The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 8/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 18, Issue 8

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

Bahá’í-produced medical relief airlift aids Philippines

What started as an idea for a modest service project in the minds of two Los Angeles-area Bahá’ís blossomed recently into one of the most massive humanitarian medical relief airlifts ever undertaken.

Called Project HELP (Hospital Emergency Lift, Philippines), the airlift brought, free medical help—in the form of doctors, medicines and medical equipment—from Southern California to the poorest children in the Philippines.

Philippine President Corazon Aquino, saying she was "overwhelmed" by the effort, officially received the airlift's 15 tons of donated medicines from Bahá’í project leaders David Langness and Deanne LaRue in a formal reception at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

The Project HELP airlift took 25 physicians and health care professionals to the Philippines, with a special focus on the critical medical needs of children. The all-volunteer group flew from Los Angeles to Manila aboard a China Airlines 747 filled with medicines and medical supplies donated by hospitals in Southern California.

Mr. Langness and Ms. LaRue, who run the communications division of the Hospital Council of Southern California, a non-profit trade association, put together the effort in six months solely from donated labor, supplies and travel accommodations—or, as they said, "on two wings and a prayer."

"We wanted to do several things with Project HELP," said Mr. Langness, HCSC's vice-president of communications. "First, to raise the world's awareness of the terrible medical plight of the poor in the Philippines; second, to build a program that could link health efforts and support what is already being done; and third, to really apply the Bahá’í principles of world solidarity and the oneness of mankind."

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

WELCOME FRIENDS!

Top: A banner welcomes everyone to the Unity picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey. Above: Bahá’ís and their guests assemble in the evergreen grove to enjoy the splendid entertainers and speakers.

Love, unity shower picnic as Teaneck observes Souvenir

By JACK BOWERS

On a day that dawned dark and dreary and ended in the dazzling glow of love and unity, more than a thousand Bahá’ís and their guests gathered June 27 at the Wilhelm properties in Teaneck, New Jersey, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Unity picnic hosted there by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His historic visit to North America in 1912.

The day-long event, one of about 1,500 such picnics held across the country on this momentous occasion at the request of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, whose presence greatly blessed this one, seemed doomed at the outset as the heavens opened up, drenching the Teaneck area and causing electricians to refuse to set up equipment at nearby Votee Park, where much of the festivities were to be held.

The steady rain was the only element over which the Wilhelm Council, after months of tireless work and careful planning, had no control. As noon approached and the showers continued, the prospect of holding any kind of celebration appeared dim indeed. The park was abandoned and a decision was made to set up a stage near the grove of evergreens on the Wilhelm property where the Master had entertained His guests on that long-ago day, saying, "Hundreds of thousands of people will come here..."

‘Open house’ marks move to new suite by UN office, BIC

On June 29, the National Spiritual Assembly's United Nations office and the offices of the Bahá’í International Community gathered for an historic open house celebration marking their occupation of a new suite of offices at 866 United Nations Plaza in New York City.

Glenford E. Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, was the special guest of honor at the ceremony and greeted many of the more than 100 guests, among whom were UN representatives from national and international organizations, other UN personnel, government diplomats and Bahá’í friends.

The event was hosted by the Bahá’í International Community which includes the Office of Public Information and the United Nations Office.

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh attended the open house on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly.

1,700 youth at Canada’s conference exclaim: ‘Let it be this generation!’

By LAURA E. HILDRETH

"Let it be this generation!" was the rallying cry of 1,700 youth from 32 countries who gathered July 9-12 for a Bahá’í International Youth Conference at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.

Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í youth came to the conference to consult on ways in which they can work together for peace so that world peace is achieved as a result of the efforts of this generation.

Among those who spoke to the young people were seven members of the Continental Boards of Counselors: Eloy Anello, Farzam Arbáb, Robert Harris, Lauretta King, Donald Rogers and David Smith from the Americas, and Agnes Ghaznavi from Europe.

Other featured speakers were Jane Faily, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Robert Henderson, secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Jack Lenz from Canada; and Kevin Locke, a Native American Bahá’í and renowned traveling teacher from South Dakota.

Conference sessions were translated into sign language for the hearing impaired by Chuck Bullock, a Bahá’í from Austin, Texas, and Vicki Meyer, a non-Bahá’í from London, Ontario.

The conference was opened with an address by Dr. George Pedersen, the president of the University of Western Ontario, who commended the youth on their "impressive agenda for peace."

Letters of welcome were received from Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and David Peterson, the premier of Ontario.

A proclamation by the mayor of London, Ontario, Thomas Gosnell, declared July 6-12 "Bahá’í Week" in that city.

The Universal House of Justice, in its message to the conference, said to the youth, "You are called upon to demonstrate to your peers the power of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh through the nobility of your characters, the excellence of your morals, and the vitality of your spiritual discipline.

"Your commitment to the service of mankind should be reflected in your way of life, your pursuit of education, and in the training of your minds in preparation for the challenges which await the expanding Bahá’í community in spirituality, administration, social and economic development, and international relations."

In addition to the speakers and a wide range of entertainment including song, dance and drama, the youth were encouraged in the evenings to take part in group discussions with the Counselors and other guests.

David Villaseñor, sand painter, sculptor, dies in New Mexico

David Villanueva Villaseñor, an artist and sculptor who perfected the technique of permanent sand painting to help preserve for future generations that unique and important art form of the Navajo Indians, died July 6 in New Mexico after a long illness.

Mr. Villaseñor, a Bahá’í since 1955, was widely known and universally respected as the foremost practitioner of sand painting, which he described as "one of the most beautiful and hallowed rites of the Navajo through which his reverence for all creation is made visual with superb dignity and in which always the Great Spirit is honored." [Page 2]

Louhelen Residential College to open in fall with students from many countries attending

This fall marks the official opening of the Louhelen Residential College at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan. Students from around the world will be living and working at Louhelen while taking degree-earning courses at one of two fully-accredited schools near Davison.

The first class of students represents diverse backgrounds, races and nationalities and includes students from the Solomon Islands, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Israel and Alaska.

The National Spiritual Assembly recently directed the Louhelen Council to especially serve the educational needs of American Indian youth and those of minority background from the Deep South and inner cities.

Recognizing the difficulty involved in financing one's college education, the National Assembly generously allotted scholarship funds for students from these groups.

"These scholarships," says William Diehl, director of the Louhelen School, "have enabled us, as of early July, to enroll a Navajo Indian youth and two black youth who would not otherwise have been able to apply.

"We feel that the campus life will be greatly enhanced through having an international and intercultural student body."

The Residential College program will give the youth an opportunity to work, study, teach and socialize within a Bahá’í environment while pursuing academic training.

They will play an active role in laying the groundwork for a more extensive post-secondary institution, which was one of the goals set for Louhelen by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

The students will have the choice of enrolling at either Mott Community College or the University of Michigan-Flint.

At Louhelen, they will take classes in study techniques to become more skilled in such areas as speed reading, note-taking, vocabulary development, writing, test-taking and time management.

In addition, the students will attend a Bahá’í studies class to explore some of the fundamental concepts of the Faith as they relate to the reality of the human being and the individual's relationship to society.

Those who are interested in the program may write to: Louhelen Residential College, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

Norwalk Bahá’ís give peace works to public library

On May 6, members of the Bahá’í community of Norwalk, Connecticut, presented the four-volume World Encyclopedia of Peace to the Norwalk Belden Public Library.

Representing the Spiritual Assembly of Norwalk at the ceremony, which was photographed by the Norwalk Hour newspaper, were Diane Pantano and Kate Weisman.

Accepting for the library was its chief public services librarian, Carol Swartz.

The Encyclopedia of Peace is the first work of its kind to present an integrated body of information on all aspects of peace. Compiled by more than 350 scholars and experts from more than 40 countries, it contains more than 500 articles and studies covering concepts, theories, movements, initiatives, milestones and key individuals and organizations associated with the quest for peace.

Included in Volume 1 is an article entitled "The Bahá’í Peace Program" by Dr. Hossain Danesh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Ms. Swartz thanked the Bahá’ís for their generous donation, saying she had read several reviews praising the encyclopedia and was delighted to learn that Norwalk would receive such a fine gift.

The library plans to affix a bookplate onto each volume of the encyclopedia that will read: "Donated by the Bahá’í Community of Norwalk, May 6, 1987."

Dr. Robert C. Henderson and William F. Gibson

Dr. Robert C. Henderson (left), secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, presents a copy of 'The Promise of World Peace' to William F. Gibson, chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, during the NAACP's 78th annual convention in New York City. The presentation was made on July 8 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s address to the NAACP's fourth convention on April 30, 1912. As a part of the presentation to the 3,500 delegates and guests, Dr. Henderson included in his remarks the statements made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at that earlier event. Afterward, one of the members of the board of directors said he has a Bahá’í prayer book which he reads daily; he had learned of the Faith in South Carolina from one of the Bahá’ís in that state, Charles Abercrombie. (Photo by Al Burley)

Bahá’í lays cards on table in ‘letter to a seeker’

VIEWPOINT

Dear [ ],

I think this is the day I can pull my thoughts together and respond to your letter of [ ].

You ask me to do my "travel-teaching" by mail. I'm more than willing, but you know as well as I the value of eye-to-eye contact and the need for the teacher to be able to respond to unverbalized messages. I'll do the best I can, which will be merely a pouring out of my reasons for accepting the Faith.

First, you say that neither you nor [ ] can accept "organized religion." My dear, there is no other kind. Everything in the universe is organized and structured. It's a bit anarchistic to assume we can do without structure.

"Structure" is another word for order, without which society and the individual would fall apart. It is my feeling that because the "me generation" rejected organization and structure the world is now experiencing bewilderment, frustration and chaos.

How wise it was of the Mother Church in those days when mankind was young, adolescent, to create a rigid structure—dogma, if you like. The more immature the individual, the more closely limitations and boundaries must be drawn.

It is only as the individual—and society—matures that restrictions can be relaxed. But we have not yet reached that apex of maturity when all structure can be withdrawn.

I doubt if we ever will reach that degree of perfection, although the striving for it serves to establish goals. And without goals, neither the individual nor society goes anywhere.

Yes, the Bahá’í Faith is organized. It must be, because the job of the Faith is not one of personal salvation alone. Its purpose is to train and guide individuals who will help create a new kind of society.

Christ referred to that society as "God's Kingdom on earth"; Bahá’u’lláh refers to it as "The Most Great Peace." Of course, its realization requires some sacrifice on the part of humankind and a great deal of altruism—but it also gives life meaning and direction.

It lifts us out of our "me" mentality and makes our lives count for something beyond the hedonistic satisfaction for which most of us are destroying ourselves.

Yes, there is, as you said, something missing in your lives. That lack is what is causing you to find dissatisfaction with one another. Your lives serve no real purpose—of course you're empty—and it's because you feel that emptiness that I'm even bothering to write this. I know where you belong, even though you don't accept that—yet.

There are no accidents. Nothing happens for no reason. What was it that drew me to you and caused you to respond that day so long ago in our psychology class?

I didn't look at you and think, "There's a candidate for the Bahá’í Faith." As a matter of fact, if I had had that thought, I might have concluded that you were the least likely.

Your life at that time—and, I suspect, even now—is extremely self-centered. [ ] is at the core of your existence, and because you really don't like her very much you are unhappy, super-critical, unsatisfied.

I'm telling you to replace [ ] with a purpose, a goal apart from [ ]'s gratification and you'll be a joyous, fulfilled human being.

You admire me; you love me. Why? Perhaps because you suspect that I have ceased being primarily concerned with "me" and care about "you."

It wasn't always that way with me. You know that. I've shared enough of my life story with you so you know.

What made the change? I learned—and it took learning—to put my relationship to my Creator at the center of my being. I pushed "me" aside and made room for Him.

Does that sound corny? Fanatical? You know me better than that. I, too, rejected "organized religion." And I want to get back to that.

Compared to every other existing religion, there is less structure here. But since man is still far from that self-actualized, mature being he can and will become, he needs some protection from his own immaturity.

The Bahá’í Faith provides just enough protection to halt runaway egos and childish rebellion. It provides a set of laws that are calculated to protect him from most of the contamination of the world.

Few of the laws are in the "thou shalt not" category; most are "thou shalt"'s. Laws that are not relevant to life in this century and for centuries to come do not appear.

The Faith provides the mechanism that allows its adherents to move freely from country to country, from culture to culture with a sense of belonging. It offers occasions that bring believers together in spiritual and social brotherhood (or personhood, if you're hung up on that).

It supplies its adherents with literature to keep them informed and to strengthen and inspire them. How would all of this be possible without some organization? How can this be objected to?

We mustn't lose sight of the fact that being a Bahá’í is not [just personal].

This month's column, "A Letter to a Seeker," was written by Marion West of Boulder City, Nevada.

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 or black and white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address 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.

Should we cancel events?

To the Editor:

It's good to note that people are becoming aware that some Bahá’ís are unable to attend Bahá’í-sponsored activities because of a lack of funds. Others can't make them because of lack of time off from work, lack of initiative, lack of knowledge, and many other reasons.

Should we, then, cancel all Bahá’í events to make ourselves equal? Or should we turn our thinking around and be grateful that some of us are able to go to these affairs, want to go, and understand their importance in our lives?

We don't live in a perfect world, and we can't expect at this stage in our development to see and do everything perfectly, but isn't it going to hasten that day if at least some of us are able to go to special Bahá’í events?

Isn't it going to help let others know more about the Faith if we have these events going on to advertise? Isn't it great that some people in that far-off place we can't get to are going to finally hear about the Faith because Bahá’ís are gathering there for one reason or another?

Won't it be wonderful that some of those going to summer school, which we may not be able to attend, will become more sensitive, through that schooling, to the needs of others—financial, spiritual, etc.—and will want to inspire others to go to summer school?

Should we not think of what is best for the Faith rather than for ourselves? Those who are poor, working two jobs, or uneducated in the Faith certainly can't initiate major events; they have neither the time, money nor expertise to carry them out—but isn't it great that some people do have those things?

Envy and resentment should have no place in our hearts. If we truly cherish the good of the Faith over our own interests, we will be joyous whenever another event takes place that serves to make our Faith better known and better understood in the world.

When the Guardian was asked why he didn't bring his literary style down to where an ordinary person could more readily understand it, he said in effect, why not bring them up to his level rather than bring his style down to them.

In the same way, let us not "hamstring" ourselves by having to think each time an activity is planned, "Can everyone afford to attend?"

Instead, let's keep on planning and doing but keep in mind the need to help others who can't ordinarily take part. Such help might include offering a ride, planting a positive idea, or making scholarship funds available.

Perhaps you can think of a way in which people can unite and share and participate in spiritual ways that doesn't cost money or take much time away from work or family. If so, please don't keep it to yourself; share the idea and see it grow!

Anita Dougan Nantucket, Massachusetts

Needed: guidance on taxes

To the Editor:

Each of us uses money for telephone calls, travel, and other expenses related to the Faith. Some Bahá’ís devote considerable time as Board members, traveling teachers and administrators.

With guidance as to which expenditures qualify, and with proper documentation, many Bahá’ís who do not presently do so could be writing off legitimate tax deductions on their income taxes.

Why doesn't a Bahá’í accountant write a detailed explanation of typical Bahá’í-related expenditures and how to record them so they can be deducted?

Such an explanation, perhaps after consultation with and revision by the Office of the Treasurer, could then be submitted to The American Bahá’í and shared with the Bahá’í community.

The tax savings could then be donated to the Fund (and written off again on the next year's taxes).

Any takers?

Brent Poirier Las Cruces, New Mexico

UN does much good work

To the Editor:

I was astonished to read the letter from a Bahá’í in Lexington, Kentucky (April) defending the ABC mini-series "Amerika," which may imply that his community has done a poor job of informing the friends about the realities of the work of the United Nations around the world and of the UN peace-keeping force (PKF), which is one of the most efficient UN operations.

The UN is not a divine institution, but it is certainly the only human one operating within Bahá’í-like principles.

I consider the establishment of the UN headquarters in New York City to be a part of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's vision of the leadership role of the City of the Covenant in the world, if only for the God-given opportunity provided by the UN over the years to defend Bahá’ís persecuted in Muslim countries.

The press reports on the apparent shortcomings of the UN General Assembly without informing the public that this is part of the normal proceedings of a free consultative forum.

The executive power rests in the UN Security Council, where the U.S. is one of the few countries with a permanent seat and veto power. Thus any political action of any consequence, including the use of the UN PKF, cannot take place without our government's consent.

From most people's reactions, it is clear that the public is not objectively informed.

This is unfortunate, because the highly publicized political frictions are nothing compared to the tremendous work of the many UN-sponsored agencies whose work affects all aspects of human life to the extent that if the UN were to disappear overnight, most of our world structure would collapse like a two-legged chair.

I am a great admirer of the splendid work of the Bahá’ís at the UN. Our national and international communities are among the best-organized and most efficient of the NGOs in their consultative duties with the various UN agencies, a fact I learned some years ago from Dr. Robert Muller, then assistant to the UN Secretary-General.

Bahá’ís should endeavor to follow the Universal House of Justice and national directives in informing the public of the reality of UN work and one of the very best accomplishments of the Faith in its service to mankind.

Eliane A. Hopson New York City

Prayer+action = success

To the Editor:

I have counseled quite a number of Bahá’ís when they've had problems. It is interesting to note that many have said, "I have prayed and prayed, and now it is up to Bahá’u’lláh."

My response is direct and clear: I point out that we are told to pray and to act. The two go together.

"All that which ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition."—Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, p. 149

"Success or failure, gain or loss, must depend upon man's exertions."—Gleanings, p. 81

Our own efforts and exertions are very important. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says over and over again, "Strive mightily. Exert yourself." And again, "Make an effort and the Holy Spirit will confirm your effort."

At the same time, we should pray ardently, with heart and soul, and then have faith that God will help us. The prayers give us strength, guidance, protection and direction.

"Set all thy hope in God, and cleave tenaciously to His unfailing Mercy."—Gleanings, p. 323

"Armed with the power of Thy Name nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world's afflictions can in no wise harm me."—Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Prayers (blue book), p. 64

In conclusion, we must face our difficulties and problems by using prayer plus action. It is a balancing act. Sometimes I feel that all life is a balancing act as we strive to apply moderation to every aspect of our daily lives.

Margaret Ruhe Haifa, Israel

Debunking ‘Bahá’í myths’

To the Editor:

During a recent session at the Bosch Bahá’í School a delightful presentation was made in which the vital importance of intellectual honesty was discussed.

Several popular "Bahá’í myths" were identified, the sources of which are not to be found in any of the Bahá’í writings or in any of the communications from the Guardian or the Universal House of Justice.

That is, they have no legitimate Bahá’í origin, yet they are propagated in the Bahá’í community because of their popular appeal.

Surely, every Bahá’í in the U.S. has encountered at least one of these myths:

(1) Women are not permitted to serve on the Universal House of Justice because of emotional instability associated with the menstrual cycle; (2) nuclear war is foretold in the Bahá’í texts; (3) English (or Esperanto) will become the international auxiliary language; (4) Persian Bahá’ís are more "spiritual" than other Bahá’ís; (5) Bahá’ís lack prejudice; (6) fourth-generation Bahá’ís have a deeper understanding of the teachings than first-generation Bahá’ís; (7) Christ's rising in three days refers to the three subsequent Dispensations of God; (8) the Bahá’í Faith is not political; (9) children cannot become Bahá’ís until the age of 15; (10) Bahá’ís are pacifists; (11) the "marriage tablet" was written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; (12) all people will one day be vegetarian.

Understanding and applying any Bahá’í teaching necessarily involves some degree of personal interpretation; however, each of us must constantly maintain a clear distinction between the legitimate Bahá’í sources and our personal and shared notions.

Ben Norris Manteca, California

Hold onto life Insurance

To the Editor:

Recently, a writer suggested in the "Letters" column that older Bahá’ís cancel their life insurance, so that they could give more to the Fund.

In my opinion, that would be a mistake. Many people die after a lingering and usually very expensive illness, thus incurring a large hospital bill which is usually paid with the funeral expenses by a family member using the deceased's life insurance.

Surely no Bahá’í would want to saddle his/her children with either or both of these expenses.

I would suggest to everyone to hold onto your insurance. I don't think that Bahá’u’lláh would expect us to place this burden on our children.

Amydelle Shah Chicago, Illinois

The ‘Twelve Step Program’

To the Editor:

Substance abuse is a term familiar to many of us in this country. As Bahá’ís, we are not immune to its dreadful effects. We are either children of alcoholics, have kids who have tried or are on drugs, or know of people who were killed by drunken drivers.

We have either read about or listened to the anorectic or bulemic, or, lastly, we struggle with a compulsion ourselves.

According to one study, we have become a nation of addicts. Addiction surrounds us, and we walk through it, at times, like scouts through a Mafia picnic in search of the marshmallows.

Substance abuse, whether we are "on" a substance or not, has permeated our lives at every level. We are affected, culturally and individually, and the range seems to be never-ending.

So what do we do, and is it all bad? Scholars, social scientists and psychologists can address the...

See LETTERS page 5

THE HIDDEN WORDS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Bound in fine cloth

Designed by leading British book designer Nicholas Thirkell, winner of the prestigious Designers’ and Art Directors’ Gold Award for 1986, this is an exquisite presentation of one of Bahá’u’lláh's best loved works.

The luxurious cloth binding, original Persian miniature cover design, specially commissioned oriental endpapers and the finest quality paper are combined in an impressive and beautiful deluxe edition. This superb book will grace any Bahá’í bookshelf and make an ideal gift for friends and relatives of other persuasions.

112 pages cloth $13.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 4]

HARRY HOUSTON ROMER

The Bahá’ís in New York City were deeply saddened to read the following dispatch from London in The New York Times of April 13, 1935, about the passing of Harry Romer:

"...Harry Houston Romer, member of the Associated Press, domestic and foreign staffs, died today of heart disease, aged 64 years.

"A native of Westchester County, New York, Mr. Romer was a member of an old American family. During the war he held important posts in the news organization. He became Chief Foreign News Editor and later was placed in charge of the Berlin bureau.

"Subsequently he was a member of the London staff where his experience and background in U.S. and international affairs aided him in handling the swiftly moving events of the post-war era.

"Mr. Romer carried on his duties through the present European crisis until physicians ordered him to bed two weeks ago. Surviving him are his widow and a son, Professor Alfred S. Romer of Harvard University."

Mr. Romer had become a member of the Bahá’í community of New York City in 1922. Two years later, at Ridván, he was elected to the local Spiritual Assembly of New York.

He was elected again in 1925, and served as chairman of the Assembly until transferred to London in 1926.

Mr. Romer rendered signal service to the Cause during his association with the Spiritual Assembly of New York during a time when it was emerging into a new phase of Bahá’í activity following the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

One of his many innovative ideas for the promulgation of the Cause in his community was to publish unique and attractive ads in the Saturday newspapers.

The ads promoted public talks about the Faith, and included quotations from the words of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. They proved to be a most effective way of spreading the Word of God, and were very attractive to the seeking mind. For example:

THE FORCE BEHIND THE NEW CIVILIZATION The Moving Power of the Present Marvelous World Development Revealed by the Bahá’í Message

Philippines

unity and social development in our jobs.

"It was a life-changing experience to see it work."

The large-scale project grew out of a simple request from three Filipino women in Los Angeles who came to the Hospital Council and asked Mr. Langness and Ms. LaRue for a donation of a few grocery bags of badly-needed medicines.

"We wanted to do a little better than that," Ms. LaRue said with a smile.

Since the peaceful overthrow last year of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and the subsequent flight of capital from the country's economy, simple medicines such as antibiotics and vaccines have been in critically short supply.

Thousands of people, especially Filipino children, have died as a result of the shortages.

Ms. LaRue, who is HCSC communications director, said, "There is a measles epidemic rampant in the Philippines today, for example, because the money to buy vaccines just isn't there. The health care conditions are terrible. We thought we should do everything possible to help."

Project HELP began to take shape quickly after Ms. LaRue secured the donation of free passenger and cargo space on a China Airlines jet.

The Hospital Council asked its 240 member hospitals to give surplus medicines, supplies and medical equipment to the effort, and those gifts—far more than the 15 tons the airline had allocated—soon filled a donated warehouse.

Mr. Langness and Ms LaRue then sought the cooperation of Operation California, the Hollywood-based airlift relief charity known for its mercy flights to Cambodia, Ethiopia and other disaster-stricken countries.

While Mr. Langness and Richard Walden, president of Operation California, were on an exploratory fact-finding trip to the Philippines, the "Mendiola massacre" of 18 demonstrators and a coup attempt took place.

Although these political tensions threatened to halt the project, the decision was made to press ahead.

A delegation comprised of 25 physician and hospital administrator volunteers was recruited, and the project was officially kicked off at a press conference by U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar.

A Filipino family, with their ailing child, wait for doctors from Project HELP to arrive at Locsin Memorial Hospital on the island of Negros, the Philippines.

The senator, who played a major role in the Philippines' "snap revolution" of February 1986 as the head of a U.S. Congressional team investigating election fraud, said he was "genuinely moved and inspired by such a humanitarian effort.

"Hope comes from persons like yourselves," he said. "Your care can make a very big difference in people's lives."

Also announced at the press conference was a crucial element of the project, a plan to set up a long-term "sister hospital" network between participating U.S. institutions and needy hospitals in the Philippines.

The network was to be implemented as an integral part of Project HELP, said Mr. Langness, and was designed to make the project a lasting effort rather than a token one-shot contribution.

When the Project HELP airlift took off during Intercalary Days late last February amid a flurry of local, national and international media coverage, one other Bahá’í was on board: physician Steve Peterson of Redlands, California, who had volunteered as a delegate and soon became a symbol of the project's impact when he was featured in a front-page article in the Los Angeles Times headlined "Not Like Redlands—Manila Slum Hospital Jars U.S. Doctor."

The article, complete with a photograph of Dr. Peterson examining a sick child in the Philippines and a disturbing description of health care conditions in a Manila slum hospital, was picked up by the wire services and run in many newspapers across the U.S.

"I would say that this is certainly a graphic illustration of need," Dr. Peterson said in the Times article. "And no, I've never seen anything like this before in my life.

"It would seem on the surface that there's no solution to the problem—but you've got to do something. You've got to start somewhere."

Projecteers, warmly received on their arrival in Manila, set to work immediately on an assessment of Philippine health care needs. The group spent most of its time visiting government-operated hospitals in far-flung rural provinces like the islands of Negros and Samar, and in impoverished urban areas such as Manila's Tondo, one of the world's largest slums.

"The Tondo was incredible," said Mr. Langness. "If you can imagine 20,000 to 30,000 squatters, mostly children, living on a constantly burning garbage dump, with no hygiene, no sewers, no social services, you can begin to get a picture of Smoky Mountain.

"No one in the group could have dreamed, in his worst nightmares, of a hell more real than Smoky Mountain. Once you see conditions like that, you can't help but be affected.

"But the one thing that really inspired me," he said, "was that in the face of such dire conditions, the children we met radiated such warmth and happiness to us."

Hospital conditions seen by the delegates were hard for many of them to believe. Visiting one typical regional hospital on the economically depressed island of Negros, they saw many hospital beds with two patients apiece, toured large malnutrition wards, and noted virtually bare pharmacy shelves.

"Filipino doctors and nurses do a great job," said one delegate, "but you can't save lives with no resources."

Another hospital had the luxury of owning an ambulance but had only enough fuel to operate it one day a week.

Still another hospital appalled physician delegates who saw surgery taking place in a hallway because surgical facilities were packed, and saw disposable surgical gloves being washed—not sterilized—and hung up to dry for re-use later.

At every hospital visited during their week-long stay, delegates noted one common denominator: a drastic lack of medicines.

When a patient needed an antibiotic to fight an infection, for instance, it was generally understood that the patient's family had to find the necessary medication in a pharmacy or buy from the local black market.

At one hospital, visited before the project's shipment of medicines had cleared customs, the delegates were so moved by the needs of the sick children that an impromptu collection was taken up, which financed a buying trip to a pharmacy.

President Corazon Aquino of the Philippines (center) receives a small box of medicines, symbolic of the 15 tons of medicine airlifted to that country last February by Project HELP, from the project's two principal organizers, Bahá’ís David Langness and Deanne LaRue, during a ceremony at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

The official visit with President Aquino took place on the fourth day after Project HELP's arrival, and was held in the small palace guest house which she uses as her presidential office.

President Aquino gave the delegation a warm and gracious reception and praised the group for its spirit of cooperation and international assistance.

"As we continue our struggle for democracy," she said, "we are overwhelmed by the kind of support your group has shown for my government.

"On behalf of the Filipino people, I wish to thank you for the medicines you donated and your support for my country."

Mr. Langness addressed the large reception audience and the President, and then both Bahá’ís presented Mrs. Aquino with a small box of medicines that was symbolic of the larger shipment.

The visit to the Philippines lasted a little more than a week, and all of the 25 delegates expressed a desire to return to continue the work.

"It was a startling, eye-opening, amazing experience," one of them said.

"Once you see those (children's) faces," said another, "it makes you want to do everything in your power to keep helping."

As a result of Project HELP, Ms. LaRue and Mr. Langness have been honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Filipino community of Southern California, and the Hospital Council's board of directors which gave them both "Leadership in Health Affairs" awards, which had been bestowed only once before in the organization's 65-year history. [Page 5]

Jazz's legendary Dizzy Gillespie honored on his 70th birthday

In June, renowned jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, a Bahá’í since 1968, received messages from the Universal House of Justice and the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly congratulating him on his 70th birthday and his 52nd year in music.

The messages were presented to Mr. Gillespie in his dressing room shortly before a performance at the Wolf Trap park in Vienna, Virginia.

It was reported that he "seemed stunned, overwhelmed, humbled, deeply touched, grateful and happy. He tucked both (messages) carefully in his inside breast pocket and hurried off to the performance.

"At intermission, after accepting the Wolf Trap Medal for Excellence in the Performing Arts, Mr. Gillespie announced to the audience of more than 7,000 people that he had just received a message from the Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, the Faith of which he is a member.

"He pulled the message from his... pocket and read the entire telex message. He then repeated, 'the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel.'"

Marriage Enrichment Weekend draws 50 couples to Bosch Bahá’í School

A Marriage Enrichment Weekend for married couples was held May 22-25 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California.

Some 50 couples attended the sessions, which were conducted by Dr. Harriet Allie, a counselor from San Jose, and Dr. Roy Auerback, a clinical psychologist in the Monterey Bay area.

Topics covered included:

• The art of encouragement.
• Communication and self-esteem.
• Courtesy in marriage.
• On being one... when you are two.
• Careers, each other, and serving the Faith.
• The effects of divorce on individuals and on society.
• Nurturing the new race of men.

Also included were devotional meditations on marriage and the family, conducted by Marshall and Diane Sullivan, and "Loving Touch," an optional workshop in recreational massage.

Two Bahá’ís named All-Board Scholars In N. Mexico schools

Two Bahá’ís, eighth-grader Jason Arsenault of Gallup and sixth-grader Nabil Browne of Navajo, New Mexico, were awarded plaques this year as the Gallup-McKinley schools' All-Board Scholars.

Both placed in the top one per cent of students across the U.S. who took the California Test of Basic Skills (CTBS). The plaques were presented May 28.

Nabil (age 11) and his nine-year-old brother, Nathan, made the honor roll at Navajo Elementary School, as did two other Bahá’í third-graders, Mirandy Bitsoi and Shannon Roanhorse.

Two other Bahá’ís were June graduates: Tanya Arsenault from Gallup High School (she plans to attend the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque) and Sheryl Coe, with a bachelor's degree from UNM.

Somerville Assembly publishes newsletter

The Spiritual Assembly of Somerville, Massachusetts, has begun publishing a local monthly newsletter aimed at those who are not yet Bahá’ís.

The newsletter, which includes articles about current Bahá’í activities, a listing of firesides, and quotations from the Bahá’í writings, is edited by Robert Stockman, author of The Bahá’í Faith in America, the first volume of which has been published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

"Whensoever holy souls, drawing on the powers of heaven, shall arise with such qualities of the spirit, and march in unison, rank on rank, every one of those souls will be even as one thousand, and the surging waves of that mighty ocean will be even as the battalions of the Concourse on high. What a blessing that will be—when all shall come together, even as once separate torrents, rivers and streams, running brooks and single drops, when collected together in one place will form a mighty sea."—Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 260

‘Spirit of UNIPAR’ is shared in letter to a 5-year-old from Treasurer's staff

Note from the Treasurer's Office: Frequently, our children visit with us in the Treasurer's Office so that they too can feel a part of the work at the National Center. Recently, one such visit by a five-year-old reminded us all of the true meaning and identity of our old, and very dear, friend, UNIPAR. The following is an open letter to that five-year-old—and to all children everywhere—from your National Treasurer's Office staff:

Dear Vesal:

We are always happy when you come to visit your daddy at work. But during your last visit to the office, you asked some very tricky questions: What does UNIPAR look like? What color is UNIPAR? Is UNIPAR a boy or a girl? How come I never get to see UNIPAR? Where is UNIPAR?

When you returned from your dental appointment, a glass of orange juice was waiting for you. "Where did this come from?" you asked.

"UNIPAR left it for you," we said. Then you asked the other questions: "Is UNIPAR a boy or a girl? How come I never see UNIPAR? Where is UNIPAR?"

We didn't really answer your questions, but we did show you the file of letters from boys and girls all over the country who have written letters to UNIPAR.

"UNIPAR encourages children to be good," we said. "To say their prayers, tell their friends about Bahá’u’lláh, and contribute to the Fund, no matter how small the amount.

"The money does wonderful things all over the world... like building the Houses of Worship you visit, providing schools and children's classes in India and elsewhere, and helping people move to other countries to share the loving message of Bahá’u’lláh with everyone."

We asked if you would like to write a letter to UNIPAR to say "thank you" for the orange juice. You drew a lovely picture, and wrote on it, "I love UNIPAR." You also gave all your money left over from lunch to the Fund.

Well, Vesal, we're going to tell you a very special secret. Listen carefully.

YOU are UNIPAR! When you share your graham crackers, your smile, and your questions, give to the Fund, say your prayers, hug your sister, help your mother, laugh when someone plays a trick on you, or draw a picture for UNIPAR—you are the spirit of UNIPAR!

We can all be UNIPAR, Vesal! So, what does UNIPAR look like? UNIPAR is old, young, short, tall, fat, skinny, and all the other wonderful shapes and sizes that people come in. God made people in a bouquet of colors, and so is UNIPAR.

The spirit of UNIPAR is in both girls and boys. And UNIPAR is in everyone who is being helpful to himself and to others.

Thank you, Vesal, for coming to see your daddy at work, and for helping us all to find the real UNIPAR!

Warm Bahá’í love, All your friends in the Treasurer's Office

Letters

However, I would like to offer a suggestion, one perhaps not intended for all. Problems deserve individual consideration and individual solution.

But one tool for recovery in this country that appears to be working well and is compatible with the Bahá’í Faith is the "Twelve Step Program."

Some of these programs are: AA (Alcoholics Anonymous); Alanon (if you have a friend or relative whose drinking bothers you); ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics); and NA (Narcotics Anonymous). There are many others.

The Twelve Step Programs offer spiritual workshops quite in keeping with the teachings of the Faith.

The Bahá’í Faith has, of course, a much broader perspective, as healing is to take place on a global level. But in these programs lies an opportunity for individual healing on a spiritual and practical basis.

We have found in our local firesides that many people from these programs are approaching the Faith with eagerness. We are also hearing from our fellow Bahá’ís how beneficial it is for them to attend these meetings. We have a new fusion of spirit; i.e., much to share, much to gain.

As a child growing up in an alcoholic family, in which alcoholism had a generational stamp, I do not blame my alcoholic parent. What is important for me is to break away from the crippling behavior patterns produced by that environment.

As I tried to be a parent, even with a strong influence of the Writings and prayer, all too often some odious old influence would spew forth, and I would see with horror the same mistakes being absorbed within my son's psyche.

Alanon and ACA gave me a greater clarity, although at times I still feel like a gargoyle hanging out on some dark spot of a medieval building. I mean, do we ever change?

But of course we do, and it is with the help and love of each other.

Substance abuse didn't come about in a day, and it isn't going to go away in a day either. So perhaps while this "day" is here, we can all grow stronger together.

Esther Bradley-DeTally Manhattan Beach, California

Thank you, Miss Kapis

To the Editor:

In Bahá’í News (June 1987), I eagerly and carefully read the article by Mrs. Holly Vick headlined "Development: Shining example in Cradle of Faith."

Included was the fact that three American women, Dr. Susan Moody, Dr. Sara Clock and Elizabeth Stewart, settled in Tehran and provided health care for women; but no mention is made of another American, Miss Lillian Frances Kapis, who with great sacrifice settled in Tehran and served as a teacher and administrator in the Tarbiyat Girls' School.

Miss Kapis also taught the English language for grades 9-10 at the Tarbiyat Boys' School. It was in her classes that I learned to speak English which enabled me to come to the U.S. in 1925 for a college education.

Miss Kapis died in Tehran and is buried in the garden of Varqá’í’yih, where the remains of the martyr, Ruhu'lláh Varqá, are also buried.

I consider myself indebted to Miss Kapis, and it is for that reason that I am writing this addendum to Mrs. Vick's otherwise splendid article.

Foad Ashraf San Diego, California [Page 6]

PIONEERING

The following are more thumb-nail sketches of countries included on the most recent pioneer goals list. For more information, please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

The Gambia

The Gambia. This country, which is about the size of Delaware and Maryland combined, is surrounded by Senegal on the west coast of central Africa. Only the capital, Banjul, is on the Atlantic Ocean.

There are two main seasons: cool and dry (October-May) and rainy (June-September). Although the weather is normally hot, it can become chilly in the winter.

The official language is English, but Arabic, Mandika and a few other local languages are also used. The majority of the people are Muslim, and the government is a republic.

Generally, the people of The Gambia are receptive to the Faith. There are 61 local Spiritual Assemblies, about 4,000 believers and 120 localities.

Teachers for the secondary school or Teacher Training College may be able to find employment. Most needed are math teachers, civil engineers, doctors and lawyers. UN projects and Concern International may also offer work opportunities, especially in health care, training and agriculture.

The economy's main bases are agriculture and fishing. The major crop is groundnuts. There is some small industry in the food processing, furniture and construction industries. Ownership of land/property must be in partnership with a Gambian citizen.

Education is available for pioneer children at the nursery, primary and secondary levels. The Gambia receives many Swedish tourists the year round.

Nigeria

Nigeria. Exciting opportunities for mass enrollment are present in this relatively large country on the coast of central West Africa.

English is the main language, although tribal languages such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are used in various areas.

The north is quite hot and dry, while the south is hot and humid. Patient, persevering, steadfast and loving Bahá’ís who can accustom themselves to a slower pace of living are very much needed. Persians with U.S. passports should have few problems.

Those trained in medical fields, teaching (MA/MS/Ph.D required), as well as other high-level technical people in agriculture, engineering and some businesses are needed. Foreign investments are encouraged, but a Nigerian partner must be acquired.

Primary and high schools are available. In larger cities, there are international schools and universities.

The Faith is legally recognized and the people are receptive, especially to the concepts of world unity and world peace.

The Nigerians are not a "simple" people. Most speak at least two languages; intellectually and spiritually, they are not "under-developed." With more than 150 local Spiritual Assemblies and more than 18,000 believers, the pioneer can look forward to having many people to deepen and many communities to help consolidate.

Especially welcome would be pioneers who could meet the press and prominent people, and those who could help the Nigerian believers enroll the masses.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Nigeria is strong and quite helpful to pioneers and traveling teachers.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone, a republic on the hump of western Africa that is slightly smaller than the state of South Carolina, achieved its independence in 1961 and established its constitution in 1978.

The government, with its three branches (executive, legislative and judicial), mirrors the traditional British form. The capital is Freetown, with provincial capitals at Bo, Kenema and Makeni.

Sierra Leone's major religions are traditional animist (70 per cent), Muslim (25 per cent) and Christian (5 per cent). Although English is the official language, Krio, Mende, Temne and some nine other indigenous languages are spoken as well.

The country is blessed with natural resources such as diamonds, bauxite, rutile, chromite and iron ore. The economy, however, is mainly agricultural with coffee, cocoa, ginger, rice and palm kernels as the chief products.

There is some trade and industry, mainly involving crude oil, chemicals, machinery and light consumer goods.

The climate in Sierra Leone is best described as tropical with three major terrains: mangrove swamp, wooded hills, and uplands or mountainous plateaus. The rainy season is April-December.

Private firms offer good salaries. Jobs as instructors at the college level offer adequate salaries while lower levels in the educational system offer only local salary. Professionals are also needed.

In general, educational opportunities are good up to and including the University of Sierra Leone, which is well-regarded. Also available is the First University Teachers' College.

Sierra Leone has an easy-going lifestyle that requires active and deepened Bahá’ís. The Faith is recognized and openly taught. There is a great need for consolidation.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION GOALS - SIX YEAR PLAN - JUNE 1987

• • AFRICA**
• **Liberia:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Liberia:** Provide public relations materials.
• **Malawi:** Provide one resident teacher, preferably with qualifications to act as building supervisor at the Amalika Institute.
• **Nigeria:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Tuvalu:** Provide traveling teachers.

• • AMERICAS**
• **Alaska:** Provide traveling teachers including Native Americans.
• **Bahamas:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Barbados:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Belize:** Provide English-speaking traveling teachers, preferably youth.
• **Belize:** Contribute toward the renovation of the new national Hazíratu’l-Quds.
• **Canada:** Provide traveling teachers including Native Americans.
• **Canada:** Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
• **Costa Rica:** Contribute toward the acquisition of a new national Hazíratu’l-Quds.
• **Costa Rica:** Encourage and support Music Center.
• **Dominica:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Dominican Republic:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **El Salvador:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Grenada:** Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.
• **Guadeloupe:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Haiti:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Jamaica:** Provide traveling teachers including those skilled in media and public relations.
• **Leeward Islands:** Contribute toward the acquisition of a regional Hazíratu’l-Quds in St. Kitts-Nevis.
• **Leeward Islands:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Martinique:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Mexico:** Border teaching projects.
• **Mexico:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Peru:** Provide Chinese-speaking traveling teachers.
• **Puerto Rico:** Provide traveling teachers, preferably Spanish-speaking.
• **St. Lucia:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **St. Vincent/Grenadines:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Trinidad/Tobago:** Provide traveling teachers.
• **Virgin Islands:** Provide traveling teachers.

• • ASIA**
• **India:** Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
• **Japan:** Provide Bahá’í teachers prominent in the field of entertainment.
• **Malaysia:** Provide two teachers to develop public relations expertise among local believers.

• • AUSTRALASIA**
• **Samoa, Western:** Provide traveling teachers.

• • EUROPE**
• **Germany:** Enrich Bahá’í literature in Persian with help from the Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies.
• **Germany:** Cooperate in developing the Bahá’í home for the aged.

Traveling teacher learns many lessons during five-week stay with Japanese

"Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each one of its cities, the glad-tidings of this Revelation...."

Hundreds of traveling teachers circle the globe each year carrying out this dearest wish of Bahá’u’lláh. Auxiliary Board member June Thomas, from Michigan, and her 12-year-old son, Ali, recently traveled to Japan for five weeks.

Dr. Thomas was asked to go there to teach Michigan State University students who are studying housing and urban development in Japan.

While there, she and Ali were able to do some teaching. The following is an excerpt from Dr. Thomas' report to the International Goals Committee:

"To understand the nature of the Bahá’í teaching effort in Japan you have to understand the role of religion in that society.

"Japan is extremely secular. You wouldn't think so to judge from appearances. Temples and shrines dot the countryside; some have a quiet elegance and majesty of spatial design that makes you yearn to sit quietly within them forever.

"It takes some time for one to realize that this populace is attracted to the form rather than the substance.

"Let me describe for you one or two Japanese Bahá’ís. That will give you some glimpse into the future potential of the Faith in that country.

"Nozomu Sonda, who served as my translator at a large fireside two nights after his wedding, is an amazing young man, indicative of the great potential of Japanese Bahá’í youth.

"He had been a Bahá’í for only a week when he left to attend college in Kansas, and his pioneer teacher, Susan Wyckoff, said that at first she was worried about him; but he soon became a leader in the Kansas Bahá’í community, and edited the youth newsletter! [Page 7]

Princeton Club ends active year

The Princeton University Bahá’í Club played an important role during the past year in promoting peace and helping the homeless.

The highlight of the year was "Images of Peace ’87," a series of events throughout April which sought to increase students' awareness of peace and related issues.

Included were panel discussions, slide shows, workshops, poetry readings, speakers, and a concert.

The concert, called "Jubilation," was planned by two Bahá’ís and representatives from some of the performing groups. Featured were several student groups and singer/guitarist Gordi Munro from Canada, who "moved the audience to tears" with his performance.

Jubilation raised more than $1,600 to benefit the Forum Project, which is designed to help the homeless in Trenton, New Jersey.

The mayor of Trenton and director of the Forum Project were quite impressed by the active participation of the Bahá’í Club and publicly praised its work. The mayor also sent the club a certificate of recognition for its work toward peace and helping the homeless.

The Princeton club also took part in an International Festival which focused on the theme of peace and provided an opportunity for cultural exhibits by the various ethnic groups at the university.

"Communiversity," a program designed to bring together the town and university, was also supported by the Bahá’í Club.

The club had exhibits at the International Festival and "Communiversity" which included literature and the "Mankind Is One" T-shirts.

Besides these activities, the Bahá’í Club sponsored weekly firesides attended by as many as 40 people, and presented the peace statement to various members of the faculty, one of whom included the statement in the syllabus of his course on World Order.

The club's plans for next year include proposing a course on the Faith and helping with the 12th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, which is to be held October 22-25 at Princeton.

Remember, Campus Clips is for you! The new school year will be starting soon, and we at the National Youth Committee office would like to keep the College Clubs and Bahá’í college students in touch with each other's activities, ideas and concerns.

There is no set format for Campus Clips; we're willing to try almost anything. Write us, call us, help us to make Campus Clips what you want it to be.

Summer teaching projects still beckon to youth

"The Cause at present does not need martyrs who would die for their faith, but servants who desire to teach and establish the Cause throughout the world. To live to teach in the present day is like being martyred in those early days. It is the spirit that moves us that counts..."

Hey! Hey! Hey! Just look at all the great expansion and consolidation work that has happened this summer. But don't feel too "down" if you didn't participate. There are still a few weeks until school starts, and many ongoing projects, so get out there and serve this glorious Cause brought by the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh.

Project Raúl Pavón (ongoing). Judith Spychalski, 602-269-2703. Dedicated to the efforts of the late Counselor Raúl Pavón, who was the father of mass teaching in Ecuador, the project has seen many people in the past year embrace the Faith, a majority of them Spanish-speaking.

The project is centered in Phoenix, Arizona, with much of the expansion and consolidation work in the surrounding communities. The method of expansion, which incorporates consolidation, has been found to be extremely effective.

Those on the project are involved in visiting new believers daily and reaching their friends and neighbors, resulting in many declarations in at least one area; hence the new declarants are actively involved themselves in the expansion and consolidation work.

Dawn Breakers Project (summer). Nanette Missaghi, 218-751-8282. Named after the early believers of the Faith, Project Dawn Breakers, headquartered in Bemidji, Minnesota, has been a summer teaching experience for the past two years, with actual teaching done on a nearby Indian Reservation. During the fall, winter and spring, consolidation work takes place including study of the Writings, prayer, Feasts at the homes of new believers, and fellowship.

Fire in the Heartland (ongoing). Fred Frazier, 319-391-3621. A "fire in the heartland" is too serene a title for what has been happening in Iowa. The project was begun in the summer of 1986, when the Bahá’í community of Davenport numbered 30. Since then the community has more than quadrupled in size, with two- and three-member teaching teams out in the field nearly every day.

Children, youth and adults of all races from Davenport and surrounding communities have taken part, and people of many races, ages, nationalities and creeds have enrolled. The Bahá’ís have been consolidating the new believers by continually being around, teaching with them, and listening to them. These new believers know that we are here to build the Kingdom of God on earth, and there is no way that anything will stop them.

Lowell Project (ongoing). Ashley Avaregon, 617-459-8334. Are you looking for some intense summer heat? The spiritual sun in Lowell, Massachusetts, is hot!

Since the start of the project on June 27, 1987, there have been several declarations. Projecteers have been teaching Cambodians, Laotians, Vietnamese, Hispanics, Caucasians, Puerto Ricans, and blacks. People from eight states have taken part in the effort.

The friends in Lowell have been visiting the new believers and becoming more culturally aware of their customs while becoming good friends with them.

These are only a few of the hot teaching spots this summer. If you are unable to go teaching in one of them, never fear. You don't need to have a project or 25 people to teach. All you really need is someone who is interested in the Faith, a few minutes, and the Holy Spirit (which is easy to acquire).

Oregon Bahá’í cited as Volunteer of Year

Bonita Poissot-Harris, a Bahá’í from Linn County, Oregon, was honored recently by the city of Lyons as its 1987 Crisis Service Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs. Poissot-Harris, a trained counselor, has for a number of years spent many hours each week as a crisis service "hot line" worker and has also helped train other volunteers.

Bahá’í student in Anaheim takes home armful of school awards, scholarships

Vince Afsahi, a member of the Bahá’í community of Anaheim, California, who was graduated this year from Magnolia High School, was chosen as the school's representative in the Orange County Register's 'Best of 1987' section.

Vince, who plans to attend the University of Southern California and to become an investment banker, was named "most likely to succeed" by his classmates. And on reviewing the list of his accomplishments, it's easy to see why:

Graduation with academic honors; Accounting Award and Outstanding Business Student of the Year; English Department Student of the Year; best record, 1987 varsity tennis team; Academic Hall of Fame (English).

Bank of America zone award winner (liberal arts); California Scholarship Federation, Gold Seal Bearer; National Honor Society, Silver Cord Bearer; Kiwanis Club Scholarship; National Merit Scholarship (top 5 per cent in U.S.), American Legion Awards; Boys State; Los Angeles Dodgers Award for Leadership and Scholarship; RREEF Scholarship (Anaheim business community); Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarships (UC-Irvine); Presidential Academic Fitness Award; honors graduate (4.65 GPA).

He was admitted with honors to UCLA; with honors and dean's housing to USC; and with honors and distinction to UC-Irvine.

Youth and the Fund

Youth Participation in the Bahá’í Fund

GOAL: 300 youth -- 10% WHAT HAPPENED? 200 150 100 50 17 18 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bahá’í Months

1. of youth contributors

Bahá’í Youth Movement a part of 'pattern for a future society'

Developing within a humanity set adrift by its own rapid growth, and confused by the questions of politics, morality, discrimination and injustice, is the pattern for future society.

The Bahá’í Youth Movement is at once a part of that pattern and a major catalyst of the changes that will shape the future society. It is the privilege, and in the future will be the responsibility, of today's youth to guide and nurture all of humankind, to share with them the answers enshrined in the Bahá’í Faith.

The efforts of today's youth, through the Bahá’í Youth Movement, have resulted in great leaps forward for the Faith. The appreciation and respect for the Bahá’í youth, both from within and outside the Faith, is growing enormously: "Let it, therefore, never be imagined that youth must await their years of maturity before they can render invaluable services to the Cause of God."

Following is a brief description of some of the opportunities available to Bahá’í youth and the networks that have been developed to help them.

Bahá’í Clubs

The bedrock of the Bahá’í Youth Movement is the individual. Bahá’í Clubs—College, Youth, and Junior Youth—are vehicles for direct, individual expression, and peer groups that allow for discussion of the ideals of the Faith and their everyday application. All Bahá’í clubs are open to membership by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Local Youth and Junior Youth Clubs, in the words of the National Spiritual Assembly, exist to "...provide youth with a peer group of social support (which would) reinforce the orientation of youth to the Bahá’í way of life...."

Formed with the help and sponsorship of a local Spiritual Assembly or, where no Assembly exists, a District Teaching Committee, local and Junior Youth clubs serve as a peer group, and as a means for developing social interaction, discipline, respect for the Faith, a deeper understanding of its teachings, and important skills in consultation and administration.

Youth clubs are encouraged to plan social activities, service and teaching projects, youth retreats and, above all, to be creative in assessing and meeting the needs of their members.

Bahá’í College Clubs also play an important role in the work of the Cause. As early as 1932, Shoghi Effendi, in a letter written on his behalf, said, "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."

Colleges and universities are a microcosm of our world, filled with great potential yet wracked by apathy, crying for divine guidance while denying the need for it. Students are searching for truth, a logical and meaningful approach to life. In desperation, they turn to the answers that our society has to offer, looking for happiness in degrees that promise them large incomes and prestige, craving stability through intense devotion to partisan politics, or, denying this confused world, rejecting moderation in any form.

A Bahá’í College Club can be a rich and solid island in this ocean of change. Such clubs, operating under 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.

College clubs also provide social opportunities for both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í students. They serve as an official means of expression...

See NETWORK page 12 [Page 8]

FOR NEW BAHA’IS...

One of the unique aspects of the Bahá’í Revelation is that the Holy Scriptures exist in written form in the handwriting of the Founder of the Faith.

Unlike the dispensations of the past, whose Holy Books were compiled and were, except for Islam, written only after the passing of the Founder, Bahá’ís have access to the exact Word of God for this Day.

The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh total, as He Himself testifies, more than 100 volumes. Mostly in the form of letters, or tablets, sent to specific individuals, His works range from short letters to complete books, such as the Kitáb-i-Iqán.

The words of Bahá’u’lláh are different from the words of men. They can be compared only to the actual words of other Manifestations of God, for the Manifestations reveal the Word of God.

"Know thou," Bahá’u’lláh says, "...that the Word of God ... is far higher and far superior to that which the senses can perceive, for it is sanctified from any property or substance. It transcendeth the limitations of known elements and is exalted above all the essential and recognized substances. It became manifest without any syllable or sound and is none but the Command of God which pervadeth all created things." (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 140-41)

The Word of God is embodied in the Holy Books of the past religions. "In the days of Moses it was the Pentateuch; in the days of Jesus the Gospel; in the days of Muhammad the Messenger of God the Qur’án. ..." In this Day, the Word of God is the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

In writing a book, an author will write and rewrite sections many times. The Word of God, however, is revealed by the Manifestation, Who is the only Channel for the Message of God.

Thus those who were present when Bahá’u’lláh was revealing verses described the great speed with which the verses were revealed. Although Bahá’u’lláh did write some of the verses in His own hand, more often a secretary was available to write down the verses as He spoke them; later, Bahá’u’lláh would approve the final copy.

So quickly was the Word of God revealed by Bahá’u’lláh that the more than 200 pages of the Kitáb-i-Iqán were completed in two days.

Bahá’u’lláh states: "So great is the grace vouchsafed in this day, that in a single day and night, were an amanuensis capable of accomplishing it to be found, the equivalent of the Persian Bayan (the Holy Book of the Báb) would be sent down from the heaven of Divine holiness." (Quoted in God Passes By, p. 171)

The Word of God is a source of spiritual power. Through it, the Manifestation of God educates the individual and society.

"Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deeds," Bahá’u’lláh says. "Mankind in its entirety must firmly adhere to whatsoever hath been revealed. ... ." (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 89)

Elsewhere, He states: "The purpose underlying the revelation of every heavenly Book, nay, of every divinely-revealed verse, is to endue all men with righteousness and understanding, so that peace and tranquillity may be firmly established amongst them...." (Gleanings, p. 206)

It is because of the transforming power of the Word of God that Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that we use it—through prayer, reading, and study.

For example, He says, "Recite ye the verses of God every morning and evening. Whoso reciteth them not hath truly failed to fulfill his pledge to the Covenant of God and His Testament. ..." ("The Importance of Deepening," p. 1)

In addition to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, which stand in a class by themselves, Bahá’ís are blessed by the availability of authoritative literature in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá's and Shoghi Effendi's writings are the interpretation of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. The authority of these works is equal to the authority of Bahá’u’lláh's own statements.

The Universal House of Justice does not interpret the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh; however, it is charged with the responsibility of deciding on matters not revealed in the Bahá’í Scriptures, and of clarifying matters that are obscure.

The Universal House of Justice explains: "In the Bahá’í Faith there are two authoritative centers appointed to which the believers must turn, for in reality the Interpreter of the Word is an extension of that center which is the Word itself.

"The Book is the record of the utterance of Bahá’u’lláh, while the divinely inspired Interpreter ... alone can authoritatively state what the book means. Thus one center is the Book with its Interpreter, and the other is the Universal House of Justice guided by God to decide on whatever is not explicitly revealed in the Book." ("Messages from the Universal House of Justice," p. 42)

A third category of literature is also available to the friends. This is the writings of Bahá’í authors who have created a wide range of materials that includes stories of the history of the Faith, introductory presentations, and comments on various aspects of the teachings.

Such materials, while having no binding authority, offer great help to those who are studying the Faith, whether Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís.

Despite the wide range of materials available to a new believer, the unique position of Bahá’u’lláh's Writings as the accurate record of the utterance of the Manifestation of God should never be overlooked. Bahá’u’lláh Himself offers us the following invitation and challenge:

"O My servants! My holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may be likened unto an ocean in whose depths are concealed innumerable pearls of great price, of surpassing luster. It is the duty of every seeker to bestir himself and strive to attain the shores of this ocean, so that he may, in proportion to the eagerness of his search and the efforts he hath exerted, partake of such benefits as have been preordained in God's irrevocable and hidden Tablets....

"The one true God is My witness! This most great, this fathomless and surging Ocean is near, astonishingly near, unto you. Behold it is closer than your life-vein! Swift as the twinkling of an eye ye can, if ye but wish it, reach and partake of this imperishable favor, this God-given grace, this incorruptible gift, this most potent and unspeakably glorious bounty." (Gleanings, p. 326)

From the Writings . .

"Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth. All the wondrous works ye behold in this world have been manifested through the operation of His supreme and most exalted Will, His wondrous and inflexible Purpose. Through the mere revelation of the word 'Fashioner,' issuing forth from His lips and proclaiming His attribute to mankind, such power is released as can generate, through successive ages, all the manifold arts which the hands of man can produce. This, verily, is a certain truth. No sooner is this resplendent word uttered, than its animating energies, stirring within all created things, give birth to the means and instruments whereby such arts can be produced and perfected. All the wondrous achievements ye now witness are the direct consequences of the Revelation of this Name. In the days to come, ye will, verily, behold things of which ye have never heard before. Thus hath it been decreed in the Tablets of God, and none can comprehend it except them whose sight is sharp. In like manner, the moment the word expressing My attribute 'the Omniscient' issueth forth from My mouth, every created thing will, according to its capacity and limitations, be invested with the power to unfold the knowledge of the most marvelous sciences, and will be empowered to manifest them in the course of time at the bidding of Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Knowing. Know thou of a certainty that the Revelation of every other Name is accompanied by a similar manifestation of Divine power. Every single letter proceeding out of the mouth of God is indeed a mother letter, and every word uttered by Him Who is the Well Spring of Divine Revelation, is a mother word, and His Tablet a Mother Tablet. Well is it with them that apprehend this truth." (Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, pp. 141-42)

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

• What does Bahá’u’lláh mean by "Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame"?
• How does the passage from the Writings describe the creative power of the Word of God?
• Do you think that we, as individuals, can make use of the power drawn by the Word of God? How?
• What does Bahá’u’lláh mean when He describes the Word of God as a "mother word" or "Mother Tablet"?

The following books that address the topic of Bahá’í literature and the Word of God are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1, by Adib Taherzadeh, pp. 18-44, offers an overview of the nature of the Word of God. The three volumes of The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh survey the better-known Writings of Bahá’u’lláh including some that are not yet translated into English, and provide the historical background of these works including episodes from the life of Bahá’u’lláh and some of His early companions.

A Reader's Guide: The Development of Bahá’í Literature in English, by Eunice Braun, contains a brief history of Bahá’í literature in English and a list and brief description of books and other materials published in English throughout the Bahá’í world up to the end of 1986.

Some titles to help new believers build basic library of Bahá’í reference books

A new Bahá’í is faced with the task of building, from scratch, a personal Bahá’í library. With so many titles available, it is difficult to know what books to begin with.

While there is no one answer—each person's choice will depend upon his or her particular interests—the following is a recommended list of five books that can be obtained from the Bahá’í Distribution Service for a total cost of less than $25.

These books can serve as a core library; they include material from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, and contain a survey of the teachings and history of the Faith.

• • Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh**

This book, compiled by Shoghi Effendi, contains excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh on a wide range of topics: God and His Manifestations, the Day of God, the nature of humanity, the spiritual meaning of life, and the soul and immortality. The Guardian indicated that this book "should be the continued guide and companion of every believer," and offered the hope that it would "rekindle in the heart of all the friends a new light, whereby they will receive a fuller guidance and a greater measure of inspiration in their labors for the Cause."

• • Some Answered Questions**

In response to a number of questions from a western believer, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offers answers that reveal the Bahá’í teachings on a number of topics from the nature and influence of the Manifestations of God to Christian doctrine, evolution, and the nature of the soul, mind and spirit of human beings.

• • The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh**

This book is a compilation of seven letters from Shoghi Effendi that provide a vision of the relationship between the Bahá’í community and the process of the unfoldment of Divine Civilization and the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It includes such important letters as "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh," which describes the fundamentals of Bahá’í belief, and "The Goal of a New World Order," which assesses world conditions and outlines the general features of the inevitable results of the divine forces released by Bahá’u’lláh.

• • Bahá’í Prayers**

A selection of prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains 177 prayers including the daily obligatory prayers, prayers for assistance, for families, children, youth, marriage, teaching, the Fund, and many more.

• • Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era**

A classic general introduction to the Faith that gives an overview of the Bahá’í teachings and of the history of the Faith. First printed in the 1920s, the most recent edition contains updated statistics and facts about the Bahá’í community, new translations of passages from the Writings, and a new reference list for further reading and study. [Page 9]

‎After year After a year‎ of solid achievement, Brilliant Star broadens focus

EDUCATION

As the only Bahá’í children’s periodical sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, Brilliant Star and its editorial board have addressed the need of providing a regular source of quality children’s literature in a magazine format.

During the past year, the magazine has been produced and delivered to our subscribers on schedule, offering fiction, non-fiction articles, Bahá’í history, crafts, photo essays, activities, music and poetry every other month.

In fulfillment of the mandate of the Universal House of Justice, we completed a year’s issues which focused on the principles outlined in “The Promise of World Peace.”

In an effort to focus on the needs of parents and families, we have begun to shift the focus of our book reviews from being written for children to an expanded column directed to parents and teachers.

This column includes not only reviews of books for children, but other media which support Bahá’í principles for parents, families and teachers.

A major achievement of this past year was the initiation of our project, the Brilliant Star Connection, which has a two-fold purpose: to provide gift subscriptions for Bahá’ís in the U.S. and overseas who might not otherwise be able to afford one, and to broaden our subscriber base.

Response to the project has been gratifying, and our greatest need at the present time is to continue to identify potential recipients.

Recently, we transferred our subscribership services back to the national offices, under the direction of Candace Moore.

We feel confident that this will make it even more convenient for our subscribers when renewing.

To subscribe to Brilliant Star, simply send a check or money order for $12 (for one year, six issues) to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

GRAND CANYON BAHÁ’Í FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE

December 25-28

HYATT REGENCY HOTEL PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Topics:

• Marriage
• Roles of Women
• Child-Rearing
• Drugs, Alcohol, Morality

Plus:

• Diverse entertainment
• Renowned speakers
• Program for children, pre-youth, and youth plus general sessions and evening programs

For information, write to: GRAND CANYON BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE ‎P.O P.O.‎ Box 9961 Phoenix, AZ 85068

Louhelen Bahá’í School completes Child-Teacher Training Conference

People from 15 states and three countries attended a National Child-Teacher Training Conference held July 2-6 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School near Davison, Michigan.

Included were workshops on raising children as peacemakers, cultural diversity within the Bahá’í community, and curriculum development.

Much of the workshop discussion was focused on developing a greater awareness of how cultural diversity affects the Bahá’í community and the training of its children.

In the evenings, the conference was enriched by several mini-workshops as well as by an activities fair and materials-making workshop.

The National Spiritual Assembly was represented by Dr. William Maxwell and the National Teaching Committee by its secretary, Jacqueline Delahunt.

A simultaneous children’s program gave the conference a family feeling.

On Sunday evening, July 5, a teacher recognition banquet was held. Afterward, music was shared and slides were shown of Bahá’í schools in Central and South America as well as the children’s dedication program for the Bahá’í House of Worship in India.

Participants recommended that the Child-Teacher Training Conference to be held in 1988 have as its main theme race amity.

Children and their teachers search for frogs at the Louhelen Bahá’í School during the National Child-Teacher Training Conference held July 2-6.

Teacher Training Conference held July 2-6.

Bosch hosts successful Elderhostel program

Forty people representing communities from the Canadian to the Mexican Border took part February 22-28 in an Elderhostel program at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California.

Beginning with a surprise visit by Marty Knowlton, the founder of Elderhostel, the session continued with three mind-expanding classes that broadened everyone’s horizons of knowledge.

The first, “Monotheism and Man,” conducted by chemist Fred Littman, traced the “one-God” religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.

Robert Phillips, a consultant in the design of health promotion programs and physician training, taught the second course, “Won World or Lost World: Issues of the ’80s,” which looked at some of the crisis points on which the world is presently turning.

Mark Druss, an archaeologist, taught the third course, “The Evolution of Native American Civilization: A Study in Archaeology.”

On the lighter side, the “Elderkids” listened to tunes from the big band era by piano player Art Hall, occasionally breaking into song to add lyrics to his tunes.

On closing night, the lodge at Bosch was filled with laughter and applause as some of the more talented, or more daring, participants played, sang, acted or read.

There were quiet times, too: time for exploring the redwood forest paths in the mountains north of Santa Cruz; time for getting-acquainted conversations; time for meditation and browsing in the library; and time even to laugh at the “blizzard” of snow that greeted everyone on Monday—along with sunshine and showers. Unusual weather to begin an unusually enjoyable week.

Sharing a lighter moment are participants in the Elderhostel program held February 22-28 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California. In the foreground is Elderhosteler Muriel M. Alcott of Tucson, Arizona, who wrote the accompanying article.

New format an unqualified success at San Jose’s Bahá’í Family School

The Bahá’í Family School in San Jose, California, ended its classes this year on May 31.

From September 1986 through May, the school held 34 Sunday school classes for children from nursery school age to 10th grade.

The year was marked by change, much of it inspired by last year’s education conference at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

As a result of that conference, a new format was adopted in each class which followed the pattern of the Nineteen Day Feast (spiritual, business and social).

Also, the sessions were lengthened to two hours (one-half hour for group singing, the rest for class work).

Classes were given the responsibility for prayer before classes and collecting, counting, recording and announcing the treasurer’s report on Sunday.

Each class had the job for a seven-week period, with the high schoolers the first to undertake it and the kindergarteners the last.

The children sent $210 to the National Fund in November, $240 to the Bosch Bahá’í School in February to help with construction of the Martha Root Hall, and $200 in May to the Universal House of Justice for completion of the buildings on the Arc of Mount Carmel.

The total amount was about $200 more than was sent by the children last year.

Oregon conference aids travel teaching

A grassroots-initiated Regional Bahá’í Conference was held early in June in eastern Oregon to encourage traveling teaching during the 75th anniversary year of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

The conference theme was “Being a Servant.”

NOW AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE

Educational Materials for Children

Description	Cost	Quantity	Total
Music Education Tape for children 5-6. Includes a booklet, cassette tape, and a compilation of the Bahá’í Writings on tape.	$4.00
Bahá’í Curriculum Guide	$2.00
How to Really Love Your Child	$4.00
Objectives for a Bahá’í Child Education Program	FREE
Key Lessons for 5 and 6 Year Olds	$2.50
Cassette Tapes:
Television in the Home	$1.50
The American Family	$1.50
Meeting the Needs of Children, Youth, and Families	$1.50
Mr. Faizi Speaks on the Education of Children	$1.50
Philosophical Basis of the ANISA model	$1.50

Please make checks to: The Bahá’í Services Fund — earmarked for child education.

Mail check and coupon to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 10]

Carson City, Nevada, one of six state capitals among 6 Year Plan goals for homefront pioneers

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

In the broadest sense, a homefront pioneer is anyone who moves to a new locality for the purpose of teaching the Faith. The station of the pioneer is enhanced, however, if the move is intended to fill a national goal.

It is often thought that goal areas are those on the fringes of civilization, devoid of career opportunities, modern medical facilities and schools consisting of more than one room. This, however, is not always the case.

For example, some of the goal areas for homefront pioneers are bustling state capitals that do not have local Spiritual Assemblies. These include Dover, Delaware; Trenton, New Jersey; Carson City, Nevada; Montpelier, Vermont; Pierre, South Dakota; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Those who are interested in serving the Faith as homefront pioneers should seriously assess their needs regarding climate, housing, educational facilities, and so on. It is especially important to consider means of support that will be needed, as there are presently no funds available to deputize homefront pioneers.

To help in this evaluation, the National Teaching Committee has prepared a series of articles to share some basic facts about each of the above-mentioned goal cities. The first featured city is:

Carson City, Nevada

Carson city is located near Lake Tahoe on the eastern slopes of the lovely Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 4,690 feet. According to its Chamber of Commerce, the summers are warm and dry with cool evenings, and the winters are cold and dry with an average annual snowfall of 32 inches. There are an average of 266 sunny days each year.

The Bahá’í community of Carson City (pop. 37,000) is a small, diverse group of four adults and three youth. They need Bahá’ís who plan to settle and remain in Carson City on a long-term basis, who are self-supporting and have a sound understanding of the Bahá’í Writings.

The city’s largest employers are the federal and state governments and tourist-related agencies. There are also several small high-tech industrial and light manufacturing plants.

The Carson-Tahoe Hospital is a large employer of those in health-related fields, and teachers are often needed in the Carson City School District (see addresses below).

Educational facilities include five public elementary schools, two junior high schools, and one high school. There are also two private elementary schools and a school for the mentally handicapped.

For adults, Carson City has a community college, and the University of Nevada at Reno and the Reno Business College are only 35 miles away.

Apartment rental generally falls within the range of $250-$325 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $325-$400 a month for 2-3 bedrooms. Two-three bedroom homes are available from about $65,000.

Health services include the Carson-Tahoe Hospital, two private convalescent centers, the Carson City Mental Health Center, crippled children’s services, and counseling programs for alcohol and drug abuse along with several other organizations offering various kinds of help.

For more information contact: Bahá’ís of Carson City, c/o Susan Matheny, 422 S. Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89701 (phone 702-883-7814).

Carson City Chamber of Commerce, 1191 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 (702-882-1565).

Nevada State Personnel Dept., 209 E. Musser St., Carson City, NV 89701 (702-885-4050).

Carson City School District, 1402 W. King St., Carson City, NV 89701 (702-885-6300).

Carson-Tahoe Hospital, 775 Fleischmann Way, Carson City, NV 89701 (702-882-1361).

Li-Yun Ting (facing camera), a Bahá’í from Taiwan, addresses a public meeting in Lewiston, Maine.

Young Chinese Bahá’í couple aid teaching efforts in Maine

During June, a young Chinese Bahá’í couple from Taiwan, Shen and Li-Yun Ting, were asked by the Bahá’ís of Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, to attend the annual proclamation meeting which they co-sponsor with the local YWCA.

Mrs. Ting was the guest speaker at this event, which was well-attended by a dozen non-Bahá’ís who were charmed by the simplicity, sincerity and humility of the Taiwanese Bahá’í as she spoke on cross-cultural and interracial issues.

Later, two local radio stations broadcast half-hour interviews with Mrs. Ting.

While her remarks were delighting personnel at the radio stations, Mr. Ting’s conversation in Mandarin with a Persian friend aroused curiosity about how this interesting group of Bahá’ís had become unified in such a manner.

This is an example of how the Chinese Bahá’ís can effectively teach the Americans, and, for that matter, those of other countries and races as well.

The implications of what the future Chinese Bahá’í community can do to increase the world-wide prestige of the Faith staggers the imagination, especially when one remembers the parallel which India presents.

And again, as in the case of Malaysia, a Chinese Bahá’í community anywhere in the world can become an object of pride.

Teaching the Chinese, like all other minority teaching, should not be narrowly regarded and treated as teaching those who represent only a small and/or insignificant part of society.

The value and impact of teaching the Faith to such groups is more far-reaching than the word “minority” implies.

Sharing the message of Bahá’u’lláh with minority groups will not only include colorfully diversified races and tribes of the world into the scheme of Bahá’u’lláh’s divine World Order, but will serve ultimately as the visible, undeniable, and conclusive proof of the power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to usher in the long-awaited Kingdom of God on earth.

Our ability to win over the cynical masses can be enhanced by our success in uniting together those friends of minority and majority groups of the world—especially those who reside within our own cities and towns.

Still Available... Proclamation Materials from the 1986 Media Program International Year of Peace

...Thoughts expressed by the Bahá’í Faith TO THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD

May be used in conjunction with the United Nations’ INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE SEPTEMBER 15, 1987

Posters, Pamphlets, Bus Posters OFFERED AT REDUCED RATES While supplies last

ORDER NOW!

YES...RUSH MY ORDER PLEASE...

Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ________________ State ________ Zip __________ Phone ____________________________________________ Credit Card # ____________________ exp. date _______ Circle one: Visa / Mastercard / American Express

Description	Quantity	Cost
BUS POSTER — 11 1/2 x 27” Pack of 10 @ $10.00/pack (Global Theme)
Full Color 14 x 17” POSTER — Set of 2 for 50¢ per set (Global and logo Peace Themes)
Full Color; Allows for imprint area 8 1/2 X 11” POSTER — Set of 4 50¢ per set (Global and Logo Peace Themes) Full Color: Allows for imprint area.
BUTTONS (2 1/4”) — Variety packs 10 per pack, $1.00 per pack (Global and Logo Peace Themes)
BUMPER STICKER — Rectangle 10 per pack $2.00 per pack
WINDOW STICKER — Circle 10 per pack, $2.00 per pack
CAMERA READY NEWSPAPER ADS Peace Campaign		FREE
PEACE PRESENTATION KIT- GENERAL PURPOSE		FREE
Mail coupon and check or credit card # or call:	TOTAL

Bahá’í ‎Distrbution Distribution‎ Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 or in Illinois 312-251-1854

‘Spirit of Roses’ continues on high note, animated by spirit, courage of martyrs

The extraordinary number of letters, reports, photographs and programs that were submitted for the journal to the Iranian Bahá’ís in the “Spirit of the Roses” testify to the success of the events that were carried out in memory of the martyrs during the “189 Days of Victory” that ran through the end of April.

The spirit of love and unity displayed throughout the country at the Unity Picnics on June 27 showed that the influence of the martyrs is still very much alive.

While visiting Montclair, New Jersey, during His travels in America in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá alluded to the impact that the death of a martyr has in the world. He had just told the story of one of the early martyrs when, as Juliet Thompson wrote,

“Suddenly ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s whole aspect changed. ...His eyes were unmistakably fixed on the invisible. They were as brilliant as jewels and so filled with delight that they almost made His vision real to us. A smile of exultation played on His lips. ...

“ ‘See,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá exclaimed, ‘the effect that the death of a martyr has in the world. It has changed my condition.’ ”

Imagine, the effect of a martyr being so profound that it can even change the condition of the beloved Master! How precious a gift have the recent martyrs bestowed on us.

With the self-confidence we have gained as a result of our successes during the “189 Days of Victory,” spurred on by the power released by the sacrifice of the martyrs, many individuals and communities are now bringing to fruition the seeds that were planted during those 189 days.

For instance, some people, who

See ROSES page 23

The Traveling Teacher Office has announced that there is a new Traveling Teacher Coordinator for Region 2, which includes California and Nevada.

Those who would like to be involved in the consolidation efforts in that region may contact Sandra Huit, 4242 Los Coches Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (phone 916-961-0807). [Page 11]

Teaching Committee to host 'Conference on Growth'

A "Conference on Growth," hosted by the National Teaching Committee, is to be held September 4-7 (Labor Day weekend) at the Hyatt Lincolnwood Hotel near Wilmette, Illinois.

Although the event is designed as a briefing for District Teaching Committees, all Bahá’ís are invited and encouraged to attend.

The National Teaching Committee eagerly looks forward to consultation at the Conference on Growth, which will provide guest speakers on the main topic as well as workshops designed to brief those appointed to the committees that help the work of the National Teaching Committee.

It will also provide opportunities to express and share hopes, concerns, ideas and feelings about the growth of the Faith as we move through the second year of the Six Year Plan.

The primary focus of the conference will be on the vital role that the District Teaching Committees, Regional Schools Committees, and Traveling Teacher Coordinators will play in the unfolding of the Plan.

Creating an observable balance between expansion and consolidation during teaching projects will be discussed, as well as the role of the traveling teacher.

The committee hopes that as many friends as possible will be able to attend this exciting conference.

By mid-August, the Hyatt must be informed about the number of rooms we plan to use and the number of people who will be using the meal plan. The National Teaching Committee needs to know by August 20 if you plan to attend.

For more information about room rates, meal tickets and transportation services, or to register by phone, please call the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039, ext. 231.

During a six-month span last year and early this year, Bahá’í entertainers (left to right) Gordi Munro, Susan Lewis and Linda Donnelly Munro traveled some 20,000 miles in 25 states and made nearly 100 musical presentations during a teaching trip carried out under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee. In June, they performed at the Souvenir Picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey, after which Mr. Munro returned to his native Canada to sing and play at the International Youth Conference in London, Ontario.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America ANNIVERSARY OF HIS VISIT 1912-198

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: ($10.00 per print)

1. of prints requested

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

Deepening, consolidation stressed in wide variety of teaching events

In response to a wide variety of teaching activities and events taking place in all areas of the country this summer, the National Teaching Committee is asking that all teaching projects display an observable balance between expansion and consolidation.

Deepening new believers and consolidating young Bahá’í communities are vital parts of the teaching process which must not be neglected in our teaching efforts:

"The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so to imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people.

"Viewed in this light a declaration of faith is merely a milestone along the way-albeit a very important one.

"Teaching may also be likened to kindling a fire, a fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot truly be said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord.

"Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame can be fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind ..." (Letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 25, 1975)

Listed below are some of the teaching projects taking place this summer (those that have already taken place are not listed).

The National Teaching Committee has set a goal of 200 teaching projects this year, with the ultimate goal of having at least one project sponsored by every local Spiritual Assembly.

Whether yours is a long-range project or a weekend effort, please use the form beneath this list to advise the National Teaching Committee of the teaching project in your community.

Navajo/Hopi Project (Navajo/Hopi Reservation, Arizona). Summer 1987. Jeff Kiely, 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

Desert Rose Project (southern Arizona). Ongoing (weekends). Winifred Byrd, 602-882-3041.

Center Fireside Project (Los Angeles, California). Ongoing. Jeanette Roberts, 213-933-8291.

Summer of Service (Los Angeles area). July 17-August 30. Partow Khademi, 213-473-4281.

Southeast Asian Project (St. Petersburg, Florida). Ongoing. Marsea Ulmer, 305-825-0702.

Aziz Project (Fort Hall, Idaho). July-August. Ann or Dale Sollars, 208-785-4495.

Rock Island Project (Rock Island, Illinois). Summer. Barbara Gimm, 309-788-1350.

Project Raúl Pavón (Phoenix, Arizona, area). Ongoing. Judith Spychalski, 602-269-2703.

Beverly Hills Project (Los Angeles area). Ongoing (weekends). Margaret Naismith, 213-275-8450.

Tuolumne Mi-Wuk Project (Tuolumne Rancheria, California). Ongoing. Salimata Dia, 209-928-3252.

New Jerusalem (Georgia). Ongoing. Layli Miller, 404-993-7067.

Lapwai/Nez Perce Project (Nez Perce Reservation, Idaho). August 22-28. Ferris or Linda Paisano, 208-843-7745.

Mr. Khadem Project (Indianapolis, Indiana). Ongoing. Carol Niss, 317-547-3691.

Project Arise (Kansas). Ongoing. Gray Biship, 316-788-5378.

Thomas Leon Hill Project (Lancaster, Kentucky). Ongoing. Sarah Lee, 606-266-8055.

Lowell Project (Lowell, Massachusetts). Ongoing. Lorraine Matthews, 617-459-1604.

Dawnbreakers Project (Bemidji, Minnesota). Summer. Nanette Missaghi, 218-751-8282.

Amoz Gibson Project (Omaha, Nebraska). Ongoing. Kay Webster, 402-846-5459.

Hickory Teaching Project (Hickory, North Carolina). Ongoing. Jim Martindale, 704-328-3325.

Fire in the Heartland (Davenport, Iowa). Ongoing. Fred Frazier, 319-391-3621.

Victory Harvest (Wichita, Kansas).

Teaching Projects - 1987 Name of project: Sponsor: Dates: Location: Contact person: Cost per participant: Goal(s) of project: Comments: Return to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

Opportunities abound to share peace statement with all people of the world

"The Promise of World Peace" is a statement by the Universal House of Justice about the possibility and achievability of world peace.

The statement is addressed to "the peoples of the world," and it is intended that each and every person in the world have an opportunity to read it.

Although our lists are not complete, we have come a long way in making presentations to prominent persons such as governors, mayors and university presidents. We have a long way to go, however, in sharing this glorious message with all the peoples of the world, beginning with our neighbors, our colleagues, our dentists, and so on.

Yet opportunities to share the peace statement abound. With so many international crises occurring in the world, visions of conflict and strife are in the minds of many, and the hope of a lasting peace is in the heart of almost everyone we know.

How many times have we been asked by a friend, classmate or coworker, "Did you hear the news about what's going on in (Iraq? Guatemala? Korea?)"

How easy it would be, with a conscious effort, to guide the conversation that follows such questions toward "The Promise of World Peace."

While the presentation of the statement to prominent persons must be guided by the Office of External Affairs, local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís should continue the presentations, in a dignified way, to all the peoples of the world.

"The Promise of World Peace" is available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service in the deluxe edition ($10), presentation edition ($3), study edition (75 cents) or in pocket-size ($5.50 for a package of 10).

Don't forget! Another opportunity to raise the subject of peace will present itself on September 15-the United Nations International Day of Peace.

If you can't pioneer- deputize! [Page 12]

Spirit must help body undergo hardships to carry forward Cause

The following talk was given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on August 17, 1912, at Green Acre in Eliot, Maine. The notes are by Edna McKinney.

Although the body was weak and not fitted to undergo the vicissitudes of crossing the Atlantic, yet love assisted us, and we came here.

At certain times the spirit must assist the body. We cannot accomplish really great things through physical force alone; the spirit must fortify our bodily strength.

For example, the body of man may be able to withstand the ordeal of imprisonment for 10 or 15 years under temperate conditions of climate and restful physical routine.

During our imprisonment in ‘Akká means of comfort were lacking, yet notwithstanding such distressful conditions, we were able to endure these trials for 40 years. The climate was very bad, necessities and conveniences of life were denied us, yet we endured this narrow prison 40 years. What was the reason? The spirit was strengthening and resuscitating the body constantly.

We lived through this long, difficult period in the utmost love and heavenly servitude. The spirit must assist the body under certain conditions which surround us, because the body of itself cannot endure the extreme strain of such hardships.

The human body is in reality very weak; there is no physical body more delicately constituted. One mosquito will distress it; the smallest quantity of poison will destroy it; if respiration ceases for a moment, it will die. What instrument could be weaker and more delicate?

A blade of grass severed from the root may live an hour, whereas a human body deprived of its forces may die in one minute.

But in the proportion that the human body is weak, the spirit of man is strong. It can control natural phenomena; it is a supernatural power which transcends all contingent beings. It has immortal life, which nothing can destroy or pervert.

If all the kingdoms of life arise against the immortal spirit of man and seek its destruction, this immortal spirit, singly and alone, can withstand their attacks in fearless firmness and resolution because it is indestructible and empowered with supreme natural virtues.

For this reason we say that the spirit of man can penetrate and...

Master bestowed His blessing on Green Acre

In the words of Shoghi Effendi, one of the seven most significant acts performed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to America 75 years ago was "the blessing He bestowed on the Open Forum at Green Acre, in Maine, on the banks of the Piscataqua River, where many of His followers had gathered, and which was to evolve into one of the earliest endowments established in the American continent...."

This blessing was given during His week-long visit to Green Acre which began on August 16, 1912.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to Green Acre at the invitation of its founder, Sarah Farmer, who had opened the estate in 1894 as a conference center for people of progressive and liberal views, such as John Greenleaf Whittier, John Fiske and Booker T. Washington, all of whom took part in conferences there.

Two years after the center was opened, Miss Farmer became a Bahá’í, and while on pilgrimage in 1900, offered the use of Green Acre to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Green Acre attracted many people with various types of philosophical, spiritual and even superstitious beliefs. In his biography of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, H.M. Balyúzí explains that some of His efforts while at Green Acre "were inevitably directed towards countering the effects of the eccentric ideas being disseminated by various pseudo-mystics and cranks who were attracted to the platform provided there."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke of Green Acre as "the ‘Akká of the Western world" and called it an ideal spiritual training place for eager souls. After returning to the Holy Land, He wrote:

"Green Acre is a most delightful spot. I enjoyed my visit to that charming place. If I go to America I will pay a second visit to Green Acre. It is a most ideal spot for the dissemination of lofty ideals.... You must lay such a foundation so that the influence of the confederation of religion and sects may permeate to all parts of the world from Green Acre; and Green Acre for all the future ages and cycles may become the standard bearer of the oneness of the world of humanity. I will pray for the fulfillment of this truth."

As a result of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s loving encouragement, the Green Acre property is now a well-known Bahá’í Summer School and conference center, administered by the National Spiritual Assembly.

It serves both the Bahá’í community and the general public, seeking to impart knowledge, education and training for children, youth and adults in an environment which enhances the fellowship of family and community life.

Master's visit to be honored

To commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit 75 years ago, the Bahá’ís of Eliot, Maine, have planned a full week of celebrations at Green Acre from August 15-23. Special programs and workshops with music, drama and art are included in a glorious tribute to the beloved Master.

Youth Network

...pression for Bahá’ís and those who share Bahá’í values, and provide an opportunity for people with similar interests and beliefs to come together as friends.

Regional and District Youth Committees

To best serve the youth in the U.S., the country has been divided into regions, encompassing many states, and districts, which are smaller and usually correspond with the areas associated with District Teaching Committees.

Regional and District Youth Committees are appointed by, and report to, the National Youth Committee for a one-year term, and are a major part of the Youth Network.

Members are chosen for their demonstrated leadership abilities, orientation to action, and commitment to the Faith.

The District Youth Committees work to aid in the development of the Bahá’í youth, with an emphasis on teaching and deepening. Through consultation with youth and agencies in their community, they assess the needs of their district and make specific goals for the year.

The District Youth Committees are also encouraged to work closely with the District Teaching Committees.

The Regional Youth Committees also aid in the development of Bahá’í youth by answering the needs of the Youth Network.

Their primary tasks are to support the activities and address the needs of the District Youth Committees, and to help identify and develop weak areas and isolated youth.

The regional committees also aid and stimulate the coordination of multi-district activities, and are encouraged to publish a regional newsletter.

All of the committees—District, Regional, and National—are part of the Youth Network, whose primary purpose is being of service to the Bahá’í youth.

More information about forming Bahá’í clubs, and the role of the various youth committees, is available from the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Following the Master's example at Intermountain Conference

The 1987 Intermountain States Bahá’í Conference commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America will be held September 4-7 at the Sheraton Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Among the highlights will be a visit by the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone.

The Salt Lake City area Bahá’í communities expect that about 1,500-2,000 people will be at the four-day event which is to begin Friday evening with a presentation by Auxiliary Board members Carol Brooks and Nancy Phillips.

Saturday's theme is "‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Exemplar in Service to Mankind."

After a morning talk on social and economic development, there will be local service projects and a tour of local Bahá’í historic places in the afternoon, and evening entertainment on the theme of world peace.

Sunday's programs, centered around the theme "‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Exemplar in Teaching the Faith," are to include presentations by members of the National Teaching Committee on following the Master's example in teaching the Faith; stories of how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taught the Faith while in the U.S.; and afternoon workshops on travel teaching, teaching youth, teaching across language barriers, and more.

An optional brunch will be available Monday, when the theme is "‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America."

The morning program will focus on the Master's travels in the U.S. The conference closes at noon.

Registration information and a detailed agenda are available from the registrar, Jan Saeed, 801-582-3135.

In Faith, teaching privilege given to individual

"... Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá!" Bahá’u’lláh wrote in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, "...for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds."

The service of teaching, which in past religions has been rendered only by priests, was now required of all Bahá’ís.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the divinely appointed Interpreter of Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred Writings, told us of our individual responsibility to teach the Faith, and spoke often of its bounties:

"Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive our selves?"

But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did much more than expound upon the words of Bahá’u’lláh and remind us of our responsibility to obey those Writings as a part of our Covenant with God. As the Exemplar of the Faith, He showed us how to carry out those responsibilities.

Countless references to His example as a teacher can be found in such books as Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Portals to Freedom, and The Chosen Highway, from which we may receive insight and inspiration to help us in our sacred obligation of sharing the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh with others.

In The Advent of Divine Justice, Shoghi Effendi wrote regarding the Bahá’í teacher:

"Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings.

"Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker's newly-awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of what has been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh.

"Let him, as soon as that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek, through constant fellowship and active participation in the local activities of his community, to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidation of its interests, and the coordination of its activities with those of its sister communities.

"Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly-adopted Faith."

Volunteers needed to help Navajo-Hopi Project in Arizona

Volunteers are needed to help in many ways in the ongoing Navajo-Hopi Teaching Project headquartered at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona.

If you would like to travel and teach there, contact Ken Morphet-Brown, Tuba City, AZ 86045 (phone 602-283-4950).

For children's programs, contact Bill Bright, Chinle, AZ 86503 (602-674-5685).

For other activities or services, contact Jeff Kiely, NABI, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595).

WANTED: Photos of your UNITY PICNIC for Mr. Sears' Album

send to: National Teaching Committee National Bahá’í Center Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 13]

Chattanooga race unity conference reaches out

A race unity conference sponsored May 15-17 by the Bahá’ís of metropolitan Chattanooga, Tennessee, received citywide support from government and civic groups and helped focus the attention of Chattanoogans on issues critical to race unity in that city.

More than 200 people attended the conference at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, whose theme was "The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism," while more than 100 children and youth took part in a separate event that was held simultaneously especially for them.

At Saturday's opening session, Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux addressed the conference, saying, "I hope you haven't come here today to reduce prejudice... I hope you are here to eliminate prejudice."

His remarks set the tone for the conference and provided a vision of eliminating prejudice within a generation by not teaching its myths or perpetuating its institutions.

Among those attending were the mayor of Chattanooga, Gene Roberts, and a number of city and county commissioners.

A luncheon Saturday featured an address by Dr. Beverly Sheftall, director of the Women's Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, whose topic was "The Role of Black Women in Achieving Racial Equality."

The afternoon general sessions were closed by Counselor Wilma Brady who spoke on "The Meaning of Unity in Diversity."

Workshops were held in the morning and repeated in the afternoon on such topics as "The Ethics of Power-Sharing," "Institutional Racism," "The Family Under Fire," and "Component Cultures: The Experience of Minorities in America."

The conference, conceived by the Bahá’ís, soon gained a wide co-sponsorship from organizations in the Chattanooga area, among whom were the Chattanooga Clergy Association; the Chattanooga chapters of Clergy and Laity Concerned and the National Organization for Women; the Black Ministers' Union; and the Chattanooga office of the Urban League.

In all, there were more than 20 co-sponsors including local corporations which donated money to help cover the cost of the event.

Before the general conference, which began May 16, there was a conference for professionals that featured Dr. Thomas Kochman of the University of Illinois-Chicago, a nationally recognized expert in black and white styles in communication and how culture helps determine meaning in communication.

This course was offered by the Continuing Education Division of the university in conjunction with the Bahá’ís and other co-sponsors, and was worth 0.6 continuing education credits.

Dr. Kochman also made a one-hour presentation at Saturday's general sessions, as a result of which Police Commissioner Tom Kennedy made a commitment to invite Dr. Kochman to return to Chattanooga to teach a course to members of the City Police Department.

Saturday evening, a jubilee celebration of the performing arts was held at UTC, featuring a variety of entertainment from a bagpiper to a black Gospel orchestra, from the dignified traditions of Korean dance to the electrifying premier of "The Unity Dance," prepared especially for the conference and performed by the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop, which brought the audience to its feet with sustained applause.

Sunday, May 17, began with a moving devotional service that used the sacred scriptures of the world's religions and music.

This last day of the conference was specifically Bahá’í in content, but the public was welcome to attend the morning presentation by Dr. Duane Dumbleton, representing the National Race Unity Committee, as well as to the open consultation with Dr. Dumbleton and Auxiliary Board members Mr. Guillebeaux, Sam McClellan and Mary K. Radpour.

"The conference was a unifying event for our community," said Deborah Bley, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton County.

"Groups of the friends met for prayers each morning in the weeks before the conference, and this has continued in the weeks since.

"Everyone mobilized around getting the work done, from taking care of one another's children to being available for radio interviews and sticking labels on 10,000 brochures.

"Even the tiniest children helped by collating conference folders and licking envelopes. We've learned a tremendous amount from planning and presenting this conference, and Chattanooga seems to want to make it an annual event, so we'll know how to do it even better in the coming years.

"The conference met our hopes of helping the leadership in Chattanooga know who the Bahá’ís are and that we are workers, not simply talkers, for racial harmony, and that we have begun to face our own need to grow deeper in our commitment to the oneness of humanity.

"Our other goal," said Mrs. Bley, "that of helping groups in Chattanooga with common concerns about race relations to work together, was realized even more fully than we could have imagined."

Guidelines for using video tape of 'Race Unity: Bahá’í Perspective'

Guidelines for use of the video tape "Race Unity: A Bahá’í Perspective."

The National Race Unity Committee (NRUC) has authorized the production of this video tape for use by Bahá’ís and, in special circumstances, those who would benefit from a discussion of issues pertaining to race unity.

It is the intention of the NRUC that viewers will discuss and consult upon the issues raised in the video tape, and that they will strive to incorporate the principles of race unity enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh and the other Central Figures of the Faith. Bahá’u’lláh came to the world to bring unity and to educate the hearts and minds of all people. We all have an important role to play.

The video tape is intended to be a springboard to deeper thought and concentrated action. Only when the viewer turns to the Writings and begins to incorporate them into his or her life will the intended purpose be carried out.

Bahá’u’lláh says we must "strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections." (Bahá’í Education: A Compilation, p.5) In all of our efforts to achieve these perfections, especially the qualities of unity, racial harmony, freedom from prejudice, and the oneness of mankind, the Holy Writings will give us ample guidance, not only in the attainment of perfection, but also in the power to overcome every obstacle and weakness.

The Universal House of Justice, the supreme administrative authority in the Faith, says that upon our efforts "depends in very large measure the fate of humanity." (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 120) Those who understand have a great responsibility to act.

Bahá’u’lláh has said: "It is incumbent on every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action." (Gleanings, p. 250) Studying the Writings leads to knowledge, both inner knowledge for the progress of our soul and outer knowledge for the improvement of our communities.

Consultation is a major means for understanding the teachings on unity. Consultation with other sincere people is a natural follow-up to personal reading, reflection and action. Consultation can lead to group action, focusing on the most effective way for all those in a community to grow and unite.

The video tape raises some issues and focuses on some of the general principles of unity. It is up to the viewer to carry out any follow up. The responsibility to act is always placed on the individual.

Often, the major way that material is presented at Bahá’í schools and study classes is by lecture. Each person must add to that information personal study and discussion or consultation. When all three ingredients are present, understanding and action will follow.

The goal of Bahá’í schools is to educate the whole person. When studying about unity, establishing the oneness of mankind, and eliminating prejudice, it is important to keep the whole person in mind.

As we increase our knowledge, our mind grows, our thoughts expand and become lofty, and we begin to have the desire to carry our thoughts into action. Our hearts begin to expand in our love for God and His creatures as we begin to see the power of His teachings to change the lives of people who once were weak or ignorant, or who once were only well-wishers but are now champions of bringing about unity. The power in the Holy Word will become manifest in our lives and in the lives of all our community members.

The following questions are intended to guide discussion and consultation after viewing the video tape. Each will open a door to many more questions that will guide consultation and provide a setting for action to follow:

Bahá’ís say they believe in the oneness of mankind. What does that mean?

• Why do Bahá’í teachings place so much emphasis on the unity of blacks and whites?

• How do Bahá’ís propose to eliminate prejudice among individuals?

What does unity in diversity mean and how can we demonstrate it?

• What does racial unity in America have to do with world peace?

What are the Bahá’í teachings on interracial marriage?

What can Bahá’ís do to eliminate racism in their homes and communities?

• How do the principles of Bahá’í elections relate to unity?

How will racial unity, peace and justice be institutionalized?

What social structures will change if the oneness of mankind is established?

How can we help victims of prejudice to overcome their bad experiences?

• How does racial unity relate to teaching the Faith to others?

Boston Bahá’ís mark 75th anniversary of Master's visit to U.S.

On June 5-6, Bahá’ís in the Boston area commemorated the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's visit to North America with a series of events.

At a Friday evening meeting for Bahá’ís only, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's life, the significance of His visit to America, and its impact on our country.

The friends also enjoyed a talk by Counselor Wilma Brady that included highlights of her recent trip to Haifa.

She emphasized the fact that teaching the Faith is indispensable to the expansion of our resources to complete the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Dr. Kazemzadeh was the speaker at a public meeting Saturday morning at which Mr. and and Mrs. Snowden, founders of Freedom House, an organization that helps minority youngsters go to college, were presented a humanitarian award.

The day included an afternoon walk, by Bahá’ís and their guests, which followed the path taken by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to Boston, and a dinner-dance that evening.

'The more one can give, the better it is...'

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

An Introducban so the hi farth BÁHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA BUILDING A PEACEFUL AND GLOBAL CIVILIZATION A CHALLENGE TO HUMANITY by Lt Zask

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 softcover $350

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]

Distribution Service, One World reach publishing accord

A new distribution agreement has been reached between the Bahá’í Distribution Service and the newest publisher of Bahá’í books, One World Publications.

The agreement makes five recent books from One World Publications available through the Distribution Service. The five are a deluxe edition of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, a large format edition of The Promise of World Peace, a new children’s book, and two books that apply Bahá’í principles to social issues.

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh—Deluxe Edition was designed by one of Britain’s foremost book designers, Nicholas Thirkell. The cover design is an original Persian miniature.

The pages have been printed on high-quality paper with a unique typography style. The Hidden Words—Deluxe Edition ($13.95 HC) is covered with a clear protective cover to shield this ideal gift or personal keepsake.

Equally unique is the “coffee-table” format edition of The Promise of World Peace ($10.95 SC).

The statement on peace by the Universal House of Justice is interwoven with more than 100 photographs, 50 quotations from renowned individuals, and charts of related information.

Using this technique enhances the presentation of the information in the peace statement, makes it more accessible for those who are not Bahá’ís, and aids the study of the peace statement by Bahá’ís.

The two new books dealing with social issues are Science and Religion and To Understand and Be Understood.

Science and Religion ($7.50 SC) is the first book devoted to the Bahá’í view of this still-controversial issue. It is written by Dr. Anjam Khursheed, a research physicist for the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Dr. Khursheed presents a well-argued and researched overview of the traditional conflict between science and religion and then presents the Bahá’í view of their essential harmony.

To Understand and Be Understood ($7.50 SC) is by Dr. Erik Blumenthal, an eminent psychologist and former member of the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe.

His book translates the Bahá’í teachings related to individual and social behavior into practical and easy-to-follow advice. Dr. Blumenthal’s work provides a synthesis of Bahá’í teachings and current psycho-social theory.

The other new book from One World, The Secret of the Stolen Mandolin ($3.75 SC), by first-time author Barbara Larkin, is a fantasy that leads three young people into an adventure in another world, forcing them to learn some valuable lessons that apply to real life.

One World Publications has also placed advertisements for its titles in major publications including the New York Times Book Review, and is attempting to place its materials in bookstores through commercial distributors.

A new edition of the book To the People of the World, the edition of the peace statement published by the Association for Bahá’í Studies, is now available at a greatly reduced price. Besides the Universal House of Justice’s statement, The Promise of World Peace, this edition contains a series of annotations on points raised in the statement. Two new sections, on conflict resolution and the politics of transformation, have been added to the second edition of To the People of the World, plus a new preface. To the People of the World was $5.95, but is now available for $2.50 in softcover.

New biography explores many facets of life of early Bahá’í Ali-Kuli Khan

One of the most interesting figures in the early history of the Bahá’í Faith—especially in the U.S.—Ali-Kuli Khan, is the subject of a biography from George Ronald entitled Summon Up Remembrance.

The author is Mr. Khan’s daughter, Marzieh Gail, the author and translator of many previous Bahá’í books.

The story of Dr. Khan is based on his memoirs and personal papers, collected by Marzieh Gail, which show his transformation from “frivolous youth” to “skilled translator for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”

Covered are Mr. Khan’s two years as a member of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s household, his being sent to the U.S. to help Mírzá Abú’l-Fadl, and to translate that great teacher’s book, The Bahá’í Proofs.

Mr. Khan also is known for his marriage to Florence Breed, a marriage that was the first between a Persian Bahá’í and an American Bahá’í. Their romance is chronicled in this biography.

Summon Up Remembrance is also peopled by many of the best-known early Bahá’ís of the west: Laura Clifford Barney, Edward and Lua Getsinger, Mary Hanford Ford, and Atábak.

The book, however, is dedicated to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and it is His wisdom and teachings that are at its core.

Summon Up Remembrance ($25 HC, $14.95 SC) is Marzieh Gail’s fifth book on Bahá’í topics.

Combine orders, help lower prices, customers asked

The Bahá’í Distribution Service is asking its customers to help it keep prices down by combining orders when possible.

“When we dropped postage charges last year,” says Marketing Manager Robert Blum, “we hoped it would help make ordering books easier.

“We also hoped we could absorb the cost of postage without having to raise the prices of items we carry.

“Over the last year,” he says, “we have noticed that many of our community accounts and individual customers are placing several small orders per week. Combining these orders lowers our per book shipping cost and ultimately will prevent price increases.”

Higher prices on some titles from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust went into effect July 1, says Mr. Blum, to cover increased costs.

Also, prices on a number of import titles had to be raised due to a fall in the value of the dollar in relation to other currencies.

An alternative to raising prices, says Mr. Blum, may be to establish a minimum amount for postage-free orders.

“We would prefer to offer free postage to all our customers within the U.S. Bahá’í community,” he says. “But that may not be possible if smaller orders continue to raise our costs.”

There is already a $10 minimum on all orders charged to VISA, MasterCard or American Express. [Page 15]

An Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith: All Things Made New

One of the standard references in introductory literature on the Faith, All Things Made New, is again available in a revised and newly illustrated edition. With Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, All Things Made New is a book frequently given to those who are investigating the Faith and is regarded by many as a standard reference work on the Faith. The book is rich in its use of quotations from the Bahá’í writings that reveal the inner character and beauty of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It also offers short chapters on the history, laws, institutions, Central Figures and principles of the Faith. The combination makes All Things Made New ($17.95 HC, $9.95 SC) valuable for students of religion, serious inquirers, and presentations to libraries or dignitaries. In addition to 24 new photographs, the revised edition has the latest facts on the worldwide growth and development of the Bahá’í community.

An Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith

All Things Made New by JOHN FERRABY

Kalimát to release first full-scale work about Mullá Husayn

The first full-length biography of the first disciple of the Báb, Mullá Husayn, is expected to be available this month from Kalimát Press.

Mullá Husayn: Disciple at Dawn ($14.95 HC) was written by the accomplished Persian scholar, Rúhu’lláh Mehrabkhani, who has also written a biography of Mírzá Abú’l-Fadl.

Through the use of many Persian sources, the author has provided much new information about the first "Letter of the Living," Mullá Husayn.

Included are details about Mullá Husayn's childhood, his education, his acceptance of the Báb, his extensive travels to spread the word of the new Revelation, the stirring events at Fort Tabársí, and a first-hand account of Mullá Husayn's martyrdom, published for the first time in this biography.

New titles from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Tablet of the Heart God and Me

Above, the cover of Tablet of the Heart with full-color illustrations showing a diversity of children. Right, a double-page spread showing on the left one of the quotations from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and on the right a short extract from the quotation and the illustration. Themes for the book include God's love for the child; the child's love for God, family and home; love for all mankind; teaching the Faith; spiritualizing the world; Bahá’u’lláh; and the child's attitude toward God.

Echoes from the Lotus cassettes. Talks and music from the dedication service and conference at the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India.

Four cassette tapes of music and talks recorded at the dedication service and conference of India's Bahá’í House of Worship. Includes inspiring and informative talks by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Collis Featherstone and William Sears, and by Counselor B. Afshin and Temple architect Fariburz Sahba.

Tablet of the Heart: God and Me, compiled by Leslie Lundberg, illustrated by Terry Ostovar.

A book of short, easy-to-memorize verses from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sensitively illustrated with multi-racial and multi-cultural children. Left-hand pages contain 27 short quotations, each of which an older child can easily memorize and recall in life situations. Right-hand pages contain a short extract from the quotation on the left-hand page that a younger child can easily memorize. The illustrations—in full color and in black-and-white—portray the Bahá’í spirit in action and the diversity of cultures. 64 pages. HC $9.95

Lift up your voices and sing out the song of the Kingdom Spread far and wide the precepts and counsels of the loving Lord, so that this world will change into another world and this darksome earth will be flooded with light...

William Sears, and by Counselor B. Afshin and Temple architect Fariburz Sahba.

Music includes choral selections in Hindi, English and Persian from the dedication service and selected performances of Indian music—instrumental and vocal—performed at the dedication conference.

The four cassettes are sold as a set, and the tape of music can also be purchased separately. 330

tray the Bahá’í spirit in action and the diversity of cultures. 64 pages. HC $9.95

How to order

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

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

Ning out the song of the ing

minutes. Echoes from the Lotus: Set, $29.95. Echoes from the Lotus: Music, $8.95.

‘Meeting the Master’ evokes memories of earlier days

Meeting the Master Vol. 1. Warm and inspiring recollections by early believers of their first-hand experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Speakers include Juliet Thompson, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Florence Breed Khan, Marguerite (Daisy) Smythe, Edward B. (Saffa) Kinney, and Curtis Kelsey. For special commemorations, Holy Days, community and personal deepening. 60 minutes. CS $7.50.

Meeting the Master Video. A video recording of 10 people who shared their memories of meeting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during the recent celebration of the 75th anniversary of His visit to the site of the House of Worship in Wilmette. A rare opportunity to hear stories from people still living who actually met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. At the end of the tape, the filmstrip "Glimpses of Perfection," which is about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is included (with narration). Both sections of the tape are suitable for Holy Day programs or deepenings. 46 minutes. VHS or Beta, $19.95.

The Six Year Plan

6. Establishing Bahá’í lending libraries aids development, integration

The 15th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

The growth, development and integration of our Bahá’í communities depends a great deal on our use of the materials we have at hand—our books, tapes and videos.

Establishing Bahá’í lending libraries, one of the goals of the Six Year Plan, can be a major means of increasing the use of these resources—for those who are Bahá’ís and for those who are learning about the Faith.

Lending libraries should include a complete selection of the sacred texts of the Faith and the works of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice. They should include hard-to-get or out-of-print books and reference materials such as volumes of The Bahá’í World and works about the Faith, both historical and introductory.

They should also include children's books and materials, subscriptions to Bahá’í periodicals, and items newly available that community members may not have seen. (Having a standing order with the Bahá’í Distribution Service enables your library to receive new items automatically and as soon as possible.)

For new Bahá’ís, you may wish to have a special section of basic books including works by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and compilations (such as Unrestrained as the Wind and The Power of Unity), as it can be quite overwhelming to choose what to read when so many books are available. Reading the new believers' page in The American Bahá’í can also be helpful in terms of book selection (see page 8 in this issue).

For the seeker, make sure you have plenty of introductory books as well as some up-to-date pamphlets and other teaching materials. And don't forget the Creative Word—the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

With the establishment of lending libraries that have a good supply of Bahá’í books, cassettes, videos and other materials for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, growth will result that will benefit us all.

What people are saying about...

The Purpose of Physical Reality (SC $9.95) by Dr. John S. Hatcher:

"Dr. Hatcher renders a stimulating service to his reader by raising questions that often touch our conscious experience but remain undefined and, therefore, unanswered. His book opens new vistas to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and serves as a catalyst for deepening and further research. It should find a broad audience of interested readers who are serious in their search for understanding basic Bahá’í concepts."—Jack McCants, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

"The Purpose of Physical Reality communicates very attractively the Bahá’í perspective on age-old questions about tests and apparent injustices of physical life. In his distinctively lucid treatment, Dr. Hatcher has given us thought-provoking essays guaranteed to fuel lively discussions on the questions of human existence."—Ronna Santoscoy, Auxiliary Board member

The Gift of Life booklet on birth (10/$12.50):

"The Gift of Life is a delightful booklet to be savored in those precious moments of closeness between new mother, father and baby. Sure to outlive traditional congratulatory cards, it offers every new family the spiritual inspiration necessary to crystallize the reality of our purpose in life."—Melinda Armstrong, founder, Spiritual Mothering Journal

"The Gift of Life reminded me, again, of the basic, sacred purpose for having children. As the message conveys, the physical awe I feel during my pregnancy is intensified and overshadowed by the unfathomable spiritual gift I have received. I found the booklet to be very reassuring."—Regina Blum, educator and expectant mother

"This little book in its simplicity and tenderness offers a very sensitive way of sharing the Bahá’í Faith with new parents. Few gifts are really worthy of the sacred event of a birth, but the words of Bahá’u’lláh in The Gift of Life surely match the occasion."—Rene Knight-Weiler, editor, Spiritual Mothering Journal

The Tapestry Notecards (10/$12.50):

"The Tapestry Notecards are not only beautiful to behold, they have a special significance because they highlight the contributions of women to the advancement of civilization. Sharing the tapestry project strengthens our understanding that a great effort begins with an individual inspired by the Revelation."—Paula Henderson, visual artist

Don't forget these other new titles:

Prayers and Meditations, HC $14.50, PS $3.75 God Passes By, HC $21.95, SC $12.95 The Promise of World Peace, pocket-sized edition, 10 /$5.50 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, SC $3.50 Teaching Cards, House of Worship, 25/$3.95 All of the above are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. [Page 16]

International Youth Conference

sion the speakers made themselves available in the dormitories, and as there was no curfew, these informal sessions continued late into the night.

Also taking place each evening was "Night Beat," an informal gathering of musicians in the University Center featuring such talented artists as Doug Cameron, James Woodbridge, "4th Epoch" and "New Generation" who performed nightly until 2 a.m.

A special "round table" discussion was held for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’í representatives of youth groups interested in consulting on ways to work for peace. Two members of the National Youth Committee of Canada met with members of Canada World Youth, Youth Action for Peace, and other groups, to discuss the need for unity among the peoples and nations of the world.

"Becoming a Spiritual Being—A World Citizen" was the title of a panel discussion chaired by a Bahá’í youth, Mehrdad Baghai. Panelists were Counselors Anello and King and two Bahá’í youth, Laurie Torres of Alaska (who was recently a pioneer to Peru) and Owrang Kashef who works at the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

The speakers urged the youth to consider service overseas as a means of developing their spiritual nature and world-consciousness.

Above: Counselor Robert Harris drives home a point. Below: Youth join hands in display of love and unity.

A video tape, "The Global Brain," by Peter Russell illustrated the evolution of mankind's collective consciousness, which I made a giant leap forward when man entered the Space Age. Looking back on planet earth from outer space, man was able for the first time to see it as an organic whole: truly one world. As Counselor Smith said in his commentary on the video, "We need to be willing to find new Iways of looking at things, new ways of thinking, if mankind is to survive."

The Association for Bahá’í Studies met during the conference to talk about projects for Bahá’í college clubs to initiate in conjunction with the ABS.

The Bahá’í Distribution Service of Canada set up a bookstore to sell various materials including T-shirts, buttons and bags with the conference logo, "Let It Be This Generation!" or, in French, "Que ce soit cette génération!"

Alongside the bookstore were information booths for the Bahá’í World Center; the National Youth Committees of Canada and the U.S.; Canada World Youth; the Louhelen Bahá’í School; service projects such as the Badí’ Peace March from London to Toronto; and upcoming conferences including those in Manchester, England, and Lafayette, Indiana.

The conference drew media attention from around the world. Jeph Pillet-Fabre, a reporter for the French newspaper Liberation, came to cover the event for his Paris-based paper because, he said, "The French youth need an example to follow such as the youth gathering here to talk about peace."

Locally, the conference received press coverage in the London Free Press and the university newspaper, Western News.

Among the stellar artists who entertained during the main sessions were:

Canadian recording artist Doug Cameron and his band, "Blue Velvet."

Canadian singer/guitarist Gordi Munro who recently completed a 20,000-mile teaching trip through the U.S.

Youth Core, a group of 17 non-Bahá’í youth from Ontario who presented a drama about conflicting ideologies achieving unity.

• Negin Khoshkhesal and Habib Zargarpour, Bahá’í youth from Vancouver who presented a "unity dance" entitled "Romebot and Juliebot."

Santour player Kiu Haghighi and pianist Rosamond Brenner from Illinois.

A Canadian dance troupe, "The Atlantic Workshop."

Non-Bahá’í singer Rosemary Stewart.

Singer Nancy Ward who accompanied Mr. Cameron during his performance of the song, "Mona with the Children."

Mr. Lenz, who besides being an Auxiliary Board member is a musician and composer for radio, television and films, produced a dramatic presentation on the life of the Báb, "Midsummer Noon," which was performed to commemorate the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb on July 9.

Counselor Arbáb, who is director of a program in education and rural development in Colombia, spoke twice during the conference. His first talk was titled "Needed—A New Kind of Youth."

There is no doubt, he said, that "the prevailing world order is lamentably defective.

"Yet this day is infused with the Grace of God—and as overwhelmed as you may be by social conflicts and problems of personal transformation, you can choose the 'path of sacrifice' and respond to the sound of the voice thata calls you to service from the innermost heart of humanity.

"Face your future!" he told his young audience. "Become involved!"

In this conference, Dr. Faily said, "you will decide how you feel about the issue of world peace."

Humanity, she said, has come to a point of paralysis, unable to move forward due to a "balance of terror" created by the threat of nuclear annihilation.

The task facing today's young people, she said, is that of "ushering mankind into adulthood; unifying the people of the world to prevent the destruction of the earth and protect future generations."

Mr. Locke, a Lakota Bahá’í, spoke on "Native American Prophecies for Peace" and gave a performance of his renowned "hoop dance."

He explained the significance of the dance, in which various colored hoops are formed into a globe, as representing unity in diversity.

Counselor Harris said it is the task of this generation to "bust the barriers" to world peace identified by the Universal House of Justice in its peace statement: racism, the oppression of women, economic injustice, lack of education, nationalism, and religious strife.

Youth can obliterate those barriers, he said, by arising in service to the Cause of God:

"Make the decision to travel and give time to serve the Cause. Convince your parents that you are serious about your commitment—prove you can clean up your own room before you try to save the world!

WELCOME / BIENVENUE Bahá’í Conference / Conférence bahá’íe

Above: A colorful banner welcomes youth to the conference. Below: A dramatic presentation by Youth Core from Ontario.

Message from the Universal House of Justice

To the youth gathered at the International Youth Conference in London, Ontario

We extend loving greetings to the participants in this Youth Conference which is convened in a period when the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is emerging from the dark shadows of obscurity into a position of respect and prominence on the international scene.

In the Cradle of the Faith a fettered Bahá’í community looks expectantly to the believers in the West to perform heroic and sacrificial deeds which will demonstrate anew the resistless might of the Cause of God.

You are called upon to demonstrate to your peers the power of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh through the nobility of your characters, the excellence of your morals, and the vitality of your spiritual discipline.

Your commitment to the service of mankind should be reflected in your way of life, your pursuit of education, and in the training of your minds in preparation for the challenges which await the expanding Bahá’í community in spirituality, administration, social and economic development, and international relations.

Among the opportunities before you for service to the Faith are a youth year of service, teaching projects undertaken during vacation periods, and dedicated and persevering participation in local community life:

We offer you our heartfelt love; our full confidence, and the assurance of our prayerful remembrance of you at the Sacred Threshold.

Universal House of Justice July 7, 1987 [Page 17]

‘Let It Be This Generation!’

“And, most important, don’t wait—make the decision to go, and go now!”

“Peace: What Does It Take?” was the question put to the youth by Dr. Henderson, who suggested that they start by trying to be an example to the world.

True happiness, he said, “comes from excellence of character, breadth of learning and the ability to solve problems. You have been given the power not only to affect your own lives but all of society. You are the champions of a new day!”

Counselor Rogers, in his presentation on “The Creative Dynamic of an Ideal Community,” used classic painting to illustrate humankind’s journey out of darkness.

“However insignificant you feel,” he said, “you should nevertheless arise to serve; stand up and generate light or else darkness will prevail.”

Counselor Ghaznavi and a panel of youth discussed “The Power of a Moral Character.” The three young panelists were Mark Steiner, Maren Klapt and Ruth Forman.

Ms. Klapt, who spoke in German which was translated into English by Counselor Ghaznavi, said, “Youth can move the world, but first we have to move ourselves.”

The music video “Mona with the Children” was shown during Counselor Smith’s closing address which emphasized depth of faith and a firm commitment to the Cause of God.

The youth, filled with spirit and a desire to become the “champions of a new day,” arose as one, singing, “Let it be this generation to bring peace; bring it to the world!”

Top: Doug Cameron (pointing) and the band perform. Above left: A panel with Counselor Agnes Ghaznavi, Maren Klapt of West Germany. Above center: And the beat goes on ... Above right: Dancing Native American style by Kimimila Locke. Far left: A scene from ‘Romebot and Juliebot.’ Left: An address by Auxiliary Board member Jack Lenz of Canada is ‘signed’ for the hearing impaired by Vicki Meyer, a non-Bahá’í from London, Ontario. Below left: One of the younger attendees tries his hand at freestyle dancing. Below center: Santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi and pianist Rosamond Brenner from the U.S. perform. Below right: A young break dancer regales a late-night audience in the gymnasium. [Page 18]

Unity picnics in words and pictures

Loveland, Colorado

Rapid City, South Dakota

. . . Even before Saturday arrived, the picnic was a success . . . —Rapid City, SD

. . . The Lutheran minister (Churches United president) described it as an “awesome” event! . . . —Cedar Rapids, IA

. . . The weather was perfect; all arrangements unfolded as though guided by an unseen hand; and the warm and peaceful spirit of the event attracted many passers-by in the park . . . —Sacramento, CA

Little Rock, Arkansas

. . . the celebration . . . began early in the morning with rakes, brooms and shovels, as some 50 people gathered at a store front in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city for a cleaning project. . . .The day . . . was one of those bright, beautiful days that you know was God’s gift for the occasion. . . .More than 100 people attended the picnic. . . .It was a day of work, fun and fellowship, and the beginning of a commitment to much more to come . . .

Chicago, IL

. . . Besides (the) enclosed article, we also received TV coverage on Saturday late news . . . our warmest wishes to Mr. Sears . . . —Little Rock, AR

. . . We had a wonderful day! The weather was totally rainy—not much let-up—but hearts were aglow! . . . —Brattleboro, VT

. . . Because we had been told that we had to ask permission to use these parks . . . we had made an application to the Town Board. . . .Apparently, our procedure of asking permission to use the parks was not routine, so it took several phone calls to clarify our requests. . . .So it seems that we caused a rather widespread exposure to the name “Bahá’í.” —Hamburg, NY

. . . The event was a great success! The president of the Dallas United Nations Association chapter, Anna Marie Brown, was our guest speaker, many seekers joined us, and a good time was had by all. . . . —Bedford, TX

. . . the mayor of the city addressed the group and urged citizens to support the picnic and the example of unity. . . .The local reporter assigned to the picnic focused on the children playing and teaching the adults what unity is all about; all the children of diverse backgrounds playing together. . . . —Hutchinson, KS

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Downers Grove, Illinois [Page 19]. . . Thirty people attended—exactly one-third were not Bahá’ís! . . . A seeker from 13 years ago attended! . . . There was a volleyball game with the players ranging in age from five to 75. . . ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s presence and love was felt throughout the day. . . . —Loveland, CO

. . . The park included a zoo, and adults and younger children visited the exhibits. It was a teaching event in itself to see a small group of racially diverse adults and children lovingly touring the zoo . . . —Boston, MA

. . . There was a big headline in The ‎Desert Deseret‎ News—“Bahá’ís celebrating anniversary of 1912 visit”! . . . —Salt Lake City, UT

Sacramento, California

Evanston, Illinois

. . . Two of the non-Bahá’í adults commented on the warm, loving atmosphere of the picnic. One young man even said that he was very impressed and asked for a Bahá’í book . . . —Montgomery, AL

. . . Seventy-five people attended (very significant for this area). Nineteen were not Bahá’ís. . . . —Lincoln, NE

Boston, Massachusetts

Gainesville, Florida

. . . The picnic was jointly sponsored by the Bahá’ís and the NAACP. The mayor and city council members were present. The NAACP said this was the biggest turn-out since they have been here! . . . Corvallis, OR

. . . This was a very successful first major effort for the community to get together. . . . Love, unity, and the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were felt . . . —Spartanburg, SC

. . . There were roses all over. . . . The community became alive! ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was there . . . —Phoenix, AZ

. . . Our picnic was fantastic! . . . Fort Wayne, IN

Hamburg, New York

The promise of peace The Challenge of ACTION Promote PIONEER PLACEMENT worldwide . . . The National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Romer

from page 4

Mr. Romer was the only professional newspaper man in the Bahá’í community at that time, and he spread the knowledge of the Bahá’í movement throughout the news association with which he was connected, thus establishing in the minds of many editors the sense of importance of what was then a little-known Cause.

It was largely through his efforts that much of the publicity was obtained at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing. He saw to it that the news was made known, and many leading newspapers published reports which in some cases included historical data on the Faith and recalled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America in 1912.

Mr. Romer’s devoted and inspiring service never flagged; always, his thoughts entertained the broad, universal scope of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and formed the basic viewpoint from which all his activities emanated.

He had but one all-embracing desire: the advancement of the Cause and the promulgation of its teachings. [Page 20]

Airline magazines feature Shrine of Báb, India Temple

"Pan Am Clipper" magazine featured a photograph of the Shrine of the Báb on a recent cover. The issue included a pictorial essay on Israel from the air.

"Air India," the in-flight magazine for that airline, featured the House of Worship in India on its cover with an excellent article about the Temple's construction, the symbolism of the building, and basic teachings of the Faith. The issue also included tourist ads with photos of the House of Worship.

India Abroad, catering to people from India who are living in the U.S., had in its January issue an article about the House of Worship in New Delhi. This was followed in May by a letter to the editor about how pleasant it was to see the building, open to all people, as a symbol of unity for a troubled country. The writer recommends more Houses of Worship to help people in working toward peace, and commends the Bahá’ís for their efforts.

WGN-TV, Chicago, one of the "Superstations" carried by approximately 26,000 cable TV systems in the U.S., contacted the Bahá’í National Center for a story about the House of Worship and the 75th anniversary of the laying of its cornerstone. This resulted in a three-minute segment aired twice during the station's news programs. Reports have been received from Bahá’ís as far away as Arizona who saw the segment.

The president of the Unitarian-Universalist Church, William Schultz, requested a meeting at the Bahá’í National Center to learn about the Faith and those areas in which Bahá’ís and Unitarian-Universalists agree. Mr. Schultz met with Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and Ronald Precht of the Office of Public Information, after which he was given a personal tour of the House of Worship.

The Discovery Channel, carried by cable TV systems throughout the U.S. and beamed around the world by satellite, has accepted three Bahá’í public service announcements as the first such spots ever broadcast by that channel. The Discovery Channel is devoted to educational and informational programming.

The Office of Public Information asked Robert Gunther, a Bahá’í from New Jersey who works as a journalist with the Atlantic City Press, to cover the Souvenir Picnic on June 27 in Teaneck. This gave Public Information Representatives and committees in New Jersey and parts of New York and Connecticut to present a quality news article about the event to local newspapers.

The Office of Public Information is reviewing and revising its public information materials. New materials are being developed for use by Public Information Representatives and committees, while prolamation materials have been transferred to the National Teaching Committee office for coordination. Those items include: "The Spiritual Revolution," "The Jeff Reynolds Show," "Fireside Playhouse," billboards, posters and bus cards.

Public Information Office discontinues Consultant position

The Office of Public Information has decided to discontinue the position of Public Information Consultant to concentrate its resources on the development of Public Information Representatives.

We greatly appreciate the services of the consultants who have helped to expand the Bahá’í Public Information Network through their efforts in the education of local Spiritual Assemblies and Public Information Representatives.

The consultants have been instrumental in deepening the knowledge of the Bahá’í community about contact with the communications media.

Letter to Spiritual Assemblies from Office of External Affairs

The following letter was sent in June by the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs to all local Assemblies in the U.S.

To all local Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly has redefined the purpose, the structure and the activities of the Office of Public Affairs. Last year the name was changed to the Office of Public Information. The Office of Public Information is part of the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs. The Office of Public Information is located at the National Center in Wilmette and its director is Ronald Precht.

The Office of Public Information is responsible for the production and distribution of public information materials and the education and training of local Spiritual Assemblies, Public Information Representatives, and media committees in the area of public information.

Commentary

In the opening sentences of its Ridván 1987 message, the Universal House of Justice told the Bahá’ís of the world that at the opening of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age the administrative institutions were emerging from their protective obscurity into the larger arena of public notice. Therefore, when local Spiritual Assemblies consider whom to appoint to their media committees and as Public Information Representatives, they should select individuals whose knowledge of and capacity to present the Faith to the public are commensurate with the current needs of the Bahá’í community.

The Public Information Representatives are the spokesmen for the Bahá’í community. In the past it was sufficient for the representatives to deliver press releases, to arrange for broadcasts of public service announcements and programs, and to work with local television and radio stations.

Today such activities are still essential. However, local Assemblies should appoint representatives whose public relations skills combine the ability to approach communications media and the capability to provide knowledgeable and accurate information about the Faith to the public.

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased with the development of the public information network and encourages your Spiritual Assembly to consult on the recent messages from the Universal House of Justice and the goals of the Six Year Plan and then to appoint a Public Information Representative or Media Committee member who will be able to respond competently to the increasing number of queries about the Faith from all sectors of society.

Please be assured of the prayers of the National Spiritual Assembly for each one of your endeavors.

Open House

The relationship between these two UN offices—the Bahá’í International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly—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 an official non-governmental organization (NGO) with observer status.

The following year the eight existing National Spiritual Assemblies were recognized collectively as the "Bahá’í International Community," represented at the UN by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

This situation continued, with the addition of more National Assemblies to the Bahá’í International Community, until 1967 when the Universal House of Justice assumed direction of the Bahá’í International Community, leaving the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly with its original role of national non-governmental organization accredited to the UN Department of Public Information.

In 1970 the Bahá’í International Community's UN office acquired consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

With the consultative status accorded to the Bahá’í International Community's UN office, it is able to make official oral and written statements to ECOSOC's various commissions and committees.

The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly retained its observer status, and is accredited at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. It is also a member organization of the United Nations Association of the United States.

The two Bahá’í UN offices complement each other's work, and take part in meetings of UN bodies concerned with issues of peace and disarmament, human rights, social and economic development, the status of women, crime and drug abuse prevention, children, and the family.

They also encourage Bahá’í communities throughout the world to observe United Nations Day and Human Rights Day.

In a message dated October 1986 from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í International Community's office in New York, the Supreme Body notes a new, potent stage in the development of the external affairs of the worldwide Bahá’í community:

"This stage," it writes, "betokens the prominence attained by the Cause of God in its emergence from obscurity and is characterized by the new, inescapable challenges immediately to be met as a direct result of the operation of the onrushing processes through which are evolving the reconstructive influences of Bahá’u’lláh's World Order.

"A striking manifestation of the new situation can be seen in the accumulating evidence of the salutary relationship developing between the Bahá’í community and the world at large.

"This relationship must be expanded. As windows of the Bahá’í community to the world, these offices must display ever more clearly the unifying principles, the hope, the promise, the majesty of this emerging order.

"A glance backward to the embryonic efforts of 39 years ago to associate the interests of the Faith with the work of the United Nations," the House of Justice continues, "cannot but arouse in every observant Bahá’í a deep sense of pride and wonderment at the momentous progress achieved.

"The foundation of eight National Spiritual Assemblies on which those efforts were launched has, by the establishment of 148 National Spiritual Assemblies, been broadened nearly nineteen-fold.

"From that small beginning to the historic moment in 1970 when the Bahá’í International Community was accorded consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, followed by a similar accreditation with the United Nations Children's Fund in 1976, to the remarkable occasion in December 1985 when the name of the Faith was recorded in a resolution passed by the General Assembly itself, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh has surely justified its promise to come forth as a force to be reckoned with in the closing years of the 20th century."

—By Shiva Tavana

Glenford E. Mitchell (left), a member of the Universal House of Justice, greets one of the many guests who attended a Bahá’í International Community-UN Office open house June 29.

S.C. Bahá’í youth wins top science honor

Louise (Lu) Carter, a Bahá’í youth from Columbia, South Carolina, was honored June 4 by the South Carolina House of Representatives as a member of the 1986-87 Irmo High School Science Team which won the National Science Olympiad held May 16 at Ohio State University in Columbus.

She was introduced to the state legislature and given a letter and certificate congratulating her "on her participation as a member of the 1986-87 Irmo High School Science Team which won first place in the third annual National Science Olympiad, an outstanding accomplishment which has brought honor and recognition to South Carolina..."

Lu, the daughter of Bahá’ís Kip and Cindy Carter of Columbia and a rising senior at Irmo High School, won a silver medal for her second place finish in one of the three events in which she competed.

In addition, each of the 15 team members and their coaches received gold medals for winning first place.

Lu had won a bronze medal the year before when the Irmo team placed third nationally.

The National Science Olympiad consists of 23 events covering all aspects of science from anatomy, astronomy, biology and chemistry to computer programming, genetics, physics, engineering, and life sciences: earth, physical and marine. [Page 21]

Picnic

meetings shall be held to commemorate this occasion, and the very words I speak to you today shall be repeated in them for ages to come."

As workmen set about building the makeshift stage, whose backdrop was the huge blue-and-white globe used at the Peace Conference last August in San Francisco, and Mr. Sears, Counselors Wilma Brady and Robert Harris, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly, musicians and other performers, and Bahá’ís from all over the East Coast and elsewhere wondered whether there would be a Souvenir picnic in Teaneck, the sky began to clear and the rain slackened to a drizzle. There was hope after all!

Although the weather remained overcast and the ground rain-soaked, that hope soon became reality as the friends opened picnic lunches, chairs were arranged in the grove, and Counselor Harris, the master of ceremonies, set about helping the Council members revise the program, which was to have begun at 10 a.m.

It soon became apparent that the decision to move from the park, made under such trying circumstances, was a master stroke. The grove, whose natural beauty and charm evoked memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself, was the perfect spot in which to have a picnic.

The program got under way Above: It’s nap time. Below: Singer Red Grammer entertains. shortly after lunch with a number of excellent performers preceding the keynote address by Mr. Sears and the presentation of a plaque to Mayor Bernard E. Brooks of Teaneck for his work in promoting unity among all the people in that city.

Another special guest was state Sen. Matthew Feldman.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s address to the first Unity picnic in 1912 was read by Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary, and Judge Dorothy Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, which held its regular meeting that weekend in Teaneck.

Most of those in the audience were given roses in memory of the martyrs in Iran, while many carried colorful balloons emblazoned with the "Diamond Jubilee" logo associated with the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

In addition to the speakers, they enjoyed songs by such superlative performers as Susan Lewis, Miguel Corrales, Gordi and Linda Munro, Red Grammer, Van Gilmer, and the New Horizon Choir; and story-telling in mime by the Touchstone Theatre.

Later in the afternoon, as prayers for unity were being read in English, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Lakota (Sioux), the sun made its first appearance, peeking tentatively from behind the clouds as if to say, "All is well after all."

"This is the one event that will always be associated with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America," Mr. Sears said in his keynote address.

He urged the friends at this picnic and, in a tape-recorded message, those at each of the 1,500 others being held across the country, to use the occasion as a time to renew efforts in teaching the Faith.

"We should all decide that we should do something wonderful with our lives," he said. "Just imagine if, all across America, we should arise after these picnics. Imagine what would happen in the years ahead."

At the close of his address, Mr. Sears invited all of the friends to greet him at the Wilhelm cabin, and not to worry about tiring him.

"I came here to be tired," he said. "What finer gift could any one have than to be tired by the friends?... I don’t know how many more Souvenirs we’ll have together."

True to his word, Mr. Sears went to the porch of the cabin after the program and remained there for more than two hours exchanging words of love and affection with anyone who wished to see him.

Bernard E. Brooks (left), the mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey, receives a plaque of appreciation from Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Mayor Brooks, in accepting his plaque from the National Spiritual Assembly, welcomed the Bahá’ís to his "living room," apologizing for its "leaky roof."

"I couldn’t think of a better place for you to have this assembly," he told his audience. "In Teaneck we have no majorities and no minorities. We just have people."

In spite of the inclement weather which led to the last-minute rearrangement of the agenda, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly were obviously pleased with the results.

"It was simply marvelous," said Dr. Henderson. "One of the outstanding Bahá’í events in my memory.

"We simply can’t say enough about the Council and the hard work and planning that enabled them to overcome every obstacle to make this a truly memorable occasion, one that those who were fortunate enough to attend will remember fondly for many years to come."

Top right: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Middle right: Canada’s Gordi Munro performs. Above left: Some of the friends prepare to visit the Wilhelm home in Teaneck. Above center: It seemed that almost everyone had a balloon. Above right: Some kids went to almost any length to get a better view of the stage. Below: Speaking of the stage, workmen busily construct it in the evergreen grove on the Wilhelm properties as a lone Bahá’í looks on. kind [Page 22]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EMPLOYMENT

THE 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, pleasing telephone manner, and typing of 60 wpm are required; word processing skills are desirable. Those who are interested in applying should write directly to the Office of External Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20009.

WORLD Center staffing representative (Administrative Services): Assists the Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center in filling 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 of experience in human resources is preferred, as is a strong Bahá’í background with LSA or DTC service. Pilgrimage or a visit to the Bahá’í World Center would be extremely valuable. This person must be well-organized and have good clerical skills, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. A proven ability to work independently and with confidential materials is essential. Please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9093 for an application.

PROGRAM assistant (Persian-American Affairs Office): Duties include translating, writing and typing; responding to correspondence in both English and Persian; translating correspondence and other documents as requested, and helping with special projects. An excellent command of Persian and a good command of English, both written and oral, is required. This person should be well-deepened in the principles, laws and ordinances of the Faith. Persian typing skills are required, and word processing skills are 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, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE OFFICE of the U.S./UN Representative to the United Nations is seeking a qualified person to serve as an administrative assistant to help the Representative prepare for briefings, conferences and special projects. Types correspondence, maintains files and office accounts. High energy, good verbal and written skills, typing at least 55 wpm are essential, as are basic accounting skills. College degree is desired. Please send resumé to Katherine Bigelow, Office of External Affairs, Bahá’ís of the United States, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009.

QUALIFIED persons are sought to fill vacancies in the National Teaching Committee office: Minority Development coordinator. Responsible for stimulating and developing all efforts related to minority teaching projects and issues. Experience working with minority groups is essential, with written and oral fluency in Spanish highly desired. A 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 background is required including excellent typing, word processing, and 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.

AMAZON region desperately needs carpenters. One- to three-month stay in Manousse, Brazil: bring your skills, be a part of one of the most exciting projects in the Bahá’í world. Buildings must be completed for the development of an agricultural, technical and academic learning center. For more information, phone Marcia Day, 818-506-4688 or 818-509-0322.

AREA Persian-American Affairs Committee representative (Persian-American Affairs Committee Office): Researches, writes and develops articles and other appropriate materials on cross-cultural awareness issues for The American Bahá’í, pamphlets, a monthly newsletter, conferences and conventions; maintains logs of APAAC correspondence and APAAC 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 APAACs. Excellent writing skills in English, strong organizational skills, clerical experience including typing 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.

ELDERLY Bahá’í woman in Fishkill, New York, now living independently, seeks a young Bahá’í woman, preferably a nurse, to share a house in exchange for some help. Suburban town near a number of small cities with job opportunities in nursing, health and other fields; opportunity to move to a new area, learn from and help a deepened Bahá’í, and help a Bahá’í Group return to Assembly status. Please contact Diana Metreaud, RD 2, P.O. Box M431, Monroe, NY 10950, or phone 914-496-7579.

NEEDED: female housekeeper-babysitter for 19-month-old girl. $200 per month plus room and board. Work a minimum of one year; weekends free. Must have own transportation. Pioneering post on the Navajo Reservation. Contact Laura Thomas, P.O. Box 763, Tsaile, AZ 86556, or phone her at 602-724-3239 in Arizona or 505-294-0618 in New Mexico.

SEVERAL job openings presently exist in San Carlos, Arizona, on the Apache Indian Reservation. A director of nursing is sought at the Heritage Health Care Center. Please send resumé to Dennis Baker, associate administrator, Heritage Health Care Center, 1300 South St., Globe, AZ 85501. Also sought is an LPN/RN to work for the Johns Hopkins Project. Must enjoy working with children and have a basic knowledge of pediatric immunizations, specimen collection and computer entry. Day shift; weekends and holidays off. Phone 602-475-2371, ext. 49.

BAHÁ’Í physician, specializing in family practice or internal medicine with experience in cardiology, is needed in a middle Georgia community (population about 1,500) with another Bahá’í family in town. Please contact Dr. B.B. Darugar, P.O. Box 760, Eatonton, GA 31024, or phone 404-485-8485 or 404-485-8495.

PHYSICIAN is needed for a rural town in the Gila River Valley, Arizona/New Mexico, where a Bahá’í Group is making vigorous teaching efforts. Sun Belt living in a setting that is perfect for economic enterprises of regional or national scope. Contact: Cordova, P.O. Box 456, Duncan, AZ 85534 (phone 602-359-2477).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed. We’re almost there! Two more adults and Garner, a small town near the metro centers of Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, will have its first Assembly ever! There are many job opportunities in the area, public schools are excellent, and three nationally known universities—Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina—are quite near. Enjoy the coziness of small-town life with the convenience and culture of a booming metropolitan area. The cost of living in Garner is one of the lowest in the area. For more information, write to Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529, or phone Corinne Mills, 919-779-1541, or Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340.

WANTED: Homefront pioneers to help consolidate Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, where several homes are for sale in a racially mixed neighborhood. We’ll be happy to help you in any way we can. Write to Nina Uccello Jones, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

WE ARE looking for a dedicated Persian family who would like to live on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. For more information, please contact Michael Hughey, Asheville, NC 28801, or phone 704-253-8604.

LIVE in beautiful Oregon—fresh air, pine trees, untamed rivers, and more. Teaching positions for middle school and high school (grades 6-12) are open in Cave Junction. Good math background for alternative ed program; English major for high school position. Apply immediately. For more information, phone 503-592-4679.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

TURKS and Caicos: Assistant manager needed with a variety of skills—motorcycle and bicycle mechanic, small engineer repair and maintenance, bookkeeping, and land management. For more information please contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

FILIPINO-, Japanese- and Chinese-speaking pioneers needed. For more information please contact 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.

CONFERENCES on "Equality of Men and Women," "Substance Abuse," "Models of Racial Unity," "Developing and Supporting Marriage and Family Life," and "Youth" are scheduled for fall 1987 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. For more information, write to Louhelen, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

HARK! A knight to remember doth approach at the third annual Green Lake "Saturday Knight Party" on Saturday, September 19. King Art Tour and Lady Guava Ear summon ye to come dressed as your favorite medieval pun.

RETIRED couples: the Louhelen Bahá’í School needs you! Louhelen has always benefited from the volunteered services of retired couples. Live nearby a few months of the year or year-round. The Louhelen Council will help you find affordable housing (two houses adjacent to the school are presently for sale). Rental units are also available nearby. We can use help in many areas, and welcome the services you can donate! Please contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

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 print. Designed to be used only during the business part of Feasts, the guide makes it possible for every adult to share the responsibility of teaching the children on a rotating basis. It’s that simple! The guide is a non-profit publication by 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, Houston, TX 77077.

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

"ONE PLANET, One People ... Please" T-shirts and sweatshirts proclaim the Bahá’í message. Available in adult and children’s sizes, cotton/poly blend or 100 per cent heavyweight cotton. Many colors to choose from. T-shirts are priced from $6.50 to $9.95, sweatshirts $14.50 and $17.50. Free illustrated list on request. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

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

"THE HUMAN Soul," a cassette tape of a talk by Bahá’í scholar Adib Taherzadeh on the nature and condition of the soul, which regularly sells for $7.50, is on sale through October 1987 for only $7 (plus 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1). Please make checks payable to Images International and send to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

THE BAHÁ’Í National Race Unity Committee announces the availability of the video tape "Race Unity: A Bahá’í Perspective" in which four members of the Race Unity Committee discuss America’s most challenging issue in a panel interview format intended for Bahá’í schools, deepenings, and conferences. The video tape focuses on racism, prejudice, and what Bahá’ís can do to help bring about race unity. 60 minutes. Available for $20 in both Beta and VHS formats. Order through your local Bahá’í librarian or send a check or money order to the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 1-800-323-1880).

"ONE PLANET, One People ... Please" buttons are now available four ways: white lettering on black or on blue, with "Bahá’í Faith" or without. Proclaim the Faith proudly by wearing one of these "silent teachers." Order same style or mix them up. 10 for $7.50, 50 for $25, 100 for $35. Add 10 per cent for shipping ($3 minimum). California residents add 6 1/2 per cent sales tax. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016; phone 213-933-8291.

"MY CALAMITY Is My Providence," an anthology of poetry in response to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, compiled and organized by Tahirih Khodadoust Foroughi, is available from Images International. This anthology comes in an English volume and a Persian volume, each with 95 poems. The cost is $5 each plus 10 per cent for postage and handling (minimum $1). Please make checks payable to Images International and send to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007. And don’t forget to indicate your preference for the English or Persian volume!

REMEMBER the very special 75th anniversary of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to North America with a commemorative program. These lovely rose-colored programs include photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a copy of His Unity Feast address in West Englewood (Teaneck), New Jersey. Please send $2 per program to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHÁ’Í introductory pamphlets: "Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith," "God’s Purpose Progressively Revealed," "The Messengers of God Are One," "One Universal Faith," "The Promise Kept," and "Universal Guidance Renewed," $5 per pack of 50 of the same title (plus tax in California) and shipping. For a sample set (one of each), send a self-addressed No. 10 (9 1/2-inch) envelope with four unused 22-cent stamps enclosed to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Telephone 213-933-8291.

"CLOSE Connections," an album by the New World Generation, is available from Images International. This is exciting, upbeat music in a rhythm and blues style with Caribbean influence inspired by Bahá’í concepts. Order by sending $7.50 per album (plus 10 per cent for postage and handling, minimum $1) to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

BACK ISSUES of Brilliant Star magazine are available: $2 per issue or order 3-6 for $1.50 each or order 7-12 at only $1.25 each! Specify which issues you would like, or ask for our special variety pack. Great for children’s classes, rainy days and Feasts. Also make a wonderful present, tied up with a bow! Brilliant Star, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343.

CAN’T find the books and materials you need for deepening, teaching, proclamation or inspiration? Check our resources for more than 160 book titles not available elsewhere, plus pamphlets, T-shirts, balloons, and much more. Free price lists. Orders shipped via UPS within 24 hours of receipt. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop. [Page 23]há’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016; phone 213- 933-8291.

WANTED

WANTED: youth with musical, dramatic or artistic talent to serve for a year traveling throughout Canada to visit high schools and share the healing Message of the Faith through use of the arts. The project is to start this fall. If you are interested in joining our Canadian brothers and sisters in this most heroic effort, please contact the National Youth Committee, Ba- há’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

HOST families for foreign exchange students desperately needed. High- school age youth from Europe, South America, the Philippines, Japan, etc. provide their own expenses, have ex- cellent grades and character, and stay for the school year. If you would like to have a student stay with you or re- cruit others in your town to do so (a great way to promote international unity), phone John McGimsey, 505- 758-3338.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the follow- ing individuals to add to its collection of photographs: Amatu’l-Bahá Rú- híyyih Khánum, William Sears, ‘Alí- Akbar Furútan, John Robarts, H. Collis Featherstone, ‘Ali Muhammad Varqá, Ugo Giachery, Edna True, Sarah M. Pereira, Velma Sherrill, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, H. Bor- rah Kavelin, and Glenford Mitchell. Anyone having photographs which they could donate to the Archives is asked to send them to the National Ba- há’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

HELP! We have puppets but don’t have any scripts. Can anyone send scripts or dialogues for use in teaching children, youth and adults? Few pe- ple in the Canary Islands read books, but many would be drawn to puppet shows (they love "Sesame Street"!). Of special interest would be dialogues that teach the principles of the Faith, although anything would do as an "ice-breaker." Help of any kind is deeply appreciated. Write to Peggy True, Canary Islands, SPAIN 38870. Better still, bring your scripts and join us!

WANTED urgently: Bahá’ís who have band instruments that could be donated or sold at a reasonable price to the Anis Zunuzi Bahá’í School in Haiti. A campaign in the U.S. to ac- quire these instruments for music classes and a subsequent marching band is directed toward securing trum- pets, trombones, clarinets (soprano), saxophones (alto and tenor), and flutes. If you have any of these in- struments that is gathering dust and producing nothing, please dig it out and notify Helene Wittekind, 44 Apollo Blvd., Richland, WA 99352, or phone 509-375-1529. Thank you!

THE NATIVE American Bahá’í In- stitute is proceeding without delay to construct the first of two classroom buildings at the site. It is hoped that much of the work will be accomp- lished by volunteers. All types of help will be welcomed, ranging from car- penters, brick layers and electricians to unskilled laborers who are willing to bend their backs for Bahá’u’lláh. Please write to Jeff Kiely, NABI, Houck, AZ 86506.

SINGERS: The Bahá’í House of Worship Choir is looking for additio- nal singers of all races and levels of ex- perience 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

Any Bahá’í can give to the Fund—adult or child—National Bahá’í Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091.

know of any singers from minority backgrounds, we’d especially welcome their participation. We rehearse each Thursday evening, and sing at devo- tional services two Sundays per month. Take part as much as your schedule al- lows—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.

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

WANTED: Comments from cus- tomers on books, tapes and videos produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Responses should say some- thing about how the item affected you or how you see its use in terms of in- dividual or community growth. They should be two to three sentences in length (but can be longer). For sample comments, please see page 15 in this issue of The American Bahá’í. Send your name and occupation or a re- quest for anonymity with your com- ment(s) to: Promotions Department, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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

WE ARE getting ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington, and need information about pioneers and teachers to and from the area. If you have such infor- mation or know of anyone who does, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Belling- ham, WA 98227, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505 (evenings).

WANTED: State voting lists for Wisconsin for the years 1949, 1953, 1959, 1962 and 1967. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

I WAS an active Bahá’í teacher un- til told a year ago I have Type 1 dia- betes. I am having a rough time deal- ing with so many changes; I am house- bound and, after a small stroke, can’t always write or draw with my right hand. People who understand, fellow diabetics, please write to a friend in need: Julie Ann Longaker, El Cajon, CA 92021, or phone 619-441-0682.

ANYONE who is interested in pub- lications for single Bahá’ís, please write. Anyone who subscribed to "Friends" or "Assistance Alliance" and would like to have those publica- tions revived, please write. Also, edi- tors of similar newsletters, please write. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Linda Martin, P.O. Box 1721, Visalia, CA 93279.

INTERFAITH organization ideas needed. Bahá’ís involved in a newly developed interfaith group would greatly appreciate leads on obtaining or developing written or visual inter- faith materials. Please contact Chris- tine Nurmi Swadley, Marquette, MI 49855, or telephone 906-249-9745.

WILL anyone who knew Marcia Steward (born 1904; died 1966 in Hon- duras; entered the Faith in 1938 in California) please send impressions, reminiscences, etc. to Janet Ruhe- Schoen, Casilla 16349, Santiago 9, Chile, South America. Marcia was the first pioneer to Chile (1940-50), and also pioneered in Central America and was a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Marshall Islands. I am writing about her for the Association for Bahá’í Studies of Chile.

WANTED: writers to contribute original essays, short stories, anec- dotes, thoughts, poetry, jokes, and cartoons for a collection on the lighter side. Send your warm and humorous thoughts on the joys of Bahá’í to An- thony Lee, Kalimát Press, 1600 Saw- telle Blvd., Suite 34, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

MISCELLANEOUS

NEED help? Trouble with alcohol or substance abuse? You need no longer feel alone. Other Bahá’ís know your pain and suffering. Contact Ba- há’ís in Recovery Programs (BIRP) and be free to live the Bahá’í life. Love, fellowship and understanding are yours for the asking. You don’t have to be in a recovery program. We will network with you and share our experience, strength and hope. Write using your first name and last initial only to BIRP, 13136 Palm Drive, Suite 109, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.

ORPHANAGE in Brazil run by Ba- há’ís (for children ages 0-12). Anyone who is interested in receiving informa- tion about adopting children through this orphanage should contact Marcia Day, 818-506-4688 or 818-509-0322.

Peace Scholarship’ is awarded by California Bahá’í community

Shawn Schwitters, winner of a $500 ‘Bahá’í Peace Scholarship’ at Liberty High School sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Delta Communities (California) receives a certificate and deluxe copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Sharon Somerhalder Canon, a teacher at the school and member of the Bahá’í community.

Last fall, the Spiritual Assem- bly of Delta Communities (Cali- fornia) decided to proclaim the Faith by providing a "Bahá’í Peace Scholarship" for a graduat- ing senior at the local high school. Before proceeding, the Assem- bly contacted Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and her husband, Ron (both of whom are educators) to ask their advice. They responded with a long letter containing many excellent sugges- tions.

The high school was then con- tacted, and a letter was written to faculty members explaining the plan and asking for nominations based on these criteria: 1. A student whose actions pro- mote unity and concord. 2. A student who displays com- passion for humanity without pre- judice. 3. A potential leader. 4. A student who displays tenacity toward self-improvement and is committed to furthering his/her education.

The Assembly asked that none of the students be made aware of the scholarship so that the award could be based solely on the teachers’ observations and not on student applications for the award.

An awards committee made the final selection from teachers’ nominations, and the winner, Shawn Schwitters, was unaware of the $500 scholarship until call- ed to the stage on awards night to receive it.

The presentation was made by Sharon Somerhalder Canon, a teacher at Liberty High School and member of the Bahá’í com- munity, who first explained to the audience the nature of the award. The winner also received a de- luxe edition of "The Promise of World Peace" along with a fram- ed certificate and a letter telling him how he was selected and ex- plaining how the money would be made available.

The reaction to the award from teachers and administrators at the school was quite positive.

Roses

...were enrolled as Bahá’ís during that time, have now become ac- tively involved in teaching the Faith themselves due to the con- tinuing efforts of the friends to nurture them.

Children’s classes begun during the 189 days are continuing with ever-increasing numbers of child- ren—both Bahá’í and non-Ba- há’í—in attendance.

And important contacts made while presenting "The Promise of World Peace" during the 189 days resulted in the presence of prom- inent non-Bahá’ís at some of the Unity Picnics.

Although the journal for the Iranian believers has been closed, we would like to continue to hear of efforts made in the Spirit of the Roses.

Please send your inspiring stories to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Cen- ter, Wilmette, IL 60091.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Why has God ordained that we begin our spiritual journey in a physical world?

The Purpose of Physical Reality The Kingdom of Names

159 pages. Bibliography SC $9.95

• How can we use the world around us to further our spiritual development?

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

Author John S. Hatcher examines the 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.

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 24]

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

The seven members of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamadan, Iran, who were arrested, tortured and summarily executed on June 14, 1981. Standing (left to right) are Suhayl Habibi, Husayn Khandil, Dr. Nasir Vafa’i, Suhrab Habibi and Dr. Firuz Na’imi. Kneeling (left to right) are Tarazullah Khuzayn and Husayn Mutlaq.

Late one night in the latter part of July 1980, a group of armed guards raided the residence of Husayn Mutlaq, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamadan, Iran.

After many hours of search, they took Mr. Mutlaq, along with Assembly files and Bahá’í tapes, to the Revolutionary Court.

During nine days of detention, Mr. Mutlaq was interrogated for many hours each day. Finally he was released temporarily on bail, but he and the other members of the Assembly were kept under surveillance.

A few weeks later he and six other Assembly members—Dr. Nasir Vafa’i, Dr. Firuz Na’imi, Suhrab Habibi, Tarazullah Khuziy, Hussiyn Khandil and Suhiyl Habibi—were arrested.

The impression made by these friends on their fellow inmates (bandits, drug smugglers and other criminals) was so deep and apparent that it disturbed the authorities who ordered that the Bahá’ís be placed in a segregated area.

The floor of their cell was covered with foul-smelling grime that made them ill. It was so crowded that they had to take turns sleeping.

Their food ration was so unclean and inedible that they were forced to confine themselves to bread alone. They had to queue up to use the lavatory, as often there was only one available to the 350 inmates.

Only a sponge bath was occasionally possible, and they had to wash their clothes in the same water after bathing.

Twice daily they were compelled to stand in the scorching sun for roll call and the reading of their "crime": that of being Bahá’ís and of associating with Zionism.

For four months they were kept in solitary confinement; not even their immediate families were allowed to meet with them. These beloved friends willingly endured the agony of not seeing their families rather than cause them humiliation.

Contrary to the expectations of the authorities, the harsh environment of prison, its filth, hunger and countless atrocities, could not in the least affect the exemplary behavior of these Bahá’ís. Instead, the calamities opened the eyes of the public to their innocence.

Later, they were transferred to more comfortable quarters where their families were permitted to visit them twice a week.

Nevertheless, they were kept in confinement for many months while prison officials tried to find criminal charges to bring against them. But their impeccable conduct left even the fanatics among them praising them, regretting only that they were Bahá’ís.

Six months after their imprisonment a trial date was announced. When the trial began the friends presented their defense with dignity and composure.

Individual trials began the following day and continued for 40 days. The Bahá’ís, seated on cold chairs and writhing with pain caused by kidney trouble, headache or high fever, boldly defended the Cause against the false accusations.

At the close of the trial, an official confidently assured them that no charge had been proven against them.

They were told, "...We set you free, but those of you who have been on the government payroll must refund the government for whatever they received as salaries during the period of their service...."

They were assured of their freedom the next day.

Little did they realize that this was only another false hope. Many days passed with contradictory rumors playing on their nerves.

Eventually, during the second week of June 1981, it became known that all seven were to be executed. They were told to gather their belongings and go to the Revolutionary Court; everyone knew what that meant.

There are no words to describe adequately the shock and renewed anxiety for the families of these dear souls. When the guards went to their homes to inventory their belongings, those in the know said it meant that the prisoners were to be executed.

According to other inmates, on the night of their execution, the Bahá’ís shaved, put on their best clothes, and held group prayers. They bade farewell to their jailers and asked their forgiveness as they prepared for their end.

Approach of 90th birthday can't slow 'working' artist, poet Helen Underhill

In Newtown, Pennsylvania, a peaceful village between Philadelphia and New York City, Bahá’í poet and artist Helen Underhill obeys her calling and almost daily produces a new poem.

As she approaches her 90th birthday August 23, Mrs. Underhill contemplates publishing a second volume of her poetry. The first, entitled "God Speaks and Other Poems," was released in 1985, on her 88th birthday.

Apart from the beauty of the poems, a unique aspect of "God Speaks" is that the proceeds from its sales have been donated by Mrs. Underhill to the National Bahá’í Fund. And if the purchaser is a non-Bahá’í, the money is donated to a charity specified by the purchaser.

Poetry is not a new interest for Mrs. Underhill. Her father was a well-known Philadelphia poet, and she transcribed his poems after he became blind and has given poetry recitals in schools, churches and at social functions for the last 83 years.

As with all who have the strength to bridge gaps and create change, Mrs. Underhill has a number of "firsts" to her credit. Among them, she was the first black person to be a commencement speaker at William Penn High School in Philadelphia and the only black student in her home economics class at the Philadelphia Normal School in 1919.

Mrs. Underhill later studied at Neff College of Oratory, the Philadelphia School of Expression and Dramatic Art, did undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, graduate work at the Teachers College of Columbia University and the New School of Social Science in New York.

After graduating from the Philadelphia Normal School, Mrs. Underhill taught home economics in Philadelphia for 10 years. Afterward, she was a consultant to the New York City Department of Public Welfare, taught at Abington Friends School in suburban Philadelphia, and then returned to the city's public school system where she taught until her retirement in 1967.

At 18, she played the lead in "The Little Princess" at the Bryan Academy in Philadelphia. She won first prize in an oratorical contest at Neff College, and was presented by the head of the Philadelphia School of Expression and Dramatic Art in her dramatic debut to a capacity audience at the Century Drawing Room in Philadelphia.

A highlight of her artistic career was when she appeared in concert as a dramatic reader with famed contralto Marian Anderson at South Philadelphia High School more than 60 years ago.

Her forthcoming book will contain, in addition to poetry, personal glimpses of some of the famous black people she has known personally, among them Fannie Lou Hamer, Mary McLeod Bethune, Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, Dr. George Washington Carver and Dr. Leslie Pinkley Hill, the first president of Cheney State College.

Since becoming a Bahá’í some 30 years ago, Mrs. Underhill has dedicated her energies and talents to things that incorporate excellence and raise the quality of life. Besides writing, she paints and illustrates, presents talks, travels, gives recitals, and still finds time to welcome everyone who visits her.

She has lived in several Bahá’í communities, served on the Spiritual Assemblies of each, and traveled through Europe as a Bahá’í teacher.

Although isolated in her present community, she takes seekers to firesides in neighboring areas and maintains close contact with nearby Bahá’ís.

Anyone who would like to obtain a copy of "God Speaks" may do so by sending a check for $10 plus $1.50 for postage and handling to Mrs. Helen Underhill, Friends Village, Newtown, PA 18940. (The same address can be used to send her a birthday card on August 23!)

Excerpt from The Promulgation of Universal Peace

...discover the realities of all things, can solve the secrets and mysteries of all created objects.

While living upon the earth, it discovers the stars and their satellites; it travels underground, finds the metals in their hidden depths and unlocks the secrets of geological ages. It can cross the abyss of interstellar space and discover the motion of inconceivably distant suns.

How wonderful it is! It can attain to the Kingdom of God. It can penetrate the mysteries of the divine Kingdom and attain to everlasting life. It receives illumination from the light of God and reflects it to the whole universe. How wonderful it is! How powerful the spirit of man, while his body is so weak!

If the susceptibilities of the spirit control him, there is no created being more heroic, more undaunted than man; but if physical forces dominate, you cannot find a more cowardly or fearful object because the body is so weak and incapable.

Therefore, it is divinely intended that the spiritual susceptibilities of man should gain precedence and overrule his physical forces. In this way he becomes fitted to dominate the human world by his nobility and stand forth fearless and free, endowed with the attributes of eternal life.

Reprinted from The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, pp. 263-64. Copyright 1982 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

THORNTON CHASE: PILGRIMAGE OF THE MASTER

(Celebrating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit)

September 26-27, 1987 Hilton Plaza Hotel Inglewood, California

TOPICS ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Center of the Covenant Tracing the Steps of the Master Struggles of the Nascent Community Thornton Chase: The First American Believer

Saturday: Conference/Workshops/Dinner/Unity Feast Sunday: Thornton Chase Pilgrimage Service/Reception

For more information, please contact: Esther DeTally, publicity coordinator 424 Fifth St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Phone 213-376-3836

Treasurer runs out of 'Apostles' tapes

Renewed interest in "The Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh," a talk by Peter Khan, which was generated by an article in the February issue of The American Bahá’í ("Bahá’ís must bring about an everlasting peace"), has resulted in a flood of requests for the cassette from the Office of the Treasurer, exhausting its supply.

As one reader said in a letter to the editor, it is well worth purchasing and contains a special message to each one of us.

While the Office of the Treasurer no longer has copies of the tape, it can be ordered directly from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. The cost is $7.50 per tape. [Page 25]

Looking beyond behavior

“By nature men are nearly alike; by practice they get to be wide apart.”

Men and women everywhere are impelled to satisfy certain basic needs for survival and a sense of well-being. To meet these needs, people have banded together in groups and developed methods for needs gratification; i.e., culture.

Predictably, these methods often vary considerably between groups. For example, an Eskimo may fill his need to show concern and love to an elder by helping to hang him when the old man chooses to die; an American may show the same sentiment by striving to prolong the life of an incurably ill and suffering patient.

In both cases, the need to demonstrate love and concern is the same, that is to say, universal, but the specific behaviors to meet that need are quite different.

When we observe behavioral patterns without considering the question, “What universal need is being met here?” we may often feel confused or even frightened by the behavior because it does not fit into our own cultural program of what is considered to be appropriate in a given situation.

Another example of a universal need is the need to eat. A relief organization sent several tons of cheddar cheese to refugees in Thailand. The response was, “Thank you for the soap, but it doesn’t wash clothes very well.”

Southeast Asian refugees in this country have often met with cultural resistance in their attempts to feed themselves: animal lovers were outraged to hear the refugees’ plans for the domestic animals and pigeons they were trapping in a city park. In some places around the world, dogs are eaten only on special occasions, while in others they taste good all year long.

In the U.S., most people eat domesticated bovines (cattle) on a daily basis, but reject the ingestion of domesticated canines (dogs) even on the most festive occasions. Hindus, of course, eat neither. In each of these examples, the universal need to eat is addressed according to a cultural prescription.

Shoghi Effendi advised us, in a letter to a Bahá’í teaching committee in an indigenous area (quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p. 31), to beware of classifying people whose manners appear to be less refined than our own as primitive or lacking in either intelligence or sensibility:

“On the contrary, they may well look upon us, with the evils of our civilization, with its moral corruption, its ruinous wars, its hypocrisy and conceit, as people who merit watching with both suspicion and contempt. We should meet them as equals, well-wishers, people who admire and respect their ancient descent. ...”

When we observe how a given behavior fits into the larger cultural context and discover how that particular behavior enables the stranger to satisfy a need that you, too, can identify with, then the behavior makes sense. With this understanding, we can be more accepting of our differences and more aware of our commonalities.

INTEGRATION AT WORK

شواهد و آثار ادغام و اختلاط

محفل روحانی بهائیان گلندیل Glendale در ایالت کالیفرنیا به تشکیل کلاسهایی برای تعلیم زبان انگلیسی به احبای ایرانی مبادرت نموده است. در این کلاسها یاران ایرانی با آموختن آثار مقدسه بهائی بر دانش زبان انگلیسی خود میافزایند.

در یکی از جلسات کلاس پیشنهاد شد که دوستان ایرانی در ضیافت بعدی مناجاتهایی به زبان انگلیسی تلاوت نمایند. در مقابل احبای ایرانی نیز پیشنهاد کردند که همچنین احبای آمریکایی مناجاتهایی به زبان فارسی فرا گیرند و در تلاوت مناجات در قسمت روحانی ضیافت با احبای ایرانی همراه شوند.

بدین ترتیب ضیافت ماه جلال بصورت نمونه‌ای از محبت و یگانگی در آمد. در وسط اتاق تعداد زیادی گل سرخ به یاد شهدای ایران گذاشته و شمعی در میان آنها قرار داده بودند. بعد از آنکه شمع را روشن کردند و در حالیکه نوای آرام موسیقی شنیده میشد يك يك دوستان به تلاوت ادعیه و مناجاتی پرداختند که بتازگی فرا گرفته بودند، ایرانیها به زبان انگلیسی و آمریکاییها به زبان فارسی.

آخرین مناجات را يك جوان ۲۴ ساله آمریکائی به صوت ملیح و با آواز تلاوت نمود. در حین تلاوت آن مناجات عده‌ای از دوستان منقلب شدند و از دیده اشك شوق ریختند. حتی یکی از خانمها آن جوان را برای صرف چای به منزل خود دعوت نمود تا ضمناً صدای او را نیز بر روی نوار صوتی ضبط کند.

این قبیل نمونه‌های اتحاد و محبت است که دل همه بهائیان را امیدوار میسازد و مژده وحدت عالم انسانی را به یادشان میآورد.

TEANECK PICNIC

احتفال احباء در تی‌نك

به منظور بزرگداشت هفتاد و پنجمین سالگرد ضیافت الفتی که حضرت عبدالبهاء در تی‌نك Teaneck واقع در ایالت نیوجرسی ترتیب دادند، در روز ۲۷ جون سال جاری بیش از یکهزار نفر از احباء در همان نقطه اجتماع نمودند و در يك پيك نيك بزرگی شرکت جستند.

از صبح آنروز باران فراوانی میبارید بطوریکه بسیاری از دوستان از موفقیتی که میبایست در آن بزرگداشت نصیب یاران شود قطع امید کرده بودند. چون تا ظهر باران بند نیامده بود برگزار کنندگان تصمیم گرفتند پارک را ترك کنند و در درختستانی که حضرت عبدالبهاء در آن از احباء پذیرائی کرده بودند جمع شوند.

همه دوستان به آن درختستان رفتند. دل احباء از هوای ناسازگار و باران نابهنگام شکسته شده بود و عده‌ای مشغول جمع کردن سفره‌ها و وسائل شده بودند که ناگهان باران تند به نم نم تبدیل شد و پس از مدت کوتاهی ایستاد.

بزودی یاران دریافتند که از اول میبایست به آن درختستان میرفتند که زیبائی طبیعی آن یادآور لطف و جمال مرکز میثاق بود. پس از صرف ناهار احباء به بیانات جناب ویلیام سیرز ایادی امرالله گوش فرا دادند. سپس جناب رابرت هندرسن منشی محفل روحانی ملی و خانم درتی نلسن Dorothy Nelson صندوقدار آن محفل مقدس خطابه‌ای را که حضرت عبدالبهاء در ضیافت الفت هفتاد و پنج سال پیش ایراد فرموده بودند قرائت نمودند.

در آن پيك نيك تاریخی به اکثر حاضران گلهای سرخی به یاد شهدای ایران هدیه شد.

BAHA’I INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

جوانان در کانادا کنفرانس بین المللی

تعداد ۱۷۰۰ نفر جوان از ۲۲ کشور مختلف جهان در کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان که از تاریخ ۹ تا ۱۲ جولای در شهر لندن London واقع در ایالت آنتریو Ontario در کانادا منعقد گردیده بود شرکت نمودند. جوانان بهائی و غیر بهائی در این کنفرانس گرد هم آمده بودند تا درباره راههای رسیدن به صلح مشورت و مذاکره نمایند، باشد که صلح جهانی در اثر کوششهای نسل جوان این عصر واقع شود. در طی کنفرانس عده‌ای از اعضای محافل روحانی ملی کانادا و آمریکا و هفت نفر از هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای بیاناتی ایراد کردند. شبها شرکت کنندگان در جلسات شور و مذاکره که با حضور ناطقین تشکیل میشد حاضر شده به بحث و گفتگو میپرداختند. همچنین تعدادی از هنرمندان بهائی و غیر بهائی با ارائه برنامه‌های موسیقی و رقص و تئاتر بر رونق این کنفرانس افزودند.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

اعلانات

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی احتیاج به يك کارمند جهت كمك به امور دفتر لجنه دارد. وظائف ‎کار مدر کارمند‎ 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/امریکائی 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.

Department of Human Resources Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091. (312) 869-9039 [Page 26]

وحدت نژاد و بهائیان ایرانی

RACE UNITY AND THE PERSIAN BAHA’IS

از آنجا که هر جامعه اقلیتی که در بطن جامعه بزرگتری پدید آید و نضج گیرد بناچار متأثر از عوامل فرهنگی و اجتماعی جامعه مادر خواهد بود، جامعه بهائی نیز خارج از این حکم کلی نیست. بدین جهت جامعه تازه پای بهائی در آمریکا نیز در اوائل رنگ تعصب و تبعیض بخود گرفته بود.

چنانکه در سلسله مطالب قبلی گفته شد، سیاهان در آمریکای آن روزگار حتی از حداقل حقوق انسانی و اجتماعی نیز محروم بودند و نوعاً پست‌تر از سفیدپوستان بشمار میرفتند، علی‌الخصوص نمیتوانستند با آنان در يك جا و يك محل گرد هم بنشینند.

بهائیان تازه تصدیق آمریکا نیز لاجرم متأثر از موجبات چنین محیطی بودند. هر چند به ظهور مکلّم طور از افق نور مذعن و معترف بودند و میکوشیدند تا حیات فردی خود را با تعالیم و مبادی امر بهائی مطابقت دهند اما گسستن از تعصباتی که در ذهن و زندگیشان ریشه دوانده و به تحجر رسیده بود مشکل مینمود. البته لازم به تذكر است که در جامعه بهائی آمریکا روابط احبای سفید پوست با یاران سیاهپوست هرگز به زشتی جامعه غیر بهائی نبود و جامعه بهائی از لحاظ تعصبات نژادی همواره بهتر از جامعه خارج بوده است اما به این تفوّق نسبی نمیتوان افتخار کرد چه که در امر مبارك شر اندك نیز پسندیده نیست.

بی شک سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به ایالات متحده آمریکا و حضور آن "راز خدا" در میان یاران این دیار و تذکرات آن مولای مهربان به احیای این سامان نخستین اقدام برای رفع مشکلات مربوط به تبعیضات بود. در آن زمان حدود هفتاد سال از سن مبارک میگذشت. بیش از شصت سال بود که بار گران مسئولیتهای امری بر عهده ایشان نهاده شده بود و این بار مسئولیت حل مسائل نژادی یاران را نیز بر دوش میکشیدند. حضرت عبدالبهاء با رأفت شامل و در عین حال با شهامت و قاطعیت کامل احباء را به یگانگی و اخوت فرا میخواندند و مضرات ناشی از تعصبات را گوشزد مینمودند و یاران را شفاهاً و کتباً به ترك اين شيوه ناروا متذكر میداشتند. حتی در الواحی که از قلم مبارك صادر میشد به تلویح یا به تصریح یاران را به الفت و نتایج آن وصیت مینمودند و از تعصب و عواقب آن بر حذر میداشتند:

"... مژده الفت یاران رسید و خبر اتحاد و اتفاق دوستان پيك فرح بی پایان گردید. عبدالبهاء نهایت روح و ریحان یافت، زیرا چون رائحه اغبرار در بین قلوب ابرار استشمام نماید چنان أحزان و اکدار هجوم کند که به تقریر و تحریر بیان نتواند و چون نفخه مشكبار الفت و اتحاد استشمام کند چنان سرور و حبوری احاطه کند که قلب به اهتزاز و جان به پرواز آید."

با این حال چند سال پس از سفر مبارك به آمریکا احبای واشنگتن درباره حضور سیاهپوستان در مجالس بهائی گفتگوهایی با خود داشتند و عده‌ای که جلسات مشترک سیاهان و سفیدپوستان را تنها مشکل در راه پیشرفت امر در آمریکا میدانستند. البته در سال ۱۹۱۶ بالاخره تصمیم بر آن شد که جلسات مجزی را تعطیل نمایند.

بطور كلی روابط نژادی مابین بهائیان آمریکا تا قبل از دهه ۴۰ قرن حاضر از ثبات و دوام برخوردار نبود و کوششهایی که برای ایجاد اتحاد در جمع اهل بهاء صورت میگرفت گاهی توفیق مییافت و گاهی با شکست روبرو میشد. زمانی کنفرانسها و جلسات الفت نژادها تشکیل میگردید و بدین ترتیب آتش تعصبات برای مدتی کوتاه فرو مینشست و در زمانی دیگر لجنه "وحدت نژاد" به لجنه "وحدت بشر" تبدیل میشد تا مطابق استدلالی که میکردند "برای عموم قابل قبول باشد!"

در سال ۱۹۳۸ وقتی که توقیع "ظهور عدل الهی" The Advent of Divine Justice از قلم حضرت ولی امر الله صادر گشت، یاران آمریکایی به اهمیت موضوع وحدت نژاد و لزوم ترك تعصبات نژادی وقوف یافتند. در این توقیع مبارك مولای توانا انذار فرموده‌اند:

"اما تعصب جنسی (نژادی) که قریب يك قرن در عروق و شرائین مردم ‎آمریك آمریکا‎ نفوذ نموده و ارکان و جوارح اجتماع را سست و متزلزل ساخته فی‌الحقیقة مهمترین مسأله حیاتی most challenging issue است که جامعه بهائی در مرحله کنونی ترقی و تکامل خویش با آن مواجه است...."

بدین ترتیب حضرت ولی امرالله رفع تعصبات نژادی را بعنوان "مهمترین مسأله حیاتی" بهائیان آمریکا تلقی فرمودند و تقدم و پیشرفت امر بهائی را در آیین سامان مشروط به حل مشکلات نژادی دانستند و از یاران خواستند که رفتار و کردار حضرت عبدالبهاء را سر مشق رفتار و کردار خویش قرار دهند.

در کانونشن ملی سال ۱۹۳۹ حل مشکلات نژادی مطرح گردید و در همین سال جناب لوئیس گرگوری دوباره به عضویت محفل روحانی ملی انتخاب گردید. از آن تاریخ به بعد (به استثنای چند سال در دهه ۵۰) همیشه لااقل يك عضو سیاهپوست در محفل روحانی ملی بوده و از سال ۱۹۶۸ تا بحال ۲۰ تا ۳۰ در صد اعضای محفل روحانی ملی از احبای سیاهپوست بوده‌اند.

در دهه ۶۰، همزمان با نهضتهای احقاق حقوق مدنی سیاهان جمعی از احبای سیاهپوست آمریکا تحت تأثیر اوضاع و شرایط اجتماعی آن دوره قرار گرفتند. این یاران اقدامات جامعه بهائی را جهت رفع اختلافات نژادی غیر کافی دانستند و حرکت جامعه بهائی را بسوی ترك تعصبات آهسته یافتند. لاجرم عده‌ای ترک اعتقاد گفتند و جمعی دست از فعالیتهای امری شستند. اما اکثر احبای سیاهپوست تحت ارشاد و راهنمائی محفل روحانی ملی دریافتند که هر چند جامعه بهائی با غایت قصوای خود در مورد ترك تعصبات فاصله ها دارد مع‌الوصف اصول و تعالیم امر مبارك مطمئن‌ترین و سالمترین راه را برای خلاصی نوع بشر از بند تعصبات ارائه میدهد.

در سالهای اول دهه هفتاد احبای آمریکا با عزمی بینظیر به تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی بیسابقه‌ای در مناطق روستائی ایالات جنوبی خصوصاً دو ایالت کارولینای شمالی و جنوبی پرداختند. در اثر این خدمات تبلیغی عده بهائیان آمریکا با تسجیل بیست هزار تازه تصدیق سیاهپوست دو برابر گردید. در قبال این پیشرفت بیسابقه محفل روحانی ملی در سال ۱۹۷۲ مؤسسه بهائی لوئیس گرگوری Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute را در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی تأسیس نمود.

در حال حاضر متأسفانه وضع جوامع امری از لحاظ اختلاط سیاهان با سفیدپوستان با اوضاع اجتماعی ایالات متحده ارتباط دارد و عوامل جدائی بین سیاهان و سفیدپوستان در جامعه بهائی نیز در کار است. فی‌المثل خروج سفیدپوستان از محدوده شهرهای بزرگ و استقرارشان در حومه آن شهرها و تبدیل قسمتهای بزرگی از آن شهرها به مناطق فقیر نشین که عمده محل سکونت سیاهان و سایر اقلیتهاست ترکیب جامعه بهائی را هم دگرگون کرده است. در نتیجه اعضاء سفیدپوست و ایرانی و در موارد معدودی سیاهان مرفه جامعه بهائی در حومه شهرهای بزرگ زندگی میکنند و اکثر بهائیان سیاهپوست و فقیر در مراکز شهرها یا مناطق روستائی جنوب ایالات متحده بسر میبرند.

(ادامه در شماره بعد)

مهاجر داخلی

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

جامعه كوچك کارسن سیتی Carson City مرکز ایالت نوادا به تعدادی مهاجر که بتوانند به مدت طولانی در آن شهر اقامت نمایند احتیاج دارد. جمعیت کارسن سیتی حدوداً ۳۷۰۰۰ نفر است و هوای آن خشك است. جامعه بهائی آن متشكل از چهار نفر زیر رأی و سه جوان است. تشکیل محفل روحانی در این شهر یکی از اهداف نقشه شش ساله جامعه بهائیان آمریکا میباشد. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر میتوان با خانم سوزان متنی Susan Matheny از طریق تلفن شماره ۷۸۱۴-۸۸۲ (۷۰۲) یا از طریق مکاتبه با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمود.

Carson City, NV. 89701 [Page 27]

درباره غیبت / ON BACKBITING

آغاز و انجام امر جمال ابهی را میتوان در دو کلمه خلاصه کرد: وحدت و محبت دیانت بهائی پیش از هر امر دیگری مرام مهر و یگانگی است. منزل مراد اهل بهاء ایجاد اتحاد و دوستی در میان همه افراد بشر است. غایت قصوایشان رسیدن به مقامیست که در آن هر انسانی برای دیگری نغمه آزادی و رهائی بسرایند آزادی از بند تعصبات و خرافات رهائی از جنگ عفریت جنگ رویای زمانی را میپرورند که یوغ بیداد بگسلد طلسم نفرت بشکند و رسم جدائی برافتد. بدین سبب همه اصول اجتماعی و تعالیم و احکامی که در امر بهائی نازل شده برای رسیدن به این هدف است و لاجرم هر کوششی که اهل بهاء میکنند هر عملی که بدان مبادرت میورزند هر حکمی که مجری میدارند برای نیل به این مقام است.

در اینجا میتوان پرسید راه رسیدن به این هدف اعلی کدامست؟ در جواب میتوان گفت که بهائیان از دو طریق بسوی هدف خود راه میسپارند یکی راه شخصی و انفرادی و دیگری راه گروهی و در راه اول تک تک افراد جامعه بهائی شخصاً برای تحقق وحدت و محبت میکوشند و در راه دوم تحقق این اهداف از طریق جامعه بهائی و بوساطت و هدایت تشکیلات بهائی و در رأس آنها بیت العدل اعظم الهی صورت میگیرد. این دو راه متمم و مکمل یکدیگرند و هیچکدام به تنهائی وافی به مقصود نمیباشد. بحث درباره راه دوم که راه جمعی و تشکیلاتی است خارج از موضوع کنونی است اما ببینیم راه فردی کدامست.

طریق اول که آنرا طریق فردی و شخصی خواندیم همان است که در کلامی کوتاه میتوان تخلق به صفات بهائی نامید. در آثار مقدسه بهائی این صفات بازگو شده و اتصاف به آنها شرط ایمان گردیده است. مانند هر مکتب و مرام اخلاقی آنچه در مورد چگونگی روش زندگی فردی انسان در آثار بهائی نازل شده در دو مقوله اوامر و نواهی قرار میگیرد. اوامر یا "بکنها" اعمالی هستند که انسان باید به انجام آنها مبادرت نماید. نواهی یا مکنها آن دسته از امورند که باید از آنها دوری جوید. از این اوامر و نواهی نباید تخلف کرد چه که سرپیچی از این بکنها و مکنها از دو سو به زندگی اهل بهاء زیان میرساند از سوئی نظام جامعه بهائی را بر هم میزند و از سوی دیگر زندگی شخصی افراد را مختل میکند. گاهی عواقب ناشی از تخلف از اوامر و نواهی الهی آشکارا پدید می‌آید و به چشم دیده میشود و گاهی آثار آن بظاهر نمودار نمیشود و بدیده در نمی آید و فقط در نهانگاه روان آدمی جای میگیرد.

از جمله اموری که اهل بهاء از ارتکاب آن اکیداً تحذیر شده‌اند یکی موضوع "غیبت" است. غیبت را شاید بتوان با اندکی مسامحه چنین گفت: که غیبت باز گفتن خطای افراد در غیاب آنهاست.

براستی چرا نباید غیبت کرد؟ پاسخ این پرسش را در کلام صاحب امر باید جست. گفتیم که مراد جمال قدم از ظهور خود ایجاد مهر و یگانگی در میان مردم است. و گفتیم راهی که بهائیان میسپارند برای رسیدن به همان مراد الهی یعنی ایجاد مهر و یگانگی است. ولی غافل از این نکته نمیتوان بود که در این راه خطر بیراهه رفتن و گمراه شدن نیز وجود دارد. از این خطر باید بر حذر بود. جمال قدم در کتاب ایقان آنجا که وصف شرایط سلوک را با زیبائی و شیوانی بر شمرده اند فرموده اند که شخص مجاهد و سالک باید غیبت را ضلالت شمرد و به آن عرصه هرگز قدم نگذارد. میدانیم که "ضلالت" به معنی گمراهی است. بدین ترتیب چون غیبت به فرموده مبارک ضلالت است و اهل بهاء را در سبیل رسیدن به مقصد خود به گمراهی میکشاند باید از آن اجتناب کرد.

چرا نباید غیبت کرد؟ پاسخ را دوباره باید در بیان مظهر امر یافت. گفتیم برخی اوقات عواقب ناشی از تخلف از احکام الهی به دیده نمی آید و فقط در جان آدمی حصول مییابد. بعبارت دیگر گاهی خسران سرپیچی از فرمان خدا در جهان درون و عالم معنی واقع میشود. جمال مبارک در ادامه بیان سابق الذکر هم علت اجتناب از غیبت را بیان فرموده اند و هم نتیجه حاصل از ارتکاب آنرا: "زیرا غیبت سراج منیر قلب را خاموش نماید و حیات دل را بمیراند." شک با دل مرده و قلب تاریک نمیتوان دیگران را دل زنده کرد و یا آتش و چراغی در قلوبشان افروخت.

چرا نباید غیبت کرد؟ این بار پاسخ را در منع صریح مرکز پیمان میجوئیم. گفتیم هدف اهل بهاء رسیدن به وحدت و محبت و رساندن قافله بشریت به وادی مهر و یگانگی است. همچنین گفتیم هر آنچه در آثار مبارکه نازل شده و هر روشی که جامعه بهائی در پیش گرفته برای نیل به این هدف است. چون این هدف هدفی ارزشمند و والا و ارجمند است وصول به آن چندان آسان نیست. برای رسیدن به آن باید با اتحاد تام بی وقفه کوشید با جنبش و شور بپاخاست با جوش و خروش خو گرفت و براه افتاد. آنچه این اتحاد را مختل نماید یا این جوش و خروش و جنبش و کوشش را مانع شود باید بکنار زد و بدور انداخت. حضرت عبدالبهاء انذار فرموده اند: "اگر نفسی غیبت نفسی نماید این واضح و مشهود است که ثمری جز جمودت و خمودت نیاورد اسباب تفریق است و اعظم وسیله تشتيت." جمودت و خمودت را با جنبش و کوشش چکار؟ و اسباب وسیله تشتيت را با اهل اتحاد چه نسبت؟

از دیدگاه دیگری نیز میتوان احتراز از غیبت را توجیه کرد. مثل اعلای اهل بهاء در حیات انسانی خود همانا حضرت عبدالبهاست. اما بهائیان مامورند در اخلاق و کردار به مرکز میثاق تاسی کنند و در رویه و رفتار به آن مثل اعلی تمثل جویند. اگر چنین کنند راه آن حضرت را پیش گیرند خود نمونه کاملی از یک فرد بهائی خواهند شد. آن ذات مبارک در یکی از الواح خود چنین سرمشقی به اهل بها عنایت فرموده: "عبدالبهاء تا تواند دیده خطا پوش خواهد و ستر نماید زیرا بیش از کل خود را گنهکار بیند و عاجز و قاصر در عبودیت پروردگار لهذا چون به قصور خویش مشغول به خطيئات دیگران نپردازد و همواره طلب عفو و غفران نماید و استدعای فضل و احسان. اگر چنانچه از نفسی قصوری حاصل و من به مهربانی با او رفتار نمایم این نه از غفلت است بلکه چون به قصور خود معترفم و به حال خود ملتفت تعرض به دیگری ننمایم."

ناگفته نماند که زشتی غیبت در ادیان قبل نیز گوشزد شده و پیروان مذاهب از ارتکاب به آن تحذیر شده اند. در قرآن با پرسشی استعاری خدا از بندگانش پرسیده: "يُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا" که مضمون آن به فارسی چنین است: آیا کسی از شما هست که دوست داشته باشد گوشت برادر مرده اش را بخورد؟ بدین ترتیب حرمت غیبت مختص به امر بهائی نیست و حکم تحریم آن در سایر ادیان نیز نازل شده است.

در خاتمه این مقال به درج بیانی از حضرت عبدالبهاء مبادرت میگردد: "بعضی از احباء در سرّ مذمت یاران دیگر نمایند و اساس غیبت را در نهایت متانت وضع نمایند و اسمش را دلسوزی امرالله گذارند. البته کمال مواظبت را داشته باشید و جمیع را منع نمایید زیرا هیچ چیز مضرتر از این صفت عیبجوئی نه... تمامت دقت را در منع از این خصلت بنمائید و ابدا نگذارید احدى جز ستایش از زبانش جاری گردد."

FIELD OF SERVICE

در ماه چون امسال مشروع "کلاس دوم" مؤسسة بهائیان سرخپوست Native American Bahá’í Institute به تصویب محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده رسید. مخارج بنای ساختمان مدرسه که شامل دو کلاس درس و حمام و دوش میباشد توسط یکی از یاران تأمین گردیده است. حال که این مشروع در شرف اجرا است به تعدادی داوطلب جهت كمك در بنای ساختمان نیاز است. داوطلبان میتوانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با موسسه مذکور از طریق تلفن شماره ۵۱۲۶-۲۶۷ (۶۰۲) داخلی ۸۵۹۵ تماس حاصل نمایند. [Page 28]

حضرت عبدالبهاء در امریکا

ABDU’L-BAHÁ’ IN AMERICA

حضرت ولی امرالله در لوح قرن احبای غرب که بنام "کتاب قرن بدیع" به زبان فارسی ترجمه شده حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء در گرین ا‌یکر Green Acre واقع در ایالت مِین Maine را بعنوان یکی از مهمترین اقدامات آن حضرت در دورهٔ سفرشان به ایالات متحده بشمار آورده‌اند.

خانمی بنام سارا فارمر Sarah Farmer در سال ۱۸۹۴ گرین ایکر را خریداری کرده و آنرا بعنوان مرکزی برای انعقاد جلسات افراد مترقی و روشنفکر تخصیص داده بود. خانم فارمر دو سال بعد از افتتاح آن مرکز در زمرهٔ مؤمنین امر جمال قدم در آمد و در زمان تشرف خود در ارض اقدس بسال ۱۹۰۰ مرکز میثاق را به گرین ایکر دعوت نمود.

حضرت مولی‌الوری با لطف عام و عنایت خاص خود دعوت خانم سارا فارمر را پذیرفتند و در دورهٔ سفر مبارک به ایالات متحده، در تاریخ ۱۶ ماه آگست سال ۱۹۱۲ به گرین ایکر نزول اجلال فرمودند و بمدت يك هفته در آنجا بسر بردند.

جناب محمود زرقانی که سفرنامهٔ مبارک را تدوین نموده شرح ورود طلعت پیمان را چنین نگاشته:

"...عصر چون موكب مبارك به گرين ‎عكا ایکر‎ رسید متجاوز از پانصد نفر منتظر تشرف به لقای انور بودند و از دو طرف راه فانوسهای الوان بسته، تدارك چراغانی و جشن ورود مبارك دیده بودند. پس از چند دقیقه استقرار و استراحت به تالار هتل تشریف فرما شده نطقی مختصر در تحری حقیقت فرمودند و از آنجا به دیدن مس فارمر مؤسس انجمن گرین ‎عکا ایکر‎ تشریف بردند و خانم مشار الیها از تشرف به لقا حیات تازه جست و با حالت بیماری در رکاب مبارک تا به ‎متل منزل‎ آمد..."

در مدت اقامت حضرت عبدالبهاء در گرین ایکر هر روز عده‌ای بهائی و غیربهائی از شهرهای مختلف به آن محل میشتافتند و به ملاقات آن حضرت نائل میشدند. جناب زرقانی شرح شنیدنی سفر یکی از این افراد را که بزیارت مرکز عهد فائز شد چنین نوشته:

"مستر ‎فورد فرد‎ مورتنسن جوانی بود که قبل از ایمان شریرترین نفوس بود و بعد از ایمان بی نهایت سلیم و محجوب گشته بود... از مینیاپولیس تا گرین ‎عکا ایکر‎ مسافهٔ بعیده راه آهن را با عدم استطاعت به این نحو طی میکند که خود را در زیر اطاق ترن روی میلهای آهن انداخته با این حالت به شیکاگو و از آنجا به گرین ‎عکا ایکر‎ حضور مبارک مشرف میشود و شرح حال را عرضه میدارد. به او فرمودند تو مهمان من هستی. هر روز او را دلجوئی مینمودند و پس از چندی مصارف به او عنایت فرموده با کمال رفاهیت او را مرخص کردند."

چنانکه گفته شد خانم فارمر گرین ایکر را جهت انعقاد جلسات افرادی با عقاید مترقی و روشنفکرانه اختصاص داده بود. اما برای بعضی سو تعبیری در مورد هدف از ایجاد گرین ایکر حاصل شده بود. کسانی با عقاید خرافی مانند اعتقاد به احضار ارواح و ریاضت و فالگیری به این مرکز پیوسته بودند و به بهانهٔ اینکه گرین ایکر مجمع آزادی مذاهب و تبلیغ ادیان است هر سال برای ترویج اوهام خود به آنجا میرفتند. بدین جهت حضرت عبدالبهاء مصراً تأکید فرموده بودند که باید محل مزبور از اینگونه عقاید خرافی عاری شود و در عوض محل ترویج معارف و فضائل گردد. به فرموده مبارک:

"اینجا باید مرکز تحری حقیقت باشد نه اینکه هر کس بخواهد افکار خود را ترویج نماید. حقیقت ساطعه‌ای که امروز روح عالم است یکی است تعدد ندارد."

مرکز پیمان همت مؤسس و مدیران گرین ایکر را با محبت سرشار خود کتباً و شفاهاً تمجید فرموده و آنانرا به اشاعهٔ معارف و علوم تشویق نموده‌اند و برای تحقق اهداف غائی گرین ایکر دعا فرموده‌اند. شاید بی سبب نباشد که در زمان حاضر گرین ایکر معروفترین مدرسهٔ بهائی در ایالات متحده امریکاست. این مدرسه که تحت اشراف محفل روحانی ملی اداره میشود در طی سنین متوالی به خدمات مختلف آموزشی توفیق یافته و جامعهٔ بهائی و غیر بهائی را از افاضات خود بهره‌مند ساخته است.

اهداء بیانیه صلح به رئیس انجمن ملی ترقی سیاهان

PEACE STATEMENT PRESENTED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF NAACP

در روز ۸ جولای سال جاری جناب رابرت هندرسن Robert Henderson منشی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده نسخه‌ای از بیانیه صلح بیت‌العدل اعظم را به آقای ویلیام گیبسون William Gibson رئیس انجمن ملی ترقی سیاهپوستان National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) اهداء نمود.

مراسم اهداء بیانیه صلح در خلال کانونشن سالانه انجمن مذکور در شهر نیویورك برگزار گردید. در ضمن این مراسم جناب هندرسن قسمتهائی از خطابهٔ حضرت عبدالبهاء را که در روز ۳۰ آوریل سال ۱۹۱۲ در چهارمین کانونشن این مجمع ایراد فرموده بودند قرائت نمود.

تعداد ۲۵۰۰ نفر نماینده و میهمان در مجمع مزبور حضور داشتند. پس از خاتمهٔ بیانات جناب هندرسن یکی از اعضای هیئت مدیرهٔ آن مجمع اظهار داشت که توسط یکی از بهائیان ایالت کارولینای جنوبی اطلاعاتی دربارهٔ امر بهائی بدست آورده است و کتابی مشتمل بر ادعیهٔ بهائی دارد که روزانه آنرا مطالعه میکند.

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند:

"و اما در خصوص حقوق منصوص در کتاب، این حکم بجهت برکت و تمحیص نفوس است و سبب انشراح و استقامت خود نفوس، و الا حق ‎کم یزل لم یزل‎ غنی بوده و خواهد بود."

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را به صندوق حقوق‌الله در وجه Huququ’llah Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani	Santa Monica, CA. 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi	Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

ضمناً برای کسب اطلاعات و دریافت نشریات مربوط به حقوق‌الله میتوان با یکی از امنای حقوق یا با دفتر مؤسسهٔ حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust 21300 Avalon Dr. Rocky River, OH. 44116

با نگ سروش

PERSIAN PERIODICAL

پناهندگان ایرانی در پاکستان مبادرت به انتشار نشریه‌ای بنام "بانگ سروش" به زبان فارسی نموده‌اند. این نشریه شامل مقالات و اخبار و مطالب گوناگون امری است. همچنین بضمیمه این نشریه جزوه‌ای برای کودکان بهائی تهیه دیده شده است. وجه اشتراك این نشریه مبلغ ۵۰ دلار میباشد. از دوستانی که مایل به دریافت "بانگ سروش" باشند تقاضا میشود با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند:

Bang-e- Sorush P.O. Box 531 Lahore, PAKISTAN. [Page 29]

یادی از جناب غلامحسین اعظمی

MARTYR'S FILE

جناب غلامحسین اعظمی بسال ۱۳۰۵ شمسی در خانواده‌ای مؤمن و شجاع در شهر سنگسر پا به جهان نهاد. مادرش زنی شیردل و بیباک است که هر چند هنوز در سوگ فرزند دلبند نشسته اما پیوند مهر و وفا نگسسته و همچنان استوار و بی پروا در اذعان و اعتراف به ایمانش به امر مبارک است. پدرش جناب حیدر اعظمی حدود سی سال عضو محفل روحانی سنگسر بود. با آنکه نوشتن نمیدانست و تنها از سواد خواندن برخوردار بود از جمله مبلغین امر بهائی بشمار میرفت و به یمن همت والای او جمعی از اقوام و خویشانش به امر بهائی روی آوردند و صلای صلح و سلام را لبیك قبول گفتند. اکثر اهالی سنگسر او را میشناختند. رفتار و سلوکش که نمودار اعتقادش به امر جمال قدم بود عده‌ای را به امر مبارك جلب کرده بود. جناب غلامحسین اعظمی دست پرورد چنین مادر و پدری بود. آثار تربیت پدر اثری نیکو در پسر نهاد تا بدانجا که سینه‌اش تاب تیر بلا آورد و شهید راه ولا شد.

دوره جوانی و برنائی جناب غلامحسین اعظمی مطابق مقتضیات زندگی روستائی و عشایری گذشت. به دامداری و کشاورزی اشتغال داشت و براستی با قبول زحمات و از طریق ‎التراف احتراف‎ و تلاش کسب معاش میکرد. اوقات فراغت را به شنیدن موسیقی سنتی ایران و مطالعه دواوین شعرا بخصوص شاهنامه فردوسی میگذراند و خود نیز گاهگاه نظمی میسرود. بدین ترتیب گوهر روان را تلطیف میکرد و صیقل میداد. گاهی سر به صحرا میگذاشت و در آرامش دشت و خلوت سبزه زار جان و تن فرسوده را آسوده میساخت و زمانی به شکار میرفت. برخی اوقات بکناری مینشست و با صوت زیبا اشعار امری و آثار شعرای ایران را زمزمه میکرد. گاهی نیز تأثیر از مناظر و تأثرات عاطفی خود را بصورت نقشی پدید میساخت و به نقاشی میپرداخت.

جناب اعظمی از سال ۱۳۵۵ به عضویت محفل روحانی سنگسر انتخاب گردید و خدمات تبلیغی را با فعالیتهای تشکیلاتی آمیخت و تا سال ۱۳۵۷ در عضویت محفل روحانی بود. در همین سال و مقارن با حوادث و تشنجات انقلاب، هنگامیکه در روانه (۲۰ کیلومتری سنگسر) در ییلاق بسر میبرد از طریق قاصدی، از جانب محفل روحانی سنگسر موظف به تولیت و حفاظت حظیرةالقدس و سایر اماکن امری سنگسر شد. بلافاصله حکم محفل روحانی را گردن نهاد. با همسر و فرزندان وداع کرده به سنگسر عودت نمود. بی تردید اعتماد محفل روحانی به شهامت و شجاعت او بود که قرعه فال برای چنین وظیفه پرمسئولیت و خطرناکی بنام او زده شد. جناب اعظمی، بجز يك مدت کوتاه، در این سمت باقی بود تا در نوزدهم اسفند ماه سال ۱۳۵۷ در سحرگاهان هنگامیکه با گروهی از یاران به دعا و مناجات ایام صیام مشغول بود مورد هجوم و حمله مأموران دولتی قرار گرفت و با سایر احباء دستگیر گردید و به زندان شهربانی سنگسر تحویل داده شد.

ناگفته نماند که در دوره‌ای که جناب اعظمی مأمور تولیت حظیرةالقدس سنگسر بودند بعضی از دوستان و خویشان و حتی اعضای خانواده‌اش خطراتی را که به احتمال قوی ممکن بود در آینده برایش پیش بیاید یادآور میشدند و او را تشویق میکردند که به طهران برود و از سختیها در امان باشد. بدینقرار ایشان مدت کوتاهی به طهران رفت ولی آسودگی طهران با روحیه بی باك و سازگاری نداشت. بنابراین به بهانه‌ای به سنگسر باز گشت. دوباره محفل روحانی پیشنهاد کرد که جناب اعظمی برای قوت قلب دوستان و محض تقویت روحیه آنان در سنگسر بماند. ایشان هم که در خلوت دل پیشنهاد محفل را مطلوبتر از پند و اندرز دوستان و خویشان و مصلحت خود ‎مییافت می‌یافت‎ وسوسه عقل دوراندیش را نپذیرفت و به زمزمه عشق گوش فرا داد و دوباره به ایفاء خدمت و وظیفه قبلی پرداخت.

دوستانی که همراه جناب اعظمی دستگیر شده بودند آزاد شدند اما او مدت ۲۰ روز در زندان شهربانی سنگسر بسر برد. پس از این مدت او را به طهران فرستادند و حدود دو ماه در زندان قصر محبوس داشتند و سپس به زندان اوین منتقل نمودند.

بنا به گزارشهائی که زندانیان و سایر همبندان ایشان داده‌اند، در زندان روش و رفتار جناب اعظمی با افراد غیربهائی نمونه‌ای از حیات بهائی بود. احباء نیز از او درس شهامت و فداکاری میآموختند و شیوه برخوردش را با بلا و ابتلاء و نیز نشاط و سرور درونی او را بعنوان سرمشق میگرفتند. البته منشاء این نشاط و سرور ایمانی بود که در صمیم جانش نشسته و در روانش ریشه دوانده بود.

در زمانیکه جناب اعظمی در زندان بود و قبل از اینکه رأی قطعی دادگاه مبنی بر قتل او صادر شود هیئتی مأمور بررسی اموال و املاك او شد. وقتی که هیئت مزبور با راهنمای محلی به چند قدمی منزل او در سنگسر رسید و با دیوارهای کاهگلی مسکن او روبرو شد در کیفرخواست مطلبی به این مضمون قید نمودند که احتیاج به بررسی نیست و نامبرده از اموال چندانی برخوردار نمیباشد. معهذا از جمله اتهاماتی که بیدادگرانه به او نسبت داده‌اند یکی "غارت اراضی و اموال مردم" است!

جناب اعظمی حدود چهارده ماه در بند بود. در طول این مدت چندین بار بازپرسی و محاکمه شده بود. در طی این محاکمات بازپرسان بدین نکته آگاه شده بودند که با وعد و وعید نمیتوان او را به ترك اعتقاد واداشت. ایمانش که با تهور و شجاعت آمیخته بود مانع از آن بود که سر فرو آورد و از امر بهائی تبری کند. بنابراین، این بار نیز همان اتهام بی اساس همیشگی را وارد آوردند و به جرم جاسوسی برای صهیونیسم و ‎افتراهاتی افتراهایی‎ از این دست او را محکوم به اعدام کردند.

یکی از دوستان غیر بهائی او نیز که مقام و منصب و نفوذی در حکومت جدید داشت با التماس و تمنا از او خواسته بود که فقط شفاهاً و در خفا به او بگوید که بهائی نیست تا آن دوست بتواند نزد اولیای امور رفته خود واسطه شود و به این تدبیر او را از محبس برهاند. جناب اعظمی در جواب گفته بود که دوست ندارد با مریضی و در بستر بیماری از جهان برود و دوستتر میدارد که شجاعانه در راه اعتقادش کشته شود.

در سحرگاه روز ۱۶ اردیبهشت ماه سال ۱۳۵۹، جناب غلامحسین اعظمی همراه با دو تن دیگر از بهائیان، جنابان علی اکبر معینی و بدیع‌الله یزدانی تیر باران شد و به بارگاه یزدان شتافت. ظهر همان روز جسدش را که بر روی آن نوشته شده بود "محارب با خدا" از طرف پزشك قانونی به برادرش تحویل دادند. بعد از ظهر پیکر بیجان آن شهید شجاع در گلستان جاوید طهران به خاك سپرده شد. خبر شهادت این عاشقان از طریق وسایل ارتباط جمعی منتشر گردید. ایشان اولین گروهی بودند که رسماً بعنوان بهائی تیرباران شدند.

جناب اعظمی مردی خوش خلق و خوش رو و خوش ذوق و خوش محضر بود. از شهامت و تهوری که سنگسریان بدان موصوفند بهره بسیار داشت. از صفات ممتازش یکی امانت و صداقت بود. شعر و ادب میدانست و خصوصاً اوقاتی را به خواندن شاهنامه میپرداخت. به علت آشنائیش با ظرائف شعر و ادب مردی نکته پرداز و ‎بدله گو بذله‌گو‎ و سخن سنج بود. به موسیقی علاقه داشت و آواز خوش میسرود. گاه نقاشی میکرد و طرحی میافکند. از هر فرصتی که بدست میآورد برای تبلیغ امر بهائی سود میجست و با بسیاری سخن از شریعت جمال قدم میگفت و به بحث و مناظره میپرداخت. چون شجاع و بیباك و جسور بود در بسیاری از مواقعی که یاران در دهات و قری مبتلا میشدند به دستور محفل [Page 30]

‘Honor Future Leaders’ pow-wow held in Michigan

NATIVE AMERICANS

An “Honor Our Future Leaders” powwow held April 4-5 at Ann Arbor, Michigan, drew hundreds of Indians from Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, Ontario, and all over the home state.

They came to dance, to sell goods, to sing, to drum, to watch, and to visit with friends.

For several years, the Native American Task Force at the Louhelen Bahá’í School has been working to bring the glad tidings of Bahá’u’lláh’s coming to Indian people because of the unique references to American Indians and their role in the spiritual enlightenment of mankind made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

So that Bahá’ís and people from the Indian nations can get to know one another, the Task Force has offered to provide Bahá’í volunteers to powwow committees to help with the mundane but essential duties that take many minds and hands.

Sixteen Bahá’ís came to the Ann Arbor powwow, from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti Township, Chelsea, Grand Ledge, Southfield, Canton Township, Westland and Detroit.

Among them were blacks and whites, Persians and youth, men and women, parents and children, grandparents and grandchild, and one Indian spouse and good friend of the Bahá’ís.

They helped in many ways: setting up the chairs and bleachers that outlined the dance circle for the indoor powwow; moving trays of exquisite jewelry hand-made by a woman trader; driving around Ann Arbor to find a bank and get change; putting in order the numbers to be worn in the dance competitions; and registering the dancers.

Bahá’ís also took money at the door, sold programs, stamped hands, checked identifications, and made many friends.

On Sunday, others came. They sold T-shirts and programs; checked hand stamps and buttons at the door; minded the admissions table; listed the names of first-, second- and third-place winners in the dance competitions by age, sex and type of dancer; counted money; and danced in the circle to the persistent heartbeat of the powwow drum.

After the drum groups and dancers were given their prize money, the flags carried out and the silent drums removed, two Bahá’ís who had remained at the powwow helped clean up the area and disassemble the circle marked by the chairs.

On Saturday evening, during a reception at the University of Michigan’s student union sponsored by the Native American Student Association (NASA), guests were asked to introduce themselves, offer their feelings about the powwow, and tell why they had come.

When the time came for a Bahá’í to do so, she said, “I live near Ann Arbor. I’m a Bahá’í, and have been helping with the powwow and helping organize other Bahá’í volunteers because ... we recognize that there is so much that the Indian peoples can teach mankind.

“It is our honor ... to be able to render these services ... as a gift.”

Those in the circle responded, “Miigwech.”

The Chippewa, or Ojibwa, Indians constitute the largest tribe of native people in the Michigan woodlands. In their tribal language, “Miigwech” means “thank you.”

The word is not used lightly; it acknowledges a bond and conveys a deep appreciation. It is heard from friend to friend at a “give-away,” or after a pipe ceremony at dawn.

By responding in that manner, the Indians were saying, “We have seen what you have done to help us, and we appreciate it. Miigwech.”

Anthropologist shows slides on Micronesia at Native Institute

On June 10, Dr. Lin Poyer, a Bahá’í from Louisville, Kentucky, who is a cultural anthropologist, visited the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona with her husband, Dr. Bob Kelly.

About 20 of the friends saw a slide program presented by Dr. Poyer depicting the lifestyle of people on one of the Pacific islands of Micronesia.

The Bahá’í community of Taos County, New Mexico, helped by 38 people from 13 other localities, held its third annual Picuris Pueblo Service Project over the Fourth of July weekend, helping with a tri-cultural arts and crafts festival celebrating interracial unity and featuring Indian, Spanish and ‘Anglo’ artists. A teaching conference was held, and video tapes were shown about Indian prophecies, the story of Mona, and Alkali Lake (where Indians successfully overcame alcoholism). Funds raised at the event are being used to help restore an historic 200-year-old church in Picuris Pueblo over the next two years.

American Indian Teaching Activities June--July 1987

Crow Reservation friendship dance draws 100-plus

On Saturday, July 11, more than 100 people, more than half of whom were not Bahá’ís, gathered at the community center in Lodge Grass on the Crow Reservation to share friendship, food and dance.

The event, sponsored by the Montana District Teaching Committee, was attended by several prominent members of the Crow tribe including a member of the Tribal Council, Sunny Pretty on Top, and respected spiritual elders Chief Yellow Tail and Francis Stewart.

During the program, Mr. Stewart offered a prayer in the Crow language that the Bahá’ís be assisted in their mission of world peace.

The Bahá’ís who attended the event felt truly welcomed as friends. A special handshake was presented in appreciation for Bahá’ís, and many of them were given the honor of receiving gifts.

One of the Bahá’ís was asked by Mr. Pretty on Top to speak to the Tribal Council and work with it to have an even larger gathering of the same kind in the future.

Institute’s Classroom Project receives National Assembly OK

In June, the National Spiritual Assembly approved the Native American Bahá’í Institute’s Classroom Project.

Funding for the Institute Council’s new design, a lovely two-classroom solar-adobe building with bathroom/shower facilities, was made possible by a special donation to the project by a dear Bahá’í friend.

Now that the work has begun, volunteers are welcome to come and help with construction. Contact the Institute at 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

Native Institute visited by musician/composer

Carl Brehmer, a Bahá’í musician and composer of folk songs, visited the Native American Bahá’í Institute May 7-8 with his wife, Marcia, and their children, Anson and Jessica.

About 15 of the friends gathered one evening at the Big Hogan to hear him play and sing his songs, some humorous, others serious and moving, and most about the Faith and the spirit that is changing the world.

Counselor Robert Harris (left) is pictured during a special visit last May with Chief Fool’s Crow, a spiritual leader of the Sioux Nation who became a Bahá’í several years ago as a result of the Amoz Gibson Teaching Project. Counselor Harris had come to the Pine Ridge (South Dakota) Reservation to meet with youth working on the Gibson Project and with some of the American Indian Bahá’ís following a visit earlier in the month with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants serving the Central States.

Fifth Great Plains Council Fire brings 150 from 10 states to Bear Butte, S.D.

The fifth annual Great Plains Council Fire, held July 9-11 at Bear Butte, South Dakota, drew more than 150 people from at least 10 states who were interested in interacting with American Indians.

Bear Butte, just east of the Black Hills, is a place of pilgrimage and prayer for many Indian nations.

The theme of this year’s event was “American Indian Culture: Past, Present and Future,” but the weekend’s activities were centered primarily around people getting to know and love one another.

An unusually cold, wet storm enhanced the activity as it forced people to work together to put up makeshift wind breaks and to take shelter together around a fire to get dry and keep reasonably warm.

Many remembered that the first Great Plains Council Fire was held in hot, dry 104-degree weather.

As the children, bundled in layers of clothing, enjoyed the children’s classes, some adults cooked a meal for everyone while others learned Indian dance steps and huddled together to talk about Indian culture.

For many, a highlight was a short trip to a pow-wow in Rapid City, where Kevin Locke, a member of the American Indian Teaching Committee, performed a hoop dance and spoke to some 2,000 people about the need for unity of all races.

In addition to several Lakota Bahá’ís and guests, members of several other Indian nations attended the Council Fire, which is hosted annually by the Spiritual Assembly of Rapid City.

Assembly members spent many weeks throughout the year planning and raising funds for the event, which can be seen as a teaching, proclamation and consolidation event for the Faith.

Be like the fountain-- empty yourself, and be refilled National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

[Page 31]

Pine Springs/Navajo-Hopi picnic ‘remarkable’ occasion

NATIVE AMERICANS

The Pine Springs/Navajo-Hopi Unity Picnic in June was a remarkable occasion.

In one colorful, deeply moving weekend of unity and fellowship, the Bahá’ís of the Navajo-Hopi District and many friends from the U.S. and Alaska gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America and the Unity Feast picnic He hosted in 1912 at West Englewood, New Jersey.

They also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the great Pine Springs Bahá’í Conference which was organized by Franklin and Chester Kahn with the help of many outstanding pioneers such as the late Amoz Gibson and which was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem.

On that occasion in 1962, at which nearly 1,000 were present, 300 Navajos enrolled in the Faith.

Nearly 400 attended this year’s event, half of whom were Navajo Bahá’ís and visitors.

The meeting began June 26 at the old Pine Springs Community House, a log cabin that the Bahá’ís had helped to build and at which the historic 1962 event was held.

At the opening session, chaired by Lorraine Kahn, everyone introduced themselves, and Ben Kahn shared a slide program on the Holy Land. Entertainment was provided by the Pine Springs Singers and other musicians including a new Bahá’í, Candy Sorensen of Grants, New Mexico.

The next morning, amid final preparations, a lovely canvas poster by Franklin Kahn, with the theme “World Peace: The Time Is Now,” was unveiled and hung as a backdrop on the outdoor stage.

Prayers in Navajo, English and Persian were recited, and the Pine Springs Singers shared a traditional Indian song. These young children, organized by parents in Pine Springs (most of them Bahá’ís), have gained tribal, national and international recognition for their talent and their unique role in revitalizing Navajo culture.

The taped message to the Unity Feast from the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears was followed by another special ‎trait treat‎: a taped message prepared especially for this gathering by the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

The message, in which she expressed deep appreciation for the Indian people and for their role in the new World Order, was warmly received by all, both native and non-native.

Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips then addressed the gathering, sharing reminiscences of the early days of the Faith on the Reservation and recounting the history and significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

Afterward, the friends shared a picnic lunch as rain clouds billowed in the sky above the pine-decked community.

The clouds promised relief from more than a month of hot, dry weather, a promise that was fulfilled as the afternoon session began.

Though welcome, the rain moved the conference indoors where a “talk circle” allowed everyone to introduce himself and to share from the heart whatever needed to be said.

The rain then having partly abated (to resume in some measure for a couple of hours), the friends joined together in a horse-and-car caravan from Pine Springs to the Native American Bahá’í Institute some seven miles to the east at Burntwater.

What a sight it was as the hundreds of assembled guests at the Institute saw the caravan coming down the road and turning in to the Institute property. It was a sight that also attracted the attention of many curious bystanders along the way.

Early evening saw fun and socializing as many of the youth participated in a softball game and the friends greeted one another.

Nearly 400 partook of the evening feast of potluck and traditional Navajo dishes, which was followed by an evening of sharing and entertainment at the Institute’s pow-wow grounds.

A highlight was the performance of the ‎Klagatoh Klagetoh‎ Swingers, an accomplished Navajo traditional singing group much respected and sought-after across the Reservation, followed by their artistic offspring, the Pine Springs Singers.

Dozens of the friends took part in the traditional two-step and round dances and hundreds more looked on as the Swingers, joined by Ben and Franklin Kahn and other local Bahá’ís, sang their hearts out.

Ned Tsosie Clark, drummer and lead singer of the group, expressed his wonderment at the nature of the gathering, saying he had been to all kinds of events on the Reservation for many years, but none to compare with this one.

As the evening program came to a close, Navajo Bahá’í youth Kathy Vicenti shared a Persian Bahá’í song, after which other closing remarks and prayers were offered.

The following morning brought more delights, as singer John Cook (who had been present at the 1962 Pine Springs Conference), entertained and inspired the friends with his music.

He was joined on several numbers by Franklin Kahn, who accompanied John’s guitar with a Navajo drum.

Special mention was made of the various elders who could not be present or who had passed on since 1962, and healing prayers were said for David Villaseñor, a well-known artist and Bahá’í teacher, whose family had telephoned the news of his impending “transition” to the next world.

Afterward, the conference was again opened for general sharing and consultation, which began with a recounting of developments at the Native American Bahá’í Institute including news of the classroom construction project made possible by generous donations.

Although the conference was supposed to be winding down at this point, it was in fact still building in spirit, and its wings were lifting everyone into higher states of love and unity.

One by one, the friends shared what was in their hearts, prompted by Nancy Phillips who asked if the Native American friends would share their thoughts and feelings about the Institute and its future development.

At one point, the native women in particular were encouraged to come to the microphone and offer their views. It seemed that the spirit of the sharing grew with each speaker.

As the time originally planned for closing prayers and the final meal passed, the friends were reluctant to interrupt this wonderful process. At length, six native friends (five from the Pine Springs community) were moved to declare their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Dr. Dan By-The-Wood, a doctor of divinity with heritage from the Crow tribe who has been studying the Faith for some time, likewise declared his belief, and his speech to the gathering was filled with a special depth and eloquence.

Carol Manuelito, a Navajo Bahá’í, moved the gathering to yet greater heights with a wonderful bi-lingual speech, culminating in an arm-in-arm circle in which each person tearfully whispered his or her own prayers.

And still the conference would not end! A visiting Navajo medicine man, who had been quietly observing everything all weekend, rose to speak, saying he was touched and amazed by the Institute and by this Bahá’í gathering.

It was a moving testimony, reinforcing the words of wonderment shared the evening before by the Klagetoh Swingers.

At length, further prayers were offered, and the friends lingered to embrace one another and to remain in the loving presence of one another, slowly moving off to share a last meal together and to end this most special weekend, in which so many blessings had been shared.—Jeff Kiely

Ben Kahn (left), Paul Yellowhorse (second from left) and Franklin Kahn (second from right) were among the Bahá’ís who joined in singing with the ‘Klagetoh Swingers,’ a well-known Navajo traditional singing group, during the Pine Springs/Navajo-Hopi Unity Picnic in June. (Photo by Brenda Norrell Kahn)

More than 300 Bahá’ís and their guests gathered in June at the Pine Springs Community House in Arizona for the Pine Springs/Navajo-Hopi Unity Picnic, commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ‘Souvenir Picnic’ in 1912 and the 25th anniversary of the historic Pine Springs Bahá’í Conference. (Photo by Brenda Norrell Kahn)

Projects

from page 11

sas). Ongoing. Ken Tedder, 316-838-9125.

Operation Daybreak (Medford, Massachusetts). Ongoing. Evelyn Hoffman, 617-478-4604.

Khadem Project (Phelps County, Missouri). Ongoing. Lynn Wieties, 314-364-2740.

Project Lua (Buffalo, New York). Ongoing. Jeanne Delaney, 716-825-5457.

Carolina Victory Train (North Carolina). Ongoing. Sam Williams, 919-679-2623.

Project X (Xenia, Ohio). August 21-30. Rose Wendel, 513-372-1844.

Project Muhájir (Frogmore, South Carolina). Ongoing. Amber Spahn, 803-838-5453.

Spirit of the Roses Project (Eagle Butte, South Dakota). Ongoing. Sandi LeBeau, 605-964-7340.

Yellow Rose Project (eastern Texas). Ongoing. Andrenea King, 409-886-4853.

Project 95 (western U.S.). Ongoing. Ruby Gubatayao, 208-843-2087.

Providence Project (Providence, Rhode Island). Ongoing. Kingsley Swan, 401-273-8364.

Amoz Gibson Project (South Dakota). Ongoing. Edwin Roberts, 605-462-6309.

Olinga Teaching Project (Falls Church, Virginia). Ongoing. Thomas Ndousse, 703-848-0266.

Project Nii-Jii (Oneida Reservation, Wisconsin). Summer. Charlotte Hockings, 715-588-3560.

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

[Page 32]

UN gathering sees women as key to African food security

On May 14, more than 300 representatives of United Nations non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN representative and representatives of the Bahá’í International Community, attended a consultation on the need to reduce women’s burdens toward achieving food security in Africa.

The consultation, which was also attended by seven African Missions to the UN, took place at UN headquarters in New York and marked the anniversary of the UN Special Session on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa.

It was sponsored jointly by the UN Department of Public Information, NGO Section, and “Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women,” a special UN/NGO task force formed in May 1986 at the time of the UN General Assembly’s Special Session on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa.

The Bahá’í International Community, the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the UN Development Program, and the UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), are among the founding members of the Advocates Task Force.

The keynote speaker discussed the fact that women’s roles need to be considered at each step in the food chain—from production and distribution of agricultural inputs, planting and cultivation to harvesting, marketing and absorption and utilization of food by individuals.

Workshops were held on Food, Health, Renewable Energy, and Water, giving participants an opportunity to analyze problems and approaches and to share their developmental experiences.

A booklet compiled by the Advocates entitled “Case Studies from Africa: Towards Food Security” provides 11 examples of successful projects sponsored by governments, NGOs or international agencies which have lessened the burden of women’s work in eight countries.

Copies of the booklet are available for $2 each. Make checks payable to UN-NGLS and mail to: UN-NGLS, DC2-1103, United Nations, NY 10017.

Viewpoint

from page 2

strictly a personal, intimate thing—although it certainly is that.

It means being part of that cadre raised up to develop a new society. It means commitment; it means effort; it means supporting the work in whatever way our lives and means permit.

It isn’t a ticket to heaven—but it is a ticket to personal satisfaction and the feeling of being used for the benefit of unborn generations. It means immortality because our efforts will never be forgotten.

If that isn’t reason enough for being a Bahá’í I don’t know what is. But I mustn’t forget the most important aspect of the Faith. A plan can only be as perfect as its Planner.

We accept that Bahá’u’lláh has given humanity the sanest, most perfect blueprint for building a new society, and that He was inspired, guided by the power of God.

We believe that God is unknowable and unreachable—far from the understanding of His creation or His creatures. We believe that creation, its continuation and progression, is God’s Plan.

However, since He is far beyond our comprehension, His Plan provides for Intermediaries—sometimes called Prophets—Who are empowered by His Will to reveal His Plan—step-by-step—to man.

Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Bahá’u’lláh are the names by which some of these Messengers from God have been known.

It therefore follows that since we Bahá’ís have accepted that Bahá’u’lláh spoke, as Jesus did, “...not from myself but from the Father who sent me,” we accept His Teachings as divine and infallible.

And since we were not born into the Faith but accepted it after search and study, we are willing—indeed, eager—to follow His Laws and abide by His instructions.

Of course, this is structure and organization, but it is not structure and organization superimposed on His Teachings by priests and scholars. The Bahá’í Faith—every bit of it—has been structured by Bahá’u’lláh Himself. I’d as soon argue with God Himself as with His Voice, Bahá’u’lláh.

Now, my dear, sweet —————, I’m about to run dry. If you and/or ————— want to pose questions or refutations, I promise to answer more promptly. You know that I love you and want you to be a part of this exciting adventure I’m on. I hope you will share this with —————. He is a very special person.

My warmest love to both of you. (signed) Marion

Postscript—The seeker to whom the letter was written has since become a Bahá’í, and, says Marion, her husband “is about ready to.”—Ed.

Martyrs

from page 24

they went forth to face execution. Other inmates wanted to notify the families, but the brave prisoners prevented it, saying: “Let them sleep tonight; they face heavy burdens tomorrow.”

Sometime after midnight, their mutilated bodies were dumped in front of the city’s general hospital.

Early the next morning a nurse at the hospital found the bodies and notified the friends. Within an hour the whole town had learned of the tragedy, and thousands of townspeople crowded into the small courtyard of the hospital.

Mrs. Mutlaq stood on a platform and addressed the crowd, commenting on the innocence of the martyrs, the injustice that was done, and the high ideals for which they had sacrificed their lives.

When the friends asked for an ambulance to carry the bodies to the cemetery, the hospital refused. The Bahá’ís called the mayor’s office and said that without an ambulance they would be forced to carry the bodies one by one through the streets to the cemetery.

The authorities reconsidered and ordered that an ambulance be placed at the disposal of the friends.

To humiliate the Bahá’ís, an old ambulance was provided; however, its broken doors and windows allowed the thousands of bystanders to see that the victims had been tortured.

Those who knew them and had been the recipients of their love and kindness, especially the two prominent local physicians, began to moan and cry.

The procession reached the cemetery and the bodies were laid to rest according to Bahá’í law, with thousands of non-Bahá’ís present.

Once again some of the friends addressed the crowd, expressing the love and appreciation of the Bahá’ís and explaining that the beloved martyrs had given their lives in the path of the unity of mankind. As a proclamation event it was without equal in the Cradle of the Faith.

James Liew (second from right), a member of the International Chinese Teaching Committee, recently visited the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations office in New York City. Mr. Liew traveled to New York from Wilmette, where he had met with the National Assembly and National Teaching Committee and attended the National Convention. Pictured with Mr. Liew are (left to right) Riaz Jurney, Bonnie Fields and Farzam Kamalabadi.

UN to host conference on relationship between disarmament and development

From August 24-September 11 the United Nations will sponsor the first International Conference on the Relationship Between Disarmament and Development.

The working premise of the conference is that social and economic development requires a transfer of resources presently earmarked for weapons deployment.

Delegates will consider how such processes as disarmament and development can enhance security and how improved security, in turn, can facilitate these processes.

Although the conference is to be held at UN headquarters in New York City, the United States will not participate, citing disagreement with the UN’s basic approach to the issues.

UN staff members and delegates preparing for the conference said the U.S. absence would have no immediate impact on the event.

The conference will consider all aspects of the relationship between disarmament and development, the implications of the arms race for the economy at both national and international levels, and the ways and means of releasing resources as disarmament progresses.

S. Francisco Bahá’ís hear Borrah Kavelin

About 200 Bahá’ís gathered May 30 at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco, California, to welcome Borrah Kavelin, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

After he spoke to the friends, there was a question-and-answer period followed by an informal discussion and socializing.

Madison, Wisconsin, holds fourth annual Race Unity meeting

On June 21, the Bahá’ís of Madison, Wisconsin, held their fourth annual Race Unity Conference whose topic was “World Neighborhood: The Advantages of a Truly Diverse Community.”

Six panelists including Patty Loew, a Chippewa Indian who is news anchorwoman at Madison’s ABC-television affiliate, and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor discussed the topic.

The keynote speaker was Bobbie Raymond, nationally known executive director of the Oak Park (Illinois) Housing Center.

She spoke of her struggle to integrate the nearly all-white Oak Park neighborhood in the early 1960s when many white realtors refused even to allow blacks to look at homes in so-called “white neighborhoods.”

About 50 people attended the conference.

Membership Listing has new format

To all local Assembly and District Teaching Committee secretaries:

A new format has been developed for the Community Membership Listing (printout) that you will receive in September. The new format will contain additional and more complete information and will make the listing easier to understand and use.

Please make a special effort to read the instructions that will accompany the list and inform your Assemblies and committees of the changes.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken by Curtis Kelsey in 1946 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School. If you can identify anyone in the picture, please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Fund Is the Life-Blood of the Faith National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 33]

Association for Bahá’í Studies sets 12th annual Conference at Princeton

The 12th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies will be held October 22-25 at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, continuing the Association’s tradition of alternating between the U.S. and Canada for conference sites to encourage wider attendance.

This year’s conference theme, “Converging Realities: An International Conference on Science, the Humanities, and Religion,” underscores the fact that leading edge contemporary science, systems theory, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry and other disciplines are converging on the same truths expressed in religious principles, most recently by Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith.

The Association is honored by the number of renowned speakers who have accepted its invitation to take part in the annual Conference. Among them are:

• Counselor Farzam Arbab (Cali, Colombia), administrator, FUNDEAC Development Project.
• Dr. Hossain B. Danesh (Toronto, Canada), psychiatrist, chairman of the Association’s Executive Committee, author of Unity: The Creative Foundation of Peace.
• Richard Falk (Princeton, New Jersey), Milbank Professor of International Law, Princeton University.
• William S. Hatcher (Québec, Canada), professor of mathematics, Laval University.
• George Land (Arizona), general systems theorist and author of Grow or Die.
• Ervin Laszlo (Rome, Italy), author of more than 30 books, editor-in-chief of the World Encyclopedia of Peace, member of the advisory council, Planetary Citizens.
• Lowell W. Livezey (Princeton, New Jersey), director of undergraduate program, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.
• Karl H. Pribram (Stanford, California), Department of Psychology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University.
• Anatol Rapoport (Toronto, Canada), Peace chair professor, University of Toronto; president, Science for Peace.
• O.D. Rogers (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada), professor of art, University of Saskatchewan.
• Renee Weber (New Brunswick, New Jersey), editor, Conversations with Sages and Scholars; professor of philosophy, Rutgers University.

This year, there will again be a session reserved for submitted papers. Four awards for excellence in Bahá’í studies will be given, one for each of the following categories:

• Best essay on some aspect of the Bahá’í Faith by a high school student.
• Best essay on some aspect of the Bahá’í Faith by a university student.
• Best original research on an aspect of the Bahá’í Faith by an individual.
• Best creative writing related to the Bahá’í Faith.

Nine sectional conferences will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, October 22, immediately preceding the annual Conference.

These sectional conferences will be organized by the various sections and seminars under the aegis of the Association.

Sectional topics include the Arts, Agriculture, Conflict Resolution (new), Environmental Design, Health, Intercultural Issues (new), Marriage and the Family, Science and Technology (new), and Women’s Issues (new).

The sectional conferences will be followed that evening by the annual meeting of the Association.

Submissions, new members sought by Association’s new Arts section

The Arts section of the Association for Bahá’í Studies was formed last year during the Association’s annual Conference in London, Ontario.

The section functions as a body within the ABS to provide an on-going study of the arts and their relationship to the Bahá’í teachings through the offering of papers and other presentations at the annual ABS Conferences, to develop a resource file of those in the Bahá’í community who are seriously involved in the arts, and to encourage conferences, activities and articles relating themes that are important to artists within the context of the Bahá’í community.

Submissions for this year’s Conference representing any of the artistic disciplines are welcome. They could be in written form or some other suitable format (visual, musical, multi-media, etc.), bearing in mind the constraints of distance, time and financial limitations.

Membership in the Arts section is open to any ABS member for an additional annual fee of $10. These funds enable the section to carry out its plans and activities.

Submissions for this year’s Conference and applications for membership can be directed to the Arts Section, Association for Bahá’í Studies, 708 10th St. E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7H 0H1.

Our great privilege National Bahá’í Fund 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 $3.75 Discount price $3.37

Please send me ___ copies of this month’s selection, Some Answered Questions, at the special price of $3.37 each.

Name _________________________________

Address _______________________________

I enclose $ ____________________________

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

Cross-cultural exchange held by Northern California PAAC

Persian and American friends help themselves in the food line during a cross-cultural program April 4 in Oakland, California, sponsored by the Area Persian/American Affairs Committee of Northern California with help from liaisons representing each local Assembly in the Alameda County electoral district.

The Area Persian/American Affairs Committee of Northern California, with help from a team of liaisons representing each local Assembly in the Alameda County electoral district, held a successful cross-cultural exchange program April 4 in Oakland.

Alameda County, with 12 local Spiritual Assemblies and two Groups, has an estimated 110 Persian Bahá’ís living within its boundaries.

Some of them are refugees while others are long-time residents in their cities.

On arriving for the program, each person was given a number. The numbers were duplicated so that one Persian and one American both received the same number.

They were to find the person with the matching number and have dinner together with three to five other pairs.

Each table was provided with a form to complete with the personal information of those at the table: such items as education, occupation, hobbies, Bahá’í experience, date of arrival in the U.S. or when the person became a Bahá’í.

This proved enjoyable and enlightening, providing an opportunity for discussion and for learning interesting aspects of one another’s lives and backgrounds.

Another part of the forum called for idioms, or sayings, in both English and Persian. It was interesting to note the similarity of ideas, even though the words differed somewhat.

Some of the Persian refugees told dramatic stories of their journey to this country after the Islamic Revolution, while Americans shared stories of the way in which they had become Bahá’ís.

The program, all of which was presented both in English and Persian, ended with everyone saying “Alláh’u’Abhá.”

Bicentennial event

The Bahá’í community of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been invited to take part in a Bicentennial Candlelight Procession and Interfaith Convocation to be held September 15 at the Constitutional Pavilion opposite the Liberty Bell.

Representatives of the Faith will be an official part of the program, which is national in scope.

Bahá’í National Center Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday—Friday Phone 312-869-9039

MULLÁ HUSAYN: DISCIPLE AT DAWN

New from Kalimát Press

MULLÁ HUSAYN: DISCIPLE AT DAWN by R. Mehrabkhani

The only full-length biography of the first believer in the new Dispensation. Contains many details about the life of this great Bábí hero not available in any other published source.

Cloth • $14.95 • ISBN 0-933770-36-5

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 34]34/The American Bahá'í / August 1987 Pasadena holds first Children's Conference "Stepping Stones to Peace" was the theme of the first annual Children's Conference held April 18 at the Bahá'í Center in Pasa- dena, California. The event was sponsored by the Bahá'ís of Pasadena at the request of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. The idea for the conference sprang from a desire to invite Mr. Sears to visit the William Sears Bahá'í School in Pasadena, which was named in his honor 15 years ago. Mr. Sears said he would love to visit the school if a children's conference could be held. The seed having been planted, the Sears Bahá'í School Council formed a planning committee to begin preparing such an event. With the San Francisco confer- ence still fresh in everyone's mind, the theme of "peace" evolved. The phrase "Stepping Stones to Peace" came from the peace booklet published by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust of Canada. The main goal of the conference was to help children understand their role in achieving and main- taining world peace by giving them practical tools and ideas to develop in their day-to-day lives. Every effort was made to in- volve the children at the Sears School in preparing for the con- ference. They participated by de- signing the conference logo, color- ing and making more than 1,000 buttons, assembling 800 work- books to be used by attendees, creating drawings about peace, preparing speeches, and giving dance and musical presentations. Among the children featured in the program were Vince Fazzi, who wrote and recited a "Poem to Peace," and Laleh Shahriaree, who gave a speech entitled "Feel- ings on Music" and performed two classical selections on the piano. Prayers for peace were recited in six languages: Spanish by Zay- nab Cortez; Fijian (Mary Moody); Persian (Samah Sohrab); Dutch (Leili Farhangi); English (Michael Perkins); and Arabic (Sanah Soh- rabi). Samira Anayati presented a speech on peace, the Los Angeles Bahá'í Youth Workshop per- formed several dance selections, Bahá'ís take part in Washington state's 'Juneteenth' event On June 20-21, Bahá'ís from Seattle, Spokane, Yakima and other areas traveled to Pasco, Washington, to take part in a "Juneteenth" celebration. Juneteenth, an annual event held in many parts of the country, commemorates the announcement of the Emancipation Proclama- tion to slaves in Texas and the Southwest. At the Pasco celebration, Ba- há'ís manned food booths, helped with games for children, and gen- erally interacted with other par- ticipants, nearly all of whom were black. The interracial group of Bahá'ís (black, white and American In- dian) also gave musical presenta- tions on Saturday and Sunday. The Juneteenth organizers were so delighted by the Bahá'í partici- pation that the friends were in- vited to help organize next year's festival. and the keynote speaker, 10-year- old Nima Masroori, delivered the same memorable speech he had re- cited at the International Peace Conference in San Francisco last August. The program, hosted by Leisa Sinclair, also included perfor- mances by "Eyes" (Jamie Heath and Tony Sinclair), and Leslie & Kelly who were joined in their fi- nale by Sabrina Brittan, Brienna Cramer, Brandon Moore, Deanna and Ramona Morgan, Aziza Pri- mous, Michelle Ruiz, Nazanin Safaie, Justin White and many en- thusiastic children from the audi- ence. Of the 998 persons who regis- tered for the conference, 509 were children ages 15 and under. Among the workshops was "Spiritual Parenting" hosted by Sherry Masroori, Lisa Janti and Jim and Lee Haslip for children ages 0-3 years. A special area coordinated by Taya Brittain was prepared so that parents could take part in the adult class while keeping their "little ones" entertained (a very successful concept). Children ages four to 15 years took part in workshops that help- ed them to "Define Peace" and to discuss "Barriers to Peace," "What People You Know Say About Peace," and "Stepping Stones to Peace." As part of their classroom ac- tivities, children signed "peace scrolls" that were presented to representatives of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly, the Spiritual Assembly of Pasadena, the mayor of Pasadena, President Reagan, Gov. George Deukmejian of Cali- fornia, the Pasadena chapter of UNICEF, the children of the Wil- liams Sears School, and, of course, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and his wife, Marguerite. The youngsters also signed "peace messages" that were at- tached to more than 500 balloons and released in the afternoon from the courtyard of the Pasa- dena Bahá'í Center. Several re- sponses have been received and forwarded to the children who sent them. As a result of requests from many of the children at the con- ference, a Speech Club and Friendship Club have been form- ed. (For information, write to P.O. Box 844, Sierra Madre, CA 91204.) Mr. Sears addressed the con- ference several times during the day and visited the children's classrooms, becoming better ac- quainted and creating a special, personal bond with his "grand- children." A surprise guest was renowned jazz trumpeter John (Dizzy) Gil- lespie who captivated the children while sharing his love and his op- timism for peace and unity. To add to these already exciting events, local television stations KCBS, KTLA and KNBC sent news reporters to cover the con- ference. KCBS and KTLA broad- cast parts of their interviews on the evening news, specifically mentioning the Faith and its ef- forts to educate children toward peace. The excitement didn't end with the conference. As a follow-up to Top left: 'How do you do that?' Jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie re- gales a child by demonstrating his unusual embouchure. Seated with him is Judge Dorothy Nelson, treasurer of the National Spiritual the day-long program, a public meeting was hosted that evening by Mr. and Mrs. Sears. Musical entertainment for that program was provided by John Barnes, Marva King, Jerry and Tony Sinclair, Michelle Dickey, and the Bahá'í Youth Workshop. As Mr. Sears said, "It was a Among the 1987 graduates at Princeton University were these six members of the university's Bahá'í Club (left to right) Camm Maguire (Texas), Cheryl Green (California), Mehrdad Baghai (Toronto, Canada), Whitney White (California), Jennifer Assembly. Top right: The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears speaks to his grandchild- ren.' Above left: Youngsters "bal- ance the scales of justice' during a two-day conference in one day." Plans for the second annual Children's Conference, to be held in the spring of 1988, are under way. It promises to be even bigger than the first. Musicians, artists, children wishing to perform, present speeches, etc., may send tapes and Chapman (Washington, D.C.), and David Risher (Virginia). Mehrdad Baghai, a former mem- ber of the National Youth Com- mittee of Canada, won two of the school's highest honors, the Howard Willis Dodds Award for 'qualities of clear thinking, moral classroom session at the 'Stepping Stones to Peace' conference. Above right: One of the younger participants does her own impres- sion of Dizzy Gillespie. other materials for consideration to "Stepping Stones to Peace," P.O. Box 844, Sierra Madre, CA 91204. The children at the William Sears Bahá'í School extend a chal- lenge to other Bahá'í communities throughout the country to hold similar conferences. courage, a patient and judicious regard for the welfare of the uni- versity and the life of the mind,' and the Kenneth Christopher Har- ris Award for contributing 'most to the spiritual, personal and moral life of Princeton Univer- sity." [Page 35]

10 YEARS AGO

The fourth National Bahá’í Youth Conference, dedicated to improving the quality of Bahá’í life as an example to humankind, is held June 29-July 5 at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

The more than 3,000 Bahá’ís from the U.S. and 14 other countries who gather for the event are blessed by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God ’Alf-Akbar Furútan, Zikrullah Khadem and William Sears.

Also present are members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, Sierra Leone and Switzerland.

Nearly 90 non-Bahá’ís attend, and by the end of the conference at least 38 have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Besides the Hands of the Cause, the featured speakers include Counselor Sarah M. Pereira; three members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Daniel C. Jordan, Firuz Kazemzadeh and Dorothy W. Nelson; and Dr. Hossain Danesh, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

The youth keynote speakers are Daniel Tso, a medical student at Harvard University, and Roya Ayman, a social psychology student from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The three-fold purpose of the conference—to aid youth in developing the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life, learning a trade or profession, and preparing for marriage and family life—is carried forward in a number of interesting and innovative programs including seminars and workshops keyed to each day's main theme, career counseling by professionals in various fields, and a special self-evaluation test administered by Dr. Dorothy Ha'i of Arizona State University and a team of trained assistants.

Dr. Kazemzadeh cites disintegration of the family, parental confusion, and a decline in the influence of religion as factors contributing to our present moral decay.

Dr. Nelson stresses the same theme, saying, "We must be continually involved in shaping our own destinies and forming our own characters," while Dr. Jordan says that the family "is the fundamental building block of society, and the family depends upon the strength of the marital bond. "For the good of society," he says, "we must make sure that the marital bond is as strong as it can be."

During his two addresses at the conference, Mr. Furútan especially delights his audience with a number of humorous anecdotes, while Mr. Sears has them laughing, crying and roaring like lions as he urges the friends to arise and win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

Mr. Khadem, pointing to the important role played by youth in the Faith's history, mentions especially the sacrifice of the Purest Branch, Bahá’u’lláh’s 21-year-old son, who gave his life as a ransom for the Cause.

"The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh," says Mr. Khadem, "is indebted to that sacrifice."

David Villaseñor

With the use of glue and colored sands, the sort of "permanent" sand paintings that could be hung on a wall, such paintings, considered sacred by the Navajo, were created, displayed and destroyed within 12 hours.

Noting as a young man that the ancient art form was dying out, Mr. Villaseñor spent years developing a technique by which to preserve it, and many more years reintroducing the art of sand painting to Native Americans throughout the Southwest and on the West Coast.

He demonstrated his work at colleges and universities, made films for educational television, and lectured on sand painting in the U.S. and other countries.

In 1981, Mr. Villaseñor was featured in a half-hour episode of "American Perspective: Another View," a series of 10 television documentaries that presented positive profiles of Americans of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The "pallet" used in sand painting, he pointed out, consists of different colored rocks that are ground to the consistency of sand: "Apache tears" (obsidian), moss agate, copper sulfates, malachite, turquoise, azurites, limestone, amethyst and agate.

He combined these elements with extraordinary care and skill to create paintings unmatched in their beauty, design and exquisite detail.

Mr. Villaseñor was born February 25, 1913, near Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Orphaned at age six by the Mexican Revolution, he came to the U.S. 10 years later with no knowledge of its language or customs and lived near and among the Indians of the Southwest.

While he was with the Navajo, a sand painting was made in his honor. As is the custom, he sat in the middle of it during the ceremony, and was immediately fascinated by the sand.

When it was time for the sand painting to be "read," the medicine man said Mr. Villaseñor would be a great teacher with sand and a great sand painter.

True to that prediction, sand painting and its spiritual symbolism soon became a major force in his life.

It was not for himself that he dedicated years of trial and error to develop the work for which he was to become famous; his main interest was to find a way in which to preserve the holy books of the American Indians.

Mr. Villaseñor saw that the art of sand painting was waning, and realized that the symbols in the sand represented the spiritual teachings of the Indian. His permanent sand paintings became a gift of love to Indian and non-Indian alike.

While engaged in these pursuits he also helped establish the Santa Fe (New Mexico) Native Market, which today is a flourishing center for the sale of handmade Indian jewelry, pottery and sand paintings.

It was there, in the early 1930s, that Ernest Thompson Seton, founder of the Woodcraft Rangers, saw Mr. Villaseñor carving whimsical wooden figures of animals.

The two of them soon began a happy 10-year association at the School of Indian Wisdom where Mr. Villaseñor worked with young boys, teaching them sand painting, whittling, nature crafts, wood carving and Indian symbolism.

In 1942 he enlisted in the Army, was granted U.S. citizenship and assigned for three years to medical art work.

It was during this time that he developed an original method for taking molds of hands, feet, ears and other living tissue, using a material that made a soft mold to give complete details of the area involved including pores, follicles, tissue structure, etc., without causing further damage or trauma to the area.

The technique, known as moulage, was used to show progress and change from pre-surgery conditions to post-operative recuperation.

For its development, Mr. Villaseñor was awarded the Army's highest possible non-combatant citation for his "permanent contribution to medical science."

His original work forms part of the permanent exhibit of the Museum of Pathology in Washington, D.C.

In 1948 Mr. Villaseñor married Jean Gimlin who survives him and with whom he co-authored several books including How to Do Nature Painting, Tapestries in Sand, and How to Do Permanent Sand Painting.

As a sculptor, Mr. Villaseñor, after much careful research and study in Mexico, created a full-scale replica of the Aztec calendar.

From the carving a special mold was made from which came two fiber glass castings. The resultant sculptures are 12 feet in diameter and weigh some 600 pounds.

RECEIVED SORROWFUL NEWS PASSING DAVID VILLASEÑOR. LOVINGLY REMEMBER HIS MANIFOLD SERVICES PATH BLESSED BEAUTY AND OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS GRAPHIC ARTS. KINDLY CONVEY CONDOLENCES COMMUNITY LOS ALAMOS ESPECIALLY HIS DEAR WIFE AND ASSURE THEM OUR FERVENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL AND CONSOLATION THEIR HEARTS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JULY 16, 1987

The first is on permanent display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History; the second stands in La Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Park, East Los Angeles.

In 1976, after working for 10 years in his spare time, Mr. Villaseñor completed a 10-foot-high figure of the great Cherokee Indian Chief, Sequoyah, fashioned from a Sequoyah redwood tree.

The sculpture was given to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly which in turned presented it as a gift to the Cherokee Nation at a ceremony in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

After becoming Bahá’ís in 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Villaseñor devoted considerable time and energy to teaching the Faith, often using Mr. Villaseñor's knowledge of sand painting and Indian art, culture and symbolism to open the door.

Mr. Villaseñor served on Assemblies for many years, was a member of the Spanish Teaching Committee and an assistant to the Auxiliary Board.

Meanwhile, he worked for three years with Lockheed Aircraft's Research and Engineering Division, served as art director for the public television series "Ahora," and took part in the making of several documentary films.

But sand painting remained his first love, and he traveled extensively to lecture about and present demonstrations of his art.

One-man shows of his work were presented at the American Museum of Natural History (New York), the Southwest Indian Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Palace of the Legion of Honor (San Francisco), Descanso Gardens (La Canada, California), the California Institute of Technology, and many other places.

Mr. Villaseñor was buried July 8 in the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a brother, Alonzo, and two sisters, Ernestina and Librada.

Isabelle S. Dodge

Isabelle Stebbins Dodge, the first Bahá’í to reside in Tucson, Arizona, died January 1. She was 76 years old.

Mrs. Dodge, a native of Urbana, Illinois, was a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and earned a master's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin.

She was a devoted Bahá’í all her adult life, and at age 15 had the bounty of accompanying her mother on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

In 1935, she married Theodore Dodge, a geologist who was not yet a Bahá’í, and the couple settled in Morococha, Peru, making Isabelle the first Bahá’í to live in that country.

Later, they spent three years in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. It was because of her presence there that Shoghi Effendi placed a lone star on his map of northern Mexico as a place on his world map of Bahá’í centers.

The Dodges moved to Tucson in 1945, and Mr. Dodge became a Bahá’í in 1957.

Mrs. Dodge served as secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Tucson for more than 20 years.

Mr. Dodge survives her, as do their four children, all of whom are Bahá’ís; one brother, and seven grandchildren.

Native Institute hosts Women’s Conference

Twenty-seven Bahá’í women from communities in Arizona and New Mexico attended a Women's Institute held June 5-7 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute at Houck, Arizona.

Also present for the weekend gathering were another 27 men and children.

Many of the Navajo friends attended, and everyone worked hard at learning one another's culture and the role of women in different societies.

In a special moment toward the close of the conference, Chief Lawrence of ShowLow, Arizona, a Choctaw whose wife, Gwen, was a conference participant, declared his faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

IN MEMORIAM

Ruth Bixler Carmel, CA May 1987

Dixon Blanchard Holland, PA April 26, 1987

William Boatley Lancaster, KY Date Unknown

Henry N. Bohn Lynnwood, WA June 22, 1987

Malcolm Clay Dover, NH April 1987

Earl C. Cooper Peru, dead at 76 Honduras 1986

Charles Dauphine Los Angeles, CA December 1986

William Drannen Roswell, NM May 4, 1987

Lester Dreyer El Salvador June 19, 1987

Rahmatollah Eghrari Forest Park, IL July 18, 1986

Jean T. Farrand El Salvador June 26, 1987

Flossie Fox Darlington, SC Date Unknown

Trudi Freeman Villa Park, CA April 1987

Lula Giddings Novato, CA May 17, 1987

Henry Green Rowland, NC Date Unknown

Mary Lee Hamilton Rowland, NC Date Unknown

Augestine Jones Denton, TX 1985

Mary Johnson E. Cleveland, OH June 1, 1987

David Joy Ignacio, CO April 18, 1987

Richard Leavell Lancaster, KY Date Unknown

James B. Lentz Canyon Country, CA April 1987

Frank Lunford Lancaster, KY Date Unknown

Rose Morrera Miami, FL May 25, 1987

Gloria Miles Rowland, NC Date Unknown

Naomi Modiri St. Thomas, VI June 22, 1987

Norman Payne Austin, TX Date Unknown

Jocelyn Potter Muskogee, OK Date Unknown

John H. Pugh Rowland, NC 1986

Maryam Sadeghian Los Altos Hills, CA January 26, 1985

Helen C. Scott Hesperia, CA May 22, 1987

Javad Solhjou Fountain Valley, CA June 1987

Jiggs Stone Blackfoot, ID December 15, 1982

Ellis Trenary Springfield, OR May 31, 1987

Robert White Tiburon, CA April 1986

Kris Wolf Maplewood, MO June 1987

Francis Yazzie Ionalea, AZ 1982 [Page 36]

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 5 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A 1. ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

Moving date

G We receive extra copies because: [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy. [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

New Jersey Bahá’ís produce ‘Souvenir’ video with Mr. Sears

A video camera stands ready as the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears (seated) prepares to narrate a taped history of the Souvenir picnics first hosted in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to America. Mrs. Sears helped by handling the cue cards. Also pictured is video producer Gil Muro of Suffern, New York.

As a part of its commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the first Souvenir Picnic in Teaneck, New Jersey, the Bahá’í Public Information Office of Northern New Jersey set a goal of producing a permanent video record of that first picnic, which was hosted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself.

Besides creating the video, plans included presenting a live display during the Diamond Jubilee celebration, and raising money for the preservation of the Wilhelm Properties in Teaneck.

The video was to include live narration and original still photographs. Plans were made, records researched, photos reviewed, and scripts written and discarded until a tentative format was reached.

Many of the photos were obtained from the National Archives and from the private collection of Don and Pat Kinney of Leonia, New Jersey.

Information about the day's events was gleaned from interviews with local Bahá’ís, The Diary of Juliet Thompson, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, 239 Days, and many other sources.

Next came the choice of a narrator, someone with experience in broadcasting. The obvious choice was the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears who was instrumental in planning the Diamond Jubilee celebration and had spent many years as a radio announcer.

A script was sent for his approval, and the National Teaching Committee and Office of Public Information were helpful in urging him to agree to the undertaking.

The months of planning and preparation came to fruition on June 13 at the home of Nancy and Mike Hadden in Tucson, Arizona.

Using their home as a background setting, with Mrs. Sears holding the cue cards and Kamran Rouhani serving as production assistant, Mr. Sears’ narration was filmed in one day using equipment borrowed from the studios at the Bahá’í National Center.

The film was then taken to Wilmette for editing and the insertion of titles and still photographs. This was accomplished in only 25 hours, after which the film was reviewed and duplicated.

Its premiere showing took place as scheduled during the Diamond Jubilee picnic June 27 in Teaneck.

Although conceived by a committee of the Spiritual Assembly of Bergenfield, New Jersey, its production had involved people and resources throughout the U.S.

The video is now available for purchase in both VHS and Beta for $50 plus 10 per cent for handling. A 10 per cent discount is being offered on orders of five or more.

Please make checks payable to the Wilhelm Properties Committee—Souvenir Video and send c/o Gil Muro, Suffern, NY 10901.

4th Bahá’í History Conference slated at L.A. Bahá’í Center

The fourth annual Los Angeles Bahá’í History Conference, co-sponsored by Kalimát Press and the Victory Foundation, will be held September 4-6 at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together Bahá’ís and other scholars who are presently involved in the academic study of the Bábí and Bahá’í religions to survey the state of our knowledge of such studies, present papers that will further that knowledge, foster communications among scholars working in these fields, and discuss new avenues of inquiry.

Authors and presenters should notify the conference organizers as soon as possible of their intention to submit a paper or make a presentation. The deadline for submissions is August 31.

Limited funds are available to help defer the cost of travel expenses for presenters. Please inform the organizers immediately if such funds are needed. Full scholarships are not available.

For more information, please contact Kalimát Press, 1600 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 34, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (phone 213-479-5668 or 213-478-4941).

Japan

(from page 6)

"Bright, capable and dedicated, Nozomu returned to Japan determined to devote his life to Bahá’u’lláh.

"To that end, he has begun translating several works into Japanese, and has even authored an introductory book on the Faith that is being reviewed by the Japanese Bahá’í publishing arm.

"All this, and yet this young man radiates such love and humility, is so entirely self-effacing, so efficient in his work, that when he translated my fireside talk I almost forgot I was using a translator.

"One more sketch—of the marvelous Mr. Honda.

"Here is a man literally touched by Shoghi Effendi. He had accompanied the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir in his initial journeys throughout Japan. These two, as a team, had a tremendously positive effect on the teaching work in Japan.

"Dr. Muhájir no longer walks this earth, but Mr. Honda presses on. He works diligently to reach the 'minority' populace of Japan—descendants of the outcast group, Burakumin.

"So dedicated is he that he moved into a traditionally Burakumin neighborhood, an act so repulsive to middle-class Japanese that his father directed relatives not to visit him.

"Yet Mr. Honda moves on, and offered me the marvelous opportunity of speaking to a group of women, many of whom were Burakumin. (These women were especially impressed by the accomplishments of the American Bahá’í community in fostering racial unity.)

"In addition, Mr. Honda is the tutor, of sorts, for foreign pioneers. He teaches them how to teach the Faith to the Japanese.

"I arrived in Kyushu absolutely exhausted from a grueling MSU teaching schedule in Tokyo. Yet the weekend in Tokyo and the week on Kyushu had such a wonderful effect on me, as well as on Ali, that surely we were the true beneficiaries.

"The experience gave new meaning to the passage by Shoghi Effendi that encourages us to teach wherever we are:

"‘In his daily activities and contacts, in all his journeys, whether for business or otherwise, on his holidays and outings, and on any mission he may be called upon to undertake, every bearer of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh should consider it not only an obligation but a privilege to scatter far and wide the seeds of His Faith, and to rest content in the abiding knowledge that whatever be the immediate response to that Message, and however inadequate the vehicle that conveyed it, the power of its Author will, as He sees fit, enable those seeds to germinate, and in circumstances which no one can foresee, enrich the harvest which the labor of His followers will gather.’

"Isn’t this a marvelous time of opportunity?"

Birthday celebration

On June 6, more than 100 Bahá’ís and their guests attended a celebration of the anniversary of Louis Gregory's birth at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

Among those present were Mr. Gregory’s niece, Sadi Banks, and her granddaughter.

The program, which was followed by a reception, included the debut of the 40-member Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute Choir.