The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 7/Text

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[Page 1]John E. Jacob (center), president of the National Urban League, and his external affairs officer, Clarence Wood (second from left) are pictured May 4 after receiving a copy of the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America.

’Dust’ of attachment to world obscures mirror of the heart

On July 25, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave the following talk at the Hotel Victoria in Boston, Massachusetts. The notes are by Edna McKinney.

I am very happy to greet you here today. This is the second time the breeze of God has wafted over Boston.

I am expecting results from this visit and hope that my coming may not be fruitless. The results I expect are these: that the individual soul shall be released from self and desire and freed from the bondage of satanic suggestions. May the mirrors of hearts be cleansed from dust in order that the Sun of Truth may be reflected therein.

Man possesses two kinds of susceptibilities: the natural emotions, which are like dust upon the mirror, and spiritual susceptibilities, which are merciful and heavenly characteristics.

There is a power which purifies the mirror from dust and transforms its reflection into intense brilliancy and radiance so that spiritual susceptibilities may chasten the hearts and heavenly bestowals sanctify them.

What is the dust which obscures the mirror? It is attachment to the world, avarice, envy, love of luxury and comfort, haughtiness and self-desire; this is the dust which prevents reflection of the rays of

(left to right) Counselors Alan Smith and Wilma Brady; Dr. Roy Jones, chairman, and Mrs. Marilyn Ellis Greene, secretary, of the National Race Unity Committee; and Neil McBride of Springfield, Massachusetts.

President of National Urban League receives ’Promise of World Peace’

On May 4, members of the National Race Unity Committee presented a copy of the peace statement to John E. Jacob, president of the National Urban League, at the League’s national headquarters in New York City.

Joining Mr. Jacob were his executive vice-president, Frank Lomax, and external affairs officer, Clarence Wood.

Representing the NRUC were its chairman, Dr. Roy Jones, and secretary, Mrs. Marilyn Ellis Greene.

Also representing the Faith were Counselor Wilma Brady of New York; Counselor Alan Smith of the Virgin Islands; and Neil McBride of Springfield, Massachusetts.

The meeting was occasioned by the expanded mandate assigned to the NRUC to establish friendships with national civil and human rights groups as a part of its integration responsibilities under the Six Year Plan.

Dr. Jones presented a brief history of the Faith, emphasizing its historic relationship to the Urban League.

Dr. Brady then elaborated on the contemporary history of the Faith worldwide.

During the discussion it was revealed that Messrs. Wood and Lomax had visited the Holy Shrines in Haifa two years ago.

Mr. Wood noted that the late poet Robert Hayden had been one of his favorite professors at Fisk University, and that the child of a friend of his had attended the New Era Bahá’í School in India.

Besides "The Promise of World Peace," Mr. Jacob was given a copy of To Move the World, the biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory.

Remarking that he sees great virtue and compatibility in what the Faith and the Urban League represent, Mr. Jacob said, "I’m sure I know a great many more Bahá’ís than I realize."

Lone Assemblies 87 Conventions

The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to ask only one local Spiritual Assembly to host each District Convention this October, rather than having two Assemblies work together on each Convention, as was done last year.

The change was made based on input from last year’s Convention planners, many of whom found that it was awkward having two Assemblies appoint and oversee a Convention planning team.

This year, the host Assembly in each electoral unit has been asked to contact at least two other Assemblies, if there are other Assemblies in the unit, and invite each of them to choose a representative from their community to work on a Convention planning team.

48 Bahá’ís fined, imprisoned for practicing Faith in Egypt

On May 11, the government of Egypt levied fines against 48 Bahá’ís and sentenced them to the maximum term of three years in prison for allegedly violating a law banning Bahá’í activities in that country.

Nine who reside outside Egypt were convicted in absentia. Two others were found not guilty after recanting their faith.

"The acquittal of those who declared their acceptance of Islam clearly demonstrates that religious beliefs, not alleged activities, were the central issue," said Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

The sentences, announced in Cairo by the Abdin Misdemeanor Court, followed the court’s refusal to allow full defense arguments and questioning of witnesses.

The Bahá’ís were released on bail and are expected to appeal the verdict.

Presidential Decree No. 263, signed in 1960 by then-President Gamal Abdel Nasser, ordered the dissolution of all Spiritual Assemblies in Egypt.

At the time, government officials said the order applied only to Bahá’í administrative organizations and their activities, adding that individuals would remain free to practice their religion.

Although they have scrupulously observed the terms of that decree, Egyptian Bahá’ís have been imprisoned on at least six occasions in the past 20 years, solely on charges relating to the practice of their religion.

The most recent arrests were made February 24 in a midnight sweep through several Egyptian cities during which the Bahá’ís’ homes were searched and their Bahá’í books and documents seized.

The Bahá’ís were charged with "holding ideas that run counter to the divinely revealed religions on which the system of government in Egypt is based" and of belonging to an "apostate religion."

Egypt’s State Security Prosecutor found that those charges do not constitute a crime under the country’s penal code and transferred the case to another court for prosecution under statutes forbidding the use of religion to pro

The Gregorys: An interracial marriage blessed by the Master

From July 25 to August 16, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed at a lovely mountain home in Dublin, New Hampshire, which belonged to Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons.

During the time the Master was there He received visitors, corresponded with believers around the world, and instructed, deepened and inspired the American Bahá’ís. He also addressed several local gatherings.

One of these was held August 3 near the Dublin River. It was here that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasized His blessing of the interracial marriage of Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathew.

According to Shoghi Effendi, this blessing was one of the seven most significant acts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while He was in America.

To understand why this was so exceptional an act, we must consider the prevalent views of American society in 1912. Theories of the inferiority of the black race and of the harmful effects of racial mixing were supported not only by popular "science" but also, in many cases, by the law.

In 25 states, interracial marriage was either a criminal offense or, at best, not recognized. Close relations between black men and white women were often considered grounds for lynching.

For the new Bahá’ís in America in the early years of this century, racism was often a difficult issue to approach, let alone overcome. And intermarriage was an almost unthinkable idea.

In her biography of Louis Gregory, To Move the World, Gayle Morrison writes: "To the Bahá’ís... who eluded the principle of the oneness of mankind with ’an attitude of apology and distortion,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá not only an

Louis and Louisa Gregory.

External Affairs has new D.C. address

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs has a new address. On July 2, the office, which was formerly located in New Haven, Connecticut, was moved to its new and more spacious quarters at 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C. (phone 202-265-8830). As a result, the Office of External Affairs is closer to those government agencies and individuals with whom it must interact on a regular basis. [Page 2]

Cherry Creek (South Dakota) Bahá’í proposes 'adopt new believer' program

To the Editor:

By the grace of God, this past year we surged to Assembly status in Cherry Creek, South Dakota. As the only "old-timer" Bahá’í in the community, I wondered how I, a special education teacher raising two young boys during the week in Cherry Creek, and who joins her family in the Black Hills on the weekends, could manage to help deepen the new believers.

I had the opportunity to discuss these thoughts with a young Navajo woman who was serving at the Amoz Gibson Project. She had been deepened by the guidance of those who took an interest in her personally and gave of their time and attention, hours spent talking about the Faith—even taking her to Bahá’í gatherings away from her home. This was the way that both she and I had become deepened in the Faith.

It then became clear to me that new believers in communities throughout the country need more personal attention from the "old-timers." If only three or four of the newer believers could receive more personal attention, it would enable them to give that display of love and concern back to the other community members.

I am directing a plea to those of you in the larger, more established Bahá’í communities to consider an "adopt a new believer" program—a plan to help deepen new believers, a challenge we are facing in the wide open spaces of South Dakota as well as all over the country. You can help by "adopting" a new believer from an isolated area such as Cherry Creek.

As a community or as a family project, bring a new Bahá’í to your community. Welcome him into your home or write to him often. Share yourselves and your love for the Faith with him for a period of 2-6 months. Take him to Feasts, to Holy Day observances, to Winter School—just take him!

Anyone who is interested in such a program, whether it be a new believer who would like to know more about the Faith, a community or a family that would like to "adopt" a new believer, or anyone who can't have a new Bahá’í in their home but would like to contribute to the effort in some way, is invited to write to me. Input, advice and prayers are welcomed.

Juanita Anderson-Rhodd Cherry Creek Day School Cherry Creek, SD 56722

San Bernardino Bahá’í Cycle Club aids anti-drug group with big 'Cycle Against Drugs' bike-a-thon

More than 500 cyclists took part May 17 in "Cycle Against Drugs," a bike-a-thon organized by the Bahá’í Cycle Club and the Spiritual Assembly of San Bernardino, California, to raise money for a recently formed anti-drug task force, San Bernardino Community Against Drugs Inc. (SBCAD).

The event, which took four months to plan, gave members of the Bahá’í club many opportunities to work with city officials including the director of public services, the city clerk, the superintendent of parks and recreation, the chief of police, the fire chief, and the mayor of San Bernardino, Evlyn Wilcox.

Promotion by local newspapers and radio stations was good, attracting many local cyclists to the event, while paid ads in one of Southern California's cycling magazines helped to draw riders from throughout the Southern California area.

Several local bicycle shops donated prizes to help assure the sale of raffle tickets, the proceeds from which went to SBCAD. Food donated by local restaurants and supermarkets made for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet.

T-shirts with the event's logo and "The Bahá’í Cycle Club Presents Cycle Against Drugs" were given to all 521 riders.

Entertainment by the San Diego Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Seaforth and Jenkins, and a BMX bicycle stunt group put the finishing touches on a festive, fun-filled day of fund-raising for SBCAD.

About $3,000 was raised, or about $1,200 more than was raised for the Special Olympics at "Cycle for Peace," also planned by the Bahá’ís, on World Peace Day last September.

Although Cycle Against Drugs was not an "official" Bahá’í proclamation, it nevertheless gave San Bernardino residents, city officials and the more than 500 cyclists who participated a chance to see the Faith in action spearheading a community service project at the grassroots level.

Mayor Evlyn Wilcox of San Bernardino, California, gets ready to start the more than 500 bikers who took part May 17 in "Cycle Against Drugs," a fund-raiser organized by the Bahá’í Cycle Club and Spiritual Assembly of San Bernardino for San Bernardino Community Against Drugs Inc.

Districts

(from page 1)

It is hoped that this structure will be easier to work with than was the case last year, while still promoting the involvement and cooperation of several communities in each unit.

Besides having members of several communities on each Convention planning team, the planning teams themselves are being encouraged to involve the rest of their unit in the Convention by asking other communities and individuals to help with specific tasks.

All of the host Assemblies (as well as a few District Teaching Committees and other agencies that will act as the host in some units) were sent a letter and planning materials during the last week in May, except in South Carolina, where it was expected that the materials would be sent in mid-June.

It had been hoped that this information could be sent out in April or earlier; however, this was not possible.

If you have any questions about your District Convention, or would like to offer your help, please contact the host Assembly in your electoral unit.

Information about which Assemblies are hosting the various Conventions is available from your District Teaching Committee or from the Office of the Secretary at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 312-869-9039).

VIEWPOINT: Covenant protects, preserves unity

Recent events make it appropriate to set down some aspects of the Teachings pertaining to Covenant-breaking. This article aims to provide a brief summary on this subject, with a more comprehensive account to be found in the booklet "The Power of the Covenant: Part Two" published by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

The key to fulfillment of the promises in the Bahá’í Holy Writings, foreshadowing the establishment of world unity and world peace, with the consequent growth of world civilization, lies in the fact that the Bahá’í Revelation is unique in religious history. Part of its uniqueness is that the fundamental provisions for the organization, authority and administration of the Bahá’í community have been specified clearly and explicitly in writing by Bahá’u’lláh Himself, through provision of a Covenant.

The existence of this Covenant protects the Bahá’í Faith from the schism and division which has been so destructive to religion in past ages, and preserves its unity; through this unity, based on adherence to the provisions laid down by Bahá’u’lláh, the Faith retains its power to change the world and to unify mankind.

One of the essential features of the Bahá’í Administrative Order is that no individual can claim authoritative leadership over other Bahá’ís. The Administrative Order rests on the bedrock of the oneness of mankind; authority is vested in institutions elected by the believers, while institutions composed of appointed individuals exercise a counseling or advisory role.

The history of the Bahá’í Faith shows that, on several occasions, individuals have tried to take control of the Faith or to set themselves up as its authoritative leaders; this process involves attacking the central institution of the Faith, since the aim is to seize the authority of that institution.

In some instances they were Bahá’ís who had been well-known or well-respected for their knowledge and service. History also shows that they failed to divide the Bahá’í community, succeeding only in causing a temporary breach through attracting a few followers for a limited period.

The prophecies of the ancient scriptures are that we are now living in the Day that shall not be followed by Night; our Teachings explain that this prophecy refers to the fact that the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh will protect the Bahá’í community from division.

When an individual who is a member of the Faith attacks its central institution, he is violating the Covenant; should he persist in doing this, despite all efforts to help him through education and counsel (sometimes over a long period of time), he is declared a Covenant-breaker and the believers are called upon to have no contact or association with him.

Why does an individual, who may be a knowledgeable Bahá’í with a record of service to the Faith, embark upon an attack on the central institution of the Faith? The Teachings clearly indicate that it is due to a consuming desire for leadership and power.

This month's column, "The Nature of Covenant-breaking," by Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice, is reprinted from the September 1982 issue of the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin.

This desire, born from egotism, is so great that the individual violates principles he knows to be true. It is incorrect to regard Covenant-breaking as being due to ignorance of the Teachings; on the contrary, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that Covenant-breakers "are perfectly aware and still they exhibit opposition."

One can well understand the emphasis in the Bahá’í Teachings on humility, self-abnegation, and spiritual development when one sees the extreme condition to which unrestrained egotism can lead—a condition in which a Bahá’í who is well-informed of the Teachings will deliberately and willfully attack the institutions of the Faith, because the passionate desire for authoritative leadership has overcome all restraint.

A Covenant-breaker, seeking this authority and power, will naturally try to attract followers. Quite often, this is done through misrepresentation, taking advantage of the fact that some Bahá’ís are so trusting as to become naïve and vulnerable.

For example, a Covenant-breaker might represent himself as having suffered a great injustice, thus appealing to a Bahá’í who has an emotional commitment to the support of the oppressed.

He may represent himself as the possesser of secret knowledge about the Administrative Order, thus appealing to those who love secrets and are flattered at being able to share in them.

He might adopt the guise of being in need of discussing Covenant issues with a knowledgeable believer as a prelude to re-entering the Faith, thus flattering the believer and tantalizing him with the prospect of being the means of restoring a Covenant-breaker to the Faith.

He may represent himself to a believer as being an heroic individual contesting valiantly with a faceless bureaucracy bent upon his suppression; this would aim to appeal to those who harbor a suppressed suspicion and resentment of all authority and who yearn for the simple life free from restrictions and social organization.

He may dazzle the believer with extensive quotations from authentic Bahá’í texts, skillfully taken out of context and juxtaposed to support the assumptions and unwarranted inferences he wishes to make.

He may wrap himself in the garment of piety, expressing noble words and inspiring sentiments which are contradicted by his actions of attempting to subvert the authority of institutions ordained by Bahá’u’lláh Himself.

These are but a few examples of means used in an attempt to ensnare a Bahá’í, through the approach of feeding the ego of the believer or taking advantage of the believer's desire to help someone whom he perceives to be in need.

There are certain basic facts that clarify this issue. The first is the fact that anyone who has been a Covenant-breaker can approach the head of the Faith, now the Universal House of Justice, at any time by letter with a request for clarification of issues of the Covenant or for re-admission to the Faith; if the Universal House of See VIEWPOINT page 4

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color black and white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1987 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

Racism: Alive and well?

To the Editor:

I agree wholeheartedly with Maureen Ruddy (December) when she says that racism is still a problem even in the American Bahá’í community.

I don't intend to attack anyone on a personal level or point an accusing finger, but I hope to open people's eyes to the existence of racism in its more subtle forms in our community.

One example is that of Bahá’ís who claim to be free of prejudice but knowingly move to all-white neighborhoods in large cities.

Some of them have children who probably get very little exposure to people of other races except at Bahá’í schools and conferences.

Some people are afraid to move to a racially mixed neighborhood because they believe that since minorities have free access to live there, property values will go down and the whole neighborhood will become a crime-ridden slum.

This idea is far from the truth; my parents and other relatives (who aren't Bahá’ís) live in racially mixed neighborhoods that are clean and safe.

The vast majority of people who live in these areas are not on welfare, but hold jobs and work hard to keep their homes in good condition.

Another example is that some Bahá’ís show little interest in learning about different races and cultures. The need to develop a better understanding of other races is more important now than ever before, especially when there are millions of people coming to the U.S. from Asia and Latin America.

Also, some Bahá’ís appear to have a funny attitude toward intermarriage, an attitude I believe stems from the ridiculous notion that some races are unclean or inferior.

Some people do not see members of other races as beautiful; therefore, they develop a narrow standard of beauty.

Many, it seems, still feel that the "ideal" beauty is white skin, blond hair, blue eyes and a straight nose. Anything outside of this standard is considered unattractive.

What is absurd is that the majority of the world's people have dark hair, eyes and skin and do not fit this "ideal" standard.

It is interesting to note that some of the world's most famous fashion designers (most of them European) use many black models in their fashion shows.

Most of these designers are probably not registered as Bahá’ís, but at least they demonstrate Bahá’í characteristics by recognizing that beauty comes in all races and colors.

As Bahá’ís, we need to wake up and thoroughly study Bahá’u’lláh's and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's writings on the oneness of mankind. If we strive to put those ideals into practice, we can truly become a shining example to the rest of the world.

Sharon Lewis Cincinnati, Ohio

UN: It's not perfect, but...

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Jeffrey Neil Burch's letter (April) in which he says "the United Nations is not a divine institution nor does it function particularly well as an instrument of peace or well-being in the world," and that it has "shockingly anti-democratic and anti-Western tendencies."

Bahá’ís could not help but be seriously concerned at the "Amerika" TV series' apparently defamatory treatment of the UN, its emblem and its peace-keeping operations, which did a particular disservice to the memory of those UN soldiers from all over the world who have given their lives in the cause of peace.

If we turn to the Universal House of Justice, we see that its statement about the UN in "The Promise of World Peace" is a supportive one:

"Despite the obvious shortcomings of the United Nations, the more than two score declarations and conventions adopted by that organization, even where governments have not been enthusiastic in their commitment, have given ordinary people a sense of a new lease on life.... all such measures, if courageously enforced and expanded, will advance the day when the spectre of war will have lost its power to dominate international relations."

Shoghi Effendi, in Citadel of Faith (pp. 31-33) discusses the workings of two simultaneous processes, one associated with the mission of the American Bahá’í community and the other with the destiny of the American nation and indirectly promoting the institutions that are to be associated with the establishment of Bahá’u’lláh's World Order.

The beloved Guardian charts the course of this second process and states that "it assumed a definite outline through the birth of the United Nations at the San Francisco Conference."

He goes on to say that this process "must, however long and tortuous the way, lead, through a series of victories and reverses, to the political unification of the Eastern and Western hemispheres, to the emergence of a world government and the establishment of the Lesser Peace, as foretold by Bahá’u’lláh and foreshadowed by the Prophet Isaiah.

"It must, in the end, culminate in the unfurling of the banner of the Most Great Peace, in the Golden Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh."

The relationship of the Bahá’í Faith and the UN dates to the spring of 1947 when the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada was accredited to the UN Office of Public Information as a national non-governmental organization qualified to be represented through an observer.

A year later, the eight National Spiritual Assemblies then existing were recognized collectively as an international non-governmental organization under the title "Bahá’í International Community."

In July 1947, the UN Special Palestine Committee addressed a letter to Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, Head of the Bahá’í Faith, requesting an expression of the Bahá’í attitude on the future of Palestine. In his reply, the Guardian made it clear that "Our aim is the establishment of universal peace in the world and our desire to see justice prevail in every domain of human society, including the domain of politics."

In 1956, Shoghi Effendi appointed a Special Committee to be called into action for matters of international importance. During the Ten Year Crusade the Bahá’í observers accredited to the UN were the Hand of the Cause of God Ugo R. Giachery, Europe; Mrs. O.H. Blackwell, U.S.; and Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, International (The Bahá’í World, Vol. XV, 1968-73).

Over the years the Bahá’í International Community's relationship with the UN has been significantly developed and strengthened under the guidance and direction of the Universal House of Justice.

Today there is worldwide Bahá’í representation at the UN and with UN agencies in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Nairobi, Addis Abbaba, Bangkok and Santiago.

The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly has an accredited UN Representative and an office in New York. Many other National Assemblies also have UN representatives who follow the work of that organization and present the Bahá’í views on the solutions to the challenges facing humanity.

Shiva Tavana New York, New York

Iran: 'Darkness' will pass

To the Editor:

The darkness in Iran will pass. The fanatical regime of the Ayatollah Khomeini, even as it seeks to isolate and persecute the Bahá’ís in its midst, will find itself steadily more isolated and shunned by the world community.

Meanwhile, the Bahá’í community will continue to propagate and thrive on every continent, to the farthest corners of the earth, and will find itself established in the smallest municipalities of the smallest countries and the largest urban centers of the greatest nations.

The faithful followers of Bahá’u’lláh agonize now that in the land of the Faith's birth their brothers and sisters suffer under the cruelest oppression. But we can also look to the future and see that these days will pass.

Iran will not be able to exist as a place of backward and aggressive concepts in a progressive world. And the world is indeed progressing. As Bahá’ís, we know that it is, and know also that the Lesser Peace will soon be established.

And as the earth's peoples unite, the cry in Iran will be heard on all sides—"Let my people go."

Steven Boone Santa Fe, New Mexico

UNIFON: A 'new symbol'

To the Editor:

At the recent "historic" first conference of the National Committee on Women it was mentioned that there is a need for new symbols.

At the end of that event I dared to stand up and share some glad tidings about a set of new symbols (letters) that could revolutionize English spelling: UNIFON, an isomorphic (one for one) set of 40 letters, a reformed English "alfubet" five times more efficient than the regular alphabet we all know and have to put up with.

With UNIFON we needn't tell any phonetic lies to our children; we can teach the truth, using pure and honest phonemes (the smallest units of sound).

With this method there is simply one symbol for one sound; one sound for one symbol. And even a first grader can spell anything he or she can say.

Imagine (imajin) having no rules for spelling and no "spelling bees!" And these new symbols are easily adaptable to computers.

I invite you, my sisters, to investigate the truth of the economik ekstasy within UNIFON; to simply consider the idea of somehow implementing such a change within the (poor) field of education.

Remember that English is fast becoming the world language, it seems, despite its 20 per cent efficient alphabet.

Perhaps one of these days (imajin o sisters), we will have a great new International Correspondence Committee to enjoy, through which we can explore such an improved set of symbols (UNIFON is also easily adaptable to other languages), and maybe an International Pen-Pals Committee for children... both encouraging the use of just such an answer to improved literacy.

With UNIFON, which I like to call "the boon of boons," I can see the field of education becoming, verily, a beautiful garden.

Susan Gilman Ashland, Oregon

Are we only for affluent?

To the Editor:

I am responding to John Simons' letter (April) about the non-affluent Bahá’ís in our midst.

What a wonderful, honest letter. Thank you, John.

I've been a Bahá’í for more than 30 years and presently live in a fairly large urban community. At our most recent Feast we had only one "minority" believer present in addition to our Persian friends.

Our Naw-Rúz party this year was expensive and was attended only by a couple of our minority Bahá’ís—that is, those from a racial minority.

We talk about "teaching" and enrolling those on Indian Reservations, yet in some areas of largest enrollment we have not found ways to regularly visit those who are poor and suffer from such social problems as alcoholism or inadequate housing.

My personal statement is, "Let's get honest! Let's stop living in fantasyland and looking at things through rose-colored glasses." Bahá’ís who can see this situation honestly are at a premium.

Are we still, in 1987, a religion of the affluent? How many of the "poor" are really active, involved members of our communities?

And what are we doing to change the make-up of our communities and groups to stay in touch with our "poor" and racially different isolated believers?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "Blessed are the nameless and faceless poor for they are the leaders of mankind."

I join Mr. Simmons in his agenda for the non-affluent among us—Bahá’ís from all racial groups. Let's find ways to make them an active part of our Bahá’í community in every sense of the word.

Patricia Miller Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Louisville's 'magic box'

To the Editor:

Here in Louisville we have a box. It's a Bahá’í box because it comes to every Feast.

There is nothing outstanding about this plastic box, and I don't

New from George Ronald, Publisher

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master

A portrait compiled from the writings of the Hand of the Cause George Townshend introduced and annotated by David Hofman

Here is a pen-portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by an author whom Shoghi Effendi called ‘the best writer we have. . . the pre-eminent Bahá’í writer.’

This timely collection brings together in one volume the various writings of George Townshend to and about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ‘In this way,’ writes the compiler, ‘his own portrait of the Master emerges, with a fitting reverence to the Centre of the Covenant, the Exemplar, the Mystery of God."

80 pages, Hardcover only, $6.95.

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

CHAMPION-BUILDERS: GRACE KRUG

Grace Krug first heard of the Bahá’í Faith around 1904 or 1905. Immediately attracted by its teachings, she eagerly studied what meager translations were then available, and within a few years had declared her devotion to the Cause. Her zeal in studying and her enthusiasm for teaching knew no limits.

Her husband, Dr. Florian Krug, who was at first violently opposed to the Faith, became a confirmed Bahá’í. That it was he who closed, with loving tenderness, the eyes of the beloved Master at the time of His passing bears eloquent witness to Grace’s unflinching steadfastness and the confirmations bestowed on those who stand firm.

During ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America in 1912, Grace had the bounty of receiving Him in her home in New York City.

It was on June 2, 1912, after speaking in Mrs. Krug’s home that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked her son, Carl, to ride with Him. Seated in a taxi, He instructed Carl to write down His words:

“You must be very grateful to your mother—you must appreciate her greatly—you do not realize her station now or what a great honor she has bestowed on your household. She will be one of the famous women of America. You must appreciate and love her very much. All will know of her servitude.”

In 1920 Dr. and Mrs. Krug escorted a group of friends to the Holy Land. After spending a year in Europe, they returned in 1921 to Haifa, shortly before the Master’s passing.

As though to prepare them for what He knew was soon to come, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá showered love and attention on both of them.

Soon after the solemn event of November 28, 1921, Mrs. Krug returned to America, bringing with her photographs of the funeral and excerpts from the Master’s Will and Testament.

Soon she was summoned back to Europe, as her husband’s health was failing.

Dr. Krug died shortly afterward, and she then returned to America where she spent a great deal of time teaching the Faith in New York and Teaneck, New Jersey.

It could truly be said that she devoted the rest of her life to serving the Cause unceasingly.

An angry, troubled child asks, 'Why did God make me deaf?'

The Committee for Services to the Hearing Impaired and Deaf would like to inform the Bahá’ís of its activities and to share a true story that was received recently from a Bahá’í named Chuck Bullock:

“As most of you probably know, there are certain frustrations that pre-teens go through, but let me tell you of a deaf child’s frustration in accepting himself as living in a hearing-oriented world.

“I worked with nine children in a junior high school as an interpreter for the deaf.

“One of the deaf seventh-graders had just learned sign language the previous year (a visual language with which he used the sense of sight to communicate). This expressive language was opening new vistas in his mind.

“One day, he cornered his special education teacher with the question, ‘Why did God make me deaf?’ He was angry because he was deaf and wanted to know right then why God had made him deaf.

“The poor teacher was at her wits’ end. She had never been confronted with a question of such importance, and was as upset as the child who asked it. One can’t simply say ‘That’s the way God made you’ and leave it at that.

“The teacher came to me with the problem and told me she didn’t know what to tell him. She realized that it is hard to accept one’s being deaf.

“It occurred to me that the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would be able to teach a special lesson once again. I began to tell her the story of how different flowers in a garden add to the variety and beauty of the garden.

“God has made creation and all of the different peoples, be they handicapped or genius, black or white. We are all God’s flowers, and the variety of people make up the beauty of God’s creation.

“Tears came to her eyes as the concept crystallized in her mind. Later, our little scholar was told the explanation, and I wish you could have seen his face.

“Suddenly, he liked being deaf and became proud of it. He now understood that he belonged to the world in a natural sense—as part of God’s wonderful creation. The story by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will keep him in the freshest state, not to mention the effect it had on his teacher.”

The Committee for Services to the Hearing Impaired and Deaf recently sent a form to all District Teaching Committees and to selected individuals and local Assemblies to help the committee gather information about the needs and resources within the American Bahá’í community.

As some of you may know, there are many schools of thought (old and new) that have emerged, and no doubt will continue to emerge pertaining to the education, language and services for the hearing impaired and deaf.

The committee seeks to locate Bahá’ís whose lives have been touched in some way by deafness, and is planning a conference in the summer of 1988 for all those who are interested in the services, needs and challenges of the hearing impaired and deaf.

If you have not had any contact with the Committee for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf and would like more information, or if you would like to help in some way, please write to the committee c/o Barbara Loeding, 219-10 Nimitz Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

During a recent meeting for the deaf and hearing impaired, Bahá’í Sue Gerard (facing camera) says ‘peace’ in sign language.

Mirror

...are the Sun of Reality in the mirror. The natural emotions are blameworthy and are like rust which deprives the heart of the bounties of God. But sincerity, justice, humility, severance, and love for the believers of God will purify the mirror and make it radiant with reflected rays from the Sun of Truth.

It is my hope that you may consider this matter, that you may search out your own imperfections and not think of the imperfections of anybody else.

Strive with all your power to be free from imperfections. Heedless souls are always seeking faults in others. What can the hypocrite know of others' faults when he is blind to his own? This is the meaning of the words in the Seven Valleys. It is a guide for human conduct.

As long as a man does not find his own faults, he can never become perfect. Nothing is more fruitful for man than the knowledge of his own shortcomings.

The Blessed Perfection says, "I wonder at the man who does not find his own imperfections."

Reprinted from The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, p. 244. Copyright 1982 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

Viewpoint

Justice deems that the person making the approach is sincere, it acts accordingly and directs the institutions of the Faith appropriately.

Second, Bahá’í Teachings clearly and unequivocally warn the believers of the dangers of associating with Covenant-breakers or of reading anything written by them, since their appeal to the material within all of us is so insidious and subtle.

No believer who has a humble assessment of his own spiritual development would claim to have so totally subjugated his material nature as to be immune to the harmful effects of association with Covenant-breakers.

Third, Bahá’ís are encouraged to pray for Covenant-breakers, that they might return to the path of God, and thus find inner peace and happiness.

Our compassion encompasses all mankind, irrespective of their spiritual condition. However, we must beware lest this compassion leads us into actions, such as contact with Covenant-breakers, which would only make a situation worse, and which would expose us to the danger of being infected with the spirit of Covenant-breaking.

Remember, a Covenant-breaker who sincerely wants help can always write to the Universal House of Justice.

The best protection for any Bahá’í is to deepen himself, as fully as possible, in the Teachings on the Covenant.

Through this deepening he will find growing within himself a great love for the Covenant, and a deeper realization of its power to preserve the Faith in a pure and uncorrupted form, unified through the provisions laid down by Bahá’u’lláh, and free from the contamination of usurped leadership and self-appointed authority.

Covenant-breaking, as is evident from reading the history of the Bahá’í Faith, is a rare and unusual occurrence.

The institutions of the Faith, functioning under the direction of the Universal House of Justice, are fully capable of protecting the Faith. The believers need have no fear that the Covenant-breakers will succeed in dividing the Bahá’í community.

Promise upon promise, from the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the authentic prophecies of all the major world religions, assure us that the Faith will proceed, united and indivisible, from victory to victory, until it succeeds in establishing a world civilization in which the generations to come will find contentment and fulfillment.

Project Dawn Breakers

Project Dawn Breakers, Bemidji, MN, Will begin a third summer of teaching activities July 19-26, 1987. It will focus again on Leech Lake and White Earth reservations of Northern Minnesota. The Northern Minnesota DYC is sponsoring a youth retreat on July 17-19 to discuss and organize for the project. Cost (includes meals & lodging) is $5.00 per day. Scholarships are available. The project is sponsored by the Bemidji Spiritual Assembly. For more information, please call or write: Project coordinator; Shahram Missaghi; 626 5th Street; Bemidji, MN 56601 ph # (218)751-8282 [Page 5]

The National Bahá’í Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

Jo the Fund This Fund basket with red roses honoring the Bahá’í martyrs in Iran was the centerpiece at a con-ference December 13 at which Spiritual Assemblies in the metro Portland, Oregon, area consulted on topics of mutual interest including social and economic development with Auxiliary Board member Marchia Morey and members of several committees.

Contributions to International Fund help set up 'world-embracing' plans

The writings of the Faith urge the friends to "let your vision be world-embracing" and to "gather all peoples together with this wide-spreading shelter; therefore must all souls become as one soul, and all hearts as one heart."

The National Bahá’í Fund's goal for the present fiscal year increases our contribution to the International Fund to $2 million.

Contributions to the International Fund from the entire Bahá’í world community help to establish "world-embracing" projects to serve all of humankind.

These include programs "ranging from the inauguration and operation of radio stations—of which there are seven now broadcasting—to schools, literacy programs, agricultural assistance and a host of small but valuable undertakings at village level in many parts of the world" coupled with the worldwide attention focused on our Persian brothers and sisters that has "kept our beloved Faith under international observation." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1987)

The three most recent Bahá’í radio stations in the world are in Panama, Liberia and Chile. A reprint, courtesy of the newsletter of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre, will give you a glimpse of what these contributions are accomplishing:

Panama. On January 29, 1986, Radio Bahá’í Panama began broadcasting from Boca del Monte in Panama's Chiriqui Province, gradually extending its broadcast day to its present 12 hours, 5 a.m. to noon and 2 to 7 p.m.

Broadcasts are in Spanish and Guaymi, with plans eventually to link the main transmitter to the Guaymi Cultural Center in Boca de Soloy.

Since the inaugural broadcast, programming has continued to evolve as the staff determines what works best.

By June 1986, a six-hour daily schedule listed programs of typical Panamanian music; a children's program in Spanish; a Bahá’í program with Bahá’í songs, spots and news; several music programs including international music with spots on unity; and programs of instrumental, popular, indigenous and inspirational music from around the world.

Over the past several months, the staff has been consulting about the development of programming to include children's programs and social service programs.

By September, when the station began broadcasting 12 hours a day, it appeared that the program "El Mundo y Su Musica," a program of international music, had become a favorite among the Latin listeners while the international indigenous music program was the Guaymi audience's choice.

Programs on health, agriculture and education were being planned, with contacts made with local experts in those fields.

A few mini-dramas had been produced, and agricultural programs from the Developing Countries Farm Network, headquartered in Canada, were being broadcast.

During September, one of the staff members, a well-known Panamanian distance runner, organized a race in honor of Peace Day including T-shirts reading "Radio Bahá’í" and trophies for the winners. The event served to increase the station's prestige.

One of the most important goals of Radio Bahá’í Panama is to increase the number of staff field trips and remote recordings of events and interviews. During 1987 there will be greater collaboration with the Guaymi Cultural Center in Soloy which will also provide the station with programming.

Liberia. The first African Bahá’í radio station successfully broadcast its first test signal on December 5, 1986, with two government ministries represented. The new Bahá’í station opens a remarkable chapter in Bahá’í broadcasting as the potential listening audience is enormous with more than a million people in the area.

On a personal level, Fund mirrors joy of giving

This article, "The Personal Side of the Fund," is reprinted from Bahá’í Canada, Vol. 8, No. 6 (August 1986).

Dear Bahá’í friends,

The National Fund has two sides, the institutional side of which deals with the allocation of expenditures, the maintenance of a proper balance between various Bahá’í activities and approval or cancellation of different Bahá’í endeavors in response to the availability of the funds.

At the personal level, the National Fund is the story of our joy in giving, our pain of awareness of the needs of the Cause, our struggle to balance our budgets, our enormous desire to give more, our yearning that the funds of the Faith be always fully and generously responded to and ultimately, of course, our individual acts of sacrifice.

Most of these personal aspects and stories of giving remain unknown and untold, but occasionally we have the bounty of having glimpses of this aspect of the Fund.

Here we wish to share some of them with you. One individual writes: "Dearest National Bahá’í Fund, I've had this money in my bank savings account for a little while kind of waiting for a rainy day... security and all.

"But I realized, when you had to go and borrow... that it is really raining outside. So here I give what's in the account. ..."

Another friend writes: "This sacrifice is my pleasure"; and another: "I was fortunate to have a few days' work recently, so am able to send a contribution to the Fund, over and above our family contribution."

A refugee, a widow and mother of several children living on government support was preparing for Naw-Rúz buying, according to Persian customs, new socks, shirts and other similar items.

At that time, she received the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly informing the friends in Canada of the plight of the National Fund.

She was saddened by her inability to contribute at the same time she was buying the few articles for the children. That night she had a dream which gave her the inspiration to donate her only valuable piece of belongings, a small, beautiful Persian carpet.

The children in one family were so happy about receiving a letter from the Treasurer acknowledging their contributions that they insisted on giving more. The parents write:

"It's hard to believe that a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old can have such an understanding of the Fund!"

Another: "Enclosed please find a check for $1,000 to the National Fund....My wife and I are contributing this over and above our regular local contributions as a token of our thanks to Bahá’u’lláh for saving our lives and our children... in an auto accident."

Another writes: "Why would you for an instant hesitate to let us know how bad it is? Because 'knowing well that once made aware of the situation, you would, as always, contribute in an exemplary and sacrificial manner.' But OF COURSE! What are we out here for? People like myself need to be needed, and we need to know what we are needed for!"

Much love to you all, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

Treasurers' work is fundamental to success, prosperity of the Fund

The following article on "Fundamentals of the Fund" is reprinted from Alaska Bahá’í News, February 1987.

Fundamental to the Fund are Treasurers! Without their sacred and vital work the Fund becomes unappreciated, overlooked, forgotten and shrivels up; and the body of the Cause becomes sick, near death, without adequate lifeblood!

That's perhaps overdramatic, but the Treasurers' functions are important. Let us list some:

1. As basic duties they must receive contributions, issue receipts, spend on behalf of the Assembly, and keep accounts.

2. As a foremost duty they must educate the friends, particularly youth and new believers, on the nature of the Fund, one's obligation to give, the relationship between spiritual growth and obedience to God, and on detachment, generosity and sacrifice.

3. They must make known the needs of the several Funds through familiarity with their budgets and past expenditures, and forthcoming plans and projects, so the needs are seen as real.

4. They must inspire the friends to give by example and enthusiasm, by sharing extracts from the Writings, by stories and illustrations that touch the heart, and reorient us toward the Light.

5. They must provide opportunities to give at all Feasts and gatherings so that giving is convenient and universal, so that giving is usual and normal.

6. They must be creative in developing ways to keep the Fund remembered by all, ways to generate money itself, ways to suit giving to each person's circumstances and stage of spiritual development.

Since few Treasurers elected from the ranks of their fellow Assembly members possess the combined attributes of a monetary marvel, creative genius and inspirational saint, they will need time to develop these qualities and help from all along the way.

This is a "do-it-yourself" religion, but not a "do-it-alone" one! So we must work together, share ideas, pinch hit for one another, and make the most of our diverse talents scattered in many bodies, but united in one Faith.

In other words, if the above job description is going to be performed, you can't elect a Treasurer and dump the job on him or her. Teamwork is required, as in football, where one carries the ball and all the rest are blocking and sacrificing themselves for the team.

See what you can do to help. And give your Treasurer a hug!

Atlanta-area Bahá’ís raise $24,000 at gala event in 'Spirit of the Roses'

Children line up to 'fish for the Fund' during an auction, concert and fund-raiser in January sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of North Cobb County, Georgia, at which $24,000 was raised for the National Fund in four hours.

On January 10, Bahá’ís from 16 communities in the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, area helped raise $24,000 for the National Fund at a gala event sponsored in the "Spirit of the Roses" by the Spiritual Assembly of North Cobb County.

Opportunities were provided for everyone to participate and to have fun. A shopping table with reasonably priced items brought $228; meanwhile, children took part by "fishing for the Fund." They purchased a ticket, put it on a fishing pole, and threw it over a divider to get a prize. The children alone raised $241.

Pre-youth girls sold flowers in memory of Bahá’ís imprisoned in Iran, raising another $505.

The two main attractions were a concert and auction. Performing in the concert were the Atlanta Youth Workshop; a singing group (The Bridge) from Chattanooga, Tennessee; an East Indian dancer; a sitar player; and various local musicians playing piano, guitar and singing.

The auction was a resounding success, with a prayer book recently returned from the dedication of the Temple in India and from the Holy Shrines, with a stamp and rose petals from Bahjí, bringing the highest bid, $2,200. [Page 6]

Brief descriptions of some areas on pioneer goals list

PIONEERING

Short vignettes about various countries on the pioneer goals list will appear each month in The American Bahá’í starting in this issue. For more complete information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Ciskei is one of the independent homelands of South Africa, situated on the southeastern coast south of Durban and north of Port Elizabeth.

Physically, Ciskei (population 800,000) has a subtropical coastal area, a drier central region, and, in the north, mountains and higher precipitation. The new capital, Bisho, has 5,000 residents with plans to expand to 150,000. The major language is English and the major religion Christianity, although adherence to traditional tribal religions is common.

Ciskei offers excellent opportunities for employment through the government, private business, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the University of Fort Hare, which offers internationally accepted degrees at all three levels. Students are welcomed too. Retiring to Ciskei is another excellent way to pioneer there.

The National Spiritual Assembly writes:

"If one is open-minded and adventurous, he may be pleasantly surprised to find that ... there are more human rights and personal freedoms here than in many countries of the world.

"He may find himself fortunate to be part of a dynamic social change taking place where truly diverse peoples are learning to live in unity together. The Bahá’í Faith can play a vital role in this process...."

Southwest Africa, also known as Namibia, is bordered to the southeast by the Republic of South Africa, to the west by Botswana, and to the north by Angola. The primary language is Afrikaans, although English and German are widely spoken.

The climate in Namibia is subtropical with temperatures ranging from 30-50 degrees in winter up to 100 degrees in summer. The terrain varies from coastal deserts to semi-arid mountains and plateaus.

The population of Namibia, some 1.25 million, is predominantly black with a 10 per cent European minority. The people are primarily Protestant with some Catholics and animists. Since 1920, the government has been run by South Africa. Windhoek, the capital city, has a population of only 60,000.

Opportunities for employment in Southwest Africa/Namibia are available to English teachers, doctors and physical therapists.

The Universal House of Justice has expressed its desire that families or couples should settle in this country.

South Africa is a lovely country with a healthful and invigorating climate that favors outdoor living in all seasons.

Pioneers who live in South Africa love it. All kinds of pioneers are needed, especially in Mossel Bay, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, East London, anywhere in the Orange Free State, Boffard West, Queenstown, Witbank, New Castle, and Kimberly.

All basic commodities are widely available. Jobs can be found with some effort in almost any profession or skilled vocation. Schools charge fees, and uniforms are mandatory. Public school might cost 300 Rand per year per child total.

There are between 70 and 80 local Spiritual Assemblies and about 2,500 Bahá’ís with known addresses in the country.

There is much to be done for the Faith in South Africa. The National Spiritual Assembly of South Africa’s National Pioneer Committee is extremely helpful in assisting pioneers to settle satisfactorily.

Transkei, one of the independent homelands of South Africa, is located on the eastern coastline and has a population of 2.5 million.

Age-old customs endure among most of Transkei’s people, who are mainly from the Xhosa tribe.

A pioneer writes:

"I’ve never lived any place in Africa where one can find so much gentleness and courtesy as in Transkei."

Another writes, "I’ve never seen such genuine love, sincerity, intelligence and spiritual capacity as I’ve seen in these new believers. This is truly a rich mine for a 'prospector' pioneer and these must be the 'diamonds' of this region referred to by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

Living conditions are generally good. There are about 2,000 Bahá’ís in some 200 localities. The greatest need is for families to settle outside the capital city, Umtata.

Jobs are available for doctors, civil servants, experienced secretaries, vets, accountants, water engineers, computer operators and teachers at all levels, especially high school science.

Venda, a land of stable government, rich and fertile land, and excellent opportunities for business investment, received its independence from South Africa in September 1979.

The country has mountains, foothills and high plains. The climate is sub-tropical with high temperatures and humidity in the summer and temperate, frost-free winters.

Teachers, nurses, doctors, mechanics, agricultural workers and university teachers are among the types of occupations in which employment is available.

The population of Venda is about 350,000 with a projected population of 500,000 by 1990. Less than eight per cent of the people are non-Christian.

The people of Venda are characterized as friendly, open-hearted and intelligent as well as hard-working and industrious. The country is known for its crafts which include wood-carving, pottery, basket and mat weaving, and copper work. These crafts are a source of pride and accomplishment for the people.

Pioneering to Venda, as to the other homelands, is for the adventurous and open-minded. There is much fertile ground for teaching, consolidation and administrative work in bringing the Faith to this special country.

St. Helena, an island about 1,500 miles west of Africa and 1,800 miles east of Brazil, was originally settled by the Portuguese and played a significant role in the eastern trade routes.

The English and Dutch have occupied the island, and it has been a part of the Commonwealth, under the British crown, since 1659. St. Helena is perhaps best known as the island to which Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled.

The terrain is mountainous with only a few narrow, steep-sided valleys along the coastal region. Although within the tropics, the climate is kept mild by the south-east trade winds.

All that is governmental or official on St. Helena is British. Pioneers must be self-supporting. Retired persons may find the peace, orderliness and general calm of life on the island a perfect haven. Although the teaching work there must be carried out with tact and wisdom, it is seen as the greatest need for the island.

In the Ten Year Crusade, St. Helena was a goal valiantly filled by pioneers who remained for a long time. During the Six Year Plan, you have the opportunity to continue this special service on the lovely island of St. Helena.

77 U.S. Bahá’ís sought for overseas goals

The international pioneer call for the next two years of the Six Year Plan has been received from the Universal House of Justice. A minimum number of 77 U.S. Bahá’ís are sought to fill specialized needs for specific regions, and to perform specific functions once they arrive at their posts.

Formulated in consultation with the International Teaching Center, this first call for pioneers has taken into consideration the requests for pioneers made by National Spiritual Assemblies. In its cover letter, the Universal House of Justice says it "wishes to express its appreciation of the sacrificial services rendered by both international and homefront pioneers throughout the world. It looks forward to seeing the results of further achievements in the pioneering field and will offer prayers in the Holy Shrines for the successful fulfillment of these sacred responsibilities."

The International Goals Committee eagerly awaits your response to this latest call and stands ready to help you in every way.

International Pioneer Call Ridván 1987-Ridván 1988

AFRICA

• (F) Burundi: 1
• (E) Ciskei: 2
• (E) The Gambia: 2
• (E) Kenya (Preferably outside Nairobi): 1
• (E) Nigeria: 2
• (E) Sierra Leone: 2
• (E) South Africa: 4
• (E) St. Helena: 2
• (E) Southwest Africa/Namibia: 2
• (E) Transkei: 2
• (E) Uganda (One doctor; one to teach the Faith in the university): 2
• (E) Venda: 1
• Total Africa: 23

AMERICAS

• (E) Bahamas (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island): 5
• (E) Barbados (Employment opportunities for a dentist): 1
• (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, development projects; skills for National Secretariat): 2
• (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon Project, possibly of Persian background): 2
• (S) Chile: 2
• (E) Dominica: 2
• (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian): 3
• (E) Grenada: 2
• (F) Guadeloupe: 2
• (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and blacks): 2
• (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; preferably self-supporting): 3
• (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for rural areas to work in village development): 2
• (F) Martinique (French-speaking youth to enroll in university or with musical talent): 1
• (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian): 2
• (S) Paraguay: 2
• (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consolidation): 4
• (E) St. Vincent/Grenadines: 2
• (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian): 2
• (E) Trinidad/Tobago (Preferably Persian): 2
• (S) Venezuela: 2
• (E) Virgin Islands, British: 2
• Juan Fernandez Islands (preferably Spanish-speaking couple): 2
• Total Americas: 45

ASIA

• (E) India (Preferably Persian): 2
• (E) Malaysia (To help develop public relations experts): 1
• (E) Nepal (Opportunities for English teachers): 2
• (M) Taiwan (Chinese background): 1
• Total Asia: 6

AUSTRALASIA

• (E) Marshall Islands (To help with administration): 1
• Total Australasia: 1

EUROPE

• (P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside greater Lisbon, preferably Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking): 2
• Total Europe: 2

TOTAL CALL: 77

LANGUAGE KEY (E) English; (M) Mandarin; (P) Portuguese; (D) Dutch; (F) French; (S) Spanish

Correction

Moses and Barbara Nakai of American Samoa were inadvertently overlooked in the list of pioneers (The American Bahá’í, May) who settled during the first year of the Six Year Plan. [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

The University of Louisville’s Bahá’í Club started the year by designing their own sweatshirts, but that wasn’t the end of their creativity or enthusiasm. The club held regular firesides twice a month, collected food for the needy during Thanksgiving, gave Bahá’í books to the school library, won first prize among all university clubs during a toy drive, and turned a Red Cross blood drive into a proclamation event when the whole club showed up in Bahá’í T-shirts.

On April 23, the Bahá’í Club at Howard University in Washington, D.C., commemorated the 75th anniversary of the visit by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Howard and His address in Andrew Ranking Memorial Chapel. Included in the commemoration, which was made extra special by the distribution of reprinted articles about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the 1912 editions of the Washington Evening Star and The Crisis, were speeches, music, readings from various sacred writings, and a presentation of the peace statement.

When racist flyers began circulating on the campus of Northern Illinois University, students held an anti-racism rally in which the Bahá’í Club took part. During the rally, a member of the Bahá’í Club read the paragraph on racism from "The Promise of World Peace" and a prayer for mankind. Since the rally, the club has been asked to take part in a coalition of organizations working toward campus unity and an end to prejudice, racism and discrimination.

The following Bahá’í College Clubs are in danger of not forming next year due to lack of Bahá’í students attending: Western Maryland College, Northern Michigan University, Duke University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, Northeastern University (Massachusetts), University of Utah. Also, Vanderbilt University, Earlham (Indiana) College, Morningside (Iowa) College, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, University of Texas-Dallas. Also, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Aurora (Illinois) University, University of the Pacific.

If you are planning to attend college and would like more information about how you can become a homefront pioneer at one of these schools, phone the National Youth Committeee, 312-869-9039.

WANTED: A photograph of your Unity picnic for Mr. Sears’ album. Send it to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

NO money NO reason not to teach this summer!

If you’re hurting financially but have that burning desire to teach the Faith, there are several things you can do!

First, you don’t need to go travel teaching or on a project to teach the Faith. You can do it in your own community at your job, in your neighborhood, or anywhere you go!

There are, however, many projects set up by local communities that need manpower, and we are always encouraged to travel and teach if we have the time and resources.

(1) Determine where you want to go and how much money you’ll need. The National Youth Committee or National Teaching Committee always has an updated list of teaching projects.

(2) Determine how much you and your parents have and how much more money you’ll need.

(3) Try to raise the money by getting a job, mowing lawns, etc.... be creative!

(4) If you still don’t have enough, you can approach your local Assembly and let them know of your needs. They may be able to provide you with a scholarship or know of someone who can deputize you.

(5) If you’re still running a little short, a scholarship fund has been set up by the National Spiritual Assembly to help youth to go and teach. To apply for a scholarship, you must consult with your local Spiritual Assembly.

If there is no Assembly in your area, you may consult instead with the District Teaching Committee. The local Assembly or District Teaching Committee can apply for a scholarship on your behalf. They have the necessary forms—all you need to do is ask!

Finally, if you’re not able to go on a teaching project this summer—deputize someone in your community who can!

Venous Ghaemmaghami, a Bahá’í youth from Houston, Texas, who came with her family to the U.S. from Iran in 1979, has been inducted into the National Honor Society. An honor student almost from the first day she began her education in this country, Venous is active in the Bahá’í community, attended the Grand Canyon Youth Conference and the National Peace Conference in San Francisco, and has taught aerobics at a nearby fitness center for three years.

Youth are needed everywhere for Year of Service

The Universal House of Justice has written to the youth of this generation concerning the "...need for a mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in the patterns of service rendered by young Bahá’ís." (Letter to the youth of the world dated January 3, 1984)

The House of Justice further suggests that "...while still young and unburdened by family responsibilities, you (the youth) give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say, one or two years, to some Bahá’í service, on the home front or abroad in the teaching or development field. It would accrue to the strength and the ability of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth."

The Youth Year of Service represents a sacrifice on your part, yet the time spent in service will provide experiences you could gain in no other way. Youth are needed almost everywhere, from South Dakota to Haifa. It may well set the tone for many educational and career choices.

If you are interested in experiencing the power of faith as you carry out services to others, which is one of your foremost duties as a Bahá’í, please contact the National Youth Committee by mail or phone.

Remember, WE NEED YOU!

Guardian among first to point out importance of teaching Faith on college, university campus

In 1932 Shoghi Effendi wrote in a letter through his secretary, "As to teaching work in colleges and universities, this is very important, for students as a whole are open-minded and little influenced by tradition. They would easily enter the Cause if the subject is properly presented and their intellect and sentiments satisfied."

It is hard to stress too strongly the importance to the Faith of colleges and universities. In the above passage, the Guardian explained the necessity of teaching on campus, and the receptivity of students to the tenets of the Faith. Today the words of Shoghi Effendi have taken on even more meaning, and are perhaps even more applicable.

Colleges and universities are a microcosm of our world, filled with potential and wracked with apathy, crying for divine guidance but denying that they have any need for it.

Students are searching for truth, for some logical, intelligent approach to life. In desperation, many turn to the answers that our society has to offer, looking for happiness in degrees that promise them large incomes and prestige, craving stability in intense devotion to partisan politics, or denying this confused world by rejecting moderation in any form.

A Bahá’í College Club can be a rich and solid island in this ocean of change. College clubs, operating under the spiritual principles given to us by Bahá’u’lláh, can bring His healing Message to today’s students—people who will have a profound effect on the future of the world.

But College Clubs are not simply a great vehicle for teaching; they are also a social opportunity for both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í students.

College Clubs offer an outlet for Bahá’ís and those who share Bahá’í values, and they can be a much-needed peer group, a place for people with similar interests and beliefs, and a love for God, to come together as friends.

Sadly, the number of College Clubs that the National Youth Committee has on its records has been declining, and some states now have no College Clubs at all, but not because it is especially difficult to organize or start a Bahá’í College Club.

The National Youth Committee has a model constitution and all the other resources needed to start a College Club. All you need is at least two Bahá’ís on one campus!

If you are in high school and plan to go to college, furthering your education can also further the Cause of God and fulfill some national goals. Many colleges and universities are homefront pioneering goals!

By going to a school without a College Club, and with the intention of forming one, you can become a homefront pioneer. You can also be a pioneer if you help a jeopardized club, and colleges with large numbers of minority students are also homefront pioneer goals.

College Clubs are extremely important; they make it easy to present the Faith to large numbers of people who are looking for something in which to believe. They allow Bahá’í students, and others who share their values, to come together, support each other, and enjoy each other’s company.

Most important of all, they are not hard to form. The National Youth Committee and College Club coordinator will be there to help and encourage both before and after the club is formed.

Think about it, and if you are in a position to form a College Club, or to help one out, please contact the National Youth Committee at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

International Youth Conference to be held June 30-July 4, 1988.

Irish Summer School set July 31-August 9 at Wesley College

The Irish Bahá’í Summer School will be held July 31-August 9 at Wesley College, three miles from Dublin City Centre and close to the resting place of the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend.

The adult program consists of three lectures each day, two in the morning and one in the evening, leaving afternoons free for recreation or informal workshops.

The National Youth Committee is organizing a program of events for youth (ages 13 and up) including workshops and sports activities.

For information, contact the Summer School Registrar, 24 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Youth and the Fund

Youth Participation in the Bahá’í Fund

Record Breaking Month!!!

200 150 100 99 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MONTHS

1. of youth contributors

[Page 8]

In teaching, too, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set example for us all to follow

Teaching the Bahá’í Faith encompasses three essential, inter-related areas of activity: proclamation, expansion and consolidation. Proclamation is the initial step of making people aware of the Bahá’í Revelation. One way to proclaim the Faith is through speaking to a public meeting, a method used extensively by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as He traveled across the U.S. and Canada 75 years ago.

Those who heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on these occasions were invariably touched by His manner of speaking, which was one of humility and benevolence. Sometimes those who attended His addresses could not remember what He had said, yet were certain that His teachings had been absorbed on a spiritual level. Often people would feel no need for His talks, delivered in Persian, to be translated into English. They needed no words to accompany the impact they felt in their hearts. So moving was the effect that many members of His audiences followed Him from meeting to meeting.

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was to speak, He first made sure His audience was comfortable. Often, He helped them to relax with the use of humor. He then continued to establish a firm rapport, often speaking extemporaneously according to what He perceived as the concerns of His audience, although not without first seeking confirmation and assistance through prayer.

The Master spoke in simple, general terms. His speeches were usually short and gentle, yet highly effective. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never scolded or admonished His audience; He never made an appeal to the collective fear or guilt of those who came to hear Him speak. He never criticized other religions. And He did not promote discord in any way. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá always found common ground upon which an audience could agree with Him.

This does not necessarily mean that He told audiences exactly what they wanted to hear. For example, when addressing a largely black audience, He did not dwell on the misfortunes of blacks in America, even though He was familiar with their oppression and genuinely concerned with their plight.

In To Move the World, author Gayle Morrison explains, “Rather than intensify a natural preoccupation with oppression, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sought to foster confidence in the power to effect change. . . ”

See TEACHING page 32

Bahá’ís ‘trace Master’s footsteps,’ recreate Boston-Worcester journey

Seventy-five years ago, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent the period from May 22-26 in the Boston area. On May 23, 1912, He traveled from Boston to Worcester, Massachusetts, where He spoke at Clark University.

Through research, the Bahá’ís of Westborough found that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá most likely made the trip via the road that is now known as Highway 9, which is a major thoroughfare in their community. They decided to sponsor a statewide proclamation event designed to “trace the Master’s footsteps.”

The Spiritual Assembly of Westborough organized a caravan to travel May 23 from Boston to Worcester. It consisted of a charter bus followed by about 15 cars with Bahá’ís from several communities in Massachusetts.

Mounted on the lead car from each community was a magnetic sign with the name of that community and a rose. Buttons and balloons with the 75th anniversary logo were made available to all registered participants.

The trip began at Northeastern University in Boston. Along the way, the caravan stopped in Westborough for prayers at Chauncy Lake.

In Worcester, a public meeting was held in University Park, across from Clark University, during which the speech given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exactly 75 years earlier was read in the original Farsi language and simultaneously read in English and Spanish and interpreted in sign language.

An estimated 70-100 people attended the commemoration program at Clark University. The commemoration activities were well-publicized in a local newspaper, and the day after the event took place, an article appeared in the Worcester Sunday Telegram which reported on the program at Clark, gave a brief history of the Faith, and quoted from the speech delivered in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A tour bus and about 15 cars from several Bahá’í communities in Massachusetts formed a caravan May 23 to ‘trace the Master’s footsteps’ on His journey in 1912 from Boston to Worcester, where He spoke at Clark University. The caravan was organized by the Bahá’ís of Westborough.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America July 1912

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 New York: Has now been in America for 81 days. Spoke to people departing to Green Acre. Spoke of love for one another as highly important and as a means of attracting others to the Faith. “Sacrifice everything for each other. . . .” | 2 Spoke with people of Greek ancestry. They bowed to His influence and joined. | 3 | 4 Was asked to accompany the Mayor of New York City on the reviewing stand for the 4th of July parade. Did not go, but sent Persian friends to represent Him. In the evening, after meals, spoke of Tests. He said, “Even the sword is no test to the Persian believers.” | 5 | 6
8 | colspan="5" | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Throughout most of July, remained in New York and received friends from morning to night. Prepared meals, prayed with the friends, walked with them through the gardens near His home, urged unity, and deepened the friends in the history and teachings of the Faith. Taught individuals lessons. For example, asked Lua Getsinger to go to California and to proclaim the Covenant; she wanted to remain with Him, but finally did go. Taught people so that the new community of believers would grow and develop and stand on their own after He left.
15 | 16 Mahmúd’s diary noted: “His extended stay in New York has brought wonderful results among the friends.” | 17 Chanted a prayer at the marriage of Harlan Ober and Grace Robarts. Howard Colby Ives officiated. | 18 The ‎Independant Independent‎ magazine carried an editorial “The Persian Prophet.” The editorial speaks of the unity of the Faith, shows interest, and praises ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a leader. | 19 Continued to explain the goals of His endless work and teaching. | 20 Spoke of the martyrs.
21 Dined at the home of the ‎Counsul Consul‎ General of Turkey. Also spoke to a group of Armenians. | 22 Visited with Prince Muhammad-Ali Pasha of Egypt. The Prince described ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wisdom and said, “He made me happy by His delightful talks.” | 23 Left New York at 8:00 a.m. and arrived in Boston at 3:30 p.m. A public meeting was held at 6:00 p.m. and afterward ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to a group of people at Mrs. Francis W. Breed’s home. | 24 Spoke to visitors at the Victoria Hotel where He stayed (morning). In the afternoon, spoke at the Golden Ring Club. In the evening, spoke to the Boston Theosophical Society. | 25 Spoke with visitors. In the late afternoon, departed for Dublin, NH arriving at 7:00 p.m. Stayed with Mrs. Arthur J. Parsons. | 26 | 27
29 | 30 | 31 Conversed with George Latimer and Mr. and Mrs. Hannen about the need for Bahá’ís to be informed of the principles and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and to spread the message like the Army of God. | | |

Dates and events were extracted from the book 239 Days [Page 9]

July-August Brilliant Star eyes growth, development, change

EDUCATION

Ah! the glorious topic of growth, development and change. So perfect for those of us active in the change of the world that we are beginning to see through the Bahá’í Faith. This is portrayed in the July/August issue of Brilliant Star magazine.

The Bahá’í viewpoint on evolution is examined by Dr. John Hatcher who also has written an excellent, thought-provoking Parents’ Page article entitled “Nurturing the Quest for Knowledge.”

Continuing in our science series is “Today I Dreamt I Was Albert Einstein” which is illustrated by Fritz Mann. Another science-related item is “Undercover Gardens” by Rita Croll.

An exciting activity for children is tracing their genealogy. They are told how in “Family Trees” by ‎Christ Chris‎ McNett with calligraphy by Michael Hughey. Chris also tells us how to trace our “spiritual” trees!

Two delightful stories are included in this issue: “‎Betrand’s Bertrand’s‎ Balloon” by Kay Haugaard is caught by Winifred Barnum Newman in mood-lifting illustrations, while “Fuzzy Bear and the Toy Shop” is a story by the four- and five-year-old Bahá’í class of Mt. Royal, Province of Québec, written down by Marilyn ‎Ghadirion Ghadirian‎ and illustrated by Robin Allen.

Greg Shaw and Susan Allen have contributed poetry to this wonderful issue. The Book Nook focuses on parents and teachers with “A Review of Three Computer Software Products” by Rodney Richards and a sampling of some peace-related items.

The issue contains a moving story of ‘Abdur Rahim and his quest to meet Bahá’u’lláh, also by Susan Allen and illustrated by Keith Kresge. And Al Kendall has contributed a song and music, “Greater Is God Than Every Great One.”

If you don’t already subscribe, climb aboard! Simply send $12 for a one-year subscription to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Other prices are available upon request.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken at a 1974 youth deepening conference in Austin, Texas. Auxiliary Board member Eunice Braun is in the middle of the picture in the second row. If you can identify anyone else, please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Friends are asked to be on the lookout for Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees

Are there Bahá’ís in the community you’ve never seen who are not even printed on your voting list?

Information from various sources, both here and abroad, leads the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office to believe that there may be a number of Bahá’í refugees from Southeast Asia in the U.S. who have as yet had no contact with their local Bahá’í friends or Assemblies.

Many of our Southeast Asian friends were enrolled in the Faith while in refugee camps in Thailand or the Philippines. Due to limited resources, records of enrollments were kept in notebooks at best. Consequently, it is unlikely that they would have any kind of official credentials stating that they are Bahá’ís.

At the time the refugees were scheduled to leave the camps, as many of them as possible were given the address of the National Spiritual Assembly in the country of their destination. Thus, contact with Bahá’ís has been left to individual refugees who probably remain in difficult personal circumstances and may also have only limited ability to speak English.

In addition, Southeast Asians tend to be extremely shy. A recent report of observations made by a Jesuit who worked with Indo-Chinese refugees abroad said in part, “...refugees who arrive nowadays in the U.S. have almost no possibility of a friendship with an American citizen.”

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office would like the friends in the U.S. to be on the lookout for these new arrivals. You may even meet some while teaching the Faith on your local street corner.

Be prepared to welcome them into your community, as they will probably be delighted to have an opportunity to improve their English and to participate in Bahá’í activities.

Should you run across any of these refugees, please send any information you can about them to the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bosch School sets schedule changes

The following schedule changes have been announced for the summer program at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California:

July 18-23 (to replace course by James Mock): “Frontierland: The Journey of the Soul” (Theme Park as Metaphor) by John Kavelin.

July 31-August 6 (in place of Mr. Mock’s program): “Race Unity in the Evolution of the Most Great Peace” by Abdullah Brooks. Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne’s topic will be “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.”

On August 8-13 and 15-20, the music workshop for children, entitled “The Oneness of Mankind,” will be conducted by Charlotte Easley.

Added in Week 9 (August 15-20) is “What Is a Civilized Person and How Does He Promote Global Unity?” by Marjorie Thompson.

You may register now for one of the 10 summer sessions at Bosch by sending a $15 deposit for each person to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Oklahoma school

The Oklahoma Bahá’í School will be held October 29-31 at the Presbyterian Conference Center in Vian (on I-40 midway between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Muskogee, Oklahoma).

For information, write to the registrar, Dean Rector, 7120 E. 26th St., Tulsa, OK 74135, or phone 918-627-8246.

A Tribute to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A Special Commemorative Edition

A Tribute to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Bahá’í News April 1987 celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the journey of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America with a special commemorative edition. The cover of the April issue features the color photograph of the Master.

Inside this special issue you will find:

• Articles on the laying of the cornerstone of the House of Worship
• An overview of the events of His nine month journey
• Photographs taken during public and private moments
• His prayer for America in lovely calligraphy

For the next nine months Bahá’í News will focus on the events of 75 years ago when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá traversed the continent and transformed the American believers into a vibrant national community dedicated to raising a Temple and teaching the Cause of God for this day.

== Subscription Form ==		Purchase a new subscription to Bahá’í News & receive the April 1987 issue FREE!
Please enter my subscription to BAHA’I NEWS. I enclosed my check, bank draft, or money order, in U.S. dollars, for the amount indicated. Name ________________________________________ Bahá’í I.D. # __________ Address ______________________________________________________________ City _______________ State ____ Country/Zip __________________________ Gift from ____________________________________ Bahá’í I.D. # __________ [ ] I am interested in buying back issues of BAHA’I NEWS [ ] Please send ___ copies of the April Issue at $2.00 each		RATES (Mark One) United States, Canada, Mexico [ ] 1 year -- $12.00 [ ] 2 years -- $20.00 All other countries (surface) [ ] 1 year -- $14.00 [ ] 2 years -- $24.00 All other countries (air mail) [ ] 1 year -- $20.00 [ ] 2 years -- $40.00 Payment must be enclosed
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Bahá’í News

[Page 10]

Egypt

mote seditious ideas and under the 1960 law prohibiting organized Bahá’í activity.

Charges against the Bahá’ís included gathering in small groups, praying together in private homes, and being in possession of Bahá’í holy writings and prayer books.

Egyptian Bahá’ís, like their counterparts in Iran, have long been the target of attacks by Islamic fundamentalists.

Despite guarantees of religious freedom in the Egyptian Constitution, and despite Egypt's adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Bahá’ís have been victims of harassment, public slander and periodic arrests over the past 30 years.

In 1960 there were nearly 3,000 Bahá’ís in Egypt; today there are fewer than 500.

"Bahá’ís can hardly be considered a threat to the Egyptian state," said Dr. Kazemzadeh. "Not only are their numbers insignificant, but as we know, their religion demands that they observe the law scrupulously and not participate in politics."

Legislation introduced by Islamic fundamentalists in the Egyptian Parliament in 1985 called for fines and harsh punishment for anyone "laying open claim to prophethood," any group "promoting claims to prophethood," and any person who knowingly joins such a group.

Although Bahá’ís were not mentioned by name, the language used made it clear that they were the target of the proposed bill.

Bahá’ís are seen as heretics and apostates by Muslims who hold that Muhammad was "the Seal of the Prophets" and that there can be no new Revelation from God after Him. Muslims do not recognize the Faith as a valid religion, but view it as a conspiracy.

Fundamentalists in Egypt have called for the general boycotting of Bahá’ís, the "spilling of the blood of the Bahá’ís," and the Islamic punishment of death for the Bahá’ís.

The Islamic Center of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque and University, the foremost seat of learning in the Sunni Islamic world, has publicly attacked the Bahá’ís, while other Islamic groups have urged the government to exterminate them.

Since the arrests in February, news of attacks on Bahá’ís has appeared regularly in the Egyptian press including some government-sponsored newspapers. These articles allege heresy, atheism, immorality, espionage and promoting "Zionism."

Dr. Kazemzadeh called the recent actions in Egypt "alarming, since they indicate that the wave of persecution that still afflicts the Bahá’ís in Iran is now spreading over other Muslim countries, based on the same fanatical arguments and motivated by the same spirit of religious intolerance.

"We are deeply concerned," he said, "that such actions by Egypt, which is considered a tolerant and forward-looking nation, will send a dangerous signal to other countries in the Islamic world where there are hundreds of thousands of Bahá’ís."

Three winning tapes in 'Fireside Video' contest available

The three winners in the National Teaching Committee's Fireside Video Tape Contest are now available.

"To Move the World," a 20-minute tape focusing on the 1985 Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio, and "Bahá’í Fireside," a 45-minute tape featuring Lisa Janti as a fireside speaker, are available for sale ($15) or rent ($5) through the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Checks should be made payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

The third video tape, "Bahá’í Faith: Put It to the Test," a nine-minute investigative report which explains why the Faith is not a cult, is available for sale from the Bahá’í Information Office of the Miami Valley, P.O. Box 624, Dayton, OH 45409.

Pictured is the production staff of the video tape, 'The Bahá’í Faith: Put It to the Test,' which tied for first place in the National Teaching Committee's 'Fireside Video Contest.' The video tape was produced by the Bahá’í Information Office of the Miami Valley (Dayton-Springfield area) under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Kettering, Ohio. From left to right are Byron Stirsman, Rose Wendel, Marcia Strolger, David Freeman and Galen Smith. Not pictured are Don Erickson and Eugene Phillips. (Photo by Don Erickson)

Folk dance, party enliven Naw-Rúz observance in Colorado

The Bahá’ís of Durango and La Plata County, Colorado, celebrated Naw-Rúz with a folk dance and party at a church auditorium which drew 40 people including 25 friends of Bahá’ís and was acclaimed by all as an outstanding success.

Also to celebrate Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’ís arranged to have the city government illuminate downtown Durango with festive holiday lights on Friday evening, March 20.

Both events received newspaper and radio coverage which included brief explanations of the significance of Naw-Rúz to the Bahá’ís.

The celebration included a "carnival" of games with prizes for the children, and a variety program with ballads by vocalist Yvonne Varas, a comic skit by Freddie Chavez and David Trautmann, and traditional Chinese legends told by Rhoderoi Myers. Faye Gooden was emcee.

Bahá’í Unity of Mankind Religious Emblem for the Boy Scouts of America

Available from the Bahá’í National Center are program materials for the Bahá’í religious emblem for the Boy Scouts of America. Beginning NOW! orders will be filled for the counselor's guide and scout manuals. The artwork for the emblem is currently in the final stages, and production will begin soon. A similar program is currently being prepared for the Girl Scouts. The National Center will keep the community updated on further developments of both the Boy Scout and Girl Scout program.

Please send the following materials: Item Amount Quantity Total Unity of Mankind Counselor's Guide $2.00 each $ Tiger Cub and Cub Scouts $2.00 each $ Boy Scouts $2.00 each $ Varsity Scouts and Explorers $2.00 each $ Price includes handling charges

Please make checks sent with your order payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."

Send your order to: Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Attn: Committee on Scouting NTC office

Important note: This order form is for pre-publication copies of the Unity of Mankind Program materials. The same information is currently under production in a more polished format for use by the Boy Scouts of America.

Ben Levy undertakes two-week trip to travel, teach in Northeastern states

Among the 13 cities and towns in six Northeastern states visited in May by former Auxiliary Board member Ben Levy was this one in Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania.

On April 1, former Auxiliary Board member Ben Levy embarked on a two-week teaching tour of 13 cities and towns in six Northeastern states, where he spoke at a total of 17 firesides, deepenings and public meetings.

The central theme of his talks was the relationship between Judaism and the Bahá’í Faith.

Afterward, Mr. Levy said his trip was a reaffirmation of the truth that a traveling teacher gains more than he gives.

"It was exhilarating for me," he said, "to circulate in the smaller communities where the friends work so hard to strengthen and expand their numbers and where visits by traveling teachers are not frequent.

"While any traveling teacher doubtless likes to speak to large numbers of friends, the warmth and intimacy that one feels in the smaller out-of-the-way places is very special."

Others who are interested in taking similar tours during vacations or in between semesters at school may contact Dale Sollars at the Traveling Teaching Office, Blackfoot, ID 83221 (phone 208-785-4495). [Page 11]

Teaching projects increase, move toward goal of 200

More than 130 teaching projects were listed with the National Teaching Committee during the past year.

This year the committee set a goal of 200 teaching projects, with the long-range goal of every local Spiritual Assembly having at least one teaching project.

The projects listed to date include both direct and indirect teaching efforts. In either case, the National Teaching Committee asks that the projects move intentionally toward including an observable balance between expansion and consolidation.

In many cases, separating the activities into one category or another is not possible.

Deepening new believers is actually bringing receptive souls into the Faith. It is an integral aspect of winning avowed adherents to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Finding receptive souls and introducing the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to them is another integral part of this process.

The writings of the Faith tell us that teaching comprises both expansion and consolidation:

“The friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence and teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá’í—and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith.” (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, in The Individual and Teaching, No. 100)

Projects listed on the map:

• Lapwai, ID; PROJECT 95; Summer; Ruby Gubatayao; 208/843-2087
• Ft. Hall Reservation, ID; AZIZ PROJECT; July-August; Ann or Dale Sollars; 208/785-4495
• Baker, OR; BAKER PROJECT; July 19-25; John Lang; 503/389-1381
• Tuolumne Mi-wuk Rancheria, CA; TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT; Ongoing; Salmata Dia; 209/928-3252
• Beverly Hills, CA; BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT; Ongoing (Weekends); Margaret Naismith; 213/275-8450
• Los Angeles area, CA; S.O.S. (SUMMER OF SERVICE); July 17-August 30, 1987; Partow Khademi; 213/473-4281
• Los Angeles, CA; CENTER FIRESIDE PROJECT; Ongoing; Jeanette Roberts; 213/933-8291
• Phoenix area, AZ; PROJECT RAUL PAVON; Ongoing; Judith Spychalski; 602/269-2703
• Southern Arizona; DESERT ROSE PROJECT; Ongoing (Weekends); Winifred Byrd; 602/882-3041
• Navajo/Hopi Res., AZ; NAVAJO-HOPI PROJECT; Summer, 1987; Jeff Kiely; 602/367-5126 ext 8595
• Wind River Res., WY; WIND RIVER PROJECT; July, 1987; Pam & Gary Wolfe; 307/875-6409
• South Dakota; AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT; Ongoing; Edwin Roberts; 605/462-6309
• Macy, NE; AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT; Ongoing; Kay Webster; 402/837-5736
• Bemidji, MN; DAWNBREAKERS PROJECT; Summer; Nanette Missaghi; 218/751-8282
• Davenport, IA; FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND; Ongoing; Fred Frazer; 319/391-3621
• Oneida, WI; PROJECT NII-JII; Summer; Charlotte Hockings; 715/588-1350
• Rock Island, IL; ROCK ISLAND PROJECT; Summer; Barbara Gimm; 309/788-1350
• Indianapolis, IN; MR. KHADEM PROJECT; Ongoing; Carol Niss; 317/547-3691
• Wichita, KS; VICTORY HARVEST; Ongoing; Ken Tedder; 316/838-9125
• Kansas; PROJECT ARISE; Ongoing; Gray Bishop; 316/788-5378
• Eastern Texas; YELLOW ROSE PROJECT; Ongoing; Andrenea King; 409/886-4853
• St. Petersburg, FL; SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT; Ongoing; Marsea Ulmer; 305/825-0702
• Georgia; NEW JERUSALEM; Ongoing; Layli Miller; 404/993-7067
• South Carolina; PROJECT MUHAJIR; Ongoing; Amber Spahn; 803/838-5453
• Hickory, NC; HICKORY TEACHING PROJECT; Ongoing; Sam Williams; 704/327-0826
• North Carolina; CAROLINA VICTORY TRAIN; Ongoing; Peggy York; 919/679-2623
• Falls Church, VA; OLINGA TEACHING PROJECT; Ongoing; Thomas Ndousse; 703/848-0266
• Buffalo, NY; PROJECT LUA; Ongoing; Jeane Delaney; 716/825-5457
• Providence, RI; PROVIDENCE PROJECT; Ongoing; Kingsley Swan; 401/273-8364
• Lowell, MA; LOWELL PROJECT; Ongoing; Lorraine Matthews; 617/459-1604
• Medford, MA; OPERATION DAYBREAK; Ongoing; Evelyn Hoffman; 617/478-4604
• Portland, ME; NORTHERN LIGHTS PROJECT; June 19-July 3, 1987; Carl Pabel; 207/642-4097

The map above shows the teaching projects reported as of June 1. Several of these can use the help of persons from outside their communities. Please let the National Teaching Committee know of your teaching projects so they can be listed among the 200.

DTCs have wide range of important duties

The National Teaching Committee recently appointed District Teaching Committees for 144 B.E. The District Teaching Committees function under the guidance and direction of the National Teaching Committee. Below is the mandate for the committees, which outlines the responsibilities of a District Teaching Committee:

District Teaching Committee Mandate 144 B.E. (1987-88)

Principal objectives of District Teaching Committees during the coming year:

• Assist local Spiritual Assemblies to become more self-sufficient and self-reliant, especially in their teaching work.
• Carry forward the Campaign of Unified Action, especially with regard to collaborating with local Spiritual Assemblies, Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and other agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly.
• Promote the role of the individual in the teaching effort, whether alone or through teaching projects.
• Promote the understanding of teaching as consisting of expansion and consolidation, as defined in the sacred texts of the Bahá’í Faith.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the election of all local Spiritual Assemblies which are functionally and/or numerically weak; individuals should be assigned this responsibility for each locality.
• Assist local Spiritual Assemblies to take responsibility for isolated believers and help them to become functioning Groups; and assist Groups to become communities with local Spiritual Assemblies. This should be facilitated through extension teaching goals.
• In cooperation with local Spiritual Assemblies, assure the registration of Groups.
• Produce a District bulletin or newsletter and ensure that an Action Alert system is in place and in working order.
• Facilitate the settlement of homefront pioneers by choosing goal localities (in consultation with Auxiliary Board members and local Spiritual Assemblies) and compiling appropriate information about these localities.
• Provide information to the District Conventions about the teaching work and status of District goals.
• Promote and facilitate travel-teaching within the District, paying special attention to isolated believers and Groups.
• Assist the National Teaching Committee with maintaining accurate membership lists and other statistical data, as needed. Share with the National Teaching Committee information about extension teaching goals.
• Promote a sense of community in the District through encouraging firesides, love and fellowship gatherings, etc.

Members of the Bahá’í Club at Utah State University in Logan took part April 18 in a Peace Walk sponsored by a local group, ‘Peace Works of Cache Valley.’

Pictured with a ‘Wage Peace’ banner is club member Ann Fenaian. To her left and behind the photographer is her husband, Daryush.

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

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS VISIT • 1912–1987

May you become as the waves of one sea, rays of the same sun, trees of one garden for you are the ones who are called to uplift the cause of truth among the nations of the earth — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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

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

Please send order to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Name ________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________

Amount Enclosed: ________ # of prints requested ($10.00 per print) ($1.25 for postage and handling) Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Services Fund [Page 12]

FOR NEW BAHA’IS...

Imagine that you have been invited to a wonderful party. A good friend offers you directions on how to get there. The party is rather hard to find, so the directions are carefully prepared; there are, say, 10 different steps to the directions.

As you drive to the party, you follow steps one through seven. But at step eight, instead of turning right as the directions explain, you decide for yourself that you would rather go left. It's your choice, of course, but, not surprisingly, you become lost and never do find the party.

Imagine also that you received the directions with nine other people. At different points, each of you chooses to disregard one of the steps in the directions to make his or her own choice. Not only would no one arrive at the party—no two people would arrive at the same place!

The laws given by the Manifestations of God are a set of "divine directions" guiding individuals and society. "They whom God hath endued with insight," says Bahá’u’lláh, "will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples." (Gleanings, p. 331)

Rather than being an arbitrary imposition of God's will upon man, the laws of God are intended to help us reach a desirable goal—for individuals, achievement of their true purpose; for society, the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá informs us: "The Laws of God are not impositions of will, or of power, or pleasure, but the resolutions of truth, reason and justice." (Paris Talks, p. 154)

Bahá’u’lláh further explains that He has not revealed "a mere code of laws" but has "unsealed the choice Wine." "Know thou assuredly," He says, "that My commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, and the keys of My mercy for My creatures...." Through His ordinances "the standards of victory will be planted upon the highest peaks." (Gleanings, p. 332)

In considering the nature of divine laws, and the need to obey them, it is important to consider the distinction between divine law and the philosophies or laws of human beings.

With any philosophy, we are free to pick and choose among the teachings. They are, after all, only the opinion of one person, and are subject to testing, evaluation and revision by other men.

But the Teachings of the Manifestation of God are not the opinions or advice of one person. They are rather the will of God for humanity and are based on an understanding of the creation that far transcends human understanding.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the laws and teachings are often greeted with surprise and rejection by humanity—what person would claim to have the same viewpoint as God Himself?

Bahá’u’lláh explains that the Manifestation of God is the Divine Physician Whose laws are the healing remedy for the body of the world. The patient, He says, cannot challenge the knowledge of the all-knowing Physician:

"Were He to decree as lawful the things which from time immemorial had been forbidden, and to forbid that which had, at all times, been regarded as lawful, to none is given the right to question His authority.... Whoso hath not recognized this sublime and fundamental verity, and hath failed to attain this most exalted station, the winds of doubt will agitate him, and the sayings of the infidels will distract his soul. He that hath acknowledged this principle will be endowed with the most perfect constancy." (Gleanings, p. 87)

Simply by accepting the laws of the Manifestation, are we not, then, as human beings, surrendering our intelligence? Have we become sheep, prepared to be led astray? Have we sacrificed our freedom? All these are far from the truth.

Rather than binding or restricting us, divine law offers true freedom.

An example can be found in the function of traffic laws. Without such laws, cars would be almost unable to move in a crowded city. But because of the laws and each driver's adherence to them, thousands of cars are able to move to their intended goals with perfect freedom.

"That which beseemeth man," Bahá’u’lláh says, "is submission unto such restraints as will protect him from his own ignorance, and guard him against the harm of the mischief-maker....

"The liberty that profiteth you is to be found nowhere except in complete servitude unto God, the Eternal Truth. Whoso hath tasted of its sweetness will refuse to barter it for all the dominion of earth and heaven." (Gleanings, p. 336)

Also, instead of sacrificing our intelligence, we are recognizing the limits of human reason and opening the door to faith.

"To whatever heights the mind of the most exalted of men may soar," Bahá’u’lláh tells us, "however great the depths which the detached and understanding heart can penetrate, such mind and heart can never transcend that which is the creature of their own conceptions and the product of their own thoughts.... Whosoever pondereth this truth in his heart will readily admit that there are certain limits which no human being can possibly transgress." (Gleanings, p. 318)

God will, in His way, guide us. Our responsibility is to determine for ourselves the truth of the claim of His Manifestation.

Once having recognized Bahá’u’lláh as God's Manifestation for this Day, we can trust His laws to be guideposts in an age when humanity has forgotten its Lord and pursues its base and selfish desires.

"The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Day Spring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation.

"Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof, hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed.

"It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world.

"These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration." (Gleanings, pp. 330-31)

From the Writings..

In the following passages, Bahá’u’lláh describes how the laws of God are revealed over time within a Dispensation so that, through the mercy of God, humanity can gradually adapt to the full implications of those laws.

"Know of a certainty," He says, "that in every Dispensation the light of Divine Revelation hath been vouchsafed unto men in direct proportion to their spiritual capacity. Consider the sun. How feeble its rays the moment it appeareth above the horizon. How gradually its warmth and potency increase as it approacheth its zenith, enabling meanwhile all created things to adapt themselves to the growing intensity of its light. How steadily it declineth until it reacheth its setting point. Were it, all of a sudden, to manifest the energies latent within it, it would, no doubt, cause injury to all created things....

"In like manner, if the Sun of Truth were suddenly to reveal, at the earliest stages of its manifestation, the full measure of the potencies which the providence of the Almighty hath bestowed upon it, the earth of human understanding would waste away and be consumed; for men's hearts would neither sustain the intensity of its revelation, nor be able to mirror forth the radiance of its light. Dismayed and overpowered, they would cease to exist." (Gleanings, pp. 87-88)

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

• Some of the laws of Bahá’u’lláh have been applied only gradually in the West. One example is the law regarding the consumption of alcohol, which was implemented by Shoghi Effendi. Do you know of other examples? (One hint: the law of Huqú’qu’lláh)

• Can we assume, based on the principles described above, that laws and teachings we may as individuals find difficult to apply in current society—such as chastity or freedom from racial prejudice—are intended for a future time and that, therefore, we do not have to obey them now?

• The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh's Book of Laws, has not been, as yet, fully translated into English. How can we obey Bahá’í laws if the Aqdas has not yet been translated?

The following are a few references available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service which address the topic of Bahá’í law:

Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas—This book has translated passages of the Aqdas and an outline of the content of Bahá’u’lláh's Book of Laws. See especially pages 1-7, an introduction by the Universal House of Justice that discusses the issues raised in the passages and questions above.

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh—See especially pages 289-341 which focus on the nature of Divine laws and teachings and the development of a good character.

God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi—This book is the Guardian's history of the first century of the Faith. It describes on pages 213-16 the content and importance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

The Imperishable Dominion, by Udo Schaefer—Especially chapter 10, pages 152-90, which focuses on the nature of Divine law and why we should obey it.

Bahá’u’lláh’s laws, ordinances concern individual, society, and worship of God

Bahá’u’lláh’s laws and ordinances can be divided into three categories: those regarding worship of God; those designed to benefit the physical and spiritual condition of the individual; and those intended to transform society.

The following are a few examples of each (for more information see On Becoming a Bahá’í, a booklet provided to each new believer upon enrollment into the community). Some of the laws mentioned here may seem to belong on more than one list:

• • Devotional**

Prayer—Bahá’u’lláh revealed three obligatory prayers, one of which should be selected and read or recited each day (see pages 3-16 in Bahá’í Prayers).

Fasting—The fast takes place from March 2-21, and involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. This law applies to those from 15-70 who are not traveling, pregnant or nursing, or ill.

Reading the Holy Writings—Bahá’ís are to read the Sacred Writings every morning and evening.

• • The individual**

Teaching—Bahá’ís should tell those who are willing to listen about the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and about His teachings. There are many ways to teach—this especially includes teaching through our good character.

Marriage—As part of Bahá’u’lláh's law of marriage, Bahá’ís are to have the consent of all the couple's parents to the marriage; the purpose is to build unity in the family, and, to a greater extent, in society. Also, expression of a sexual relationship is reserved for marriage; Bahá’ís should be chaste outside of marriage and loyal to one's spouse within a marriage.

Avoiding alcohol and drugs—Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explain that alcohol and drugs harm not only the body but the progress of the soul. Avoidance of drugs does not include medicines that are prescribed and/or administered by a physician.

• • Society**

Bahá’í administration—Bahá’u’lláh Himself established the framework for and authority of Bahá’í administration, including Assemblies and the Universal House of Justice. This is in marked contrast to religions of the past in which the followers, not the Founder, created the religious institutions. Bahá’í administration is the nucleus and pattern of the future World Order which Bahá’u’lláh came to establish.

Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—A House of Worship, which will in the future be established in every community, is a centerpiece of Bahá’u’lláh's plan for community life. People will gather each morning at the House of Worship to praise God before beginning their day. Around this building will be raised dependencies intended to serve humanity, such as a school, hospital or home for the aged.

Obedience to government—Bahá’ís should be obedient to their governments and avoid interfering in political affairs. At the same time, they should be active in society in advancing principles, such as the elimination of prejudice or the establishment of peace, that reflect the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Book corner

The Universal House of Justice has established the goal of having the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, complete with all applicable explanatory notes, published during the Six Year Plan. We can begin now to be prepared to read and understand this book by reading the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and pages 213-16 of God Passes By. Both of these books are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. [Page 13]

Glenwood Springs to mark Master’s memorable visit

This year marks the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, during which He gazed upon the splendor of the Rocky Mountains and voiced His longing that Bahá’u’lláh could have experienced such beauty.

The following passage in 239 Days: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey in America refers to His visit in Glenwood Springs:

“The next day, September 26, the train left Denver heading west. At 2 a.m., He got off at Glenwood Springs and took rooms at the Hotel Colorado.

“After morning prayers and tea, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His companions strolled around the beautiful grounds, surrounded by towering mountains. Then they went to the bath houses and bathed in the hot springs water.

“‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, ‘We have been in many places during this journey but we had no time to see the sights. We had not even a moment’s rest. Today, however, we have had a little respite.’

“As they came out and looked at the river and mountains, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, ‘May God have mercy on the tyrants who kept the Blessed Beauty in prison for forty years. Such scenes were loved by Him.’”

Because this year’s commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit is such a special event, the National Teaching Committee, with the help of the Auxiliary Board, has appointed a committee to plan it. The committee is developing extensive programs for adults, youth and children to make the weekend truly special for everyone. Among the scheduled events is an historical presentation about the Master’s travels across the country.

The commemoration will be held September 11–13 at the Hotel Colorado with registration beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Entertainment and social activities are scheduled Friday evening with the speakers’ program beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Three sessions are to be held on Saturday and two on Sunday, plus a Saturday evening program. A long break (noon–4 p.m.) Saturday afternoon will give participants an opportunity for fellowship as well as bathing in the hot springs.

Each participant will be asked to give an hour of service to the conference, either setting up, cleaning up, registering guests, helping with children’s classes, or accompanying youth on outings.

A catered luncheon and/or a breakfast buffet will be offered with a minimum sign-up of 25.

Volunteers are being sought from all three Colorado districts for children’s classes. The youth program will include an outing to the pools and a presentation to the conference on the history of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Glenwood Springs.

Communications to the committee should be sent to “Bahá’í Commemoration,” P.O. Box 2805, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

Peace Conference furthers Faith at West Va. U.

Developing an Environment for Peace WVU PEACE CONFERENCE March 1987 WVU Bahá’í Club

Dr. Tahireh Ahdieh (standing), a Bahá’í who teaches in the Department of Neurology at West Virginia University, was one of nine panelists and speakers who took part March 27–28 in a Peace Conference sponsored by the WVU Bahá’í Club. Also pictured are (left to right) Dr. Herbert Wilcox (Department of Political Science), Dr. John Maxwell (Department of History), and Dr. Sophia Peterson (Department of Political Science).

On March 27–28, the Bahá’í Club at West Virginia University in Morgantown sponsored a Peace Conference on campus whose theme was “Developing an Environment for Peace.”

In past years the conference had been sponsored by the university; however, budget cuts forced the cancellation of this year’s event before the Bahá’í Club assumed the responsibility as sponsor.

The conference was publicized by 1,000 mailings to faculty, students and others, three radio talk shows, four articles in the university and city newspapers, and two paid ads. As a result, nearly 70 people attended.

A telegram was sent to the Universal House of Justice dedicating the conference to the Bahá’ís in Iran in the “Spirit of the Roses.”

Nine speakers and panelists took part in the conference, discussing such topics as “Peace Makers of Today,” “The Fundamental Prerequisites to a Peaceful and Global Civilization,” “Barriers to Peace,” and “The Role of the United Nations in Bringing About Peace.”

One of the panelists, Dr. Herbert Wilcox of the Department of Political Science at WVU, gave his talk from his paper to be published on “Hate and the Achievement of a World of Peace.”

He made several direct references to the peace message from the Universal House of Justice and praised the Bahá’ís for their ability to show love and optimism in the face of continuing oppression.

“We must learn to control our capacity to hate and fear,” said Dr. Wilcox. “First, we must cultivate the courage to fear our enemies and their purpose while avoiding the temptation to hate them.

“As Christ is reported to have said in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Love your enemies and bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.’

“Parenthetically, from my own personal experience, I would have you know that it is not Christians but Bahá’ís who most faithfully observe Christ’s imperative.

“As many of you may know, the Bahá’ís are brutally persecuted in Khomeini’s Iran. Over the past few years I have become acquainted with a number of Bahá’ís, some of whom had relatives imprisoned in Iran and some whose relatives, parents had been executed by the fundamentalist Islamic regime.

“Now I have done what to some may seem to be a shameful thing. I badgered these students in polite conversation about their pain and suffering for the purpose of learning about their feelings toward the brutal oppressors of them, their loved ones and their Faith.

“The results I found to be astonishing. From these perhaps six young Bahá’ís I learned:

“(1) Not one student expressed an emotion of hate or abhorrence for Khomeini, his regime, or the Shi’ite Islamic faith.

“(2) I never heard one word that suggested a demand for vengeance or revenge against the Moslems.

“(3) When I asked what I could do to help them in their terribly cruel situation, they asked for nothing. They only wanted me and the world to know that they were subject to barbarism.

“(4) The unfailing optimism and good cheer of these students in the face of this cruelty and tragedy was astonishing.

“I submit,” Dr. Wilcox concluded, “that this is what Christ wanted from those who follow Him. Further, I would suggest that these Bahá’ís provide the model of behavior for us toward those who would give us grounds for hate. This is the first step in avoiding a nuclear holocaust.”

Bahá’í Refugee Office seeks sponsors for refugees en route to U.S. from abroad

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office is seeking individuals, families, groups and Assemblies to serve as sponsors for Bahá’í refugees who may arrive in the U.S. in the next few weeks, the next few months, and/or the next few years.

It is impossible to predict exactly when a refugee may arrive, as the refugee process is full of circumstances beyond our control. It is essential, however, for the office to have an inventory of available sponsors to report to the U.S. government when we are told that a refugee is in need.

The actual legal preparations for the refugees’ arrival are made between the sponsor we submit and a local voluntary agency (VOLAG) contracted by the government to provide this service.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Bahá’í refugee, couple or family, please complete and return the form below.

Do not make arrangements, such as renting an apartment, purchasing food and the like for the refugee(s) until the VOLAG you are working with contacts you with an arrival date.

Thank you for your consideration in helping our uprooted brethren to be welcomed into the U.S. Bahá’í community.

Please mail to: U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

I/We, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, would like to sponsor a Bahá’í ( ) individual, ( ) couple, ( ) refugee family of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ people. We are willing to sponsor these refugees ( ) immediately, ( ) a few months from now, ( ) can arrange to be held on the waiting list for up to two years.

Name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Community: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Street Address: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ City: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ State \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Zip \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Phone (DAY): ( ) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (HOME): ( ) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

new from the Bahá’í 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?

The Purpose of Physical Reality The Kingdom of Names

Author John S. Hatcher examines the Bahá’í and other writings to show us how to unleash our human potential and take advantage of the unique opportunities of our physical existence.

159 pages, Bibliography SC $9.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 14]

The Promise

The Promise, Volume III is the last in a series of children's workbooks based on the statement by the Universal House of Justice, "The Promise of World Peace." The series is designed both to help Bahá’í children to understand the peace statement and to help them better establish their Bahá’í identity. Volume III has a number of activities that go along with the workbook's text. The other two volumes, which are for pre-teenage children, have games, puzzles, and pictures to color to help involve younger children in the learning process. Each of the three volumes of The Promise is $5. Volume I was written for those in the 6-8 year old age range, Volume II for those about 9-11, and Volume III for ages 12-14.

'Gender issues' theme of newest book in Kalimát's 'Circle of Unity' series

Equal Circles, the third book in the "Circle" series from Kalimát Press, is scheduled for publication in late July or August.

Kalimát describes Equal Circles ($9.95 SC) as "not only about the equality of men and women, but also about gender issues."

The book's editor, Dr. Peggy Cayton, says, "In the past, equality has always been addressed as a women's issue. The articles in this book show that the complex questions of equality and gender relations need to be the concern of both sexes."

Among the essays in Equal Circles are "Two-Career Couples" by Judy Maddox, "Depression (as a woman's issue)" by Kathryn Jaspar, "Becoming a Man" by Sidney Morrison, "On Being Black, Female and Bahá’í in America" by Gloria Haithman, "Sons and War Toys" by Melinda Armstrong, and "Religion and the Myth of Male Superiority" by Baharieh Ma’ani.

This month, Kalimat will also be releasing The Collected Works of Dr. Dávúdí, Volume I in Persian.

Dr. ‘Alí-Murád Dávúdí was for many years the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran. He was a renowned author and philosopher who was kidnapped in 1981 and is presumed to have been martyred by Iranian fundamentalists.

The Collected Works of Dr. Dávúdí, Volume I ($19.95 HC) is the first in a series of books by Dr. Dávúdí which Kalimát Press plans to publish.

ORDER FORM

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

ORDERED BY Name Address City State Zip Date

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

SHIP TO: (if different) Name Address: City State Zip Home Phone No. Work Phone No.

ORDERING INFORMATION FOR INDIVIDUALS 1. Please quantity title and type of item you are ordering There are no stock numbers so is essential that the type box is filled on each 2. Payment may be made by check money order VISA MasterCard and American Express Orders containing payment for less than the full amount will not be filled and will be returned Please do not send cash If you have questions please call 1-800-323-1880. 3. Orders will generally be shipped by United Parcel Service However UPS does not deliver to post office boxes The Distribution Service does not accept responsibility for parcel post shipments that are lost except if lost through some error on our part. Credit card orders more than one page in length may be placed on our toll free phone line 1-800-323-1880.

For summer from the Bahá’í

NEW TITLES

At last! a pocket-sized edition of the peace statement

THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE A Statement by the Universal House of Justice

The Promise of World Peace

by the Universal House of Justice

The statement about peace from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world, now in a pocket-sized edition designed by Mona Carloni. Printed in blue ink on tan stock, it fits into a man's pocket, a woman's purse, or a No. 10 envelope for mailing. New proclamation opportunities with the smaller edition include:

• sharing with friends, neighbors, and seekers
• giving to organizations, leaders of thought, and public officials
• carrying around to give to people on buses, trains, planes, etc.
• mailing to selected groups of people, perhaps with a letter or invitation
• using as a handy reference to points in the statement that relate to conversations and to current events

24 pp., 32 x 78 inches, packaged in tens 10/$5.50

The Purpose of Physical Reality: The Kingdom of Names

by John S. Hatcher

A challenging resolution to an age-old dilemma—why God has ordained that we begin our spiritual journey in a physical world. The author examines the Bahá’í and other writings to show us how to take advantage of the unique opportunities of our physical existence to further our spiritual development. The book does not supply quick fixes to daily concerns. But it does provide new insights and understandings about why a physical existence is the most appropriate starting place for human evolution and how our choices on this plane of existence affect the quality of our life in the world beyond.

John S. Hatcher is a professor of English literature at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he specializes in medieval literature and creative writing. His published works include articles and poems, as well as Ali's Dream: The Story of Bahá’u’lláh and From the Auroral Darkness: The Life and Poetry of Robert Hayden.

168 pp., bibliography, 52 x 8½ inches SC $9.95

The Gift of Life

extracts from the Bahá’í writings compiled by Delane Hein designed by Mona Carloni

A new booklet on birth that gives insight to parents or parents-to-be in the same way that The Open Door offers insight to those grieving the loss of loved ones. Includes quotations on the purpose of human creation; the importance of education; the role of parenting; the sacredness of marriage and the family; and teaching children to pray. A section of prayers for children is also included. An excellent gift for new parents or parents-to-be. Cover features a photography of a newborn infant. Printed on recycled textured ivory paper in black ink with a lavender bar on the cover. Comes with matching envelope.

24 pp., references, 5% x 4 1/4 inches, packaged in tens 10/$12.50

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

Total

Check or Money Order VISA MasterCard American Express

Account Number Expiration date UPS or 4 class [Page 15]

REPRINTS

Prayers and Meditations

by Bahá’u’lláh compiled by Shoghi Effendi

A compilation of nearly 200 prayers and devotional passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, now in new pocket-sized and hardcover versions. The pocket-sized edition is dark red with gold stamping, matching the pocket-sized Gleanings and Kitáb-i-Íqán. The hardcover edition has a maroon cover with an embossed nine-pointed star, matching the hardcover Gleanings and Kitáb-i-Íqán.

352 pp., index, 5½ x 8½ inches HC $14.95 PS $3.75

God Passes By

by Shoghi Effendi

The Guardian’s definitive history of the first century of the Bahá’í Revelation (1844–1944) now available in hardcover and softcover editions. This important work spans the period from the birth of the Bábí revelation through the rise of the administrative order. New cover design similar to that of The Advent of Divine Justice and The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

468 pp., introduction, foreword, index, 6 x 9 inches HC $21.95 SC $12.95

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era

by John E. Esslemont

The popular and comprehensive introduction to the Bahá’í Faith reprinted with updated statistics and facts, some new translations, a new reference list, and a new cover design by John Solarz.

320 pp., introduction, index, references, 4¼ x 7 inches SC $3.50

And for children

Blessed Is the Spot

Excerpt from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh Illustrated by Anna Stevenson

A reissue of an old favorite that shows children that God can be praised everywhere. The familiar quotation by Bahá’u’lláh is set in large, easy-to-read type. Charming illustrations of multicultural children capture multiple meanings of each concept in the verse.

32 pp., 6⅞ x 8½ inches HC $8.95

Tapestry Notecards

A package of ten full color notecards celebrating the station of women and their diverse contributions world-wide. 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 Indian Bahá’í House of Worship.

One card depicts the entire tapestry; nine others show each of the panels of the tapestry: a Navajo woman tending sheep and holding a child; a Persian woman harvesting fruit; an African woman teaching calculus; a Bolivian woman spinning wool; a black American woman performing ballet; an older woman working at a computer; a South American woman bearing wood; a Chinese woman sewing; and several men and women cooperating to accomplish a common goal—the construction of the House of Worship in India.

10 cards/$12.50

Three of the 10 full-color notecards depicting the panels of the tapestry given to the women of India by the U.S. National Committee on Women. One card (top) shows the entire tapestry. A perfect way to send the message of equality to friends and seekers.

Teaching Cards Wilmette House of Worship

25 cards, 2⅜ x 3⅝ inches, 25/$3.95

Five each of five views of the Wilmette House of Worship photographed in different seasons. Twelve principles of the Faith are printed on the back, with space to put the name of a local contact below. Twenty-five in package.

New cassettes

The Major and Minor Plans of God

by Peter Khan

A talk at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette given by Peter Khan, who was recently elected to the Universal House of Justice. The talk focuses on the Bahá’í 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.”

60 minutes CS $7.50

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. (Saf-fa) Kinney; and Curtis Kelsey.

60 minutes CS $7.50

Fostering use of Bahá’í literature

The 14th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Since the Bahá’í Revelation is “likened unto an ocean in whose depths are concealed innumerable pearls of great price,” it is a privilege—and a duty—to “dive” into this ocean and find the pearls within it.

But what if you are overwhelmed by the number of publications available? Or find yourself too busy to read what you have on your shelf?

Since fostering the use of Bahá’í literature is a goal of the Six Year Plan, why not come up with your own personal plan to increase your use of Bahá’í literature?

For example, you might list the books, magazines, tapes or videos that you hope to read, hear or view within a given time frame (a week, a month, six months, a year). If you have set goals, you can monitor your progress.

A second goal might be helping to generate enthusiasm for use of Bahá’í literature in your family and community.

You could set up a small deepening class or “book chat,” offer to make a short book review at Feast or in the newsletter, or ask the Spiritual Assembly to sponsor a contest for children or youth to read a certain number of pages or books.

A third goal might be finding ways in which Bahá’í literature can be made available to the public, such as giving books or tapes to local or university libraries, offering periodicals as gift subscriptions, finding new uses for the new pocket-sized edition of the peace statement, and sending out the lovely tapestry cards depicting scenes of women at work from around the world. (Note: Some of your plans to present materials to the public may need approval from your Spiritual Assembly.)

Thinking up uses for the Bahá’í publications described on these pages can be a first step toward mapping out your personal goals for the Six Year Plan to help foster the use of Bahá’í literature.

Be a “pearl-diver”! [Page 16]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EMPLOYMENT

QUALIFIED individuals are being sought to fill vacancies in the National Teaching Committee Office: minority development coordinator: responsible for stimulating and developing 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 experience is required including excellent typing, word processing, oral and written communication skills. Flexibility is essential. For more information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WORLD Center staffing representative (administrative services): helps the Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center to fill vacancies at the World Center by developing recruitment strategies; writing announcements and recruitment letters to the American Bahá’í 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; a liberal arts degree with 2-3 years’ experience in human resources is preferred, as is a strong Bahá’í background with service on an LSA or DTC. Pilgrimage or a visit to the Bahá’í World Center would be extremely valuable. Applicants must be well-organized with good clerical skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills. A proven ability to work independently and with confidential materials is essential. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is seeking two qualified persons to serve at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. One opening is for an associate editor, the other for an editorial assistant. Both positions are available immediately, offer full salary and benefits, and require relocation to the Wilmette area. Duties of the associate editor include recruiting authors; developing and editing Bahá’í 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 editing is required; a high degree of initiative and strong organizational skills are essential, as is an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Duties of the editorial assistant include evaluating manuscripts; recruiting authors; copy editing and substantive editing; checking indexes; preparing manuscripts for typesetting; proofreading manuscripts; and preparing reprints. This is an entry level job requiring little or no editorial experience, but applicants should have a liberal arts degree, preferably in English or journalism. An ideal position for a recent college graduate who would like to acquire experience in the publishing field. Both positions require individuals who are well-grounded in the Bahá’í writings and literary works of the Faith. Some Bahá’í administrative experience is also required; computer experience is helpful. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 as soon as possible, or phone 312-869-9039. The deadline for applications is July 31.

A PERSON with strong written and verbal skills in English communication is needed to serve as Area Persian-American Affairs Committee Representative in the Persian-American Affairs Committee office at the Bahá’í National Center. This individual researches, develops and writes articles and other materials on cross-cultural awareness issues for The American Bahá’í, pamphlets, a monthly newsletter, conferences and conventions; maintains logs of APAAC correspondence, committee minutes and activities; maintains committee mailing list; drafts and types acknowledgment of APAAC correspondence; compiles, types, photocopies and distributes reports and other written materials related to APAAC. Strong organizational skills, clerical experience including typing of at least 45 wpm are required; word processing skills would be helpful. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

HEAD Resident sought for the Louhelen Residential College. A complete description of the position and application materials are available from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs, which is responsible for contact with the U.S. government, national media and organizations, and prominent individuals, is seeking a secretary for its office in Washington, D.C. The secretary acts as receptionist, types correspondence, and maintains files in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Previous office experience, pleasant telephone manner, and typing of at least 60 wpm are required; word processing skills are desirable. Those interested in applying should write directly to the Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20009.

PROGRAM assistant (Persian-American Affairs office): duties include translating, writing and typing; responding to correspondence in English and Persian; translating correspondence and other documents as requested, and helping with special projects. A good command of the Persian language and of English, both written and oral, is required. This individual should be well-deepened in the principles, laws and ordinances of the Faith. Typing skills in Persian are required, and word processing experience is desirable. Experience working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment is also required. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

ENGINEERING supervisor needed in Raleigh, North Carolina, for a small (four-employee) office. Must have a BSEE or BSME plus five years’ experience (in both disciplines) in commercial and industrial design. The nearby town of Cary (pop. 35,000) has a functionally jeopardized Assembly and needs long-term, dedicated home-front pioneers. It is 30 minutes or less by car to Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University, and has one of the best public school systems in the Southeast. There are eight smaller colleges and universities in the area, and the famous Research Triangle Park is less than 15 minutes away. To apply for the position, send resumé and salary requirements to Tom Moore, c/o Jackson Associates, 1206-B S.W. Maynard Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. For information about Cary, write to Diane McKinley, 102 Parkwood Lane, Cary, NC 27511, or phone 919-469-2783.

POSITION for a pediatrician is available in Frederick County, Maryland. The Bahá’í community of Frederick County needs one more adult to form its Assembly. For details, please contact Dr. Nahid Sobhani, 301-694-0772 or 301-694-8535.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WANTED: Iranian Bahá’ís to settle on Indian Reservations. In collaboration with the American Indian Teaching Committee, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office has agreed to provide financial help for housing and food for up to six months for five Iranian Bahá’í refugee families who wish to settle on Indian Reservations. If any dedicated Iranian souls wish to arise to meet this challenge, please write to the American Indian Teaching Committee, c/o Frank McLemore, secretary, P.O. Box 742588, Dallas, TX 75220, or phone 214-902-0548.

MOVE to charming, cosmopolitan West Hollywood and help strengthen a small community adjacent to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, California. The West Hollywood Bahá’í community is more than 40 years old; since many of its members have gone pioneering, only 26 Bahá’ís remain, and we need more active Bahá’ís to help carry on the work. Many attractive, inexpensive apartments are available. For more information, please phone Elena Allegro, secretary, 213-654-0356 (evenings).

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of the Town of Tonawanda, New York (a suburb of Buffalo) would like to have a home-front pioneer settle in the area. This is a cultural center with several colleges in the area, an affordable cost of living and low housing costs. Anyone who is interested may phone the Krolls at 716-837-3252 or the Kronenwetters at 716-694-3966.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

OPENINGS exist for accountants and bookkeepers in Limassol and Nicosia, Cyprus. Fluency in English is required. Prior experience in accounting is a minimum; a degree is a definite plus. Also sought is a qualified person for import-export trading. Applicants should be male, mature, and graduates from a British or American university. Last, an EDP manager with digital VAX computer system experience is needed to supervise the head office, ‎oversees oversee‎ computer installations, software applications development, and coordination of international computer sites. Should have a degree in computer science and some previous experience. Experience with a variety of digital software packages is an advantage. Cyprus is a pioneer goal for Canada. For more information on any of these positions, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ELECTRONICS company in Ireland has 13 vacancies for project engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and test engineers. Project engineers must have hardware/software design experience, real time systems experience, and supervisory or project management experience. Software engineers must have experience with programming languages assembler, Pascal or C, and an electronics or computer science degree. Hardware engineers need two-plus years experience, digital design experience and a degree in electronics. Test engineers must have 2-5 years test engineering experience, analog design experience, and a degree in electronics. Ireland is a pioneer goal for Canada. If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ADULTS and youth are needed to work in a new Bahá’í social and economic development project in Honduras. A rural four-bed hospital and outpatient clinic serving about 10,000 Caribe, Miskito and Spanish people needs three Spanish-speaking volunteers for one or two years: a nurse, lab technician, and physician. Positions are non-paying with free housing; a modest fee is asked to contribute for food. Other members of the team are a Persian pioneer family of five, now Honduran nationals, and a U.S. pioneer family of five. Both the men are physicians and the women are teachers. For more information, please write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

A BAHÁ’Í-owned and operated computer business in Macau is expanding and is seeking qualified applicants to help in consulting work, software development, computer sales, and technical assistance. Also needed is someone with managerial experience to run the computer sales section of the business. Macau is scheduled to elect its own National Assembly by Ridván 1989 and needs help in meeting its goal. Anyone who is interested in these opportunities is asked to contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

THE INTERNATIONAL Goals Committee has information on language immersion courses in Spanish. These courses include lodging, meals and materials for a standard rate. Participants live with Spanish-speaking families overseas and speak nothing but Spanish during their stay. Visits to local tourist attractions are also part of the package. If you are interested in a Spanish immersion course, please write for more information to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FOR SALE

A FORMER pioneer to Belize is offering her house for sale. It is located 18 miles from the capital, Belize City. Proceeds from the sale will be given to the International Fund. It is hoped that the property could help a family to pioneer to Belize, which was recently assigned as a pioneering goal for the U.S. For more information about this opportunity, write to the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES

LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for the fall of 1987. A minimum of 13 students is needed to enroll in this program. Students live at Louhelen, have classes in Bahá’í studies and take part in Bahá’í conferences, fellowship, social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College. For information and/or an application, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

A SCHOLARSHIP is soon to be offered to an undergraduate Bahá’í who wishes to attend Rice University in Houston, Texas, which has an excellent worldwide reputation in science, engineering and liberal arts and in the past has been home to an active Bahá’í Club. The scholarship will be awarded to a Bahá’í who has been accepted at Rice University and would otherwise be unable to attend or who would have to live off-campus where financial help is unavailable. Prospective students at Rice University and alumni of the Rice Bahá’í Association are invited to contact Melanie Ehni Mouzoon, 3514 Glen Haven, Houston, TX 77005, or to phone 713-664-0776 for more information.

LORDS and ladies! Sir T. Tude and Lady Clare do hereby invite ye to a “knight” of merry-making at the third annual Green Lake “Saturday Knight Party” on Saturday, September 19. Sir Laughs Alot and Prince Valley Ant will surely be present at the event of the season. Please come dressed as your favorite medieval pun!

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 easy-to-teach lessons based on the Bahá’í calendar for ages four and up, is back in print. Designed to be used 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 Bahá’ís. Copies of the current printing are $12 each (Texas residents add 72 cents sales tax). Please make checks payable to BCC Publications and send to Bonnie Wilder-Claude Sellars, 13110 Conifer, Houston, TX 77077.

TEACHING

SOUTHERN Ohio District Teaching Committee invites you to a nine-day teaching project August 21-30 in beautiful Xenia, Ohio. Bob Cadwallader will conduct the project; camping sites and child care are available. For more information, please write to the Xenia Bahá’í Center, 212 E. Church St., Xenia, OH 45385, or phone 513-372-1844.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

“REFLECTIONS” catalog listing “Mankind Is One” sweatshirts and T-shirts, tapes, books and other Bahá’í-related materials is available at no cost from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

AT LAST! The Tapestry Notecards depicting scenes from the tapestry by New Mexico artist Vickie Hu Poirier, which was given to the women of India by the National Committee on Women of the U.S. at the dedication of the India Temple, are now available. Send these lovely and inspiring cards to friends, seekers or family members. Each card exalts the station of women and celebrates the diversity of the contributions made by women around the world. The package of 10 cards is $12.50. Order from: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

TWENTY-FIVE per cent discount on Bahá’í books—purchase every title published by Kalimát Press prior to May 1987 and get a 25 per cent discount. A great way to build up your Bahá’í library! To order, or for more information, phone 213-479-5668, or write to Kalimát Press, 1600 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90025. VISA and MasterCard accepted. Offer expires August 15, 1987.

CONFERENCE catalog of summer conferences at the Louhelen Bahá’í School is available from the Registrar, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

TAPES from the Louhelen Women’s Conference: “Women and the [Page 17]"Age of Equality” by Dr. Jane Faily and “Women of Color in America” by Dr. Gwen Lewis are now available at $6 per tape. Write to Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033. VISA or MasterCard accepted.

WANTED

SINGERS: The Bahá’í House of Worship Choir is looking for additional singers of all races and levels of experience to fill out its size and sound. This is an open invitation to all singers within driving distance of Wilmette to sing at the Mother Temple of the West. Also, if you or your community know of any singers from minority backgrounds, we’d especially welcome their participation. We rehearse each Thursday evening, and sing at devotional services two Sundays per month. Take part as much as your schedule allows—the idea is to join us in song and prayer as much as you are able ... and bring along a friend. For a choir schedule and further details, contact Merrill Miller at the Bahá’í National Center, 312-869-9039, ext. 283.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking tape recordings and photographs of the two Navajo Reservation Conferences (June 1962 and June 1964) at which the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrulláh Khádem spoke. Both conferences were held at Pine Springs, Arizona. Anyone having tapes or photographs which they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: Mature, single Bahá’í to serve as resident at the Bahá’í Center in Dallas, Texas. We offer one small room in the Center rent-free plus cooking privileges. In exchange, the resident will carry out a variety of duties including answering the telephone, seeing that the Center is open for all Bahá’í meetings, keeping a calendar of events for all programs requested to be held at the Center, helping with the purchasing and lending libraries, receiving and distributing mail that comes to the Center, etc. Position is suited to a retiree on fixed income or a semi-retired person (male or female). For details, write to the Bahá’í Community of Dallas, Attn: Assembly Secretary, Dallas, TX 75220, or phone the present Center resident, Leonard Galit, 214-352-0318, or the Assembly secretary, Alberette Parham, 214-661-8955.

THE BAHÁ’Í International Health Agency—North America is researching a book to be titled A Tribute to the Life and Services of Bahá’í Physicians Martyred in Iran. Information, primarily from families and friends of the martyrs, is needed in the following areas: (1) A brief account (not more than 2-4 pages) on the personal background, education and family life of each of the martyrs including exact date and place of birth. (2) Professional background: medical education, university, field of specialty, number of years and area(s) where he or she served. If he or she specialized abroad, specify field, university and country. The curriculum vitae of the martyr would be appreciated. (3) If the medical professional was also a professor, please specify the medical school where he or she taught, years of service, honors and awards received or any national or international recognition obtained for outstanding service, teaching or research. Official documents would be appreciated; also professional association memberships. (4) Details of the arrest or kidnapping, persecution and martyrdom. Was he or she in the line of duty when arrested or kidnapped? What was the public reaction? (5) Photographs, copies of official documents of expulsion from the medical profession as a Bahá’í, any published material in the news media of Iran on the topic, and a copy of the last will and testament if available. NOTE: Do not send original materials. All material must be as accurate as possible, as this book will serve as a reference work in the future. Please send all correspondence to the Bahá’í International Health Agency, c/o A.M. Ghadirian, Québec, Canada H3R 1L5.

WANTED: Original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the following individuals: Maude H. Irvine, New York City (1909), Kate Ives (1903), Lars Johnson, Chicago (1909), Miss Belle Jorgenson, Baltimore (1910), Emma Kent (1910), and Mrs. Jennie Kingsbury, Chicago (1909). If you have information about the possible location of any of these Tablets, please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHÁ’Í PLAY or musical wanted. The St. Louis area Public Information Office is interested in finding a suitable play for proclaiming the Faith. If you have one you would like to share, please write to the St. Louis Bahá’í Public Information Office, c/o Mildred Birkett, St. Louis, MO 63108, or phone 314-652-7939.

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

Durango, La Plata Bahá’ís take part in Peace Fair

On April 11, the Bahá’ís of Durango and La Plata County, Colorado, took part in a Peace Fair organized by the Women’s League for Peace and Freedom.

They were one of two religious groups involved in the fair, the other being the Friends (Quakers).

Other groups taking part were the Esperanto League (which included a Bahá’í), the National Organization for Women, the Central America Organizing Committee, Wild Geese (an Irish singing group), the Waldorf School, and international Folk-dancers.

The attractive Bahá’í booth, designed to display Bahá’í literature on peace and to promote the peace statement, formed the visual center of the event.

The Faith was favorably mentioned by the keynote speaker, and was mentioned in the news media as well.

Scholarship winner

David Belzer, a member of the Bahá’í Group of Lincolnshire, Illinois, was awarded the Sons of American Revolution Good Scholarship Medal during Stevenson High School’s honors program in May.

Mr. Belzer, a senior who plans to attend Indiana University, was honored for his “spirit of cooperation, good citizenship and patriotism.”

“Mona Project” set

The National Teaching Committee of the Bahá’ís of Grenada announces the third annual Mona Teaching Project, August 3-21, in Paradise, a village on the eastern coast.

For details, please contact the National Teaching Committee of Grenada, St. Georges, Grenada, West Indies.

Can-Lift aviation agency is formed to complement New Era Fellowship

SOC/ECONOMIC

The New Era Aviation Fellowship, a worldwide association of Bahá’í pilots not affiliated with any institutions of the Faith, was formed in late 1985 after two years of planning.

Its growing membership includes professional and amateur pilots, ground support personnel, and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.

The NEAF’s primary goal is to encourage the growth of the Cause throughout the world, especially in remote, difficult-to-reach locations, through the use of light general aviation aircraft.

Its secondary purpose is to create an air service consultancy by drawing on the expertise of the Fellowship’s professional aviation managers and administrators.

After raising the funds necessary to purchase aircraft and other equipment, the air service will be made available to serve areas with specific transportation needs, such as famine relief or dealing with problems caused by natural disasters.

With the help of professional medical personnel, preferably from within the Bahá’í community, flying doctor services to remote areas will also be developed.

Recently, the directors of NEAF announced the formation of Can-Lift International Inc.

Although closely linked to NEAF, Can-Lift International is an independent non-profit organization whose status enables it to raise funds from Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.

The directors are now developing an over-all strategy to solicit contributions from corporations, airline donation committees, and Third World development funds. Air Canada, for example, has already made a generous donation.

Can-Lift is biased toward programs that nurture self-reliance, build hope, and encourage initiative.

It will serve agencies involved in emergency relief and long-term development with the goal of providing safe, dependable and economical air transportation in remote areas of the world.

Since the executive directors of Can-Lift also serve on the administrative body of NEAF, the activities of both organizations will be closely coordinated.

Can-Lift will also be available to help Bahá’í communities with their transportation needs at a low cost—no more than the basic operating cost of the aircraft.

This, in turn, will help the Bahá’ís carry the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all mankind and contribute to increasing the number of new believers in every part of the world.

Those who wish to obtain more information about the New Era Aviation Fellowship or who have suggestions about the use of aircraft in promoting the goals of the Faith are invited to contact the Secretary, New Era Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 41243, Broadhurst, Gaborone, Botswana.

The 35-member Bahá’í Club at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque sponsors this display table each Wednesday in the Student Union. The club also holds firesides every Wednesday evening.

S.F. sponsors Alcohol Education Series

The Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco’s Alcohol Education Series recently ended a series of lectures whose purpose was to increase one’s knowledge of the causes and dimensions of alcoholism.

Their focus and direction was toward an understanding of alcoholism as a disease, family systems in an alcoholic family, and treatment plans and recovery possibilities.

The series used the professional services of San Francisco physicians, counselors, actors and business people. The first lecture was given by a psychiatrist, Dr. Barbara Burdan; the second by Dr. Gil Ayott, medical director of St. Mary’s hospital; and the third by Kay Kasanda, formerly with the Salvation Army and now in private practice.

The series attracted many people from the San Francisco area but was designed specifically for the Bay Area Bahá’í community.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

A reprint of the popular and comprehensive introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, featuring

• new design
• updated statistics and facts about the Bahá’í community
• some new translations of passages from the writings
• new reference list

$3.50 softcover

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

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 18]Don Camp, a member of the Bahá’í community of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a two-year Artist Residency Grant as a part of the state’s Artist in Schools program. Mr. Camp, who has received a full fellowship for graduate studies at the Tyler School of Art, is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member William Roberts, and serves on the Association for Bahá’í Studies’ Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee.

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hutchinson, Kansas, was incorporated in 1986. Its members are (back row left to right) Shirley Johnson, Phyllis Medrano, Wanda Warren, Marcia Gitchell, and (front row left to right) Bill D. Johnson, Charles Hook, Kenneth Gitchell, Gordon Warren, William Gitchell.

Pictured are some of those who attended a World Religion Day program in January on ‘Drugs and Alcohol’ sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Panelists included the chief of police, a representative from Alcoholics Anonymous, a psychiatrist, a member of the Council on Alcoholism, two teacher/advisers from SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), a Jewish lay person, two Protestant ministers, and a Bahá’í master of ceremonies.

Alaina Henderson, a member of the Bahá’í community of Arroyo Grande, California, won first prize among high school students in that state in an essay contest for Traffic Safety Week in May. Her winning essay was entitled ‘Sixteen-Year-Olds Deserve the Right to Drive.’ The prize was $1,000.

In May, we reported that a large box filled with ‘gifts’ (including, of course, donations to the Fund) was received by the Office of the Treasurer, and that the box had come from Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was put together during a gala Ayyám-i-Há party at which the Bahá’ís of Buncombe County hosted the friends from the neighboring Asheville area. The fund-raising goal at the event was $1,890 (for the 189 roses from the Iranian Bahá’ís); the actual amount contributed was more than $6,000. It was a special event, made even more special by the presence of Shahran Najasaian-sisan, a Bahá’í refugee from Iran via Pakistan who had arrived only two days before and was immediately pressed into service taking photographs of the party including this one. In keeping with the spirit of Ayyám-i-Há, there were canned goods for a local Food Bank and a ‘giving tree’ on which the friends listed services they could perform for various institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals and day care centers.

Roy Massey, a pioneer from the U.S. to St. Maarten, West Indies, has won the highest individual award given by the Time Share Industry. Mr. Massey, who is employed by Pelican Resort in St. Maarten, received his award May 14 in San Diego at a convention of the American Resort and Residential Development Association. He has been a pioneer to St. Maarten for more than 11 years.

Vince Baugher, a member of the Bahá’í community of Florence, Alabama, was valedictorian of this year’s graduating class at East Lawrence High School and was awarded a Space Shuttle Assistantship from Alabama A&M University. Mr. Baugher was the leading recipient of scholarships and awards (a total of 12) and was the first student at the school to be a National Merit Scholarship finalist. A member of the National Honor Society throughout high school, he had a perfect attendance record since the eighth grade. In his valedictory address May 25 to an audience of 1,000, Mr. Baugher twice mentioned the name Bahá’u’lláh.

As the result of a suggestion made at a general meeting of the Persian Bahá’í Women (an activity of the Women’s Association of Los Angeles, California), a group of Persian Bahá’ís made contact with Native Americans in February and April by visiting the Compton Rehabilitation Center, an Indian Club on the ‎Morongan Morongo‎ Reservation near Palm Springs, and the Long Beach Rehabilitation Center. In each case, the friends were received warmly and shared the basic tenets of the Faith with those they met.

Peace statement now available in Khmer

‘The Promise of World Peace’ is now available in the Cambodian language, Khmer, which is spoken by a great number of Southeast Asians living in America. Copies may be ordered through the National Teaching Committee for $1 each, plus postage. [Page 19]

Why ‘make waves’ over skin color?

Our skin colors vary according to the structure of the molecules in skin cells. Light is reflected differently by different shades of skin. One kind of skin will give off a dark-colored light, while another kind will emit a bright-colored light.

All colors, whether dark or bright, are forms of light, and differ according to the size of the light waves emitted by the skin. Dark skin colors are large waves of light, and brighter skin colors are smaller waves.

On the basis of these wave sizes some people love, like, dislike or even hate one another.

But our voices also vary according to wavelengths. Deeper voices have longer waves, while higher voices have shorter waves. In fact, sound is equivalent to light in its properties.

Yet we do not ordinarily discriminate against people on the basis of the wavelengths we hear coming from their voices! And this is fortunate; otherwise we would not be able to sing together or to play instruments together in a harmonious symphony. In fact, it is the difference in sounds which makes harmony possible.

Besides, our voices—unlike our skin colors—change their wavelengths from one moment to the next, and our attitude would thus have to change from prejudice to friendship, friendship to prejudice as someone spoke to us. This would be exhausting.

Discriminating against a group of people is like discarding one of the vocal parts in a chorus. Poor Mozart! Shall we allow only one vocal range in music? No. It is clear that all the vocal parts in a chorus serve to make each beautiful, and each serves to unite the whole.

At least in music and visual arts we understand the fundamental harmony of sounds and colors. Soon the heart will become as universal as the eye and ear, and the most fundamental harmony will be realized.—Mark Perry

RACE UNITY AND THE PERSIAN BAHA’IS

(بقیه از شماره قبل)

در حال حاضر علیرغم آزادی و حقوقی که لااقل در مجموعه‌های قوانین به سیاهان داده شده و با اینکه همۀ افراد صرف نظر از نژاد و رنگ در برابر قانون یکسانند، تبعیضات عملاً برطرف نگردیده است. کوششهای بسیاری در جریان است تا پیشرفتهای حاصل از نهضت حقوقی سیاهان و سایر اقلیتهای نژادی را باز دارد.

از لحاظ اقتصادی درصد بیشتر و چشمگیری از سیاهان و سرخپوستان و اسپانیولی زبانها در فقر بسر میبرند. حتی افرادی از این اقلیتها که توانسته‌اند تجارت مستقلی تأسیس نمایند بالنسبه به سفیدپوستان از موفقیت کمتری برخوردارند. فی‌المثل حد متوسط درآمد خانواده‌های سیاهپوست در سال ۱۹۷۴ نصف حد متوسط درآمد خانواده‌های سفید پوست بوده است در صورتیکه در سال ۱۹۶۸ معدل درآمد سیاهان ۶۸ درصد معدل درآمد سفیدپوستان بوده است. فروش سالانه ۱۰۰ شرکت از بزرگترین شرکتهای سیاهان در سال ۱۹۸۲ بالغ بر ۲/۲ میلیارد دلار بوده، در مقابل آن فروش ۱۰ شرکت از آخر لیست پانصد بزرگ سفیدپوستان بالغ بر ۴/۵ میلیارد دلار تخمین زده شده است.

از نظر سیاسی سیاهان ۱۹ کرسی انتخابی در ازای هر صد هزار نفر را در اختیار دارند، این رقم برای سفیدپوستان بالغ بر ۲۸۲ در قبال هر صدهزار نفر است.

از لحاظ تعلیم و تربیت تا سال ۱۹۸۴ یعنی سی سال بعد از قرار دیوان عالی آمریکا مبنی بر لزوم رفع تبعیضات در مدارس، ۶۷ درصد از اطفال اقلیتها در مدارس مجزا و مخصوص اقلیتها به تحصیل اشتغال داشتند. بعلاوه در بسیاری از نواحی کوشش میشود با عنوان کردن فکر "مدارس محلی" این جداسازی دانش آموزان در مدارس گسترش بیشتری یابد.

آگاهی بیشتر آمریکائیان از اوضاع سیاهپوستان باعث احقاق حقوق بیشتری برای آنان خواهد بود. متأسفانه وسائل ارتباط جمعی که در واقع مأمور و مسؤول آگاه کردن مردم بشمار میروند، برنامه و اخباری را پخش میکنند که مورد پسند اکثریت مردم باشد و بدین ترتیب بسیاری از مطالبی که بر سیاهان وارد میشود، بعلت نداشتن بازار و مشتری، گزارش نشده مسکوت میماند. بدین منوال تبعیضات در کلیه بنیادهای اجتماعی و اقتصادی ریشه میدواند، نشت میکند و دوام مییابد.

اثر تبعیضات در زمینه فرهنگی نیز بارز و زیانبار و بیدادگرانه است. در ایالات متحده سلسله مراتب ارزشها در مورد عادات و آداب و رسوم و حتی امور هنری و ذوقی بر مبنای معیارهای فرهنگ سفیدپوستی اروپائی و آمریکائی مترتب است. بدین قرار هر يك از مظاهر زندگی اجتماعی و شخصی با معیارهای سفیدپوستان سنجیده میشود و آنچه با آن مطابقت نداشته باشد بی ارج و بی ارزش بشمار میرود. تعصب نژادی از دو سو لطمه به حیات فرهنگی میزند: از يك سو فرهنگ اقلیت مظلوم رشد و ارتقای طبیعی خود را حاصل نمینماید و از سوی دیگر فرهنگ اکثریت حاکم از تأثیر و افاضه فرهنگ اقلیت محکوم محروم میشود. با این حال اهمیت و اثربخشی فرهنگ سیاهان آمریکا تا بدان حد بوده که قطع نظر از تمامی فشارها و ممنوعیتهائی که بدان دچار آمده، سهم بزرگی در رشد فرهنگ آمریکائی بنحو اعم داشته است. رواج موسیقی جاز Jazz و بلوز blues که موسیقی خاص سیاهپوستان است و تأثیر آن بر موسیقی و فرهنگ سفیدپوستان نمونه بارز این اثر بخشی است.

بیدادی که بر سیاهان آمریکا رفته و میرود، ستمی که بر آنان روا داشته شده و میشود روحیه ایشان را صدمه ای بزرگ میزند. جانشان را بخطر میدهد، غرور مشروع و مجازشان را به دریوزگی میکشاند، شخصیتشان را میشکند، آرزو را در سرشان میمیراند و تخم امید را در دلشان میخشکاند. در چنین شرایطی افسردگی در دل آدمی خانه میگیرد، نشاط بساط خود را برمیچیند و ارزشها از رونق میافتد. چون دست از هر امیدی شسته آمده، فلاکت و نکبت بر سراسر زندگی سایه میگسترد.

سیاهان آمریکا را با در نظر گرفتن گذشته‌ای چنین رنجبار و با سنجیدن محیط و شرایطی تا بدین حد دشوار باید شناخت. تنها با اینگونه ملاحظات میتوان با آنان تفاهم ایجاد نمود و بر بساط یگانگی که اصل آفرینش است نشست. (ادامه در شماره بعد)

اعلانات

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی در نظر دارد يك نوار ویدیوئی در مورد رسالت روحانی یاران ایرانی در ایالات متحده و نوار دیگری راجع به مشکلات ناشی از فرهنگ شرقی و غربی و چگونگی تلفیق این دو فرهنگ تهیه نماید. نوار دوم باید برای بینندگان غیر بهائی نیز مورد استفاده داشته باشد. بدین جهت لجنه در صدد جستجوی افرادی است که بتوانند این نوارها را یا بطور کامل تهیه نمایند یا لااقل متن آنرا فراهم سازند.

پس از تصویب متن هر يك از این نوارها لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی حاضر به تقدیم مساعدت مالی محدودی به تهیه کنندگان خواهد بود. از دوستانی که واجد شرایط برای تهیه این نوارها باشند و یا با افراد واجد شرایط آشنائی داشته باشند تقاضا میشود با دفتر لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی واقع در دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند.

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی احتیاج به يك کارمند جهت كمك به امور دفتر لجنه دارد. وظائف کار عبارتند از: ترجمه و ماشین نویسی و نوشتن و جواب دادن به نامه‌ها و كمك در مورد برنامه‌های لجنه. شرایط استخدام عبارتند از: آشنائی به اصول و مبادی و احکام و قوانین امری، آشنائی به زبان فارسی و انگلیسی، ماشین نویسی به هر دو زبان و مرجحاً آشنائی با سیستم‌های واژه پردازی word processing.

همچنین لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی به کارمند دیگری برای اداره امور لجنات ناحیه‌ای احتیاج دارد. وظائف کار عبارتند از: تهیه و نگارش مقالات و مطالبی درباره روابط بین فرهنگهای مختلف بومی و ملی و دینی جهت درج در نشریه امریکن بهائی و جزوات و اوراقی که در کنفرانسها توزیع میشود، مراسلات با لجنات ناحیه‌ای، ضبط خلاصه مذاکرات لجنات مذکور، ماشین نویسی و سایر وظائف دفتری مانند بایگانی و فتوکپی و غیره. شرایط استخدام عبارتند از: آشنائی به زبان نگارشی انگلیسی، تجربه کار بعنوان منشی، ماشین نویسی (حد اقل ۴۵ کلمه در دقیقه).

متقاضیان میتوانند جهت دریافت تقاضانامه با اداره کارگزینی دفتر محفل ملی با شماره تلفن و نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091. (312) 869-9039 [Page 20]عقلائی اوست. از سوی دیگر تسلط بر نفس و نیفتادن زمامدار تمایلات خود بودن انسان را عمیقتر و پخته‌تر می‌سازد و بدینسان او را برای ورود و حضور در عالم ملکوت که مرحلهٔ بعدی حیات انسانی است آماده‌تر می‌کند.

در ادیان الهی همیشه حکم ازدواج وجود داشته است. این حکم محملی برای ارضاء تمایلات جنسی انسان بدست می‌دهد. البته ازدواج در دیانت بهائی يك امر واجب نیست. شخص بهائی میتواند هرگز مزدوج نشود اما اگر چنین تصمیمی گرفت باید بپذیرد که مطابق تعلیمات قلم اعلی نمیتواند تمایلات جنسی خود را ارضاء نماید.

در مورد جوانان بهائی هر قدر تأکید دربارهٔ عفت و عصمت شود باز کافی نخواهد بود. البته این بدان معنی نیست که برای بزرگتران حکم عفت و عصمت جاری نیست بلکه بدین معنی است که چون قوای جسمانی در دورهٔ جوانی با شدت و حدّت بیشتری همراه است جوانان بیشتر در معرض وسوسهٔ نفس قرار میگیرند. حضرت ولی امرالله بكرّات در آثار خود به این امر اشاره فرموده اند که جوانان بهائی باید اول درس تسلط بر نفس بیاموزند و سپس بعنوان نمونه و مثالی برای جوانان غیر بهائی تلقی شوند. لذّت تسلط بر نفس را تنها آنان که بدان نائل شده اند درمی‌یابند. بقول سعدی:

اگر لذّت ترك لذّت بدانی دگر شهوت نفس لذّت نخوانی

در عصری که همهٔ ارزشها از رونق افتاده و اخلاق اعتبار خود را از دست داده و دوستیها با شهوت آمیخته و آلودگی معیار آسودگی شده و هرزگی و دریدگی با آزادی مشتبه گردیده، تنها اهل بهاء و جوانان آنها امید بخش قافلهٔ گمکرده راه بشریتند.

در امر بهائی خدا بصورت دوست حقیقی ظاهر شده، دوستی که جز آسایش حقیقی "رفیق عرشی" خود را نخواسته و نپذیرفته، دوستی که "عزّت بیزوال" برای ما اختیار کرده است. دریغ است اگر ما بعنوان حبیب و محبوب خدا جز آنکه او خواسته بخواهیم و غیر آنکه او پذیرفته بپذیریم. ختام گفتار بی اعتبار را با نقل نصوص مبارکه اعتبار میبخشیم. جمال قدم در لوحی میفرمایند:

"بگو ای دوستان! جهد نمائید شاید مصیباتی که فی سبیل الله بر مظلوم و شما وارد شده بین ناس شایع نشود: به ذیل عفت تمسك نمائيد و همچنین به حبل دیانت و امانت. صلاح عالم را ملاحظه نمائید نه هوای نفس را...."

حضرت عبدالبهاء در مکتوبی میفرمایند:

"اهل بهاء باید مظاهر عصمت کبری و عفت عظمی باشند. در نصوص الهیه مرقوم و مضمون آیه به فارسی چنین است که اگر ربّات حجال به ابدع جمال بر ایشان بگذرند ابداً نظرشان به آن سمت نیفتد. مقصد اینست که تنزیه و تقدیس از اعظم خصائص اهل بهاست ... زیرا ذره ای از عصمت اعظم از صد هزار سال عبادت و دریای معرفت است ...."

تضییقات در مصر

PERSECUTIONS IN EGYPT

در روز ۱۱ ماه می سال جاری دولت مصر ۴۸ تن از احباء را به پرداخت جرائم نقدی و تا ۲ سال زندان محکوم نمود. اتهام احباء تخلف از یکی از قوانینی که مطابق آن فعالیتهای بهائیان ممنوع گردیده اعلام شد. ۹ نفر از این افراد با صدور حکم غیابی محکوم شدند و دو تن که حاضر به تبري از امر مبارك شده بودند تبرئه و آزاد گردیدند. آزادی این دو نفر حاکی از اینست که نفس اعتقاد و ایمان به امر بهائی مجوز محکومیت بهائیان است نه مبادرت به فعالیتهای امری.

در سال ١٩٦٠ که جمال عبدالناصر رئيس جمهور مصر بود طبق حکمی کلیهٔ محافل روحانی بهائیان منحل گردید. در آن زمان اولیای امور اظهار میداشتند که فقط تشکیلات بهائی مشمول حکم انحلال میباشند و بهائیان در امور شخصی آزادند که مطابق دستورات مرام خود رفتار نمایند. معذلك در ۲۰ سال گذشته لااقل در ٦ مورد احباء به علّت عمل به احکام امری مورد حبس و بازرسی قرار گرفته‌اند.

اتهامات بهائیان معمولاً عبارت است از تجمع در گروههای كوچك، تلاوت آیات و ادعیه و مناجات در منازل احباء و داشتن کتب و آثار امری. بهائیان مصر علیرغم مفاد قانون اساسی آن کشور و منطوق میثاق بین‌المللی حقوق مدنی و سیاسی که مملکت مصر بدان پیوسته در ۳۰ سال گذشته به تفاریق مورد آزار و اذیت قرار گرفته‌اند و بسیاری ترك وطن کرده‌اند. در سال ١٩٦٠ تعداد بهائیان مصر بالغ بر ۲۰۰۰ نفر بود. در حال حاضر کمتر از ۵۰۰ نفر بهائی در آن کشور بسر میبرند.

متأسفانه بهائیان مصر مانند احبای ایران مدتهای مدیدیست که هدف حملات مسلمانان قشری واقع شده‌اند. در سال ۱۹۸۵ قوانینی در مصر وضع گردید که بر اساس آنها کسانیکه مدعی مقام نبوت باشند و گروههایی که تبلیغ امر مدّعیان نبوت را بنمایند و کسانیکه به این گروهها بپیوندند مورد مجازاتهای سنگین مالی قرار خواهند گرفت. اگر چه در لایحهٔ قانونی نامی از بهائیان برده نشده بود اما واضح است که آنان در مدّ نظر بوده‌اند. در سالهای اخیر مسلمانان قشری بهائیان را مهدورالدم قلمداد کرده‌اند. جامع الازهر که معتبرترین مرکز علوم اسلامی اهل سنّت بشمار میرود حملاتی متوجه بهائیان داشته است. حتی بعضی از گروههای افراطی خواستار قلع و قمع اهل بهاء شده‌اند.

در نتیجهٔ این تبلیغات سوء از فوریه سال جاری مرتباً اخباری دربارهٔ دستگیری احباء و تهمتهائی از قبیل کفر و عدم اعتقاد به خدا و اعمال مخالف عفت و جاسوسی برای صهیونیسم در روزنامه‌های مصر منتشر گردیده است.

آنچه موجب نگرانیست اینست که اقدامات مملکت مصر که مسلمانانش به روشنفکری و آزادمنشی و مترقی بودن معروفند ممکن است به جرئت و جسارت قشریون سایر کشورهای اسلامی بیافزاید و اهل بهاء را که از حدّ اقلّ آزادی اجتماعی در این ممالك برخوردارند در وضعی دشوارتر و مورد آزار و زحمت بیشتر واقع گردانند.

میدان خدمت

FIELD OF SERVICE

ضمن مشورت با لجنهٔ ملی تبلیغ سرخپوستان دفتر امور پناهندگان تقبل نموده است که مخارج سكونت و غذای ۵ خانواده ایرانی را که مایل باشند در نقاط سرخپوستان استقرار یابند به مدت ٦ ماه از محل تبرعات خاصی که به این منظور دریافت شده است پرداخت نماید. علاقمندان میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاع بیشتر با دفتر امور پناهندگان با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

U.S Bahá’í Refugee Office Wilmette, IL. 60091

دفتر مهاجرت خارجهٔ محفل روحانی ملّی بهائیان ایالات متحده صورتی از نقاط مهاجرتی را که توسط بیت‌العدل اعظم تعیین گردیده منتشر نموده است.

سهمیهٔ ایالات متحده از این صورت تعداد ۷۷ مهاجر است که باید تا رضوان سال ۱۹۸۹ در نقاط مهاجرتی مستقر گردند. همچنین در ضمن این صورت تذکر داده شده است که ‎مرجع مرجح‎ است مهاجرین ایرانی در بعضی از نقاط مذکوره استقرار یابند. این نقاط عبارتند از گامبیا The Gambia ، برزیل، گویان فرانسه French Guiana ، نیکاراگوئا Nicaragua ، سورینام Suriname ، و ترینیداد Trinidad و توباگو Tobago .

برای آگاهی از صورت کامل اهداف مهاجرت خارجه میتوان به صفحات انگلیسی همین شماره نشریه آمریکن بهائی رجوع نمود.

در شهر ایتنتون Eatonton واقع در ایالت جورجیا احتیاج مبرمی به يك پزشك متخصص بیماریهای داخلی و قلب میباشد. جمعیت منطقه حدود ۱۵۰۰۰ نفر است و خانوادهٔ بهائی نیز در آن وجود دارد. علاقمندان میتوانند با آقای دکتر بهرام داروگر با تلفن شماره ٤٤٨٥-٤٨٥ (٤٠٤) یا ٤٨٩٥-٤٨٥ (٤٠٤) یا از طریق مکاتبه با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

P.O. Box 760 Eatonton, GA. 31024 [Page 21]

حضرت عبدالبهاء در امریکا

ABDU’L-BAHA’ IN AMERICA

حضرت عبدالبهاء از ۲۵ جولای تا ۱۶ آگست سال ۱۹۱۲ در خانه‌ای واقع در شهر دابلین Dublin در ایالت نیوهمپشر New Hampshire ‎بود بسر بردند بسر بردند‎. این خانه به خانم پارسنز تعلق داشت. در این مدت حضرت مولی‌الوری به تشویق و هدایت یاران امریکائی و آشنا کردن آنان با اصول و مبادی امری و ملاقات با میهمانان و مراسله و مکاتبه با احباء اشتغال داشتند. همچنین در چندین مجلس محلی به ایراد خطابه و نطق مبادرت نمودند.

در یکی از این مجامع که در روز ۳ آگست برقرار گردیده بود حضرت عبدالبهاء ازدواج جناب لوئیس گرگوری Louis Gregory را با خانم لوئیزا متیو Louisa Mathew تشویق و تبرک فرمودند. به فرمودهٔ حضرت ولی امرالله این تشویق مبارک یکی از هفت اقدام مهم حضرت عبدالبهاء در امریکا بود.

تنها با در نظر گرفتن شرایط زمانی میتوان پی به اهمیت تاریخی این اقدام مبارک برد. زمان این واقعه سال ۱۹۱۲ است: در این زمان عقاید حاکی از برتری نژاد سفید و کهتری نژاد سیاه و زیانهای ناشی از ازدواج بین افراد این دو نژاد تنها حاکم بر افکار و آراء عموم مردم نبود بلکه "علم زمانه" نیز چنین میپسندید و لاجرم چنین میگفت و حتی قانون حامی اینگونه عقاید بود. در ۲۵ ایالت ازدواج بین سیاهان و سفیدان جرم بشمار میرفت و یا به رسمیت شناخته نمیشد. تعصبات نژادی حتی برای بهائیان اولیهٔ ایالات متحده نیز مسئله‌ای بغرنج و لاینحل بود و فکر ازدواج بین سیاهپوستان و سفیدپوستان براستی ورای طاقت آنان بود.

جناب لوئیس گرگوری يك وكيل سیاهپوست امریکائی و خانم لوئیزا متیو خانم انگلیسی الاصل تحصیل کرده‌ای بود. این دو یکدیگر را در ارض اقدس دیده و بایکدیگر دوست شده بودند. حضرت عبدالبهاء آنان را تشویق فرمودند که به عقد ازدواج همدیگر درآیند. نتیجه در سپتامبر سال ۱۹۱۲ در شهر نیویورک این ازدواج صورت گرفت.

علیرغم سختیهای بیشماری که این زوج پیشقدم دیدند و با همهٔ آزار و حرمانی که از جامعهٔ متعصب زمان خود کشیدند مدتی سالهای متمادی خویش را با هم گذراندند و در اقتران مبارک خود هم خدمت به آئین الهی نمودند و هم مثل و نمونهٔ ترك تقالید و تعصبات گشتند.

در فاصلهٔ ده سال پس از این ازدواج دو زوج دیگر از احباء به جناب گرگوری و همسر محترمش تأسی کردند. امروزه نمونه‌های متعددی از اینگونه ازدواجها میتوان یافت و چه بسا که اگر شهامت و بیباکی این دو مؤمن اولیهٔ امر مبارك نبود این نمونه‌ها یا مفقود بودند یا بسیار کمیابتر از وضع موجود.

جناب لوئیس گرگوری و همسرش لوئیزا

دربارهٔ عفت و عصمت

ON CHASTITY

در عالم طبیعت قوانین قهری جهان مادی بر همهٔ اشیاء شمول دارد. از آنجا که حیوان در عالم طبیعت بسر میبرد لاجرم مجبور به اطاعت از قوانین آنجاست. مرجع این قوانین آنجا که مربوط به ارضاء حوائج مادی حیات حیوانی است غریزه خوانده میشود. حیوان به مدد غرائز دورانی را در جهان میگذراند. این غرائز حیوان را مجبور به خوردن و خفتن و آمیختن میسازد. در به ‎كك کمک‎ این غرائز است که نسل او دوام و ثبات می‌یابد. محدودیت رفتار حیوانی نیز از طریق غریزه حاصل میشود: اگر احتیاج جسمانی لازمی در حیوان باشد غریزه حیوان را مجبور به رفع آن احتیاج میکند، اما اگر نیاز حیوان بر طرف شود غریزه مانع از ارضاء مجدد آن میگردد.

از آنجا که انسان همه از ماده نیست و نشان از عالم بالا گرفته و مهر تشخیص و تمییز یافته ناچار در مورد رفع حوائج جسمانی خویش راه دیگری دارد. بسیاری از صاحبنظران وجود غریزه را در انسان انکار کرده و تنها بوجود سائقه قائل گشته‌اند. سائقه نیروئی است که انسان را بسوی ارضاء تمایلات سوق میدهد بی آنکه از جبر قاطع غریزه نصیبی داشته باشد. هر چند آدمی نیز مجبور به خوردن و خفتن و آمیختن است معذلك با بهره‌ای که از نیروی اختیار میگیرد در ارضاء حوائج مادی قادر به تعدیل و تغییر مسیر آنهاست.

چون انسان دارای غریزه‌ای از آن دست که حیوان را حاصل است نمیباشد لاجرم فاقد محدودیتی است که غریزه در حیوان پدید میآورد. اما این محدودیت بناچار باید از طریق عامل دیگری حادث شود و گر نه هرج و مرج بر امور زندگی شخصی و اجتماعی افراد حکم خواهد راند. این عامل محدود کننده همانا خردی است که از اخلاق مایه گیرد.

از سوی دیگر غافل از این نکته نمیتوان بود که طبع آدمی را بسوی زیبائی و لذّت جذب و کششی هست. در مرام اهل بهاء برخورداری از لذّات این جهانی مهر قبول خورده و نشان تصدیق و تصویب یافته است. بهره بردن از نعمت حیات و نصیب گرفتن از خوشیها و شادیهای زندگانی امری مقبول محسوب گردیده است. جمال قدم در کتاب بدیع فرموده‌اند:

"الیوم احبای الهی باید بهیچوجه بر خود سخت نگیرند و در صورت امکان به اغذیهٔ لطیفه متنعّم شوند."

امر بهائی دیانتی مرتاض پرور و ریاضت گستر نیست که در آن خدا حاکم مطلق قدر قدرتی باشد که از آزار و بی نصیبی و حرمان بندگانش کیفور شود و به شوق و شور آید. مرام اهل بهاء بیش و پیش از هر امر دیگری آئین مهر و محبّت است. رابطهٔ خدا و انسان رابطهٔ عاشقی و معشوقی است. جمال قدم در کلمات مکنونه فرموده:

"اَحْبَبْتُ خَلْقَکَ فَخَلَقْتُکَ" (آفرینش ترا دوست داشتم پس ترا آفریدم) یا

"عَرَفْتُ حُبّی فیکَ خَلَقْتُکَ" (مهر خود را در تو یافتم پس ترا آفریدم).

با شواهدی از این دست مسلّم است که عاشق را جز خیر محض معشوق در نظر نیست و مجموعهٔ اوامر و نواهی که در ادیان با آن روبرو میشویم جز برای سعادت حقیقی آدمی نمیباشد.

همانگونه که خدا برای نظم عالم مادی قوانینی در آن نهاده، در عالم روحانی نیز - که اصل هستی آدمی است - قوانینی به ودیعه گذاشته تا هم سعادت فردی انسان تضمین شود و هم شالودهٔ اجتماع از هم نپاشد. این قوانین روحانی از طریق مظاهر امر به بشریت القاء میشود. تخلف از این قوانین مانند تخلف از قوانین مادی موجب اختلال امور و اوضاع میگردد با این تفاوت که نتیجهٔ نقض نوامیس طبیعی و مادی ‎آنآً آنًا‎ در این جهان دیده میشود اما عواقب نقض قوانین روحانی در آینده‌ای بعید ظاهر میشود و حتی ممکن است هرگز در این جهان آشکار نگردد.

حکم محکم عفّت و عصمت در دیانت بهائی از جملهٔ همین قوانین روحانی است. قبلاً گفته شد که امر بهائی آنچنان دیانتی نیست که از پیروان خود بخواهد که ترك هر گونه لذّت و خوشی اینجهانی گویند. اما باید در نظر داشت که امیال و اهواء انسانی باید تعدیل و تنظیم شود. به این ترتیب اگر چه ارضای تمایلات جنسی حقّ طبیعی آدمی است، باید این ارضاء تحت شرایط مناسب با حیات انسانی صورت گیرد.

در دیانت بهائی حکم عفّت علی الخصوص به این صورت بیان میشود که ارضاء میل جنسی خارج از محدودهٔ ازدواج بهیچوجهی جایز نیست. احتمالاً علّت غائی این عدم جواز مضرّات ناشی از هرج و مرج در رفتار جنسی آدمی و روش اجتماعی و... [Page 22]داده‌اند. تنها در صورت عدم دسترسی به اینگونه مدارک است که مندرجات ارسالی اقوام و دوستان و همکاران شهداء مورد استفاده قرار خواهد گرفت.

ثانیاً کوتاهی و بلندی شرح احوال مستقیماً و صرفاً با مدارک و یادداشتهای موجود در دفتر لجنه ارتباط دارد.

ثالثاً بعلت محدود بودن امکانات، درج شروح طولانی در حال حاضر میسر نیست. بی هیچ شکی باید اقرار داشت که درباره هر یک از جانباختگان راه ایمان لااقل کتابی میتوان پرداخت. اما غرض لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی بزرگداشت نام و یاد شهدای بهائی است نه آنکه خواسته باشد احوال شهیدان امر یزدان را بنحو مستوفی و به تفصیل بنگارد.

رابعاً درج بعضی از مطالبی که توسط شهداء یا اعضای خانواده یا اقوام ایشان نگاشته شده حاوی نام افراد و مسائلی است که نشر آنها در حال حاضر خارج از حکمت و مصلحت زمان است.

امید است دوستان عزیز ایرانی در وقت مطالعه احوال شهدای اخیر ایران در نشریه امریکن بهائی نکات فوق را در خاطر داشته باشند.

ABOUT THE NINETEEN-DAY FEAST

(بقیه از شماره قبل)

نکته دیگری که باید در خاطر داشت اینست که اصولاً شرکت بهائیان در ضیافت نوزده روزه متضمن فوائد تشکیلاتی برای اداره جامعه بهائی و کمک به رشد و بلوغ نظم بدیع نیز میباشد: میدانیم که در انتخابات بهائی افراد حق ندارند خود را برای عضویت در تشکیلات نامزد و یا "کاندید" نمایند. بعبارت دیگر افراد حق تبلیغ برای انتخابات ندارند. از سوی دیگر انتخابات بهائی مبتنی بر آشنائی افراد از احوال و افکار و آراء یکدیگر میباشد تا هر که را "سلیم" و "مؤمن" و "فعال" تشخیص دهند به عضویت تشکیلات اداری انتخاب نمایند. شرکت در ضیافت یکی از بهترین راههای حصول آشنائی لازم با کسانی است که ممکن است افراد مناسبی برای خدمت در تشکیلات باشند.

بنا بر آنچه گفته شد شرکت در این ضیافت اهل بهاء را لازم است تا هم از اوضاع و اخبار امری آگاه شوند هم آراء و نظریات خود را به گوش دیگران برسانند و هم ساعتی را به شادی و مهر با سایر دوستان بهائی خود بگذرانند و هم از طریق آشنائی با سایر دوستان با آگاهی بیشتری مبادرت به انتخاب اعضای منتخب جامعه نمایند.

چون گفته شد شرکت در ضیافت لازم است باید درباره بیانی از جمال قدم که در رساله سؤال و جواب مسطور گشته توضیحی داد. در رساله مذکور مرقوم است:

"سؤال: رُقِمَ عَلَیْکُمُ الضّیافَةُ واجب است یا نه؟ جواب: واجب نه."

سؤالی که از جمال قدم در باب وجوب ضیافت شده باید در ارتباط با اوضاع و شرایط دینی زمان ظهور بررسی شود. منظور از واجب در رساله سؤال و جواب همان است که به اصطلاح اسلامی آنرا واجب عینی میگویند. واجب عینی امری است که ترک آن مستلزم گناه است. در دیانت بهائی نماز و روزه و ادای حقوق‌الله از جمله اینگونه واجبات است. میتوان گفت که شرکت در ضیافات نوزده روزه به اصطلاح اسلامی مستحب است و مستحب امری است که ترک آن مستلزم معصیت نیست اما عمل به آن موجب حصول ثواب است. بنابراین تأکید میکنیم که به دلائلی که قبلاً گفته شد شرکت در ضیافت لازم است اما "واجب عینی" نیست.

البته ضیافت نوزده روزه بغیر از کلیاتی که در فوق بدانها اشاره شد در هر کشوری و در میان هر ملتی بنوعی متفاوت از سایرین برگزار میشود. بی تردید یاران ایرانی متوجه شده‌اند که ترتیب برنامه‌های ضیافت در ایالات متحده با آنچه در ایران مجری میشد تفاوتهای آشکار دارد. باید دانست که در ایالات متحده تنظیم بعضی از قسمتهای برنامه اداری و تعیین روز و ساعت ضیافت با محفل روحانی محلی است. از سوی دیگر نظام ضیافت خصوصاً در جوامع کوچکتر با رئیس محفل روحانی است. همچنین تنظیم قسمت روحانی ضیافت مانند انتخاب مناجات و الواح در اختیار صاحبخانه و یا افراد دیگر میباشد. بنابراین تفاوت آداب ثانوی ضیافت نباید موجب استیحاش هموطنان اسم اعظم شود و به بحث و مذاکرات غیر ضروری در مورد چگونگی این آداب کشد و خدای ناکرده به حدوث کدورت در میان یاران ایرانی و غیر ایرانی انجامد.

اينك با نقل قسمتی از یکی از الواح حضرت عبدالبهاء بیان قاصر را زینت میبخشیم:

"...این مهمانی روزی از نوزده روز حضرت باب تأسیس بنمود و جمال مبارک امر و تشویق و تحریص فرمود. لذا نهایت اهمیت را دارد. البته کمال دقت در آن بنمائید و اهمیت بدمید تا آنکه مقرر و دائمی گردد. احبای الهی مجتمع شوند و در نهایت محبت و روح و ریحان الفت نمایند و به کمال ادب و وقار حرکت فرمایند و ترتیل آیات الهی کنند و مقاله‌های مفیده قرائت نمایند و نامه‌های عبدالبهاء بخوانند و یکدیگر را به محبت جمیع تشویق و تحریص نمایند و با کمال روح و ریحان مناجات کنند و قصائد و محامد و نُعوت حیّ قیوم تلاوت نمایند و نطقهای فصیح مُجری دارند. و صاحب منزل باید به نَفْسِ خویش خدمت یاران نماید و همه را دلجوئی کند. در کمال خضوع مهربانی نماید. اگر مجلس چنانکه باید و شاید بر وجه محرر انعقاد یابد آن عشاء عشاء ربانی است زیرا نتیجه همان نتیجه است و تأثیر همان تأثیر."

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE TRUSTEES OF HUQUQU’LLAH

هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله از تعدادی از دوستان عزیز دعوت نموده است که بعنوان نمایندگان موسسه حقوق‌الله در مورد تحقق هدف نقشه شش ساله "آموزش عالم بهائی در امر مقدس حقوق‌الله" با این هیئت تشریک مساعی فرمایند.

وظایف محوله به این همکاران عزیز به قرار ذیل تعیین گردیده است:

۱- طرح برنامه‌های لازم جهت تشکیل جلسات تشریح معلومات و توزیع اطلاعات مربوط به حقوق‌الله بین دوستان عزیز بهائی بخصوص احبای امریکائی.

۲- همکاری و معاضدت با هیئت امناء در تدریس حقوق‌الله در مدارس تابستانه و سایر جلسات تشریح معلومات که بمنظور تفهیم اهمیت و مطالعه الواح و آثار مبارکه در مورد حقوق‌الله تشکیل میگردد.

به علت محدودیتهای قوانین مالیاتی مربوط به معافیت حقوق‌الله از پرداخت مالیات، فقط امنای حقوق‌الله مجاز به دریافت تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله و ارسال رسید میباشند.

اسامی نمایندگان حقوق‌الله از طریق ضیافات در نامه‌ای جداگانه اعلام خواهد شد.

با تقدیم تحیات روحانیه هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

حقوق الله

جمال مبارک در لوحی میفرمایند: "فی‌الحقیقة این عنایتی است بزرگ و فضلی است عظیم از برای نفیسیکه الیوم مؤید شود بر خدمت امر و ادای حقوق الهی چه که ثمرش به دوام ملک و ملکوت باقی است."

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 23]

یادى از جناب رضا فیروزى

MARTYR'S FILE

جناب رضا فیروزى بسال ۱۲۸۶ شمسی در شهرستان اهر (ارسباران) در خانواده‌ای مسلمان و مذهبی که از رفاه مالی نیز برخوردار بود زاده شد. پدرش در اهر مغازه‌ای داشت و به تجارت مشغول بود. جناب فیروزى تحصیلات ابتدائی را در مکتبخانه‌ای فرا گرفت و بعدها در مدارسی که به روش جدید تأسیس شده بودند مشغول تحصیل شد. در فاصله چند ماه پدر و مادر ایشان وفات یافتند و جناب فیروزی از ادامه تحصیلات منصرف گردید و مغازه خیاطی باز کرده مشغول به کار گردید.

شهادت جناب امین العلماء در اردبیل آغاز آشنائی جناب فیروزی با امر جمال قدم بود: روزی یکی از خویشان ایشان راجع به شهادت و شهامت جناب امین العلماء و اجتناب آن شهید از تبرى از امر مبارک سخن میگفت و شرح ماجرا کنجکاوی جناب فیروزی را برانگیخت. از این پس در پی تحرى حقیقت دیانت بهائى از این و آن پرس و جو کرد. با مؤمنین محلی آشنا شد. از آنان کتابهای امری مطالبه نمود و به مطالعه آن کتب پرداخت. بعدها حتی در محضر رجل بزرگ بهائی جناب حاجی میرزا حیدر علی اسکوئی (با حاجی میرزا حیدر علی اصفهانی صاحب کتاب بهجةالصدور اشتباه نشود) راه یافت. بدین ترتیب بذر تحرى حقیقت که با شهادت جناب امین العلماء در دلش کاشته شده بود رفته رفته آبیاری گردید تا منجر به ایمانش به ظهور مکلم طور گشت.

ایمان جناب فیروزی به امر بهائی موجب شد که برادران و اقوام با او قطع رابطه کنند اما از این قطع رابطه رخنه ای در ایمانش راه نیافت و موهبت جمال قدم همواره دستگیرش بود و بر ایقان و اطمینانش میافزود.

پس از فراغت از خدمت نظام وظیفه جناب فیروزی با یکی از برادرانش مغازه‌ای در اهر باز کرد و پس از چندی خود به تبریز رفته اجناس را به اهر برای فروش نزد برادرش میفرستاد. اقامت او در تبریز سبب شد که بتواند از محضر مبلغ معروف بهائی جناب حاجی میرزا حیدر علی اسکوئی بیشتر استفاده نماید.

جناب فیروزی در سال ‎۱۲۱۸ ۱۳۱۸‎ شمسی با دختر جناب حاجی میرزا علی اسکوئی ازدواج کرد و حاصل این ازدواج سه دختر و دو پسر است که یکی از ایشان جناب دکتر پرویز فیروزی نیز در راه استقرار وحدت عالم انسانی به رتبه شهادت فائز گردید.

جناب رضا فیروزی تا زمانیکه در تبریز اقامت داشت از بهائیان فعال آنجا بود و به خدمات چشمگیری خصوصاً در لجنة جوانان توفیق یافت. از سال ‎۱۲۲۲ ۱۳۲۲‎ که دوباره به اهر مراجعت نمود سالهای متمادی عضو محفل روحانی آن شهر بود و خانه‌اش را همواره برای انعقاد جلسات و محفل در اختیار احباء میگذاشت.

در حدود سال ‎۱۲۲۵ ۱۳۲۵‎ بعنوان کارگزار شرکت نفت (شرکت سهامی نفت ایران و انگلیس) شروع به کار کرد. این کار بعدها تبدیل به فروشندگی و سپس به جایگاه اختصاصی مبدل گردید. ایشان تا آخر عمر نیک انجام خود به همین کار اشتغال داشت. پس از انقلاب اسلامی و تشکیل دادسرای انقلاب در اهر با آنکه چندین بار جهت ادای توضیحات در مورد اتهامات بیمورد مالی به دادسرا احضار گردید با این حال ایمان و شجاعتش مانع از ترک سنگر و فرار از اهر بود تا آنکه در یکی از روزهایی که به دادگاه احضار شده بود عده‌ای از مأموران به خانه‌اش رفته به تجسس پرداختند و تعدادی کتاب امری و تقویم بدست آوردند و به پرونده‌اش "منضم" داشتند. از این پس به اتهام فعالیتهای زیر زمینی بهائی و مخالفت با دولت جمهوری اسلامی مدتی در زندان اهر بسر برد و بعد به زندان تبریز منتقل گردید.

پس از چند ماه مأموران بنیاد مستضعفین جایگاه پمپ بنزین و انبار جناب فیروزی را مصادره و توقیف نمودند و از منزل مسکونی نیز صورت برداری کردند. در همین اوان حکم اعدام ایشان نیز صادر شد. در حوالی ساعت ۷ بعد از ظهر روز ۱۹ آبانماه سال ۱۳۵۹ پس از آنکه دیداری با فرزند برومندش جناب دکتر پرویز فیروزی داشت به جوخه آتش سپرده شد. جسد ایشان در گورستان "وادی رحمت" تبریز در جوار دو شهید دیگر حضرات یدالله آستانی و دکتر فرامرز سمندری مدفون گردید.

جناب فیروزی مردی خودساخته و روشنفکر بود. به موسیقی اصیل ایرانی و باله و تئاتر علاقه داشت. به نظافت و ترتیب اهمیت میداد. از غیبت و بدگوئی دوری میجست. در مسائل مربوط به زندگی و کار با همسر و فرزندانش مشورت میکرد. قلبی مهربان داشت و بی ریا و تظاهر به مستمندان و فقیران کمک میکرد. چون به تحصیل اهمیت میداد مخارج تحصیل عده‌ای از نوجوانان را که استطاعت مالی نداشتند میپرداخت. با خوی خوش در دل مردم جا داشت.

پس از شهادتش بسیاری از اهالی اهر به سوگش نشستند. زمانی را که در زندان تبریز بسر میبرد بهترین دوران زندگی خود میشمرد. ابیات زیر را در کاغذ پاره‌ای نوشته از پشت شیشه دریچه زندان به ملاقات کنندگان نشان میداد:

ما که مشمول عنایات بهائیم خوشیم خاطر آسوده ز هر چون و چرائیم خوشیم دین ما مهر و وداد است به هر دشمن و دوست مهربان بر همه خلق خدائیم خوشیم

ای دل ز زمانه رسم احسان مطلب از گردش دوران سر و سامان مطلب درمان طلبی درد تو افزون گردد با درد بساز و هیچ درمان مطلب

‎ذیلآ ذیلاً‎ قسمتی از وصیتنامه آن شهید حقانیت امر الهی درج میگردد:

"بسم الله تعالی پس از اعتراف بوحدانیت خداوند توانا و حقانیت جمیع انبیاء و مرسلین ‎مخصوصآ مخصوصاً‎ به حقانیت دیانت بهائی این وصیت نامه را در آخرین دقایق عمر خودم مینویسم ... همسر عزیزم مرا حلال کند همچنین اولاد خودم آقای دکتر پرویز ... و دختران ارجمندم هر کجا هستید از شما خدا حافظی میکنم و شما را بخدا میسپارم و از جمیع فامیل و خویشان و دوستان تقاضای عاجزانه دارم مرا حلال کنید و اگر در خدمت شما قصوری واقع شده مرا ببخشید ... مقدرات الهی این طور بوده است خدا شاهد است که بنده بکسی خیانت نکرده‌ام و بدی از من واقع نشده است در خاتمه از همه دوستان و فامیل و خویشان خداحافظی میکنم."

شهیدان بهائی از هر رنگ و پویند. یکی اهل قلم است و دیگری اهل عمل و قدم. یکی تاجر بازار است یکی طبیبی بزرگوار و دیگری فاضلی عالیمقدار. اما هر که هستند و هر مقام و مرتبه‌ای که دارند جانبازند و بجانبازى خود سرافرازند. شرح حالشان حکایت بلندی روح انسان است و داستان شهامت آدم و آدمیت. داستانی که چه بسا استعدادات نهفته بشری را بما باز مینماید و چهره پنهان روح بشر را باز میگشاید. بهروزی جناب فیروزی نیز در این بود که حدیث عشق شنفت و داستان انسانیت گفت. روانش شاد باد.

تذکرى درباره شرح حال شهداء

همانگونه که یاران توجه فرموده‌اند سعی شده است که در هر شماره نشریه امریکین بهائی شرح مختصر از احوال یکی از شهدای اخیر ایران به طبع رسد. به همین جهت هیئت تحریریه بخش فارسی این نشریه لازم میداند که خاطر یاران را به نکاتی چند متذکر دارد.

اولاً سعی میشود در شرحی که درباره شهداء نگارش می یابد تا آنجا که ممکن است از مطالب و یادداشتهایی استفاده شود که اعضای خانواده شهداء در اختیار لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی قرار [Page 24]

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

Rida Firuzi was born into a devout, prosperous Muslim family in Ahar, a small town in northwestern Iran, in 1907. His father was a merchant.

Rida began his primary education in a traditional Muslim school but completed it in the newly established state schools. Within a short time, both his father and mother died. As a result, Rida was unable to continue his studies and began a business as a tailor.

His first encounter with the Bahá’í Faith was in connection with the martyrdom in Ardabil of Aminu’l-Ulama’, a prominent and respected Bahá’í.

One day, a relative of Mr. Firuzi spoke of Aminu’l-Ulama’s bravery in the face of martyrdom for his Bahá’í beliefs, and this story captured Mr. Firuzi’s attention.

He diligently researched the Faith and met area Bahá’ís. He studied the Bahá’í writings and eventually became acquainted with distinguished Bahá’í teachers such as Haji Mirza Haydar Ali of Usku (not to be confused with Haji Mirza Haydar Ali of Isfahan, author of The Delight of the Hearts), and finally was convinced of the truth of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Because of his conversion to the Faith, many of Mr. Firuzi’s relatives severed their ties with him. This, however, did not in the least shake his faith.

After completing his military service, Mr. Firuzi opened a shop in Ahar with one of his brothers. Soon afterward, he moved to Tabriz where he purchased merchandise to be sold in the store in Ahar.

As a result of his residing in Tabriz, he grew closer to the families of Haji Mirza Haydar Ali of Usku, and in 1939 married his daughter.

The marriage produced two sons and three daughters; one of the sons, Parviz Firuzi, also attained the station of martyrdom.

In Tabriz, Rida Firuzi was an active believer and was especially helpful in his services to the Youth Committee. In 1943 he returned to Ahar where he served for many years on the Spiritual Assembly and offered his home for Bahá’í activities.

In the mid-1940s the Iran Oil Company named him the sole distributor of petroleum products in that city, a position he held to the end of his life.

After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, although he was summoned many times to the Revolutionary Court on trumped-up charges, Mr. Firuzi’s courage did not waver and he remained at his homefront post in Ahar.

Then one day, as he was summoned to the court, a number of agents searched his home and, finding Bahá’í books and calendars, confiscated them and added them to his file.

Mr. Firuzi was then imprisoned on charges of underground activities in the Bahá’í Faith and opposition to the government of the Islamic Republic. He was later transferred to a prison in Tabriz.

After some months, Mr. Firu- See MARTYR page 32

Book review

E.G. Browne: New light on Faith’s early days

Selections from the Writings of E.G. Browne on the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions. Edited by Moojan Momen; published by George Ronald; reviewed by Dr. Iain S. Palin.

For many Bahá’ís, Professor E.G. Browne is little more than a name on an interview. His famous audience with Bahá’u’lláh and the impressions he recorded have been reprinted scores, if not hundreds, of times.

Such is the vivid detail of that occasion that Dr. Browne is sometimes referred to as “the only Westerner to have met Bahá’u’lláh”—which he was not.

In fact, Dr. Browne’s research and writings were a major factor in bringing news of the new Revelation to the West, and they exert an influence even now. His relationship with the Faith was long and complex.

Edward Granville Browne (1862-1926) qualified as a doctor but did not practice his profession. His real passion was the culture and languages of the Middle East, and although Turkey awakened that interest, Persia became and remained his real love.

His ability to understand and empathize with the Persians gained him esteem in both East and West and even now, half a century after his death, he remains an authority.

He became professor of Arabic at Cambridge University, and toward the end of his life was honored by being elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in recognition of his research into the history of medicine in the Islamic world.

It is ironic that when the fruits of this work were published it was under the title “Arabian Medicine”—ironic because much of it was Persian or Moorish.

Dr. Browne wrote extensively, both for academics and general readers. Perhaps his best-known work is “A Year Amongst the Persians,” describing his travels in 1887-88, and first published in 1893. A vivid, readable and fascinating book, it has been reissued since and is available as a paperback.

His interest in the life and teachings of the Báb, and later developments in the Faith, was intense; indeed, he was publicly criticized by a fellow scholar for “wasting his time” on such an obscure and unimportant subject.

But he was never a believer, and his attitude toward those later developments is indicated by the way in which, even throughout the ministries of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, he used the term “Bábí.”

From what he had read before he went to Persia, Dr. Browne had developed a deep personal admiration, even love, for the Báb.

When he reached that country he was surprised and disappointed to find that the vast majority of the Bábís there had given their allegiance to Bahá’u’lláh as “Him Whom God shall make manifest.” He seems to have viewed this almost as a betrayal of the Báb, and developed a sympathy with the Azali Covenant-breakers as followers of “the Báb’s appointed successor.”

Later, he was to meet with Bahá’u’lláh and with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, of Whom he wrote, “Seldom have I seen one whose appearance impressed me more. ... Subsequent conversation with him served only to heighten the respect with which his appearance had first inspired me.”

But as time went on Dr. Browne was to be influenced more by the Azalis, and to become cynical toward those whom he called the “Bahá’í Bábís.”

His later views were examined by the late Hand of the Cause of God H.M. Balyúzí in his book, Edward Granville Browne and the Bahá’í Faith (George Ronald, 1970).

But there can be no doubt that, whatever direction his sympathies took, Dr. Browne’s many articles and works on the Bábí and Bahá’í religions were a major factor in making them known in the West.

Even though not always accurate, he is still drawn upon as a source of historical information about the early years of the Faith, especially by non-Bahá’í students of religion. His writings, therefore, have continuing importance.

What Dr. Momen has done here is to make available a valuable collection of materials. He has brought together some which have hitherto only really been available to academics, such as journal articles, with some not previously available at all.

In the latter category are Dr. Browne’s unpublished summary of the Persian “Bayán,” whose editing Dr. Momen has completed, and valuable notes on the “Year Amongst the Persians” which correct errors of fact and give the names of some of the distinguished Bahá’ís Dr. Browne met, names he had disguised to ensure their safety.

The result is a valuable contribution to the study of the history of the new Revelation, and a fascinating insight into its earliest stages.

Dr. Browne’s writing worked both good and ill for the Faith, but the good outweighs the bad, which is how he would have wished it. Let the last words here be Dr. Browne’s words from the “Year” which speak from the heart and have great impact even now, almost a century later:

“The memories of those assemblies can never fade from my mind; the recollection of those faces and those tones no time can efface.

“‘I have gazed with awe on the workings of a mighty Spirit, and I marvel whereunto it tends. O people of the Báb! sorely persecuted, compelled to silence, but steadfast now as at Sheykh Tabarsí and Zanjan, what destiny is concealed for you behind the veil of the Future?’” —Dr. Iain S. Palin

East Peoria Group donates, plants tree at municipal building

The three-member Bahá’í Group of East Peoria, Illinois, working through the city’s Beautification Commission, recently donated a redbud tree which was planted behind the municipal building to replace a similar tree that had died.

A picture of two of the Bahá’ís, Fern Evancik and Ruth Goloff, planting the tree appeared in the local newspaper. The other member of the Group is Emily Zeigler.

The Bahá’í’s also gave $25 to the city to help with other tree-planting programs this spring.

Archives seeks state, district voting lists

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking state and district voting lists used in State and District Conventions for the years 1952-67 for Mississippi, Alabama, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico.

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

Read Grow & GO!!!

The Bahá’í National Youth Committee and the Bahá’í Distribution Service invite you to ...

Read Grow & GO!!!

By offering you a special discount throughout the Six Year Plan on selected books

Take advantage of this special offer and accomplish two goals:

• “Increase the regular methodical study of the Bahá’í Writings” as requested in the Six Year Plan
• Build your own Bahá’í library.

A pocket-sized edition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s answers to a multitude of questions on subjects such as the influence of the Prophets of God; Christian doctrine; healing; evolution; soul, spirit and mind; reincarnation; and the necessity of following the teachings of the Manifestations. A must for deepening and for teaching Christians. Handsome blue cover stamped in gold.

Regular price	Discount price
$3.75	$3.37

Please send me _____ copies of this month’s selection, Some Answered Questions, at the special price of $3.37 each.

Name ____________________________________ I enclose $ ____________.

Address __________________________________ Mail order only. Payable by check or money order. No postage necessary in the U.S. Fourth class shipping only. Offer good only in the continental U.S.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

SED Committee welcomes reports, photos

The National Social and Economic Development (SED) Committee welcomes reports and photos from local Bahá’í communities on SED projects/activities in progress.

Please include the name and telephone number of a contact person who could, if necessary, provide more information about the project.

This information will be shared on the SED page in The American Bahá’í and will also be used for reporting U.S. SED activity to the Bahá’í World Centre.

Please address to: SED Committee, c/o Office of the Secretary, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ARCHIVES MANUAL ORDER FORM

The Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives (59 pages) covers in detail the organization and functioning of a Bahá’í Archives. It is highly suitable for communities faced with the need to organize a local archives. Price $7.50.

TO ORDER: Send this form with a check for $7.50 per copy made payable to “National Bahá’í Services Fund” to:

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

For overseas orders add $4.50 per copy for air mail or $2.00 per copy for surface mail.

Please send me _____ copies of Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives. I am enclosing a check for $ __________.

Name ____________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State __________ Zip ___________ [Page 25]

Letters

(from page 3)

know for what it was designed. Inside are envelopes, each with the name of a believer in this city.

We call it the “magic box” because it is our Fund box and we know that whatever is put in there will mysteriously multiply.

We don’t understand how this happens, we only know it works; we know it feels great.

Friends, we cannot be afraid of giving away what we have. We only need to fear that for lack of money our goals may be delayed.

We have a golden opportunity. More than that, we have an eternal opportunity. What we have is impossible to comprehend to its fullest extent.

In The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 166-68, we are told in unequivocal language how blessed we are to be followers of the Blessed Perfection. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to give to His Cause?

And isn’t it sad when we hear at nearly every Feast that we have not fulfilled this goal?

Let us seize the opportunity while we can, for it will not come again until many, many ages have passed.

No one wants to be standing around on the next plane of existence wondering why we didn’t do it while we had the chance.

Here is a challenge. Start giving to the Fund, generously, and then watch your bank statement.

Belinda M. Elliott Calvert Louisville, Kentucky

PAAC has several items available in Persian, English

In the April issue of The American Bahá’í, the National Persian/American Affairs Committee announced the availability of several of its publications in Persian and English.

Items available in Persian include Tablets of the Divine Plan ($1.80), The Advent of Divine Justice ($4.25), The Bahá’í Life ($1.50), The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ($2), Learning Arabic ($30), and Bahar ($4).

Items available in English are Iranian Refugees in America: A Cross-Cultural Perspective ($1) and the video “For a Drop of the Lover’s Blood” ($45).

All of the publications of the National Persian/American Affairs Committee may be ordered through the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Radio

(from page 5)

nearby capital city of Monrovia and few competing stations in the listening area.

Chile. Broadcasting began on a limited basis on November 12, 1986, with the station’s official inauguration on December 20.

Its opening marks the successful completion of five years of hard work by the Bahá’ís in Chile to lay the groundwork for this, the most recent Bahá’í radio station to go on the air.

Radio Bahá’í Chile completes a chain of four Bahá’í stations extending along the Andes in South America.

Thank you, Mrs. Ruhe

To the Editor:

First, I would like to thank you for the stimulating exchange of letters in The American Bahá’í; it is one of my favorite sections.

Second, I wish to express my enormous appreciation for Margaret Ruhe; she has repeatedly championed ideas and feelings close to my heart, ideas and feelings with which I have felt almost alone until I’ve read various letters, and her feedback on them, in The American Bahá’í. You have cheered my heart, Mrs. Ruhe!

I am writing to share two thoughts/views that have come to me as I’ve read a variety of books in the past few weeks.

The first is an elaboration within the analogy that our life in this material world prepares us for the next (spiritual) world, as our life in the womb has prepared us for this present world.

The elaboration: our body serves the same function in this life as the placenta in the womb-life; both allow us to feed off of the matrix, the mother (mother-earth and mother-human-body), and the function of both ends at the passage to the next stage of life.

It has been scientifically verified that the newborn continues to use the umbilicus-placenta for oxygen for a few minutes after birth, while reports of “near-death” experiences relate a connection to the body for a brief time as the soul goes on.

American Indians (and perhaps most or all native peoples) treat the placenta with great respect, burying it in the earth in a significant location.

The Bahá’í writings instruct us to bury the dead body in the earth and to treat it with great respect, because of the noble function it served here on earth.

The second thought is this: I note a lack in our Western Bahá’í community of encouragement to listen to and respect intuition and dreams (the more “female,” right-brain functions) while structure, administration and form are revered. On the same recent day, I read these two passages:

“In the time of sleep this body is as though dead; ... but the spirit lives and subsists. Nay, its penetration is increased, its light is higher, and its intelligence is greater ...” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 326-27)

“It is better to look with your dream body when something is important, because your eyes can be tricked and your own mind can fool you. ... There are some things you can’t explain with words. That’s why you must learn two ways of looking—one with your eyes and one with your dream body. (Agnes Whistling Elk, in Flight of the Seventh Moon by Lynne Andrews, p. 24)

I recently read a fine article on dreams in the Australian Bahá’í magazine, Herald of the South. Please, God, help us here in America to not spill the wine in our excess fascination with the container, the cup.

Diane Brandon Bennington, Vermont

Mental health task force?

To the Editor:

I agree with the assertions about substance abuse put forth in recent letters to The American Bahá’í.

I would suggest that a task force be established to educate the Bahá’í community on mental health.

We often visit those who are physically ill and are in a hospital. We pray for them and tend to their needs. But how often do we think that even deepened Bahá’ís can become mentally ill?

Prayer, fellowship and love are healing forces, and they are aided by our understanding. We need to be educated about the causes and treatments of mental illness including substance abuse.

Jay Bender Radford, Virginia

75 on East Coast at regional conference for women in N.Y.C.

Seventy-five people from six states attended an East Coast Regional Women’s Conference held April 11 at the Bahá’í Center in New York City.

Among the speakers were Professor Ida Lewis of the City College of New York; Louise Williams; Viola Wood; Ina McNeil; Kathy Grammer; and four members of the National Committee on Women: Juana Conrad, Nancy Dobbins, Phyllis Gudger-Porter and Shiva Tavana.

The conference was chaired by Jacquie Goldberg.

A highlight was the presentation of the Academy Award-winning film, “Women—For America, for the World” which includes a shot of a Bahá’í marcher’s banner, “Earth, One Country: Mankind, Its Citizens.”

Needed: More on race unity

To the Editor:

With all due respect to the fine quality of The American Bahá’í and the enormous amount of work that must go into it every month, I wish to address something that has disturbed me for a number of months; namely, the dwindling quality and quantity of articles about race unity.

I hope many of us remember the appointment several years ago of the National Race Unity Committee and the concerted effort by our National Spiritual Assembly to address directly the issue of black-white race prejudice in this country.

The initial good feelings soon gave way to airing of some negative ones as both sides were encouraged to speak their minds. I thought that some of the letters on the Race Unity page at that time would actually ignite the paper!

Naturally, we should expect these feelings to surface when we consider the long history of racism on which our society is based. And I wasn’t surprised to see less and less of these letters from the rank and file, as it seemed natural to let things cool a bit. That was a long time ago.

Since then I’ve been waiting and waiting to see that page come to life again, not merely with news of what some communities are doing to promote racial harmony, but with some down-to-earth advice on what all of us should be doing.

Have we American Bahá’ís so easily forgotten Shoghi Effendi’s admonishments to us to resolve this problem? How many of us remember that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promised that unity between blacks and whites would be “an assurance of world peace”?

Perhaps we can’t perform miracles, at least not overnight, but shall we bury our heads in the sand as the mass of white society does, waiting for the problem to fix itself or to disappear?

I tell you that I am white only because Louis Gregory himself said time and again that more of the white Bahá’ís should speak out on behalf of this issue.

I also hope that I am not the only one who feels strongly about this most urgent matter, and that we can all look forward to seeing more on race unity in The American Bahá’í.

Patty Whyte Brunswick, Maine

You can. For an example, please turn to Page 1.—Ed.

UN’s peacekeeping role to be topic of international video teleconference

The U.S. United Nations Association has planned an international video teleconference September 12 on the role of the UN in peacekeeping and peacemaking.

This project presents an opportunity for UNA chapters/divisions to reach out to new groups and individuals to enlist them in support of the UN’s efforts to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”

The teleconference, funded by the MacArthur Foundation, will originate in New York City and will be broadcast via satellite to sites in at least 10 cities across the country at 1 p.m. EST. Anyone with a satellite dish can arrange a downlink for the two-hour video.

It will focus on the peacekeeping and peacemaking roles of the UN including the work of the Secretary-General, the Security Council, and other peacekeeping operations. It will highlight some realistic, achievable proposals to strengthen the UN and will indicate ways in which citizens can help advance this work.

Scheduled sites for the teleconference include Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando, Florida; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; St. Louis; and Washington, D.C. Programs are being planned to reflect the interests and resources of those communities.

For a list of the coordinators for these cities, please write to the Bahá’ís of the United States, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-751-1282.

Bahá’ís may be interested in offering assistance to the conference coordinator at each site to help organize and publicize the local program. The planning committees have been encouraged to seek out assistance from their community and to focus their programs surrounding the teleconference on peace education, the work of “peace-building” (the economic and social roots of conflict), Soviet-American relations, etc. Your input can make a difference.

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 Bahá’u’lláh

Prayers and Meditations

Nearly 200 prayers and devotional passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in handsome new bindings that match the hardcover and pocket-sized reprints of Gleanings and Kitáb-i-Íqán

Order through your local distribution representative, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling on orders shipped within the continental U.S.) to:

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

• Price valid only in the United States

HC $14⁹⁵      SC $3⁷⁵ [Page 26]

Metas del Plan de Seis Años para México

Complacidos aprobar sus metas propuestas en pro objetivos Plan Seis Años.

Puesto que metas internacionales serán compaginadas y anunciadas por el centro mundial favor omitir incisos ocho nueve y diez del objetivo A. Aseguramos su muy amada comunidad oraciones fervientes santuarios sagrados abundantes confirmaciones altos esfuerzos.

Casa Universal de Justicia

SPANISH

El Plan de Seis Años para México será dividido en dos fases, cada una de 3 años. Las metas indicadas son para todo el plan si no hay otra indicación.

(A continuación se indican los objetivos principales en mayúsculas, luego las miras generales subrayadas, y finalmente cada meta específica.)

(A) Llevar el Mensaje curador de Bahá’u’lláh a la humanidad en general

Expansión razonada de número de creyentes, de comunidades con Bahá’ís, y de Asambleas Locales Espirituales

Meta 1: Desarrollar e implementar planes de enseñanza a todos los niveles de la sociedad, con énfasis especial a los jóvenes y los grupos minoritarios. Incluyendo los que se encuentran en México por razones de estudio o trabajo—proyectos de enseñanza y proclamación—días especiales.

Meta 2: Elevar el número de localidades a 1,100, abriendo las ciudades más importantes en todos los estados, sobre todo las capitales.

Meta 3: Elevar el número de Asambleas Locales Espirituales a 200, con por lo menos 2 en cada estado.

Meta 4: Expandir y proseguir con renovado vigor los siguientes aspectos del Plan Jaguar: abrir nuevas tribus; aumentar el número de Asambleas en grupos indígenas, y que 9 de ellas funcionen.

Meta 5: Hacer proyectos de enseñanza y consolidación para lograr grandes aumentos del número de creyentes en áreas específicas del país, incluyendo los estados de Sinaloa, Tamaulipas y especialmente Colima.

Meta 6: Gran aumento de maestros viajantes, tanto de visitas cortas como de mayor duración.

Meta 7: Establecer por lo menos 31 pioneros domésticos al menos 9 durante la primera fase.

Meta 8: Pendiente.

Meta 9: Pendiente.

Meta 10: Pendiente.

Meta 11: Aumentar la efectividad de cursos de correspondencia a través de mayor promoción y constante proseguimiento.

Hacer suficiente publicidad para que la Fe salga de la obscuridad en México, aumentando en particular la cantidad y calidad de actividades de relaciones públicas.

Meta 12: Aumentar el uso de los medios masivos de comunicación, así como de centros Bahá’ís, para la proclamación.

Meta 13: Tener funcionando una oficina de Relaciones Públicas, una en el Distrito Federal y otra en Mérida durante la primera fase, luego más según las circunstancias.

Meta 14: Que las Asambleas Locales Espirituales de comunidades bien establecidas den los pasos necesarios para lograr la personalidad jurídica.

Meta 15: Alentar la formación de grupos artísticos Bahá’ís (música, danza, etc.) en el transcurso del Plan.

(B) Mayor participación de la Fe en la vida de la sociedad humana

Desarrollar el entendimiento y el uso de la consulta en las comunidades Bahá’ís y extenderlo.

Meta 16: Celebrar talleres abiertos al público sobre el tema de la consulta, en por lo menos diez comunidades cada año.

Mayor colaboración con asociaciones afines a la Fe.

Meta 17: Formalizar en la primera fase, la participación de la comunidad Bahá’í en las Naciones Unidas ayudando a las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales en México a reunirse y conocerse.

Meta 18: Copatrocinar nueve eventos con otras organizaciones que tengan propósitos afines a los de la Fe (tres en la primera fase).

(C) Aumento mundial en la producción y uso de la literatura Bahá’í

Hacer más eficiente la distribución y aumentar el uso de la literatura sobre la Fe.

Meta 19: Aumentar el número de Asambleas Locales Espirituales que tengan libros para venta, a por lo menos 21 (14 en la primera fase).

Meta 20: Buscar mecanismos para aumentar el uso de literatura de parte de los amigos.

Producción de literatura simplificada y grabaciones sobre la Fe.

Meta 21: Fortalecer el centro de producción de materiales grabados, tanto en español como en maya, procurando que se utilicen en programas de enseñanza.

(D) Mayor aceleración en el proceso de la maduración de comunidades

Meta 22: Poner a la disponibilidad de los amigos materiales que expliquen el funcionamiento de la administración Bahá’í.

Meta 23: Que por lo menos 50 Asambleas Locales Espirituales, incluyendo al menos una en cada estado, se encarguen de su propia elección.

Meta 24: Ayudar a las Asambleas Locales Espirituales funcionando a desarrollar sus secretarías y tesorerías, a llevar registros de nacimientos, fallecimientos, bodas, etc.

Meta 25: Ayudar a las Asambleas Locales Espirituales a desarrollar comités locales para responsabilidades como enseñanza, educación de niños, actividades de jóvenes, distribución de literatura, etc.

Meta 26: Desarrollo de la organización del “grupo Bahá’í” (donde hay más de un creyente y no haya Asamblea), instando que tengan enseñanza, fondo y Fiestas de 19 días, con la mira de establecer una Asamblea Local Espiritual.

Asegurar la diseminación rápida de avisos y noticias a toda la comunidad.

Meta 27: Fortalecer el proceso de comunicación regular en todos los niveles (nacional, regional y local).

Desarrollar la efectividad de las escuelas, institutos, seminarios, encuentros y también las Fiestas de 19 días.

Meta 28: Desarrollar la Fiesta de 19 días como corazón de la comunidad Bahá’í, adaptándose a las condiciones particulares de cada localidad.

Meta 29: Aumentar el nivel de escolaridad de las escuelas Bahá’ís, procurando mayor preparación de los conferencistas y más profundidad en el tratamiento de los temas.

Meta 30: Llevar a cabo por lo menos diez seminarios de estudio intensivo sobre temas específicos. (Cuatro en la primera fase.)

Meta 31: Poner en marcha dos nuevos Institutos de Enseñanza para capacitación de maestros y coordinación de sus actividades (uno en el centro de México durante la primera fase, otro en el norte durante los seis años).

Adquisición, mantenimiento y uso de las propiedades de la ‎Fé Fe‎.

Meta 32: Adquirir un nuevo Centro Nacional Bahá’í.

Meta 33: Adquirir una sede de Instituto de Enseñanza en el Centro del País.

Meta 34: Adquirir un nuevo terreno para Templo Bahá’í.

Meta 35: Adquirir por lo menos tres Hazíratu’l-Quds nuevas, fuera de la península de Yucatán.

Meta 36: Tener por lo menos 19 Hazíratu’l-Quds locales en uso por la comunidad.

(E) Mayor atención a la participación universal y al enriquecimiento espiritual de creyentes individuales

Mayor participación de los creyentes mexicanos en las actividades Bahá’ís, sobre todo de mujeres y jóvenes, con actividades especiales para estos dos grupos.

Meta 37: Aumentar el número de reuniones para oración, con por lo menos 19 comunidades que observen oraciones al amanecer.

Meta 38: Alentar a un mayor número de individuos a que ofrezcan reuniones de enseñanza hogareñas.

Meta 39: Estimular a que los creyentes lean los escritos y oren a diario, y que se fijen metas personales de crecimiento espiritual y de enseñanza.

Meta 40: Aumentar el número de actividades locales y regionales para mujeres y jóvenes.

Meta 41: Tener eventos organizados por jóvenes para Bahá’ís y no Bahá’ís, donde se reflejen los intereses e inquietudes de la juventud en el contexto Bahá’í.

Empezar a tener educación espiritual en la Fe más formal para adultos, jóvenes y niños.

Meta 42: Hacer disponibles cursos de profundización a varios niveles, iniciando a la vez el desarrollo de un programa general de profundización.

Meta 43: Hacer un glosario de términos difíciles en las Escrituras.

Fortalecer el entendimiento del Fondo y la participación en él por mayor número de creyentes.

Meta 44: Aumentar el número de individuos que contribuyan a todos los Fondos con regularidad.

Meta 45: Tener 40 Asambleas Locales Espirituales que contribuyan al Fondo Nacional.

Meta 46: Celebrar institutos sobre cómo liberarse del materialismo, que ayudará a la conciencia de la participación en el Fondo.

Meta 47: Implementar métodos que faciliten la participación en el Fondo a las personas que no tengan acceso a los canales usuales para hacerlo.

Fortalecer la comprensión de las Leyes Bahá’ís y el espíritu de obediencia.

Meta 48: Ayudar a las Asambleas Locales Espirituales para que eduquen a sus comunidades sobre la obediencia a las leyes y la conducta Bahá’í.

Véase METAS página 32

PREJUDICE IS A HANDICAP

The Bahá’í Faith

"Prejudices of all kinds -- whether religious, racial, patriotic or political -- are destructive of divine foundations in man. All the warfare and bloodshed in human history have been the outcome of prejudice. This earth is one home and one native land."

(Promulgation of Universal Peace, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 287)

Mail Order.

PREJUDICE IS A HANDICAP SHIRTS (prices include postage)		SWEAT SHIRTS —	small _______ medium _______ large _______ ex-large _______
NAME:	__________________________________________	TOTAL	____ X $15.00 = $_______
STREET:	__________________________________________	T-SHIRTS —	small _______ medium _______ large _______ ex-large _______
CITY:	__________________________________________	TOTAL	____ X $ 8.00 = $_______
STATE:	ZIP: __________	BUMPER STICKER	____ X $ 1.00 = $_______
PHONE:	(____) ________________	GRAND TOTAL =	$_______
Make check payable to: Bahá’í National Youth Committee Send to: Bahá’í National Center; Wilmette, IL 60091; Phone (312) 869-9039

[Page 27]NATIVE AMERICANS

Hard work pays dividends, Pima Indians elect first Spiritual Assembly in Sacaton, Arizona

Bahá’ís Jim and Barbara Jackson with young girls from Blackwater, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Reservation. The Jackson family hosts monthly meetings at the community center in Blackwater.

The desert is in bloom on the Gila River Indian Reservation. At Riḍván, beneath date palm trees and a pink sunset, Pima Indians elected the first local Spiritual Assembly in Sacaton, Arizona.

It was the fruit of two years of monthly meetings and teaching activities by the Bahá’ís of Tempe.

“This was the best day of my life,” Hasan Mottahed said after teaching during March with his sons and 14 other Bahá’ís from the Phoenix area in Sacaton. As a result, five Pima adults were enrolled in the Faith.

Earlier, a rare snow had fallen in the Sonoran desert shortly before the Intercalary Days party began in February. Singer Mike and the Traditional Pima Basket Dancers helped draw about 60 people to the party which included music, a feast, and a piñata and presents for the children.

Each month for two years, Bahá’ís from Tempe, including many Persian believers, traveled by carloads 30 miles south to the Reservation. The public meetings and celebrations were arranged by the Tempe Indian Teaching Committee, which meets each week.

Ferris Paisano, a Nez Perce who is a member of the American Indian Teaching Committee, directed a basketball clinic for 50 Pima youth last June. The players each received lunch every day and T-shirts, and the clinic closed with a banquet for the young Pimas and their families at which each of the players was given a certificate for taking part.

In nearby Blackwater on the Reservation, Pima Bahá’ís Jim and Barbara Jackson hold Feasts and deepenings and host children’s classes the third Sunday of each month at the local community center.

Jim charcoaled chicken and hamburgers for an Intercalary Days party that included volleyball, a piñata, and presents.

Barbara Jackson first learned of the Faith from her son, Tony, after he moved from the Reservation to Washington state and became a Bahá’í. Today, her daughters, Penny and Ginger, are Bahá’ís, and three young foster children living with the Jacksons always brighten the Bahá’í meetings with their smiles.

During the winter months, Doug and Betty Harris visit the Pima believers, bringing love and encouragement. During the summer, the Harrises live on the Nez Perce Reservation.

These Pima Indian children were attending a Bahá’í children’s class last February on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Arizona.

Although the Gila River no longer flows through the desert here, bringing life to the crops of the Pima people, the Bahá’ís feel that new waters of life are now flowing to these special desert people.—Brenda Norrell Kahn

Singer Mike and the Traditional Pima Basket Dancers perform for an audience of about 60 during an Intercalary Days party at Sacaton, Arizona.

Intercalary Days party at Sacaton, Arizona.

Bahá’ís from Washington state attend Root Feast at the Wapato Longhouse

On April 5, several Bahá’ís from Thurston County III and the Bahá’í Group of Tumwater, Washington, traveled by car over White Pass (a three and one-half hour drive) to attend a Root Feast at the Wapato Longhouse.

Among the Bahá’ís who were guests of the Sohappy-Bellon family were Michelle and Jim Vaden; Jolie Haug and her son, Tom; Faughn Camus, and David Lewis.

Also traveling with the group were Don and Liz Brown, residents of the Flathead Reservation in Montana.

The group left Tumwater early Sunday morning in time to be with the members of the Wapato Longhouse as they observed a ceremony sacred to the Washat religion of the Columbia River people.

The Bahá’ís were warmly welcomed and treated in the hospitable manner that is so reflective of the Yakima people.

During the traditional dinner of native roots, salmon and elk, the Bahá’ís were invited to speak, and Jolie Haug of Tumwater was asked by the friends to be their spokesman.

She spoke of unity and of the need to develop friendships, and thanked the people of the Longhouse for inviting the Bahá’ís to be with them for such an important ceremony.

Richard and Dolores Bellon and their children, Pablo, Maia and Monique, and their 16-month-old granddaughter, Danielle, then returned to Tumwater with the other Bahá’ís. All were invited back for the Huckleberry Feast to be held in late summer.

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

New Zealand master carver visits NABI in May

Wallace Hetaraka, a Maori (New Zealand aborigine) master wood carver, visited the U.S. on an intercultural exchange program during the latter part of May.

Mr. Hetaraka, a Bahá’í, had wanted to visit the Native American Bahá’í Institute in addition to his other visits to Indian artists and craftsmen in the Southwest.

As fate would have it, when he was in the vicinity of the Institute the week of May 18, its telephones were out of order and it was not possible for him to make contact, and he could not find the Institute on his own.

When telephone service was restored, however, the Institute received a message that Mr. Hetaraka was in the area of the San Carlos Reservation.

The ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in the Globe-Miami area had been helping him to meet and share his craft with an Apache wood carver and basket-weavers. The message said they would be saying farewell to him at a “Declaration of the Báb” celebration on the Reservation on May 23.

Representing the Institute, Brenda and Chester Kahn rushed to the event with a Navajo craft as a gift and a letter urging Mr. Hetaraka to return to the Navajo Reservation.

Mr. Hetaraka and his niece, Hemo Henare, who is the wife of New Zealand’s consul, came to the Institute when many Bahá’ís had gathered to hear the Convention delegate’s report.

After that event, the Maori visitors were able to visit Navajo master weavers in the area. Mr. Hetaraka also took part in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, which he found deeply moving.

The evening’s events included a “talk circle” prayer ceremony in the Institute’s prayer hogan, which lasted into the wee hours of the morning.

The following day, they were helped in meeting people on the Hopi Reservation and in the Bahá’í community of Dinnebito Chapter.

At the Hopi village of Polacca, Mr. Hetaraka met a Hopi carver with whom he arranged to correspond to set up a possible visit to New Zealand by Hopi carvers.

The weekend events were highly successful, and many new friendships were made.

On returning to Los Angeles for his return flight to New Zealand, Mr. Hetaraka was able to visit the Bahá’í Center and to purchase books and materials for the Bahá’í children of New Zealand.

Two American Indians from U.S. teaching the Faith in Sweden

As “Trail of Light” representatives of the North American Indians, Vernon Longie of Bismarck, North Dakota, and Ruby Gubatayao of Lapwai, Idaho, have been invited to Sweden.

They arrived in June in Kiruna, Sweden, to attend a nationwide conference of the Sami people.

The Samis are natives of Lappland, a geographical region that spans the northernmost areas of Norway, Sweden and Finland.

At the conference, Ms. Gubatayao, of the Tsimshian tribe, and Mr. Longie, a Chippewa, shared the history, dance and handicrafts of their native cultures.

Until mid-July, these two Bahá’ís traveled, taught and shared various aspects of their American Indian heritage with the Samis of northern Sweden. We look forward to hearing more about their experiences upon their return.

Volunteers needed in South Dakota for ‘Spirit of the Roses’ campaign

Eagle Butte, on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, is headquarters for the “Spirit of the Roses” Teaching Project.

The Tribal Administration in Eagle Butte needs many short-term volunteers.

Wanted to serve for 1-2 weeks are a financial adviser, someone who knows about organizations and internal controls, a person who can conduct workshops in writing skills, a librarian, a computer programmer and/or instructor, a biologist, an archivist, someone who could review the judicial system, and someone who could train an administrative officer.

By volunteering in any of these capacities, a Bahá’í who can teach by example would be able to provide not only valuable social and economic development services on the Reservation but also positive exposure for the Faith.

Those who are interested in volunteering may send resumés to Mrs. Sandi LeBeau, Tribal Employment Rights Office, P.O. Box 768, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.

For more information, you may phone Sandi LeBeau at 605-964-8376. Hospitality may be available.

‘The more one can give, the better it is ...’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Indian teaching topic at Milwaukee meeting

On May 23, more than 45 people from Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin gathered at the Milwaukee Bahá’í Center to attend a conference whose theme was “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indian Teaching but Were Afraid to Ask.”

Planning and preparation for this inspiring event was done primarily by American Indian Bahá’ís.

The main purposes of the conference were to encourage people to consider service on Indian teaching projects in Wisconsin and Chicago and to teach American Indians through individual efforts, to encourage them to become homefront pioneers on Reservations, and to answer any questions about Indian teaching.

The keynote speaker was Jacqueline Delahunt (Lakota), secretary of the National Teaching Committee, who focused on “Indian Teaching and the Current Six Year Plan.”

Other speakers were Nick Hockings (Chippewa), Delan Corazon (Seminole), Charlotte Hockings, Pat Miller (Mohican), and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor. [Page 28]Pictured are young Bahá’ís who took part in a Bahá’í Youth Movement meeting held April 17-19 at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, California.

Ten non-Bahá’ís were among those who attended a weekend conference entitled ‘The Promise of Peace’ last November 8-9 in Fargo, North Dakota. Rick Henderson presented the keynote address, which was repeated Sunday morning to an audience of more than 50 at the local Unitarian Fellowship. At the far right is Mark Ochu, a pianist from Minnesota who performed at a Saturday evening banquet and concert.

Since January 1987, the Bahá’í Club at Utah State University in Logan has had weekly displays on the Faith and its teachings in the school’s student center. Literature displays alternate each Friday with showings of the ‘Wage Peace’ and ‘Mona with the Children’ videos. Pictured at the display table are Bahá’ís Togola, from Mali, and Ann Fenaian, from the Dominican Republic.

As a follow-up to other activities on campus, the Bahá’ís of Stanford, California, held a dinner last October at the Stanford Faculty Club. Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly (pictured here with Martin Hellman of Beyond War), spoke on ‘Conflict Resolution.’ Prior to the dinner, the Bahá’ís had distributed 200 copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to such Stanford dignitaries as President Donald Kennedy, Nobel Prize laureates Linus Pauling, Kenneth Arrow and Burton Richter, and various department heads.

Walter Austin (standing), a Tlingit Indian from Alaska, presents a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ to Carl McKay, the Tribal chairman of the Devil’s Lake Sioux Reservation (Ft. Totten), North Dakota.

BAHÁ’Í BOOK MARK “In the Spirit of the Roses”

CELEBRATION AYYÁM-I-HÁ (Intercalary Days) 4 days in ordinary years 5 days in leap years

.. A Time of Preparation for the “Nineteen Day Fast”

.. A Time for . HOSPITALITY . CHARITY . GIVING OF PRESENTS

1987 February 26 thru March 1 Wednesday Sunset Sunday Sunset

Pictured is an Intercalary Days bookmark designed and made by Dorothy Sly, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from Pacific Grove, California, who distributed them during a ‘hospitality evening’ in her community on a silver dish beneath a vase of roses.

Scott Allen, a member of the Bahá’í community of La Mesa, California, recently won a contest to design a logo for the city’s 75th anniversary. Mr. Allen’s design, which was chosen from among 25 entries for the top prize of $1,000, will be seen in all the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s publications during the coming year, as well as in newspapers advertising events for the 75th anniversary celebration.

On April 14, students of English as a Second Language in Vancouver, Washington, presented a ‘peace banner’ to Lieser Elementary School during a school cultural program entitled ‘Small World Week.’ The banner, which includes the word ‘peace’ in 60 languages, is patterned after Bahá’í calligrapher Michael Hughey’s cover illustration for the September-October issue of Brilliant Star magazine. Mr. Hughey graciously gave the students permission to use his design, and some 60 of them worked on the 6-by 7-foot banner from January to April.

The promise of peace The Challenge of ACTION Promote PIONEER PLACEMENT worldwide . . . . The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 29]Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Price List: July 1987

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

* = On Order	PA = Pamphlet
# = Net (no discount)	PER = Persian
CA = Calendar	PP = Photograph or Lithograph
CS = Cassette	PR = Poster
FD = Folder	PS = Pocket-sized Edition
HC = Hardcover	SC = Softcover
LP = Record	SPN = Spanish
LT = Lightweight Edition	TBA = Price to be announced
VI = Videotape

Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	$13.50
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.95
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.50
Call to the Nations	SC	6.95
Citadel of Faith	HC	12.95
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	1.50
ENG/PER/ARA: Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner	HC	17.50
Foundations of World Unity	HC	10.95
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.95
Gleanings--British Edition	SC	12.95
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.95
God Passes By	HC	21.95
God Passes By	SC	12.95
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.50
Hidden Words--British Edition	SC	3.50
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	HC	12.95
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.95
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	SC	7.95
Light of Divine Guidance	HC	21.00
Light of Divine Guidance, Volume 2	HC	16.00
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.95
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	4.50
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	2.00
Paris Talks	SC	5.00
Prayers and Meditations	HC	14.95
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.00
Prayers and Meditations	PS	3.75
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Deluxe Edition	HC	10.00*
Promise of World Peace--Illustrated Summary	SC	1.75
Promise of World Peace--Pocket-size Pkg./10	SC	5.50
Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Study Edition	SC	.95
Promised Day Is Come	HC	8.50
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.95
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.95
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.00
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.95
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.95
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	11.95
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.95
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	HC	6.00
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	SC	3.50
Some Answered Questions	HC	14.95
Some Answered Questions	PS	3.95
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablet to the Christians & An Appreciation	SC	2.00
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	13.95
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.95
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	5.95
To the Peoples of the World (Second Edition)	SC	TBA
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	10.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	6.50
Unfolding Destiny	HC	28.50
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.95
Writings of Bahá’u’lláh--A Compilation	HC	19.95

Compilations

Title	Type	Price
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	3.00
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Day Book	SC	3.95
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life Study Guide	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Meetings/the 19 Day Feast	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	8.50
Bahá’í Prayers--British Edition	HC	5.00
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Prayers and Holy Writings	SC	2.50
Bahá’í Readings--Leather	HC	10.00
Bahá’í Writings on Music	SC	2.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.50
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.00
Consultation Compilation	SC	1.00
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.00
Days to Remember	SC	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.00
Desire of the World	SC	6.95
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Divorce Compilation	SC	2.00
Excellence in All Things	SC	2.00
Family Life Compilation	SC	2.95
Handmaidens of God	SC	1.95
Hidden Words and Selected Holy Writings	SC	2.50
Huqúqu’lláh Compilation	SC	1.50
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.50
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.95
Living the Life	SC	2.25
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
Mighty River	SC	.50
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	2.25
Peace Compilation	SC	2.95
Peace: More Than an End to War	HC	16.00
Peace: More Than an End to War	SC	8.95
Political Non-Involvement	SC	1.25
Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition	SC	2.50
Power of Unity	SC	7.95
Prayers and Thoughts for Peace	SC	3.25
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	HC	6.00
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	SC	4.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Remembrance of God	SC	.75
Selected Prayers--Pkg. of 10	SC	5.50
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Throne of the Inner Temple	SC	6.00
Trustworthiness Compilation	SC	1.50
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.50
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Women Compilation	SC	2.00
Words of God	SC	1.50

General Titles

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master	HC	6.95
All Flags Flying	HC	20.00
All Flags Flying	SC	10.00
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Báb: Herald of the Day of Days	HC	14.95
Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--Smith	HC	19.95
Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--Smith	SC	11.95
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	2.25
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	17.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	15.95
Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction--Faizi	SC	1.50
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Focus on Peace	SC	5.00
Bahá’í References to Judaism, etc.	SC	11.95
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Conference on Health	SC	7.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage and Family	SC	7.50
Bahá’í Studies 2: Science/Religion	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence (poetry)	SC	5.00
Bahá’í World Volumes 1-17 (Set)	HC	275.00#
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	16.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	17.50
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	20.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	25.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 18 (XVIII)	HC	40.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	11.95
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	3.50
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	5.95
Beyond Disarmament	SC	1.50
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.95
Christianity of Jesus	HC	7.00
Circle of Peace	SC	9.95
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Crown of Beauty	SC	11.95
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	14.00
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	2.00
Dawning Place	HC	21.95
Dawning Place	SC	13.50
Dawning Place of the Pacific	SC	8.00
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Divine Therapy	HC	14.95
Divine Therapy	SC	6.95
Door of Hope	SC	13.50
Earth Is But One Country	SC	5.00
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	28.50
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	15.95
Equal Circles	SC	9.95*
Fire on the Mountain Top	SC	2.50
For the Good of Mankind	HC	10.95
Four on an Island	SC	5.95
From Copper to Gold--Low Priced Hard Cover	HC	13.95
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	HC	12.95
Golden Daughter	SC	7.95
Golden Rule	HC	13.95
Golden Rule	SC	5.95
He Loved and Served	SC	7.95
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	HC	15.95
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	SC	7.95
Imperishable Dominion	SC	11.95
In Galilee	HC	7.95
In Search of Nirvana	SC	5.95
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	3.50
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	9.95
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	SC	4.75
Letters and Essays: Mirza Abu’l-Fadl	HC	11.95
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	HC	26.50
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	SC	11.95
Light of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.00
March of the Institutions	SC	5.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	HC	21.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	14.95
Master in ‘Akká	HC	11.95
Meditations on the Eve of November 4th	HC	3.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	10.00
Miracles and Metaphors	SC	8.95
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	10.95
Munírih Khánum: Memoirs and Letters	HC	8.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children	SC	8.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mystery of God	HC	16.00
Once to Every Man and Nation	SC	5.95
Passing of Shoghi Effendi	SC	2.25
Peace Bible	HC	8.95
Phoenix and the Ashes	SC	6.95
Portals to Freedom	SC	8.95
Power of the Covenant, Part 1	SC	2.00
Power of the Covenant, Part 2	SC	2.00
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	HC	9.95
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	SC	5.95
Priceless Pearl	SC	6.00
Promise of All Ages	HC	10.95
Promise of All Ages	SC	3.50
Purpose of Physical Reality	SC	9.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	HC	14.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	SC	8.95
Rebirth: Memoirs of R. Szanto-Felberman	SC	3.00
Reginald Turvey/Life and Art	SC	14.95
Religion for Mankind	SC	5.95
Renewal of Civilization	SC	2.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	HC	11.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	HC	14.50
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	HC	19.95
Selections from the Writings of E.G. Browne	HC	29.50
Selections from the Writings of E.G. Browne	SC	16.95
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	HC	9.95
‎Shf’th Islám Shí’ih Islám‎: An Introduction	HC	25.00
‎Shf’th Islám Shí’ih Islám‎: An Introduction	SC	15.00
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	HC	16.95
Song Celestial	HC	8.00
Stories of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	12.95
Stories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	5.95
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	HC	9.00
Story of My Heart	SC	8.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	6.95
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	6.00
These Things Shall Be	HC	2.00
Thief in the Night	SC	3.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	HC	19.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	SC	11.95
To Move the World	SC	8.95
To a Seeker	SC	5.95
Touchstone of Sincerity	SC	6.50
Tristan	HC	15.95
Tristan	SC	7.95
Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace	SC	8.95
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	8.95
Way Out of the Dead End	HC	10.95
Way Out of the Dead End	SC	6.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	3.95
World Peace and World Government	SC	2.50
A Year with the Bahá’ís of India and Burma	HC	8.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	5.00

Children and Youth

Title	Type	Price
Ali’s Dream	HC	3.95
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Principles for Children	SC	2.00
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
Blessed Is the Spot	HC	8.95
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	3.50
Dragons of Rizvania	SC	8.95
Fly Away Home	SC	3.95
From Behind the Veil	SC	3.75
God and His Messengers	SC	5.95
Guebe and the Toy Truck	SC	3.95
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	4.95
Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them	HC	5.50
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
Mama Buzurg Is Coming	SC	3.95
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	5.00
Nine Holy Days	SC	3.50
O God, Guide Me	SC	3.75
O God, My God	SC	6.50

[Page 30]Bahá’í Distribution Service Price List July 1987

Pokka Stories SC 2.00 SPN: Palabras Ocultas. SC 2.00 We Are One CS 8.50 Bahá’ Datebook 144 B.E. CA 1.50 Prayers for Children SC 1.50 SPN: Pasajes-Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh SC 7.00 We Want to Grow Up CS 8.00 Bahá’ History Calendar CA 3.50 The Promise 1 SC 5.00 SPN: Poder de Asistancia Divina SC 1.00 Wildfire CS 7.00 The Promise #2 SC 5.00 SPN: Prescripcion para Vivir SC 5.00 Women: Equality and Peace...Khan CS 7.50 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 144 B.E.-- Pkg. of 10 CA Bahá’í Ringstone--Illuminated Print 1.00 PP 5.00 The Promise #3 SC 5.00 SPN: Promesa de Paz Mundial SC 1.00 Quddús SC 3.50 SPN: Quienes Dios Confia PA .50 Bahá’í Wall Calendar 144 B.E. Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kit CA .60 CA 2.50

Photographs, Calendars and Posters

Refuge and the Cave SC 5.50 SPN: Recopilacion de Escritos SC 3.50 Greatest Name--Illuminated Print PP 5.00 Remember My Days SC 4.50 SPN: Renovación de Civilización SC 3.25 Remember the Rainbow SC 3.95 SPN: El Rosedal Second Birth HC 8.00 SPN: Ruespuestas a Algunas Preguntas Second Birth SC 5.00 SPN: Ruespuestas Bahá’ís Secret in the Garden HC 5.95 Secret in the Garden SC 3.00 SPN: Sinopsis y Codificatión Kitáb-1-Aqdas SC SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh SSESS SC 1.00 SC 12.75 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithograph, 10.5" X 15" PP PP 7.00 2.50 Taiwan Scroll Calendar--Silk Taiwan Scroll Calendar--Wood Wilmette House of Worship CA 3.00 CA PR 3.00 1.00 PA .25 3.50 SC 7.50 Song in the Ground SC 3.95 Special Strengths SC 3.95

Pamphlets, Cards and Folders

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SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones SC 7.50 Visit with the Master...True CS 7.50 SPN: Palabras de Dios SC .50 We Are Bahá’ís CS 8.00 [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

Impelled by the urgency of the tasks ahead and inspired by the message to the National Convention from the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears proposes a plan of action that challenges the American Bahá’í community to arise as one body to win a resounding victory in the remaining months of the Five Year Plan.

His proposal weaves the elements of personal study, individual teaching and consolidation of victories won into a pattern designed to heighten teaching and deepening activities while inspiring the friends to redouble their efforts to win or surpass every goal of the Plan.

“The Victory Plan,” as it is called, is enthusiastically endorsed by the Continental Board of Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly at a joint meeting May 28 and is to be launched in September. ...

With less than two years remaining in the Five Year Plan, the National Teaching Committee intensifies its role in helping to win the goals through a series of weekend conferences with Regional Teaching Committees which are conducted by National Teaching Committee members and staff.

The conferences focus primarily on the plan of study, firesides and deepenings proposed by Mr. Sears. ...

The District Teaching Committee of Oregon reports 25 declarations during June in La Grande, a city of about 10,000 in northeastern Oregon, as a result of an intensive summer teaching campaign.

Of the 11 adult declarants in La Grande, six are black, one is Mexican, and one Micronesian. ...

On June 17-19, the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the U.S. meet together at the new Hazíratu’l-Quds in Toronto to consult on the major challenges which the present condition of society in North America presents to the Faith at this time.

In a message to the Universal House of Justice, the National Assemblies say they are “keenly conscious” of their “responsibilities” as “co-executors Divine Plan beloved Master” and are “determined” to “exert every effort (toward the) early achievement of all goals.”

The House of Justice replies that it is “delighted” by the spirit of devotion and cooperation manifested at the meeting. ...

“Operation GRASSROOTS,” launched in South Carolina in March, continues to grow, spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to every level of society in the state.

GRASSROOTS, an acronym, stands for “Go Reach All Strata of Society. Rise Out of Obscurity Through Sacrifice.” The campaign was devised by the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee.

Operation GRASSROOTS, designed to increase enthusiasm for winning the goals of the Five Year Plan while unifying the districts in South Carolina, is already beginning to yield the fruits of the dedicated efforts of the rank and file. ...

Dr. Robert L. Gulick Jr., 74, educator, former pioneer to Libya

Dr. Robert L. Gulick Jr., chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Arizona, and a former pioneer to Libya, died May 3 in Glendale. He was 74 years old.

Dr. Gulick was foreign-student adviser at the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale. From 1964-82 he served as dean of admissions, and in 1972 was named the school’s outstanding educator.

He established the Alumni Educational Counselors program at the school and taught its first course on the Middle East.

Born October 6, 1912, in Paradise, California, Dr. Gulick received a bachelor of arts degree from Chico State University and master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley.

He became a Bahá’í in 1926, served on many local and national committees, and in 1953 pioneered with his wife, Bahia, and son, Robert, to Tripoli, Libya.

Their enduring, loving relationship stood as an encouraging affirmation and an ongoing reminder of the Bahá’í teachings on the oneness of mankind.

Dr. Gulick was the author of the book American Higher Education—Uncertain Trumpet and wrote the preface to Bahá’u’lláh’s book, The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys.

He was for many years a delegate from Arizona to the annual Bahá’í National Convention.

Professionally, Dr. Gulick had worked as an economist for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace before coming to the American Graduate School, which is commonly known as Thunderbird.

He was a member of the College Opportunities Committee, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers and the Higher Education Coordinating Council of Arizona.

He was president of the American Literacy League, past president of the Arizona College Association, a sponsor of the Atlantic Council of the United States, and a fellow of the Middle East Studies Association.

The American Graduate School of International Management has established a scholarship fund for foreign students in Dr. Gulick’s name.

Gregorys

from page 1

nounced the goal of intermarriage but demonstrated it with a fait accompli: the marriage of Louis and Louise Gregory.

Louis Gregory, a black American lawyer, and Louisa Mathew, a white well-educated Englishwoman, who had met as Bahá’ís on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and become friends, were encouraged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to marry.

Their marriage took place on September 27, 1912, in New York City, while ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

In spite of the many difficulties and obstacles they encountered in a deeply prejudiced society, the Gregorys spent many happy and productive years as husband and wife in service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Within 10 years of their marriage, at least two other interracial Bahá’í couples were united in wedlock. These marriages may not have taken place so early in the history of the American Bahá’í community without the example of Louis and Louisa Gregory.

Such unions, which offer tangible testimony to the words that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke regarding potential racial harmony while He was in this country 75 years ago, are widespread within the Bahá’í community today.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the International Goals Committee office. A temporary Bahá’í identification card will be issued to you, if necessary.

Pioneer family’s faith helps overcome tragedy of oldest son’s untimely death

The body of Marshall Blake, a member of the Bahá’í community of Amherst, Massachusetts, who had been missing since last December 8, was found March 11 in a wooded area on the campus of the University of Massachusetts.

On March 18, the Spiritual Assembly of Amherst conducted a deeply spiritual and uplifting memorial service. The community’s sadness was alleviated somewhat by the strength and grace of the Blake family, whose faith never wavered during the difficult months of waiting or in the face of their tragic loss.

Mr. Blake’s parents, who are pioneers to St. Vincent, West Indies, wrote of their son’s death:

“Our news is momentarily sad. Our oldest son, Marshall (age 22), took his life in December just as he was about to graduate from the University of Massachusetts.

“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s letter to a believer whose husband had committed suicide (Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 200) has been a particular consolation, and we hold in our minds those vivid images contained in the line from the prayer for the departed which reads, ‘O Lord ... perpetuate his existence in thine exalted rose garden, that he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries.’

“ ‘We already feel this unexpected sacrifice has helped our teaching work and strengthened our grasp on “the pillar of detachment.” We are grateful that our other two children, Alex and Natalie, are both headed for Bahá’í service in South America during the next year; we feel sure they will be directly assisted by their brother from the world beyond in ways more powerful than he could have provided here.

“ ‘The “homelessness” of pioneering affects not only the pioneers themselves but also those left behind. In 1984, Marshall, who stayed in the U.S. to attend college, wrote these lines for a song he was composing and which we found after his death: “It’s just now that I realize/sitting here all alone/that what I really need/is that feeling called home.”

“ ‘It is clearer than ever to us that the only cure for this feeling is found in deeper service to the Cause—the ceaseless effort to bring all men home to the arms of their Beloved. Although he couldn’t satisfy that longing here, perhaps Marshall is now engaged in the next world, leading others to True Security.”

Jim and Lisa Blake St. Vincent, West Indies

Challoner Chute, chemist, one-time pioneer to Sri Lanka

Challoner Chute, a Bahá’í since 1950 and a former pioneer to Sri Lanka, died April 1 in Charlottesville, Virginia, following a long illness.

Mr. Chute, a chemist by profession, was born in 1915 of Irish parents in Southsea, England, and was educated at Cambridge University.

He designed materials for the space suit used in the first Apollo moon landing.

While pioneering in Sri Lanka with his wife, Jeanne, Mr. Chute served on that country’s National Spiritual Assembly.

IN MEMORIAM

LeRoy Achey Creswell, OR December 4, 1986	Robert Gulick Jr. Glendale, AZ May 3, 1987	Inez Moore Dillon, SC Date Unknown
Gabriel Agbo Tucson, AZ Date Unknown	Lucy Handeyside Bellingham, WA February 1987	Mary Helen Morris Edison, GA 1987
Ali Mohammed Afnan Cleveland Hts., OH February 16, 1987	Lester ‎Haris Harris‎ Jr. Norcross, GA Date Unknown	Jack Nash Deerfield Bch., FL January 13, 1987
Glenna Angel Los Gatos, CA December 9, 1984	Clint Harris Rockwall, TX 1985	Thomas Newton Brooklyn, MI March 13, 1987
Baudelia Aranda Fabens, TX November 1986	Jimmie Jackson Marshallville, GA Date Unknown	Petra Nunez Hatch, NM Date Unknown
Maria Benavidez Hatch, NM Fall 1986	Melba Jackson Cleburne, TX Date Unknown	Ulysses Parks Thomaston, GA Date Unknown
Russell Boyce Wallingford, CT May 17, 1987	Elisa Johnson Pineville, SC Date Unknown	Norris Patterson Rockwall, TX 1986
Rosie Mae Brooks Montezuma, GA 1977	Sallie Kee Cairo, IL November 8, 1985	Glovas Perkins Marshallville, GA Date Unknown
William Brown Meggett, SC 1984	Parviz Khalilian Houston, TX November 1985	Charles Peterson Milwaukee, WI Date Unknown
Robert Brundage Norcross, GA 1986	Nadine Kinney Auburn, CA Date Unknown	Ella Mae Pringle Ridgeville, SC 1987
Larry Carpenter Maple Valley, WA December 23, 1986	Alfred E. Lee Mounds, IL January 11, 1984	Raymond Rivers Ridgeville, SC Date Unknown
Patricia Conrad Auburn, CA Date Unknown	Betty ‎Lengyl Lengyel‎ Paoli, PA Date Unknown	Mose Robison Rowlett, TX Date Unknown
Kent Dana Palo Alto, CA December 13, 1986	Frances Lemons Cochran, GA Date Unknown	Wesley Russell Lincoln Park, GA Date Unknown
Jannie Bell Dixon Lincoln Park, GA Date Unknown	Louise Lewis Byromville, GA 1987	Rosa Sanchez Marfa, TX October 1986
Lola Donaldson Stamford, CT April 12, 1987	Gordy Linwood Rockwall, TX Date Unknown	Odessa Sheffield Richland, GA April 1987
Rahmatullah Eghrari Forest Park, IL July 18, 1986	Carol Lynn Saginaw, MI September 24, 1986	Anna Shoberg Cerritos, CA March 5, 1980
Charlie Ford Dillon, SC 1975	Rose Lee Lyons Norcross, GA Date Unknown	Refugia ‎Vlibarri Ulibarri‎ Roswell, NM 1984
Margarete Ford Rockwall, TX 1985	Opal Martinson Stillwater, OK January 21, 1987	Cornelius Walker Thomaston, GA Date Unknown
Sarah ‎Furguson Ferguson‎ Pineville, SC Date Unknown	Jim May Lincoln Park, GA Date Unknown	Mary P. Weaver Cross, SC April 7, 1987
David Gaddist Ridgeville, SC Date Unknown	Lizzie McCollum Norcross, GA Date Unknown	Clara E. Weir Lakeside, CA February 27, 1984
John Gadsen Edisto Island, SC Date Unknown	Ruth Mike Edisto Island, SC 1986	Dan Williams Ridgeville, SC 1984
Anna Lee Gay Ridgeville, SC Date Unknown	Arthur Mitchell Edisto Island, SC Date Unknown	Janette Wilson Buffalo, NY May 6, 1987
Eloisa Gonzales La Mesa, NM April 18, 1987	Pauline Morales Marfa, TX Date Unknown

[Page 32]Bahá’í amateur radio operator Carl Horn at his radio in the West Indies. Carl and other Bahá’í hams meet on the air every weekend at 22:30 GMT at 14.260 MHz.

Bahá’í amateur radio operators ‘meet’ regularly to discuss affairs of the Faith

In April, Bahá’í amateur radio operators (hams) from seven countries met on the air to discuss activities of the Faith, relay messages from pioneers to their families, and engage in fellowship.

Friends from Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Panama, St. Vincent and the U.S. took part in the long-distance radio conversations.

Contact was also made with Derek Caney at Radio Bahá’í-Ecuador and Greg Kintz at Radio Bahá’í-Liberia.

These Bahá’í hams now meet regularly on the air Saturdays and Sundays at 22:30 GMT (6:30 p.m. Eastern time, 3:30 p.m. Pacific) at 14.260 MHz (radio frequency), and hope that more Bahá’í hams will join this informal Bahá’í radio network.

Anyone with a good short wave radio and an outdoor antenna should be able to listen (be sure to use the BFO switch or USB on your radio).

Listen for the following active members of the group: Pete (HP1XZB); Mark (KA5PSB); Carl (J87CF), and Pat (VE1CFW).

For more information, write to Carl Horn, The Cotton House, Mustique, St. Vincent, West Indies, or in the U.S., to Mark A. Clark, Fort Worth, TX 76114.

Metas

de página 26

para que sepan que hacer en los casos que se presenten.

(F) Mayor extensión de la educación Bahá’ís de los niños y la juventud, y el fortalecimiento de la vida de familia Bahá’í

Mayor entendimiento en las familias Bahá’ís de las responsabilidades de miembros de una familia, de mantener un hogar armonioso para el desarrollo de los niños.

Meta 49: Tener operando 95 clases para niños Bahá’ís (63 en la primera fase).

Meta 50: Tener un programa para capacitar a los creyentes para dar clases de niños.

Meta 51: Celebrar talleres sobre la vida familiar.

Meta 52: Celebrar dos campamentos para niños de 11 a 15 años en el cual vivan en un ambiente Bahá’í (uno en la primera fase).

(G) El proseguimiento de proyectos de desarrollo social y económico

Llegar a un mayor entendimiento (a nivel nacional, local e individual) del proceso de desarrollo social y económico (tanto rural como urbano), y llevar a cabo proyectos donde sea indicado.

Meta 53: Tener seminarios sobre desarrollo socio-económico para inspirar a las comunidades a que inicien actividades en este campo.

Meta 54: Desarrollar el Instituto Tumben Kin en Muna, Yucatán para que ofrezca actividades de beneficio para la sociedad.

Meta 55: Tener por lo menos 19 programas de capacitación de ‎mújeres mujeres‎ en actividades útiles para ellas.

Teaching

from page 8

‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed Himself to the hopes for the future shared by His black audiences, rather than to their fears.”

Many of the early, noteworthy Bahá’ís of America such as Louis Gregory used the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to improve their public speaking skills.

Through such books as The Promulgation of Universal Peace and Paris Talks, we can also turn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Exemplar of the Bahá’í teachings, study His effective approach, and become better promoters of the Cause of God.

Krug

from page 4

Gradually her own health began to fail, forcing her to retire to Chester, New York.

Mrs. Krug’s faithful companion, Anne Fockke, who had returned from Europe with her, stayed by her side, sparing no effort in giving her comfort, but Mrs. Krug’s health declined steadily until, by the summer of 1939, she was bedridden.

Mrs. Krug died on December 30, 1939, thus ending her earthly career as a tireless and devoted teacher of the Cause of God.

Martyr

from page 24

zi’s gasoline station and warehouse were expropriated along with his house. In the meantime, the courts had ordered his execution. On November 11, 1980, at 7 p.m., after a final farewell to his son, Parviz, he was executed by a firing squad.

Mr. Firuzi was an open-minded man who took great interest in the arts. He made a great effort to live a Bahá’í life and made it a habit to consult with his wife and children before making any decisions or undertaking any enterprise.

He was a kind-hearted man, utterly devoid of hypocrisy or pretense, and was unfailingly generous to the poor.

Because he accorded great importance to education, Mr. Firuzi paid the educational expenses of a number of underprivileged youth. He was well-loved by all and was mourned by a great number of the inhabitants of Ahar.

He regarded the time he spent in prison as the best period of his life. In his will, he acknowledges the unity of God, the truth of His Messengers and Prophets, and especially the truth of the Bahá’í Faith, and bids farewell to his family and friends and beseeches their forgiveness.

At the time of his execution, the brave martyr Rida Firuzi was 73 years of age.

The Bahá’í School of Baltimore County Central, founded in 1984 by three mothers, is entering its fourth year. The school has three classes and serves 14 children, ages 2-14 years. Classes are held every other Sunday morning. This year, for the first time since the school began, a non-parent joined the teaching staff. Long-range goals are to have the staff made up of community members who are not parents of students in the school, and to serve children of non-Bahá’í families.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES and I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091