The American Bahá’í/Volume 18/Issue 9/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 18, Issue 9

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America

The following talk was given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on September 1, 1912, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Sutherland Maxwell in Montreal, Canada:

The subject of immortality has been suggested.

Life is the expression of composition; and death, the expression of decomposition. In the world or kingdom of the minerals certain materials or elemental substances exist. When through the law of creation they enter into composition, a being or organism comes into existence.

For example, certain material atoms are brought together, and man is the result. When this composition is destroyed and disintegrated, decomposition takes place; this is mortality, or death. When certain elements are composed, an animal comes into being. When these elements are scattered or decomposed, this is called the death of the animal.

Again, certain atoms are bound together by chemical affinity; a composition called a flower appears. When these atoms are dispersed and the composition they have formed is disintegrated, the flower has come to its end; it is dead.

Therefore, it is evident that life is the expression of composition, and mortality, or death, is equivalent to decomposition. As the spirit of man is not composed of material elements, it is not subject to decomposition, and, therefore, has no death.

It is self-evident that the human spirit is simple, single and not composed in order that may come to immortality, and it is a philosophical axiom that the individual or indivisible atom is indestructible.

At most, it passes through a process of construction and reconstruction. For example, these individual atoms are brought together in a composition, and through this composition a given organism—such as a man, an animal or a plant—is created.

When this composition is decomposed, that created organism is brought to an end, but the component atoms are not annihilated; they continue to exist because they are single, individual and not composed.

News and Announcements

Louise and Carmella Cabrara of Gainesville, Florida, enjoy one of the many “unity picnics” held throughout the U.S. in June to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

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

On July 29, the occasion of her 99th birthday, Edna True presents a copy of Bruce Whitmore’s book, The Dawning Place, to Jaleh Dashtizadeh, a youth summer volunteer at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette. Miss True, the daughter of the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True and herself a former member of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas and the National Spiritual Assembly, marked her birthday by presenting copies of the book on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly to 19 young summer volunteers at the National Center. In turn, she received from the National Assembly a scroll in recognition of her many years of service to the American Bahá’í community, and from the National Teaching Committee a framed copy of the commemorative print honoring the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

District Conventions scheduled for October in 168 electoral units

Please plan now to attend your District Convention which will be held in early October. The date, time and site of the Convention in each electoral unit are listed, along with a telephone number to call for more information.

The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, stressed “the importance of reminding the believers that they should make every possible effort to attend the meeting for its election of the State or Provincial delegates in order to stimulate a larger group consciousness which will greatly facilitate the process of the believers becoming acquainted with each other, and provide an intermediary state—which will become increasingly valuable and necessary—between the local organization, represented by the group or Assembly, and national collective action, represented by the activities of the National Assembly.” (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi dated November 16, 1943)

The Conventions provide the opportunity for adult Bahá’ís in each electoral unit to vote for a delegate who will in turn help elect the National Spiritual Assembly at the next National Convention.

The Conventions also provide an opportunity for the friends to gather together to share their hopes and concerns about the growth and development of the Faith, and to make recommendations about those issues in the context of the goals of the Six Year Plan.

In addition to the adult session and programs for children, many Conventions will include activities for youth. Some Conventions will be held only in the morning or afternoon, and will be preceded or followed by a special event such as a barbecue or concert.

If you are not sure in which electoral unit you live, please contact a nearby Assembly or your District Teaching Committee.

Voting materials, along with an invitation to the Convention and voting instructions, were mailed bulk-rate in mid-August to adult Bahá’ís across the country. If you did not receive these materials and will not be able to attend your Convention, please vote by absentee ballot by following the instructions.

Plan developed to deepen, consolidate local Assemblies in northwest Georgia

July was an exciting month in northwestern Georgia. During that month, the District Teaching Committee of Georgia Northwest met with Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts, and in the spirit of unified action they devised a plan to consolidate and deepen the mass-taught communities in the district with the goal of visible development for local Spiritual Assemblies.

A district meeting was called to consolidate more than 40 local Assemblies. Almost 70 people came to the meeting, and many ideas and concepts were exchanged. It was reported that everyone readily volunteered to help.

Six or seven teams were created and each was assigned communities to visit every week or two. Each District Teaching Committee member was given responsibility for one of the teams.

Coordinators, who are called Consultants, were chosen to facilitate the over-all development process and act as liaisons between the teams and the District Teaching Committee.

The teams have now begun their visits on a regular weekly or bi-weekly basis. Their approach is to love and nurture the believers and to provide substantial deepening in the Writings.

We look forward to hearing more exciting news springing from this wonderful grassroots effort! [Page 2]On May 22, Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, a Bahá’í who is president of Mottahedeh Inc. in New York City, was honored by the Republic of Portugal with the Order of Commander of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator. The presentation was made by His Excellency Mário Soares, President of the Republic of Portugal, during a luncheon at the Hotel Pierre sponsored by the Portugal/U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Portuguese Society.

The coveted award, bestowed on civilians who share the qualities of leadership demonstrated by Prince Henry and who have helped to promote Portuguese culture, was given to Mrs. Mottahedeh for her role in the development of the image of Portuguese porcelain in the U.S. Of the four awards presented, the only other American so honored was David Rockefeller. Mottahedeh Inc. is an internationally known producer and importer of fine dinnerware and giftware.

Rising temperatures slow pace of visits to New Delhi Temple

The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, saw a decline in the number of visitors during June as the mercury rose to 46° Centigrade (115° Fahrenheit) in the first two weeks.

Among those who did come was a young film director, Prakash Jha, who is producing a documentary on "Youth of India" for the government to be shown in all the festivals of India abroad.

Also arriving for visits were many groups of teachers from various schools run by the Delhi administration.

Among the other visitors in June:

The Ambassador from West Germany to India and his wife, accompanied by the Ambassador from West Germany to Afghanistan.

Hu-Won-Zhi, professor of international law, counselor in the embassy of the People's Republic of China in India, and assistant secretary-general of the Asian African Legal Consultative Committee, accompanied by Qiang Pinxing of the Embassy of China in Afghanistan.

Brindaban Gosuni, minister of education for Assam, accompanied by member of Parliament Gokul Surikia.

• Kitti Panyo, head monk from Bangkok, Thailand.

.A third visit by the wife of the director of cultural affairs in the Italian Embassy in New Delhi.

Among the groups visiting the Temple were:

15 newly married couples on their honeymoons.

Two groups of German tourists, the second of which came especially to attend a prayer service.

.30 participants sponsored by the Indo-Iran Cultural House, accompanied by three Iranians.

100 Namdhari Sikh girls attending a seminar at Shahid Bishen Singh memorial school in New Delhi, accompanied by the school's principal and several priests.

30 students from the Don Bosco School, Imphal, Manipur, accompanied by three teachers, one of whom was so impressed by the Temple that he returned with 10 other teachers. Some of them wanted to know how they could become Bahá’ís.

40 students from Manipal, Institute of Technology, Karnataka.

Glenford E. Mitchell speaks, teaches class at Gregory Institute

Glenford E. Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, visited the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, from July 11-13.

While there, he spoke to a gathering of about 200 of the friends and afterward answered their questions on a number of topics.

Mr. Mitchell also agreed to a video-tape interview conducted by participants in the Bahá’í Youth Academy and taught a class for the Academy.

Before leaving, Mr. Mitchell and his 10-year-old daughter, Tarissa, were interviewed for WLGI Radio Bahá’í by the Gregory Institute's director, Dr. Roy Jones.

Bahá’ís and politics: how far can we go?

VIEWPOINT

This month's column, "Bahá’ís and Politics: Another View," was written by Anthony A. Lee of Los Angeles, California.

I have read with interest the article submitted to The American Bahá’í by Brent Poirier (October 1986) which attempts to rebut some of the arguments made in articles in Circle of Unity concerning the involvement of Bahá’ís in politics. I appreciate the time he has taken and the obvious effort he has made to fully articulate his objections.

Mr. Poirier has certainly done The American Bahá’í, and the Bahá’í community as a whole, a service in providing us with a clear and intelligent statement of a conservative Bahá’í position on this question. His essay no doubt expresses the feelings of a number of believers.

In fact, his understanding of these matters seems to me to represent accurately the manner in which most Bahá’í communities have behaved and functioned until recently in relation to the larger society. And along these same lines, the arguments he makes likewise reflect the confusion that has prevailed in the community about these matters.

The major problem that I find with Mr. Poirier's approach to the question of Bahá’ís and politics is that his essay leaves the reader with no clear understanding of what the prohibition on involvement in politics actually means in practice.

He provides us with no workable definition of the word "politics" and fails to define what he feels is meant by "interference in political affairs" and other key words and phrases.

One searches his essay in vain for a precise answer to the question he raises in his opening paragraph: "...which activities are prohibited and which are permitted to Bahá’ís under the principle of the nonpolitical character of the Bahá’í Faith?"

I fear that his explanations can only lead the bewildered reader to the conclusion that, since nothing seems clear on this issue, it is best simply to avoid all social involvement rather than run the risk of violating some Bahá’í principle and bringing harm to the Cause.

Sadly, more often than not, this is exactly the position that Bahá’ís find themselves in when it comes to a greater involvement in society—confused, hesitant and fearful.

I would certainly agree with Mr. Poirier, as I am sure would all Bahá’ís, that it is not permissible for believers to retain membership in political parties—and that we should make every effort to avoid the appearance that we have become identified with any one party or faction.

But, we are told, this is not enough. Bahá’ís, he says, must refrain from all "political" activity, whether it is partisan or not. Unfortunately, exactly what this means is not made clear.

But Mr. Poirier deduces that this must be the Bahá’í standard because Shoghi Effendi has sometimes used the words "partisan" and "political" together when outlining the kinds of activities that Bahá’ís should avoid. This indicates to him that these words must, therefore, necessarily refer to two different activities.

I would submit that this argument simply does not follow. In fact, quite the contrary is the case. In the English language, the pairing of words in this manner most often indicates that the two terms are used to reinforce one another, and are intended to mean exactly the same thing.

This is especially the case in the use of legal language: we have such phrases as "null and void," "plain and simple," "cease and desist," "will and testament," etc., which are simply intended to emphasize one idea, not indicate two. I find this aspect of Mr. Poirier's argument most unconvincing.

Moreover, his interpretation of the instructions of Shoghi Effendi would seem to be contradicted by the recent policies and actions of both the Universal House of Justice and the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. These new policies are gradually moving the Bahá’í world community more fully into the arena of national and international affairs.

For example, the House of Justice recently delivered a message to all heads of state urging that they take action to convene a congress of world leaders to establish a world government and international peace. They continue successful lobbying efforts in parliaments and world councils to obtain resolutions condemning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Beyond this, our National Assembly has pursued a vigorous lobbying campaign of its own in the offices of Senators and members of the House of Representatives for the protection of Bahá’ís in Iran.

There is also the recent signal success of the National Assembly in organizing the Bahá’í community to join a letter-writing campaign to the Senate to urge ratification by that body of the UN Convention on Genocide.

So important was the Bahá’í element to that campaign that a representative of Amnesty International, while sharing a public platform with a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, credited the Bahá’ís with delivering up the final victory.

We are all aware, too, that the chairman and secretary of the National Assembly recently appeared on national media with the President on Human Rights Day to commend him for his human rights policies and his commitment to world peace.

By what definition are these acts to be regarded as nonpolitical, while local Bahá’í efforts for peace are not permissible?

How is it possible for Mr. Poirier to accept these major steps into the political arena while apparently continuing to regard the participation of individual Bahá’ís in nonpartisan movements dedicated to the establishment of world peace as "infinitely dangerous to the Cause"?

It is my understanding of the Bahá’í teachings that there exists no fundamental Bahá’í principle that requires either nonpartisanship or non-involvement on the part of the community.

The present Bahá’í practices in these areas are, as far as I can see, based on instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi that were clearly intended as strategies and procedures appropriate to a particular stage of Bahá’í development.

It is my understanding that these practices were always intended as temporary tactics adopted by an infant community, and that they were never elevated to the status of sacred principle by any of the heads of the Faith.

The application of our nonpolitical posture has varied with time and place in Bahá’í history. Its practice has always derived from the truly fundamental Bahá’í principle that the believers must never compromise their basic commitment to the universality of the Bahá’í Message.

As the Guardian has clearly explained in a number of his letters, some cited in Mr. Poirier's essay (though in passages further on), the need for Bahá’ís to abstain from partisan or political activity arises from our belief in the unity [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.

Scholarships, anyone?

To the Editor:

We have some good news for those who have been writing about the high costs of conferences and summer schools. Our committee had the same concern, so we decided to appeal to all the Assemblies in Florida to deputize at least one person or send funds (as much as they could) for scholarships.

We were determined to make our summer school a universal one, not one only for the middle or upper class Bahá’ís (economically speaking).

I am delighted to report that our Bahá’í friends have responded generously, and we have received many contributions with loving letters from many places.

It is a truly heartwarming experience to see this happen, knowing how precious this money is. I hope other states will follow our example; that is, set a specific goal for obtaining scholarships for conferences and schools and exhort the communities in their area to help out.

A big hug and sincere thank-you to all those communities that have sent in contributions.

Oscar Cardozo Treasurer, Florida Summer School Committee

A Feast to remember

To the Editor:

The most enjoyable and spiritually moving Feast I have ever attended was the Feast of Jamál (April 27) in Glendale, California. The Glendale community, through the local Spiritual Assembly, had initiated English classes for Persian-speaking members of the community. Prayers and writings of the Faith were used to teach English as a second language to the newly arrived refugees.

From these classes, an idea sprang to showcase the students by asking them to recite prayers at the next Feast.

Then a spark of genius erupted. The Persian-speakers asked if the English-speakers would like to learn Persian prayers so that they could join them in reciting at Feast.

The Feast of Jamál was thus an inspiring example of diversity of language, love and unity.

In the "Spirit of the Roses," a lovely garden of roses was placed in the center of the room with one golden candle in the middle.

The candle was lit and the lights lowered. Music was played to set the stage and, one by one, each believer approached the microphone and recited or chanted his or her newly learned prayer.

The final prayer was chanted by a 24-year-old English-speaking man who had recently returned from serving in the Holy Land where he had studied Persian in his spare time.

No one knew what his prayer would be aside from the fact that he had told the teachers he would try to chant it in Persian.

His voice was full of beauty, bringing tears to the eyes of everyone, especially the believers from Iran who wept tears of joy for this genuine display of love for one another.

I overheard one woman ask him to her home for tea so that she might record his chanting because it would make her happy when she is sad.

Want to know how to create love and unity in a community? Love one another and bridge any barriers that might exist through actions of love.

Juana C. Conrad Glendale, California

Prayers from Korea

To the Editor:

Our native land’s lifeline (this newspaper) arrives here every month, like clockwork, in the middle of the month. The May issue did not fail to provide heartening news and photographs about the progress of the beloved Cause in the U.S.

Here in Korea, we pray daily that our efforts, besides promoting the Faith and its institutions in this country, will reverberate spiritually to aid our many beloved siblings in the U.S. in their work for Bahá’u’lláh.

Two thoughts come to mind after reading the May issue. First, with respect to Mr. Hollinger’s letter, we certainly must encourage all interest groups to participate in Bahá’í meetings and in our administration.

It seems, however, that a particular group’s influence in the national community depends more on that group’s ongoing efforts in His service than on anything else.

Second, with respect to several accounts of the dedication in New Delhi of the most recent Bahá’í House of Worship, it seems best to remember one thing: this is a Dispensation that is to last at least 900 more years.

The full development of Bahá’í attributes among all kinds of people, even among often-complained-about groups, can only be expected to be a hard, at times lonely, struggle with the human ego. Instead of pointing fingers, we would do well to try and do our personal best, uplifting our neighbors with love and the force of example, regardless of their shortcomings.

Gary Boivin Cheju, Korea

More on Faith, poetry

To the Editor:

Having read Mr. Chapman’s letter and lines from Walt Whitman (June), I couldn’t resist offering the following lines, read at my father’s funeral, from a chapter headed "The Kingdom of God" in a book whose name escapes me.

The poem is entitled "A Loftier Race":

These things shall be—a loftier race Than ere the world hath known shall rise With flame of freedom in their souls And light of knowledge in their eyes.

They shall be gentle, brave and strong To spill no drop of blood, but dare And all that may plant man’s lordship firm On earth, and fire, and sea, and air.

Nation with nation, land with land, Unarmed shall live as comrades free; In every heart and brain shall throb The pulse of one fraternity.

New arts shall bloom of loftier mould And mightier music fill the skies, And every life shall be a song, When all the earth is paradise. —By John Addington Symonds (1840-1893)

Just look at those dates! You will definitely have to start a column of "Poetry for the New Age."

Marilyn J. Schmidt Westmere, NY

To the Editor:

In 1855 Walt Whitman’s "Leaves of Grass" was published. I would like to share an excerpt from Prefaces to "Leaves of Grass":

"There will soon be no more priests. Their work is done. A new order shall arise, and they shall be the priests of man, and every man shall be his own priest."

It is interesting to note that Walt Whitman was born in 1819, the same year as the Báb, and died in 1892, the same year in which Bahá’u’lláh ascended.

Joan Leavitt Boca Raton, Florida

To the Editor:

Janet Ruhe-Schoen’s "Viewpoint" column (February), "Poets and Prophecies," evokes an interesting observation.

Alfred Tennyson, poet laureate of England and a contemporary of Bahá’u’lláh (1809-1892), wrote a prophecy that envisages "The Promise of World Peace." The following verses are from Tennyson’s poem "Locksley Hall":

Men my brothers, men the workers, ever reaping something new, That which they have done but earnest of the things that they shall do.

For I dipt into the future far as the human eye could see, Saw a vision of the world, and the wonders that would be.

Saw the heavens fill with commerce, argosies of magic sails, Pilots of the purple twilight dropping down with costly bales,

Heard the heavens fill with shouting and there rained a ghastly dew From the nations’ airy navies grappling in the central blue.

Till the war-drum throbbed no longer, and the battle-flags were furl’d, In the Parliament of man, the Federation of the world.

There the common sense of most shall hold a fretful realm in awe, And the kindly earth shall slumber, lapt in universal law.

Tennyson’s vision parallels the Bahá’í goal of world unity, world peace and world government.

Louis Mascali Escondido, California

Are we all ‘equal’?

To the Editor:

A letter (April) brought up an excellent topic for deepening: "Are all people equal?"

In that letter, Bahá’u’lláh is quoted as having said, "Let no man imagine that ... all men... are equal in the sight of God" (Gleanings, XCIII)

This might be contrasted with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement: "All in His (God’s) estimation and love are equal as servants. He is beneficent and kind to all. Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another...." (The Divine Art of Living, p. 110)

What do we do when confronted by such seemingly contradictory statements? Surely, the "nature of man" issue is not the first to confront us with a paradox! Such issues force us to attain to a higher degree of understanding.

For example, in the Gleanings, Bahá’u’lláh illustrates for us various aspects of the nature of God’s Manifestations, which are at first perplexing.

Science also applies this process to dialectic growth: light, by its interference effects, proved to be a wave, and by its photoelectric effects, proved to be a particle. Here, even the physical world appeared to have contradicted itself in the eyes of science.

Even day-to-day dilemmas and difficulties, which need to be resolved, may find their solution via consultation, where diverse understandings and personal experiences can be brought to bear on seemingly intractable problems. So this process is not foreign to us.

My understanding of the matter at hand is that "all men are equal" with respect to the love and bounty that God showers on each of us.

However, "all men are not equal" in how we reflect that light in our own lives.

What accounts for the variation? The capacity with which we are endowed (and which is capable of expansion) and the degree to which that capacity is developed and used. But we each have access to the pure light!

In the Gleanings, Bahá’u’lláh quotes a poet as saying, "Wonder not, if my Best-Beloved be closer to me than my own self; wonder at this: that I, despite such nearness, should be so far from Him."

We all share this closeness, invariably; and this distance, variably.

Bruce Kinzinger Lexington, Kentucky

Education: overlooked?

To the Editor:

There is one area of concern that we all seem to have overlooked, and that is education.

The urgent need of educating ourselves and mankind has been underemphasized. Not only is education vital as a means of civilizing and advancing mankind and the Faith, but it is also a service to the Cause.

The need for education today is See LETTERS page 31

THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE

Another exciting ONEWORLD title from ACE

This strikingly beautiful illustrated edition of the Peace Message offers you

• Over 100 stunning B & W photographs
• Fifty quotations from major contemporary figures supporting the text
• An eight section appendix of information and statistics
• An introduction by Peter Khan, Member of the Universal House of Justice

Attractive and persuasive for the non-Bahá’í reader, this large format paperback will serve as a very visual and dignified introduction to the Faith and its perspective on current issues for many years to come as a study tool in deepenings and classes for children and youth.

92 pages paperback $10.95

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

Canada to hold first Festival of Arts in '88

Plans are under way for Canada's first Bahá’í Festival of the Arts, to be held July 1-3, 1988, on the campus of the University of Western Ontario in London.

Canada's Six Year Plan calls for this annual family-oriented event, to be centered on the arts-music, drama, dance, literature, visual arts, mime, crafts, etc.-and their uses in both developing the Bahá’í community and furthering teaching and proclamation.

In addition to many performances, presentations, workshops and displays, the Festival will include seminars on such Bahá’í-oriented themes as marriage and the family, education, prayer and study of the Writings, the equality of men and women, peace, and consultation-all with the arts at the core.

The Festival will be open to Bahá’ís and the public and will be self-supporting.

Three kinds of submissions are now welcome for presentations at the Festival: public performances, workshops, and exhibits.

Proposals for all levels of participation and presentation (from professional to amateur) are welcomed. It is expected that the greatest possible diversity in the arts will be represented, reflecting the nature of the Bahá’í community itself including the performing arts (music, drama, dance, etc.), the visual arts (painting, photography, film, etc.) and all types of crafts.

The Arts Council is also seeking proposals for artistic presentations that could be integrated into educational sessions on Bahá’í themes, for special workshops for children, and for traveling presentations before and after the Festival.

Send all submissions, with details, to the Secretary, Bahá’í Arts Council of Canada, 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L3T 6L8. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 1988.

Conventions

cepting that responsibility or remaining a member of the Auxiliary Board.

The following appeal from the Guardian concerning our responsibility to the Conventions appears in Bahá’í Administration, p. 88:

Any Bahá’í in good standing who is at least 21 years of age and who is a resident of your electoral unit is eligible to vote and be voted for as a delegate to the National Convention.

The only exceptions to this are the Hands of the Cause of God and members of the Continental Board of Counselors.

Auxiliary Board members can be elected as delegates; however, if elected, an Auxiliary Board member must choose between ac-tions on "how to vote by absentee ballot" on this page.

"...I earnestly appeal to every one of you,... to... endeavor to approach your task-the election of your delegates, as well as your national and local representatives-with that purity of spirit that can alone obtain our Beloved's most cherished desire.

"Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurances that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decisions unreservedly and with cheerfulness.

Child's courage gives teacher a 'lesson' in Zaire schoolroom

In Zaire, a five-year-old Bahá’í schoolgirl was struck by her teacher. Astonished, the girl told the teacher that Bahá’u’lláh had forbidden one to hit children.

The teacher continued to strike the children, but the girl never lost her courage. "I assure you," she said, "that my mother has confirmed to me that Bahá’u’lláh has forbidden the hitting of children."

Little by little, the teacher began to respect the little girl, until one day she asked the child to watch the class in her absence.

When the teacher returned, she asked for the names of those who were rowdy. The girl replied that we must not tell things about others.

"Instead," she said, "you can punish me. May God guide me, but I don't want to tell you their names."

The teacher then asked: "What is your religion?"

Later, the teacher visited the girl's parents, and now she is a Bahá’í.

Montreal

these individual atoms are eternal. Likewise, the human spirit, inasmuch as it is not composed of individual elements or atoms-as it is sanctified above these elements-is eternal. This is a self-evident proof of its immortality.

Second, consider the world of dreams, wherein the body of man is immovable, seemingly dead, not subject to sensation; the eyes do not see, the ears do not hear nor the tongue speak. But the spirit of man is not asleep; it sees, hears, moves, perceives and discovers realities.

Therefore, it is evident that the spirit of man is not affected by the change or condition of the body. Even though the material body should die, the spirit continues eternally alive, just as it exists and functions in the inert body in the realm of dreams. That is to say, the spirit is immortal and will continue its existence after the destruction of the body.

Third, the human body has one form. In its composition it has been transferred from one form to another but never possesses two forms at the same time.

For example, it has existed in the elemental substances of the mineral kingdom. From the mineral kingdom it has traversed the vegetable kingdom and its constituent substances; from the vegetable kingdom it has risen by evolution into the kingdom of the animal and from thence attained the kingdom of man.

After its disintegration and decomposition it will return again to the mineral kingdom, leaving its human form and taking a new form unto itself. During these progressions one form succeeds another, but at no time does the body possess more than one.

The spirit of man, however, can manifest itself in all forms at the same time. For example, we say that a material body is either square or spherical, triangular or hexagonal. While it is triangular, it cannot be square; and while it is square, it is not triangular. Similarly, it cannot be spherical and hexagonal at the same time. These various forms or shapes cannot be manifest at the same instant in one material object.

Therefore, the form of the physical body of man must be destroyed and abandoned before it can assume or take unto itself another. Mortality, therefore, means transference from one form to another-that is, transference from the human kingdom to the kingdom of the mineral.

When the physical man is dead, he will return to dust; and this transference is equivalent to nonexistence. But the human spirit in itself contains all these forms, shapes and figures. It is not possible to break or destroy one form so that it may transfer itself into another.

As an evidence of this, at the present moment in the human spirit you have the shape of a square and the figure of a triangle. Simultaneously also you can conceive of a hexagonal form. All these can be conceived at the same moment in the human spirit, and not one of them needs to be destroyed or broken in order that the spirit of man may be transferred to another.

There is no annihilation, no destruction; therefore, the human spirit is immortal because it is not transferred from one body to another body.

Consider another proof: Every cause is followed by an effect and vice versa; there could be no effect without a cause preceding it.

Sight is an effect; there is no doubt that behind that effect there is a cause. When we hear a discourse, there is a speaker. We could not hear words unless they proceeded from the tongue of a speaker. Motion without a mover or cause of motion is inconceivable.

Jesus Christ lived two thousand years ago. Today we behold His manifest signs; His light is shining; His sovereignty is established; His traces are apparent; His bounties are effulgent. Can we say that Christ did not exist? We can absolutely conclude that Christ existed and that from Him these traces proceeded.

Still another proof: The body of man becomes lean or fat; it is afflicted with disease, suffers mutilation; perhaps the eyes become blind, the ears deaf; but none of these imperfections and failings afflict or affect the spirit. The spirit of man remains in the same condition, unchanged.

A man is blinded, but his spirit continues the same. He loses his hearing, his hand is cut off, his foot amputated; but his spirit remains the same. He becomes lethargic, he is afflicted with apoplexy; but there is no difference, change or alteration in his spirit. This is proof that death is only destruction of the body, while the spirit remains immortal, eternal.

Again, all phenomena of the material world are subject to mortality and death, but the immortal spirit does not belong to the phenomenal world; it is holy and sanctified above material existence.

If the spirit of man belonged to the elemental existence, the eye could see it, the ear hear it, the hand touch. As long as these five senses cannot perceive it, the proof is unquestioned that it does not belong to the elemental world and, therefore, is beyond death or mortality, which are inseparable from that material realm of existence. If being is not subject to the limitation of material life, it is not subject to mortality.

There are many other proofs of the immortality of the spirit of man. These are but a few of them. Salutations!

(Reprinted from The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, copyright © 1982 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, pp. 306-308.)

Fall school slated in North Carolina

A fall Bahá’í school will be held November 27-29 at the Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville, North Carolina. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. November 27.

The school themes are "Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections" and "Preparing for the Holy Year, 1992."

For more information, contact Diane McKinley, registrar, Cary, NC 27511, or phone 919-469-6279 (days) or 919-469-2783 (evenings).

HOW TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT

If you do not receive the District Convention voting materials in the mail and are unable to attend your Convention, please vote in the following manner:

1. Print the name of the person for whom you wish to vote on a piece of plain paper. Vote for only one person (unless you live in New York City/Rochester County or the city of Los Angeles, in which case you should vote for either two or three delegates, respectively).

2. Place your ballot in an unmarked envelope and seal it. Write only "District Convention Ballot" on the outside of the envelope.

3. Place the envelope containing the ballot in another envelope, seal it, write your name in the "return address" area on the outer envelope, and in the lower left-hand corner write "District Convention Ballot." Mail it to the mail ballot recipient for your electoral unit so that it is received before Convention, or give it to someone to deliver to the Convention on your behalf.

Actor Alex Rocco hosts new home video designed as introduction to the Faith

Actor Alex Rocco (left) looks over the script before shooting the video 'The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction' at the Bahá’í House of Worship. At the right is co-producer Andrew Bickel.

Alex Rocco, a Bahá’í movie and television actor who has appeared in "The Godfather," the TV show "Facts of Life," and played the part of the mulla in the "Mona" video, completed shooting at the Bahá’í House of Worship August 8 for his role as host of "The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction," a home video on the Faith that is being produced by Andrew Bickel and Brian Taraz, the same team that produced "To Move the World," a documentary account of the 1985 Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The new program was shot in a number of locations including New York, South Carolina, Texas, the Navajo Reservation, and California, and uses Bahá’ís to "tell their own story" about the Faith.

Produced with the help of the National Teaching Committee and the studio at the National Center in Wilmette, the video will be available this fall from Kalimát Press.

External Affairs has new address

The National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs has a new address. On July 2, the office, which was formerly located in New Haven, Connecticut, was moved to its new quarters at 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (phone 202-265-8830). As a result, the Office of External Affairs is closer to those government agencies and individuals with whom it must interact on a regular basis. [Page 5]I,

The National Bahá’í Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

Some good news, some bad news

"It would be its (Bahá’í National Center's) first duty to keep in close and constant touch, without exception, discrimination or favor with the various localities and isolated believers in its jurisdiction and diligently and promptly distribute to them as well as to the friends abroad any matters of common concern and general interest." (From a letter dated March 25, 1925, from the Guardian to the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of India)

In an effort to keep everyone informed of "matters of common concern," the Treasurer's Office will periodically publish the Treasurer's letter normally shared with everyone at Feast:

August 20, 1987

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

I have some good news and some bad news. First, the good news. On July 17, the National Spiritual Assembly sent a contribution of $500,000 to the Universal House of Justice. It was the first of three installments of our $2 million pledge for this Bahá’í year. To ensure that the many critical, day-to-day operations of the World Center are not interrupted, future payments will be made on a monthly basis.

The bad news is that the National Spiritual Assembly had to borrow the money. As commonplace as bank loans are in our society today, it was still a very hard decision for the National Spiritual Assembly to make. And we decided to go to the bank again, if necessary, to fulfill our sacred promise to the Supreme Institution of our beloved Faith. We cannot let all the wonderful activities of Bahá’ís in many nations around the world grind to a halt for our failure to make our contributions on schedule. The National Spiritual Assembly has faith in the American Bahá’í community to rise up and meet this challenge as it has successfully done in the past.

Our history of heroic and sacrificial responses assures us that we are going to meet this challenge and continue to play our destined part in the establishment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. It is a sacred responsibility given to us by the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Please God, we may achieve it. We shall not fail,

With warmest Bahá’í love, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasurer

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FUND I, wish, hope and desire that the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States favorably consider using $ of this contribution for the International Fund. Signed: ID No. Check one: [ ] Consider this contribution over and above the NSA's pledged amount. [ ] Consider this contribution as part of the NSA's pledge to the International Fund. Make check payable to: The National Bahá’í Fund

E. Oklahoma sets Convention plans

Eastern Oklahomans: Set aside October 3-4 for your District Convention featuring a Saturday fun night, Sunday unity lunch, and, most important, the election of delegates to next year's National Convention.

Special room rates for overnighters at the Convention site, TraveLodge, on the Broken Arrow Expressway between Tulsa and Broken Arrow.

For more information, watch your mail or write to Betty Jones, coordinator, Eastern Oklahoma District Convention, P.O. Box 1119, Broken Arrow, OK 74013.

"O Thou the Merciful One! O my Lord! Make Thy protection my armory, Thy preservation my shield, humbleness before the door of Thy Oneness my guard, and Thy custody and defense my fortress and abode." —Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, page 619

Children help raise $454.75 for National Fund in Richardson, Texas-sponsored 'Read-a-Thon'

In the "Spirit of the Roses," the Bahá’í community of Richardson, Texas, sponsored a Read-a-Thon from mid-January until the first day of Ridván in which six children took part to raise $454.75 for the National Fund.

Pledges were made by community members to donate a specific amount to the Fund for each book read by a child.

For those who were too young to read, pledges were made for each book read to them. A total of 55 books was read.

Automatic Contributions 'transfuse' lifeblood of Faith

The Fund is often referred to as the "life-blood" of the Faith. The blood supplies life-supporting nutrients to the body, enabling it to perform its work.

Like the blood, the Fund supplies a flow of life-giving contributions to sustain the activities of the Faith around the world.

Your participation in the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) allows your contribution to be automatically deducted from your bank account every month.

Therefore, ACS is one way to assure that our National Assembly is able to plan for, and maintain, the administration and activities necessary for the body of the Faith to grow and prosper.

A steady transfusion of life-supporting contributions makes this possible.

One Bahá’í couple on ACS recently increased their contribution and shared these feelings with the Office of the Treasurer:

"Dear Bahá’í Friends:

"We hope this small increase will help. It seems the only way we can increase (our contributions) is to simply do it on the faith that we will be able to make the necessary adjustments in our budget, and, with the agreement among ourselves, that we are ready to make the sacrifices. ...

"We are hoping to find ways and means of increasing (our contributions) further as the needs of the Cause increase."

You are warmly invited to join the Automatic Contribution System as a way to exercise your privilege of giving to the world-sustaining work of the Faith.

You may use the following forms to join ACS or to make changes in a current account.

Yes, our local Spiritual Assembly, or Group, would like to participate in the Automatic Contribution System!

PRINT FULL NAME The National Bahá’í Fund residing at STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE & ZIP hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to charge my checking account each (gregorian) month the fixed amount of $

(If your account is with a credit union or money market fund, please provide the address and telephone number of the office servicing your account.)

Attach this form to a check in the amount of your authorization. Signed: Bahá’í ID # Date: Home phone: Work phone: Number of participants: Mail to: NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND, Wilmette, IL 60091

Yes, our local Spiritual Assembly, or Group, would like to increase its monthly goal to the Automatic Contribution System!

UPDATED AUTHORIZATION ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFER MONTHLY The National Bahá’í Fund residing at hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to change the amount being withdrawn from my checking account each (gregorian) month from $ to $

Return this form in the enclosed blue envelope Signed: Bahá’í ID # Date: Home phone: Work phone Send to NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND, Wilmette, IL 60091

Teaching Fever is CONTAGIOUS!— have YOU Caught the Fever Yet?

National Bahá’í Fund Goal to July 31: $2,500,000 Contributions to July 31: $1,470,000 [Page 6]

PIONEERING

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

Kenya, situated on the eastern coast of Africa, is noted for its varied terrain and climate, which ranges from tropical to arid. It is a land favored by expatriates who sing the praises of this special part of Africa for its many safari-lands and national parks.

The population is varied too, from traditional herders to cosmopolitan residents of Nairobi who are well-educated and speak several languages. Most of Kenya's people, however, live in rural areas in the southern part of the country.

Swahili and English are the official languages, but 41 major languages are spoken by 38 different tribes, more than half of whom are less than 15 years old.

Since gaining its independence in 1963, Kenya has become one of the most politically stable countries in Africa and is ranked first in Africa in freedom of the press. Like some of its neighbors, it is considered a lower-middle income country, but its gross national product is growing at a healthy yearly rate.

Job opportunities, although becoming more scarce, do exist, primarily for teachers and those in the medical professions. English is the primary language of instruction in schools.

Although only 30 per cent of Kenya's people are literate, education is now compulsory through the eighth grade, and the government is encouraging literacy classes for adults.

Doctors and other medical professionals may set up private practice after serving five years with the government, which has expressed an interest in religious organizations setting up hospitals and clinics in areas outside Nairobi and will give help and support as well as work permits to those who establish them and their staff.

The Bahá’ís of Kenya welcome all kinds of pioneers, but need especially anyone who can settle outside of Nairobi to help in deepening and consolidating the rural believers.

The Kenyan people are warm, friendly, hospitable and open to foreigners. A traveling teacher in that country reported that she was especially inspired by the spirituality and intelligence of these wonderful people.

Burundi is an independent country on Lake Tanganyika, north of Zaire. It covers 10,747 square miles (about the size of Maryland), and has a population of five million. Its capital is Bujumbura.

The climate is warm but not uncomfortable, averaging about 73 degrees year-round; the temperature is cooler in the higher elevations of this hilly country.

A short rainy season takes place in October/November with the main rainy season from February-May, following a short dry season in January.

Burundi's population density is one of the highest in all of sub-Saharan Africa; the only urban areas are Bujumbura and Gitega.

There are three major ethnic groups: the Hutu (85 per cent), primarily farmers of the Bantu language stock; Tutsi (14 per cent), a pastoral people who migrated from Ethiopia; and the pygmy Twa (average height of males, about 5-feet, 1-inch), probably the last of the aboriginal population of the area.

The official languages of Burundi are French and Kirundu. Swahili is also spoken. Pioneers should be fluent or at least knowledgeable in French, as most of the people speak that language.

Some of the main religions in Burundi are Christian, Muslim and animist. The Faith is recognized, and individual teaching is encouraged. Burundi has its own National Spiritual Assembly.

The country is rich in natural resources, specifically nickel, uranium, cobalt, copper and platinum. Employment opportunities are plentiful, especially for those with technical skills.

Also, there is a high demand for administrators and accountants. Private practice may be possible for lawyers, doctors and business professionals. The United Nations and its ancillary organizations support projects for the technical and agricultural development of Burundi.

Uganda, the country in which the Faith was introduced in Africa, is the site of that continent's first Bahá’í House of Worship. On its southeastern border is Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile; to the north is Sudan, to the east Kenya, to the south Tanzania, and to the west, Zaire. Uganda enjoys a moderate climate with wet and dry seasons.

With a population of 14.5 million, Uganda is roughly the size of Oregon. English is the official language with about 40 tribal languages also spoken. Agriculture accounts for most of Uganda's export earnings, with coffee and cotton as the major products.

Uganda is in the process of rebuilding the country. Pioneers are needed who can offer skills in the material as well as spiritual development of the people. The National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda has stated: "It is expected that there will be positions available with international organizations such as USAID and plenty of funds are being poured into the country as part of an intensive rebuilding effort. ... Another category of persons suitable for settling in Uganda are pensioners or persons with independent means." The Universal House of Justice this year assigned the U.S. two goals for Uganda, "one to teach the Faith in the university, and one doctor."

In the words of one Bahá’í traveler, "Ugandans are a tremendously generous people who seem to carry out Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching to treat others better than oneself. As is true in most African countries, Ugandan generosity and hospitality are truly exemplary."

Bahá’í represents 'unusual religions' on radio talk show

KZSC, the radio station of the University of California-Santa Cruz, recently invited the Bosch Bahá’í School to send a speaker for its call-in show, "Talkalong."

Dr. Tricia Hanson, a clinical psychologist from Salem, Oregon, agreed to be one of three speakers representing "unusual religions" on the 90-minute live broadcast.

Bahá’ís at the Bosch summer school listened on the radio in the school library, nodding their approval of Dr. Hanson's remarks.

Pioneer Training Institute

Counselor for Asia Iraj Ayman, Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor and D. Thelma Jackson were among the speakers who inspired 43 participants June 18-21 in a Pioneer Training Institute at the Bahá’í National Center as they prepared to set out for international service in Malawi, Honduras, the Bahamas, Botswana, Mexico, Venezuela, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Western Samoa and Puerto Rico. Included in the group were five youth in a Year of Service (in Botswana, Belize, Costa Rica and Haiti) and three representatives of local Spiritual Assemblies. The institute was a special one for Mary Louise Suhm, who, after 10 years as secretary of the International Goals Committee, left afterward for Taiwan to join her beloved fellow-pioneers in the field.

Two longtime pioneers die at posts in El Salvador, third at home in Ohio

In June and July, the Bahá’í world lost three dedicated and staunch believers, each of whom served the Cause of God in this country and overseas.

Lester Dreyer and Jean Farrand died at their pioneer posts in El Salvador, while Marion T. Tyler died at her home in Warren, Ohio, after many years of service as a pioneer to Guatemala.

Mr. Dreyer, although an invalid with little sight, spent the last 11 years of his life as a pioneer in El Salvador, where he died on June 19.

The concept of pioneering was not new to him. His daughter, Naomi, and son, Marvin, have been pioneers to El Salvador for many years.

It was at Mr. Dreyer's funeral that Mrs. Farrand was stricken by a cerebral thrombosis from which she did not recover. She died June 26, only a week after Mr. Dreyer's passing.

Mrs. Farrand was taught the Faith by her brother and sister-in-law, George and Peggy True, while living in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

She in turn taught her children, Quentin and Dayna, who with Mrs. Farrand were deepened by another Bahá’í, Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, after they moved to Olivet, Michigan.

In 1948 Dayna Farrand and Mrs. Kirkpatrick were killed in an auto accident, and 10 years later Mrs. Farrand's other son, Mark, died.

In 1960 Jean and Quentin Farrand went to El Salvador as pioneers, remaining there ever since. Mrs. Farrand, always active and full of energy, went to college in Michigan and received her degree at the age of 58.

The friends in El Salvador, especially the youth, loved Mrs. Farrand. She was everyone's "abuelita" (grandmother).

After a deeply moving funeral service, she was buried in a lovely spot near two huge shade trees. A memorial was held at the Farrand house on July 5 with prayers, readings and a narrative of the highlights of her life.

Faith’s 'Army of Light' on the move in Nigeria

"We have come to tell you about Bahá’u’lláh."

This joyous announcement is being echoed from village to village as the Nigerian "Army of Light" makes its way across the country to illumine every corner with the radiance of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Samuel Bakare Teaching Project started in mid-May; to date, more than a thousand people have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh and 34 local Spiritual Assemblies have been formed. These new members of Bahá’u’lláh’s world-embracing community are now being systematically deepened.

The project was developed to meet some of Nigeria's goals for the Six Year Plan:

1. To train Nigerian Bahá’ís to mass teach in villages. Of the 31 Bahá’ís taking part in the project, 26 were indigenous believers. Four of the teachers were young men.

2. To open to the Faith every village in the Oghara and Jesse Clans. Not only has every known locality been opened, but each has elected its own Spiritual Assembly.

3. To enroll one per cent of the population of the Oghara and Jesse Clans. There are about 100,000 people in the Oghara Clan; in the first month of the project, 857 were enrolled. By the end of the second month, 1,011 had declared. And this is only the second year of the Six Year Plan!

4. To enroll 600 new believers in Bendel State. All of the 857 new declarants live in Bendel State.

5. To enroll as many women as possible, as there is a disproportionate number of men to women in the Nigerian Bahá’í community. In the first month, 304 of the 857 new believers were women.

Mrs. Nina Gordon, who traveled from Oregon to Nigeria to help start the project, was able to meet with the Oniis (Kings) of the Oghara and Jesse Clans, one of whom was so attracted to the Faith that he invited her to return and gave her the name of his son, who lives in California, so she could look him up when she returned to the States.

The Prime Minister (second in command) of the Oghara Clan became a Bahá’í, as did seven or [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

As Bahá’ís in the U.S., we often find ourselves in the awkward position of trying to balance our lives with the world around us.

America, for all its good points, can be a hard place to be when you're trying to live a spiritual life.

Being a Bahá’í in college is no different; in fact, it may be even more difficult. Colleges and universities are loaded with both opportunities and pitfalls for Bahá’ís. One important thing to remember is: Be proud of your Faith!

Being "religious" is not always looked upon favorably in our society, and when moving to a new place, like college, this can cause Bahá’ís to be shy about their convictions.

But can you blame people for being pessimistic and suspicious about religion these days?

Bear in mind, however, that their suspicion and pessimism is based on their experience with religions of the past that have lost their spiritual basis, or with charismatic hucksters who have become rich and famous by marketing God.

As Bahá’ís we have something fresh, something pure and true to offer mankind. We have the beauty of the most recent Revelation from God; the solutions to mankind's spiritual and social ills; the teachings of unity, love, equality and oneness.

Before you go off to college, or if you're just starting classes, look into yourself, examine the teachings and beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith again. You'll find that they are not something you want to hide, no matter how disagreeable the world seems to be.

Make the Faith a source of pride, hold it firmly in your heart, and go forward as a shining example of the new World Order.

On campus: What better place is there to teach the Faith? Opportunities abound at colleges and universities. Students are open-minded and looking for meaning and purpose in life. But what's the best way to reach them?

Registered campus clubs and organizations often have teaching opportunities open to them that are rare in the outside world. Perhaps the most notable and important opportunity open to registered clubs on campus is the ability to put up posters and flyers.

Many schools have bulletin boards in every hall, if not in every room. Just one Bahá’í club's posters can be seen by thousands, even tens of thousands of people every day!

Other opportunities include use of college facilities for special events like lectures, forums and seminars.

Bahá’í clubs often reserve rooms for firesides and other meetings. Some colleges may even offer help to clubs that want to in-

Indiana youth conference 'unique in many ways'

The National Youth Committee is sponsoring an International Youth Conference to be held June 30-July 4, 1988, at the University of Indiana in Bloomington.

The conference will be unique in many ways. For one thing, it will serve as an opportunity for Bahá’í children, youth and adults to come together with friends of the Faith to explore the inner mysteries of this mighty Revelation and to rally forth in unity to bring humanity a giant step closer to the realization of a new World Order.

For another, it will demonstrate clearly that youth are moving the world and are hard at work building the Kingdom of God on earth.

Youth will be given the opportunity to use their talents and creative ideas in service to the Faith. The conference will feature youth speakers, youth organizers, youth service projecteers, youth musicians, youth workshop facilitators, YOUth in action before, during and after the conference.

Get ready! Be prepared! Set your summer aside... for Bahá’u’lláh. Your ideas, knowledge and love for the Faith will be called upon for participation.

Why are we saying this? Because we need your dynamic, exciting, distinctive and unique ideas for the children's, youth and adult sessions. We want to make this the best conference ever!

Also, start thinking about setting aside a few weeks during the summer of '88 for service and teaching projects that will be organized in connection with the Youth Conference.

Do you want a project in your area? Tell us about it! Your ideas are important to us.

Please contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Youth finds National Center service inspirational, educational

Now is the time to start thinking about what YOUth will do to serve the Faith next summer. One option is serving at the Bahá’í National Center or the House of Worship. Below is a letter written by one of this year's summer interns. If you think you may be able to serve this way next summer, please contact the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, for an application.

After working as a volunteer at the Bahá’í National Center for a month, I have a better understanding of how things work at the Center, and it is easier to appreciate all the work that goes on here.

Besides learning how to use different kinds of computers, writing letters, answering phones, and doing whatever else needs to be done, working in a Bahá’í atmosphere has changed the way I look at things.

I feel that I have become more open-minded and have an easier time talking to people since everyone is so kind and loving here.

Since I started working at the Center, I have become friends with many wonderful people and have also become much more deepened in the Faith.

There are youth deepenings at least once a week during which the youth get together to talk about a topic of interest to everyone. These gatherings are planned by the youth, and each week a different youth is in charge.

After the deepenings, we usually do something together. Often we sit around and talk, go to a park or out to eat, or even go sightseeing in Chicago.

There is some kind of activity going on almost every day after work—not just the deepenings. Because of this, there is never time to be bored.

I'm always meeting new people and making new friends. In addition, working at the National Center or the House of Worship is an excellent way to teach the Faith. For example, the people in the dormitory where I am staying ask me why I have come to Illinois, and this gives me a chance to explain and to teach them about the Faith.

I also go to the House of Worship after work and help as a guide, giving tours and brief introductions to the Faith. On Friday and Saturday nights, after the Temple is closed, we take people around the gardens and answer any questions they may have. This is called "garden teaching."

This has been an inspirational summer for me because I have learned so much and met so many marvelous people. I know I'll never forget this summer, and I am sure that I will be coming back next summer.

I would also recommend to Bahá’í youth anywhere in the U.S. that they try to work either at the National Center or House of Worship for one summer. I guarantee it will make a difference in their life as it has in mine.

Farshid Sabet-Sharghi

Farshid Sabet-Sharghi, who arrived in the U.S. only eight months ago as a refugee, was recently named Outstanding Engineering Freshman at Purdue University's School of Engineering and Technology in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also serves as chairman of Indiana's Bahá’í District Youth Committee.

Project Lua

Nineteen Bahá’í youth ages 14-20, returning from the International Youth Conference in London, Ontario, in July, stopped in Buffalo, New York, to help teach the Faith in Project Lua, now in its third year. The youth were from Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Washington state, and British Columbia. As a result of their efforts, five seekers attended a fireside the first week while seven responded a week later. (Photo by Alphonso Green)

Youth and the Fund

Youth Participation in the Bahá’í Fund

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

How can U.S. Bahá’í youth arise, teach Faith as true examples to peers, others?

"The obligation to teach is essentially the responsibility of young believers." How is it that the Bahá’í youth in America can rise up to fulfill this weighty responsibility?

How can we be assured of ultimate victory? How can we overcome our selves and be true examples and teachers?

The answer is simple, yet it will take some effort on our part. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh instructs His servants as follows:

"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 and whoso in this day turneth away therefrom, hath indeed turned away from God since time immemorial. Fear ye God, O concourse of My servants."

We know from this passage that to be firm in the Covenant we must, among other things, read the Creative Word every morning and evening.

The effect this will have on us is profound. It will not only bring us joy, it will remove obstacles that get in the way of our teaching the Faith.

"Gather ye together with the utmost joy and fellowship and recite the verses revealed by the merciful Lord," Bahá’u’lláh tells us. "By so doing the doors to true knowledge will be opened to your inner beings, and ye will then feel your souls endowed with steadfastness and your hearts filled with radiant joy."

And again Bahá’u’lláh states, "Were any man to ponder in his heart that which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed and to taste of its sweetness, he would, of a certainty, find himself emptied [Page 8]

3rd conference for Spanish set

The Spiritual Assemblies of San Fernando and Fillmore, California, are preparing to play host October 16-18 to the third annual Conference of Spanish-Speaking Bahá’ís.

As with the two previous highly-successful international events, the main conference site will be the Bahá’í Center in San Fernando, about 20 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

Contingency plans are being developed to provide a nearby alternate site if conference attendance should exceed the Center’s capacity.

Once again the conference is being planned in close consultation with Counselor Arturo Serrano and Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

This year’s theme is "Rediscovering Our Spirituality."

While the event is designed primarily for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Bahá’ís who speak Spanish, the program will include an important segment for non-Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís.

Among the conference topics:

• The Soul and Spiritual Development.

Encouraging Non-Spanish Speakers to Teach Spanish Speakers.

• Exploring Prejudice from Both Sides.

An Overview of Catholic Doctrine and the Bahá’í Response to It. The Spiritual Connection to Teaching: Combating Corrosive Materialism. The Spiritual Meaning of the Fund. Teaching: Ongoing Process vs. Event. Field Trip to Fillmore. A Homefront Pioneering

The list of guest speakers includes Counselors Eloy Anello of Bolivia, Isabel de Calderón (sister of the late Raúl Pavón) of Ecuador, Fred Schechter of the U.S., Arturo Serrano of Mexico, and Rodrigo Tomás of Costa Rica; and Auxiliary Board member Teresa MacGregor of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Registration (there is no pre-registration) is $10 per person or $20 per family.

Attendees will be given the choice of lodging at nearby motels or bringing sleeping bags, etc., to be housed for free at the Bahá’í Center or in nearby homes.

To indicate their choice, they must contact Marcos or Susan Selaya at the Bahá’í Center in San Fernando (818-361-6931) or Tom or Farahnaz Kavelin (818-361-8744).

Bahá’ís in Illinois upstage Klan with "Unity Day" march

Bahá’ís in Lake County, Illinois, north of Chicago, upstaged the Ku Klux Klan in May, taking part in a march for unity that was front-page news in the local paper with a photograph of Michael Carr, a Bahá’í from Warren Township, linked arm-in-arm with Edwynne Ford of North Chicago, past president of the local NAACP.

The Klan, which had scheduled a march in nearby Gurnee, pulled out at the last moment, saying its national leader was too busy to attend.

About 80 people took part in the "Celebrate Unity Day" walk, sponsored by the Catholic peace group Pax Christi.

In its front-page article, The News-Sun of Lake County said unity marchers carried balloons saying "One Planet, One People... Please."

Leading the march, it said, were Mr. Ford "and Mike Carr of the Bahá’ís of Warren Township."

Laini Kuumba Ngoma Dance Troupe

About 100 people, many of whom were not Bahá’ís, enjoyed a performance May 2 at the Bahá’í Center in Houston, Texas, by the Laini Kuumba Ngoma Dance Troupe which presented music from Mali, Senegal, Liberia and the Congo as well as a martial arts demonstration. Laini Kuumba Ngoma, a Swahili name meaning "soft and gentle creativity through drums and dance," was formed in 1967 in New Orleans and has been performing in many countries ever since. The troupe now makes its home only one block from the Bahá’í Center in Houston.

L.A. seminar discusses "Unity with Diversity"

A seminar entitled "Unity with Diversity: An Enhancement to Bahá’í Living" was held May 17 at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, California.

The topic of the gathering was the challenge of developing close relationships across ethnic, social and economic lines within the Bahá’í community.

A panel discussion by women and minority group members was followed by suggestions from the audience on specific ways to establish harmony and cooperation in the local community.

Recommendations included:

• Dinner for eight: A dinner prepared by four members of the community, each of whom invites a guest. In this way, the spirit of giving is magnified and those whose homes are not large enough for such an event can still participate.
• Adopt a community child: Similar to the Big Brother/Big Sister programs in many cities, in which an adult agrees to visit with and plan activities for a child during its formative years, providing a role model and uniting community members in a manner unlike any other activity.
• Adopt a new believer: To help reaffirm a belief in the oneness of mankind, a committee can be established to introduce new believers to a minority family in the community willing to invite that person to its social events for the coming year.
• Seminars on cultural difficulties: Regular meetings should be held to air community concerns before they require the precious time of the local Assembly.
• Encouragement and teaching of minority languages: A committee could be established to bring together those in the community who wish to learn a second language and those who wish to teach their native tongue.
• Living in diversity: To truly appreciate another culture, one must experience it first-hand. Choosing a home in a minority area provides this exposure and quickly eliminates any pretense and superficiality in one’s attitude toward his new neighbors.
• Learning from others: An excellent portrayal of the challenges of unity in diversity is shown in the film "For a Drop of the Lover’s Blood." The film is available from the Persian/American Affairs Committee.
• The ongoing challenges of unity: Both as a community and as individuals, we should actively endorse and attend workshops and conferences on dealing with racial prejudice, which Shoghi Effendi’s called our "most vital and challenging issue."

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.

ANGERED QUESTIONS

Shoghi Effendi’s letter to the North American Bahá’í community assuring us of our successes, responsibilities, and glorious future. Here the paramount importance of teaching is spelled out, with instructions and encouragement that will help each believer acquire the virtues and contribute to the achievement of the destiny of this continent.

Regular price $8.50 Discount price $7.65

Please send me copies of this month’s selection, The Advent of Divine Justice, at the special price of $7.65 each.

Name Address

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

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.

Newest World Order issue explores common threads that unite Bahá’ís

The themes that unite the two articles and book review in the latest issue of World Order magazine (Vol. 20, No. 1) are the variety characterizing Bahá’í experiences around the world and the common spiritual foundation uniting the Bahá’ís and providing the impetus for their striving for a united, unified and peaceful world.

Howard Garey’s review of The Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzuk provides a brief but painful glimpse of the 1955 struggles of six Persian Bahá’í village families to maintain their dignity, rights and lives in the midst of a hostile human environment determined to deprive them of all they had.

Seven Bahá’ís were killed, and all suffered great physical deprivation. But the force of the Bahá’ís’ spirits and their conviction that their religion offered a model community for all to observe triumphed over the concerted efforts of their tormentors.

"The Traditional Navajo Religion and the Bahá’í Faith," by Joseph O. Weixelman, shares with us the results of his 1981 study of several Navajo Bahá’ís working out the dynamics of the Bahá’í Faith vis a vis their native Indian culture and their "adopted" white culture and finding, in the process, an all-embracing human culture.

Christine Hakim-Samandari’s "Victory over Violence: A Personal Testimony" is a translation by Howard Garey of the first chapter of her 1982 book.

The painful account of her father’s murder in his office in Tehran in 1981 allows us to see, from a daughter’s point of view, the transforming effect of the Faith on her Persian-French family.

In each of these three studies the problems of coping are different; but whether Persian or Navajo, villlager, artisan or doctor, poor or affluent, all are united by a common faith—the Bahá’í Faith—and the conviction that the elimination of religious strife, racism and ignorance, all major barriers to peace and understanding, can lead to a spiritually grounded society that values the diverse elements each one brings to it.

Subscriptions to World Order are $10 for one year (four issues). Single issues are $3 each. For more information, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. [Page 9]

More than 100 attend 7th Rainbow Festival luncheon in Allentown

The seventh annual Rainbow Festival luncheon, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was held June 14 at the Hilton Hotel in Allentown.

More than 100 people attended including representatives of government and community organizations.

The Rainbow Festival is held each year to celebrate racial harmony and to bestow the Louis Gregory Award on a deserving member of the community.

This year's award was given to Vivian Alford, a recent high school graduate from Allentown, for her efforts in stimulating fellow students from minority groups to strive for excellence.

A posthumous award went to Richard Beville, founder of a committee of the NAACP of Allentown that provided scholarships for needy young people from minority groups. He served on the committee for 29 years, often financing the scholarships himself.

The varied program included a talk on "Teaching Our Children Well" by Dr. William Smith, a Bahá’í from Sudbury, Massachusetts; a mime presentation by Bill and Bridget George, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem; poetry by Lamont Steptoe, a friend of the Faith from Philadelphia; and music by Mark Ochu, a Bahá’í concert pianist from St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Larry Lawrence of the Spiritual Assembly of Bethlehem was master of ceremonies, and the awards were conferred by Ginny Mair Harry.

Excellent news coverage was obtained in all three local papers just prior to an article by syndicated columnist Gwynne Dyer entitled "Bahá’í: A Religion Ahead of Its Time."

This year's festival, planned by an Assembly-appointed committee consisting of Laura Lawrence, Ginny Mair Harry, Ruhiyyih West and Hedy Deuschle, was held as a memorial for Dr. Ghodrat Rowshan, the first member of the Bahá’í community of Bethlehem, who died in September 1986.

Nine Oaks Bahá’í School

On May 2, the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, sponsored a program of classical music featuring flautists Judith Musafia (left) and her student, Henrite van Wyngaarden, both of whom are non-Bahá’ís.

After the concert, Auxiliary Board member Edward Diliberto (left photo) addressed the capacity audience of 60 (most of whom were not Bahá’ís) on 'The Visible Indication of the Inevitability of World Peace.'

Brilliant Star looks at friends in September/October issue

The September/October issue of Brilliant Star magazine examines friends. So important to children, adults and to the Faith!

Bahá’u’lláh tells us in The Hidden Words, "O Friend! In the garden of thy heart, plant naught but the rose of love. ..." Tending that garden of the heart allows the friends to grow.

The issue is packed with stories, poetry, two photo essays and two full pages of book reviews for ages 4-99.

After the index, the first thing one finds in each issue of Brilliant Star is our special "Letters from Our Friends."

What's so special about letters to the editor? Well, ours come from children all over the world who share their poetry, art work and feelings with us.

In this issue there are requests for pen pals from Colorado and the French West Indies; a story and drawing from Ben Leiker, formerly of Nepal; and a peace poem by Mandy Towfiq inspired by the Peace Conference in San Francisco.

Children are invited to write to the editor, Debbie Bley, 2512 Allegheny Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

At the other end of the magazine is another regular feature, the Parents' Page.

This issue's feature, "Of Honeysuckle and the Heart's Will," is written by Farzaneh Guillebeaux, a marriage and family counselor in Alabama.

She discusses the emotional impact that interaction with others has on one's spiritual growth. It's a "must read" for all parents who are struggling to do their best in this decaying world.

If you would like to subscribe, simply send $12 for six issues to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Other rates are available on request.

Courses at Bahá’í Institute in Panchgani, India

Among upcoming courses at the Bahá’í Academy of the Bahá’í Development Institute in Panchgani, India, are the following:

October 9-November 5: A preliminary research course on research methodology for preparation of compilations, designed especially for beginners in research, those friends interested in learning scientific methods of research because of their studies or profession.

October 9-January 8: Advanced research course for actual research work.

November 7-28: Special advanced Bahá’í study in Hindi.

December 13-28: For principals and teachers of Bahá’í nursery, primary and private schools, coordinators and teachers of Permanent Teaching Institutes, and coordinators and teachers of Bahá’í children's Sunday schools (morals classes).

January 10-February 5, 1988: Course for assistants to the Auxiliary Board members.

February 14-28: For editors of national/state and local Bahá’í newsletters and bulletins, assistants' bulletins, persons in charge of correspondence courses for teaching and deepening, and those in charge of publications.

March 27-April 17: For potential pioneers and eminent teachers for international goals, and graduated students of the New Era High School and Junior College.

May 24-June 27: For Persian pioneers from India and surrounding countries.

June 26-July 1: A deepening crash course for teaching minorities.

Examples from page 7

and delivered from his own desires, and utterly subservient to the Will of the Almighty. Happy is the man that hath attained so high a station, and hath not deprived himself of so bountiful a grace.

Once we have mastered the routine of reading and pondering the Creative Word every morning and evening, we can begin to memorize passages so that we can mirror forth the Word of God in its pure form.

It is the words of Bahá’u’lláh that will attract the souls of those we meet because they have a great power unknown to our own selves. Bahá’u’lláh states:

"The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman.

"So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation. I swear by My life: This Revelation is endowed with such a power that it will act as a lodestone for all nations and kindreds of the earth. Should one pause to meditate attentively he would recognize that no place is there, nor can there be, for anyone to flee to."

If we read only one paragraph, or one sentence, of the Creative Word and ponder it in our minds and hearts, every morning and evening, we will become happier and will find that obstacles that may have hindered us from serving and teaching, namely our own selves, will be removed.

Our thoughts, feelings and actions will be purified and we will be assured of ultimate victory. In the words of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi:

"One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh."

Conference, service to honor memory of Thornton Chase

Counselor Wilma Brady; Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; and four Auxiliary Board members will take part September 26 in a day-long conference in Los Angeles entitled "Thornton Chase: Pilgrimage of the Master."

The conference, which commemorates ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's pilgrimage in 1912 to the gravesite of the first Bahá’í in America, will be followed by a banquet at 5 p.m., a Unity Feast from 8-10 p.m., and the annual pilgrimage to the gravesite of Mr. Chase in Inglewood the following day.

Auxiliary Board members participating in the conference are Steven Birkland, Edward Diliberto, Miguel Osborne and William Roberts.

Proceeds from the banquet ($25 per person) will be used to defray the costs of the conference.

For banquet ticket information, phone Harold Dean James, 213-671-0565. For general information, phone Esther DeTally, 213-376-3836.

Architecture magazine has substantial article on New Delhi's Temple

The June 1987 issue of Progressive Architecture includes a three-quarter page article about the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, in which the Temple is compared to another modern architectural wonder, the Sydney (Australia) Opera House.

The House of Worship, it says, "employs similar overlapping shell roofs and, like the opera house, evokes through its structure an image expressive of its site and function—in this case, that of a nine-sided lotus flower, which is an important symbol in both the Bahá’í religion and Indian culture."

Unlike the Sydney Opera House, however, the article concludes, "the Bahá’í House of Worship shows that high-tech concepts do not always demand high-tech solutions."

Brilliant Star Editorial Board

The editorial board of Brilliant Star magazine held its annual meeting recently in Kentucky. Meeting with the board was Candace Moore (right, back row) of the Bahá’í Subscriber Service. Also standing (left to right) are Janet Richards (manager), Debbie Bley (editor), and Keith Boehme (consultant). Seated (left to right) are Mimi McClellan (music editor), Rita Leydon (art editor), and (in front) Riley (mascot). [Page 10]

Chicago’s Assembly works to revitalize ‘spiritual bonds’

The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago is working to revitalize the spiritual life of the Chicago Bahá’í community.

In one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets to Chicago, He emphasized the unique role and status that city holds and its location as the heart of the country.

Although the Faith in Chicago is well-known in circles of leadership, the Bahá’í community has shown evidence of wanting and needing more time to nurture and strengthen the spiritual bonds imperative to a healthy community life.

So after more than a year of intensive consultation, the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago decided to dissolve all of its committees in May 1987 to relieve community members of administrative burdens, and summoned all of the friends to come together to build a foundation of unity without which the goals of the Cause cannot be accomplished.

The Assembly has, for the present, taken on the tasks once assigned to committees, and instead of neighborhood or area Feasts, the Feast is now held in one locality for all the Bahá’ís in Chicago.

Sheryl Rak, secretary of the Chicago Assembly, explained that they are working to ensure that the Feast is the most important gathering each month for the friends:

“Each Feast since May,” she said, “has included children’s classes. The devotions now show more diversity in gender, race, age and ethnic background, and the Writings chosen vary from simple to complex.

“Bulletin boards, a news notebook, and a regular Feast bulletin now announce events so that the administrative part of Feast can be used for more involved community consultation.

“The social portion,” she said, “includes more visibly the involvement of the friends serving one another. Since May, attendance at Feast has tripled.

“The Spiritual Assembly has asked the Bahá’ís in Chicago to do three things,” she added. “To pray daily, to search their souls for ways to carry the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to others, and to unfailingly and enthusiastically take part in Feast—those things the Pen of the Most High made incumbent upon all believers.”

While the exact steps taken by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago would not necessarily be appropriate for other Assemblies, the goal in each community is the same: to build a community that is “distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of prejudice, the spirit of love among its members, and for the closely knit fabric of its social life.” (The Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 147)

Ongoing and Upcoming Teaching Projects

Lapwai, ID PROJECT 95 Ongoing Ruby Gubatayao 208/843-2087

Tuolumne Mi-wuk Rancheria, CA TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT Ongoing Salimata Dia 209/928-3252

Beverly Hills, CA BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT Ongoing (Weekends) Margaret Naismith 213/275-8450

Los Angeles, CA CENTER FIRESIDE PROJECT Ongoing Jeanette Roberts 213/933-8291

Phoenix area, AZ PROJECT RAUL PAVON Ongoing Judith Spychalski 602/269-2703

Southern Arizona DESERT ROSE PROJECT Ongoing (Weekends) Windred Byrd 602/862-3041

New Mexico, S/Texas, W. South Dakota Eagle Butte, SD SPIRIT OF THE ROSES PROJECT Ongoing Sandi Le Beau 605/964-7340

AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT Ongoing Roberts 605/462-6309

ANNUAL WINTER TEACHING PROJECT Late Dec. 1987 Early Jan, 1988 Margaret Gurinsky 505-437-0173

Kansas PROJECT ARISE Ongoing Gray Bishop 316/788-5378

Macy, NE Ongoing Davenport, IA FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND Ongoing Fred Frazer 319/391-3621

Indianapolis, IN MR. KHADEM PROJECT Ongoing Carol Niss 317/547-3691

Buffalo, NY PROJECT LUA AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT Ongoing Kay Webster 402/837-5736 Jeane Delaney 716/825-5457

Wichita, KS VICTORY HARVEST Ongoing Ken Tedder 316/838-9125

Central Texas CENTRAL TEXAS PROJECT December 19, 1987-January 3, 1988 Irma Gray 512/820-3077

Lancaster, KY THOMAS LEON HILL PROJECT Ongoing Sarah Lee 606/266-8055

Phelps Co., MO KHADEM PROJECT Ongoing Lynn Wieties 314/364-2740

Eastern Texas YELLOW ROSE PROJECT Ongoing Andrenea King 409/886-4853

Lowell, MA LOWELL PROJECT Ongoing Lorraine Matthews 617/459-1604

GeorUSALEM Ongoing Lay Milor 404/993-7067

St. Petersburg, FL SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT Ongoing Marsea Ulmer 305/825-0702

Medford, MA OPERATION DAYBREAK Ongoing Evelyn Hoffman 617/478-4604

Providence, RI PROVIDENCE PROJECT Ongoing Kingsley Swan 401/273-8364

Falls Church, VA OLINGA TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Thomas Ndousse 703-848-0266

North Carolina CAROLINA VICTORY TRAIN n Williams 919-679-2623

Wilmington, NC WILMINGTON TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Kim Austin-Bowden 919/763-6188

Hickory, NC HICKORY TEACHING PROJECT Ongoing Jim Martindale 704/328-370

South Carolina PROJECT MUHAJIR Ongoing Amber Spahn 803 838-5453

Dover, capital of Delaware, in center of things along U.S. eastern seaboard

In August, readers of The American Bahá’í were introduced to Carson City, Nevada, as one of the National Teaching Committee’s homefront pioneering goal localities. Carson City is one of six state capitals in the U.S. that does not have a Bahá’í community large enough to form a local Assembly. In an effort to encourage and help homefront pioneers to decide to move to these cities, the Teaching Committee is printing a series of articles containing helpful information about each of them. The second city to be spotlighted in the series is:

DOVER, DELAWARE

Situated halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C., Dover is the geographical as well as political center of Delaware. It is a small city with an Air Force base, surrounded by farmland, with a moderate but distinct four-season climate.

There are seven adult Bahá’ís among Dover’s population of 29,000. Homefront pioneers with a desire to stay and help form a strong local Assembly are needed.

Dover’s major employers are the State of Delaware, Dover Air Force Base, International Playtex, General Foods, Country Pride, the Dover Mall, and Kent General Hospital. As of September 1986, the unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent.

Extensive growth and economic development in the city has opened up good opportunities for construction and business ventures, especially professional services.

Educational facilities include a high school, two middle schools, six elementary schools, and two private schools. There are also 14 day-care centers. For adults, these include Delaware State College, Wesley College, Wilmington College of Kent County, Delaware Technical and Community College, and Kent County Vo-Tech.

Housing is readily available, from lovely old Victorian homes to modern townhouses and apartments. Homes start at about $45,000 with rents around $400 a month. One-bedroom apartments run from $285-$395 a month, and two- and three-bedroom apartments from $355-$460. There are two mobile home parks within the city limits, one of which is for adults only.

In addition to Kent General, a fully staffed and equipped hospital, there are three nursing homes, one housing development for the elderly/handicapped (with a three-year waiting list), and several assistance programs.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, indoor and outdoor recreation possibilities in the Dover area are almost unlimited with two 18-hole golf courses, two country clubs, fitness-, tennis- and racquetball-clubs, fresh and salt water fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating, sailing, roller skating and much more.

For more information, contact: Bahá’ís of Dover, c/o Donna-Carole Brown, Dover, DE 19901 (phone 302-736-0245).

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 9 Loockerman St., P.O. Box 576, Dover, DE 19903 (phone 302-734-7513).

Playtex Inc., 50 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 (phone 302-674-6000).

General Foods Corporation, West North St., Dover, DE 19901 (phone 302-734-6100).

Your decision to pioneer to Dover could help us achieve one of the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Teaching Committee for 1987-88 appointed

The National Spiritual Assembly recently appointed the National Teaching Committee for 1987-88. The members and elected officers are Eugene Andrews (Cortlandt Town, New York), chairman; Jacqueline Delahunt (Evanston, Illinois), secretary; Hoda Mahmoudi (Santa Monica, California), vice-chairman; Manuel Marcial (Key West, Florida); and John Smith (Vicksburg, Mississippi).

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

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS VISIT 1912-1987 Wakila

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

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

Amount Enclosed: Name Address City/State/Zip of prints requested, ($10.00 per print) ($1.25 for postage and handling) Make checks payable to: Bahá’í Services Fund

This commemorative print captures the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s nine months in North America. The photograph was taken in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s room the Wilhelm house in Teaneck, New Jersey, where the Master held the first Souvenir picnic unity feast for the friends in 1912. The gallery print was taken by internationally recognized photographer Mark Sadan. It is available in a numbered limited edition of 2,000. The print is a lasting souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey to America and of our efforts to carry on His work for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh during the 75th anniversary of His visit. [Page 11]

Consolidation a vital part of teaching process

TEACHING

Not all of us have a firm understanding of the principles of the Faith when we become Bahá’ís. For some of us, it takes only a short time to recognize the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and to want to become a follower of His Teachings.

According to the Universal House of Justice, "The declarants need not know all the proofs, history, laws and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey."

Quite often, we become Bahá’ís before we have learned a fraction of what there is to know about the Faith. Many of us do not understand, for example, why it is important to read the Creative Word daily or how to elect a Spiritual Assembly.

It is the responsibility of those who bring us into the Faith to continue, through the inspiring spirit of love and unity, to help us gain more knowledge and understanding after we have been enrolled as Bahá’ís.

This process is known as "consolidation." Its complement, expansion, is the process by which the Faith spreads through increasing its membership.

Teaching consists of the "twin processes" of expansion and consolidation:

"Consolidation is as vital a part of the teaching work as expansion. It is that aspect of teaching which assists the believers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings, and fans the flame of their devotion to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause, so that they will, of their own volition, continue the process of their spiritual development, promote the teaching work, and strengthen the functioning of their administrative institutions."—The Universal House of Justice

Consolidation is not a follow-up to teaching. To consolidate is to teach the Faith. Effective teaching is the result of a proper balance between expansion and consolidation.

Only when people accept the Faith and become deepened enough to stand on their own as Bahá’ís is the purpose of teaching achieved:

"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."—The Universal House of Justice

When individuals become Bahá’ís through personal association with us, it is largely our responsibility to see that they continue to receive the same nurturing guidance we gave them before they were Bahá’ís, at least until the point at which they become firm and active supporters of the Faith and are deepening in the Writings on their own.

This may be done, for example, through inviting the new Bahá’ís to accompany us to deepenings, or, if we do not live nearby, through frequent correspondence.

When people become Bahá’ís through a community effort, such as a series of public meetings, the Assembly or Group should have a plan of action to help them to become functioning and contributing members of the Bahá’í community.

Members of the community should strive to develop personal friendships with the new Bahá’ís. New believers should be warmly welcomed into the community; invited and encouraged to attend and take part in Feasts, deepenings, and other community meetings; and offered assistance, understanding and support as they mature as Bahá’ís.

Beyond the deepening of new believers, a second element of consolidation on the community level is the strengthening of the local Assembly and its relation to the community.

The Assembly must concern itself with teaching; proper organization of Bahá’í activities; and the guidance, spiritual development and unity of the community members. The goal is the creation of a community that is distinctive for its adherence to Bahá’í principles.

When Bahá’ís have been enrolled as a result of a mass-teaching effort, such as a direct teaching campaign, the sponsoring institution is responsible for seeing that the teaching work continues; that is, that those who have accepted the Faith have the opportunity to become deepened and that, if new Assemblies have been formed, they become strong enough to carry out their administrative duties on their own.

Some of the ways in which this may be done are through the organization of a traveling teaching circuit through the area, the holding of summer and winter schools or weekend institutes and conferences, the dissemination of Bahá’í literature and the encouragement of its study, and the organization of special courses and institutes for members of local Spiritual Assemblies.

Consolidation is the process by which new believers become functioning, mature Bahá’ís through loving support and guidance.

It is not enough to bring more declarants into the Faith, any more than it is enough simply to give birth to children. We would not expect that a newborn infant, given no nurturing or education, would survive in the physical world, let alone be able someday to contribute to the progress of humanity.

As the progress of humankind depends on the ability of our children to develop into mature, responsible adults, so the progress of the Faith depends on the ability of new believers to develop into mature, functioning Bahá’ís in the unfolding World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

Have You Had Your Word of God Seminar?

If not, contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 312/869-9039x231

Hawall bound? Consider teaching there

The National Teaching Committee encourages any Bahá’ís who are planning a vacation in Hawaii this fall, winter or spring to consider traveling teaching while there. Traveling teaching provides unique opportunities to become acquainted with the local people and to be welcomed into their homes and their lives in a way that ordinary tourists rarely are, and the spiritual rewards from sharing a deepened understanding of the Faith during consolidation activities are tremendous. Those who are interested in traveling teaching while on vacation may contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

South Carolina Development Task Force formed to devise strategy to win goals of Six Year Plan

At the outset of the Six Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly and the Continental Board of Counselors encouraged consultation between and among believers in South Carolina and the local and national agencies of the Faith to consider the further growth and development of the teaching work in that state.

This process led to the appointment last November by the National Teaching Committee of a South Carolina Development Task Force "to coordinate the creation of an operating plan" to achieve the goals of the Six Year Plan, especially the goal of the development of local Spiritual Assemblies, in South Carolina.

The genesis of this "grassroots" process is explained in the Ridván 1986 message to the Bahá’ís of the world from the Universal House of Justice, which referred to "a remarkable unfoldment of organic growth in the maturity of the institutions of the Cause" as evidenced by "the development of capacity and responsibility on their part and the devolution upon them of continually greater autonomy."

In this spirit, and based on the recommendations of the Development Task Force, the National Spiritual Assembly decided not to reappoint the seven District Teaching Committees in South Carolina but instead to appoint the "South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee" to promote, coordinate and assist teaching activities throughout the state.

The primary purpose for this step is to facilitate the strengthening of the local Assemblies, Groups and individuals in their planning and conducting of teaching activities.

At present, the Coordinating Committee is composed of five coordinators, each of whom serves a different activity:

Coordinating Committee Administration—Elizabeth (Betsy) Haynes, coordinator. Child Education—Alexandra Gore, coordinator. Public Affairs—Jubin Matin, coordinator. Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering—Moses Richardson, coordinator. Youth Activities—no coordinator appointed yet; temporary coordinator is Roy Jones.

The coordinator's role is to serve as a resource to help Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís to develop goals and strategies relevant to each activity.

In addition, the coordinators can help provide support and resources from around the state and from the Bahá’í National Center.

The elimination of the District Teaching Committees allows greater reliance upon the Divinely-ordained twin institutions of the Faith. The Coordinating Committee will work closely with the local Spiritual Assemblies and with the assistants to the Auxiliary Board in support of the all-important teaching work.

The South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee is appointed and supervised by the National Teaching Committee.

Assemblies and individuals are asked to direct their communications to the South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee, Hemingway, SC 29554. The committee office is presently situated in the offices of WLGI Radio Bahá’í.

‘Spirit of the Roses’ very much alive, well in Lafayette, California

The "Spirit of the Roses" is still very much alive in Lafayette, California. In fact, it has recently inspired this relatively small Bahá’í community to arise as never before to proclaim the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The community's financial goal of contributing $189 extra to the National Fund during the "189 Days of Victory" was met by Ridván, and the teaching goal of telling at least 189 new individuals about the Faith was met in July.

The community was thrilled by its success and was moved to set a new and even more challenging goal of telling 400 people about the Faith—either in new encounters or in follow-up visits with those who had already been told of the Faith—by Ridván 1988.

The sharing of teaching stories and experiences has added an inspiring touch to the administrative part of every Feast in the Lafayette community. It was from the Feast of Kalimát, July 12, that their new goal emanated through the glorious unfoldment of the Spirit of the Roses.

New Study Materials!

THE WORD OF GOD

Now available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service are deepening materials on the topic of the Word of God

The new book, developed by the National Teaching Committee, is the first of a series that will explore major themes raised in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

The Guardian noted the principles, administration and fundamentals of the Faith are well known, but the friends need greatly to study the more profound works which would give them spiritual maturity to a greater degree, unify their community life, and enable them to better exemplify the Bahá’í way of living This book, and others to follow, will introduce such topics and will serve as a bridge to expanded study of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi

The Word of God is suitable for individual study or group deepenings, and for new or long time believers Each lesson is divided into a number of segments (as illustrated below) providing an introduction, overview of the material, readings, stories that further explain the topic, and study questions. Students can create their own pattern for study by using the sections that best help them learn

Topics covered include the influence of words, the nature and powers of the Word of God, and use of the Word of God

At the end of the book is an index with references on the topic of the Word of God that go beyond those quotations used in the lessons

Available now... for only $2.00 per copy!

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

Please send The Word of God at $2.00 each. Copies: Total: $ Name Address City State Phone Credit Card Number circle on Mastercard/Visa Exp date [Page 12]

Dublin, New Hampshire, commemorates Master's visit

A program commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Dublin, New Hampshire, was held August 9 at the Dublin Community Church. One of the approximately 75 people who attended the program described it as "one of the most moving experiences I've ever had."

The 45-minute program included a talk by Hildreth Allison, a 90-year-old resident of Dublin who was present when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed the church's congregation 75 years ago.

Mr. Allison remembered vividly the image of the garden that lingered with him after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had spoken.

The original address given by the Master at the church, which had never been translated, was translated into English for the occasion and was read.

Nat Rutstein, the main speaker, referred to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s meetings with the black residents of Dublin, and spoke of Louis Gregory.

It was while in Dublin that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave His blessing to the marriage of Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathews, which was, according to Shoghi Effendi, one of the Master's seven most significant acts while in America.

Before the program ended with a short children's presentation, a prayer was read by R.N. Shah, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of India.

The children's presentation was introduced by Ray Johnson, director of the New Era Bahá’í School in Panchgani, India.

It's never too late to help fulfill Master's fondest wish by traveling to teach Cause

In September 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá began His long journey across America. He traveled by train, reaching California on October 1.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed through many towns, and often alighted to spend a night or a few days, visiting with the friends, giving interviews and addressing public meetings in cities along the way.

Although He traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, there were still many areas of the country to which He longed to go: "Oh that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of 'Ya Bahá’u’lláh' in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it."

As traveling teachers, we may promote the Divine teachings in the areas where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was unable to go, thus fulfilling the Master's dearest wish.

What a marvelous way to commemorate, as individual Bahá’ís, the 75th anniversary of His visit to North America!

There is still time to make at least one trip, near or far, in honor of the Master during these commemorative days.

Bahá’í Campus Clubs

Registered clubs also have the opportunity to work closely with other organizations on campus, planning joint events with groups interested in peace, race unity, equality, and cooperation among religions.

Don't let these opportunities pass you by! If you have two or more Bahá’ís at your school, write to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. We can help you get your Bahá’í Club started.

In the Master's words:

"...You must become the shining candles of moral precepts and spiritual ideals and be the means of the illumination of others. Clothe your bodies with the robes of virtues. Characterize yourselves with the characteristics of the people of divine morality.

"Shun all manner of vices as you shun a poisonous snake or leper. Let the corps of professors and the students be impressed with the purity and holiness of your lives so that they may take you as paragons of worthiness, examples of nobility of nature, observers of the moral laws, holding in subordination the lower elements by the higher spirit, the conquerors of self and the masters of wholesome, vital forces in all the avenues of life.

"Strive always to be at the head of your classes through hard study and true merit. Be always in a prayerful state and appreciate the value of everything. Entertain high ideals and stimulate your intellectual and constructive forces.

"Again: Be ye most careful that, God forbid, not one single word contrary to truth issue from your mouths. One falsehood throws man from the highest station of honor to the lowest abyss of disgrace.

"Always guard yourselves against the enemy so that all you state may correspond with reality. Forever supplicate and entreat at the Court of Majesty and beg confirmation and assistance. Make ye an effort that ye may win the good pleasure of the Blessed Perfection."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. IX, pp. 98-99.

GLORY needs you—as a subscriber!

GLORY magazine! The Bahá’í youth deepening magazine of the WORLD! Send your subscription requests to: GLORY Subscription Lucky Building Main Street Panchgani 412 805 Maharashtra, India

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America: August 1912

• August 4 (Sunday): Spoke at the Dublin Unitarian Church at which He impressed newcomers with His impromptu answers.
• August 5 (Monday): Spoke in Dublin. Two hard-of-hearing ladies asked to be near Him. He said: "Yes, the nearer they come, the better they will hear the Words of God..."
• August 8: Was asked where He learned His philosophy and He replied, "In the school in which Christ learned it."
• August 9: Spoke to a visitor who was warned of falling into a trap. Said that it was a trap that forces people from the shackles of prejudice and superstition.
• August 11 (Sunday): Spoke at the Unitarian Church.
• August 13: Spoke to an audience saying, "I desire the meeting more than you."
• August 15: Spent His last full day in Dublin, His 127th day in America. Told all the friends that their questions had been answered and that He must move on and "raise the voice of the Kingdom in all places."
• August 16: Left Dublin at 10:00 a.m. Lunched at Nashua, NH—reached Green Acre in Eliot, Maine in the afternoon.
• August 17: Spoke to a group of fortune tellers, spiritualists, and ascetics. These imposters were so impressed that many expressed repentance.
• August 22: Left Green Acre saying, "We have finished our work here, We have sown the seeds. Many of the souls are attracted and will be changed." Arrived in Malden, MA at 1:00 p.m.
• August 23: A woman asked Him if He had foreknowledge of the fate of the Titanic and He responded, "God sends a feeling of misgiving unto a man's heart."
• August 24: Made trips to Boston and Cambridge. Was a kind and loving host, infusing in the friends what they could become by His words and actions.
• August 29: The Boston Evening Transcript reported a wedding where He addressed the bridal couple.
• August 30: Arrived in Montreal at midnight, and William Sutherland Maxwell met Him. Stayed at Mr. Maxwell's home for a 10-day visit.
• August 31: Toured the city. Insisted on private talks. The Boston Evening Transcript had an item about His talk at the home of musician Madame Beale Morey, on the "Religions of the World."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America: September 1912

• September 1 (Sunday): His last day with the Canadian friends. He said, "I have sown the seed. Now water it. You must educate the souls..."
• September 3 (Tuesday): Dublin, NH: Told of the forthcoming marriage of Louis Gregory and Louisa Mathews of England, blessing inter-racial marriage. Invited the Persians to tea, which Mrs. Parsons had arranged.
• September 4 (Wednesday): Went to see a spectacular mountain view. Proclaimed the wondrous effect of the Cause on sects and churches, and that soon the Teachings would be put into practice.
• September 5 (Thursday): Visited the Bishop of Montreal. Spoke about the purpose of the Manifestations. In the evening, spoke at a Methodist Church.
• September 6 (Friday): Reminisced with May Maxwell—that His prayer at the Holy Tomb and her desire were answered with a baby. (Ruhiyyih Khanum)
• September 7 (Saturday): Toronto Star Weekly printed His speech at the Unitarian Church. Wrote: "He is a man with a mission, and He believes in it with all His soul..."
• September 8 (Sunday): Invited the friends to breakfast at the Maxwell home. Moved to Hotel Windsor. Insisted on riding the streetcar to meeting.
• September 9 (Monday): Arrived in Buffalo, NY late at night.
• September 10 (Tuesday): Visited Niagara Falls, NY and walked beside American Rapids. Returned to Buffalo. Spoke to audiences and to several newspaper reporters.
• September 11 (Wednesday): Buffalo Express said, "‘Abdu’l-Bahá an Optimist: Thinks Religious Unity and World Peace Will Come Within Present Century."
• September 12 (Thursday): Arrived in Chicago. Independent magazine had a feature article, with His comments on "America and World Peace."
• September 13 (Friday): Talked with the friends. Had to refuse many requests for lack of time.
• September 14 (Saturday): Addressed the Theosophical Society. Also spoke of the Covenant.
• September 15 (Sunday): Left for Kenosha, WI. Missed His train and luckily so, as it had a head-on collision. He said, "The protection of the Blessed Beauty was with us." Spoke to the Congregational Church.
• September 16 (Monday): Returned to Chicago and stayed at a hotel instead of Mrs. True's home.
• September 17 (Tuesday): Left for California. At 9:00 p.m. arrived in Minneapolis where He registered at Hotel Plaza. Told friends there were only two days to spend here.
• September 18 (Wednesday): Spoke in the auditorium of Hotel Plaza, at the Commerce Club, and at the synagogue.
• September 19 (Thursday): Visited the Walker Art Gallery. Spoke in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
• September 20 (Friday): The Tribune reported, "Prophet of Glory visits Minneapolis." Left Minneapolis on the train to Omaha. Arrived late at night.
• September 21 (Saturday): Left for Lincoln, NE to visit William Jennings Bryan who was not home. Enjoyed a visit with Bryan's wife and daughter. Spent the evening in the hotel lobby talking with the friends. The train left at 11:00 p.m. traveling towards Denver.
• September 23 (Monday): Arrived in Denver, CO. Greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Ashton and some others. Went to the Shirley Hotel. At 8:00 p.m., spoke with the friends at the home of Sidney Roberts.
• September 24 (Tuesday): Walked through a park where His group caused curiosity by on-lookers. Traveled to the suburban home of Mrs. Clark. Held a meeting at Church of Divine Science.
• September 25 (Wednesday): Post article: "‘Abdu’l-Ba-Ha Abbas, Persian Teacher, to convert Denver." Took a walk and spoke to the crowds that gathered. Spoke at a public meeting at Hotel Shirley.
• September 27 (Friday): Arrived in Glenwood Springs, CO. Received a telegram of the illness of Thornton Chase in Los Angeles. Left at midnight by train.
• September 28 (Saturday): Arrived in Salt Lake City, UT in the afternoon.
• September 29 (Sunday): Attended agricultural exposition. Attended Mormon Tabernacle where the National Irrigation Congress was in session and the State Fair. Left for San Francisco.
• September 30 (Monday): Salt Lake City Tribune reported: "Leader of Movement Will Explain Tenants to People of Salt Lake City. Spent day on the train to CA."

(Dates and events were extracted from the book 239 Days)

Thanks for 'family album' pictures!

The National Teaching Committee extends its loving appreciation to all the Bahá’í communities that have sent in stories about their Unity Picnics and photographs for the album being assembled for the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

The book is truly turning into a "family album" of the American Bahá’í community—1987. There is still a little time for those communities who have not yet submitted a photograph from their Unity Picnic to do so. Please send them to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

N.Y.C. Bahá’ís mark anniversary of Master's visit

On June 19, the Bahá’ís of New York City began a weekend of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to that city.

June 19 was especially significant, as it marked the date on which the Master named New York the "City of the Covenant." Also on that day, He spoke of the Tablet of the Branch, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in Adrianople, and declared His own station as the "Center of the Covenant."

The Music and Arts Task Force prepared an audio-visual program for the evening session at the Bahá’í Center, drawing on pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, some of which were taken in 1912, as well as excerpts from His writings and from those who were with Him in New York City.

Albert James spoke to the friends about the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

The following day, 125 people from New York City, Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey toured some of the places visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while He was in New York in 1912.

The tour, organized by Jacquie Goldberg, Juliette Soderberg and Artis Williams, included the following spots:

J. Pierpont Morgan Library; Mount Morris Baptist Church (now Mount Moriah); Earl Hall at Columbia University; 309 W. 78th St., the former home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Champney; Riverside Park at 78th St.; the Church of the Ascension; and 48 W. 10th St., the former studio of Juliet Thompson.

The buses also passed by the pier where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá landed on April 11, 1912; the Bowery Mission; the Ansonia Hotel; and the American Museum of Natural History. [Page 13]These five children from northwest Indiana are the first to earn the new Bahá’í-sponsored ‘Unity of Mankind’ emblem that has been approved for wear on the uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America.

Five young Indiana Bahá’ís first to earn Scouts’ new ‘Unity of Mankind’ emblem

Five Bahá’í children in northwest Indiana have become the first to earn the new “Unity of Mankind” emblem that is approved for wear on the uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America.

Completing work begun almost 20 years ago under the direction of Salvatore A. Pelle, then public information officer of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America recognized the Bahá’í Faith’s emblem in the summer of 1986.

The first five children to pass through the new program are Cub Scout Jeffrey Appel, Webelos Cub Scout Andrew Davidson, Boy Scout Thomas Davidson III, Brownie Girl Scout Mandy Appel, and Tricia Meyer.

They were recognized at a Bahá’í program held last March at the home of Rick and Wendy Appel in Michigan City.

Under the guidance of emblem counselors Rick Appel and Roy Meyer, the children completed the requirements of the new emblem as outlined by the Bahá’í Committee on Scouting.

The children developed individual plans to deepen themselves in the Faith, completed projects that included memorizing prayers, and performed service projects.

Three major areas had to be covered—“Unity and the Individual,” “Unity and the Family,” and “Unity and Humanity.” The work took about eight months to complete.

Inclusion of the Faith’s “Unity of Mankind” emblem program with those of 21 other religious groups is the result of a five-year effort that began in September 1982 with a meeting of the first Bahá’í Committee on Scouting.

Many Bahá’ís spearheaded the emblem program, and the Spiritual Assembly of Saginaw, Michigan, received permission from the National Spiritual Assembly to present an earlier emblem titled “God and World.”

Two Boy Scouts earned that emblem: Dennis Allen and Richard Singer received their specially cast nine-pointed stars in 1974.

Children and parents who are interested in receiving more information about the Unity of Mankind emblem program may write to “Bahá’í Committee on Scouting,” Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

As new printings of the official Boy Scout Handbook are brought out, the name of the Bahá’í Faith will be included in the religious emblem section.

Pioneer to Chile says, ‘It’s great to be Bahá’í and to serve Cause’

A pioneer to Chile writes:

“For a long time I have been wanting to thank wholeheartedly the dear Bahá’ís who send us the “Pioneer Post” (the international newsletter among Bahá’í pioneers around the world), making it possible for each to know of the other’s hopes, struggles and valiant efforts for our beloved Cause, and to feel you are living a little bit right along with them in the varied climes, areas and conditions they write about.

“It’s stimulating, it’s endearing! It’s great to be a Bahá’í so we can do whatever we can, wherever we are, at home or abroad, to bring about that unity necessary so the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will be realized. With love and best wishes to all....”

News briefs

• • Wisconsin conference helps ‘get bird to fly’**

More than 50 Bahá’ís from Wisconsin and Illinois gathered May 9 at the Milwaukee Bahá’í Center for a day-long conference on the equality of women and men whose theme was “Getting the Bird to Fly.”

Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem delivered the keynote address, enriching her talk with the story of Táhirih and emphasizing the roles of education and the family in achieving equality.

The afternoon session included two workshops, guided by facilitators.

The first split the participants by gender and focused on deepening on several quotes concerning the various roles of women and men, while the second, in which the groups were mixed, encouraged everyone to set individual goals for achieving equality.

Classes for the children were held in the morning, and Mrs. Khadem spoke briefly with them in the afternoon. They finished the day’s activities by viewing an exhibit, “Artists of Books for Children: Illustrations of Peace,” at the Milwaukee Art Center.

The program was organized by the newly formed Intercommunity Bahá’í Council for the Equality of Women and Men, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Wisconsin.

On May 17, 65 people gathered at the Bahá’í Center in New York City for a panel discussion entitled “Race Unity: A Step Toward Peace” sponsored by the New York City chapter of Women for International Peace and Arbitration.

Panel members were Dr. Ann Carpenter, a chiropractor and chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Englewood, New Jersey; the Rev. Clinton Glenn, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon, New York; and Dr. Melvin Douglass, president of the New York Transit Authority branch of the NAACP.

The moderator was Viola Wood, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.

In opening the discussion, Dr. Carpenter stated the Bahá’í view on the equality of men and women as well as the oneness of the races, adding that Bahá’ís have the answer to help achieve the unity of the black and white races and that when that unity is achieved, world unity and peace will be established.

Following a lively question-and-answer period, everyone enjoyed fellowship and refreshments.

Henoch Mehtzun, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Highland Park, Michigan, was honored this year for his paintings by the state’s First Congressional District and by the Detroit branch of the NAACP.

The first, a nature painting, was chosen to receive a certificate of artistic excellence in an exhibition sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Henoch received his certificate from U.S. Congressman John Conyers Jr. of Michigan.

He won a second-place award (a $150 savings bond) with a self-portrait in the NAACP’s 10th annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO).

Henoch is the son of Ernestine Oden Mehtzun, who was a pioneer from the U.S. to Ethiopia in 1970, and Mehtzun Tedla, an architect on leave this year from the University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city.

From June 18-21, more than 200 adults, youth and children from every Southeastern state gathered at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute for the annual South Carolina Summer School.

Among the outstanding speakers addressing the school’s theme, “From the Creative Word to Creative Action,” were Counsellors Wilma Brady and Magdalene M. Carney, the latter a member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa, Israel.

Nearly half of those at the school were either children or youth. Coordinating the children’s program were Frank and Ellen Jordan.

Also, the newly formed Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir performed twice to appreciative audiences.

Teachers for the adult sessions were Carole Miller of Roswell, Georgia (Marriage and the Family), Phillip Abercrombie of Greenville, South Carolina (Work Is Worship), Jack and FaFa Guillebeaux of Montgomery, Alabama (Effective Teaching), Auxiliary Board member Trudy White (Applying the Creative Word), and Dolly Haghighi of Ohio (The Law of Huqúqu’lláh).

A highlight was a panel discussion among several South Carolinians on “creative actions” in the state moderated by Jacquie Jones.

Also warmly received was a panel presentation and question-and-answer session on “Coping with Peer Pressure” led by a group of Bahá’í youth.

The panelists were Leon Graham, Jonathan Graham, Tammy Wilson, Antonio Green, Joe Brown and Eric Graham.

•

Dale Marxen, a member of the Bahá’í community of Boulder, Colorado, and a doctoral student in accounting at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will receive approximately $15,000 as one of five people chosen nationwide for an Arthur Andersen & Company Fellowship for the 1987-88 academic year.

Mr. Marxen, who was chosen for the award from more than 40 applicants, is the first CU-Boulder student to receive the fellowship, which will help his dissertation research.

The Andersen Fellowships, covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend, are given annually to encourage “more and better-prepared individuals to become teachers at the university level.”

In addition to the Andersen Fellowship, Mr. Marxen is one of 20 doctoral students chosen to receive a $2,500 Richard D. Irwin Foundation Fellowship, only the second in 14 years awarded to a CU-Boulder student.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

At last! New pocket-sized and hardcover reprints of Shoghi Effendi’s compilation of the prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh

• • Prayers and Meditations**

HC $14.95 SC $3.75

Nearly 200 prayers and devotional passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in handsome new bindings that match the hardcover and pocket-sized reprints of Gleanings and Kitáb-i-Íqán.

Order through your local distribution representative, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling on orders shipped within the continental U.S.) to:

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 14]

Bahá’í Distribution Service TOP 25 ACCOUNTS 144 B.E.

1. Wilhelm Bahá’í Library, New Jersey 2. Green Acre Bahá’í School, Maine 3. Bosch Bahá’í School, California 4. Louhelen Bahá’í School, Michigan 5. New York City Bahá’í Library 6. West Des Moines Bahá’í Library, Iowa 7. Florida Summer School 8. Washington, D.C., Bahá’í Library 9. Houston Bahá’í Library, Texas 10. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, California 11. Riverside Bahá’í Library, California 12. Clackamas County Northwest Bahá’í Library, Oregon 13. Cleveland Bahá’í Library, Ohio 14. Kansas City Bahá’í Library, Missouri 15. Topeka Bahá’í Library, Kansas 16. Indianapolis Bahá’í Library, Indiana 17. Dallas Bahá’í Library, Texas 18. San Diego Bahá’í Library, California 19. Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, South Carolina 20. San Francisco Bahá’í Center, California 21. Wichita Bahá’í Library, Kansas 22. Nashville Bahá’í Library, Tennessee 23. Albuquerque Bahá’í Library, New Mexico 24. Durham City Bahá’í Library, North Carolina 25. Harlingen Bahá’í Library, Texas

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette IL 60091

What Is the Bahá’í Faith?

Book for younger readers asks, What Is Bahá’í Faith?

What Is the Bahá’í Faith?, an introductory book geared for young readers, has been published by George Ronald, Publisher. Subtitled "An Introduction for Young People," the book attempts to fill a gap in Bahá’í literature by providing a book that discusses the elements of the Faith in a way easily grasped by readers ages 12-16.

What Is the Bahá’í Faith? begins by discussing the idea of God, presents the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the history of the religion, and describes the worldwide community that has developed in less than 150 years.

The author, a young Dutch Bahá’í, René Derkse, is a teacher by training and the author of two other books and numerous articles.

United Kingdom’s Trust reprinting education compilation

The compilation Bahá’í Education, from the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center, is being reprinted by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom and was expected to be available in mid-September.

The compilation includes more than 150 quotations from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi related to all aspects of the Bahá’í view of education.

In its preface to the compilation, the Universal House of Justice says of the education of children, "From their earliest moments we have the duty to train them, both spiritually and materially, in the way that God has shown, and thus, as they come to adulthood, they can become champions of His Cause and spiritual and moral giants among mankind..."

Bahá’í Education is $3.95 in softcover.

New books

Summon Up Remembrance: Marzieh Gail's biography of her father, Ali-Kuli Khan. $25 HC, $14.95 SC

Reprints

All Things Made New: John Ferraby's time-honored introduction updated with 24 new photographs. $17.95 HC, $9.95 SC

New editions

What Is the Bahá’í Faith? An introduction to the Faith for younger readers. $8.95 SC

The Hidden Words—Deluxe Edition: A beautiful new edition of this treasured work of Bahá’u’lláh. $13.95 HC

Equal Circles: Eleven provocative essays on the equality of women and men. Edited by Peggy Caton. $9.95 SC

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh: A commemorative 75th anniversary edition containing 20 illustrations by the Hand of the Cause of God H.M. Balyúzí. $14.95 SC

The Promise of World Peace—Large Format: The peace statement augmented by 100 relevant quotes, 50 photographs, plus statistical tables and charts. $10.95 SC

New music

Jewel in the Lotus: The English theme of the India Temple dedication, plus music by Seals & Crofts, Jack Lenz, Paul Parrish, Mary Davis, and others. $8 CS

Nightingale: A lovely collection of songs for Bahá’ís of all ages by Dorothy Newton-Powells. $8 CS

New video

Heart of the Lotus: A film showing the social and economic changes the Bahá’í Faith is bringing to India including the dedication ceremonies for the House of Worship in India. $25 in Beta or VHS

Other recent publications

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master: $6.95 SC

Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb: $15.95 HC, $7.95 SC

Science and Religion: $7.50 SC

The Secret of the Stolen Mandolin: $3.75 SC

To Understand and Be Understood: $7.50 SC [Page 15]

Echoes from the Lotus Cassettes

Four cassette tapes of music and talks recorded at the dedication ceremony and conference of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India. Includes talks by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhlyyih Khánum, Collis Featherstone and William Sears, and by Counselor B. Afshin and Temple architect Fariburz Sahba. Music includes choral selections in Hindi, English and Persian and selected performances of Indian music—instrumental and vocal. 330 minutes. Set, $29.95; music cassette only, $8.95

Teaching Cards Wilmette House of Worship

Five each of five views of the House of Worship in Wilmette photographed in different seasons. Twelve principles of the Faith are printed on the back, with space to place the name of a local contact below. 2 3/8 x 3 5/8 inches. 25/$3.95

Prayers and Meditations

by Bahá’u’lláh, compiled by Shoghi Effendi. Now in new pocket-sized and hardcover editions. 352 pages. HC $14.95, PS $3.75

God Passes By

Shoghi Effendi's definitive history of the first century of the Bahá’í Era. 468 pages. HC $21.95, SC $12.95

The Promise of World Peace

The first pocket-sized edition of the peace statement. Fits into a No. 10 envelope for mailing. 24 pages; packaged in 10s. 10/$5.50

The Gift of Life

A gift booklet of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on birth for new parents or parents-to-be. 24 pages, packaged in 10s. 10/$12.50

Tablet of the Heart: God and Me

A book of short, easy-to-memorize verses from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sensitively illustrated with multi-racial and multi-cultural children. Includes 27 quotations with a short extract from each of them on facing pages. Illustrations—full color and black-and-white—portray the beauty and diversity of cultures. 64 pages. HC $9.95

Meeting the Master, Vol. 1 (cassette $7.50) and Meeting the Master Video (VHS or Beta. $19.95)

Recollections by early believers

Meeting the Master Video

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. 60 minutes. CS $7.50

A video tape recording of 10 people sharing their memories of having met the Master; filmed at the recent celebration of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the site of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. A rare opportunity to hear stories from people who actually met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Includes the filmstrip 'Glimpses of Perfection' on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 46 minutes. VHS or Beta, $19.95

Tapestry Notecards

A package of 10 four-color notecards celebrating the station of women and their diverse contributions worldwide. One card depicts the tapestry of Vicki Hu Poirier given to the women of India by the U.S. National Committee on Women; nine others show the individual panels of the tapestry. 10 cards with envelopes, $12.50

An introduction to the Bah Faith BAHAULLAH AND THE NEW ERA BUILDING A PEACEFUL AND GLOBAL CIVILIZATION A CHALLENGE TO HUMANITY bytt

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era

John E. Esslemont's popular and comprehensive introduction to the Faith with updated statistics, translations and cover design. 320 pages. SC $3.50

The Major and Minor Plans of God

Peter Khan's discussion of the Bahá’í view of history and the major and minor Plans of God. 70 minutes. CS $7.50

The Purpose of Physical Reality: The Kingdom of Names

John S. Hatcher's examination of Bahá’í and other writings that speak to the question of why our souls begin their journey in a physical world. 168 pages. SC $9.95

Blessed Is the Spot

Excerpt from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. An old favorite, with easy-to-read type and charming illustrations. HC $8.95

The Six Year Plan

Furthering acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national communities. The 16th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

What holds us back from achieving true growth and maturity in our communities? How can we further the acceleration of our maturation, thereby fulfilling one of the goals of the Six Year Plan?

Two of the ways in which we can aid the process of maturation are by developing the habit of relying on the word of God and by working to eliminate all forms of prejudice—within ourselves, our families and our communities.

The word of God is our spiritual food, our sustenance. When we ignore our need for it, our lives do not function as smoothly as they could. We are also not as susceptible to the rejuvenative power of the spirit to transform us and create greater capacity for the development of divine virtues.

When we do rely on the word of God, we boost our own development and that of our community. We find new solutions for problems, new opportunities to give the message, new understandings of our work and relationships.

Unity and a lack of prejudice start from within. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reminds us, "It is impossible to unite unless united."

When we study the word of God and meditate upon uniting the various aspects of our lives, we gain insight into how to accept the differences around us.

We learn how to develop a real love and appreciation for diversity on many levels. We cultivate a real longing to see unity manifest itself in our community and in our world. In short, we discover how essential unity is to our development.

The two resources mentioned here will contribute to our understanding of how we can set the process of accelerating the maturation of our local and national communities in motion.

The Word of God

A new study guide on how we can use the word of God. Five lessons are included, entitled 'Words,' 'The Cause of Creation,' "The Revealed Word of God,' 'Powers of the Word of God,' 'Using the Revealed Word,' and 'Avoiding Pitfalls.' Each lesson contains an introduction; an overview; an explanation of the topic; quotations from the writings; illustrations from various other Bahá’í books including stories from Bahá’í history; an invitation to reflect on the readings and space to record thoughts and plans; questions and answers; and discussion questions and exercises that allow the reader to explore the topic in greater depth. Ideal for personal study or community deepening. Produced by the National Teaching Committee. SC $2

The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism

A compilation of the Bahá’í writings on race, prejudice and unity. Discusses the need for teaching all humanity by bridging cultural barriers, and places the 'most vital and challenging issue' in the broad context of all racial and cultural minorities. A great aid in helping us better to translate the Bahá’í teachings into action through cultivating and appreciating diversity in ourselves, our families, our Bahá’í communities, and others. Also excellent for personal or community deepening. SC $7.95

What people are saying about...

Meeting the Master, Vol. 1 (cassette, $7.50) and Meeting the Master Video (VHS or Beta, $19.95):

"I was impressed by the deep faith and the spiritual recognition of the Master that these early believers recorded on the cassette expressed. The speakers on side one express themselves fervently and movingly. Curtis Kelsey (on sides one and two) is warm and very entertaining. I felt as if I were having a chat with him in his living room.

"The speakers on the video tape are among the last people alive who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Their memories are priceless relics of an age that is past, and we are lucky to have them recorded in video.

"I would suggest that every community have the video and audio tapes of Meeting the Master in their archives. In listening to and viewing the tapes, I came to appreciate how precious the people speaking are. Both tapes are valuable archival material for the future."—A Bahá’í educator [Page 16]

1987 District Convention Information

The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which mail ballots may be sent, and a telephone number to call for more information.

Unit 1. Alabama, Northern - Great Hall, University of Alabama, 1400 University Blvd., Birmingham, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Hoover, Hoover, AL 35216; 205/979-8955.

Unit 2. Alabama, Southern / Florida, Northwestern. - Monroeville Community Center, Golf Drive, Monroeville, Oct. 4, 10 am (Registration: 9 am), LSA of Montgomery, P.O. Box 1131, Montgomery, AL 36102; 205/575-4361.

Unit 3. Arkansas, Park Inn. - Intersection of U.S. Hwy. 71 and 62 West, Fayetteville, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Rogers, Rogers, AR 72756; 501/636-4230.

Unit 4. Arizona, Northern - A (Northwest Arizona). - South Campus Ballroom, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Flagstaff, Flagstaff, AZ 86004; 602/774-5447.

Unit 5. Arizona, Northern - B (East-Central Arizona). - For information call 602/991-6232. Mail ballots: LSA of Scottsdale, P.O. Box 91, Scottsdale, AZ 85252.

Unit 6. Arizona, Northern - C (Southwest Arizona). - Phoenix Bahá’í Center, 10th Street and Mountainview, Phoenix, Oct. 11, 9:30 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068; 602/996-7092.

Unit 7. Arizona, Southern. - Cochise College (Sierra Vista Campus), 901 N. Colombo, Sierra Vista, Oct. 11, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Sierra Vista, P.O. Box 2063, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636; 602/458-5280.

Unit 8. California, Central #1 - A (San Francisco & San Mateo Co’s.). - San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Redwood City, P.O. Box 524, Redwood City, CA 94064; 415/369-9809.

Unit 9. California, Central #1 - B (Contra Costa Co.). - The School House, 2050 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Pleasant Hill, P.O. Box 23732, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523; 415/687-8976.

Unit 10. California, Central #1 - C (Alameda Co.). - Student Union Building, 555 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, Oct. 11, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Newark, P.O. Box 462, Newark, CA 94560; 415/794-3461.

Unit 11. California, Central #1 - D (Santa Cruz Co.). - Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Freedom, Watsonville, CA 95076; 408/724-3480.

Unit 12. California, Central #1 - E (Santa Clara Co.). - Oak West, Stanford University, Stanford, Oct. 17, 9:00 am, DTC for CA Central No. 1, Los Gatos, CA 95030; 415/949-2565.

Unit 13. California, Central #1 - F (Monterey Co. N & San Benito Co.). - Carmel Middle School, Carmel Valley Road (3/4 mile east of Highway 1), Carmel, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm, LSA of Monterey-Carmel J.D., P.O. Box 429, Carmel Valley, CA 93924; 408/659-2843.

Unit 14. California, Central #1 - G (Monterey Co. SE). - King City Fairground, 625 Division Street, King City, Oct. 25, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), DTC for Central CA #1, La Selva Beach, CA 95076; 408/688-0221.

Unit 15. California, Central #2. - Raymond Hall, University of the Pacific Campus, Stadium Dr., Stockton, Oct. 4, 10 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Stockton, P.O. Box 7231, Stockton, CA 95207; 209/463-5161.

Unit 16. California, Northern #1 - A (Northeast California). - Bidwell Elementary School, 1256 Walnut, Red Bluff, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Red Bluff, P.O. Box 43, Red Bluff, CA 96080; 916/529-0521.

Unit 17. California, Northern #1 - B (North-Central California). - Lillard Hall, Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport, Sacramento, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Roseville, Roseville, CA 95678; 916/338-2015.

Unit 18. California, Northern #2. - San Rafael Community Center, 618 B. Street, San Rafael, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Marin County, 10 Milland Drive #B-3, Mill Valley, CA 94941; 415/383-6395.

Unit 19. California, Southern #1 - A (Los Angeles Co. N). - Lakeshore Club House, 24316 Venturi Drive, Valencia, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Newhall/Valencia, Newhall, CA 91321; 805/253-2053.

Unit 20. California, Southern #1 - B (Los Angeles Co. W). - Roxbury Park, 471 S. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406; 213/453-2269.

Unit 21. California, Southern #1 - C (City of Los Angeles) 3 DELEGATES. - Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:30 pm), Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016; 818/783-9092.

Unit 22. California, Southern #1 - D (Los Angeles Co. E-Central). - Pasadena Girls Club, 3160 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, Oct. 4, 9:00 am Registration, LSA of Pasadena, Pasadena, CA 91105; 818/792-1685.

Unit 23. California, Southern #1 - E (Los Angeles Co. SW). - Community Resource Center, 320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, Oct. 4, 1:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 213/372-5856.

Unit 24. California, Southern #1 - F (Los Angeles Co. SE). - Tiburon Community Center, 12230 Cedarcrest Dr., Cerritos, Oct. 4, 1:30 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 1:00 pm), LSA of Long Beach, P.O. Box 4150, Long Beach, CA 90804; 213/428-4953.

Unit 25. California, Southern #2 - A (San Bernardino & Riverside Cos.). - Colonial Country Club Mobile Estates, 23515 N. Kirby, Hemet, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Hemet, P.O. Box 2603, Hemet, CA 92343; 714/658-5048.

Unit 26. California, Southern #2 - B (Orange Co. N). - Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA 92802; 714/750-4305.

Unit 27. California, Southern #2 - C (Orange Co. S). - Heritage Park Youth Center, 4601 Walnut Ave. (Corner of Walnut and Yale), Irvine, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of Costa Mesa, P.O. Box 10832, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; 714/557-2517.

Unit 28. California, Southern #3. - Student Union, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Santa Maria J.D., Santa Maria, CA 93455; 805/937-3430.

Unit 29. California, Southern #4 - A (San Diego Co. N). - Poway Community Center, 13094 Bowron Road, Poway, Oct. 11, 9:00 am, LSA of Poway, Poway, CA 92064; 619/748-6481.

Unit 30. California, Southern #4 - B (San Diego Co. S & Imperial Co.). - Loma Elementary School, 10355 Loma Lane, Spring Valley, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Spring Valley, P.O. Box 2582, Spring Valley, CA 92077; 619/465-8012.

Unit 31. California, Southern #4 - C (City of San Diego). - San Diego Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of San Diego, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA 92111; 619/487-5183.

Unit 32. Colorado, Northeastern. - Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, Oct. 4, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Arapahoe Co., Englewood, CO 80112; 303/798-6538.

Unit 33. Colorado, Southeastern. - Health Science Auditorium, Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918; 303/590-7049.

Unit 34. Colorado, Western. - Peach Tree Shopping Center Kinder Haus, 3225 I-70 Business Loop, Clifton, Oct. 4, LSA of Grand Junction, P.O. Box 2803, Grand Junction, CO 81502; 303/243-0985.

Unit 35. Connecticut. - New Britain Holiday Inn, 65 Columbus Blvd. (Route 72), New Britain, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Ridgefield Town, 36 Bloomer Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877; 203/438-3316.

Unit 36. Delmarva. - Holiday Inn, U.S. Highway 13, Dover, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Wilmington, P.O. Box 846, Wilmington, DE 19899; 302/762-5529.

Unit 37. Florida, Central. - University of Central Florida, Alafaya Trail and University Blvd., Orlando, Oct. 11, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Orange Co. East, Winter Park, FL 32792; 305/275-5339.

Unit 38. Florida, Northern. - J. Wayne Reitz Union Bldg., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Greater Gainesville, Gainesville, FL 32607; 904/377-4616.

Unit 39. Florida, Southeastern - A (Palm Beach Co. area). - Belle Glade Municipal Civic Center, Corner of Avenue H and N.W. 4th, Belle Glade, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Belle Glade, Belle Glade, FL 33430; 305/996-3373.

Unit 40. Florida, Southeastern - B (Broward Co.). - David Park Center, 108 N. 33rd Court, Hollywood, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Hollywood, P.O. Box 7835, Hollywood, FL 33081; 305/983-1035.

Unit 41. Florida, Southeastern - C (Monroe & Dade Co’s.). - For information call 305/665-4693. Mail ballots: LSA of Dade County Central, P.O. Box 560554, Miami, FL 33156.

Unit 42. Florida, Southwestern. - Room 248, University Center, Univ. of South Florida, 4202 Fowler Ave. E., Tampa, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Citrus Co., P.O. Box 415, Inverness, FL 32650; 904/746-1736.

Unit 43. Georgia, Northeastern. - Medical College of Georgia, Dept. of Physical Therapy, R.A. Dent Blvd., Augusta, Oct. 4, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm, LSA of Richmond Co., P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919; 404/860-1066.

Unit 44. Georgia, Northwestern - A (Northwest Georgia). - Duluth High School, 3737 Brock Road NW, Duluth, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Gwinnett County, Norcross, GA 30092; 404/447-6976.

Unit 45. Georgia, Northwestern - B (Cobb & Fulton Cos.). - Life Chiropractic College, 1269 Barclay Circle SE, Marietta, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30312; 404/344-9829.

Unit 46. Georgia, Northwestern - C (Northwest-Central Georgia). - Holiday Inn at I-20 East, 4300 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of DeKalb Co. South, Decatur, GA 30032; 404/289-1477.

Unit 47. Georgia, Southern - A (Southwest-Central Georgia). - For information call 912/987-4568. Mail ballots: LSA of Perry, Perry, GA 31069.

Unit 48. Georgia, Southern - B (Southeast Georgia). - La Quinta Motor Inn, 6805 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of Savannah, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402; 912/352-4416.

Unit 49. Georgia, Southern - C (Southwest Georgia). - Home of Marsha and William Huitt, 1102 Kimberly Drive, Valdosta, Oct. 4, 9:30 am, Bahá’ís of Valdosta, Valdosta, GA 31602; 912/247-2327.

Unit 50. Iowa. - Camp Hantesa, RR #1, Boone, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Ames, P.O. Box 1278, ISU Station, Ames, IA 50010; 515/280-6102.

Unit 51. Idaho, Northern / Washington, Eastern. - North Central High School, N 1600 Howard, Spokane, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Spokane, P.O. Box 9018, Spokane, Washington 99209; 509/325-5658.

Unit 52. Idaho, Southern. - Burley Inn, 800 N. Overland Avenue, Burley, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, ID 83404; 208/522-8244.

Unit 53. Illinois, Northern #1. - Aurora Hilton, 306 S. Lincoln Way, North Aurora, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Elgin, Elgin, IL 60120; 312/695-7931.

Unit 54. Illinois, Northern #2 - A (Cook Co. W and S). - Alcuin Montessori School, 7970 Washington Blvd., River Forest, LSA of Oak Park, 412 Madison, Oak Park, IL 60302; 312/848-6192.

Unit 55. Illinois, Northern #2 - B (Cook Co. NE). - Foundation Hall, Bahá’í House of Worship, Linden Ave., Wilmette, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Wilmette, P.O. Box 775, Wilmette, IL 60091; 312/251-5176.

Unit 56. Illinois, Northern #2 - C (City of Chicago). - Chicago Bahá’í Center, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, Oct. 4, 2:00 - 6:00 pm, LSA of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60616; 312/283-6957.

Unit 57. Illinois, Southern - A (Central Illinois). - Richard Treat University Center, Millikin Univ., Decatur, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Peoria, Peoria, IL 61614; 309/674-3721.

Unit 58. Illinois, Southern - B (Southern Illinois). - Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Giant City Blacktop, Carbondale, Oct. 4, 11:00 am (Registration: 10:00 am), LSA of Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901; 618/529-2358.

Unit 59. Indiana, Southern. - South Bend YMCA, 1201 Northside Blvd., South Bend, Oct. 4, ‎12:30 am 12:30 pm‎ - 4:00 pm (Registration: 10:00 am), LSA of South Bend, South Bend, IN 46618; 219/289-5352.

Unit 60. Kansas. - Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Kansas City, P.O. Box 3301, Kansas City, KS 66103; 913/831-3239.

Unit 61. Kentucky. - Frankfort Water Plant Bd., U.S. 60, Frankfort, Oct. 3, 1:00 pm (Registration: 12:30 pm), LSA of Frankfort, Frankfort, KY 40601; 502/223-8113.

Unit 62. Louisiana. - Best Western Motel, 2720 W. MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), Bahá’ís of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA 71303; 504/861-8451.

Unit 63. Massachusetts - A (West Massachusetts). - Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Montague, P.O. Box 205, Montague, MA 01351; 413/367-9745.

Unit 64. Massachusetts - B (North-Central Massachusetts). - Keefe Technical High School, 750 Winter Street, Framingham, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Framingham Town, Framingham, MA 01701; 617/875-6054.

Unit 65. Massachusetts - C (Southeast Massachusetts). - M.I.T., 77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 10-220, Cambridge, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Boston, P.O. Box 1207, Boston, MA 02104; 617/442-8250.

Unit 66. Maryland, Western / DC - A (W. Maryland & District of Columbia). - Frost Intermediate School, 9201 Scott Dr., Rockville, MD, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Montgomery Co. NW, P.O. Box 232, Damascus, MD 20872; 301/253-5327.

Unit 67. Maryland, Western / DC - B (Central Maryland). - Howard Vocational Technical Center, 10920 Route 108, Ellicott City, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Howard Co., P.O. Box 488, Columbia, MD 21045; 301/461-2984.

Unit 68. Maine. - Luther Bonney Hall, Univ. of S. Maine, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Portland, P.O. Box 674, Portland, ME 04104; 207/773-3170.

Unit 69. Michigan, Lower Peninsula - A (Southwest Michigan). - American Legion Post 29, 1600 N. West Ave., Jackson, Oct. 17, 10:30 am (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Jackson, P.O. Box 1223, Jackson, MI 49204; 517/787-5964.

Unit 70. Michigan, Lower Peninsula - B (Northeast Michigan). - University Center Annex, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:30 am), Bahá’ís of Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858; 517/772-1432.

Unit 71. Michigan, Lower Peninsula - C (Southeast Michigan). - Michigan Union, University of Michigan, S. State St., Ann Arbor, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Ypsilanti Township, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197; 313/572-9191.

Unit 72. Minnesota, Northern. - Holiday Inn Convention Centre, Highway 2 West, Bemidji, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, LSA of Bemidji, P.O. Box 56, Bemidji, MN 56601; 218/751-0317.

Unit 73. Minnesota, Southern. - North Star Ballroom - Student Union, Univ. of Minnesota St. Paul Campus, Falcon Heights, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Roseville, Roseville, MN 55113; 612/636-9258.

Unit 74. Missouri - A (West Missouri). - St. Paul School of Theology, 1514 Colorado Street, Kansas City, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Kansas City, Bahá’í Center, Kansas City, MO 64127; 816/241-9478.

Unit 75. Missouri - B (East Missouri). - Midway Motor Lodge, 2434 Old Dorsett Rd., Maryland Heights (St. Louis), Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of St. Louis, P.O. Box 15771, St. Louis, MO 63163; 314/771-5331.

Unit 76. Mississippi. - Roosevelt State Park, Morton, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Warren County, Vicksburg, MS 39180; 601/636-9439.

Unit 77. Montana. - Helena Movement Center, 38 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Helena, Helena, MT 59601; 406/442-1332.

Unit 78. Navajo - Hopi. - For information call 602/367-5126 x 8595. Mail ballots: Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506. [Page 17]Houck, AZ 86506.

Unit 79. North Carolina, Central - A (North-Central North Carolina). Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), for information call 919/299-8120. Mail ballots: LSA of Greensboro, P.O. Box 10328, Greensboro, NC 27404.

Unit 80. North Carolina, Central - B (South-Central North Carolina). Cumberland Community Foundation, 310 Green Street, Fayetteville, Oct. 3, 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm, LSA of Cumberland County, Fayetteville, NC 28303; 919/867-2421.

Unit 81. North Carolina, Eastern - A (East-Central North Carolina). Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Wake County, P.O. Box 25817, Raleigh, NC 27611; 919/851-9398.

Unit 82. North Carolina, Eastern - B (East North Carolina). Home of Cheryl and Branson Townsend, 107 W. Washington Street, Nashville, Oct. 4, 9:30 am, Mary Spires, Rt. 1, Box 329, Rocky Mount, NC 27803; 919/446-5889.

Unit 83. North Carolina, Western - A (West North Carolina). Black Mountain Club House, Laurel Circle, Black Mountain, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Asheville, P.O. Box 882, Asheville, NC 28802; 704/274-0716.

Unit 84. North Carolina, Western - B (West-Central North Carolina). Amay James Elementary School, 2414 Lester Street, Charlotte, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Charlotte, P.O. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28222; 704/366-3487.

Unit 85. North Dakota. Holiday Inn, 2315 N. Broadway, Minot, Oct. 17, 10:30 am (Registration: 10:00 am), LSA of Bismarck, P.O. Box 6233, Bismarck, ND 58502; 701/223-8373.

Unit 86. Nebraska. Holiday Inn, I-80 and Hwy. 83, North Platte, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of North Platte, P.O. Box 816, North Platte, NE 69101; 402/464-0452.

Unit 87. New Hampshire. Peterborough Elem. School, High St., Peterborough, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Registration: 12:30 pm), LSA of Peterborough, P.O. Box 53, Peterborough, NH 03458; 603/924-6254.

Unit 88. New Jersey - A (North New Jersey). Adult Little Center for Building Construction Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson Univ., River Rd., Teaneck, Oct. 4, 9:30 am, LSA of Bergenfield, Bergenfield, NJ 07621; 201/387-2683.

Unit 89. New Jersey - B (South New Jersey). Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road, Hamilton, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Cherry Hill Township, P.O. Box 3054, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034; 609/795-6280.

Unit 90. New Mexico, Northern. West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio Rd. NW, Albuquerque, Oct. 10, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 27358, Station D, Albuquerque, NM 87176; 505/836-1239.

Unit 91. New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - A (SW New Mexico). Dona Anna Community College, Wells Street and Espina, Las Cruces, Oct. 11, 9:30 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004; 505/524-2707.

Unit 92. New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - B (SE New Mexico). For information call 505/437-0173. Mail ballots: LSA of Alamogordo, P.O. Box 1461, Alamogordo, NM 88311.

Unit 93. New Mexico, Southern / Texas, Western - C (West Texas). El Paso Bahá’í Center, 3821 Olympic, El Paso, Oct. 4, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of El Paso, El Paso, TX 79912; 915/757-0463.

Unit 94. Nevada, Northern. Pershing Co. Community Center, 820 6th St., Lovelock, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:15 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Sparks, Sparks, NV 89431; 702/356-9027.

Unit 95. Nevada, Southwest. YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89104; 702/385-7650.

Unit 96. New York, Eastern - A (Northeast New York). Best Western Inn Towne, 300 Broadway, Albany, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Albany, P.O. Box 2556, Albany, NY 12220; 518/482-0336.

Unit 97. New York, Eastern - B (N.Y. City & Westchester Co.) 2 DELEGATES. New York Bahá’í Center, 53 East 11th Street, New York City, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of New York, New York, NY 10003; 718/738-2456.

Unit 98. New York, Eastern - C (Nassau & Suffolk Cos.). Multi-purpose Room, Hofstra Univ., Hempstead, Oct. 3, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Brookhaven, P.O. Box 1119, Patchogue, NY 11772; 516/467-2095.

Unit 99. New York, Western - A (West New York). Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, LSA of Brighton Town, Rochester, NY 14618; 716/271-4751.

Unit 100. New York, Western - B (Central New York). Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, Oct. 11, 10:00 am, LSA of Ithaca, P.O. Box 572, Ithaca, NY 14851; 607/273-8014.

Unit 101. Ohio, Northern - A (Northwest Ohio). Days Inn, 191 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Oct. 11, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Mansfield, Mansfield, OH 44907; 419/524-9222.

Unit 102. Ohio, Northern - B (Northeast Ohio). Orange Community Center, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Shaker Heights, Shaker Heights, OH 44120; 216/228-2866.

Unit 103. Ohio, Southern. Social Center, Mt. St. Joseph College, Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45211; 513/661-6296.

Unit 104. Oklahoma, Eastern. Travel Lodge Motel, 2600 N. Aspen, (Exit 145 & Broken Arrow Expressway), Broken Arrow, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, LSA of Broken Arrow, P.O. Box 1119, Broken Arrow, OK 74013; 918/375-3845.

Unit 105. Oklahoma, Western. Alberta’s Tea Room, 2862 NW 63rd (French Market Mall), Oklahoma City, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Edmond, P.O. Box 1178, Edmond, OK 73083; 405/348-1807.

Unit 106. Oregon, Eastern. Yellow Hawk Conference Room, Umatilla Indian Reservation, Mission Highway, Pendleton, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Pendleton, Pendleton, OR 97801; 503/276-5322.

Unit 107. Oregon, Western - A (Northwest Oregon). Portland City College - Rock Creek Campus, 17707 N.W. Springville Road, Portland, Oct. 3, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of Washington Co. N., P.O. Box 255, Beaverton, OR 97075; 503/645-7260.

Unit 108. Oregon, Western - B (Multnomah Co.). Troutdale City Park, 1110 E. Columbia, Troutdale, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Gresham, P.O. Box 532, Gresham, OR 97030; 503/661-2505.

Unit 109. Oregon, Western - C (W-Central Oregon). Irving Grange Hall, 1011 Irvington Drive, Eugene, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Lane Co. Central, Eugene, OR 97404; 503/688-1772.

Unit 110. Oregon, Western - D (Southwest Oregon). 4H Building, 215 Ringuette, Grants Pass, Oct. 11, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Greater Grants Pass, P.O. Box 2022, Grants Pass, OR 97526; 503/476-6697.

Unit 111. Pennsylvania, Eastern. Gienside Memorial Hall, Keswick Ave. and Waverly Rd., Glenside, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Cheltenham Township, Wyncote, PA 19095; 215/576-1173.

Unit 112. Pennsylvania, Western. Best Western University Inn, 1545 Wayne Avenue (Route 119), Indiana, Oct. 4, 8:30 am, LSA of Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 5566, Pittsburgh, PA 15206; 412/361-8278.

Unit 113. Rhode Island. Q.I.C., 1 Hillside Rd., Warwick, Oct. 4, 1:30 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 1:00 pm), Bahá’ís of Warwick, Cranston Pond Apts., Warwick, RI 02888; 401/421-9011.

Unit 114. South Carolina, Central - A (West-Central South Carolina). Columbia Junior College, 3810 Main Street, Columbia, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of Richland County North, P.O. Box 210646, Columbia, SC 29210; 803/786-5861.

Unit 115. South Carolina, Central - B (Lee & Sumter Cos.). For information call 803/776-4596. Mail ballots: LSA of Rembert, Rembert, SC 29128.

Unit 116. South Carolina, Central - C (Calhoun & Clarendon Cos.). Home of Hattie Mae Oliver, Summerton, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2:00 pm, LSA of Summerton, Columbia, SC 29210; 803/478-2872 or 772-6757.

Unit 117. South Carolina, Central - D (Orangeburg Co.). For information call 803/533-1289. Mail ballots: Mrs. Annette Reynolds, Orangeburg, SC 29115.

Unit 118. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - A (Chesterfield & Marlboro Cos.). Home of Preston Pouncey, 309 Reese, Bennettsville, Oct. 10, 11:00 am, Mr. Preston Pouncey, Bennettsville, SC 29512; 803/479-7657.

Unit 119. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - B (Darlington Co. W). Lawton Park, Hartsville, Oct. 11, 11:00 am, LSA of Lydia, Darlington, SC 29532; 803/332-2411.

Unit 120. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - C (Dillon Co. N). Home of the Labbe’s, Bethea Road and Mablewood Apts. Rd., Dillon, Oct. 4, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 10:00 am), LSA of Dillon, Dillon, SC 29536; 803/774-3900.

Unit 121. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - D (Darlington Co. E). Home of Linda and Otis Johnson, 603 McIver Road, Darlington, Oct. 4, 12:00 noon, LSA of Darlington, Darlington, SC 29532; 803/395-2477.

Unit 122. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - E (Dillon Co. S). Latta Community Center, Latta, Oct. 11, 3:00 - 6:00 pm, LSA of Dillon, Latta, SC 29565; 803/752-7250.

Unit 123. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - F (Florence Co. Central). Home of David and Deloris McLeod, 448 Savannah Grove Road, Savannah Grove, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm, LSA of South Florence, Florence, SC 29501; 803/664-0321.

Unit 124. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - G (Florence Co. N). Joint Stock Hall, Mullins and Boyd St., Florence, Oct. 4, 3:00 pm, LSA of Florence, P.O. Box 4323, Florence, SC 29501; 803/667-1540.

Unit 125. South Carolina, Eastern #1 - H (Lake City area). Grimsley Chiropractic Clinic, 118 Dansing Street, Lake City, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of Lake City, P.O. Box 1033, Lake City, SC 29560; 803/394-3453.

Unit 126. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - A (Marion Co. NW). Home of Hilda and Earnest Graves, 400 Pine St., Marion, Oct. 10, 4:00 pm, LSA of Marion, Marion, SC 29571; 803/423-7412.

Unit 127. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - B (Marion Co. E & Horry Co. N). For information call 803/347-4708. Mail ballots: Mr. Kurt Hein, Conway, SC 29526.

Unit 128. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - C (Marion Co. S & Horry Co. W-Central). Home of Ilena and Wilbur Vereen, 11th Ave. and Gum Street, Aynor, Oct. 4, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 10:00 am), LSA of Aynor, P.O. Box 181, Aynor, SC 29511; 803/358-6854.

Unit 129. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - D (Horry Co. SE). Home of Kurt and Delane Hein, Conway, Oct. 18, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Mrs. Delane Hein, Conway, SC 29526; 803/347-4708.

Unit 130. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - E (Williamsburg Co. NW). For information call 803/354-6406. Mail ballots: Mr. Balsam Collestan, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Unit 131. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - F (Williamsburg Co. S & NE). Home of Mrs. Ruby Scott, Rt. 3, Box 187, Kingstree, Oct. 3, 4:00 pm, LSA of Bloomingvale, P.O. Box 581, Kingstree, SC 29556; 803/382-3509.

Unit 132. South Carolina, Eastern #2 - G (Georgetown Co.). Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, LSA of Williams Hill, Hemingway, SC 29554; 803/558-9081.

Unit 133. South Carolina, Northern - A (North-Central South Carolina). YMCA Family Center, 266 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, Oct. 3, 9:30 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Spartanburg, Spartanburg, SC 29301; 803/582-0471.

Unit 134. South Carolina, Northern - B (York Co.). Home of Terry Edwards, 304 Marion Street, Rock Hill, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of Rock Hill, Rock Hill, SC 29730; 803/328-8395.

Unit 135. South Carolina, Southern #1 - A (Dorchester & Berkeley Cos.). Home of Harry and Terry Brown, Crescent Estate, Monck’s Corner, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Berkeley County South, Monck’s Corner, SC 29461; 803/761-6034.

Unit 136. South Carolina, Southern #1 - B (Charleston Co.). Stern Center, Room 412, College of Charleston, George and Globe St., Charleston, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 2881, Charleston, SC 29403; 803/762-1469.

Unit 137. South Carolina, Southern #2 - A (Southwest South Carolina). Davis Elementary School, Dale, Oct. 11, 11:30 am, LSA of Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head, SC 29928; 803/681-2087.

Unit 138. South Carolina, Southern #2 - B (Colleton Co.). Home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Washington, Walterboro, Oct. 4, 10:30 am (Registration: 10:00 am), Mr. Harold Washington, Walterboro, SC 29488; 803/838-5030.

Unit 139. South Carolina, Western. Juanita Butler Recreation Center, 2 Burns St., Greenville, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Greenville, Greenville, SC 29604; 803/271-2199.

Unit 140. South Dakota - A (West South Dakota). Amoz Gibson Project, Wanblee, Oct. 4, 10:00 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Eagle Nest District, P.O. Box 119, Wanblee, SD 57577; 605/462-6309.

Unit 141. South Dakota - B (East South Dakota). Chamberlain Middle School, Chamberlain, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, LSA of Sioux Falls, P.O. Box 782, Sioux Falls, SD 57101; 605/335-6697.

Unit 142. Tennessee, Eastern. For information call 615/892-9238. Mail ballots: LSA of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Unit 143. Tennessee, Western. Civic Center, 400 S. Highland, Jackson, Oct. 4, 9:30 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Memphis, P.O. Box 111101, Memphis, TN 38111; 901/968-9589.

Unit 144. Texas, Central - A (Central Texas). American Veterans Hall, 1200 South 281, Lampasas, Oct. 11, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, LSA of Round Rock, Austin, TX 78745; 512/440-8636.

Unit 145. Texas, Central - B (Southwest-Central Texas). Incarnate Word College, 4301 Broadway (at Hildebrand Ave.), San Antonio, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Bexar County, San Antonio, TX 78216; 512/698-0025.

Unit 146. Texas, Eastern #1 - A (Denton area). Holiday Inn, 700 E. Central Parkway, Plano, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Plano, P.O. Box 1322, Plano, TX 75075; 212/517-6212.

Unit 147. Texas, Eastern #1 - B (Northeast Texas). Marshall Civic Center, Highway 59, Marshall, Oct. 4, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Texarkana, P.O. Box 1257, Texarkana, TX 75501; 214/792-2545.

Unit 148. Texas, Eastern #1 - C (Fort Worth/Waco area). Western Hill Inn, 1102 W. Euless Blvd., Euless, Oct. 11, 9:30 am (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Euless, P.O. Box 284, Euless, TX 76039; 817/540-0127.

Unit 149. Texas, Eastern #1 - D (Dallas Co.). Dallas Marriott Park Central, 7750 LBJ Freeway at Coit Road, Dallas, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Richardson, Richardson, TX 75080; 214/462-8676.

Unit 150. Texas, Eastern #2 - A (Southeast Texas). Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale, Houston, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Fort Bend County, P.O. Box 1194, Missouri City, TX 77459; 713/438-0521.

Unit 151. Texas, Eastern #2 - B (Harris Co.). The University Hilton, 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston, Oct. 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Registration: 12:00 noon), LSA of Harris Co. N.W., Spring, TX 77379; 713/370-6521.

Unit 152. Texas, North-central. Mesa Room - University Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Oct. 3, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, LSA of Lubbock, P.O. Box 10602, Lubbock, TX 79408; 806/796-1203.

Unit 153. Texas, Southern. Holiday Inn, 1102 S. Shoreline, Emerald Beach, Corpus Christi, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (Registration: 8:00 am), LSA of Corpus Christi, P.O. Box 7888, Corpus Christi, TX 78415; 512/851-2191.

Unit 154. Utah. Oct. 18, For information call 801/486-3670. Mail ballots: LSA of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 7775, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.

Unit 155. Virginia, Northern - A (Northwest Virginia). Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road (in Hunters Woods Center), Reston, Oct. 4, 1:00 pm, LSA of Reston, Herndon, VA 22070; 703/476-5140.

Unit 156. Virginia, Northern - B (Northeast Virginia). N. Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus, Room 111, Bisdorf Bldg., 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Registration: 9:30 am), LSA of Alexandria, Alexandria, VA 22301; 703/836-2475.

Unit 157. Virginia, Southeastern. The Campus Center, College of William & Mary, Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Oct. 11, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Newport News, Newport News, VA 23602; 804/881-9682.

Unit 158. Virginia, Southwestern. Salem Civic Center, Parlors C & D, 1001 Boulevard, Salem, Oct. 4, 9:00 am (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Roanoke, P.O. Box 6071, Roanoke, VA 24017; 703/982-2232.

Unit 159. Vermont. Montpelier High School, Montpelier, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, LSA of Burlington, P.O. Box 153, Burlington, VT 05401; 802/862-0153.

Unit 160. Washington, Northwestern - A (North-Central Washington). Skagit Co. Court House, Rooms A and B, 600 S. 3rd St., Mt. Vernon, Oct. 4, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (Registration: 9:00 am), LSA of Lynnwood, P.O. Box 2494, Lynnwood, WA 98036; 206/672-3494.

Unit 161. Washington, Northwestern - B (King Co. W). Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, 104 17th Avenue S, Seattle, Oct. 4, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, LSA of Seattle, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111; 206/546-1472.

Unit 162. Washington, Northwestern - C (King Co. E). Odle Middle School, Bellevue, Oct. 18, 1:00 -

See District 25 page [Page 18]

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

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. Excellent command of the Persian language 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 experience is desirable. Experience working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment is also required. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WORLD Center staffing representative (Administrative Services): assists the Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center to fulfill World Center position vacancies 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. Liberal arts degree with 2-3 years 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. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service is seeking a qualified person to serve as marketing assistant for the Distribution Service. Duties include generating copy, design work and photographs for all promotional pieces; representing the Trust and Distribution Service at conferences and conventions (both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í); submitting publications to national bibliographical services, and distributing complimentary copies of new titles. This individual will also help with customer service; help prepare price lists, and maintain complete files and records of all promotional activities. A liberal arts degree and some office experience is required, with copy editing experience in advertising, promotion or journalism preferred. Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines is essential, as is the ability to work without supervision. A pleasant and professional manner is needed to interact with other staff and the public. For an application or further information, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PROGRAM assistant-Area Committees (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, monthly newsletter, conferences and conventions; maintains logs of APAAC correspondence, 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 of at least 45 wpm are required. Word processing skills would be helpful. For an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HOSPITAL administrative assistant with responsibility for Satellite Clinics and Special Projects for St. Anthony Hospital, Pendleton, Oregon, serving a large rural area in eastern Oregon where health care needs are broad and souls are waiting for the message of Bahá’u’lláh. For more information about the position and the Bahá’í community, phone Karen Tarlo, coordinator of St. Anthony's Family Birth Center, at home: 503-276-8033.

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 persons, is seeking a secretary for its Washington, D.C., office. The secretary acts as receptionist, types correspondence, and maintains files in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Previous office experience, good telephone manner, and typing of at least 60 wpm are required; word processing skills are desirable. Those interested in applying should contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

NURSES: whatever your interest, here's an opportunity to pioneer to eastern Oregon where positions are available at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton. The small towns nearby and the Umatilla Indian Reservation need pioneers who will have the loving support of the Spiritual Assembly of Pendleton. For more information, phone Karen Tarlo, coordinator of St. Anthony's Family Birth Center, at home: 503-276-8033.

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 of at least 55 wpm are essential, as are basic accounting skills; college degree is desirable. To apply, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

QUALIFIED individuals are being sought to fill vacancies in the National Teaching Committee office: Minority Development Coordinator-responsible for stimulating and developing all efforts related to minority teaching projects and issues. Experience working with minority groups is essential, with written and oral fluency in Spanish highly desired. A college degree is preferred; some typing skills and a willingness to learn word processing 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 are required including excellent typing, word processing, oral and written communication skills. Flexibility is essential. For more information or an application, contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

COORDINATOR of Critical Care for a seven-bed unit at St. Anthony Hospital, Pendleton, Oregon, a small hospital with a big responsibility for regional health care in eastern Oregon. The Bahá’í community is also small with a big responsibility for bringing Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message to the area. For more information about the position and the Bahá’í community, phone Karen Tarlo, coordinator of St. Anthony's Family Birth Center, at home: 503-276-8033.

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

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

NEED a spiritual challenge? Want to be instrumental in making a non-functioning Assembly alive and vital? Zebulon, North Carolina, needs you! There is great potential for growth in Zebulon, but the community needs active, deepened Bahá’ís to help develop that potential. Zebulon is a small, cozy town that can offer the employment and cultural opportunities of a larger city such as Raleigh, the state capital (only 25 minutes away). North Carolina State University is in Raleigh, and the famous Research Triangle is 40 minutes away. For more information, write to Warren G. Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529, or phone 919-772-1340 or 919-469-2783.

HELP save a mature, deepened Assembly suddenly at seven! House for sale in St. Joseph, Michigan, two hours from the House of Worship, three hours from Louhelen. The house, overlooking Lake Michigan, has a large living room with fireplace, a large kitchen, also with fireplace, dining room, three bedrooms and two baths, and a large sun room with a lake view. Full basement and attic; parking for extra cars. This is a great house for firesides! Twenty minutes from Andrews University, 50 from Western Michigan University. St. Joseph is the home of Whirlpool, Leco, Heath Co. and Kitchen-Aid executive offices. Clark Equipment, Bendix, and American Can Co. also have offices there. Two large hospitals in this county seat; excellent school system and a junior college. Home is $125,000 (local taxes about $2,000 a year). Phone 616-983-1456.

RETIREES, homefront pioneers: thinking of Arizona? Desiring to serve the Cause in a small, friendly community? Like to teach the Faith while fishing, hunting, camping, acting in a community theatre or being otherwise artistic? The Globe-Miami (Arizona) Bahá’í community has prepared a free community profile for anyone interested in our area of east-central Arizona. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Karen English, Globe, AZ 85501.

NEEDED: homefront pioneers for Durham County, North Carolina. Jobs are available in education, medicine, computer services and trades. Four major universities are within 10 to 15 miles of most county locations. The climate is great and the people friendly. Our Bahá’í community is active and loving. We have a growing, exciting weekend family Bahá’í school we sponsor that serves our neighboring communities as well. With all this going for us, why is our Assembly in trouble? Our community is being annexed by municipalities we border; this summer alone, seven of our members will be annexed unless they move. We are willing to help anyone who is interested to find a job and housing. Phone Melissa Tansik, 919-544-3895, or Dawn Egerton, 919-471-8013.

HOMEFRONT pioneer to Rapid City, South Dakota. If you are an experienced copier technician on Canyon, Minolta, etc., contact us; there will soon be a job opening. We're going pioneering overseas. You can pioneer on weekends to the Reservation and be a homefront pioneer during the week. Write to Patt/Bob Haugen, Rapid City, SD 57702, or phone 605-342-3562.

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed! Are you interested in a spiritual challenge? Move to Henderson, North Carolina, a rural town near the Virginia border, minutes away from a prime vacation area: Kerr Lake; 30-40 minutes from Durham and Duke University; and only an hour from Raleigh and North Carolina State University. The Bahá’í community of Henderson has been active in the past, and there is great potential for rejuvenation in the future. Henderson needs you to help activate its non-functioning Assembly. For more details, write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529, or phone 919-779-1340 or 919-469-2783.

WANTED for a growing Bahá’í community in Duncan, Arizona: Bahá’ís with a pioneer and explorer spirit. Medical and other health-related fields, attorneys and other professionals needed and wanted; also, entrepreneurs. Write to the Bahá’ís of Duncan, c/o Jesse and Susan Cordova, P.O. Box 456, Duncan, AZ 85534, or phone 602-359-2477.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

NEPAL: Opportunities for general practitioners, pediatricians and physicians' assistants with Third World and tropical medicine experience to work at a new clinic hospital in Kathmandu for short- and long-term positions. Housing and lunches provided for up to six months; longer assignments receive a $100/month stipend. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SIERRA Leone: A rural clinic is seeking an internist, surgeon, pediatrician, hospital administrator, dentist and three RNs. Preference will be given to medical personnel who would like to serve for at least 1-3 years. Travel, food, housing and a stipend will be paid for long-term commitments. Short-term receive food and housing. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

KENYA: Opportunities for an agriculturist, civil engineer, nurses, rural developer and surgeon (three years); physician in a teaching position (two years); general practitioners, an internist, surgeon and physicians' assistants (one year). For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA: A private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Africa is recruiting a county representative to manage and administer its programs. Duties include liaison with government officials, supervision of technical and administrative staff, identifying and designing projects in health, water and agriculture. Candidates should have a master's degree in public health. Also, positions for an obstetrician, surgeon, urologist and dentist to work in a new 50-bed hospital serving a population of 100,000. These are three-year assignments that offer salary, travel allowance and housing. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

USAID, which administers U.S. foreign assistance programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Near East, is now accepting resumés for two-year training programs which include on-the-job training for: accountant, administrative management officer, agriculturalist, agricultural economist, contract/commodity management officers, education/human resources development, Food for Peace officer, health/population/nutrition officer, housing/urban development officer, program economist, program officer, project development officer, and rural development officer. For more information about any of these positions, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TURKS & Caicos Islands: A qualified family practitioner with emergency medicine as a specialty is needed by a modern facility catering to native islanders, U.S. and Canadian residents, and visitors. Good salary and benefits are offered for a six-month or longer commitment. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ST. LUCIA: An internist is needed for one year or longer with salary provided. Also needed is a dermatologist on a short-term basis with stipend available if for six months or longer. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GUYANA: An obstetrician and internist are needed for a private 125-bed hospital. Housing is provided for a nominal fee with salary and benefits as well as travel allowance. This is a one-year assignment. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: Opportunities exist for physicians' assistants, lab technicians, an agronomy/animal husbandry specialist, general physicians, a female pediatrician, and registered nurses with pediatric experience. All positions are with a volunteer organization or charitable institution; six-month to two-year assignments with housing and food provided. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE GAMBIA: The Banjul Embassy School will be hiring a director for 1988-90 sometime next year. Also, the National Spiritual Assembly is considering the possibility of opening a private high school, as none presently exists in that country. Persons with high-school teaching experience or administrators are encouraged to apply. A self-supporting retired couple would be ideal, as income at first would be minimal. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ALASKA: The local Spiritual Assembly of Nome is seeking an individual or couple to serve as caretaker(s) for its local Center. Responsibilities include keeping the Center open for Feasts, firesides, Holy Days, etc., minimal upkeep, utility payments, and an open heart to the Eskimo people. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í [Page 19]National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TRINIDAD & Tobago: The UN is seeking a legal draftsman to help in drafting legislation in Trinidad & Tobago. Responsibilities include preparing drafts of statutes and legislative enactments and their amendments, advising and guiding local professionals, attending conferences, preparing reports setting out findings and recommendations to the government. Should be a qualified lawyer with experience in British Common Law and legal practice and have a substantial background and experience in law revision, legislative drafting, and processing legislation in a similar system. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

CAYMAN Islands: The Johnston Construction Company is seeking an accountant and office manager. Candidates should have experience in wages, accounting, costing, buying and general office management. A single or married status contract is offered together with staff housing. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MOWLEM International has positions available in eastern and southern Africa for a building agent for high-quality building works, site agents, site/section engineers, quantity surveyors, and general/section foreman. Candidates for each position must have experience in heavy civils, including roadwork and piling. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TRAVEL for one year to Africa as a small enterprise specialist for OEF to conduct an assessment of small enterprise projects and help field staff to strengthen existing agriculturally-related SED projects. Candidates must have an advanced degree in economics, agricultural economics or business. Prior experience in managing and/or evaluating small enterprise development projects in Africa, Asia or Latin America is preferred. Fluency in French is required; in Spanish, desirable. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

LIBERIA: A 95-bed hospital needs a lab technician, surgeons, an internist, a pediatrician, RNs and a midwife as soon as possible for a two-year contract. Food and housing are provided, and an adequate monthly allowance for basic needs is negotiable. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is seeking a retired handyman or couple who can help keep the historic National Bahá’í Center beautiful. As few as 20 hours a week should be adequate to do the job. The Center is near the capital with good public transportation available. A small apartment is included, and there is a large lot suitable for a garden. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

TURKS and Caicos: assistant manager needed with a variety of skills—motorcycle and bicycle mechanic, small engine 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).

REACH a beach and teach! Want to spend an extended vacation as a resident teacher on a tiny Caribbean island ablaze with golden sands in an azure area? If it's independence you like, you'll love it! Come to Canouan and help the National Spiritual Assembly of St. Vincent and the Grenadines mold the lone village (about a dozen Bahá’ís) into a true Bahá’í community. There are some good hotels, or a small house with limited facilities can be rented at a reasonable rate. The community is English-speaking, though it may take a while to become used to the dialect. If interested, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

NIGERIA: executive director for a Nigerian industrial machines and accessories production organization. Duties include articulating and implementing all production in foundry shop, pattern shop, heat treatment shop and light and heavy machine shops. Applicants should have a degree in mechanical engineering or related field, 15 years of professional experience, and management experience. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

CENTRAL African Republic: Two pioneer families are seeking French-speaking tutors for their children, as they live too far from the capital city to have access to schools. Both families are able to provide room/board and a small salary. Duties would include, in one family, overseeing the work of their four school-aged children with a correspondence course from France; and in the other, taking over the operation of a small preschool class of five children. For more information, contact the International Goals Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED

WANTED: comments from customers about books, tapes and videos produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Responses should say something about how the item affected you or how you see its use in terms of individual or community growth. They should be two to three sentences long (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 request for anonymity along with your comment(s) to: Promotions Department, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking 1952-67 state and district voting lists for Washington state, Wyoming, Utah, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WRITERS and thinkers: Every time someone walks into your local bookstore and does not see a Bahá’í book, a teaching opportunity is lost. Perhaps you can help change this situation. Are you capable of generating the thoughts and words that can reach out to the non-Bahá’í public and create in their minds that vital link between them and the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh? Oneworld Publications is looking for authors and potential authors whose work can be sold unapologetically from the bookstore shelf alongside other titles on world peace, current issues, social problems, human potential, spiritual themes, the arts, etc. We need writers who, in the words of the beloved Guardian, "have a deep grasp of the Teachings and their significance, and who can correlate (the Faith's) beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people of the world." Their work must be written to the finest professional standards, persuasive, well-structured and carefully tailored to the needs of the intended readership. Oneworld Publications has established nationwide distribution arrangements with the book trade, college and library markets in the U.S., Canada and Great Britain, and already more than one-third of its sales are made directly to non-Bahá’ís. If you have imagination and talent, you could make a major contribution to the goals of the Six Year Plan while helping us to reach an ever-widening audience. Contact Oneworld Publications at P.O. Box 2543, Larnaca, Cyprus (Telex: 4567 LOVE CY; Tel. 041-20722/22034).

HRM: Holistic Resource Management. Any agriculturalists in the Faith trained in or practicing HRM and who would like to share information through a newsletter or meetings, please send a letter discussing your experience and the needs you feel a Bahá’í-sponsored HRM group can meet, to: Chris English, Globe, AZ 85501.

THE CENTER for Interracial Unity is seeking materials on models of interracial unity and seeking to identify Bahá’ís who have worked and/or trained in this area. Please contact the CIU at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

NATIVE American authors and/or artists wanted for Brilliant Star magazine. If you have anything to contribute, it would be most appreciated. Send your work or ideas to Debbi Bley, editor, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

WANTED: A play about peace for a drama group in Southwestern Colorado to perform to help create a public awareness of the need for world and local peace. Write to Carole Hitti, Cortez, CO 81321, or phone 303-565-7910.

New from Kalimát Press EQUAL CIRCLES Women and Men in the Bahá’í Community Edited by Peggy Caton

ELDERLY Bahá’í woman in Fishkill, New York, presently living independently, seeks a young Bahá’í woman, preferably a nurse, to share a house. Room in exchange for some assistance; live in a suburban town near a number of small cities with job opportunities in nursing, health care and other fields. Opportunity to move to a new area, learn from and help a deepened Bahá’í and help return a Bahá’í Group to Assembly status. Please write to Diana Metreaud, RD 2, P.O. Box M431, Monroe, NY 10950, or phone 914-496-7579.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Mandaree, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, is working to establish a social and economic development project and seeks Bahá’í friends who are interested in the marketing of foods and/or arts and crafts. Please telephone 701-759-3380.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following deceased Bahá’ís: Julian Abas, Adib Abbas, Albert Ackerman, Henry Ackerman, Lura M. Ackerman, Revela Ackerman, Charles Adams, Bertha S. Adelmann, Richard Akemann, Alice Akridge, Alam E.E. Albertson, Lulu Alexander and Patricia Alexander. Anyone knowing who might have the letters to any of these individuals is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHÁ’Í publisher needs proofreaders and skilled editors to edit Bahá’í books. You can work at home in your spare time. If you qualify, please write to Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, or phone 517-772-1432.

KIDS: Brilliant Star needs vertical black-and-white drawings from children ages 9-12 for its back cover. Send to Rita Leydon, Box 127, Lahaska, PA 18931. Be inventive and fun!

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

SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES

CHILDREN'S program teaching staff sought at Louhelen: child education coordinator, master teachers, teachers' assistants sought for weekend conferences from September through May. For details, and to apply, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

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.

SUBSTANCE Abuse Conference scheduled December 4-6 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Seeking Bahá’ís with training in the area, Bahá’ís whose lives have been disrupted by substance abuse, and representatives of Assemblies that have had to struggle with this problem. Please write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

BAHÁ’Í NEWS at a reduced price! Copies of the special April 1987 issue of Bahá’í News celebrating the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America are still available. This is the issue that features the extraordinary color photograph of the Master on the cover. Perfect for firesides, schools, proclamations, and new believers. Buy one for your keepsake file and several for those you will know and love in the years to come. Now only $1 each and available from Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or by phoning 312-869-9039.

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

FREE 10-lesson course in the international language. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to "Esper- Pleasant Hill, IA 50317.

TAPES from Louhelen conferences: "Scriptural and Spiritual Answers

EQUAL CIRCLES: WOMEN AND MEN IN THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY Edited by Peggy Caton, Ph.D.

Eleven provocative essays on the equality of men and women.

Learn why women have not yet attained equality in the Bahá’í community.

Experience the frustration of a Bahá’í woman trying to make it "in a man's world."

See the unique problems of black Bahá’í women.

Guaranteed to stimulate thought and discussion!

Paper $9.95 ISBN 0-933770-60-X

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 20]

وحدت نژاد و بهائیان ایرانی

در سلسله مقالاتی که در چند شماره گذشته درج گردید خلاصه ای از تاریخ سیاهان در ایالات متحده امریکا و مختصری از اوضاع اجتماعی آنان از آغاز ورودشان به این مملکت و شرح کوتاهی درباره شرایط و احوال بهائیان سیاهپوست از ابتدای تاریخ امری ایالات متحده تا زمان حال به استحضار رسید. در این شماره به بررسی اجمالی تعصبات نژادی در جامعه بهائیان ایرانی میپردازیم.

مقدمه باید گفت که تعصب در میان افراد همه جوامع چه شرقی و چه غربی امری شایع است. ممکن است کسانی مدعی آن شوند که فارغ از تعصب راه حیات را می پیمایند و دور از هر پیش داوری با دیگر همنوعان خویش معامله و مراوده دارند. بی شك اهل بهاء چنین ادعائی را به جد نمیگیرند چه که اگر تعصب در جوامع بشری در حد شیوع نمیبود مظهر امر دستور ترك آنرا بعنوان یکی از تعالیم اصلی شریعت خود نازل نمیفرمود. ترك تعصبات از هر نوعی که باشد یکی از اهداف اخلاقی و روحانی امر بهائی است و تحقق آن بناچار مستلزم همتی بنیادی از طرف تك تك افراد بشر در مدتی نسبة طولانی است. دیر زمانی است که تعصب در دل مردمان رخته و رسوخ کرده و لاجرم مدتی وقت لازم است تا از دلها زدوده شود.

اصولاً تعصبات وطنی و ملی عده زیادی از ایرانیان مانع پیشرفت اجتماعی آنان گردیده است و این خود عاقبت تلخ هر قوم و جامعه ایست که "وطن دوستی" مشروع و معقول را جانشین وطن پرستی افراطی نماید و در نتیجه خود را بهتر و برتر از دیگران بداند. بفرموده طلعت ابھی: "برتری و بهتری که به میان آمد عالم خراب شد و ویران مشاهده گشت. نفوسی که از بحر بیان رحمن آشامیده اند و به افق اعلی ناظرند باید خود را در يك صقع و در يك مقام مشاهده کنند... بلی انسان عزیز است چه کل آیت حق موجود لکن خود را ارجح و افضل و اتقى و ارفع ديدن خطائی است كبير."

نوع دیگر تعصبات که متأسفانه در بین بسیاری از ایرانیان موج میزند و براستی اعتبار عقل و اندیشه آنان را به هیچ میکشاند همانا تعصبات دینی و مذهبی است. بیداد و ستمی که بر افراد اقلیتهای دینی جامعه ایران رفته خاطره آنان را مملو از یادگاران تلخ اسارت و قساوت و تبعیض و اهانت ساخته است. در این مقام باید از سوتفاهم و سو تعبیر بر حذر بود مبادا کسانی را این توهم حاصل آید که مراد از ذکر آنچه بیان شد خدای نخواشته توهین و تحقیر ایرانیان و یا اهانه ادب نسبت به ایشان بوده است. مراد بیان تعصباتی است که در میان ایرانیان وجود دارد تا بتوان با تشخیص آن موارد به درمان درد توفیق یافت. وگر نه سایر ملل نیز به مرض تعصب مبتلایند و همانگونه که در مقدمه اشاره شد بهائیان ظهور امر بهائی را برای شفای اینگونه امراض هستی برانداز میدانند.

در جامعه ایرانی تعصب نژادی از آنسان که در جامعه امریکائی وجود دارد دیده نمیشود. بدین معنی که رنگ پوست به تنهایی تعیین کننده تعصب نیست و این خود محملی و دلیلی دارد در میان ایرانیان تعداد سیاهان در مرز ندرت و نیستی است در بسیاری از موارد ترس علت وجود تعصب است زیرا چه بسا افرادی که اقلیتی را در جامعه ای تشکیل میدهند کسانی را که از تغییر یا از دست دادن موقعیت اجتماعی خود هراس داشته باشند به خطر بیاندازند اما چون سیاهان اقلیت معتنابهی را در ایران تشکیل نمیدهند برای ایرانیان خطری ایجاد نمیکنند تا هدف تیر تعصب و تبعیض شوند.

ولی غافل نمیتوان بود که اقسام دیگری از تعصبات نژادی روان ایرانیان را می آزارد. فی المثل برخی از ایرانیان به عللی که شرح آن خارج از موضوع بحث ماست نسبت به قوم و نژاد عرب تعصب میورزند و یا بر مبنای بعضی از حوادث گذشته ترکان را استهزاء میگویند. بطور کلی تعصبات بومی در میان ایرانیان شایع تر از تعصبات نژادی است. مثلاً ساکنان تهران و قزوین و رشت و اصفهان و خراسان و آذربایجان و مازندران همگی از يك نژادند ولی چه نسبتهای ناروائی که اهالی این شهرها و استانها به یکدیگر نداده اند و به اصطلاح چه مضمونها که برای هم كوك نكرده اند.

از آنجا که بهائیان ایرانی نیز اقلیتی در میان سایر ایرانیانند الزاماً هم وارث فضائل اخلاقی و فرهنگی اهل ایرانند و هم متأثر از نقاط ضعف آنان. مثلاً در دوره حضرت عبدالبهاء در جمع بعضی از بهائیان ایرانی اختلافاتی از لحاظ دین و تبعیض وجود داشت که این خود موجب گشته که الواحی از قلم مرکز عهد مبنی بر ترك اختلافات صادر شود. مثلا در لوحی که خطاب به یکی از احیای همدان نازل گردیده هیکل میثاق میفرمایند: "به جميع احبای الهی از کلیمی و فرقانی جاری همدان تحيت مشتاقانه برسان و بگو کلیمی و فرقانی این تعبیر ابتر است. امیدم چنانست که این عنوان بکلی فراموش شود و کلمه رحمانی بهائی عنوان هر نفسی گردد تا تفاوت و تباین بکلّی زائل شود. تمام این طوائف مجاز مانند حدید در کوره حقیقت و در آتش محبت الله آب گردد و در قالب واحد افراغ شود. اگر چنین کرده شود صفات بهائی گفته شود این عنوانات متعدده لزوم ندارد و عنوان واحد که شاهد حقیقت آن کلمه بهائی است کفایت است."

بر اثر انعقاد جلسات الفت و اتحاد رفته رفته تعصبات ادیان گذشته بهائیان ایرانی رو به تقلیل نهاد و در حال حاضر گرچه این تعصبات بکلی ریشه کن نگشته اما آثار آن خوشبختانه رو بزوال گذاشته است. در نتیجه در زمان حال جوانان بهائی ایرانی در محیطی تربیت میشوند که از لحاظ تعصبات آزادتر از محیطی است که والدین ایشان در آن نشو و نما کرده اند و زمان رهایی کامل آنان از دام این آفت ویرانگر اجتماعی چندان دور نیست.

(ادامه در شماره بعد)

‘I love you like a brother ...’

Hasan and Hamid were two very good friends. They confessed to each other, "I love you like a brother," and knew that it was true. They were Americans, born in Iran, speaking Persian and English at home.

Susan and Sarah were like sisters. They cared for each other so much that often they knew each other's unspoken thoughts. They were Iranians, born in America, speaking English and Persian at home.

Juanita and Carlos grew up in the same household and ate from the same table. They were close siblings, both adopted, speaking English at home and learning Spanish in school.

When Hasan met Susan, who then met Hamid, and when Juanita introduced Carlos to Sarah, they all gathered at Hasan's house, where they smiled and talked together, laughed and sang together, and were happy.

In time they scattered overseas to different countries, and learned the native tongues and raised lovely families. Their new neighbors dearly loved each one of them, and would always be sad to see them move away once more.

Of the six friends, Hasan became the first parent, and he enjoyed watching his daughter grow up. Her name was Hong, and she was an Icelandic citizen, born in Taiwan, educated in Senegal, speaking French, Persian and Chinese at home. She was never confused; wherever she was, she was always at home.

In time America and Iran became two very good friends. They confessed to each other, "I love you like a brother," and knew that it was true. Japan and Australia embraced like sisters, while Sweden and Kenya drew very close, and all the other nations discovered their common genealogy on the tree of life, smiled and talked together, laughed and sang together, and were extremely happy.—Mark Perry

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

حضرت ولی امرالله میفرمایند: "عزت و تقدم جامعه بهائیان مشروط به انتخاب قبلی آنان و وجود نفوس سليمه مؤمنه فعاله است."

بدینوسیله به اطلاع دوستان عزیز بهائی در ایالات متحده میرساند که در اوایل ماه اکتوبر سال جاری جلسات District Convention در کلیه ایالات منعقد خواهد گردید.

جلسات کانونشن یکی از بهترین طرق آشنائی بهائیان با یکدیگر و آگاهی از اوضاع محلی و ملی است حضرت ولی امر الله بكرات اهمیت حضور در کانونشنهای ناحیه ای را گوشزد احیاء فرموده و آنان را به شرکت در این جلسات ترغیب و تشویق نموده اند.

برای کسب اطلاع درباره محل و زمان کانونشنهای ناحیه ای لطفاً به صفحات انگلیسی همین شماره امریکن بهائی رجوع فرمائید. [Page 21]

درباره امانت / ON TRUSTWORTHINESS

مقدمه مطالبی که در شماره گذشته راجع به غیبت نگارش یافت گفته شد که خلاصه امر Bahá’í را میتوان در دو کلمه بیان کرد و آن وحدت و محبت است. هر آنچه از اصول و مبادی و تعالیم و قوانین و احکام که در شریعت Bahá’í نازل شده برای نیل به مقام وحدت و اشاعه این دو لطیفه روحانی در عالم انسانی است.

بر مبنای این مقدمه در این شماره به بحث درباره امانت و دیانت میپردازیم. آنگاه که رسم بیگانگی و جدائی برافتد، آن هنگام که "منی" و "توئی" از میان برخیزد و "ما" هیچ نماند میتوان ادعا کرد که مفهوم وحدت صورت وقوع یافته است. همه تعالیم و دستورات اخلاقی که در دیانت Bahá’í آمده مستقیم یا غیر مستقیم برای حصول این مراد یعنی تحقق وحدت است لاجرم حکم امانت نیز خارج از این قانون کلی نیست. میتوان با اندکی مسامحه گفت امانت عبارت از درستی و راستی در روابط شخصی و کاری و تجاری افراد با یکدیگر است.

راستی لزوم تمسك به امانت چیست که بدون آن شالوده روابط انسانی و اجتماعی از هم میپاشد؟ در جامعه ای که امانت حکمفرما نباشد جز دروغ و آز و بدگمانی و بددلی و بی اعتمادی نمیتوان یافت. در چنین جامعه ای نشان از صفا نمیتوان جست رسم وفا نمیتوان دید. ناگفته پیداست که آنجا که وفا و صفا نماند و در عوض دروغ و بی اعتمادی و بدگمانی چیره گردد چگونه میتوان از دوستی و یگانگی زد و یا سخن از روابط انسانی گفت.

در وصف اهمیت امانت در یکی از الواح حضرت Bahá’u’lláh چنین نازل گشته:

"جميع بلايا ورزايا نظر به آن حمل شده که جمیع ناس به طراز اخلاق رحمانیه و ملکوتيه مزین شوند و تا احبای الهی از این کاس صفات نیاشامند قادر بر اسقای دیگران نخواهند بود. باید اول خود بنوشند و بعد بنوشانند. لازال مقصود حق جل جلاله از ارسال رسل و تنزیل کتب و قوانين متقنه و شرایع متشرعه اموری چند بود و از جمله آن حفظ نفوس و حفظ حقوق نفوس بوده و این منوط به ظهور امانت است فيما بين ناس. وصيت كن احیای الهی را که به کمال امانت و دیانت بين ناس رفتار نمایند. نفسی که به این شرایط مزین است به حق منسوب و از حق محسوب و من دون آن ابداً مقبول نبوده و نیست."

در لوح امانت ملاحظه فرمائید که از قلم اعلی صادر و از برای انتباه کلّ کفایت است. اگر نفسی به جمیع اعمال خیریه قائم ولی در امانت و دیانت ذره ای قاصر، آن قصور مانند سپند گردد و اعمال خیریه جان سوز شود، ولی اگر در جمیع امور قاصر لیکن به امانت و دیانت قائم عاقبت نواقص اكمال شود و زخم التیام یابد و درد درمان شود. مقصود آنست که امانت عند الحق اساس دین الهی است و بنیاد جميع فضائل و مناقب است. اگر نفسی از آن محروم با وجود قصور در امانت و دیانت چه شمری و چه اثری و چه نتیجه ای و چه فایده ای؟ با چنین بیانات متقنی آیا میتوان بیش از این درباره اهمیت امانت سخنی گفت؟

تطبيق مفهوم امانت با زندگی روزمره اهل بهاء در چند مقوله پدید میآید:

یکی امانت در حد روحانی شخصی است. در این مقوله فرد Bahá’í عهدی را که با قبول مظهریت جمال مبارك با او بسته بجای میآورد بدین معنی که احکام و تعالیم شخصی امر Bahá’í را بکار می بندد و از آنچه نهی شده احتراز میجوید و به آنچه امر شده تمسك می نماید. بدین قرار نماز میگزارد، روزه میگیرد، حقوق الهی را ادا میکند، زنا نمی کند، شراب نمی نوشد، دروغ نمی گوید و قس على هذا.

دیگری حفظ امانت در ارتباط با جامعه ای است که اهل بهاء در آن زندگی میکنند. در این مقوله امانت مستلزم تبعیت از قوانین مدنی است. همینکه بهائیان در کشوری رحل اقامت افکنند نه تنها ملزم به پیروی از قوانین آن کشور میشوند بلکه بنا به وظیفه روحانی و وجدانی خود باید نمونه و مثلی در خور برای سایرین گردند تا دیگران به آنان تأسی جویند. فی المثل در این مقوله بهائیان هرگز مرتکب رشوه دادن و رشوه گرفتن نمیشوند، سرقت نمیکنند، گرد اختلاس نمی گردند، مالیات خود را به خزانه دولت میپردازند و مواردی مانند اینها.

مقوله دیگر حفظ امانت مربوط به روابط شخص Bahá’í با سایر مردم است. همانگونه که فرد Bahá’í ادای حقوق الله میکند باید از ادای حق الناس قصور نورزد. باید چنان رفتار نماید که دیگران او را آیت اعتماد و اطمینان بدانند. در این مقوله يك نفر Bahá’í قرض و دین خود را نسبت بدیگران از یاد نمی برد، در معاملات تجاری هرگز تقلب نمی کند، در خرید و فروش اجناس و املاك به دروغ و دغل توسل نمیجوید و خلاصه امین و درستکار میماند.

اما تذکر نکته ای لازم مینماید زیرا ممکن است برای بعضی این سو تفاهم حاصل شود که امانت و درستکاری اهل بهاء فقط در ارتباط آنان با افراد یا مؤسسات غیر بهائی است. به نظر میرسد که این سو تعبیر در دوره میثاق رخ نموده بود و بعضی از احباء چنان پنداشته بودند که چون بهائیان از یک خانواده اند میتوان بدون رعایت امانت با آنان رفتار کرد. حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá یاران را از این پندار ناروا تحذیر نمودند و در لوحی که ضمناً حسن ختام این گفتار خواهد بود خطاب به ایادی امر الله جناب ابن ابهر چنین میفرمایند:

"اما قضیه امانت و دیانت در این دور بدیع اعظم برهان ایمان و ایقان است. در خصوص معاملات احباء با یکدیگر مرقوم نموده بودید. این مساله اهم امور و این قضیه را باید نهایت اهتمام داد. یاران الهی باید با یکدیگر در نهایت امانت و دیانت معامله نمایند و هر کس در این خصوص قصور کند از نصایح جمال مبارك و از وصایای الهی روگردان است. اگر انسان با متعلقان و یاران در نهایت امانت معامله ننماید با بیگانگان هر چه به امانت و راستی معامله کند بی شمر و نتیجه ماند. اول باید خانه را منظم کرد بعد به خارج پرداخت. نه اینکه گفت آشنایان را اهتمام نباید و ایشان را در امانت با یکدیگر چندان اهمیتی لازم نه ولی باید با بیگانگان درست رفتار کرد و این اوهامست و سبب خسران و زیان..."

انسان در آئین بهائی / A BOOK BY DR. DAVUDI

جلد اول فلسفه و عرفان نوشته دکتر علیمراد داودی

شاهکاری فخیم از نبیل شهيد و عالم في البهاء دکتر علیمراد داودی بررسی انسان در فلسفه Bahá’í شامل مقام انسان، خلود روح، جبر و اختیار، خرد و ایمان و لزوم دین

تدوین و تنظیم: دکتر وحید رافتی بها: ۱۹/۹۵ دلار

کسانی که مایل به خرید این مجموعه باشند میتوانند آنرا از طریق موسسه مطبوعات امری سفارش دهند:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 22]

‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ IN AMERICA

اوّل ماه سپتامبر سال ۱۹۱۲ حضرت عبدالبهاء در شهر مونترآل در کانادا حضور داشتند. در طی ماه مذکور مرکز عهد به ایالات نیویورك و ایلینوی و مینه‌سوتا Minnesota و نبراسکا Nebraska و کلورادو Colorado و یوتا سفر فرمودند. مبادرت به این اسفار در مدّت يك ماه حتی برای کسانیکه در دهه حاضر زندگی میکنند طاقت‌فرساست. بنابراین آشکار است که تحمّل مشقّات سفر با قطارهای ابتدائی آنزمان تا چه حد برای حضرت عبدالبهاء دشوار بوده است. با این حال در یکی از اوقاتی که عدّه‌ای منتظر تشرّف و سؤال و جواب با حضرت عبدالبهاء بودند، وقتی که یکی از یاران پیشنهاد کرده بود که باقی حاضران در روز بعد مشرّف شوند، طلعت پیمان فرموده بودند: "خیر. حالا وقت کار است، ملاحظهٔ خستگی را نباید نمود، جمیع را باید ملاقات کرد."

در روز اوّل سپتامبر سال ۱۹۱۲ حضرت عبدالبهاء خطابه‌ای در کلیسای موحدین Unitarian Church شهر مونترآل اقامه فرمودند که شور عجیبی در میان بسیاری از ساکنین حاصل نمود و شرح آن در جراید منتشر گردید. روز قبل از اقامهٔ آن خطابه در حین عبور از کلیسای مزبور حضرت عبدالبهاء فرموده بودند: "فردا ندای الهی را در اینجا بلند خواهیم نمود."

از جمله وقایعی که در ماه سپتامبر اتّفاق افتاد موقعی بود که هیکل میثاق از شیکاگو عازم کنوشه Kenosha در ایالت ویسکانسین بودند. شرح این واقعه در سفرنامهٔ مبارك چنین آمده:

"... وجود مبارك خیلی خسته بودند... بعد از دو محطّه (ایستگاه) ترن تبدیل شد و با عجله دوستان به ترن دیگر نرسیدند. احبّاء خیلی متأثّر شدند، فرمودند: "هیچ عیب ندارد در این حکمتی است." و چون بعد با قطار دیگر حرکت فرمودند، بین راه به آن قطار اوّل رسیده دیدیم شکسته افتاده و بعضی از مسافرین آن هم مجروح شده‌اند. معلوم شد تصادم واقع شده، فرمودند: "این هم حفظ و حمایت جمال قدم بود" و حکایت عزیمت مبارك از اسکندریه به آمریکا فرمودند که بعضی همچو صلاح دانستند که ما از راه لندن با کشتی تیتانيك (Titanic) که در همان سفر غرق شد بیاییم، ولی جمال مبارك چنین دلالت نمود که یکسر آمدیم."

HUQUQU’LLÁH

حضرت عبدالبهاء در لوحی میفرمایند:

"ای یاران عبدالبهاء، محض الطاف بی‌پایان حضرت یزدان به تعیین حقوق‌الله بر عباد خویش منّت گذاشت، و الّا حقّ مستغنی از کائنات بوده و اللّه غنیّ عن العالمین امّا مفروضی حقوق سبب ثبوت و رسوخ نفوس و برکت در جمیع شئون گردد."

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh 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 مؤسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust 21300 Avalon Dr. Rocky River, OH. 44116

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE REFUGEES

در اوایل سال جاری دفتر امور پناهندگان پرسشنامه‌ای جهت بررسی اوضاع و احوال پناهندگان و آگاهی از احتیاجات ایشان تهیه دید و آنرا حضور عزیزان تازه وارد ارسال داشت. بسیاری از این دوستان پرسشنامه مذکور را تکمیل نموده به دفتر امور پناهندگان عودت دادند. از جمله مطالب جالبی که برخی از یاران در پرسشنامه‌های خود نگاشته‌اند یکی برخورد اوّل آنان با احبای ایالات متحده هنگام ورود به این سامان است.

عده‌ای از دوستان تازه وارد اظهار سرور نموده‌اند که دوستان بهائی ایرانی و غیرایرانی هنگام ورود آن عزیزان با آغوش باز از آنان استقبال نموده با وجود اختلاف در زبان و فرهنگ و رسوم و عادات، به پیشباز آنان رفته و با زبان دل با ایشان سخن گفته‌اند.

چون بعضی از مطالبی که عزیزان پناهنده مرقوم داشته‌اند براستی شنیدنی و لاجرم بازگفتنی است، بر آن شدیم که گزیده‌ای از مندرجات پرسشنامه‌ها را ذیلاً درج نمائیم و عین نوشته‌ها را با احبای ایرانی مقیم این دیار در میان بگذاریم.

یکی از دوستان مرقوم فرموده‌اند:

"وقتی که وارد فرودگاه شدم يك گروه از احبّای آمریکائی و ایرانی به استقبالم آمدند و يك خانم تقریباً مسنّ آمریکائی که هرگز ندیده بودم جلو آمد و مرا در آغوش گرفت که يك لحظه احساس کردم مادرم است و اشک در چشمانم حلقه زد و با خود گفتم قدرت جمال مبارك را ببینید که من از آن سر دنیا بلند شوم و بیاییم اینجا و کسی را که هیچگونه آشنائی قبلی ندارم بغل کردم و گریه میکنم"

دوست دیگری نوشته:

"خوش آمد گوئی احبّای محلّی در روحیه من خیلی اثر نیکو داشت. من قبل از ورود بشهر مقصد در داخل هواپیما با يك ایرانی غیر بهائی که با ما مسافرت میکرد آشنا شدم. وقتی متوجّه شد که من يك پناهنده هستم و مدّتی در پاکستان بوده‌ام و حال به ایالات متحده آمریکا وارد شده‌ام ابراز همدردی نمود و به من گفت نگران نباش اگر بچه‌هایت بفرودگاه نیامده باشند من اتومبیل دارم و شما را به خانه‌تان میرسانم. وقتی در فرودگاه از احبای پُرتلند Portland اعم از ایرانی و آمریکائی از نژادهای مختلف مواجه شدم که همگی يك صدا الله ابهی گویان از ما استقبال کردند و خوش آمد گفتند و دوست من وقتی آن صحنه را دید با نهایت تعجب از من خدا حافظی کرد و هیچ چیزی نگفت و رفت. من هرگز آن صحنه را فراموش نخواهم کرد."

يك نفر دیگر از یاران چنین نگاشته است:

"وقتی پا بسالن فرودگاه گذاشتیم از همه طرف عکس گرفته میشد و عده‌ای از اعضای محفل روحانی از واشنگتن و محافل دیگر آمده بودند و چنان تأثیری در ما گذاشت که قلم از بیانش عاجز است."

همچنین یکی دیگر از دوستان مرقوم نموده:

"بمحض ورود بشهر ‎Murfresburu Murfreesboro‎ تمام احبّا با گشاده روئی بما خوش آمد گفتند و با این محبّتهای پاکشان رنج سفر و آوارگی را از تن رنجور ما زدودند. نهایت سپاسگزاری و امتنان را از دوستان عزیز آمریکائی و ایرانی دارم."

البته آنچه مندرج گشت فقط مشتی از خروار و نمونه‌ای از دهها پرسشنامه است که یاران عزیز لطف کرده، تکمیل و ارسال داشته‌اند. این رفتار و رویه پسندیده که بر مبنایش یاران عزیز آمریکائی و ایرانی بمحض اطلاع از ورود دوستان پناهنده، به استقبال آنان میشتابند، گرد غم و اندوه را از چهره و قلوب کسانی که تمام هستی خود را در راه محبوب از دست داده و چه بسا که مدتها در زندان بوده و تحمّل همه گونه عذاب و ناراحتی را بر خود هموار نموده‌اند، میزداید و تحّقق صلح و دوستی را در جامعه بزرگ جهانی بشارت میدهد. امیدواریم که این شیوه مطلوب همچنان ادامه یابد و تکرار پذیرد. [Page 23]حضرت بهاءالله می‌فرمایند: "اگر ناس بدیدهٔ بصیرت ملاحظه نمایند مشهود شود که این محن و بلایا و مشقّت و رزایا که بر مخلصین و مؤمنین نازل و وارد است عین راحت و حقیقتِ نعمت است و این راحت و عزّت معرضین از حق نفس مشقّت و عذاب و زحمت است."

یادی از جناب فریدون فریدانی

جناب فریدون فریدانی بسال ۱۳۰۱ شمسی در یزد در خانواده‌ای بهائی (از نژاد زردشتی) دیده بر جهان باز کرد. ایشان فرزند ارشد خانواده بود. تحصیلات ابتدائی را در مدرسهٔ توفیق که یکی از مدارس بهائی در ایران بود به پایان رساند و دورهٔ دبیرستان را نیز، بغیر از یکسال که در شیراز گذشت، در شهر یزد گذراند و سرانجام به اخذ دیپلم دانشسرای مقدماتی موفق گردید.

جناب فریدانی پس از اتمام تحصیلات به استخدام ادارهٔ فرهنگ درآمد و در یکی از مدارس حومهٔ یزد به تدریس پرداخت. طولی نکشید که به یزد منتقل شده، در ادارهٔ فرهنگ مأمور همکاری برای جمع نمرات امتحانی و سایر امور دفتری گردید. رؤسای ادارهٔ فرهنگ نهایت رضایت را از او داشتند و چون درجهٔ پشتکار و همّت آن شهید را بچشم می‌دیدند اول او را به سمت معاون حسابداری اداره و بعداً به مقام ریاست حسابداری ارتقاء دادند. امانت و دقت و حسن معاشرت جناب فریدانی همواره توجّه اولیای ادارهٔ فرهنگ و آموزگاران و دبیران و سایر کارمندانی را که با وی معاشرت داشتند جلب میکرد و باعث میشد که حتی رؤسای اداره در امور اداری با او مشورت نمایند. البته این محبوبیت و حسن شهرت حسد برخی را برمی‌انگیخت بطوریکه بارها به وزارت فرهنگ شکایت کرده بودند که یک فرد بهائی نمیبایست عهده‌دار ریاست باشد، اما وزارت فرهنگ که به امانت و صداقت جناب فریدانی اطمینان داشت اعتنائی به سعایت و شکایت مخالفان نمی‌نمود. این بود که هر گاه جناب فریدانی تقاضای بازنشستگی میکرد تقاضایش مورد قبول واقع نمیشد تا بالاخره در اثر تقاضاهای مکرر پس از سی و چهار سال خدمت با دریافت تقدیرنامه متقاعد گردید.

ناگفته پیداست که جدیت و فعالیت جناب فریدانی در امور روحانی و امری کمتر از پشتکارش در امور اداری نبود. در دوران کودکی علاقهٔ سرشاری به تحصیل دروس امری داشت. در سالهای جوانی از محضر فضلای بهائی بهره میگرفت و کتاب اقدس و ایقان و الواح و آیات عربی را نزد بزرگانی چون فاضل یزدی و آقا سید عباس علوی و جناب حسن نوش‌آبادی می‌آموخت. این آموزش در حدّ مطالعهٔ شخصی باقی نمی‌ماند بلکه با ادارهٔ جلسات و کلاسهائی در یزد و حومهٔ آن، آنچه را آموخته بود به جوانان و سایر دوستان تعلیم میداد. اما در عین حال به این خدمات آموزشی اکتفاء نمیکرد و خدمات تشکیلاتی را نیز بر آن میافزود و در لجنات تربیت اطفال و جوانان فعّالانه به ایفاء وظایف روحانی خود میپرداخت.

در سال ۱۳۲۹ شمسی، وقتی که اعضای محفل روحانی یزد گرفتار و تحت محاکمه بودند، جناب فریدانی بعضویت محفل درآمد و در سمت منشی به خدمات خود ادامه داد. از آن زمان به بعد هر سال به عضویت محفل روحانی یزد و نمایندگی کانونشن ملی انتخاب میشد. پس از بازنشستگی همهٔ اوقات روزانهٔ خود را مصروف امور امری مینمود. در سالهای اخیر در زمرهٔ مساعدین درآمد و دو سال بعد بعنوان یکی از اعضای هیئت معاونت انتصاب یافت.

در تابستان سال ۱۳۵۹، زمانیکه ‎که چند چند‎ تن از اعضای محفل روحانی یزد و عده‌ای از احباء دستگیر و زندانی شدند، جناب فریدانی هنوز از جملهٔ زندانیان نبود. گرچه مسلّم بود که او نیز گرفتار خواهد شد، و با اینکه دوستان و خویشان اصرار داشتند که یزد را ترک گوید، راضی به فرار نمیشد و اظهار میداشت که وجدانش هرگز نمی‌پذیرفته که احبای اسیر و بازماندگان آنها را تنها بگذارد و خود را از گرفتاری احتمالی برهاند.

باری، جناب فریدانی نه تنها راضی به فرار و اختفاء نشد بلکه فعالیتهای خود را مضاعف نمود: دستورات محفل روحانی ملی را دقیقاً و کاملاً بموقع اجرا میگذاشت، تا آنجا که در توان داشت با ارسال تلگراف و نوشتن عرض حال به اولیای امور برای استخلاص زندانیان بهائی میکوشید و در همان حال به خانواده‌های آنان سرمیزد و ایشان را تسلی خاطر میداد و اندکی از درد و رنجشان میکاست.

اما فعالیتهای جناب فریدانی از چشم مخالفان پنهان نبود و دیدهٔ گمراهان و کسانی که همواره مترصد بودند تا لطمه‌ای به او وارد آورند با هر گامی که بر میداشت در پی او میرفت. سرانجام در روز ۳۱ تیر ماه سال ۱۳۵۹ عده‌ای از معاندان امر بهائی او را دستگیر نموده زندانی کردند. این بیش از شش هفته با سایر زندانیان محبوس بود. در این دورهٔ محبوسیت به هیچ کس اجازه داده نشد که با محبوسان بهائی ملاقات نماید. تنها وسیلهٔ ارتباط نامه‌های مختصری بود که زندانیان گهگاه از زندان مینوشتند و خانوادهٔ دل نگران و منسوبان و دوستان را از حال خود آگاه میساختند.

در زندان، جناب فریدانی دفاعیّهٔ مفصّلی خطاب به دادگاه اسلامی مرقوم داشت و در ضمن آن اتهاماتی را که بر علیه بهائیان زندانی وارد شده بود رد کرده بیگناهی خود و سایر احباء را اثبات نمود. خوشبختانه نسخه‌ای از آن دفاعیه پس از شهادت ایشان بدست بازماندگان رسید.

در روز ۱۶ شهریور ماه ناگهان اجازهٔ ملاقات به خانواده‌های زندانیان داده شد. به خانواده‌ها گفته شده بود که علّت اجازهٔ ملاقات انتقال زندانیان به يك زندان دیگر بوده است. منسوبان زندانیان با شادمانی به ملاقات عزیزان خود شتافتند و تك تك آنان را در نهایت ثبوت و رسوخ یافتند. این اجازهٔ ملاقات تخم امید و آرزو در دل منسوبان کاشته بود. همگی امیدوار بودند که زندانیان بهائی بزودی از بند زندان آزاد خواهند شد و به خانه خود رجوع کرده به خانوادهٔ خویش خواهند پیوست. اما تقدیر جز این بود.

روز بعد یعنی ۱۷ شهریور سال ۱۳۵۹ در ساعت چهار صبح هفت تن از محبوسان بهائی از جمله جناب فریدون فریدانی تیرباران شدند. سه ساعت بعد، خبر شهادت آن دلیران از طریق رادیوی یزد اعلام گردید. در خبر رادیو گفته شده بود که علّت اعدام آن هفت شهید همکاری با رژیم سابق و جاسوسی برای آمریکا و صهیونیسم و افساد در ارض بوده است. چون گلستان جاوید یزد قبلاً تصرّف و تخریب شده بود، اجساد آن عزیزان را مأموران بر روی قطعه زمینی نزديك به گورستان زردشتیان انداخته بودند. حدود پانصد نفر از احبای یزد به محل رفته، شهداء را دفن کردند.

فقدان و شهادت جناب فریدانی تنها بر اهل بهاء دشوار نبود بلکه دل بسیاری از افراد غیربهائی نیز از شهادت وی آزرده شد و سوخت، زیرا این وجود مبارك به حسن اخلاق و پاکی و آزادگی شهرت داشت. محبتش صادقانه و خالصانه بود. از تواضع و فروتنی بهرهٔ بسیار داشت و با صداقت و امانتی زایدالوصف می‌زیست. همواره در اعلای شأن امر مبارك میکوشید. در یزد و دهات و قصبات اطراف آن به تشویق و جوانان و بزرگسالان میپرداخت و آنان را به شرکت در خدمات و فعالیتهای امری و حضور در جلسات فرا میخواند. ایمانش بی شائبه بود و سرانجام سینه را هدف تیر بلا کرد و شهید راه خدا شد. یادش گرامی باد.

از جناب فریدانی همسر و سه فرزند ایشان باقی مانده که همگی در ظلّ امر الهی میباشند. [Page 24]

Bahá’í in America

The photos tell it all! Much of the joy experienced at the ‘Unity picnics’ in June emanated from the children who were present, reminding us of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s great love for them. Perhaps many of these children will remember the occasion during the 100th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America when their children pose for photos such as those that appear on this page.

What Is the Bahá’í Faith? (see photograph of the cover in the "Shopping List for District Convention" section on this page) is $8.95, in softcover.

George Ronald is also issuing a commemorative edition of the Hand of the Cause of God H.M. Balyúzí’s biography, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Master’s travels in the West, the book is being reprinted in softcover only, with 20 illustrations not included in the original softcover edition.

Over 250 of the more than 575 pages in the book deal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s trip to the West.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh ($14.95 SC) has been out of print for more than two years.

(Please see also the photograph of its new cover design in the "District Convention" section on this page.)

Inspired by news of the Souvenir picnics being held across the U.S. in June to commemorate the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s historic visit to North America, the Bahá’ís of Hafnarfjordur and Kópavogur, Iceland, decided to hold one of their own. Among the highlights of the June 27 event was the reading of the talk given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in June 1912 at the first Unity picnic in West Englewood (Teaneck), New Jersey.

Memorial service held in Nebraska for Bahá’í martyr

More than 50 people attended a memorial service June 13 on the Omaha Reservation in Macy, Nebraska, for Dr. Nasir Vafa’i, one of the seven martyrs of Hamadan who were executed in June 1981.

Among those present was Mr. Vafa’i’s widow who suggested that other Persian families hold similar gatherings in memory of their loved ones, especially on Indian Reservations, as it builds the bonds of intimacy and shares with the Native Americans the Persians’ legacy.

Mrs. Vafa’i prepared a chicken dinner which was served Indian-style. Harry Eckerson and his family and Lynda and Ernie Oschner traveled five hours to help prepare the meal.

Several of the Native Americans at the event had recently lost loved ones to illness and were especially grateful to be present. They stayed long after the meal to visit and watch the children play.

The service was held at the home of Kaye Webster.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph may have been taken in the Teaneck, New Jersey, area. If you can identify anyone in the picture, please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 25]

NATIVE AMERICANS

The Dago'tee Committee of the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Globe-Miami, Arizona, hosted a natural resources oriented campout July 31-August 1.

Thirty-five young people including three Bahá’í children and two Bahá’í youth traveled to Point of Pines, Arizona, to take part in fellowship, fun and fishing.

This initial effort for a Conservation and Racial Harmony camp marked the resurrection by a community group of a once-successful education program sponsored during the 1960s and '70s by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Dago'tee Committee, begun in 1986, seeks to create better understanding between residents of the San Carlos Apache Reservation and the Globe and Miami communities bounding it on the west.

Local Bahá’ís attend nearly every committee meeting and have been instrumental in focusing its events and providing consultative guidance.

Future events are to include a concert by Native American flutist John Rainer in cooperation with the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts; a cultural exchange with Guatemalans on an economic development scholarship; a fundraising basketball tournament; an educational slide show of the committee's activities; further refurbishing of the Point of Pines Youth Camp; and help for elderly disabled Native Americans.

Dago'tee is an Apache phrase that means, "How are you, friend?"

Roses for an Assembly

Five years ago, Hugh Lambert, a Cherokee who was raised on a Reservation in North Carolina, decided he wanted to be a Bahá’í but didn't know how to enroll. At the time, he had prayed for guidance to find God's true religion.

Recently, at the same time that the Asheville Bahá’í community began its prayers to prepare for increasing its Indian teaching activities, one of the Bahá’ís became active in the local chapter of a youth service agency where he met Mr. Lambert.

When Mr. Lambert and his wife came to a fireside, they both signed declaration cards, and at a Feast shortly afterward they presented the local Spiritual Assembly with 50 red roses as a token of their gratitude.

Gibson Project sets regular visits to help strengthen 7 communities

According to reports from projecteers, the Amoz Gibson Project in South Dakota has targeted seven communities for regular visits to share love and fellowship and help strengthen the Bahá’í communities.

Several Indian youth continue to take leadership roles in various activities. In addition, work is ongoing to develop and strengthen the Spiritual Assembly in Wanblee.

Edwin Roberts, the project director, is interested in teaching classes in carpentry and cabinet-making. The summer activity schedule was hectic, with between 15-30 people joining the projecteers each evening for volleyball games and "rap sessions" on the Faith.

One restraint on activities continues to be the lack of reliable vehicles for transporting the projecteers. But spirits are high and fellowship contagious as the summer heat gives way to autumn in South Dakota.

American Indian Teaching Activitity

August, 1987

Native American children enjoy a 'quiet area' provided by the Bahá’ís of northern Michigan's Upper Peninsula during a recent pow wow as a part of Project Nii-Jii (which means "friend" in the Ojibway language). These children are creating paintings; others listened to stories or were held in caring arms. The Bahá’ís have been asked by the pow wow committee to be at future pow wows.

Conference sponsored by Tuolumne Bahá’ís

As a part of the ongoing teaching project on the Tuolumne Miwuk Indian Rancharia, the Spiritual Assembly of Tuolumne County J.D. has sponsored its second women's conference on the rancharia, entitled "Consultation on Women and Self-Esteem."

Lee Barnes, a counselor on alcohol and drug abuse from the Friendship House in San Francisco, who is a Chippewa, was the keynote speaker.

The conference was held in the Council Hall where the symbol of the Greatest Holy Name, designed in a pattern of fur, which was presented to the rancharia several years ago, remains the featured wall hanging.

Again this year, the Bahá’ís of Tuolumne County J.D. staffed a booth September 12-13 at the Miwuk Acorn Festival.

It marked the second year in a row that no alcoholic beverages were allowed at the festival.

Bahá’ís take part in Indian Retreat

On Sunday, July 5, six Bahá’ís from East Texas District No. 2 and Dallas gathered with 35 followers of the Church of White Eagle Lodge in Montgomery, Texas, the church's center for North and South America.

As a result of a news release sent to various groups concerning the availability of the film "Traditional Native Prophecies," the Bahá’ís were invited to take part in an Indian Heritage Retreat sponsored by the church.

Frank McLemore, secretary of the American Indian Teaching Committee, offered a presentation on tribal heritage prior to the showing of the film.

Afterward, he presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to the Rev. Jean le Fevre, minister of the church and its representative in the Americas.

Church of the White Eagle Lodge is a non-denominational Christian church founded 50 years ago in England. Despite its name, the members are not Native Americans; their teachings are based on the Gospel of St. John and those of White Eagle, a title given by ancient Native Americans to a spiritual teacher of great wisdom.

They are a peace-loving people who believe that all religions teach the same spiritual truths; to them, the eagle is the sign of a new age of brotherhood, the Aquarian Age.

The retreat center in Montgomery is a place where emphasis on the spiritual healing of wounded animals occurs.

Districts

Unit 163. Washington, Southwestern. South Kitsap High School, 1297 Mitchell Road SE, Port Orchard, Oct. 4, 10:00 am, LSA of Lakewood, P.O. Box 98496, Tacoma, WA 98499; 206/581-3622.

Unit 164. Wisconsin, Northern Michigan, Upper. Howard Johnson's, Highway 51 and County NN, Wausau, Oct. 11, 9:30 am 4:00 p.m (Registration: 8:30 am), LSA of Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481; 715/341-3084.

Unit 165. Wisconsin, Southern - A (Southwest Wisconsin). Forester Hall, Hill Street, Sun Prairie, Oct. 4, 9:00 am, LSA of Sun Prairie, Prairie, 153590; 608/837-8609.

Unit 166. Wisconsin, Southern - B (Southeast Wisconsin). Holiday Inn - Waukesha, 2417 Blue Mound Road, Waukesha, WI 53186; 414/549-1687.

Unit 167. West Virginia. Community Building - Gassaway, Main Gassaway, Oct. 4, 1:00 pm (ion: 11:30 am), LSA of Morgantown, P.O. Box 4049, Morgantown, WV 26505; 304/292-9590.

Unit 168. Wyoming. C.W.C. Field Station, Lander, Oct. 11, 9:00 am Registration, D.T.C. for Wyoming Green River, WY 82935; 307/856-5033.

Please make contact before setting out for Gibson Project

The Amoz Gibson Teaching Project on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Rapid City, 100 miles west of Wanblee, the project headquarters.

It is extremely important for those friends who are considering serving in this teaching effort to contact the Spiritual Assembly of Rapid City or the project director, Edwin Roberts, in Wanblee.

The director or Assembly must be informed of your arrival time even if you plan to stay for only one day.

The director or Assembly will let you know about all the expectations and rules that apply to the project. It is very important that you have this information before you make your decision to serve on the project.

Please contact:

Amoz Gibson Teaching Project, c/o Edwin Roberts, director, P.O. Box 119, Wanblee, SD 57577 (phone 605-964-6309).

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rapid City, c/o Patricia Haugen, secretary, P.O. Box 565, Rapid City, SD 57709 (phone 605-342-3562). [Page 26]

FIRAYDUN FARIDANI

Firaydun Faridani was born in 1922 to a Bahá’í family of Zoroastrian background in Yazd, Iran. He went to a Bahá’í grammar school, completed high school in Yazd, and later obtained a diploma from a Teachers' School. After graduating from college, Mr. Faridani was hired by the Iranian Department of Education to teach in one of the schools in Yazd. Because of his dedication and perseverance, he was promoted to an administrative position, eventually becoming the school's head accountant.

He had an excellent reputation among his co-workers and his superiors who thought so highly of him that the complaints lodged against him for being a Bahá’í were ignored.

His services were so essential that, when the time came for him to retire, his letters of resignation were repeatedly refused until finally, after 34 years of service, he retired.

Mr. Faridani was as distinguished in his services to the Faith as he was in his professional life. He assiduously studied Bahá’í literature and attended the classes of famous Bahá’í teachers and scholars. He served on the Youth and Education committees in Yazd where he also taught Bahá’í classes.

In 1950, when the members of the local Spiritual Assembly of Yazd were imprisoned, although still young, he was elected secretary of the Assembly and performed that function admirably through those difficult and dangerous times. He continued to serve in that capacity until he was appointed an Auxiliary Board member.

In 1980, several of the Bahá’ís of Yazd including a number of the members of its Spiritual Assembly were arrested and imprisoned. Mr. Faridani's relatives and friends insisted that he should leave the city to escape the same fate, but he would not abandon his co-religionists and instead exerted all his efforts to secure the release of those in prison.

In was no surprise, then, that on July 26, 1980, he also was arrested and imprisoned. While in prison, Mr. Faridani wrote a long letter in defense of the Bahá’í prisoners, refuting the charges brought against them.

Nigeria

...eight chiefs (the Oniis’ representatives in the villages).

Mrs. Gordon was also able to give a half-hour radio interview, a half-hour State Television interview, and a 45-minute National Television interview about the Faith.

The project combines deepening, prayer and spiritual discipline to create a community of pure channels through which the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh is able to flow to reach the masses.

Since the local Assemblies have been formed, a team of four teachers has been traveling from village to village, deepening each family in a systematic way, following a curriculum of 19 lessons. How's that for Nigeria's first nationwide teaching event?

Pennsylvania Bahá’ís mark anniversary of Master’s visit by ‘meeting’ ship Cedric

Three of the Bahá’ís from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania who ‘met’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ship, the Cedric, last April 11 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of His arrival in North America. Pictured (left to right) are Sally Cordova, Hedy Deuschle and Laura Lawrence. Taking the photograph was the fourth member of the group, Martha Ward.

On April 11, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá first set foot on American soil, disembarking from the Cedric, a ship of the White Star line which also numbered among its fleet the ill-fated Titanic, which was due to arrive in New York City six days after the Cedric.

While most of the western world stood in awe of and later mourned the "unsinkable" Titanic, victim of an iceberg in the North Atlantic, the slower and more modest Cedric quietly accomplished its mission of safely delivering to America a Man Whose visit would forever change our spiritual destiny.

Early in 1987, four Bahá’ís from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Laura Lawrence, Sally Cordova, Martha Ward and Hedy Deuschle) decided to "meet" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ship on the morning of April 11 to commemorate that most significant event.

After checking The New York Times for that date and consulting with the historian of the New York City Ports Authority, they ascertained that the Cedric had docked at pier 59, and that the pier numbers had not changed since 1912. The piers themselves had been rebuilt after World War II but the location remained the same.

Their report continues:

"The White Star line no longer exists but we could still see the faded letters on a massive, aging stone entrance to its once-fine array of piers. Approaching pier 59, however, we found a whole new superstructure that is now assigned to the City of New York's Department of Sanitation.

"How intimidating the dark expanse filled with sanitation trucks seemed as we hesitated at the door. Beyond the garage, however, the pier gleamed in the sparkling sunshine, set apart from the busy city behind it.

"Boats steamed up the Hudson River and helicopters hummed overhead. Cars streamed over a distant bridge, and modern buildings rose on the opposite river bank. No mistaking this place for the slower-paced world of 1912.

"We moved to the end of the pier for a simple ceremony of prayers, silent meditation and one final gesture: while saying ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá,’ we tossed pink and red roses into the river below.

"As the petals disappeared beneath the waves and 1912 dissolved in our memories, we hoped that the glorious future foreseen by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would soon emerge as clearly as the impressions He left us of the cherished past."

Ads

"to Fundamental Questions" by Jack McCants, set of 4 tapes, $20; "The Forces of Light and Darkness" by Counselor Hooper Dunbar, set of 4 tapes, $20; "Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind" by Holly Vick, set of 3 tapes, $16; "Marriage Enrichment Institute" by Dr. Hossain Danesh, set of 4 tapes, $20; "Women and the Age of Equality" by Dr. Jane Faily and "Women of Color in America" by Dr. Gwen Lewis, $6 per tape. Contact: Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

"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).

A TIMELY WAY to keep the Bahá’í message "on hand": One Planet, One People... Please watches in men's and ladies' styles, guaranteed for one year against manufacturing defects. Main spring-powered movement with gold tone case and black leather band, $19.95. Quartz battery-powered, gold-plated case, black leather band, $35. Deluxe quartz, thin case, $49. Tax (in California) and shipping extra. Illustrated flyer available. Order from Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

"THE HUMAN Soul," an enlightening talk on cassette tape by Adib Taherzadeh on the nature and condition of the human soul (regularly $7.50) is on sale through October for $7 (plus 10 per cent for shipping and handling, minimum $1). Please make checks payable to Images International and send to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

"MY CALAMITY Is My Providence," an anthology of poetry in response to the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, compiled by Tahirih Khodadoust Foroughi, is available from Images International. This anthology comes in an English volume and a Persian, each with 95 poems. The cost is $5 each plus 10 per cent for shipping and handling (minimum $1). Please make checks payable to Images International and mail to P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007. Don't forget to indicate your preference for the English or Persian volume!

"CLOSE Connections," an album by 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 shipping and handling, minimum $1) to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

MAGAZINES, JOURNALS

THE SUMMER 1987 issue of U.S. Bahá’í Report was mailed the first week in August to our regular mailing list of U.S. congressmen, major news media, State Department offices, and others interested in the events and progress of the American Bahá’í community. Who in your city or town would benefit from U.S. Bahá’í Report? Have you presented "The Promise of World Peace" to local media, the mayor, clergymen, or local service organizations? These are just the audience for U.S. Bahá’í Report. Ask for a sample issue and consult about it at your next Feast or teaching committee meeting. Bahá’ís may subscribe for $10 a year (four issues). For more information, contact Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BRILLIANT Star subscriptions: Send $12 for one year (six issues) to Brilliant Star, c/o Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal: a magazine for Bahá’í parents; a source of creative encouragement from Bahá’ís around the world for mothers and fathers striving to raise up a new, peaceful humanity; a supportive service for those of us who are engaged in nurturing children as spiritual beings. Published quarterly, Spiritual Mothering includes beautifully illustrated feature articles; columns on marriage, attribute recognition and fathering; book reviews, and a lively "letters to the editor" section. Cost: $10/year. Write to Sandy, OR 97055.

dialogue: A Quarterly Journal Exploring the Implications of the Bahá’í Faith for our Time needs you! Are you a writer, artist or cartoonist? dialogue is looking for contributions from Bahá’ís dealing with contemporary social and religious issues. We also need help with word processing (a Macintosh computer is required) and are looking for an advertising salesperson. For more information, please contact dialogue, c/o Steven Scholl, P.O. Box 24B21, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

MOVING? Your child's subscription to Brilliant Star magazine should follow you to your new home. Remember that when you change your address with the Office of Membership and Records to include also the names and identification numbers of your children. If your children are not yet registered with the National Center, you can contact your local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee for more information and child registration cards, or write directly to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

FOR SALE

TWO-BEDROOM mobile home available in an ideal pioneering goal area 76 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada; a unique old mining town that refuses to die. Home is on two lots, has raised dining area with window facing mountain at the end of a street. Fenced for privacy with a driveway all around. Price: $19,500. Write to Vincent Calli, P.O. Box 171, Chloride, AZ 86431, or phone 602-565-3848.

HOME for sale: three-bedroom, two-bath with wood stove in a park-like setting near schools, shopping and lakes. Near Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Three adult Bahá’ís besides ourselves. Write to Earl Arnold, Sumner, WA 98390, or phone 206-863-8650.

LEAVING Rapid City, South Dakota, to pioneer overseas. Please move here and buy our already "spiritually saturated" home. $10,000 down, assume 8 1/2 per cent loan on $52,000. Small community but vital to the teaching work on the Indian Reservation; Assembly must maintain incorporated status, as it sponsors the Amoz Gibson Project. This home and community needs Bahá’ís desperately. Write to Patt/Bob Haugen, 3525 Bris- Rapid City, SD 57702, or phone 605-342-3562.

MISCELLANEOUS

AGRICULTURE. Fulfill a goal of the Six Year Plan! Join with your fellow agriculturalists to form a professional society focusing on the foundation of civilization: agriculture. At this time the goal is to compile a mailing list of Bahá’ís who make their living from any form of agriculture, and to coordinate meetings and discussions at Bahá’í conferences and schools, meetings or professional societies or other events where two or more Bahá’ís can get together and exchange information. Please send a letter with your name, address, and vision of a Bahá’í professional ag group to Chris English, Globe, AZ 85501.

HOLIDAY house exchange offer in France. Bahá’í friends in America: we are a French family with children studying in the U.S. If we could borrow your home, our family could spend Christmas (or other holidays) together, while you could visit France using our home in the 18th-century city of Nantes. Our house has three large bedrooms, and the usual U.S.-type appliances. Use our car for excursions (the great castles of the Loire region are only two and one-half hours away). There are English- and Persian-speaking Bahá’ís on our Assembly. Please write quickly: Robart, 44000 Nantes, France. [Page 27]

UN develops plan to combat drug abuse

The United Nations International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held June 17-26 in Vienna, Austria, concluded by adopting two main documents: a Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Outline (CMO) of future activities, and a Declaration setting priorities for future action against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs.

About half of the 138 participating member states of the UN were represented by ministers of Cabinet rank, which testified both to the multidisciplinary character of the work of drug abuse control and to the seriousness with which governments view this problem.

The conference was opened by UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuellar who called for an intensification of efforts at all levels to deal with the pervasive and insidious drug problem.

He emphasized the "major contribution" of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who, "with their vast outreach at the community and personal level, have an incomparable capacity for promoting demand reduction."

The conference, whose theme was "Yes to Life... No to Drugs," also heard opening messages sent by, among others, the Presidents of Bolivia and the U.S., the chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, and Pope John Paul II.

The CMO is a set of recommendations addressed to governments and organizations offering practical measures that could contribute to fighting the drug problem.

It has four Chapters, dealing with prevention and reduction of illicit demand, control of supply, suppression of illicit trafficking, and treatment and rehabilitation, and contains 35 specific targets which define the problem and the suggested courses of action at the national, regional and international levels that are considered "realistically attainable" over the next 10 to 15 years.

The adopted Declaration, which affirms the member states' belief "...in human dignity and the legitimate aspiration of humankind for a decent life with moral, humanitarian and spiritual values in a healthy, safe environment," emphasizes the need for all the international community to adopt measures to treat all aspects and causes of the problem while recognizing the collective responsibility of states to provide appropriate resources for the elimination of the problem.

In his final remarks, the president of the conference, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, said that translating political commitment into effective action would still depend primarily on national efforts by individual countries.

Here, he said, the NGOs' contributions have been immeasurable, and valuable insights into their efforts had been obtained.

Representatives of more than 150 NGOs, many UN member states and UN agencies contributed to the lively and substantive discussions at the NGO Forum which was held concurrent to the governmental conference.

The range of panel and workshop sessions was extensive: from prevention and community awareness, treatment and rehabilitation, risk groups, public health policies, the epidemic spread of such diseases as AIDS, education, information and the media, to crop substitution and rural development, drugs and the workplace, the special needs of developing countries, law enforcement and the community, and NGO networking.

Throughout the diverse and multidisciplinary approaches, a pervasive theme was prevention in a holistic, person-centered approach.

The strong influence of parents as role models was stressed, as was the need for support for and involvement of both parents, particularly women as the first educators.

The seven-member Bahá’í International Community (BIC) delegation offered the Fire Tablet and Tablet of Visitation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá every morning for the benefit of everyone at the conference.

In addition, Rosalind Harris, program director of the Planning Committee for NGO Activities, presented two statements to the Plenary on behalf of all NGOs. Both statements included important quotations as well as the spirit and concepts presented by BIC representatives.

The BIC input was the basis for many important concepts, especially on prevention, which are now a part of the official UN documents and the documents of the NGO Forum.

The BIC exhibit consisted of two panels and was titled "Prevention: Spiritual Dimension." On a table between the panels was a display of BIC statements including copies of three papers by Dr. A.M. Ghadirian: "Prevention of Drug Abuse: A Bahá’í Perspective," "Adolescent Alcoholism: Motives and Alternatives," and "Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Montreal High School Students."

Two books were also on display: In Search of Nirvana and The Reality of Man.

The exhibit was well-located and participants could hardly miss it. (Much of this report was prepared by Dennis Callagy, UN representative for the International Catholic Child Bureau in Vienna.)

Association sets 12th Conference at Princeton U.

Don't forget the 12th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies to be held October 22-25 at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey.

This year's theme is "Converging Realities: An International Conference on Science, the Humanities, and Religion."

In addition to the annual Hasan Balyúzí Lecture and an outstanding lineup of speakers, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, awards for excellence in Bahá’í studies will be presented in each of the following categories:

Best essay on some aspect of the Faith by a high school student. Best essay on some aspect of the Faith by a university student. Best original research on an aspect of the Faith by an individual. Best creative writing related to the Bahá’í Faith.

For information, contact the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Ontario, Canada KIN 7K4 (phone 613-233-1903).

PUBLIC INFORMATION MATERIALS

Available from the Office of Public Information

New! Reprints of Atlantic Monthly and Christian Century articles regarding Iran.

Excellent for local Spiritual Assemblies and their Public Information Representatives for interviews with the press and for presentations to public officials. Also excellent for individual teaching.

25 cents plus postage.

Special packets regarding the persecutions in Iran. Items included:

Winter 1983-84 issue of World Order magazine. "The Bahá’ís in Iran: A Report on the Persecution of a Religious Minority." "Major Developments: July 1982-July 1985"-Update Report. "The Bahá’ís in Iran: The Minority Rights Group Report No. 51." "The Many Faces of Persecution."

$2 plus postage.

Postage: 10 per cent of order (75-cent minimum).

Make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund." Include full name and address. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Bahá’í Center of Greater Orlando

Pictured are some of the 50 Bahá’ís and their guests who attended the formal opening June 20 of the Bahá’í Center of Greater Orlando, Florida. The guest speakers were Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts (fifth from right in back row) and Orlando City Commissioner Nap Ford (to Mrs. Fouts' left) who mentioned the diversity of the 'human flower garden' and said Orlando 'needs more Bahá’ís and more Bahá’í Centers. Also present was the Rev. Donald Crismon (third from left in back row). The Spiritual Assembly of Winter Springs donated a dedication plaque which reads, 'Dedicated to the Glory of God.'

Bahá’í addresses Jewish congregation at Bakersfield Temple

On June 26, at the invitation of the Jewish congregation of Temple Beth El, the Bahá’ís of Bakersfield, California, attended Shabbat (sabbath) services and provided a guest speaker, Dr. Fereshteh Bethel, a psychotherapist from Fountain Valley, who spoke on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran today.

An article from The Christian Science Monitor, published in the local paper in Bakersfield, prompted Tim Prince, president of Temple Beth El, to contact the Bahá’ís for more information and to ask for a guest speaker.

After her speech, Dr. Bethel fielded questions, presented a copy of William Sears' book, A Cry from the Heart, to Mr. Prince, and invited members of the congregation to pick up copies of the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice.

Do’a group profiled by Portsmouth paper

A half-page article about the Do’a World Music Ensemble appeared July 9, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Báb, in the Portsmouth (New Hampshire) Herald.

The article explains the Bahá’í concepts on which Do’a, founded a dozen years ago by Randy Armstrong and Ken LaRoche, is based, talks about the group's recent trip to India for the dedication of the House of Worship there, and praises its music and "the awareness (of unity) created by playing diverse instruments of many different cultures and peoples of the earth."

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Some advice to help avoid media pitfalls

This is the first in a series of articles on "avoiding media confusion."

In public information, a wise and careful approach is required. Bahá’ís must often put aside their uniquely Bahá’í perspective in order to imagine whether the meaning of certain concepts and terms will make sense to those who are not Bahá’ís. Although this is of particular interest to those appointed to represent the Faith with the communications media, individual Bahá’ís may find it helpful in their teaching efforts.

1. Do not use the term "holocaust" when describing the persecutions in Iran. Its association with the destruction of the Jewish community in Europe during World War II could make it seem that the Bahá’ís are sensationalizing or capitalizing on another tragedy. Under the scrutiny of the often cynical eye of the news media, such sensationalism could damage our efforts to bring the persecution to light. Other terms of equal strength, such as "genocide," "extermination" or "destruction" can be used to express the same idea and carry the same weight as "holocaust."

2. Because the concept of martyrdom is alien to and misunderstood by the generality of the American public, and in fact is even seen as a sign of weakness, the Office of Public Information advises the word choices listed here:

Instead of: martyr, martyrdom, martyred Use: victim, execution, executed, killed or murdered

3. Terms with which we are familiar, such as "National Assembly," "Auxiliary Board member," "Manifestation of God" or "progressive revelation," have little meaning to someone who has limited or no knowledge of the Faith. Concepts like world government or compulsory education are, when given superficial treatment or explanation, often threatening or confusing.

4. The names of national or local committees mean little to people who are not Bahá’ís, and can give an impression that the Administrative Order of the Faith is a convoluted bureaucracy. When it is appropriate to refer to committees and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly or the local Spiritual Assembly, always use the correct name. Abbreviations or acronyms, such as NSA, LSA, DTC, BOPA lack dignity and leave the listener confused. [Page 28]

Crecimiento espiritual es de vital importancia

SPANISH

Los Escritos Bahá’ís nos dicen que los seres humanos tienen a la vez cuerpo y espíritu.

El cuerpo, nuestra realidad física, es mortal—a la larga dejará de existir. Queda sujeto a las pruebas y penas del mundo físico.

El espíritu es inmortal. "Es espíritu del hombre tiene principio," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá nos dice, "pero no tiene fin; perdura eternamente." ("Contestación a Unas Preguntas," página 139). El espíritu y el cuerpo físico se unen al momento de la concepción.

El vínculo entre el cuerpo y el espíritu es la mente. El espíritu, dice ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, puede compararse con el sol. La mente emana del espíritu—es como los rayos de luz que vienen del sol.

El cuerpo es como un espejo sobre el cual cae la luz. El espíritu nunca entra al cuerpo; por lo tanto, no queda afectado por ninguno de los problemas que puedan afectar al cuerpo. Así, el espíritu continúa aún después de que el cuerpo desaparece a causa de la muerte.

"Si llegaras a lograr una gota de las cristalinas aguas del conocimiento divino," asevera Bahá’u’lláh, "facilmente te darías cuenta de que la verdadera vida no es la vida de la carne, sino la vida del espíritu.

"Por cuanto la vida de la carne es común a hombres y animales, mientras que la vida del espíritu la poseen solamente los puros de corazón, quienes han bedido del océano de la fe y han probado el fruto de la certeza. Esta vida no conoce muerte; y esta existencia está coronada por la inmortalidad." (El Kitáb-i-fqán, página 78)

Desde el momento que nacemos, tenemos necesidades físicas que tienen que llenarse, tales como la necesidad de alimento y de protección del mal tiempo. Así mismo, nos atrae algo a llenar nuestras necesidades espirituales.

Nuestros espíritus sienten anhelo del alimento espiritual. Mientras no nos despertemos espiritualmente mediante la fe en Dios—el renacimiento espiritual del que habla Cristo—es como si no tuvieramos vida en absoluto.

Bahá’u’lláh dice que existen dos obligaciones para cada persona. "El primer deber prescrito por Dios a Sus siervos es el reconocimiento de Aquel Quien es la Aurora de Su Revelación (la Manifestación de Dios para cada época)." Esto incluye la constancia en Su amor, a pesar de cualesquier pruebas que podamos experimentar.

La segunda obligación es el de "observar toda ordenanza de Aquel Quien es el Deseo del mundo." (Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, página 233)

Cuando cumplimos con estas obligaciones, realizamos nuestra verdadera naturaleza—nuestra naturaleza espiritual.

Podemos optar por dirigir el espejo de nuestras mentes hacia las cosas materiales, y así reflejará lo material. Sólo si decidimos dirigirlo hacia las cosas del espíritu, hemos de recibir las bendiciones espirituales.

Las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh nos guían en nuestros esfuerzos por crecer espiritualmente. Y este crecimiento espiritual es de vital importancia. Pués es lo que llevamos con nosotros en nuestra vida después de la muerte.

Un embrión desarrolla brazos, piernas y ojos en el vientre de la madre. Cuando nace en el mundo físico, encuentra que estos órganos son esenciales para su vida física.

De la misma manera, las cualidades espirituales que desarrollamos en el mundo físico, cualidades tales como la fe, la justicia y el amor, son necesarias para nuestra vida en el mundo venidero.

"Oh amigo," Bahá’u’lláh nos suplica, "el corazón es la morada de los misterios eternos, no lo conviertas en el hogar de las imaginaciones pasajeras; no desperdicies el tesoro de tu preciosa vida en estar ocupada con este mundo que pronto se desvanece.

"Tu has venido del mundo de santidad—no enlaces tu corazón con la tierra; tu moras en la corte de la cercanía—no escojas la patria del polvo." (The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, página 35)

Se realizó institudo para el entrenamiento de jóvenes varones

Del 9 al 18 de enero del presente año, se realizó el primer Instituto para el entrenamiento de jóvenes varones en en Instituto de Tumben Kin, Muna, Yucatán.

En el cuál participaron jóvenes del pueblo de San Simón, más cinco de distintos pueblos.

Diariamente después del desayuno se formaron cuatro equipos y trabajaron en el rancho, en el parque de niños, la cancha de volibol del Instituto, su labor consistió en pintar puertas y ventanas, poner el "sac be" (senderos de tierra blanca), entre los edificios del Instituto.

Realizaron clases sobre temas básicos de la Fe, y tuvieron un taller durante 4 días, en el cuál Guibaldo Jiménez, panadero Bahá’í de Mérida, enseño su oficio a los jóvenes, también estudiaron nutrición y practicaron a escribir cartas.

Al final del Instituto se les escuchó decir "Cuando regresemos en marzo," enunciando que es la mejor indicación del éxito del Instituto.

(News Item: Harrison County, Texas)

With the grateful approval of the Spiritual Assembly of Harrison County, Texas, Bahá’í youth drove as much as 12 hours recently to spend four days refurbishing the exterior of the Bahá’í Center at Karnak-Leigh. The youth, from Lubbock and Tyler, were helped by adults from Kilgore, Karnak and Shreveport, Louisiana, in repairing doors and windows and scraping and painting the Center's exterior. Shortly afterward, an extensive article about the Faith appeared in the Sunday "Life Style" section of the Marshall News Messenger.

La vida del alma después de la muerte

Todos las Manifestaciones de Dios han enseñado que al alma sigue con vida después de la muerte del cuerpo.

En realidad, uno de los propósitos de los Manifestaciones de Dios, tal como lo describe Bahá’u’lláh, es el de "educar a todos los hombres, para que, a la hora de la muerte, podrán ascender, en la mayor pureza y santidad y con despredimiento absoluto, hacia el trono del Altísimo." (Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, página 110)

"La naturaleza del alma después de la muerte," escribe Bahá’u’lláh, "nunca podrá ser descrita; no es conveniente, ni permisible revelar todo su carácter a los ojos de los hombres." (Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, página 110)

Sin embargo, Bahá’u’lláh nos ha dicho algunas cosas muy directas sobre la muerte.

Bahá’u’lláh nos asegura, ante todo, que el alma sigue existiendo. Aquellas almas que se han vuelto hacia Dios durante su vida física tendrán la unión con El.

"Aquellos que son los seguidores del Dios único y verdadero, desde el momento en que abandonen esta vida, experimentarán tal gozo y alegría, que será imposible describirlos...."

En cuanto a los que hayan dado las espaldas a Dios, "aquellos que viven en error serán sobrecogidos por tal temor y estremecimiento, y se llenarán de tal consternación, que nada podrá excederlos." (Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, página 120)

Ambos tienen la vida eterna, pero la calidad de esa vida depende del progreso espiritual logrando en el mundo físico.

"Esta piedra y este hombre existen," nos explica ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "pero la piedra, en relación con la existencia del hombre, no existe. ...De igual manera, las almas que se han alejado de Dios, si bien existen en este mundo y en el mundo después de la muerte, en comparación.... no existen y están apartados de Dios." (Contestación a Unas Preguntas, página 227)

En el mundo venidero, el alma retendrá su conciencia. Reconocerá a otras almas que conocía en el mundo físico y podrá "hablar" con ellos. La existencia en el otro mundo, sin embargo, no es física—no tenemos manos, ni ojos, ni boca.

En el mundo venidero, el alma seguirá progresando espiritualmente. El alma podrá rezar por las personas en el mundo físico, de la misma manera que nosotros podremos rezar por ellos. Siempre existe la esperanza de recibir el perdón de Dios.

El obtener el progreso espiritual, no obstante, es diferente del progreso espiritual que logramos en este mundo. Allá depende de la misericordia de Dios. Es muy importante que nos preparamos para el mundo venidero mientras aún vivamos.

Las virtudes espirituales que desarrollamos en el mundo físico son como los poderes físicos que el niño desarrolla en el vientre. Nos preparan para poder crecer después de la muerte.

Por encima de todo, Bahá’u’lláh nos dice que la muerte no es algo que debemos temer.

"He hecho de la muerte un mensajero de alegría para ti." (Bahá’u’lláh, Las Palabras Ocultas, del Arabe, No. 32)

El dolor que sentimos al perder un ser querido es el dolor de la separación; pronto estaremos reunidos. La persona que muere se une con su Señor.

"Tu Paraíso es Mi amor; tu morada celestial, la reunión conmigo. Entra, no tardes. Esto es lo que ha sido destinado para ti en Nuestro reino de lo alto y en Nuestro exaltado dominio." (Bahá’u’lláh, Las Palabras Ocultas, del Arabe, No. 6)

La Tercera Conferencia Anual de los Bahá’ís de Habla Hispana a celebrarse en octubre

Las Asambleas Espirituales de San Fernando y Fillmore, California, y de Ensenada, México, se encuentran actualmente trabajando a toda maquina con los preparativos de la Tercera Conferencia Anual de los Bahá’ís de Habla Hispana, a celebrarse del 16 al 18 de octubre de 1987.

Como sucedió en los dos eventos internacionales anteriores que se llevaron a cabo con mucho éxito, el sitio principal de la Conferencia será el Centro Bahá’í de San Fernando, una ciudad que se encuentra a una distancia de 20 millas al norte de Los Angeles. En caso de que la asistencia a la Conferencia sobrepasara la capacidad del Centro Bahá’í, existen planes para celebrarla en un sitio alternativo cerca de este.

Una vez más se está planificando la Conferencia en consulta con el Dr. Arturo Serrano de Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros para las Américas, al igual que con Jacqueline Delahunt, del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza. El tema para este ano es "Reencuentro Con Nuestra Espiritualidad."

Aunque la Conferencia se ha diseñado para los bahá’ís latinos y no latinos de habla hispana, el programa para 1987 comprende una parte importante para los bahá’ís que no hablan español. Los tópicos de las conferencias incluyen:

• El Alma y el Desarrollo Espiritual
• Como Animar a los Que No Hablan Español Para Que Estos Enseñan a los Hispanoparlantes
• Explorando el Prejuicio Desde Ambos Lados
• Un Resúmen de la Doctrina Católica Romana y la Respuesta Bahá’í Ante Ella
• El Transcender los Aspecto Biculturales y Bilingües de la Enseñanza
• La Conección Espiritual de la Enseñanza: El Combatir Contra el Materialismo Corrosivo
• El Significado Espiritual del Fondo
• La Enseñanza de la Fe Como Proceso Continuo, No Como Evento
• Viaje de Exploración a Fillmore para Pionería Local

La lista ilustre de los ponentes invitados comprende al Consejero Eloy Anello de Bolivia, la Consejera Isabel de Calderón (hermana del difunto Consejero Raúl Pavón) del Ecuador, la Miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar Teresa MacGregor del Yucatán, el Consejero Fred Schechter de los Estados Unidos, el Consejero Dr. Arturo Serrano de México, y el Consejero Rodrigo Tomás de Costa Rica.

Estos maravillosos maestros indudablemente les proporcionarán a los amigos una efusión sin precedentes de energía, amor, experiencia e inspiración.

La matrícula de la Conferencia (no habrá pre-registración) costará $10 por persona o $20 per familia.

A los asistentes se les dará la opción de quedarse en moteles cercanos o, trayendo bolsas de dormir, etc., recibir hospedaje gratuito en el Centro Bahá’í o con familias vecinas.

Para indicar su selección tendrán que ponerse en contacto con Marcos y Susan Selaya del Centro Bahá’í, llamando al 818-361-6931 o con Tom y Farahnaz Kavelin, llamando al 818-361-8744. Los cuatro hablan español. [Page 29]

Viewpoint

of mankind and from the all-encompassing nature of the Bahá’í teachings.

Bahá’ís stand for the interests of all mankind; we will not compromise the integrity of this belief to support one faction's interests over those of another, or to support the interests of one class over those of another, or one party over another, or one nation over another.

Our basic commitment is the unity of the human race—we should do all that we can, as individuals and as a community, to further that ideal both within and outside the scope of the Bahá’í community.

Within the context of this larger Bahá’í principle of universality, Bahá’í policies will change over time.

For example, in the early days of the constitutional Revolution in Iran (1906-11), at a time when the country was organizing its first legislature, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urged the Iranian Bahá’ís to work for the election of the Hands of the Cause or other believers to the new parliament.

Later, when the Master saw that this parliament was only to become a battleground for warring foreign interests and would not work for the interests of the nation as a whole, and when civil war broke out, He insisted that the Bahá’ís of Iran should withdraw from politics altogether.

In the West, however, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never asked the Bahá’ís to withdraw from politics.

On the contrary, He insisted that American Bahá’ís must vote and take part in the affairs of the Republic. It was Shoghi Effendi, as Mr. Poirier points out, who, much later in the 1930s, applied the earlier instructions of the Master to the Bahá’ís in Iran to the Western believers.

Even here, American Bahá’ís have always been allowed to vote in elections, while in Iran, Bahá’ís have always been forbidden by the institutions of the Faith to exercise the franchise.

That the present Bahá’í principle of nonparticipation in politics must be regarded as a temporary strategy, and not as a fixed and permanent feature of the Faith, should be obvious to anyone who considers the long-term future.

Let us imagine a situation, for example, in which 90 per cent of the population of a country—or a city, for that matter—has become Bahá’í. Are we to imagine that the Bahá’ís are to continue to refrain from participating in government affairs and leave the administration of the state to the minority of non-Bahá’ís?

Would Bahá’ís then not serve in the legislature, and indeed in all branches of the government?

The answer seems fairly obvious. But let us now imagine a situation in which Bahá’ís make up only 50 per cent of the population—or, say, 48 per cent. Is it reasonable to maintain that such a community should refrain from influencing the laws and policies of the state in the direction of Bahá’í principles?

Are we to be required, under such circumstances, to allow the (supposedly less enlightened and less spiritual) non-Bahá’ís unchallenged control of the laws and decisions of government?

Hardly so. But what if Bahá’ís should make up only 10 per cent of the population—a considerable number in any political arena, and perhaps the balance of power between progressive and unenlightened politicians. What are our obligations then?

It seems to me clear that the Bahá’í community has an obligation under all circumstances to influence society in positive directions whenever it is able to do so without compromising its own principles or standards.

Today, in most societies, Bahá’ís are in no such position since our numbers are so few and our influence so insignificant. Certainly in the 1920s and 1930s—at the time when Shoghi Effendi promulgated his instructions on political activity—the Bahá’í communities in the West were minuscule—with less than 100 Bahá’ís in Britain, and less than 3,000 in the U.S.

Clearly, the community might have been destroyed by any foray into the political arena or any alliance with a partisan group, no matter how fully in accord with Bahá’í principles, and, beyond this, the Bahá’í teachings were unknown or misunderstood in the society as a whole.

There was no chance whatever for the Bahá’í community to take an independent stance on any issue and have its independence as a community understood and respected.

Under such circumstances, for the believers to have made an effort to throw the weight of their community behind any progressive social cause would have been ridiculous—and more than that, disastrous in its consequences for the progress of the Cause.

Priority, at that time, had to be given—almost exclusively—to the consolidation and expansion of the Faith. All the energy of the believers was needed simply to lift the Faith out of its utter obscurity.

But that goal has now been achieved. Today, with some 100,000 Bahá’ís in the U.S., the Faith has finally emerged from its obscure position and attained wide recognition.

Further, as demonstrated by our successful work on behalf of ratification of the UN Convention on Genocide, we are in a position to have a considerable impact on the life of the nation. We have entered a new era.

In such a new circumstance, the sedulous and unthinking application of regulations and instructions given by Shoghi Effendi more than half a century ago—under entirely different conditions—would be a mistaken course for the community to follow, and would in any case soon prove unworkable.

Certainly, it is clear that the Guardian himself had no intentions of setting up these regulations for all time. Repeatedly, he reminded the friends that the future progress of the Cause was in the hands of the Universal House of Justice, which would have to review and continually update all secondary rules and regulations.

The Bahá’ís of the world must now seek—under the guidance of the House of Justice—new paths of independent action to exercise a positive influence on the course of human history.

To remain trapped in old strategies, or to insist on the inflexibility of past policies, would indicate a tragic failure to come to terms with this new epoch of Bahá’í history.

If we were to follow such a course, we would blind ourselves to the circumstances that are at hand and waste priceless opportunities that will never come again.

Four Major Bahá’í Funds

There are four major Bahá’í Funds to which every Bahá’í is encouraged to contribute:

Local Bahá’í Fund (Ask your local Bahá’í community for the correct address)

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Continental Bahá’í Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Bahá’í International Fund P.O. Box 155 Haifa, Israel 31-000 (or through the National Bahá’í Fund)

Auction, dinner help raise funds in Lima, Ohio

On May 16, some 90 Bahá’ís came to Lima, Ohio, for a formal dinner and auction to raise funds for the restoration of the home of Frank and Dorothy Baker, which had fallen into disrepair over the years.

The restoration plan was adopted at last year's Northern Ohio District Convention as a goal for social and economic development in accordance with the Six Year Plan.

Once the repairs have been completed, the Baker home will be used as a non-profit social agency and will also be available as a site for Bahá’í functions in the district.

It was a well-known center for Bahá’í activities in the 1940s and 1950s before the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker's untimely death in an airplane crash near Cyprus in January 1954.

The Shawnee Country Club, of which the Bakers had been members, was the site for the fund-raiser.

The keynote speaker was the Bakers' daughter, Louise Baker Matthias, and the master of ceremonies was Diane Taherzadeh of Michigan.

A fun-filled auction and generous cash contributions resulted in a total of $8,200 for the restoration.

A rosewood piano and antique bedroom suite, originally from the Bakers' home, were purchased at the auction and later donated to the Louhelen Bahá’í School for use in restoration of the Eggleston house.

The evening ended with live music by Bahá’í professional musicians Leon VanBuren, Laura Mitchel and John O'Dell of Mansfield; and Bruce Davis and Beauford Williams of Weller Township.

Pictured are some of the 90 Bahá’ís who took part in an auction May 16 in Lima, Ohio, to raise funds for the restoration of the home of Frank and Dorothy Baker.

Louise Baker Matthias speaks about her mother, the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker.

Encyclopedia lists 3 articles by Bahá’ís

Three articles written by Bahá’ís are among the more than 2,700 articles by some 1,400 religious scholars in The Encyclopedia of Religion, a comprehensive 16-volume work published recently by Macmillan.

Articles on the Bábí and Bahá’í religions were contributed by Alessandro Bausani of Italy while a third article, on the Shaykhi School (founded by Shaykh Ahmad al-Ahsa'i) was contributed by Steven Scholl of Claremont, California.

The encyclopedia is especially strong on cross-cultural religious themes including symbols, legends, rituals and motifs, and also fully covers religious communities and institutions and the major religious figures of the world's faiths.

New from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

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

New proclamation opportunities with pocket-sized edition of the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice

• designed to fit into a woman's purse, a man's jacket pocket, and a No. 10 envelope
• ideal for handy reference and for giving away

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order (no charge for postage or handling) to: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880 [Page 30]

New World Order destined to unite peoples and nations

"Blessed is He." With these words the Báb foreshadows the ultimate fruit of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh—a new World Order destined to unite the peoples and nations of the world.

In Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings guidance is provided to foster the spiritual, the moral, and even the material development of individuals. He has likewise provided principles that serve to guide the progress of society—for example, teachings on universal education, the equality of men and women, and the creation and maintenance of international peace.

Such teachings alone, however, whether for the benefit of the individual or society, cannot accomplish their intended purpose unless they are incorporated in a structure that will govern the affairs of humanity.

As Shoghi Effendi explains, "...The Spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh upon the world... can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His laws....

"For Bahá’u’lláh, we should readily recognize," the Guardian continues, "has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy, however potent, sound and universal these may be.

"In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy.

"These are destined to be a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument for the establishment of the Most Great Peace, and the one agency for the unification of the world, and the proclamation of the reign of righteousness and justice upon the earth." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 19)

The existing Order of the world, based on the independent sovereignty of nations, daily demonstrates that it is no longer able to meet the needs of humanity. The threat of nuclear war, the unchecked spread of regional wars, the expanded use of terrorism, and the growing disparity between the rich and poor nations and peoples are only some of the major problems humanity has been unable to resolve.

These problems are a symptom of our lack of unity. And it is chiefly in establishing the basis of the unity of humanity that Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order will provide a remedy for the ills of society.

Bahá’u’lláh, as the Messenger of God for this Day, addresses the problems of the world in two ways, which Shoghi Effendi describes as the major and minor plans of God.

In the major plan, the spirit released by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh acts in the world to stimulate the progress of movements and institutions that support principles in harmony with Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.

At the same time, the ineffective and outdated structures of an old Order disintegrate under the stresses and problems that result from the world’s disunity.

"The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order," Bahá’u’lláh says. "Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed." (Gleanings, p. 136)

Carrying out God’s minor plan is a task given to the Bahá’ís. It is the spread of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and the raising of the institutions of His Administrative Order.

The present Bahá’í administration, which includes the local and national Assemblies being raised even in the most remote regions of the world, is, according to Shoghi Effendi, the "nucleus" and "pattern" of the future World Order. (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 144)

As time passes and the Message of Bahá’u’lláh comes to the attention of and is accepted by a larger number of people, the major and minor plans will draw closer.

The Faith, Shoghi Effendi informs us, will pass through the successive stages of "unmitigated obscurity (from which we have recently emerged), of active repression, and of complete emancipation, leading in turn to its being acknowledged as an independent Faith, enjoying the status of full equality with its sister religions, to be followed by its establishment and recognition as a State religion, which in turn must give way to its assumption of the rights and prerogatives associated with the Bahá’í state, functioning in the plenitude of its powers, a stage which must ultimately culminate in the emergence of the world-wide Bahá’í Commonwealth, animated wholly by the spirit, and operating solely in direct conformity with the laws and principles of Bahá’u’lláh." (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 12)

The world as well will pass through various stages that will include the political unity of the nations and the creation of a world federation headed by a supreme tribunal. Eventually, the two processes will merge in the Bahá’í Commonwealth.

The ultimate outcome of God’s plan is the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth—the establishment of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order.

It will involve not only the political and social unity of the peoples of the world, but a spiritual unity as well—the Most Great Peace. The establishment of the Bahá’í Commonwealth will be followed by the birth of a world civilization.

"This crowning stage in the evolution of the plan wrought by God Himself for humanity," Shoghi Effendi states, referring to the Bahá’í Commonwealth, "will, in turn, prove to be the signal for the birth of a world civilization, incomparable in its range, its character and potency, in the history of mankind—a civilization which posterity will, with one voice, acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, and whose rich harvest will be garnered during the future dispensations destined to succeed one another in the course of the five thousand century Bahá’í Cycle." (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 156)

The Seat of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel

From the Writings...

"As we view the world around us, we are compelled to observe the manifold evidences of that universal fermentation which, in every continent of the globe and in every department of human life, be it religious, social, economic or political, is purging and reshaping humanity in anticipation of the Day when the wholeness of the human race will have been recognized and its unity established. A two-fold process, however, can be distinguished, each tending, in it own way and with an accelerated momentum, to bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of our planet. The first is essentially an integrating process, while the second is fundamentally disruptive. The former, as it steadily evolves, unfolds a System which may well serve as a pattern for that world polity towards which a strangely-disordered world is continually advancing; while the latter, as its disintegrating influence deepens, tends to tear down, with increasing violence the antiquated barriers that seek to block humanity’s progress towards its destined goal. The constructive process stands associated with the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and is the harbinger of the New World Order that Faith must erelong establish. The destructive forces that characterize the other should be identified with a civilization that has refused to answer to the expectation of a new age, and is consequently falling into chaos and decline.

"A titanic, a spiritual struggle, unparalleled in its magnitude yet unspeakably glorious in its ultimate consequences, is being waged as a result of these opposing tendencies, in this age of transition through which the organized community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh and mankind as a whole are passing."—Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 170

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

• What are some signs from current events of the breakdown of the old world order? What are some signs of the building of the new World Order?
• What does Shoghi Effendi say is the source of the forces bringing down the old order? What is the source of the forces establishing the new Order?
• How does the Order established by Bahá’u’lláh—which outwardly may seem to be a replica of the institutions of Christianity or Islam—differ from those of other religions? (See page 18 of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Effendi.)
• What is the role of the individual Bahá’í in the processes described by Shoghi Effendi? What can you personally do?

The following references that address the topic of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi. This book includes a number of letters of the Guardian (including quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) that deal with conditions surrounding the unfoldment of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.

The Promised Day Is Come, by Shoghi Effendi, especially pages 108 ("The Continuity of Revelation") to the end of the book. This book examines the initial response of humanity to Bahá’u’lláh’s call and concludes with a look at the promise of the future.

Elements of Bahá’í Commonwealth set forth in Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

Unlike the institutions raised in other religions, the Order designed to guide the affairs of humanity that will result from the spread of the Bahá’í teachings is firmly established in the Writings of the Founder of the Faith.

Bahá’u’lláh, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and in certain other Tablets has set forth the elements necessary for the establishment of the Bahá’í World Commonwealth.

The statements in the Aqdas are confirmed, supplemented and correlated in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which, together with the Aqdas, serves as a charter for the emergence of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order.

"...the apostles of Bahá’u’lláh in every land," Shoghi Effendi writes, "...have before them in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic language, all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the institutions, the guidance, they require for the prosecution and consummation of their task.

"Both in the administrative provisions of the Bahá’í Dispensation, and in the matter of succession, as embodied in the twin institutions of the House of Justice and the Guardianship, the followers of Bahá’u’lláh can summon to their aid such irrefutable evidences of Divine Guidance that none can resist, that none can belittle or ignore. Therein lies the distinguishing feature of the Bahá’í Revelation. Therein lies the strength of the unity of the Faith...." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 21-22)

Indeed, it is not simply through our belief in and love for Bahá’u’lláh that we are united as Bahá’ís. Such love for the Manifestations of God in the past was not enough to preserve the unity of their followers.

Rather, it is in adherence to Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, particularly in regard to the Order He has established, that not only will the unity of the believers be protected but the ultimate unity of all humanity will be secured.

Don’t forget!

to attend your District Convention

Your vote is important to help elect a delegate to next year’s Bahá’í National Convention where he or she will in turn help elect the National Spiritual Assembly for 1988-89.

Make plans now to attend!

Eastern Oklahoma Bahá’í School slated for Marble City area

The 1987 Eastern Oklahoma Bahá’í School (autumn session) will be held October 30-November 1 at the Dwight Mission Presbyterian Conference Center near Marble City.

The speakers will include Florence Mayberry and Auxiliary Board member Shelley Pittman.

For information, contact the Registrar, P.O. Box 1814, Ponca City, OK 74602, or phone 405-765-8504. [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

The National Teaching Committee, encouraged by the quickening pace of teaching activities in many parts of the country, is taking steps to assure that an ever-increasing number of declarations and enrollments won't lead to the sort of administrative problems characteristic of mass teaching efforts in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

One phase of the committee's program involves a series of in-person conferences with District Teaching Committees during June and July at which is stressed the importance in the teaching process of preparation, follow-up, deepening and consolidation.

While the National Teaching Committee has been heartened by recent reports of teaching victories, says its secretary, John Conkling, "some problems have arisen, and we believe it is necessary to say again that every teaching effort must include an adequate component for deepening and consolidation.

"Otherwise, whatever victories are won could be jeopardized almost immediately."...

One community that is vigorously pursuing proclamation through newspaper display ads is Deerfield, Illinois, a village of some 20,000 on Chicago's North Shore, barely more than a stone's throw from the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

In a unique cooperative venture, Deerfield has enlisted the support of seven nearby communities and the Bahá’í National Information Office to produce a newspaper ad that appears on a regular basis in eight weekly North Shore newspapers....

In June, 250 people attend a concert by the Unity Bluegrass Band in Mapleton Township, South Dakota, presented as part of a Bahá’í Music Festival.

As a result, the Bahá’ís of Mapleton Township feel they have finally spread the word to the people in the community that Bahá’ís are warm, friendly and happy people, not some strange cult....

Members of 11 Indian tribes gather at a campsite near Ithaca, New York, June 24-26 for a Pow-wow Council Fire sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Ithaca and the American Indian Teaching Committee.

Tribes represented are Mohawk, Inca, Cherokee, Otomi, Seneca, Navajo, Oneida, Sioux, Kickapoo, St. Francis and Choctaw....

The California Regional Teaching Committee and Bahá’í Media Council sponsor media workshops at the Bahá’í Centers in Los Angeles and San Francisco to acquaint media reps from communities in Los Angeles County and the Bay Area with the various ways of using newspapers and radio in teaching activities. ...

Nearly 300 Bahá’ís from Illinois, along with representatives of the Hands of the Cause of God, the Continental Board of Counselors, and National and Regional Teaching Committees gather July 16-17 in Peoria for an Auxiliary Board Team Conference.

At the conference, Auxiliary Board members in Illinois introduce their newly appointed assistants to the community....

LETTERS

great. Our civilization is maturing into a sophisticated and highly developed one. This is the day of discovery and invention; never before has there been a time of such advances and leaps of intuition leading to improved technology.

And never before has there been a time of such despair, hopelessness and utter dejection.

It will take a tremendous effort, made by a large part of the world, to alleviate the ills and wrongs perpetrated by our society; and much of the illness is a result of undereducation.

Through education, its practical application, and the precepts of the Bahá’í Faith, we can heal the body of mankind.

But we have been negligent in our efforts to emphasize the pressing need of educating the peoples of the world, especially the youth.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, "The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward."

Of course, this includes spiritual as well as intellectual education. But we have seriously neglected the intellectual education of man, even though Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi all stressed its importance.

We, the youth, are in a particular stage of our lives, one in which we are beset by a myriad of problems and decisions that will affect us for the rest of our lives. Please do not underestimate, as has often been done, the value of your education. After all, how can we cure the ills of the world if we are not educated and trained?

Galen K. Valentine Mesquite, Texas

• • Our 'image' is important**

To the Editor:

Our image as individual Bahá’ís, as a family unit, and as a community must be carefully considered at all times.

To some, "living the life" is a matter of convenience rather than a matter of dedication. Believing in Bahá’u’lláh and following His laws is a must. And to the degree we are capable, each day, little by little, we should attempt to exemplify to others that we are Bahá’ís.

But is this enough? No, we must consider our image, a business term developed as an answer to how other people perceive one to be.

You see, it is not good enough simply to try as best we can to obey the laws of Bahá’u’lláh. "Living the life" goes a bit farther inasmuch as it implies we must have the "image" other people expect us to have.

Being pious and pure, obedient and caring, doesn't create that image. Even sacrifice goes but a short way in saying to others, "We are Bahá’ís."

I think we must carefully consider Shoghi Effendi's words when he wrote that the success of the Cause depends on the "extent" to which we live the life. And that puts it clearly: the "extent."

That "extent" would seem to imply that we must consider how we appear to others; that is, our image.

Do we dress as someone would expect a Bahá’í to dress? Are we striving to be exceptional and professional, both in our conduct and character, so we would appear exalted as another would expect a member of so great a Cause to appear?

Is our house clean? Our car? Our body? Does an individual expect a Bahá’í to smoke? I think not.

I think we must place on ourselves the same objectives any individual who strives to be successful must image forth; that is, if we expect to be successful.

We must ask ourselves, with every action and at every moment, "Am I appearing and acting as those who see me as a Bahá’í expect me to?"

We must fulfill that "image" of a Bahá’í. We must strive to perfect ourselves in that image. It is not good enough to believe with all our hearts and strive each day to be obedient ... we must become Bahá’ís in the eyes and thoughts of others.

Guy Shannon Coarsegold, California

• • Finding 'prepared souls'**

To the Editor:

For most of my Bahá’í life I've taken part intermittently in "direct" teaching projects.

Despite periodic bouts of confusion and frustration, which weakened my active faith in God's will that it happen, my heart has been drawn (many times against my will) to the goal—still unmet in our country—of a vast increase in the number of avowed Bahá’ís.

I've recently returned from a blessed week in this field of service, the Baker Project here in eastern Oregon, and wish to share some newly awakened thoughts. I pray that my words can convey the humility and thankfulness I feel.

We can pray, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did, "...that we may be guided unto those souls whose hearts Thou hast prepared for Thy Cause and that they may be guided unto us."

In the Baker Project, we did pray to be so assisted, and the hearts we found gave new meaning to the Master's words.

We were shown anew that souls so prepared know God, and thus can immediately recognize His new Messenger. Such hearts recognize a familiar, already-loved voice.

In one example, which I hope will forever remain vividly recalled, a new friend drew the book we had offered her tenderly to her breast after reading a healing prayer. Such was her response to her first encounter with Bahá’u’lláh's words!

There are such "prepared souls," Shoghi Effendi assured us, in every locality. Finding them, he tells us, is both "the duty and privilege of every single Bahá’í"; and doing so the source of unmatched joy and the way, the immediate way, to unprecedented growth.

The hearts God has prepared belong in our Bahá’í community. The Bahá’í Faith is the home He has created for them!

How can we as Bahá’ís fulfill our sacred tasks, seize the opportunities that God's evolving Plan places ever more abundantly before us, when most of the souls He has prepared to help with the work remain outside, undiscovered?

If we sometimes feel overburdened because there seem to be so few of us, might this not serve as a greater motivation to let God lead us to those whom He has chosen to help advance His Cause?

In the past, I now realize, I've sometimes disputed God's selection. I've acted as if He didn't prepare the right hearts!

If a newly avowed believer had too many personal problems for my comfort, or was not drawn to the style of Bahá’í community life I was familiar with as naturally as he/she had recognized Bahá’u’lláh, or simply was hard to stay in contact with, I've often abandoned him.

Thus my small contribution toward finding these receptive souls has sometimes become, to my deep regret, a factor in losing them again.

Not surprisingly, at points in such cycles, I've withdrawn my full allegiance to the search. Forgive me, God, and suffer me not to lose the way again!

That way is, as a dear Bahá’í friend shared with me recently, the way of surrender to the Will of God: to search where He desires, to love those whom He loves, to serve them whom He allows me to know.

For this journey, there's a lot of baggage I must shed: fear, doubt, sadness, inertia, pride, and personal standards of judgment. I'm going to try.

John Lang Bend, Oregon

• • No racism among Bahá'ís?**

To the Editor:

In response to recent letters to the editor asserting that there is racism among Bahá’ís, I feel impelled to say that there is not.

Apparently, the accusation is leveled against white Bahá’ís. I am an American of Nordic descent and could not have failed to recognize racism in other Bahá’ís of my race.

There is indeed a problem among us Bahá’ís that we need to address strongly; but imputing it to the wrong cause won't help a bit.

We need to bridge the language barriers, to reach out much more actively to immigrants, and to understand the role of ethnic differences in manners in hindering association with others.

Let's just reach out and embrace one another more, and forget this nonsense about racism. A racist Bahá’í is a contradiction in terms. There is no such creature.

Carl D. Harrison Katy, Texas

MARION L. TYLER

• • Marion Tyler, longtime pioneer to Guatemala, dies in Warren, Ohio**

Marion L. Tyler, a pioneer for more than two decades to Guatemala and longtime homefront pioneer in this country, died July 25 in Warren, Ohio.

In a cable dated July 29, the Universal House of Justice said: "Her devoted services Cause God will be long remembered with warm appreciation."

IN MEMORIAM

Valich Agahi San Jose, CA July 26, 1987

John L. Ayer Cave Junction, OR July 6, 1987

Seyed Azimi Richardson, TX May 9, 1986

Irene Becker Ft. Pierce, FL Date Unknown

Blanche Clark Santa Barbara, CA Date Unknown

Lucinda Cummings Greenwood, SC March 1987

Georgia Cunningham Pacific, MO June 26, 1987

Kent Dana Palo Alto, CA December 13, 1986

Samuel V. Drew S. Charleston, WV August 23, 1985

Helyne Gaddis Los Angeles, CA July 6, 1987

Lula Giddings San Rafael, CA Date Unknown

Mary Gigous Waukesha, WI July 2, 1987

Marion Goldstein Panama June 18, 1987

James O. Hart Xenia, OH Date Unknown

Blanche Harris Urbana, IL July 15, 1987

Louis Johnson Kenosha, WI June 15, 1987

George F. Jones Mason, TN Date Unknown

Jessie C. Lewis Oxford, OH Date Unknown

Edward Marchman Acworth, GA May 1987

Annie Belle McBride Greenwood, SC Date Unknown

Rouhieh McComb Sarasota, FL August 11, 1987

Rose Morrera Miami, FL Date Unknown

Philip Morris Inglewood, CA July 16, 1987

Pearl Myers Violet Hill, AR July 20, 1987

William Nixon Wheaton, IL May 1987

John L. O'Neal Valinda, CA May 1987

Elizabeth Parker Greenwood, SC January 3, 1986

Tom Payne Alpine, TX Date Unknown

Charles Petersen Milwaukee, WI May 12, 1987

Samuel Pipes Merced, CA March 10, 1987

Louise Robinson Hartsville, SC 1983

Talat Rohani San Jose, CA July 13, 1987

Robert Scott Darlington, SC Date Unknown

Fredie Shaw Kingstree, SC Date Unknown

Leonard Taylor Blanding, VT July 1987

Ryland Thomason San Bernardino, CA April 16, 1987

L.S. Tison Urbana, IL June 17, 1987

Marion L. Tyler Warren, OH July 25, 1987

David Villaseñor Los Alamos, NM July 6, 1987

Ferguson Wooden Somerville, TN Date Unknown [Page 32]

MOVING?

TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A 1. ID# Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames

2. ID# Title Full name

3. ID# Title Full name

4. ID# Title Full name

C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS:

B-NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

D-NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip Moving date:

E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

G [ ] We receive extra copies because: we do not have the same last name; the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly.

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.

We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

Good records vital in preserving history

A view of the Bahá’í archives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In the "letters" section of The American Bahá’í (February 1986), Miriam Newman Wiener proposed the idea that Bahá’ís who live in older communities might enjoy researching and writing a history of their community.

Robert Stockman's book, The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins 1892-1900, was suggested as a useful guide in designing an approach to the research, documentation and content of such a history.

However, appropriate arranging of archival materials would be necessary before such a history could be written.

Mrs. Wiener chose Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a likely vehicle for an historical piece. More than 60 years old, it now thrives as a "senior citizen" among the large worldwide network of local Spiritual Assemblies and communities.

Clothing this community in proper attire by providing suitable historical details proved a challenge as there was a lack of Assembly records and other archival material. It was necessary to research in other sources such as Star of the West, Bahá’í News and The Bahá’í World.

The scarcity of early records in Pittsburgh reminds us that communities in the first several decades of this century were loosely structured. Too, in some instances, Assembly records were mixed in with an individual Bahá’ís' personal memorabilia and discarded by non-Bahá’í heirs who did not appreciate their importance.

Indeed, the four decades (1950-83) of available records in Pittsburgh now in hand seemed intent on leading a life of their own. They had moved around the city among various Assembly secretaries until ending up in a warehouse owned by a Bahá’í businessman.

In 1986 a selection of important records was transported to Alexandria, Virginia, to be processed by Mrs. Wiener, who had attended an archives institute conducted by the National Bahá’í Archives.

The records were re-ordered and secured in acid-free file folders and boxes according to good archival procedures and then returned to Pittsburgh.

Thus, while "vintage" Pittsburgh Bahá’í history may remain light on "garb," the decades from 1950 are now better outfitted, ready for reference by future researchers and historians.

Ridván

from page 28

espiritual del planeta, marcó la apertura de la primera época del Plan Divino.

Grandes y marivillosas tareas nos desafían como nunca antes. Requieren, de parte de cada uno de nosotros, sacrificio, dedicación y devoción concentrada e indivisa, que sean igualmente grandes y maravillosos. Actualmente el Fondo Internacional Bahá’í está totalmente inadecuado para apoyar la inmensa expansión que ahora se requiere en todas las múltiples actividades de la comunidad mundial Bahá’í. El historial del Plan de Siete Años, que se acaba de completar, es testigo de nuestra habilidad de hacer frente a las crecientes demandes de la Causa. El heroísmo de los amados amigos en Irán la respuesta entusiasta de 3,964 devotos pioneros al llamado hecho para este servicio esencial, la actividad incesante de maestros, administradores, comunidades locales y creyentes individuales en todo el organismo del orden mundial embrionario, han dotado de nuevas fuerzas y capacidades a este creciente Ejército de vida. A medida que caminamos a pasos largos hacia el futuro, podemos sentirnos completamente seguros de Su generosidad siempre presente y de la victoria final de nuestros esfuerzos por establecer su reino en este mundo atribulado.

Con cariñosos saludos Bahá’ís,

La Casa Universal de Justicia Ridván de 1987

Martyr

from page 26

The Bahá’í prisoners were not allowed to meet with their families. Therefore, for six weeks Mr. Faridani wrote only brief letters to his wife and three children.

On September 7, 1980, permission was unexpectedly granted for visits with the Bahá’í prisoners. Afterward, family members who hoped for the imminent release of their loved ones received the news that seven of the prisoners including Mr. Faridani had been executed only one day after their visit.

Mr. Faridani will be long remembered for his outstanding qualities—honesty, trustworthiness, humility and sincere love. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Columbus Bahá’ís host afternoon peace forum

About 90 people attended "A Dialogue for Peace: A Universal Focus," an afternoon peace forum May 17 sponsored by the Ohio State University Bahá’í Club and the Bahá’í community of Columbus.

The keynote address, "Citizen Action for Achieving Human Rights," was given by Professor Chadwick Alger, former secretary-general of the International Peace Research Association.

Following his talk, six workshops were led by local community leaders representing the NAACP, YWCA, Amnesty International, the World Federalists, CARE, and a local peace education group.

The workshops were on the elimination of racism; women's development/equality of men and women; human rights; world government/international law; social and economic development; and education for peace/universal education.

Dr. Keyvan Nazerian, a Bahá’í from East Lansing, Michigan, closed the conference with a talk entitled "The Promise of World Peace," after which copies of the peace statement by the Universal House of Justice were given to each of the participants.

Participants in the Bahá’í-sponsored peace forum held May 17 in Columbus, Ohio, enjoy refreshments and socializing during a workshop break.

The purpose of the forum was to allow key issues relevant to the peace process to be discussed at length. The goal was to instill in everyone's mind the thought that peace is not only possible but inevitable.

Bahá’í National Center

Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) Monday-Friday Phone 312-869-9039