The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 2/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 18, Issue 2

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America: a remarkable journey

As a result of the Young Turk Revolution, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was free in 1908 to leave the environs of the prison-city of ‘Akká.

During the long years in which He was a captive, the Master had longed to travel throughout the world, spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

As soon as He could arrange to do so, He left for Africa and Europe, and eventually traveled to North America at the beginning of 1912.

At that time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was 68 years old and His health was broken by 40 years of prison life.

He had no formal education, and before leaving ‘Akká had never addressed a public audience. His experience with Western culture was extremely limited.

Yet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set out in America on what was to be one of the most rigorous and influential speaking tours ever undertaken in recorded history.

On April 11, 1912, the day of His arrival in the U.S., ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the hundreds of friends who had gathered to greet Him, “This long voyage will prove how great is my love for you.” (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 3)

He then proceeded to travel across the North American continent, speaking to church congregations, university students, women’s groups, theosophical societies, race unity gatherings, peace societies, metaphysical See ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, page 4

The American Bahá’í

'The real treasury of man is his knowledge.'—Bahá’u’lláh Volume 18, No. 2 February 1987

Jack McCants elected to replace Soo Fouts on National Assembly

The National Spiritual Assembly announced before its January meeting the results of a by-election called last November 26 to replace Mrs. Soo Fouts, who was appointed to the Auxiliary Board after serving for 10 years on the National Assembly.

Elected to replace Mrs. Fouts was Jack E. McCants of Weatherford, Oklahoma, who was a member of the National Assembly from 1968-70 before pioneering for eight years in the Pacific.

Mr. McCants, who was graduated from Stephen F. Austin (Texas) State College and later studied at the Southern Methodist University school of theology, became a Bahá’í in 1959 and has been either a homefront or overseas pioneer for 23 of those 28 years.

He presently serves as administrator of the New Horizons Mental Health Center which covers an eight-county area in western Oklahoma.

See McCants page 4

Outpouring of gifts reduces Fund deficit by about $1 million

REJOICE! SACRIFICIAL GIFTS TO THE NATIONAL FUND IN ‘SPIRIT OF THE ROSES’ INCLUDING ONE LARGE GIFT AND MANY SMALLER CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE ENABLED NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY TO REDUCE FUND DEFICIT BY $1 MILLION FROM $3.7 MILLION TO ABOUT $2.7 MILLION. THIS TREMENDOUS ‎EXPRESSION LOVE EXPRESSION OF LOVE‎ FOR BAHÁ’U’LLÁH HAS PERMITTED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO SEND AN ADDITIONAL $500,000 TO UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE REDUCING ITS OUTSTANDING PLEDGE BALANCE TO $800,000.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRAYS THAT WE WILL ALL BE INSPIRED BY THIS SACRIFICIAL OUTPOURING AND FORGE AHEAD TO WIN FUND GOAL BY RIDVÁN.

WARMEST LOVE,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

National Assembly hosts Human Rights Day luncheon in D.C.

On December 9, the National Spiritual Assembly hosted a luncheon in Washington, D.C., to observe Human Rights Day.

Representing the National Assembly were its chairman, Judge James F. Nelson, and vice-chairman, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh.

They were joined by more than 100 guests including government officials, congressional staff, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

The keynote speaker was Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, who said in part, “... it is fair to say that religious persecution of the ferocity which we have seen in Iran during recent years has for the rest of the world been associated with other, darker periods of mankind’s history.

“The killing, torturing and otherwise persecuting of individuals on the basis of their religion and the efforts at forcible conversion, all of which characterize the treatment of the Bahá’ís of Iran in recent years, is simply not a situation which we witness anywhere else in the world today. ...”

A special guest of the National Spiritual Assembly, who spoke briefly to the gathering, was Dr. Angelo Ribeiro of Portugal, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance.

Judge Nelson, in his remarks to the luncheon audience, said, “Let me acknowledge with gratitude as a Bahá’í, and with pride as an American, the support given for Iranian Bahá’ís by all levels of this government, and extend our appreciation to those of you in this room who have, side by side, helped and worked and watched, and seen some improvement.

“And finally, let me hail the courage of the hundreds of thousands of Iranian Bahá’ís who have resisted and still resist official See LUNCHEON page 4

Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses a Human Rights Day luncheon held December 9 in Washington, D.C., and sponsored by the National Assembly. More than 100 guests attended including the keynote speaker, Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, and Dr. Angelo Ribeiro of Portugal, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance.

Vahdat campaign big success in Texas

Among the many exciting teaching activities now under way in the “Spirit of the Roses” is the Sirru’lláh Vahdat campaign in central Texas, named in honor of an Iranian martyr, whose initial goal was to bring at least 189 new believers into the Faith by next Ridván.

Although that goal was easily surpassed midway through the campaign and the number of enrollments has gone well beyond 300, the teaching effort will continue until Ridván with a strong deepening and consolidation component to help the new believers understand the nature of the Faith and their obligations as Bahá’ís.

Included in the follow-up plan are repeat visits, identifying and training persons of capacity, and continued teaching by traveling teachers.

From December 20-28, about 75 Bahá’ís from as far away as Kentucky and Washington, D.C., joined the campaign in Texas’ Central District No. 1.

As a result of their efforts, the communities of Taylor and Elgin were raised to Assembly status while Temple, Belton, Round Rock and Manor, each of which already had an Assembly, were bolstered and Granger was brought close to Assembly strength.

The campaign, conceived as a response to the gift of 189 red roses from Bahá’í prisoners in Iran to the Bahá’ís of the U.S., is sponsored by the Central Texas No. 1 District Teaching Committee.

See VAHDAT page 11

Participants, young and old, in central Texas’ Sirru’lláh Vahdat campaign share teaching stories at the home of one of the friends. Seated in the center (in checked shirt with clipboard) is Bob Cadwallader of Shelby, North Carolina. The campaign’s goal of 189 new believers in the ‘Spirit of the Roses’ before next Ridván was easily surpassed.

Bahá’í youth saves infant’s life in fire

On October 30, a mobile home in Wanblee, South Dakota, housing five small children, the oldest age 10, caught fire and burned to the ground.

All of the children except five-month-old Vernon Standing Soldier managed to run to safety. The infant was trapped in his crib in the rear of the home, and it seemed impossible that anyone could rescue him.

A Bahá’í youth, 20-year-old Donovan Returning Arrow, realizing that a child was still inside and ignoring the threat to his own safety posed by the blazing home, ran inside and crawled out with the baby under him.

The baby received burns on his arms, but miraculously, Donovan himself was not injured. [Page 2]

Portland presents 2nd Peace Award

On October 26, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, sponsored a program to celebrate the International Year of Peace and to present its second annual Bahá’í Peace Award.

More than 100 people attended the observance at Lewis and Clark College to hear speakers from a number of peace organizations and to honor this year’s Peace Award recipient.

Last year’s winner, Frank Bauman, presented the 1986 award to Dr. Karen Ruth Steingart, the founder and former president of the Portland chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Dr. Steingart said she was truly honored by the award, but added that she looked forward to the day when peace has become a way of life and such awards are no longer necessary.

The program chairman, Dr. Michael Sears, spoke of the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the kings and rulers of the world, and read from the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement.

He then asked for comments from a panel of distinguished speakers including Michael Royce of the National Lawyers Guild; Mrs. Sherry Fishman, representing Beyond War; McKinley Williams, director of employment for the Portland Urban League; the Rev. Barry Knowles of the Church of Unity; and Dr. F. Richard Schneider, chancellor of the newly established World Peace University in Portland.

The Rev. Knowles invited everyone to take part in the “World Instant of Cooperation,” a non-sectarian, non-political consciousness-raising effort that was to be held at noon (Greenwich time) December 31 when some 50 million people were expected to gather in communities around the world to pray for peace.

Lydia McCarter, coordinator of this year’s Peace Award ceremony in Portland, Oregon, stands beside the display created by the Bahá’ís for the event.

View from within South Africa seen in S. Diego event

On November 1, the Race Unity Committee of San Diego, under the auspices of that city’s Spiritual Assembly, presented “A View of South Africa from a Black Freedom Fighter” at the San Diego Bahá’í Center.

The keynote speaker, Vusi Shangase, a native of Durban, South Africa, representing the African National Congress, gave an overview of the apartheid system in his country and the efforts to overcome it and gain freedom, dignity and self-determination.

Another non-Bahá’í speaker, Scott Daugherty, a U.S. student who was detained and jailed last April in Johannesburg, shared his experience along with his love, admiration and respect for those who are struggling to gain freedom in South Africa.

Counselor Fred Schechter ended the program by presenting a Bahá’í perspective within the context of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement.

Between 70 and 80 people attended.

On November 29, “An Evening of Jazz, Poetry and Peace” was presented, also at the Bahá’í Center.

The festive event consisted of readings by the Black Artists and Writers of San Diego, a local community resource group of poets, writers, and visual and performing artists, and music by the Third World Main Force, an Afro-Asian jazz band made up of musicians from four ethnic groups.

Special guests included two Bahá’ís, pianist Ali Nami and reader Monsell Laury.

One of the unique aspects of the event was that many of the 75 people who attended, the majority of whom were not Bahá’ís, had also come to the previous November event on South Africa.

Poets often bear prophetic message

This month’s column, “Poets and Prophecies,” was written by Janet Ruhe-Schoen, a pioneer from the U.S. to Santiago, Chile.

As Bahá’ís, we’re aware of the prescience of poets; by that I mean their apparent foreknowledge, their prophetic gift.

Our souls nod in affirmation as we read Tennyson’s lyric, written in the early 1830s, “In Memoriam A.H.H.,” which ends with the verse:

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

And our eyes widen when we encounter, in his later “Locksley Hall,” prophecies of world conflict which culminate:

Till the war-drum throbbed no longer,

and the battle-flags were furled

In the Parliament of man, the Federation of the world.

And we, idealists that we are and dependent as we are on the poetic gifts of the Revelator, can readily agree with the definition of a poet’s mission, given by Arthur O’Shaughnessy (born in 1844) in his “Ode”:

One man with a dream at pleasure,

Shall go forth and conquer a crown;

And three with a new song’s measure

Can trample an empire down.

Mr. O’Shaughnessy speaks of poets as “music-makers” and “dreamers of dreams,” and also as builders of the world’s great cities, who then overthrow the cities

...with prophesying

To the old of the new world’s worth ...

We can appreciate, too, the sensitivity that goads poets to speak for suffering humanity and to decry injustice. Edwin Markham’s “The Man with the Hoe,” published in 1899, was taken up as a battle-cry the world over by those who fought for social justice, and now, as we see our world still being bloodied by the politics of left and right, every word of his poem still rings true.

Mr. Markham describes the impoverished man bearing “...on his back the burden of the world ...” and says of this unlettered, deprived and neglected being:

Through this dread shape the suffering ages look;

Time’s tragedy is in that aching stoop;

Through this dread shape humanity betrayed,

Plundered, profaned, and disinherited,

Cries protest to the Judges of the World,

A protest that is also prophecy.

O masters, lords and rulers in all lands,

Is this the handiwork you give to God? ...

And poets of the 20th century have clung to the millennial mission and vision, as witness the lament by Carl Sandburg in “Time-swept”:

What is the burden I carry out of yesterday?

Why am I so wise, so grand, so cunning, so ignorant?

What have I made that I haven’t broken?

What have I bred that I haven’t killed?

Why have I prized my skills as a killer?

Yet he concluded in the same poem:

There is only one horse on earth

and his name is All Horses.

There is only one bird in the air

and his name is All Wings.

There is only one fish in the sea

and his name is All Fins.

There is only one man in the world

and his name is All Men.

There is only one woman in the world

and her name is All Women.

There is only one child in the world

and the child’s name is All Children.

There is only one Maker in the world

And His children cover the earth and they are named All God’s Children.

Carl Sandburg used to travel the country with a guitar and recite and sing to all kinds of groups, but most 20th century poets, and by that I mean poets of the printed page, of books, don’t reach the masses.

Our century’s counterparts of people like Tennyson and Wordsworth are our singer-songwriters, our pop poets. And they do not forget the millennial dream, nor do they turn their backs on the oppressed.

Here, for example, are lyrics from a hard rock chant of a few months ago, by Freddie Mercury:

One man—one goal—one mission!

One heart—one soul—just one solution!

One flash of light!

One God! One vision!

One flesh! One bone! One true religion!

One voice! One hope! One real decision!

Give me one vision!

And from a soul song, “O People,” sung by Patti LaBelle and presently rising on the charts:

If we are one big family,

No one will have to beg to eat;

If we live in a world of dignity,

No man will have to live from the street;

If I tell you you’re a part of me,

There’s no need for disbelief.

Here’s my hand, to let you know

That what we dream we all can hold,

Apart as we are weak, together we’re strong;

O people! We’re all writing this song. ...

And from a reggae hit of a few years ago by Sting and the Police:

Lines were drawn upon the world—

before we get our flags unfurled—

whichever one we pick,

it’s just a self-deluding trick—

one world is enough for all of us!

And one last example, perhaps the best known, from “We Are the World” by Michael Jackson and Lionel ‎Ritchie Richie‎:

There comes a time when we heed a certain call,

When the world must come together as one.

There are people dying, and it’s time to lend a hand

to life, the greatest gift of all.

We can’t go on

pretending day by day

that someone, somewhere, will make a change.

We are all a part of God’s great big family,

and the truth, you know: love is all we need.

We are the world, we are the children. ...

It isn’t only the prescience of poets that is coming into play here, but the poetic gift and mission of preserving the dream and reality of good that has kept humanity alive.

As Wordsworth wrote during the last century: “In spite of things silently gone out of mind, and things violently destroyed, the poet binds together by passion and knowledge the vast empire of human society, as it is spread over the whole earth and over all time.”

I can’t resist just two more examples, these from Latin Ameri-

See VIEWPOINT page 32

Guidelines on Bahá’í response to new ABC-TV movie ‘Amerika’

The National Spiritual Assembly has received a number of inquiries about the position Bahá’ís should take relative to the television movie “Amerika” which is being aired this month on the ABC network.

The movie is said to portray United Nations peace-keeping forces in an unfavorable light and to imply that the UN is a threat to the freedom and the very survival of the United States. Such a portrayal of the UN is bound to influence American attitudes toward that body.

The National Spiritual Assembly feels that individual Bahá’ís who may wish to do so should feel free to write to ABC (c/o ABC Network Division, 1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019), expressing their opinion on this issue. Bahá’í institutions, however, should not enter the controversy in any way. [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

Our children = our future

To the Editor:

Many who join the Faith as adults say the spirit of love and unity in the community is what attracted them. Unfortunately, that spirit does not always filter down to the children in Bahá’í communities.

Prevailing attitudes toward children seem to reflect the attitudes in American culture.

Children are seen as their parents’ business, and parents are expected to make them sit quietly through dull business meetings where no attempt is made to translate what is going on to them.

If children leave the room at Feast or Convention, it is usually the parents who go with them. Often, parents conclude that as long as they will miss the meeting anyway, they may as well stay home.

If, however, we regarded all children as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s children, as He exhorted us to do, our attitude would change.

Children should be considered as seekers looking for a reason to embrace the Faith.

Persian children in the U.S. who are fortunate to belong to families where grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles are all Bahá’ís can associate family unity and love with the Faith; but children of American-born Bahá’ís are usually from a Judeo-Christian background where one or both parents are the only Bahá’ís in the family. These children need the Bahá’í community in order to feel the spirit of unity and love that the Faith can provide.

The social part of the Feast is an ideal time for a community to embrace its children. Yet how many communities would cut their business meeting short to do this?

Many children need to be in bed by 9 or 9:30 on school nights, but the business drones on (sometimes with matters that could easily be communicated during the social part), unmindful of the children’s needs. So, again, parents may decide to keep them home.

There are Bahá’ís who feel guilty and wonder where they went wrong when their children grow up and don’t become Bahá’ís. Other Bahá’ís conclude that those parents didn’t adequately teach the children.

However, if the rest of us in the Bahá’í community allow ready seekers such as these children to pass through the community without nurturing them, we are all responsible for their estrangement.

Traditional churches, which have always been supportive of families, are presently enjoying membership increases as parents realize the importance of sharing spiritual experiences with their children.

Once Bahá’í communities become attuned to the special needs of families, they too may enjoy an increase in numbers. And what is even more important, they may help families to remain united and to raise children who will rush to embrace the Faith.

Deborah Clark Levine

Towson, Maryland

Challenge from Tasmania

To the Editor:

Each month, I wait expectantly for The American Bahá’í. I have read many national Bahá’í newsletters, and each one has its strong points, but I feel The American Bahá’í is a newsletter of exceptional quality.

It has an excellent blend of diversified columns and, most important, the encouragement of an open forum and exchange of views through the “letters to the editor” column.

After reading about the large shortfall in contributions that resulted in a reduction of staff at the U.S. National Center, I felt inspired to offer to send to the American community the amount of money it ‎costly costs‎ yearly to produce my copy of The American Bahá’í, and I challenge the entire American Bahá’í community to do the same.

Will the American community arise in the “Spirit of the Roses” to answer this call?

My hat is off to the editors of The American Bahá’í for an excellent paper and a job well done. Thank you.

Dennis R. Bumford

Launceston, Tasmania

Some money-saving tips

To the Editor:

The condition of the National Fund prompts me to write about places our money is wasted so that we have less to give to the Fund.

An especially serious drain results from our falling prey to high-pressure sales pitches, one of which is for time-sharing resort condominiums.

The pitch is that you own a week of vacation time at a resort and that you can trade it for weeks at other times and/or other resorts. It’s claimed that this is a hedge against inflation.

It actually is a good deal—but only if you take your vacation at the resort every year. But most Bahá’ís I know spend their vacations at Bahá’í conferences or schools. I know of one couple who have had a time-share beach condo for four years and haven’t been there once, even for a day. Such a waste of thousands of dollars!

Another example of waste is legalized gambling, especially Bingo. Remember, gambling is forbidden to Bahá’ís.

Credit is a serious curse. Carrying an average balance of $1,000 on one’s credit card will cost about $210 a year in interest, enough for a substantial contribution to the Fund.

It’s also wise to buy term life insurance only long enough to protect your children. If you are single, childless, or your children are grown, what do you need life insurance for? The media lead us to believe we can’t live without it, but it’s a waste of money if there is no one we are trying to protect.

Keeping these and other ideas in mind could produce millions of dollars for the National Fund.

Craig Loehle

Aiken, South Carolina

Tolerance to acceptance

To the Editor:

I would like to express the joy I felt when reading the article (September) about the seminar on racism held in August at the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

To read that at last there was a conference at which the “most challenging issue” was addressed with open and frank discussion and in which the “vision of the Bahá’í community as a model of unity in the world” was not lost, was most heartening.

As a black Bahá’í, I have attended many conferences dealing with the most challenging issue, arriving always with the hope that this would be the one where we would all “lay our cards on the table” and come away with a greater understanding and a determination to resolve this issue, only to leave frustrated because issues were skirted, many things were left unsaid, and many participants were unwilling even to consider that racism continues to be a problem in the American Bahá’í community.

My purpose in writing is not to point an accusing finger or to slap hands. We are beyond this point; we must be beyond this point.

The intent is rather to allow others to feel the pain of black Bahá’ís so that you can see their tears, thereby opening your hearts and urging you forward on the road to resolving “the most challenging issue facing the American Bahá’í community.”

The point that “there is pain for blacks as Bahá’ís” was a conclusion drawn at the Green Acre conference. And not without reason.

When we blacks, who must struggle so hard to be accepted by our white brothers and sisters in America, embrace the warmth and love of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, we breathe a sigh of relief because at last we have found a place where our achievements and our minds will be respected and our powerful ability to love unconditionally, in spite of tremendous obstacles, is welcomed—only to find that this is not always the case.

Instead, we seem to be stuck at the stage of development where blacks are merely tolerated in our communities. We need to move on to the next step, that of appreciating the contributions blacks can make to the American Bahá’í community.

Yes, there are those blacks who are nationally known and are appreciated, but let us respect and appreciate those at the local level for what they have to offer.

Moving from tolerance to acceptance will automatically open the way to the final step of true acceptance.

What can you do to help bring about respect and appreciation of blacks in your community? It begins with individuals and institutions being spiritually motivated to resolve this issue.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that our actions must be initiated with “spiritual motivation,” for without it our actions are superficial and cannot produce results.

Dear friends, we have made progress with this issue since the 1950s, and we have a long, long way to go, but we must always keep in mind that the Faith and its teachings, and the love of Bahá’u’lláh, are the only vehicles that can bring about complete racial harmony in our age. As the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote:

“The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem, which the American believers are still far from having satisfactorily resolved, with an urgency and importance that cannot be over-estimated.”

Pamela Hawley

Peoria, Arizona

‘Living life’ best example

To the Editor:

Thank you so much for publishing the letter (November) from Christina M. Price. It was a heart-warming story, and it is Bahá’ís such as Ken Stevens who are truly Bahá’ís.

So much fanfare, it seems, is given to Bahá’ís who snatch the microphone at any opportunity to speak as if they were at a Toastmasters’ Club.

These Bahá’ís vie with one another as to whose speech was more eloquent and who spoke about “teaching” the longest and who “socked it to” the other Bahá’ís the hardest because they weren’t at the teaching project last Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, little care or realization is given to the precious teaching someone like Ken Stevens has done. Yes, he gave his life (trying to save a child from drowning) because he lived every moment of it as a Bahá’í. That is the greatest challenge and the truest teaching.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “Do not be satisfied until each one with whom you are concerned is to you as a member of your family. Regard each one as a father, or as a brother, or as a sister, or as a mother, or as a child.”

Thanks, Ms. Price, for your salute to Ken Stevens and to all Bahá’ís who truly strive to follow and be as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mary Ann Innace

Decatur, Georgia

Economics: another view

To the Editor:

I have found the discussion of the Bahá’í-Marxist dialogue quite interesting, and, of course, want to remind your readers that unity, kindness and courtesy are essential components of any dialogue, especially when there are differing viewpoints, one of which I would like to share.

Like all sciences and arts today, economics, as expressed in political systems, is, relatively speaking, quite young, even embryonic.

One of the traits of anything young is experimentation; another is making mistakes.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries there were many philosophers and social scientists proposing solutions to problems of the new age of world citizenship. Two of the most well-known were Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes.

If you look at the “capitalistic” and “communistic” economic systems of the world it would be well-nigh impossible to find any that do not practice either Keynesian “economics” or Marxist “economics.” It is as if there were only two schools of thought, although there actually are many.

Why is this so? The reason is simple. People who are “up and rising” want only those things that lead to their ascendancy.

Since this whole dialogue question is tied intimately to economics, I would like at this point to introduce another name to the discussion, that of Ludwig von Mises, who championed economics from age 19 (in 1900) until his death in 1973.

Why, you may ask, have few people heard of him? Because institutionalized systems are slow to die, and they resist death.

Freedom to investigate the truth of the science of economics fuels the fire that will one day consume...

See LETTERS page 31

Selections from the Writings E.G.Browne on the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions Edited by Moojan Momen

New from George Ronald, Publisher SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF E. G. BROWNE ON THE BÁBÍ AND BAHÁ’Í RELIGIONS edited by Moojan Momen An essential work for serious students of the Bahá’í Faith, including identification of well-known Bahá’ís Browne met in Iran and referred to under other names in A Year Amongst the Persians Browne’s 80-page Abstract of the Persian Bayán never before published the full text of The Bábís of Persia, the first comprehensive account of the Bahá’í Faith in English and other items long out of print. 528 pages. Cloth $29.50. Softcover $16.95 Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 4]

CHAMPION-BUILDERS

DR. HOWARD CARPENTER

DR. HOWARD CARPENTER

Dr. Howard Luxmore Carpenter became a Bahá’í through conversations with Howard MacNutt while he was in medical school at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Carpenter later served on the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco in various capacities (including chairman), was present at the sessions of the Geyserville Summer School, and was the first to build a cabin on land offered to the Bahá’ís by John Bosch for what eventually became the year-round Geyserville Bahá’í School.

At Stanford, he exemplified the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humankind and startled his university peers by rooming with Yoshio Okumoto, a fellow student from Japan.

In 1929, at the age of 23, Dr. Carpenter married Marzieh Nabil, the daughter of Dr. ‘Alí-Kuli Khan. After he was graduated in 1932, they left the San Francisco area for Vienna, Austria, and afterward, at the Guardian’s direction, traveled through central Europe and the Balkans.

The Carpenters worked with Martha Root in Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade; spent five weeks in Sofia, Bulgaria, helping Marion Jack, then stopped briefly in Salonika, a Grecian seaport city, before going on to Tirana, Albania, to visit a Bahá’í, Refo Chapary. They then left for Haifa, where they stayed for three weeks on their way to Tehran.

Although the Carpenters lived in Iran for some time, it was more than a year before Dr. Carpenter was able to obtain a medical license. Meanwhile, his health had failed and he was bedridden for several months.

Following a brief recovery, during which time he resumed his activities as a member of the Unity of East and West Committee, Dr. Carpenter was stricken again, this time with paralysis.

He lay in a hospital for seven months, after which Mr. and Mrs. Rahmat ‘Ala’i invited him to stay in their home where they provided him with the same loving care they had given Keith Ransom-Kehler only a year before.

Dr. Carpenter’s doctors advised him to return to the U.S. With the help of the ‘Ala’is he survived the long drive across a desert, spent nine days in Haifa where he was

See CARPENTER page 12

McCants

from page 1

In the 1960s Mr. McCants was director of the first field training for VISTA in the U.S., took part in the pilot program that led to the start of the Job Corps in this country, and later helped organize the Job Corps regional office in Atlanta which served eight southern states.

He also helped to develop the first OEO-funded migrant labor assistance program for the Atlantic coastal states and participated in research that led to the founding of the national Head Start program.

Mr. McCants was administrator of the first mental health center in the Northwest Pacific area and was director of the Pacific Basin Regional Medical Program covering the Marianas, Marshall and Caroline Islands and American Samoa.

In addition to his previous service on the National Assembly, Mr. McCants was an Auxiliary Board member in this country from 1964-67 and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa in 1975-76.

He also served as an Auxiliary Board member for Southeast Asia, organized the first Department of Teaching and Consolidation for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines, and was a member of the National Teaching Committee of the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

Mr. McCants is married to the former Toni Mantel, who was a pioneer to Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Western Samoa. They have three children: William Faizi, 11; David Gibson, 9; and Martha Marie, 6.

Notice about Bahá’í who asks for help

Although John Pappan is a registered Bahá’í, he has furnished no address to which to send him mail or his credentials. Accordingly, he carries no Bahá’í identification.

Mr. Pappan has been traveling throughout the country requesting financial help and other assistance from Bahá’ís. Should you respond to Mr. Pappan’s requests for money or hospitality, you would be doing so at your own expense.

The National Spiritual Assembly regrets the need for this notice, but hopes it may serve to alert and protect the believers from being taken advantage of through their own kindness, but misplaced generosity.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

from page 1

groups, and ethical societies, often addressing three or four audiences per day on a tour that lasted nine months.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was often interviewed by the press, and He granted an almost continuous flow of personal interviews as well.

In each community that was privileged to receive ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Bahá’ís may wish to commemorate the anniversary of the day on which He visited by reading the talk given by the Master in that particular city 75 years ago.

The Promulgation of Universal Peace (Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982) is a compilation of the talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His astounding journey in America.

Another interesting book that outlines His journey is 239 Days (now available for only $1).

Both books can be ordered through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Also, a special outline of the Master’s travels is available from the National Teaching Committee. To obtain a copy, simply complete and return the request form below:

The Bahá’í community of ___________ requests a copy of “‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit—An Outline.” Please send it in care of _____________________. Mail this form to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Pianist helps proclaim Faith in N.Y.

Pianist Mark Ochu explains a point during his November 21 concert/lecture in Jamestown, New York.

In the “Spirit of the Roses,” the Bahá’ís of Jamestown, New York, used a November 21 concert by visiting Bahá’í pianist Mark Ochu of Minnesota as the springboard for a wide-ranging proclamation effort that included newspaper articles, personal invitations to many community leaders and groups, a 10-minute cable TV program, and a mayoral proclamation designating November 21 “International Peace Day” in Jamestown.

Three articles promoting the concert, which was entitled “Prerequisites for Peace in Western Classical Music,” appeared in the Jamestown Post-Journal, which also published a photo of Mr. Ochu’s performance.

Invitations were sent to members of music clubs, political and religious leaders, and members of peace-oriented groups in Jamestown. In all, 13 Bahá’ís and more than 30 non-Bahá’ís attended the concert.

The cable TV program, which consisted mainly of a video, “The Promise of World Peace,” produced by the Spiritual Assembly of Rochester, included information about the concert and the name and phone number of a Bahá’í to contact for more information.

Also, Mr. Ochu was interviewed at two radio stations.

At their meeting with the mayor in November, the Bahá’ís arranged for members of the city council to see “The Promise of World Peace” during their meeting in January.

The editor of the Post-Journal agreed to publish the statement “The Promise of World Peace” in abbreviated form in the paper, also in January.

Luncheon

from page 1

government intimidation, pressure and even torture calculated to compel them to recant their faith.

“We have with your help undertaken a great task, and it is a task which can be marked, perhaps, only by glacial progress, but one that certainly can be achieved by monumental work.”

Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community in New York, and Gerald Knight, the Bahá’í representative to the United Nations for human rights, also attended the luncheon, as did representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Washington, D.C.

Judge James F. Nelson (right), chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, has a word with Dr. Angelo Ribeiro, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, during a Human Rights Day luncheon December 9 in Washington, D.C., which was sponsored by the National Assembly.

Bahá’í video set for U.S cable TV broadcast in March

On Sunday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m. EST, Tempo Television, a national cable TV network, will telecast a video presentation of the peace statement, “The Promise of World Peace,” via satellite to 12.8 million households in the U.S.

In addition to the 12.8 million households that subscribe to Tempo, every independent or cable television station in the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as individuals with satellite dishes, can receive the program via transponder 6, satcom 3R satellite.

Local Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís are encouraged to contact their local cable TV outlet to find out if it is a subscriber to Tempo. If not, the outlet may be asked to receive the program for its local viewers.

Ads in newspapers and flyers sent by Assemblies or Groups will increase the number of viewers. Also recommended are “video firesides” and other gatherings to watch the broadcast.

The 27-minute video, which presents narrated highlights from the peace statement using attractive visual materials from Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í sources, and includes comments by two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Judge Dorothy Nelson and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, was produced by Radiant Century Productions, an independent Bahá’í-owned production company in Los Angeles.

Copies of the video may be obtained for cable stations that are willing to air the tape at another time. A shorter 20-minute version is also available in Beta or VHS for home video at $29.50.

Please direct all inquiries to Kalimát Press, 1600 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 34, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (phone 213-479-5668). [Page 5]

Some helpful tips on how to contribute to Fund

I used to think that when I made a contribution to the National Fund, my check was personally handled and receipted by our National Treasurer, Dorothy Nelson. (That may seem ridiculous when one stops to think that the Treasurer’s Office handled more than 130,000 separate contributions last year alone!)

Recently, however, I volunteered some time in the Treasurer’s Office to help process the increased flow of contributions received in the “Spirit of the Roses.” I was surprised by what I learned.

You are probably not as naive as I was concerning how our National Fund contributions are handled, but I learned a few things that I would like to share.

These tips may help reduce the time and money needed to process your contributions—which the Treasurer’s Office staff hopes will increase by tenfold during the Six Year Plan.

First tip: Use the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) whenever possible.

ACS is a way to transfer your regular Fund contribution electronically from your bank account. It lets the computer do the processing.

So far, ACS is used by only about 2,500 individuals, and some 40 local Assemblies and Groups. But it reduces the number of individual transactions to be processed by more than 35,000 each year!

ACS also reduces the processing costs and assures a regular base of income for the National Assembly. A single receipt is sent at the end of the year for tax purposes.

Use the ACS. Then, when the spirit moves you, supplement that regular contribution with a separate check. If you need more information about ACS, contact a local treasurer or an NTR.

Second tip: Use the computer-coded envelope that comes with your receipt whenever possible.

Many people already use the envelopes, which save a tremendous amount of processing time because all of the information needed is coded on the envelope.

So we don’t need to make sure the donor is a Bahá’í in good standing, or match the I.D. number to the right name, or figure out who should get the receipt. All of that has been done beforehand.

Third tip: Always provide your I.D. number on the check.

An easy way to do this is to have it printed right on the check the next time you order new checks. Otherwise, simply write it in above your name.

Fourth tip: If your contribution is from more than one person, but you don’t mind receiving the receipt in one person’s name, provide his/her I.D. number only and circle the name.

If your check is drawn on a joint account (for example, “John and Carol Jones”), please indicate which name the I.D. number belongs to and circle the name in which you would like the receipt. This saves time and expense.

If, say, the Jones family—John, Carol and their twins, Shahin and Simin—send a joint contribution, but don’t mind receiving the receipt in Carol’s name only, they should circle her name and put only her I.D. number on the check. Since the check represents Fund participation by four people, they could note “family of 4” or “four people” on the check.

If a married couple would like to receive one receipt as “Mr. and Mrs.,” they should circle the husband’s name and I.D. number and write “Mr. and Mrs.” on the check.

Fifth tip: If you are sending a contribution for an Assembly or Group, include the Bahá’í Location Code (BLC) plus “A” for Assembly or “G” for Group.

The computer-coded envelopes already carry this information. But if you use a regular Fund envelope or a plain envelope, please provide the BLC on both the check and envelope and indicate Assembly (“A”) or Group (“G”).

The staff that handle your contributions to the Fund are wonderful, devoted people who are happy to process the contributions in whatever form they are received.

But these few tips, followed in the field, will save a great amount of time and expense. And the time and money saved can be applied to meet other pressing needs of the National Fund.—Malieh Stoakley, Glendale Heights, Illinois

ME 1234 EARLY A MS P E PIONEER P O BOX 999 EARLY VICTORY ME 99999

TheNational Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Advancing the Faith around the World

National Assembly to investigate feasibility of Bahá’í credit union

The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to investigate the possible establishment of a credit union to serve the American Bahá’í community.

The National Assembly’s action is in response to suggestions from individual Bahá’ís, Convention delegates, and local communities.

A credit union is a financial institution similar to a bank or savings and loan association; it is a cooperative association in which a group of people agree to save their money together and to make loans to each other at interest rates generally below those available from most other commercial institutions.

Credit unions differ from other financial institutions in that they cannot do business with the general public. Instead, membership is limited to a group of people who share a “common bond.” In the case of Bahá’ís, that common bond would be their allegiance to the Bahá’í Faith.

Credit union members elect their own board of directors and committee members who usually serve without pay. In this way, costs can be kept at a minimum and more of the profits can be passed on to the members.

Professionals, however, are usually hired to handle bookkeeping and to manage larger credit unions.

See CREDIT page 32

Seminar in Houston focuses on spiritual principles of giving

Nearly 70 Bahá’ís attended a weekend seminar on the Fund hosted January 3-4 by the Spiritual Assembly of Houston, Texas, in conjunction with the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

Counselor Shahpoor Monadjem of Brazil conducted the seminar, which focused on the needs of the National Fund, the role of the American Bahá’í community in supporting the Faith around the world, and the spiritual principles on which the institution of the Fund is based.

Bahá’ís from nearly 20 communities in Texas took part in the seminar. On Sunday morning, the consultation was centered for more than an hour on the Huqúqu’lláh.

Although this particular law of Bahá’u’lláh is not yet binding in the West, the Bahá’ís present were quite interested to learn about it. Several passages from the recently released compilation, “The Huqúqu’lláh: The Right of God,” were read and discussed.

“Love of the Faith and sacrifice go hand in hand,” said Counselor Monadjem. “You cannot truly express your love for Bahá’u’lláh and the wonderful Message He has brought to mankind without sacrificing.

“Our writings talk about many aspects of sacrifice. Each of us must meditate and consult on these meanings. But one thing is for sure: no matter how much we love this Cause and have sacrificed for it already, we can always increase our capacity to love and sacrifice more.”

Besides Counselor Monadjem, the seminar was conducted by Auxiliary Board member Shelley Pittman, National Treasurer’s Representatives Jan Bassari and Gil Rucker, and Yvor Stoakley of the National Treasurer’s Office.

International contributions can be deductible

The Office of the Treasurer has received a number of inquiries about the tax deductibility of contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund (Universal House of Justice).

These contributions, when made directly to the International Fund and mailed to Haifa, are not deductible on one’s federal income tax return.

However, individual Bahá’ís can support the growth and development of the Faith outside the U.S. and still receive a tax deduction by making their contribution payable to the National Bahá’í Fund.

The donor should include with such contributions to the National Fund a letter or note expressing the wish, hope or desire that the National Spiritual Assembly would favorably consider using some or all of the contribution to support the Faith outside of the U.S. (see sample form below).

All contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund, the Continental Bahá’í Fund, and the local Bahá’í Fund are deductible on one’s federal income tax return.

Contributions to any of these funds earmarked for any particular use (i.e., deputization, the Green Acre or other Bahá’í schools, the District Teaching Committee, Convention, etc.) are also tax-deductible.

Furthermore, by making a contribution payable to the National Bahá’í Fund, one can make certain that it directly counts toward achieving our National Fund goal and the National Assembly’s commitment to the Universal House of Justice, if he so desires.

Individuals are always free to send their contributions directly to the Bahá’í International Fund; they should, however, remember that such direct gifts are not deductible on their income tax returns.

Arise! To Teach

TheNational Bahá’í Fund Advancing the Faith around the World

I, __________________________, wish, hope or desire that the (Print Name) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States will favorably consider using $_______ of this contribution for __________________________________________________________________

Signed: ___________________________ Bahá’í I.D. ______________

Check one if applicable: __ Consider this contribution over and above the amount pledged by the NSA. __ Consider this contribution as part of the NSA’s pledge to the International Fund. [Page 6]

Bahá’ís must bring about an everlasting peace

PIONEERING

Soon the U.S. Bahá’í community will receive an assignment of international goals from the Universal House of Justice. Are we ready for them?

Do we fully realize the part America plays in the redemption of the world? Do we recognize severe mental tests and what the outcome will be?

The International Goals Committee has excerpted an important talk given about two years ago at the House of Worship by Counselor Peter Khan of the International Teaching Center. If you want your mind broadened, your spirits uplifted, and your questions answered, please read it. Wherever you serve, at home or abroad, you’ll be better prepared for the time in which we live.

I want to share with you my personal understanding about where the U.S. is going and what are the opportunities and challenges which face the American Bahá’í community. I do this simply to express my own understanding; I do not speak for either the Universal House of Justice or the International Teaching Center.

It is, I think, a great misconception to regard the Bahá’í Faith as no more than one in a series of Revelations that have come to mankind down through the ages. The very concept of Bahá’u’lláh as the Promised One of All Ages implies certain distinctions and a certain uniqueness to the claims and the effect of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Bahá’í Faith has come for purposes far greater and far more fundamental and even revolutionary than those that effected the coming of any previous Manifestation. The work in which we are engaged is no less than the reconstruction of the whole of human society, the spiritualization of every race and people of the whole of mankind.

We are concerned, after thousands of years of conflict, with bringing about an everlasting and enduring peace. We are seeking the unification of mankind, and we are seeking the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises which have animated people for thousands of years about the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth.

I want to remind you of the magnitude, the fundamental and revolutionary character of the aims and objectives of the Bahá’í Faith and the things that we are aiming to accomplish during this Formative Age of the Cause to lead us into the Golden Age, the establishment of world civilization and the erection of the Kingdom of God on earth.

It is clear to me from my study of the Bahá’í Writings that the people of the Western world have, from the origin of the Faith, been marked out for a distinctive, crucial and unique role in the achievement of the objectives of Bahá’u’lláh. And even much more than the West, the people of America, and even more specifically the people of the United States, have been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh and reinforced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as having an important and special role to play in the accomplishment of all of the objectives of the Bahá’í Revelation.

Bahá’u’lláh called upon the Americans, their rulers, their presidents, to bring a constructive and healing influence to help resolve the injustices perpetrated by tyrants and oppressors throughout the world. “Bind ye the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourisheth with the rod of the commandments of your Lord, the Ordainer, the All-Wise.”

In a very real sense, the Plans given to the American Bahá’ís are directly pointed toward fulfillment of the command of Bahá’u’lláh to “bind ye the broken with the hands of justice.” Because around us we see, in every part of the world, people who are broken, who are broken in spirit, who are broken in self-esteem, who are broken in a sense of purpose in their lives.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá prophesied that the American continent was “the land wherein the splendors of the Light shall be revealed,” where “the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled,” and that the American continent would be the area to lead all nations spiritually.

America, He said, “is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and to be blessed in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people.”

The destiny of the American nation is a destiny toward which it will evolve definitely, indubitably, without any shadow of doubt.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said He hoped the American people would rise from their present material attainments to such a height “that heavenly illumination may stream from this source to all the peoples of the world.”

And He described the American Bahá’ís in a term which must surely be the envy of every other Bahá’í community in the world. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to them as “the apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Just as we had the apostles of Christ who dispersed throughout the Mediterranean world and on to more distant areas and took the light of the Christian message and offered their lives that Christianity might ennoble and illuminate the world of mankind, so in this Dispensation, it is to the American Bahá’ís that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has given the designation “apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.”

He called upon the American Bahá’ís to be the chief executors of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the Plan revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the spiritual conquest of mankind. The primary responsibility is laid upon the American Bahá’ís.

Shoghi Effendi points out that the great mission conferred upon the Bahá’ís of America by Bahá’u’lláh and reinforced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His many statements, that this mission has conferred spiritual powers upon America.

The Guardian goes on to point out that these spiritual powers are having two quite distinct effects. One is their effect on the American Bahá’ís themselves, and this is reasonably well-known.

But the second effect, which is much less well-known but which is clearly explained by the Guardian, is that the spiritual powers released by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are having a definite and distinct effect upon the successive American governments and the policies of the American nation.

Further, the American nation is doing this through the influence of forces it does not understand and cannot control. It is being directed insensibly by the forces released to the world by Bahá’u’lláh.

This nation is evolving toward the destiny ordained and specified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

What about the American Bahá’ís? What have we accomplished?

To get a correct perspective, we need to look at the authoritative guidance from the Head of our Faith to determine whether we should be pleased or unhappy with what the American Bahá’ís have achieved.

The Guardian referred to the American Bahá’í community as having “a record of stewardship which, for its scope, effectiveness, and splendor is unmatched by that of any other community in the entire Bahá’í world.” The Guardian further said that the American Bahá’í community has “fully deserved the praise and gratitude of posterity, merited the applause of the Concourse on high and earned a full measure of Divine blessings and celestial sustenance.”

“‘We are told in the Writings that the American nation and the American Bahá’ís have a spectacular and dazzling destiny.’”

More recently, the Universal House of Justice referred to the efforts made by American Bahá’ís in defense of the Faith and said that these have “adorned your hitherto enviable annals with unsurpassed lustre.”

The American Bahá’ís were the first to take the Faith to the British Isles, to France, Germany, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the Pacific Islands. The Guardian said the American Bahá’ís were the “dynamic agent” in opening up most of the countries and territories of the world.

The Guardian has, with divine insight, characterized certain attributes which apply to American Bahá’ís—“fearlessness, tenacity, and efficiency.” He said you have shown “foresight, organizing ability, and enthusiastic eagerness.”

So it is to the American Bahá’ís, principally, that we in the world community turn for these vital qualities which are desperately needed in so many parts of the world.

We are told in the Writings that the American nation and the American Bahá’ís have a spectacular and dazzling destiny.

The destiny of the American Bahá’ís is indissolubly tied in with that of the American nation. The Guardian told us that America would experience setbacks, trials, difficulties, tribulations on a scale unprecedented in the past, but would evolve undivided and undefeatable.

In parallel form, the American Bahá’í community is promised great victories but is also warned of tests and difficulties.

The Guardian has referred to the warnings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the American Bahá’ís. He tells us that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to severe mental tests that would inevitably sweep over His loved ones of the West—tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life.

So we should be warned that there will be severe mental tests ahead for the American Bahá’ís. If a mental test is sowing the seeds of doubt, of disillusion, of despair, of apathy, one may not be aware of this until he finds himself caught up, apparently irretrievably, in the coils of these negative influences.

It is important that we as individuals, from time to time, in the privacy of our own chamber, examine ourselves and ask ourselves to what extent we may already have been caught up in a severe mental test of which we are largely unaware.

To what extent is the society around us testing us, inclining us to despair, to pessimism, to inactivity, to disillusion, to doubt about the efficacy and power of the Faith? To what extent are these negative influences in our society creeping up on us, testing us unawares?

These severe mental tests, which are ordained (not possible, not probable, not likely, but which are ordained) are in many ways far more challenging than the difficult and cruel tests that other Bahá’ís in other places are experiencing.

The Guardian refers to the agony and wreckage of an unprecedented crisis which he said was to occur in the world. He said that from that agony and wreckage would come a spiritual renaissance, a spiritual rebirth—and that this spiritual renaissance would propagate itself throughout the world through the instrumentality of the American believers, and would rehabilitate the fortunes of a decadent age.

The House of Justice said the catastrophe is occurring now, and it is a catastrophe of an unprecedented breakdown in human relations at every level. And that this is an unprecedented catastrophe for mankind.

We see the agony in the eyes of people around us at airports, in streets and shopping malls, and all over. We see the wreckage of families, of marriages, the breakdown of towns and cities and neighborhoods.

And if this be so, then, as the Guardian says, out of this agony and wreckage will come a spiritual renaissance throughout the world.

The Guardian said at the outset of the Ten Year Crusade that the Bahá’ís of America were embarking upon a new phase, an intercontinental mission which the Bahá’ís of America fulfilled in that Crusade, in the Nine Year, the Five Year, and the Seven Year Plans, and in the Plan upon which you are presently embarking.

This is the intercontinental mission of the American Bahá’ís, establishing the Faith in all the continents of the world.

The American Bahá’ís were the dynamic agents to conquer the majority of the countries of the world. But the Guardian said that this intercontinental mission of the American Bahá’ís would lead to a still more superb mission which was incomparable in its splendor and foreordained for them by Bahá’u’lláh. And he said it would be premature for him to attempt to delineate what that mission would be. I don’t know what it is. I don’t have any idea.

I do know that the American Bahá’ís are successfully and meritoriously fulfilling their intercontinental mission. But I call your attention to the fact that the Guardian has said quite clearly that this intercontinental mission is a prelude to something far greater, something still more superb, incomparable in its splendor, which cannot even be described at the present time, but which will become clear at the appropriate occasion.

I now want to share with you what I see to be the specific, urgent needs for the American community. I have three items that I want to mention.

The first is the theme of individual teaching. Now as never before, what we need from the rank and file of the American Bahá’í community is an unprecedented commitment to individual teaching.

See KHAN page 24

File:Pioneers Caroline Islands.jpg

Virginia Breaks (middle row left), a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, is pictured with Bahá’ís in the Eastern Caroline Islands. Also in the photo are four other pioneers: Clint Frierson, Jerry Robinson, Jean (Jaclevick) Collins, and Kim Bowden-Kirby.

[Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

A number of Bahá’ís from eastern Oregon got together to represent the Faith at the Eastern Oregon State College Peace Fair.

The fair was open to all, and the Bahá’ís set up a table with peace materials, sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin with Me,” and Bernice Erskine spoke about the Faith to the gathering.

The biggest hit were the Bahá’í T-shirts, which got a lot of praise. Over-all, the day was marked by warm feelings, a spirit of unity, and a lot of teaching.

HEY YOU! Youth Hotline is starting a college club column! Has your club done any “Great Great Deeds”? Moved any mountains? Planned any promising projects? Tell us of your triumphs!

Write us around 150 or so words of wisdom about your college club’s activities. Send it to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Bahá’í Club at California State Polytechnic University never stops!

They made the front page of the Poly Post once again in the November 18 issue. This time, it was for sponsoring a “Peace Conference” with five Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í lecturers who spoke on peace-related issues.

The Bahá’ís on campus felt it was their “sacred obligation to inform the entire school population” about the peace statement because it was addressed to “the peoples of the world.” It’s amazing what a handful of hard-working students can achieve.

Meanwhile, the Bahá’í Association at Boise State University (Idaho) is doing fantastic things!

With only three Bahá’ís on campus, they held a successful presentation on Native American prophecies and the Bahá’í Faith, presented the peace statement to the president of the university, and are planning to give copies of the statement to other university staff in the near future.

The wonderful examples of successful campus events and presentations brought to fruition by Bahá’í clubs with only a few members brings to mind the inspiring words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “Be not grieved at the smallness of your numbers, and thank God for the power of your spirits. He shall assist you with such a confirmation whereat minds will be astonished and souls will be amazed.”

C.M.U. needs YOUTH! If you are looking for a college, consider Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, where there is a small but warm and supportive Bahá’í community and many opportunities to teach.

For information, write ‎the the the‎ Office of the Registrar, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859.

See CAMPUS page 31

Youth should create personal ‘Six Year Plan’

The National Spiritual Assembly recently released details of the Six Year Plan for the Bahá’ís of the United States. In its cover letter, the National Assembly stated:

“Our responsibility as individuals, family members, and members of Bahá’í communities is to immerse ourselves completely in the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation so that our own spiritual transformation may serve as an example to a humanity groping in darkness.”

As the Plan was created in the spirit of the Campaign of Unified Action, the responsibility for carrying out the Plan rests not only on the shoulders of Bahá’í communities and administrative bodies but on the shoulders of each individual believer in this country!

One way to help us understand how we can fulfill our responsibility to achieve the goals of the Plan is to create a personal Six Year Plan—a plan that is tailored to our own skills, resources and abilities.

Our task is to look at each objective of the Plan and to see how we can as individuals aid in achieving that goal.

Here are some examples that may be adopted as personal goals in line with achieving the vision laid out for us in the Six Year Plan.

GROWTH

Teaching on the homefront

• Make a goal to specifically teach your minority friends at school or work.
• Call a meeting to share the vision of the peace statement with your peers.
• Offer your help to the local Spiritual Assembly to aid in teaching projects.
• Initiate the coordination of a teaching project for your community or district.

Teaching overseas

• Contact the International Goals Committee (312-869-9039) to consult about international travel teaching possibilities or future pioneering plans.
• Plan to undertake a Youth Year of Service sometime during the Six Year Plan.
• Set up a fund to go on a year of service when you are able.
• Deputize someone to go on a year of service.
• Choose a place to pioneer and prepare yourself to go through the education you are now receiving.
• Learn a foreign language during the Six Year Plan.
• Initiate a border teaching project.

Public relations

• Contact the foreign students in your university or high school.
• Practice applying spiritual principles to the problems of mankind by reading one story in the newspaper each day, and then applying the spiritual principles to the problems presented.
• Plan a career in radio or TV.
• Join an organization that has goals similar to those of the Faith.
• Make a list of all the people you know who haven’t received the peace statement and present it to them.

DEVELOPMENT

Institutions

• Help your local Assembly to develop the institutions in your area.

The Fund

• Make 19 envelopes, addressed to the National Fund, with your return address, a stamp, and the date the envelope should be mailed.
• Make a Fund box or jar for your loose change to be given to the Fund.
• Next time you go out to eat, save the money that you were going to use to buy dessert and give it to the Fund.
• Use store coupons, and give the money that you save to the Fund.

Family and community life

• Prepare a deepening on marriage and family life, consultation and/or child-rearing.
• Meet your friends at a park for dawn prayers once a month.
• Wake up in time for dawn prayers once a month, once a week, or even every day!
• Read the Writings about consultation.
• Hold youth deepenings or “rap sessions” on drug and alcohol abuse and chastity.
• Host a Nineteen Day Feast in your community.
• Prepare music, songs or a skit for your Feast.

Education and scholarship

• Make a list of books that you plan to read during the Six Year Plan—then read them.
• Memorize The Hidden Words or the Tablet of Ahmad during the Six Year Plan.
• Make a personal deepening plan.
• Strive for excellence in everything you do.
• Offer to help with the education of children in your community.

Schools and institutes

• Offer your assistance to one of the Bahá’í schools or institutes.

Social and economic development

• Aid in the initiation of a social and economic development project in your community.
• Make a list of the projects that are already set up in your community and lend your help to one or more of them.

INTEGRATION

• Strive to learn more about different cultures.
• Invite friends of various races to your home on a regular basis.
• Help welcome new Bahá’ís or Bahá’ís who have recently moved into the community.

GLORY needs you—as a subscriber!

GLORY magazine! The Bahá’í youth deepening magazine of the WORLD! Send your subscription requests to:

GLORY Subscription Lucky Building Main Street Panchgani 412 805 Maharashtra, India

Youth and the Fund

The youth of the United States have responded eagerly in the Spirit of the Roses on behalf of our brethren in Iran.

• A significant increase in youth participation to the National Fund was noted for the Bahá’í month of Qudrat.
• The youth attending the Disney World Conference in Orlando, Florida, raised more than $1,400 for the National Fund. Ninety-six youth pledged that they would give regularly to the Fund from now on.
• Several youth on their way home from a conference during the winter break decided to give the money they would have spent on a movie to the National Fund.

REMEMBER! Giving to the Fund is our sacred obligation! There are four Funds to give to: the local Fund, the National Fund, the Continental Fund, and the International Fund.

And always remember to include your Bahá’í I.D. number!

Youth participation in the National Bahá’í Fund

Goal 300

200

100

Jamál, ‘Azamat, Núr, Rahmat, Kalimát, Kamál, Asmá’, ‘Izzat, Mashíyyat, ‘Ilm, Qudrat, Qawl, Masá’il, Sharaf, Sultán, Mulk, ‘Alá, Bahá, Jalál

Bahá’í Youth: Living a Life of Service

Red T-shirts with this logo were sold at the Disney World Youth Conference in December. A limited supply is left. If you would like a T-shirt or sweatshirt, please fill out the form below:

SWEATSHIRTS –	Small ____
	Medium ____
	Large ____
	X-large ____
	Total ____ x $15.00=$ ____
T-SHIRTS –	Small ____
	Medium ____
	Large ____
	X-large ____
	Total ____ x $8.00= $ ____
GRAND TOTAL = $ ____

NAME: __________________________________________________

STREET: ________________________________________________

CITY: __________________________________________________

STATE: _______________________ ZIP _____________________

PHONE: _________________________________________________

Make check payable to: Bahá’í National Youth Committee Send to: Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 312-869-9039 (Prices include postage) [Page 8]

BAHÁ’Í CROSSWORD

Puzzle copyright © 1987 by Juliette Whittaker

ACROSS

2. He recognized one God and became the “father” of all the Prophets in the Prophetic Cycle. 6. To move quickly; take part in a race. 8. “In the year of our Lord” (after Christ). 10. To be in a place. 12. By way of. 14. “When the _______ of My presence hath ebbed ... turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 134) 15. The whole of creation. 17. To show the way. 19. The Book of Certitude. 20. And so forth. 23. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (initials). 25. Body of land surrounded by water. 27. North America (abbreviation). 28. Supreme deity of ancient Egypt. 29. Persian word for “prayer” (also, a name of a Bahá’í music group).

DOWN

1. The Bahá’í ______ is noted as B.E. 2. Indefinite article. 3. Narrow beam of light. 4. Exclamation of discovery. 5. Bahá’u’lláh survived many ______ conditions in prison. 7. University of Tennessee (initials). 9. Covenant-breakers are considered a ______ . 11. A promise from God conditioned by certain terms for man. 13. The appointment of the Center of the Covenant by the Manifestation of God makes the Bahá’í Covenant ______ . 16. In the song, “sweet as apple cider.” 18. Bahá’u’lláh received His annunciation from the ______ of Heaven when He was imprisoned in Persia. 21. To change direction. 22. A united group of relatives claiming a common ancestor. 24. The first of the “Twin Manifestations” of God. 26. Sixth musical note in the major scale.

Answers to this month’s puzzle are on page 30

Six Year Plan, equality of the sexes topics at Louhelen’s Winter School

EDUCATION

“Developing a Personal Plan for the Six Year Plan” and “The Equality of Men and Women and the Attainment of Peace” were the major topics at the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s 1986 Winter School.

Dr. June Thomas, a recently appointed Auxiliary Board member; Dr. Richard Thomas of the Center for Interracial Unity and the Association for Bahá’í Studies; and Dr. Phyllis Gudger-Porter of the National Committee on Women served as speakers and discussion leaders.

The classes were provocative and, in the words of one participant, “the most vital and enthusiastic I’ve ever experienced at a Bahá’í school.”

A special program for youth, held in conjunction with the Winter School, was led by Ladan and Jim Collishaw from Ontario.

The youth studied selected writings of Shoghi Effendi and discussed issues of special concern to youth.

In addition, children’s classes were held for all ages, and family devotional, recreational and social activities were held.

A lovely Unity Feast composed of choral reading and musical renditions of the Writings was held the last evening, and was also attended by area Bahá’ís and their non-Bahá’í friends.

Ninety adults, youth and children attended the five-day session, with another 20 attending as day students.

Especially notable was the diversity of the group in terms of age (from infant to 90), race (with 40 per cent black, Persian or Native American), and nationality (with 19 Canadians and two Ethiopians).

Future “family” sessions at Louhelen are set for May 15-17, July 19-24, August 2-7 and August 9-14.

A children’s class held last September 27 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, conducted by Cheryll McCarty (second from right) of Morro Bay.

Archives seeks selected books

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following books in good or excellent condition:

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (cloth, 1952), The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh (paper, 1967), The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys (cloth, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th printings), and Paris Talks (cloth, 1969).

Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

U. of Maryland hosts youth conference

The fifth annual Thanksgiving Weekend Youth Conference was held November 28-30 at the University of Maryland in College Park.

About 99 youth attended the conference, which was organized by area youth and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Greater Vienna, Virginia.

Among the speakers were Omid Furútan, Layli Miller, Babek Etemad, Nat Rutstein, Carlos Shapely, Peter Block, Van Gilmer, Susie Stoddart, Dr. Hussein Ahdieh, and Anita Chapman.

Topics included “The Essence of Peace,” “A New Perspective on Relationships,” “The Nature of Man,” “The Most Challenging Issue,” “To Love and Be Loved,” and “Women in Bahá’í History.”

In panel discussions, youth talked about some dilemmas they face as Bahá’ís. A concert and dance featured “The Sound” and “The New Generation.”

Van Gilmer led the youth in a round of songs which was filmed and sent to pioneers in the Caribbean.

Thanks to Brilliant Star Connection, more than 50 needy subscribers added

In 1986 the Brilliant Star Connection was introduced. Bahá’ís were asked to donate subscriptions for the U.S. or abroad, and we would hook up the subscription with someone who needed it.

Thank you for your generosity! To date, more than 50 subscriptions are already in the hands of eager children and needy communities.

Brilliant Star often receives letters and postcards from pioneers all over the world who adore the magazine. It is sometimes the only contact their children have with other Bahá’í children.

But it is often beyond their means, due to economic conditions in other countries, to subscribe. Voila! If you have donated an overseas subscription, the hook-up is made.

As the Faith grows, there are many children and even adults who are thirsty for the spiritual message that Brilliant Star delivers.

Donate a subscription and we can help get it into the hands of those who will use it over and over again.

As refugees enter this country, sometimes limited by their understanding of English, Brilliant Star can serve as a beginning source of information that will not only help them improve their new language but also deepen their knowledge of their new culture in a moral manner.

All you have to do to support the Brilliant Star Connection is, individually or collectively, as a community, donate $12 (for one year), $23 (two years), $15 (one year foreign), or $28 (two years foreign) and send it to Brilliant Star Connection, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

And thank you again for your willingness to sacrifice for children everywhere!

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the International Goals Committee for information.

Brilliant Star

[ ] one year $12.00 (six issues) [ ] two years $23.00 [ ] foreign, surface, one year $15.00 [ ] foreign, surface, two years $28.00 [ ] foreign, air (A.O.), one year $25.00 [ ] foreign, air (A.O.), two years $47.50

Name __________________________ Street ________________________ City __________________________ State & Zip __________________ Age of recipient ______________

Enclosed is my gift of $_______ to the Brilliant Star Endowment Fund, established in honor of the Bahá’í children of Iran, for the purpose of developing materials for children. I understand that my gift will become part of a perpetual fund whose earnings will support this purpose.

Send to: Brilliant Star Suburban Office Park 5010 Austin Rd. Hixson, Tn. 37343 [Page 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF MARCH: Purpose of the Fast. Thought for the week: “...Thou hast endowed every hour of these days with a special virtue, inscrutable to all except Thee, Whose knowledge embraceth all things. ...” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers (1982), pp. 245-46. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 7, p. 5. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 134, 168. 3. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 188-89. Activity: Create a family mural. Divide it into 19 parts or number parts of the drawing from 1-19. Complete a part of it for each day of the Fast. Then use it as a Naw-Rúz decoration. Or, make a calendar for the Fast. Put a sticker (bought or homemade) on each day of the Fast. Refreshments: Fresh fruit plate.

SECOND WEEK OF MARCH: Naw-Rúz (Springtime). Thought for the week: “Do not bring our fasts to an end with this fast, O my Lord, nor the covenants Thou hast made with this covenant. ...” (Bahá’u’lláh) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 57-58. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 78, p. 50. 2. Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 255-56; 351-52. 3. Gleanings, pp. 27, 167. Activity: Paper hyacinths. Roll up a piece of green construction paper into a tube. Use tape or glue to hold the tube in place (this is the stem). Cut white or colored tissue paper into two-inch squares. Take a square, crush it in the palm of the hand, dip one end of it into glue, and paste it on the stem. Cover half of the stem with the crushed tissue papers, putting them close together. Then put the bottom of the stem into a styrofoam cup and stuff paper inside the cup to hold the flower up. Use as a Naw-Rúz decoration. Refreshments: Honey sundae.

THIRD WEEK OF MARCH: The Manifestation (Feast of Bahá). Thought for the week: “The source of all learning is the knowledge of God. ...” (Quoted in Anthology for Bahá’í Children, p. 8) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, p. 72 (“O my Lord and my Hope!”) Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. The Hidden Words, No. 36, p. 12. 2. Anthology for Bahá’í Children, p. 8. 3. Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 257-58, para. 2. 4. “Peace,” a compilation of the Universal House of Justice, p. 8, quote No. 2. Activity: See how many ways you can find in your house to make light. Do you have candles, an oil lamp, or a gas lamp as well as electricity? Let the children explore the house and find them. Using appropriate safety measures, light each one. Discuss how these different lamps and light sources produce the same light. Refreshments: Peanut butter and bananas on graham crackers. Fruit juice.

FOURTH WEEK OF MARCH: Truthfulness. Thought for the week: “Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 384) Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 71-72. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 384. 2. The Hidden Words, No. 29, p. 10. 3. The Divine Art of Living, p. 13, No. 21. 4. Bahá’í World Faith, p. 133 (“The Root of Knowledge”). 5. Foundations of World Unity, pp. 45-47. Activity: Play a game of “telephone” to show how truth can be changed by the sense of hearing. The first person whispers a sentence to the one next to him, and that person repeats it to the next, and so on. The last person then says the sentence out loud. Is it different from the original? Do this a couple of times, then use a printed message and see what happens. Discuss how the activity relates to “word-of-mouth” communication compared to written communication, and how the Creative Word of the Manifestation of God is preserved for us in writing. Refreshments: Apple juice and cookie sandwiches made with ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Pictured are participants in a workshop session at the Center for Interracial Unity’s conference on Interracial and Cross-Cultural Marriage, held November 7-9 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan. They attended workshops and discussions on various issues related to cross-cultural family life. The conference received media attention in several parts of Michigan and included significant participation by members of the general public. The Center, sponsored as a service project by the Louhelen School, is focusing on providing education and support services in developing interracial unity to families, communities and other public institutions.

Brilliant Star pays tribute to magical number 9

The January/February issue of Brilliant Star magazine is alive with the magic of chickens and eggs and the miracle of the number nine.

This is the perfect time to subscribe to Brilliant Star for a friend. A wonderful Ayyám-i-Há present that will arrive throughout the year!

A charming story, “Mrs. Finnaly’s Wish,” by Kay Haugaard opens the issue. It is illustrated by Linda Orlando, and you feel like you’re in the Finnalys’ home between the text and the pictures!

Another story in this issue is “Justin and the Night Visitor” by Alvin Deibert, illustrated by Gary Heise.

By reading this issue, you (and your children) will learn how to make prayer beads, how to count to 95 by using your fingers as counters, and how Arabic numbers have angles of meaning.

Also in this packed issue is a song by Mimi McClellan entitled “Magic and Miracles.”

Treat yourself or a class or a friend to Brilliant Star for Ayyám-i-Há or Naw-Rúz. You’ll be supporting the only Bahá’í children’s publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.

The subscription price is $12 for one year in the U.S. Send your check or money order to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Sorry, we can’t bill you.

Endowment Fund helps ensure future for Brilliant Star

Thanks to some recent contributions, the Brilliant Star Endowment Fund is continuing to grow.

The fund was established in the name of the children of Iran who are unable at this time to have Bahá’í publications of their own.

The interest from the endowment will be used to finance children’s media. For instance, some of the money will be used to help meet the costs of producing the Brilliant Star magazine, which is subsidized by the National Bahá’í Fund. In the future, money can be used for children’s tapes and other forms of media.

Money for the Endowment Fund is received in many ways. Some subscribers add extra money to their subscriptions, while in some cases special circumstances inspire the friends to send contributions.

One example of this was contributions received in memory of a child who had passed away.

But whatever way the money is received, or for whatever reason, it goes into the fund, which is overseen by the Office of the Treasurer.

Contributions may be sent to the Brilliant Star Endowment Fund, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343. Information is available from the same address.

Pictured are some of the 40-50 adults, youth and children from a four-county area in southeastern Pennsylvania who regularly attend or teach at the ‘Spirit of the Roses’ intercommunity Bahá’í School, now in its fifth year, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Elizabethtown. A nursery, five children’s classes, and a deepening for adults are held the first three Sundays of every month from September through May. After trying for two years to name the school, which meets at the ‘Hand in Hand’ day care center in Lititz, the participants enthusiastically accepted the name ‘Spirit of the Roses’ before this year’s opening session in September, at which this photograph was taken.

On October 25, seven Bahá’ís from the Houston, Texas, area helped in a fund-raising effort on behalf of UNICEF’s annual Halloween Festival. The seven Bahá’ís manned a ‘face-painting table,’ working in shifts to adorn children’s cheeks with unicorns, flowers and other colorful designs chosen by the children from a chart prepared in advance. Each painted face earned $1 for UNICEF. The Bahá’í face-painters, who used liquid acrylics, were Kamran Mouzoon, Garreta Kipp, Marge Hawbaker, Monireh Sobhani, Sally Underhill, Bonnie Wilder and Claude Sellars. [Page 10]

‘In the Spirit of the Roses’

189 days, continuing through Riḍván

Spirit of Teaching

“Be as unrestrained as the wind, while carrying the Message of Him Who hath caused the Dawn of Divine Guidance to break.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 339)

“...a few months ago there was only an isolated believer in this community. Now there are 12 Bahá’ís.’’—Arkansas City, KS

“We just had a fund-raiser at Feast. We, the children raised the money. We raised more than $45. It was fun. I had a good feeling inside of me. Like I was helping somebody.—Wilmette, IL

“Fragrance of those 189 roses has reached us American Bahá’ís living in Germany also.—Rheydt, West Germany

“...as a sacrifice in this Iowa winter weather we are holding a deepening class every first and second Tuesday evening of the month. ... As we live here in daily comfort we feel very humble as we remember our Bahá’í friends in Iran.’’—Waterloo, IA

“A member of this community bought four cases of candy from a company that sells candy to schools and other organizations for fund-raisers. Her daughter is selling the candy, and all proceeds are going to the Roses Fund.—Sunset, VT

“February is Black History Month. The Gallup Public Library always has an exhibit for this event. In talking with the chief librarian as to what the Bahá’ís could do to help, she suggested a musical program. We immediately contacted Mrs. Lenoir Stewart, an elderly black woman with a Ph.D in music from Columbia University. She was so enthusiastic about our suggestions that she was bubbling over. We will work with her on this program of music composed by blacks down through the years. We are also going to bring in the theme of the Red Roses during the program.’’—Gallup, NM

“The Bahá’ís ... hosted a combination auction and potluck dinner which was attended by 60 Bahá’í friends.’’—McLean, VA

“The Bahá’ís of Yakima have completed 189 hours of community service in the ‘Spirit of the Roses.’’’—Yakima, WA

“(The Spiritual Assembly) has proposed to send 189 peace statements ... to people in the community who have done some act for the promotion of peace. A personalized letter thanking them for their work, which includes quotations from the peace statement relating to their field, ‎v ill will‎ be included with a copy of the statement as a token of appreciation.’’—Newport Beach, CA

Spirit of Service

“There is nothing that brings success in the Faith like service. Service is the magnet which draws the divine confirmations. ...” (Living the Life, p. 18)

“Individual members of our community have already personally given more than 100 copies of the peace message since the Spirit of the Roses campaign began. ...A family from our community will be making a travel-teaching trip in the Southern states ... This trip is being made in the Spirit of the Roses.’’—Graham, TX

“(One) of our projects to ‘redeem the roses’ (is the) production of a cassette tape of Bahá’í-related songs dedicated to the friends in Iran, some of the proceeds from which are going to the Fund.’’—New Canaan, CT

“Recently our community gave as a gift to the city hall of our city a large standing plant and planter. We wrote explaining the reason for the gift. ...We felt that this was one small way to remember the beloved 189 martyrs and proclaim the Faith as well.’’—Lake Oswego, OR

“We ardently pray that this drop of money, as a ransom for a drop of the martyrs’ blood, will help to keep the spirit of the roses going.’’—Canton, OH

Spirit of Giving

“Contributing to the Fund is a service that every believer can render ... for this is a spiritual responsibility in which the amount given is not important.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 19)

“The three-part ‘Relationship-Building Workshops’ series was a grassroots effort which developed out of consultation at Feast, discussing the ‘Spirit of the Roses.’’’—E. Bloomfield & Honeoye, NY

“...we held a workshop on ‘Women, Peace and Progress’ at Tuolumne Indian Rancharia Council Hall. ...The workshop was well-received and much appreciation was expressed by participants, several of whom were men.’’—Tuolumne County, CA

“The Derby community saves paper, glass and aluminum and is contributing that amount over and above our regular contribution (to the Fund).’’—Derby, KS

“Ten beautiful Bahá’ís met and celebrated the Feast of Questions. ...The enclosed check is the first Feast contribution for the community. ...’’—Bloomingvale, SC

“During (our) Human Rights program a seeker declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh. ...’’—Peoria, IL

“In response to your letter of October 17, 1986, I enclose herewith a copy of two news items, as well as an ad, which appeared in our local newspaper in the spirit of redeeming the gift of the roses ...’’—Greenwich, CT

“...we have been studying the three ‘F’s’: Feast, Fast, and Fund, and they wanted to be part of the Roses; actually, they wanted to have me tape their money to their cards, but it would have been too bulky ... so I wrote my own check, but you can be assured this is their money. Please receipt the six-year-old class of Riverside Bahá’í School.’’—Riverside, CA

California Bahá’í wins national award for creative writing

Dawn Stephens, a Bahá’í who is a senior at Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, California, recently received a National Achievement Award for outstanding writing ability from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Essays submitted by 6,000 contestants were judged for effective and imaginative use of the English language to inform and move an audience.

Dawn’s winning essay was about a grandmother who overcomes her racial prejudice and accepts an Oriental into the family.

Dawn is also listed in the current edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.”

Annual Disney World youth conference creates spiritual ‘heat wave’ in Orlando

HOT!!! Florida was really hot December 26-30 but not because of the weather. The heat was caused by the annual Disney World Youth Conference.

The temperature began to rise Friday evening when the youth gathered around a campfire to get to know one another and to sing songs.

Hearts were warmed by several intriguing speakers. Jane Faily, Robert Harris, Cap Cornwell, Layli Radpour, Layli Miller and members of the National Youth Committee all spoke on topics related to living a life of service, which was the over-all theme of the conference.

Besides these presentations, there were workshops that were very informative and helpful, covering such topics as the Youth Year of Service, pioneering, traveling teaching, and the Six Year Plan.

The entertainment was sizzlin’ with several excellent performers including Canada’s Gordi Munro, the Atlanta Youth Workshop, and The Sound who demonstrated their dynamic artistic abilities to all!

The spirit and energy present at the conference was translated into action when the youth went teaching in Disney World’s “Magic Kingdom.”

The forecast is for a warm winter as those who took part in the Disney World Conference left Florida full of spiritual heat, their hearts yearning to set the entire nation ablaze! [Page 11]Among those taking part have been Auxiliary Board members Robert Ramirez from Texas and Mike Pietrzak from Mexico. Also participating in December was Nazi Vahdat, formerly of Round Rock and now living in Louisville, Kentucky, for whose father the campaign was named. Traveling teachers from several Texas communities and from other states were involved in the December phase of the campaign with as many as nine teaching teams in the field on some days.

Consolidation began immediately as new believers were involved in the project and encouraged to teach others about the Faith. Literature was left to help them in their efforts.

The new believers are now being revisited, and their children are being registered as Bahá’ís. Homefront pioneers are needed to help strengthen many of these communities, especially Temple, Taylor and Elgin.

If you can help, please phone Aristou Moshtael, 512-255-3630, or Lynn Richards, 512-492-3147, or write to the Central Texas No. 1 District Teaching Committee, c/o Mrs. Irma Gray, secretary, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Philadelphia plans celebration to mark 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit

The Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia is sponsoring a special weekend celebration June 5-7 of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to that city.

Among the highlights will be a reunion of pioneers who have left the Philadelphia area, both homefront and abroad.

Other weekend events are to included a tour of the places visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while He was in Philadelphia, a Unity Feast, a keynote address by Mildred Mottahedeh, entertainment, firesides, and much, much more.

To get an idea of how many of the pioneers might attend, we would appreciate some feedback to help us in planning the celebration.

Please contact us via the Bahá’í phone in Philadelphia, 215-877-6667, or drop us a note c/o the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19151.

Please specify whether you need Bahá’í hospitality or would prefer hotel accommodations. There is no charge for the weekend activities that are planned.

On September 13-14, the Bahá’í institutions in Vermont met in Killington to fulfill the wishes of those who had met at the state’s Town Meeting earlier in the year. The weekend meeting resulted in the Spiritual Assemblies’ adopting projects that would greatly benefit the entire district. Another goal of the gathering was to catch the ‘FLU’ (Fellowship, Love, Unity), and happily, the spirit reached epidemic proportions. Members of the Spiritual Assemblies of Brattleboro, Burlington, Hartford and Rochester and the District Teaching Committee attended as did the National Treasurer’s Representative and State Youth Coordinator. On hand to inspire and direct the focus of consultation were Auxiliary Board members Dr. Billy Roberts and Mara Khavari (standing second and third from left). The rose, one of 189 presented by prisoners in Iran at last year’s National Convention, is held (front row center) by the district delegate, Kody Varahramyan. (Photo by Mike Maynard)

Bringing Message to Chinese assumes more importance

The worldwide development of the Faith is maturing to the stage at which we can no longer neglect the necessity of bringing the Chinese people into the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The first major goal of the Six Year Plan calls for “carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind.” The Universal House of Justice specifically directs the Bahá’í world to “be alert for opportunities for ... the teaching of special groups such as those temporarily abroad for study or work, particularly those from countries which are difficult of access, such as China....

In 1981, the House of Justice appointed an International Chinese Teaching Committee. There are now more than 30 National Chinese Teaching Committees.

In a letter of February 4, 1985, to selected National Spiritual Assemblies, the House of Justice stated:

“The Universal House of Justice regards it as highly important at this time in the history of the Faith to teach the Chinese people wherever they may reside in the world.

“—Both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian laid special stress on teaching the Chinese. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went so far as to say that China is the country of the future.

“The Chinese people form the largest single group in the world—over one-fourth of the world’s total population residing in mainland China alone.

“People of Chinese origin residing in other parts of the world have proved to be very receptive to the Teachings, particularly in southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam.

“Since present conditions in the People’s Republic of China make it extremely difficult for its citizens to become Bahá’ís, it is urgent that at this time we do all we can to teach Chinese people in other countries.”

In another letter, this one to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly dated March 27, 1986, “The House of Justice also suggests... to explore avenues for initiating, maintaining, and deepening... contacts with the Chinese community with the immediate goal of winning friends among them and gradually introducing them to the principles of the Faith.

“The American-Chinese Friendship Associations which exist in various parts of the country might form a vehicle for making acquaintances for Bahá’ís who have mutual professional interests with Chinese, for Bahá’ís whose interests lie in sinology, etc.”

The same letter reminds us that “China is a land of glorious past and a promising future. ... Those who arise as teachers must understand that mere intellectual discussion of religion or philosophy will not attract the hearts of the Chinese, neither will acts of superficial courtesy or kindness deeply influence them. The friends, therefore, should be encouraged to act in such a way as to draw the Chinese people into fellowship with them by demonstrating Bahá’í beliefs reflected in the quality of the believers’ lives and their actions.”

The Chinese Teaching Committee is now sharing some guidelines for teaching the Chinese in the U.S. We urge the Bahá’ís to arise and champion our beloved Cause among the largest ethnic group in the world. The task may be uncharted and overwhelming at first. However, individual Bahá’ís can make all the difference.

We ask that you start right where you are and open the hearts of the Chinese people around you. Please get in touch with the Chinese Teaching Committee at P.O. Box 1889, Cambridge, MA 02238.

We are especially in need of Chinese-speaking Bahá’ís and Bahá’ís who have Chinese interests in their work or study. The committee has started a Chinese Teaching Network and wants to find out what you can do for us.

May you find confirmation in your Chinese teaching.

Guidelines for Teaching Chinese in the U.S.

The Chinese Teaching Committee especially encourages the youth and college students to:

• take Chinese studies,
• choose career opportunities in Chinese countries, e.g., China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan,
• participate in service or teaching projects in China,
• make close friends with fellow Chinese students,
• get to know Chinese students, their families and the local Chinese community,
• distribute “The Promise of World Peace” (in Chinese or English) to Chinese students and professors,
• initiate contacts and develop joint activities with Chinese student associations.

For initiating, maintaining and deepening contacts with the Chinese community, the committee recommends the following:

• attend Chinese cultural events such as Chinese New Year party, musicals, festivals, dinners, etc.,
• invite Chinese contacts to your own social gatherings,
• join the American Chinese Friendship Association, or Chinese cultural clubs,
• develop a continuous and genuine interest in the lives and activities of your Chinese friends (over years),
• make friends by involving their families and yours,
• take time to get to know Chinese in your profession,
• attend Chinese study classes,
• volunteer as host family to Chinese students from overseas during the holiday season,
• make a special effort to know the leaders of your local Chinese community,
• develop contacts with Chinese media, newspapers, radio and television.

Other related guidelines, reference materials and literature in Chinese are available from the Chinese Teaching Committee including:

1. “The Promise of World Peace” in Chinese. 2. Bahá’í Prayers in Chinese. 3. The Hidden Words in Chinese. 4. Paris Talks in Chinese. 5. Release the Sun in Chinese. 6. The New Garden in Chinese.

Some local Assemblies could be lost at Riḍván

The following is a list of Spiritual Assemblies that are in jeopardy; that is, in danger of being lost this coming Riḍván because community membership has dropped below the nine adult Bahá’ís required to maintain an Assembly.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a homefront pioneer to any of these communities to help save its Assembly is asked to contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039 for more information.

Alabama: Macon County North, Mountain Brook, Shorter.

Arizona: Coconino East, Kaibito Chapter, Sierra Vista, South Tucson.

California: Arcata, Bakersfield JD, Belmont, Del Norte County, El Segundo, Gilroy, Grass Valley, La Canada/Flintridge, La Habra, Lakeport, Lawndale, Lemon Grove, National City, Paradise, Petaluma, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Rosemead, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo County Central JD, San Mateo County South JD, Santa Clara County SW, Saratoga, Seal Beach, Tiburon, Washington JD, West Sacramento, Whittier.

Colorado: Cortez, Northglenn, Wheatridge.

Connecticut: South Windsor Town.

Florida: Benbow Village, Broward County North, Bryant, Carol City, Clay County, Florida City, Gifford, Greater Kissimee, Jacksonville Beach, Maitland, Marathon (Middle Key), Titusville.

Georgia: Athens, Carroll County, Columbia County West, Conyers, Gainesville, Lincoin Park, Newnan, Rockdale County.

Idaho: Moscow, Pocatello.

Illinois: East Moline, Hoffman Estates, Maywood, Morton, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Park Forest, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, West Chicago.

Iowa: Iowa City.

Kansas: Derby, Garden City.

Louisiana: Lafayette Parish, Lake Charles, St. Tammany Parish SE.

Maine: Gorham, South Portland.

Maryland: Cockeysville, College Park, Takoma Park.

Massachusetts: Everett, Medford, Pittsfield, Salem, Waltham.

Michigan: Royal Oak, Saginaw.

Minnesota: Falcon Heights Mille Lacs, St. Louis County South.

Mississippi: Prentiss.

Missouri: Jefferson City, Joplin, Phelps County, Rock Hill.

Montana: Lewis & Clark County.

Nebraska: Bellevue, Hastings.

New Hampshire: Derry, Durham.

New Jersey: East Orange, Middletown.

New Mexico: Espanola, Gallup.

New York: Binghamton, Clarence, Fish Kill, Glen Cove, Greece Town, Greenburgh, Ithaca Town, Newfane, Webster Town.

North Carolina: Greater Matthews, Surry County.

Ohio: Euclid.

Oklahoma: Duncan, Midwest City, Muskogee, Spencer, Tulsa County. [Page 12]

New U.S. State Department policy underscores need to bring one’s personal status up to date

Current Policy bulletin No. 847, issued by the U.S. State Department, reported recently that it is the government’s intention to emphasize the use of immigrant visas for the admission of individuals to the U.S. primarily for reasons of family reunification because of the limited number of individuals who can be admitted with refugee status.

It urges refugees desiring to sponsor their relatives for admission to the U.S. to do two things:

1. All refugees should bring their personal status up to date. Those who have been in the States for one year are required to report to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for adjustment to permanent resident alien status. Anyone who has been in the U.S. for five years is eligible to apply for citizenship.

2. All those wishing to sponsor relatives to come ‎the to the‎ U.S. should start as early as possible to complete and file the appropriate forms and assemble the required documents.

The bulletin also stresses the extreme importance of the repayment of refugee transportation loans.

The U.S. government pays the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in Geneva, Switzerland, for the cost of reduced fare transportation for refugees to come to the U.S. ICM issues loan notes that are signed by each adult refugee confirming their agreement to repay the amount in full.

While a part of these payments is used to offset costs incurred by the voluntary agencies in collecting the loans, the major part is returned to ICM to cover the transportation of current refugee admissions.

In these days of serious budget limitations, the repayments take on more importance than ever before. The early and increased repayment of refugee loans can make a truly significant difference in the number of refugee admissions the U.S. government can afford to finance in the future.

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office is happy to report that another 43 of our uprooted brethren from Iran were settled in the U.S. in December 1986. Please join us in welcoming them.

Bahá’ís from eight countries attend Peace Festival in Landegg, Switzerland

Bahá’ís from eight European countries gathered last August 25-31 for a Peace Festival at the Landegg Centre in Switzerland.

Workshops and talks were centered on the arts with discussions of art and religion; the revolution in modern art; detachment and spiritualization through art; and arts as language and communication.

In addition, there were workshops on movement, sound, water color painting as a spiritual expression, and poetry.

On the final evening, a “peace mandala” was drawn under the guidance of Giancarlo Carraro of Italy.

Twenty-four drawings were made in a circle around a white dove, then surrounded by signatures and lines about peace.

One afternoon during the conference was spent founding a new association, to be known as the Bahá’í Association for Arts.

The Association is to be open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, artists and those who are interested in the arts.

Its main purposes will include encouragement and support for artists, and for teaching activities through the arts.

The Association, which hopes to publish its own magazine this year, is being run for the present by a four-member board whose members are Helen Kontos of Greece, Monica Roccon of Italy, Norbert Arnold of Switzerland and corresponding secretary ‎Anneka Anneke‎ Buys of the Netherlands.

You may write to the Bahá’í Association for Arts c/o Anneke Buys, Dintel 20, 7333 MC Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

Those who have suggestions and/or materials for the magazine are asked to write to Hans Ohman, P.O. Box 178, 98016 Karesuando, Sweden.

Archives has guide to open collections

The National Bahá’í Archives has available a guide to those collections open for research.

The 19-page guide covers 149 collections of institutional records, personal papers, community histories and personal recollections, giving the collection title, quantity, and some information about contents and significance.

The guide can be ordered for $2 from the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Assemblies

from page 11

Warr Acres, Yukon.

Oregon: Coos Bay, Coos County, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Illinois Valley, Klamath Falls, Medford, North Bend, Oregon City.

Pennsylvania: Bethlehem, Elizabeth Borough, Lower Merion Township, Radnor Township.

South Carolina: Boggy Swamp, Dorchester County South, Elloree Circle, Goodland, Holly Hill North, Leesville, Millwood, North, Pee Dee, Unity.

Tennessee: Brentwood, East Ridge, Shelby County.

Texas: Baytown, Denison, Euless, Galveston, La Porte, South Houston, Stafford, The Colony, Tyler, University Park.

Utah: Murray.

Vermont: Hartford.

Virginia: Fairfax County, Franconia.

Washington: Clallam CCD No. 1, Cowlitz CCD No. 1, Kingsgate, Normandy Park, Shelton, Toppenish, Vancouver, Wapato.

West Virginia: Morgantown, Raleigh County.

Wisconsin: Janesville, Middleton, Stoughton.

Wyoming: Casper.

Nebraska Bahá’ís play prominent role in Scottsbluff ‘interfaith dialogue’ series

Between 40 and 70 non-Bahá’ís consistently attended an eight-week “interfaith dialogue” series held October 2-November 20 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

The classes, sponsored by the Cooperative Ministries Council of Scottsbluff and Gering, were conducted by two alternating panels whose members included six members of the Christian community, two from the Jewish community, and two members of the Bahá’í community.

During the first three sessions, members of each faith introduced its structure and tenets, while the remaining five sessions examined issues common to all three faiths such as conviction, tolerance, appreciation and bigotry; religion and human nature; immortality and life after death; the relationship between culture and religion; and personal decision-making and the development of personal values.

The Council decided to sponsor the classes after disagreement arose among its members about whether to grant the Faith membership.

The Spiritual Assembly of Scottsbluff had applied for membership, which was denied on the grounds that the Assembly could not supply articles of faith and doctrine that complied with those required by the Council’s by-laws.

Some Council members felt that in spite of the denial, the doors of communication should remain open between the religions. The classes were developed to address that issue as well as to dampen feelings of anti-semitism that were present in the community.

Kenya stay leads to paper’s article

A young American’s stay in Kenya with her Bahá’í pioneer family led to a recent front-page feature article in her Texas high-school newspaper, the S.F. Austin Maroon.

The article discussed Carrie Rogers’ experience in Kenya and other countries, mentioning that she and her family had gone there because of “the Bahá’í religion, which believes in the progressive revelation of God through teachings and prophets.”

Carpenter

from page 4

visited daily by the Guardian, then boarded a ship for New York City where he was greeted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

When at last he arrived home in San Francisco he was able to receive the best medical care available, but his condition was pronounced incurable.

Dr. Carpenter died November 24, 1935, and is buried at Sunset Memorial Park in Berkeley, California.

His Bahá’í funeral service was conducted by Leroy Ioas of San Francisco. Bahá’ís came from Berkeley, Oakland, Geyserville, San Francisco and Santa Paula to pay their respects. They remembered well his brilliance, his openness, and his intellectual approach to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Dr. Carpenter’s complete and selfless devotion to the development of Bahá’í institutions was a guide to those who had accompanied him through his short life. On the occasion of his death, the following cable was sent to his family by the Guardian:

“Grief-stricken sudden loss beloved precious soul. Memory his interrupted historic services in Persia imperishable. Assure ... relatives profound sympathy ardent prayers Holy Shrines.”

Fireside Video Contest

Lights! Camera! Action!

Time is running out! Your production deadline is approaching. Entries for the National Teaching Committee’s Fireside Video Contest must be received at the Bahá’í National Center no later than March 15, 1987.

Bahá’ís are encouraged to submit VHS videotapes made for fireside presentations. There is no time limit for the videos, but each tape should be an appropriate length to be shown in a fireside setting with no in-depth explanation needed by the fireside host. The tape should present the Faith with accuracy and dignity. Production cost is the responsibility of the contestant.

A panel of distinguished judges will review the tapes and select the winners. These winners will be announced and congratulated at the National Convention in 1987. The winning tapes will be made available to the Bahá’í community to be used during teaching efforts.

Bahá’ís appointed to serve the Faith in Indiana came together November 23 in Tipton at the first annual ‘Meeting in Praise and Thanksgiving for the Opportunity to Serve’ to consult on District affairs and find ways of working even more closely together than in the past to accomplish the goals of the Six Year Plan. Pictured are (front row left to right) Terry Krasko (National Treasurer’s Representative), Hamilton Niss (assistant to Auxiliary Board member Sam McClellan), Trudy Bender (District Teaching Committee), Debbie Dwyer (District Teaching Committee), Marlene Ebbert (District Youth Adviser, LEAP coordinator). Second row (left to right) Barb Shanks (District Teaching Committee), Cathy Russell (District Teaching Committee). Third row (left to right) Behrooz Khousari (Nur’u’lláh School Committee), Sarah Dinkens (Nur’u’lláh School Committee), Joy Sylvester (Nur’u’lláh School Committee), Larry Dwyer (National Treasurer’s Representative). Fourth row (left to right) Joan Burke (Nur’u’lláh School Committee), Tim Richardson (District Teaching Committee). [Page 13]

From the House of Worship

On December 13, the back walls of Foundation Hall in the Bahá’í House of Worship were covered with Corinne True Award “Rose” certificates. Four hundred seventy-eight volunteers who have, over the past two years, served the House of Worship in one capacity or another received the certificates in recognition of that service. Another 34 certificates were given to volunteers in the “Nightingale” category for exemplary service in one specific area, and the “Radiant Heart” category for outstanding service in a number of areas.

In 1979, when the House of Worship Activities Committee wanted to find a way to honor exemplary service to the House of Worship, the Corinne True Awards were established in memory of this first and foremost volunteer in service to the Mother Temple of the West. The certificates for the Nightingale and Radiant Heart categories were presented to the honorees by Miss Edna True, the daughter of Corinne True and a former Continental Counselor for the Americas.

The Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True was instrumental in the building of the House of Worship. While on pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel, she presented ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with a petition requesting confirmation of efforts to build a House of Worship in the U.S. The Master not only gave that confirmation, but also gave Mrs. True the necessary instructions for the project and the commission to carry it out. She thereafter devoted the major part of her life to the work of building the Temple.

This year, the awards were divided into three categories to recognize all those who served voluntarily at the House of Worship as well as to give recognition to those who are able to give the “something extra.”

All recipients of the award were also given a commemorative souvenir program which contained poetry about the House of Worship written over the past 50 years, a prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for those who serve the Temple, excerpts from the guides’ book and news notes from guides who were unable to attend. Typical of the last was a note from Massachusetts that read, “The opportunity I had to work at the House of Worship was a true gift of God to me; it is always in my heart and prayers.”

Nearly 300 recipients and their families were welcomed to Foundation Hall by Ken Jeffers, administrator of the House of Worship. All enjoyed an exciting game of “musical tag” between Dr. Rosamond Brenner and Robert Reneau as they played their own arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for two pianos. This was followed by Mr. Reneau singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with a special verse he wrote especially for House of Worship volunteers. Following his song, the Activities Office staff had a difficult time reading the names of recipients because of the lumps in their throats.

Next came skits written by the office staff to show their dependence upon and gratitude to the volunteers. They depicted “typical” scenes in which volunteers serving as choir members, guides and office assistants “saved the day” for the staff, choir director, and visitors. The actors were volunteers who, again, “saved the day” by playing the parts of staff members even better than they do themselves. The Nightingale awards were then given to the recipients by Miss True.

Candace Moore, flautist, and Richard Hill, pianist, then presented a Waltz by Tchaikovsky before the presentation of the last category of awards by Miss True. In honor of his long and devoted service to the House of Worship, the first of the Radiant Heart awards was presented in absentia to Bruce Whitmore, former administrator of the House of Worship, who served in many capacities above and beyond his job description. He was electrician, carpenter, and the guide who would take you to the top of the dome, as well as an innovative planner of programs, lecturer, and giver of extra special tours. Most of all, he will always be remembered for his book, The Dawning Place, a comprehensive and interesting work on the building of the Mother Temple of the West.

After Mr. Jeffers outlined some of the exciting new ideas and upcoming programs planned at the House of Worship (see last month’s issue of The American Bahá’í), the evening ended with the reading of a prayer, attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, for those who serve at the House of Worship. Wouldn’t you like to be a recipient of this benediction? You can be—just be a volunteer!

O God! O God! We implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears to aid each one who strives in the erection of the house of the Lord wherein Thy name is mentioned at morn and eventide.

O Lord, send down Thy benediction on whosoever serves this edifice and aids in the upraising of this Temple for the unity of all sects and religions. Confirm him in every good deed among mankind; open the doors of riches and wealth unto him; and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the Kingdom which perish not; cause him to be a sign of giving unto the people; uphold him by the sea of Thy bounty and generosity which forever surges with the waves of Thy grace and favor.

Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Bountiful, the All-Glorious! (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Prayer for the Temple,” in Bahá’í News, No. 126 (June 1939), p. 2. Since authoritative translations of this prayer have not yet been made, it is to be considered only as an historic document.)

Edna True (third from left) presents one of the annual Corinne True Awards for service at the Bahá’í House of Worship to Kay Walker of Winnetka, Illinois, who guides regularly at the Mother Temple of the West, while Ken Jeffers (left), administrator of the House of Worship, and staff member Lee Olson (seated) join other recipients in applauding Mrs. Walker. The awards, presented December 13 to 472 volunteers whose services have been greatly prized at the House of Worship, are named in honor of Miss True’s mother, the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True, who was instrumental in helping to build the Temple in Wilmette. (See article on this page.)

House of Worship marks India Temple’s opening

TO THE LOTUS OF BAHAPUR FROM THE STAFF OF THE MOTHER TEMPLE OF THE WEST. WELCOME TO THE GROWING FAMILY OF ‘SILENT TEACHERS.’ GOD WILLING, ENTRY BY TROOPS INTO THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD COMMUNITY WILL BE ACCELERATED BY YOUR BREATHTAKING BEAUTY. ON DECEMBER 26 WE WILL CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTH WITH A MEETING AT THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP TO WHICH THE CHICAGO AREA INDIAN COMMUNITY HAS BEEN INVITED. A SECOND OBSERVANCE WILL FOLLOW ON JANUARY 24. OUR LOVE TO ALL OF YOU AT THE DEDICATION CEREMONIES.

KENNETH JEFFERS, ADMINISTRATOR JOSE LAURIN LEE OLSON DAVID RODRIGUEZ WAYNE WELCH and 450 VOLUNTEERS

The above telex highlighted the December 26 observance at the Mother Temple of the West honoring the newest Bahá’í House of Worship outside of New Delhi, India, whose dedication ceremony took place December 23-27.

Following a devotional service in the upstairs auditorium, the attendees moved downstairs to Foundation Hall where they were treated to music by Kiu Haghighi on the santour and Rosamond Brenner at the harpsichord as well as a discussion of the Bahá’í Faith and Hinduism by Gautam Das of Morton Grove, Illinois.

A period of fellowship and refreshments followed the program during which three East Indians declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. We joyously welcome Mrs. Rama Pratima Gelgun, Mrs. Patel Mansa and Mr. Narendra S. Patel.

On December 31 the House of Worship joined with peoples the world over for the “World Instant of Cooperation for Peace,” beginning with a period of prayer and meditation from 6-7 a.m. and ending with a devotional service from 6-7 p.m. planned by the Bahá’í community of Evanston.

About 150 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the morning service. A compilation of writings on peace from the scriptures of many of the world’s major religions was distributed at the door for use in private meditation and prayer.

The evening devotional service was attended by nearly 100. The service, in which both Bahá’ís and those of other religious backgrounds took part, consisted of a program of music and readings of peace-related scriptures.

Watch this column for updates as the remodeling project moves forward at the House of Worship.

As you read this, work has, hopefully, been completed on the Activities staff offices and the new bookstore area and is progressing in the visitors’ center area. We hope to have it completed for your enjoyment by the time the National Convention is held here in April.

To do this we’ll need lots of help—volunteer, that is!—to wield paint brushes, carpenter’s tools (for finishing work), to hang wall coverings, do wiring (electricians licensed in Illinois), supply carpets and help lay them, design displays, supply lighting, and do miscellaneous labor.

If you have any of these skills or materials, the time to help, and the desire to be of assistance to the Mother Temple in preparing her for the thousands of visitors who come to see her each year, contact the Bahá’í Properties Office at 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-6552.

The choir from the Redeeming Church of Christ performs during a November interfaith devotional service at the House of Worship.

House of Worship hosts ongoing series of Sunday interfaith devotional programs

The Bahá’í House of Worship has been hosting interfaith devotional programs two Sundays out of each month since last September and plans to continue doing so throughout the coming year. The music coordinator for the programs is Donna Kime.

“The response has been wonderful,” says Ken Jeffers, administrator of the House of Worship. “It looks like this approach to bringing together people from all faiths and beliefs will be successful and bear fruit.”

The devotional readings are based on writings from all the Holy Scriptures on unity and world peace. Church choirs, school choirs and soloists have been asked to perform on these Sunday afternoon programs.

Soloists who have taken part in the services include Ms. Kime, assistant music coordinator Rosamond Brenner, Lennel Grace, Sheryl Rak, Carol Gerald, George Davis, and Lee and Larry Olson.

If you can’t pioneer—deputize!

[Page 14]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EMPLOYMENT

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources is seeking a qualified individual to serve as production coordinator at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. The production coordinator provides for and oversees the production of all literature and special materials produced by the Publishing Trust. Specifically, he or she consults on goals; prepares cost analyses and monitors the production budget; prepares and maintains schedules; oversees all phases of production and purchases; interfaces with other staff, vendors and suppliers; and performs other duties which relate to production work. A college degree or two to three years’ experience in production is required, to include experience in graphic arts and budgeting. Should be well-read in the Bahá’í writings, have some typing ability, and be in good physical condition. Those who are interested should contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for an application or further information.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources is accepting applications for a general maintenance position at the Green Acre Bahá’í School. Responsibilities include full-time general maintenance of grounds, buildings and equipment, trouble-shooting, and record keeping. Applicants should have good working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Specific skills with professional training, especially in carpentry, are helpful. Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience required; hands-on experience in apartment complex, hotel, public school or institutional maintenance is desirable. For more information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE GREEN Acre Bahá’í School is seeking a full-time educational coordinator responsible for the planning, preparation and coordination of educational programming and related activities at the school. Requirements include a background in education with experience in both the public sector and in the Bahá’í community. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related field is desired. Should be enthusiastic, creative and highly organized with excellent written and oral communication skills. This is an excellent opportunity for an educator with the desire to use his professional skills to serve the Faith. For more information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A FUND education coordinator is being sought by the Office of the Treasurer in Wilmette to help administer a nationwide program designed to strengthen the institution of the Fund by overseeing the National Treasurer’s Representative program and by responding to inquiries about the Fund from the field. Requires a liberal arts background with strong written and oral communication skills. The position also requires familiarity with the Bahá’í writings and an ability to relate them to the world around us. Other skills include flexibility, a sense of humor, and self-motivation. For more information or an application, contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs is seeking help in its Wilmette and New Haven offices. The Office of External Affairs is responsible for contact with the U.S. government, national media, national organizations, and prominent individuals. Secretary (Wilmette): handles phone inquiries, opens and sorts mail, types correspondence, maintains public information network mailing lists, processes all orders for a-v and special materials, analyzes news clippings. Requires a flexible person with previous experience in a fast-paced office environment. Good organizational skills, typing of 50-60 wpm, and a pleasant telephone manner are essential; word processing skills are desirable. Secretary (New Haven): acts as receptionist, types correspondence, and maintains files in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Previous office experience, good telephone manner, and typing skills of 60 wpm are necessary; word processing experience is desirable. To apply for either position, write to the Office of External Affairs, New Haven, CT 06510.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources has an immediate need for a highly motivated, well-qualified person to serve as an administrative consultant in the Office of Community Development at the Bahá’í National Center. Community Administration, which functions within the Office of the Secretary, is responsible for guiding and helping Bahá’í institutions and agencies, groups and individuals with matters pertaining to Bahá’í laws and principles. An administrative consultant responds to letters and phone calls from his/her assigned geographical area and prepares background data on personal status cases. Qualifications include a sharp and discriminating mind, an eye for detail, an ability to organize one’s work efficiently, and to turn over a high volume of work on a timely basis. The position requires excellent writing skills, sound judgment, a strong understanding of the principle of confidentiality, a compassionate personality, psychological stability, a deep knowledge of the Bahá’í teachings, and the ability to apply Bahá’í principles to individual cases. Several years’ experience in local Bahá’í administration would be beneficial; typing ability on a word processor or computer is helpful. To obtain an application, please contact Karen Crenshaw, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

LOOKING for ways to serve the Faith next summer? We are looking for energetic, hard-working individuals to serve in a variety of positions, specifically as a masonry worker and drafting aide in the Properties Department at the National Center. The masonry worker should be able to perform caulking, tuckpointing, and concrete joint cutting using the appropriate power equipment. Six to 12 months’ experience in masonry repair is desired. The drafting aide will check existing conditions and update as-built drawings of buildings and sites, prepare sketches for new projects, and perform other tasks of a technical or clerical nature. Good drawing skills, a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness, and organizational skills are required; previous experience in drafting, construction, or building maintenance is desired. Positions open around June 1, 1987, and end August 15, though these dates are flexible depending on candidates’ availability. Both positions are salaried. Interested individuals should contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for an application or more information.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

CARETAKERS are needed at the Bahá’í Center in Muan, Korea, described as a nice large building with one large meeting room with living quarters consisting of three unfurnished rooms attached. Responsibilities, in addition to overseeing the general care of the Center, are to set up deepening classes for mass teachers, plan firesides and help with similar meetings as the need arises. In exchange, the living quarters are provided, rent-free. Utilities and furnishings would be paid for by the caretaker(s). There is a large back yard that would provide for a substantial garden. Excellent public transportation is available. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources is seeking qualified persons to serve in two key positions in the National Teaching Committee office at the National Center: minority development coordinator and office secretary. The coordinator is responsible for stimulating and developing efforts related to minority teaching and responding to inquiries and correspondence about minority teaching projects and issues. Experience working with minority groups is essential, with written and oral fluency in Spanish highly desirable. College degree is preferred; some typing skills and a willingness to learn computer skills are required. The secretarial position calls for an individual with several years of strong secretarial and administrative background, excellent typing skills, word processing experience, and written and oral communication skills. This person will handle and process a high volume of detail work and work with the staff at all levels as well as with the public. Flexibility is essential in both positions. For more information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HONDURAS has a position for an entomologist with a specialty in cone and seed forestry. Duties include teaching forestry entomology, helping in scientific research of insect damage to seeds and cones of coniferous trees. Applicants should have a bachelor’s or forestry engineer degree with post-graduate studies in forest entomology, and should be fluent in Spanish. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PROJECT managers are needed in Guatemala and Honduras. Duties include identifying projects for funding, evaluating projects, providing assistance and guidelines, and taking part in program planning for the country’s specific annual three-year plans. Positions require fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written), and a B.A. or M.A. in public health, economics, international relations or a related field. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A PRIVATE, non-profit organization in Nigeria dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Africa is recruiting a County Representative to manage and administer its program. Duties include liaison with government officials, supervision of technical and administrative staff, and identifying and designing projects in areas of health, water and agriculture. Applicants with an MPH and prior experience are preferred. If you are interested, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: A female pediatrician and nurse with pediatric experience are needed to serve in a charitable institution for poor children and foundlings in a poor tribal area. Duties also include teaching health care to village mothers. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HONDURAS needs an agricultural cooperative business adviser to guide cooperative business operations in marketing, distribution of farm supplies, production, sales, etc. An M.B.A. is preferred, with five years’ experience and fluency in Spanish. Contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FROM July 1987, a vacancy will exist for a Bahá’í couple to serve in the gardens at the House of Worship in Sydney, Australia. Free accommodations are provided in the form of a small cottage on the grounds. Financially independent couples are preferred, but for those in need of support, some contribution toward living expenses may be arranged. If you’ve been thinking about serving the Faith in Sydney, this could be the ideal position—lots of teaching can be done at the Temple every day. For more information, please write to the Bahá’í Temple Property Management Committee, P.O. Box 224, Terrey Hills 2084, Australia.

LIBERIA needs a lab technician, surgeons, an internist, pediatrician, nurses and midwives. Duties are to provide care in a 95-bed hospital. A two-year contract with housing and food is offered. For more details, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A BOTANIST or tropical species biologist is needed in Honduras to teach and conduct scientific research in botany and biology with emphasis on botanical forestry. The position requires a master’s degree, at least three years’ experience, and fluency in Spanish. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A CIVIL engineer, public health worker and physician are needed in Nigeria for a three-year assignment. Housing, food, insurance and a stipend are offered. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

HONDURAS needs a chief librarian to plan, organize and supervise library services at the National University of Honduras. Specific duties include supervising personnel, guiding the study and education of users, and gathering work-related statistics. Applicants should have a minimum of a B.A., fluency in Spanish, and at least five years’ experience. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

MOST people have the impression that homefront pioneering involves moving wa-a-a-a-y out to the “boonies” where job opportunities, schooling and social activities are limited. But this is not necessarily so. The National Teaching Committee’s priority pioneering goals include the thriving cities of Dover, Delaware; Carson City, Nevada; Trenton, New Jersey; Pierre, South Dakota; Montpelier, Vermont; and Cheyenne, Wyoming. These cities are all without Spiritual Assemblies—and since they’re all state capitals, it is especially important that Assemblies be established in each of them. For more information, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Gorham, Maine, needs homefront pioneers to serve on the Assembly which now has only six members. Please write c/o Jack Langford, RFD 2, Box 230, Gorham, ME 04038, or phone 207-839-3484.

TEACHERS! Doctors! Nurses! Work toward the Six Year Plan goals of growth, development and integration as homefront pioneers on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Here, jobs are often available in the health care and education fields, often with housing provided. To apply, professionals in education may write to [Page 15]Tom Morgan, Superintendent, Rice School District No. 20, P.O. Box 207, San Carlos, AZ 85550 (include ‎resumé resume‎ and transcripts). Health professionals may obtain an application from the Indian Hospital, P.O. Box 208, San Carlos, AZ 85550. For more information about the San Carlos area, or for answers to questions about employment, contact Karen English, Globe, AZ 85501 (phone 602-425-3704).

GOING to college? Come to two excellent schools on the East Coast: Wellesley College and Babson College, both of which are in the lovely town of Wellesley which has a small but energetic Bahá’í community. We are eager to grow and would love to have you as a part of our family. Deadline for applications: Wellesley, February 15, 1987 (106 Central, Wellesley, MA 02181; phone 617-431-1183); Babson, March 1, 1987 (Babson Park, Wellesley, MA 02181; phone 617-239-4210). For more information, please write to Edward White, Wellesley, MA 02181.

HOMEFRONT pioneer to several mass-taught areas with more than 100 enrolled believers within an hour’s drive of Memphis, Tennessee. Contact Carolyn Eck, Jackson, TN 38305, or phone 901-664-1694 after 7 p.m. eastern time.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Middleton, Wisconsin, on the western edge of Madison, the state capital, is in jeopardy. There are six adults and four children in the community, and we are looking for individuals who would be interested in moving here to help save the Assembly. Middleton gives the feeling of small-town living with access to large-city facilities including the University of Wisconsin, a large technical and major state offices in Madison. Middleton itself has some small industry but is essentially a “bedroom community” with most residents working outside the city limits. It’s a clean, friendly city with an excellent public school system and buses connecting Middleton and Madison. If interested, contact Corrine Bahr, Middleton, WI 53562.

PRACTICE pioneering in Halfway, Oregon. We’ll be gone from our home for 3-5 years and will rent our 3-bedroom furnished home on 1/4-acre for $150 a month. In a mountain valley in northeastern Oregon; lovely summers, rough, snowy winters. Little employment; must be inventive, self-employed, retired or (?) to survive. Contact Larry and Dorothy Pedersen, P.O. Box 270, Warm Springs, OR 97761.

INTERESTED in “Indian country”? Pierre, South Dakota, the state capital, is one to three hours away from six Sioux Reservations which include the sites of the ‎AmoZ Amoz‎ Gibson and “Spirit of the Roses” projects. Each of these Reservations has Assemblies with consolidation needs. Pierre, a small, pretty community in the center of the state, has three adults and three children in its Bahá’í Group. It is noted for its miles of petunias and is on the swimmable Missouri River where hunting and fishing abound. Jobs exist at the state and retail level; there is good potential for opening a bookstore and/or natural foods store. Intrigued? Phone Jeff or Karen Jentz, 605-224-1041 and help us become the next Assembly petal in the “Spirit of the Roses.”

BAHÁ’ÍS who are interested in homefront pioneering are invited to consider Falcon Heights, home of the University of Minnesota’s Ag Campus and close to downtown Minneapolis-St. Paul. The active Bahá’í community is composed of seven adults and one youth. For a copy of an information booklet on the community, write to: Bahá’ís of Falcon Heights, Falcon Heights, MN 55113, or phone 612-647-1685.

YOUTH

KEY YOUTH are needed in village communities in India to help organize and coordinate activities for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike. Useful skills include secretarial, musical, media, and vocational. There are some opportunities for boarding at Bahá’í Centers, both in rural and urban settings. Living expenses are estimated at $100 a month with no stipend available. English is spoken throughout. If interested, contact the National Youth Committee, 312-869-9039.

MALE youth are being recruited to man Mobile Institutes—vans equipped with audio-visual materials that travel from village to village to teach the Faith and deepen believers in Benin, Burkina, the Central African Republic, Chad, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Due to cultural considerations, only young men can participate. Fluency in French is desirable; however, some of the countries are English-speaking. Equally important is the ability to drive and to make minor auto repairs. These youth will live in Bahá’í Centers or with the believers as they travel about. Living expenses are about $100-$150 a month with no stipend available. If interested, please contact the National Youth Committee, 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Belize needs youth to work at its National Center. Work includes filing, typing, producing the Bulletin, and helping the Publications and Media Committees. Secretarial skills are helpful; a female over age 20 with some knowledge of Spanish would be ideal. If interested, please contact the National Youth Committee, 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

CAMPERS: Plan now to attend 1987 family and children’s camping sessions at Indiana’s Nur’u’lláh Summer School at Camp Kikthawenund near Anderson. Family session, June 15-21; children’s session, June 21-27. Special Native American council fire Saturday, June 20. For more information, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Roy Meyer, LaPorte, IN 46350.

WANTED

WANTED: information to help in research work being done by an Auxiliary Board member in Peru who is writing a history of the Faith in that country. He would appreciate any information about the life of Octavio Illescas, who was perhaps the first Peruvian Bahá’í. In 1944 he was chairman of the Inter-American Committee under the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; there is a notice in The Bahá’í World, Vol. X, p. 702, that around 1945 Mr. Illescas was living in Los Angeles. Does anyone have information about the date of his enrollment, his Bahá’í services, whether he is still living, and, if so, his address? If he is deceased, who are his survivors and whom can we contact for more details about his Bahá’í work? Please send information c/o Eugenia Pritchard, Boca Raton, FL 33428.

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals with approximate date of the Tablet: Miss Christine Andreas, New York City (1921), Miss Margaret Campbell, St. Louis (1912), Fred L. Coburn, Chicago (1902), Mrs. Helen Campbell (1908), Mrs. Sarah M. Crosby, Kenmare, ND (1906), Arthur Dealy, Fairhope, AL, Anna Douglas, Chicago (1902), and Helen Fox, New York City (1911). Anyone with information on the possible location of any of these Tablets is asked to write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WOULD all those who attended a meeting on “The Divine Plan” held in the Crystal Room of the San Franciscan Hotel during the Bahá’í International Peace Conference please send their names and addresses to Earnestine Berkey, Albany, OR 97321, or phone her at 503-967-7994. The list compiled at the conference for the purpose of calling subsequent meetings was lost.

ARE YOU a member of the Society for Range Management? Or will you be attending the Pecora X Remote Sensing Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in March, or the MOSS Software Users Conference in Denver, Colorado, in May? If you are or will be involved with any of the above, please contact Chris English, Globe, AZ 85501 (phone 602-425-3704) or leave a message for him on the message boards at the conferences.

“THE OTHER Wing,” the women’s group of San Diego County, California, wishes to contact and network with other women’s groups dedicated to creating world peace. Planning a Bahá’í Women’s Congress in California in 1987-88, inviting influential women’s leaders, etc. Presently presenting an experiential empowerment seminar to interested women and helping men in their growth process toward self-actualization. Please write to “The Other Wing,” P.O. Box 217, Carlsbad, CA 92008, or phone Katrina Sjoberg, 619-729-6612 or Andrea Funk, 619-434-2188.

WANTED by an Irish Bahá’í staying temporarily in the U.S.: information about any books written by the late Stanwood Cobb and of the whereabouts of any of his earlier publications. Please send information to Valerie O’Donnell, Bolingbrook, IL 60439.

URGENTLY desire information about Marshall Blake, a senior at the University of Massachusetts, missing since December 8. His parents are pioneering in St. Vincent, West Indies. Family and friends are extremely concerned but understanding. Please contact the Assembly secretary, Mabel Garis, Amherst, MA 01002, or phone 413-256-6277.

WANTED: talented poets and authors for Brilliant Star magazine. All ages accepted. Send stories, samples to Editor, Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

GRAPHIC Arts Society: In response to the Six Year Plan’s call for “the establishment of professional societies among the Bahá’ís,” I would like to contact other Bahá’ís engaged in graphic arts (i.e., printers, artists, typesetters, calligraphers, etc.). If you or anyone you know is interested, please send name, address, phone number and specialty to Sam Williams, P.O. Box 971, Yadkinville, NC 27055 (phone 919-679-2133).

SUMMER water safety instructors are needed June 14-27 for Indiana’s Nur’u’lláh Summer school session at Camp Kikthawenund near Anderson. Position requires current American Red Cross water safety instructor certificate; CPR instructor certificate would be a plus. Must be able to teach all ages. Please contact Roy Meyer, LaPorte, IN 46350 (phone 219-326-5077). For information on WSI and CPR instructor certification, contact the local Red Cross chapter in your area.

WANTED: The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions, 1952-67, from Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Northern Illinois and Eastern New York. Anyone having such lists that they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

I AM interested in corresponding with Bahá’ís who are family therapists to perhaps establish an association to explore the insights developed in this field. The relation of discoveries and practices in family therapy to the Bahá’í Revelation, and most especially to the understanding and promotion of unity within families, are projected areas of inquiry. If interested, please write to John Lang, Bend, OR 97701, or phone 503-389-1381.

WANTED by Radio Bahá’í in Panama: records and cassettes of folk music of the U.S. that is worthy of being broadcast by a Bahá’í radio station. Send to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Panama, Panama.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

EVER wonder how to find something in Brilliant Star? Use the handy index! $2 per year. Specify which year. Send requests to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

BAHÁ’Í computer game, “Spiritual Pursuits,” a facts game for the Commodore 64 and 128 personal computers. Features six full-color screens, animation, three-part harmony Bahá’í music, four categories of questions with 200 questions per category. Includes a “question-maker” program so you can create your own category and question disks, plus See ADS page 28

[Advertisement]

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

the Power of Unity Beyond Prejudice and Racism

A challenging compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í writings that clearly describes

• the need for unity and peace through the elimination of prejudice and racism

and

• the part we are called upon to play in the evolution and spiritualization of the world

142 pages; 334 extracts (including previously unavailable material) Foreword; Bibliography

softcover $7.95 5½ x 8½ in.

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

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 16]‘The Precious Pearls’ is the translation of the title of a new book in Persian now in stock at the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Athár-i-Guharbár is written by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan with Persian Bahá’í youth in mind. The book covers the history, laws, teachings and Holy Writings of the Faith in a way designed for young readers. The price of Athár-i-Guharbár is $11.95 HC.

Who was the first black American to become a Bahá’í? Find out in The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900

‘Abiding Silence’ is the title of the latest edition of booklets from the Association for Bahá’í Studies which are now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence—An Anthology of Poetry in Honor of the Bahá’ís in Iran includes poems by a wide variety of Bahá’ís including the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum; Húshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice; and well-known poet Roger White, in addition to many others. It sells for $5.00 SC.

Several children’s books, other items from Trust available at reduced prices

The price list printed in last month’s issue of The American Bahá’í reflected a number of lower prices on items from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

Several children’s books from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust have been reduced in price including Fly Away Home (was $5.25, now $3.95); I Am a Bahá’í—Sunflower Book, set No. 2 (was $5.95, now $4.95); Special Strengths (was $4.95, now $3.95); and George Ronald’s Ali’s Dream, hardcover (was $10.95, now $3.95) in limited quantity.

Also lower in price is The Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900, which was $19.95 and is now $17.95; and the Publishing Trust’s 11-by-14-inch color lithograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which has been reduced from $10 to $7 because the smaller, less expensive version of the picture is out of print.

Three other limited quantity items from George Ronald are also available at reduced prices—Bahá’u’lláh: The King of Glory, reduced from $28.50 to $14 in hardcover; Dawn Over Mount Hira (hardcover), reduced from $4.50 to $2; and The Light Shineth in Darkness, on sale for $3, down from $10.95.

Ideas for Ayyám-i-Há

From publishers around the world

The Bahá’í World, Volume 18—$40.00 HC from the World Center.

Stories of Bahá’u’lláh—$12.95 HC, $5.95 SC, and Bahá’í References to Judaism, Christianity and Islam—$11.95 SC from George Ronald.

A Year with the Bahá’ís of India and Burma—$8.95 HC from Kalimát Press.

Bahá’í Focus on Peace—$5.00 SC from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

Prayers and Thoughts for Peace—$2.00 SC from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom.

Unity: The Creative Foundation of Peace—$8.95 from the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

Come On, Rise Up—$8.00 cassette from Doug Cameron’s Don’t Blink Music Inc.

Wildfire, by Wilford Johnson—$8.00 cassette from Wayback Music.

Mona with the Children—$8.00 cassette from Doug Cameron’s Don’t Blink Music Inc.

Teaching Peace—$8.00 cassette published by Red Grammer’s Smilin’ Atcha Music.

The Promise, Volume I—$5.00 SC produced by Bahá’í Publications Canada.

The Promise, Volume II—$5.00 SC produced by Bahá’í Publications Canada.

Bahá’í Distribution Service ORDER FORM

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 17]

Gift-Giving

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Calendars . . . practical gifts that will help establish the Bahá’í rhythm

Datebook 144 B.E. $2.25 Pocket Calendar 144 B.E. 10/$1 Wall Calendar 144 B.E. 1.25 Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kit 2.50 (see the January issue of The American Bahá’í for descriptions)

Cassettes . . . gifts for enjoyment and deepening

Loving Hands (songs for children) $8.00 Stories from the Dawn-Breakers (four tapes that bring Bahá’í history alive) 24.00 This Century of Progress (see description under “6 Year Plan”) 7.00 Women: Equality and Progress (description under “6 Year Plan”) 7.00

Books for Children . . . gifts that will delight and inspire young minds

B.J. and the Language of the Woodland (ages 3-7), SC $3.75 Fly Away Home (7-11), SC 3.95 I Am a Bahá’í (3-7), SC 4.95 O God, Guide Me! (3-7), SC 3.75 O God, My God (5-11), HC 6.00 The Secret in the Garden (ages 7-11), HC 5.00 The Secret in the Garden, SC 3.00 Special Strengths (7-11), SC 3.95 ‎Spotlessly Spotless‎ Leopard (3-7), SC 3.75

The Creative Word . . . gifts that will inspire youth and adults to transform their lives

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PS $3.75 The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 6.00 The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 3.50 The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, HC 6.00 The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, SC 3.50

Compilations for Deepening . . . gifts that will focus our spiritual education

Bahá’í DayBook, SC $3.75 The Divine Art of Living, SC 7.95 Peace: More Than an End to War, HC 16.00 Peace: More Than an End to War, SC 8.95 The Power of Unity, SC 7.95 Unrestrained as the Wind, SC 7.95 Unto Him Shall We Return, SC 7.95 Women: A Compilation, SC 2.00

History books . . . to enlighten our understanding of our past

The Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900, HC $17.95 To Move the World, SC 8.50 239 Days: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey in America, HC 10.00 Youth in the Vanguard, HC 10.00

A delightful tape of songs for children. Side 1 features rhythmic music; side 2 offers devotional songs.

An enthralling retelling of stories from Bahá’í history by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

One of the recent new editions of the Creative Word published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

A new edition of an old favorite—ideal for gift-giving.

A look at our American Bahá’í roots—now on sale from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

The Six Year Plan

A greater involvement in the life of human society

The ninth in a series of columns focused on the goals of the Six Year Plan

The threefold objectives of the U.S. Six Year Plan—“growth, development and integration”—provide us with new insight and incentive for addressing the goal of fostering “association with organizations, prominent persons, and those in authority concerning the promotion of peace, world order and allied objectives.”

Growth implies outreach, the extension of our influence. Development signifies our maturation in being able to understand and present the teachings in ways best suited to particular audiences.

Integration implies a new level of personal growth, family and community interaction, societal awareness, and mingling with a diverse mixture of people and ideas.

Growth, development and integration also challenge us to look with new eyes at the resources available to us. When we do, we will find ways of using those resources to further our efforts in reaching out to organizations and prominent persons. The following items could be helpful in this regard.

Two 60-minute cassette tapes that will prepare us to discuss concepts of peace, including the role of women and the equality of the sexes. This Century of Progress, a talk by Dr. Bahia Mitchell, examines world conditions in light of scientific and social achievements. Women: Equality and Peace, a talk by Counselor Peter Khan, examines the history of women and presents guiding principles for building a civilization based on equality. Each cassette, $7.

This Century of Progress by Dr. Bahia Mitchell Bahá’í World Center staff member

Women: Equality and Peace by Counselor Peter Khan International Teaching Center member

The peace statement by the Universal House of Justice remains one of the most powerful and effective tools for presenting the broad vision of Bahá’í concepts related to peace. Addressing such barriers to peace as racism, the inordinate disparity between rich and poor, unbridled nationalism, religious strife, and the emancipation of women, the peace statement is an ideal document to present to individuals, organizations and prominent persons. Study edition, 75 cents; presentation edition, $3; deluxe presentation edition, on sale for $10.

The most comprehensive compilation of the Bahá’í writings on peace to date, and an excellent book to present to individuals, organizations and prominent people. Includes the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice, six chapters of quotations from the writings that amplify themes of the peace statement, and a chapter of prayers for peace. It also makes a provocative introductory book on the Faith and provides rich material for deepening. HC $16, SC $8.95.

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service wish you a happy Ayyám-i-Há and a joyous month of fasting

How to order
To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Bahá’í Distribution Service coupon in this issue. Bahá’í institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

[Page 18]

Follow-up leads to enrollments on two Nebraska Reservations

As an extension of the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project, the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of eastern Nebraska have continued to visit seekers and new believers on the Winnebago and Omaha Indian Reservations each Saturday.

As a result, there have been several enrollments since the middle of last October.

During the week, Bahá’ís who live on the Reservations ask their friends and acquaintances if they would like to have a video program on traditional Indian prophecies and the Faith shown in their homes on the weekend.

On Saturday, Bahá’ís from Sarpy County, Omaha, and from the District Teaching Committee join the local friends, bringing plenty of food to share with their hosts and all who attend the program.

Sometimes, the video is shown more than once during the day, and on Saturday evening there is usually a fireside. Also, the new believers are deepened through the “Light of Bahá’u’lláh” series.

Participants in the project are confident that they will reach their goal of raising an Assembly on the Winnebago Reservation by Riḍván.

In a recent telephone interview, one of the organizers who lives on the Omaha Reservation said, “We still have many contacts who might like to have the video shown in their homes.”

Drama based on lives of Turner, Mrs. Hearst has debut in Houston

An Invitation to Tea, an original drama based on actual events that shaped the lives of Robert Turner, the first black Bahá’í in the U.S., and his famous employer, Mrs. Phoebe Hearst, premiered December 20 at Texas Southern University in Houston.

The play, which was written and directed by Carolyn Wistrand Duell, who has a degree in history and theatre from the University of Michigan and is the only white ever to study in the Theatre Department at Texas Southern, dramatizes the events that led up to Mr. Turner’s and Mrs. Hearst’s introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, their acceptance of the Faith, and their subsequent plans to travel to Palestine to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Its author has directed more than 20 other productions and established the first black drama troupe in South Carolina. She is the founder of the Richmond Children’s Theatre in Richmond, Texas, and presently serves as its director.

From February 7-March 7, 1986, members of the Walter Austin Project proclaimed the Faith on Indian Reservations in North Dakota and presented copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to four Tribal Council chairmen. The Bahá’ís were well-received, interviewed on radio, invited to a pow-wow, asked to speak to the students at a college, and featured in tribal newspaper articles. Pictured (left to right) are project participants David Markusen, Elaine Kelm, Maynard Eakan, Walter Austin, Linda Duckwitz, Hazel Hutton, Vern Longie (partly hidden) and Frank Morris.

WARRIORS OF LIGHT SET SPLENDID EXAMPLE OF SERVICE

The Warriors of Light is a group of 15 people in Northwest Washington state who are dedicated to their goal of setting an example of service to humanity through the group’s activities on Indian Reservations.

Some of those activities during the past year have included helping with the Lapwai community’s clean-up project on the Nez Perce Reservation; taking part in the Stommish fairground restoration project; helping to clean the graveyards and totem poles on the Lummi Reservation; and sponsoring an Indian teaching conference and monthly program for tenants of a treatment center for alcoholics in the Seattle area.

In addition, the Warriors of Light have been interacting on a regular basis with the residents on Indian Reservations, attending pow-wows and showing video presentations.

An upcoming project will be a proclamation event in Seattle at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center in late March.

For more information about this and other activities, contact the Warriors of Light c/o the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111.

Columbus, Ohio, Bahá’ís present ‘Promise of World Peace’ to more than 40 political, educational and business leaders

Mrs. Selma Walker (center), director of the Native American Center in Columbus, Ohio, accepts a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Columbus-area Bahá’ís (left to right) John Gloeckner, Joe Keehner, Nuri Dimler, Nita Dimler, Steve Dimler and Dianne Small.

The Bahá’ís of Columbus, Ohio, have presented copies of “The Promise of World Peace” to more than 40 local community, political, educational and business leaders.

In each case, the presentation has consisted of a group of three to five Bahá’ís meeting with the director of the local organization for about 30 minutes.

The initial time is spent briefly explaining the peace statement and discussing the merits of the Bahá’í approach, after which the leader receiving the statement explains his/her organization to the Bahá’ís.

Highlights of the year included presentations to the Columbus chapters of the Native American Center, Urban League, Alliance of Black Women, YWCA, Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Federation, United Nations Association, World Federalists, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and Council on World Affairs.

A presentation was also made to the wife of the governor of Ohio, which led to an invitation to take part in a peace pavilion at the Ohio State Fair.

Four selections from Writings added at second Navajo Translation Institute

The second Navajo Bahá’í Translation Institute, held November 8-9, resulted in Navajo translations of the following selections:

• “Blessed Is the Spot ...” quote of Bahá’u’lláh.
• “My home is the home of Peace ...” quote of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• “O God, guide me ...” children’s prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
• “Protect us from what lieth ...” excerpt from the prayer for protection by the Báb (translation in rough draft stage).

The first Translation Institute, which was held last July, led to translations of the short obligatory prayer, a prayer for protection, a short healing prayer, and a prayer for unity.

Each selection was carefully analyzed as the translation was going on to assure that both the “letter” (dictionary meaning) and the “spirit” (poetic meaning) of the quote were considered.

Following the Guardian’s translation policies, the translators were able to produce translations that achieved a poetic form and rhythm comfortable to the “Navajo ear” while staying true to the original intent and meaning of the quote.

Plans are being made to translate more than 15 other selections in upcoming sessions. The Native American Bahá’í Institute hopes to publish a bi-lingual booklet with accompanying cassette tape by Riḍván 1987.

American Indian Teaching Committee meets, drafts plan for next two years

The new American Indian Teaching Committee met for the first time in December, designing a plan of operation for the first two years of the Six Year Plan and electing officers which include Franklin McLemore (Cherokee), secretary, and Ruby Gubatayao (Tsimshian), chairman.

Other committee members are Helen Kiely (Navajo), Kevin Locke (Lakota), Peggy Osceola (Seminole), and Ferris Paisano (Pueblo-Nez Perce).

The committee may be contacted through Franklin McLemore, Dallas, TX 75220 (phone 214-902-0548).

Winter School held at Gregory Institute

“The Time Is Now ... The Responsibility Is Mine” was the theme of this year’s South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School held January 2-4 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway.

The keynote speakers were Counselors for the Americas Ruth Pringle and Dr. Farzam Arbab. [Page 19]

Family: Alive and well in Iran

The institution of the family has undergone dramatic change in modern day America; many sociologists and anthropologists believe that it is in crisis. Holding a traditional nuclear family together and bringing up children in our society has become a formidable task, one that requires a great deal of time, love and effort.

The traditional family structure in non-western cultures, however, has proved to be more healthy than in Europe or North America. What is it about the family in those cultures that has made it such an important and resilient institution?

Let’s take the traditional family in Iran as a specific case for comparison’s sake. American Bahá’ís have probably noticed that Persian Bahá’ís seem to have an incredible number of relatives. This is in part because families tend to be somewhat larger in Iran than in this country.

Primarily, however, it is because family relationships and relatives, both near and distant, are more highly valued in Iran than they are in the U.S. Many Americans have never met their second cousins or great-aunts and uncles. Most Iranians, on the other hand, know their second cousins as well as relatives more distant than that, and more importantly, regularly exchange visits or correspondence with them. Extended family members are also able to rely heavily on one another for emotional and sometimes even financial support.

Our American society is a mobile one. It is estimated that as many as 40 million Americans relocate each year. This means that they leave behind their close friends and relatives. Consequently, the ties between family members are not as strong.

Americans are separated from each other by great distances, and are likely to move around quite a bit. So, we have learned to make friends easily and not to become too attached to them. Furthermore, we are expected to be independent and to carry our own weight, thus making it, in general, more difficult to rely on members of an extended family for support.

The strength of the family in Iran derives from several sources. Perhaps it is the emotional and financial support that makes the extended family such an important institution. Perhaps it is child-rearing practices, cultural expectations or the spirit of sacrifice that typically make Persians so family-oriented.

In Persian Bahá’í families, there is the added element of striving toward the ideal family life set forth in the Bahá’í writings. Perhaps there are other reasons as well.

Whatever the reasons, perhaps westerners can learn something from the Persians about family life. At the next Feast, try asking the Persian members of your community what family life was like in Iran and what their perceptions of family life in America are. This may give us food for thought in our relationships with our own families.

The Persians and Americans in the Bahá’í community have much to learn from one another. By comparing and contrasting our various cultural habits and institutions, we can get to know one another much better and become closer friends.

This, in turn, will help make our Bahá’í communities more closely unified, a crucial objective if the Bahá’ís are to provide the world with a model society to emulate.

PAYING TAXES IN AMERICA

همانگونه که دوستان بهائی استحضار دارند اکنون که سال جدیدی آغاز گشته ساکنین این دیار تدریجاً خود را برای تهیه و تکمیل اوراق مالیاتی سال پیش آماده میسازند، زیرا تا فرا رسیدن موعد مقرر برای ارسال اوراق مذکور (پانزدهم آوریل) کمتر از دو ماه باقی مانده است. محفل مقدس روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده مصلحت چنان دیده‌اند که مطالب و اطلاعاتی در آن باره به آگاهی یاران ایرانی برسد.

جناب ابوالفضائل در کتاب فرائد که در سال ۱۳۱۵ هجری قمری (۱۸۹۸ میلادی) منتشر گردیده میفرمایند: «اهل بهاء نزد کافه ملل بصداقت موصوفند و در جمیع بلاد بنزاهت معروف. و در اثبات این دعوی همین نکته کافی است که در دوائر حکومت و مجالس قضاوت شهادت این قوم را خلافاً لسائر الاقوام بدون قسم مقبول میدارند....»

این بیان حدود نود سال پیش در وصف اهل بهاء نگارش یافته است. البته جز این نیز از یاران الهی انتظار نمیرود، چه مطابق تعلیمات قلم اعلی «این حزب در مملکت هر دولتی ساکن شوند باید به امانت و صدق و صفا با آن دولت رفتار نمایند.» همچنین مولی‌الوری حضرت عبدالبهاء انذار فرموده‌اند که «اگر چنانچه معاذالله یکی ذره‌ای خیانت کند و یا در امور موکوله خویش تهاون و سستی نماید و یا خود مقدار دیناری بر رعیت تعدی کند و یا آنکه منفعت خصوصی خویش جوید و فوائد شخصی طلبد البته محروم از فیوضات حضرت پروردگار شود....» و نیز حضرت ولی امرالله یاران را مأمور داشته‌اند که «از مقررات حکومت و اوامر دولت سر موئی منحرف نگردند و تجاوز ننمایند.»

بدین ترتیب چه عجب اگر اهل بهاء در هر دیاری ساکنند موصوف بصداقت و امانت باشند و حیثیت و منقبتی را که جناب ابوالفضائل بدان اشاره کرده‌اند در حیات خویش پدیدار سازند. سر برافرازند و پای بفشارند و سربلندی سایر دوستان را ضامن شوند. اما گاه اتفاق می‌افتد که بهائیان نیز در معرض اشتباه واقع میشوند. ندانسته و نخواسته و نسنجیده باعمالی مبادرت میجویند که یا با قوانین مدنی منافات دارد و یا با روح تعالیم امر مبارک مخالفت میورزد. در اینگونه موارد است که از یکسو فرد مرتکب خطا ظاهراً و باطناً متضرر میشود و از سوی دیگر ارتکاب اعمال غیرقانونی لطمه بجامعه احباء و حیثیت امر الهی وارد می‌آورد.

یکی از مواردی که این قبیل امور رخ میگشاید و اشکالاتی پدید می‌آید مسئله مالیات بر درآمد در ایالات متحده امریکاست. کسانیکه در امریکا بسر میبرند موظفند که تا تاریخ پانزدهم آوریل هر سال اوراق مالیاتی سال قبل را دقیقاً وبا صداقت تمام تکمیل کرده باداره مالیات Internal Revenue Service ارسال نمایند. قصور در ارسال اوراق مزبور و یا اشتباه در ارقام و محاسبات منجر بپرداخت جریمه خواهد شد. اما اگر تعمّدی در تغییر ارقام و محاسبات مربوط بآنها پدید آید و یا اخفای عایدات و امور ناپسند دیگری از آن قبیل مکشوف گردد، آنگاه محاکم قضائی بر طبق قوانین مدنی و جزائی مجرمین را پس از اخذ جریمه نقدی بزندان محکوم خواهند کرد. بی تردید اهل بهاء خود را در چنین مخمصه‌ای قرار نخواهند داد و موجبات سرشکستگی و آزردن خانواده و متعلقین و جامعه اهل ایمان را حاصل نخواهند نمود، زیرا ممکن است ارتکاب اینگونه امور حتی منجر بانفصال اداری مرتکبین از جامعه احباء باشد.

اوراق مالیاتی را میتوان از اداره پست و برخی از بانکها و مؤسسات عمومی دیگر دریافت داشت. یارانی که برای تکمیل اوراق مذکور بكمك نیاز داشته باشند میتوانند با حسابداران و دفاتر تنظیم اوراق مالیاتی و مؤسسات غیر انتفاعی و خدمات اجتماعی و کتابخانه‌های عمومی public library یا دفتر راهنمائی مالیاتی با تلفن مجانی ۴۲٤-١٠٤٠ (۸۰۰) تماس حاصل نمایند. در زمان تماس تلفنی یاران باید کد پستی zip code خود را بمأمور مساعدت مالیاتی ارائه دهند تا شخص مذکور تلفن دفتر راهنمائی مالیاتی محل اقامت یاران را در اختیار آنان گذارد. دفتر مذکور کسانی را که در مورد تکمیل اوراق مالیاتی بكمك نیاز داشته باشند مجاناً راهنمائی خواهد کرد.

ROSE CAMPAIGN

مطلب زیر را یکی از خوانندگان برای ما ارسال داشته‌اند

این روزها همه جا سخن از گل سرخ است. بی مناسبت نمیدانم مطلبی را در مورد یکی از این شاخه‌های گل سرخ بحضورتان تقدیم دارم.

در یکی از بعد از ظهرها در زندان عادل آباد شیراز که احباء دور هم جمع شده بودند، یکی از مسجونین میگوید: «من دیشب خواب حضرت عبدالبهاء را دیدم. ایشان بتشریف آوردند و در نهایت آرامش و سکون يك شاخه گل سرخ را برداشتند و تشریف بردند. نمیدانم تعبیر این خواب چیست.»

جناب هدایت‌الله سیاوش جوان برومند و رشید میگوید: «من تعبیر آنرا میدانم: همین امروز عصر یا فردا مرا صدا خواهند کرد و برای شهادت خواهند برد.» و همین طور هم شد. در جلسات تذکر آن سرباز فداکار که در شیراز و اصفهان برگزار شد دوستان همگی برای بزرگداشت روح آن عزیز با شاخه‌های گل سرخ در جلسات شرکت میکردند. گوشه عکس آن شهید محبوب با بیانی از حضرت عبدالبهاء باین مضمون تزئین شده بود: همه گلها زیبایند اما گل سرخ را طراوتی دیگر است.

بیت العدل اعظم فرموده اند:

«در این سیل امتحان تن بموج خروشان سپردن و در جهت آب رفتن کاری سهل و آسان است و ساخته از هر ناتوان و لیکن مردان دلاورند که در مخالف امواج شناورند. آن تن آسانی و ضعف و ناتوانی ما را به ورطه فنا کشاند و این دلیری و چالاکی بساحل بقا رساند.» [Page 20]

هفتاد و پنجمین سالگرد سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به امریکا

"MASTER" PLAN

حضرت عبدالبهاء در سال ۱۹۰۸ در اثر انقلاب جوانان ترك از زندان عكا رهائى یافتند. آرزوی حضرت مولی‌الوری در سراسر دورهٔ مسجونی خود آن بود که ترك یار و دیار نمایند و حتی پای پیاده بنقاط دوردست سفر کرده، بتبلیغ امر جمال مبارك پردازند. بدین جهت بود که در اولین فرصت پس از آزادی بصوب افریقا و اروپا و امریکا رهسپار گشتند و بفرمودهٔ خود "چهار سال متمادیاً در خاور و باختر سفر" مینمودند.

در یازدهم آوریل سال ۱۹۱۲ مرکز پیمان بامریکا رسیدند. در آن زمان سن مبارك ۶۸ سال بود. معذلك هیکل مبارك شهر بشهر شرق تا غرب ایالات متحده را پیمودند و اصول و تعالیم الهی را در آن شهرها بسمع و اطلاع ساکنان رساندند. بفرموده مبارك "ملتی نماند که در معابد موجوده تبلیغ امر مليك وجود نشد و فرقه‌ای نماند که در محفل ترتیل آیات ربّ ودود وارد نگردید. در ‎کنانس کنایس‎ مسیحیان نفخ روح شد و در معابد یهود بشارت ظهور رب‌الجنود منتشر گشت... در مجامع تیاسوفیها و روحیون و اسپرانتو حتی در مجمع زنادقه، امریکا خطابهای بدیع مجری گشت." اقامت و سفرهای حضرت عبدالبهاء در ایالات متحده بمدت نه ماه امتداد یافت. روز قبل از ترك امریکا سرکار آقا چنین فرمودند: "من نه ماه است در امریکا در اغلب شهرها در ‎کنانس کنایس‎ و مجامع عظمی صحبت کرده‌ام. نفوس را بوحدت عالم انسانی متذکر نموده، جمیع را بالفت و یگانگی نوع انسان خوانده‌ام. فی‌الحقیقة نهایت رعایت را از اهالی امریکا دیدم. الحق ملت امریکا ملت نجیبه است، استعداد هر کمالی دارد و تحری حقیقت نماید."

عنایت و ملاطفتی که مرکز میثاق در حق امریکائیان روا داشتند دین بزرگی بر عهدهٔ جامعهٔ بهائیان این دیار نهاده است. بدین سبب است که لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات، بشکرانهٔ الطافی که حضرت عبدالبهاء بدانان عنایت فرموده‌اند شایسته میداند که در شهرهائی که بقدوم مرکز پیمان آراسته گشته جلساتی بیادبود و بزرگداشت روزی که ایشان در شهرهای مزبور حضور داشته‌اند، منعقد گردد و خطابه‌ای که در آن روز و آن شهر هفتاد و پنج سال پیش از این اقامه فرمودند، در آن جلسات قرائت شود.

برای یافتن خطابه‌های مذکور میتوان از کتاب خطابات حضرت عبدالبهاء بزبان فارسی و کتاب Promulgation of Universal Peace بزبان انگلیسی استفاده نمود. همچنین برای کسب اطلاع دربارهٔ اسفار حضرت عبدالبهاء باروپا و امریکا ممکن است از کتاب بدایع‌الاثار (سفرنامهٔ حضرت عبدالبهاء) مدد جست.

پخش بیانیهٔ صلح از تلویزیون

PEACE MESSAGE VIA SATELLITE

در روز ۲۲ مارچ سال ۱۹۸۷ بیانیهٔ صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم از طریق ماهوارهٔ ارتباطی توسط cable television پخش خواهد شد. زمان پخش برنامهٔ فوق ساعت يك و نیم بعد از ظهر بوقت شرقی، ساعت دوازده و نیم بعد از ظهر بوقت مرکزی، و ساعت ده و نیم صبح بوقت غربی خواهد بود. رسانه‌ای که قرار است بیانیهٔ صلح را پخش نماید بیش از دوازده میلیون بیننده دارد. علاوه بر کسانیکه آبونهٔ رسانهٔ گروهی تمپو Tempo Television باشند کلیهٔ افرادی که دسترسی به ایستگاههای مستقل و یا cable television در ایالات متحده و آلاسكا و هاوائی و پورتو ریکو و کانادا داشته باشند میتوانند برنامهٔ فوق را مشاهده نمایند. همچنین افرادی که آنتنهای گیرندهٔ ماهواره‌ای satellite dishes داشته باشند میتوانند برنامهٔ مزبور را در تلویزیون خود ببینند.

در برنامهٔ تلویزیونی مذکور که متن آن توسط خانم لیسا ژانتی Lisa Janti و خانم شرن بارنز Sharon Barnes نگارش یافته و جناب سیروس پروینی آنرا تهیه نموده‌اند، بخشهائی از پیام صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم قرائت خواهد گردید و بهمراه آن عکسها و مناظر زیبائی نشان داده خواهد شد. همچنین دو تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده امریکا سرکار خانم درتی نلسون Dorothy Nelson و جناب فیروز کاظم‌زاده مطالبی باطلاع بینندگان خواهند رساند. قرار است در آیندهٔ نزديك برنامهٔ مذکور برای استفاده و پخش در ایالات متحده و آمریکای مرکزی و جنوبی بزبان اسپانیولی برگردانده شود. نوار ویدیوئی کوتاهی از برنامهٔ فوق برای استفادهٔ یاران تهیه گردیده که میتوان آنرا از طریق مکاتبه با نشانی ذیل ابتیاع نمود.

Kalimat Press Los Angeles, CA. 90025

فرهنگ لغات منتخبه

PERSIAN BAHÁ’Í LEXICON

فرهنگ لغات منتخبه در بیان معانی نوزده هزار (۱۹۰۰۰) لغت عربی و اسم خاص و اصطلاح دینی تألیف دکتر ریاض قدیمی در هزار و صد و دوازده (۱۱۱۲) صفحه در کانادا منتشر شده است. قیمت هر جلد برای خارج از کانادا با هزینهٔ ارسال جمعاً چهل دلار امریکائی میباشد. سفارشها را بنشانی ذیل ارسال فرمائید.

Mr. K Nejati Ontario, L6S 3H9 Canada

پیام لجنهٔ ملی تبلیغ چینیان

MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL CHINESE TEACHING COMMITTEE

حضرت ولی امرالله در یکی از توقیعات مبارك میفرمایند:

"....مملکت چینیان را که فی‌الحقیقة دارای عالمی و تمدنی مخصوص است و از حیث عدهٔ نفوس ربع مسکون عالم است و از جهت ثروت داخله و قوای مکنونهٔ مادیه و ادبیه و روحانیه‌ تفوق بر هر مملکتی از ممالك عالم دارد و دارای مستقبلی محتوم و لامع، ‎هجمه حجم‎ قطعهٔ جسیمهٔ پر قوه‌ای را بیدار نمایند و باهتزاز آرند و در ظل کلمهٔ الله در آورده با اقالیم سائرهٔ عالم محشور و مألوف سازند و وحدت حقیقی نوع بشر را بقوهٔ حضرت بهاءالله ثابت نمایند و تأسیس کنند."

شود در ملك چین ارزان بهای مشك تاتاری برد گر در ختن تاری، صبا از زلف مشکینش

چین، که یکی از بزرگترین خزائن عالم انسانی بشمار میرود و سالیان متمادی محروم از ‎استقاضه استفاضه‎ از ظهور این آئین ربانی بوده اکنون بعنایت ربانی یکی از علمداران صلح جهانی گشته است، چنانچه در سال صلح جهانی بانعقاد کنفرانسهای بین‌المللی از قبیل اولین کنفرانس جهانی بین‌الادیان جهت دعا و مناجات و دعوت بصلح و کنفرانس اسپرانتیستهای جهان که جمع بسیاری از احبای سراسر عالم نیز در آن شرکت داشتند، موفق گردید. همچنین به موفقیتهای چشمگیر دیگری مانند خلع سلاح بیش از يك میلیون سرباز و ایراد نطقهای متعدد سران دولت و بیان اعتقادات و اظهار آمادگی آنها برای صلح جهانی و انتخاب هدف صلح جهانی بعنوان خط مشی سیاست خارجه ایشان نائل گردیده است. فعالیتها و اقداماتی از این قبیل که محتملاً ملهم و متأثر از بیانیهٔ صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم میباشد دال بر این معنی است که سرزمین چین مستعد قبول آئین رب‌العالمین گردیده است. اینست که زمان آن فرا رسیده که جامعهٔ بهائی در سراسر دنیا باهمیت تبلیغ چینیان پی برد.

همانگونه که اهل بهاء مستحضرند از نظر تعداد، جمعیت چینیان تفوق بر جمیع ملل دیگر دارد، بدین سبب توجه عُشری از اعشار آنان از این طریق سبب اعتلاء شأن آئین رحمان خواهد گشت. امید است که عده‌ای از یاران ایرانی همتی نمایند و خود را جهت خدمت در این میدان جدید مهیا سازند. بویژه جوانان میتوانند یا در مدارس و یا شخصاً بکسب معلوماتی در بارهٔ زبان و فرهنگ و تاریخ و طب و حقوق و هنر و فلسفه و اقتصاد چین اشتغال ورزند و در آیندهٔ نزديك بترجمهٔ آثار امری بزبان چینی پردازند و بمعرفی معارف امر به پرجمعیت‌ترین نژاد جهان موفق گردند.

با تحیات بهیه [Page 21]جمال قدم میفرمایند: "لعمر الله مظلومیت بسیار محبوب است ... ایّام غلبه ظاهریه خواهد آمد و لکن این لذّت را نخواهد داشت و اگر درست ملاحظه کنی، عظمت امر را با حالت مذکوره مشاهده نمائی."

افتتاح مشرق الاذکار هندوستان

THE INDIAN TEMPLE

دفتر روابط عمومی جامعهٔ بین‌المللی بهائی طی بیانیه‌ای گزارش داد که از اول ژانویهٔ سال جاری ابواب مشرق الاذکار هندوستان بروی همگان گشوده شد. ساختمان مشرق الاذکار که بشکل نیلوفر آبی طرح و از سنگ مرمر سفید ساخته شده است جلوه‌ای متین از برنامه‌های توسعهٔ اجتماعی و اقتصادی اهل بهاء محسوب میشود.

مراسم افتتاح مشرق الاذکار هندوستان که در روز ۲۴ دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۶ بر قرار شد واقعهٔ تاریخی مهمی برای اهل بهاء بویژه بهائیان هندوستان بشمار میرود. حدود هشت هزار نفر از سراسر جهان مشتمل از قبائل و اقوام و اجناس مختلفی چون اسکیموها و سرخپوستان و ساکنین امریکای شمالی و جنوبی و اروپائیان و سیاهان افریقا و بومیان جزائر اقیانوس آرام، در مراسم فوق شرکت داشتند. در این مراسم افرادی از جمیع طبقات مردم حضور داشتند و هماهنگی و اتحاد آنان یاد آور اصل اصیل وحدت عالم انسانی بود. تعداد بسیاری چادر برای اسکان چهار هزار نفر بهائی که از بیست و دو ولایت از ولایات هندوستان برای کنفرانس مزبور به دهلی نو سفر کرده بودند، برافراشته شده بود.

کنفرانس با بیانات ایادی امرالله امةالبهاء روحیه خانم آغاز گردید. ایشان در ضمن بیانات خود اظهار داشتند:

"این نیلوفر ‎ممرین مرمرین‎ جمیع ما را در بر میگیرد ... و به یگانگی فرا میخواند و مردم جهان را از هر نژاد و عقیده و مرام و طبقه خوش آمد میگوید."

معاون استانداری و وزیر دولت هندوستان و گروهی از قضات و هیئت نمایندگان خارجی منجمله نمایندگان اتحاد جماهیر شوروی و ایالات متحده امریکا و واتیکان از جمله مدعوین بودند. راوی شانکار، شهیرترین آهنگساز و نوازندهٔ سیتار هند، قطعهٔ مخصوصی برای مراسم افتتاح مشرق الاذکار تصنیف کرده بود که بصورت آواز دسته جمعی اجرا گردید.

معبد عظیم‌الشأن فوق هفتمین مشرق‌الاذکار موجود در سراسر جهان است.

شرح حال شهید امر مبارک خانم ایران رحیم پور

MARTYR’S FILE

خانم ایران رحیم پور در دیماه سال ۱۳۱۷ شمسی در یک خانوادهٔ مسلمان در شهر طهران چشم بجهان گشود. ایشان در سال ۱۳۲۴ پس از اتمام دورهٔ دبیرستان برای ادامهٔ تحصیل بسوق سرزمین آلمان رهسپار گردیدند و در رشتهٔ مخابرات بتحصیل پرداختند. بعد از رجوع از آلمان بایران در وزارت پست و تلگراف آغاز بکار نمودند و در سال ۱۳۴۹ مزدوج شدند و از این ازدواج حاصل دو دختر بود اما ازدواج مالاً بجدائی پیوست.

در مدت اقامت در آلمان خانم رحیم پور شدیداً تحت تأثیر ارزشها و تمدن غرب قرار گرفته بودند و وقتی دو تن از خواهران ایشان اقبال بامر مبارک نمودند خانم رحیم پور آنان و اعضای خانوادهٔ بهائی ایشان را بسبب اعتقاد بامر بهائی بیاد استهزا و تمسخر میگرفتند. اما یکروز که اتفاقاً مصادف با روز عاشورا بود و ایشان بدیدار یکی از خواهران خود بمنزل او رفته بودند بحیرت افتادند زیرا خواهر ایشان مشغول بتلاوت زیارتنامهٔ حضرت سیدالشهداء بودند که از قلم جمال قدم نازل گشته است. این تحیر باعث حصول علاقه و اشتیاقی در ایشان شده و رفته رفته منجر بایمان بمظهر امر رحمان در حوالی دوران انقلاب اسلامی شد. تاریخ تسجیل ایشان سال ۱۳۵۷ شمسی میباشد.

خانم رحیم پور بعد از حصول ایمان بفعالیتهای گوناگون امری مشغول شدند و حتی بفرا گرفتن زبان اسپرانتو پرداختند. ایشان را تمایلی برای فرستادن دو دختر خود بمدرسهٔ پنج گنی هندوستان بود اما شوهر قبلی ایشان راضی باین امر نشد. سپس آن فدائی امر مبارک هجرت به اندیمشک نمود و در آن دیار به تبلیغ امر زبان گشود و بعنوان منشی محفل روحانی محلی و کتابدار نیز بخدمت قائم بود.

خانم رحیم پور در اندیمشک بعقد ازدواج یکی از اهالی، آقای خرماشی، در آمدند ولی طولی نکشید که خانم و آقای خرماشی هر دو باتهام عضویت در تشکیلات بهائی و جاسوسی برای اسرائیل دستگیر شدند. اموال آنان مصادره گردید و پس از چندی همهٔ اتهامات بغیر عضویت در جامعهٔ بهائی و ازدواج غیر قانونی — ازدواج بهائی — برطرف گردید. اما بواسطهٔ همین دو جرم ایشان را بزندان اهواز فرستادند. پس از گذشت هفت ماه خانم خرماشی را به بیمارستانی برای وضع حمل انتقال دادند ولی پس از زایمان ایشان را بزندان عودت دادند. بعد از چندی که جنگ ایران با عراق در گرفت خانم و آقای خرماشی و طفل نوزاد ایشان به دزفول منتقل گردیدند. اعضای خانواده با زحمت فراوان توانستند محل زندان را بیابند و با ملاقات اول دریافتند که زندانی راسخ بر امر و شادمان از ابتلاءات است و ترس و تزلزل را راهی بدو نیست. تلاش اقوام غیر مسلمان ایشان بمنظور آزادی آن شهید نیز ثمری نبخشید چه که شرط آزادی تبری از اعتقاد بامر بهائی بود و زندانی مؤمن را خیال تبری در سر نه! حدود دو سال خانوادهٔ آن مؤمن بیباک با او تماس تلفنی داشتند تا آنکه روزی خبردار شدند که بنا بحکم دادگاه دزفول در روز ۲۲ اردیبهشت سال ۱۳۶۱ بواسطهٔ جوخهٔ آتش بجاودانگان پیوست.

خواهران آن بزرگوار جهت تحویل گرفتن جسد و طفل آن شهید بزندان رجوع نمودند، اما زندانبانان نه تنها جسد را تحویل ندادند بلکه در مورد فرزند آن شهید نیز مذکور داشتند که چون طفل ایشان غیر مشروع بوده لذا به پرورشگاه فرستاده خواهد شد. در زمان شهادت، ۴۳ سال از عمر خانم رحیم پور میگذشت.

اهل بهاء بداشتن شهیدی از این دست سرافرازند چه که پایداری آن شهید شجاع و ثبات و تهور آن نوزاد روحانی که از زمان حصول ایمان تا لحظهٔ شهادت او کمتر از پنج سال میگذشت صفحات خونین تاریخ امر بهائی را زینتی پر جلاتر میبخشد و اهل بهاء و عالم انسانی را درس وفاداری و فداکاری و پایداری می‌آموزد.

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند: "احبّای ایران چون یاران قدیمند، از شدت تعلق خاطر بآنان حقوق قبول میشود. باید از اینجهت بسیار مسرور باشند که بچنین موهبتی مُخصّصند."

طبق صلاحدید و پیشنهاد هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله در امریکا، تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله باید بنام Huququ’llah Trust و بنشانی یکی از امنای حقوق ارسال شود.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 22]“El niño es el padre del hombre.” — dijo un filósofo

“...que el hombre está en necesidad de la educación e inspiración.” — Bahá’u’lláh

“Dadme un niño hasta la edad de siete años y os responderé del resto de su vida,” escribió hace más de un siglo. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

“Lo que un niño aprende durante la niñez, nunca será olvidado.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Enseñe a sus niños ‎ha a‎ tener paz en el mundo

Enseñe a sus hijos ‎ha a‎ tener paz en el mundo

La educación de los niños, comienza desde el momento ‎mismos mismo‎ de la concepción; al desear concebir a una criatura con los ‎atributo atributos‎ que un ser humano debe poseer o al menos intentar desarrollarlos, para su propio bienestar y el de la humanidad entera.

Lamentablemente, nos damos cuenta de que existen niños en el mundo, que sin ser deseados nacen de un momento pasajero; y nadie se vuelve a ocupar de su formación física e intelectual, mucho menos la parte que concierne al espíritu.

Naturalmente que si no se ha recibido una educación adecuada, el niño no aprenderá ‎ha a‎ ‎batarse bastarse‎ por sí mismo en muchas cosas.

Para empezar, si usted no “tiene tiempo” o no quiere darse ese tiempo y deja que su hijo llore para que se le “desarrollen más sus pulmones y se canse,” su niño se sentirá ‎abandonada abandonado‎ y el sentimiento de inseguridad y abandono es lo peor que puede guardar su mente.

Los factores son tantos, que la lista sería interminable de como se puede perder el alma de un pequeño y los padres ser responsables de ello. Vamos a intentar hacer algo para esos niños que pronto se convertirán en ‎jovenes jóvenes‎ puedan encontrar el propósito de ser en ésta vida, cuidémos nuestro ambiente familiar para que nuestros hijos no sean como dice el dicho: “hijos del ambiente en que crecimos.”

Y que por lo tanto somos agresivos por naturaleza. Somos responsables como padres y como Bahá’ís de darle un giro nuevo a nuestras vidas y la de nuestros hijos. Ayudemos a concientizar a la gente de fuera con el ejemplo y se den cuenta que este concepto de agresividad puede ser modificado totalmente.

Sugerencias

1. Amamente a su pequeño; el niño necesita ser amantado, cuando menos unos cuantos meses unas cuantas veces al día. Esto contribuye mucho a darle sentimiento de seguridad y protección. Bahá’u’lláh escribe: ¡Oh Hijo de la Munificencia!

“De los desiertos de la nada, con la arcilla de mi mandamiento te hice aparecer, y dispuse para tu educación cada átomo existente y la esencia de todo lo creado.”

“Así, antes de que nacieras del vientre de tu madre, te destiné dos fuentes de fulgurante ‎le che leche‎, ojos que cuidasen de ti y corazones que te amasen. . . ”

2. Platique con él mientras lo amamanta; léale o ‎can te cante‎ los versos de la Bendita Belleza, para que sea dotado de una capacidad extraordinaria y sea un verdadero amigo de Dios.

3. Recuerde que es una persona; no le dé ordenes absurdas, no le enseñe hechos y detalles que no pueden comprender, perdería el sentimiento de respeto y obediencia.

4. Haga un esfuerzo para que sus hijos sean educados y entrenados correctamente; cuide y agradezca la intervención del trato de los familiares cercanos al niño.

Las diferencias llegan en ocasiones a la contradicción, y en estos desacuerdos reside lo peor del error. El niño debe aprender que existen normas o reglas de los padres e en el que los abuelos, tíos y demás no intervienen si esto sucediera, los adultos dejan de merecer la confianza del niño.

“Enseñar a un niño es como tallar sobre piedra. No será nunca borrado.” Un niño es como una rama fresca, es tierna, se puede educar de cualquier manera. La educación es esencial y todas las normas de entrenamiento a través del mundo de la humanidad.”

5. Eduque a sus niños con la Guía Divina; “primero y como base a los niños se ‎lse les‎ debe enseñar la realidad de la religión.”

Educa a estos niños con las exhortaciones divinas . . . inculca en sus corazones el amor de Dios para que puedan manifestar en sus vidas el temor de Dios y tener confianza en las dádivas divinas.

6. No se olvide que las niñas y los niños son iguales en cuanto a derechos y obligaciones; “La ignorancia ‎een en‎ ambos es censurada, la educación e instrucción de las niñas es más útil, ya que con el tiempo éstas se convertirán en madres.” Tratad con el corazón y con la vida, de enseñar a vuestros hijos.

7. Cuidado, no los golpee; el castigo físico constituye un abuso, y su “lógica” es siempre absurda, porque en realidad usted castiga su propia obra.

¿Usted quién cría al niño? Entonces, ¿quién lo malcría? Bahá’u’lláh nos advierte en contra de dar palizas, reproches y censuras y duras reprensiones verbales a los niños. Los padres deben usar su propia discreción sabia en estos asuntos.

8. Eduque a sus niños con pureza de intención; generalmente los niños quieren ser como los padres. Tenga siempre presente si lo que el niño quiere hacer está de acuerdo con su edad, si debe ‎permitir se lo permitírselo‎ e incluso ayudarlo.

“Tan pronto como tengan edad suficiente para aprender, sus corazones y mentes deben ser preparados para recibir la verdad. No podemos predicar en una forma y actuar en otra.”

9. Educarlos de manera que puedan ellos mismos librarse de las imperfecciones humanas; “Desde muy tierna edad se debe dar a los niños una educación Bahá’í espiritual y divina inculcar en sus corazones el amor de Dios para que puedan manifestar en sus vidas ‎e el el‎ temor de Dios, y adquieran las perfecciones latentes en el corazón del hombre.”

Para nosotros los Bahá’ís no es solamente un sueño; ¡Tenemos en nuestras manos el ‎Manuel Manual‎ de Operaciones, hagamos hijos sanos para que sean hombres dignos de la complacencia de Dios; llegará el día en que las semillas germinarán y se darán hermosos frutos que recogerán generaciones futuras de Bahá’ís y no Bahá’ís y darán el Victorioso triunfo a quien Verdaderamente es el Rey de Reyes designado por Dios.

Y su Reino se habrá establecido en la tierra, con gran poder y señorío. Amigos: No desistan solo retomen las riendas fuertemente, nuestros hijos son la garantía para un futuro pleno de óptimas perspectivas, la Fe Bahá’í está metida en los corazones de los adultos, en el de los ‎jovenes jóvenes‎ y aún la niñez puede ver en ella una intuitiva esperanza.

“El orden mundial sólo puede ser fundado en la conciencia de la unidad de la humanidad. Sin embargo el logro de tal orden requiere varias etapas, conduciendo finalmente al establecimiento de una mancomunidad mundial.”

Referencias

Citas sacadas del librito “Educación Espiritual de los niños,” de Donald R. Witzel, pags. 6, 8, 9, 10, 3, 4, 16, 17 y 18. Citas del resumen de la Promesa de la Paz Mundial (III). Palabras Ocultas, pag. 41 del persa No. 29.

U. of New Mexico Club presents statement to university president

On October 30, three Bahá’ís from Albuquerque, New Mexico, presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to Gerald May, president of the University of New Mexico.

The event was coordinated by the UNM Bahá’í College Club.

Making the presentation were Craig Lewis, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Albuquerque; Susan Patton, chairman of the Bahá’í College Club; and B. Kay Manuelito, a graduate student at UNM.

On December 13, the Sarah Farmer Women’s Center was founded at the Green Acre School in Eliot, Maine. The day was spent in prayer and discussion of the role of women in the Bahá’í Faith as set forth by its Central Figures. The room was scented with dozens of roses in support of the campaign of the ‘Spirit of the Roses.’ Pictured in front of a portrait of Sarah Farmer, founder of the Green Acre Bahá’í School, are Linda Nerbach (left) of Gorham, Maine, and Beverly Rogers, a pioneer to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Weekly gatherings for deepening and planning the monthly meetings at the Fellowship Hall in Eliot will continue throughout the year. All are welcome. Members of the board are Afaf Stevens of Eliot; Diane Schroeder, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Ann Clavin, Dover, New Hampshire.

Pictured at WMAQ-TV in Chicago before taping three programs for the station’s series of religious meditations are (left to right) Ken Jeffers, administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette; Mrs. Julie Doris of LaGrange; the children who represented the Faith on the programs, 9-year-old Errol Doris and 10-year-old Saba Firoozi of Glencoe; and the children’s public speaking teacher, Gayle Woolson of Evanston.

Bahá’í children record three meditations for telecast by Chicago NBC-TV affiliate

Recently WMAQ-TV, the NBC television station in Chicago, asked Ken Jeffers, administrator of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, to arrange for a Bahá’í to present three three-minute meditations to be telecast with those supplied by members of other religions.

The brief presentations by members of various faiths are used by the station at its sign-on early in the morning and again before sign-off late at night.

Mr. Jeffers decided that children would be ideal for the Bahá’í meditation, so he asked Gayle Woolson of nearby Evanston to provide children who are taking part in her public speaking project.

Station staff were surprised when Mr. Jeffers told them that 9-year-old Errol Doris of LaGrange and 10-year-old Saba Firoozi of Glencoe would speak on behalf of the Faith. The other religions were represented by clergymen or other adult religious leaders.

Their surprise turned to amazement as they heard the two children reciting by memory the impressive words of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the oneness of mankind, world peace, a new global age, and the benefits of developing one’s character.

The first of the three Bahá’í meditations was to be broadcast this month with each of them to be aired on a rotating basis with those of other faiths in the coming months.

Shortly after this experience, on December 21, Saba and Errol, accompanied by Mrs. Woolson, delivered the same three recitations at the All Souls First Universalist Society in Chicago.

The minister there told Mrs. Woolson that the children had “melted the congregation,” and reaffirmed an earlier request to include Bahá’í children in their services on a regular basis, specifying the first Sunday of each month.

Errol also spoke December 14 as part of a humanitarian awards program at the House of Worship sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Evanston. Among the award winners were three non-Bahá’í policemen.

Afterward, one of the officers asked Mrs. Woolson for a copy of Errol’s speech, adding, “If youth could speak like that, the police would have no more problems.”

‘The Life-Blood of the Faith . . .’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 23]

Articles on peace especially welcomed by World Order

How does one submit an article to World Order magazine—and about what?

It is not as difficult as you may imagine. In the last two issues alone, nine authors, two poets and nine photographers—20 people in all—were published in what has been called the foremost Bahá’í journal.

The World Order Editorial Board has, in the “Interchange” column of the Spring/Summer 1985 issue, put out a call for papers that pinpoints priorities for the coming years.

The highest priority is for papers on all aspects of peace—its prerequisites and application.

The editors suggest the recently published compilation Peace: More than an End to War as an excellent resource for essays on many aspects of peace: civilization’s coming of age, the spiritual roots of peace, preparing the path to world order, constructing a global and peaceful society, securing the basis of human happiness.

In addition, examining individual professions and their contributions to peace could be a fruitful line of study.

Other suggestions for articles come from anniversaries, such as the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America and the 30th anniversary of the passing of Shoghi Effendi, both in 1987. Also, the 125th anniversary of the Declaration of the mission of Bahá’u’lláh is in 1988.

UN years and decades could be the basis for other articles: 1987 is the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless; 1980-1990 is the Second Disarmament Decade; 1981-1990 is the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade; 1981-1990 is the Third UN Development Decade; 1983-1992 is the UN Decade of Disabled Persons; 1983-1993 is the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.

Always welcome, of course, are articles on comparative religion, including Christianity and Judaism as well as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.

Not every paper or poem submitted to World Order can be accepted, but all will be read and considered. Studying past issues of World Order for examples of topics, tone and structure can be helpful.

To give new and veteran writers help, the Editorial Board has developed a style sheet outlining submission procedures and technical requirements such as audience awareness, footnotes, writing style, and manuscript preparation.

For your free copy of the World Order style sheet, write to the World Order Editorial Board, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or use the coupon on this page.

Articles should be double-spaced with ample side, top and bottom margins. Lines should not be justified. Footnotes should be numbered serially and appear at the end of the article, not at the bottoms of pages. Footnotes should conform to the MLA Handbook.

Articles printed on a computer should be run out on a letter-quality printer. All pages should be separated and side bands of perforated paper removed.

Send three copies of articles, together with an outline synopsis, to World Order Editorial Board, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Latest World Order issue is devoted to social and economic development

The Spring/Summer 1985 issue of World Order magazine—a hefty 64 pages devoted to social and economic development—is now being mailed to subscribers.

The lead article, by Gregory C. Dahl, argues that true development must begin with a new vision that recognizes the essential relationship between moral and spiritual values and the practical expression of those values in development activities.

In an imaginative look into the past and the future, Anne Rowley Breneman describes a community in the American South to which the Bahá’í Faith was introduced and then extrapolates a model for change that could transform and renew that community.

Kurt Hein, in a third article, uses Radio Bahá’í in Ecuador to describe how one development project has revivified indigenous culture and life.

Education as a central process of social renewal is the topic of a fourth article, written by S. Pattabi Raman.

A poem and a review of Roger White’s novel, A Sudden Music, round out the packed issue that will provide new insights into the process of social and economic development.

Single copies of the Spring/Summer issue can be obtained from World Order Subscriber Service, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.

For subscription information, see the coupon on this page.

Lynne Scheibor, a recently enrolled Bahá’í who attends the University of Florida in Gainesville, says opportunities to teach the Faith have been enhanced since she placed a ‘Wage Peace’ bumper sticker on her bicycle and began riding around campus. Teaching, she says, is ‘my favorite leisure time activity.’

The seven-member Bahá’í Group of Clay County, Florida, marched with Bahá’ís from Jacksonville in this year’s annual Fourth of July parade in Middleburg. One of the Jacksonville Bahá’ís, Bahiyyih Dumbleton (center in white hat) designed, drew and painted the banner carried by the group. The Clay County Bahá’ís wore shirts specially made for the occasion—bright blue with a white nine-sided star beneath the words ‘The Bahá’í Faith.’ The ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ won a second place ribbon in the ‘religion’ category.

Bahá’ís well-represented at convention of New Jersey Education Association

Bahá’ís in New Jersey were well-represented November 13-14 at the 1986 New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention in Atlantic City.

The Bahá’í Group of Ventnor, which set up and manned the booth with help from other Bahá’ís in South Jersey, gave out more than 2,000 pieces of Bahá’í literature to teachers and others at the convention.

Included were 178 summaries of the peace statement, 473 peace pamphlets, and 1,500 “Wage Peace” poster pamphlets.

Many of the visitors were familiar with the Faith, mentioning visits to the Shrines in Haifa, the House of Worship in Wilmette, or the persecutions in Iran.

Also, several mentioned having Bahá’ís as students and many others had friends or colleagues who are Bahá’ís.

The $800 cost was shared by 10 individuals and six Assemblies and Groups while friends from all over the southern part of the state helped staff the booth and kept the posters and other literature flowing.

Prayers and Thoughts for Peace

From the Bahá’í Writings

This thoughtful selection of prayers and passages from the Bahá’í Writings has been designed for presentation with or as a follow up to the Peace statement.

Attractively but inexpensively produced this small volume is divided into four sections and deals with two major themes:

Prayers and Thoughts of Peace for the Individual.

Prayers and Thoughts for Peace and Unity in the World.

Beautifully illustrated by Jacqueline Craske with an attractive embossed cover Prayers and Thoughts for Peace will make an ideal gift to friends and relatives and will interest all those concerned with peace.

48pp. 145 x 105mm Illustrated.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

$2.00 softcover

World Order Subscription

World Order 536 SHERIDAN ROAD, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091 U.S.A.

Please enter my subscription to WORLD ORDER. I enclose my check, bank draft, or money order, in U.S. dollars, for the amount indicated.

RATES (circle one)
United/Canada States/Mexico	1 year—$10.00	2 years—$18.00
All other countries (surface)	1 year—$15.00	2 years—$28.00
All other countries (air mail)	1 year—$20.00	2 years—$38.00

Name _______________ Bahá’í I.D. Number _______________

Address __________________________________________________

City _______________ State _______________ Country/Zip _______________

Gift From _______________ Bahá’í I.D. Number _______________

[ ] I am interested in buying back issues of WORLD ORDER

[ ] Please send a copy of the style sheet for writers.

Payment must be enclosed [Page 24]

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

MRS. IRAN RAHIMPUR (KHURMA’I)

Iran Rahimpur was born in the winter of 1939-40 (Daymah 1317 of the Persian calendar) to a Muslim family living in Tehran. After completing her high school education in 1956, she went to Germany to study communications.

Upon her return to Iran, she secured a job in the Ministry of Communications, which was responsible for the Iranian postal and telegraph systems.

She was married in the early 1960s and had two daughters, but was eventually separated from her husband.

Mrs. Rahimpur was much impressed by her stay in Germany and often praised the values of western civilization. Two of her sisters had become Bahá’ís, and they used to tease them and their Bahá’í family members for their beliefs.

One day, however, she went to visit her younger sister on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. She did not expect to find her sister, a Bahá’í, observing this Moslem holy day, which is usually spent in mourning.

However, she found her sister chanting Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet of Visitation for Imam Husayn, and was much affected. She became quite interested in the Faith, and eventually declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh shortly before the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Mrs. Rahimpur became an active and devout Bahá’í teacher, and learned Esperanto so that she could communicate in an international language. She wanted to send her daughters to the Panchgani Bahá’í School in India, but her former husband would not permit it.

She became a homefront pioneer to ‎Andimeshg Andimeshk‎, a small village in western Iran, where she was an active and outspoken exponent of the Cause. Her house was the focal point of Bahá’í activity for the friends in the village, and she served the community as secretary of the local Assembly and as Bahá’í librarian.

She worked for the government communications center in ‎Andimeshg Andimeshk‎, putting her skills to use. She also married a local Bahá’í, Mr. Khurma’i.

Shortly thereafter, however, she and her husband were arrested. The charges included membership in the Bahá’í Faith and spying for Israel.

Their personal property includ-

See MARTYR page 30

Mayor speaker at Union City peace conference

To celebrate the UN International Year of Peace, the Spiritual Assembly of Union City, California, sponsored a peace conference November 1 whose theme was “Peace at All Levels of Society.”

Mayor Tom Kitayama of Union City spoke on “Peace at the local level.” He was accompanied to the conference by a member of the city council.

Other speakers were Dr. Vida Bertrand, a Bahá’í, who spoke on “Peace at the individual level”; Mary Ann Gorsky, a Bahá’í (“Peace at the family level”); Rob McHenry, a Mormon (“Peace at the family level”); Eileen Rinde and Bill Mascarendaz of Beyond War (“Peace at the national level”); and Dr. Richard Bauman and Robert Imagire, both Bahá’ís (“Peace at the international level”).

About 70 adults and 10 children attended the event including 10-15 non-Bahá’ís.

The Union City Library allowed the Bahá’ís to use a display case at the main entrance for two and one-half weeks using as a theme “Peace ... The Promise.”

State Sen. Bill Lockyer was to receive the peace statement, but was unable to attend the conference. The statement was accepted on his behalf by an aide, Michele Robrahn.

Invitations were either mailed or hand-delivered to about 350 people.

Media coverage included a three-column article in the local newspaper and ads on the cable TV outlet which also video taped the event for possible broadcast.

A speaker addresses the audience on one of several topics covered during a peace conference last November 1 sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Union City, California.

Khan

from page 6

Why is it so crucially important now? There are several reasons.

One is that we have emerged from obscurity suddenly and almost unexpectedly. And this emergence from obscurity means that we have great opportunities before us which will not last, will go unless we take them, and which require a lot more manpower than we presently have.

To take advantage of those opportunities we simply need more people. And the people that we particularly need are people like the American Bahá’ís who have had the benefit of education, training, and professional skills, administrative experience, ability to contribute to the administrative work of the Faith.

That doesn’t mean such people are more spiritual than anyone else. It means they have certain talents and capacities which are desperately needed right now.

The second point is found in a statement from the Universal House of Justice, that we need a greater effort by Bahá’ís in Western countries such as the U.S. to “analyze the problems of mankind in every field and to show how the Teachings solve them.”

This is, again, a new responsibility consequent to the emergence from obscurity. The Bahá’í Faith has the potential to solve the innumerable problems of mankind in every field—in sociology, international trade, economics, the relationship of science to religion, the relationship of inspiration to reality, the questions of human nature which impinge upon psychology, questions of biology, ethics as a consequence of genetic engineering—all kinds of issues.

We need more and more Bahá’ís who will intelligently relate the power of the Bahá’í teachings to show how they solve the problems of mankind. We want capable Bahá’ís to go into these fields and we don’t want them to get lost there.

We want them still to remember that they are believers, that they accept the infallible authority of Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God, that Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings are the Divine Standard.

The third area is that we need the Bahá’í community in the Western world as well as the Eastern world to direct its attention to the exciting area announced by the Universal House of Justice as that of social and economic development.

We have reached a point in our evolution where we must give greater attention to social and economic development in Bahá’í communities and in the rest of society. What is needed is not more second-rate social welfare, not covering the world in dollars and projects that are imposed on a recalcitrant community by a paternalistic outsider.

Instead, what is required are projects which raise human honor, which develop mankind, which yield the fruits of civilization and the riches of human society and which develop human happiness and potential.

And in this the Bahá’í principles are fundamental. What do we have going for ourselves that all the other agencies in the world, which spend zillions of dollars around the place—what do we have going that they don’t have? There are several things.

One is that we generally have a kind of unity and commitment to support a majority decision. We have integrity and incorruptibility. Projects we initiate probably will not result in someone stealing all the money and putting it in a Swiss bank account.

We have pure, altruistic motives. We are not paternalistic. We aren’t going out to “conquer the heathen” or to spread a materialistic civilization over the surface of the planet. We’ve come to bring healing and light to the people of the world.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “The continent of America is, in the eyes of the One True God, the land whereon the splendors of His Light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, and the righteous will abide and the free assemble.”

And again, “The prestige of the Faith of God has immensely increased. Its greatness is now manifest. The day is approaching when it will have cast a tremendous tumult in men’s hearts. Rejoice, therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice with exceeding gladness.”

(The entire talk by Dr. Khan is available on a cassette tape from the Office of the Treasurer for $3.)

78th National Convention set at House of Worship

The 78th Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 23-26 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Seating reservations: Because seating in Foundation Hall is limited, it will be necessary to seat observers to the Convention on a first-come, first-served basis. To request seating reservations, please send your name, address and Bahá’í I.D. number by March 1 to: Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Attention: Convention Seating. Seating is available by advance reservation only.

No children’s classes: Children’s classes and other activities will not be available at this Convention. Parents are responsible for the supervision and child-care arrangements for their children.

Hotel accommodations: For the convenience of delegates and visitors, special rates have been arranged with the Orrington Hotel in Evanston, which is about two miles from the House of Worship with public transportation nearby.

Reservations: Please make reservations directly with the Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Phone toll-free (outside Illinois) 1-800-323-5998, or (inside Illinois) 1-800-942-2569.

Rates: $50/night (plus tax) single and double occupancy (children stay free). $10/night for rollaway bed. Suites are also available at special rates. Please note: To obtain the rates offered here, be sure to indicate that you are attending the Bahá’í Convention when making your reservation.

Transportation between the hotel and Convention: A shuttle bus will provide transport between the Orrington Hotel and the House of Worship.

Airport/hotel transportation: Continental Air Transport is currently in the process of changing its schedule but plans to offer regular service to Evanston and the Orrington Hotel by April. Check with Continental Air Transport desk in the lower level at the O’Hare Airport terminal for current information. Taxis are available between O’Hare and the Wilmette area for $16.40 to/from Evanston and $15.40 to/from Wilmette, plus $1 for each additional passenger. AAA 303 Cab (256-0303) provides this service. [Page 25]

FOR NEW BELIEVERS

The Bahá’í Writings tell us that human beings have a body and a spirit.

The body, our physical reality, is mortal—it will eventually pass away. It is subject to the tests and hardships in the physical world.

The spirit is immortal. “The spirit of man has a beginning,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us, “but it has no end; it continues eternally.” (Some Answered Questions, p. 151)

The spirit and the physical body are joined at conception.

The link between the body and spirit is the mind. The spirit, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, can be compared to the sun. The mind comes from the spirit—it is like the rays of light that come from the sun.

The body is a mirror on which the light falls. The spirit never enters the body; it therefore remains unaffected by any problems that affect the body. Thus the spirit continues even after the body is lost through death.

“Wert thou to attain but a dewdrop of the crystal waters of divine knowledge,” Bahá’u’lláh asserts, “thou wouldst readily realize that true life is not the life of the flesh but the life of the spirit. For the life of the flesh is common to both men and animals, whereas the life of the spirit is possessed only by the pure in heart who have quaffed from the ocean of faith and partaken of the fruit of certitude. This life knoweth no death, and this existence is crowned by immortality.” (The Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 120)

From the moment we are born we have physical needs that must be filled, such as the need for food and protection from harsh weather. We are also drawn to fulfill spiritual needs. Our spirits hunger for spiritual food.

Until we are spiritually awakened through faith in God—the spiritual rebirth spoken of by Christ—it is as if we have no life at all.

Bahá’u’lláh says there are two duties for every person. “The first duty prescribed by God for His servants,” He says, “is the recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of Revelation (that is, the Manifestation of God for each age).”

This includes remaining steadfast in His love despite any tests we may undergo.

The second duty, He says, is “to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world.” (Gleanings, p. 330)

When we fulfill these duties we fulfill our true—our spiritual—nature.

We can choose to direct the mirror of our minds toward material things, and it will reflect the material. Only if we choose to direct it toward the things of the spirit do we receive spiritual blessings. The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh guide us in our efforts to grow spiritually.

And this spiritual growth is vitally important. For it is what we carry with us in our life after death.

An embryo develops arms, legs and eyes in its mother’s womb. When it is born into the physical world, it finds that these organs are essential to its physical life.

In the same way, the spiritual qualities we develop in the physical world, qualities such as faith, justice, and love, are necessary for our life in the world to come.

“O friend,” Bahá’u’lláh appeals to us, “the heart is the dwelling of eternal mysteries, make it not the home of fleeting fancies; wasten not the treasure of thy precious life in employment with this swiftly passing world. Thou comest from the world of holiness—bind not thine heart to the earth; thou art a dweller in the court of nearness—choose not the homeland of the dust.” (The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, p. 35)

From the Writings . . .

“In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the world of the matrix (womb). There he received capacity and endowment for the reality of the human existence. . . . In this world he needed eyes; he received them potentially in the other. He needed ears; he obtained them there in readiness and preparation for his new existence. The powers requisite in this world were conferred upon him in the world of the matrix so that when he entered this realm of real existence he not only possessed all necessary functions and powers but found provision for his material sustenance awaiting him.

“Therefore in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond. That which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must be obtained here. . . .

“What is he in need of in the Kingdom which transcends the life and limitation of this mortal sphere? The world beyond is a world of sanctity and radiance; therefore it is necessary that in this world he should acquire these divine attributes. In that world there is need of spirituality, faith, assurance, the knowledge and love of God. . . .

“That world is manifestly a world of lights; therefore, man has need of illumination here. That world is a world of love; the love of God is essential. It is a world of perfections; virtues, or perfections must be acquired. That world is vivified by the breaths of the Holy Spirit; in this world we must seek them. That is the Kingdom of everlasting life; it must be obtained during this vanishing existence.

“By what means can man acquire these merciful gifts and powers? First, through the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, through self-sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 225-26).

Discuss this passage along with the Bahá’í who taught you the Faith or with another Bahá’í. Review the following questions together:

• What are the qualities ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says we need for the next world? What do you think are some other qualities we need to acquire?
• How can we obtain the knowledge of God?
• How can we demonstrate our love for God?
• How can you set up a regular pattern in your own life to grow in the seven areas of activity that enable humanity to acquire spiritual perfections?

If you would like to read more about the Bahá’í teachings on the nature of humanity and life after death, refer to one or more of the following books:

• Unto Him Shall We Return, a compilation of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the soul and life after death.
• Gleanings from the Writings of ‎Bahd'u'lláh Bahá’u’lláh‎, especially pages 149-179.
• Some Answered Questions, pages 177-262.

FOR NEW BELIEVERS

All of the Manifestations of God have taught that the soul lives on after the death of the body.

Indeed, one of the purposes of the Manifestations of God, as described by Bahá’u’lláh, is to “educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High.” (Gleanings, p. 157)

“The nature of the soul after death,” Bahá’u’lláh writes, “can never be described, nor is it meet and permissible to reveal its whole character to the eyes of men.” (Gleanings, p. 156)

However, Bahá’u’lláh has told us some very direct things about death.

Bahá’u’lláh assures us, first of all, that the soul continues to exist. Those souls who have turned to God in their physical life will be united with Him:

“They that are the followers of the one true God shall, the moment they depart out of this life, experience such joy and gladness as would be impossible to describe. . . .”

As for those who have turned away from God, “they that live in error shall be seized with such fear and trembling, and shall be filled with such consternation, as nothing can exceed.” (Gleanings, p. 171)

Both have eternal life, but the quality of that life depends on the spiritual progress made in the physical world.

“This stone and this man both exist,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains, “but the stone in relation to the man is nonexistent. . . . In the same way, the souls who are veiled from God, though they exist in this world and in the world after death, are, in comparison . . . nonexistent and separated from God.” (Some Answered Questions, p. 243)

In the next world, the soul will retain its consciousness. It will recognize other souls it knew in the physical world and will be able to “talk” with them. Existence in the next world, however, is not physical—we have no hands, no eyes, no mouth, and so on.

In the next world, the soul will continue to progress spiritually. The souls can pray for people in the physical world just as we can pray for them. There is always hope for forgiveness from God.

Obtaining spiritual progress is different from the spiritual progress we make in this world. There, it depends on the mercy of God. Thus it is very important that we prepare ourselves for the next world while we are still alive.

The spiritual virtues we develop in the physical world are like the physical powers a baby develops in the womb. They prepare us for growth after death.

Above all, Bahá’u’lláh tells us that death is not something to fear: “I have made death a messenger of joy to thee.” (The Hidden Words, Arabic, 32)

The pain we feel on losing a loved one is the pain of separation; we will soon be reunited. The person who dies is united with his Lord.

“Thy Paradise is My love; thy heavenly home, reunion with Me. Enter therein and tarry not. This is that which hath been destined for thee in Our Kingdom above and Our exalted dominion.” (Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic, 6)

The marvelous lotus-shaped Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi, India, was dedicated December 23-27 as more than 8,000 Bahá’ís from 107 countries attended. We’ll have a complete report of the ceremonies in next month’s issue.

Book Corner

The purpose of this section is to introduce books available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service that present some of the central Bahá’í Teachings.

Some Answered Questions is a series of one- or two-page answers given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to more than 80 questions on such topics as the influence of the Manifestations of God, Christian subjects, and the nature of humanity.

Questions range across such issues as the resurrection of Christ, the difference between man and the animals, life after death, and disputes between labor and management. Although the book is actually a collection of talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rather than written statements, He approved the final version before printing.

In the news . . .

• More than 100 dignitaries attend a Human Rights Day luncheon in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Page 1

• Jack McCants of Weatherford, Oklahoma, is elected to the National Spiritual Assembly to replace Soo Fouts who last November was named an Auxiliary Board member. Page 1

• The Sirr’u’llah Vahdat teaching campaign in Central Texas has resulted so far in the enrollment of more than 300 new Bahá’ís. Page 1

• One large gift to the National Fund and many smaller ones have enabled the National Assembly to reduce its current deficit by about $1 million. Page 1

• The Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, has presented its second annual Bahá’í Peace Award. Page 2

• A 27-minute Bahá’í video tape, “The Promise of World Peace,” will be nationally televised via cable TV on March 22. Page 4

[Page 26]

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

Pictured is a group of Eastern Bahá’ís who were visiting Haifa and ‘Akká around 1900. If you know the names of any of them, please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

‘Adopting’ nearby community spurs activities in Cross, S.C.

Last year, in an effort to stimulate activity in the Bahá’í community, the Spiritual Assembly of Cross, South Carolina, adopted the nearby South Berkeley community as an extension goal.

As a first step, study sessions on the peace statement were held every Tuesday evening. As time went by the activity became quite popular, and soon there was a full house each week.

Recently, members of both communities have been working together to present copies of the statement to local and county officials.

One of the Bahá’ís, unable to attend presentations because of a debilitating illness, has been doing that which no one else has the self-confidence to do, namely, setting up the appointments.

Her first call was to the senior state senator. Because he had been ill, his staff was quite protective and uncooperative.

“I don’t think you realize what this is,” she told them, and went on to list the many heads of state including President Reagan who had received the document. She was sure, she said, that the senator would be interested in receiving a copy as well.

A few days later the senator himself phoned to say he had been present at another presentation of the peace statement and would be delighted to receive it. When the Bahá’í delegation visited his office he was most gracious and permitted the Prayer for America to be read.

‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ next visited the county supervisor who told them, “Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop.”

Three mayors also received copies of the statement. One of them seemed quite interested, and asked many questions about the Faith. He said he was aware of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

After presenting the statement to a local judge, the Bahá’ís stopped at the sheriff’s office to try and make an appointment to see him.

The sheriff saw them immediately, appeared deeply moved by the presentation, and told them how happy he was that they had brought him this message.

Also quite appreciative was the county superintendent of schools. As a result of their meeting with him, the friends were able to present copies of the statement to 67 principals and assistant principals in the county.

A genuine spirit of unity has been generated by these activities, resulting in a revitalized community. After deepening on “The Promise of World Peace,” the group continued its weekly meetings, studying the Kitáb-i-Íqán, which resulted in a declaration.

They’ve also begun placing a weekly ad in the local newspaper using a quotation from the Writings.

In the second phase of this community activity, they are now trying to reach individual teachers in the county. To that end, they have already purchased an additional 100 copies of the peace statement.

Reflections on the passing of Mr. Khadem

‘... his endless love always had an ennobling effect on me’

This article, “Reflections on the Passing of a Hand of the Cause of God,” was written by Fafar (Rabbani) Guillebeaux of Montgomery, Alabama.

I received the news of the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem over the phone at work. With tears streaming down my face, I felt helpless trying to explain to our office staff my overwhelming sense of sorrow and why I felt the world was suddenly a little darker and sadder place.

Memories of various encounters over the past 23 years rushed through my mind: Those early Southeastern summer and winter schools where we were often blessed by his presence for five or six carefree days, receiving the gifts of his wisdom, knowledge and mature experience; the after-hours sessions in which he generously shared his memories of the beloved Guardian, answered questions, and, above all, showered us with his special unconditional love and acceptance; the fortunate seekers who declared at those schools and got their welcoming hug from him; the many times he patiently posed for yet another photograph with one of the children or youth.

I was constantly amazed how, at a gathering of a hundred or more, so many people seemed to feel personally loved and nurtured by Mr. Khadem.

After such gatherings I would go through my usual debate about whether to take a few moments of his precious time for a hug or a handshake. (Happily, the selfish part of me wanting the contact almost always won!)

He showered such love and affection that I was invariably left speechless and in tears. The combination of his nobility of character, his seemingly endless love and humility always had an ennobling effect on me.

Somehow, after a brief contact with him, I was in touch with all that is potentially good and noble in me. I never felt loved so that I would be a better Bahá’í; he loved me, and that was the inspiration for further growth.

My feelings during the next days were similar to those I had felt after the loss of my own father, except now I felt that the whole American Bahá’í community had been orphaned.

For nearly three decades our community had been lovingly nurtured by this precious gift left to us by our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. With his death, yet another link to the institution of the Guardianship has been broken.

I remembered the visit by the Hand of the Cause Mr. Samandari to our pioneering post in Izmir, Turkey, in 1957, shortly after the Guardian’s passing. I will never forget his tearful face and resonant voice as he said, “O wretched humanity, with the ascension of Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on earth, it will have to rub its forehead in adoration against cold stone for the next 1,000 years.”

Then I remembered the loving glow in Mr. Khadem’s eyes whenever he spoke of the Guardian. What a devastating loss he must have felt when the Guardian died so unexpectedly; yet he spent the remaining 29 years of his life in sharing that special love and guidance with us.

The hundreds (perhaps thousands) of those whose lives have been touched by that love are now left with the task of sharing it and its source of inspiration with the thousands who never had a chance to experience it.

It is hard to believe that I shall never again hear his voice vibrate with the phrase “O Bahá’u’lláh, increase my astonishment in Thee!” I feel that thousands of other hearts would join me in saying, “Our beloved Mr. Khadem, we shall miss you.”

About 200 students at the University of Illinois-Chicago attended a ‘Peace Concert’ last October 15 sponsored by the university’s Bahá’í Club. The event featured singer/guitarist Alan Kausal who performed songs relating to peace. Publicity included flyers, an ad in the school newspaper, an announcement on an electronic billboard in the cafeteria, and a large banner. Total cost including extra books and pamphlets was about $150.

B&B Communications, a San Diego based, Bahá’í-owned video production company, won three Emmy awards last year for a ‘break-dancing’ TV spot for chiropractors whose cast was composed primarily of Bahá’í youth from the Los Angeles area. Chip Bruss (left) won an Emmy for producing the spot while Gary Bulkin picked up two Emmys, one for directing the spot, the other for composing its catchy ‘rap’ song. The awards were presented by the San Diego chapter of NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences). [Page 27]Richard Lewellen (left), vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Carlsbad, California, presents a ‘World Peace Award’ to Sherry and Rolland Regnery, representing Beyond War, at a World Peace dinner sponsored October 4 by the Spiritual Assemblies of Carlsbad and Oceanside. About 250 people attended.

California Bahá’ís present ‘World Peace Awards’

On October 4, in response to the United Nations declaration designating 1986 the International Year of Peace, the Bahá’í communities of Carlsbad and Oceanside, California, sponsored their first “World Peace Awards” dinner.

Honored with engraved plaques were “Beyond War” and “Physicians for Social Responsibility.”

Serving as master of ceremonies for the event, held at the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, was Eileen Norman, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Carlsbad. The keynote speaker was Richard Lewellen, vice-chairman of the Assembly.

About 250 people attended the gala ceremony for which entertainment was provided by classical pianist Mark Ochu, jazz guitarist Milt Norman, and the folk duo, Seaforth & Jenkins.

Physicians for Social Responsibility was represented by Dr. Mary Cueva, and Beyond War by Rolland and Sherry Regnery.

Notice on pilgrimage

Due to the recent cutbacks in staff at the Bahá’í National Center, we request that all telephone calls relating to pilgrimage be made on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST.

Your compliance with this request will allow for more efficient scheduling of staff and better over-all service to the friends. Your understanding and cooperation are deeply appreciated.

Bahá’í greeting cards with art work by Charles Wildbank and a Naw-Rúz quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá inside are available from the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop in 10-packs (1-4 packs, $9.50 each; 5 or more, $7.15/pack). Also available are three different Oriental scenes with quotes ($4.50/pack of 9), two different Persian calligraphy, Shrine of the Báb, Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the Greatest Name, the Ringstone symbol, all at 75 cents each. Add 10 per cent ($3 minimum) for shipping. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016.

Bahá’í lead-off speaker at Chicago’s interfaith service marking UN Day

On November 26, the National Council of Christians and Jews sponsored what was said to be the first truly interfaith service at Chicago Temple First Methodist Church in downtown Chicago.

The service was held to commemorate the United Nations Day of Religious Tolerance, November 25, and Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and gave equal time to each of “the world’s nine major religions,” as reported in an article in the Chicago Sun-Times on November 27.

Mrs. Leilani Smith Campbell, representing the Bahá’ís, referred to the fact that it was a Bahá’í Holy Day, the Day of the Covenant, on which Bahá’ís around the world were celebrating the ancient Covenant of God promising never to leave mankind alone and without guidance, and read from the Gleanings passages on the oneness and unity of the Prophets of God.

She was followed by speakers representing the Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Protestant (Methodist) faiths who presented brief sermons and quoted scriptural passages on the themes of peace, justice and unity.

Mrs. Campbell, the only participant not dressed in ceremonial robes, wore a suit with a red rose corsage in honor of the martyrs in Iran. For the closing prayer, she read the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for America.

The service was well-attended and joyously received by the congregation, whose members greeted the participants afterwards. Many commented on the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, and the women expressed their pride in having one woman represented among the speakers.

One woman said she now understood why her daughter was interested in the Faith, and planned to investigate it with her.

In a letter from the NCCJ, executive director Stanley L. Davis Jr. wrote, “Leilani, your remarks brought, in capsule form, an understanding of the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith to the participants with clarity and power.

“Your warmth and charm came through beautifully. It was so nice to have a woman represented in a world of mostly male religious leaders. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all assembled so well. We would like very much a copy of your remarks and closing prayer for our records.”

Janet Cockroft Schorderet, 37, dies in accident

Janet Cockroft Schorderet, 37, a pioneer for nearly 14 years to Switzerland, died December 12 in a road accident in that country.

Mrs. Schorderet was enrolled in the Faith in 1970 and almost immediately served on Assemblies in Marin County and Sacramento, California, before leaving for her pioneering post in March 1973.

On her arrival in Switzerland she was put to work to help win the goals of the Nine Year Plan by traveling with the musical/teaching group, “Dawnbreakers.” It was during that tour that she met her future husband, a Swiss Bahá’í, Jean-Luc Schorderet.

Mrs. Schorderet settled originally in Neuchatel to help save its Assembly, but later moved with her husband to Fribourg, a homefront goal.

Besides her husband, she is survived by three children: Laura, 12; Jessica, 7; and Jeremy, 5. Her mother, Dorothy Gibson, is a member of the Bahá’í community of Thousand Oaks, California.

The Catholic Church in Fribourg gave the Bahá’ís the use of their church and their full cooperation for a funeral service that was described as “glorious.”

The Standard

A CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

THE STANDARD IS GREAT AS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FAITH, A REFRESHER COURSE, OR AS A SOURCE FOR NEW FIRESIDES. FOR ONLY $5.00 PER SUBSCRIPTION ($10.00 OVERSEAS) YOU GET TWELVE LESSONS SENT TO YOUR HOME ONCE A MONTH, ON SUBJECTS LIKE: THE MISSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, THE PURPOSE OF MAN, BAHÁ’Í HEROES, AND MORE!

PLEASE ENROLL ME IN “THE STANDARD: A CORRESPONDENCE COURSE” ... ENCLOSED FIND $5.00 PER SUBSCRIPTION ($10.00 FOR OVERSEAS MAIL).

SEND MY ‎MONTLY MONTHLY‎ LESSONS TO:

NAME _________________________________________ ADULT OR YOUTH? _________

ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________

CITY ____________________________________ STATE ________ ZIP ____________

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE, BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER, WILMETTE, IL 60091 [Page 28]

Ads

(from page 15)

a scrolling billboard of Robert Harris’s 101 teaching tips. Comes with complete documentation. The cost? In a store, easily worth $30 or more. Your cost? Send two blank disks, a large self-addressed, stamped envelope with $2 in postage attached, and a pledge that you have sent a contribution to the National Fund. Do not tell me how much ... just promise me, on your word as a Bahá’í, that you have sent something above your regular contribution. How much is up to you. Send the disks, stamped envelope, and promise to Jim Wilde, [Address Redacted], Danville, KY 40422. Great for Feasts, Holy Days or firesides!

A SCHEDULE of classes for the Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media can be yours for no charge simply by writing to: Amoz Gibson Training Centre, HC 02 Box 14765, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612, or by phoning 809-878-4189.

YES, a postcard can still get you a free copy of the special October 1986 issue of Bahá’í News featuring the first International Peace Conference in San Francisco. Simply send your name and address with your request to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee still has several copies of “A Community Study Guide on ‘The Promise of World Peace,’” which was prepared by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly in August 1985. To receive a free copy, write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. But hurry—they’re available only while the supply lasts!

NOW available overseas: The American Bahá’í. Now Bahá’ís living in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii or anywhere else in the world may subscribe to The American Bahá’í. Subscription prices are $15 a year for U.S. or surface mail delivery, $20 a year for air mail. Now American friends living outside the U.S. for a few months or a few years can keep in touch. Please send in subscriptions for Bahá’ís only. For more information, contact Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

¿HABLA español? Or know someone who does? The Amoz Gibson Training Centre for Bahá’í Media offers courses in English and Spanish. For a Spanish-language class schedule, please write to: Centro de Capacitación Amoz Gibson, HC 02 Buzón 14765, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612, or phone 809-878-4189. Se habla español.

BACK issues of Brilliant Star are available—$2 per issue or order 3-6 for $1.50 each or 7-12 at only $1.25 each! Specify which issues you would like, or ask for our special “variety pack.” Great for children’s classes, rainy days or Feasts. Make a wonderful present, tied with a bow! Write to Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

BAHÁ’Í books—135 out-of-print and hard-to-find titles and editions, not available from Wilmette. Free price list on request. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016; phone 213-933-8291.

MISCELLANEOUS

ATTENTION all pioneers from the Philadelphia area! Here’s your big chance to see friends old and new in Philadelphia and be part of a super celebration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the city. The Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia will hold its biggest celebration/reunion yet the weekend of June 5-7, and we need to know as soon as possible if you will attend. Included will be a reunion party, a Unity Feast, a talk by Mildred Mottahedeh, entertainment, firesides and much, much more! Please let us know if you’ll be coming by writing to the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19151, or by phoning 215-877-6667. Let us know if you’ll need Bahá’í hospitality or if you prefer hotel accommodations.

ALL ARE invited to contribute to the fund establishing a scholarship at Haskell Indian Junior College in honor of Marianne Steffes, the first Native American Bahá’í, who was a graduate of Haskell. Checks, made payable to the Spiritual Assembly of Lawrence, Kansas, and earmarked for the “Steffes Scholarship,” should be sent to P.O. Box 584, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Farahmand Ziari, a Bahá’í from Hermiston, Oregon, recently received a national energy conservation award from the U.S. Department of Energy for an automated irrigation program he developed for his employer, the Umatilla Electric Cooperative. In August, Mr. Ziari received a state award for the program from Gov. Vic Atiyeh, who recommended it for the national award, presented November 13 in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, John Harrington. Mr. Ziari, who still has family members in Iran, is a member of the Eastern Oregon District Teaching Committee.

National Center has openings

Interested in working at the Bahá’í National Center during the summer?

Positions are open in gardening, maintenance, security, clerical and guiding at the House of Worship. Housing can be arranged and, if needed, a small stipend can be acquired to cover living expenses for some of the positions.

For an application, write to the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop ends eventful six-week summer tour of West Coast

The seemingly tireless traveling teachers who comprise the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop completed a six-week tour of the West Coast this summer, presenting some 80 “demos,” performing in 24 shows in more than 30 cities including Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Expo ’86 in Vancouver, British Columbia; and introducing the Faith to more than 100,000 people.

Along the way, they took part in numerous deepenings and firesides as well as one-on-one teaching events. They laughed and cried, were exhilarated and exhausted, suffered strained muscles, sore feet, twisted ankles, spider bites, colds, and the taunts of neo-Nazis—and wouldn’t have missed a moment of it.

The troupe, made up of more than 25 young Bahá’ís, marched in parades and performed at day camps, homes for senior citizens, festivals and fairs, shopping malls and parks, on the beach, in theatres, school gyms, university and civic auditoriums, and even in the streets.

One of their most moving experiences was seeing the reaction of the audience at the ‎Guadaloupe Guadalupe‎ Vocational Center for the Handicapped.

They also took part in a multi-tribal pow wow and visited the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho, to present their show to about 100 non-Bahá’ís.

Recent reports from Lapwai indicate that many who were in the audience are now seriously studying the Faith.

The Workshop members gave newspaper, radio and television interviews; meanwhile, ads and flyers helped spread the word. And the young people made friends with literally hundreds of people whom they met along the way.

Members of the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop perform before a typically large and appreciative audience at a shopping mall in Vancouver, British Columbia, during the group’s highly successful six-week West Coast tour last summer.

More than 50 attend Midwest conference on religion, science

More than 50 Bahá’ís and seekers from many Midwestern states attended a conference entitled “Religious Experience, Meditation, and Science” October 25-26 in Fairfield, Iowa.

The conference, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfield, featured a video, “The World as a Living Organism,” narrated live by Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy.

Talks on a unified field of consciousness were given by Dr. Kenneth Chandler and Dr. Ashley Deans, faculty members at Maharishi International University.

Bahá’ís and others met together in workshops to discuss their personal religious experiences, addressing questions such as “When do you feel closest to God?” and “Whom do you consider a spiritual person, and why?”

An overview of the mystical experience in Christian and Muslim literature was given by Holland Taylor, and in Bahá’í literature by Roger Maurice.

This was followed by “Inner Awakening,” readings of transcendental experiences documented by ancients and moderns, accompanied by slides of nature, wilderness and people.

A Saturday evening program featured music by a bluegrass band, “The New Trail Rangers,” and refreshments.

The conference ended Sunday morning with a devotional program, brunch, and a special tour of Maharishi International University for out-of-town Bahá’ís.

Left: Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi opens the session September 27 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, with an address on ‘The Bahá’í Faith and World Peace.’ Above: Some of the friends gather on the grounds of the Nine Oaks school after a morning deepening on marriage and the family by Drs. Hoda Mahmoudi and Richard DaBell.

Pictured are many of the 54 children and 17 adults who attended an overnight activity for children August 16-17 at White Eagle 4-H Camp in Leaf River, Illinois, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Rockford. The goals for the weekend were for the children to have fun at a Bahá’í event, get to know other Bahá’ís their own age, and increase their Bahá’í identity. [Page 29]Galen Kirk Valentine, a member of the Bahá’í community of Mesquite, Texas, and a 1986 honors graduate of Mesquite High School, is listed in this year’s edition of Who’s Who Among American High School Students. The listing carries with it an opportunity to compete nationwide for one of 50 $1,000 scholarships. Galen, a two-year honor roll student, is a member of the National Honor Society and was a Golden Herald Award nominee in 1986. An accomplished clarinetist and amateur artist, he was chosen for the All-Region High School Band his sophomore year after receiving three superior music ratings. He is also a self-taught calligrapher. After helping his parents, Bahá’ís Emma and Richard Valentine, establish a local business, he plans to prepare for a career in astrophysics.

On October 18, a day set aside by a local shopping mall for non-commercial organizations to publicize themselves and sell goods and services, Bahá’ís in Florence, South Carolina, set up this display organized around the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice, showing photos of presentations of the statement and highlighting key issues addressed by that document. While most other groups sold items to raise funds, the Bahá’ís shared freely their vision of a world at peace. The effort was part of a larger attempt to proclaim and teach the Faith to a broader range of society than has been reached before in Florence.

On November 30, Bahá’ís Fred Javid (right) and Carolyn Johnson of Billings, Montana, appeared on ‘Straight 8,’ a public affairs program on local television in Billings. With them is the interviewer, newsman Dave Rye. The interview consisted of showing a part of the ‘Mona’ video followed by questions and answers.

Kendra Hatfield, a Bahá’í from New Richmond, Ohio, who is a senior at Smith College in Massachusetts, was one of 24 young people who received this year’s Governor’s Youth Award from Gov. Richard Celeste of Ohio for promoting peace. At the reception which followed the ceremony, Kendra saw the governor standing alone. She said that since he had given her something special she would like to reciprocate—and gave him a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace,’ whereupon he told her that his wife already had a copy (which had been presented to her by the Bahá’ís of Southern Ohio).

For the third year in a row, the Bahá’í Group of Woodstown, New Jersey, sponsored a booth at the Salem County 4-H Fair in Woodstown. Bahá’ís from New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania donated their time to help make it a successful proclamation.

Naisan Geula, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Claremont, California, won a bronze medal last September for a third-place finish in a championship 26-mile bicycle race for 12-to 13-year-olds from the Western United States. Naisan, an eighth grade student, is a member of the Stars of the West, serving the Cause by teaching his peers at Bahá’í summer and winter schools. He also has been a member of the Los Angeles Youth Workshop, has served on the summer ‘Launch the Eagle’ teaching project, and in his earlier years was a member of the Bahá’í children’s choir, ‘The Children of Bahá.’ He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Arsalan Geula of Claremont.

DON’T FORGET to order your calendars for 1987-88/144 B.E.!

Pioneer Post on subscription basis

Pioneer Post is a newsletter consisting of excerpts from letters written by pioneers from the U.S. to the International Goals Committee. In its eight-year existence, Pioneer Post has been sent quarterly to the 1,500 or so U.S. pioneers in the field, as well as to Counselors, Auxiliary Board members, and a few others who have requested it. Now it is being offered on a subscription basis to anyone who is interested for $4 a year. Make checks payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund,” earmarked for IGC Pioneer Post, and send them to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. You’ll find Pioneer Post a continuing source of inspiration and love.

Bahá’í history comes alive in STORIES FROM THE DAWN-BREAKERS

Thirty tales of bravery, faith, and sacrifice from the early days of the Faith told by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and embellished by Persian music

Based on the book of the same name by Zoe Meyer

Four 60-minute cassettes packaged in an attractive vinyl binder $24.00

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

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 30]

William Davis to give keynote at Justice Society conference

William Davis, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, will deliver the keynote address at a conference of the Bahá’í Justice Society to be held March 27-29 at the Bahá’í National Center in Evanston, Illinois.

Please note that the dates for the conference, previously announced as April 3-5, have been moved forward one week.

The conference topics are “Implementing the Lesser Peace Through International Law: Preparing a Legal Professionals’ Conference to Call for a World Meeting of Political Leaders,” and “Ethics.”

The first focuses on the processes, legal mechanics and obstacles related to the Lesser Peace; the second concerns the exploration and proposed resolution of problems frequently encountered by Bahá’ís engaged in professions.

A public meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday evening, April 4. All are welcome to attend both the conference and public meeting.

The conference is sponsored by the Bahá’í Justice Society, which was formerly the Bahá’í Legal Society.

For registration information, write to Steven Gonzales, secretary, Bahá’í Justice Society, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Many Bahá’ís in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area helped set up and man this booth, sponsored August 20-September 1 at the Minnesota State Fair by the Bahá’ís of Falcon Heights. The theme of the booth was centered around three principles of the Faith: universal education, the elimination of prejudice, and the equality of men and women.

The Bahá’í International Community was among some 25 non-governmental organizations that took part last April 14-16 in a UNICEF NGO exhibition at the United Nations visitors’ lobby as a part of UNICEF’s 40th anniversary Executive Board Session. The theme was ‘Working Together for Children.’ In collaboration with the Office of Public Information and the Bahá’í U.S./UN Office, the BIC commissioned Bahá’í designer Hal Nickel of Wisconsin to develop an exhibit on ‘Educating Children for Peace’ displaying Bahá’í philosophy and action in the worldwide arena of children. The three-sided, eight-paneled structure embodied a world map showing the location of Bahá’í development projects, 19 large black and white photographs, and a central colored enlargement portraying such projects as the Rabbani Rural Health Project in India, the Bagandou Bahá’í Educational Center in the Central African Republic, the Colegio Núr in Chile and Radio Bahá’í in Bolivia and Ecuador.

Bahá’í to head Ohio hospital department

Dr. Jalal Afnan, a Bahá’í from Richmond Heights, Ohio, was recently named director of the Community Hospital of Bedford’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) department.

Dr. Afnan, a native of Iran, attended medical school at Pahlavi University and came to the U.S. in 1961. He served his internship and residency at St. Vincent Charity Hospital before moving to New York and completing a residency at the State University of New York’s Downstate Medical Center.

He is a fellow of the American College of Otolaryngology and the American College of Surgeons and vice-president of the U.S. Section of the International College of Surgeons.

Martyr

from page 24

...ing her jewelry and savings account were confiscated. Mrs. Rahimpur Khurma’i was acquitted of the charges brought against her except for unlawful marriage (as she was married according to Bahá’í marriage laws, which are not recognized by the government) and membership in the Bahá’í Faith.

As a result, she was sent to prison in Ahvaz, in western Iran. After seven months in prison, she was taken to a nearby hospital where, on February 7, 1981, she gave birth to a boy named Kamyar. She was then returned to prison with her baby.

Because of the war with Iraq, Mrs. Rahimpur Khurma’i was transferred with her husband and child to a prison in Dizful, farther from the fighting.

After great effort, her family was able to determine her whereabouts and set out to visit her. They found her steadfast, happy and determined.

Her Muslim relatives tried to win her release, but she refused to recant her faith in Bahá’u’lláh and the authorities refused to set her free.

Her family maintained telephone contact with her for two years until they were informed that she had been executed on May 12, 1983, by order of the Court of Dizful. She was 43 years old.

Her sisters went to the prison to claim her body for burial and to take her young son, but the authorities refused to relinquish either her body or her child.

The guards told her sisters that since Mrs. Rahimpur Khurma’i’s son was illegitimate, he had been taken to an orphanage. The aunts were not even allowed to see their two-year-old nephew.

Florida Bahá’ís in 2nd phase of ‘Cowan Project’

In the Spirit of the Roses, the Bahá’ís of Seminole County, Florida, launched a second phase of their “Angus Cowan Teaching Project” December 20-25, focusing on expansion in the Seminole County area including Altamonte Springs, an extension teaching goal, and Sanford, the county seat.

As many as 28 adults, youth and children, supported by other youth from Orlando and Casselberry, proclaimed the Faith in Seminole County and distributed more than 600 door-hangers, four of which were returned with requests for more information, in four single-home housing developments.

As a result of their efforts, three new seekers have been attending firesides.

Another component was two service projects, the first at a children’s home where the ‎projecteers volunteers‎ distributed oranges, picked the day before, and candy, sang songs, and gave away three strings of 19 hand-made paper birds.

Next the Bahá’ís visited a convalescent home in Sanford where some 70 elderly people live, again distributing oranges, cookies and candy and singing songs in English, French and Persian.

In addition to three firesides held in Altamonte Springs and Orlando, a social evening and a deepening to end the project were held in Seminole County.

A dozen certificates of appreciation were given to thank local and visiting participants for their services.

Bahá’ís in Seminole County, Florida’s ‘Angus Cowan Teaching Project’ are pictured during a Christmas Eve visit to the Central Florida Children’s Home where they gave out oranges and candy and entertained the children with songs.

Bahá’ís in Maine give statement, rose to mayors, others

On October 20, the Bahá’ís of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, presented a copy of the peace statement and a rose to the mayor and librarian in each of those cities.

In presenting the rose, the Bahá’ís explained that the gift commemorated the recent martyrdom of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Answers to crossword puzzle

ACROSS	DOWN
2. Abraham	1. Era
6. Run	2. An
8. AD	3. Ray
10. At	4. Ha
12. Via	5. Adverse
14. Ocean	7. UT
15. Universe	9. Bane
17. Guide	11. Covenant
19. Iqan	13. Unique
20. Etc	16. Ida
23. AB	18. Maid
25. Isle	21. Turn
27. NA	22. Clan
28. Ra	24. Bab
29. Doa	26. La

[Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

The National Fund's annual contributions goal comes within reach for the first time in B.E. 133 as a result of increased participation by individual believers.

In November, the contributions goal is exceeded for the second time during the present Bahá’í year. A larger number of individual contributors and a sustained effort by local Assemblies and Groups combine to make the national goal attainable....

The election of a Spiritual Assembly on the Crow Creek Reservation in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, brings the American Bahá’í community one step closer to the Five Year Plan goal of 25 Assemblies on Indian Reservations. Crow Creek is the 14th Assembly to be elected on a Reservation in the U.S., and the National Teaching Committee expects at least six more to be formed by Riḍván....

Meanwhile, a General Council is sponsored January 8 in Seattle, Washington, by the American Indian Teaching Committee to consider what the Faith has to offer Native Americans and ways of reaching them with the Message....

Charles and Helen Hornby, pioneers for the past eight years to Ecuador, discuss their experiences and offer advice to prospective pioneers during a visit to Wilmette, Illinois, where they attend a Pioneer Training Institute sponsored by the International Goals Committee....

Bahá’ís from more than 20 communities in the Washington, D.C., area attend an institute organized by Counselor Sarah Martin Pereira and Auxiliary Board member Albert James to study the writings on the Covenant and to discuss opposition that will develop against the Faith. The gathering is held November 20 at the Bahá’í Center in Washington....

Garreta Busey, a long-time member of the editorial staffs of Bahá’í periodicals, dies October 21 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, at the age of 83. A local newspaper runs a three-column article about her with the headline, "Garreta Helen Busey Dies/Professor, Author, Bahá’í."...

A teaching institute for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís, sponsored by the California Regional Teaching Committee, is held in October at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz. Forty persons attend, and five follow-up projects are under way....

Two teaching weekends are held in Berea, Kentucky, as a part of the "Appalachia Project." About 15 traveling teachers take part, and about 100 people are approached each weekend with the Bahá’í Message....

The Bahá’í Group of seven adults in Smyrna, Georgia, contributes enough money to send six or seven children to the Georgia Bahá’í Winter School....

In Palmer, Massachusetts, the Bahá’í Group contributes its Bicentennial issue of World Order magazine and an assortment of Bahá’í pamphlets to the Palmer Bicentennial Time Capsule, which is to be opened in the year 2176....

Letters

...these fallacious systems. But as with the Bahá’í Faith, do you think that the institutions that are ascendant, yet which burden the people, are going to encourage alternative solutions?

The four major works of von Mises are: The Theory of Money and Credit; Socialism; Theory and History; and Human Action. His works are quite readable.

For more information, I recommend that you write to the following address: Ludwig von Mises Institute, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849.

Bruce Koerber Tucson, Arizona

Wealth shouldn't divide us

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to Alice Dudley's letter (October) because I have heard this attitude about a separation in the Bahá’í community between the wealthy and non-wealthy expressed before and have a few thoughts on it to share.

It's true that the economy is placing difficult burdens on us. For some, the burden seems greater than for others. But to see the state of the economy as causing a schism within the Bahá’í community is detrimental to the spirit of the Faith.

Just as one member of a family may have brown hair and another blonde, some people in the Bahá’í community are more affluent than others. This is a fact to be accepted along with many other differences among us. It is not a separator, simply a difference.

I can understand the disappointment of not being able to take part in certain Bahá’í functions because of a lack of money, but we should not feel disheartened if we are unable to attend. Instead, we should feel joy that the Bahá’í community is able to offer these gifts to mankind, and consoled by the fact that those of us who contribute to the Fund have had a part in the offering.

While it's true that years ago one's Bahá’í membership card was the only admission needed, the fact is that substantial growth has taken place in the Bahá’í community over the past four decades, and the opportunities and challenges presenting themselves now naturally require a much greater outlay of funds.

For example, the San Francisco Peace Conference, which would not have been possible 40 or 50 years ago, had to incur a sizable expense. Certainly, the fees charged for admission had to reflect this.

We must keep our wits about us and realize that not everything is for everybody. In a worldwide community, is simply isn't possible to completely satisfy or appeal to every individual in every respect.

Many examples underscore this point. World Order magazine appeals to the scholarly; Brilliant Star focuses on children; not everyone can fill a pioneering post; only some of us have the opportunity to serve on an Assembly; only men can serve on the Universal House of Justice; a select few were chosen as Hands of the Cause; not every Bahá’í can afford to go on pilgrimage.

My point is this: we should not be troubled if an event sponsored by the Cause is beyond our financial means. Instead, we should look to the blessings it yields to mankind and be happy that the Faith has such a broad appeal to meet the diverse needs and capacities of humanity.

A negative attitude is assuredly reflected sooner or later in one's outward actions, and will serve only to turn people away. At a time when the Universal House of Justice has offered the Bahá’ís as an example to the world, isn't it ultimately important that we attract people?

Be content with what Bahá’u’lláh has given. He provides whatever we need. Be happy for those who are able to participate.

Sharon Karnik Dover, New Jersey

Campus

Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, or phone 517-774-4000.

Or you can contact the Motlaghs, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 (phone 517-772-1432).

The National Youth Committee is planning to republish "Great Great Deeds," a manual, guide and resource book for Bahá’í College Clubs. But we need resources: posters, articles, flyers, logos, event announcements, anything that has helped your club!

Please send materials to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

This column is for Bahá’í College Clubs and Bahá’í college students to share news and views. If you would like to submit anything (250 words or less) for the column, please write to the National Teaching Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Attention: Kern Kuipers.

Bahá’ís and ‘Trekkies’

To the Editor:

The letter headed "Bahá’ís and the Space Age" (November) brought nostalgia to some New York City Bahá’ís.

From May 1976 to December 1981, Bahá’u’lláh's quotation about life on other planets adorned a large poster of a galaxy that was the focus of attention at a Bahá’í booth entered in 14 "Star Trek" conventions in New York.

This was one of the most exciting proclamation efforts of our Displays Committee, one that introduced the Faith to thousands who flocked to these conventions from the U.S., Canada and Japan. We contacted most Star Trek actors and filmmakers, and lasting friendships were established with science writer Isaac Asimov and NASA scientist Jesco von Puttkamer, among others.

Among the highlights of this period were two public library exhibits on "Space Achievements" where the Bahá’í galaxy card was surrounded by testimonies from astronauts, scientists, Star Trek producer Gene Roddenberry, and materials donated by the Smithsonian, NASA agencies and related industries.

On March 30, 1980, an historic first "Bahá’í Symposium on Science and the Future of Mankind" featuring talks by Dr. Asimov, Mr. Von Puttkamer, and a Bahá’í, Dr. William Hatcher of Canada, drew an audience of 500, two-thirds of whom were not Bahá’ís, to Pace University.

This was followed in July by a three-day convention on Education in the Space Age, co-organized by the "School for the Future" and Bahá’ís from New York and Washington, D.C., at George Washington University in D.C. where the Faith was introduced to national educators and a woman astronaut.

During these years, Mr. Von Puttkamer enjoyed conducting yearly workshops on space developments at the Bahá’í Center in New York City, while Dr. Asimov and Star Trek actors and producers came also to present workshops.

Although he claims to be an atheist, Dr. Asimov has a great respect for the Faith, has always given his support to our programs, and welcomed the Universal House of Justice's peace statement in these words:

"... all good people should unite in preaching the need for peace. In this great cause, we can all find common ground.

"I particularly like the sentence (in the peace statement), ‘Unbridled patriotism... must give way to a wider loyalty, to the love of humanity as a whole.’"

Eliane A. Hopson New York, New York

Even ‘all’ is not enough

To the Editor:

I was distressed to learn... that virtually no funds had been sent by December for early completion of the $1.5 million donation to the Universal House of Justice.

In an effort to increase my monthly contribution to the National Fund, I took an extra part-time job. Although it will pay well, it does not start until January.

While feeling frustrated by the late starting date, I learned that I had received a merit award of $2,000.

I first decided to send half of it toward early completion of the $1.5 million goal, but as I was writing the check I remembered two stories told by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

The first was the story of Ella Bailey and how she had sent half her life savings to the Fund, then later sent the rest of it anyway.

The second was the story of Eduardo Durante Viera, the first African martyr. After recounting that story, Mr. Sears spoke of the martyrs in Iran who did not ask, "How much of my blood shall I give today? Ten per cent? Twenty per cent?" They gave it all—all they had.

After remembering these stories and knowing that the same martyrdom is continuing today, 50 per cent—even 100 per cent—seems too small!

Name withheld by request New York

‘Rebirth’ still an essential

To the Editor:

We Bahá’ís have a sort of motto, namely, "Uniting the world one heart at a time."

The Christians stress the idea of being "reborn," which is another way of saying the same thing.

Our Writings stress the need for each Bahá’í to change the direction of his life from one that is centered on the satisfaction of physical needs to one that is centered on our Father, God, and His desires for us.

Over the years I've read stories of the ways in which the lives of early believers were transformed. But in more recent years, we seem to have turned our attention to mass teaching, group and community development. We've forgotten that unless the individual believer changes, is "reborn," our Faith is just so many words in a book, and we cannot build the Kingdom of God on earth.

I would be interested in hearing from my fellow-believers who have experienced such a transformation, and if enough documents are received I would consider publishing a book so that the world may know that the Word of God through Bahá’u’lláh changes lives.

You may write to me at 87301.

James Stone Gallup, New Mexico

Illinois Bahá’í writes newspaper column

William Irving, a Bahá’í from Bartonville, Illinois, has begun writing a regular column, "A Bahá’í Perspective," in The Voice of the Valley, a bi-weekly newspaper that covers the Peoria/Decatur areas.

IN MEMORIAM

Queen Esther Bethea Nichols, SC December 17, 1985

Rosemary Burton Springfield, IL March 19, 1986

Louise Clancy Beaufort, SC 1984

Sarah Davison November 26, 1986 Urbana, OH

Mahmoud Darougar Hemet, CA August 29, 1986

Novalla Duvall Manor, TX November 10, 1986

Leland Finnicum Milan, IL 1985

James Hayden Coal Valley, IL 1983

Louis H. Hudson St. Louis, MO September 17, 1986

Augestine Jones Denton, TX Date Unknown

Wayne Massey Clarksville, AR July 4, 1986

Charlotte Murray Orlando, FL December 1986

Violet Newsome Cross, SC Date Unknown

Schole Raoufi St. Petersburg, FL November 23, 1986

Rosa Sanchez Marfa, TX Date Unknown

Janet Schorderet Fribourg, Switzerland December 12, 1986

Marjorie Schumacher Portsmouth, VA March 28, 1985

Martha Spencer Bogota, NJ October 12, 1986

Lucy Stanley Denton, TX Date Unknown

Dr. Robert Tillman Bethany, CT Date Unknown

Evelyn Waiters Beaufort, SC September 1986 [Page 32]

Viewpoint

from page 2

ican hits of recent years. From "Todos Juntos" (All Together) by a Chilean group, Los Jaivas: Para que vivir tan separados Si la tierra nos quiere juntar? Si este mundo es uno y para todos Todos juntos vamos a vivir. Literally translated, that is: Why live so separated If the earth loves us together? If this world is one, and for everyone, Then we’ll all live together. And this from "Solo Le Pido a Dios" (All I Ask of God) by the Argentine, León Gieco: Solo le pido a Dios Que la guerra no me sea indiferente; Es un monstruo grande y pisa fuerte Sobre la pobre ‎innocencia inocencia‎ de la gente. Literally translated: All I ask of God Is that war doesn’t make me indifferent; It’s a huge monster that crushes All the poor innocence of the people.

Bahá’í songwriters, producers and arrangers, we must not let the assurance that our Writings give make us indifferent, nor must we let Bahá’u’lláh’s advice to be moderate make us mediocre. We must arise to make our statement with "passion and knowledge."

We are children of this age; perhaps, more than anyone, we know its sufferings and the insanity it breeds, and we have yearned and worked and prayed for a world at peace, and in Iran our brethren are dying for it.

But not only our fellow Bahá’ís in Iran are dying for us. The poor, the displaced, the homeless and helpless all over the world are dying for us, and they will not live, and we will not live, until we allow ourselves to be ourselves in art: to sing out, with all the pain and force and passion of this age and of our love for God and humankind.

The Czech poet Jaroslav Seifert, who won the Nobel Prize in 1984, once said, "If an ordinary person is silent, it may be a tactical maneuver. If a writer is silent, he is lying."

We Bahá’ís are certainly not all writers, but we’re not ordinary either.

Yes, there are times when we must be silent, when it is wise, a tactical maneuver, and in this we have the good fortune of the guidance of the Teachings and of our own prayers.

But if our hearts are moved to a passion of lyric and melody with love and concern for humanity, and if we can produce our songs for others to hear, but choose instead to keep silent and try to fit ourselves and our self-expression into some chilly mode that will soon be outmoded—well, then, we are lying.

In "One Vision" the singer screams: Give me your hand—give me your heart— I’m ready! There’s only one direction— One world—and one nation— Yes, he screams it out: "I’m ready!" How many of his listeners are screaming with him?

It remains for us to answer with the truth, the power, the "passion and knowledge," the music... and by that I don’t mean "formula" music. The examples given here have been all styles: rock, reggae, soul, mainstream, ballad and the Chilean canto nuevo, which is a mix of Andean Indian instruments with rock.

The point is to speak from our hearts—and for Bahá’í communities and established Bahá’í artists to allow fellow Bahá’í artists to sing out, and to be unsullied by the pettiness that is so prevalent in the old world’s business-art milieu.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, in a letter published in Bahá’í News (No. 73, May 1933): "That day will the Cause spread like wildfire when its spirit and teachings are presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole. Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than could rationalizing, especially among the mass of people."

Yes, indeed, O people: "We’re all writing this song..."

Credit

from page 5

unions. Credit unions are supervised by state and federal governments. Like banks, they are audited regularly and must retain a certain percentage of deposits in reserves. Services offered by credit unions vary. They may include a variety of loans (i.e., secured, unsecured, education, auto, home improvement, etc.), life insurance on savings, federal deposit insurance up to $100,000, credit cards, checking accounts, and many other financial services. It is unlikely that a Bahá’í-run credit union would provide most of these services initially, but they may be considered and added as the credit union grows in membership and financial strength. All credit unions pay a competitive return on savings and offer loans at below market interest rates. These would be the basic services initially available through a Bahá’í credit union. The application procedure for establishing a credit union requires that the sponsoring organization survey its members to determine the scope of interest in the idea. The Office of the Treasurer’s Fund Development Department has been charged with preparing and carrying out such a survey of the Bahá’ís. The Treasurer’s Office would also like to identify any Bahá’ís who have served on credit union boards of directors or committees and who have other extensive experience with the management of credit unions. If you have had such experience or know of others who have, please write to the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Statement presented

On October 24, United Nations Day, the Bahá’í Club at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to NIU President John Latourette. An article about the presentation, which was made by club chairman Karen Jensen, vice-chairman Roger Ivey, and secretary Nan Wolgel, appeared in the school newspaper, The Northern Star.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A

1. ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames
2. ID# Title Full name
3. ID# Title Full name
4. ID# Title Full name

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

G We receive extra copies because:

• we do not have the same last name.
• We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.
• the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.
• Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

On December 10, Human Rights Day, the Spiritual Assembly of Green Bay, Wisconsin, presented its annual Human Rights Award to the Family Violence Center for its efforts to resolve situations of domestic violence. Accepting the award were the Center’s director, Sandra Prelipp (second from left) and chairman of the board, Jay Johnson (third from left), who is also news anchor for Channel 5 TV in Green Bay. Pictured with them are Ernest Block, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Green Bay, and Suzanne Ryan, the Assembly’s corresponding secretary. The award ceremony was covered in both local newspapers, on radio and television.