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Special issue: teaching the Cause of God

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 BAHA’{S 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’ BAHA'I 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

See CABLES page 20

merican Baha’i

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

Volume 18, No. 12 December 1987

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 Bahd’u’ll4h. 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 Baha’i 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 longawaited 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 Bahd’{ organization, Bahai Temple Unity, was established in Chicago on the very day on which the remains of the Bab 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 Baha’u’llah. After explaining His purpose on His arrival in New York, the Master added, ‘‘It will then become the duty of the Baha’is 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.

A model of the Arc on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, whose

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 Baha’fs 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 Baha’u’llah. It was a vision of a destiny that Shoghi Effendi elabo See VISION page 19

What’s Inside?

By LAURA E. HILDRETH

OTe eee Lae i crea

More than 350 people gathered

Association for Baha’i Studies holds 12th Conference at Princeton University

Noticias y mensajes en

completion, the Universal House World Center to meet the chalof Justice says, will enable the lenges of coming centuries.

Building Unity of Thought on Teaching

If one hundred Baha’is 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. Natv rally, 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 Baha’u’llah’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 Baha’i Writings. We must explore the Writings, lettin; them instruct us in what teaching is and what it is not. We cannot hol« 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 knowl- ©

ESPANOL

+ The purpose of teaching October 22-25 in Princeton, New Busca en las paginas 34 y 35

2 Jersey, for the 12th annual Con. fe of the Association for Ba+ The individual and er'stidies =

\ hd’ Studies. teaching—pp. 10-11 The focus of this year’s event + The community and

was the ‘‘Converging Realities’ teaching—pp. 16-17 of science, religion and the hu+ Teaching the masses manities.

members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas: Dr. Farzam Arbab, director of FUNDEAC, an educational and rural development program in Cali, Colombia; and Donald

—pp. 24-25 Featured speakers at the plen- Rogers, a professor of fine arts at | edge to act. Yet principle also has a second critical attribute. As the

i i ary sessions presented papers on f js i Universal House of Justice describes in the peace statement, spiritual Teaching methods ¥ i y the University of Saskatchewan in hive ; n I

—pp. 40-41 various topics which were later Saskatoon, Canada. principle ‘‘not only presents a perspective that harmonizes with that

discussed by panels of respondents.

Among the speakers were two

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.’’ (Continued on inside pages)

Other featured speakers includSee ABS page 21

+ Summary—p. 43

�[Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i / December 1987

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,”? Bahd’u’ll4h 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.”” (Kitdb-i-[gdn, 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’{ 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 Bahd’u’ll4h 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 Baha’i institutions and Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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.

The 79th Baha’i National Convention will be held Thursday through Sunday, May 19-22, 1988, at the Bahd’{ House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Watch for more information in the January issue of The American Bahá’í.

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

Good work > But I think we.

need just a little more detail right here |

Then a $ Miracle 300 oceurs Million!

By Phyllis McGinnis, Long Beach, California

Teaching, education must go hand-in-hand to build new World Order with peace, justice

LU | VIEWPOINT

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 Baha’is 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 Baha’u’llah’s glorious Dispensation. Reflecting upon these lofty goals, I realize that they can only be brought about through education.

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

The Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

This month’s column, “‘Education and Teaching the Faith Are Synonymous,”’ was written by Rebecca A. Huff of Macedonia, Ohio.

and the Baha’i 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 child. ren’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 a way for me to be an active Baha’i 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:

See VIEWPOINT page 44

�[Page 3]

LETTERS

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

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters’’ column is to allow a free and ‘open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or to attack anyone on a personal level. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

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

That Brilliant Star cover

To the Editor:

1 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 Baha’ {s was nof 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 Baha’i publication to echo the racist sentiments of the dominant culture is nothing less than a disgrace.

The Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i 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 pass

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 Baha’is. However, racism within the Baha’i 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 AfricanAmerican.

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 ina Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 AfroAmerican Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i communiye

We have asked repeatedly in many ways for artists of AfricanAmerican 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 discuss The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 3

¢s 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 Baha’i 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-Baháa’s trip to America was a ful fillment of a number of MexicanIndian prophecies.

For some time now I have been studying the religion, history and

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 MexicanAmericans 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

See LETTERS page 46

NATHAN RUTSTEXN

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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.

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�[Page 4]4/ The American Baha’f / December 1987

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 See BOSCH page 47

A Special Issue on Teach

Fireside a means to ‘weave bonds of fellowship’

Shoghi Effendi described the fireside as ‘‘the most powerful and effective teaching medium.’”” ie Individual and Teaching, p.

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 Baha’is to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbors and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Baha'is and the Baha’fs 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 be half 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 Baha’is are to demonstrate “Baha'i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is living there.

A woman. living near one of these areas had long been a Baha’i, but had not been in touch with other Baha’is for some time.

Recently, however, she had decided to marry and wanted a Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

312/869-9039x231

The Six Year Plan

PRODUCTION:

forts to enroll Blac!

of thought;

• to encourage the establi

principles to professional life;

problems of mankind;

tion of non-Baha'is;

capability.

‘The goal of carrying the healing m the Six Year Plan, The success of our efforts to a ress of our endeavors to strengthen the local and national Baha’i communities.

eeFOR GROWTH

ge of Baha'u!

to increase significantly the number of believers from every stratum of society and to make special ef;, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asi:

85

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 Baha'i 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, partic ularly those of Alaska, Canada, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and the Caribbean;

to continue the development of relationships with the government, national organizations, and leaders

tion of non-Bahdif professionals, to facilitate professional development and the application of Baha't

to assume a major role in championing world peace through the promotion of the Peaci development of relations with peace organizations, and the application of spiritual principles to the

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 di: education, law, and spiritual transformation) which would feature large-scale attendance and participa to complete the development of plans to establish a large-scale Baha'i radio and television broadcasting

4h to the generality of mankind is the foundation of eve large-scale growth will favorably affect the prog which would invite participa Statement,

�[Page 5]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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i world.’ This day the Baha’i world has already seen in Africa, the Pacific, in Asia and Latin America, and

‘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 allIndian 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 muchexploited 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 Baha’u’llah is the Manifestation of God for them.”

This can be achieved by the “harmonious collaboration” of local Spiritual Assemblies, traveling teachers, individual Baha’is, 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.

this process of entry by troops must, in the present plan, be augmented and spread to other coun

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 Baha’i community itself temporarily achieved the process of ‘‘entry by troops.” Ina letter dated January 31, 1971, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice stated:

“‘Joyfully announce Baha’i 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 Ridvan. 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 Baha’is, one and all, newly enrolled and believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Baha’u’llah 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 Baha’i 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

tries ...”” The following charts

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 5

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

the Bahd’{ World Center give us

has been an explosive increase in

prepared an idea of what entry by troops _ the number of believers, localities,

by the Department of Statistics at looks like. Since about 1963 there and local Assemblies:

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 Baha’ w’ll4h,

By taking such actions, which will include a wide range of teaching methods involving individuals, communities and efforts to reach the masses. the American Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

Number of Locatities (Total: 119,400)

Africa, me Americas a Asia, m Australasia m Europe

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 Baha’i world.’

“This day the Baha’i 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’ll4h.” 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)

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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i communities.

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

The chief goal of the pioneer is to raise up from among the people of the area the future administrators 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 expan

ty. The committee requests:

Baha’i communities.

youth,

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 Baha’i communi 1. Educational curricula that are or have been in use in local

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

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

sion 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 Ridvan, and to serve on Indian Reservations and in areas where there are large Baha’i Groups.

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

Baha’is 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. �[Page 6]6/ The American Baha’i / December 1987

Young Baha’i describes

The Year of Service program is providing incredible opportunities Sor youth and adults to experience the challenges, trials and joys of serving the Cause on the homeJSront 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

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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

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 Baha’i youth, and Tiny, a Batswana girl who lives in this compound of huts. The Baha’i 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

‘Year of Service’ in Botswana

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.

“T 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

Dominican Republic. El Salvador. . Grenada . . Guadeloupe .

Haiti

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION GOALS

SIX YEAR PLAN JUNE 1987

. Provide traveling teachers.

. Provide public relations materials. Provide one resident teacher, preferably with qualifications to act as building supervisor at the Amalika Institute.

. Provide traveling teachers. . Provide traveling teachers.

Provide traveling teachers, including Native Americans.

Provide traveling teachers.

. Provide traveling teachers. . Provide English-speaking traveling teachers, preferably youth.

. Contribute toward the renovation of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Provide traveling teachers, including Native Americans.

Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Insti tute for Baha’i Studies.

... Contribute toward the acquisition of a new national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. . Encourage and support Music Center.

Provide traveling teachers.

. Provide traveling teachers. . Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.

Provide traveling teachers. Provide traveling teachers. Provide traveling teachers.

. Provide traveling teachers including those skilled in media and public

relations.

Contribute toward the acquisition of a regional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in

St. Kitts-Nevis.

. Provide traveling teachers.

Provide traveling teachers.

. Border teaching projects.

. Provide traveling teachers. . Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.

. Provide traveling teachers, preferably Spanish-speaking. . Provide traveling teachers. . Provide traveling teachers. . Provide traveling teachers. .. Provide traveling teachers.

Enrich Baha’ literature in Persian with help from the Persian Insti tute for Baha’i Studies.

. Provide Baha’i teachers prominent in the field of entertainment. Provide two teachers to develop public relations expertise among

local believers.

Provide traveling teachers.

Enrich Baha’ literature in Persian with help from the Persian Insti tute for Baha’i Studies.

Cooperate in developing the Baha’i home for the aged.

for it. If I had a penny for every time somebody asked me for money, I'd be rich.

“Today was qi 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 Baha’ 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 ...”

“T 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 ashame not to put those things to use.

“And really, the Baha’ 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 312869-9039.

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 vival, 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 Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Taiwan 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 Baha’i brothers and sisters?

Come take part in this most

challenging and exciting work that will hasten the day when onequarter of the world’s population will hear and respond to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

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

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith

National Baha’i 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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

�[Page 7](>

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting a number of Baha’i clubs in the New England states.

Some highlights of the trip included meeting wonderful and fired-up Baha’ fs, 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i presence on campus, and living the best Baha’i life

uu 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 Baha’i clubs that hold regular firesides, make sure that there are posters and flyers up on campus, present the peace

Like the Baha’is 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 Bahd’{ Faith: The Emerging Global Religion and “‘The Promise of World Peace’’ and a twoyear 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

See CAMPUS page 28

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, Ridvan 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 Baha’i to bring a friend of the Faith. To do this, though, the non-Baha’is need to be prepared for a truly Bahd’{ conference.

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

The same applies in inviting members of non-Baha’i 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 confer 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 Baha’i 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).

pei

A % F |

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 7

Youth Conference to focus on teaching, service

International Youth Conference

THE BLOOMINGTON CONFERENCE

JUNE 30 —

JULY 4, 1988

ences 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 Baha’is who are advancing into the new World Order by deepening in the Creative Word of Baha’u’ lah.

The Youth Committee is seeking papers and reports based on the Baha’ 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.

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

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

To National Convention

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Ah dieh (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]8 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

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 Na

tional Spiritual Assembly of raising the needed $1.1 million. More details about the restoration project will appear in the January issue of The American Baha’i.

Children’s classes weld bonds

of unity among Navajo, Hopi

> EDUCATION J

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 activi

Make plans to attend one of many splendid Baha’i 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, Weekehd School. Contact: Roberta Mevis, 602-375-0919.

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN: January 1-3, Pilgrim Pines. Contact: Hanna Osborne, 714-8390663.

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: Sanuary 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: Sanuary 7-10, Louis Gregory Baha’i 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,

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,

214-642-8923. 414-461-4140.

Louhelen helps spread teachings

through many non-Baha’7i events

The Louhelen Baha’i School rents its facilities to a number of non-Baha’i 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 Englightenment, and the Flint Urban League have included talks on the Faith as a part of their programs.

Additionally, guests often talk informally with Baha’is on-site, read the Baha’i 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-Bahd’{ conferences and have heard, directly or indirectly, about the Faith.

Teaching youth has been one of the principal functions of the Louhelen Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ 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.

Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is, and gave the teachers a list of Baha’i Holy Days on which she would be keeping

her children home from school.

Later in the year, about two weeks before Ayy4m-i-H4, she proposed to one teacher the idea of celebrating the Bahd’{ festival in class with a pifiata 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 Ayy4m-i-H4, the mother brought and shared the Ppifiata and the Bahd’{ 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.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i children from two other countries also attending the

ties 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i youth who helped with the project in Tuba City.

Louisiana/Mississippi to hold winter school at park in Westwego

The Baha’i 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 Ayyam-i-Ha 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.

Pictured young Bahá’ís attending the Oklahoma Regional

Bahd’: School during the weekend of October 30.

�[Page 9]JOHN NASH

John Nash receives humanitarian award

John Nash, chairman of the Louhelen Baha’i 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 Grigsby Award for Meritorious Service in Art Education from the Committee on Minority Concerns, National Art Education Association (1982).

+ EDUCATION

The Baha’i 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-Baha’i 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 wellknown 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.

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 Baha’i 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.

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 Baha’is 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 Baha’u’llah.

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’|Baha

The National Spiritual Assem

1. name of class program;

Children’s class information sought

The National Teaching Committee is seeking to update its directory of all Baha’i children’s class programs. The following information is needed by January 15:

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, Ba+ha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

bly 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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Checks should be made payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund’? and earmarked ‘‘Children.”

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 9

Green Acre radiates the Master’s loving spirit

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 Baha’i jewelry, some

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 isa 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

@ PER lo 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.

NOW AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE

Educational Materials for Children

NAME a (as sero ales ay Pig, Boks hin a Addresses Spa ELS ER eee RV cs __ State Raced alae Phone st Description Cost Quantit Total, Music Education Tape for children 5-6. Includes a booklet, cassette tape, i and a compilation of the Baha’i Writings on tape. $4.00 Objectives for a Baha’i FREE Child Education Program 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 yet Mr. Faizi Speaks on $1.50 the Education of Children Philosophical Basis of the ANISA model | $1.50

Please make checks to: The Baha’i Services Fund -- earmarked for child education. Mail check and coupon to: National Teaching Committee Baha’i 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 Baha’i artists with emphasis on develop ing 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Community” sponsored by the National Race Unity Committee and the Persian/American Affairs Committee. �[Page 10]10 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Building Unity on Teaching: TARE MEL AL

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 foredoomed to failure.” (Citadel of Faith, pp. 130-31)

The Writings instruct us in how to fulfill our “‘first obligation” (Will and Testament of ‘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 Baha’u’ lah.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’w’ll4h 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 Bahd’u’ll4h, then confirm them until they become active and steadfast Bahá’ís. The seekers’ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Dis trict Teaching Committee, the Thrailkills phoned isolated areas beforehand, offered the Baha’is 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 vatious aspects of the Faith with friends who had not been visited by other Baha’is 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 Baha’is were delighted to have new friends to play with while the adults chatted.

Although the primary goal of the trip wes 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.

How one Baha'i realized three modest goals Re

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 Baha’i, to teach the Faith primarily to my family, since my mother and I were the only Baha’is in a family. of six, and to begin Baha’i 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.

As for the second goal, Ms. Kocur decided to hold her first fireside after having been a Baha’i for eight years. She invited her father, David Ashley, and three

ae A new Bahá’í ‘family (left to

David Ashley,

cousins, Diana Wilson, Karyn Estrella and Annette Almeida. Nick and Joann Outchunis gave a slide presentation, and discussions followed.

“*Baha’i 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 faith right): Valerie Ashley Neitz, Nancy Ashley Kocur, Jacquie Ashley,

fully 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

a Annette Almeida, Diana Wilson, and Karyn Estrella (holding her daughter, Lauryn).

Neitz, also became a Baha’i.

“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!””

conference are shared here:

teacher coordinator.

visitors.

traveling teachers.

A few tips for traveling teachers

Last summer, the Region No. 1 Traveling Teaching Office (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Wyoming) invited Baha'is 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

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

4. Travel especially to places that usually do not receive Baha’i

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’ is to invite friends to come and hear you play; (b) sit ina 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 Baha’is can arise to undertake traveling teaching. Elsewhere on this page are stories of some

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.

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, Sit Bee

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 hat 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 Baha’fs 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 Baha’is and had helped with the day’s activities declared their belief in Baha’ u’ lah. �[Page 11]On Friday, October 16, a group of five Bahd’{s 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 Baha’i 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

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 Baha’f, had heard a talk by Counselor Farzam Arbab at the Green Acre Baha’i 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 Bahd’{s.

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 Baha’i community function independently. The Bahda’is 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 born in my job and in my private

ie

“‘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 Reserva Peace statement given to N.Y. Congressman

On October 19, the Baha’is 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 Tepresentatives of the Spiritua: Assembly of Olean, Farhad Behrouz and John Lawrence.

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 Baha’ fs 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

tion 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

had contacted two Baha’is in Porterville and asked for their help in arranging a picnic, inviting the Hmong Baha’is to attend.

The Baha’is 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

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 treemarking 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 im The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 11

Weekend trip welds bonds of love to Hmong believers

could take part.

They were told about a threeday 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 Baha’ is, to attend the New Year festival and consult about the needs of the

Louise Watson, a homefront pioneer to the Pine Ridge Reservation, explains directions to Mar prove local social and economic conditions.

She is also challenged to expand her contributions to the local Baha’i 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.””

)

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.

Norouzi, a Persian refugee who now lives in Wanblee.

Another challenge is visiting all of the local Baha’is; there are more than 40 new Baha’fs 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 Baha’ is 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 Ba ha’{ has found the answer to her prayers for service.

Mi possess penetrating power. For if

exert influence.

ence 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 celes tial 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]12 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Cee

FOR NEW BAHA'IS

Baha’u’llah’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 Bahd’u’ll4h 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’ll4h 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 Kitab-i Aadas 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 Re

This statement does not explicitly identify ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, but there was no doubt in the minds of the believers that Bahd’u’ll4h was referring to His eldest son.

Then, in the last document written before His passing, the Kitabi-Ahd, or Book of the Covenant, Baha’u’llah wrote:

“The Will of the Divine Testator is this: It is incumbent upon the Aghsdn (descendants of Bahá’u’lláh), the Afndn (descendants of the Bab), 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 Baha’u’Il4h in the Kitdb-i-Ahd is an explicit reference to ‘Abdu’l-Baháé. It was not until after the passing of Baha’u’llah_ that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá chose for Himself the title ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which means “‘servant of Bahd.”’ Before that time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was known by many titles among the believers, including the ‘Most Great Branch.’”

Through the Covenant of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became the Center of the Faith,

ing questions: Faith?

world of humanity’?

237-251.

From the Writings ...

“The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God. For the power of the Covenant will protect the Cause of Bahd’u’ll4h 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 Bahd’{ world save the Covenant of God; otherwise differences like unto a most great tempest will encompass the Baha’i 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! ... ning 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.”

one

Discuss the preceding passages with the Baha’i who taught you

the Faith, or with another believer. Together consider the follow © How does the Covenant act to protect the unity of the Baha’i

• How does the Covenant act as “‘axis of the oneness of the

© 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 Baha’i Distribution Service:

The Kitab-i-Ahd, in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 217-223.

God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi, especially Chapter 14, pp.

The Power of the Covenant, Part I.

Therefore, in the begin

The Seat of the Universal House of Justice which today guides the

the One to whom all should turn for authoritative interpretation of the words of Bahd’u’ll4h 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 indispensable. That instrument Bahá’u’lláh had expressly provided through

ae world as executor of the

the institution of the Covenant. ...’’ (God Passes By, pp. 237-38)

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

By serving as a center around which all the Bahd’{s 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

oe

Di Plan set forth in the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahda’u’llah.

“Know this for a certainty,” ‘Abdu’ l-Baha 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)

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 Baha’i 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 Abhdé Beauty (Bahá’u’lláh), under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One (the Bab) (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 Kit4b-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). ...

“Baha’u’llah’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 Baha’i 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 of the Baha’i Faith. Its Seat is in Haifa, Israel. The operation of the Covenant continues through this divinely ordained institution. �[Page 13]

TheNational Rahs’

99 Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

312-869-9039.

- Clip & Mail

To: Yvor E. Stoakley Office of the Treasurer

Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Preparing Your Will.’”

Name

Address

City, State, Zip Telephone ( )

Four Simple Questions

• Do you have a will?

• Does it include your entire estate?

• Does it name every person and favorite charity (including the

Baha’i 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

Fund Development Director

Please send me a complimentary copy of ‘‘A Checklist for

ID No.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 misun standing and estrangement within the Baha’i community; many banking institutions outside the Faith are available; and it would be difficult to obtain credit evaluations within the Baha’i community over long distances.

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 Baha’is 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 Huqiiqu’ lah, the spiritual significance of the Arc, and of building the World Order of Baha’u’llah were often expressed.

The challenge, most agreed, is to participate in ‘‘the indispensable laboratory’’ of Baha’i community life, examine all of the counsel contributed through the channels of the Administrative Order, and integrate it into the poetry and Teachings of Bahd’w’ll4h ... 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.’”

x 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.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 13

“*... 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)

Pictured are many of those who attended a Conference on the Huququ’lláh held September 12-13 at

é the Louhelen Bahd’{ School in Michigan.

Louhelen conference on Huququ’llah divides time on deepening, education

A Conference on the Huququ’ll4h was held September 12-13 at the Louhelen Baha’i 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 Huququ’llah and its representatives.

Saturday’s session was devoted to deepening; on Sunday, there was consultation about the education of the American Baha’i community on the sacred Law of Huququ’ll4h.

Issues that were discussed included the participation of Trustees and their representatives in summer and regional schools to teach Huququ’ll4h, and arrangements for local or regional meetings to be sponsored by local Assemblies, District Teaching Com mittees, or area Persian/American committees for studying the Law of Huqiqu’ll4h.

A task force was appointed to study, prepare and outlinéan extensive program to educaté Baha’s youth in the Law of Huququ’ll4h.

Also, a recommendation was made to the National Spiritual Assembly to produce literature on the Huqu’qu’ll4h 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, anc. the National Spiritual Assembly.

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

“Kindly convey participants recent Huququ’ll4h 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 Baha’is who enter into private business with other Baha’is 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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

‘Let your vision

be world-embracing.’ —Baha’u’llah

LOCAL BAHA’{ FUND

(Ask your local Baha’i community

for the correct address)

NATIONAL BAHA’{ FUND

Wilmette, IL 60091

CONTINENTAL BAHA'I

FUND

c/o Baha’i National Center

Wilmette, IL 60091

BAHA’{ INTERNATIONAL

FUND P.O. Box 155

Haifa, Israel 31-000 PERSIAN RELIEF FUND c/o Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 BAHA'I HUQUQU’LLAH

21300 Avalon Drive Rocky River, OH 44116 �[Page 14]14 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

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

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

The films were originally made from a series of talks given by Mr. Faizi 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 ions,”” “Stories and Exand ‘‘Education of

Children.”

“What is particularly unique about these films,’’ says Robert Blum, Baha’i Distribution Service marketing manager, ‘‘is how timeless they are.

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

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

“It is because the talks were given to Baha’j-only audiences that they are so valuable now and

A.Q. FAIZ{

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. Faizi 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)

Baha’i and the New Era, SC

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Tapestry Note Cards

Heart of the Lotus, VHS

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PS

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. Echoes of the Lotus, 4 CS

10. The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, Deluxe Edition

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14. The Promise of World Peace, Presentation Edition

15. Summon Up Remembrance, sc

16. The Promise of World Peace, Large Format

17. Baha’i Prayers, SC

18. Teaching Peace, CS

19. Baha’i Prayers, HC

20. Echoes of the Lotus, CS

21. Blessed Is the Spot

22. The Baha’i Faith: An Introduction

23. Teaching Cards: Wilmette House of Worship

24. The Baha’i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion

25. God Passes By, HC

415 Linden Avenue

Baha‘ Distribution Service ORDER FORM

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visa

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Type: Hard Cover, Soft Cover, Poster, Amount Cassette, Card, etc

The Baha’ 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 Srom 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 ina 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.

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.

DATEBOOK

145 B.E.

GN sl one he. PRM PALS

For 1988 Kalimdt Press is of unity, justice, world order,

calendar or (at 5 1/2 by 8 1/2

Sering ‘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

women, or education. All Bahd’( 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

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]

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00-T-YOURs CALENOAR'SD

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One of the most well-received aids Sor 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 Jiresides, 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

on of God Hath Been Mack

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 Haifc where Bahá’u’lláh designated that a House of

Worship should one day be built. As in past years, the Bahd’{ History Calendar includes information about significant dates in Bahd’ history, as well as notations of the dates of Feasts and Holy Days. The 1988 Bahd’ History Calendar sells for $5.50.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 15

The SIX Year Plan

As Assemblies begin taking the steps needed to consolidate and strengthen Baha’i 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 pro

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

Dynes)

eal ay

Days to Remember (on order Srom Australia).

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.

grams should be adopted to encourage regular attendance at the Nineteen Day Feasts and observances of Baha’i 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 Baha’i communities.

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

Women’s Compilation, $2 SC.

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

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900

�[Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Building Unity on Teaching:

TA OTL AL LOLS

The foundation of a Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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. 11). 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i society, vitalized and guarded by the laws, ordinances and principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation’”’ (Universal House of Justice, “‘Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i way of life and with the proper organization of the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 ei

Our great privilege

National Bahd’{ Fund ‘Wilmette, IL 60091

ther 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 Baha’i pianist Trudi Davis, while Enayaht (Ben) Ziaie, a Bahd’{ from Dallas, closed the program with santour music.

Newport Beach strategy aims at expansion in neighborhoods

The goal of the Spiritual Assembly of Newport Beach, California, is to have 50 Baha’is 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 On Becoming a Bahá’í and discuss it.

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 Bahda’is in that community.

From consultation at a Feast there emerged the ambitious goal of re-forming an Assembly by Ridvan 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’fs 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 attend ing.

Soon two others embraced the Faith, and another Baha’i was located who had been active years ago. At Ridvan 1987 the Spiritual Assembly of Pocomoke City was re-formed with 11 adult Baha’is 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 Baha’i way of life.

2. Read quotes from the Writings that pertain to the person’ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is and to become involved in Baha’i 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 Baha’i community.

Vision-impaired Baha’ noted for ‘ham’ radio work

Jane Mclver, a Baha'i 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. Mclver, 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 messagehandling network of amateur radio operators.

And of course, Ms. Mclver’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 Bahd’{ 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 Na 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.

tive Americans from the area near

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 had on the community.

However, she says her Baha’i 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

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 mar 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

vied. Eva and Melton then decided 260 Assemblies in South Carolina. to go to Wilmette, Illinois, to visit >

Non-English materials for sale

The National Teaching Committee has a number of nonae language Baha’i books and pamphlets available for puroxi (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 Baha’i 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

Bahd’u’ll4h and the New Era $4.00 Khmer (Cambodian)

Bahd’{ 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 ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund.’’ Please send cecety nading 1. per cent for postage and handling, to: Baha’i a National Center, National Teaching Committee, Wilmette, IL

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 ping to the regular weekly firesides.

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

A Saturday was set aside early in October in which area Baha’is 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.

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 Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ Institute in Arizona, the San Diego Youth Workshop, and the New York City community.

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

It was previewed October 4 for an audience of more than 100 (half of whom were not Baha’fs) in Stamford, and had its official premiere at the Baha’i Center in New York City as part of the celeae of the Birth of Bahd’ The video, which is the first such Bahd’{ program that has been closed-captioned for the

impaired, is available through Kaliméat Press for $29.95.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 17

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

A moving development in the Baha’i community of Davenport, Towa, is the recent attraction of eal people to the Cause of

“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 Baha’i.

“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

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

though he had read the Bible several times.

Today he says he believes that Baha’u’llah 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 Baha’is.

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

‘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 Baha’fs presently live.

As part of the project, the task force offered a copy of the 20minute video , “The Promise of World Peace’ (distributed by Kalimat 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 Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i Association.

Community notes from all over...

© San Marcos, Texas: The Baha’i 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 Baha’i section.

• Antiago, Wisconsin: On the anniversary of the Birth of the

Bab, the Baha’i 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 Baha’i community wants to say, ‘Thank you.’ ”’ The next day, a display ad in the Antiago newspaper read, ‘‘Thank you to the Baha’i community for the roses. They were beautiful, but the thought was even more beautifuli—The Crossing Guards.””

© Winnebago, Nebraska: The Baha’i 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-Baha’is and their guests.

�[Page 18]18 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Above: A_ bulletin oe at the National Teaching Committee ofSice 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

cane “ 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.

Abdu’l-Bahá

STH ANNIVERSARY OF WES VESET

in America

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

In tribute to the 75th Anniversary of *Abdu’l-Bahá visit to America, a limited edition of 2000 18°x24" ‘commemorative prints have been made, Captured in this is a vase of roses on a table in

“‘Abdu'l-Bahi'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.

Please send order to: National Teaching Committee Baha'i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Name Address City/State/Zip

Amount Enclosed: __

($10.00 per print)

($1.25 for postage and handling) Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Services Fund

1. of prints requested _

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 Baha’i 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

After the tour, the group of Baha’is 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

guests rode aboard a locomotive similar to the one that brought the Master to the city in 1912.

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.

‘Laughter is a spiritual relaxation’

Master often used humor to teach

‘Abdu’ -Baha

‘yin America

SARY

ANNTNDE DIAMOND JUBILEE 1987

1912 “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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 us ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America

ed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

In Dublin, New Hampshire, a Baha’i 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 host See EXAMPLE page 41

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A winter of unprecedented severity will '00n be upon you. Its storm clouds are fast ‘gathering on the horizon, Tempestuous ‘winds wil 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 wil burst into Jrsh actvtty. Itshall put forth its buds,

‘hall reveal, in mighty institutions, its leaves ‘and blossoms, The vernal showers which

the tender mercies of my heavenly Father twill cause to decend upon you will enable this tender plant to spread out its branches to mgions far beyond the confines of our native land. And finally the steadily mount ing sun of His Revelation, shining i its meridian splendor, will enable this mighty Thre of His Fath oil the iis of time and on your soil its golden frit.”

stood on the ship, Cotic, and bid tho {tends farewell

(ean ort re ace ta ha bask 20a. Th uo an The Mos Otro Banh 8. �[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 Baha’fs 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 Bahaé’i 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

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

Another speaker, Patricia Barrarra 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 Baha’i 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 lesa that can be learned from them.

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.

Baha’is—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 Baha’is will lend support.

“‘Furthermore,”’ the Teaching Committee chairman says, ‘‘once the consultation has taken place and the plan is made, all Baha’is 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

tee.

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

In the past, demographics have been allowed to cut off Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah.’ ””

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.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 19

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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, ‘“‘giveth 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 Baha’is 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.

HC $1295

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

e A boy’s pure delight waiting daily for a few moments with the Master e 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:

Baha‘ Distribution Service AIS UNDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, 60091 TEL 1-800-321-1880 “Price Valid only inthe United States

�[Page 20]20 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Eight ABS ‘interest groups’ also confer i in Princeton

In the past several years, the Association for Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ 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

Baha'i 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.

Teaching Fever Is

CONTAGIOUS! — have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

relationship of the Baha’ 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 Baha’i 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,

Above: Fariburz Sahba (left), ar chitect of the House of Worship in

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 (‘‘Baha’i Concepts of Equality: Exploration and Interpretation’”” and “From

India, at a workshop session of the Institute for Environmental

Oppression to Equality: The Emergence of a Feminist Perspective’).

© Judith Filson of Toronto, Ontario (“‘Refféctions on the Baha’i Principle of Equality”).

¢ June Remignante of Eliot, Maine (Women, the Primary Educators: Meaning and Application in Light of the Baha’i Concept of Equality’? and ‘‘Being a Primary Educator: First Principles in a Global Context’’).

© Robin Chandler of Arlington, Massachusetts (‘‘The Endangered

Design. Below: Another of the interest group workshop sessions.

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 Bahfyyih Nakhjavani 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

. SIX YOUTH JOINED

WEEK-LONG

BAHA’{ PIONEERS AND TRAVELING TEACHERS,

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 RIDVAN 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 BAHA’l 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 . 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 BAHA'I, 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

OVER 120 PEOPLE HAVE BECOME BAHA'IS, RAISING THE NUMBER OF BAHA’[S 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 BAHA'I) 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 BAHA’{ COMMUNITY FOR SUCCESS IN THE ALL-IMPORTANT TEACHING FIELD. UNQUOTE

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

SEPTEMBER 23, 1987

�[Page 21]

ABS

from page 1

ed: ¢ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

Above: Panelists Karl Pribram (left) and George Land. Below: A

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Model for a New World Order” by Mr. Martin.

Both talks looked at the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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. Arbab

view of Richardson Auditorium in Princeton’s Alexander Hall.

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. Arbab and Mr. Fobes.

The respondents were Dr. Tho

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 21

n exterior view of Alexander Hall at Princeton University. Below left: Dr. June Thomas, Below right: Dr. Ervin Laszlo.

mas 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:

e “Esperanto vs. English as an

International Auxiliary Language’ by John T. Dale Jr., a lawyer from Falls Church, Virginia. e ‘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 Baha’i Studies; Mrs. Conow is the author of Bahd’r: A Resurgent Model of the Universe.

© “Dilemmas and Prospects of Writing a Bahdé’{ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

(Photos on pages 20 and 21 are by Laura Hildreth, Donald Camp, Al

Burley and Spud Grammar.)

Canadian Baha’i Community: St.

John, 19101925.”"

A Saturday evening concert, “The Moving Spirit,’’ which was open to the public as well as to Conference participants, included performances by Baha’i and non-Baha’i artists.

It began with a performance by santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi of Glenview, Illinois, and_ pianist Rosamond Brenner of Wilmette.

Following them were an allmale 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 Baha’is 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 ‘‘Baha’i 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.””

New Brunswick, �[Page 22]22 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Houston Baha’is mark ‘American India

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 Baha'i 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 Baha’i Center on Saturday, September 19.

On that occasion, Mr. Kahn explained that many of the paintings

, 1 1

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.

Work begins on new classroom building at the Native American Baha’ Institute

Based on plans drawn by John Nicol and carried out under his supervision, work on the new classroom building at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Arizona was begun this summer.

The construction work was made possible by generous contributions from devoted Baha’i friends of the Institute.

Most of the walls were built with compressed adobe blocks made on-site by a special adobemaking machine owned and oper ated 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 threequarters completed.

had a deep spiritual meaning based on his own Navajo religion and the depth of understanding that being a Bah’{ has given him.

He shared the story of how he became a Baha’ and how the encouragement of two Baha’i women to learn more about his culture and religion had helped him along the path that allowed him to accept Bahd’u’ll4h.

Among the 20 or so non-Baha’is attending the opening were a young woman from the Belgian Consulate (who continued to study the Faith and later became a Baha’f) and the leader of an African dance troupe.

On September 20 a special devotional prayer service was held at the Houston Baha’i Center with prayers offered in English, Persian, Spanish, Zuni, Navajo, Winnebago and Coushatta.

Tuesday, September 22, was another significant day in the weeklong 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Center.

Ms. Carusona thanked the Baha’is for holding the week-long celebration for American Indian Heritage Week. Later, several Ba

American

Indian Teaching Activitity

October-November, 1987

Bahá’ís and their guests are pictured at a devotional prayer service held September 20 at the Ba ha’is 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 Baha’is who had been involved in various activities with the American Indians.

Some of these activities, undertaken during the past two years,

n Heritage Week’

hd’ Center in Houston as a part of ‘American Indian Heritage Week’ in Texas.

included the holding of an Indian Market at the Baha’i Center, helping to establish the local American Indian radio show, and establishing a video library.

Future plans for continued cooperation between the Baha’is and local American Indian friends included a visit in December by Mitchell Silas, a Baha’i and wellknown Navajo sandpainter.

Native American Institute’s plans address goal of ‘entry by troops’

The Native American Baha’i 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 Bahda’{ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 ef fective 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 Baha’i Translation Conference and the formation of an “‘Elders’ Council’? to help strengthen and guide the local Baha’i 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 audiovisual 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 Baha’i Institute, Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126.

Award-winning fireside video tape available

The award-winning fireside video tape, ‘‘Baha’i 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 (Baha’i Information Office), P.O. Box 624, Dayton, OH 45409.

�[Page 23]

NATIVE AMERICANS

Arizona Baha’is aid gathering to help stop use of drugs, alcohol

Baha’is 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 drugfree 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.

Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Bab 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 Baha’is who worshipped through their work and taught through their example.

Longest-standing Baha’is on Reservation honored during 186th pow-wow in Omaha

On August 15, the Spiritual Assembly of the Omaha Indian Reservation honored the longeststanding Bahd’fs 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 Baha’i from Omaha, Mrs. Doreen Brown, who has been a Baha’i 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.

Ben, Lorraine Kahn, family spend month performing in Sweden

Ben and Lorraine Kahn, their four children, and one young member of the Pine Springs SingSweden 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 Baha’i-sponsored trip, they were unable to reach the Baha’is 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.

i nee 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

a

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 Bahd’{ Cindy Van Kley and her children, Carlie and Kurt.

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 Bahjf, in the Holy Land, for pilgrims from all over the world to see.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 23

The 186th annual Pow the Omaha Indian Tribe at which the two longest-standing Bahá’ís

Wow of

on the Reservation were honored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Omaha Indian Reservation.

Pictured during consultation at the 1986 Bahá’í District Convention at the Native American Ba hd’t Institute in Houck, Arizona, are (left to right) Inez Miller,

Mary Manybeads and Angela Ashley.

Indian school in Oregon given Baha’i 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 Baha’/), presented the Message of Bahd’w'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 Baha’is 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 in the Northwest.

The focus will be on two Reservations that have local Spirituai 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

Baha’i communities by Ridvan 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 Ridvan, the efforts of the group will be reevaluated and decisions made on how to proceed.

Another issue addressed was how Indian and black Baha’is can best support each other in teaching and community life.

Most of the consultation focused on the feelings of disap pointment after experiences with racism within the Baha'i 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.

oe. Amelia Tong (left) and Carmella

Kahn play outdoors during the 1986 Navajo/Hopi District Con

vention on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, �[Page 24]24 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Building Unity on Teaching:

OT USM LLL RS AY

“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 a are be not only maintained but accelerated.’’ (Letter of February

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 Baha’i 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’!-Baha, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the Baha’i world—a day which ... will be the prelude to that longawaited 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 Baha’u’llah.”’ (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 Loye, 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 carTying it to their peers.

In its efforts to develop the process of mass teaching, the Baha’i world, including the American Baha’i 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 Bahd’{s, one and all, newly enrolled and believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Bahd’u’ll4h 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)

East Texas’ ‘Yellow Rose’ project 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 ii 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 Baha’ is 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 Baha’is 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 AlabamaCoushatta Reservation has been in the form of service projects.

For two summers, Baha’i youth from across the country have traveled to Texas to take part in this

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 Baha’i literature,’ began a regional distribution service in October 1986.

Starting with $300 ‘‘seed money,” the community sold Baha’i books, along with handicrafts donated by local friends, at various Baha’i gatherings throughout the state until, using the proceeds, they were able to build an extensive inventory.

At two District Conventions in October, the Baha’is of Pickens County, encouraging and promoting the use of Bahd’{ 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.

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 Baha’is 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 Bahda’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Faith.’” The library is used by both Baha’is and non-Baha’fs.

Even though the teaching campaign has been directed toward American Indians, the Bahd’{s 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 Baha’i 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!

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 Baha’ is in three years.

Eighty per cent of the present membership in Lowell is Cambodian. An effort that began with an immigrant Bahd’{ family and the goal expressed by a handful of Baha’ youth to begin a teaching project to reach Asians has transformed the Bahaé’{ community of Lowell into a teaching communi The project sprang from efforts in the fall of 1984 to awaken Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i.””

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 Baha’is 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 Bahd’{ manpower and funds but is 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 Baha’is.

Paper cites Baha’i 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]About four years ago, the St. Petersburg, Florida, community decided to set a goal of doubling its numbers.

Shortly thereafter, a Baha’i who was from a Cambodian refugee camp asked the St. Petersburg Bahda’fs 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 Baha’ fs.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is, Bruce Butler, found himself without a job. Reflecting on his situation, Bruce decided that while looking for work he would’ visit rao Cambodians to help them

learn English.

Part of his teaching approach was to teach the Cambodians Baha’i songs and prayers. Many of them were touched by the purity of the Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah.

The St. Petersburg community has developed many activities to help ii integrate the new believers into the mainstream of Baha’i 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 Cam bodian adults, the community has also pursued intercultural childTen’s classes, the special emphasis of which has been on cross-cul The American Bahd’{ / December 1987 / 25

Cambodians embrace Faith in St. Petersburg, Florida

tural 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, 813-3230474,

Ongoing and Upcoming Teaching Projects

the order form below:

Please send __

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

TEACHING PROJECT GUIDELINES

| Prepared by the National Teaching Committee, the "Teaching Project Guidelines" booklet provides helpful information to aid a Baha'i 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

Teaching Project Guidelines Order Form

copy(s) of the Teaching Project Guidelines to:

Please include a check for $2.00 per copy payable to "Bahd'f Services Fund”.

4 Mail order to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

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Bioorg MCT _ coat! Wainex Provect Soya hor Moy Contra ca OSUOINE MER oe roti pba | Pomanh WSRENErovcer Sie = me, oe sono een Sesornceance) 5130721814 Pocomoke Gly, MO DELMARVA PAOvECT CENTER PSOE PROVECT anh 5S Hr Sta Seana Raborts zrameseeet BEER FiCTS provecT Ong009 owen Fats Church, VA Gngoing Wiookon rn Autti Bp GuRGAPROMECT Brabrossso Teeae Nace WeSTFOt tooo paosect Pros oy a eee a 2isiesaeze aa tre. Cov Teme Nowia tA firprolect — HeeGAYBRovect Met CA so pouect PROIECT HAUL PAVON gong MELOWROSE ANOieCT Serre, Oat Filssden9 caren: Sieh Se aodrnating Sodase sot curs Pustlo. NM Geog eimai e: prose Res N Oct MAMTIANEEERSPPOueCN. Soong es pet eer Sor eirsoy Ore es Sara Loo, 00923-2981 Snsoing A 508/758-3538 Syasee 2740 606/263-1820 BS ey coaeee az : , , NABI Project WS est pnouect Septal Torts cor ‘SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT K CPD aay Dec: 19-27, 1907 Narcoal ner eee See be838 9125, eer ae Qn the map above are listed the form at the right and return it to ie Ee et ee sd ongoing and upcoming teaching the National Teaching Commit- *. * projects in the U.S. that the Na- tee. If you would prefer that in- | St £% Teaching Projects -- 1987-88 4 ff | tional Teaching Committee has formation about your project not been informed of as of November be published in The American Ba- | Name of Project: | 6. If your local Spiritual Assembly ha’i, please indicate this in the | I or community is sponsoring a “‘comments’’ section. Best wishes | ‘Sponsor: | teaching project that does not ap- for a successful project—we look ? pear on this map, please fill in the. forward to hearing from you! | Dates: | | Location: | Closer unity focus of Virginia workShOp | cousct Peron: | On September 20, the District ous agencies of the Faith in the : Teaching Committee of Virginia teaching work. : esr pape | Southwest hosted a day-long All local Spiritual Assemblies Cost per participant: | workshop in the spirit of the cam- _were invited along with Auxiliary | 7s | paign of unified action emphasiz- Board members, their assistants, | ‘Type Project & Goal(s): | ing collaboration among the vari- and the District Youth Committee. About 30 representatives at- | | tended. | Comments: | The general consensus of the | group was that there is a need for | more social activities in order for | | the Baha’is to get to know one \ 4 Retum to: National Teaching Committe, Baht National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091 ]

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 Baha’is 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.”

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 Bahd’u’ lah, 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 Bahd’{s as well as from among the new adherents, and as teachers have persevered the twin processes of expansion and consolidation have continued.

The Baha'is are becoming consolidated as the processes unfold in natural and often unexpected

ways.

The project has helped stimulate Bahá’{ institutional support and participation, encourage individual ive, 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

See PAVON page 48

�[Page 26]26 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’ 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 Sor publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

°

PIONEERING (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 fairwith its main businesses providing services to Camp LeJeune, a U.S. Marine base. For more information, contact Shida Mali, : Jacksonville, NC 28540 (phone 919455-5704) 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 Bahd’{ community that needs dedicated, hard-working pioneers. For more information, contact Audrey Compere, 827 Fields Road, New Bern, NC 28650 (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 Baha’i community composed of black mass-taught believers. Lancaster has had an Assembly for 10 years, but it does not meet; however, the Bahd’fs 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 Bahd’{s, 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 of the 50 most desirable retirement spots in the U.S., our valley enjoys a low cost of living 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 406777-2613).

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 Triangle East with more job opportunities to follow. Perfect for a retired couple or single person with an income. The Wilson Baha’i 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, 919-4465889, 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 Bahd’{ 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 Art McKinley, 919-469-2783, or 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 Baha’i with an independent income. Interested? Phone Warren Rochelle (919772-1340), Art McKinley (919-4692783), 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, arural 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’ís of Victoria, Vietoria, VA 23974.

KINSTON, North Carolina, once ‘an active, on-the-go Bahd’{ community, now lies dormant, awaiting the wakening touch of hard-working homefront pioneers. There is great potential in Kinston: think of it as banked 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; versity 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, Bahd’{ 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, Baha’i 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 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, Baha’i 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, Bahd’{ 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 of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Cen ter, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039,

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, Bahd’{ 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 AudioVisual 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, Baha’i 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 advantagcous. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED

BAHA’L songwriter/lyricist seeks female Bahd’{ vocalist/keyboard player for songwriting partners! Must be able to read and write music, top 40/pop/dance. Write to James Boyd, Moline, IL 61265.

THE NATIONAL Baha’i 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 Baha’i Archives, Baha’ 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,

USS. Virgin Islands 00850-3023. Please describe the equipment.

LET US hear from you! The Green Acre Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Bahd’{ School, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200).

BAHA’t-sponsored, weekly onehour 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 Baha’i Office of Public Affairs, c/o Jackie Cone,

Houston, TX 77081, or phone 713-667-2176.

THE NATIONAL Baha’i 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 Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BERKELEY Bahd’{ 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 fo 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i National Center, 312-869-9039, ext. 283.

IBM PC or compatible wanted by pioneer for drafting manuscripts for daily 15-minute Bahd’{ 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 Bahd’{ 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 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

, WI 53589. The Green Lake Baha’i Conference is held on a September weekend each year. Housing is provided for teachers. The deadline for submission of proposals in 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 Baha’is. 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 Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213933-8291). 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 Baha’i teaching since 1984. Lovely 8,000square-foot house on two and onehalf 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 605-7472133 before 8:30 a.m. central time.

AWARD-winning fireside video tape, ‘‘Baha’i 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 (Baha’i Information Office), P.O. Box 624, Dayton, OH 45409.

BAHA’E 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 Baha’f, a Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i 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 616-5922100) or phone Richard Harmsen (a Bahá’í and FSC instructor) at 616-5922847 or 616-796-1120 (evenings).

ESL (English as a Second Language) students needed to establish a Bahd’{ 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. 1-20’s available. Room, board, transportation and tutoring available for $30 a month in the lakeside home of a Bah’ faculty member. Please contact Mrs. Kathryn Dekle Roberts,

Chuluota, FL 32766 (phone 305-3654499).

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING firm owned and managed by a Baha’ 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 Bahd’{ writings on the topic, observations of the negative social and psychological pressures facing youth and adults, and reflections on the immediate and longterm (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 cri 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 Baha’iowned company that distributes games, books, posters and other materials that reflect Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 616-7961120 (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 Bahd’{s take part. The parade begins at 1 p.m., allowing Baha'is from Georgia and nearby states to be able to participate and return home the same day. Bahd’{ youth are forming a 50-100 strong flag corps. This perhaps one of the major holiday parades in the country, will give the Bahá’ís high visibility, and is a great way to teach. For more information, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

This photograph was published in the March 1986 issue of The American Baha’i as an unidentified photograph. Since then the

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 27

following people have been identified: back row (left to right) Orville Fry, Betty Clark (Koyl), Anna Howard, Grace ?, Claude Wi nans. Front row (left to right)

Nellie ?, Opal Winans, Count Harvey, Pearl Harvey, Mary Harvey, Marion Clark (Goodfellow).

Harrisburg Baha’i 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.’’

Arise! To Teach

‘Silent auction’ at Florida Convention raises $1,474 for International Fund

Bahda’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’fs 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 cémipléte the Arc on Mount Carmel.

The presentation included slides taken on the pilgrimage, inspira tional 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, Baha’is from Los Angeles, California.

New from Kalimat Press

THE PEACE ORGANIZER 1988

A Bahai 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 peacerelated theme—Justice, World Order, Women, Faith, Educawith quotations from the Baha'i Writings, from the scriptures of other religions, and from contemporary thinkers.

tion

Olncludes all Baha’

holidays.

the continental U.S.) to:

415 Linden Avenue /

easts, Holy Days, and anniversaries. Also, Christian and Jewish Holy Days, and national

OThree-ring binder (52X82) with grey vinyl cover allows easy addition of other items.

CAA great holiday gift for non-Baha’is . .

$7995" O22 es sper valid oniysanitie United States

Order through your local distribution representative, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling within

Baha’i Distribution Service Wilmette, IL 60091 / (1-800-323-1880)

or for Baha'is.

�[Page 28]28 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Seekers hear Message from ‘Silent Teacher’

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

“Tt is better to guide one soul than to possess all that is on earth, Sor 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 Bab (Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 77)

°

During the past year, approximately 200,000 visitors have come to the Baha’i 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 Foun Campus

from page 7

Baha’i 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 Bahd’u’ll4h, 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)

dation 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 Baha’i’” or state that “I believe in Bahá’u’lláh and want to become a Baha’i.””

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 audiovisual 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.

presentation.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Bahda’i speaker at the convention and would somehow make room for the

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 Baha’i 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.

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 Baha’u’llah.

On June 25, Barbara Wassilee, a Lakota who lives in Chicago, accepted the truth of Baha’u’llah’s teachings after visiting the House of Worship at the invitation of a visiting Baha’i.

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 Baha’u’llah 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 Baha’i community of Evanston.

The Garcia family, Margontz, Kemich 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 “‘tyes,”’ 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 Baha’i meetings in Guatemala. When asked if she had thought about becoming a Baha’i, she said, ‘‘Yes, I

Ohio Baha’i finalist in 33rd annual Merit Scholarship program

Kean -Oh, a Baha’i 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 mil

ion.

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 as a student at the Center for the Advancement of Academically Talented Students at Johns Hopkins Oren, in Baltimore, Mary have.””

When asked what it was that was keeping her from becoming a Baha’i, she said ‘‘nothing,’’ and added that she would like to become a Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah at the House of Worship.

Rachel Daniels, the oldest of four children of a Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i,”’ 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 Bahd’{ home, began his homeward flight to Detroit where he would meet his new Baha’i family—a few short hours after seeing the Temple and meeting his first Baha’is.

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.

Traveling teacher Rosanne Groger (center) teaches a children’s class on the Navajo Reservation in Ari zona during a two-week visit this summer.

In Arizona, traveling teacher lends talent to teaching non-Baha’i 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’{ 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-Baha’i 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, Baha’wll4h 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]

‘| 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.

“‘] want to be a butterfly!’’ she cried, as she followed the azure wings out of sight across the meadow. She was fre me years old, speaking Persian, Chinese and English at

sevou 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!’’

wae 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.””

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The American Bahd’{ / December 1987 / 33

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Baha'is en E.U,

Juegan papel mayor en completar el Arca

A la comunidad Bahd’( 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 Bahd’u’ll4h en todas partes del mundo.

El tema de este mensaje es la ereccién de los edificios del Centro Administrativo en el Monte Carmelo, la construccién de las terrazas del Santuario del Bab y la extensién del Edificio Internacional de los Archivos.

En este mensaje, la Casa Universal de Justicia nos recuerda de las energias espirituales y el nuevo impulso que la terminacién 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, sera capaz de enfrentar los desafios del tremendo crecimiento de la comunidad Baha’i que el amado Guardian nos dijo que esperaramos y nos llamé para prepararnos para tal hora cuya venida es nuestra labor en adelantar.

A nosotros, los miembros de la comunidad Baha’i americana, nos desaffa el jugar un papel mayor en esta gran labor.

4Podemos nosotros, a quiénes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá personificéd como “los apéstoles de Bahd’u’ll4h,’”’ cuya misién es ‘‘indeciblemente gloriosa,”’ y a quiénes Shoghi Effendi caracteriz6 como “‘los constructores Principales’’ del poderoso Orden Administrativo, fallar en llevar a cabo nuestra “‘parte de leén’’ en la oportunidad presentada y juntar la mayor parte de los fondos necesitados para terminar los: proyectos de construccién de los edificios?

Pedimos a los amigos que tomen a corazén el contenido de esta urgente suplica y consultar sobre los medios para (1) juntar la mayor porcién de los fondos pedidos por la Casa Universal de Justicia y (2) acelerar la expansion y el desarrollo de la comunidad Baha’i americana y su Fondo Nacional para que podamos enfrentar nuestras obligaciones crecientes al mundo Baha’j y a toda la humanidad.

Tus planes y recomendaciones para enfrentar estos desafios, son esenciales a las deliberaciones de la Asamblea Nacional. En formular una campafia nacional para responder a la peticién de la Casa Universal de Justicia, nosotros necesitaremos tener una nocién 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 propésito de difundir el conocimiento del poder redentor de la Fe de Bahd’u’ll4h. Una oportunidad tan apreciada, que jamas pueda volver a ocurrir otra vez.

Ahora ¢s la hora, la hora designada, para que nosotros, la vanguardia de los huéstes de! Mas Gran Nombre, proclamemos

nuestra capacidad y disposicién para rescatar una generacién caida que se ha rebelado en contra de su Dios, y que le ofrezcamos esa completa seguridad que sola mente la fortaleza de la Fe de Bahá’u’lláh puede proporcionar.

Nuestras oraciones les rodean en cada paso del sendero. Les aseguramos de nuestras continuas

suplicas de que las confirmaciones _ gentes de la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh. divinas desciendan sobre ustedes y Con calurosos recuerdos,

les permita levantarse con vigor Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de siempre creciente y con entera Jos Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos

devocién a las necesidades ur 21 de septiembre de 1987

Arca en Monte Carmelo

para ser completado

liberara grandes energias espirituales

A los Seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh a través del mundo Amados Amigos,

Hace unos cien afios Bahd’u’ll4h caminé sobre la Montafia Sagrada de Dios y revelé la Tabla del Carmelo, la Carta del Centro Mundial de Su Fe, llamando a la existencia la metrépolis del Reino de Dios en la Tierra. A través de décadas de opresién y expansién, persecucién y emancipacién, Sus seguidores han laborado exitosamente para llevar Su mensaje a las regiones mas 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 ultimos ocho afios las agonfas sufridas por Sus amantes en Iran han despertado el interés de un mundo adormecido y han puesto a Su Fe en el centro de la atencién humana.

Sobre este mismo Monte Carmelo ‘Abdu’ l-Bahá, tras sufrimientos infinitos, levanté el Mausoleo del Bab en el sitio escogido por Su Padre, y puso reposar dentro de su corazén los restos sagrados del Profeta Heraldo de la Fe, estableciendo un Centro Espiritual de significado inconmesurable. De acuerdo con el mismo mandato divino Shoghi Effendi embellecié el Santuario con una estructura exquisita, y luego comenz6, bajo su ala protectora, la construccién del Centro Administrativo de la Fe que comprenderfa cinco edificios en un estilo arquitectdénico armonioso, colocados sobre un amplio arco con los Monumentos de la Hoja Mas Sagrada, su Madre y su Hermano, como punto central. El primero de estos cinco edificios, los Archivos Internacionales, se completé durante la vida del amado Guardian. El segundo, la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia, se yergue ahora en el dpice del arco. Los planos para los tres restantes se prepararon en cumplimiento de una meta del Plan de Siete Afios y en estos momentos se trabaja en sus detales.

Seguin lo indicamos en nuestra carta del 30 de abril de 1987, el camino esta abierto ahora para que el mundo Baha’ 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 atencidn; la ereccién de los tres restantes edificios sobre el Arco y, agregados ahora, la construccién de las terrazas del Santuario del Bab y la ampliacién del Edificio de los Archivos. Una breve descripcién de cada uno del ellos trasmitira una impresién de su importancia para la Fe.

¢ Las Terrazas del Santuario del Bab. En sus planes para el desarrollo del Monte Carmelo, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá vislumbré diecinueve terrazas monumentales desde la base de la montafia hasta su cuspide, nueve que conducirfan a la terraza donde se levanta el Santuario del Bab y nueve hacia arriba. Shoghi Effendi se refirié frecuentemente a estos planes y completé 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 Enseiianza serd la sede de la institucién que fue invéstida particularmente con las funciones gemelas de propagacién y proteccién de la Causa de Dios. La institucién misma, a la que se refiere el amado Guardian en sus escritos, se establecié en junio de 1973, llevandose a la fructificacién la labor de las Manos de la Causa de Dios residentes en la Tierra Santa y disponiéndose para la extensién hacia el futuro de las funciones con las cuales ese cuerpo habia sido dotad

© El Centro para el Estudio de los Textos. Este edificio serd la sede de una institucién de eruditos Baha’is, el florecimiento del actual Departamento de Investigaciones del Centro Mundial, que ayudaré a la Casa Universal de Justicia a consultar las Sagradas Escrituras y preparard 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 ampliacién del sétano del actual Edificio de los

Archivos para acomodar la creciente oficina central de los Archivos en el Central Mundial. Esta institucién tiene la responsabilidad de la preservacién de los Textos Sagrados y Reliquias, asi como de los documentos histéricos de la Causa de Dios.

© La Biblioteca Baha’i Internacional. Esta Biblioteca es el lugar de depésito de toda la literatura publicada sobre la Fe, y se constituye en fuente esencial de informacién para las instituciones del Centro Mundial sobre todos los temas relacionados con la Causa de Dios y las condiciones de la humanidad. Sus funciones deberdn crecer en décadas futuras, servira de centro activo para el conocimiento en todos los campos y llegar a ser el nicleo de grandes instituciones para la investigacién y descubrimientos cientfficos.

Es imposible en este momento calcular con precisién el costo de la realizacién de estos proyectos. Todo lo que podemos decir ahora es que deben cumplirse dos objetivos en el futuro inmediato: acumular rapidamente una reserva de cincuenta millones de délares sobre la cual podré iniciarse en forma realista la implementaci6n de los planos de construccién y proveer un ingreso de veinte a veinticinco millones de siguientes diez afios. Anunciaremos mayor informacién 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, traer4 a la existencia una estructura vastamente aumentada del Centro Mundial que seré

capaz de hacer frente a lo desafios de los siglos venideros y del tremendo crecimiento de la comunidad Baha’i que el amado Guardian nos dijo que podiamos esperar. Ya se puede ver el efecto de las energias espirituales que la terminacién de la Sede de la Casa Universal de Justicia ha desatado, y el nuevo impulso que ese hecho la ha dado al avance de la Fe. ,Quién podria estimar las transformaciones que resultardn de la terminaci6n 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 Afiios, Shoghi Effendi declar6, refiriéndose a la necesidad vital de asegurar por medio del trabajo de la ensefianza un ‘“‘flujo constante’’ de “nuevos reclutas del ejército del Sefior de las Huestes que avanza lenta pero constantemente,”’ que este flujo ‘‘presagiarfa y aceleraria el advenimiento del dia que atestiguaria, segtin lo profetizara ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, la entrada en tropas de pueblos de diversas naciones y razas al mundo Bahd’{.”’ El mundo Bahá’í ya ha contemplado este dia en Africa, en el Pacifico, en Asia y en América Latina, y este proceso de entrada en tropas debe, durante el presente plan, aumentarse y disemi narse a otros paises, ya que ser, segiin lo declaré el Guardian en esa misma carta, ‘‘el preludio de aquella largamente esperada hora cuando una conversién en masa de parte de esas mismas naciones y razas, y como resultado directo de una cadena de eventos, decisivos y posiblemente catastr6ficos en su naturaleza, y que no pueden aun vislumbrarse siquiera vagamente, sibitamente revolucionaran los destinos de la Fe,

dislocaran el equilibrio del mundo y reforzardn mil veces la fuerza numérica y el poder material y la autoridad espiritual de la Fe de Bahd’ u'll4h.”” Estos son los tiempos para los cuales debemos prepararnos; esta es la hora cuyo advenimiento debemos acelerar.

En este momento critico de la historia humana se nos llama a levantarnos en esfuerzo sacrificado, con nuestros ojos sobre las imponentes responsabilidades que tales desarrollos colocaran sobre las instituciones Baha’is y los creyentes en todas las tierras, y nuestros corazones llenos de confianza inamovible en la gufa de la Mano de Fundador de nuestra Fe. Que nuestro Amado Seiior incite a Sus seguidores en todas las tierras a hacer un esfuerzo unido poderoso es nuestra oracién ferviente ante el Sagrado Umbral.

Con Amorosos Saludos Baha’is,

La Casa Universal de Justicia 31 de agosto de 1987

July in Guadalajara and later went travel-teaching throughout Mexico.

Pictured are some of the young Bahá’ís who took part in the International Youth Conference last

Noticias de Latino América

GUATEMALA

El nuevo Instituto Nacional Baha’i ‘‘Shiraz’’ fue inargurado 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 inarguracién.

Durante la ceremonia inargural, el Consejero Arturo Serrano explicé el propésito y la importancia del Instituto. El gobernador expres6 sus esperanzas por el progreso de la Fe Bahd’{ y del Instituto. Reporteros de varios periddicos importantes del pafs, estuvieron presentes y llegaron a publicar noticias y fotografias 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 logré ver el edificio; las explicaciones les fueron dadas en espafiol por el Secretario de la Comunidad Internacional Baha’i en Jerusalém. El Presidente expres6 su admiracién por la visién y la belleza de las propiedades Bahá’ís en el Monte Carmelo.

�[Page 35]

“‘Re-Encuentro Con Nuestra Espiritualidad”’ fue el tema de la Tercera Conferencia Anual de los Baha’is 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 alegria que nosotros sentimos en nuestra relacién con Dios.

Mas de setenta y cinco Baha’fs, de diferentes trasfondos étnicos, atendieron esta conferencia. Algunos de los invitados especiales eran miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros, el Sr. Rodrigo Tomas, el Dr. Arturo Serrano, la Sra. Isabel Pavén de Calderén 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 Catélica, y el Fondo Nacional.

Los participantes de la conferencia tuvieron también la oportu ESPANOL

nidad de estudiar la carta de la Casa Universal de Justicia sobre la terminacién del Arca en el Monte Carmelo.

Se enfatiz6 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 ensefianza y consulta en grupos.

Sin embargo, uno de los aspectos de mas valor de esta conferencia, fue la camaderia y la unidad que se compartié entre los participantes.

Durante la conferencia, un hombre joven declaré su fe en Baha’u’llah. La conferencia terminé con los participantes atendiendo el programa especial en el Centro Baha’i de Los Angeles en conmemoraci6n del 75 aniversario de la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a América.

Bahda’is Hispanos activos en E.U. ensefiando la Fe

En la frontera con México

El 14 de noviembre de 1987, més de cincuenta Bahá’ís (incluyendo nifios) del area de El Paso, Las Cruces y Alamogordo, Nuevo México, junto con algunos Baha’ is de Juarez, México, fueron parte del programa de televisién “Nikoliko”’ en Juarez.

EI programa, el cual tuvo una duracién de mas de quince minutos, incluyé canciones y una pequefia presentacién sobre la Fe Baha’i.

Al final del programa, muchas de las personas de la audencia se acercaron a los Baha’is buscando mas informaci6n sobre la Fe.

El programa ‘‘Nikoliko’’ tiene una audencia de cerca de diez mil personas, cubriendo el area de

Young Bahd' ‘Is traveled and taught the Faith in many parts of Mexico after last July’s Interna tional Youth Conference in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Conferencia de jovenes en México alienta jovenes a ensefiar la Fe

“Bienvenidos a la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud Baha’i”’ fue el mensaje de bienvenida para los 322 Bahá’ís de 14 pafses a la Conferencia Internacional de Jévenes en Gualadajara, Jalisco, México durante el fin de semana del 24 al 26 de julio de 1987.

El tema era ‘‘Retos y Oportunidades,”’ con la participacién 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 jévenes 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 jévenes_participaron en los proyectos de enseflanza a través de México.

Durante los viajes de ensefianza, los jévenes se dieron mas cuenta de las necesidades y valores humanos.

Algunos de los jévenes mencionaron que al presenciar la existente podredumbre en México les hizo apreciar lo que tienen aqui 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 mas conciente sobre el materialismo existente en los Estados Unidos.

Fue una valiosa e involvidable experiencia y un acto de servicio.

Juarez, México; El Paso, Texas; y ciertas partes de Nuevo México.

Esta actividad es considerada como uno de los primeros pasos en los esfuerzos por ensefiar la Fe al otro lado de la frontera con México. Este es un esfuerzo iniciado por las varias Asambleas Espirituales locales y los Baha’is residentes en el area cerca de la frontera con México.

El valle de las Salinas, California Hay un gran numero de creyentes Hispanos en esta area que necesitan profundizacién en la Fe. Una vez al mes, algunos Baha’ is se reunen en un hogar para decir oraciones y visitar algunos de los creyentes Hispanos en esta area para ayudar en el proceso de consolidacién, Arizona sur

En esta area hay un gran nimero de Hispanos y Asambleas Espirituales locales en las que se habla espafiol. La ‘‘Rosa del Desierto’ es un proyecto de ensefianza que trabaja en la expansion y consolidacién en el sur de Arizona y algunas areas en el norte de México.

Homestead, Florida

Muchos Bahá’ís voluntarios estan 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 del Inglés y ofrece la oportunidad de formar amistades. Miami, Florida

E18 de noviembre de 1987, mas de quince Baha’is se reunieron para reactivar la ensefianza dentro de la comunidad Hispana en Florida sur.

El Sr. Rodolfo Castillo, participante activo en esta reunién, fue el que proveyé musica como entretenimiento durante la reunién.

Chicago, Illinois

La comunidad Baha’i de Chicago auspicié una fiesta el 4 de diciembre de 1987 con comida y misica Persa, Latina e Americana.

Aproximadamante 200 personas incluyendo varios no-Baha’fs atendieron esta actividad. El dinero recaudado durante la actividad ser4 utilizado para las renovaciones que se haran al Centro local de Chicago.

Esta actividad fue realizado como un esfuerzo de la comunidad latina y la Asamblea Espiritual local de Chicago.

Maestros Viajeros que sepan ESPANOL, favor de comunicarse con: National Teaching Committee (312) 869-9039

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 35

Conferencia de Hispanos enfatiza progreso del alma

Pictured with children at the third annual Conference of SpanishSpeaking Bahá’ís held October 16-18 in San Fernando, California, are (back row left to right) Roberta Maull, minority coordi

nator for the National Teaching Committee, and Counselors Arturo Serrano, Isabel Pavdn de Calderén, Rodrigo Tomds and Hedi Ahmadiyyih.

EI Maestro partid de América con grandiosa vision

‘Abdu’ l-Bahá se fue de América el 5 de diciembre de 1912. El parti6 con una visién sobre nuestro futuro—una visién sobre una misién unica, el cual El revelé luego en tablas dirigidas a los Baha’is de Norte América.

Esto mensajes son colectivamente titulados Tablas del Plan Divino.

4Cual era la visién de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—qué fue lo que El visualizé para los creyentes americanos?

Era el glorioso papel que América estd destinado a jugar en el desenvolvimiento del Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh. Era una visién sobre un destino que Shoghi Effendi elaboré y al que frecuentemente aludié 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 conmemoracién del 75 aniversario de la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a América, el propésito de Su viaje en 1912 ha llegado ha ser més claro para todos nosotros. Su divina sabidurfa y Su amoroso querrer han, una vez mas, rejuvenecido nuestros espiritus.

Qué mejor tiempo para nuestros espiritus ser refrescados, qué ahora? La més 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-Baháé nos dio 75 afios atrés.

Es notable lo similar que los retos al comenzar la Cuarta Epoca son con los de la comunidad Baha’i americana en 1912. Asistiendo a los creyentes americanos, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá allandé el camino para la ereccién de la Mas Sagrada Casa de Adoracién, fortalecié los creyentes americanos en contra de las pruebas que prontamente iban a sobrellevar, reforz6 su unidad, y bendicié el comienzo del Orden Administrativo.

El ensefié, profundiz6 e instruy6 a los amigos, prepardndolos para que se esforzaran hacia el destino espiritual, el cual El clara mente visualizé para el continente americano.

El abrié la puerta para la expansién sin precedente de la comunidad Baha’i americana.

Nuestros retos hoy dia son de doble pliegue: El levantarnos con todo nuestro corazén en la preparacién del vasto oleaje de nuevos creyentes que la Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha prometido, y el esforzarnos doblemente para completar la proxima fase de la construccién en el Monte Carmelo.

Tanto como la visita de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 75 afios atras todavia vigoriza nuestros espiritus, los efectos de estos esfuerzos serén sentidos a través de las épocas que todavia han de venir.

“El continente de América,” escribid ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘‘es, a los ojos del unico Dios verdadero, la tierra en que seran revelados los esplandores de Su luz, donde los misterios de Su Fe seran develados, donde vivirdn los justos y se reuniran los libres.””

“El continente americano,”’ El ha predicho, ademds, ‘‘muestra sefiales y evidencias de avance muy grande. Su futuro es alin mas prometedor, por cuanto su influencia e iluminacién son de largo alcance. Guiaré a todas las naciones espiritualmente.’’

“*..,Si el éxito coronase vuestras empresas, no hay duda que América evolucionara en un centro del que emanar4n olas del poder espiritual, y el trono del Reino de Dios, en la plenitud de su majestad y gloria, sera firmemente establecido.”’ (Dios Pasa, p. 240)

Las Tablas del Plan Divino, son la expresién concreta de las esperanzas y los deseos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá al partir.

Ellos proveen una constante fuente de instruccién divina, iluminada direccién, y de sustento espiritual para los Baha’ is del continente americano.

Estas tablas son, de acuerdo a Shoghi Effendi, el plan y el estatuto supremo de la ensefianza. Las conmovedoras palabras del Maestro debieran de continuar siendo una fuente de inspiracién y de confirmacién para los creyentes americanos. �[Page 36]36 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Baha’i Publishers’ Conference held in London

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. Rahmatu’ll4h 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 Bahd’{ classes taught by such eminent Baha’is 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 ita 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.

age help the people of Birjand,

Dr. Asdaqi decided to open an op See MARTYR page 47

More than 40 delegates from 24 agencies took part in an International Bahd’{ 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. Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Bahd’{ Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

In his address, Mr. Hofman recalled that the impetus for the creation of the Bahd’{ 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— thes ¢ dissemination of the Word of

Seneca Falis Baha’is sponsor 1st historic conference on equality

On July 18, nearly 100 people attended the first Bahd’{ 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 Bahd’{ 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 Be 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 Baha’is, was introduced by Ms. Khavari, who had taken part in the Nairobi conference.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ 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 Bahd’{ publishing, copublishing, the international distribution of Baha’i literature, the technical and financial aspects of the production of books, audiovisual materials, the relationship

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

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Faith.

The initial award was made to George Ronald, Publisher, to honor its 40 years as a publisher of Baha’i books including many by George Townshend himself.

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.

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 Baha’is 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. eco more information, write or

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 vs Pustic to avoid confusion INFORMATION among mass media

In public information a wise and deliberate approach is required. Baha’is should broaden their uniquely Baha’i perspective in order to use concepts and terms that will make sense to those who are not Bahá’{s. 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’t 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is of the United States”’ should be used in any written correspondence with organizations or individuals who are not Baha’is. Avoid terms like “the National’ or ‘‘the NSA.”

2. Terms and expressions commonly used among Baha’ is often confuse or even offend people who are not Baha’is. Some words and phrases foster ideas completely at odds with the Baha’i 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 Baha’i terms:

Deepening—study class. Fireside—Baha’i meeting to discuss the Faith, public meeting, or introductory talk. Pioneer—Baha’i who changes residence to serve the Faith. Non-Bahd’{—person who is not a Baha’i. Seeker or contact—person who is investigat

ing the Baha’i Faith. The friends—Baha’ ts.

News from around country

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 Baha’i view of prejudice and the prerequisites for world peace.

© In October, the North Platte, Nebraska, Telegraph published a column by Colin Taylor, the Baha’i 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.

Accident enables Illinois Baha’i to teach by example

Tim Moore, a businessman from Silvis, Illinois, has turned an unfortunate incident into an oppor ane) 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 Baha’i Faith, he was bound to seek a more constructive solution.

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 LatterDay Saints (Mormon) has been excellent.

In Salt Lake City, PI Rep David Ayer and other members of the Baha’i 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.

© 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 Ba The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 37

Public Information Office hosts special meeting for its P! Reps in Maryland and Northern Virginia

ha’{ Center in Washington.

e 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 Baha’i efforts to work with Congress and the State Department to end the persecution of Baha’fs in Iran and

© 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.

Of World Wide Fund for Nature Faith joins Conservation and Religion Network

On October 3, the Baha’i 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 Baha’i International Community issued an official statement on nature and formally entered the network.

When the Network on Conseryation 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 Baha’i International Community has long beiieved 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 Baha’ International Community has pledged to launch a new program for environmental action within the Ba

Materials from the Office of Public Information

Revised and Updated!

Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community A concise overview of the Baha’i teachings, history, laws, char acteristics of the Baha’i community, the administrative order, Houses of Worship, relationship to the United Nations, the Baha’i World Center, and the non-political character of the Faith. 20 cents each. Bahd’ 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 Baha’ is: Victims of Continuing Genocide.”’ 25 cents each. The Atlantic Monthly, April 1987—‘‘Iran Holy Terror.”’ 25 cents each,

• • Make all checks payable to ‘‘Baha’i Services Fund.”’ Include

full name and address. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery, and please include 10 Pe cent for postage (75-cent minimum) on all orders.**

ha’{ community. In addition to the statement on nature, that program will include:

© a general call for Baha’is who are already involved in ecology, conservation and related areas to develop a deeper understanding of Baha’i writings in this field;

© an exploration of the possibility of practical collaboration between local Baha’i development projects and WWF field expertise;

© a new emphasis on the consid eration of environmental issues in Baha’i educational materials.

Frank Schmidt, assistant director-general for WWF International, said WWF welcomes Baha’i involvement in the Network and hopes the Baha’i program will begin as soon as possible.

Baha’i entry into the Network was the feature article in .the Spring 1987 issue of the WWF Network’s bulletin, “‘The New Road.”

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

Baha’is attend session for educators in Ohio

The Baha’i Faith was represented among the 20 peace groups involved in a recent one-day inservice training session for school district educators from 12 counties in southern Ohio.

Baha’is 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.”

conservation, and European security and cooperation.

The sessions provided information and perspectives that increased the understanding of the two Baha'i 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.

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 Baha’i Faith and Its World Community”; a new National Spiritual Assembly fact sheet; a Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is in Iran.

The press kit/presentation packet can be ordered through the Baha’i 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]38 / The American Bahá’{ / December 1987

‘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 Baha’i Publishing Trust and Distribution Service that are excellent for teaching and deepening.

INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS

The Bahá’í Faith, by Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth. An attractive introduction with three sections—how the Baha’i Faith began, what Bahd’{s believe, and how the Baha’is live. Includes photographs of Bahd’{ places, people and other things of interest. SC $2.25

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction, by Gloria Faizi. A popular introduction that includes information about the Faith’s history, Sine and administration. SC 7.5

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 Baha’i community. SC $8.95

Pata) ayst Dare te od

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 Baha’i 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

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 53.50

VIDEOS

The Bahd’{ 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 Bahai 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 Baha’i community, interweaving Baha’i 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 happipesnant freedom. HC $6; SC

The Kitdb-i-lqin: The Book of Certitude. Baha’u’llah’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

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 = u’ll4h describing the stages the soul must traverse to attain the object of its existence. HC $6; SC 33.50

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 Bab. The most comprehensive selection of the writings of the Bab in English yet published, arranged in seven sections, one of which contains a large selection of prayers and meditations. HC $11.95

The Advent of Divine Justice. The Guardian’s letters to the American Baha’i 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

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Faith. HC $21.95; SC $12.95

COMPILATIONS

Bahá’í Prayers. A selection of prayers revealed by Bahd’u’ll4h, the Bab 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

caer

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 Baha’i 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

Bahá’í DayBook: Passages for Deepening and Meditation. A unique combination of quotations from scripture, explanations about the Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 58.95

Prejudice and Racism. a compilation of the Baha’i 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]The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 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 Baha’i books and stories from Baha’i 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

To Understand and Be Understood, by D. Erik Blumenthal. Practical and easy-to-follow advice linking Bahda’{ teachings and current psycho-social theory to individual and social behavior. SC $7.50

COMPILATIONS

Trustworthiness. A new compilation of the Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i writings that provides an integrated view of what it means to dedicate one’s life to Bahá’u’ll4h. Includes chapters on one’s relationship to God, the distinctive Baha’i 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 Baha’i writings and other literary sources that demonstrates that the reason for physical reality is to provide uni que and practical assistance to spiritual development on this plane and thereafter. SC $9.95

Wéxnen and Men in the Bahti Community

Eddted by Peggy Caton

Equal Circles: Women and Men in the Bahd’{ Community. Eleven provocative essays on the equality of women and men, edited by Peggy Caton. SC $9.95

HISTORIES AND BIOGRAPHIES

By

The Babi and Bahd’{ 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 Babi 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 Babi 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 Baha’i history. HC $19.95

HOUR OF THEDAWN

“The- Life of the “Bab

RNs)

Hour of the Dawn, by Mary Perkins. A biography of the Bab, written for all readers and drawing on Nabil’s Narrative (The Dawn Breakers) and the works of H.M. Balyuzi for source material. HC $15.95; SC $7.95

The Revelation of Bahd’u'lláh, by Adib Taherzadeh. Three volumes (with a soon-to-be-released fourth) of the history of the Baha’i revelation, with a focus on many of the major Tablets and life events of Baha’u’llah. Vol. 1, SC $11.95; Vol. 2, SC $14.50; Vol. 3, HC $19.95

Mulld Husayn: Disciple at Dawn, by R. Mehrabkhani. The initial, full-length biography about the first person to recognize the tion of the Bab. HC $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 e

Heart of the Lotus. A film on video showing the social and economic changes the Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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

[OGICDSRVERVOcnvanEt INAMERICA

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 Baha’is 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 Bahd’{ century. HC $21.95; SC $14.95

Cassettes

Echoes of the Lotus. Four tapes from the dedication conference of the Baha’i House of Worship in India. Three tapes include talks by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’!-Bahá Ruhfyyih Khanum, 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. Fai

‘aizi)

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. Balyazi)

A Visit with the Master (Corinne True) Women:

Equality and Peace (Peter )

. 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 Baha’i Distribution Service,

�[Page 40]40 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Building Unity on Teaching: 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 Baha’i communities that reflect the distinctive characteristics of Baha’i 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. viii) 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 Baha’u’llah, 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 Baha’is to teach the Faith is to make strong friends with their neighbors and associates. When the friends have confidence in the Baha’is and the Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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)

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.

Seeker refuses to give up, tracks down Baha’is, attends firesides, now looks to raise Assembly

Rose Marie McIntire, a seeker from Quincy, California (population 2,700) borrowed Gloria Faizi’s book on the Baha’i Faith from a friend who was not a Baha’i.

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 Baha'is in Quincy, so she went to.the library to learn more about the Faith. As she checked out three of the five Baha’i books that were there, the librarian asked if she were a Baha’.

“No, I’m not,” Ms. MclIntire 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 Baha’i Group in Quincy?”’

“No,” said Ms. McIntire, “‘but as soon as we do have a Baha’i Group in Quincy we'll let you know.””

More determined than ever to meet Baha’is, she drove 80 miles to the Nevada border, picked up a phone book and looked for the word ‘*Baha’i.””

Ms. McIntire called the first number she found. The Baha’i who answered asked Ms. McIntire if she was a Baha’, 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

99-year-old Baha’i says, ‘Please, send me teaching materials!’

Recently, Edna Johnson Norvell delighted the staff at the Baha’i National Center when she wrote asking that her address be updated so that she might once again receive The American BaAd’.

She also asked for some pamphlets since she had been hand copying excerpts from the Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ community to visit her.

Mrs. Norvell said she became a Baha’i in 1937 in Los Angeles after studying with Keith RansomKehler. 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.

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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i, 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 Baha’i, another Baha’i 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 Baha’is within 40 miles of Quincy. Prior to that time, those Baha’is had to travel from 80 to 200 miles to attend Baha’i functions.

Ms. McIntire has set a goal to raise a functioning Spiritual Assembly in Quincy by Ridvan.

Thirteer

ir-old Nabil Yazdani (right) of Suriname, the youngest assistant to an Auxiliary Board member in the world, with his

older brother and Bahd’{ Dan

Defender of North Dakota at the recent Conference on Growth in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

At 13, Nabil Yazdani has been assistant to Auxiliary Board member for four years

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 dialect:

However, it is not his position but his acts of service that exemplify a life devoted to Baha’u’llah,

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 parasiteinfested 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 Baha’is in U.S. linked in agricultural information network

Eighteen Baha’is 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]TEACHING

The Faith’s emergence from obscurity recently took on a new meaning for the members of the Baha’i Clubs at the University of California-Los Angeles and Northern Illinois University.

Historically, Bahd’{ 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 Baha’i Club to have a rep 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

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 Examplar, ‘‘that delivering the Message can be accomplished only through goodly deeds and spiritual pelea an utterance that is crystal clear and the happiness reflected from the face of that one who is expounding the Teachings.”

resentative 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 Baha’w’ll4h.

That the school administrators specifically asked the Baha’i 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 Baha’i Club in the past, Mr. Garcia turned to it for help.

A meeting of all the religious groups at UCLA was called, and the Baha’i 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 middie, 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.

297 attend seventh Tenn: Institute Labor Day weekend

Some 297 Bahá’ís from the Southeastern states and as far away as New York, California and Bermuda attexded the seventh annual Tennessée Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Institute Committee are Iraj Radpour (chairman), Kaihan Strain, Linda and Charles Hendrickson, all of Chattanooga; and Farsheed Ferdowsi and Luis Lizarraga of Nashville.

Garcia realized then that the problem was larger than he had first thought.

Again he turned to the Baha’i 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

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 41

Clubs help Faith ‘emerge from obscurity’ on campus

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

..Were it not for the cold, fe, 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)

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 Tran 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 Baha’i activities and consolidation strategy.

These activities have led to increased cooperation between the District Teaching Committee and local Assemblies to build strong Baha’i 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 the 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 Baha’is in each town.

For more information about Project Vahdat, phone Alison Ashley or Virginia Rogers, 512499-8676.

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 Bahd’u’ll4h.

In 1956, Robert and his family moved to Evanston, Illinois, where Mr. Van Meer continued to attend and take part in Bahda’isponsored events.

Early in the 1980s, however, he lost contact with the Bahá’ís, and fora period of five years had not been in touch with the Baha’i community.

This year the Spiritual Assem bly 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 Baha’is contacted Mr. Van Meer, who was pleased and delighted to see other Bahd’{s 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 Abha Kingdom. The neighborhood group in Evanston planned the Bahd’{ funeral for him, with help from his wife, Marie.

Mrs. Van Meer, who is not a Baha’i, was touched by the love and dedication of the Baha’is, and has asked them to stay in touch with her.

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�[Page 42]42 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

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

ey 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 alms to raise $1 million by Ridvan ’88

When representatives of all eight District Teaching Committees in California and another 30 interested persons met together at the Bosch Bahá’{ 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.

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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 Ridvan 1988 from among the 10,000 Baha’is 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 Bahd’{s 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 Ridvan.

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 Baha’i Office of Public Affairs of the Greater Houston, Texas, area, a Baha’i-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 Baha’i International Peace Conference in San Francisco.

Red Grammer, who composed the piece, has generously given

permission to use the yet-to-bereleased 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; Baha’i 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 Baha’is an opportunity to pro mote the principles of the Faith and various Baha’i activities.

Bahda’{s 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 Bahd’{ community of Inglewood, California.

le tee The keynote speaker, Counselor Wilma Brady, is seated third from left.

Inglewood hosts 75th Thornton Chase memorial

In honor of Thornton Chase, the first Baha’i in North America, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s pilgrimage to his gravesite 75 years ago, the Baha’i 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-Baháé: Center of the Covenant.’’

Other speakers were Auxiliary Board member Steven Birkland (‘‘Struggles of the Nascent Baha’i 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 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 Gravelly 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 Baha’is to use media to serve Cause

In response to rapidly expanding media opportunities and the urgent need for Baha’is 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 Baha’i media throughout the world.

To date, the Centre has graduated more than 300 students from 25 countries including National Assembly members, nonliterate villagers, university professors, youth, and international pioneers.

But for many Bahd’{s, 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 Bahd’{ who has passed on.

Gifts may be earmarked for specific recipients (such as ‘‘indigenous personnel from the Bahai 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 Bahd’{ Media, HC-02 Box 14765, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809-878-4189.

Be like the fountain— empty yourself, and be refilled

National Baha’i Fund ‘Wilmette, IL 60091

�[Page 43]Building Unity on Teaching:

summary

The Universal House of Justice, in its message of Ridvan 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’f,”” 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’’ was the theme of the third annual Conference of SpanishSpeaking Baha’is, held the weekend of October 16-18 in San Fernando, California.

In rediscovering our spirituality, we are reminded of when we first heard about Baha’u’llah and His Message for this age, the new feeling and happiness we felt in our connection with God.

More than 75 Baha’ fs of various ethnic backgrounds attended the conference.

Among the featured speakers were Counselors Hedi Ahmadiyyih, Isabel Pavén de Calderén, Arturo Serrano and Rodrigo Tomés; Auxiliary Board member Teresa McGregor; and Charles Toas.

Topics covered in workshops included the soul and its spiritual development; prejudice and love; the Catholic doctrine; and the Baha’i 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 Baha’i institutions was emphasized, and that we

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individuals and local organizations who should also receive U.S. ge . Bahd’( Report should be sent to Baha’i Subscriber Service. Con 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 Baha’i community.

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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,

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The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 43

‘Rediscovering Our Spirituality’ theme of third annual Conference of Spanish-Speaking Baha’is

On Seen at the registration desk are some of the Hispanics and Americans who attended the third annual Conference for Spanish should all pray for the institutions to make the right decisions to guide the Baha’i community.

The varied program included talks, dawn prayers, a panel discussion, group discussions, and teaching activities.

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference, however, was the fellowship and unity

Speaking Bahá’ís held October 16-18 in San Fernando, California.

shared among all the attendees.

One young man was moved to accept the Faith of Bahda’u’ll4h and became a Baha’i.

The conference was closed with. a special program at the Bahd’{ Center in Los Angeles commemorating the 75th anniversary of “Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

Baha’is 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 Baha’ fs (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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i 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 op portunity to form friendships. Miami, Florida

On November 8, more than 15 Baha’is 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 Baha’i community of Chicago sponsored a party December 4 with food and Persian, Hispanic and American music. Close to 200 people including non-Baha’is attended the event, profits from which were to be used to renovate the Baha’ Center in Chicago.

Oregon Baha'is reach out to Nez Perce tribe

In the past few months the Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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]44/ The American Baha’i / December 1987

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 Bah’ {s in service to the Blessed Beauty. Imagine talking with Bahd’{s from around the country aa the world, helping to plan conferences, and consulting with the

Service at the National Center offers all these opportunities to those who offer their skills, talents and energies to Baha’u’ lah and His Cause. Bahd’{s 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 Bahd’u’ll4h 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 staff’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 Baha’i 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 Bahd’{ 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, Baha’i 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 sistant-area committees (Persian/American Affairs Committee Office); administrative assistant (Office of Pioneering).

~ ww.

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’

ata posters, and 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’fs in the life and work of the U.S. Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Javi Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual

Assembly, addresses the meeting

dukht 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 Baha’ institutions can use the services of the APAACSs, 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

of Area Persian/American Affairs Committees held October 8-11 at the Bahd’{ National Center.

plan are (1) to encourage the Iranian Baha’is 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 Zikru’lláh Khadem whose life was an example of the integration of East and West.

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 1 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 Baha’i.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’u’llah’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 Baha’u’llah wrote for Navvab from Bah@’t 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 Bab, and have shared it with other groups who have asked.

7. We deepen and are closely associated with other isolated Baha’is in and around our county.

8. We continue to help with children’s classes at the Crimson Ark Baha’i 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 cit .”’ (The Promised Day Is Com 118)

Baha’i named Fellow of Chemical Engineers

John Wing, a Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 outof-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, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’ is have not been visited for years, they still know they are members of the Baha’i Faith.

One young Bahd’{ had been waiting for other Baha’is to return to prove to his family that other Baha’is do exist.

Recently, when he and his family were visited by Bahá’ís, the whole family declared their belief in Baha’u’ lah,

The education of Baha’i 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 Spir itual Assembly of Florence with help from the South Carolina Ba+ha’{ 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 ‘‘Man- ©

kind 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.

time.

home.

In flresides, persistence pays off

For three months after Ed Wilke of Litchfield, Connecticut, began having regular firesides, no seekers came. Nevertheless, the Baha’ is present prayed together and discussed the Writings each

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 Baha’i International Office. A few phone calls later, he was invited to the fireside at Ed Wilke’s

Thus, the refugee from Sri Lanka was the first seeker to attend those firesides. Since then, five people have declared their faith in Baha’u’llah in Mr. Wilke’s home.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 45

S.C. continues to build strong Baha’i

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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i Chorus which has performed not only for Baha’is 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.

community

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 Baha’i.

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.

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’ll4h 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 moye 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 Baha’is 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.

Counselor Isabel Pavon de Calderon pays visit to Wilmette area, honored at dinner in Chicago

On October 26-29, Counselor Isabel Pavén de Calderén 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 Baha’is, was in San Fernando, California, the other at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Arizona.

While in the Wilmette area, the Counselor spoke October 27 at the Baha’i 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 Calderén was introduced by Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor.

The next evening, the Counselor spoke at the Baha’i 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 Baha’i

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 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 Baha’ fs 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 Baha’is, 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 Baha’i community in their capital city.

‘We began to believe that we must again be in the right place at the right time to serve Baha’u’llah, 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 Baha’is 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]4% / The American Baha’i / December 1987

Letters

from page 3

thought he was the re turn of their Prophet. The benicar thought this because he and his men were

On the evening before the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Unity Feast, I had a dream. Init, I sawa large photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with many bearded Persians standing with him. There were pects many Americans in the pic ae 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 tins the Sign of God.””

I understand that one’s dreams

can’t be the sole basis for understanding the phecies, and that the basis for our belief must come from the Holy Writings.

But I also believe that God, in

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

Dr. Michael Sears (left) of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, with Peter Barkett, president of the Portland chapter of

Bahda’is in Portland,

the UN-U.S.A., at a United Nations-sponsored Tele-Conference held September 12 in Portland and New York City.

Oregon, take part

in UNA-sponsored Tele-Conference

who took part September 12inan 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. Consti tution.

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 ig Hoe established via

open The Spiritual Ast of Portland was represented by one of its

Plan now for summer at House of Worship

It’s not too early to begin planning your summer service activities at the Bahd’{ 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 Baha’is 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.

article appeared about the dedication June 20 of the Greater Orlando, Florida, Baha’i Center.

One important fact was omitted that I feel would be of great interest to the friends: the Greater Orlando Center is the first Baha’iowned Center in Florida.

Other cities in the state (for example, Miami) have had rented Centers, but it should be noted that the Baha’is of Orlando saved for 10 years to purchase their Center which they generously share with all the Baha’i 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 pass ed away, these sacred writings simply remained with their papers.

Frequently, the relatives of such believers were not Baha’is, 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 \ see a classified ad from the Archivist asking for Baha’is 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 Baha’i history is slipping through our fingers. | 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 Baha’wil4h 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 relatives? We all want to share in these stories.

These will be the precious stores

Pianist Mark Ochu presents concert, lecture In Nebraska

Pianist Mark Ochu, a Baha’i 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 Bahda’is.

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 Baha’i community of Lincoln.

of our heritage that future historians of the Cause will unlock to discover our Baha’i 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.

Baha’is 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 “‘stayat-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 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’i traveler. He was from New Zealand, and after being isolated for 35 years, his county formed its first local Assembly and he is the chairman.

We have a large selection of Baha’i literature in many 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 Baha’i, 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

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Friends must make extra effort to save jeopardized Assemblies by next Ridvan

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 Baha’is in each of these communities before Ridvan 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.

Baha’is 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 Baha’is 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, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by phon ing 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, Deer field, Rock Island, Villa Park,

West Chicago.

Indiana: Gary, Marion, Mishawaka, Richmond, Speedway.

Towa: Marion.

Kansas: Newton, Prairie Vil

lage.

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 Coun

ty.

North Dakota: Minot.

Ohio: Beavercreek, East Cleveland, Westerville.

Oklahoma: Ada, Spencer.

Pennsylvania: Lower Marion 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 Col ony, 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’w’ll4h 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

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 Baha’is across the country. ...

About a thousand Bahd’fs and their guests gather September 16-18, one weekend after the Victory Sessions, at the 18th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha’i 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 Baha’i.

Mr. Birkland says it was neither the rich, the famous nor the welleducated 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 Baha’i. ...

“A Call to Remembrance,” a filmstrip depicting scenes from the life of Baha’u’llah, 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 Bah’{s 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 Zikru’lláh 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 Bahd’u’ll4h. May it be a Mashriqu’l-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

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 pio Fd post in Panama City, Pan mora 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 Baha’i 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 ing voted maidservant Bahá’u’lláh a Goldstein. Assure family loving prayers Holy Shrines progress her soul.””

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 Baha’ 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 Fries could not have been real a 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 Baha’f 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 Baha’is. 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 Baha’i teachers and pioneers.

In 1972, the property had to be sold to make way for an expanded

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 Baha'is 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 Baha’i, was a wonderful example of a person adopting a Baha’i 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 In dian 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-Baha’s words is already being revealed.

The American Baha’i / December 1987 / 47

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 Baha’i 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.”

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 eyeglass 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is in Birjand.

In 1981 Dr. Asdaqi was arrested and imprisoned in the Baha’i 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 ‘Abbas, 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 Bahd’{s and homefront pioneers gathered at the Native American Baha’i 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 Connie Hunter Joyce Ann Pigett Lombard, Illinois Sparks, NV Florence, SC October 9, 1987 August 31, 1987 July 1987

William Anderson Amy Jackson James Prillaman Portland, OR Philadelphia, MS Del Ray’Beach, FL August 1, 1987 Date Unknown 1986

Francis Baumgartner = Georgia James Gertrude Riese Gainesville, FL Kansas City, KS Dallas, TX October 19, 1987 October 14, 1987 July 11, 1987

Kim Bethea Adellafoy Jennings Patricia Rowland Floydale, SC Chicago, IL Lumberton, NC July 1987 October 28, 1987 May 2, 1987 Brenda Buckins Melissa Johnson Lura Rouse

Fort Pierce, FL Hutchinson, KS Austin, TX Summer 1986 September 15, 1987 September 29, 1987 Shirley Bryant Leon Paul Jones Farid Saeed Florence, SC Hempstead, NY Bellevue, WA October 1987 August 7, 1987 June 20, 1987 Mary Cendrowski Charles Little Eagle Harold Schiller Marysville, MI White River, SD Sheboygan, WI September 1987 October 14, 1987 September 23, 1987 Leonia Codish Patricia Luger Stanley Schnell Battle Creek, MI Brandon, FL Clarkdale, AR September 25, 1987 October 3, 1987 September 17, 1987 Ann Durham Robert Maddock Alberta Townsend Dallas, TX Alturas, CA Latta, SC

August 2, 1987 August 6, 1987 June 1987

James Elliot Carl T. Meyer Robert Van Meer Raleigh, NC Redondo Beach, CA _— Evanston, IL.

Date Unknown October 17, 1987 October 1987

Kate Foolscrow Margaret Newman Thelma Wenzel Martin, SD Mayville, NY N. Little Rock, AR September 1987 Date Unknown September 19, 1987 Juan D. Green Jerry Lee Nott Edith Wilder Atlanta, GA San Jose, CA Florence, SC

May 1987 October 24, 1987 July 22, 1987 Harriet Hall

Tustin, CA

September 14, 1987 �[Page 48]48 / The American Baha’i / December 1987

A view of the Bahá’í booth at the 13th annual Woman-To-Woman

—

Conference held October 23-25 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Baha’is 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 Baha’i booth at the 13th annual Woman-To-Woman Conference held October 23-25 in Mil Pavon

from page 25

Days becomes more regular.

The hope is that with annual assistance in helping the elect the local Assemblies, eventually the Baha’i 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 Baha’i communities.

Teaching activity includes returning to neighborhoods until everyone has been given a chance to hear the Message of Bahd’wilah.

The result has been a steady increase in new believers and friends of the Faith.

Both visiting teachers and newly declared Bahda’is are nurtured in their knowledge of the Teachings and the Baha’i way of life.

The more than 20 Baha’i 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 own The New York Times, carried an editorial titled “The Spreading Danger” which characterized the recent persecution of Baha’is 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.”

waukee, Wisconsin.

This third year of Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’is.

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-at tended. On Saturday evening, a proclamation event planned by the Baha’is 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 Baha’is attended. Six of them came as a result of invitations distributed at the Baha’i booth.

Among those in the audience were the parents of a Baha’i who were attending their first Baha’isponsored 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

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Texas conference on women is ‘for men only’

A novel approach was taken in planning a conference ‘‘for men only’’ by the Baha’i 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 Baha’i men on the status of women in the U.S. and the world, in and out of the Baha’i 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 Wom It was ‘men only’ September 12 at a Conference on Women spon

en 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 Baha’i writings, the United Nations, the

= sored by the Bahá’í community of Bedford, Texas.

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. �