The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 6/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í
Volume 18, Issue 6

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

‘Abdu'l- ‘Baha

yin Americas

ANNIVER

SARY DIAMOND JUBILEE

1912 - 1987

The Master hosts Souvenir picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey

One of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s most outstanding and memorable accomplishments during His visit to North America in 1912 was to give a unity Feast to which all the JSriends were invited.

As a result of that Feast, He told the believers, “‘hearts will be bound together, spirits blended and a new foundation for unity established.””

The unity Feast was held in the form of a picnic in West Englewood (Teaneck), New Jersey.

Sharing with those who attended the event a glimpse of His divinely inspired vision of the future, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told them that the gathering had “‘a significance which will last forever.’””

The same words He spoke that day, he told them, would be repeated in commemorative meetings “‘for ages to come.’””

The Master’s words, which appear below, will be read aloud at unity picnics all across America on June 27 as Bahá’ís commemorate the 75th anniversary of that historic occasion.

.

This is a delightful gathering; you have come here with sincere intentions, and the purpose of all present is the attainment of the virtues of God. The motive is attraction to the divine Kingdom.

Since the desire of all is unity and agreement, it is certain that this meeting will be productive of great results. It will be the cause of attracting a new bounty, for we are turning to the Kingdom of Abha, seeking the infinite bestowals of the Lord.

This is a new Day, and this hour is a new Hour in which we have

See ‘ABDU’L-BAHA page 4

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

‘Abdu’l-Bahá (far left) with many of those who attended the ‘feast of unity’ held in June 1912 in Teaneck, New Jersey.

The Avertan

Baha’

Volume 18, No. 6

June 1987

78th Baha’i National Convention

The 78th Baha’ National Convention, held April 23-26 within the

‘A new level of maturity, awareness”

sacred precincts of the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois, was imbued with a maturity of deliberation and a sense of purpose perhaps unprecedented in the history of the American Baha’i community.

“It’s another sign that we are truly coming of age,’’ said Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly who also served as secretary of the Convention.

“Due to the increase in grassroots activity, notably in the distribution of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement,”’ he said, ‘and to concerted efforts within the community to foster unity, such as holding the Town Meetings last year, we are learning to shoulder more responsibility on the local level.

“As a result,” said Dr. Henderson, ‘delegates are coming here with much greater confidence, and consultation at this year’s Convention reached a new level of maturity and spiritual awareness.””

In addition, the new electoral units used for the first time last

year produced a significant number of new and first-time delegates (47 per cent did not take part in the 1986 National Convention) including many from minority groups such as blacks, hispanics and Native Americans.

This year’s Convention was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears who delivered the closing address Sunday morning, exhorting the friends to follow in the hallowed footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to emulate His teaching methods as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Master’s historic visit to North America.

Other special guests included Counselors Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter; Harriett Wolcott, the widow of Charles F, Wolcott, a member of

See CONVENTION page 13

u The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears exhorts delegates and guests at the 78th Bahá’í Na

tional Convention to follow the Master’s example and teach the Cause unceasingly.

Rouhieh McComb, one of the ‘living treasures’ who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to North

America in 1912, is helped onstage by Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

House of Worship marks 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’!l-Baha’s dedication of cornerstone

Twelve Bahá’ís who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shared their memories May 1-2 at the Baha’ House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, during a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Master’s dedication of the cornerstone.

The weekend’s activities, given added significance by beginning on the 12th Day of Ridvan, included an address by Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and professor of history at Yale University.

Dr. Kazemzadeh spoke of the House of Worship as the physical manifestation of the unity of mankind and a symbol of the unifying influence of the Word of God.

Quoting frequently from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talks in America, he pointed out how the Master repeatedly referred to the Temple as

a meeting place conducive to unity among all people, in addition to its purpose as a place for worship and prayer.

Afterward, Dr. Kazemzadeh was interviewed by a representative from the Voice of America which planned to broadcast excerpts from his talk to more than 120 countries around the world via its short-wave radio facilities.

Saturday’s events had begun in the morning with a special devotional service in the upstairs auditorium at which choirs from two area churches combined with the House of Worship’s choir to provide the music.

Introduced Friday evening as the “‘living treasures’’ of the Baha’i community, the 12 who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shared their childhood memories of sitting on the Master’s lap, receiving a hug or a

gift, or some other special thing that happened while they were with Him.

Some shared photographs of themselves with the Master, while others told of having been named by Him.

Two of the 12—Sophie Loeding of Wilmette (who in 1941 became the first full-time employee at the National Center), and Paul Voelz of Kenosha, Wisconsin—actually attended the cornerstone ceremony on the Temple grounds on May 1, 1912.

The others who shared their memories of the Master were Jean Bonn of Brillion, Wisconsin; Eva (Swingle) Daviduke of Glendale, Arizona; Joseph Idas of Fresno, California; Monroe Ioas of Forest Park, Illinois; Donald Kinney of

See CEREMONY page 4 �[Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i / June 1987

Refugee Office seeks to gather information in efforts to find, help non-lIranian refugees

The U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office at the Baha’i National Center is responsible for coordinating the efforts to help all (not just Iranian) Baha’i refugees who enter the U.S. To date, it has focused its attention primarily on the Iranian Baha’fs in an effort to have them recognized as refugees so that they might receive United Nations protection and the right to enter the U.S.

Now that our channels for helping Iranian Bahá’ís are established, we are trying to gather information about non-Iranian refugees and to develop ways in which to facilitate their transfer

Baha'i peace initiative given boost in Europe by Bavaria’s important Peutinger Collegium

The Baha’i peace initiative in Europe has received a major boost from Germany’s prestigious Peutinger Collegium, a social and cultural association whose members and supporters include some of the most influential figures in the State of Bavaria.

In November, the officers of the Collegium dispatched special gift copies of the Baha’i peace statement to all members of the State Parliament.

On December 3, at a gala event held in connection with the triennial presentation of the Collegium’s gold medal, each of the 2A0 distinguished guests was given a copy of the statement, and heard the Collegium’s president, Herr Gerhard Treutlein, pay warm tribute to the Faith, praise the heroic sacrifices of the Baha’is in Iran for the cause of world peace and unity, and call on the audience to “adopt and support’? the Baha’i ideals of peace.

Shortly thereafter, the January edition of the Collegium’s magazine, ‘‘Bayerischer Monatsspiegel,’’ reported to its readers on the distribution given by the organization to the Baha’i peace statement, and included an unusually strong statement of support for Iran’s Baha’i community.

On the editors’ own initiative, the magazine carried a related promotion piece advertising the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany’s excellent documentation booklet on the Iranian persecutions.

The Office of Public Information in Haifa was advised that the next issue of the magazine, whose cover photograph will be the Shrine of the Bab, is to carry an article on the Faith commissioned from a German Baha’i.

Such support is especially heartening because the magazine’s 30,000 subscribers include persons who are prominent in industrial, government and communications circles throughout southern Germany.

and adjustment into the U.S. Baha’i community.

As the spirit of man advances when tried by suffering, refugee populations often are ripe candidates for acceptance of the Baha’i Faith.

We know, for example, that once information about the Faith reached refugee camps in Thailand the Faith grew by leaps and bounds in a short period of time to the point at which many refugee camps now contain more Baha’fs than any city in the U.S.

However, record-keeping, elections and the like are quite new to these believers, and writing and reading materials are scarce.

In addition, world political turmoil and limited access to the refugees by the few Baha’is who are on the scene make it extremely difficult to know which refugees are

Baha’is, when they are coming to the U.S., what help they might need, how to welcome them to the community, and where they might settle.

Therefore, we are asking for your help. Individuals, local Assemblies, Groups, District Teaching Committees, Youth Committees—please write to us to let us know how many non-Iranian Baha’i refugees are in your area.

We would greatly appreciate whatever details you may be able to give us such as names, addresses, ethnic origins, needs, experiences, expectations of additional refugee arrivals, and so forth.

Please send information to the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. Thank you.

(Des r Friends..

ze

He's a ve

qood.

Speakew . & Touch shy ile,

By Heidi Burns, Lakewood, Ohio

‘Abdu’l-Bahá taught us ‘practically’ everything

a VIEWPOINT

Prayer is the heartbeat of Baha’i life, for we are a spiritual people. Through prayer we have all experienced, in our own ways, the fire and sweetness described in these words of Bahá’u’lláh, “Many a chilled heart, O my God, hath been set ablaze with the fire of Thy Cause, and many a slumberer hath been wakened by the sweetness of Thy voice.’’

But in our thirst for spirituality, in our efforts to be as spiritual and detached as was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, our perfect Exemplar, we sometimes overlook His other side: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was an eminently practical Man. Even non-Baha’is recognized that He ‘‘walked the mystic way with practical feet.’’

What does ‘‘practical feet’’ mean? Well, for one thing, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a Man of action. He didn’t merely talk about feeding the poor; He fed them, gave them clothing, gave them shelter.

He didn’t simply talk about going forth to teach the Faith—He

traveled many thousands of miles, sometimes under exhausting conditions, to carry the Message of His Father.

And He did this in His late 60s, at an age when most of us are (or will be) retired from anything more energetic than a round of golf in an electric golf cart.

When world war came early in this century, Turkish misgovernment compounded the hardships and food shortages brought on by a locust infestation.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá responded by planting wheat on some of the Baha’f-owned properties, and then shipping it by camel to feed the hungry in ‘Akká.

So extraordinary was His contribution that He was later knighted by the king of England, And when the British commanding general cabled London that his army had captured Palestine from the Turks, the message read: “Have today taken Palestine. Notify the world that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is safe.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá accomplished all this, and much more, despite nearly complete personal poverty: the wealth of His Father had been confiscated before ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Mini-essay

The bird and the squirrels

The following brief essay was written by Patrick J. Boyd of Rowland Heights, California.)

.

Once there were three squirrels who were trapped in a tree during a forest fire.

Seeing a bird flying toward them, they called to it in their desperate need. The bird, having seen their situation from afar, was already making her way to them.

“I will try to help you all,” said the bird, ‘‘but there isn’t much time.””

As the bird landed, two of the

the U.S.A.

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

squirrels hurried to her, saying, “Take me! Take me first!”

With no time to argue, the bird grabbed the begging squirrel closest to her and was off. The bird rose swiftly above the smoke and flames, taking the squirrel to safety.

Returning to the tree, which was now burning at its base, the bird grabbed the second begging squirrel and sped it safely away.

As quickly as she could, the bird made her way back to the third squirrel. Although both were nearly overcome by the smoke and flames, she managed to grab the squirrel and fly above the fire.

When they were far from the burning forest, the bird asked the squirrel, ‘‘Why did you choose to let your companions leave for safety before you?”

The squirrel replied, ‘Why did you return to a burning forest three times?”

This month’s article, ““Yet Another Lesson from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,”’ was written by Dan Anderson of Tucson, Arizona.

was 10 years old.

Because of the responsi ‘ies given to Him by Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could not even have a job, as such, to feed His family (let alone His hungry neighbors).

So where did he get the money to accomplish all this? It had to come from somewhere, because without money, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá might never have been able to leave Haifa (His long journeys cost the equivalent of thousands of today’s dollars).

Without money, He could not have fed or sheltered the poor. He would never even have been able to plant the wheat, nor would He have had the land to plant it on, in those lean years of World War I. Even seeds, after all, cost money.

Where did He get it? The answer is that He was supported by the friends. Through their contributions, He was deputized as a traveling teacher. Thanks to their generosity, He could be a true Friend to the poor.

With the help of the friends, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was able to sustain many hungry people through some extremely hard times. Without money from the friends, He would not have had so much as postage to send out those many Tablets from which we gain so much,

Among all the other lessons that He taught us, He showed us the importance and proper use of money in building the new World Order.

Those early believers understood that, through ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, their dollars and pounds, their francs and lira and rials, all were translated directly into spir

Discovery Channel to air Baha'i PSAs

The Office of Public Information has placed three Baha’i public service announcements on the Discovery Channel, which is offered via satellite to local cable TV companies and their subscribers.

These are the first public service announcements ever accepted by the Discovery Channel.

itual progress for mankind. Like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, these friends gave us an example to follow.

For without the ‘‘practical feet’’ of the Baha’i Funds, there simply would be far fewer of us who would yet have heard the sweet voice of Bahá’u’lláh, and far fewer of us to sit down together at Feast this month to warm our souls with the fire of His Cause.

We are truly indebted to those early believers for their practical generosity, without which the healing Message of Bahd’u’ll4h might not have arrived in our lifetimes.

Uncounted future generations will know, by our own practical response, exactly how grateful we are.

Pathways to Peace director to walk ‘flame’ across U.S.

Last autumn 15 million people in 50 countries helped carry a Flame of Peace around the world in the first Earth Run.

Because the flame was flown across the U.S., only those on the East and West coasts were able to take part in the event.

A part of the flame has since been in the custodial care of the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, and this summer, Michael Felgen, a director of Pathways to Peace, will walk from San Francisco to New York City to share the flame and its message of peace with thousands of people along the way.

His walk will end on the International Day of Peace, September 15, at which time he will symbolically join the flame from the West Coast with the eternal flame at the United Nations in New York.

Mr. Felgen is familiar with the Baha’i Faith and the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, and welcomes support from. Baha’i communities along his route. To offer their support, Baha’is may contact him or his organization at the following address:

Pathways to Peace, P.O. Box 1057, Larkspur, CA 94939 (phone 415-924-2412). �[Page 3]

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

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

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

.

Pioneers and ‘shock’ To the Editor:

Last December a friend wrote informing me that she had bought a subscription to The American Bahá’í for me as a gift.

You can’t imagine how happy this made me. I’ve been pioneering for nine years in Chile and only once in a rare while have I had access to this publication.

When the January issue came I read it from cover to cover like an eager child and absorbed everything like a sponge. One really doesn’t realize what a beautiful publication it is until he lives outside the U.S. What a joy it is to read about all of the proclamations,, teaching activities, summer schools, etc.

When I had finished reading it, I passed it on to other pioneers to read. Most of us had a similar response to the article ‘‘Every piomeer must face, beat ‘culture shock.’ ”” A visiting pioneer from another country said, ‘‘If I’d read this before leaving the States, I probably wouldn’t have left in the first place!”

My thoughts and feelings were much the same after reading it too;. however, we pioneers of long standing are so far removed from the American way of life that I believe we forget how there is so much of a psychological approach or analysis to so many things, Baha’i and non-Baha’i. In the States, we tend to make things so complicated and heady.

Certainly many of the points touched on in the article occur, and many others that were not mentioned, but they are part of the spice of life and the adventure of knowing new things.

One who goes pioneering should expect differences (unity in diversity) and changes (growing is natural, healthy and, sometimes, painful for a developing human being).

What a U.S. pioneer often does not realize until he leaves his “comfort-loving”’ culture is how much better off materially he is than most of the rest of the world, and how attached he is to that material comfort.

Also, he must come to realize— hopefully, sooner than later—that our purpose as Baha’is is to spread the Cause of Bahd’u’ll4h and not the cause.of U.S. culture. This, in my opinion—others may feel differently—is what causes the so-called ‘culture shock” or “role shock’? or whatever one chooses to call it.

As Baha’is raised in the U.S., we have a special spiritual destiny that we must arise to. I feel we will do this by expending less energy on psychologically analyzing everything and instead put that energy into being firm in the Covenant and teaching.

As Shoghi Effendi has written, “One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha’u’ lah.”

Of course, there was a part of me that was nervous and scared just before the plane for Chile took off, but that is normal for anyone heading for the ‘‘unknown.”

However, if we truly believe that we are citizens of the world and that “‘the earth is but one country,” this too will quickly pass. We will be traveling from one of our homes to another.

Most important of all is that our home is where Baha’u’llah is; if He is our priority, then we are always at home.

I hope that others will understand what I’ve tried to share and will arise to pioneer, because the need is still great.

If you are not able, then give to the Fund so that others can go and remain at their posts. With the incomes we earn in the U.S., this too is a bounty that has been granted to us by God, but that we don’t fully appreciate at this time. Someday we will; but by then, I hope it is not too late and that too many opportunities have been lost.

Louise Garnett Valdivia, Chile

Poets and prophecy

To the Editor:

I was quite pleased to read Janet Ruhe-Schoen’s comment (February) entitled ‘Poets and prophecies,’ in which she addresses the importance of the role of artists to preserve the highest dreams of humanity, speak out for their suffering fellow-men, and decry injustice.

Her examples of poetry and the lyrics of songs remind us of the impact that art can have on the shaping of a culture.

Baha’i artists can emulate these examples by striving to ‘‘produce in art the divine spirit that animates their soul,’ a hope expressed by Shoghi Effendi in a letter to an individual believer (December 11, 1931).

Baha’i communities can realize from these examples the importance of supporting and using the creative gifts of artists.

Specific goals of the Six Year Plan relate to the use of the arts— the House of Justice urges us to “make use of drama and singing in the teaching and i work and in Baha’i gatherings, where advisable,”’ while our own

National Assembly calls for ‘‘the development of drama and the arts as an integral part of Baha’i life and to expand the participation of artists in all kinds of community activities, such as the Nineteen Day Feast, conventions and conferences.””

All too often the arts are not included in our programs, or are cut out when the agenda becomes too full. A recent example in which this was not the case was the National Women’s Conference in Skokie, Illinois.

Here, the arts were well represented and were not extracted from the program even when scheduling became a challenge. I think that all the participants were moved by the diversity of expression and took pride in the accomplishments of those who shared.

It takes courage and determination both to produce art and to find ways of incorporating art in our lives and in Baha’i events. But when we do so, we will be amply rewarded and surely will hasten the widespread acceptance of the new World Order.

Thank you again, Janet, for reminding us of this perspective.

Anne Gordon Atkinson Wilmette, Illinois .

To the Editor:

To supplement Janet RuheSchoen’s selection of prophetic poetry (The American Bahá’í, February), may I submit these lines from Walt Whitman’s Passage to India:

Lo, soul, seest thou not God’s purpose from the first?

The earth to be spann’d, connected by network,

The races, neighbors, to marry and be given in marriage,

The oceans to be cross’d, the distant brought neear,

The lands to be welded together.

‘A worship new I sing,

You captains, voyagers, explorers, yours,

You engineers, you architects, machinists, yours,

You, not for trade or transportation only,

But in God’s name, and for thy sake O soul. ...

Then not your deeds only O voyagers, O scientists and inven The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 3

tors, shall be justified,

All these hearts as of fretted children shall be sooth’d,

All affection shall be fully responded to, the secret shall be told,

All these separations and gaps shall be taken up and hook’d and link’d together,

The whole earth, this cold, impassive, voiceless earth, shall be completely justified, ...

Nature and man shall be disjoin’d and diffused no more,

The true son of God shall absolutely fuse them.

The poem was written in 1864.

Ralph S. Chapman Madison, Wisconsin ‘Source of Baha’i love’

To the Editor:

Our family has found a source of Baha’i love, an opportunity to live for a week in a Baha’i community, a place to strengthen our children’s (and our own) identity as Baha’is—all this, plus fun!

Where, you ask? At the Wisconsin Baha’i Summer School at Camp Byron.

I’ve been surprised by the lasting impression the week made on our children, ages three and five years.

We try to take them to many Baha’i events and to surround them in a Baha’i atmosphere at home during the year. But it is their experience at Camp Byron that they continue to comment on and remember.

For example, “‘This is how we were taught to pray at Bahda’i camp,”’ or ‘‘We ate this or that food at Bahda’i camp,”’ or, “Remember our friend at summer camp?”’

Bahá’í Summer Schools, and specifically Camp Byron, are a resource and an assistance that I would encourage all Baha’is to take advantage of.

Barbara Sheridan Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Using our resources

To the Editor:

I have followed with keen interest the dialogue about the costs of attending conferences and other Baha’i-sponsored events.

In light of (until recently) chronic shortfalls in the Funds, I feel that we need, as a community,

to take a closer look at our use of resources, both individually and collectively.

We might, for example, contrast the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on large conferences with the $6,000 that has recently put together an entire permanent facility for the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Would it be to our benefit— spiritually as well as materially—to simplify our major gatherings, perhaps attempting to move them to lower-cost rural settings where the friends could imbibe some of the life-renewing elixir of the countryside?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá mirrored forth a shining example of simplicy, moderation and beauty in all of His undertakings. He advised Lua Getsinger, the mother-teacher of the West, to be (in her dress) ‘‘an admonition to the rich and a comfort to the poor.””

Do our gatherings, where we show our face to the world, reflect His example?

Karen Jentz Pierre, South Dakota

When ‘they’ become ‘us’

To the Editor:

I read Pamela Hawley’s letter (February) about ‘‘the most challenging issue” (i.e., racism) with great interest.

As a Caucasian, I too have experienced the same feelings of being ‘‘on the outside”’ of a group of black or Persian Baha’is. And I too was disappointed that the harmony and unity we extol didn’t just come with the declaration card.

However, I have had an experience that taught me first-hand an important lesson on overcoming that challenge, and a movie I saw last night brought it all into focus, and I’d like to share that with you.

Twelve years ago I was a threestriper on active duty in the Air Force. As an enlisted person, I took on the attitudes of my peers, one of which was that “‘officers’ wives are stuck-up, snooty and materialistic,” a nice simple box to put ‘“‘them’’ in, because “‘they’” somehow threatened ‘‘us.””

I eventually became a mother

See LETTERS page 31

new from the Bahda’i Publishing Trust

A reprint of the popular and comprehensive introduction to the Baha’ Faith, featuring @ new design ™ updated statistics and facts about the Baha’i community

™ some new translations of

Passages from the writings = new reference list

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

Bahd‘i Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 “Price vad only in the United States

pel 5 30

�[Page 4]4 / The American Baha’i / June

1987

CHAMPION. BUILDERS

oe * Pai PHILIP G. SPRAGUE

Philip Goddard Sprague was born January 1, 1899, in New York City, the son of Dr. Shirley and Marguerite Morette Sprague.

While still a young boy he was taught the Faith by an aunt, Carrie Kinney, and when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to visit New York in 1912, Philip, bursting with youthful enthusiasm, was overjoyed to see Him.

In 1919 and 1920 he received several Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in one of which the Master advised him to go into business.

At that time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, through His secretary, sent weekly messages to certain American believers about events in Haifa. Young Philip was of great help to the Kinneys in distributing copies of these messages to those in the Baha’i community.

Philip’s work among youth and young adults was outstanding; large groups thronged his fireside meetings, and many accepted the Faith through study classes which grew out of those meetings.

Philip was always happiest when teaching, and those whom he taught felt his deep spiritual conviction as he spoke.

From 1926-29, Philip and Dorothy Champ, assisted by Keith Ransom-Kehler, held successful firesides at Dorothy’s home in Harlem. This was one of the first inter-racial groups in the city.

During the Temple construction Philip inspired the friends everywhere to give to the Fund, and during the first Seven Year Plan (1937-44) he worked ceaselessly to secure settlers and pioneers so that the Cause might be established in every state.

As chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City, he kept constantly before that community the Guardian’s messages, and urged his fellow-believers to sacrifice for the progress of the Faith.

When the Guardian’s translation of The Dawn-Breakers was released, Philip read with avid interest that immortal record of the early days of the Cause, and was transported to great spiritual heights by reading about the Bab and those holy souls who surrounded Him.

The book had a profound effect on his life, as did another book, An Early Pilgrimage, by his dear Baha’i friend, May Maxwell.

He read and re-read that ac See SPRAGUE page 27

Ceremony

from page 1

Leonia, New Jersey; Rouhieh McComb of Sarasota, Florida; Sylvia Parmelee and Edna True, both of Wilmette; Isabelle Windust of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and inji Yamamoto of Madison, Wisconsin.

Miss True’s mother, the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True, was instrumental in fundraising efforts to aid construction of the House of Worship, which was begun in 1920 and completed in 1953.

Joseph and Monroe Ioas are sons of the Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Ioas who served for a number of years as secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

Miss Windust is the daughter of Albert Windust, an early Baha’i in Chicago who was the first editor of Star of the West.

Mr. Yamamoto’s father, Kanichi Yamamoto, was the first Japanese to embrace the Cause of Baha’u’ lah.

“Abdu’l-Bahá gave his first talk in this country in 1912 at the home of Donald Kinney’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney, in New York City.

All of these ‘‘treasures’’ were present Friday evening for a program that included devotions in the auditorium followed by music, readings and warm reminiscences in Foundation Hall.

The audience also heard memo~* ere

Singer Red Grammer delights the audience with his tuneful and imaginative compositions.

Baha'i wins award for oil painting of House of Worship

In April, Dayna Ring, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Larimer County, Colorado, received a third place award in the novice division of the Thompson. Valley Small Painting Show with an oil painting entitled ‘‘Baha’i Temple, Wilmette.”

Only 80 of the 150 paintings submitted were accepted by the judges. As a novice painter, this was the second juried competition that Mrs. Ring has entered, and both times her work was accepted.

At the opening reception, three people asked about the House of Worship, a fourth wanted information about the Faith, and another said she and her husband had ‘belonged to”’ the Faith years ago, and asked where they could attend meetings once again.

Mrs. Ring said she felt these inquiries were more exciting than the award she received.

Mrs. Ring’s painting instructor is a Bahá’í, Sharon Babbitt of Loveland, Colorado.

rized talks on the Faith presented by a trio of children—nine-yearolds Erin Bodan and Errol Doris and 11-year-old Saba Firoozi—all of whom study public speaking with Knight of Baha’u’llah Gayle Woolson of Evanston.

The evening ended with a recording of the Master chanting a prayer.

Saturday afternoon’s public program included songs by Red Grammer, lead vocalist with the “Limelighters’? who was one of the principal entertainers at last year’s Peace Conference in San Francisco; and selections by santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi, accompanied by pianist Rosamond Brenner, and vocalist Robert Reneau.

A surprise guest Saturday evening was Barbara Breitlander of Glendale Heights, Illinois, a greatgranddaughter of Nettie Tobin, the woman who acquired and transported the stone used by ‘Abdu’ l-Baha as the cornerstone during the Temple’s dedication ceremony in 1912. (For the complete story of Mrs. Tobin and the stone, see The American Bahá’í, May 1987, p. 4.)

Mrs. Breitlander said she had little knowledge of Mrs. Tobin’s involvement with the cornerstone until, several years ago, she attended a class where she met a Baha’i couple who later invited her to a fireside at the House of Worship.

After the fireside, Mrs. Breitlander met Edna True who told her of Nettie Tobin’s sacrifice and how it was rewarded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mrs. Breitlander has since become a Bahá’í.—Robert Allen

Above: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh,

vice-chairman of the National

Spiritual Assembly, addresses the audience in Foundation Hall. Below: Kay LeVan of Evanston, Illi

nois, visits with Paul Voelz of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who was not yet one year old when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited his home in 1912.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá from page 1

come together. Surely the Sun of Reality with its full effulgence will illumine us, and the darkness of disagreements will disappear.

The utmost love and unity will result; the favors of God will encompass us; the pathway of the Kingdom will be made easy. Like candles these souls will become ignited and made radiant through the lights of supreme guidance.

Such gatherings as this have no equal or likeness in the world of mankind, where people are drawn together by physical motives or in furtherance of material interests, for this meeting is a prototype of that inner and complete spiritual, association in the eternal world of being.

True Baha’i meetings are the mirrors of the Kingdom wherein images of the Supreme Concourse are reflected. In them the lights of the most great guidance are visible. They voice the summons of the heavenly Kingdom and echo the call of the angelic hosts to every listening ear.

The efficacy of such meetings as these is permanent throughout the ages. This assembly has a name and significance which will last forever. Hundreds of thousands of meetings shall be held to commemorate this occasion, and the very words I speak to you today shall be repeated in them for ages to come.

Therefore, be ye rejoiced, for ye are sheltered beneath the providence of God. Be happy and joyous because the bestowals of God are intended for you and the life of the Holy Spirit is breathing upon you.

Rejoice, for the heavenly table is prepared for you.

Rejoice, for the angels of heaven are your assistants and helpers.

Rejoice, for the glance of the Blessed Beauty, Bahd’u’ll4h, is directed upon you.

Rejoice, for Bahá’u’lláh is your Protector.

Rejoice, for the everlasting glory is destined for you.

Rejoice, for the eternal life is awaiting you.

How many blessed souls have longed for this radiant century, their utmost hopes and desires centered upon the happiness and joy of one such day as this. Many the nights they passed sleepless and lamenting until the very morn in longing and anticipation of this age, yearning to realize even an hour of this time.

God has favored you in this century and has specialized you for the realization of its blessings. Therefore, you must praise and thank God with heart and soul in appreciation of this great opportunity and the attainment of this infinite bestowal—that such doors have been opened before your faces, that such abundance is pouring down from the cloud of mercy and that these refreshing breezes from the paradise of Abha are resuscitating you.

You must become of one heart, one spirit and one susceptibility. May you become as the waves of one sea, stars of the same heaven, fruits adorning the same tree, roses of one garden in order that through you the oneness of humanity may establish its temple in the world of mankind, for you are the ones who are called to uplift the cause of unity among the nations of the earth.

First, you must become united and agreed among yourselves. You must be exceedingly kind and loving toward each other, willing to forfeit life in the pathway of another’s happiness. You must be ready to sacrifice your possessions in another’s behalf.

The rich among you must show compassion toward the poor, and the well-to-do must look after those in distress. In Persia the friends offer their lives for each other, striving to assist and advance the interests and welfare of all the rest. They live in a perfect state of unity and agreement.

Like the Persian friends you must be perfectly agreed and united to the extent and limit of sacrificing life. Your utmost desire must be to confer happiness upon each other. Each one must be the servant of the others, thoughtful of their comfort and welfare.

In the path of God one must forget himself entirely. He must not consider his own pleasure but seek the pleasure of others. He must not desire glory nor gifts of bounty for himself but seek these gifts and blessings for his brothers and sisters.

It is my hope that you may become like this, that you may attain to the supreme bestowal and be imbued with such spiritual qualities as to forget yourselves entirely and with heart and soul offer yourselves as sacrifices for the Blessed Perfection. You should have neither will nor desire of your own but seek everything for the beloved of God and live together in complete love and fellowship.

May the favors of Bahá’u’lláh surround you from all directions. This is the greatest bestowal and supreme bounty. These are the infinite favors of God. �[Page 5]The National Spiritual Assembly’s annual financial report for 1986-87 was presented to delegates and guests April 25 at the Baha’i National Convention in Wilmette.

The entire report as presented to the Convention, with figures estimated as of April 30, is available on request from the Office of the Treasurer.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Baha’i Fund has had an extraordinary year! Contributions were at record levels, permitting the National Assembly to retire all of its short-term bank debt and to reduce significantly its Fund deficit.

Steps are being taken to broaden the financial base of the Fund by assisting Bahá’ís with estate planning and business planning and by addressing the needs of special audiences within the Baha’i community.

This year’s record level of contributions to the National Fund was clearly imbued with the fragrance of ‘‘the roses.’’ Among the many activities carried out in the “Spirit of the Roses’’ were sacrificial donations of every size— from 1 cent to $1.5 million. As a result, we are more conscious of the spiritual potency of our material gifts to the Cause.

We made great progress this

A total of 12,500 individuals

gave to the National Fund at least once last year.

¢ Individual participation rose 6 per cent to an average of 7,644 contributions per month.

Participation by local Assemblies, however, fell by 6 per cent.

Fund development

The National Assembly has established a Fund Development Department in the Office of the Treasurer and hired its first Fund Development Director. This department will focus on the strategic planning of our financial resources, development of estate planning programs, and serving the needs of special audiences within the Bahdé’{ community (e.g., children, youth, professionals, etc.).

Automatic contributions

The Automatic Contribution System (ACS) now accounts for more than $850,000 annually.

The ACS expanded to more than 2,400 individual subscribers.

sembly with a steady flow of funds.

The National Fund continues to support the Faith all over the world. For example, during the

Approval given for Phase One of Green Acre restoration plan

“How is Green Acre? When will the season be opened? Green Acre is a most delightful spot. ... You must lay such a foundation so that the influence of the confederation of religions and sects may permeate to all parts of the world from Green Acre; and Green Acre for all the future ages and cycles may become the standard bearer of the oneness of the world of humanity. I will pray for the fulfillment of this truth.””

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

.

On March 28, the National Spiritual Assembly formally approved Phase One of the restoration of the Green Acre Bahd’{ School.

This first phase is to include the renovation of the distinctive Sarah Farmer Inn and enable the Inn to be used throughout the year.

This goal represents an important first step toward meeting the objectives of the Six Year Plan. Certainly, other goals related to teaching, sharing the love of Bahá’u’lláh, supporting family and community life, education and scholarship will be furthered through the development of this historic Baha’i school.

This momentous project is being launched during the 75th anniversary of the visit to Green Acre of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and serves to remind us of His six days spent there in 1912.

Green Acre is the only ‘Abdu’l-Bahá school in North America visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He spoke of Green Acre as ‘‘the ‘Akká of the Western world—the green, delightful ‘Akká ...’”

As part of the ‘‘groundwork’’ for the restoration project, Ray

LaBelle, director of operations at Green Acre, is seeking a foundation of ‘‘love letters’? from the friends’ experiences there.

Did you declare your faith or meet your husband- or wife-to-be there? Did you have an encounter that affected your life in another way? These remembrances will become a part of the archives as well as serving to convey the atmosphere created by the school over

years. These ‘‘love letters’” may be sent

to: Green Acre Bahd’{ School,

P.O. Box 17, Eliot, ME 03903.

Two named to direct Treasurer’s new Fund Promotion Department

As a part of the new developments in the Office of the Treasurer, Claudius Adebayo and Diana Harris have been appointed as coordinators of the new Fund Promotion Department.

This department, formerly known as Fund Education, will implement new approaches to educating the Baha’i community about the principles underlying this unique institution.

Mr. Adebayo and Mrs. Harris will direct the efforts to train and inform local treasurers, and will maintain regular communications with local Baha’is and institutions regarding the spiritual significance of participation in the Fund.

They-are also charged with developing and producing promotional materials as well as planning and implementing strategies for increasing both the level and regularity of Fund participation.

Mrs. Harris has a degree in edu See FUND page 10

last fiscal year, your contributions helped:

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 5

Treasurer’s annual report chronicles ‘extraordinary year’

thousands of visitors.

¢ Hold a major International Peace Conference in San Francisco, California, in which 7,100 people from 32 countries participated.

Send National Assembly representatives to meet with Baha’is

in 60 local communities to consult on the Six Year Plan and the National Fund.

Statements of Fund nses For years ended April 30, 1987 (estimated) and 1986 Exhibit 3 National NSA Bahat 1987 1986 sailed ropmnnse! attains __Bahdt ome Combined oa! Combina Salaries and wages $ 3,037,000 $ — $ 280,000 $ 174,000 $ 3,491,000 $ 3,387,000 Payroll taxes, health and welfare benefits 540,000 =_ 55,000 32,000 627,000 604,000 Travel 230,000 a 8,000 = 238,000 220,000 Meals, lodging and meetings 424,000 — 26,000 1,000 451,000, 135,000 Supplies 136,000 = 16,000 5,000 157,000 165,000 Telephone 197,000 -_- 26,000 3,000 226,000 228,000 Postage and shipping 220,000 oy 3,000 — 223,000 216,000 Office facilities, ‘equipment rental, and : maintenance 100,000 _— 12,000 - 112,000. 95,000 Professional fees 250,000 ss 34,000 6,000 290,000 287,000 Property taxes 45,000 vay sa hae 45,000 53,000 Insurance 150,000. _ 9,000 5,000 164,000 120,000 Utilities 215,000 _- 7,000, 19,000 241,000 281,000 Maintenance and repairs 163,000 -_ 4,000, 18,000 185,000 193,000 ‘Transporation 101,000 _ = 5,000 106,000 101,000 Printing, literature and audiovisual 127,000 _ 36,000 1,000 164,000 174,000 Contributions to the International Fund 1,500,000 _— _ _- 1,500,000 1,500,000 Contributions to other related funds 120,000 _- _ _ 120,000 140,000 Deputization and financial assistance 140,000 Ls ee ea 140,000 138,000 Food service 108,000 als oe 33,000 141,000 146,000 Interest 248,000 139,000 _ _ 387,000 441,000 Depreciation as 600,000 50,000 14,000 664,000 618,000 Miscellaneous a uss 11,000 Es 11,000 10,000 Cost of books and special materials = — 396,000 =- 396,000 534,000 Baha'i schools tuition 20,000) bend rad oe 20,000) 48,000) ‘Transfers between funds 509,000 (509,000) and a os 4 $ 8,240,000 $ 230,000 $ 973,000 $ 316,000 $ 9,759,000 $ 9,438,000 Fund Progress Since

LOST. Total $45 million

Contributions to the National Baha’i Fund increased 83% since 1981. Total contributions

exceeded $45 million for the seven year period—an unprecedented level of financial

progress.

$5,683,000

$4,649,000

| Hi

$5,867,000

$6,427,000

�[Page 6]6/ The American Baha’i / June 1987

Pioneer couple ‘builds new life’ in Providencia

>

Two retired Bahá’ís, Mary Jane Carter and Andrew Johnson, met in June 1976 at a Pioneer Training Institute in Wilmette. Mary Jane, Srom Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was slated to pioneer to San Andres Island, off the coast of Colombia, South America, while Andrew, from Pomona, California, was headed for Guyana.

When it was learned that their relationship had developed to the point of marriage, Andrew’s assignment was changed and he joined Mary Jane in San Andres, where they were wed.

Living in crowded San Andres was not easy, but the couple reactivated a community which two previous pioneers, Helen and Charles Hornby, had opened. A Sew years later, the Johnsons changed their post to Providencia, a nearby island. We share here a delightful letter from them:

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Providencia, where the year has brought a wonderful change in our lives.

Botswana schedules Youth Conference

“‘A New Challenge for a New Generation” is the theme of an International Baha’i Youth Conference to be held August 16-22 at Molepolole College of Education in Molepolole, Botswana.

The conference is sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Botswana and its National Youth Committee.

Besides classes and other activities, there will be many dynamic and well-known speakers plus special projects to help build fellowship among the participants.

For more information, contact the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Botswana, P.O. Box 466, Gaborone, Botswana.

Seven years ago Andrew bought an attractive piece of land with a beautiful view of mountains and sea. He was toying with the idea of building a home, or so Mary Jane thought; but it turned out that he was in earnest.

Mary Jane would say to him, “*Yes, dear, yes, dear,”” but secretly she thought he was chasing a rainbow.

To build a home at the age of 71! Where he didn’t know who was trustworthy, and the prevailing attitude was that all North Americans were rich and thus fair game for any kind of chicanery; an area where the arrival of supplies is erratic; where, if one store doesn’t have onions, there’s not an onion on the island.

Last week you couldn’t buy an egg, though chickens wander around in every yard and in and out of houses. For weeks, many people wait for a boat to bring propane gas, cement, gasoline and lumber.

But this was not our first problem. You’ve heard of ‘‘majfiana,”” which means ‘“‘not today.’’ The idea here is, ‘Don’t do anything today that you can put off ’til tomorrow.””

Three and one-half years passed before we could get a “‘document’’ (deed) for the land. These were years of strenuous effort, with Andrew “‘touching every base”’ trying to find someone who would help him make a legal transaction.

Though nothing was said, everyone understood that some extra money here and there would have speeded up the process. But we could hardly succumb to the prevailing custom of bribery while teaching that this is one of the symptoms of a sick world.

Finally God led us to a woman. in a responsible position who was outraged at our situation. She used just the right amount of persuasion, pressure and tact to procure our document.

We'll slide over the next 15 months spent in getting a permit

Judi Bryant and Mike Scott, visiting pioneers from South Africa, joined guest speakers Eunice Braun, Zylpha Mapp-Robinson and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor to present topics designed to assist 31 participants in a Pioneer Training Institute held April 9-12 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois, to be successful at their new posts. Bermuda was also represented by Mary Walker, a member of that country’s National Spiritual As sembly, and her daughter, Elizabeth. Janice Lever, who had served for the past several years at the National Center, left almost immediately after the Institute for Kenya, while four youth in their Year of Service were bound for Ireland and Botswana. Two other young people had joined the Peace Corps and were headed for Africa. Two representatives from local Spiritual Assemblies took information about pioneering back to their communities.

to build. After almost five years, we were ready to start construction.

We thought we were fortunate in getting the services of some of the island’s best workmen, but there were surprises ahead.

They didn’t work from a blueprint. We wanted windows all across the front of the house, facing the beautiful view. When we talked with the man in charge about the arrangement of the door and the four big windows, he said, “Pm not sure we can get four windows in there.””

Andrew said, “But you know the measurements of the house and the size of the windows.”’ The reply was, ‘‘We’ll see.””

As it turned out, from this man’s years of experience and an innate sense of balance, he produced a perfect arrangement.

Another ‘‘rule of thumb’’ was not so perfect. After the outside walls were up and the sheets of decorated plywood were being installed for partitions, we found that the plywood sheets (which had been on hand during the building) were about five inches shorter than the height of the outside walls. No matter. A five-inch strip added on top of the partition patched the gap.

So we have our home, with a lovely view, two good-sized bedrooms and a living room large enough for 30 adults at a meeting, or a class of 15 children playing active games.

Our whole life has changed. From cramped quarters in an obscure area, we now have ample room in a highly visible, accessible location.

Andrew and Mary Jane Johnson, pioneers to Providencia Island off

People are in and out all the time. Many are tourists who take pictures from our porch. Often, they are curious about the Faith. We laugh inwardly when they ask if we have something for them to read. Pamphlets are always at hand. Sowing these seeds for world unity is a great satisfaction.

Besides that, our family has grown. A 16-year-old islander whom we have loved since she was seven is now living with us.

She is an enthusiastic Baha’i, attracts people her own age, and is a perfect magnet to younger children.

In class she explains in their English dialect what Mary Jane says in North American English.

Also living with us temporarily is a young man from Bogotd, Colombia, who came to a ‘“‘Year of

the coast of Colombia, South America.

World Peace’’ meeting and immediately found the Baha’i Faith convincing.

So our family represents “‘unity in diversity’’: Mary Jane and Andrew, light and dark North Americans; Coleen, with an AfricanChinese background and island experience; and Jaime, a world traveler with a Spanish-Colombian inheritance.

The future is bright. Our happiness lies in the small part we are playing in the “‘greatest drama of the world’s spiritual history’: the perilous transition from a world of competition to a world of cooperation.

Trusting that things are going well with you, and hoping that you will write to us,

Andrew and Mary Jane Providencia Island

No kidding!

Travel teaching isn’t as ‘scary’

“International travel teach? You’ve got to be kidding!’’

International traveling teaching is not as scary as it may sound; however, there are a few important things you should know:

(1) Be prepared to fall in love with your Baha’i world family and its culture.

(2) Bahá’u’lláh will not call on you to do more than you are able.

(3) If you place your trust in Him, you may discover hidden talents you never dreamed you had

(4) ihe best provision for your journey is trust in God.

The role of a traveling teacher is mainly to support the activities of the Baha’is who are already labor. ing so valiantly in their own communities.

Service in the international field can take on a variety of forms. You simply need to contact the International Goals Committee, inform the traveling teaching coordinator, Carolyn Das, that you would like to serve as a traveling teacher during your vacation or business trip, or that you are making a special trip for the purpose of teaching. After a few administrative requirements, you are pre pared!

You'll be introduced to the receiving community and you may in turn inform them of your hopes, wishes and desire to serve the community.

You could choose to visit local Bahá’ís and pioneers, take part in a project if one has been planned,

give firesides, deepenings and/or public talks, help in the election of local Assemblies, mass teach and consolidate, take part in radio and television interviews, or do anything else you can imagine. The receiving country will be delighted to use your talents.

Here are some accounts written by traveling teachers. You, too, may serve the Faith as they have. Arise and be assured of ultimate victory!

Ruth Somerhalder—‘‘l_ was able to visit with five American pioneers in Merida (Mexico), as well as have dinner in the home of an Auxiliary Board member and visit in the home of one Mexican friend I had met on my trip to India.

“It was wonderful to share ideas with the people—both receiving and giving. All the Americans seemed happy to have someone come and see them, to care about what they are doing, and to perhaps give some encouragement and present fresh ideas about what is happening here.

“I was also able to share my India slides with some of the friends in Merida. ... Even though I did no direct teaching, I felt this trip was very worthwhile. Just letting people know that you care and are interested, and encouraging the pioneers, has a very positive effect.

“Also, for me, there was a great bounty in sharing a small part of the pioneering effort in Yucatan. Now, I am sharing my slides and

as it sounds

experiences with people here (in the States).

“T strongly recommend a travel teaching trip to visit pioneers. I think it’s beneficial both for the person traveling and also for the people—both natives and pioneers. They need to know that someone Cares,’

Nina Gordon—‘‘I found much more intense teaching on this trip than any previous trip. I was amazed by the teaching work that was going on in . It was dead when | was there a couple of years ago, and I returned home sad and discouraged

“This time, they worked me to death, and there were seekers in every Place where the friends were sincerely interested in teaching. I had as many as 36 seekers in a little village ... where a fairly new Baha’i is on fire!

“The friends in the entire area of little towns around _____ are really teaching. I was exhausted when I left. Exhausted, but happy!”

Mirta and Augusto Lopez— “On August 16, we took part in the first annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Chile.

“Among other participants, Mirta conducted a session on ‘Consultation as a Key to Peace,’ and I delivered an address entitled ‘The Future of Mankind: A Baha’i Perspective.’

“Nearly 50 people attended this

See TRAVELING page 19 �[Page 7]YOUTH

On the homefront

See the listing of homefront teaching projects on page 11 of this issue of The American Bahá’í. For more information, contact the National Teaching Committee.

75th anniversary commemoration

In commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America, youth have a unique opportunity to again fulfill the wishes of the Master in each and every Baha’i community across the country.

As youth, we can help carry out His wishes by travel teaching in areas that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not able to visit. This June 27, youth

can also support the souvenir picnics being held in their community. These picnics can bring together racial, religious, ethnic and special interest groups in the spirit of fellowship and unity.

Homefront pioneering

What is a homefront pioneer and how can I be one?

Many of us don’t realize how important it is to be a homefront pioneer. One way is to move to “‘mass-taught’’ areas of the country and help consolidate them.

Areas like many in South Carolina have a great number of people who have become Bahá’ís but have not become deepened or formed Assemblies. A pioneer to these areas would teach those who are already Baha’ is the fundamentals of the Faith and help them to understand Baha’i administration and to form Assemblies.

Another way to become a homefront pioneer is to save, or

\TE* CELEBRATE * MOTIV rE * CONSECRATE « EDUC] TE * STIMULATE *« CONGR SATE * ACTIVATE + CELBI \TE « MOTIVATE « CONSE(

It's a Date!!! June 30 - July 4, 1988

Indiana University

Bloomington, Indiana

a triple conference with separate sessions for youth ¢ children « & their

We Can't Wait!!!

Bahd'f National Youth Committee » Wilmette, IL + 60091

parents

help form, a Spiritual Assembly. Someone who moves to an area with a jeopardized Assembly, or with a Baha’i population that is less than nine, would qualify as a homefront pioneer.

There are also some states in the U.S. with relatively low Baha’i populations. A Baha’i who moves to one of these states is considered a homefront pioneer. A list of these states is available from the National Teaching Committee.

Students can be homefront pioneers by helping to save a jeopardized Baha’i College Club, or by helping to form one. The opportunities to teach on campus are great, and a college club can be a helpful peer group while in school.

Homefront pioneering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and there are many ways to become a pioneer. For more information, or if you feel that you already qualify as a homefront pioneer, please contact the National Teaching Committee.

Youth Conferences

Canada, 1987 Baha’i International Youth Conference. Theme: “Peace—Let It Be This Generation.” July 8-12 at the University of Western Ontario. Baha’i and non-Baha’i youth ages 14-28 are welcome; no adults or children are admitted. Cost: $150 (four nights shared accommodations, 10 meals, registration included).

Mexico. 1987 Baha’i International Youth Conference, Guadalajara, Jalisco. Dates: July 24-26. Cost per night ranges from $10 to $39. Meetings, teaching trips, talks, entertainment. Two-week teaching project begins July 27.

United Kingdom. 1987 Baha’i International Youth Conference, August 5-9, Manchester University. Nine travel-teaching trips immediately afterward (August 9-16). London mini-conference August 16-18 to share teaching experiences.

Africa, 1987 Baha’i International Youth Conference. Theme: ““A New Challenge for a New Generation.”” Botswana, Africa, August 17-22. All ages are welcome. Immigration process can take up to two months, so time is a concern. Workshops, youth speakers, and a whole lot more!

United States. 1988 Baha’i International Youth Conference, Indiana University, Bloomington. A triple conference with separate sessions for youth, children, and their parents. For more information, contact the National Youth Committee by mail or phone 312869-9039.

Overseas projects

Belize, Central America, is hosting a three-part summer teaching and consolidation project from July 15-August 15. Teachers are needed in Belize City, the Toledo District, and the western part of the country.

Dominica, a Caribbean island, needs summer school teachers. This is their first summer school project.

Guatemala, in Central America, would like teachers for the Livingston Project. There are 300 Baha’ is in Livingston and the people are very receptive. The goal is for 10 per cent of the people in

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 7

Where will YOUth teach this summer?

Livingston to be Baha’i by the end of the Six Year Plan.

The Cayman Islands, a British Crown colony in the Caribbean, has many opportunities for teaching. The islands have an international flavor and need people for both teaching and visiting to deepen isolated believers.

Jamaica, in the Caribbean, is hosting a youth project and needs five youth from the U.S. and five from Canada to help stimulate youth in rural areas, help teach, hold children’s classes, and help with additions to the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

For more information about any of these opportunities, phone the International Goals Committee, 312-869-9039.

Youth Year of Service

The positions listed here are those presently open through the Youth Year of Service program sponsored by the National Youth Committee. More positions are being developed.

For more information about these positions and an application, write to the National Youth Committee.

It should be noted that transportation costs to and from the post are the responsibility of the volunteer. Many of the positions provide a stipend to cover some living expenses; most, however, require the volunteer to pay his or her own expenses.

Africa

Benin, Burkina, Central African Republic, Chad, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe: Young men are being recruited in these countries to man Mobile Institutes (vans equipped with audio-visual materials that travel from village to village to teach the Faith and deepen believers). Several are French-speaking and would require a fluency in French. Also important is the ability to drive and to make minor auto repairs. Stipend may be available.

Botswana: Deepening instructor for a national committee to help prepare deepening materials, set up deepening programs and conferences, and train teachers. May include supervision of grounds maintenance.

Botswana: Construction supervisor for rural Baha’i Centers needed to supervise and assist in building the Centers in village areas. Must have basic building skills, especially in masonry.

Botswana: Consolidation team members are needed to serve under the direction of the National Teaching and Deepening Committee.

(Note: The National Spiritual Assembly of Botswana would welcome between 15-20 American Bahá’ís to help with deepening. Anyone who is interested should contact the National Youth Committee to discuss possible placement.)

Sierra Leone: Coordinator for a regional Center in Pujehun. Projecteer (male preferred) would

ize, plan and coordinate activities at this regional Center,

Sierra Leone: Children’s class coordinator is needed to train teachers and supervise classes. Includes travel to villages to set up classes with local Assemblies, and

preparing visual aids. Central America

Belize: Pre-school teaching supervisor needed in a school run by local youth. Oversees school finances, creates materials in a loving environment, works with sponsoring local Spiritual Assembly and parents.

Belize: Older youth needed to serve as executive secretary at the Baha’ National Office.

Mexico: The National Spiritual Assembly would like to have two young men to travel and teach in established communities on the Yucatan peninsula. A good working knowledge of Spanish is necessary.

Additional posts are soon expected to become open in Bolivia and Guatemala.

North America

Arizona/New Mexico (NavajoHopi Project): An ongoing teaching and consolidation effort. Several homefront pioneers live on the Reservation, and youth are needed to help with the work.

Illinois (House of Worship): Volunteers are needed to serve as guides; some clerical/office duties may also be included. Stipend is available.

Illinois (Persian/American Affairs Committee, Baha’i National Center): Help with the daily work of this office including answering the phone, responding to corres _pondence, filing and photocopy ing. Good knowledge of Persian, and ability to translate into and from Persian is necessary. Stipend available.

Illinois (Properties Office, Baha’i National Center): Many jobs are available through this office. Needed are volunteers for the following categories: security, maintenance, handyman-type activities, office assistant, landscaping and grounds, drafting, painting, carpentry, plumbing and others. Experience in the category(ies) of

See YOUTH page 32 (\

The Louhelen Residential College is now taking applications!

Located on the campus of the Louhelen Baha’i School near Davison, Michigan, the college offers students the opportuni.y to attend either Mott Community College or the University of MichiganFlint while living at Louhelen. Here’s a chance to go to college while living in a spiritual and supportive atmosphere.

The Louhelen Residential College also offers courses on the Faith and on college study skills. Allt this, plus opportunities to serve the Faith and to attend conferences and other activities at Louhelen.

For more information about the college, write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. �[Page 8]8 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

XK ay \

v ae

Map of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels in North America

Kansas House resolution lauds peace statement

On April 10, the Kansas House of Representatives adopted a resolution commending the Universal House of Justice’s statement to the peoples of the world, “The Promise of World Peace.”

The resolution reads in part:

“‘Whereas, peace and mutual understanding are the most compelling needs in this world of increasingly interdependent nations; and

“Whereas, the achievement of peace is frequently assumed to be incompatible with human nature,

Week-long program marks Master’s visit to Washington, D.C.

This spring, the Baha’is in Washington, D.C., enjoyed a week-long program of special events commemorating the visit by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to that city in 1912.

The activities began Sunday, April 19, at the Baha’i Center with a slide presentation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit.

The next day, the diamond anniversary of the day the Master arrived in Washington, many of the friends took a bus tour of the places He visited while there.

Baha’is also gathered for prayers at the former Parsons residence, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed while in Washington.

On Tuesday there was a special program on the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baháé, and on Wednesday a devotional program, both of which were held at the Baha’i Center.

Thursday, April 23, featured a dinner and anniversary program commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Howard University. At least 100 people attended the program in Rankin Chapel, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed an audience of more than 1,000 on that same day 75 years before.

The week’s activities came to a close Sunday, April 26, with a presentation at the Baha’i Center on the life of the Master.

In the afternoon, the annual picnic at Fort Hunt Park, Virginia, was held in honor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A special task force in charge of planning and implementing the commemorative activities reported that the week’s events were well-attended and successful, both in proclaiming the Faith and in bringing the friends closer in spirit to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

and this assumption leads to despair and a general paralysis of will; and

“‘Whereas, this paralysis can only be overcome by educatii people and encouraging their involvement with a wide spectrum of social and interpersonal issues which are the foundations of peace; and

“Whereas, the Baha’i world community has been in the forefront of such issues for over a century, contributing to social and economic development, to the emancipation of women, and to the elimination of prejudice; and

“Whereas, the experience of the Bahd’{ world community at the grassroots level can inspire hope that international peace is possible as well as provide an example of how to lay its foundations; and

“Whereas, in this International Year of Peace, the City of Cambridge reaffirms its commitment to world peace; Now, therefore,

“Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas; That we commend ‘The Promise of World Peace,’ a letter to the peoples of the world by the Universal House of Justice, the governing Council of the Bahá’ís of the world, as a valuable resource for all citizens who yearn for peace, and that study of this document is enthusiastically encouraged.’”

House Resolution No. 6120 was sponsored by Reps. Jessie Branson and Kathleen Sebelius.

If you can’t pioneer— deputize!

Abdu’l-Bahá

in Americ

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

In tibute to the 75th Anniversary of *Abdu’l-Bahá visit to Americ ited edition of 2000 18°x24" commemorativ: prinis have been made. Captured in this photograph is « vase of roses on a table in “Abdu’l-Bahá’s room" at the Wilhelm house, Teaneck, New Jersey. “Abdu’l-Bahá stayed in the Withelm house in i912 and at that time gave His Souvenir picnic unity feast in the grove behind the house. The proceeds from the sale of this print will ‘offset the expenses of the Souvenir picnics.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America

Piease send order to: National Teaching Committee Baha'i Nat ‘Wilmette,

| Name | Address | City/State/Zip

Veneta py nie eee | (610.00 per print) | 1.25 for postage and handling)

Make checks payable to: Baha Services Fund

June 1912

| Friday Saturday Returned to New York and told the friends about His trip to Fanwood. Received visitors, one _ — Viator Harps ho 5| 7) 8 Retumed to the Church of | came tovisit’Abdut- | Left theestate andwent | Wenttto the Unity Club | Arivedin Philadelphia at the Ascension for a brief Bahd every day until back to New York. and spoke ata children’s _ of people in His home. | 6:00 p.m. and checked talk and to answer “Abdu'-Baha left for New affair. Various civic Took a ride in a public questions. Hampton. Another visitor] leaders and statesmen | park in Brooklyn. Walked [aaa was a Cabinet member ‘were present. Spoke at | alone ina garden near who invited Him tohis, tl BOTY | tie Women's Union on | His home, Inthe morning, spoke ~ | estate LUBETILET| treeducatonotwomen | | to the Unitarian Church congregation. In the 10 ab) Account of Juliet 12 13) afternoon, metvisitors | At9:30 am, addressed | Spoke with Abdu’ Because of the lack of andreporters. Inthe | 50 people in the home of | the friends Bahawas vory red, but | time and stength, ceemeapers emer | pmeera: Oa | rs eee ees , train left for New York. ea —af ‘see indi so people in the Baptist ‘Conducted interviews at ‘His Garden’ —that night, | He arranged for a public Temple at Broad and | the Revell's and at the He attended a ‘Board | | meeting Berks Sveets. Hotel Rittenhouse. 7 meeting’ at the Kinneys’.” z| ea ‘Spoke at the Fourth Unitarian Discussed the | Fiveditferent sequences | Final sitting for Juliet Rode to Mrs. Kasebiers | Arrivedin Montclair, New Church on Beverly Roadin Flat- | meeting the | of Abdu'-Bahd were Thompson's portrait. with Lua, Hinklo Smith, | Jersey where He rented a bush, Hadlunch at Mr. MacNutt's | previous even- | filmed.at the MacNutt | Appointed Lua Getsingor | and Juliet Thompson. In | home and spoke to peo- Be home and spoke tothe friends. In | ing. Was vsit- | home. Next, wentto visit | “Horaldof the Covenant” | the afternoon, answered | ple who came tosee Him. | Lett Montclair at 29 conal eat Onen on: canon iL comes font Brookdyn Dectinaliouee MroNew York tithe Took the friends to 28 eae Hancock Street in Brooklyn. magazino, Thatnnight, returnedto | readitto the friends. friends of His wish to ‘bandstand in the Unly Fees. aartond ot New York, — @@ _| Designated New Yorkie | have a Unity Feast when park. Spoke aboutthose | ihe home of Roy Wihelm. ‘Spoke with people about thehistoy 23) 74 | exhausted. etatbe Cocca: He returned, See aati es Walked and spoke with om ole bb end of Wea Abdo rm tole the mine roe 27 | sea neeted He not return. biennial Q Walked in the He replied, “My source is eae ARar dete coer Arrived in Mortistown, stopped at the home park. Passers-by stared | the Holy Threshold..." | 0S, Ailor dark, candles of Me Topakyan, Persian Gouneul Gonoral. 30} 25 26| atthe unusual scene: | People passing by Si ‘A barbecue was given in ‘Abdu1-Bahd's honor. | Instructed friends and visitors. | Broakfasted in tho ‘Americans following an | stopped to speak with cmos a Inattendance were prominent New Yorkers and | who flocked to His doors. Edsall home. Eastemerin reverence. | Him about the Faith, society folk. Spoke on the evil of materialism, eT a EET ET

‘Ones andeverts wore o¥acina tan fb 239 Days �[Page 9]

Family Unity Night (Fun)

FIRST WEEK OF JULY: Martyrdom of the Bab, July 9. Thought for the week: “It is better to guide one soul than to possess all that is on earth.""—The Bab. Prayer: Bahd’! Prayers (Remover of Difficulties). Lesson: Read one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. ‘Abdu’tBahd by H.M. Balyuzi, pp. 45-46, 126-130. 2. Vignettes, No. 41, p. 29. 3. The Chosen Highway, pp. 30-32. 4. God Passes By, pp. 276-77. Activity: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá used the above-mentioned prayer when He was having difficulty purchasing the land for the Shrine of the’ Bab. Find the answers to these questions: 1. Who assigned the task of building the Shrine of the Bab to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? 2. How long did it take ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to complete the task? 3. Who was martyred with the Bab and was that person young or old? (The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 507-8). Refreshments: WLGI Cookbook, ‘‘Nutties”” or “Easy No-Bake Cookies.””

SECOND WEEK IN JULY: Kalimat (Words), July 13. Thought for the week: “The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds.’’—Bahá’u’lláh. Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, pp. 179-81. Lesson: Read and discuss one or more of the suggested lesson materials: 1. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by H.M. Balyuzi, p. 27 (Bahá’u’lláh’s description of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teaching method). 2. Gleanings, p. 277. 3. Vignettes, No. 102, p. 103. 4. Brilliant Star magazine, March-April 1986. Activity: As a family, make a “Wheel of Fortune’ game. Consult and make a wheel that can spin, draw lines to divide it into parts, and give each part a monetary value. Cut out pictures from a catalog or magazine for prizes to win. Write a word or phrase in large letters on a piece of paper and cut the letters apart. Try to use words or phrases from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, such as ‘‘Abbas Effendi’ or ‘‘Be happy! Be happy!”’ To play: lay the letters of the word or phrase face down; one person spins the wheel and then asks if there is a certain letter in the word or phrase. If the person says, for example, “‘b” and there are any “‘b’s,”’ turn them all face up. The person continues to play until he guesses incorrectly. Then it is another player’s turn. The first one to guess the word or phrase wins and gets to choose a “prize.”” Younger children: Learn to say ‘*Abdu’l-Bahá”’ and ‘Be hap

py! Be happy!” Refreshments: Fresh fruit in season.

Louhelen sets 4th conference for training children’s teachers

The fourth National Children’s Teacher Training Conference is scheduled July 3-6 at the Louhelen Baha’i School near Davison, Michigan.

Sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, and planned by a task force of that committee and the Louhelen Child Education Committee, this annual conference has served as a major opportunity for the training of new children’s teachers, and for an exchange of ideas and inspiration among more seasoned teachers.

Kurt Hein, a member of the Na California Assembly certifies business as minority-owned

Acting in an official capacity, the Spiritual Assembly of San Leandro-Hayward (California) Judicial District recently certified that a company was indeed a minority-owned business enterprise.

The company’s owners, who are neighbors of an Assembly member, were told that a good place to obtain a certifying letter would be a church; but instead of going to a church, they decided to approach their Baha’i neighbor.

Assembly members arranged to meet with the owners and examine their birth certificates. After determining that the owners were in fact members of a minority group, the Assembly carefully drafted a letter and gave it to them.

Both the Assembly and the company’s owners are happy with the results: the Faith is before the public in an official way, and the company has the certification it needed.

tional Teaching Committee, will conduct a session on ‘Bringing Cultural Diversity into the Baha’i Classroom’’ and on ‘Building Multi-Cultural Awareness.’’

This workshop promises to present a challenging and engaging course appropriate for teachers of all ages.

Workshops on curriculum planning for three major age groups will also be held. Keith Boehme will conduct the “Under 8’’ workshop, Roger Davis the ‘‘8-12’” workshop, and members of the Louhelen Youth Board the ‘‘Junior and Senior Youth’? workshop.

In addition to these classes and workshops, mini-workshops and presentations will be held each evening.

Participants are asked to bring materials, curricula, and ideas to share at these mini-workshops so that everyone may benefit from each other’s areas of expertise.

Materials-making workshops will also be held throughout the conference.

The cost for the conference— including meals, lodging and materials—is $74 per adult (in a fourbed room).

Assemblies, Groups and intercommunity schools are encouraged to send teachers. A 10 per cent discount is available for those sponsored by an Assembly.

To register, please contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Any Bahi’i can give to the Fund— adult or child National Baha’i Fund

Wilmette, IL 60091

Pictured are many of the 73

adults, youth and children who attended the fourth annual North

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 9

February 13-16 at Mayville State

x 4 a ‘ ha MS Dakota Baha'i Winter School held College. The focus and theme of

the sessions was the Six Year Plan.

Louhelen’s summer of ’87 promises study, fellowship, fun for everyone

EDUCATION

Summer 1987 at the Louhelen Baha’i School promises study opportunities, fellowship and fun for everyone in the Baha’i family!

For children, there are children’s classes taught by outstanding Baha’i teachers at most of the summer sessions. There are arts and crafts, nature and recreational activities as well.

Camp Louhelen—for children 7-10—is scheduled August 23-28. Run by James Lewicki, this camp will combine spiritual, educational, social, emotional and physical development through camp activities.

For youth, Louhelen plans a major conference for junior and senior youth from August 16-21.

The conference will be planned and taught by youth under the direction of the Louhelen Youth Board.

Youth who would like to be trained as teachers are especially encouraged to attend.

A Youth Academy for youth who want an intensive, serious study of the Faith, is planned for July 26-31. Enrollment is limited, so enroll early.

For single adults, there will be a “Singular Experience’? conference from July 10-14; this will build on the spirit of ‘‘spiritual intimacy”’ and familial bonding that has been created at past Louhelen singles events.

For adults who desire an intensive study experience, there are two such events—one in Persian and the other in English—from July 26-31.

Classes in English will be taught by Dr. David Earl (‘The Hidden Words’’) and Dr. Sam McClellan (‘Toward a Baha’i Culture in America’’) and will include intensive study, devotions and meditation as well as independent study.

For families of all sizes and ages, there are three sessions planned—each with classes for all ages as well as devotional, social, nature study, arts and crafts, and recreational activities.

Each session includes a beach trip, variety show night, and softball, volleyball, ping pong and basketball tournaments against the infamous “‘Louhelen No-Frills Bears.’”

The July 19-24 session includes, as adult teachers, Auxiliary Board member Steve Birkland and his wife, Nadjala (‘Balancing Family, Work and the Baha’i Life’’), Holly Vick from the World Center (‘Social and Economic Develop ment’’) and Linden Qualls (“‘Activities to Teach Peace’’).

August 2-7 will have Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy (‘Concepts of Growth’’) and Vanessa Clark (“The Most Challenging Issue’) as teachers, while August 9-14 will feature Auxiliary Board members Trudy White and Ed Diliberto with ‘‘Deepening the Spiritual Life’ and “‘The Unfolding Implications of the Covenant of Baha’u’llah,”’ respectively.

Everyone is invited to attend Homecoming from September 4-7!

Fellowship, recreation, inspiration and fun mark this annual event. Older alumni of Louhelen are especially encouraged to come as the Council launches the writing of a history of the school at this event.

Whatever your age, whatever your need for growth and inspiration, Louhelen offers something for you this summer!

For more information, or to register, please contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

Be like the fountain— empty yourself, and be refilled

National Baha’i Func Wilmette, IL 60091

HOUR OF THEDAWN

cThe- Life of th fet a je

A ery

MARY PERKINS

New from George Ronald, Publisher

A clear, straightforward and easily readable account of the life of the Bab, based on the historical researches of am and H. M. Balyuzi.

Nabil-i-A

Here are the stories of the Letters of the Living, the dasht, the siege of Shaykh T Nayriz and Zanjan, the trial of the Bab, and finally

in Tabríz when the sun was blotted out by the ‘dust as 750 rifles fired their volleys.

Conference of B:

that da

224 pages. Hardcover $15.95, Softcover $7.95

Order from Baha't Distribution Service

315 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880 ‘or through your local distribution representative no postage on orders shipped within the 48 contiquous United States (add 15% outside this area)

abarsi,

�[Page 10]10 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

‘Spirit of Roses’ blossoms in reports of victories

Stories of victories accomplished in the Spirit of the Roses continue to flow in to the Baha’i National Center.

From Arizona, we hear that the spirit is still going strong with an ever-increasing number of believers brought into the Faith and deepened through the Raul Pavén Teaching Project.

Kansas has meanwhile issued a

challenge to Iowa, which began May 23, to vie with them in an effort to bring back to Assembly status all the communities that have ever lost their Spiritual Assemblies in those states, open new localities, and enroll believers from all ethnic backgrounds.

In Alabama, a local Spiritual Assembly which was formed for the first time in Florence—like so

many other Assemblies formed for the first time this year due to efforts dedicated in the Spirit of the Roses—is now blooming. The Spirit of the Roses was not a bed of flowers that suddenly withered when the 189 days dedicated to the Iranian martyrs came to an end on April 26. Indeed, we are now enjoying the Spirit as never before as the Roses appear

in full bloom.

Attar of Roses permeates all of our activities with a new level of awareness of what can be accomplished when we arise in the spirit of service and sacrifice and go forward undaunted to meet the goals we have set for ourselves and our communities.

We are truly beginning to un derstand these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “‘As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be.’’

Please continue to keep the National Center informed of your ongoing activities in the Spirit of the Roses. The ‘‘spiritual journal” for the Iranian Baha’is— each page a fragrant petal—has not yet been closed.

Baha’is ready to assume leading role in ‘Global Peace’ Women’s Conference

On Thursday, April 24, the words of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Universal House of Justice gave courage to women in Texas, their families, friends and guests during the first national planning meeting for ‘‘Global Peace—An International Women’s Conference.””

The goal of ‘‘Global Peace’’ is to bring to Dallas on August 8, 1988, 10,000 women from every country in the world to discuss from a woman’s perspective how to bring about world peace, and to establish the framework for immediate international cooperation among the women of the world until peace is accomplished.

Vivian Castleberry, the initiator of “‘Global Peace’’ and founder of Peacemakers Inc., had previously been given a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.”

Before the main address at the

Fund

from page 5

cation from the University of Kentucky and has been working for more than 12 years in public relations, office administration, communications and sales.

Before joining the Office of the Treasurer, she was manager of the Tourism Division of the Greater Wilmington (North Carolina) Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Harris, a lifelong Bahá’í, is the mother of three children.

Mr. Adebayo has served as treasurer of both a local Spiritual Assembly and a District Teaching Committee in Wisconsin.

From 1978 to 1982, he pioneered to his native Nigeria where he worked as the technical training manager for the Peugot Automobile Training Center.

Mr. Adebayo helped the National Spiritual Assembly of Nigeria translate Baha’i literature into the Yoruba language spoken by nearly 60 million Nigerians.

As chairman of the National Proclamation Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Nigeria, he helped introduce the Faith to top government officials and eminent citizens in that coun try.

Mr. Adebayo has spent the past five years as director of American Training and Development Consultants, a firm that specializes in curriculum development, management development, and technical training programs.

He has a degree in English from the University of London (1969); in chemistry and biology from the University of Lagos (1972); and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial education (1978) from the University of WisconsinStout.

Mr. Adebayo is married and has two children.

planning session, she asked women from the Baha’i, Christian and Jewish faiths to introduce to the large audience their beliefs concerning peace from a woman’s perspective.

The Baha’i Faith was chosen to lead the discussion, she said, because of the position Baha’ is have always maintained on global peace.

After a brief greeting, Carrie Paige Smith of The Colony, Texas, read selections from ‘‘The Promise of World Peace,’’ the Bahai compilation on women, and Paris Talks.

The strong audience applause verified eager acceptance of the Baha’i position. Said Mrs. Castleberry, ‘‘It was just what we needed to set the stage for what we must accomplish.””

Anyone who is interested in becoming a part of ‘Global Peace— An International Women’s Conference’? should contact Peacemakers Inc., P.O. Box 280799, Dallas, TX 75228.

‘Fireside’ video contest winners

This spring, the National Teaching Committee sponsored a contest for video taped fireside presentations. There was a three-way tie for the winning video. The winners were:

Bahá’í Fireside, produced by the Baha’is of Scottsdale, Arizona. A warm, effective speaker presents a comprehensive overview of the Faith and its major principles in a “typical” homefireside setting.

The Bahá’í Faith: Put It to the Test, produced by the Baha’i Information Office of Miami Valley, Ohio. An informative, investigative look at the Faith which especially addresses the questions of those who know about its teachings but are concerned that the Faith may be a cult rather than a legitimate world religion.

To Move the World, produced by Braz Productions. A moving presentation of the 1985 Baha’i International Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Creative and entertaining, the video holds the attention of the audience while providing a brief introduction to the Faith, and is especially relevant for youthful audiences.

Judging the entries were Tony and Marina Andrews (an interracial, non-Baha’i couple); Jenny Williams (an American Indian serving on the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai, Idaho); and Nat Rutstein (a communications specialist and author of several books including Teaching the Bahá’í Faith).

The availability of the winning video tapes will be announced in next month’s issue of The American Bahá’í.

Va. luncheon honors Albert James

oom

Bahá’ís in Northern Virginia sponsored a luncheon April 12 in Great Falls to honor Albert James, an Auxiliary Board member for more than 20 years.

Nearly all the Assemblies in the district, coordinated by the District Teaching Committee, worked together to plan the event, which was attended by close to 100 Baha’is. ‘e

Among those present were Auxiliary Board members William Roberts and Tahereh Ahdich.

Mr. James, who was born in 1915, became a Baha’i in his early 20s after being taught and carefully guided by Louis Gregory.

Since his appointment to the Auxiliary Board in the mid-1960s, Mr. James has traveled more than half a million miles in his capacity as a Board member and as a traveling teacher.

Following the luncheon, Mr. Roberts paid tribute to Mr. James’ life of service and his outstanding spiritual qualities.

Although known for his sweet and gentle nature and his deep love for the Faith, said Mr. Roberts, Mr. James was known to change quickly to a roaring lion

Albert James (second from left) was the guest of honor April 12 at a luncheon sponsored by the Ba hd’ts of Northern Virginia to

when defending the Covenant.

Asa tribute to his work, the Baha’is of Northern Virginia presented Mr. James a plaque on which were inscribed words of their love and appreciation.

Several others shared stories about Mr. James and added their personal tributes.

In typical fashion, Mr. James tried to turn the focus of the meeting away from himself by speaking of the many things

honor his more than 20 years of service as an Auxiliary Board member. rn

others in the room had done for the Faith. ‘

Mr. James’ untiring work for the Cause continues in his present capacity as an assistant to Mr. Roberts.

And now, he says, that the burden of Auxiliary Board membership has been taken from his shoulders, he finally has the time to do what his heart and soul find most rewarding—traveling and teaching.

Baha’is in Ohio host ninth Human Rights Day banquet

On December 14, the Baha’ is of the Miami Valley area (DaytonSpringfield, Ohio), under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Kettering, presented the ninth annual Human Rights Day banquet at the Holiday Inn in Moraine.

One hundred-fourteen tickets were sold with more than 30 purchased by non-Baha’is.

Plaques honoring their contributions to the cause of peace were given to the three recipients: the Friendship Force, the American Friends Service Committee, and David Hergesheimer, a local peace activist.

Youth for Social Responsibility, accepting on behalf of the American Friends Service Com Auxiliary Board member Dr. June Thomas addresses the ninth annual Human Rights Day banquet

mittee, gave a five-minute ‘‘rap’’ on racial equality; Mrs. Jeanne Comer of Friendship Force capped her acceptance speech by having her daughter sing an ode to unity.

The keynote speech by recently appointed Auxiliary Board member June Thomas was well-received. A video tape of the event was made.

The local media helped proclaim the event with three articles in the Dayton Daily News and Journal Herald, and an announcement on the local CBS-affiliated TV station’s late evening news.

Also, more than 1,800 invitations were sent to non-Baha’is, and several communities invited their public officials to attend.

in Moraine, Ohio. The event was

held last December 14.

Various special touches added to the quality of the banquet including name tags, background music, corsages, roses on each table, professionally typeset programs, a past recipients’ display, and a display of Baha’i books and pamphlets.

Traveling teachers can help carry out Master’s dearest wish

One of the most well-known of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statements to the American Baha’is in the Tablets of the Divine Plan is the quote, “Oh that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of ‘Ya Bahd’u’lAbha’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely. I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.’”

It is the hope of the National Teaching Committee, through its Traveling Teacher Office, to befittingly commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic visit to North America by making an effort to fulfill this wish of the beloved Master.

But offices and committees do not do traveling teaching—people do. If you would like to help carry out the wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, please contact the Traveling Teacher Office, c/o Dale Sollars,

. Blackfoot, ID 83221 (phone 208-785-4495). �[Page 11]A new approach to Baha’i booths

TEACHING

Across the nation, Baha’i communities are in the process of preparing display booths for pro

Jeanne Eugene, a 14-year-old Bahá’í from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who arrived in the U.S. from Haiti five years ago not knowing a word of English, is one of 30 students in a class of 450 at Sunrise Middle School in Fort Lauderdale inducted recently into the National Junior Honor Society. Induction in the Society is based on ‘scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership and character.’

claiming the Faith at county and state fairs.

In the past, such booths have typically provided basic information about the Faith while Baha’ is manning the booths were available to answer questions.

However, many visitors hesitated to approach—or even avoided approaching—the booths where Baha’is merely sat, staring into the crowds with hungry “‘step-into-my-parlor’” looks in their eyes.

Last year, the Baha’is of Flathead County and Kalispell, Montana, tried a different approach at their county’s fair which produced an excellent response from the fair-goers.

Instead of having the usual information-only display booth,

they offered an area where mothers of infants and toddlers could come to rest and attend to the needs of their children.

Baha’is manned the area with an emergency supply of baby care products and rocking chairs—plus Baha’i pamphlets and_ posters. The grateful parents responded warmly to this service-oriented approach to proclamation and teaching.

Perhaps such an innovative, service-oriented approach could also produce excellent results at many of this year’s fairs.

It may be quite advantageous for Spiritual Assemblies and Baha’i Groups to welcome and consider new ideas during the planning stages for summer and fall proclamation activities.

‘Retired’ Baha’i manages to keep busy

Lisel Lowen, a Baha’i from Nyack, New York, retired in 1976 from the Rockland County Health Department, where she served as a public health educator.

Perhaps ‘‘retired’’ is not pre‘ly the proper word to use here. Since leaving the health department, Ms. Lowen has volunteered her time with a number of agencies including Home Aids of Rockland, the Society for the Visually Impaired, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the Audubon Society, the Extended Family Group of Rockland County, and Meals on Wheels.

In May 1986, she was honored

with three other women at the annual ‘‘In Celebration of Women Day” in Suffern for their outstanding community services.

“I have an answering device on my phone,” she said in a newspaper article about her volunteer services that appeared five years ago, ‘‘and sometimes people who call think I’m an agency.”

Little wonder, as this ‘‘isolated Baha’i”” manifests in her actions the spirit of the Universal House of Justice’s directive that we serve mankind by becoming involved in social and economic development at the local level.

Teaching projects in U.S. spring

As we enter the second year of the Six Year Plan, a heightened spirit of enthusiasm enlivens the Baha’ community.

With our new awareness of our spiritual strength, the victories won during the 189 days dedicated to the Iranian martyrs in the Spirit of the Roses have blossomed into audacious plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the visit to North America of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Among the significant achievements last year was the hosting of more than 130 teaching projects by local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees. The National Teaching Committee would like to see many of these projects continued in order to reach a total of 200 during 198788.

The ultimate goal is to have every Spiritual Assembly in the country sponsor a teaching project.

Listed here are a few of the

fn SS SS ee ee ee eee ee

Teaching Projects — 1987

bi

teaching projects taking place this summer, Please use the form below to advise the National Teaching Committee of the teaching project in your community.

Phoenix, Arizona, area: PROJECT RAUL PAVON. Ongoing. Judith Spychalski, 602-269-2703.

Los Angeles, California, area: SUMMER OF SERVICE. July 17August 30. Partow Khademi, 213473-4281.

St. Petersburg, Florida: SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT. Ongoing. Marsea Ulmer, 305-825-0702.

Davenport, lowa: FIRE IN THE

HEARTLAND. Ongoing. Fred Frazer, 319-391-3621. Navajo/Hopi Reservation, Ari zona: NAVAJO/HOPI PROJECT. Summer 1987. Jeff Kiely, 602367-5126, ext. 8595.

Tuolumne Mi-wuk Rancheria, California: TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT. Ongoing. Salimata Dia, 209-928-3252.

Georgia: NEW JERUSALEM. Ongoing. Layli Miller, 404-993-7067.

Wichita, Kansas: VICTORY HAR up like ‘Roses’

VEST. Ongoing. Ken Tedder, 316-838-9125. Portland, Maine: NORTHERN

LIGHTS PROJECT. June 19-Suly 3. Carl Pabst, 207-642-4097.

Omaha, Nebraska: AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT. Ongoing. Kay Webster, 402-846-5459.

North Carolina: CAROLINA VICTORY TRAIN. Ongoing. Sam Williams, 919-679-2623.

South Dakota: AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT. Ongoing. Ed Roberts, 605-462-6309.

Wind River Reservation, New York: WIND RIVER PROJECT. July 1987. Pam and Gary Wolfe, 307-8756409.

Lowell, Massachusetts: LOWELL PROJECT. Ongoing. Lorraine Matthews, 617-459-1604.

Buffalo, New York: PROJECT LUA. Ongoing. Jeane Delaney, 716423-7491.

Providence, Rhode Island: PROVIDENCE PROJECT. Ongoing. Kingsley Swan, 401-273-8364.

Falls Church, Virginia: OLINGA TEACHING PROJECT. Ongoing. Thomas Ndousse, 703-848-0266.

\ By

} Name of project: Sponsor:

I Dates: Location:

V Contact person:

I Cost per participant: —

Goal(s) of project:

| Comments:

\ Return to: National Teaching Committee, Bahd'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

SO ee ee ee es

NN Se eel et ts ew i

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 11

Volunteers are highly prized by National Teaching Office

Pictured is Miss Electra Healy of Evanston, Illinois, who was eight years old when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to America.

Miss Healy helped the National Teaching Committee staff put together the ‘‘picnic packets’’ sent to Spiritual Assemblies and large Baha’i Groups which contain materials to help in planning the June 27 picnics.

Miss Healy, a Catholic, has found the National Center a pleasant place to spend some free hours in volunteer service since she recently retired from her practice of orthoptics (an orthoptist is one who studies the eye muscles).

Another recent volunteer in the National Teaching Committee office was Frank Edwards-Hill of Auburn, Washington, who is a volunteer coordinator by profession.

While there, Mr. Edwards-Hill had a chance to find out what it is

like to be a volunteer himself. He came to the National Center during his vacation, he said, with a desire to serve and a curiosity to find out ‘‘what really goes on’’ at the Center.

When asked what he had found, Mr. Edwards-Hill said, ‘‘1 was truly pleased with the quality of the working environment; with the way people were relating to one another and with the high level of performance.”

The valuable services of volunteers such as Miss Healy and Mr. Edwards-Hill are very much appreciated.

Others who are interested in satisfying curiosity, contributing their skills, or filling in some free time may arrange to volunteer at the National Center by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by phoning 312-869-9039.

U.K. schedules Youth Conference ’87 August 5-9 at Manchester University

Youth Conference ’87, organized by the National Baha’i Youth Committee of the United Kingdom, will be held August 5-9 at Armitage Centre, Manchester University.

The conference theme is ‘‘Service ... at all times, in all climes.’”

Among those who are expected to attend are the Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery; Dr. Peter Khan, the newly elected member of the Universal House of Justice; Counselor Aziz Yazdi of the International Teaching Center in Haifa; Counselors for Europe Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, Adib Taherzadeh, Adam Thorne and Sohrab Youssefian; Douglas Martin, director of the Office of Public Information at the World Center; and members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

Performers will include Canada’s Doug Cameron and Jack Lenz.

Also scheduled are:

¢ a series of 20 workshops covering topics of special interest to youth;

exciting sessions for Bahá’ís

ages 12-15;

fun-packed late night programs of entertainment, music

and dancing; and

full use of Armitage Centre

facilities including tennis, squash, swimming, sauna and solarium.

Special events planned in association with the conference include the Bijan Talibi Project (July 18-25), the Payman Subhani Project (July 26-August 4), nine travel-teaching trips (August 9-16) and a London ‘‘Mini-Conference’’ (August 16-18).

For more information, write to Youth Conference ’87, 7 Kimblewick, By the Wood, Carpenders Park, Watford WD1 5AJ, United Kingdom.

Young Texas Baha’i to attend Merchant Marine Academy

Vahid Morris, a member of the Bahd’{ community of Roby, Texas, has been appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

He is one of 245 candidates chosen from a nationwide pool of 6,000 Congressional nominees,

Vahid, a senior at Roby High School, began thinking about attending the Academy when he was 13 and pioneering with his family in the U.S. protectorate of Micronesia in the South Pacific.

As an Academy Midshipman, he receives a four-year scholarship including tuition, room and board and uniform, and a salary of $500 a month, equivalent to an estimated $80,000. �[Page 12]12 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly

The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States:

One hundred and eighty-nine red roses, a gift of love and inspiration from the Persian Baha’i prisoners to the American Baha’is, served as the principal catalyst for the victories of our community in the year 143 B.E., the first year of the Six Year Plan.

Ina scene that we shall not soon forget, the roses were given, one by one, to the delegates to the 77th National Convention by the members of the Board of Counselors: Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter.

Each delegate, in his turn, stepped forward to receive, in behalf of all the Baha’is in his district, a rose, a loving embrace, and a challenge to redeem the sacrifices of the martyrs with an unprecedented deluge of victories.

The gift of the roses, which touched the hearts of American Baha’is so deeply, inspired the campaign, ‘The Spirit of the Roses.’’ The Baha’i community responded with over 8,000 letters documenting teaching efforts, service projects, community development activities, and contributions to the Fund all rendered in the spirit of redemption for the sacrifices of those who died and those who continue to be held captive for the sake of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause.

The example of uncompromising steadfastness set by the Persian Baha’is has become the standard of service of the Six Year Plan.

In the midst of our efforts to formulate the goals and launch the activities of the Six Year Plan, we lost one of the ‘Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth,’’ the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem. His loving nurture of the American Baha’i{ community for a period of more than 25 years stirred our hearts and deepened our faith.

A short time later, another champion of the Faith of Baha’ull4h, member of the Universal House of Justice Charles Wolcott, was taken from us.

His dedicated service to the Cause as an outstanding teacher, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, Secretary-General of the International Baha’i Council, and member of the Universal House of Justice since its inception, sets him apart as one of the heroes of the American Baha’i community.

Six Year Plan

The launching of the Six Year Plan coincided with two other historic developments in the Faith: first, the emergence of the Faith from obscurity; and, second, the beginning of the fourth epoch of its Formative Age.

At the outset of the Plan, the Universal House of Justice announced that, for the first time, the National Spiritual Assemblies, in close collaboration with the Continental Counselors, and with the participation of their agencies and local Assemblies, would formulate the goals of the Six Year Plan for their respective communities.

The House of Justice further stated that this new process ‘‘signalizes the inauguration of the un foldment of a new stage of the Administrative Order.” It noted, “we have no hesitation in recognizing that this new development in the maturation of Baha’ institutions marks the inception of the fourth epoch of that Age.”

Thus the formulation of goals at the local and national levels of our community stood both as the first challenge of the new Plan and as the inaugural task of a new stage of administrative responsibility for our continually evolving institutions.

Our community met this new challenge with great enthusias.a. Over 350 local Assemblies and Groups submitted statements of their goals for the first stage of the Six Year Plan.

In addition, 166 town meetings, involving individual believers, members of the Board of Counselors and its Auxiliary Board, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies were held to share local plans and to suggest recommendations for the national plan.

At the same time the National Spiritual Assembly launched a comprehensive effort to formulate plans for the national goals which included:

areas;

the soliciting and reviewing of recommendations from the offices and staff of the Bahda’{ National Center;

The process of community-wide discourse, conducted in the spi of unified action, contributed substantially to the formulation of the Six Year Plan for the American Baha’i community.

The report which follows is organized, like the Plan itself, into three main categories: (1) growth; (2) development; and (3) integration.

Growth

The first year of the Six Year Plan saw a substantial advance in teaching activities. Although a complete recitation of the community’s achievements would be too long for this report, the following highlights serve to demonstrate our progress in this vital area.

The first International Peace Conference sponsored by the American Baha’i community was an overwhelming success. More than 7,000 Baha’is and their guests gathered to proclaim the unity of the peoples of the world as the ultimate destiny of humanity.

The spectacle of Baha’is assembled from the four corners of the world, including the farmlands of the rural South, the Reservations of the Southwest and Midwest, the migrant labor communities of the Imperial Valley, and the Southeast Asian refugee communities of the West (U.S.) made an

indelible impression on the hearts of everyone who attended.

The power of unity in diversity evidenced by the Baha’is caused many of the guest speakers to state, ‘There is not much I can bring to you that you do not already have.’’

The Promise of World Peace, the statement from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world, continued to provide the impetus for much of the teaching and proclamation activities of the community. Baha’is presented the peace statement to civic leaders and elected officials and planned conferences and other activities around its major themes.

The increase in the number of teaching projects was a great source of encouragement. Last summer over 130 projects were held, surpassing the goal of 95. Of these, over 40 projects represented ongoing teaching activities.

The progress of the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project, now in its fourth year, was powerfully reinforced by a visit from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The growth of the Faith among Native Americans continued at a steady pace.

A study of the writings on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár was undertaken to further our understanding of this unique spiritual institution and to develop guidelines for its use. The results of this effort will be the focus of an upcoming conference on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and its dependencies.

Also, the redecoration of the Visitors’ Center outside Foundation Hall was begun this year. This project, when completed, will enhance the appearance and reinforce the teaching functions of the Center.

Although the scope and substance of our teaching activities have continued to grow, the rate of new enrollments has not advanced commensurately. The goal of a vast increase in enrollments Temains the conspicuous exception to the community’s successes in other areas.

The challenges awaiting the community during the Six Year Plan are: (1) to increase dramatically individual teaching; (2) to maintain the steady expansion of teaching activities that deal with issues of broad social concern; and (3) to increase significantly the number and active participation of Baha’i youth. Development

The highlight of the development of our Baha’i community in the first year of the Six Year Plan has been the close collaboration, wise counsel, and the loving and steadfast support of the Continental Counselors for the National Spiritual Assembly.

The spirit of this relationship, demonstrated by the participation of at least one of the Counselors in 16 of the last 17 meetings of the National Assembly, is the epitome of the Campaign of Unified Action. This is the same spirit of spiritual partnership that was evident at the town meetings and that must, to an ever-increasing degree, be established as the cornerstone of Baha’i community life.

Among the other significant advances made toward the achievement of our development goals are:

the initiation, by the National

Spiritual Assembly, of the process for the establishment of two new national committees: (1) the Baha’i Education Committee, which is to be responsible for the furtherance of the Baha’i education of children, youth and adults; and (2) the Community Development Committee, which is to oversee the training and development of Spiritual Assemblies, Baha’i community development, and projects of social and economic development.

© the sponsorship of a successful conference on ‘‘The Role of Women”’ by the newly appointed National Committee on Women, which started its work at a vigorous pace with the presentation of workshops on the Baha’i teachings on women at the Baha’i schools, participation in three national conferences, and the donation of a hand-sewn tapestry to the recently dedicated Mashriqu’l-Adhkár for the Indian Subcontinent depicting the role of women in its construction.

© the initiation, by the South Carolina Task Force, of a comprehensive plan to develop systematically the Spiritual Assemblies of South Carolina. The plan is supported by a heartwarming resurgence of activity among the friends in that state. Also, the Louis G. Gregory Youth Academy conducted its first session of academic and spiritual training last summer.

In addition to the many advances made during the year, the community experienced some major setbacks.

The first was the dissolution of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Los Angeles, California, which guided the largest and one of the most prestigious Baha’i communities in the United States. Election of a new Spiritual Assembly in Los Angeles will not be held at Ridvan. In the wake of this misfortune, the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles have arisen impressively to address the task of the spiritual revitalization of that important community.

The second was the persistent pattern of failure to meet our National Baha’ Fund goal, resulting in the release of 25 employees of the National Assembly. The employees affected by the budget reduction were provided with outplacement services and individualized severance and benefits packages.

The response of the believers to this condition has been one of the high points of the Spirit of the Roses campaign. Contributions to the National Fund have increased dramatically, enabling the National Assembly to meet its pledged contributions to the International Fund and to retire much of its short-term debt.

Although the demands on the Fund continue to exceed contributions, this victory demonstrates the enormous capacity of the American Bahdé’i community to tise and meet its challenges. Integration

The unity of the races and cultures of humanity, the cardinal principle of our Faith, was an arena of great activity and achievement during the opening year of the Six Year Plan.

At a time when every indicator from the society at large an nounces the accelerating decay of interracial relations, we are intensifying our efforts to assume a major role in the establishment of race unity in this country.

Guiding the community in this area are the National Persian American Affairs Committee and the National Race Unity Committee through the development of models of unity in diversity in Baha’i communities. The significant achievements resulting from their efforts include:

© the holding of the first Area Persian American Affairs Committee (APAAC) Conference in Wilmette which focused on the Six Year Plan—Persian integration, refugee resettlement, and the observing of Baha’i laws;

These important works were augmented by a series of 14 institutes, workshops and conferences sponsored by the National Race Unity Committee. Conclusion

As we conclude the first year of the Six Year Plan, and approach the 75th anniversary of the visit of the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’lBah, to the North American continent, one can sense the presence of the Master Himself watching over the community. His influence invigorates us and spurs us on to even greater victories.

At this important moment in our history, we cannot fail to recall the unparalleled mission He assigned to the American believers, ‘‘whose spiritual destiny (it) is to usher in the World Order of Baha’u’llah.””

During the deliberations of this National Convention, let us reflect on our special mission in the context of Shoghi Effendi’s plea to the American believers to “arise as one soul and to prosecute with unrelaxing resolve the high mission with which their immediate destiny is inextricably interwoven.’”

We are the ones who must spread the healing message of Bahd’u’ll4h to a moribund society.

We are the ones who must bind the races into one family.

We are the ones who must build communities which are havens of spiritual and social prosperity.

Finally, as we prepare to embark on the second year of the Six Year Plan, let each of us ponder in his heart these words of the beloved Master:

I have a lamp in my hand searching through the lands and seas to find souls who can become heralds of the Cause. Day and night I am engaged in this work. Any other deliberations in the meetings are futile and fruitless. Convey the Message! Attract the hearts! Sow the seeds! Teach the Cause to those who do not know. �[Page 13]

Convention

from page 1

the Universal House of Justice, who was present at a memorial service in his honor Saturday evening; Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem, widow of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem; and four people— Monroe Ioas, Sylvia Parmelee, Edna True and Isabelle Windust—who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Also present, at least in spirit, was another of the Hands of the Cause of God, Dorothy Baker, whose soul-stirring message to the 1953 Convention, replayed Saturday morning on audio tape, gal

Santour player Kiu Haghighi and pianist Rosamond Brenner entertain during the 78th Bahd’{ National Convention.

vanized the delegates, refocused their consultation, and led them to recommend unanimously that the National Spiritual Assembly ‘‘design and promote a focused, multi-faceted, ongoing program to teach the black and Native American populations’’ in the U.S.

The Convention was opened Thursday evening with the seating of the delegates, an audio-visual Presentation on the dedication of the Baha’i House of Worship in India, and a reception in the visitors’ area adjacent to Foundation Hall.

The Ridvan message from the Universal House of Justice was read Friday morning, followed by the annual reports of the National Spiritual Assembly and its two administrative arms—the Office of the Treasurer and Office of External Affairs—and a presentation by Mr. Schechter on behalf of the Board of Counselors.

“The first year of the Six Year Plan,”’ the National Assembly said in its report, ‘‘saw a sub

ities. However, it added, ‘‘the goal of a vast increase in enrollments remains the conspicuous exception to the community’s successes in other areas.

“The challenges awaiting the community during the Six Year Plan are: (1) to increase dramatically individual teaching; (2) to maintain the steady expansion of teaching activities that deal with issues of broad social concern;

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE THE 78TH NATIONAL CONVENTION, HONORED BY THE PRESENCE OF THE HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD WILLIAM SEARS, COUNSELORS BRADY, HARRIS AND SCHECHTER, AND SPECIAL GUESTS MRS. JAVIDUKHT KHADEM AND MRS. HARRIETT WOLCOTT, WAS EXALTED BY YOUR HEART-SEARCHING MESSAGE. OUR CONSULTATION WAS LIFTED TO EXTRAORDINARY HEIGHTS BY A COMBINATION OF UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS, MOST NOTABLY A NEW INFUSION OF THE SPIRIT OF THE NATIVE AND BLACK AMERICAN BELIEVERS; THE ACTIVE PRESENCE OF A MUCH GREATER PROPORTION OF NEW DELEGATES; THE DEMONSTRATION OF EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED INSTITUTIONS, AND THE RECOGNIZED GUIDANCE OF OUR BELOVED NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. THE DELEGATES PLEDGE TO YOU THEIR PERSISTENT AND SACRIFICIAL EFFORTS IN PERFORMANCE OF THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL TASKS WITH WHICH YOU HAVE CHALLENGED US. DELEGATES ASSEMBLED AT 78TH BAHA’l NATIONAL CONVENTION

TO DELEGATES NATIONAL CONVENTION OUR HEARTS UPLIFTED DYNAMIC SPIRIT CONVEYED MESSAGE YOUR NATIONAL CONVENTION. PRAYING HOLY THRESHOLD YOUR PLEDGE REDEDICATION SACRED INESCAPABLE TASKS WILL INSPIRIT ENTIRE AMERICAN BAHA’i COMMUNITY ENABLING IT TO WIN AND EVEN SURPASS ITS SIX YEAR PLAN GOALS. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DELEGATES ASSEMBLED AT THE 78TH BAHA’i NATIONAL CONVENTION IN THE PRESENCE OF TRUSTEES OF HUQUQU’LLAH HAGHIGHI AND BANANI, ENTHUSIASTICALLY ENDORSE THE SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS GREAT LAW IN THE UNITED STATES AND PLEDGE OUR EFFORTS TO EDUCATE AND INSTRUCT THE BAHA’iS IN AMERICA CONCERNING ITS APPLICATION. DELEGATES ASSEMBLED AT 78TH BAHA'I NATIONAL CONVENTION

TO DELEGATES NATIONAL CONVENTION DELIGHTED YOUR SECOND MESSAGE. DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR ENTHUSIASM HUQUQU’LLAH. YOUR DETERMINED EFFORTS PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE THIS LAW AMONG FELLOW BELIEVERS WILL SURELY STIMULATE SPONTANEOUS PARTICIPATION AND HASTEN DAY ITS UNIVERSAL APPLICATION. ASSURE YOU LOVING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

and (3) to increase significantly the number and active participation of Baha’i youth.”

The highlight of the community’s development during the first year of the Plan, it said, ‘‘has been the close collaboration, wise counsel, and loving and steadfast support of the Continental Counselors for the National Spiritual Assembly.

“The spirit of this relationship, demonstrated by the participation of at least one of the Counselors in 16 of the last 17 meetings of the National Assembly, is the epitome of the Campaign of Unified Action.

“This is the same spirit of spiritual partnership that was evident at the Town Meetings, and that must, to an ever-increasing degree, be established as the cornerstone of Baha’i community life

As we approach the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America, the National Assembly said, ‘‘one can sense the presence of the Master Himself. watching over the community. His influence invigorates us and spurs us on to even greater victories.”

On Saturday morning, while Convention guests toured the Baha’i National Center, the delegates assembled at the House of Worship to elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly for 1987-88.

Those elected were Robert C. Henderson, Dorothy W. Nelson, James F. Nelson, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Chester Kahn, Jack McCants, William Maxwell, William Davis and Alberta Deas.

Pron fr Amica oO

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 13

Shortly after the tellers’ report was accepted Saturday afternoon, the National Assembly met briefly to elect its officers. They are James Nelson, chairman; Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman; Robert Henderson, secretary; and Dorothy Nelson, treasurer.

The members of the National Spiritual Assembly were presented to the delegates and guests Saturday evening, after which the National Teaching Committee presented a program entitled “Spirit of the Roses’? in which some of the successes of that campaign, dedicated to the Baha’i martyrs and prisoners in Iran, were dramatized.

The memorial service for Mr. Wolcott was held immediately after the Saturday evening session.

Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, chairman of the National Teaching Committee, spoke on its behalf Sunday morning in a presentation honoring the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

Mr. Sears, who attended most of the Convention sessions and is to be present June 27 at the Souvenir Picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey, urged his audience to appreciate the glorious privilege of living in this day, and to seize the opportunity now to follow the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and carry the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to every corner of this country and around the world.

Two messages were sent by the Convention to the Universal

House of Justice, the second of which dealt with implementation of the Law of Huqtqu’llah, which was among the topics of consultation on Saturday evening when a report was given by two of the Trustees of the Huququ’ lah in the U.S., Dr. Amin Banani and Dr. Daryush Haghighi.

Above: Counselor Wilma Brady, director-general of the Bahá’í International Community’s office in New York City, addresses the Convention. Below left: Gilbert Smith, a delegate from Eastern Tennessee, offers a few remarks. Below right: The cap worn by this Convention guest expresses eloquently the overriding goal of this and other Bahá’í-sponsored events.

Krom

0 Names

SC

new from the Baha'i Publishing Trust

Why has God ordained that we begin our

spiritual journey in a physical world?

How can we use the world around us to

further our spiritual development?

¢ How can our choices in earthly life affect the quality of our life in the world beyond?

Author John S. Hatcher examines the Baha'i and other writings to show us how to unleash our human potential and take advantage of the unique opportunities of our physicai existence.

159 pages. Bibliography

$995

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

Bahd‘i Distribution Service» 4ISLINDEN AVENUE WMETTE 1k 60091 TEL. 1-800-321-1860 Sealy ie Uaed anes

�[Page 14]14 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

New releases from George Ronald include books on Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

corm tities

iiteiew cots aetna new books are due late this month from George Ronald, Publisher, including a biography of the Bab, a book of prayers for women, and a written profile of ‘Abdu’ l-Baha by the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend.

Mary Perkins is the author of the biography of the Bab, Hour of Dawn, which is described as ‘a clear, straightforward and easily readable account of the life of the Bab.””

The story begins, the publisher says, ‘‘with the Bab’s childhood in Shiraz, His youth and marriage, and His declaration on that fateful night to Mullá Ḥusayn, the first to believe in Him.”

In addition, the book details the

persecutions that followed the Declaration of the Bab, His banishment and imprisonment, stories of the other 18 “‘Letters of the Living,’’ the conference at Badasht, the seige of Fort Tabarsi, the trial of the Bab, and the events leading to His martyrdom in Tabríz.

Hour of Dawn is $15.95 in hardcover and $7.95 in softcover. Ms. Perkins, who co-authored The Bahai Faith, plans a sequel to the book on the life of Baha’u’llah.

George Ronald’s new book of prayers for women is entitled Handmaidens of God and will sell for $1.95.

The book contains prayers by both Bahda’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’lBah “‘to be recited specifically by women,” the publisher says.

Included are prayers for praise and gratitude, children, husbands, parents, forgiveness, healing, pro

Success

Two booklets that have been out of print for several years have now been reprinted by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom. ‘Success in Teaching,’ by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, is subtitled ‘An Intimate Talk with Bahá’ís Who Long to Serve the Faith,’ and covers the topics ‘The Ills of Mankind,’ ‘The Covenant Is the Hub,’ ‘The First Step,” ‘Concern for Others,’ and ‘The

ay

Becoming Your

True Seir

ae = ee ima

Force of Example.’ The other booklet, ‘Becoming Your True Self,’ by Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, is @ primer on how the Faith of Bahd’u'lláh releases human potential. The booklet deals with social and spiritual environments For transformation, how faith afSects the release of human potential, and how prejudice can block such progress. Each booklet is sold in packages of five for $7.

415 Linden

Bahá’í ‘f Distribution Service ORDER FORM

Home Phone No. Work Phone No.

Sa

[G.oneck o Money Orr

(Gaamencan Express

‘wave 120091 Date NCES ARE SUBIECT TO CHANGE HTHOUT NOTICE

ORDERED EY HUF TO (ratteront)

Name Name

adress Kadress

oy Sate Zip oy ‘Sate Zip

VISA or MasterCard Exoraton ate,

you have questions please call 1 800-323-1880,

1+ Gai cose aces maou nny tan ono ‘Type: Hard Cover, Soft Cover, Poster, Cassette, Card, etc.

Price | Amount

Total LUPS.or- en class

‘TAB 6/87

tection, tests, purification, detachment, and spiritual qualities.

The publisher says the book can be given to both Baha’is and non-Baha’is.

Finally, George Ronald has compiled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master, which is described as “a portrait compiled from the writings of the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend.””

This timely collection brings together in one volume the various writings of Mr. Townshend ‘“‘to and about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,’’ the publisher says. Shoghi Effendi called Mr. Townshend “‘...the preeminent Baha’i writer.””

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master is 80 pages in length and sells for $6.95 in softcover.

As usual, the bookstore at the Baha’i House of Worship was a busy place during the 78th Bahá’í Na

tional Convention as delegates and guests used the occasion to buy many of the new releases.

Distribution Service 25 best-selling books for Baha’i year 143

1. The Baha’i World, Vol. 18 2. Peace: More Than an End to War, SC 3. The Promise of World Peace, presentation edition 4. The Divine Art of Living 5. The Power of Unity 6. Stories from the Dawn Breakers 7. The Promise of World Peace, study edition 8. The Promise of World Peace, deluxe edition 9. The Baha’i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion 10. Divine Therapy 11. Baha’i History Calendar 12. Baha’i Wall Calendar 13. Baha’i References to Judaism, Christianity and Islam 14. Women, a Compilation 15. Baha’i Prayers, HC 16. Baha’i Datebook 17. Baha’i Prayers, SC 18. Thoughts: Education for Peace, SC 19. Teaching Peace 20. Throne of the Inner Tem ple

21. The Peace Bible

22. Peace: More Than an End to War, HC

23. O God, Guide Me!

24. Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace

25. Unrestrained as the Wind

Distribution Representatives discuss their activities with representatives of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service during a meeting April 4-5 at the Bahá’í Center in Austin, Texas.

GUTDELTRNES FOR PARENTS

by Margaret Ruhe

Guidelines for Parents is a new publication from the Publishing Trust of India written by Margaret Ruhe who brings her experience and training as family and medical social worker to bear along with her lifelong experience as a Bahá’í in this 35-page booklet. Mrs. Ruhe cites more than 60 sources as she discusses Bahá’í standards, the reason parents should pray for their children, when training of the children should begin, the roles of the mother and father, discipline, rules for the home, academic education, and Bahá’í Samily life. Guidelines for Parents is $2 in softcover.

a a Pictured third from right is Terrill Hayes, general manager of the Publishing Trust; Robert Blum, the Distribution Service’s marketing manager, is third from left.

Distribution Service 25 top accounts for Baha’i year 143

1. Los Angeles, CA

2. Louhelen Baha’i School, MI

3. Green Acre Baha’i School, ME

4. New York, NY

5. Houston, TX

6. Clackamas County North west, OR

7. Cleveland, OH

8. Phoenix, AZ

9. Riverside, CA

10. Green Lake Baha’i School,

wi

11. Pasadena, CA

12. San Diego, CA

13. Bosch Baha’i School, CA 14. Dallas, TX

15. Seattle, WA

16. Washington, DC

17. Wilhelm Baha’i School, NJ 18. Florida Baha’i School

19. Massanetta Springs, VA 20. Philadelphia, PA 21. San Francisco, CA 22. Grand Junction, CO 23. Alabama Baha’i School 2A. Cedar Rapids, IA 25. Indianapolis, IN

�[Page 15]

Books, tapes keep alive Master’s visit to America

A kemoras

os Atel Balai

The following materials from the Baha’i Publishing Trust and other sources will be helpful during our nine-month celebration and study of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in 1912 to North America.

By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Promulgation of Universal Peace, HC $16.

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC $12.50;

SC $6.50; LT $6.50.

Some Answered Questions, HC $14; PS $3.75.

A Traveler’s Narrative, HC $10; SC $5. About ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká, SC $6.

Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC $10.

239 Days: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey in America, HC $10.

And a new cassette tape:

Meeting the Master I, a recording of recollections by early believers of their first-hand experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Speakers include Juliet Thompson, Dr. ‘Ali-Kuli Khan, Florence Breed Khan, Marguerite (Daisy) Smythe, Edward B. (Saffa) Kinney, and Curtis Kelsey. 60 minutes. CS $7.50.

New titles are hits at National Convention

Among the new titles released by the Publishing Trust at this year’s National Convention were a pocket-sized edition of The Promise of World Peace; a new reprint of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era; The Purpose of Physical Reality, by Dr. John Hatcher, an exploration of why we begin our existence on the physical plane; and The Gift of Life, a gift booklet on birth.

THE PROMISE

A Statement by ‘the Universal House of stice

The new pocket-sized edition of the peace statement is ideal for carrying in one’s purse or pocket or for mailing in a No. 10 envelope. 10/$5.50.

Dr. John Hatcher autographs a copy of his new book, The Purpose of Physical Reality, now available for $9.95. a

well as explaining the Bahd' teachings on physical reais the book addresses such issues as how our physical experience changes us spiritually, how metaphor plays an important role in our spiritual education, and how our earthly performance affects our progress in the life to come.

Coming soon!

Four tapes of music and talks from the dedication of the Baha’i House of Worship in India.

And, Tablet of the Heart, a book of memory verses for children compiled from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC $9.95.

¥

Dr. Peter Khan, then a Counselor and now a member of the Universal House of Justice, speaks about the major and minor plans of God to an audience at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

NEW CASSETTE

The Major and Minor Plans of God, a new cassette tape of a talk by Dr. Peter Khan, is now available from the Publishing Trust through the Baha’i Distribution Service.

Dr. Khan, who was recently elected to the Universal House of Justice, presented the talk at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette.

The tape focuses on the Baha’i view of history, discusses the major and minor plans of God as described in the Writings, and includes a healthy approach to viewing potential or actual “‘calamities.’’ CS, $7.50.

A reprint of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era features a new cover design, updated facts and statistics, and new translations of some of the passages JSrom the writings. SC $3.50.

New gift booklet on the purpose of human creation, perfect for new parents or parents-to-be, on ivory stock with matching envelope.

10/$12.50.

ry

The Gift of Life. ROERETAT,

On the horizon!

A video tape of talks by 12 of the “‘living treasures’’ who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and attended the recent 75th anniversary celebration of the Master’s visit in 1912 to the site of the House of Worship.

To receive the video in time for your Souvenir picnic or other commemorative event, phone 1-800-323-1880 (in Illinnois, 312-251-1854) for details and to place your order.

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 15

The SIX Year Plan

At a recent conference sponsored by the National Committee on Women, participants were urged to envision a world without sexism. Responses to this exercise were varied—some could fully imagine what the reality of the equality of the sexes would be like; others simply drew a blank.

Despite many achievements made concerning the advancement of women and the realization of equality (both in society as a whole and within the Baha’i com

The new package of 10 full-color note cards celebrating the station of women and their diverse work around the world provides an opportunity to send the message of the equality of the sexes to friends and seekers through the mail. The cards are taken from the tapestry by New Mexico artist Vickie Hu Poirier given to the women of India by the U.S. National Committee on Women at the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India last December. One card (shown here) depicts the entire tapestry; nine others show each of its panels. The panels feature a Navajo woman tending sheep and holding a child; a Persian woman

For your own deepening, for discussion with friends, and for giving to seekers, use the new compilation of the Bahd’( writings on the importance of women and the equality of the sexes. The booklet covers such topics as the critical role of education in the development of women, the application of the principle of equality to Samily life, the station of women in the world at large, and the essential connection between the development of women and the establishment of world peace. A must for men and women seeking to establish consultative groups. SC $2.

Fostering the equality of the sexes

The 13th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

munity in particular), there is still much we can do to support these challenging goals of the Faith.

Transformation must begin within. Whether we are male or female, we can all actively seek to create an equality that will have a positive impact on our families, communities, and world. Discussed below are a few of the books and materials that can help us promote an awareness of equality— and ideas for using them.

harvesting fruit (also shown here);

an African woman teaching; a Bolivian woman spinning wool; a black American woman working at a computer; a South American woman bearing wood; a Chinese woman sewing ; and several men and women cooperating to_carry out a common goal—the con struction of the House of Worship

in India. Ten cards, $12.50.

Another must for deepenings and

Siresides is the cassette tape of a

talk by Dr. Peter Khan which examines the history of women, shows how religion has contributed to the subjugation of women in the past, and contrasts this attitude with the Bahá’í teachings. Also included are guiding principles that will help us build a civilization that is based on equality and is supportive of peace. Listen at home or while commuting. 60 minutes. CS $7.

Women: Equality and Peace}

iby Counselor Peter Khan Iniernational Teaching Center member

How to order

To order any titles listed on this page, individuals living anywhere in the world should see the Baha’i Distribution Service coupon in this issue.

Baha’i institutions outside the contiguous 48 states should order directly from the Baha’i Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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

B.E. 143 in review: A few losses, spectacular gains

MAY

Nearly 1,700 Bahá’ís gather May

1-4 for the 77th Bahd’{ National Convention at Chicago's McCormick Inn to savor the accomplishments of the Seven Year Plan, salute the Faith’s rapid emergence from obscurity, and set their course toward victory in the Six Year Plan

The Convention is blessed by the presence of two of the Hands of the Cause of God, Zikru’lláh Khadem and William Sears. Other special guests include Counselors Wilma Brady, Rob

WILMA BRADY

ert Harris and Fred Schechter; former Counselor Edna True; and Dr. Victor de Araujo, the Baha’ International Community’s representative at the United Nations in New York.

Consultation is lifted to a high plane of resolve and sacrifice by the moving, gift of 189 red roses from Baha’is imprisoned in Iran, addressed to “‘the beloved ones of our heart and soul.”

The National Teaching Committee sets a goal of establishing at least 95 ongoing teaching projects in the U.S. A second goal is to involve 1,000 youth in these projects. As of the end of May, 15 projects are under way in 11 states.

More than 40 Baha’ are present

May 29-June | at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan for a conference whose theme is ‘Preparing for Opposition.””

The conference, co-sponsored by the Board of Counselors in the Americas and the National Spiritual Assembly, is conducted in part by Counselor Wilma Brady and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Assembly and director of its Office of External Affairs.

Its main purpose is to develop through consultation recommendations to the senior institutions of the Faith concerning measures that can be taken by the American Baha'i community to prepare itself for opposition,

Later in May, Dr. Brady is named

Administrator-General of the Baha’i International Community's office in New York. She is invited to begin her work with an orientation at the World Center in September before assuming her duties in New York the following. month.

Among the participants are two prominent non-Baha’is: Major General Indar Jit Rikhye, director of the International Peace Academy; and Betty Reardon, program director of the peace education program at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

A series of five Youth Teacher

‘Training Seminars is held in May and early June at the Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen Baha’i Schools, the Louis Gregory Institute in South Ca

rolina, and Quaker Acres near Wichita, Kansas.

Programs focus on the development of teaching skills in preparation for the “mighty mobilization’’ during the summer of 1,000 youth projecteers, as well as for a life of service to the Cause of Baha’u’llah.

© On May 4, immediately after the close of the Baha’i National Convention, a reception is held at the Baha’i House of Worship to unveil a unique “peace tapestry,” seven feet tall and 25 feet wide, by Vickie Hu Poirier of Las Cruces, New Mexico, which conveys visually the major themes in the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement and is to remain on permanent display in the visitors’ center outside Foundation Hall.

On May 10, more than 100 people

attend a farewell dinner at the House of Worship for its administrator, Bruce Whitmore, who leaves later in the summer after more than 13 years at the National Center.

JUNE

Reports received at the Baha’i

World Center indicate that by June 19, 168 special copies of ““The Promise of World Peace’’ have been delivered to heads of state, 142 of which are given to leaders of independent countries. Of these, 51 are presented directly by representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies and 91 by intermediaries or through the mail.

The Hand of the Cause of God

John Robarts is an honored guest at the Southeastern Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference held June 18-22 near Huntsville, Alabama.

This first Regional Youth Conference of the Six Year Plan is attended by about 150 Baha’is, most of them from the southern states.

© One hundred sixty- it special Town Meetings are held across the U.S. in June to enable local communities and districts to make recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly for its consideration in devising national goals and strategies for the Six Year Plan.

Also in June, the Universal House

of Justice announces an increase in the number of Auxiliary Board members,

JOHN ROBARTS

to become effective in November 1986. The number is to be raised from 297 to 324 for protection, and from 405 to 432 for propagation. The number added for the Americas is nine for protection, making a total of 63 for protection and 117 for propagation.

On June 26-29, 146 people from

10 states attend the annual South Carolina Bahá’í School at the Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute in Hemingway.

‘Among the speakers are Counselor Wilma Brady, Auxiliary Board member William Roberts, and three members of the National Race Unity Committee—Duane Dumbleton, Roy Jones and Mary K. Radpour.

workshop on “‘the most challenging issue”” and the equality of men and women is held at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine.

The workshop, entitled “Valuing Difference: Developing a Consciousness of the Oneness of Mankind through Multi-Cultural and FemaleMale Awareness,” is designed and conducted by Linda Giardina of Boston and Leonard Smith of Concord, Massachusetts.

nual George Henderson Human Unity

Awards to the Memphis Literacy

Council, the National Conference of

Christians and Jews, and Maxine

Smith, executive secretary of the

Memphis branch of the NAACP. JULY

At a special meeting held July 19

in Los Angeles, California, the National Spiritual Assembly informs the members of that city’s local Spiritual Assembly of its decision to dissolve that Assembly ‘‘in the best interests of the community.””

The move is made ‘‘with deep regret”” as a step toward the spiritual revitalization of the Los Angeles Baha’i community.

The Hand of the Cause of God

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, responding to an invitation from the American Indian Teaching Committee to visit newly enrolled Native American Baha'is in South Dakota, speaks July 24 at a public meeting on the Pine Ridge Reservation where teaching activities over the past several years have led to the formation of 17 new local Spiritual Assemblies.

Reports received at the Baha’i National Center from the 168 Town

Meetings held in June describe a wide range of proposed activities in teaching, child education, media proclamation, social and economic development, interaction with society, youth development, and many other areas of service.

Some 80 teachers of Baha’i children’s classes attend workshops during

a National Children’s Teacher Training Conference held July 2-7 at the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan.

On July 27-29, the Louhelen

School holds its first Women’s Conference.

Its purpose is to strengthen a commitment to the advancement of women and to increase awareness of the diversity of responsibili that women can assume in society and of the barriers that prevent them from fulfilling those responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the first Regional National Treasurer’s Representatives and

Local Treasurer’s Institute is held July 25-27 in Boulder, Colorado. It gives NTRs, local treasurers and staff at the National Treasurer’s Office an opportunity to share concerns and ideas about the institution of the Fund.

‘© On July 21-25, the Baha’ teaching

committee of Greater Orlando, Floied by the Spiritual Assembly of Seminole County, plans a weeklong series of classes for children in the area. The series is entitled ‘‘A Week with Mona” in memory of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a young Persian Baha’i who loved children and for the Cause.

On July 26, some 75 Baha’is and

their guests gather at Drake University in Des Moines, lowa, for ‘Women as Peacemakers: A Conference for Men, ‘Women and Youth.’’ The speakers include Auxiliary Board member Robert Postlethwaite; Juana Conrad, founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration; and Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, a WIPA member and chairman of the National Teaching Committee.

A dozen Baha’ youth ages 13-15

prepare to undergo a month of deepwship as the Louis

Institute in South Carolina conducts the first session of its Baha’i Youth Academy.

Among the topics to be addressed at Academy sessions are Bahd’{ history, black history, prayer, nutrition, selfconcepts, the family, and education.

© Seven youth ages 12-24 from various parts of the country take part July 23-27 in the Payman Sobhani Teaching Project in North and South Carolina, named for a 15-year-old Baha’i_ who was martyred in Iran the previous month.

More than 500 people attend

events associated with ‘‘WorldFest °86,”’ a citywide intercultural festival initiated by the Baha'is of Winfield, Kansas, and spread over a» six-week period from June 5 through July 16.

The festival is officially sponsored by Southwestern College in Winfield with the cooperation of a dozen community groups including the Baha’is.

AUGUST

San Francisco, which survived a

devastating earthquake in 1906, wel

WILLIAM ROBERTS

comed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá six years later, and saw the birth of the United Nations in 1946, makes history again August 28-31 as the site of the first Baha’i International Peace Conference to be held in North America.

About 7,800 people, nearly 800 of whom are not Baha'is, gather at San Francisco’s Civic Auditorium to celebrate the concept of peace and show by their presence that world peace is not only possible but inevitable.

The keynote address is given by Dr. Ervin Laszlo, editor of the World Encyclopedia of Peace and a well-known authority in the relatively new fields of systems science and world order.

Six panel discussions, each of which benefits from the presence of non-Ba

ha’i speakers and moderators, are held ‘on the themes of “Spiritual Renewal,” “Social and Economic Development,” “The Equality of Men and Women,” and ‘‘Conflict Resolution.”” Also taking part in the various panels are Counselor Wilma Brady and two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. William Maxwell and Judge Dorothy Nelson.

Dr. Brady is one of seven Counselors at the conference. The others are Counselors for the Americas Eloy Anello, Robert Harris, Fred Schechter

and Arturo Serrano, and two Counselor members of the International Teaching Center, Hooper Dunbar and Masu’d Khamsi.

Seventy workshops, each conducted jenced and carefully cho‘ator, are held concurrently with the panel discussions.

And from an ethnic dance spectacular to music of many lands, from comedy and juggling to late-night jazz and dancing, conference-goers are treated to a veritable galaxy of the best entertainment the Baha’ world has to offer.

At the end of the conference, the audience stands and applauds as some 1,000 children, led by singer Red Grammer, enter the auditorium and serenade the friends with the conference theme song, “Listen.”

© On August 3-4, Prime Minister Sir Thomas Davis of the Cook Islands and Lady Davis visit the Baha’i World Center. The Universal House of Justice cables: “‘Occasion made historic by Prime Minister’s initiative in requesting consultation with Universal House of Justice regarding world peace. Visit also marked most concrete response to date by political leader to peace statement released to peoples (of the) world last October. ...””

More than 150 Baha’is and their

guests gather over the Labor Day weekend for a regional peace conference at the Green Acre Baha’i School in Maine.

The conference, co-sponsored by the Association for Bahá’í Studies’ New England Committee, sees three declarations, by people born in Japan, Armenia and Jamaica.

© Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the Baha’i Publishing Trust, and associate editor Richard Hill present a workshop on writing and publishing at the 11th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, held August 22-24 in London, Ontario, Canada. © On August 15, Kenneth R. Jeffers of Liguna Niguel, California, becomes the new administrator of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. �[Page 17]SEPTEMBER

“Almost every office, committee, school and institute has suffered the loss of personnel as a result of this action,” the National Assembly says in a letter to the American Baha’ community dated September 17, adding, “‘We are confident that the steps we are taking will lead us to a position of greater strength and financial balance. We ask for your prayers and support of these efforts.””

© As a result of publicity surrounding the Peace Conference in San Francisco, more than 100 people telephone that city’s Baha’i Center in September to request copies of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement.

Meanwhile, the National Spiritual

Assembly reports that as of September 1, it has completed the first phase of distribution of the peace statement to a number of federal officials and to the presidents or heads of some 170 national peace-related organizations.

© About 250 people including many non-Baha’is gather September 19-20 at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina for a Peace Festival to celebrate ‘‘Peace Week’’ as proclaimed by Gov. Richard W. Riley. The event begins with a Jazz Fest led by famed trumpeter John Birks (Diza native South Caro

Speakers include Counselors Eloy Anello and Robert Harris; Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; and Tony Pelle, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands.

Each of the 14 afternoon workshops deals with issues relevant to the Six Year Plan.

OCTOBER

On October 20, the anniversary of

the Birth of the Bab, the American Baha’i community launches a “Spirit of the Roses’’ campaign designed to re

te ELIZABETH MARTIN

deem the gift of 189 red roses presented by Bahd’f prisoners in Iran to the 77th Bahd’{ National Convention in April.

The campaign is to last for 189 days, ending on the final day of the 78th National Convention, April 26, 1987. The ‘*189 days of victory’ will be recorded by the National Spiritual Assembly in a journal that is to be forwarded after the Convention to the Universal House of Justice.

'* A spokesman for the U.S. State Department, responding to the report that a 16-year-old Bahá’í, Bijan Talebi, has been stoned to death in Iran, says, “We wish to take this occasion to reiterate what President Reagan said on Human Rights Day in

"December 1985, when he noted the

‘rampant religious persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran.’ At that time, he asserted that ‘only the continued world outcry can help bring an end to their suffering.’ ””

‘The spokesman calls upon the Iranian government to abide by the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion and Belief, to which it is a signatory.

The National Spiritual Assembly

joins members of the National Teaching Committee and more than 200 Bahá’ís from the New England area at a ceremony to inaugurate the restora JUANA CONRAD tion of the Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine.

© Shiva Tavana, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative at the United Nations in New York, is the keynote speaker October 24 at the annual dinner sponsored by the Lincoln, Nebraska, chapter of the UN Association. It marks the first time that a Baha’i has been asked to speak at this event.

© “The Preservation of Human Honor,” a regional conference on social and economic development held October 25-26 at the Baha’i Center in Los Angeles, California, draws 418 people from more than 120 communities in four states and three foreign countries.

‘The event is sponsored by the National Social and Economic Development Committee and the Administrative Committee of the Baha’is of Los Angeles.

Among those taking part are Charles Wolcott, a member of the Universal House of Justice; Counselors Hooper Dunbar and Fred Schechter; and William Davis, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

¢ About 100 Bahá’ís from more than 40 cities in several states and three foreign countries attend the second annual Conference of SpanishSpeaking Bahá’ís held October 10-13 in San Fernando, California.

Among those present are two Counselor members of the International Teaching Center, Hooper Dunbar and Masu’d Khamsi.

© Reports indicate that the new electoral units used for the first time at District Conventions in October have been well-received. In several areas, a dramatic increase in participation is noted; in 40 units, more than 40 per cent of adult Baha’is with known addresses have voted.

NOVEMBER

© On November 13, the Hand of the ‘Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem, described by the Universal House of Justice in a cable to the Baha’is of the world as an “‘indefatigable, fearless defender of the Faith,” dies in Chicago after an illness of several months.

Two days later, hundreds of Baha’is gather for Mr. Khadem’s funeral and a memorial service at the Baha’i House of Worship.

Among those present to pay tribute to Mr. Khadem’s many years of devotion and service to the Cause are the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the U.S.

‘© The National Spiritual Assembly announces the appointment of 27 Auxiliary Board members whose period of service to the American Baha’i community is to begin on the Day of the Covenant, November 26.

On November 12, the newly appointed Board members gather for a four-day conference at the Baha'i House of Worship to consult on the role of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants in accelerating the growth of the Cause.

© The weekend of November 13-16 sees a number of substantive events for the Faith in the Wilmette area, among which is the first Area Persian/American Affairs Committee (APAAC) Conference at the Baha’i National Center.

Meanwhile, the National Spiritual Assembly is meeting with members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas and the newly appointed Auxiliary Board members while the National Teaching Committee, the National Race Unity Committee and others are meeting either at the Bahá’í House of Worship or at the National Center.

© On October 25 and November 22, 67 Bahá’ís from Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Missouri gather in Minneapolis for the first two sessions of a two-year course on the Baha’i Faith offered through the recently created Minnesota Baha’i Institute.

DECEMBER

On December 9, the National

Spiritual Assembly hosts a luncheon in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Human Rights Day. Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Assembly, and its vice-chairman, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, are joined by more than 100 guests including government officials, congressional staff, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The keynote speaker is

JACK McCANTS

Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights.

© Sacrificial gifts to the National Fund in the “Spirit of the Roses’” enable the National Spiritual Assembly to reduce the Fund deficit by about $1 million and to send an additional $500,000 to the Universal House of Justice, reducing its outstanding pledge balance to $800,000.

The Universal House of Justice is represented by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khé The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 17

num. Also present are two other Hands of the Cause, Collis Featherstone and William Sears.

Thirty-five tribes and races are numbered among the visitors, as are members of more than 100 National Spiritual Assemblies. A tent-city is erected to accommodate the more than 4,000 Baha’is from every State and Territory in India.

Hearts are warmed December 26-30 during the annual Disney World Youth Conference in Orlando, Florida. Among those making the heartwarming presentations are Counselor Robert Harris; Dr. Jane Faily, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly,

& ZIKRULLAH KHADEM

of Canada; Auxiliary Board member Cap Cornwell; and members of the National Youth Committee.

The National Spiritual Assembly

names Terrill Hayes general manager of the Baha’i Publishing Trust. He replaces Larry Bucknell, who has left to become chief administrative officer at the Baha’i National Center.

Also in December, the National

Assembly announces the appointment of a Management Information Systems (MIS) Committee to advise it on the application of new technology to serve the Faith’s increasingly complex communications needs.

Pianist Mark Ochu, a traveling

teacher from St. Cloud, Minnesota, ends his 1986 tour in December, having presented more than 90 concerts arranged by Baha'i communities across the U.S.

JANUARY

On January 26, Charles F. Wolcott, a member of the Universal House

of Justice since its inception in 1963 and a former vice-chairman and secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, dies at his home in Haifa, Israel.

Mr. Wolcott, a well-known composer, arranger and conductor for films, radio and television, resigned his position as general music director of the MGM Studios when he was elected secretary of the National Assembly in 1959. Two years later he was elected. to the International Baha’i Council, forerunner of the Universal House of Justice, and served as its secretary-general until the House of Justice was formed in 1963.

© The National Spiritual Assembly announces before its January meeting the results of a by-election called in November to replace Soo Fouts, who was named an Auxiliary Board member after serving for a decade as a member of the National Assembly. Elected to replace Mrs. Fouts is Jack McCants of Weatherford, Oklahoma, who was a member of the National Assembly from 1968-70 before leaving to pioneer in the South Pacific.

© Holding a rare meeting i US., the 17 members of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas spend the week of December 26-January 2 conducting business at the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

The Counselors, who say they are

especially interested in meeting at the Gregory Institute because of its deep commitment to teaching and development as well as to Baha’i radio, hold an open meeting December 31 to greet some 200 friends from the area.

© More than 150 adults, youth and children attend the annual South Carolina Baha’i Winter School at the Louis Gregory Institute. Among the teachers are Counselor Farzam Arbab and Auxiliary Board members Elizabeth Martin and Trudy White.

A total of more than 200 Baha’i

children’s class teachers attend six regional children’s teacher training conferences in January. The meetings are held in Idaho, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina and Texas.

© The persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and the dedication of the Baha’i House of Worship in India combine to produce a well-written and sympathetic two-page article about the Faith in the January 26 issue of “Insight,” a weekly news magazine published by the Washington (D.C.) Times newspaper. © On January 17-18, more than 200 people attend the first Bahá’í Race Unity Conference ever held in New Haven, Connecticut. Among the speakers are Mayor Biagio DeLieto of New Haven; state Sen. John Daniels; Counselor Wilma Brady; Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; and the entire National Race Unity Commitee :

Video presentations are made on “Race Unity: A Baha'i Perspective” and ‘‘The Promise of World Peace.””

On January 10, more than 170 people including about 40 non-Baha’is attend the sixth annual Community Service Awards banquet sponsored by the Baha’is of San Jose, California.

This year’s theme is education, and awards are presented to the state superintendent of public instruction, a professor of education at Stanford University, and the state’s public school teachers. The keynote speaker is Counselor Wilma Brady, directorgeneral of the Baha’i International Community’s office in New York.

FEBRUARY

‘Equality is the Responsibility of

All” is the theme of a wide-ranging and inspirational Baha’i National

aa

CHARLES WOLCOTT

Women’s Conference held February 20-22 in Skokie, Illinois.

Nearly 300 people attend the conference, which is sponsored by the National Committee on Women. Among the speakers are Counselor Wilma Brady; three members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Alberta Deas, Dr. Robert Henderson and Judge Dorothy Nelson; Ruby Gubatayao, chairman of the American Indian Teaching Committee; author Bahiyyih Nakhjavani; and the five members of the National Committee on Women.

The keynote address is given by the Rev. Motlalepula Chabaku, a South African expatriate who now lives in

See YEAR page 28

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Bahd’( community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating 10 the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted Sor publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

.

EMPLOYMENT

AREA Persian-American Affairs Committee representative (PersianAmerican Affairs Committee Office)—researches, writes and develops articles and other appropriate materials on cross-cultural awareness issues for The American Bahá’í, pamphlets, monthly newsletter, conferences and conventions; maintains logs of APAAC correspondence, APAAC committee minutes and activities; maintains committee mailing lists; drafts and types acknowledgement of APAAC correspondence; compiles, types, photocopies and distributes reports and other written materials related to APAACs. Excellent English writing skills, strong organizational skills, clerical experience including typing at least 45 wpm are required. Word processing skills helpful. Deadline for applications is July 15.

HEAD resident sought for Louhelen Residential College. Complete description of the position and application materials are available from the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313653-5033).

ASSOCIATE editor (Baha’i Publishing Trust, editorial department)— assists the general editor in shaping the Trust’s publishing program: recruiting authors; developing and editing Baha’i books for children, youth and adults; working with potential authors; and seeing books through the editing, design, typesetting and production phases. A liberal arts degree and at least two years’ experience in the editorial field are required; strong organizational skills are essential, as is an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Computer experience is extremely helpful. Applicants must be well-grounded in the Baha’i writings and works about the Faith and should have Baha’i administrative experience, preferably on an Assembly. ‘An immediate response is requested as the speed with which the Trust fills the position will impact on the success of its publishing program and its ability to meet the needs of the Six Year Plan, The deadline for applications is July 31.

EDITORIAL assistant (Baha’i Publishing Trust, Editorial Department): Assists the general editor in carrying out the Publishing Trust’s publishing program; evaluating manuscripts; recruiting authors; copy editing and substantive editing; checking indexes; preparing manuscripts for typesetting; proofreading manuscripts; and preparing reprints. A liberal arts degree ‘and at least one year of experience in the editing field is required. Strong organizational skills and the Ly to solve problems are required, as is the capacity for meeting deadlines and working without constant supervision. Computer experience is extremely helpful. Must be well-grounded in the Baha’ writings and works about the Faith, and should have Baha’i administrative experience. An immediate response is requested, as filling the position quickly will affect the Trust’s capacity to meet Six Year Plan goals.

Deadline for application is July 31. For more information and/or an application, contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WORLD Center staffing representative (Administrative Services)—assists the Department of Human Resources at the Baha’i National Center in fulfilling World Center posi vacancies by developing recruitment strategies; writing announcements and recruitment letters to the American Baha’i community; corresponding with potential candidates; setting up and maintaining applicant logs and files; conducting agency and business reference checks as warranted; and referring all applicant materials to the Department of Organization and Personnel at the World Center. An ability to read and evaluate applications and resumés and to maintain a high volume of detailed records is essential. Liberal arts degree with 2-3 years? experience in the human resource field is preferred, as is a strong Baha'i background with Assembly and/or DTC service. Pilgrimage or a visit to the Baha’i World Center would be extremely valuable. Individual must be well-organized with good clerical, written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to work independently and with confidential materials.

NETWORK coordinator/assistant to the Secretary (National Youth Committee)—assists in the development of the Regional Youth Committees and District Youth Committees by responding to correspondence through letters and telephone calls; mailing formational packets to committees; managing appointment process; and

i ig mailing lists. Other tasks

ing articles for The American Bahá’í and the Youth Hotline. A liberal arts degree is required. Must be well-organized with good writing and clerical skills; experience or the desire to learn computer data entry, word processing and mail merging; and strong knowledge and understanding ‘of the Youth Movement. A two- to three-year commitment is required. Apply to the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

AN EXCITING summer of service awaits you at the Louhelen Baha'i School! Louhelen is seeking a program director, assistant registrar, children’s class director and teachers, librarian, grounds assistant, food service assistant, and housekeeper. Positions are for July and August. Room and board and a weekly stipend are i cluded. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

QUALIFIED individuals are being sought to fill vacancies in the National Teaching Committee office: Minority Development Coordinator—responsible for stimulating and developing all efforts related to minority teaching projects and issues. Experience working with minority groups is essential, with written and oral fluency in Spanish highly desired. College degree is preferred; some typing skills and a willingness to learn computer skills are required. Secretary—handles and processes a high volume of detailed work; works with staff at all levels, interacts with the public. Several years of strong secretarial and administrative work is required including excellent typing, word processing, oral and written communication skills. Flexibility also essential. Regional Development Coordinator—motivates and inspires the District Teaching Committees to set and fulfill goals; initiates and responds to inquiries from the field; helps coordinate and place traveling teachers and homefront pioneers; assists with conference planning; and maintains files for Assemblies, DTCs and Grou A solid knowledge of Baha’i administration is necessary together with Assembly

and/or DTC experience. Good writing ability, a pleasant and courteous phone manner, strong organizational and clerical skills are required. For further information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SUMMER teaching staff sought at the Louhelen Baha’i School: child education coordinator, master teachers, teaching assistants sought for July and August. You may serve for one week, two weeks, or even the entire summer. Room and board provided as needed; stipend for some positions. Experience preferred. For details or to apply, contact the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

PIONEER to a goal state and help form an Assembly in Danville, Kentucky (pop. 12,000), nestled in the rolling hills of the bluegrass country with a mild climate, nearby recreational lakes, a small college and a hometown flavor. Jobs are available in industry and in the health and service fields. Three large cities, each with a university, are within commuting distance. Danville is an energetic Baha’i community with regular firesides and deepenings and many active seekers. We have some cultural diversity, but would welcome more. Will provide all possible assistance in helping you relocate. Write to the Baha’is of Danville, P.O. Box 176, Danville, KY 40422, or phone 606-236-7285.

MOVE to charming, cosmopolitan West Hollywood, California, a small city in Los Angeles County adjacent to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and help strengthen a Baha’i community. The West Hollywood community has been in existence for more than 40 years, but since many in the community have gone pioneering only 26 Baha’is remain. We need more active Baha'is to carry on the work of the Faith, Many attractive, inexpensive apartments are available. For more information, please phone Elena Allegro, secretary (evenings), 213-6540356.

WANTED: homefront pioneer to a mass-taught area within a short drive of Memphis, Tennessee. We need to re-establish four lost Assemblies. Ample employment in the Memphis area; ‘Opportunities for teaching, consolidating and deepening all socio-economic groups. Write to Carolyn Eck,

Jackson, TN 38305, or phone 901-664-1694 after 8 p.m. Central time.

RETIRED? Planning retirement? Considering relocating? The Baha’is of Des Moines, Washington, would welcome Baha'is to help stabilize the

and teach the Faith with a goal of increasing their numbers. Des Moines, on Puget Sound, 20 miles south of Seattle, is primarily a “bedroom community”’ with many retired persons living in the city limits. Recreational activities abound; community college in the city; Assembly is jeopardized. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Des Moines, P.O. Box 98038, Des Moines, WA 98198.

NEEDED: certified teachers to teach kindergarten through eighth grade on the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation near Tama, Iowa, during the 1987-88 school year. Available positions provide excellent opportunities to serve the Faith as homefront pioneers. Please send resumés to: SacFox Settlement School, Attn. Principal, Route 2, Box 56-C, Tama, IA 52339; phone 515-484-4990.

HAND therapist needed in northeastern North Carolina, an area with many mass-taught believers and a great need for homefront pioneers. OTR or LPT experience in hands needed for expanding private practice. Must be eligible for North Carolina license. Positions available in Wilson

and New Bern. Contact Mike Hillis, OTR/L, Stantonsburg, NC 27883 (phone 919-238-3336).

MID-PLAINS Community College in North Platte, Nebraska, will be looking for a developmental reading and study skills teacher beginning in August, and the Bah’{ community of North Platte would like to notify any Baha’i who may be interested in moving there to help strengthen the Group in its Lincoln County goal area. For information about the community, contact Colin Taylor,

North Platte, NE 69101. For particulars about the teaching position, phone 308-534-4939.

TEACHERS of all sorts are needed in Exeter, New Hampshire. Baha’i teachers are welcome, and school teachers as well. The Baha’i community is seeking to make inroads with youth at Phillips Exeter Academy, where we were able last year to conduct an essay contest on world peace. Baha’ staff or faculty would be a big help. Present openings at Phillips for September include the following: computer science (including PASCAL), English (reading and writing), math (through calculus), modern languages (French, with second capability in Chinese or Russian, preferred), religjon (scriptive and ethics), science (biology, chemistry, physics). Applicants should write to the Dean of the Faculty, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH 03833. For any other information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Exeter, c/o Phyllis Ring, secretary, P.O. Box 384, Exeter, NH 03833 (phone 603-772-4680).

AGRICULTURE and _ irrigation specialist, natural foods and produce specialist, appropriate technology wizardry needed on the Amoz Gibson Project, Box 119, Wanblee, SD $7752, or write to Natural Resources Program, Oglala Lakota College, Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752.

WE HAVE the pioneering post, job, etc., but we still have a house! Homefront pioneer to a goal community within commuting distance of Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. A lovely log home on 7.9 treed acres awaits a new Baha’i family. A beautiful place to live in the country with job opportunities of the city nearby; the area is opened to the Faith with five Baha’is in the county. Come and teach and cross-country ski out your back door! For more information, phone Martha or Paul Tromp, 303688-6686.

RACINE, Wisconsin, needs homefront pioneers to settle in this midsized city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, 70 minutes north of the House of Worship and 25 minutes south of Milwaukee. Forming an Assembly in Racine by Ridvan 1988 is a “Spirit of the Roses” goal of our district. We'll help you in every way we can. Contact the District Teaching Committee of Southern Wisconsin, c/o Al Taborn, secretary,

Milwaukee, WI 53218, or phone 414-464-5506.

PIONEERS are needed in Monroe, Louisiana, home of Northeast Louisi‘ana University (11,000 students). NLU has excellent graduate and undergraduate programs. For more information, write to Dr. Chris Johnson, Dept. of Sociology, Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, LA 71209, or phone 318-342-2039 (office) or 318-345-0482 (home).

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

A REGIONAL adviser on economic integration is needed in Ethiopia. The regional adviser will be expected to provide technical backstopping to the integration projects, and undertake practical studies and activities as may be required for the initiation of economic integration process for subregions falling under his responsibility. Requirements include an advanced degree in Development Economics, particularly economic planning; con

siderable practical experience in economic integration and multisectoral planning at the sub-regional level; and good knowledge of economic cooperation and integration problems. Some experience in a substantive position with intergovernmental groupings of international organizations dealing with economic cooperation would be an asset; working knowledge of French is also necessary. For more details, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

LIBERIA needs a project administrative officer for self-help village development. Duties include day-today administration, financial planning and overview, staff training, and monitoring and evaluating project performance. A degree in accounting, bookkeeping or other administrative discipline and previous administrative experience in one or more technical assistance projects is required. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

AIR conditioning technician is needed in the Marshall Islands. Job requires extensive experience in trouble shooting-teardown, repair and reassemblage of large air conditioning systems and experience and background to include Carrier water chiller with 190-ton capacity. For more details, contact the International Goals Cor mittee, Baha’i National Center, Wi mette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

THE EXPERIMENT for International Living’s School for International Training is looking for academic directors who are qualified to lead and teach College Semester Abroad programs for the academi year 1987-88 in many countri throughout the world including Indonesia, Germany, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Thailand. Qualifications desired include experience in the country concerned, mastery of its official language, a background in teaching, and a master’s degree. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ZAIRE: USAID is seeking an administrative division chief for the health component of a Basic Rural Health II project in Kinshasa. The period of service is one year with an option to renew. The project will establish a system of community-supported preventive, promotive and curative primary health care services to combat the prevalent public health problems in Zaire. The administrative division chief will establish and maintain an information system and improve the existing accounting system to assure daily controls for the disbursement of funds, the preparation of financial reports, and the justification of funds sent to health zones. Requirements include a B.A. (1 with master’s degree’ in public health or administration preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience in the management of public health projects, finances and personnel is necessary, as is some knowledge of French. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or Phone 312-869-9039.

ZAMBIA Development Bank is looking for a chief financial officer to be responsible for financial policy: planning management and control of bank funds; designing and implementing improved accounting procedures, practices and systems including computerization of records leading to an over-all management information system; and evaluating the structure of the bank and making appropriate recommendations for improvement to

�[Page 19]allow for efficient and cost-effective operations and for a well-established and functioning Division of Finance capable of efficient financial planning and management of bank funds. For more details, please contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SEYCHELLES, off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is, from all accounts, a paradise. This island nation is presently seeking a gynecologist/obstetrician and a consulting physician. Medical degree and fluency in English are required. The Universal House of Justice is urgently seeking doctors who would be willing to settle in this important area. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

‘THE GOVERNMENT of Barbados is seeking dentists to work on this lovely Caribbean island. There is an urgent need for pioneers to Barbados, and the Universal House of Justice is encouraging persons to pursue pioneering there. For more information, write to the International Goals Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

USAID is seeking an English teacher to serve in Somalia, East Africa. Salary is $2,000 per month. If interested, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

HAITI: The Learning Systems Institute of Florida State University is seeking a project management specialist to provide technical help to a large primary school support project in Haiti. Anticipated duration is two to three years. Responsibilities include establishing management and program budgeting systems for a six-year school support project covering several hundred sites in all regions of the country, training project personnel in necessary management skills, and helping project personnel to develop systems for improved school management at the local level. Candidates should have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, experience in managing development projects, and strong French and/or Creole competency. Previous experience with school administration, PVO management, or public service delivery is desirable. Salary is competitive and based on experience. For more information, write to the International Goals ‘Committee, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FOR SALE

LEAVING for the pioneering field and wish to sell an optical dispensary, established four years with three referring MDs in the fastest-growing county in Northern California. A 1,700-square-foot home is available as a package deal or separately. Phone 707-263-1071 days or 707-263-0724 evenings and weekends.

GOING pioneering and must sell two chiropractic practices, one in a lovely suburb of Boston, the other in Cambridge near Harvard University. Equipment and real estate both negotiable. This is an excellent opportunity. Phone Dr. Mark Tanny, 617964-3337 or 617-964-1183.

SCHOOLS, CAMPS

CAMP Kamil, a Bahá’í-run Wilderness Camp for pre-youth ages 10-13, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin, will be held August 1-9 in northern Wisconsin. The National Teaching Committee has generously contributed a scholarship for minority pre-youth to attend the camp. A week of outdoor living with young people your own age combined with the leadership of a Baha’i counselor will provide growing ‘experiences for all. To ensure a “fam

ily” environment, the camp is limited to 30 campers. For a brochure and parent information packet, please contact one of the co-directors: Monica Grismer, Beloit, WI 53511 (phone 608-365-0843) or James Lewicki, Route 2, Box 70E, La Crosse, WI 54401 (phone 608-7887258).

THE LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for the fall 1987 session. A minimum of 13 ‘students are to enroll in this program. ‘Students live at Louhelen, have classes in Baha’i studies, and take part in Baha’i_conferences, fellowship, and social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College. For information and application materials, write to the Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-6535033.

HEAR YE! Hear Ye! Sir Viss and Lady Vine invite you to their fortress for well-being for the third annual Green Lake “Saturday Knight Party” on Saturday, September 19. Come dressed as your favorite medieval pun. Wizards, jesters, and musicians will all be in attendance to make your “knight”? most memorable.

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the years 1952-67 for Kansas, Nebraska, Georgia, Texas, Virginia and Northern California. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091.

DISTRIBUTORS: Individuals, Groups or Assemblies are sought to serve as distributors of the ‘Mankind Is One’? sweatshirts and T-shirts. Distributors will receive compensati Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

ARTISTS are needed to design rubber stamps for Stampinks Unlimited’s second catalogue, which offers graphic rubber stamps that relate to Baha’i subjects, ideas and ideals. We need artists who will depict the diverse nature of the world-wide Baha’i family. We need sharp, clear, black-and-white original or children’s copyrighted artwork. We pay artists a royalty twice a year and give a free stamp of his or her design. For more information, write to Stephanie or Barbara at Stampinks Unlimited,

Mentor, OH 44060, or phone Barbara (evenings), 216-357-0319.

WANTED: original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals: Lars Johnson, Chicago (1909); Miss Belle Jorgenson, Baltimore (1910); Emma Kent; Mrs. Jennie Kinsbury, Chicago; Mrs. Emma Josephine LaPierre, Chicago (1902); and Peter Maus, Montana (1903, 1919). Anyone having information about the possible location of any of these Tablets is asked to write to the National Baha’ Archives, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to keyboard and proofread the Baha’ writings into computer-readable form as part of a World Center-sponsored project to compile the primary Bahd’ texts on computer. If you are a good typist and have some skills as a proofreader, please write to Lee Nelson,

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, or phone him at 714-240-2092.

NAVAJO radio programs need funding support. The Baha’is of Gallup, New Mexico, and Aneth, Utah, in collaboration with the Native American Bahá’í Institute, are developing radio spots and programs for use on local and regional stations, and need funds to buy advertising and program

time. The new 50,000-watt Navajo radio station, KTNN-AM, reaches the entire Navajo Reservation and many ‘Western states. Other stations are also available. Please help us tap into this great opportunity to proclaim the Faith. Contact Jim Stone,

Gallup, NM 87301 (phone 505-863-6701), or the Native American Baha’i Institute, Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 602-3675126, ext. 8595).

ITEMS AVAILABLE

AT LAST! The Tapestry Notecards depicting scenes of the tapestry by New Mexico artist Vickie Hu Poirier, which was given to the women of India by the U.S. National Committee ‘on Women at the dedication of the House of Worship in India, are available. Send these lovely and inspiring cards to friends, seekers and family members. Each card exalts the station of women and celebrates the diversity of contributions made by women around the world. The package of 10 cards is $12.50. Order from: Baha’ Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

CONFERENCE catalog of spring and summer conferences at the Louhelen Baha’ School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

HAVE YOU seen the lovely commemorative issue of Bahd’f News celebrating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America? For only the second time in history the cover is in full color, and this cover is of the only color photo extant of the Master. Inside is an article about the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself, and an article about the 25th anniversary observance of that event. Several photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Correction

In last month’s issue of The American Baha’, the Spiritual Assembly of Victor, New York, was listed as the sponsor of the Baha’i Conference on the Equality of Men and Women to be held July 18-19 in Seneca Falls. Actually, the conference is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Geneva.

Also, the name of the contact person has been changed. For more information, write to Virginia Flood,

Geneva, NY 14456, or phone 315789-2435.

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 19

and the early Baha'is who traveled with him and those He visited are featured with a unique calligraphed rendition of His prayer for America. We’ ve printed an extra number of this special collector’s issue to be used in teaching, deepening, and to give as gifts to Baha'is, friends, teachers and seekers. Extra copies are available at $2 each from Subscriber Service, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

TAPES from the Louhelen Women’s Conference: ‘‘Women and the Age of Equality”? by Dr. Jane Faily

ind ‘Women of Color in America’’ by Dr. Gwen Lewis are now available. $6 per tape. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Baha’i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

DO YOU want to make Feasts as meaningful for the children in your community as they are for the adults?

The Nineteen Day Feast Lesson Guide for Children, a compilation of easyto-teach lessons based on the Baha’i calendar for ages four and up, is back in print. Designed to be used only during the business part of Feasts, the guide makes it possible for every adult to share the responsibility of teaching the children on a rotating basis. It’s that simple! The guide is a non-profit publication by Baha’is in the Local publication by Baha’is. Copies of the current printing are $12 each (Texas residents please add 72 cents sales tax). Please make checks payable to BCC Publications and send to Bonnie Wilder/Claude Sellars, Houston, TX 77077.

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

Traveling

from page 6

interesting conference, which is Chile’s first effort to stimulate Baha’i scholarship on a_ national level.

“*As a result of the enterprise of the Association, more believers in Chile have begun to write essays on topics related to the Faith and are beginning to show a more active interest in the promotion of Baha’i studi

Another way in which to render valuable service in the international field is to visit the same place several times, or, as former pioneers, to return as traveling teachers.

One such pioneer/traveling teacher, Erica Toussaint, says:

“Everyone seemed very glad to see me—because I’ve lived there, I know many local believers, and the pioneers feel that they can let me carry some of the burden of the work without having to be escorted around. ...

“‘A lot of spontaneous deepening took place with the pioneers, which seemed to perk up a few, and I devoted my time with the Grenadian believers to encourage them to take the lead in teaching—having long discussions about how well the Grenadians re

ceive the Teachings from their fellow-countrymen. ...

“I hope to continue periodic visits. It seems very helpful to all concerned, and of course makes me very happy, too.’”

Well-known teacher Lea Nys of Belgium visits Central Florida

Baha’is in Central Florida enjoyed the benefits in January and February of a visit by Mrs. Lea Nys, a well-known traveling teacher from Brussels, Belgium.

Mrs. Nys took part in several events in Seminole County, was interviewed by a black-oriented radio station, and was well-received by the mayors of Sanford and Eatonville, the latter the oldest black incorporated city in the US.

In February, she spoke to the Rotary Club of Lake Mary during World Understanding and Peace Day—a talk that was covered by the local press—and conducted a fireside on the same topic.

The news editor of The Sanford Herald, impressed by Mrs. Nys’ life of service, wrote a two-part feature article about her which appeared in the April 5-6 issues of the paper.

Mrs. Nys was in Florida to visit her daughter and son-in-law, Francine and Ben Levy of Lake Mary.

Hc $14%5

sc $32

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

At last! New pocket-sized and hardcover reprints of Shoghi Effendi’s compilation of the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah

U.S.) to:

Nearly 200 prayers and devotional passages revealed by Bahd’u'llah in handsome new bindings that match the hardcover and pocket-sized reprints of Gleanings and Kitab-i-igan Order through your local distribution representative, or

send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling on orders shipped within the continental

Baha‘ Distribution Service 415: LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880 “price valid onlin the U

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

Lapwai hosts Northwest Regional Conference

A STORIES OF ae THE MARTYRS

3 ae MRS. NUSRAT YALDA’E

Nusrat Yaldd’i was born to an old and dedicated Baha’i family in Nayriz, 100 miles southeast of Shiráz, where many of the events associated with the early history of the Faith took place.

Her mother was a descendant of Haji Muhammad Taqi, a wealthy native of Nayriz who sacrificed his worldly possessions to aid Vahid and the Babis who were defending themselves in that city, and was subsequently imprisoned and tortured,

In recognition of the tribulations Haji Muhammad Taqi had suffered in the path of God, Bahá’u’lláh gave him the title “‘Ayyub”’ (Job) and revealed the Suriy-i-Sabr (Surih of Patience), also known as Lawh-i-Ayyuib (Tablet of Job) in his honor.

The devotion and detachment which characterized that illustrious ancestor were manifested in his great-granddaughter to such a degree that she became a martyr for the unity of mankind.

Mrs. Yalda’{ lived a simple yet spiritual childhood. By the time she was five years old, she had already memorized many prayers.

Whenever she was asked, she would reverently cross her arms, close her eyes, and recite prayers with great spirit and devotion.

In her early adulthood she was married to Ahmad Yalda’i, also a native of Nayriz, and they settled in Shir4z. She spent her youth serving the Cause and bringing up her children with Baha’i values and standards.

One of her sons, Bahram, was martyred only two days before

her.

Mrs. Yalda’i was eager to deepen herself in the Faith. To this end, she attended Baha’i classes and studied the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Kitdb-i-[qdn, and Some Answered Questions with the help of learned Bahda’is in Shiraz.

In Shiraz, Mrs. Yaldé’is home was like a Baha’i Center. Although she served on various committees, serving the Faith in Shiraz did not quench her thirst for service.

In the dead of winter and in hot, sweltering summers, she would travel outside the city, to villages, to meet with the Baha’is in those areas. She would tell them of the progress of the Cause in Iran and elsewhere, and would shower the Baha’is with love,

See MARTYR page 31

NATIVE AMERICANS

“It is an honor to see five different colors of the rose. It makes me cry,” said Paul Johns, one of many Native Americans from the Northwestern states who attended the American Indian Baha’i Northwest Regional Conference held March 28-29 in Lapwai, Idaho.

Nearly 100 people of various nationalities came together in Lapwai to discuss the theme “American Indian Teaching— Fulfilling the Prophecy.”

The conference was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai and the all-Indian inter-tribal assembly on the Nez Perce Reservation.

Ferris Paisano, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai, opened the meeting by stating the goals of getting together to share the spirit, discussing Indian teaching in general, networking, and forming a regional Indian Teaching Committee.

On Sunday, that committee was formed. Its members are Mary Gubatayao, Adele McConneli, Jim Lavadour, Lou Bighorn, Lorintha Warwick, Loris Kermani, Roberta Charles, Zem, Felix Charging Whirlwind, Delores Bellon, Behrad Majidi and Reggie Baskins.

Consultation was held on letters written by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khanum, which were read to those at the conference by Constanscio Bolima.

One of the letters, which stressed her concern that we not miss the boat in teaching Native Americans, included the quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘‘You must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America. ...Should these Indians be educated and properly guided,

Second Health Care Fair held at Alabama

Coushatta Reservation

As a part of the ongoing Yellow Rose Teaching Project in Eastern Texas, a second Health Care Fair was held April 18 at the Alabama Coushatta Indian Reservation’s Community Center.

During the fair, medical prescreening was available to the general public of Livingston and the surrounding area as well as to the Tribal people.

Seventy-five Baha’is, several of whom are medical professionals, were on hand to offer their services.

Also, three non-Baha’i health agencies were represented. About 30 non-Baha’is, all of whom had serious health problems, received pre-screening treatment.

This summer, from July 17 to August 16, a special summer project will be centered in Town Bluff, Texas. Teaching and service activities will vary.

Anyone interested in taking part in the special project may contact Andreanea King, 409-8864853.

Housing will be provided for projecteers, and limited scholarships may be available for blacks and American Indians who wish to participate.

there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.””

That prophecy, said Dwight Williams of the Nez Perce Reservation, ‘‘puts a heavy responsibility on the Indian people—the role of leadership.

“‘We need to put our heads together, plan action and do it. We need to trust in Baha’u’llah.

“There are so many ‘ifs,’ ’’ he said. “‘If we do this, if we do that. Indian people can’t sit back on their haunches. We just have to look at the writings, and the answers are there. We've got to have trust and firm belief. Pray that God will give us guidance, help us out, and it will happen. That’s the attitude to have—trust in Bahá’u’lláh, rely on what He says.

“There are a lot of things going on, and a lot of resource people wanting to help. We need to use them.’”

Twenty-seven Baha’i youth from the Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, areas made the 1,400-mile round trip to the Nez Perce Reservation for the conference.

They spent their spring vacation working in the Lapwai schools, helping with science projects, organizing materials, tutoring, checking papers, playing with children and making many friends.

The youth also helped senior citizens, and two of them were asked to help the secretary of the Tribal Council.

During the conference itself they handled registration, housing, child care, classes, and cooking. Five times in the past year, Baha’i youth by their actions have influenced the town of Lapwai.

A special event took place Saturday evening when the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement was presented by the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai to Elliot Moffet, a member of the Tribal Executive Committee of the Nez Perce.

Mr. Paisano, accompanied by Baha’i youth and members of various races, gave an eloquent presentation which drew from his own life experiences a testimony to the needs and concerns expressed in the statement.

Mr. Moffett responded by saying, ‘‘I accept this gift in the same spirit in which it is given to me.””

He, his wife and child took part in a dance following the presentation, and Mrs. Moffett attended a part of the Baha’i conference the following day.

“Something very special is happening here,’’ said Auxiliary

Correction

A “typo”? error in the November 1986 issue of The American Bahá’í was recently brought to the attention of the National Teaching Committee, which would like to correct the statement for the record.

In an article about the Unity Council Fire held last August at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Houck, Arizona, it was reported that more than 1,000 people attended the event. The article should have read that more than 100 people attended.

Native drummers beat time for a group dance that enlivened the

Board member Marchia Morey. “The Indian people are very spiritual; they are shining lumi! that will lift the people. We need to learn from our Native American believers.”

Several Iranian Baha'is attended the Lapwai conference. Said one of them: ‘‘There is an awesome majesty about the Indians. I have learned more from them than they from me.”

Saturday evening session at the Regional Conference in Lapwai.

The conference was closed with a sand-painting demonstration by Navajo Baha’i Mitchell Silas and his wife, Robin.

Everyone left feeling that much had been gained through consultation: self-determination, community service, less intellectualizing and greater communication, a deeper understanding of everyone’s needs, and the need to learn to teach from the heart.

‘Project 95’ endeavors to spread Faith to Indian Reservations along U.S. route

Immediately after the Regional Indian Teaching Conference held in March on the Nez Perce Reservation, Mary and Peter Bolima of Lapwai, Idaho, with their children, Leigh Anne, Alberta-Jane and Katalina, started south on Highway 95 to gather information about opportunities to promote the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh on the 19 Indian Reservations that this highway passes through or near as it winds from the Canadian border to Mexico.

Following the unity picnics on June 27, the group will be joined by other friends in an effort to bring the Baha’i Teachings to the many contacts they have made on the Reservations, especially through service-oriented _activities.

Some of those who are taking part in the traveling teaching project, called ‘‘Project 95,’’ will be making several trips down Highway 95, not only to teach the Faith but also to deepen the new friends.

Early in May, the Bolima family had completed its tour of the 19 Reservations and had found enormous potential in the receptivity level of those whom they met.

On at least nine of the Reservations, they were able to speak to community leaders about the upcoming project, all of whom reacted positively to the plans.

This traveling teaching project is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lapwai. Those who are interested in taking part may contact Peter Bolima, secretary, P.O. Box 638, Lapwai, ID 83540, or phone 208-843-2071.

Pine Springs fete to commemorate Master’s U.S visit The Spiritual Assemblies of Oak Springs Navajo Chapter, Arizona, and Gallup, New Mexico, are sponsoring a conference June 26-28 at the Pine Springs Community Center to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the U.S. and the 25th anniversary of the historic Pine Springs Conference of 1962, during which 300 Navajos declared their belief in Bahd’u’ll4h. For details, contact Jim or Roan Stone, 505-863-6701, or the Native American Baha’ Institute, 602-367-5126, ext. 8595. This promises to be an event you won’t want to miss!

Teaching Fever Is

CONTAGIOUS! — have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

�[Page 21]

Subtle prejudices: part Il

(This is the second of two articles on the theme of “Subtle Prejudices.”’ The first article appeared in this column last month.)

.

Last month we examined one form of subtle prejudice and discussed the need to root out any such subtle prejudices that we, as Bahá’ís, perceive within ourselves. Now let us examine more closely other factors that may impede our progress as we strive toward greater integration within our Baha’i communities.

What are some of the subtler forms of prejudice or stumbling blocks on the road to unity and integration? One kind of prejudice stems from competition and fear, as when different ethnic or racial communities must share certain limited resources in common.

Sometimes different ethnic groups that are in competition for the same job market resent the social progress of other groups, not because of any dislike of the other group per se, but because they fear that their own social standing will suffer as a result. This kind of prejudice is just as harmful for society as the more obvious kind, because it looks at mankind as hostile, divided blocks and categorizes various groups as ‘“‘rivals.””

To illustrate this, consider the Baha’is in Iran who were, in general, better educated and more prosperous than most other communities in Iranian society and were resented by non-Baha’is for their relative economic well-being. This resentment is compounded by the religious prejudice against the Baha’is, and is in part responsible for the brutality of the attacks against them.

We find many examples of this kind of resentment in American society, which is composed of many ethnic, religious and racial groups. For example, resentment is sometimes expressed toward Mexicans or Southeast Asians for ‘‘taking jobs away from us (real) Americans.” Neither do we need to think back very far to remember a time when many whites in America feared the demand for equal rights and freedom from discrimination that was raised by the black community, charging that the blacks were “‘moving too fast’’ in trying to change the status quo.

Another stumbling block to integration stems from the feeling that our group (us) is set apart from (read: above) the other group (them), because the other group does not subscribe to the same cultural, social and moral values that we uphold. We are uncomfortable with what we are unfamiliar with, so the easiest way to deal with “them’’ is to avoid or ignore ‘‘them.””

A white American may perceive that the habits and behavior of black Americans or of Iranians differ from the habits and behavior he holds in common with other white Americans. He will naturally tend to feel more comfortable interacting with the group he understands better, and as a result, avoids the other groups.

Such barriers to integration are natural, but nonetheless debilitating; they prevent us from finding what we share in common or would like to share in common with cultures other than our own, and impede our ability to create greater unity in our communities.

In the Baha’i community, we must work hard to overcome this separation of cultures and thoroughly integrate ourselves. It requires an effort on the part of each one of us to examine his own attitudes and to root out any residual prejudices or other barriers to integration that he may find within himself.

It requires an adventuresome spirit to learn about other cultures; it requires patience to overcome the misunderstandings and miscommunications that take place when people of vastly different backgrounds first interact. Most of all, it requires dedication to the vision of that peaceful, harmonious and world-embracing culture expounded in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian.

That future World Order of which they have written is within us now, to the extent that we are able to become united and integrated while still celebrating our manifold diversity. Let’s help and encourage one another to overcome our subtle prejudices and achieve our dream of a world that is united and at peace.

4,5 yp OS po aly of cle WS tay Wey SIG 92 pyedy agetlen slay SLUG! KS 52 AVA dle te hy ett 69 FS gy Apey Sy Cage ps dy Cute 22 lee Gob 5h $y Gybesytd clityse QT

29) el? Koy) ise gl 4

(Bape >-a0h2h)

ay CLL) ste dg W160 Jl 52

VAIs Jl 42 Ka yl ols Kae @ pre qty erred

Dee unet aed pll yh WARY Jlagig> cal 9 yd pel I) oo, gals) te CILI Gey ty Sate Kal Galel 0,98) 4) eslt Rovloais Wales ATO 53 Cheeeaea o5 GAT 4 Gye oS 4 SLI Kyl Gull oysb Bo Kae ae 1) Olle ote y eles GU Sed Sls slitz ope OLT elite! as, del Olea gptan glee! ddzy 1d nd o9zy gam ade) ASS palsy ofee Gail) (prolaue i See Shee Egle gir Oya ull pp WS gaylye 52 dye obs 5,5 Ls yo Dug tven y deny ralen GS gy ale 52 Pabsllhas tise jal 5 olen yee Aso Se ene PAS mI 9 Ge city pd Oz stliZpner she Sy hogs ao bl pS alice & Ku Klux Klan gS (.S05,5 y a9 ite 9 AS J605 tee ISS Sy 4g WE ye Say gl Jee Ley jis ‘he js S53 9g ehh gy by y dle Gy LT PES LS OSS yy KEY 55 obf o5ag581 php. pile GUS. py

9 Olen eaten 9 tlizl eles! recid pee Ord pyr? Mend G1 OI yal se te ees lel)

Any Eley) Spa Sl

Jae 539 Claes gal elo faz

Way

Shee Oli sid gel 31 yp ttt S slysdre brite dyie y oAlsl WS Gils jd atoe GIL lle oly Wot Jl wrlde rye 92 Og yo Zydte Gydm> yl Jol Bie oul JUM, cos yen) ly ASjhrg Sead 4 pt sNyz 22 LL

E> eeu Nags aN o oat 03 Ay Ode gl4s5 dy altel fgiay Dug ytnlen we Ny rye cle syy oth pale WS Curygalon etlengaly Ay ted Caugg deka Hy oy yegzy'l Teall Coys a pyint Golbacaly. pal) yu setald py OS Sah y olty Yana) 93193: OlLagAlgin 5 go> pe ee te ety He ge Wl v2 pe Cys Sal pany giny KES Sd geyh 25> Sel Cutler Cagle ign by Cubby Colt y patlealnng Slat a, a oe Syi> 5) Elo & CSlap, Yad

pe Comg gd gm 52 gree VAIN Ja 52 Shee th ete gage Ghat, A oo Shorted Gl palkS ay dhl Gite Gyir Gliol Sey 4 te Syd Op wy J Sho, Gee pe ty he ILI KG BU lle Shiny 9 pry S Sy ojlel Glya Oy3 gel UE yo ay Naty Ly 2598S goyed 9 cy? Uw oetyle Jl dle 42 Als Sl gots Ggi> ge ln ky ssl BIg Job bas ay

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 21 Slrlobble 5 slpoxs RACE UNITY AND THE PERSIAN BAHA'IS

Kal 52 dEnypalin

O53 Ystyh- 3h BN tly! oleagg tebe Gs tter sles 5 spaastS 5 Oba, Usladuacslly slayges

03, 5) othe pale

SB ok! Sf whey et es yl OLT sage “Kae cle” yo 65 col, $455

Ny 29> oe? 9 tle Geipe oul v2 Aaslyte WysT dle pale 9 LES GUS salst al OF 5 sul Gls cehs) af ogy 4 stab, faSy\ oS ZS 333! & Orla Sate, Sera wccnel igi. ol akasly Caghm sfatul 31 52 Laye paalSst YL Spee gal ole yo dul “uyey oles! epee WYN Je yz poke Sy v2 5,5 IES rgb pol gh fy 295 Jaamal aly CL!

Eth |> prtel

wear pol 120

Cua oteT Jott “egertel 52

pevke Jol Cale 4 Wy Gel gal b" ine Sym Slee oy ST OL Yost Le oS SN Cul etys,S elke olla, say 3T cole 31 oS Gg GAlgl Gog Sle Go Sse gel the Ssie Gil Gur eye Cate esl Jel licsks, " ophie aul pope Gyles 3) oF Syd y Gul

yp AS) ‘toe Juatal “ayestel ote ee J Su 5! alters $y gtldyy Hl OlEaggalen blest, ee

edoogss, SIG] aloes! ON, gal

byte op Wye Gal y Ql 22 02/5 29 SL PG ely Sut en 9 crbon eal a thas g giles ples eae ge gS drat te 9 tlh eget ol oe G plarala Ly stems sed Sy Glasto Bia d ON hy Polat 425) AS ayy ad, 13, Gol) 9 rhe Eg HH Stay Ghyzy dll S to, lal py, cee neat S| asl eetr sy as eas Dpcois dyas, yf oa eles) OUNL, igs oat Ng Sean Go logy pyr Slat y yelte! gy GNSS nS rgd aly yo Ge en Bie access, 555 eles aye) joss) oe 9 GR cloaks aly » = AS Cyre

ENS eed Ady! GyZ> 3h oh = glal} Slate flo ctte 3h oy halyy site lot 4 Gud Gl clu » 6 OILI OLSLA 5) yaar — rphee pols! 4 ycliel pS pS AL yloeryre pay GUL Sy Tht OMY galas “Wud Sy yay gay Gul peed GS 1) oSa,y S gegte SVG! obs, ui,» Ils ale ly ctislts 39> GjyghS set GLI L, CBbw gel adage CMe of pK> ost �[Page 22]22 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

LET aig Sole ugg gh F Ginn cleats ty Cyow y Cole yg Ce Y fepe tighe 1595 pa 3) ag? ashe 69) rho LS y o5% emo Se & silly gts Wl We tle tale WS Ny psg8b gS Jole 5) p5e0 JS) spe js Gh ager y ot gy oT Wlyh $s) edly adls Kady, 4 atogl. 2ti25) Sta Pile yt age vhosts QW ae JA ot sine Noise" Sy ly ey th pls Sy ‘ees 2 Sh tee opty pled onl GS “aloe ers Ly whitey Wy) dts y Soy gtbl 4 ft tet tls cyl clos! ose 2 wats he GE beg Gh 9g che “ule wad yy Shrks y bakit, gl Gaus chile yp bel ge we ael » ond 15 pe Shs 4 IG ly chile O55 ot dpe 09g55) Clap py te 32 9 Lge whe Sly BIG & lie dy y we 9 Seenwe ly ag Cond “USI 3. Gay FAG yet 3h ae & Decals ieSss OLAS ES Sal Ganige di aha as Woody by B55 Sb ld & ond Cis (GON Terris Zl aha on A3etee) EAL, olay), a3 9 Sys Jal oles yo Sali tse ul aye a> Nal 9 Leahgtee Glenys Sle AS pte stage GS ote Syl 5 ged LI phee BI et 4 the dy Ye ye ols

Coe yg Lake

oleate}

A550 peee CM

Hyp S sgt gl br QT y Bay 4) oe Fe y ttl Wb O65 AT 45 Pest plies Gane Cees en BE. (69,5 ple st

(sap “old 42 slat)

6599 SSsgr sles 0, Lo ABOUT THE NINETEEN-DAY FEAST

& orl oil dke y Jy! Ubis So Vy oye salal 3 lls “ES bly 24> popb ps ly shiz 03,5 clot, y Ghen eA} GES yo oS Kole EG cb yy Bok laisse cesijt asin 15 I GHEE) Cty "SS" y 2S oly, us AN 0d poe

Meas 9 SeeSiS "toad Sis ea Son Ie 22 gel Spam al gpg Whee arygd gr peel ogy V4 ole, 1A ay Ly dls gay Oley GES Sells) jails ss oa OPM ors Se pee atl ie SM stage 3 dels Sob Bl wow 5 el JSayy eyed lel Spar dye UL Cul Eyaye Gear see teasese Sls clearly aus sre tks be ye el Ge ley 13h pe 0599 02593 SUL hye

1) Gis Ke able Ibe ah aS Gly 9 Arp AG Le0g7 ay yd JIE el Gam S 275 olny? tly ol pe 2 UL WS Ls Se cee Gaty alse atletee cele y Lal be os Smcelel se Yet luces OLA, usec! Po Ale gyre CUS gal yo bey Ae gy Ao pgee Glples y les GytS gy at lary! leg Geb ony Ny 255 9 Bogle bby 1) Gk> Guys ky, ee St he yl ys me SS i, Cabgae 5) AS GlcgeyelT

Se tls

viel B98 ol SLI

V9 42S pol way GLEN SI sung oF 5h gy SUI Ly tke alle vols Gy, CHS 55)

HUQUQU' LLAH Bh eae

AUF

igh ee Gad oe ly Ibe

Fle olen! 4 de Ye Ge Ny Bal aye!" MGLS Hol oly (pnt pa Vy <egGlll Sgdo edge 3 lel Cty sty ply tule Dayz cle ay Kyl yo MN Gya> lal 3h gilts, y Huququ'llah Trust 99h Slay) Sga>

Dr. Amin Banani

Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116 Dr. Elsie Austin

P.O. Boxe927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Ghbs gw be 5s set 5! ok

pte > ab lage pen Oy2yS 4p pu pelt pale ag G pyle op Ue 9) az 5 hey CHy pad ay pet lenges pb yp tobe speed Slee ye toh 5 pie

Wy Sh Syl Grad y pld > Gd

pee ple oS Mane plats tole 45

OMS y 9d ladyS po 5) Gd Bad wy pe 9d wh oe rend ot Ne He lsd ol tle al 9 ht oy Ge yo ls olde pel oy LIS Gol 08 Ge cee FHT cgoS ya) Olly Jey lhe 3h ped cal slhe 53) pyr S oe paln yy Lead pe Gale hyo 53! OIL gull pel e> Gel 2p Shes dete Go tl sat JE pe "Gln" Go Lad la, 5 rely ol athe oh chen a

See ye Ne Ve "ys yg Gye 5yT fallen sly cept Ob5 gcdrS [3 ap olden sett Sse sl JET 2 Sr Is lee “Ole” ots Jka! SUS ay er Ob5 oy cle cele clsal,

“iS oels" gk 4s eb eS 9g “athe Sle" Mepem y rales "il de ot" es

A pinithe ly atldigea® pcnrye eluting dice glIPG eegioneed Rese i yea CAMPER ay EET) Gott apd othe

“his ply “r3 ciges

cae tle Srl a3 9 aypbe “AhIS chs LYAAY. dla gyle ob yo

posh Ju cep GN Io sky “ues ye oT EE y “yeh pee pole Hs" “le AVSAY She “Sas515 2 tly oka sal “ts

PP se srl sls ‘oils oka! = wslerl ‘ead Lays Last y oS) 9) CLI

A binegab UAB ISeecage lah qlts Grier ete Claas sie leet lmaOIOR SI Go| Biatyeseom Gzgh5 Cy> National Teaching Committee OL Woh bls y ob oly

Gol Giall JU

Slat Wb

Pre wey ae le Kyl SShopo rd page OLS 4 es pl clays Je ct Gul sitll Ka yal “Wy pts “gl pa 59 puakSsl

9 tb dlegy ol ya yo SI fyiis SN eAlST gy tyke LUZS4 4g plat “OL y9 gualKt AS ly dbs eh Sed sls

beh etubnt cee oe oats 9 ite oaths of Selb “Qlye 2 Uke oe 3! olte| oll

Oliske 9 WutedsnSdlie 2» Beret Gites 2 yas bse “shal EVM elTiepneried

CN 92 yr ek yo clude stil CS ph yes tee HH tay OF 52 S Lo tals ee sya Oply Ge ale GLb vio Gh ley) aie Jew

Se weet hy AS lke 5h Oye Bost s nbel we 4 SD yo gizghd steal 9 9Ske guy ELS gu y Lube syzy 9 OS Tees 5 Ggh sell Wie tenaleanslicgeieeed sua tbidg ley aA SAY. UL seth Telot sy)

ASS), Stes"

Ala fs

GALES hyp NGS Odes “ulidayy “igs =. te 9? tle Gr) ets yp of gy 9 Lyset sISAY. Sle Jus gl

gd LoyS sates Olle y eal olisl SN ter Al lal Glo oy! cleo ieeails �[Page 23]ogo! Sle fara PasYloojgul, ot Sapa Wigs Nye lige! ANNUAL REPORT OF NPAAC

MGSyfo), placed Gesell AS ash ola

OUsiey let tues lelmate, acai: ser Gry Ges eal oy, bast 4 pl nl al gh ead “eye pp Ayde gel Ghul 3h Soe hee SST ah baal ptlpal elt BBUey 9 GEalld Glisze 5h olyly gh Gan Cul

Sygely Gh gles (YN wcths ST ead sl AS elegy Que Jew Gy Saad IL edges Gyr dye S

rp) says aad lel ile!

eletul =)

a wey Sd 4 gp 5! Pol Al Satay er lel hte ols!

Eley Cassie! Gis) RCS, wea OG

Valois: GIGI

at,

owl li cud wah Cunky cSlalh GUA gman Uy aS! othe ‘asle pahod y shul Cyr Lh G25 ool Eps y Aihe oleae 2 638 spl yp Wl Leap Janie Cael eae tle Cette y Liazd oly! YS oayt lal che, ge Sy iclecl des 1) Ge SIbi

tly “tule thle alle 4 yal8T sll Sls 9 Ky Ga ay eas pee

2 AFS SAG Yl Cryo 5H) ger ty late itiee Clas db; 4 Cal 5) Gyo styles le rye Opa> nl gy yy Pel eupucsln asi yak Jl acolaetgn PEI dle gett le Mel phe! clo! by Bye tad gel SES IL YI G ody ,5 Se ae et ee S| 3,3 S50 sth, GAS Sl yo oS Gos GUSULS

foghee E>

DN gluon «Cul

Homer renU Loy (center O) Vveaga ole 2? the Sy!

gel Glael Sad ysl eS gall oli! aS NE Sh eatgles Ye geal peslal elo SMe tie S CSS ysl ES gal 52 clad OK yg dlyly LeS! 4 pal Ja 5! ae peal Sh celbf 4 Wu As ata , olSuul, Camb 4.6555 oh,3, fi ty yp tle sophia Spaly Gr 5) Ady, Gyle yas! es wg yt Jew te Robert Henderson y Wilma Brady giyy bby pb eile Gye gates ye Ui. Glin oils

JS

sl LI Lbs" beets oles A) Gul 4 "For a Drop of the Lover's " wah oof olts olSu2S OS,% 4 Blood"

gale O55:

23>

loert get" GUS ais oy Gk 9 Spe Net AQ oly 9 SS 5 Gry Sh wy cleazyS 52 Yong 2 9 hy ob GE 5 cath 95 spot See a Show 5! they Io tle shay

AS 15959

dye ebts Opp 9 6S pep OWE Gos Nguls 4 toate Gab og) yy BR veh Sp gel 3h Ul whee Sl AIG rsa ele avert t oS

Ob ae yr agility pe EES gb Ny aly 5 Ay plgsl pa 01455 92 gale OUsIyIS 3) yay SL pad) pega) Glee. ig) sleala) 9 Ae tell gla

+9955) rletel 4 rls!

CORRECTION 5 bane |

ryldge partie $y Suze alSissly> bie

Karl apr85 eb Ay Gyr Chie oS pete v2 epee WS Cul ory, dt Ge fy thy et ARS yd Ghrte CaS 9 CaekgS BLY 3) pa Az ydte MMe jyAdl| go>

Cuof odd a bel GY le 5 Cagle y Cre 4 Eysy bree pale ay bgp ye Soles y GOS SLY 3 ge 9 ey gee CUS eal y Yue ge Jed Gl Ul Cultessy cull orileies), (Act Gees ft Gils fp Clee sal 2 SULA yal 5h JS Haul 3,5 9595 od ayy MUL & 1) Pe oth aly Gils Gyr gS SLA “be

Ley oslaee

age 99S 397 thy gray GEr Je op yy

95e ork HN threes Cul oh S grin Jo Sod ee gy ey Goth Gy tte GIy > HES UIt asters 5) epelle Ol! Wasliys teglh pest WSsssig> Sl iigg GEIS | cul tas bed pte Sy oye Tr phe leeal BN ppt Opt GAL 32 Tyl agen Giller “Ue ah $92 Dgte gh 3h gem 9 WN be STG yl LS Eh G pyu Ogre WV Ld Sf yepe gy of 2ST wCaul odyayS Gye J opt

pot gw Fos linsls fan oo

SWISS BAHA'I SUMMER SCHOOL

te Sy legs? geatsn ustley ttayG “pds lets) apt Me gSle oS al the OUI yz Bly AGT BG MN yy gel SET cud oat WSS “dye “igestlel yo sayy daly VAY Le GIL\ cago) Seagal Chee 5°) Call ode Peslolngste she y dhe pale 3! the gare oblyr O54

paste gal (lea y Cul gale 55 lS ep gilts bey Cleabh Gud yr

rath jol>

Tagunszentrum Landegg CH-9405 Wienacht/AR

Switzerland

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 23

labo pes eb jl wyob

MARTYR'S FILE

2S tx See sD othe Gps Se

soghS Oly phe Gast 9 Ciedte lest st Olen Sayed el gS dew gel gle el BN reales ys GS Gel SH CB cy dhe yoy tyryS aly Qs yy Recess.) ale) eal

SGT

Obs 99 Gyal Gr Mer 3h aly cel “edgl “oy92 52 Seed ently oye ty ale alah gare Lee Gtr ol ag CaN G53 clergy OT 3h aS- Ul dy WS

Looe gzle lal ayy abby gale pel Gadd Re Cay Obese. aE ea ead leah 93% 99°) a Az pe pad oclys gal S bol GL Ital cel eg CL Glasl dle Soy Ay p> Calo stew Cot a Sem Dy jared yp tld, Spas Gb ser HOES Cesleyy 9 Sle Le Ar yih & she) S298 olyy2 2 Gps S hy fl oy Shh oh wks vob (OL pe,

An

Se May paces eae glee SOlgaieew

Mabl) srijstes Mela mapscn Seine! 57

MS ld pee Clee Gy 4g Gdl> Elnw gie

Cul

UG Gabe pe tp Otay ob ey tlt SE zl25) oat SN 9 2S ghyaal thule tot ctl tle eae sot I we SE 5 ee Ge Gye ay 99d yale Gre 5h Sar 9? Slt 4 tlt BE Sb 4 lyr Woy? te Shad 9 LT Gilkey, Gay S 9 OS phd HSL Ny wel Sle CENT gpl 4y5L,5 calle 353 ppt yo el spl Slagle GUS 4 ates! GUS o92 BET Sat 2 +! Jol Vy 995 GS5 gate 9 Ke I Sy Sloyle 29S wll le pi LS oly

dish et yo tle BE “i Az pe

eos SLT 53 u) aa9s sides erase Wes sites patentee ae a nics oeae Uo ys co loyven pers soy Unita te ees

tele SOE ay, Hobaccgh eS Ny pS Deeg. �[Page 24]24 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

cel 92 Set Ny 29d jug Oblye CS 4 Shry y eA yl Sal d Quod

Wo yol jo ed lane & par ABDU'L-BAHA' IN AMERICA Cpar giths fol Shit 3! QO Cay yo gM CLs ss! Kyl yo lage Gsrr3s5 LI »» West Englewood 25, Jat

doh y, edderecs Cates al a cISUMEAIS 95%)

Gyar Aadgy etl) opp pyar pS Cay? gy Sew lel Ca Jaw gel oes ball 9 OLE we SIL yo ly dk Gt 2? bey BU ag Ny Aly Gila! dlaye Mace eat SUsl ye yslLe

Syl “ub pee 32 SUS dye Spee Ger HEMI pgh ye gaiz yyShe CLs & acl,

abl Wun g) alee eee TUG ‘ Ny phe slate pleb pl Or 2 9 Wey pee a phuly gery tll y delet ay oy 5,5 py pe te “Ys! assyeree — 5 dm LB Cytol Wye S4ry gy y Uae jokey Gio vale, CULES dim teay pty Seow Slow Gal thing yd Soy yt oh tet Cul Aete Say Say Cael Ayte aad dyer dyte cs, Cc,

BBY ayy) ets 5 ate

FSS Sap) gale Gal 2 Nde 9 ple GUT y Gal al LAI

eect) lye on Ege yw oy all yo! gs!

TEACHING NATIVE AMERICANS

Sle WG » S whit JLay eS te lett a em NL ape Waar dee CU ay ogy odd Oger pe by Cul 03,5 Spe abst

SS etgrS VAAV Sle “gd YN Sy) yp Compton sZulS 5S yo dys ap ile! olathe OJartie ay le yl yl y2 {Sleslh) , 203, ‘alae 4 ot Skate aa aero yr ay Asolo hy cllg= Morongan shsy,ye gets Caged pe vis te agt> yh, Palm Spring S24! 2d33,5 Sle gaalS 53 hg? Meg SEE ped gil el es 9 095 vale Yooh pall 3h eld ltye oul v2 Ad aZBN3S Obes 42 du ged pus

del Jaret 0 59) 32 SU age +425

ole

Bagge me 1p sb

Abdgy

42 ilal oleay> 5h late Say gel Long gy SY pv gh jy ay Clr S WE olae Gaze oly 4205, Beach sAS2g7 edpy 29> Lb 9Sae GUS pes Yo jel alae Soe Cyr elle as he oat gh Au Sool tll

9 hls ogzy Yet Lem chy Gaulte obs 3 lhe sl gh Gylle gat, scshyty WS SUSI as 9 Og pe IS Se atl glans s Caaf eleT ole yoyo cldtgerme Syd oll Cody stad oF Hlyf OLS oS bel 5I SN ta! shee Cul eS dae gl pif cel yo SF Sal pV IM ahh oayyT 995 & of el oagh ahdgtal OLE 5! Gly fe cel aly? tyke OT LS 5 cyan Cul Ee) Cols Ipar Gry ot! eu! Olos &

esiyls Gb 5h

ge oll god Gloolatue ‘ancth! bore YL! ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE TRUSTEES OF HUQUQU' LLAH wilegy jepe dlhays » othe pe Gayl “Utes oS pie gal 59 Alltemen sy tazs) Ca laMsfen ec, Aiaeren I ded Cll Cul dF LF Wl pel Iulia, Cl ake] Leap aSote SET SERS a a9 ta By she Sp SES Sth 1 9 BS 003 & Sly Obl, Sly tu 2 Wye ayy 52 Bl bel Juice, chbdtus wSad oho S gah! ob3 & ST Ue 5 Bags Ta Aegan ool peal “eS ely Gh fiw spel Sle gabe SL Mt y gk GW, f WE wo oxy ANWES Gop-b 5) sslyte Goze dltuys Ah I Ny pst Foes gh 9685

os

Aung + Cul

fo ptl> path CALE 5) oad ga. -Y

ole Sy 1. A Codification of the Laws of Huququ'11ah

a The Development of the Institution for the Huququ'llah

sanl oys SS folgialfaya> osstay pas ees ye fiw Las Ob ts oul gl GAG

tee Sits y GWE we ort L Kye Lyte Gaze dliuys oth Slay! eAtgls 4 Gg 25 bY RS) cals

Ee seasLe sient renee

+ Cul

Louhelen Baha'i School

Green Acre Baha'i School

Bosch Baha'i School

Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute

AS slp WS dslerge pd Gye 4g Gilly WA VNAYS IUDs. WI Ggim, ylyjs, Gligle

ete gal SI Fe 228g et Golde oe shy rS dalyd JCtS pyle gl ay Se Sle Just Ways 4 lef Che GUIG skate

Atyls JURa) Glile gal y2 SSO 3) S Cuts!

cote | ages FLY! 1s fa055 po Poor 5 Gol syo! ole fond oo bs Sy Vo '! HISTORICAL PHOTOS NEEDED FOR THE WORLD CENTER

VAAY Sle “tags. 0

tle Fat Ou ye

gel ead ype othe wl chr Se “yah “ado! eee gy dle yl oe Rs 5 My elie “all Cyr cl yl pe oe Se Gel otelya OB atnnys Ny Goth Ghake S rye alyd 59558) 597 syle SN colemy yr y Atae gly3 oT oll LEH 9 NS SLE vo Ly yh chee She Se ee Ges Ju! ET ogey Ge ST Ie whe ph ay gear LLG! Joly 95 Sole gate al al “Adsl ole Gy chee epee eel le CxS (G) Ut chase asl cles 5S egene Cael SV gtly> SI Cd Sottey tomy the AH 4 Omsts LS & WS Ashcalys LSI gh pel Jud Gey tole edge ays ONL Ay celle ol onl

BHSe Jol ae Je ye eke gltel yam y Di pl ly Spar 4 Yds Se Sol rev gS y abel ourtle 9 xl witch JL p> gilegy SI reed che GET 3h fo G “sy92 GhuSc fol aS rll oh ttle Mov “at Coe Wy Yat agtge LU attly Wl Ny yySe 9 Boy 2 IHG cle (55K) WO KSyye ALS Ly yell eal 4 getT 42 eS MHD eg ake Jef 4S LS ILL lake Olyly 81-4 aalyd oalel of ob-L PAB she 5S chee getl YW ons Oey WT tel 5 JulS Soyo 52 dtls Pappa nae” ce Nemes) Ages ay S giles 5 fealyyter 3h GS lu stable d osletul ott ath{aS GLodl 32 eee

251 ayy Aaly® Ol Coho Iyer rye Aa ge SF best GIy 55h chet ob sg Wan, Ry, Dpyis) Cileskleliy stay idtyl5s (olde

23

9 te Aly wR Gs um Gb blast! Sty eothl wo Slsge TS sgh AS AS A SLISI) yo dal athls phe

ee) Pleiades dB ste Tajyty> olka Hallie taal pseneattoless|. tales nee teats

SN eslead Gh y Atle pie chez WE cy

stetl dale aS Cyr re oer EM

WS Agtles fot gherh 51 ae Sls oly 29ghd aly WOT ay clude

AL y wl OLLy Gh wlny CHS yp

IF gpl glaks egbe So Uslasls bs yo Al

Ty By ttpls dle wl she Sy pnd |) �[Page 25]ay pe! Jastl ous phoodl S15 tae 5 ots IS y San, Ls

oe gts ylS ols y Ls sygre Njugs oT ib ply Jyey 3 FEES ayye AW Ggi> Ke ayy yo Oly of SLIM OF “aye gels cathy obits gal able Spas goth 5 AT gas 5 9 ts Ye ois pate eds getty NN ee & geet phe oul © Jege 9 tyo5S) taly>. of 3) WSLIbi ls CSL a, eta ay ages aly Qa ned IST apes Les Atty gtebe ante Gel yo WULE. gol hel Sul Ce

tbe oS Guetta 9 olin 78TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

YY RG HH Gh yhsgsS uate 4 okie Kyl WMG yo wk Je Lyi mn & eNO ply-peOGklesraieyo LY. Sele OT aur y thee O54 gts slS yo Wb 9 aay pe 9 Cnzgtlen OL 51 sols ALG 92 9L5 Sotlpal

Ce (ale damemeasila “Cela. 59

why, S diate

2opp eee A Ado SNe G55 LU 1455-1 1S gshjS GYEBWS 5 cas Of Aang “Gla! =¥ sGleeclss| clin & Lae ‘SMG OSs 4 Obie Whe Gla 455 -¥

soph Shi 42 obT

9 Ass sew y9Sbe Sy gly 22 Getz Foow Hh sey gayle Col y Ghats ijl Bais J) Je Jobe ge tay oly Gh ley, ( pAb. Siel gleaey les pees

Sp yp S Gh gly Jew lel Orly gle 23) adhe tp,5 Ghat Jlul gels 5559 sl « Robert Henderson juyite James ls eae Glee . Dorothy Nelson ols Faz ole wehj@Blf jyna3 Glee « NeTson Jack iui ade Glke . Chester Kahn William Jpn jlkey gle « McCants William nse ply gle . Maxwell . Alberta Deas juys GT i y . Davis

Mile ceolyla, yom tale led aeeogals Meet, S50 tre Hoge Sree phy Gke FS fay ob» ilo onl & dost 0 SASSI Ul a oT Coal y dle Op wool asl

as cps gi IS y San, 4s Gl, Sb ‘ar p—be | Jalon,

ELECTRONIC LETTER OF THE 78TH NATIONAL CONVENTION TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ot pel Ile a glbs ayer 4 Se gts geettn 4 skin 8 gers y Sree ply Cle Mpl sobs wer oble 4 Brady sty pe Su yew dbl y Schechter <5 , Harris pie Oy cry a) pe chal ee Tal Ae MEL ee sts! do ply cloud G tyo,5 Gomee OLS Slyke aS fol, fh Soong AEE “yd ay Gylany potled 3) clecgem I tage Cube el gute sCuaggtlen 9 Caged ne gate Gb 3) style sdyte dS

T90 dyer

SNe rthey “Se SIG yy a> hols gee By cer ayy she GaSe gle gileyy Git Sow lta y wert Gilby S adbin YS olfls arssy Ginko N05 Glageeecnd se ettgls le! pyle y Glas ge ghiySS geetta y sktee oars

ay pbc! Jatlaowsl Sls tons Cais gi IS gy [Sa Ls

shpetle 9 Qos

REPLY OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO THE CONVENTION

ge pap ols 4 ls

Be GEIS ply Iyey 5H OWE at Gylt J! ctigaderiagy OHy OF Wb day, 3) {Sle oS Cys Aye oT syd WS aghee Cle pl olf yo 2? SALE O99 fayd “Meghan “Lie Gt y lig! Cyr SUT y ty Wop! dlthy tole als Bays es oe ne alas wile 0 aye faut

piel dul oy

ote Sy Sau ls pools tors pte! Jattaw a GAS Geetha y oltee yo pole lFur ls ity 5 Gale able MG Glu! 52> > DL Sa pew pe Gal eee Jlel y Sz! ote. WS WS ghee date y Atulty WS oat SILI OF Sheet y Vyet ayy 92 Sy Kash obetlyy tale

gray) alr)

che ghsglS Geetha y alte oll

pyle ot pte gili> Glr geryete I GY po gili> aire Ge tL" sl hee 92 AS Mager lees yl ‘ty3 Olagle Galen 4 4S fy tage ole bel

"actly

Cul

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 25

aA: Ei : 6 Toto Wk

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

VAAF HSI) Sop bets fares 5!

OWLLs Gal ay leas of £5 LS! Tad

dal 3st Koo nis 99 of Gul S ate,3 Joly ve Aledo LI del v2 le

Deen Zh Sle of SF N55 Sy trl Glee

ule yity jee y ary Slt jl y Chik.

ES ph S5 ety SD Megs leayy rye peed pd asl OL) Ler p> titan Vyo pltreul 42 55 sly Gr cul otp,S

ty get Chey Soo thy olyige ssl y Sez ly t5ty9,F eh WS 3h thy coke YELLE 42 Bl glial chy y (S155 qb gets

Asfergy

SN yey AB lap aySb 9S Lee! ty tae Cyr) Cla tA Cdey tabla y per oleh Jo hash 6S els bf asda, blag pail Dyke gah oy OT A Sh SS tbagy leas he tee Ah ph tas day age sage SLT cel ante clas! oh any LS N55 sly okie se eCuul 5,5 Sy yo orl gold

of) Slt ake Se Getresm valli, ues” (alee: Ea gy ee ae eg coe olay eo wr SOE agp Gye “Tats fo Jeane U PII HN dey Large GE yyS 3h Gas! “ayo 4p OF ayslan Gf Carls y 945 GSIylo Ged Cpe Vr Says y 51d 5h tphuert ng soeaaSc OGL, Drolet Gord Sale 4 54h pkaus yyWld 09> oul Sis oikyn satya) wplead Gigay Sig ds loaoleesleas ladle Tae ol Gills als y aS lasy dle gy ale) Gye $455 3) pmrtal Gh Gay An eyolen dyy ets egilen a3 Salta oS gilyl yo Gps sogetee dle opel cls! b obs b 1p as eS sleep & GeST WY Sy v2 Ge Gr ee dae a3) 4 tT gg ott ayfy SMa) pu

Sei SaaS (ae SMG La tO la IG) IY Sepp Gak> Obl} pe chy wruliz pt 5) WS sittin ofS gal sage Cylee GIS sly Giller goa 29,5 Gyht alyos ijk 3 ely 39 tly Ge ale AS

pel Jul) Coy

SL opt Gh ag shy Gott 131

wt OF Feb Sogn I I gh rl Jeticaeg Garb Sh ste arte Glee oaks Gyb N S yey yo Cael tga S Apes pil US Gel ye WEE she Sy Kaalfe �[Page 26]26 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

Wy

FOR NEW BAHA'IS...

Human being’s relation to God is essence of religion

The relationship between an individual human being and God is the essence of religion. Through His Manifestations, God provides the means by which we can know Him.

From the moment of our recognition of the Manifestation, we are born into a new spiritual life that is made possible by our love for Him.

“Love Me, that I may love thee,”? Bahá’u’lláh says in The Hidden Words. “‘If thou lovest Me not, my love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.””

The individual’s purpose in life is described in many ways in the writings. Bahd’u’ lah says that our purpose is to ‘know’ and to “Jove”? God, and that we have been created ‘‘to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization’’ (Gleanings, p. 65).

‘Abdu’l-Bahá adds that the purpose of life for a Baha’i is ‘‘to acquire virtues” (Paris Talks, p. 177).

Through the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh we receive instructions and guidance in how to achieve our purpose—how to fulfill ourselves as spiritual and physical beings.

“The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and

trustworthiness, to resignation and submissiveness to the Will of God, to forbearance and kindliness, to uprightness and wisdom. His object is to array every’man with the mantle of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds.’’ (Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, p. 137)

Bahda’u’llah’s Writings are filled with guidance on how we should live, and the qualities we should strive to develop. This helps our progress in this life and prepares us with the capacities we will need for life in the next world.

Although we are to strive to gain divine virtues, the life of the individual Baha’( is not the life of a spiritual recluse. While provid -ing guidance in all the fundamen tals of a strong personal spiritual life—prayer, fasting, meditation—Bahd@’u’ll4h_ requires that we be involved in this world.

For example, He calls upon us to work, to engage in the arts, a trade, or a profession. This work He has raised to the level of worship when performed to the best of our ability in service to humanity.

Bahá’u’lláh asks that we put concern for others above concern, for ourselves; that we look always for love and unity, and that we avoid hurting others in any way. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicates that the

From the Writings ...

“Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility. We pray God to protect thee from the heat of jealousy and the cold of hatred. He verily is nigh, ready to answer.’’ (Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 93-94)

.

Discuss the above passage with the Baha’i who taught you the Faith, or with another believer. Together, consider the following questions:

Make a list of the qualities Bahá’u’lláh refers to in this passage. Is

this merely a listing of qualities, or do you think there is some reason for the ordering of those qualities? If so, what do you think is its signifi cance?

‘Abdu’ l-Baha says that the teachings of Baha’u’llah should be lived,

not just read: ‘‘There is a vast difference between the soul who merely reads the words of Bahd’u’ll4h and the one who tries to live them.” How can you establish a personal, systematic effort to acquire divine qualities? How would prayer, meditation and deepening support your effort? Select one or two of the qualities mentioned above and make a plan for personally developing them in yourself.

.

The Baha’ Writings cover extensively the individual’s development including the qualities that we should strive to obtain, the ways in which we can guide our own spiritual development, and the role of the individual in the growth of the Faith. The following are a few references available from the Baha’; Distribution Service that address this topic:

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Some Answered Questions, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, especially pages 177 262 The Imperishable Dominion, by Udo Schaefer, which, in chapter 12, “The New Man,”’ reviews and offers references to those qualities that

Baha’ u’llah calls on us to obtain.

highest station for a Baha’i is that of servitude.

In the Baha’i Faith there is no clergy; therefore, ‘“‘the service once rendered by priests to their religions is the service every single Baha’i is expected to render individually to his religion.” (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Individual and Teaching, p. 39)

Besides living a life that reflects the qualities enshrined in the teachings of Baha’u’ lah, the individual believer can assist the progress of the Faith through teaching, supporting the Funds, and deepening in the Writings.

“The healthy development of the Cause,”’ the Universal House of Justice states, “‘requires ... the dedicated effort of every believer

in teaching, in living the Baha’ life, in contributing to the Fund, and particularly in the persistent effort to understand more and more the significance of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 25)

The House of Justice also states, ‘‘In addition to teaching, every believer can pray. Every believer can strive to make his ‘own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Baha’u’llah.”

“Not all believers can give public talks, not all are called upon to serve on administrative institutions. But all can pray, fight their own spiritual battles, and contribute to the Fund.””

Participation in these activities not only helps the Faith to grow, it draws a measure of divine power to the individual. In this way, believers not only work to transform: themselves, but also other individuals, and, ultimately, to change society as a whole, thereby bringing the blessings of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation to all humanity and establishing the promised Kingdom of God on earth.

“If every believer will carry out these sacred duties,”” the Universal House of Justice writes, ‘“‘we shall be astonished at the accession of power which will result to the whole body, and which in its turn will give rise to further growth and the showering of blessings on all of us.’”? (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 38)

Individuals changed by Baha’u’llah’s teachings demonstrate awesome power of His Revelation

In the history of the Faith, there are many individuals who have been transformed by Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. These people attained such a high station, in both their personal character and their services to the Cause, that they stood out as proof of the divine power of His Teachings.

“Is the testimony of those acceptable and worthy of attention,” Bahd’u’ll4h asks in the Kitab-i-Iqdn, “whose outward behavior conforms with their inner life?

“If these companions, with all their marvelous testimonies and wondrous works, be false, who then is worthy to claim for himself the truth? I swear by God! Their very deeds are a sufficient testimony, and an irrefutable proof unto all the peoples of the earth, were men to ponder in their hearts the mysteries of divine Revelation.” (Kitdb-i-[qdn, pp. 224, 226)

One example of such an individual was Nabil-i-Akbar (not the same person who wrote the epic history The Dawn-Breakers). Nabil was one of the most learned people in Persia. In 1853 he became a Babi, and met Baha’u’llah in 1859, before the declaration of His mission. Nabil-i-Akbar tells the following story of that meeting:

“The more I observed (Bahá’u’lláh) the less I discovered any sign which could point to His claiming a station. On the contrary, I observed in Him nothing, either in word or deed, except humility, self-effacement, servitude and utter nothingness. ...

“It was through my vain imagining that in the gatherings of the friends I always used to occupy the seat of honor, assume the function of the speaker and would not give an opportunity to Bahá’u’lláh or anyone else to say anything. One afternoon, Bahá’u’lláh arranged a meeting in His house. ...Again, I occupied the seat of honor. ...

“In the course of the meeting, a certain question was asked. Having satisfied myself that no one in the room was capable of tackling the problem, I began to speak.

“All the friends were silent, except Bahá’u’lláh Who occasion ally, while agreeing with my exposition, made a few comments on the subject. Gradually He took over and I became silent.

“‘His explanations were so profound and the ocean of His utterance surged with such power that my whole being was overtaken with awe and fear. ...

“After a few minutes of listening to His words—words of unparalleled wonder and majesty—I became dumbfounded ...I felt deeply ashamed and troubled that I was occupying the seat of honor in that meeting.

“I waited impatiently until 1 saw that His lips were no longer moving when I knew that He had finished talking. Like a helpless bird which is freed from the claws of a mighty falcon, I rose to my feet and went out. There, three times I hit my head hard against the wall and rebuked myself for my spiritual blindness.” (The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 1, pp. 92-95)

Nabil-i-Akbar attended another meeting at which Bahd’u’ll4h spoke and was awed by His wisdom and the significance of His words.

He asked Baha’u’llah what His station was, and readily accepted Him. Afterward, Nabil-i-Akbar devoted his life to the service of the Cause, traveling to various parts of Persia to teach, and suffering much persecution. Shoghi Effendi indicated that Nabil was one of the Apostles of Bahd’wllah.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said of Nabil-i“When his eyes were opened to the light of Di i ance, and he breathed grances of Heaven, he became a flame of God. ...

“«...with all his powers he kept on spreading the Faith and setting forth its proofs, and was a guiding lamp to many souls. He was exposed to danger at all times ...

“Like a candle, he was using his life; but in spite of his sufferings he was was never dispirited, rather his joy and ardor increased with every passing day. He was eloquent of speech; he was a skilled physician, a remedy for every ill, a balm to every sore. ...

“A sign of guidance he was, an

emblem of the fear of God. For this faith, he laid down his life, and in dying, triumphed. He passed by the world and its rewards; he closed his eyes to rank and wealth; he loosed himself from all such chains and fetters, and put every worldly thought aside. ...

“Praise be to God, at the end he was made the recipient of heavenly grace. Upon him be the glory of God, the All-Glorious. May God shed the brightness of the Abhda Kingdom upon his resting place. May God welcome him into the paradise of reunion, and shelter him forever in the realm of the righteous, submerged in an ocean of lights.” (Memorials of the Faithful, pp. 1-5)

Book corner

To help our efforts as individuals to acquire the qualities of a true Baha’i, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers us to specific Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. “Read ye the Hidden Words, ponder the inner meanings thereof, act in accord therewith. Read, with close attention, the ‘Tablets of Tarazdt’ (Ornaments), ‘Kalimat’ (Words of Paradise), ‘Tajalliyyat’ (Effulgences), ‘Ishraqat’ (Splendors), and ‘Bishidrat’ (Glad Tidings), and rise up as ye are bidden in the heavenly teachings. Thus may each one of you be even as a candle casting its light, the center of attraction wherever people come together. ...”” (The Importance of Deepening, p. 12). “In these Tablets,’? He further states, ‘‘will ye have a model of how to live and how to be.”” (The Importance of Deepening, p. 13) The Hidden Words, revealed around 1858, consists of a series of verses which, Baha’u’llah indicates, is “‘that which hath descended from the realm of glory

.. revealed unto the Prophets of

|. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous. ...”” The Tablets of Bahd’u'lláh is a collection of Tablets, including those mentioned above by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, revealed by Baha’u’llah after 1873. Both books are available from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

�[Page 27]This photograph was taken at the home of Ludmila Van Sombeek in Durham, North Carolina, date

unknown. If you can identify anyone in the picture or know the year in which it was taken, please

contact the National Bahd' Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

RCA releases new album by Baha’i performers

Ariola/RCA, one of the largest record companies in the world, has released a new album by two American Baha’is, singer/songwriters Ren Toppano and Paul Parish, which includes several songs consisting of complete passages from the Sacred Writings.

The company chose the album’s title, ‘The Royal Falcon,”’ from

one of its songs which uses extracts from a Tablet in which Baha’u’llah says, ‘I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty. I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its flight.” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 1982 edition, p. 169)

Calling all Baha’is to take part in Maine’s ‘Northern Lights’ campaign in June-July

Urgent! All Bahá’ís are needed to participate in the largest teaching project Maine has ever witnessed!

We need your help with the Northern Lights Teaching Project—our response to the “‘Gift of the Roses’’—which is being held June 19-July 3 in Portland.

Teaching will be done in teams with teaching methods decided by each team. The Northern Lights Committee envisions that individuals will take part in direct teaching, proclamations, issuing

Errol Doris, a nine-year-old Bahá’í from LaGrange, Ilinois, performs a humoresque by Dvorak during a musical celebration of Naw-Rúz in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. The celebration, spon door-to-door invitations, speaking at firesides, manning booths, etc.

Firesides and deepenings will be held every evening for 14 days. Other public events include a benefit concert by Do’a; multi-lingual sunrise prayers; a Neighborhood Cultural Day; Souvenir Picnic; Grace Ross film showing, and many others.

Fund-raising efforts include the sale of buttons and T-shirts with the campaign logo printed on them.

sored by the Bahd’{ communities of Chicago and Niles, included performances by more than 30 local Bahá’ís including the Chicago Bahá’í Choir. (Photo by Joobin Mosbat)

WANTED:

Wilmette, IL 60091.

A photograph of your Unity picnic for Mr. Sears’ album. Send it to the National Teaching Committee, Baha’i National Center,

Without realizing its significance, the record company chose April 21 (Ridvan) to release the album in Germany.

The day before, Messrs. Toppano and Parish were featured on the Albert Krogman show, which boasts one of the largest audiences in Germany.

Mr. Krogman recently traveled to Los Angeles to film this profile of the artists. Others included in that edition of the show were Princess Stephanie of Monaco and American film star Michael Douglas.

Subsequent to its launch in Germany, the album was to be released worldwide.

Ren Toppano and Paul Parish are managed by Marcia and Garnie Day, the team that launched Seals and Crofts.

The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 27

Sprague

from page 4

count of her first meeting with “Abdu’l-Bahá. One of his favorite passages was: ‘“‘As we gazed on Him, I realized that we could in no way comprehend Him; we could only love Him, follow Him, obey Him, and thereby draw nearer to His beauty.””

Such thoughts as these, which she had expressed as well in her talks and letters to Philip, found an echo in his own heart.

After Mrs. Maxwell’s death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1940, Philip went to South America ona six-month teaching trip. His firesides in Buenos Aires were attended by large numbers of youth who loved him dearly.

He returned to the U.S. in February 1941, on the same ship with Mary Keene Manero, whom he later married.

In 1944 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., and served as its treasurer from 1945-50, at a time when the National Assembly was engrossed in the first stages of the interior construction of the House of Worship.

In 1947 the National Assembly set up the Temple Construction Committee to oversee the interior decoration. The committee was comprised of four members of the National Spiritual Assembly: Amelia Collins, Paul Haney, Philip Sprague and Edna True.

Philip was ill for much of his

Sweden to host Summer School

A Scandinavian Baha’i Summer School will be held July 19-25 in Kungalv, Sweden.

It commemorates the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, and the 25th anniversary of the year in which each of those countries formed its own National Spiritual Assembly.

life, and during the last few difficult years, his wife was a constant source of help and encouragement. He learned to be patient under the severest suffering.

“‘Staunch, exemplary, greatly admired, dearly loved Sprague,” the Guardian cabled following Philip’s death on September 23, 1951, and how well those words expressed the feeling of the Baha’i community as a whole toward Philip, whose deep and abiding love for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian attracted the hearts of the friends.

Often, in the last few months of his life, he was heard to say, ‘All I want is to be with the Master.””

‘Interfaith Tree’ is well-received in North San Diego

On December 17, at the regular meeting of the North San Diego County (California) Interfaith Council, Joan Engman, a Baha’i from San Marcos, made dozens of white and gold Christmas tree decorations, each representing a different faith—even the American Indians.

Since some members of the Council objected to a strictly “‘Christian’’ tree, the “Interfaith tree” was well-received. About_70 people admired the decorations which were placed on the fourfoot tall tree with twinkling lights.

Former Social Security head given statement

Inspired by the “Spirit of the Roses,” Baha’is in Avondale, Louisiana, sent a copy of ‘“‘The Promise of World Peace’ (with the permission of the Office of External Affairs) to the former U.S. Commissioner of Social Security, Mrs. Martha McSteen.

Also, with the help of another Baha’i, Mrs. Bernice Dormio, they presented a copy of the peace statement to the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic on behalf of the Bahá’ís of metropolitan New Orleans.

THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE

A Statement by the Universal House of justice

10/35

packaged in tens

New proclamation opportunities with pocket-sized edition of the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice

@ designed to fit into a woman's purse, a man’s jacket pocket, and a No. 10 envelope

@ ideal for handy reference and for giving away

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

a oat a a, : Bahda‘i Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1880

Price valid only in the United States

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

Baha’is urged to support UN Convention on Women

UNITED NATIONS

The establishment in 1947 of the Commission on the Status of Women was the first attempt within the United Nations system to consider women’s concerns, and this only within the context of human rights issues.

The Commission’s first task was to determine in which conditions and situations all over the world the most severe forms of discrimination against women occurred. Four areas in particular were found to give cause for concern:

legal rights of women, both as individuals and as family members;

¢ working life.

In recent years recommenda

Archives seeks

selected books

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

The Hidden Words (cloth, 1948), The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys (paper, 6th through llth printings), Foundations of World Unity (cloth, 1945), Some Answered Questions (cloth, 1930) and God Passes By (paper, 1944).

If you have any of these and can donate or sell them, contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

tions and conventions have been adopted in all four of these areas.

Although a total of 44 conventions relating specifically to women have been adopted by the UN system, by far the most important is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which was adopted in 1979 and entered into force in 1981 after ratification by the required 20 countries.

A concise and comprehensive conclusion to the long process within the UN system to incorporate the principles of women’s rights and equality of the sexes in the provisions of international law, the Convention includes, in their most precise form, all provisions aiming at the elimination of discrimination against women previously covered by separate conventions. It also contains provisions covering issues omitted from earlier conventions.

The Convention also provides for follow-up, obliging member states to report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women on the legislative and other steps taken to implement its provisions.

Governments must first report to the committee one year after the Convention has entered into force in their country, and every four years thereafter.

At the beginning of 1986, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly asked the Bahd’{ community to take part in a nationwide effort to ratify the UN Convention on Women. Baha’i communities have a critical role to play in building grassroots support for this effort.

The U.S. was active in drafting the Convention on Women and signed it in 1980; however, the Convention has been pending in

the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for seven years because that committee has never held hearings on it, the usual next step in the ratification process.

The committee must take its recommendations to the full Senate for its approval. This may include any resolutions, limitations or reservations.

A two-thirds vote of the Senate

is needed for passage, after which is submitted to the President for is signature. More than 200 Baha’i communities were asked to encourage their members to write letters of support for ratification of the Convention and for the holding of hearings to the members of the Foreign Relations Committee.

As of May 1987, 91 nations had ratified or acceded to the Convention. A number of the ratifying countries made declarations and reservations about aspects of the treaty with which they had difficulty because of their national laws.

Among the countries that have ratified are Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Austria, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and Australia.

Baha’is who would like to receive a copy of the Convention should write to: Baha’is of the United States, United Nations Of ice,

New York, NY 10017. Re: Convention on Women.

Arising to the challenge of achieving equality among humanity is a prerequisite to peace. As ‘Abdu’ l-Bahá said:

“When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly de

National Assembly’s Office of External Affairs recounts busy, productive year in annual report

During the last Baha’i year the National Spiritual Assembly continued to maintain and strengthen its relationships with the U.S. government as well as with national non-governmenta} organizations and news media.

Through its Office of External Affairs the National Spiritual Assembly maintained contact with the U.S. Department of State (Bureau for Human Rights, Bureau for International Organizations, Refugee Bureau), the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Congress (both Senate and House of Representatives with their various committees and subcommittees) and the White House.

Special events in Washington included a luncheon held on the eve of Human Rights Day (December 9, 1986) that featured a talk by the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, Richard Schifter, and was attended by the newly appointed UN Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, Dr. Angelo Vidal d’ Almeida Ribeiro, and some 100 other guests.

Baha’is participated in a number of government-sponsored conferences that dealt with human rights, the rights of women, and other topics of interest to the National Spiritual Assembly. On April 2 the co-chairmen of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Human Rights Caucus sponsored a breakfast meeting to discuss fur ther measures for the defense of the Iranian Baha’is from persecution unleashed against them by religious fanatics.

A memorable event in December 1986 was the visit to the of the UN Rapporteur on Reli; ious Intolerance. The Office of External Affairs helped organize his schedule. He was greeted and entertained by the Baha’is in New York (by the BIC New York Office), Washington and Chicago. While in Chicago, the Rapporteur visited Wilmette where he had a meeting and tea at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The Office of External Affairs continued to supervise the distribution of the peace statement of the Universal House of Justice to members of Congress and state governors. By April almost 300 had received the statement. Simultaneously, more than 500 national organizations also received the peace statement.

Through the National Commi tee on Women the National Spi itual Assembly carried out a letterwriting campaign to the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate on the UN Convention on Discrimination Against Women.

The National Spiritual Assembly co-sponsored with the Continental Board of Counselors a conference on ‘‘Preparation for Opposition” held at Louhelen in May 1986.

The San Francisco Peace Conference of September 1986 made a considerable impact on the relations between the National Spiritual Assembly and various non-Bahda’{ organizations.

Contacts with national media of communications continued to bring the Faith favorable publicity. One must mention the editorial in The New York Times (November 20, 1986) as well as articles in The Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly (April 1987), Insight magazine, and The Washington Times. Countless articles appeared in local and regional papers. The National Spiritual Assembly placed a 1/8-page ad in the March 31, 1987, edition of The Washington Post and its National Weekly Edition.

The National Spiritual Assembly continued to strengthen its capability in the field of external relations. An Office of Public Information has been reéstablished in Wilmette under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations Representative in New York continued to carry out her multifarious duties, and the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly collaborated with the Bahá’í International Community’s offices in New York, Geneva and Haifa.

stroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife. Equality between men and women is con ducive to the abolition of warfare for the reason that women will never be willing to sanction it.”” (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 1982 edition, p. 175)

Year in review

from page 17

North Carolina.

Black History Month begins at the

Bahá’í House of Worship with an outstanding program February 1 which features the “Do It for the Kids” choir directed by Milton Bullock, a member of The Platters singing group and founder of Do It for the Kids Inc., a non-profit group that channels the energies of youngsters into music.

‘The guest speaker, Illinois state Sen. Ethel Sykes Alexander, tells of Benjamin Banneker, a son of slaves who ‘overcame adversity to become a wellknown mathematician and inventor.

The third annual David Kellum ‘Awards are presented to Mr. Bullock and to TWIGS (Together We Influence Growth), a group that brings children of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds together in an outdoor environment.

© On February 20-22, members of Regional Youth Committee No. 5 and District Youth Committees in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois gather at the Bahá’í House of Worship for a fun-filled weekend retreat. About 40 youth share teaching experiences and fellowship and hear talks by Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor and two members of the National Youth Committee, Gail Etzenhouser and Phillip White.

© On February 14-16, members of 17 Baha’i School Committees across the U.S. attend a conference at the Louhelen Bahd’{ School whose purpose is to explore the role of Bahd’{ schools in winning the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie appears

February 7 in a concert at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, about two miles from the House of Worship, and delights a sold-out house with his smooth blend of modern music and down-to-earth humor.

MARCH

© The Bahá’í Justice Society (BJS), at its second annual meeting March 27-29 in Evanston, Illinois, adopts bylaws and elects a new Board of Officers. Society members also review the group’s charter for the first time since its approval by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The BJS is the first professional group established by the National Assembly as called for in the Six Year Plan.

On March 20, the Universal

House of Justice announces the election of Dr. Peter Khan to membership on that body, replacing the late Charles F. Wolcott who died in January.

In an open letter to the women of

the American Baha’ community, the National Committee on Women restates some of the concepts outlined by the Universal House of Justice in its recent compilation on women. “The vision of women conveyed in this compilation," the committee writes, “cannot fail to stir the hearts of all sincere believers. The National Committee on Women is choosing, however, to make a special appeal to the women of the American Baha’i community, in the ‘Spirit of the Roses,’ to arise as never before and increase their services to the Faith and their support of the Fund.””

Blanche Grant, the National

Teaching Committee’s Regional Schools coordinator for the past seven years, resigns March | when the regional office is moved to the Baha’i

National Center in Illinois, and is replaced by Kathy Magill.

International Women’s Day is commemorated March 8 in New York City with a Vigil for Peace whose theme is ‘‘Women Are a Key to Peace.” Baha’is join a number of other organizations in sponsoring the event, at which the Faith is represented by Shiva Tavana, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the United Nations in New York.

APRIL

In its annual Riḍván message to

the Baha’is of the world, the Universal House of Justice observes that since the Six Year Plan was launched at Ridvan 1986, ‘‘the administrative institutions of this growing Cause of God’’ have “already begun to show signs of an increasing maturity, while at the same time emerging from the protective obscurity of their early days into the larger arena of public notice.””

Through ‘‘a devolution of responsibility whereby all national communities through their National Spiritual Assemblies, in consultation with Counselors, local Spiritual Assemblies and the generality of believers, were requested to formulate, for the first time, their own objectives for achievement during the new Plan,”’ and through ‘‘a united uprising of the entire Bahá’{ community to distribute the statement, ‘The Promise of World Peace,’ ”” the message says, the

‘growing strength and maturity of the Baha’i world community” has been “heavily reinforced’? and given ‘“‘a more clearly defined and readily rec‘ognizable public image.””

‘© On April 2, two members of the National Spiritual Assembly—Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman and director of the Office of External Affairs—attend a breakfast briefing in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the House of Representatives’ Human Rights Caucus.

The co-chairmen of the Caucus, Reps. Tom Lantos of California and John Porter of Illinois, both say in their introductory remarks that in their opinion the plight of the Baha’i ‘community in Iran represents the most egregious violation of religious rights in the world today.

Five other congressmen and many congressional aides also attend the breakfast.

© Described by Counselor Robert Harris in a message to the Feast of ‘Ilm (October 15) as “‘a movement that illustrates the power of the individual to arise, that promises to shape the spirit of the entire Six Year Plan,” the “Spirit of the Roses” campaign reaches a triumphant conclusion at Ridvan. The successes of the cam . paign are outlined in a journal, com piled over the past 189 days and filled with stories of teaching activities, service projects, presentations of the peace statement, support for the National Fund, and many other examples of loving and sacrificial service, which is to be forwarded to the Universal House of Justice.

© On April 7, representatives of the U.S. Armenian, Jewish and Baha’i communities take part in a press conference in New York City called by the Cambodia Documentation Commission to publicize the genocide of Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.

© For the sixth year in a row, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights passes a resolution exPressing its deep concern over human rights in Iran, in particular those of the country’s Baha’i minority.

�[Page 29]The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 29

INS taking applications from refugees who may qualify for U.S. legalization

On May 5, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began taking applications for legalization.

If you were out of status with the INS prior to January 1, 1982, and have been a continuous resident of the U.S. since that date,

Archives mailing list

The National Baha’i Archives is developing a mailing list of those who are interested in receiving its duplicate book auction catalogs.

If you would like to be on the mailing list, simply send your name and address to the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Green Lake Baha’i Conference

School Dates September 18, 19, 20 1987

Theme

Location

Site Name American Baptist Assembly

Site Phone 414-294-3323

Speakers

Auxiliary Board Members Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor.

National Spiritual Assembly Treasurer Dorothy Nelson.

Member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, Robert Harris.

Attractions

artists and artisans.

“Please use the service entrance”

South Central Wisconsin just West of the city of Green Lake

Exhibition Hall featuring Publishing Trust Bookstore, Baha’i Publishers, and suppliers, National Committee Booths, Baha'i

Plus, the third annual Saturday

en

you may qualify for legalization.

The INS has set up a series of social service agencies (qualified designated entities) to process the routine applications for legalization. You can locate these agencies by contacting your state refugee coordinator in the capital of your state of residence.

If you are unable to do this, you may call the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office at the Baha’i National Center for the location nearest you.

As this is an extremely complex and detailed process, it is most important, before applying directly to the INS or its agents, that you contact one of these agencies to determine whether you qualify for

legalization.

Night Party because...“Everybody Loves Saturday Knight!” Come dressed as your favorite medieval pun.

Classroom Facilities

Most adult sessions in central meeting hall. During optional sessions, classes meet in 10-12 smaller classrooms spread over beautiful grounds in nearby buildings. Nursery, outstanding children’s classes, pre-youth and youth classes also in nearby buildings. Persian sessions in main auditorium.

Recreation Facilities All recreational facilities are within the gates of ABA. Acres of serene meadows and woodlands with freely roaming deer and wildlife. Indoor pool, bi

revealed by

Included here are prayers

18 pages. Pocket

Order from Bahat Distributi 5 DEN AVENUE, WILMET your local distrib

New from George Ronald, Publisher

This collection brings together for the first time in one volume the prayers so far translated into Eng’ Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be recited specifically by women.

ze booklet, $1.95

ish,

cycling, boating, fishing, tennis,

golf and miles of nature trails through hills and valleys. Ideal for photographers.

Accommodations for Meals and Lodging

All accommodations in quiet seclusion of ABA grounds. Wide variety available from primitive to deluxe campsites, inexpensive dorms, private rooms for 1-4, cottage and cabins with cooking facilities, hotel rooms in classic and homey 81 room lakefront hotel, large luxury homes. Meals served cafeteria style on site. Overnight guests must take meal plan unless there are cooking facilities at accommodations (house, cabin, cottage, campsite). Day guests may buy meal tickets, use snack bar, use picnic facilities or restaurants off grounds. Vegetarian and specific diets available with advance arrangements.

Pre-registration Date

While accommodations variety is great, the number in each category is limited. Room reservations should be made as soon as possible. The earlier the better— to insure your first choice.

All housing registration inquiries should be addressed to American Baptist Assembly, Registration, Green Lake, WI 54941 (telephone 414-294-3323 or 1-800558-8898 toll free). Baha'i contact for program information only, Sue Schaut, Planning Committee Secretary,

Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (telephone 608-837-8609).

Rates

To calculate Conference Cost, add the following three items:

1. Conference Fees A. overnight adults

12 and up $11

2. Accommodations Rates

3. Meal costs

B. overnight children infant to 11

C. maximum family fee (parents and children Oto 11)

D. day guest adult 12 and up

E. day guest children infant to 11

$6

$33

$6 A. tots 0-5 NO CHARGE

The following per person/ per night rates apply to everyone age 6 -adult B. dormitory style room with central bath 1-2 per room $12-26 C. rooms with semi-private bath 1-3 per room $17-28 D. rooms with private bath 1-4 per room $18-40 E. limited campsites, cabins, cottages and large luxury homes—contact the ABA directly for information.

A. tots 0-5 NO CHARGE B. children 6-11

breakfast $2.10 lunch $3.10 dinner $3.95 C. adults 12 and up breakfast $3.65 lunch $4.75 dinner $6.15

All overnight guests must take meal plan unless the accommodations have cooking facilities,

Pre-Registration for Children’s Classes

GREEN LAKE BAHA'I CONFERENCE

RETURN BY SEPTEMBER 1, 1987

GREEN LAKE CENTER RESERVATION (one per family) ‘Mail to Reservations and make check ‘American Baptist Assembly — Green Lake, WI 64941 ‘Advance Deposit Room: 1 Day Room Charge. Housekeeping/Camping, ¥p total charge.

payable to:

Cancellation Fee — Room: Between 2 weeks and 4:00 p.m. day before reservation, Yo deposit. Housekeeping/Camping: Between 30 days and 4:00 p.m. day betore reservation, ¥p deposit. After 4:00 p.m. day betore reservation, no refund, ether class.

PARENT(S) NAME(S). ‘5 ‘Accommodation/Rate Preference AST NAME 1 List below your First Name Age Title 2 HOME ADDRES: and the name of each family | if under JMr., Mrs. Conference ‘member accompanying you 18 |Rev. etc] Attending are eee BIRTH SPECIAL NEEDS/DIET RESTRICTIONS] WILL ATTEND 1 plan to room wih CHILD'S NAME DATE _|M/F|GRADE| (Emotional/physical needs, behavior SAT | SAT | SUN si sabiescoubade (MO/DA/YR) modifications, allergies, etc) _| AM| PM| AM payee: Sever saeco ‘Ariving by Car. Public Transportation. If using public transportation, please give Date, Time, City and ‘Address Place to be met if known, otherwise send when finalized, Oo FRIDAY DINNER — NUMBER ATTENDING Sry ean We uF Ce Ae Confirmation Telephone FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ‘SEND FORM DIRECTLY TO: Conferees thru age 20 rival dat. Circle Time: 8B AM PM. EVE le. Ti AM PM EVE LAURIE KAUTZ, LODI, WI 53555 must pre-register Peraine i ae

�[Page 30]30 / The American Baha’i / June 1987

Una lista de algunos de los deberes de un Baha’i

SPANISH

Este manual sencillo ha sido preparado para satisfacer los deseos de algunos de los amigos Baha’is para tener disponible, en forma breve, una lista de algunos de los deberes de un Bahá’í, sin necesidad de buscarlos en los diferentes libros.

El orden de los deberes no indica necesariamente la relativa importancia de ellos, pues todos son de suma importancia. Esperamos que esto nos ayude a reflexionar.

1. Siempre ensefar la Fe: “La Pluma de lo Mas Alto ha decretado y ha impuesto sobre cada uno la obligacién de ensefiar esta Causa.””—Baha’u’llah. ‘‘Seguramente el iman que atrae fas bendiciones de Baha’u’llah hoy en dia es el ensefiar la Causa.’’—Shoghi Effendi

2. Tomar parte activa en los trabajos de la Fe: ‘‘E) (el Guardian) no puede urgirles a todos sufficientemente ... la importancia de que los Bahd’{ entiendan que los trabajos Baha’is, directos y concentrados, y efectuados eficientemente, no es sdlo su deber supremo sino también la mejor manera por la cual pueden servir a los intereses de la humanidad.Principios de Administracién Bahá’í.

3. Orar diariamente, inclusive el uso de una de las 3 oraciones obligatorias: ‘‘Entona, Oh Mi siervo,

Youth Conference slated in El Salvador

A Baha’j International Youth Conference will be held November 12-15 in El Salvador.

Detailed information about the program, costs, etc. will soon be forthcoming.

los versos de Dios que han sido recibidos por ti, como fueron entonados por 4quellos que se acercaron a El, para que las dulzuras de tu melodia puedan encender tu propia alma, y atraer los corazones de todos los hombres.”’— Libro de Oraciones

4. Estudiar diariamente las ensefanzas: ‘‘Profundizar en la Causa, significa leer los Escritos de Bahd’u’ll4h y del Maestro (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) en forma tan concienzuda como para poder darlos a otros en su forma pura. ...No hay limites para el estudio de la Causa. Mientras mas leemos las Escrituras, mayor serd el nimero de verdades que encontramos en Ellas, y veremos mejor que nuestras nociones anteriores eran equivocadas.’’—Shoghi Effendi

5. Asistir a las Fiestas de 19 Dias: “Esta institucién ha sido llamada por el Guardian ‘la base del Nuevo Orden Mundial.’ ”— Principios de Administracién Bahat

6. Observar los aniversarios Baha’is: “En las sagradas leyes de Dios en cada época y dispensacion, hay fiestas santas, dias festivos y dias de guardar. En tales dias, toda clase de ocupacién, comercio, industria, agricultura, etc., deben suspenderse.’’— Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era

7. Contribuir con regularidad a los Fondos Bahá’ís: ‘Es la sagrada obligacién de todo servidor concienzudo y fiel de Bahá’u’lláh, quien desea ver progresar su Causa, contribuir libre y generosamente el aumento de ese Fondo.””—Principios de Administracién Bahá’í

8. Observar las leyes del Kitab-iAqdas: “El (el Guardian) siente que es su deber explicar que las Leyes reveladas por Baha’u’llah en el Aqdas, cuando sea practico y no en conflicto directo con las leyes civiles del pais, son absolutamente exigibles a todo creyente 0

El Ayuno Baha’i

En lo que se refiere al ayuno, constituye junto con las oraciones obligatorias, los dos pilares que sostienen la ley revelada de Dios. Estimulan el alma, la fortalecen, vivifican y purifican y asi aseguran su desarrollo progresivo.

El ayuno es un simbolo. Ayuno significa abstenerse de toda sensualidad. El ayuno fisico es un simbolo de abstinencia y un recordatorio; es decir, que asi como una persona se abstiene de apetitos fisicos, debe también abstenerse de apetitos y deseos personales. Es sdlo un simbolo, un recordatorio, de otra forma no tiene importancia. Ayunar con este objeto no quiere decir privarse completamente de la comida. La regla de oro en cuanto al alimento es no comer demasiado ni comer muy poco. La moderacién es necesaria.

“Estos son, oh mi Sefior, los dias en que Tu ordenaste a tus siervos observar el Ayuno. Bendito aquel que observa el ayuno enteramente pur Tu causa y con absoluto desprendimiento de todas las cosas excepto de ti. Ayidame y ayidales oh mi Sefior, a obedecerte y a guardar Tus preceptos. ...’’—Bahá’u’lláh

La ley del ayuno es una obligacién espiritual ordenada por Bahá’u’lláh para todo creyente que ha llegado a los quince afios de edad. El prescribe asi en el Kitáb-i-Aqdas: ‘‘Os hemos prescrito orar y ayunar a partir del comienzo de la madurez; esto es ordenado por Dios, vuestro Sefior y Sefior de vuestros antepasados. El ha eximido de hacerlo a aquellos que estan débiles por enfermedad o edad. ...El viajero, el enfermo, las que estén encintas 0 amamantando, no estan obligados a ayunar. ...Absteneos de comer y beber desde la salida hasta la puesta del sol; y cuiddos, no sea que el deseo os prive de esta gracia designada en el Libro.”

EI periodo del ayuno, que dura diecinueve dias, comienza por regla el dos de marzo de cada afio y termina el vientre del mismo mes, implica abstinencia total de alimentos y bebidas desde la salida hasta la puesta del sol. Es escancialmente un perfodo de meditacién y oracién, de recuperaci6n espiritual, durante el cual el creyente debe tratar de hacer los reajustes necesarios en su vida interior y refrescar y vigorizar las fuerzas espirituales latentes en su alma.

“*No hagas terminar nuestros ayunos con este ayuno, oh mi Sefior, ni los convenios que Ti has hecho con este convenio. Acepta todo lo que hemos realizado por amor a Ti y en aras de Tu complacencia, y todo lo que hemos dejado de hacer, como resultado de la sujecién a nuestros males y. ...””—Bahá’u’lláh

institucién Bahá’í. Ciertas leyes, tales como el Ayuno, las Oraciones Obligatorias, el Consentimiento de los padres antes del casamiento, Abstinencia del alcohol, la Monogamia, deberan considerarse por todos los creyentes, como universal y vitalmente aplicables en la actualidad.”—E/ Orden Administracién

9. Unidad y amor para con los otros Bahá’ís: ‘‘Si cualesquier diferencias surgen entre vosotros, mira a Mi de pie ante vuestro rostro, y olvidad las faltas de uno y de otro en mi nombre y como una sefial de vuestro amor por Mi manifiesta y resplandeciente Causa. Deseamos veros, en todo tiempo, convivir en amistad y concordia dentro del paraiso de Mi buen placer, e inhaler de vuestros actos la fragancia de amistad y unidad, de amorosa bondad y confraternidad.””—Bahá’u’lláh

10. Mostrar buenas acciones: “Decid: Cuidaés, Oh pueblo de Baha, de no caminar en el sendero de aquellos cuyas palabras difieren a sus acciones. Dejad que vuestras acciones sean como una guia para toda la humanidad.’’ “Bl propésito del tinico y verdadero Dios, al manifestarse a los hombres ... es adornar a cada hombre con el manto de un cardcter santo y embellecerlo con el ornamento de actos sagrados y buenos.”’—Baha’u’ lah

11. Consultar con la Asamblea y obedecer sus decisiones: ‘‘Es obligatorio de cada uno no tomar ninguna decisién sin consultar con la Asamblea Espiritual, y todos deben acatar indudablemente con todo corazén y alma, sus mandatos y obedecerlos para que todos los asuntos sean propiamente ordenados y bien dispuestos.”— ‘Abdu’ l-Baha

12. No inmiscuirse en la politie ‘Hay que refrenarse de asociarse, sea con palabras o hechos, con las ocupaciones politicas de sus respectivas naciones. ...Y con las maquinaciones y programas de los partidos y facciones.’’—Shoghi Effendi

13. Ser obediente al gobierno: “En todo pais 0 gobierno donde miembros de esta comunidad residen, ellos deben comportarse hacia ese Gobierno con fidelidad, rectitud y veracidad.’’—Bahda’wllah

14. No afiliarse con organizaciones religiosas: ‘No debe haber confusi6n entre los términos ‘afiliacién’ y ‘asociacién.’ Mientras no se permite la afiliacién con organizaciones eclesidsticas, la asociacién con ellas no solo deberia ser tolerada sino aun alentada.’’— Shoghi Effendi

15. Trabajar por ganarse la vida: “Todo individuo, no importa los impedimentos o lit taciones que tenga, tiene la obligacién de ocuparse en algun trabajo o profesién, ya que el trabajo, especialmente cuando se efectua en espiritu de servicio, es, segun Bahá’u’lláh, una forma de adoracién. No solo tiene un propésito utilitario, sino que tiene un valor en si mismo, ya que nos acerca mds a Dios y nos permite comprender mejor su Propésito para nosotros en este mundo.’’— Shoghi Effendi

“No pensets que hemos revelado a vosotros un mero Cédigo de Leyes. No, mds bien, hemos quitado los sellos del vino escogido por los dedos de postestad y poder.

“Los preceptos establecidos por

orden en el mundo y la seguridad

Dios, constituyen los medios mds de sus pueblos.’’—Palabras de altos para el mantenimiento del Bahá’u’lláh

The Bahá’í year 144 had a lovely beginning in East Texas with the wedding at the Bahá’í Center in Karnack of Oscar Gottfried Nygren and Katie (Jefferson) Higgs. Seventy-five people including 45

pana ChB? i KARMACK

‘pre-Bahá’ís’ attended the ceremony, which was conducted by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrison County. News of the wedding was carried in 15 newspapers.

Se necesitan fotografias historicas de la fe Bahai

A Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales Queridos amigos bahd’is

El Centro Mundial Baha’i ha Ilegado a ser el repositorio principal de la historia fotografica de la Fe, y el proveedor cardinal de fotografias a doctos, autores y personas que hacen estudios. Cada vez mas se le pide proveer fotografias, y en muchos casos no tiene lo pedido, aunque es casi seguro que las fotos requeridos existen.

El aumento de la publicidad dada a la Fe en los medios masivos de comunicacién también ha abierto otra necesidad de documentacién visual variada, especifica y de alta calidad, especialmente con respecto a la historia tempranera de la Fe. Para hacer frente a estos requirimientos es necesario aumentar la coleccién del Centro Mundial, como puede ser posible ahora, con la ayuda de instituciones bahd’is y amigos individuales. La Casa Universal de Justicia nos ha pedido escribirles con respecto a este asunto.

En el momento actual se necesita principalmente de fotografias originales de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, las Manos de la Causa, creyentes pioneros de los primeros tiempos y fotografias tempraneras de lugares histdricos para el periodo hasta 1953 cuando comenzé la Cruzada de Diez Afios. A los individuos que puedan tener fotografias originales importantes de esos dias en sus colecciones, se les pide que las manden al Centro Mundial para que negativos puedan hacerse para sus archivos.

En casos en que se recibe un pedido especial, las fotos originales seran devueltas luego de ser copiadas. Sin embargo, si uno dona las originales a los archivos fotograficos del Centro Mundial, recibiré copias de buena calidad, si estas son requeridas. Favor referirse a las pautas adjuntas para la preparaci6n y el envio de este preciado material histérico de la Fe.

Se agradeceria mucho que cada fotografia se identificara tan completamente como sea posible, es decir, con detalles con respecto al lugar, la fecha aproximada, nombre y apellido de las personas que se ven, la ocasién, y otra informacién del caso; si es pertinente, el origen de la fotografia debe indicarse. Entre mds informacién haya con respecto a cada fotografia, mas util puede ser en el futuro. Favor no identificar por escribir directamente sobre la foto, sino usar algun método que no la dajfie. No usar cintas pegadizas en la fotografia.

En el pasado muchas instituciones y creyentes individuales han hecho el ofrecimiento generoso de donar colecciones fotograficas al Centro Mundial Baha’i, pero en ese entonces no habia ni el espacio ni el personal necesario para su manejo. Acontecimientos recientes ahora han posibilitado la aceptacién de tales colecciones.

Puede ser util que su Asamblea haga un llamado pidiento fotografias, mediante su boletin noticioso nacional, y que posiblemente repita el pedido después de un intervalo de varios meses.

Se agradeceré profundamente su ayuda con esta tarea de importancia vital.

Con carifiosos saludos baha’is,

Por el Departamento de Secretaria Casa Universal de Justicia 26 de enero de 1987 �[Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears appears before the annual National Convention for the third time in three years to urge the friends to redouble their efforts in teaching the Cause.

He recalls the delegates’ promises at the previous two Conventions to increase teaching efforts. These promises, he says, have yet to be fulfilled.

“I don’t think we realize how short the time really is,’’ says Mr. Sears, referring to “‘the critical situation of the Five Year Plan.”

He exhorts the friends to “‘ride the crest of energy’”’ released by the eight Bahd’{ International Teaching Conferences. ‘“‘We are standing,’ he says, ‘on the threshold of victory.” ...

On Saturday, April 30, the delegates to the 68th National Convention elect the members of the National Spiritual Assembly: Dorothy W. Nelson, Daniel C. Jordan, Soo Fouts, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Glenford E. Mitchell, Franklin Kahn, Magdalene M. Carney, Richard Betts and James F. Nelson. ...

A proposal for a new Bahd’{ school in Michigan, to be called the Louhelen Educational Center, is presented by the National Spiritual Assembly at the National Convention.

The facility is to be built on the 56-acre site of the Davison Baha’i School as funds become available. The Davison school was closed in 1973 when it was found that the buildings could no longer be used safely.

The proposed project, which has the approval of the Universal House of Justice, will cost an estimated $5 to $7 million to complete. ...

The mayor of Plattsburg, New York, the first Catholic priest in the U.S. to become mayor of a city, is presented in March with a copy of The Covenant of Bahd’w'llah.

Making the presentation are Baha’is Rouvan Lubow and Richie Pelligrino. ...

More than 250 people attend a play, ‘‘The Wonder Lamp,”’ written by the Hand of the Cause of God A.Q. Faizi, which is performed by children at the Greater St. Louis (Missouri) Naw-Rúz celebration. ...

At approximately 1 p.m. on May 1, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived at the site of the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois, to place the dedication stone.

At about that same hour on May 1, 1977, at the close of the annual Baha’i National Convention, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Board of. Counselors, and hundreds of delegates and visitors leave Foundation Hall, circumambulate the Temple which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had foreseen, and enter the upstairs auditorium through its nine doors to beseech assistance from Baha’w'llah,

Once inside, they join hands in a circle of unity and softly sing “Allah’u’Abha.’’ The voices gather force and the strains are carried gently on the breezes through the open doors and into the gardens below. ...

Letters

from page 3

and got out of the military; my husband stayed in, went to school, and in time became an officer, which made me an officer’s wife.

I began to receive invitations to various functions—all with officers’ wives. Where before I could retreat to my clichés, I then had to face people as people and deal with them on their turf.

To my surprise, I found that they were nice! They were concerned about their children, as I was; concerned about self-fulfillment, as I was; concerned about religious values, as I was.

It has taken me about five years of concentrated, sometimes uncomfortable confrontation with my self, but it has paid off. I can now join a group of either enlisted or officers’ wives and feel an inner sense of belonging because my attitude has changed, not theirs.

The movie I referred to was about the first year in which women were admitted to West Point. The male students and instructors had quite an adjustment to make, and many made the plebe year extra miserable for those female cadets.

One of the women finally talked to the commandant about the heckling, and though he was supportive and understanding, he said something that we Baha’is could also take to heart:

“What did you expect here? That 173 years of tradition would just fly out the window when you walked in?”

The lesson, of course, being that we are that cadet and we are that officer’s wife—faced with traditional modes of thought that do not conform to our high ideals, even in the hearts and minds of our fellow idealists!

We cannot change the other person’s attitude, but we can change our own. Let’s not keep asking others to be tolerant and accepting of us; let’s take the reins ourselves and teach others as we teach ourselves to be accepting— of “their” failings, ‘“‘their’’ fears, “their”? closed minds and unfa Martyr

from page 20

kindness and care.

Because of her many services to the Cause and the manner in which she performed them, Baha’is loved and respected her immensely.

But opponents of the Faith disliked her as much; they insulted her and hurled obscenities at her as she passed them in the streets.

After the Islamic revolution in 1979, the authorities arrested Mrs. Yalda’i. Two days later, she was called for interrogation.

She was asked to give the names of the members of the Spiritual Assembly of Shiraz. Mrs. Yalda’i, unwilling to involve other friends, refrained from giving the information that was demanded.

The following day she was taken to the basement of the prison and given 50 lashes on the soles of her feet, and another 50 on her back.

On the night of June 18, 1983, after a few months of imprisonment, Mrs. Yalda’i was hanged at the age of 54 along with nine other Baha’i women.

miliar behavior, whoever ‘‘they’’ are.

Perhaps in such an atmosphere of acceptance we will find that the very people we think are shunning us are themselves uncertain or fearful.

At this stage in the evolution of America, I see blacks as having a powerful potential as effective teachers. Perhaps we adults are congealed in the ‘‘plebe era’’ so that we’ll never lose all those old traditions, but our children and their children certainly have a better chance at it. Take heart—we are pioneers!

Sarah Lutz Newport News, Virginia

Peter Khan’s talk

To the Editor:

I would like to express my gratitude for the article (February) on the pioneering page titled ‘“Baha’is must bring about an everlasting peace.”

At the end of the article, which consisted of an excerpt from a talk by Counselor Peter Khan of the International Teaching Center, the reader was told that he/she might obtain a copy of the tape by sending $3 to the Office of the Treasurer at the National Center.

I have just finished listening to this wonderful tape, and to me, it is well worth purchasing.

It contains a special message to each one of us. I found it especially timely and useful to understand where we are as individuals (that is, Baha’is in America), and it gives us splendid ideas about what we need to do.

Foster M. Buckner Sierra Madre, California Baha’is must use TV To the Editor:

For our beloved Faith to grow as never before and for these healing principles to truly exert influence over our society in this electronic age, it is my firm conviction that the enormous power of the television medium must now be tapped in a new and decisive manner.

This, Bahá’ís recognize, is the purpose for which the mass media have been given to us: to unite the world and to inform the masses of the Source of its renewal. Without such technology the maturation of world society would scarcely be possible.

Encouraging as have been the initial efforts in many parts of the country, we have yet to see the sort of dramatic, convincing and professional delivery of the principles of the Faith which is now possible on national TV.

The Baha’i Faith has emerged from obscurity, but that only means that this kind of work can now at last begin. We must transmit to a distracted and disillusioned society the sure and thrilling vision of mankind’s immediate destiny.

In my opinion, the best use of television is without question happening on PBS, the public television network. The style and substance of such programs as Nova and the James Burke series are professional, appealing and stateof-the-art. I feel we must study and adapt such proven formulae to our own task; we cannot afford second rate any longer.

The Faith must be seen in this critical period as an active and leading force for understanding and progress: rational and discerning as secular science, power The American Baha’i / June 1987 / 31

ful and creative as divine religion. Such serious and challenging work requires funds, but it also requires professional skills, insight and innovation. I believe that ours must be the generation to answer this call, to recognize these opportunities, and to seize these victoties! Kim Bowers Kilgore, Texas

An aesthetic ‘conversion’ To the Editor:

Recently I underwent a ‘“‘conversion’’ in the most odd way— aesthetic, that is.

For years I had heard of a “down under’’ publication called Herald of the South, but never actually saw a copy. Then last year, searching for a publication for some of my articles, I sent a few, at the suggestion of George Ronald, to Herald of the South.

To my pleasant surprise, the editors accepted some of them, and when I received a complimentary copy of the January 1987 issue, it was the first time I had laid eyes on the magazine.

And what a stunning publication Herald of the South is! From beginning to end, the editorial board turns out a Baha’i magazine

of such superior quality that I instantly suffered both immoderate pride and humility to have my scribblings included in its pages.

It is the kind of publication al! Bahá’ís can be justly proud of and can give, loan, buy, enjoy, display and keep with confidence.

Iam immediately sending a subscription for my office reception room where it will be prominently displayed. The Herald needs and deserves our support because it is first-rate, top-drawer, almost too beautiful to be simply a magazine.

Having seen only one copy, I believe that Herald of the South deserves the full support of the world-wide Baha’i community.

Please consider subscribing; 1 know you’ ll be as pleased with the Herald as | am.

With greater awareness and support from the friends, perhaps it can become a monthly magazine. Wouldn’t that be exciting?

Everyone to whom I have shown my single copy has remarked about its beauty. Can you believe that?

Dr. Leonard D. Godwin Anaheim, California

IN MEMORIAM

Donna Allen Frank Diggs Theresa Marten Fernley, NV Laurinburg, SC St. Helena, CA April 21, 1987 1986 February 22, 1987 Geraldine Ankrah Lola Donaldson Lorne Matteson Phoenix, AZ Stamford, CT Hayward, CA January 22, 1987 April 13, 1987 April 27, 1987

Emmet Anthony Americus, GA

June 1986 Date Unknown Irving Ashby Jean Baptiste Eugene Perris, CA Ft. Lauderdale, FL April 22, 1987 April 13, 1987

Eleanor Ayres Ft. Lauderdale, FL February 1987 Patricia Bailey Columbia, SC

Clarence Ellis Pembroke, NC

Frederick Geisler Bremerton, WA Date Unknown Eunice Gustus Montezuma, GA

Lottie McMillian Pembroke, NC Date Unknown Eugene Mulholland Hayden Lake, ID April 13, 1985 Shirley Niss Glendale, WI 1985

Hester Patton High Ridge, MO

February 27, 1987 Date Unknown March 1987 Clara Beckstrom George Halterman Gladys Pellman Los Osos, CA Ferguson, MO Hamburg, NY January 1986 April 11, 1987 March 25, 1987 Barry W. Bevan Clint Harris Jane Rowe

Anaheim, CA Duluth, GA Mishawaka, IN February 7, 1987 1982 September 17, 1986 Marshall Bevan Leon T. Hill Sam Shumake Portland, OR Richmond, KY Cleburne, TX October 17, 1986 April 4, 1987 July 18, 1984

William Boatley Lancaster, KY Date Unknown Estelle Brown Marshallville, GA

Eleanor Hollibaugh Vevey, Switzerland February 15, 1987 Earnest Jackson Gainesville, TX

Charlie Slaughter Hillsboro, TX Date Unknown Annie Mae Smith Cleburne, TX

1983 March 2, 1987 September 1984 Louis Brown Willie Jacobs Lucille Walker Greenwood, SC Pembroke, NC Edgefield, SC August 1986 Date Unknown June 17, 1985 Marion Bruce Archie Johnson Pauline Weaver Darlington, SC Darlington, SC Cross, SC

May 4, 1980 March 1985 April 7, 1987 Florence Byrd Lizzie Johnson Eugene J. Wells Laurens, SC Laurens, SC Davison, MI October 1985 June 1986 April 10, 1987 Larry Carpenter Odell Laney Catherine Williams Maple Valley, WA Richland, GA Poughkeepsie, NY December 23, 1986 Date Unknown April 1, 1987 Lester C. Cates Nancy Lockbar Hosea Williams Oroville, CA Pembroke, NC Perry, GA

March 28, 1987 Date Unknown February 1987 Jesse Ceasar Jessie J. Lynch Howard Yarborough Lufkin, TX Charleston, WV Darlington, SC 1985 April 6, 1987 1985

Johnnie Mae Collier Hawkinsville, GA Date Unknown �[Page 32]

32/ The American Baha’i / June 1987

On February 8, the Bahá’í community of Hollywood, Florida, hosted a Persian dinner and ‘talent auction’ in the ‘Spirit of the Roses.’ Guests were treated to authentic Persian stews and rice

(pictured here). After dinner, she auctioned off ‘latent talent’ from all the guests to raise money for the National Fund. Everyone enJjoyed Persian, Native American and regional dances and songs,

fo avoid unnecessary delays in receivi your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHA'I, send your new address and your

label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERS! RECORDS, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new

| MOVING? ! TELL US YOUR I NEW ADDRESS

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND ID. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who. will be affected by this change.

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are.

dishes cooked by Nosrat Scott and $919 was raised for the Fund. a vy. ‘Area Code Numbe ‘Area Code Numbe Ni vided. More important is a dem- . na oe ae aa ma Youth onstrated capacity to exhibit ma- L Area Code Number Name

is helpful, but some training is available, as is a stipend.

Illinois (National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center): An administrative assistant is needed to help plan the International Youth Conference to be held in 1988. Must be self-motivated, well-organized and able to begin immediately and work until August 1988. Stipend available.

South Carolina (WLGI Radio): The station is seeking a volunteer to work on the many aspects of radio management. Some experience and/or knowledge of radio broadcasting is preferred.

South Dakota (Amoz Gibson Project): The ongoing teaching and consolidation project on the Pirie Ridge Reservation in South Dakota needs youth to serve as full-time projecteers.

U.S. (National Youth Committee): Inter-university traveling teachers are needed to visit Baha’i College Clubs to stimulate activity and help with club development. Must have a car.

Asia

Bahá’í World Center: Positions are open for male painter’s apprentices to help maintain Holy Places and Baha’i-owned buildings. Experience is helpful but not mandatory; training will be pro Baha'is present slide program at San Diego Interfaith meeting

On January 21, the Bahá’ís of Escondido and North San Diego County, California, served a buffet luncheon and presented a Baha’i program at the regular monthly meeting of the North San Diego County Interfaith Council.

The slides, “‘Out of God’s Eternal Ocean,”’ narrated on tape by Joan Nemour, were shown, followed by a question-and-answer period.

About 60 people attended, many of whom later complimented the Baha’is on the luncheon and program.

ture and responsible attitudes toward work. Stipend available.

India: Key youth are needed to serve in various village communities to organize and coordinate activities for Bahá’ís and non-Baha’is.

India: The Rabbani Baha’i School needs teachers in a number of areas: art; sports assistantgames coordinator; singing with option to teach guitar, flute and drums; primary level teacher; experienced horticulturist, dairy, poultry or fisheries; and a technician. Stipend is negotiable.

Papua New Guinea: Clerical assistant is needed for the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Papua New Guinea: A tutorial school teacher is needed to work with primary level students.

Papua New Guinea: An aide post orderly is needed with medical or nursing background to work in remote village areas.

Western Caroline Islands: An assistant to a pioneer family, male preferred, is needed to help teach and deepen; travel to village communities to help with Feasts, elections and Holy Day observances. All expenses paid by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Caribbean

The Bahamas: The National Spiritual Assembly is looking for one or two young men to live at the National Center and serve as coordinators for youth activities, both teaching and consolidation. Black men would be especially useful in this post.

Haiti: The Anis Zunuzi School wants a volunteer to help with various aspects of the school’s curriculum. The school sponsors and supports a number of selfhelp projects for the local community including childhood education, agriculture, nutrition, crafts, etc.

Europe

Ireland: The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking a youth to help with administrative work at its National Center and to plan and help carry out youth activities.

| address will be. I A

1. | ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames be 1 ID# Title Full name 13. I ID# Title Full name I 4.

ID# Title Full name

l B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: I House/Space #, Street or Description P.O. Box or other Mailing Address ! City State Zip City State Zip I —NEW COMMUNITY: I Name of new Baha’i community Moving date

We receive extra copies because: (else 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 1.D. number(s) are listed above.

Our household receives only one copy of The American Baha'i. I wish to receive my own copy. as well, and have listed my name, 1.D. number and address above my Imay

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 rec

ords, their 1.D. numbers, and the be put on the mailing list to receive corrections we will receive my own copy. only one copy.

Wilmette, Iinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. DSTAGE, f

PAID ‘ WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

‘Promise of Peace’ given to legislators in South Carolina

At the request of the South Carolina Northern No. 1 District Teaching Committee, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Spartanburg last year presented copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’’ to 16 members of the state House of Representatives and four state Senators including one, Liz Patterson, who since has become a U.S. Congresswoman from South Carolina.

In all cases, the statement was well-received with promises to peruse it.

Some 500 camera-ready copies of the statement were printed, and more than 70 were mailed, with a cover letter, to churches and individuals in Spartanburg.

Thirteen ministers received the study edition in person, while more than 200 of the cameraready copies were distributed from April through December.

“The more one can give,

the better

National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, UL 60091

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER

I ! I | | ! | ! I I ! ! I I ! | I ! I I ! l I ! I I ! I ! ! I I I I ! | ! I I 1

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s kindness to others shining standard for every Baha’ to follow

Throughout His journey in America, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá constantly showed love to all those He met. He was always concerned with the well-being of those who came to visit Him, making sure that they were comfortable. He took care of the sick, encouraged people, to be happy, gave generously to the poor, and treated those who served Him with respect and dignity.

When expounding upon the principles of the Faith, He never argued, never pressed a point. He approached situations with tact and wisdom. He left a person free to investigate the truth.

So many people were attracted by His warm, humble, nonthreatening attitude and His impeccable character—His glowing example as a follower of Bahá’u’lláh—that they soon became followers of the same Faith that He embodied. Those who were already believers became better Baha’ is.

The Master wanted the friends to teach the Faith by example, with words supported by deeds. ‘‘The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection toward them,”’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said. ‘‘When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him. ...Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is best method.” (Quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 12)

�

Notifications

Personal tools

The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 6/Text