería‎ y la unidad que se compartió entre los participantes.

Durante la conferencia, un hombre joven declaró su fe en Bahá’u’lláh. La conferencia terminó con los participantes atendiendo el programa especial en el Centro Bahá’í de Los Angeles en conmemoración del 75 aniversario de la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a América.

Bahá’ís Hispanos activos en E.U. enseñando la Fe

En la frontera con México

El 14 de noviembre de 1987, más de cincuenta Bahá’ís (incluyendo niños) del ‎area área‎ de El Paso, Las Cruces y Alamogordo, Nuevo México, junto con algunos Bahá’ís de Juárez, México, fueron parte del programa de televisión “Nikoliko” en Juárez.

El programa, el cual tuvo una duración de más de quince minutos, incluyó canciones y una pequeña presentación sobre la Fe Bahá’í.

Al final del programa, muchas de las personas de la audiencia se acercaron a los Bahá’ís buscando más información sobre la Fe.

El programa “Nikoliko” tiene una ‎audencia audiencia‎ de cerca de diez mil personas, cubriendo el ‎area área‎ de Juárez, México; El Paso, Texas; y ciertas partes de Nuevo México.

Esta actividad es considerada como uno de los primeros pasos en los esfuerzos por enseñar la Fe al otro lado de la frontera con México. Este es un esfuerzo iniciado por las varias Asambleas Espirituales locales y los Bahá’ís residentes en el ‎area área‎ cerca de la frontera con México.

El valle de las Salinas, California

Hay un gran número de creyentes Hispanos en esta ‎area área‎ que necesitan profundización en la Fe. Una vez al mes, algunos Bahá’ís se ‎reunen reúnen‎ en un hogar para decir oraciones y visitar algunos de los creyentes Hispanos en esta ‎area área‎ para ayudar en el proceso de consolidación.

Arizona sur

En esta ‎area área‎ hay un gran número de Hispanos y Asambleas Espirituales locales en las que se habla español. La “Rosa del Desierto” es un proyecto de enseñanza que trabaja en la expansión y consolidación en el sur de Arizona y algunas ‎areas áreas‎ en el norte de México.

Homestead, Florida

Muchos Bahá’ís voluntarios están apoyando el programa del gobierno de Florida, el “ESL Literacy.” Este programa ayuda a los Hispanos y a otros minoritarios en su aprendizaje y ‎estendimiento entendimiento‎ del Inglés y ofrece la oportunidad de formar amistades.

Miami, Florida

El 8 de noviembre de 1987, más de quince Bahá’ís se reunieron para reactivar la enseñanza dentro de la comunidad Hispana en Florida sur.

El Sr. Rodolfo Castillo, participante activo en esta reunión, fue el que proveyó música como entretenimiento durante la reunión.

Chicago, Illinois

La comunidad Bahá’í de Chicago auspició una fiesta el 4 de diciembre de 1987 con comida y música Persa, Latina y Americana.

Aproximadamente 200 personas incluyendo varios no-Bahá’ís atendieron esta actividad. El dinero recaudado durante la actividad será utilizado para las renovaciones que se harán al Centro local de Chicago.

Esta actividad fue ‎realizado realizada‎ como un esfuerzo de la comunidad latina y la Asamblea Espiritual local de Chicago.

Maestros Viajeros que sepan ESPAÑOL, favor de comunicarse con: National Teaching Committee (312) 869-9039

Pictured with children at the third annual Conference of Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís held October 16-18 in San Fernando, California, are (back row left to right) Roberta Maull, minority coordinator for the National Teaching Committee, and Counselors Arturo Serrano, Isabel Pavón de Calderón, Rodrigo Tomás and Hedi Ahmadiyyih.

Conferencia de jóvenes en México alienta jóvenes a enseñar la Fe

“Bienvenidos a la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud ‎Bahá’í’' Bahá’í”‎ fue el mensaje de bienvenida para los 322 Bahá’ís de 14 países a la Conferencia Internacional de Jóvenes en Guadalajara, Jalisco, México durante el fin de semana del 24 al 26 de julio de 1987.

El tema era “Retos y Oportunidades,” con la participación de invitados especiales tales como: miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros, el Dr. Farzam Arbab, el Sr. Eloy Anello y el Dr. Arturo Serrano; miembros de la Asamblea Nacional de México, la Sra. Carmen de Burafato y el Sr. Mike Porter; miembro de la Asamblea Nacional de los Estados Unidos, el Sr. William Davis.

Los jóvenes que atendieron la conferencia sintieron que no fue tan solo el programa de la conferencia lo que hizo este evento algo tan especial, sino que fue el verdadero sentido de amor y unidad compartido entre los participantes lo que hizo esta conferencia tan maravillosa.

Luego de la conferencia, muchos de los jóvenes participaron en los proyectos de enseñanza a través de México.

Durante los viajes de enseñanza, los jóvenes se dieron más cuenta de las necesidades y valores humanos.

Algunos de los jóvenes mencionaron que al presenciar la existente podredumbre en México les hizo apreciar lo que tienen aquí en los Estados Unidos; al mismo tiempo, sin embargo, al ver la sencillez de los mejicanos quienes viven libres de las ataduras del materialismo, les hizo más ‎conciente consciente‎ sobre el materialismo existente en los Estados Unidos.

Fue una valiosa e inolvidable experiencia y un acto de servicio.

Young Bahá’ís traveled and taught the Faith in many parts of Mexico after last July’s International Youth Conference in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

El Maestro partió de América con grandiosa visión

‘Abdu’l-Bahá se fue de América el 5 de diciembre de 1912. El partió con una visión sobre nuestro futuro—una visión sobre una misión única, ‎el cual la cual‎ Él reveló luego en tablas dirigidas a los Bahá’ís de Norte América.

Estos mensajes son colectivamente titulados Tablas del Plan Divino.

‎¿Cúal ¿Cuál‎ era la visión de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—qué fue lo que Él visualizó para los creyentes americanos?

Era el glorioso papel que América está ‎destinado destinada‎ a jugar en el desenvolvimiento del Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh. Era una visión sobre un destino que Shoghi Effendi elaboró y al que frecuentemente aludió en sus libros y en su correspondencia.

Es el papel, globalmente significativo, al que la Casa Universal de Justicia continuamente nos recuerda.

A través de nuestra conmemoración del 75 aniversario de la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a América, el propósito de Su viaje en 1912 ha llegado ‎ha ser a ser‎ más claro para todos nosotros. Su divina sabiduría y Su amoroso ‎querrer querer‎ han, una vez más, rejuvenecido nuestros espíritus.

¿Qué mejor tiempo para nuestros espíritus ser refrescados, ‎qué que‎ ahora? La más reciente carta de la Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha recordado sobre la urgencia de este tiempo y lugar en el que vivimos, resonando el mensaje que ‘Abdu’l-Bahá nos dio 75 años atrás.

Es notable lo similar que los retos al comenzar la Cuarta Época son con los de la comunidad Bahá’í americana ‎in en‎ 1912. Asistiendo a los creyentes americanos, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá allanó el camino para la erección de la Más Sagrada Casa de Adoración, fortaleció los creyentes americanos en contra de las pruebas que prontamente iban a sobrellevar, reforzó su unidad, y ‎bendició bendijo‎ el comienzo del Orden Administrativo.

El enseñó, profundizó e instruyó a los amigos, preparándolos para que se esforzaran hacia el destino espiritual, el cual Él claramente visualizó para el continente americano.

El abrió la puerta para la expansión sin precedente de la comunidad Bahá’í americana.

Nuestros retos hoy ‎dia día‎ son de doble pliegue: el levantarnos con todo nuestro corazón en la preparación del vasto oleaje de nuevos creyentes que la Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha prometido, y el esforzarnos doblemente para completar la próxima fase de la construcción en el Monte Carmelo.

Tanto como la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 75 años atrás todavía vigoriza nuestros espíritus, los efectos de estos esfuerzos serán sentidos a través de las épocas que todavía han de venir.

“El continente de América,” escribió ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “es, a los ojos del único Dios verdadero, la tierra en que serán revelados los ‎esplandores esplendores‎ de Su luz, donde los misterios de Su Fe serán develados, donde vivirán los justos y se reunirán los libres.”

“El continente americano,” el ha predicho, además, “muestra señales y evidencias de avance muy grande. Su futuro es aún más prometedor, por cuanto su influencia e iluminación son de largo alcance. Guiará a todas las naciones espiritualmente.”

“...Si el éxito coronase vuestras empresas, no hay duda que América evolucionará en un centro del que emanarán olas del poder espiritual, y el trono del Reino de Dios, en la plenitud de su majestad y gloria, será firmemente establecido.” (Dios Pasa, p. 240)

Las Tablas del Plan Divino, son la expresión concreta de las esperanzas y los deseos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá al partir.

Ellos proveen una constante fuente de instrucción divina, iluminada dirección, y de sustento espiritual para los Bahá’ís del continente americano.

Estas tablas son, de acuerdo a Shoghi Effendi, el plan y el estatuto supremo de la enseñanza. Las conmovedoras palabras del Maestro debieran de continuar siendo una fuente de inspiración y de confirmación para los creyentes americanos. [Page 36]

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS: DR. FARHAD ASDAQI

Dr. Farhad Asdaqi was born into a Bahá’í family in Tehran in 1952. Since childhood he had a burning desire to become a physician so that he could heal the sick free of charge.

He always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Rahmátu’lláh Muhájir, a relative of his mother, and, like him, live his life in service to mankind.

To that end, he was graduated from one of the best high schools in Tehran, and in 1970 entered the Medical School of the University of Tehran.

In the meantime, he served the Cause in any way he could, and attended Bahá’í classes taught by such eminent Bahá’ís as Muhammad Muvahhid and Dr. Masih Farhangi, both of whom were martyred after the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Dr. Asdaqi served on the National Youth Committee, and later became a member of the National Teaching Committee and was appointed an assistant to the Auxiliary Board for propagation.

From 1977 to 1979, before completing his studies in medical school, he and a number of other young Bahá’ís pioneered to a small village in the northeast of Tehran and formed a local Spiritual Assembly there.

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Asdaqi enlisted in the military, although he could have been exempted on the grounds that he was the older son of the family and thus the financial support of his mother.

But since the army was going to send him to Birjand, a city of 100,000 in eastern Iran, he found it a good place for both medical service and pioneering.

Dr. Asdaqi moved to Birjand and opened an office. In the mornings, he served at the army hospital, while in the afternoons he treated the sick at his office.

Soon he became well-known in the city; the news spread that a young doctor had moved there who would either not charge his patients or would ask them for a minimum fee. As a result, many people thronged his office seeking medical help.

There was no optometrist in Birjand; those who needed to see an eye specialist for glasses had to go to other cities to find one.

To help the people of Birjand, Dr. Asdaqi decided to open an op-

Bahá’í Publishers’ Conference held in London

More than 40 delegates from 24 agencies took part in an International Bahá’í Publishers’ Conference held October 27-30 in London, England.

The delegates, from five continents, represented 19 national Bahá’í publishers and five independent publishers.

Invitations were extended to all English-language publishers and publishers in Europe. The U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust was represented by General Manager Terrill Hayes, General Editor Betty J. Fisher, and Marketing Manager Robert Blum.

The conference was opened by Hugh Adamson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom.

David Hofman, a member of the Universal House of Justice, delivered the keynote address for the conference, which was called, in part, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

In his address, Mr. Hofman recalled that the impetus for the creation of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in the United Kingdom, which was also the first Publishing Trust in the world, was the need to make available the books written by the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend.

Mr. Hofman also told the delegates: "You are engaged in the greatest undertaking possible—the dissemination of the Word of God."

Opening night ceremonies were also highlighted by the presentation of a bust of Mr. Townshend to the Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom by its National Spiritual Assembly.

The bust was accepted on behalf of the Publishing Trust by John Long, who for many years served as general manager of the Trust in England.

Adib Taherzadeh, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Europe, spoke at the conference’s opening plenary session.

His talk dealt with the Six Year Plan goal of "a worldwide increase in the translation, production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature."

He also set one of the themes of the conference by calling for a renewed emphasis on the writings of Shoghi Effendi.

"You can read all the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, but you will not fully understand the Faith until you have read the writings of Shoghi Effendi," he said.

Later in the conference a cable was received from the Universal House of Justice in which the Supreme Body pointed to the "value and significance of the role that Bahá’í publishing agencies play...."

It also said, "We look forward eagerly to the report of your gathering and particularly your recommendations for an unprecedented increase in the availability of the Bahá’í writings whose capacity to uplift, heal, inspire and direct is the very bedrock of all our teaching efforts."

Conference sessions were marked by a warm spirit of cooperation and sharing of information. One session included short presentations from each publisher; others were devoted to the editorial process in Bahá’í publishing, co-publishing, the international distribution of Bahá’í literature, the technical and financial aspects of the production of books, audio-visual materials, the relationship between independent publishers and Bahá’í institutional publishers, and future directions in publishing.

Smaller discussion groups were held on specific topics.

The plenary sessions and smaller sessions produced a number of recommendations including a greater exchange of information among Bahá’í publishers, co-publishing, publishing in multiple languages to lower costs, holding similar publishing conferences on a regular basis, and other specific recommendations that are being forwarded to the Universal House of Justice.

The closing session included the announcement of the creation of the George Townshend Literature Award, to be presented every two years to the author and publisher of the book that does most to contribute to the literature on the Bahá’í Faith.

The initial award was made to George Ronald, Publisher, to honor its 40 years as a publisher of Bahá’í books including many by George Townshend himself.

A view of one of the workshop sessions at the International Bahá’í Publishers’ Conference held October 27-30 in London, England. Seated at the right (facing camera) is David Hofman, a member of the Universal House of Justice. Seated next to Mr. Hofman is Adib Taherzadeh, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Europe.

This bust of the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend was presented to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom by its National Spiritual Assembly.

Seneca Falls Bahá’ís sponsor 1st historic conference on equality

On July 18, nearly 100 people attended the first Bahá’í conference on equality ever held in Seneca Falls, New York, the birthplace of the American women’s rights movement.

The conference was held nearly 139 years to the day after the first historic convention for women’s rights was convened in Seneca Falls by one of its residents, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and friends.

At this year’s gathering, Auxiliary Board member Mara Khavari addressed the mostly Bahá’í audience on women’s rights as they relate to the past and present, and their significance for the world tomorrow.

Among the six workshops were those on "Men’s Roles and Equality" by Auxiliary Board member William Roberts; "Man-Made Famine" on Africa’s food crisis as it relates to sexism led by Ortha Wright; "The Honor of it All—The Alkali Lake Story" of one woman’s fight against tribal alcoholism led by Charlene Winger-Bearskin; and "Women and Peace" by Leslie McCann.

After attending special classes, children and youth marched in the community parade with 140 other entries.

That evening, a special showing of "It’s Up to Us" on the United Nations Decade for Women Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, was held at the National Women’s Hall of Fame. This final presentation, which was attended by almost 75 people, many of whom were not Bahá’ís, was introduced by Ms. Khavari, who had taken part in the Nairobi conference.

Trenton, New Jersey: Another state capital in need of homefront pioneers

In the last issue of The American Bahá’í, readers were introduced to Pierre, South Dakota, as one of the National Teaching Committee’s priority goals for homefront pioneers.

Pierre is one of seven state capitals without a community large enough to form a local Spiritual Assembly. The others are Carson City, Nevada; Charleston, West Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Montpelier, Vermont; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Trenton, New Jersey.

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

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

Located almost midway between New York City and Philadelphia, Trenton is a very attractive city. The community is racially and ethnically diverse, with a growing population of Cambodian refugees.

There are only five adult Bahá’ís among Trenton’s population of about 91,000. A Spiritual Assembly was first formed in Trenton in 1971, and Assemblies have been lost and re-formed a few times since then. There has been no Assembly in Trenton since 1982.

Needed are homefront pioneers who can stay in Trenton on a long-term basis and who are skilled in effectively teaching the Faith.

A wide variety of employment opportunities is available through the state and federal government. There are also opportunities available for those in education or health. (Addresses and phone numbers of major employers are listed below.)

Trenton has one public high school, four or five junior high schools and several elementary schools. For adults, there are Mercer County Community College and Edison College in Trenton, and Trenton State University, Rutgers University, and Rider College in nearby communities.

The cost of housing in Trenton is comparable to many metropolitan areas with small homes starting at about $50,000. Rental on a two-bedroom house averages between $650-$700 a month.

One-bedroom apartments can be rented from $400-$500 and two-bedroom from $500-$675.

For more information, write or call: Bahá’ís of Trenton, c/o Susanna Ngashu, P.O. Box 2345, Trenton, NJ 08607 (phone 609-393-5992).

New Jersey Personnel Department, 215 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608 (phone 609-292-8668).

New Jersey Board of Education, 180 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608 (phone 609-599-4561).

Hamilton Hospital, White Horse Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08610 (phone 609-586-7900).

Helene Fuld Medical Center, 750 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08635 (phone 609-394-6000).

Mercer Medical Center, 446 Belleview Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618 (phone 609-394-4000).

New Jersey State Hospital, Sullivan Way, Trenton, NJ 08628 (phone 609-396-8261).

Your decision to move to Trenton could help to achieve one of the goals of the Six Year Plan! [Page 37]

More guidelines to avoid confusion among mass media

In public information a wise and deliberate approach is required. Bahá’ís should broaden their uniquely Bahá’í perspective in order to use concepts and terms that will make sense to those 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 of Bahá’í institutions have little meaning to someone who has limited or no knowledge of the Faith. Abbreviations of the names of institutions of the Faith lack dignity and serve to confuse the reader or listener.

Examples: The Universal House of Justice could be described as the international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith. Without an explanation, the name may appear strange or meaningless. Avoid references to the Supreme Body, the Supreme Institution, the House, or the UHJ.

"The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States" should be used in any written correspondence with organizations or individuals who are not Bahá’ís. Avoid terms like "the National" or "the NSA."

2. Terms and expressions commonly used among Bahá’ís often confuse or even offend people who are not Bahá’ís. Some words and phrases foster ideas completely at odds with the Bahá’í use of the term. Barriers may then be established that could be difficult or impossible to overcome.

The Office of Public Information advises the following substitutions for commonly used Bahá’í terms:

Deepening—study class. Fireside—Bahá’í meeting to discuss the Faith, public meeting, or introductory talk. Pioneer—Bahá’í who changes residence to serve the Faith. Non-Bahá’í—person who is not a Bahá’í. Seeker or contact—person who is investigating the Bahá’í Faith. The friends—Bahá’ís.

Public Information Office hosts special meeting for its PI Reps in Maryland and Northern Virginia

On October 10 the Office of Public Information hosted a special public information meeting for PI Reps from Maryland and Northern Virginia and members of the Spiritual Assemblies of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Katharine Bigelow from the Office of External Affairs in Washington and Ronald Precht from the Office of Public Information spoke with about 25 people about the increasing visibility of the Faith and the need to provide clear and accurate information to the media.

The meeting was held at the Bahá’í Center in Washington.

Also in October, Barry Schweid, diplomatic writer for the Associated Press and a frequent contributor to National Public Radio, interviewed Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The article that resulted from the interview appeared in more than 45 newspapers throughout the country.

The New York Times published an article on October 22 about the National Spiritual Assembly's new office in Washington, D.C.

The Times reporter focused her attention on Bahá’í efforts to work with Congress and the State Department to end the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and Egypt.

The Office of Public Information, in coordination with the UN Representative, asked the Public Information Network to write letters to editors of local newspapers encouraging the U.S. to sign the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

The Network has responded in outstanding fashion. Letters have been published in cities and small towns all over the country.

Faith joins Conservation and Religion Network

On October 3, the Bahá’í Faith became the sixth world religion to join the Network on Conservation and Religion, a ground-breaking alliance formed last year between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and major world religions.

In a ceremony at the renowned Marwell Zoo in Winchester, England, representatives of the Bahá’í International Community issued an official statement on nature and formally entered the network.

When the Network on Conservation and Religion was formed last year during an interfaith service at Assisi, Italy, which marked the 25th anniversary of the WWF, it was hailed by environmentalists and religious leaders alike as a major step toward broadening support for conservation efforts around the world and widening the ethical underpinnings of the environmental movement.

"The Bahá’í International Community has long believed that action to protect the environment must be based on spiritual principles if it is to be effective," said Douglas Martin, director-general of the BIC's Office of Public Information.

"We thus see the Network on Conservation and Religion as an important step in efforts to invigorate and strengthen the environmental movement, and we are extremely pleased to join this new alliance."

As a first step, the Bahá’í International Community has pledged to launch a new program for environmental action within the Bahá’í community. In addition to the statement on nature, that program will include:

• a general call for Bahá’ís who are already involved in ecology, conservation and related areas to develop a deeper understanding of Bahá’í writings in this field;
• an exploration of the possibility of practical collaboration between local Bahá’í development projects and WWF field expertise;
• a new emphasis on the consideration of environmental issues in Bahá’í educational materials.

Frank Schmidt, assistant director-general for WWF International, said WWF welcomes Bahá’í involvement in the Network and hopes the Bahá’í program will begin as soon as possible.

Bahá’í entry into the Network was the feature article in the Spring 1987 issue of the WWF Network's bulletin, "The New Road."

Series in Georgia paper, column in Nebraska help spread Faith

From July through October, the Fort Valley, Georgia, Herald published a series of articles about the Faith.

Incorrect information in one of the articles led to an in-depth look at the history and teachings of the Faith. Other articles focused on the Bahá’í view of prejudice and the prerequisites for world peace.

In October, the North Platte, Nebraska, Telegraph published a column by Colin Taylor, the Bahá’í Public Information Representative for North Platte.

He wrote the column as part of a series arranged through the local Fellowship of Ministers and designed to acquaint people with the religious diversity of the community.

This provided an opportunity to clarify the teachings and structure of the Faith and was a vehicle in which to describe ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Nebraska 75 years ago.

Newspaper coverage of the October presentation of "The Promise of World Peace" to President Ezra Taft Benson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) has been excellent.

In Salt Lake City, PI Rep David Ayer and other members of the Bahá’í community worked closely with the National Spiritual Assembly to ensure that the media were well-informed and that the press conference was conducted properly.

PI Reps in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah were instrumental in achieving public awareness of the presentation.

Accident enables Illinois Bahá’í to teach by example

Tim Moore, a businessman from Silvis, Illinois, has turned an unfortunate incident into an opportunity to teach by example.

While riding his bicycle, his tire lodged in a sewer grate, causing him to fall and break his clavicle.

Instead of suing the city, Mr. Moore and another man designed and built a sewer grate cover to be installed over the existing grate. It was accepted by the city of Silvis, and is now being asked for by other cities all over the country.

When asked why he chose not to sue, Mr. Moore replied that because of the teachings of his religion, the Bahá’í Faith, he was bound to seek a more constructive solution.

Materials from the Office of Public Information

Revised and Updated!

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

Bahá’í Statistics Statistics on the number of NSAs, countries open to the Faith, localities, languages, schools, temples, etc. 20 cents each.

Summary Chronology of Persecutions in Iran A monthly summary of events in Iran since 1979. 20 cents each.

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.

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

Two National Assembly representatives attend conference at State Department

Two representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly were among the approximately 100 guests who attended an all-day conference October 15 in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Katharine Bigelow, deputy director of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs, and Dr. Wallace Carter, national program officer, took part in the annual State Department event which was entitled "National Foreign Policy Conference for Leaders of Non-Governmental Organizations."

The occasion was an opportunity to hear comments by key individuals within the State Department including those of Rozanne L. Ridgway, Assistant Secretary for European and Canadian Affairs, and Elliott Abrams, Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs, and to meet representatives of organizations involved with issues of peace, human rights, international relations, conservation, and national security and defense.

Ms. Bigelow and Dr. Carter also attended sectional meetings that covered the issues of arms control and SDI, U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf, environmental conservation, and European security and cooperation.

The sessions provided information and perspectives that increased the understanding of the two Bahá’í participants regarding global issues.

Contact and collaboration with national organizations is a cornerstone of the National Spiritual Assembly's plans to win the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Bahá’ís attend session for educators in Ohio

The Bahá’í Faith was represented among the 20 peace groups involved in a recent one-day in-service training session for school district educators from 12 counties in southern Ohio.

Bahá’ís presented two workshops and staffed an information booth at which more than 100 copies of the peace statement were distributed.

On the following day more than 3,000 people attended a public event titled "Seeking Peace: Why Is It Our Concern."

Public Information Office completes press kit revisions

The Office of Public Information has completed a revision and merging of the previous Press and Public Officials Kits.

While the new packet will be used by Public Information Representatives as a press kit, it is also available to individual Bahá’ís for use in their teaching efforts.

The packet includes:

A revised and updated fact sheet, "The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community"; a new National Spiritual Assembly fact sheet; a Bahá’í statistics fact sheet; "The Promise of World Peace" and an explanation of the peace statement; a reprint of the Encyclopedia Britannica article about the Faith, "The Bahá’í Faith in the United States and the World"; black and white photographs of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and the House of Worship in Wilmette; and a brief pamphlet explaining the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

The press kit/presentation packet can be ordered through the Bahá’í Distribution Service for $6.

To receive guidance about presentations to the media, Public Information Representatives and Committees should order the press kits from the Office of Public Information. [Page 38]

INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS

The Bahá’í Faith, by Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth. An attractive introduction with three sections—how the Bahá’í Faith began, what Bahá’ís believe, and how the Bahá’ís live. Includes photographs of Bahá’í places, people and other things of interest. SC $2.25

ho The Bahá’t Faith Gloria Faiz

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction, by Gloria Faizi. A popular introduction that includes information about the Faith's history, teachings and administration. SC $1.50

WHA IS THE BAHA’I FAITH?

What Is the Bahá’í Faith? by René Derkse. An introductory book geared to young readers (ages 12 through 16), but being read by seekers of all ages, which includes a discussion of the idea of God, the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, a history of the Faith, and a description of the worldwide Bahá’í community. SC $8.95

All Things Made New by JOHN FERRABY

All Things Made New, by John Ferraby. A standard reference work on the Faith, rich in its use of quotations from the writings. Included are short chapters on the history, laws, institutions, Central Figures, and principles of the Faith. Revised edition contains 24 new photographs and the latest facts on the worldwide growth and development of the Bahá’í community. HC $17.95; SC $9.95

To a Seeker, by Nathan Rutstein. A warm and conversational introduction including some of the history and teachings of the Faith. Written in a personal and inviting style. SC $5.95

'Introductory books, commentaries, dissertations on various aspects of the Revelation, text books, histories, reviews, The resources on these pages are Just a sampling of the many items available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service that are excellent for teaching and deepening.

An Introduction the Baby Faith BAHAULLAH AND THE NEW ERA BUILDING A PEACEFUL GLOBAL CIVILIZATIO A CHALLENGE TO HUMANITY Pittock

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, by John Esslemont. An authoritative and comprehensive introduction to the Faith with chapters on the Central Figures, prayer, health and healing, religious unity, true civilization, various ordinances and teachings, prophecies fulfilled, and more. HC $11.95; SC $3.50

VIDEOS

BAHÁ’Í FAITH Theres of wing Bald’s

The Bahá’í Faith Through the Eyes of Young Bahá’ís, produced by Ray Bruce. One of a series of programs on the world's religions from Pergamon Educational Productions in Great Britain, produced in cooperation with the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom. An accurate and informative introduction that provides a stimulating basis for discussion. VHS and Beta, $25

"The BAHA’I FAITH—UNITY in DIVERSITY"

The Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity. This film uses the 1982 International Conference in Australia for a visual representation of the diversity of the Bahá’í community, interweaving Bahá’í views on topics with conference footage to provide an interesting introduction to the Faith. VHS and Beta, $25

BAHA’I WRITINGS

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Excerpts from the sacred writings of Bahá’u’lláh about the Manifestations of God; the significance of this Age of unity; the divine nature of humanity; the spiritual meaning of life; the soul and immortality. HC $14.95; SC $8; PS $3.95

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. The essence of all revealed truth expressed in brief, penetrating meditations that give us loving counsel to examine the facets of our lives, abandon that which is not eternal, and transform ourselves to gain true happiness and freedom. HC $6; SC $3.50

The Kitáb-i-lqán: The Book of Certitude. Bahá’u’lláh's explanation of the grand redemptive scheme of God, revealing the oneness of religion and its evolution through the successive Prophets of God. Clarifies some of the allegorical and abstruse passages of Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures. HC $14.25; PS $3.95

Bahadiah Prayers and Meditations

Prayers and Meditations. A selection of nearly 200 prayers and devotional passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and compiled by Shoghi Effendi, who said that this volume would 'help to deepen, more than any other publication, the spirit of devotion and faith in the friends.' HC $14.95; PS $3.75

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. Two treatises by Bahá’u’lláh describing the stages the soul must traverse to attain the object of its existence. HC $6; SC $3.50

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Sixteen of the most significant Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh including the Tablet of Carmel, the Tablet to the Christians, Words of Wisdom, and the Book of the Covenant. HC $13.95; LT $6.95

Selections from the Writings of the Báb. The most comprehensive selection of the writings of the Báb in English yet published, arranged in seven sections, one of which contains a large selection of prayers and meditations. HC $11.95

SHOGHI EFFENDI

THE ADVENT of DIVINE JUSTICE

The Advent of Divine Justice. The Guardian's letters to the American Bahá’í community setting out the spiritual prerequisites for success in carrying out ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan. Focuses on America's spiritual destiny. HC $12.95; SC $8.50

COMPILATIONS

Bahá’í Prayers. A selection of prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains 177 prayers, including daily obligatory prayers, prayers for assistance, families, children, youth, marriage, teaching, the Fund, and many more. HC $8.50; SC $3.95

Handmaidens of God Baha’i Prayers for Women

Handmaidens of God. Thirty prayers and extracts from the sacred texts designed for use by women. SC $1.95

Consultation. The important references from the Bahá’í writings on consultation. SC $1

Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life. An extensive compilation of the writings on the institution of marriage, preparation for marriage, and various aspects of family life, compiled by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. SC $2.75

Women. A compilation from the Universal House of Justice on the importance of women and the equality of the sexes. Includes such topics as the critical role of education in the development of women, equality in family life, the station of women in the world, and the connection between women and the establishment of world peace. SC $2

Some Answered Questions. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s answers to a multitude of questions on topics such as the influence of the Prophets of God; Christian doctrine; healing; evolution; soui, mind and spirit; reincarnation; and the necessity of following the teachings of the Manifestations. HC $14.95; PS $3.95

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A compilation of 237 extracts from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on how to live the Bahá’í life; marriage; child education; healing; the loss of loved ones; teaching; the local Spiritual Assembly; and more. HC $7; SC $6.95; LT $6.95

God Passes By. Shoghi Effendi's classic history of the first century of the Bahá’í Faith. HC $21.95; SC $12.95

DayBook Deepen orand Natio

Bahá’í DayBook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation. A unique combination of quotations from scripture, explanations about the Bahá’í calendar and teachings, questions and answers, definitions of difficult words, and illustrations. SC $3.75

•

Peace: More Than an End to War. The most comprehensive compilation to date of the Bahá’í writings on peace. Includes the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice, followed by many passages from the writings that support points made in the peace statement. HC $16; SC $8.95

the Power d Prejudice Beyond ocim of

The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism. A compilation of the Bahá’í writings on race, prejudice, and unity. Discusses the need for teaching all humanity by bridging cultural barriers and places the 'most vital and challenging issue' in the broad context of all racial and cultural minorities. SC $7.95 [Page 39]'audio-visual material are all needed to stimulate study of the Faith and to promote the teaching work.' —from the Universal House of Justice memorandum on publishing dated March 28, 1971

COMMENTARIES

The Word of God. A new study guide on how we can use the word of God. Five lessons contain an introduction, overview, explanation of the topic, quotations from the writings, illustrations from other Bahá’í books and stories from Bahá’í history, space to record one's thoughts and plans, questions and answers, and discussion questions for exploration in greater depth. Produced by the National Teaching Committee. SC $2

To Understand and Be Understood, by D. Erik Blumenthal. Practical and easy-to-follow advice linking Bahá’í teachings and current psycho-social theory to individual and social behavior. SC $7.50

COMPILATIONS

Trustworthiness. A new compilation of the Bahá’í writings on trustworthiness, compiled by the Universal House of Justice. SC $1.50

Unrestrained as the Wind: A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh. A compilation of the Bahá’í writings that provides an integrated view of what it means to dedicate one's life to Bahá’u’lláh. Includes chapters on one's relationship to God, the distinctive Bahá’í life, education, teaching, cleanliness and purity, interpersonal relationships, social relationships, and prayers for spiritual growth. SC $7.95

Divine Therapy: Pearls of Wisdom from the Bahá’í Writings. An extensive compilation of brief quotations pertaining to many aspects of spiritual and mental health, compiled and with an introduction by Annamarie Honnold. HC $14.95; SC $6.95

The Purpose of Physical Reality, by Dr. John S. Hatcher. An examination of the Bahá’í writings and other literary sources that demonstrates that the reason for physical reality is to provide unique and practical assistance to spiritual development on this plane and thereafter. SC $9.95

Equal Circles: Women and Men in the Bahá’í Community. Eleven provocative essays on the equality of women and men, edited by Peggy Caton. SC $9.95

HISTORIES AND BIOGRAPHIES

The Bábí and Bahá’í Religions: From Messianic Shi'ism to a world religion, by Peter Smith. A refreshing new approach to the rise of the Faith that takes in sociological themes and factors and looks ahead to where the Faith is going. HC $19.95; SC $11.95

Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 1, edited by Moojan Momen. The first collection of scholarly essays on the history of the Faith in Iran and America. HC $19.95

From Iran East and West: Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2, edited by Moojan Momen. Six essays on the history of the Faith in Iran, Iraq, India and America, each of which brings to light previously unknown aspects of Bahá’í history. HC $19.95

Hour of the Dawn, by Mary Perkins. A biography of the Báb, written for all readers and drawing on Nabil's Narrative (The Dawn-Breakers) and the works of H.M. Balyúzi for source material. HC $15.95; SC $7.95

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, by Adib Taherzadeh. Three volumes (with a soon-to-be-released fourth) of the history of the Bahá’í revelation, with a focus on many of the major Tablets and life events of Bahá’u’lláh. Vol. 1, SC $11.95; Vol. 2, SC $14.50; Vol. 3, HC $19.95

Mullá Husayn: Disciple at Dawn, by R. Mehrabkhani. The initial, full-length biography about the first person to recognize the station of the Báb. HC $14.95

The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, by Robert Stockman. A vivid chronicle that describes the early Bahá’ís in America and the events surrounding the introduction and development of the Faith on American soil. HC $17.95

To Move the World: Louis G. Gregory and the Advancement of Racial Unity in America, by Gayle Morrison. A penetrating analysis of the life of one of the earliest black Bahá’ís in America who became a Hand of the Cause of God. SC $8.95

Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold, by Mabel Garis. A biography of America's greatest teacher of the Faith and the foremost Hand of the Cause of God raised up by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's will in the first Bahá’í century. HC $21.95; SC $14.95

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS

Videos

Ark of Destiny. A documentation of the construction and dedication of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel. The film depicts the building as a living organism and as a center for pilgrimage. VHS and Beta, $25

Heart of the Lotus. A film on video showing the social and economic changes the Bahá’í Faith is bringing to India. Includes footage on the dedication ceremonies for the House of Worship in New Delhi. VHS or Beta, $25

Peace... The Promise. A look at Bahá’í views on peace through excerpts from the stirring talks and music and dance performances at the San Francisco Peace Conference. Includes highlights of addresses by Ervin Laszlo and Robert Henderson. Entertainment is diverse and beautiful. VHS or Beta, $25

Meeting the Master. A video of 10 Bahá’ís who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sharing their recollections at the 75th anniversary of the visit of the Master to the site of the House of Worship in Wilmette. Also includes 'Glimpses of Perfection,' the filmstrip with narration about the Master. VHS or Beta, $19.95

Cassettes

Echoes of the Lotus. Four tapes from the dedication conference of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India. Three tapes include talks by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Collis Featherstone, and William Sears; Counselor B. Afshin, and Temple architect Fariburz Sahba. The fourth tape features music from the dedication conference and ceremony. Set of four, $29.95; music only, $8.95

Stories from the Dawn-Breakers. Stories about the Faith's early history read by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Set of four in a vinyl box, $24

Meeting the Master, Vol. 1. Warm and inspiring recollections by early believers of their first-hand experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Speakers include Juliet Thompson, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Florence Breed Khan, Marguerite (Daisy) Smythe, Edward B. (Saffa) Kinney, and Curtis Kelsey. $7.50

Other cassettes of talks ($7.50 each): Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh (Peter Khan) Are You Happy? (Enoch Olinga) Because We Love the Faith (Amelia Collins, Dorothy Baker) Foundations of Learning (A.Q. Faizi) In the Days of the Guardian (Leroy Ioas) In His Presence (Tarzu’llah Samandari) Major and Minor Plans of God (Peter Khan) My Only Desire (Agnes Alexander) Strengthening the Administrative Order (Horace Holley) This Century of Progress (Bahia Mitchell) Triumph of the Cause (H.M. Balyúzí) A Visit with the Master (Corinne True) Women: Equality and Peace (Peter Khan)

Other cassettes of music: Come On, Rise Up (Doug Cameron), $8 Loving Hands (Heartbeat), $8.95 Mona with the Children (Doug Cameron), $8 Nightingale (Dorothy Newton), $8 Teaching Peace (Red Grammer), $8 Unity in Diversity (Gordi Munro), $8 We Are Bahá’ís (Doug Cameron), $8 We Are One (Leslie and Kelly), $8 Wildfire (Wilford Johnson), $8

For information about ordering any titles from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, please see page 14 in this issue of The American Bahá’í. [Page 40]

Building Unity on Teaching: Seeker refuses to give up, tracks down Bahá’ís, attends firesides, now looks to raise Assembly

teaching methods

"There are innumerable ways of teaching the Cause," the Guardian states. (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi in "The Individual and Teaching," p. 22) The processes of growth remain the same despite the specific teaching method used. The better the method, the better it promotes the process leading to the seeker making a connection with his Lord, with the increase and development of Bahá’í communities that reflect the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life, or with the transformation of the rank and file of humanity.

There can never be only one method of teaching stressed in our community above others. The Universal House of Justice informs us that "everyone can find some effective method of teaching according to his own particular capacities and talents. ..." ("The Individual and Teaching," p. vili) Shoghi Effendi indicates that methods need to vary according to the types of seekers:

"In teaching the Cause, much depends on the personality of the teacher and on the method he chooses for presenting the message. Different personalities and different classes and types of individuals need different methods of approach. And is the sign of an able teacher to know how to best adapt his methods to various types of people whom he happens to meet. There is no one method one can follow all through. But there should be as many ways of approach as there are types of individual seekers. Flexibility and variety of method is, therefore, an essential prerequisite for the success of every teaching activity." (Letter written on behalf of the Guardian, in "The Individual and Teaching," pp. 21-22)

There is a danger in comparing the experimental methods used in teaching the masses with an ideal method of teaching that everyone should use. The process of individual teaching and that of teaching the masses are distinct. In a letter to an individual, the Universal House of Justice writes:

"You state that your local Spiritual Assembly has decided to stop the mass teaching effort for the time being, but you do not mention other types of teaching endeavors. While it is true that expansion and consolidation must go hand in hand, as you say, this does not necessarily mean that teaching activity is confined to mass teaching....There is nothing to keep you from pursuing your own teaching endeavors, both in attracting new seekers and confirming those who have already accepted Bahá’u’lláh, under the direction, of course, of your local Assembly." (Letter of March 23, 1982)

Involvement in experiments in devising and implementing teaching methods is an important part of learning how to build the new World Order. But it is important that we learn from our experiments to constantly improve our methods, thereby promoting teaching processes more effectively.

There are presently three challenges facing us in our use of teaching methods.

The first is to achieve a wider use of methods that have proven to be effective. Foremost among these is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s instruction that we as individuals should "weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection," first by trying to "remove any apprehensions," then, when we "sense receptivity to the Word of God," we should "deliver the Message with wisdom." "Every one of the believers should choose one person every year and attempt to establish ties of friendship...." "This," the Master informs us, "is the best method" (In "The Individual and Teaching," p. 33). Shoghi Effendi's advice about firesides falls under this method: "The Guardian feels that the most effective way for the Bahá’ís to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbors and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Bahá’ís and the Bahá’ís in their friends, they should give the Message and teach the Cause. Individual teaching of this type is more effective than any other type. The principle of the fireside meeting, which was established in order to permit and encourage the individual to teach in his own home, has been proven the most effective instrument for spreading the Faith." (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in "The Individual and Teaching," p 33)

The second challenge is to take methods which have had a partial measure of success and refine and perfect them so that those who declare themselves as Bahá’ís have a true understanding of the basic requirements for enrollment and an opportunity to be confirmed in service to the Cause. Our present efforts to reach the masses are an example of this challenge.

The third challenge is to work to develop new teaching methods. For example, we should not be limited in our approach to teaching the masses by methods we have already tried. The Universal House of Justice recently called upon the Bahá’í world to become involved in new areas of endeavor, such as social and economic development, the establishment of peace, and the application of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings to the ills facing society. These efforts present new opportunities for teaching that we must creatively address. The Supreme Body informs us that "the activities associated with the economic and social development of the Bahá’í community" and the "activities for the peace campaign" are "mutually reinforcing and go far to enhance the teaching opportunities necessary to the successful completion of the Plan." (Letter of January 23, 1985)

Rose Marie McIntire, a seeker from Quincy, California (population 2,700) borrowed Gloria Faizi's book on the Bahá’í Faith from a friend who was not a Bahá’í.

After reading only 10 pages, she realized that the Faith was what she had been searching for all of her life.

She knew of no Bahá’ís in Quincy, so she went to the library to learn more about the Faith. As she checked out three of the five Bahá’í books that were there, the librarian asked if she were a Bahá’í.

"No, I'm not," Ms. McIntire said, "but when I find one I'll let you know."

As Ms. McIntire walked out of the library she dropped one of the books. The person who helped her pick it up looked at the title and exclaimed, "Do we have a Bahá’í Group in Quincy?"

"No," said Ms. McIntire, "but as soon as we do have a Bahá’í Group in Quincy we'll let you know."

More determined than ever to meet Bahá’ís, she drove 80 miles to the Nevada border, picked up a phone book and looked for the word "Bahá’í."

Ms. McIntire called the first number she found. The Bahá’í who answered asked Ms. McIntire if she was a Bahá’í, to which she responded, "Yes, I am; I've been one for about two weeks."

The woman invited Ms. McIntire to accompany her to the home of Jack and Arden Lee in Reno. That evening she was enrolled in the Faith, and in the next two weeks she attended three firesides at the Lees' home.

Within a few weeks of her declaration and with help from some of the Bahá’ís in Reno, Ms. McIntire hosted her first fireside in Quincy. Nineteen seekers including children attended the fireside!

Ms. McIntire has made a commitment to host a fireside every 19 days, and her friend, who is not a Bahá’í, has offered her home for the firesides.

Ms. McIntire also organized a proclamation event in Quincy during the first week of November at the Quincy Library Community Center. To prepare for the event, she distributed flyers throughout the city and at Quincy's Feather River Junior College. Two radio stations, one AM and one FM, ran advertisements for the event, and the local newspaper ran a small article.

Soon after Ms. McIntire became a Bahá’í, another Bahá’í who recently moved to the Quincy area phoned the same number in Nevada that Ms. McIntire had called; as a result, she and Ms. McIntire celebrate Feasts together and continually support each other in their efforts to deepen and teach the Faith.

Since the media coverage for the proclamation, Ms. McIntire has received phone calls from four other Bahá’ís within 40 miles of Quincy. Prior to that time, those Bahá’ís had to travel from 80 to 200 miles to attend Bahá’í functions.

Ms. McIntire has set a goal to raise a functioning Spiritual Assembly in Quincy by Ridván.

External Affairs has new address

The National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs has a new address. On July 2, the office, which was formerly located in New Haven, Connecticut, was moved to its new quarters at 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (phone 202-265-8830). As a result, the Office of External Affairs is closer to those government agencies and individuals with whom it must interact on a regular basis.

99-year-old Bahá’í says, ‘Please, send me teaching materials!’

Recently, Edna Johnson Norvell delighted the staff at the Bahá’í National Center when she wrote asking that her address be updated so that she might once again receive The American Bahá’í.

She also asked for some pamphlets since she had been hand copying excerpts from the Bahá’í writings for seekers in the rest home in which she presently lives.

"The work of so much writing is becoming beyond my strength at 99 years of age," she wrote.

The National Teaching Committee promptly sent Mrs. Norvell the teaching materials and asked the local Bahá’í community to visit her.

Mrs. Norvell said she became a Bahá’í in 1937 in Los Angeles after studying with Keith Ransom-Kehler. She was privileged to be a pilgrim in the Holy Land at a time when she was the only guest.

Shoghi Effendi asked her to pioneer to Austria to help form the first Assembly there. She also pioneered to Cape Town, South Africa, and to Greece.

Mrs. Norvell responded to the materials sent by the Teaching Committee, saying, "Everything you sent is wonderful and exciting—all those excellent pamphlets which I began at once to distribute to well-chosen prospects, with a few words from myself."

Letters or cards may be sent to Mrs. Norvell c/o Dinan Tedesco Annex, Bridgeport, CT 06610.

At 13, Nabil Yazdani has been assistant to Auxiliary Board member for four years

Thirteen-year-old Nabil Yazdani (right) of Suriname, the youngest assistant to an Auxiliary Board member in the world, with his older brother and Bahá’í Dan Defender of North Dakota at the recent Conference on Growth in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

One of the youngest participants in the recent Conference on Growth in Lincolnwood, Illinois, was 13-year-old Nabil Yazdani who is also the youngest assistant to an Auxiliary Board member in the world.

Since the age of two Nabil has lived in Suriname, South America, where his parents are pioneers and serve on that country's National Spiritual Assembly.

Nabil was originally appointed an assistant to the Auxiliary Board at age nine, an appointment that, because of his age, required approval from the Universal House of Justice.

Nabil has many talents, among them the ability to speak five languages fluently: Persian, Dutch, English, and the local Suriname dialects.

However, it is not his position but his acts of service that exemplify a life devoted to Bahá’u’lláh.

Nabil often travels to teach among the Bush people who live in the jungles of Suriname. To reach them he must walk through marshes, and due to the parasite-infested water must often be hospitalized after returning to the city.

The Universal House of Justice has said that "youth can move the world," and Bahá’u’lláh has promised to help those who arise to serve His Cause.

May Nabil Yazdani's life be an example and an inspiration to those wishing to teach the Cause of God.

18 Bahá’ís in U.S. linked in agricultural information network

Eighteen Bahá’ís throughout the U.S. are now linked in an agricultural information network.

Responding to a classified ad in The American Bahá’í (September), these members of the Faith, representing all areas of agriculture from backyard gardeners to farmers, students and technical professionals received a list of one another's addresses and the information some members wished to share.

Enough material was received not only to fill a seven-page newsletter but to provide a good beginning for a second issue.

For more information about the group, write to Chris English, Globe, AZ 85501. [Page 41]

Clubs help Faith ‘emerge from obscurity’ on campus

The Faith’s emergence from obscurity recently took on a new meaning for the members of the Bahá’í Clubs at the University of California-Los Angeles and Northern Illinois University.

Historically, Bahá’í College Clubs have had to be creative when it came to promoting unity and teaching the Faith on campus. No wonder the events of the past few months came as an absolute surprise.

You may have read, in the November issue of The American Bahá’í, about the exciting events which took place at Northern Illinois University in regard to an outbreak of racism on campus and the administration’s decision to fight back with a cultural awareness week, specifically asking the Bahá’í Club to have a representative on the board that was to plan the events.

It was an outstanding opportunity to promote unity while further awakening the campus community to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

That the school administrators specifically asked the Bahá’í Club to help promote unity is surely a reflection of our emergence from obscurity. However, this was not an isolated incident.

As if to drive the point home, the events at Northern Illinois were quickly followed by news from Los Angeles that was equally amazing and wonderful.

It had become apparent to Tony Garcia, an administrator at UCLA, that there were serious problems on campus. In short, there was disunity, even hostility among some of the student groups.

Having worked with the UCLA Bahá’í Club in the past, Mr. Garcia turned to it for help.

A meeting of all the religious groups at UCLA was called, and the Bahá’í Club was told that its presence was especially requested.

The groups were told of Mr. Garcia’s concerns, about the disunity and hostility, and asked if they would work together for the good of the school. The answer was no!

The group split down the middle, with some leaping at the chance to promote brotherhood and others flatly refusing to work with groups they said were “surely going to hell.”

Many people were shocked by their reaction, and perhaps Mr. Garcia realized then that the problem was larger than he had first thought.

Again he turned to the Bahá’í Club, asking its members if they would write a proposal for the promotion of unity at UCLA, a proposal that Mr. Garcia would present to the Chancellor along with his own concerns.

Clearly, we are emerging from obscurity; the Universal House of Justice has said it, and the recent events at UCLA and at Northern Illinois University are but two examples of it. But, as the UCLA story illustrates, we are sure to meet with opposition along the way.

“...Were it not for the cold, how would the heat of Thy words prevail, O Expounder of the worlds? Were it not for calamity, how would the sun of Thy patience shine, O Light of the worlds? ...” (From the ‘Fire Tablet,’ revealed by Bahá’u’lláh)

Example

from page 18

ess created an opening for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to speak of spiritual matters:

“His response to this was to ask if He might tell them a story, and He related one of the Oriental tales ... and at its conclusion all laughed heartily.

“The ice was broken. Others added stories of which the Master’s anecdote had reminded them. Then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His face beaming with happiness, told another story, and another. His laughter rang through the room. He said that the Orientals had many such stories illustrating different phases of life. ....

“It is good to laugh. Laughter is a spiritual relaxation. When they were in prison, He said, and under the utmost deprivation and difficulties, each of them at the close of the day would relate the most ludicrous event which had happened. Sometimes it was a little difficult to find one but always they would laugh until the tears would roll down their cheeks.

“Happiness, He said, is never dependent upon material surroundings, otherwise how sad those years would have been. As it was they were always in the utmost state of joy and happiness.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in His infinite wisdom and tact, chose not to approach this particular group with a learned dissertation on spiritual matters. Yet, those who attended the luncheon party were profoundly affected.

The Master, always considering the spiritual condition, capacity and particular needs of those He met, tailored His approach in speaking accordingly.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá took care not to tax His listeners. Always, He saw to it that His audience was happy and relaxed by His warmth and humor.

“...know thou,” exhorted the perfect Exemplar, “that delivering the Message can be accomplished only through goodly deeds and spiritual attributes, an utterance that is crystal clear and the happiness reflected from the face of that one who is expounding the Teachings.”

297 attend seventh Tennessee Institute Labor Day weekend

Some 297 Bahá’ís from the Southeastern states and as far away as New York, California and Bermuda attended the seventh annual Tennessee Bahá’í Institute over the Labor Day weekend in Monteagle.

“Getting Involved Through Leadership” was the theme of the three-day event whose speakers included Auxiliary Board members Mary K. Radpour and Sam McClellan; university professors Nosratollah Rassekh and Thomas Thompson; and Larry Miller, owner of a management consulting firm.

The conference, which featured many workshops and recreational activities, was highlighted by the inspirational music of ‘Bridges,’ a Chattanooga-based choral group.

The Institute, which has been self-supporting since its inception, traditionally holds an auction on the last night to raise money for the National Bahá’í Fund. This year’s auction raised $23,270.

The TBI Committee announced that one-half of the auction’s revenue would go to the Fund, the other half toward establishing a permanent site for the Institute with the additional goal of developing and expanding teaching programs.

Members of the Tennessee Bahá’í Institute Committee are Iraj Radpour (Chairman), Kaihan Strain, Linda and Charles Hendrickson, all of Chattanooga; and Farsheed Ferdowsi and Luis Lizarraga of Nashville.

Project Vahdat causes big stir in central Texas

For nine days last December, 56 people took part in the Vahdat Project, planned and coordinated by the District Teaching Committee of Central Texas, teaching in the towns of Temple, Taylor, Elgin, Granger, Manor and Round Rock.

The project was dedicated to the memory of a recent martyr in Iran whose daughter lives in central Texas.

Vahdat II, to be held December 19-27, is dedicated to all of the recent martyrs in Iran.

Immediately after the first surge of declarations in Vahdat I, the Teaching Committee created a Traveling teaching circuit to help consolidate the new believers.

In addition, a music task force was formed to regularly present music as a part of Bahá’í activities and consolidation strategy.

These activities have led to increased cooperation between the District Teaching Committee and local Assemblies to build strong Bahá’í communities.

The Spiritual Assembly of Round Rock has been coordinating the teaching/consolidation effort in Round Rock and Taylor, while the Spiritual Assembly of Austin is sponsoring Vahdat II.

The District Teaching Committee has continued to coordinate consolidation aspects of teaching in the rest of the district.

Since January, teams have gone out once a month to the various towns to visit as many of the new believers as possible.

Many have been visited several times during this period and most have been visited at least once.

In addition to the visits, a district newsletter has gone to the new believers every other month informing them of community and district events and encouraging study of the Creative Word.

Also, letters are sent to each of the new believers inviting them to community activities being held in their locality.

One homefront pioneer has recently moved to Temple and another to Taylor—the two towns with the most new declarants.

Activities have been scheduled in both those towns on a regular basis.

During Vahdat II, teachers will visit the same areas covered last year.

The emphasis will be on consolidation of declarants from last year’s project with the goal of visiting every believer at least once.

Proclamation using the media, presentations of books to libraries, giving the peace statement to public officials, and public meetings will be used to try and broaden the base of Bahá’ís in each town.

For more information about Project Vahdat, phone Alison Ashley or Virginia Rogers, 512-499-8676.

Evanston community’s outreach effort touches heart of one long-time believer

About 50 years ago Robert Van Meer became a Bahá’í. His aunt, Elizabeth Muther (see Not Every Sea Hath Pearls, pp. 115-118), had moved to Hawaii for reasons of health. Through correspondence, the Van Meer family began to learn about the Faith through Elizabeth.

The Van Meers, who lived in Chicago at the time, decided to attend study classes that were being held in that city. The teacher was Ruth Moffett who helped the entire Van Meer family see the truth enshrined in the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

In 1956, Robert and his family moved to Evanston, Illinois, where Mr. Van Meer continued to attend and take part in Bahá’í-sponsored events.

Early in the 1980s, however, he lost contact with the Bahá’ís, and for a period of five years had not been in touch with the Bahá’í community.

This year the Spiritual Assembly of Evanston decided to create “community neighborhoods” to help strengthen the bonds of fellowship, love and unity in the community.

It was through one of these neighborhood activities that the Evanston Bahá’ís contacted Mr. Van Meer, who was pleased and delighted to see other Bahá’ís once again.

He immediately became involved in community affairs, and his calm presence and quiet enthusiasm for the Faith raised the level of group activities.

On October 9, Mr. Van Meer’s spirit left this earthly plane for the Abhá Kingdom. The neighborhood group in Evanston planned the Bahá’í funeral for him, with help from his wife, Marie.

Mrs. Van Meer, who is not a Bahá’í, was touched by the love and dedication of the Bahá’ís, and has asked them to stay in touch with her.

Tablet of the Heart

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

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 $9.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1800

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 42]Pictured are some of the participants in a meeting at the Bosch Bahá’í School in California in October attended by representatives of California’s eight District Teaching Committees and other interested Bahá’ís. From the meeting came a proposal to repeat the highly successful ‘California Victory Campaign’ of 1966 under a new name, the ‘Arc of Love Campaign.’’

California’s ‘Arc of Love’ campaign aims to raise $1 million by Riḍván ’88

When representatives of all eight District Teaching Committees in California and another 30 interested persons met together at the Bosch Bahá’í School in late October, they discussed various aspects of teaching in that state as well as the opportunity to complete the building of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Before the weekend was over, the participants drew up a proposal to repeat the highly successful 1966 “California Victory Campaign.”

This time, however, the campaign will be known as the “Arc of Love Campaign.”

Among the proposed goals:

• Raise $1 million by Riḍván 1988 from among the 10,000 Bahá’ís in California.
• Restore 12 local Spiritual Assemblies which have been lost and form another seven, at least one of which would be on an Indian Reservation.
• Actively seek opportunities to interface with peace organizations, especially on computer bulletin boards, with PEACESAT ham radio, and through other means.
• Carry out intercultural teaching activities in every district in the state to gain at least a 15 per cent increase in minority Bahá’ís in California.

Among the speakers at the October meeting were Auxiliary Board member Richard Groger and Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Arrangements for the meeting were made by members of the District Teaching Committee of Central California No. 1.

The weekend included workshops on Indian teaching, Asian teaching, the individual and teaching, and setting goals and objectives.

Participants decided to forgo attending a second series of planned workshops to continue consultation about completing the Arc on Mount Carmel and to draw up a plan of action for raising $1 million by Riḍván.

They asked the representatives of District Teaching Committees to take the proposals back to their districts and begin a campaign of unified action for teaching under the banner of “Arc of Love Campaign.”

One aspect of the campaign will be frequent communication among all the District Teaching Committees to let everyone know how the work is going, to encourage and help one another, and to coordinate the activities whenever possible.

Everyone left the meeting with confidence and high spirits, planning to come together January 29 for a follow-up meeting to assess progress and plan the next steps in the campaign.

Houston’s Office of Public Affairs produces new radio program to debut on FM in January

After a great deal of hard work, patience and persistence by the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs of the Greater Houston, Texas, area, a Bahá’í-produced one-hour weekly radio program is set to go on the air on Houston’s 100,000-watt non-commercial KPFT-FM the first of next year.

The program, whose concept is to promote appreciation of the diversity of the various cultures of the world and a vision of global unity, will use as its opening and closing theme music “One Family,” the song that was sung with such spirit at the Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

Red Grammer, who composed the piece, has generously given permission to use the yet-to-be-released inspirational music.

Included in the programs will be interviews with people (Bahá’ís and others) from other cultures or who have lived in other cultures; discussions with people who are working to help bring about an understanding of various cultures; music of other cultures or that deals with the concept of global unity; Bahá’í public service announcements; announcements of various local festivals, art exhibits and other cultural activities; and recognition of the holy days of various religions.

Because of station constraints the program will not be promoted as religious. It will, however, give the Bahá’ís an opportunity to promote the principles of the Faith and various Bahá’í activities.

Bahá’ís have also been volunteering their services at the station by answering phones and making financial pledges during fund-raising marathons, helping to man booths at other fund-raising events, typing the in-house newsletter, and helping with mailings. As a result, friendships have been made with the station’s management and staff.

Communities that are interested in adapting the program’s format to their areas may write for information to Jackie Cone, Houston, TX 77081, or telephone 713-667-2176.

About 400 people from the U.S. and other countries attended the ‘Thornton Chase: Pilgrimage of the Master’ Conference sponsored September 26 by the Bahá’í community of Inglewood, California.

The keynote speaker, Counselor Wilma Brady, is seated third from left.

Inglewood hosts 75th Thornton Chase memorial

In honor of Thornton Chase, the first Bahá’í in North America, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s pilgrimage to his gravesite 75 years ago, the Bahá’í community of Inglewood, California, sponsored the “Thornton Chase: Pilgrimage of the Master” Conference on Saturday, September 26.

Counselor Wilma Brady addressed the audience of 400 on “‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Center of the Covenant.”

Other speakers were Auxiliary Board member Steven Birkland (“Struggles of the Nascent Bahá’í Community”) and Prof. Amin Banani (“Impact of the Master’s Visit”).

In the afternoon, deepening sessions were conducted by Auxiliary Board members Edward Diliberto, Miguel Osborne and William Roberts.

After a banquet, a Unity Feast was held at which each of about 400 believers from places as ‎far near far and near‎ as Bakersfield, San Diego and Hayward, California, and as far away as Europe and Turkey was given a long-stemmed red rose.

As a part of that program, 13-year-old Niambi Gravely read ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk given at the Unity Feast in 1912 at Teaneck, New Jersey.

A brief film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America was shown, and the Feast ended with a recording of the Master chanting a prayer.

On Sunday, about 500 people gathered at the Inglewood Park Cemetery for the Thornton Chase memorial service.

The main speaker was Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, who spoke eloquently on the life of Thornton Chase.

The service ended with a prayer for America, after which the members of the host community joined their guests for another reception nearby.

Gibson Centre offers program to train Bahá’ís to use media to serve Cause

In response to rapidly expanding media opportunities and the urgent need for Bahá’ís skilled in media production and use, the Amoz Gibson Centre in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, has developed an intensive training program designed to prepare believers from all over the hemisphere to use the mass media in service to the Cause.

The Gibson Centre is operated by IBAVC, an agency charged by the Universal House of Justice with the development of Bahá’í media throughout the world.

To date, the Centre has graduated more than 300 students from 25 countries including National Assembly members, non-literate villagers, university professors, youth, and international pioneers.

But for many Bahá’ís, especially those from the developing world, the cost of training is too high. Even if the sessions could be offered at no charge, some could not afford the cost of transportation.

Would you like to help? For $400 you can sponsor one student for an intensive 126-hour training session—the equivalent of six academic credits. This includes the cost of tuition, lodging, food and all class materials.

For $1,000 you can pay the average travel expense for one student from South America or other parts of the developing world.

Ongoing sponsorships might carry the name of the donor (for example, the Arecibo Assembly Annual Broadcast Scholarship), or honor the memory of a martyr or other Bahá’í who has passed on.

Gifts may be earmarked for specific recipients (such as “indigenous personnel from the Bahá’í radio stations in Latin America” or “the children of international pioneers”).

Assemblies or media committees may also wish to sponsor one of their own members to attend a training session.

Gifts to the Gibson Centre are tax-deductible, as allowed within government regulations.

For more information, please write to the Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media, HC-02 Box 14765, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809-878-4189.

MAKE AUSTRALIA YOUR BUSINESS ...AS A BUSINESS MIGRANT

Australia’s Business Migration Program is looking for people who are interested in settling permanently in Australia and who have business expertise, capital and experience.

Australia is a growing nation and offers huge market and investment potential. Join us in promoting and developing Australia as the business center for the Western Pacific region - the fastest growing market in the world.

Information Seminars will be held in the U.S.A. and Canada later this year and early 1988

Find out more about our Business Migration Program by contacting the nearest Australian overseas Mission Office or by writing to Rudi Stachow, Business Migration Office, P.O. Box 25, Belconnen, A.C.T. 2616 Australia.

BMP Australian Business Migration Program

Be like the fountain— empty yourself, and be refilled

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 43]

Building Unity on Teaching: summary

The Universal House of Justice, in its message of Riḍván 1987, informed us that “the stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God.” By strengthening our common understanding of the nature of teaching, by establishing the balance between expansion and consolidation, by pursuing the process of growth involving individuals, communities, and teaching the masses, and by creatively and persistently working to expand the range and ensure the effectiveness of our teaching methods, the American Bahá’í community will be prepared to play its part in the dramatic changes which will affect the Faith and the world in the years to come.

Above all, teaching must become more than just an event, a project, or a method. It must become an integral part of the pattern of our daily lives. “Let this be the paramount and most urgent duty of every Bahá’í,” Shoghi Effendi says. “Let us make it the dominating passion of our life.” (“The Individual and Teaching,” p. 15)

In one of His earliest tablets to the American believers, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made the following promise:

“If ye be truly united, if ye agree to promote that which is the essential purpose, and to show forth an all-unifying love, I swear by Him Who causeth the seed to split and the breeze to waft, so great a light will shine forth from your faces as to reach the highest heavens, the fame of your glory will be noised abroad, the evidences of your pre-eminence will spread throughout all regions, your power will penetrate the realities of all things, your aims and purposes will exert their influence upon the great and mighty nations, your spirits will encompass the whole world of being, and ye will discover yourselves to be kings in the dominion of the Kingdom, and attired with the glorious crowns of the invisible Realm, and become the marshals of the army of peace, and princes of the forces of light, and stars shining from the horizon of perfection, and brilliant lamps shedding their radiance upon men.” (Quoted in Citadel of Faith, pp. 29-30)

For a reprint of the essay on building unity of thought in teaching (found on many of the pages in this special issue on teaching), please write to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

‘Rediscovering Our Spirituality’ theme of third annual Conference of Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís

“Rediscovering Our Spirituality” was the theme of the third annual Conference of Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís, held the weekend of October 16-18 in San Fernando, California.

In rediscovering our spirituality, we are reminded of when we first heard about Bahá’u’lláh and His Message for this age, the new feeling and happiness we felt in our connection with God.

More than 75 Bahá’ís of various ethnic backgrounds attended the conference.

Among the featured speakers were Counselors ‎Ahmidiyyih Ahmadiyyih‎, Isabel Pavón de Calderón, Arturo Serrano and Rodrigo Tomás; Auxiliary Board member Teresa McGregor; and Charles Ioas.

Topics covered in workshops included the soul and its spiritual development; prejudice and love; the Catholic doctrine; and the Bahá’í Fund.

Participants were able to study the letter from the Universal House of Justice about the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

The importance of loving and trusting the Bahá’í institutions was emphasized, and that we should all pray for the institutions to make the right decisions to guide the Bahá’í community.

The varied program included talks, drawn prayers, a panel discussion, group discussions, and teaching activities.

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference, however, was the fellowship and unity shared among all the attendees.

One young man was moved to accept the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and became a Bahá’í.

The conference was closed with a special program at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

Seen at the registration desk are some of the Hispanics and Americans who attended the third annual Conference for Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís held October 16-18 in San Fernando, California.

U.S. BAHÁ’Í REPORT

U.S. Bahá’í Report is an informational newsletter sent to more than 1,500 non-Bahá’í elected officials, government agencies, national organizations and news media.

Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’í Groups and Public Information Representatives are especially encouraged to subscribe to U.S. Bahá’í Report for their own use. Suggested names of non-Bahá’í individuals and local organizations who should also receive U.S. Bahá’í Report should be sent to Bahá’í Subscriber Service. Consider sending U.S. Bahá’í Report to peace organizations, chapters of Amnesty International, ecumenical groups, media outlets, and state and local officials if they are familiar with and friendly toward the Faith and the local Bahá’í community.

World Order

Always challenging, never dull, each issue of World Order magazine is worth waiting for. The perfect gift for the interested “friend of the Faith” who has interests and concerns on a wide range of topics. Recent issues of World Order have included articles about the traditional Navajo religion and the Bahá’í Faith, radio for development, and Thomas Carlyle and Islam. Back issues, single copies and bulk orders are available.

Brilliant Star

Teach not just the adults and youth, but the children too. Brilliant Star is written for children ages 6 to 12, but delights readers of all ages and serves the entire family. Each issue has stories, songs, poetry, photographs, crafts, activities, history, and a page just for parents. Use Brilliant Star to welcome the children of a new believer; a refugee family, young parents, or novice grandparents. Give Brilliant Star to your public library, neighborhood community center, day care facility, public or private schools, teachers, doctors and clinics.

Brilliant Star can be a special treat for Nineteen Day Feasts, Bahá’í schools, conferences and committee meetings, Ayyám-i-Há and Naw-Rúz.

Ask for a sample copy!

U.S. Bahá’í Report	World Order	Brilliant Star
o 1 year $10	o 1 year $10	o 1 year $12
o 2 years $18	o 2 years $18	o 2 years $23

Name ____________________________________ ID# _______________

Address ______________________________________________________

City/State ________________________________ ZIP _______________

Gift from ________________________________ ID# _______________

Mail To: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’ís in many areas of U.S. discover joy of teaching Faith to Hispanic seekers

Across the border with Mexico

On November 14, more than 50 Bahá’ís (including children) from El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico, together with some from Juarez, Mexico, were part of the TV program “Nikoliko” in Juarez.

The program, which lasted more than 15 minutes, included songs and a brief presentation on the Faith. At the end, many people from the audience approached the Bahá’ís for more information about the Faith.

The program has an audience of close to 10,000 covering the areas of Juarez, El Paso and parts of New Mexico.

The event is considered one of the first steps in plans for teaching the Faith across the border with Mexico. The effort was initiated by the various local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’ís living near the Mexican border.

Salinas Valley, California

Large numbers of Hispanic believers in this area need deepening in the Faith. Once a month, some Bahá’ís gather in a home to say prayers and visit some of the Hispanic believers in the area to help with the consolidation process.

Southern Arizona

There are many Hispanic believers and local Assemblies where Spanish is spoken in this area. The “Desert Rose” is a teaching project working on expansion and consolidation in southern Arizona and some northern areas of Mexico.

Homestead, Florida

Many Bahá’í volunteers are supporting the “ESL” literacy program sponsored by the state of Florida. The program aids Hispanics and other minority groups in their learning of the English language, and gives them an opportunity to form friendships.

Miami, Florida

On November 8, more than 15 Bahá’ís met to reactivate the teaching efforts among Hispanics in southern Florida. Rodolfo Castillo, an Hispanic musician, was the entertainer and an active participant during the meeting.

Chicago, Illinois

The Bahá’í community of Chicago sponsored a party December 4 with food and Persian, Hispanic and American music. Close to 200 people including non-Bahá’ís attended the event, profits from which were to be used to renovate the Bahá’í Center in Chicago.

Oregon Bahá’ís reach out to Nez Perce tribe

In the past few months the Bahá’ís of western Oregon have been developing a focus for their teaching efforts, especially within the Indian community.

Many friends from Oregon attended a conference last spring on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation at which about 150 Bahá’ís had gathered to discuss reaching out to the Indian community with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. At that conference, there was an emphasis on Indian participation and leadership.

Inspired by the conference, 35 Bahá’ís met last September 19 at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon.

Of the several issues that were discussed in regard to sharing the teachings of the Faith, the one that dominated the consultation was the need to address the “most vital and challenging issue” of racial prejudice.

More such meetings are planned for the future. [Page 44]

Service at National Center offers many rewards for dedicated workers

Have you been reading the National Center’s classified ads month after month but hesitated to contact us because you couldn’t imagine moving to the Chicago area?

But imagine opening your work day with prayers at the Mother Temple of the West. Imagine spending all day, every day, in service to the Cause of God. Imagine joining with your fellow Bahá’ís in service to the Blessed Beauty. Imagine talking with Bahá’ís from around the country and the world, helping to plan conferences, and consulting with the friends.

Service at the National Center offers all these opportunities to those who offer their skills, talents and energies to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause. Bahá’ís from around the U.S. come together at the National Center to share their expertise and to place their energies toward fulfilling the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Opportunities for service outside the Center are plentiful, especially at the House of Worship, only a few blocks from the administrative offices. Share the message of Bahá’u’lláh with the hundreds of daily visitors to the Mother Temple, read at Sunday devotional programs, or lift your voice in praise of God with the House of Worship choir. Providing hospitality for receptions, planning special events, and helping in the Activities Office are still more ways to serve this blessed institution.

If you like children, take part in the RAMP (Reading and Math Program), the National Center’s recently adopted social and economic development project. This after-school and weekend tutoring program serves needy children from the inner-city.

The National Spiritual Assembly, recognizing the importance of the well-being of individuals, offers a livable wage, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave to all those who fill regular full-time positions. Staff are also able to enjoy the Bahá’í Holy Days with family and friends, as it is the National Assembly’s practice to close the National Center on these days.

Service in your new community may be similar to what your experience is now, or you may find Bahá’í life quite different here. Whatever your situation, you are always welcome to attend Feasts, deepenings, Holy Day celebrations and potlucks. Some area communities have adopted social and economic development projects, and all encourage the friends to involve themselves in civic, social and humanitarian efforts in each of their towns.

Living in the Chicago area may be a challenge to many, as the cost of living is relatively high, life is fast-paced, and the changing seasons do not go unnoticed. However, the benefits of living in this area are many and varied. The Chicago area offers some of the finest educational systems in the country; medical care is outstanding and readily available. Culturally, Chicago has many fine museums, art institutes and centers, theatrical productions and restaurants, all supported by the many ethnic and racial groups who live and work in the greater metropolitan area. For those who would like to further their education, or to brush up on rusty skills, several major universities call Chicago home including Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, Loyola, DePaul and Northeastern Illinois University.

Whatever your choice, do consider service at the National Center, an opportunity for rare spiritual bounties and a chance to use your professional training on a daily basis for Bahá’u’lláh. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Although everyone is welcome to apply, secretarial and administrative aides are always needed. For job descriptions and applications, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

We are presently accepting applications for the following positions: clerk aide (Persian/American Affairs Committee Office); program assistant-area committees (Persian/American Affairs Committee Office); administrative assistant (Office of Pioneering).

From September 11-27, the Bahá’ís of Puyallup, Washington, sponsored a booth at the annual Puyallup Fair which attracted more than 1.25-million spectators. More than 5,000 pieces of literature were given out including copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace,’ pamphlets, ‘Wage Peace’ posters, and ‎bookm1rks bookmarks‎. Pictured chatting with a visitor to the booth is Eileen Rothenberg. Also manning the booth is Enayat Sobhani. The booth was warmly received; many of the visitors expressed their respect for the Faith and the Bahá’ís or mentioned a family member or friend who is a Bahá’í.

13 area committees are represented at 2nd annual APAAC Conference

Thirteen Area Persian/American Affairs Committees were represented October 8-11 at the second annual APAAC Conference at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

Committee members met with the National Persian/American Affairs Committee to share their experiences and concerns in relation to the integration goals of the Six Year Plan and to acquire new understandings and skills that would be helpful in promoting the integration and participation of Iranian Bahá’ís in the life and work of the U.S. Bahá’í community.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, opened the conference with an analysis of the challenges facing the community and the special role the Iranian Bahá’ís can play in helping to win the goals of the Six Year Plan.

“It is our job,” he said, “to begin to see the task of integrating the Persian believers into the mainstream of the American Bahá’í community not as a social objective, not simply as a development goal of the Six Year Plan, not as something that will decrease the conflicts among various cultures ... but as something to help achieve God’s purpose, to advance the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor joined the APAAC members for an evening session devoted to consultation on the tasks and opportunities of the Area Committees, the manner in which local Assemblies and other Bahá’í institutions can use the services of the APAACs, and the importance of teaching the members of various racial and ethnic groups.

During the final conference session, the participants developed a plan of action for the coming year.

Two significant goals of that plan are (1) to encourage the Iranian Bahá’ís to take part in the teaching of diverse racial and ethnic groups, and (2) to promote the study of The Advent of Divine Justice, which has been named the “book of the year” by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Also as a part of the conference, the participants made a special visit to the grave of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem whose life was an example of the integration of East and West.

Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses the meeting of Area Persian/American Affairs Committees held October 8-11 at the Bahá’í National Center.

Viewpoint

from page 2

That’s when I picked up the book From Copper to Gold by Dorothy Freeman, about the life of the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker.

Of course, the book was not the profound writings of the Central Figures of the Faith; neither was it the scholarly work of Shoghi Effendi—but it was inspiring, and I felt close to the Faith.

After having acquainted myself with Dorothy Baker’s life, I realized that I should concentrate on what I was able to do—not on what I could not do.

I decided that I could try to share some of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings with the staff and students at the school I was attending.

Eventually, toward the end of my 52-week program of study, I was able to share the Faith with one of my instructors who had already visited the House of Worship in Wilmette and was impressed with Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings about progressive revelation.

Even though I was just another link in the chain, for the young man’s heart was already attracted, I was delighted when he later became a Bahá’í.

My husband read a short statement at a meeting of our city council and presented the mayor and council members copies of “The Promise of World Peace.”

After the meeting, several residents approached him and congratulated him on the speech.

We were also able to establish a rapport with the editor of our local newspaper, and received news coverage for the following:

1. Presentation of the peace statement to the mayor and city council.

2. A celebration of the UN International Day of Peace held in our home.

3. Letters to the editor about education, with special emphasis on a Bahá’í point of view.

After this, the local school called to ask if my husband would write statements about our concern for education, which we did. The school printed them on canvassing cards, with statements from several other residents, to promote a tax levy for our school district.

I bought a poster from the Cleveland Public Library entitled “Ten Ways I Can Work for Peace.” We had it professionally framed and will present it with the tape “Teaching Peace” by Red Grammer to our elementary school on Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday.

Before the end of the year we plan to present a scholarship to a teacher who is pursuing her master’s degree, for her contribution to excellence in education.

To conclude, I would like to share a few more teaching ideas that we have tried. Some were more successful than others, but what matters is doing what can be done.

1. We pray daily for success in teaching.

2. Especially when teaching women, I read the Tablets Bahá’u’lláh wrote for Navvab from Bahá’í Holy Places at the World Centre, p. 74, and call on her for help from the Abhá Kingdom.

3. I call on Dorothy Baker and many other blessed souls who have passed on for help with my teaching efforts. Just think of all the experience Dorothy had in teaching!

4. I joined a local Indian Maidens group, through the YMCA, with my daughter to make friends and, hopefully, new contacts.

5. At the invitation of a local church’s women’s group, I gave a presentation on the Faith, preparing a formal talk with some slides that I later used at some firesides.

6. We also prepared a slide program for the observance of the Declaration of the Báb, and have shared it with other groups who have asked.

7. We deepen and are closely associated with other isolated Bahá’ís in and around our county.

8. We continue to help with children’s classes at the Crimson Ark Bahá’í School on Sundays; it keeps the soul deepened and ready to teach.

Bahá’u’lláh tells us, “Bend your mind and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply ... all mankind may become the upholders of one order, and the inhabitants of one city ....” (The Promised Day Is Come, p. 118)

Bahá’í named Fellow of Chemical Engineers

John Wing, a Bahá’í from Lakeland, Florida, has been named a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

The award was made “in recognition and appreciation of his superior attainments and of his valuable contributions and service to Chemical Engineering.”

Mr. Wing, who is vice-president of HiTech Solutions in Lakeland, earned his B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Florida and his Masters of Engineering Administration degree from the University of South Florida. [Page 45]

Contributions to Fund can be used to offset one’s tax assessment

As we all know, contributions to the Bahá’í Fund are tax-deductible. It is important, however, for us to understand what, when and how to deduct those contributions.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, “A charitable contribution is a contribution or gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization.”

You may deduct charitable contributions only in the year in which they are made; to deduct your contributions you must make them in cash or other property before the close of the tax year.

If you give property, you generally may deduct the fair market value of the property at the time of the contribution.

You may also deduct some out-of-pocket expenses and some transportation expenses. See a tax guide for details.

Items that may not be deducted include:

• Appraisal fees.
• Contributions made directly to a foreign organization. (You may deduct contributions to a U.S. organization, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, which transfers funds to a foreign organization, i.e., the Universal House of Justice, if the U.S. organization controls the use of the funds.)
• A contribution of the right to use one’s property.

Remember, your deduction for charitable contributions is limited to 50 per cent of your adjusted gross income, but in some cases limits of 20 per cent or 30 per cent apply. When in doubt, see a tax specialist or phone the IRS.

When figuring your deduction for charitable contributions, claim only the amounts you actually paid or donated. Do not use averages or arbitrary percentages to figure the amount of the contribution.

You are required to keep records to prove the amount of cash and non-cash contributions you have made during the year.

The kind of records you must keep depends on the amount of your contributions and whether they are cash or non-cash. Again, when in doubt ask for help.

Remember, you can deduct charitable contributions only in the year in which you have made them. This means you have until December 31 to contribute to the Fund and take advantage of this tax benefit.

Rather than paying additional taxes to the IRS or to the state, contribute the money to the Fund! How can you do it? Here’s how:

By now you should have a good idea of what your 1987 income will be. All you need to do is take a few minutes to estimate your income tax.

Once you’ve figured it out, go back and adjust your charitable contributions so that your income tax comes out closest to zero.

You may have to repeat the process three or four times before you are able to write and mail your check to the Fund, but it is well worth the time and effort.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments, or need help in figuring how to maximize your contributions to the Fund while minimizing your taxes, write to the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

S.C. continues to build strong Bahá’í community

South Carolina, greatly blessed by the Universal House of Justice in the Six Year Plan, has become increasingly aware of the vitality and guidance given to the friends in that state.

This collective spirit has brought a powerful new impetus to continue to teach the newer Bahá’ís while strengthening the fruits of past teaching efforts.

Many tears were shed when the friends who were gathered at the Resident Teachers’ Weekend, sponsored by the South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee at the Louis Gregory Institute, recognized the penetrating power of the Creative Word.

A result of these Resident Teacher training sessions is that the friends become inspired teaching “torches” who influence and confirm families and friends in their areas.

It has been a glorious and fulfilling experience to visit a community and find that, although some of the Bahá’ís have not been visited for years, they still know they are members of the Bahá’í Faith.

One young Bahá’í had been waiting for other Bahá’ís to return to prove to his family that other Bahá’ís do exist.

Recently, when he and his family were visited by Bahá’ís, the whole family declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The education of Bahá’í children and youth is a primary goal in areas like Rock Hill, which sponsored a recent event that brought more than 100 adults and children together.

Another event attended by youth was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Florence with help from the South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee.

The highlight of this event was a parade with about 125 Bahá’ís marching behind a banner made by the youth which read “Mankind Is One.” Several declarations resulted from this activity.

The child education and youth coordinators of the Coordinating Committee are preparing to interact with parents and families through meetings, institutes and so on, to help in the understanding of the role of all family members in child education and youth preparation in service to the Faith.

The first child education seminar was held November 17 at the Louis Gregory Institute.

Consultation at the District Convention resulted in bringing a focus to the need for continuous activity of fellowship, prayer and deepening.

Several communities have carried this forward by sponsoring activities and are continuing to plan fellowship in this manner every month.

The Beaufort and Hilton Head communities are bringing together again an effective teaching combination—eating and singing—at their annual banquet in December.

At the same time, a conference in the western area of the state is being held on the ultimate victory of the Faith through the individual initiative of every believer.

The “Dawn-breakers of a New World Order” Conference provides an example of the inspired teaching efforts going on in South Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Louis Gregory Institute continues to provide joyous educational affairs, among them the Peace Festival in September with Dizzy Gillespie and the “Peace Orchestra” made up of Bahá’í musicians from all over the country.

The most recent event was Founders Day at which the former administrators of the Institute were invited to return to see the campus they once shepherded in the name of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory.

One great new addition at the Institute has been the Bahá’í Chorus which has performed not only for Bahá’ís but in other programs throughout the area.

WLGI Radio has had a profound impact on the people of southeastern South Carolina, as indicated by the increasing number of requests for songs over the air.

One person was so pleased to hear different attitudes and music from the station that he contacted WLGI and subsequently became a Bahá’í.

Also, an announcer who had been with WLGI for a year was transformed by the Teachings and also became a Bahá’í.

Traveling teaching and homefront pioneering coordinators are kept busy with requests for information about teaching in South Carolina, and are presently conducting a study of the areas in greatest need of homefront pioneers, which should facilitate the tremendous surge of activity throughout the state.

Recent traveling teachers have come from as far away as Hawaii and Canada, and about 10 homefront pioneers have recently settled in South Carolina including one who returned from pioneering overseas.

In firesides, persistence pays off

For three months after Ed Wilke of Litchfield, Connecticut, began having regular firesides, no seekers came. Nevertheless, the Bahá’ís present prayed together and discussed the Writings each time.

At last, a man from Sri Lanka called and asked to attend. During his first visit he told his story: A traveling teacher in Sri Lanka had told him about the Faith and was invited to his home to present a fireside. A week later, the road to the man’s town was mined and travel became dangerous.

Later, the man and his son escaped to the U.S. In New York City, he saw the sign at the Bahá’í International Office. A few phone calls later, he was invited to the fireside at Ed Wilke’s home.

Thus, the refugee from Sri Lanka was the first seeker to attend those firesides. Since then, five people have declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh in Mr. Wilke’s home.

Counselor Isabel Pavón de Calderón pays visit to Wilmette area, honored at dinner in Chicago

On October 26-29, Counselor Isabel Pavón de Calderón visited the area of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette after attending two conferences in the U.S. with other Counselors.

One of the conferences, for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís, was in San Fernando, California, the other at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona.

While in the Wilmette area, the Counselor spoke October 27 at the Bahá’í National Center with her remarks translated from Spanish to English by Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Gayle Woolson, who was a pioneer to Central and South America for 29 years.

The gathering was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Evanston and attended by Bahá’ís from several nearby communities. Counselor Calderón was introduced by Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor.

The next evening, the Counselor spoke at the Bahá’í Center in Chicago after a dinner in her honor. This time, Dr. Timothy Thurber served as translator.

The Counselor visited the House of Worship for the first time, fulfilling what she described as a long-cherished desire.

In her talks, she brought to mind the bounty and rich opportunity we have in being able to guide and teach at the holiest House of Worship in the Bahá’í world.

Recalling that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had referred to this area as the “heart” of the nation, she said, “You are the heart within that heart, and the more the new believers increase, the more that heart will expand.”

She also stressed the great importance of teaching the Indians in the U.S., calling this activity “a hidden treasure.”

She shared several stories showing the progress that is being made in the indigenous regions of South America and cited examples of the distinctive qualities of devotion and dedication displayed by the people there, once deepened in the Faith, as foretold by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Homefront pioneer family in right place at right time after move to Carson City

The following is an inspiring account of the Matheny family, homefront pioneers who have settled in Carson City, Nevada, a state capital without a local Spiritual Assembly and therefore a priority homefront pioneering goal locality for the Six Year Plan.

Evidently when Bahá’u’lláh determines the time is right things do happen, and for us, changes and reasons that appeared to have little to do with the Faith brought us in the fall of 1986 to Carson City, Nevada. We were now in the mountains and were homefront pioneers!

Uprooting a family to make a major move is never easy, but it can be rewarding.

Of course, each member of our family made the move with his or her own apprehensions and sadness at leaving “home,” but we were comforted by the knowledge that we already had “friends” in Nevada; we knew there were Bahá’ís there!

It was also exciting to know that we were contributing to a national goal—we were homefront pioneering to a state capital.

In Iowa we had always been a family Group, so we were looking forward to being part of a larger community.

Doing some investigating before the move, we found that there had been local Assemblies in Carson City in the past but there was no clear picture of how many Bahá’ís were there now. It seemed that living there would be interesting but perhaps not so different in many ways from our small town in Iowa.

Once in Carson City, and unable to locate local Bahá’ís, we began attending Feasts in nearby communities. The new “friends” we met there made us feel welcome, and were so happy that we had moved to Carson City; they had been praying and working hard to establish a strong Bahá’í community in their capital city.

We began to believe that we must again be in the right place at the right time to serve Bahá’u’lláh, as well as to meet the personal family obligations we thought had brought us here.

Our Group in Carson City is, of course, quite special. It now includes four adults (one of whom declared here as a youth 18 years ago) and three beautiful youth, two from Nicaragua.

We usually have 100 per cent participation at Feasts, and we are feeling like a warm and loving family. We have fun going together to activities such as the Souvenir Picnic and youth-sponsored conferences and fund-raisers.

We took part in the District Convention, and a member of our community is on the District Teaching Committee.

The Northern Nevada District is beginning to hear from and about Carson City again, and we are pleased to be a part of its growth and re-establishment.

Following a profile article about Carson City in The American Bahá’í (August), we have been contacted by Bahá’ís from other areas who wish to move to a goal community.

We are excited by the interest generated and the prospect of new friends joining this lovely community in Carson City, and we hope we are building a firm foundation for the local Spiritual Assembly that is sure to form here during the Six Year Plan. [Page 46]

Letters

from page 3

mistakenly thought he was the return of their Prophet.

The Mexican-Indians thought this because he and his men were bearded, came from the East, and seemingly fulfilled other prophecies.

Just because Cortez was not the one to fulfill their prophecies does not mean the prophecies were false or that they were not to be fulfilled.

On the evening before the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Unity Feast, I had a dream. In it, I saw a large photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with many bearded Persians standing with him. There were also many Americans in the picture.

Below it was another picture, this one of a small group of Indian people who I thought were going to celebrate this year’s Unity Feast. As I looked at the scene, a voice within me said:

“This is the fulfillment of the ancient Indian prophecies of Mexico concerning the bearded men who would come from the East and the Man-Priest who would bring the Sign of God.”

I understand that one’s dreams can’t be the sole basis for understanding the fulfillment of prophecies, and that the basis for our belief must come from the Holy Writings.

But I also believe that God, in His way, does give us confirmations, to guide us and help us to understand His Plan.

I believe I was given this dream so that I might know, and let others know, that the great Indian prophecies of Mexico, whose fulfillment the Indians awaited for hundreds of years, were fulfilled by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic journey to North America.

It is not surprising that, in addition to fulfilling the ancient Indian prophecies of Mexico, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, through a word of His mouth, bestowed a blessing and a destiny upon the indigenous peoples of the Americas, thus fulfilling also a vision of the Aztec emperor Motecuhzoma:

“The Aztec ruler forecast the day when his descendants ‘will rise up’—‘The newly risen tribes, like trodden grass’—and there will be a new birth.” (“The Children of the Aztec,” in Warriors of the Rainbow by William Willoya and Vinson Brown).

Jesse Villagomez Graham, Texas

Orlando Center is first!

To the Editor:

On page 27 (September), a brief article appeared about the dedication June 20 of the Greater Orlando, Florida, Bahá’í Center.

One important fact was omitted that I feel would be of great interest to the friends: the Greater Orlando Center is the first Bahá’í-owned Center in Florida.

Other cities in the state (for example, Miami) have had rented Centers, but it should be noted that the Bahá’ís of Orlando saved for 10 years to purchase their Center which they generously share with all the Bahá’í communities in the area.

I feel that the Orlando community deserves special recognition for their perseverance.

Susan Schifter Orange County West, Florida

Preserving precious letters

To the Editor:

Right now, undiscovered, there are original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and letters of Shoghi Effendi spread around various parts of America.

These were sent to early believers, and when those believers passed away, these sacred writings simply remained with their papers.

Frequently, the relatives of such believers were not Bahá’ís, and so had no concept of the value of such documents, some of which can still be located.

In every issue of The American Bahá’í I see a classified ad from the Archivist asking for Bahá’ís to send in Tablets addressed to particular persons. Presumably, these are Tablets for which only the translation has survived, and the originals are missing.

If a cadre of the friends would take it upon themselves to offer their services to the National Archives, perhaps with the aid of genealogical services, the surviving relatives of such early believers could be located.

This is not a difficult task, but a true treasure hunt, with boundless riches being bequeathed to humanity when gold is struck.

Frankly, my observation is that most of our Bahá’í history is slipping through our fingers. I am speaking primarily of those who met the Master, the Guardian, and the Greatest Holy Leaf, but never tape-recorded or wrote down their memories of these precious incidents.

Have the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh written their memoirs? Have those who caused or witnessed great events in the Faith recorded their memories? Have the families of the martyrs written the stories of their heroic lives? We all want to share in these stories.

These will be the precious stores of our heritage that future historians of the Cause will unlock to discover our Bahá’í history.

We must gather and preserve these photographs, stories, documents and tape recordings and send them to the Archives where they can be preserved for the future.

I have heard tragic stories of whole boxes of letters of early champions of the Cause being discarded; of old documents being destroyed by the elements; and of believers leaving this world without recording the incidents that only they witnessed.

Bahá’ís can help one another with these projects. With a little bit of effort, we can bequeath to posterity the germs of a priceless history, and enjoy ourselves immensely in the process.

Brent Poirier Las Cruces, New Mexico

Advice from a ‘host family’

To the Editor:

For the past 20 years, as “stay-at-home” international traveling teachers, we have been able to introduce international travelers to the Faith. The world has come to our doors as a SERVAS host family.

Since June of this year we have had guests from Switzerland, West Germany, Denmark, Israel, New Zealand, the ‎Peoples People’s‎ Republic of China, New York City, San Diego and Seattle, for a total of 25 visitors.

The young Chinese man, a student at the University of Chicago, accepted Bahá’í literature in Chinese; the Israeli, an architect, saw the video “Ark of Destiny” and suggested that it be shown to his architect friends in Haifa.

For the first time, we had a Bahá’í traveler. He was from New Zealand, and after being isolated for 35 years, his ‎county country‎ formed its first local Assembly and he is the chairman.

We have a large selection of Bahá’í literature in many languages to share with our visitors when they express an interest. Many pieces have left to travel the world.

For example, “A Crown of Beauty” returned to Israel with our visitor. His reaction to the video was one of awe and wonder. He was eager to see the video of the House of Worship in India.

The purpose of SERVAS is a people-to-people program to promote international understanding, fellowship and peace. The added benefit is that, as a Bahá’í, one has many opportunities to share the teachings with those who are already thinking in universal terms and are receptive to global concepts as taught by Bahá’u’lláh.

Anyone who is interested can write for more information to SERVAS USA, 11 John St., New York, NY 10038.

Carolyn/George Galinkin Butte, Montana

"Enrolling New Believers" and "Traveling Teaching" Two great new booklets from: The National Teaching Committee Order yours today! Price $.50 each Make Checks payable to: "Bahá’í Services Fund" National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Dr. Michael Sears (left) of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, with Peter Barkett, president of the Portland chapter of the UN-U.S.A., at a United Nations-sponsored Tele-Conference held September 12 in Portland and New York City.

Bahá’ís in Portland, Oregon, take part in UNA-sponsored Tele-Conference

Bahá’ís were among some 100 residents of Portland, Oregon, who took part September 12 in an International Tele-Conference sponsored by the United Nations Association of the U.S.

The Portland section of the Tele-Conference was opened by Dr. James Nofziger of Willamette University, president of the Oregon division of the UN-USA, who spoke on the UN Charter, comparing it to the U.S. Constitution.

The Tele-Conference then moved to New York where participants included the U.S. Ambassador to the UN and the Deputy Ambassador from the Soviet Union.

Communication between the two groups was established via open telephone lines.

The Spiritual Assembly of Portland was represented by one of its members, Dr. Michael Sears.

Plan now for summer at House of Worship

It’s not too early to begin planning your summer service activities at the Bahá’í House of Worship. The summer of 1987 was quite successful with 12 youth serving for a month or more as Activity Office aides and teaching guides.

For those who need hospitality, we’ll arrange for “bed and breakfast” in the homes of nearby Bahá’ís for $30 a week for as many as we can. Since there are forms to fill out and parental and Spiritual Assembly approval required, please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in this type of service.

Write to: Summer Youth Service, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.

Pianist Mark Ochu presents concert, lecture in Nebraska

Pianist Mark Ochu, a Bahá’í from St. Cloud, Minnesota, presented a concert/lecture, “Prerequisites for Peace in Western Classical Music,” in Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 12, the International Day of Peace.

About half of those in the audience at Wesleyan University were not Bahá’ís.

All department heads at the school were invited to the concert and given copies of “The Promise of World Peace” with their invitations as a gift from the Bahá’í community of Lincoln.

Friends must make extra effort to save jeopardized Assemblies by next Riḍván

The following is a list of jeopardized local Spiritual Assemblies as of November 1987. Extra effort must be made to see that there are at least nine adult Bahá’ís in each of these communities before Riḍván so that these Assemblies are not lost.

These are priority goals for homefront pioneers. Nearby communities can help by directing their extension teaching efforts to these areas. The jeopardized Assemblies may wish to consider sponsoring a teaching project in their locality.

Bahá’ís who are interested in homefront pioneering to any of these areas should contact the National Teaching Committee, which will be able to provide current information about the number of Bahá’ís in a given locality and the name, address and phone number of the local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee secretary, who should be prepared to answer inquiries about employment, schools, housing and so on.

If there are any additions or corrections to be made on this list, please contact the National Teaching Committee immediately by writing: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by phoning 312-869-9039.

• Arizona: Gilbert, Paradise Valley.
• California: Belmont, National City, Petaluma, Red Bluff.
• Colorado: Louisville.
• Connecticut: Ellington Town, New Canaan, New Britain.
• Florida: Benbow Village, Bryant, Havana, Vero Beach.
• Georgia: Austell, Villa Rica.
• Illinois: Chicago Heights, Deerfield, Rock Island, Villa Park, West Chicago.
• Indiana: Gary, Marion, Mishawaka, Richmond, Speedway.
• Iowa: Marion.
• Kansas: Newton, Prairie Village.
• Kentucky: Coldstream.
• Maine: Augusta.
• Maryland: College Park.
• Massachusetts: East Hampton Town, Pittsfield, Salem.
• Michigan: Pontiac, St. Joseph.
• Minnesota: Eden Prairie.
• Mississippi: Vicksburg.
• Missouri: Phelps County, St. Louis County West.
• Montana: Bozeman.
• Nebraska: Bellevue, Hastings.
• New Jersey: Cherry Hill.
• New York: Binghamton, Oyster Bay Town.
• 'North Carolina: Durham County.
• North Dakota: Minot.
• Ohio: Beavercreek, East Cleveland, Westerville.
• Oklahoma: Ada, Spencer.
• Pennsylvania: Lower ‎Marion Merion‎ Township, Middletown Township.
• South Carolina: Effingham, Holly Hill North, North, Pendleton, Seven Pines.
• South Dakota: Eagle Butte.
• Texas: North Richland Hills, Orange, South Houston, The Colony, Tyler.
• Washington: Greater Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Pullman, Richland, Whatcom CCD No. 3.
• Wisconsin: Shorewood, Stoughton.

[Page 47]

10 YEARS AGO

The American Indian Teaching Committee announces that it has reached a goal set at last year’s Bahá’í National Convention to form at least 25 local Spiritual Assemblies on Indian Reservations in the U.S. before the 160th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh on November 12.

The honor of becoming the 25th Indian Assembly to form, thus enabling the U.S. community to win its first homefront victory of the Five Year Plan, goes to the Spiritual Assembly of the Cherokee Reservation in western North Carolina. ...

With reports still arriving daily, preliminary results of the Victory Campaign’s Month of Firesides show 2,915 firesides held in the U.S. with 96 enrollments.

An unmeasurable but consistently reported result, says John Conkling, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, is that there is a change of attitude, an awakening of a new sense of commitment among Bahá’ís across the country. ...

About a thousand Bahá’ís and their guests gather September 16-18, one weekend after the Victory Sessions, at the 18th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference.

In keeping with the conference theme, “Come Pick the Flowers,” almost everyone wears chrysanthemums which are passed out during the opening session.

A surprise speaker Saturday evening is the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears who urges the friends to “make the month of firesides 31 days that shake the world!”

Other speakers include Counselor Angus Cowan of Canada and Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland.

Mr. Cowan, whose topic is “Get Off Your Flower Beds,” tells stories dating back to 1948 when he became a Bahá’í.

Mr. Birkland says it was neither the rich, the famous nor the well-educated who won the early victories for the Faith; it was the devoted, sincere and loyal supporters of the Cause who were unaware of their limitations.

The word “limitations,” he says, should not be in the vocabulary of any Bahá’í. ...

“A Call to Remembrance,” a filmstrip depicting scenes from the life of Bahá’u’lláh, is presented at October’s District Conventions by the 86 newly appointed National Treasurer’s Representatives.

The filmstrip, produced by the Office of the Treasurer, is intended to inspire the believers to arise to greater service for the Cause. ...

As a prelude to the Victory Weekend in early September, some 170 Bahá’ís from more than 70 communities gather August 28-29 in Rochester, New York, for a conference on “The Greatest Challenge—Expansion and Consolidation.”

Speakers include the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, Auxiliary Board members Nat Rutstein and Javidukht Khadem, assistants to the Auxiliary Board Nancy Mondschein and Stephen Yamamoto, and Dr. Jane Faily from Canada. ...

Bosch

from page 4

versal spirit of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. May it be a Mashriq’ul-Adhkár, although it be not of grandeur in appearance but only a place of utmost simplicity for traveling souls to rest in and to partake of the spirit as it is given.

“I pray that the atmosphere here may henceforth be filled with true spirituality and power, and that we may be guided by the strong hand of the Almighty so that this place may be a natural source of pure water for the believers to drink from and for all good hearts who are earnestly seeking for enlightenment.”

Their dream materialized and, in August 1927, the first western Bahá’í Summer School was held.

John was a staunch supporter of the driving forces in Louise, and gave generously of his wealth for the Cause of God; but without her determination, the Summer School could not have been realized.

In 1933 the Guardian wrote to Louise Bosch, saying, “...the work you have initiated in collaboration with Mr. Bosch is an historic achievement, an example to the Bahá’í communities in other lands, a source of future blessings and an added evidence of the mighty and glorious spirit that animates you both in the service of our beloved Cause. Strive, that every passing year may witness a fresh advance in the extension of its scope, the spread of its influence and the consolidation of its foundation.”

Louise wrote numerous letters, keeping up correspondence with former students, guiding them further in the Teachings, kindling the flame of friends and teachers from across the country.

Louise had the rare quality of being able to express her love to all Bahá’ís. She also deeply loved the Guardian, and had a devoted comprehension of his station, constantly emphasizing it to the friends.

During her later days, when her physical and mental faculties ebbed away, the qualities of her soul proved themselves, for she became more than ever the sweetest and most lovable Louise.

She died on September 6, 1952, at Geyserville, and was laid to rest atop a hill, alongside her beloved John, overlooking the valley they both had loved so well.

In the 1920s Mr. and Mrs. Bosch had donated their property at Geyserville to the National Spiritual Assembly, and for nearly 50 years the Geyserville School served as a Bahá’í summer school and training facility for Bahá’í teachers and pioneers.

In 1972, the property had to be sold to make way for an expanded state highway system.

The search for a new site began right away, and on July 13, 1974, a dedication ceremony was held for the new John and Louise Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz.

Speaking at that event, Charlotte Linfoot, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, said the new school would be “a living tribute to the memories that were so strong and lasting at Geyserville.”

Long-time pioneer Kit Goldstein dies at post in Panama

After many years of dedicated service to the Faith, Ellen (Kit) Goldstein died June 18 at her pioneer post in Panama City, Panama.

Born Ellen Marian Isabel Kate Kitchen on March 14, 1905, Kit, as she was known to her friends, was the daughter of a minister of the Congregational Church.

She first heard of the Faith from William and Marguerite Sears when they moved in across the street from her.

Her pioneer services began in 1958 when she left for Ecuador, where she developed a deep interest in the Quechua Indians and helped operate a school for children of the local pioneers in Otavalo.

From Ecuador she moved to Colombia, where she lived in four different areas. While still living there she went to Panama on an extended visit, and decided in 1967 to move there.

In Panama she pioneered to the central provinces, living in Santiago and later in Panama City.

She was active in working with children’s education, taking advantage of her talents in art, music and drama. She was an especially gifted artist, and in her spare time would paint lovely cards, pictures and visual aids for teaching the Faith.

She was a devoted member of the choir at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama, and often helped as a guide, an activity that she dearly loved.

Upon her passing, the following cable was received from the Universal House of Justice:

“Saddened learn passing devoted maidservant Bahá’u’lláh Kit Goldstein. Assure family loving prayers Holy Shrines progress her soul.”

Memorial service in Reno, Nevada, pays tribute to Indian leader Harry Sampson

“Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.”

These words of Bahá’u’lláh are the bedrock of much of what we as Bahá’ís believe. Harry Sampson exemplified those words during his lifetime.

A memorial service in Mr. Sampson’s honor was held October 25 in the Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, Nevada. In attendance were Mr. Sampson’s relatives and friends.

Mr. Sampson, an American Indian Bahá’í, was a wonderful example of a person adopting a Bahá’í purpose for life—to know, love and worship God, and to help carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

Besides being a musician, a major league baseball player, a labor representative in state affairs, and an authority on the use of medicinal plants, Mr. Sampson was a tireless worker for the rights of Indian people, and it is for that work that he is best remembered.

Notably, he spoke and wrote brilliantly on behalf of his people to congressmen and the State Department, and, with other Northern Paiutes, he worked with the federal government to procure the land that became the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.

Moreover, he worked on the Paiute people’s land claim cases with the Indian Claims Commission, and served as chairman of the Reno-Sparks Colony Council.

As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “Should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.”

Many who knew Mr. Sampson felt that the prophetic power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words is already being revealed.

Martyr

from page 36

tic shop. At nights he would study books on optometry.

After obtaining a license, he used one of the rooms in his office as a shop where a number of people worked as assistants. Thus he helped the people fill their eye-glass needs as well.

Soon he earned a great deal of respect and popularity among the people. This respect, however, did not please the enemies of the Faith who felt threatened that a young Bahá’í should be so loved and admired by so many people.

So an agent was sent by the government to investigate the actions of Dr. Asdaqi and the other Bahá’ís in Birjand.

In 1981 Dr. Asdaqi was arrested and imprisoned in the Bahá’í center in Birjand which, a few months earlier, had been confiscated and turned into a prison.

His arrest upset many people, and his imprisonment lasted for three and one-half months. In court, he defended himself so ably that he was acquitted of all charges.

The day after his release, Dr. Asdaqi received a phone call from Tehran in which he was informed that the members of the National Spiritual Assembly had been arrested and that his name was on the reserve list for membership on the Assembly. Thus he was able to serve on the highest administrative body of the Faith in Iran.

In 1982 Dr. Asdaqi was married in Tehran, meanwhile working at a clinic in the northern part of the city. A year later he was transferred to Bandar ‘Abbás, a port city in southern Iran.

A few days later, after the government found out that he was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran, his home was attacked by revolutionary guards but they did not find him there; he had already fled to Tehran.

Thus began a period of hiding until he was again arrested on June 26, 1984, while walking in the street. He was imprisoned again and, on November 17, 1984, after four months of torture, was hanged.

Dr. Asdaqi is survived by his mother, his wife, and a young son.

American Indians, Counselors confer

On October 24, more than 70 American Indian Bahá’ís and homefront pioneers gathered at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona, to consult and socialize with five members of the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

Highlights of the meeting included Navajo food, singing and dancing along with important discussions about teaching and deepening on the Writings of the Faith.

IN MEMORIAM

Mabel Amidon Lombard, Illinois October 9, 1987	Connie Hunter Sparks, NV August 31, 1987	Joyce Ann Pigett Florence, SC July 1987
William Anderson Portland, OR August 1, 1987	Amy Jackson Philadelphia, MS Date Unknown	James Prillaman ‎Del Ray Beach Delray Beach‎, FL 1986
Francis Baumgartner Gainesville, FL October 19, 1987	Georgia James Kansas City, KS October 14, 1987	Gertrude Riese Dallas, TX July 11, 1987
Kim Bethea Floydale, SC July 1987	Adellafoy Jennings Chicago, IL October 28, 1987	Patricia Rowland Lumberton, NC May 2, 1987
Brenda Buckins Fort Pierce, FL Summer 1986	Melissa Johnson Hutchinson, KS September 15, 1987	Lura Rouse Austin, TX September 29, 1987
Shirley Bryant Florence, SC October 1987	Leon Paul Jones Hempstead, NY August 7, 1987	Farid Saeed Bellevue, WA June 20, 1987
Mary Cendrowski Marysville, MI September 1987	Charles Little Eagle White River, SD October 14, 1987	Harold Schiller Sheboygan, WI September 23, 1987
Leonia Codish Battle Creek, MI September 25, 1987	Patricia Luger Brandon, FL October 3, 1987	Stanley Schnell Clarkdale, AR September 17, 1987
Ann Durham Dallas, TX August 2, 1987	Robert Maddock Alturas, CA August 6, 1987	Alberta Townsend Latta, SC June 1987
James Elliot Raleigh, NC Date Unknown	Carl T. Meyer Redondo Beach, CA October 17, 1987	Robert Van Meer Evanston, IL October 1987
Kate Foolscrow Martin, SD September 1987	Margaret Newman Mayville, NY Date Unknown	Thelma Wenzel N. Little Rock, AR September 19, 1987
Juan D. Green Atlanta, GA May 1987	Jerry Lee Nott San Jose, CA October 24, 1987	Edith Wilder Florence, SC July 22, 1987
Harriet Hall Tustin, CA September 14, 1987

[Page 48]

A Special Issue on Teaching

File:AmB 1987-12 48 Milwaukee Booth.jpg

A view of the Bahá’í booth at the 13th annual Woman-To-Woman Conference held October 23-25 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Bahá’ís represented at 13th Women’s Conference

“Young woman whose spirit is on fire gravitated to the booth—has been searching and investigating religions since age 12. Took all info from table, seems as though she will be contacting or coming to the Bahá’í Center.”

The above log book entry is from the Bahá’í booth at the 13th annual Woman-To-Woman Conference held October 23-25 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This third year of Bahá’í participation in the event was coordinated by the Bahá’í Council for the Equality of Women and Men.

“Women and Men: Striking the Balance” was the Bahá’í theme, illustrated by a large poster and an identical half-page ad in the conference program.

The booth, which was seen or visited by many of the more than 3,000 people at the conference, featured a drawing for three sets of tapestry notecards.

Each entry form included a box to check if further information about the Faith was wanted, and 25 of the 93 entrants did. All 75 copies of “The Promise of World Peace” were taken, and 300 imprinted pens as well.

Two of the 197 workshops were presented by Bahá’ís.

At the request of conference organizers, Khalil and Sue Khavari of Bayside, Wisconsin, not only repeated “Choosing the Marriage Partner Right for You” from 1986, but expanded the presentation to a double session.

“Spirituality and the Arts,” conducted by Anne Atkinson of Wilmette, Illinois, and Mark Ochu of St. Cloud, Minnesota, was requested by the conference workshop committee.

Both workshops were well-attended.

On Saturday evening, a proclamation event planned by the Bahá’ís of Wauwatosa was held at Mount Mary College.

Mr. Ochu, a classical pianist, presented a concert/lecture, “Prerequisites to Peace Found in Western Classical Music.”

Fifty-seven people including 23 who were not Bahá’í attended. Six of them came as a result of invitations distributed at the Bahá’í booth.

Among those in the audience were the parents of a Bahá’í who were attending their first Bahá’í-sponsored event since she was enrolled in the Faith 18 years ago.

More than 20 people including some seekers attended a reception that followed the concert.

On Sunday evening, 35 people including four seekers attended a fireside at which Mr. Ochu presented a slide program about the dedication of the House of Worship in India.—Jocelyn Boor

Pavón

from page 25

‎Days becomes Days become‎ more regular.

The hope is that with annual assistance in helping the elect the local Assemblies, eventually the Bahá’í communities will be able to elect those Assemblies by themselves.

Obviously, the process can be accelerated if dedicated Bahá’ís will arise to pioneer to any of these new Bahá’í communities.

Teaching activity includes returning to neighborhoods until everyone has been given a chance to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The result has been a steady increase in new believers and friends of the Faith.

Both visiting teachers and newly declared Bahá’ís are nurtured in their knowledge of the Teachings and the Bahá’í way of life.

The more than 20 Bahá’í communities taking part in the Raul Pavon Project are striving to help build the Kingdom of God on earth.

Chattanooga Times editorial condemns persecution in Egypt

On August 17, the Chattanooga Times, a newspaper owned by the same family who owned The New York Times, carried an editorial titled “The Spreading Danger” which characterized the recent persecution of Bahá’ís in Egypt as “a troublesome sign of the spread of Moslem fanaticism.”

The persecutions are “a sober reminder,” the editorial says, “of the growing political strength of extremists influenced by the successful Islamic revolution in Iran, and of the danger that influence holds for political stability throughout the Middle East.”

Texas conference on women is ‘for men only’

A novel approach was taken in planning a conference “for men only” by the Bahá’í community of Bedford, Texas.

Novel because the conference, held September 12, was a conference on women and was open to all men in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The purpose was to educate Bahá’í men on the status of women in the U.S. and the world, in and out of the Bahá’í community, and to raise men’s understanding of their responsibility to help achieve equal rights and opportunities for women.

The conference was opened with a special video developed especially for the occasion by Karen Gould, Clare Menking and Manoutcher Kazemzadeh.

Nancy Dobbins, a former member of the National Committee on Women and the only woman present at the conference, was the first speaker. She left immediately after her presentation, “The Status of Women: The Word—The Standard.”

Next, Fuad Khavari spoke on “The Status of Women in the World,” and Walt Palmer followed with “The Status of Women in the United States.”

The final talk, by Dann May, was on “The Ethics of Women’s Rights, the Link to Peace, the Benefits to Humankind, and the Responsibility of Men.”

The presentations consisted of material gathered from the Bahá’í writings, the United Nations, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other sources related to the topic.

The wealth of information, heightened by the power and conviction of the speakers, led to a wide-ranging and intense period of consultation that was ended only because of the need to vacate the facility.

File:AmB 1987-12 48 Texas Conference.jpg

It was ‘men only’ September 12 at a Conference on Women sponsored by the ‎Bahd'i Bahá’í‎ community of Bedford, Texas.