The American Bahá’í/Volume 19/Issue 1/Text

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[Page 1]

Green Acre begins opening phase of restoration project

An aerial view of the Green Acre Bahá’í School property in Eliot, Maine, showing the Sarah Farmer Inn (large white building) and other structures. In the background is the Piscataqua River.

The National Spiritual Assembly, while meeting at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in October 1986, joined the Green Acre Council in announcing plans to completely restore this historic national institution as a goal of the Six Year Plan.

After a year of intensive investigation and planning, the Sarah Farmer Inn was chosen as the first phase toward meeting that goal.

The National Assembly has entrusted the Bahá’ís of the Northeastern states with the responsibility of raising funds for the restoration. The projected cost of $1.1 million is needed by September 30, 1988, to meet the construction schedule of completion by July 1989, the 100th anniversary of the Inn.

Sarah Farmer Inn, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá slept, overlooks the picturesque Piscataqua River in southeastern Maine and has been the hub of activity for the oldest Bahá’í school in North America and the only such school visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"In the summer of 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent a week at Green Acre inspiring the friends to renewed activities. No one in attendance can forget the meeting on beautiful Mount Salvat, when the Master dedicated this spot to be the center of a great university with a universal house of worship. In a Tablet, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá further sent encouragement by stating: ‘If one looks for praiseworthy results and wishes to produce eternal effects, let him make exceeding effort, order that Green Acre may become an assemblage for the Word of God and a gathering place for the spiritual ones of the heavenly world.’" (The Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, p. 56)

Universal House of Justice accepts resignations of two of its members

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Beloved Friends,

In view of the steadily increasing burden of work resting upon the members of the Universal House of Justice, which will undoubtedly grow still heavier during the years immediately ahead, Mr. David Hofman and Mr. Borrah Kavelin, after prayerful consideration as to the best interests of the Cause of God, have, in light of their advanced ages, requested permission to relinquish their membership on this body in accordance with Article V.2.(c) of the Constitution of the Universal House of Justice.

The House of Justice has regretfully accepted the resignation of these beloved members, who have rendered a quarter of a century of continuous and highly-valued service in the Holy Land. They will thus be able to continue their services to the Cause of God free from the inexorable pressure of work at the World Center.

Since, however, the next international election is so near, we have requested them to remain in office until that time, and this they have readily agreed to.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice November 17, 1987

‘Spiritual Conquest of City of Angels’ aim of grassroots L.A. teaching effort

The "Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels" began last August in Los Angeles.

The goal of the widespread campaign is to increase enrollments within the minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan for the U.S. Bahá’í community. Having started as a grassroots effort within the community, it is well on its way toward becoming an outstanding success.

A teaching plan devised by the Los Angeles Teaching and Public Relations Committees was readily adopted by individual Bahá’ís who volunteered to serve on four task forces to teach Hispanics, Asians, blacks and American Indians.

Another task force arose to teach university students.

Although the membership of task forces is diverse, each is composed primarily of Bahá’ís from the minority group it is focusing on (i.e., there are mostly Hispanic Bahá’ís on the task force to reach Hispanics, and so on).

Since the campaign began there have been declarations from among all five minority groups.

The teaching plan emphasizes the role of the individual. A program called "Fireside Fever," in which Bahá’ís are asked to visualize telling someone about the Faith each day and to pray for such encounters, has inspired a large number of firesides throughout the city.

Communities in the area around Los Angeles have also become involved in the campaign—many of the task force members are from these communities.

The friends are encouraged to pray each day for the success of the campaign and to bring new believers with them to Feasts, firesides and other Bahá’í activities.

The new Bahá’ís are also involved in teaching, and are invited to speak at cross-cultural firesides held every Saturday evening at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles.

These programs begin with a potluck and entertainment, after which those present break into groups for firesides, deepenings or children's classes.

On the first Saturday, 80 people came to the meeting. Attendance rose steadily until, on the fourth Saturday, the number attending was more than 200.

Many voices are raised in song during a cross-cultural evening held in November at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles as a part of the ‘Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels’ campaign.

Task forces use various teaching methods. Those on the black task force, for example, rely heavily on prayer; the members phone each other every morning at 5:30 to pray together.

Meanwhile, the Asian task force has helped one of its members to acquire a rented house in the heart of Chinatown where

National Assembly opens D.C. office, marks Human Rights Day with reception

On December 10, the National Spiritual Assembly hosted a reception at the International Club in Washington, D.C., in recognition of Human Rights Day and the opening of its new Washington office.

Among those present were Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and its secretary, Dr. Robert Henderson.

Also attending was Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community’s office in New York City.

The Hon. Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, spoke on human rights and the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

About 100 guests were at the reception including members of Congress and their staffs, dignitaries and media representatives.

UN expresses ‘grave concern’ about rights violations in Iran

On December 7, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution that expresses its "grave concern" over allegations of continued human rights violations in Iran.

The measure, which was passed by a vote of 64-22, mentions specifically Iran's persecution of Bahá’ís and calls for a continued investigation of the human rights situation in Iran.

The Bahá’í International Community was quick to praise the General Assembly for its action.

"This makes clear that the world community refuses to accept the Iranian government's ongoing persecution of the Bahá’ís," said Paul Ojermark, a Bahá’í representative at the United Nations.

"It will be a great comfort to the Bahá’ís in Iran to know that they have not been forgotten."

Such international support, he said, "is the only means of security for the 300,000 Bahá’ís in Iran.

"Persecuted solely for their religious beliefs, the Bahá’ís are treated as 'non-persons' by the Iranian government and have no protection under that country's constitution, an open door to genocide."

Resolutions such as this one, said Mr. Ojermark, "tell the Iranian government that it cannot

National Assemblies from 18 countries confer in Germany

The Universal House of Justice called a meeting November 26-28 for representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada, the U.S. and 16 European countries.

The meeting was held in Langenhain, Germany, site of the European Bahá’í House of Worship.

The House of Justice was represented by one of its members, Glenford E. Mitchell. The chairman of the meeting was Counselor Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community’s New York offices.

Two members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary, and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman, attended with representatives. [Page 2]

John Walbridge named editor of Bahá’í Encyclopedia project

The National Spiritual Assembly has hired Dr. John Walbridge of Dearborn, Michigan, as full-time editor of A Short Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith.

Dr. Walbridge has served as part-time editor of the Encyclopedia since 1984.

"The Encyclopedia is an American goal of the Six Year Plan," says Terrill Hayes, who is a member of the Encyclopedia's editorial board and its liaison with the National Center, "and was begun with the approval of the Universal House of Justice.

"Much of the last three years," he says, "have been spent planning the Encyclopedia. We expect to have about 8,000 articles on all aspects of the Bahá’í Faith.

"The Encyclopedia will have articles on Bahá’í history, literature, and teachings, as well as on the Bahá’í communities of countries, peoples and important cities around the world. The variety of material we've already compiled is fascinating."

The Encyclopedia, says Mr. Hayes, will be published in three volumes of more than 500 pages each. The first volume is still several years away.

"It's designed to serve a wide variety of purposes," he says. "Scholarship, deepening, practical reference for Bahá’í institutions, journalism and so on.

"Another practical benefit to Western readers is that it will give access to a great deal of Iranian Bahá’í scholarship that had previously only been available to those who could read Persian."

Mr. Hayes says the editorial board expects to supplement the present appropriation with funds raised specifically for the Encyclopedia and that a fund-raising plan has been submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The editorial board, appointed by the National Assembly is responsible for producing the Encyclopedia.

Its members are Professor Firuz Kazemzadeh; Professor Heshmat Moayyad; Professor Will C. van den Hoonaard (the Encyclopedia's social science editor); Mr. Hayes and Dr. Betty J. Fisher of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust; Dr. Vahid Rafati, and Dr. Walbridge.

The Encyclopedia will be published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr. John Walbridge, Bahá’í Encyclopedia Project, 1830 N. York Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48128.

Conference

...tives of the Bahá’í International Community's offices in New York and Geneva, Switzerland.

Discussion and consultation took place on the relationship of National Spiritual Assemblies to their governments.

The excitement of the meeting was heightened by the news that the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly had passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran which included mention of the situation of Bahá’ís in that country.

The meeting resulted in a greater sense of the Bahá’í world community, and in the future will undoubtedly bring about closer cooperation among the various National Assemblies.

Youth Year of Service

Make an investment in your future: go on a year of service.

Many Youth Year of Service opportunities are available in Taiwan; the National Spiritual Assembly there needs young people to help consolidate the hundreds of new believers.

For information, phone the National Youth Committee, 312-869-9039, or write c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

New Delhi House of Worship Receives Architecture Award

On October 19, at a ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, was presented one of the world's top awards for religious architecture, the First Honor Award of the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA), the official religious buildings affiliate of the American Institute of Architects. A five-member jury of religious building advisers and architects made the selection from among 57 entries, commenting that the Temple in New Delhi 'exemplifies care beyond the normal standards in completeness of context, site design, form and materials expression, circulation and design furnishings.' Accepting the award from Jack G. Pecsok (right), a member of the IFRAA's board of directors, is Fariburz Sahba, architect of the New Delhi House of Worship. About 80 architects and designers attended the award ceremony, at which slides of the House of Worship were shown.

Political stance must be grounded in Writings

VIEWPOINT

Iran's government is killing Bahá’ís on the pretext that our Faith is "political"—a charge denied by that country's dissolved National Spiritual Assembly and the persecuted Bahá’í defendants.

Against this background, I was dismayed to read in The American Bahá’í (August) a letter debunking the "myth" that "the Bahá’í Faith is not political."

I believe that such statements, however well-meant, are naïve and dangerous. In the wrong hands, they could easily be misused as evidence against the Iranian friends.

They are also highly misleading. It was the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who stressed the "nonpolitical character" of our institutions (The Priceless Pearl, p. 365), who said we must "shun politics like the plague," as it is "infinitely dangerous" to the Cause, and that we must practice "non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation in political controversies, and non-membership in political organizations." (Lights of Guidance, pp. 329-331)

What the letter-writer meant, I suppose, is that the Faith is "political" in the sense of being concerned with the art and science of government, or in some other extremely broad sense.

But this was nowhere explained; no context was provided.

Be that as it may, the statement that the Faith is not political is true in its intended meaning: we do not join political parties, attempt to overthrow established governments, or take part in campaigns for elective office.

This last point—that we stay out of political campaigns—has been obscured in recent publications.

In the book Circle of Unity, Anthony Lee states that as long as we do not join parties, "Bahá’ís may... run for office, as many do each year, usually as judges, members of boards of education, city planners, and the like." (p. xv)

If Bahá’ís are mounting election campaigns for such offices—even as political independents—it is news to me. It seems clear that this would violate the prohibition against accepting political posts—a prohibition that has never, to my knowledge, been rescinded by the Universal House of Justice.

In a column in The American Bahá’í (September 1987), Mr. Lee says that "the present Bahá’í principle of non-participation in politics must be regarded as a temporary strategy" that was "never elevated to the status of sacred principle by any of the heads of the Faith."

I believe he has overlooked the fact that in our own elections we do not have candidates or campaigns—not because of some passing expediency, but because such tactics are inherently divisive and destructive.

"I feel," the Guardian writes in Lights of Guidance (p. 9), "that references to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstandings and differences.

"It is not permissible," he further explains, "to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians.

"Bahá’í elections," he says, "...are... sanctified from all traces of canvassing and plotting that characterize the activities of the perfidious."

Canvassing, according to my dictionary, means to go about seeking votes. I fail to see how such behavior can be wrong in our own administrative conduct, yet be acceptable in our relations with the outside world.

Mr. Lee asks us to imagine a situation in which 90 per cent of the people of a country or city have become Bahá’ís. "Would Bahá’ís then not serve in the legislature, and indeed in all branches of government?" he asks.

My guess is that by that time the populace, by majority choice, would have adopted the Bahá’í Administrative Order—or something patterned after it—as its instrument of government.

In such a society there would be no nominees or campaigns; elections would be much freer and more broadly based since any adult community member would be eligible to vote or be voted for.

Even if a society were only half Bahá’í, or slightly less, public opinion might well bring reforms eliminating the need for political campaigns. Bahá’ís could then occupy posts that are off limits to them today.

What would have changed, however, is not our political stance but society itself. Speaking of the "pernicious methods, such as intrigues, party politics and propaganda" used in western elections, the Guardian wrote: "The friends should... abolish these evil practices, not imitate them." (Lights of Guidance, p. 9)

It may be argued that advocating political reform is itself a political act. In a certain paradoxical way, it is. But the point is that we cannot do this while using "evil," "detestable," "perfidious" and "pernicious" methods—the very ones we seek to reform!

The exclusion of such methods is at the heart of our non-political outlook. This leaves many avenues open: we can make our views known to elected officials, work with them to promote social and economic development, and praise their humanitarian acts.

We cannot, however, take sides in their election battles and institutional power struggles. This distinction is difficult to maintain, but not impossible.

We walk the same tightrope in joining outside groups. Shoghi Effendi, from the earliest days of his Guardianship, encouraged the friends to work with progressive movements while retaining political detachment.

The distinction is subtle but real: we can be active in, say, a teachers' group without contributing to its political action committee. We can support peace rallies without joining the partisan bickering we may find there.

As Mr. Lee's column indicates, these are not easy issues to sort out. It is also true, as he says, that "the application of our non-political posture has varied with time and place in Bahá’í history."

His examples illustrate how political withdrawal was imposed in stages, with increasing strictness, in both East and West. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian did not always require it in the beginning.

Yet this hardly makes it a "temporary strategy" to be discarded as the community grows. After all, the same style of gradual implementation is being applied to Huqúqu’lláh and other fundamental laws.

I differ strenuously with Mr. Lee's suggestion that the non-political policies of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian are outmoded now that the Cause has emerged from obscurity.

Shoghi Effendi himself clearly rejected this interpretation. As early as 1932, in warning the friends to "avoid the entangle...

This month's column, "Politics in Perspective," was written by Gary L. Matthews of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The American Bahá’í (USPS 042-430) is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Membership and Records, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E. Hildreth. The American Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1988 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

We must provide 'spark'

To the Editor:

In these, the closing years of a century the Master referred to as the "glorious century," the American Bahá’í community has the unique opportunity to set in motion the machinery that will set the foundation of the Lesser Peace. In so doing, our community can lead the world on its long journey toward the Most Great Peace.

Our House of Worship, the Mother Temple of the West, the oldest existing Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, was built by the contributions of the Blessed Beauty's followers all over the world.

Bahá’ís from the poorest areas of Asia, Africa and Europe gladly gave of what little they had so that the West could be opened to the unifying Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Now the World Center needs funds to complete the Arc, whose completion must precede the establishment of the Lesser Peace. For the American community, the task of raising the funds for so glorious a project should be quite easy if we make the necessary sacrifices.

Couldn't we each find an area where extra money could be raised or saved and devote that money specifically to the completion of the Arc?

Those funds could be collected in a manner similar to that of the regular funds and its total dedicated to the "upraising of the standard of humanity" and the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

Our upcoming national elections give us another chance to contribute to mankind's maturation. By petitioning the candidates of all political parties we can, in a non-partisan way, raise issues that Bahá’u’lláh has taught us are necessary in the quest for peace: the establishment of an auxiliary language, the equality of the sexes, the need for racial harmony, and the oneness of religion.

Our spark must ignite the old, dried and withered world and set it aflame with the love of Bahá’u’lláh so that from the fire of change the new World Order may be forged by the Divine Hand. The American community is in the best position to provide that spark, for we have both the means and the numbers to accomplish the task.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá called us the "apostles of Bahá’u’lláh." Can the apostles of the Abhá Beauty continue to cower in the upper room, as did the apostles of the Spirit of God, or, like those same apostles, are we to go forth and give to mankind the Divine Nourishment it so desperately craves? Let us arise and serve the Cause of our Beloved in a fitting manner.

Michael Dutton Indianapolis, Indiana

'Describing' people

To the Editor:

Recently, at a gathering of about 60 Bahá’ís, we heard something three times that upset us terribly.

It isn't anything new; we hear it almost every day in this country. However, it is important that we Bahá’ís develop the consciousness, the awareness, the sensitivity and the understanding of this problem.

A composite of what we heard went like this: "Do you know? Well, he's the black man...

Obviously, some "handle" is necessary to remember people, but the color of one's skin is not, we believe, an accurate description of a human being.

Skin color, occupation, nationality, even one's home town can carry a negative connotation and contribute, however unconsciously, to prejudice.

We Bahá’ís will have to think carefully about what we say when describing someone who happens to have a different skin color than our own. How would we have described that person if he or she were not "different"?

Instead of using artificial and incorrect labels, how about consulting the Writings? What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá use as descriptive language? How did the Guardian refer to people?

Bahá’u’lláh has given us extensive attributes by which to "label" one another for mnemonic purposes. He also tells us to move beyond labels, to know and love one another as He created us to be.

Richard and Cheryll McCarty Morro Bay, California

All must follow laws of God

To the Editor:

Regarding Huqúqu’lláh and the belief that certain of God's laws are binding on Persian Bahá’ís and not on Americans: I do not think that God discriminates among His people according to national origin.

I believe that whenever God's laws appear, He expects all people to know and follow them as well as they can. There are people of differing capacity everywhere regardless of man-made borders.

Farrokh Sabeti Dearborn, Michigan

More about our 'image'

To the Editor:

I wish to respond to a letter that urged American Bahá’ís to be circumspect concerning the image we project, and to the necessity of taking care in how others see us.

I can't argue against this, but wish to make one distinction. I feel that a believer may adhere fundamentally to the practices and beliefs of the Faith and even present a perfectly acceptable image, but then be indistinguishable from the images that dynamic and successful people from many paths project.

However, we who are Bahá’ís have the opportunity and guidance to develop a unique spirit of faith that radiates warmth and love. It is a process of growing from a fundamental-intellectual practice of the Faith as a religion to a deep and abiding emotional relationship between the individual and God.

The effect of this relationship and the ensuing changes in one's life can make a Bahá’í quite distinguishable from the rest of the world.

For many of us, conversion to the Faith was a result of realizing that our most ideal humanly achieved values were dwarfed by the divine guidance of the Bahá’í Faith, and so we entered, children of the half-light, with our cultural/intellectual baggage.

The true emotional experience of faith is foreign to us, and we seek to emulate something for which there is no cultural reference. We are intellectuals, dysfunctional in our emotions, only experiencing joy, peace and love as limitedly as the non-believers we once were, but now fascinated and attracted.

This is not surprising, as it is becoming increasingly apparent that the society in which we live is almost totally dysfunctional emotionally, with one source of clear evidence being the steadily growing numbers of addictive disorders. This represents a growing need for love, acceptance and a clearly defined spiritual reality.

That is one reason why the proper image alone is not enough to attract new souls; in fact, it is more likely that if the spirit of faith and love are strongly present, even an objectionable image may not be a hindrance.

It would be quite a task indeed to decide what is objectionable to whom, and an even greater one to have to please many.

In ending, it my fervent prayer that the gnats of intellectual thought may become the eagles of the spirit of faith as we go about the process of learning to know and love ourselves and then others.

C. Jay Cardwell Shreveport, Louisiana

To the Editor:

I feel impelled to comment on a letter (September) headed "Our image is important."

While I agree with the writer that we must follow the admonitions in the Writings regarding the spiritual quality of our appearance and behavior, his emphasis on "image" seems antithetical to the very spirit of those admonitions.

This concern with an external "image" places the emphasis of "living the life" on the material rather than spiritual aspects of that life. All scripture stresses that the spiritual is our reality, the physical merely a shadow of it.

Furthermore, the writer suggests that we cut the pattern for our image not from our own individual investigation of the clear guidelines of the Faith, but from the minds of people who don't necessarily share our values.

This comes perilously close to being a "plaything of the ignorant," against which Bahá’u’lláh specifically warns us in the Glad Tidings.

One of our cherished values is unity in diversity. In this context, consider the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Its missionaries are immediately recognizable as being religious people, but it's also immediately recognizable that their religion does not encourage diversity, let alone value it.

We must ask: If we are to meet the expectations of non-Bahá’ís as to how a "religious" person looks or behaves, whose expectations do we meet?

Some people don't expect a religious woman to be a working mother, or play (or listen to) rock music, or write (or read) science fiction. Do I give up my job and my pursuits and don "feminine" pastels so the Faith I profess will seem acceptable from their narrow viewpoint?

Another sector equates religious purity with seclusion and poverty. Do I give up my house, my job and my "mod" clothing and take to wearing worn cast-off clothing because they think it's spiritual to do so?

And how do I determine their expectations? Do I take a poll, then build an image from their collective responses, or should I become a chameleon?

I believe the goal of every Bahá’í should be to live up to God's expectations. In the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, religious devotion wears many faces and a myriad of images. That is part of the beauty of our Faith—it does not call for outward conformity to a man-made form, but rather inward conformity to the Divine Image.

Contrary to what the writer implies, if a person is full of the spirit of God, it is immediately recognizable to those with spiritual sight, and as to those without it, no amount of "window dressing" will make one iota of difference.

I believe that if we allow ourselves to be dictated to by the "standards current amongst men" we will become the victims of an insidious form of prejudice. Worse than that, we will be willing victims! That will not promote God's Cause; it will cripple it.

We will never draw the world's attention to the beauty of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh if we clothe it in colors the world is accustomed to. It will simply blend in.

But if our souls are filled with the Light of God, and His Law is written on our hearts, then our own individual colors—vivid, pure and radiant in their diversity—colors such as the world has never before seen, will create an image that is true to self, attractive to men and women of spirit, and pleasing to God.

Maya K. Bohnhoff Grass Valley, California

To the Editor:

The letter about the "Bahá’í image" (September) is a typical example of a well-meant but unfortunate interpretation of the Bahá’í writings to suit one's personal views.

If we "cook up" an image to show the outside world, we are not only hypocritical but doomed to discovery when the seeker becomes a believer and sees us revealed with all our human flaws. The image we present should be a realistic reflection of our inner selves.

But because of the diversity of the Bahá’ís, there is no one image that will do. There are certain basics we strive for—cleanliness, good manners, and so on. But even these have varying standards. Some people feel that one or two baths a week are normal, while others require a shower each day. [Page 4]

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS: BADI’U’LLÁH FARID

Badi’u’lláh Farid ranked among the best-loved and most respected scholars in the Iranian Bahá’í community.

He was born into a Bahá’í family in Shíráz in 1928, spent his youth in that same city and, after graduating from high school, moved to Tehran where he was employed by the Department of Education.

While working for the government, Mr. Farid attended the Law School of the University of Tehran, earning a B.A. degree. Afterward, he obtained a master’s degree in management.

As an employee of the Department of Education, he taught in schools, served as a superintendent, and, later on, became an adviser to the Ministry of Education.

As to his Bahá’í activities, Mr. Farid used to give firesides and conduct numerous classes on the Holy Writings such as the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Since his knowledge of the Faith was profound, he served on the National Reviewing Committee and the National Committee of Research.

He was instrumental in founding the Institute of Bahá’í Studies, the formation of which was one of the goals of the Five Year Plan established for the Bahá’í community of Iran by the Universal House of Justice.

Mr. Farid also served on local Spiritual Assemblies and, shortly before the Revolution of 1979, was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran.

In his youth he had been a student of the erudite Bahá’í scholar, Jináb-i-Fádil Mázandaráni, whom he admired and loved deeply. Jináb-i Fádil had written many books but only one of them was published during his lifetime.

It was Mr. Farid who, after the passing of Jináb-i Fádil, took it upon himself to work painstakingly to publish some of the remaining works of that unique scholar of the Faith.

Many of the enemies of the Faith in Iran knew Mr. Farid long before the Revolution swept that country in 1979.

They were well aware of the depth of his knowledge of Islam; they knew that he taught the Bahá’ís—youth and university students in particular—about the Writings of the Faith. They considered this a threat to themselves.

After the Revolution, several

Ambassador Richard Schifter

Ambassador Richard Schifter (center), Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, greets Dr. Victor de Araujo, UN Representative of the Bahá’í International Community, during a Human Rights Day reception December 10 at the International Club in Washington, D.C. The reception was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, one of whose members, vice-chairman Firuz Kazemzadeh, is standing next to Ambassador Schifter. Also present were Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community’s New York office. Among the 100 or so guests were two members of Congress, Reps. Jim Leach of Iowa and John Porter of Illinois, congressional staff, State Department officials, dignitaries and media representatives. (Story on page 1)

National Convention seating limited

The 79th Bahá’í National Convention will be held May 19-22 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

After the seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for friends who may wish to observe the proceedings.

Seats for visitors are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To request seating reservations, please send your name, address and Bahá’í I.D. number to Convention Seating, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 by March 15. Seating is available by advance reservation only.

Look for information about hotel accommodations in the February issue of The American Bahá’í.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY: Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs for Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, has begun a bus card campaign in the metro area. Forty cards such as this one were placed through the DART system in Dallas, traveling also to suburban cities, and 30 in the Fort Worth area. Fund-raising efforts for the campaign are continuing with the hope that at least 20 cards can be kept running on the buses for as long as possible.

Decatur, Illinois, holds fifth annual American Education Week banquet

The fifth annual American Education Week banquet sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Decatur, Illinois, was held November 14.

Fifty people, 35 of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the event, which was intended to attract those who would not ordinarily attend an informal Bahá’í event, thus fulfilling the community’s goal to reach people from "all strata of society."

Among those present were prominent members of the black and Jewish communities in Decatur including the local rabbi.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jeanelle Norman, a college professor and president of the Board of Education of Decatur, addressed the topic "Eliminating Prejudice: The Role of Education."

The master of ceremonies was Alvin Deibert, a Bahá’í from Alton, Illinois, who is the author of the children’s book, B.J. and the Language of the Woodland.

Entertainment was provided by a local high school drama group.

By obtaining permission to send invitations to teachers and administrators using the school system’s internal mail, the Bahá’í community was able to reach all educators in the district without any cost to the community.

Day-long conference sets teaching plans for coming year in Alabama, NW Florida

In an historic meeting on October 25, the District Teaching Committees of Northern Alabama and Southern Alabama/Northwest Florida met with the Alabama Schools Committee to coordinate regional activities.

The group set in motion plans for a one-day institute that was held December 5 in the mass-taught area of Union Springs, Alabama.

It also laid plans for a statewide Conference on Growth patterned after the national conference held last September in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

The Alabama Conference on Growth, a one-day event, is to be held in April in a mass-taught area with a Unity Feast in the evening for local believers.

Singles weekend set

"Single, Alone and Growing," a weekend for singles February 12-14 at the Bosch Bahá’í School, will feature workshops led by Lisa Janti of North Hollywood, California.

Note to producers of items for sale

Notice to all Bahá’í artists, musicians and others who are producing items for distribution and sale which represent the Bahá’í Faith:

The Special Materials Reviewing Committee urges all Bahá’ís who are producing or planning to produce items for sale and/or distribution and which represent the Faith to submit their plans to the committee before investing time or money in printing or production.

The committee advises the friends that Shoghi Effendi instructed them not to reproduce likenesses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for distribution or purchase, saying, "... they should confine themselves to His photographs, as these are, of course, a much more perfect likeness of Him."

The committee would also like to point out that the Bahá’í Directory is not to be used by the friends for mailing private advertising materials, as it is for Bahá’í administrative use only.

Thanks to those who wrote Congress

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to thank all of the local Spiritual Assemblies that responded to the National Assembly’s requests to inform their congressmen about the situation of the Iranian Bahá’ís or to thank those congressman who have spoken out in defense of our persecuted co-religionists.

The National Assembly sends special thanks to the Spiritual Assemblies of Boulder City (Nevada), Cambridge (Massachusetts) and Radnor Township (Pennsylvania) whose letters, at the request of the National Assembly, resulted in their representatives contacting the Office of External Affairs in Washington for more information about the Faith. [Page 5]

The National Bahá’í Fund

Advancing the Faith around the World

Four Simple Questions

• Do you have a will?
• Does it include your entire estate?
• Does it name every person and favorite charity (including the Bahá’í Faith) which you would like to benefit?
• Have you revised your will to meet your changing needs and goals?

Unless you answered "yes" to each of these questions, you should probably review carefully your needs and goals to determine how a will can best help you achieve them. The complimentary booklet offered below can help you. Send for it or phone Yvor E. Stoakley, Fund Development Director, at 312-869-9039.

Clip & Mail

To: Yvor E. Stoakley Fund Development Director Office of the Treasurer Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Please send me a complimentary copy of "A Checklist for Preparing Your Will."

Name Address City, State, Zip Telephone ( ID No.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

"It is indeed a most excellent favor, a boundless grace vouchsafed unto whosoever is privileged in this day to render service to the Cause of God and to offer the Right of God, for its goodly results and the fruits thereof will last as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven will endure."—Bahá’u’lláh

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-589-8481

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402 Tel: 213-394-5449

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116. Tel: 216-333-1506

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to:

Office of the Secretariat Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Rocky River, OH 44116

Loan program saves thousands of dollars for National Assembly

The National Spiritual Assembly saves thousands of dollars each year by taking advantage of funds borrowed from local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís.

Current loans to the National Assembly total almost $1.5 million from 23 local Assemblies and 65 individuals.

The availability of these funds through loans from a relatively small number of Bahá’ís resulted in a savings of more than $60,000 in fiscal 1986-87 alone.

Grant Kvalheim, an investment banker in the Capital Markets group of Merrill-Lynch and a member of the National Assembly's Financial Advisory Committee, says the loans are one of the best features of the National Assembly's cash management strategy.

The program, first announced at the 1974 Bahá’í National Convention, gives the National Assembly access to funds at interest rates lower than those charged by commercial financial institutions.

In 1986-87, the National Assembly paid an average of 3.5 per cent interest for these loans while the bank lending rate during that same time period was between 7.5 per cent and 8.5 per cent.

In addition, this alternative source of working capital enables the National Spiritual Assembly to avoid the high cost of leasing and term financing. Often, these loans are either totally or partially forgiven, resulting in an even greater savings to the Faith.

The loan program, says Geoff Wilson, the National Assembly's controller, is actually quite simple.

The National Assembly asks that the individuals and local Spiritual Assemblies that are interested in helping in this way plan to lend at least $5,000 for a minimum of one year. The interest rate, if any, is negotiated through the Office of the Treasurer.

All loans are on demand so that lenders may recall them at any time should their circumstances change.

Many Bahá’ís contact the National Center eager to share their material resources but knowing they will need the funds at a later date for such things as retirement, a college education, a Bahá’í Center, or pioneering.

If you or your community would like more information about this loan program, please contact the Office of the Treasurer.

"Consolidation and deepening must go hand in hand with an eager extension of the teaching work so that the onward march of the Cause may continue unabated in preparation for future plans. Now that the attention of the public is becoming more and more drawn to the Cause of God, the friends must brace themselves and prepare their institutions to sustain the gaze of the world, whether it be friendly or hostile, eager or idle." (First statement from the Universal House of Justice, April 30, 1963, in Wellspring of Guidance, p. 3)

Pictured is a typical page from one of the first two volumes of the 'Spirit of the Roses' Journal, which were delivered in late October to the Universal House of Justice on behalf of the U.S, Bahá’í community.

First volumes of ‘Roses’ Journal delivered to House of Justice

In late October, Yvor Stoakley from the National Treasurer's Office delivered the first two volumes of the "Spirit of the Roses" Journal to the Universal House of Justice.

The "Spirit of the Roses" swept across the country in response to the gift of 189 roses from the Bahá’í prisoners in Iran in 1986.

As the spirit spread, it inspired activities and special contributions to the Fund. These gifts of love and sacrifice were documented in the flood of letters, Fund coupons, newspaper articles, photographs, banners, albums and art work that poured into the Bahá’í National Center.

The two volumes of the Journal containing these mementos are handsomely bound with covers lettered in gold and a frontispiece (with calligraphy by Michael Hughey of Asheville, North Carolina) embellishing the first two pages of Volume I. The inside pages colorfully display the many documents.

Anne Atkinson, who supervised the assembly of materials for the Journal, was overwhelmed by the number and diversity of the responses:

"We are now working on Volume III," she says, "and it's likely that there will be a fourth volume as well."

The accounts of innumerable hours of devoted service and selfless devotion brought tears to the eyes of those who looked through these tokens of the American Bahá’í community's love for its fellow Bahá’ís in Iran.

"The Journals are an eloquent testimony to the love and appreciation of the American believers for the sacrifices of the Iranian friends," says Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Bahá’u’lláh said, "Let deeds, not words, be your adorning." Certainly, the "Spirit of the Roses" Journals, and the activities they portray, bear witness to the true beauty of the American Bahá’í community.

The many faces of the Persian Relief Fund

How often have you asked yourself, "What can I do to help alleviate the suffering of my brethren in Iran?"

Of course, the greatest tribute we can make for their sacrifice is to dedicate our lives to establishing Bahá’u’lláh's Cause.

Hopefully, we also more fully appreciate the privileges that they once enjoyed... the joys of attending Feast or going to work, the gifts of sending our children off to school in the morning, accompanying them to Bahá’í school, teaching the Cause, and the precious honor of giving to the Fund.

"What else can I do?" you may ask.

One channel of assistance may be unknown to you... the Persian Relief Fund. It was established after the Islamic Revolution by the Bahá’ís of Iran to help those in need.

The Fund is presently administered by the Universal House of Justice and distributed often in the form of loans.

Like all other Funds in the Faith, it is often only words or a name until knowledge or experience gives it a face and feeling.

The faces of the Persian Relief Fund may be the faces of the elderly caught up in turmoil, cut off from all sources of income and in need of medicine or housing; or an orphaned student struggling to complete her education; or the faces of a widow and her child.

It may also be the face of a father who has always provided for his family but suddenly finds himself in a new country, unable to speak the language, his professional credentials not recognized in his new home.

He has no money because he could take nothing when he fled with his family from Iran. He must make a living in a new and unfamiliar job, and he still will not accept aid, asking instead that the House of Justice help those in greater need.

It may be the face of a middle-aged woman who, having left everyone and everything behind in Iran, must begin a new life alone. [Page 6]

PIONEERING

Among the highlights of work in the Office of Pioneering are the wonderful letters received from our devoted pioneers all over the world. The following letter from newlyweds Mark and Sue (Ballew) St. Clair of Liberia is so special that we would like to share it with their U.S. Bahá’í family.

Dear Friends,

Alláh’u’Abhá! Greetings from Liberia, where they say the rainy season is about to end, but the present deluge is trying to postpone that for a while.

The coast of Liberia receives more than 200 inches of rain a year, all in six months. Decent rain gear is a definite "must-bring" for pioneers.

Bahá’ís who don't pioneer don't know what they are missing. How intimately close one becomes to the Blessed Beauty! How much one learns to depend solely on Him!

Once you get "out there," that's when you begin to really find out Who Bahá’u’lláh is. He's running the whole thing, really. Yes, there are tests, trials and difficulties, ordeals and, as we say here, you can really "catch hard time-o."

But the rewards! The hidden treasures He has in store for us if only we arise!

One of His greatest rewards to us came on July 11 when we were married in Monrovia. We met here at our posts in Liberia; if we hadn't pioneered, we probably never would have met.

We fully realize that our marriage, our family, was born out of pioneering for His Cause; we will be a pioneering family for the rest of our lives. A small token for the bounties He has rained upon us.

Sue has been in Liberia for nearly six years. Much has happened in that time, to say the least: financial difficulties at first, then at the 11th hour a fine job and financial security; the development of the Bahá’í community of Seneweh; election to the National Spiritual Assembly; now marriage... what next?

She is of course quite excited about attending the International Convention in April. A great bounty!

The area of Liberia in which she works is inhabited mainly by the Krahn tribe, much disliked by other Liberians because of their backwardness, mean disposition and often barbarous acts (some Krahn still practice cannibalism). Proof positive that Bahá’u’lláh can indeed change the hearts and souls of mankind, no matter what condition they are in, is the community of Seneweh, which has about 175 residents.

After four years of constant nurturing, love and support, this village now has more than 100 Bahá’ís.

Seneweh has deepenings twice a week, holds regular Assembly meetings and weekly children's classes, maintains its own Bahá’í Fund, sends out traveling teachers, has withstood opposition from ministers sent to stop the Faith, and has its own Bahá’í community farm (in addition to personal farms) to sell crops and give the money to the Fund.

They do all this by themselves. They make their own decisions based on their own consultation and knowledge of the Writings. They have become a loving community, a helping community, a strong community of Bahá’ís.

So what's the secret behind this? Sue says the secret, magic formula is... LOVE! Four years of love, support, perseverance and patience.

Everything, she says, boils down to the twin duties: tell the people that Bahá’u’lláh has come, and tell them what His station is. They then have the choice to accept Him or not. If they do, then they must obey Him. Once they have the knowledge, they must make the decisions.

Give them the knowledge, then give them a lot of room to make decisions. This is important: never make the decisions for others. Sue visited Seneweh about every two weeks for a long time, then the visits became less frequent. Now they ask her to come once in a while to visit (they call her "sister").

A key is becoming one of the community, but at the same time not letting the intimacy detract from respect for the institutions of the Faith.

Sue makes sure she is never present when the Assembly makes a decision. She will help in consultation if asked, but the decision must always be theirs.

Now, after consultation, they even ask her to leave so they can consult further and make a decision!

Mark works as program coordinator of Africa's first Bahá’í radio station, Radio Bahá’í-Liberia.

In late October last year there were no towers, no programs, no spots, no scripts, barely any music; only some of the equipment hooked up, a staff of Liberian youth who had received fairly good but sporadic training, and a handful of tapes.

When the station went on the air, less than three months later, it featured four hours per day of African traditional and African popular music, more than 100 recorded spot announcements on the Faith in seven languages, 15 minutes per week of agricultural news, 15 minutes per week of health-related programming, 10 minutes per day of Bahá’í devotions, an innovative half-hour weekly visit to one of Liberia's markets, regular broadcasts of Feasts, more than 50 spots on health, nutrition and agriculture, and a staff that sounds far more professional than its training would indicate.

No one can take credit for this except Bahá’u’lláh.

Radio Bahá’í is now on the air six hours a day, broadcasting material in 17 languages, adding another farming program, a 15-minute weekly teaching program, and getting even more new programs ready for broadcast.

Four new Bahá’í programs are now in production, and the station could be on the air 10 hours per day by the time its first anniversary comes around.

People are simply amazed by Radio Bahá’í. Broadcasting at 5,000 watts, it reaches about 90 per cent of Liberia, all the way to Freetown in Sierra Leone, much of Ivory Coast, up into Central Guinea, and confirmed reception reports have even come from Accra, Ghana.

No other station in the country, even those broadcasting at a higher output, can reach as far as Radio Bahá’í. The secret? Well, it's been said that the station broadcasts in "Abhá-watts"!

The impact has been tremendous. We simply cannot keep enough Bahá’í literature in the country, public demand has been so great. When the staff goes out to record, they are mobbed with requests for literature and information about the Faith.

While Radio Bahá’í has from the outset boldly proclaimed the Faith, people can't seem to get enough. Some have walked miles to the station to get us to tell them more.

There have been countless declarations at the station, and demands from listeners for more Bahá’í programming.

The station is different from its sister stations, not only because it is the first in Africa but also because of factors such as its international reach, the great ethnic-linguistic-cultural diversity of its audience (at least 16 languages are spoken in the country), its proximity to the capital city, and the fewness of its competitors on the air.

While clearly, the station's successes are possible only because of the work of our sister stations in Latin America and the U.S. (even before we went on the air a number of international organizations opened their doors to us because of the reputation of the Bahá’í radio stations in development circles), Radio Bahá’í-Liberia is quickly assuming its own unique niche in the family of Bahá’í stations.

Of course, problems have arisen, but they are problems coming from growth. It's a challenge to keep one's eyes on the future, on the wonderful promises we have been given about the most incredible goal any people have ever strived for: the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Bahá’u’lláh said the Most Great Peace shall come. He didn't say it may come, or that there's a good chance it will come, or that it would be nice if it were to come. He said it shall come! How soon it comes is up to us.

We have only to rise above these (comparatively) little inconveniences and hook our hearts on His promise. These things will pass, but His Kingdom will not.

We have learned so much by pioneering, and are beginning to fully realize Who our Lord is. We have become more intimately close to Him and, at the same time, have become more awe-struck by His power and majesty.

Indeed, He holds the earth in the palm of His hand. We have only to trust Him completely and to do those things we are supposed to do. He will do the rest.

As Mark likes to say, all you have to do is show up and open your mouth!

In His service,

Mark and Sue St. Clair Monrovia, Liberia West Africa

(Caption: Newlyweds Sue and Mark St. Clair who met and married last year while pioneering to Sierra Leone in West Africa.)

Fifteen prospective pioneers including one who is planning an international Year of Service attended a Pioneer Training Institute held October 29-November 1 at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. Destinations include Jamaica, Venda, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Highlights of the program included talks by visiting pioneers Charles and Helen Hornby of Ecuador and Lowell Johnson of South Africa.

SOME GREAT MATERIALS available only from the Office of Pioneering

A Manual for Pioneers by Rúhíyyih Rabbani: a must for pioneers and traveling teachers, this practical guide by the Hand of the Cause Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum covers topics of concern such as health, diet, public speaking, local customs, simple furniture-building, travel hints, Bahá’í administration, etc. The book shares many personal experiences gleaned from several trips around the world. $4.50

Quickeners of Mankind: Pioneering in a World Community. This compilation contains quotes from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, and some of the Hands of the Cause of God about pioneering. The quotes are arranged topically and provide an inspirational guide to deepening on the "most meritorious of deeds." $1.50

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner. Guidance for home diagnosis and remedies for many health problems encountered in other countries. $7

Preservation of Personal Health in Warm Climates by the Ross Institute of Tropical Hygiene, England. This health-care manual concentrates on those ailments and health concerns common to tropical climates and provides specific information about innoculations, skin diseases, travel and camping preparations, and more. $2.50

CASSETTES

Pioneer by Joany Lincoln. She has recorded in French and English many popular songs about service to Bahá’u’lláh including the "Persian Pioneer Song" and "Strong Brilliant Sunshine." $6

PERIODICALS

Pioneer Post, a quarterly newsletter compiled by the Office of Pioneering from letters and reports from U.S. pioneers in more than 100 countries. Previously provided only to pioneers, the publication, full of heartwarming stories, practical advice and moving accounts of pioneers' spiritual growth while serving Bahá’u’lláh, is now available to the entire Bahá’í community. $4/year

NOTE: All prices include postage. Please make checks or money orders payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund" earmarked "OP: Books." Send your order and payment to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 312-869-9039.

FRIENDS! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust. —Bahá’u’lláh [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

The Bahá’í Club at the University of Virginia recently presented a copy of the peace statement to comedienne Whoopi Goldberg.

If your club or community has a chance to present "The Promise of World Peace" to a well-known person, be sure to call the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs in advance to find out if that person has already received the statement. The number is 202-265-8830.

Having heard that Ms. Goldberg was to give a talk on peace and racial harmony at UVA, club members were determined to find a way to present the statement to her.

The opportunity came during a question-and-answer period following her talk. A member of the Bahá’í Club, having been called upon to speak, explained briefly what the club was, related the peace statement to Ms. Goldberg's talk, and explained that Bahá’ís all over the world are working for peace and racial harmony.

The explanation brought spontaneous applause from the crowd, and Whoopi Goldberg came to the edge of the stage to receive the statement, promising that she would read it.

After receiving the Campus Association Newsletter from the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Canada, we thought you might like to know what some of the Campus Associations in Canada are doing. The Campus Associations are much like our clubs and associations in the U.S.

Association for Bahá’í Studies at Erindale College

This is the first year that Erindale has formed its Bahá’í Campus Association. One of the organized activities has been holding regular firesides throughout the year.

Doug Cameron was invited to perform at a benefit concert for the United Way. This attracted the respect and attention of the Student Council toward the Campus Association.

The Council later recognized the Association as "official" and allocated them a budget of $268, which the Association used to adopt a foster child in Haiti.

The Association felt that although this seemed a silent effort, it had a great spiritual impact on members. Also, about 300 peace messages were presented to faculty members and students.

Association for Bahá’í Studies at York University

The Association at York publishes a newsletter for its members that details its activities, events and announcements.

Among the special activities is the organization of a prayer session, which was arranged by contacting several religious groups on campus and asking for their support. The event culminated with the release of white balloons.

A lecture series on the Faith was also held.

Plan now to take part in 1988 Youth Pilgrimage

Finally, the information we've all been waiting for is here. Yes... it's the information on the 1988 Youth Pilgrimage.

It is very important that you understand that time is short and we are running later than usual in getting things organized this year, so we are asking for your cooperation. All you need to do is ask yourself these three questions:

• Do I really want to go on the Youth Pilgrimage?
• Can I afford to go?
• Do I meet all the requirements listed below?

The 1988 Youth Pilgrimage is from June 20-28. The minimum cost is $1,200 per person.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a passport valid through January 1989. Those who are not U.S. citizens must have a re-entry permit valid through June 1989.

Only those who already have the re-entry permit may apply. You must be between the ages of 15-24 (inclusive) as of June 20, 1988.

In the past, we've had a clip-out coupon in The American Bahá’í that you could send in. This year we ask that you send in a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, birth date and Bahá’í I.D. number to: Youth Pilgrimage, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Postcards must be postmarked no later than February 19, 1988.

There will be two chaperones and 18 youth pilgrims. The method for choosing the pilgrims will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There is the possibility of a tour of parts of Israel before or after the pilgrimage.

Please be sure you meet all the requirements stated above before sending in your postcard.

International Youth Conference, Bloomington, Indiana: 'The Stage Is Set' for entry by troops

"...There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable Promise is given.

"God's own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution.

"Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and complete victory." (Letter from Shoghi Effendi dated January 28, 1939)

The day in which we live is unique in the history of humanity. The immediate future of the Bahá’í world is great and demanding.

The International Youth Conference, to be held next June 30-July 4 at Indiana University in Bloomington, will be a triple conference for children, youth and adults whose program will focus on the significance of the above passage from the Guardian and whose over-all theme is "The Stage Is Set."

Also, the program for parents will focus, among other topics, on the role of parents in unleashing the potential of youth.

Meanwhile, the children will learn how to prepare for the challenging responsibilities that lie ahead of them.

The conference colors are green (symbolizing the Báb), white and gold (in reference to the Shrine of the Báb, "robed in white and crowned in gold"), with a touch of red (symbolizing the blood of the martyrs).

Featured will be speakers from the senior institutions of the Faith as well as youth speakers.

Special events will include a peace march using the "Peace Banners" (banners should be 3x5 feet, five feet horizontally, with ribbons on the corners so that several banners can be tied together); a candlelight vigil in a lovely area of the campus; and a Fund run titled "For the Arc... Get Set ... Go!"

The money that is raised will go toward helping to build the Arc on Mount Carmel; pledge sheets will be available in March.

In support of the goal of the local Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, which is to raise one million pennies by 1992, let us arise in universal participation to help in their effort.

Children, youth and adults are urged to start saving pennies for this event. Just imagine if each and every Bahá’í at the conference contributed a penny! What a unific experience and a great demonstration of universal participation that would be!

Another special conference event is the "Seventh Valley Talent Night" featuring musicians with original work.

If you would like to take part, please send a sample tape or a description of your talent to the National Youth Committee office.

Those of you who are interested in writing and researching can participate in the "Scholarship-Striving for Excellence" activity.

Papers and reports are being sought based on the Bahá’í Writings and written by youth or adults for possible publication and presentation at the conference.

For a list of topics, see the December 1987 issue of The American Bahá’í. The deadline for submitting articles to the Youth Committee office is March 31.

All across the country there will be a "Peace Express" involving a network of caravans driving to the conference in Indiana.

Bahá’í youth are encouraged to bring their non-Bahá’í friends (each one bring one), to pray every morning and night, to read and study the Creative Word, and to become involved in some service projects.

Youth are also encouraged to organize a "Peace Express" in their area or to join other Expresses on their way to the conference.

For information about joining other caravans, contact Dale Sollars, Blackfoot, ID 83221, or phone 208-785-4495.

And in case you were wondering... registration forms will be available in March, and will be printed in The American Bahá’í and the "Youth Hotline."

Volunteers are urgently needed to help at the conference. The areas needing the most help are security, registration, and children's activities ("Peace Buddies," that is, teachers' aides, are needed for the children).

If you are interested in helping, please do not hesitate to contact Layla Garrigues at the National Youth Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 256.

Omid Pezeshki, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Brentwood, Tennessee, who came to this country from Iran five years ago after his grandfather, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran, was executed, was honored at a banquet last October as one of 17 students at Brentwood Academy inducted into the National Honor Society.

College Clubs respond quickly to news of arrest of five more Bahá’ís in Iran

Many Bahá’í clubs across the country responded quickly to the sad news that five more Bahá’ís had been arrested in Iran and that 12 others were in imminent danger of execution.

After receiving a joint letter from the National Youth Committee and the Office of Public Information and a copy of the National Spiritual Assembly's press release, many of the clubs, working with their local Public Information Representative, were able to place articles or interviews in their campus newspapers.

For example, the Bahá’í Club at the University of California-San Diego was able to get a series of articles in that school's newspaper.

The articles, which appeared in two consecutive issues, included interviews with club members who had either escaped from Iran or had relatives and friends who were affected by the persecutions there.

To protect their loved ones in Iran, the names of the students were not used.

"It is extremely important to bring the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran to the attention of the public," says Katherine Bigelow of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs.

"But care should be taken," she adds. "Individual Bahá’ís and local Spiritual Assemblies should not contact governors or U.S. government officials on behalf of the Faith without first contacting the National Spiritual Assembly.

"Likewise, we should not encourage others to pursue such contacts on behalf of the Faith, because individuals usually are not aware of activities at the national level and may be urging something that could be counterproductive."

The Universal House of Justice, in a recent letter to an individual Bahá’í, said, "In view of the necessity of the Bahá’í community to relate to governments... a correct understanding of what is legitimate Bahá’í action in the face of the policy of non-interference with government affairs is bound to be difficult to achieve on the part of individual friends... hence, it is important that decisions as to the conduct of such relationships be made by authorized institutions of the Faith and not by individuals.

"In matters of this kind, given the utter complexity of human affairs with which the Bahá’í community must increasingly cope both spiritually and practically, individual judgment is not sufficient."

When dealing with the media, even on a college campus, we must keep in mind that the public does not always understand and may even misinterpret many Bahá’í terms.

Terms such as martyr, progressive revelation, Manifestation and National Assembly don't always make sense to those who are not Bahá’ís.

If you have any questions about Bahá’í relationships with the media, be sure to contact your local Public Information Representative, the Office of Public Information at the Bahá’í National Center (312-869-9039), or the Office of External Affairs in Washington (202-265-8830).

Religious freedom essay contest won by 12-year-old Bahá’í

Nabil Maghzi, a 12-year-old Bahá’í from San Francisco, recently won first place in an essay contest sponsored by the San Francisco Council of Churches on the topic "What Does Religious Freedom Mean to Me?"

Nabil's essay, for which he received a $200 prize, contrasted the conditions of religious freedom for Bahá’ís living in Iran and the U.S.

It was the second essay contest this year in which he won first place. In January, he was the winner in a contest sponsored by the San Francisco middle school division on "Animating the Dream" of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

That essay, which contained references to the Universal House of Justice's peace statement, was read to two audiences totaling about 4,500 people on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Francisco. [Page 8]

Green Acre School built on Sarah Farmer's vision, foresight

Master blessed property with His presence in 1912

"Green Acre," Miss Farmer declared some years before her death, "was established for the purpose of bringing together all who were looking earnestly toward the New Day which seemed to be breaking over the entire world. The motive was to find the Truth, the Reality underlying all religious forms, and to make points of contact in order to promote the unity necessary for the ushering in of the coming Day of God."—The Bahá’í World, Vol. II (1926-28), p. 151

Sarah Jane Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, was the daughter of Moses Gerrish Farmer, a distinguished scientist and inventor of electric lights, and Hannah Shapleigh Farmer, a noted humanitarian involved in the Underground Railway and a home for unwed mothers.

Raised in a vigorous, intellectual community, Sarah busied herself with community activities and projects. One of her earliest ventures was to inaugurate the Eliot (Maine) Public Library to which she persuaded her poet friend, John Greenleaf Whittier, to donate an entire collection of books.

In 1889, four Eliot businessmen, aware of the desire of many residents of Connecticut and Massachusetts to spend their summer holidays on the Maine coast, agreed to build a summer resort hotel on the site of the present Green Acre Bahá’í School campus.

Sarah was invited to join the venture as a fifth partner, and the new Eliot Hotel was soon completed.

John Greenleaf Whittier visited the resort that first summer. During his stay he gave the property its name.

While seated before the fireplace in the main lobby one evening, he reportedly said, "Some people have called this God's acres, but I call it Green Acre." Sarah liked the name and it has been used in one form or another ever since.

As a business venture, the hotel was a failure. However, during the course of a lecture in Boston, Sarah had a vision that lectures would have both an ideal physical and intellectual appeal in a lovely setting such as Green Acre. Her goal would be to bring leaders of progressive thought in every field together at the Green Acre Institute.

Sarah believed in the comparative approach to the investigation of truth; thus she invited noted religious philosophers and clergy, historians, artists, educators and the like to come and present their viewpoints.

The participants would privately compare the information they received and carry away what they wished.

There was a time when literally thousands of people flocked to Green Acre to attend the celebrated programs. There was such an overflow of humanity that a tent community was built on the banks of the Piscataqua River.

While attending the Congress of Religions at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Sarah developed the idea of creating the Monsalvat School of Comparative Religions at Green Acre.

Despite her faith in the project, 1899 found Green Acre near collapse and Sarah in poor health. She was taken by a friend on a cruise of the Mediterranean where she heard about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who was imprisoned in ‘Akká at the time.

She cabled Him, begging to be allowed to visit Him. On March 23, 1899, she walked up the stairs to the House of ‘Abbúd. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood at the head of the stairs.

Sarah wrote in her diary, "‘Akká! Received by my Lord!" She recognized ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the fulfillment of the hopes of all the religions with which she had worked.

In 1901, after Sarah's return to America, Green Acre was continued as a new kind of institution, based on the Bahá’í Message. She made it clear that she considered the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to be the fulfillment of all that religion was seeking. As a result of the new emphasis, Green Acre regained much of its old vitality.

In August 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited Green Acre and slept in the Inn, which is due for restoration. As He blessed Green Acre with His presence, He left no doubt as to the glorious future in store for it:

"...This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality haloes everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope." (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 264)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured Sarah Farmer that her sacrifices would be the cause of the development of a great Bahá’í Center.

In 1913, it again appeared that Green Acre would fail from a lack of support; however, because of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's encouragement, the Bahá’ís in the Green Acre Association single-handedly arranged the summer program, and urged that Green Acre be reorganized along more realistic and consultative lines.

Many residents of Eliot joined the Association at that time. In August 1913, the Association adopted a proposed constitution, a decision that helped revive the sagging fortunes of Green Acre.

Sarah Farmer died in 1916 without being able to see her vision fulfilled in this plane of existence. The Inn, to which Miss Farmer devoted so much love and energy, was named in her memory.

In 1925, the Green Acre Association voted to offer the center to the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and Canada as a summer school.

In 1928, encouraged by the Guardian to do so, the National Assembly accepted the offer, and Green Acre became the first Bahá’í school in the U.S.

Rich in the history of the Faith, the Sarah Farmer Inn warrants restoration to ensure that future generations will have the same opportunity to experience Green Acre as it has been enjoyed by thousands from around the world for nearly a century.

Green Acre Restoration Facts

• The Sarah Farmer Inn will retain the distinctive character and styling of its turn-of-the-century architecture.
• Careful restoration by skilled professionals will produce an authentically preserved building with the durability, convenience and freshness of one that is newly-built.
• The structure will be brought up to all codes of safety, comfort and efficiency.
• Wheelchair accessibility will be provided.
• Kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities will be significantly upgraded.
• Three residential floors will provide an increased housing capacity of at least 50 additional beds.
• Complete winterization will allow the Inn to be available for use 12 months of the year.
• Improved grounds and surroundings will enhance the building and set a standard for future restoration at Green Acre.

Restoration

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá blessed Green Acre with His presence 75 years ago, He left no doubt as to the glorious future in store for it. Restoration and winterization of the Sarah Farmer Inn will ensure that future generations will be able to experience Green Acre as it has been the privilege of thousands of people from around the world for nearly a century.

The American Bahá’í community has been challenged by the Universal House of Justice to play a major role in the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel. This challenge in no way diminishes the goal of restoring the Green Acre Bahá’í School during the Six Year Plan.

Earlier this year, in a message at Ridván, the House of Justice reminded us that "the stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God." It is of vital importance that we prepare our learning centers for this expected growth.

The friends in the Northeast began working toward achieving this goal with a fund-raising kick-off at District Conventions in October. Bahá’ís everywhere are invited and encouraged to support this noble cause.

Contributions earmarked for the Green Acre restoration can be sent to the National Treasurer's Office or sent directly to: Restoration Fund, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903.

Resolution

...abuse its Bahá’í citizens with impunity.

"We believe that this kind of support has been a key factor in preventing the wholesale elimination of the Bahá’í community of Iran. Co-sponsors and member-states who supported the resolution have our deepest gratitude."

The General Assembly vote followed approval of the resolution two weeks earlier by the UN's Third Committee.

That committee, which is composed of the entire membership of the General Assembly, concerns itself with social issues including human rights.

On November 27, the Third Committee approved the resolution by a vote of 58-22, paving the way for the General Assembly vote.

In 1985 and 1986, both the Third Committee and the General Assembly passed similar resolutions on the human rights situation in Iran. As was the case this year, those measures singled out the Bahá’ís as a noteworthy case of the persecution of minorities in Iran.

Since the present Iranian government came to power in 1979, more than 200 Bahá’ís have been executed, killed or disappeared. Hundreds more have been imprisoned, while tens of thousands have lost their jobs, homes and property and have been denied the opportunity for an education.

Five Bahá’ís have been executed in Iran this year, a lower number than in previous years.

The Bahá’í International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly have attributed the decrease to actions such as December's vote by the General Assembly and other forms of international pressure brought to bear on the government of Iran.

Students at Louhelen Residential College are involved in a wide range of ongoing community-based activities

In addition to their full-time studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College, the 15 students at the Louhelen Residential College have become actively involved in developing the community of the school and in helping the nearby Bahá’í communities.

Several ongoing activities designed to enhance the quality of student life and help create a Bahá’í community at the school are being held.

Bahá’í Studies classes are held each Wednesday and are taught by Dr. Violet Wuerfel Clark using the Hatcher/Martin book as a text. Two weeks are spent on each chapter topic.

Some of the classes are taught by local or visiting Bahá’í scholars and experts. Recent guest teachers have included Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, and Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Weekly group "family" meetings are held by the Resident Counselor, Elizabeth Ritter, with all of the students.

The intention is to give the students a structured forum in which to explore and evaluate their efforts to create a Bahá’í community on campus.

Dawn prayers are being held on the first Saturday of each month. Family-style meals are served each evening to foster group unity and help to create a school spirit.

The students help prepare meals and clean up afterward. They are also involved with serving 10 hours a week in other areas of operation at the school.

Personal and academic help are provided for the students by the school staff and local Bahá’ís. Randall Kizer and Cheryl Hemmler, members of the Davison Bahá’í community, volunteer tutoring time on a regular basis.

The students have elected an Activities Committee which has planned and held Feasts, Holy Day observances, special dinners and a party, and a Judiciary Committee to help decide on and enforce policy.

Major activities have included a trip to the Bahá’í House of Worship over the Thanksgiving break, and a large party hosted by Helen McCluskey, Helen and Charles Hornby, and Erma Hayden for the LRC students and the greater Ann Arbor community.

All of the students have been involved in special projects. Five of them helped Mrs. Hornby with her revision project for "Lights of Guidance." Two others helped man a booth at the Genesee County Indian Festival.

Seven students taught classes at Louhelen's Regional Youth Conference, while five are regular teachers for the local Bahá’í children's classes. Two also work part-time at the Montessori Academy housed at Louhelen.

Also, three of the students serve as members of the Spiritual Assembly of Davison Township.

Most of the students are presently involved in preparing a dramatic presentation of a play about Táhirih, written and directed by Carolyn Duell, to present at regional conferences.

Three students performed a musical program at a Bahá’í-sponsored dinner in Lansing, and two others have begun a concessions business to raise funds for the Arc.

Students are also involved with their campus organizations, and one participates with and has been asked to read his writing at a meeting of the Genesee Writers Association.

Arise! To Teach

[Page 9]

Brilliant Star says 'thanks' to those who completed surveys

The editorial board of Brilliant Star magazine would like to thank all of those devoted readers, most under age 15, and some a bit over that, who completed surveys that are being sent with renewal notices. We love to hear what you think!

And the results are overwhelming. You love Brilliant Star!

Our younger readers enjoy Letters from Our Friends, the crafts, puzzles and other activities. (And yes, we will try to include more—send us ideas!).

Their parents enjoy the historical recollections and moralistic stories, and want to see many more of them.

With the January/February issue we have something for everyone. Historically, there is a moving account, "Good-bye, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá," illustrated by Fritz Mann, and "Unveiled Soldier" by Linda Naseem, illustrated by David Green.

"Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express" by Patsy Vaughan, illustrated by Keith Kresge, is a gripping tale of selflessness and decision-making. And "Kent's Mask," written by Kay Haugaard and illustrated by Linda Orlando, shows how one boy overcomes his shyness.

To keep our readers busy there are a song by Greg Shaw, a "Riddle in Rhyme" by Roger White, two crafty mobiles to make and a tough photo-matching activity.

All this plus our regular features, Book Nook and Parents' Page, and a new one, "Profile," which shares a glimpse of some Brilliant Star authors and artists.

Back issues are available. For instance, we have been receiving letters of delight about the model to make of Sarah Farmer Inn that appeared in the November/December 1987 issue.

Requests for specific issues can be made to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Back issues are $2 each.

If you haven't already subscribed to Brilliant Star, do so now! Simply send $12 for one year (six issues) to Subscriber Service at the above address. Don't miss it!

The newly formed Brilliant Star Bahá’í School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hayward, California, and supported by Assemblies and communities in Alameda County, has been holding classes twice a month for more than 40 children from nine communities, many of whom are shown with teachers and other adult Bahá’í at a recent open house at the school.

Interracial unity topic at Louhelen conference

"Concepts and Models of Interracial Unity" was the topic of a conference held November 6-8 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School's Conference Center in Davison, Michigan.

The gathering, sponsored by the Association for Bahá’í Studies and the Louhelen school's Center for Interracial Unity, was attended by nearly 80 Bahá’ís and their guests.

Opening the conference Friday evening was Dr. Hossain Danesh, chairman of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who spoke on the dynamics of creating an integrated society.

The Saturday sessions included presentations by:

Dr. Jack Bain, professor of communications at Michigan State University (how communication tries to model racial understanding).

Dr. Rose Helper, professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Toledo (forms of interracial cooperation).

Dr. William Peterman, director of the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois-Chicago (problems and opportunities of maintaining integrated communities).

Betty Offet, president of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women (the impact of politics on racial unity).

Dr. Harry Reed, associate professor of history at Michigan State University (cooperation and conflict between blacks and whites in 19th-century activism).

Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina (the Bahá’í model of racial unity).

Al Hurwitz of New Detroit Inc. (a corporate community model of racial unity and cooperation).

The Saturday evening session was devoted to the arts with a presentation by producer/playwright Jeanne Gazel on models of interracial collaboration in the theatre.

Marvin (Doc) Holladay, a musician and professor of music at Oakland (Michigan) University, spoke on music as a model.

The closing session Sunday morning included a presentation by De Bryant, a psychologist for Michigan State University's Benton Harbor Project, who spoke on moving toward a unified paradigm of racial unity.

This was followed by responses from all of the speakers about the weekend's activities as well as by audience participation.

WE RE THANKFUL FOR

Dr. William Peterman of the University of Illinois-Chicago addresses a workshop session during the conference on 'Concepts and Models of Interracial Unity' held November 6-8 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School's Conference Center in Davison, Michigan.

This was the third conference sponsored by the Center for Interracial Unity, the first on concepts and models of race unity.—Jeannie Kain-Kuipers

Waukesha has event for Spanish-speaking

On September 26, the Bahá’í community of Waukesha, Wisconsin, held a proclamation event for Spanish-speaking people at La Casa de Esperanza community hall.

The main speaker was Rolando Monterrey, a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua, who now lives with his family in Waukesha.

James Ingraham, a former pioneer to Peru who now lives in West Allis, Wisconsin, also spoke.

More than 40 people, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, were present.

Louhelen hosts meeting on substance abuse

As a step toward helping individuals, families and communities recognize and assist with substance abuse problems, the Louhelen Bahá’í School hosted its second intensive conference on that topic from December 4-6.

Dr. A.M. Ghadirian, a psychiatrist and author of In Search of Nirvana, was the keynote speaker and also conducted a workshop for the public on "Coping with Stress."

Other workshops were conducted by representatives of local agencies that deal with substance abuse as well as by Bahá’í professionals in the area.

Discussion and consultation centered on prevention and education involving various community efforts such as "Bahá’ís in Recovery Programs" and the San Francisco "Alcohol Education Project."

In addition to workshops, the participants saw and discussed a video from Alcoholics Anonymous—"The 12 Steps"—and a second video—"The Honor of Us All"—which followed the process of change in the Alkali Lake Indian Tribe as its members struggled to overcome widespread alcoholism.

On Friday evening, a joint AA-Al-Anon meeting was held and was attended by conference participants as well as by many residents of Flint and Davison.

The conference enabled a group of Bahá’ís, some from as far away as Iowa and Georgia, to discuss openly and in-depth the problems facing Bahá’í communities, families and individuals in dealing with substance abuse.

Additionally, the conference received considerable publicity in the area, and drew the attendance of several members of the public.

Information about the conference, as well as tapes made there, will soon be made available. Please write to the Louhelen School for information.

LOUHELEN SCHEDULE

February 19-21: Singles Weekend. Paula Drewek and Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor, presenters. A fun-filled weekend with classes, recreation, devotions, social activities, etc. No children's program planned.

February 26-28: Artists Conference planned by Michael Naylor, Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Rene V. Steiner and Jeanne Gazel. Discussions about and sharing of art by Bahá’í artists, with emphasis on developing the cultural aspects of the new World Order, using art to teach the Faith, and establishing a formal organization of Bahá’í artists. Writers, musicians, performing and visual artists are encouraged to attend. Limited children's program due to the nature of the conference.

March 19-20: Naw-Rúz gala! Fun, food and merriment galore!

April 1-3: "Integration of Diversity in the Bahá’í Community" sponsored by the National Race Unity and Persian/American Affairs Committees.

April 8-10: Regional Youth Conference planned by the Louhelen Youth Board.

North Carolina's winter school helps friends prepare for Holy Year of 1992

Spirit was high at the North Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, held over the Thanksgiving weekend in Reidsville.

The school, whose theme was "Strain every nerve to acquire inner and outer perfections—preparing for the Holy Year, 1992," featured a keynote address by Iran Muhájir, widow of the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and daughter of the Hand of the Cause of God Ali Akbar Furútan.

Talks and workshops were given by Rezvanieh Collestan ("Attaining Inner and Outer Perfections"), Frank Kelleher ("Mulla Husayn—The Moth and Flame"), Marion West ("Prayer—A Tool for Building the New World Order"), Dr. Monib Collestan ("Attaining Divine Perfections"), William Hunter ("Techniques for Teaching the Faith"), and Mrs. Muhájir ("Teaching—Questions and Answers").

Special interest groups were led by Charles Donahue ("Esperanto"), Mary Lou Hiemmick ("Literacy") and performing artists Marvin (Doc) Holladay, Donna Kime and Anne Atkinson.

Donna Kime (center, holding microphone) leads the friends in singing 'Queen of Carmel' during the North Carolina Bahá’í Winter School in Reidsville.

Those performers, with the help of Nabil Jurney, a vocal artist from Raleigh, presented original music, dance, drama and slides on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Invitations to Saturday's proclamation/performance were given to residents of Reidsville by some of the youth and adults at the school.

During the final session, all teachers and performers served on a panel during which they summarized their classes and answered questions.

$2,000 was raised to help build the Arc on Mount Carmel and a cable was sent to the Universal House of Justice, which responded with appreciation and assurance of its prayers. [Page 10]

Montpelier, capital of Vermont, needs homefront pioneers

In the December issue of The American Bahá’í, readers were introduced to Trenton, New Jersey, as one of the National Teaching Committee's homefront pioneering priority goal localities.

Trenton is a state capital that, along with Pierre, South Dakota; Carson City, Nevada; Charleston, West Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Montpelier, Vermont; and Cheyenne, Wyoming, does not have a Bahá’í community large enough to form a local Spiritual Assembly.

In an effort to urge and assist potential homefront pioneers to move to these cities, the Teaching Committee is publishing a series of articles containing helpful information about each of them.

The sixth city to be highlighted in this series:

MONTPELIER, VERMONT

Nestled along the Winooski River in central Vermont, Montpelier (mahnt-PEEL-yuhr) is an attractive community with a damp climate: heavy snowfalls and considerable rain.

There are only six Bahá’ís among Montpelier's 8,000 residents; its Spiritual Assembly was lost in 1985.

Homefront pioneers are needed who can stay in Montpelier on a long-term basis and who are skilled in effectively teaching the Faith.

The life insurance and granite industries employ many of the townspeople. Other local industries include printing and the manufacture of plastics.

Many job opportunities are available in Burlington, 40 miles from Montpelier.

The city has two public high schools, two elementary schools and several day-care centers. For adults, there is Vermont College (a campus of Norwich University) and other universities in nearby communities.

Housing prices start at about $60,000, although houses for sale in Montpelier are not easy to find. Apartments are more readily available, with one-bedroom apartments renting from $250-$300 a month, two-bedroom from $300-$500, and three-bedroom from $400-$600.

For more information about Montpelier, please write or call: Bahá’ís of Montpelier, c/o Joe Boynton, RD 4, Box 558, Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-223-3453). Montpelier Chamber of Commerce, State St., Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-229-4619). Montpelier Public Schools, Superintendent's Office, 58 Berry St., Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone 802-223-6341).

For information about any of the other six state capitals that do not have Spiritual Assemblies, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Your decision to move to one of these cities could help win one of the goals of the Six Year Plan!

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles firesides and deepenings are held on almost a daily basis.

At the campaign's official “kick-off” on October 20, Counselor Hedi Ahmadiyyih from Belize urged the 400 who had gathered to go into the community and find people to bring to the Bahá’í Center.

He indicated that the Center needed to be used more in the teaching efforts—and since then, it has been.

On November 28, Dr. Ahmadiyyih returned to Los Angeles to take part in one of the cross-cultural events at the Bahá’í Center. After prayers were offered in 10 languages, Dr. Ahmadiyyih said he was “witnessing first-hand the real Bahá’í community.” The evening, he said, was “a spiritual highlight” of his life.

The following day, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, shrugging off the effects of a severe head cold, spoke at the dedication of a 1,000-seat auditorium at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.

The “Spiritual Conquest” campaign is scheduled to continue at least through next summer. Bahá’ís who are traveling in the Los Angeles area are warmly invited to take part.

If you are interested in participating, please phone Jeanette Roberts at the Bahá’í Center of Los Angeles, 213-933-8291, for more information.

A fireside is held at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles as a part of the “Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels” campaign which began in October and is to continue at least through next summer, teaching members of minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan for the U.S. Bahá’í community.

TEACHING

Hand of the Cause of God, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum’s “Talk to the Indians of the Western Hemisphere” is available on cassette tape in English and in Spanish for $2.00 each from The National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

We would probably be surprised to learn how many of our acquaintances know something about the Bahá’í Faith.

As a result of the increase in media coverage in recent years, there are millions of people who have been exposed to the basic facts about the Faith. Yet when people hear of the Faith through a proclamation effort alone, even though they may accept its principles, they usually are not yet ready to become Bahá’ís.

As a planted seed needs water and warmth to rise from dormancy, a soul needs spiritual nourishment for its awakening. The fireside provides an environment in which this process can take place.

The Guardian felt that the most effective way to teach the Faith is to make strong friends among neighbors and associates, and then invite them to firesides held in one's home.

The fireside, he said, is the most effective teaching medium because “intimate personal questions can be answered, and the students find the spirit of the Faith more abundant there.”

Does fireside teaching work? Ask Amelia

The following is a true story that illustrates the effectiveness of the fireside:

Six years ago, Amelia, who was a student at Arizona State University, read a newspaper article about the Bahá’í Faith. She soon forgot what she had read.

A few months later, however, Amelia met a Bahá’í through her work, and asked the Bahá’í to tell her more about the Faith.

Amelia suggested that they “do lunch,” but the Bahá’í invited her instead to an informal gathering for dinner in her home—which was, Amelia later learned, a fireside.

After the fireside, Amelia offered to follow one of the Bahá’ís home in her car. The woman's father and son, with whom she lived, were out of town, and Amelia wanted to make sure that the woman would be entering her home safely.

For some time prior to that evening Amelia had been having visions of a particular house on the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. She knew that someone living in that house would play a significant role in her life. In her visions she was shown how to get to the house, but she had never actually gone there.

With mounting astonishment, Amelia drove behind the woman up Camelback Mountain and pulled into the driveway of the very house she had envisioned!

The woman invited her in, and there, on a coffee table, was the photograph of the Hand of the Cause of God Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í which Amelia had seen in the newspaper several months before. This was his home.

Amelia returned to Mr. ‘Alá’í’s home every Wednesday to learn more about the Faith. She also attended firesides at the home of the woman she had met through her work.

She felt she did not know enough about the Faith to become a Bahá’í, but the firesides gave her the opportunity to learn. Eight months later, Amelia became a Bahá’í.

Today, Amelia works at the Bahá’í National Center, responding to inquiries from seekers living throughout the country and around the world. She refers them to Bahá’ís in their area and suggests that they attend firesides.

“The Bahá’ís whose firesides I attended became my family even before I declared,” says Amelia. “They were always there for me. If I had been left to myself, I don't know what would have happened.

“After attending firesides twice a week for several months, I wanted to become a Bahá’í but was too shy to ask because of the enormity of the Message and because I truly felt I didn't know enough about Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause.

“At a fireside, someone finally came out and asked, ‘Why haven't you signed your card yet?’ I signed my declaration card that day.

“Good thing, too, because if no one had ever asked me I'd probably still be attending firesides as a seeker.”

Peace Proclamation Materials

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Women's Committee to hold conferences

The National Committee on Women is planning a series of conferences in various parts of the country on the topic “Equality of Men and Women.”

Each of the conferences will focus on a particular minority group.

The first one, to be held February 20-21 in Atlanta, Georgia, will focus on the black woman and is constructed for the participation of the entire Bahá’í community and its friends.

Workshop topics include: (1) what America needs from the black woman; (2) black women: is there a price for leadership? (3) the juggling act: women managing families, careers and Bahá’í activities; (4) Persian women: new horizons; (5) have youth achieved sexual equality; and (6) the emancipation of women.

There will also be a National Committee on Women panel discussion, and an exciting program of art and entertainment in the evening.

For more information, phone Alonzo Nesmith (803-889-3888 or 803-792-3131) or Fafar Guillebeaux (205-281-9765).

Enrolling New Believers and Traveling Teaching

Two great new booklets from: The National Teaching Committee Order yours today! Price $.50 each.

Make Checks payable to: “Bahá’í Services Fund” National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 11]

Reaching Chinese with Message of Bahá’u’lláh

an important step toward assuring world peace

TEACHING

One of the least recognized—but crucial—fields of teaching is within the Chinese community. The Chinese Teaching Committee is presently making plans to reach this segment of the population. To make the best use of the resources available for this task, efforts are being directed to two promising areas—large cities and college campuses.

Since the greatest concentrations of Chinese people are in large cities, the committee is encouraging the Bahá’í communities in those areas to reach out to them.

Social events held in New York, Boston and Chicago have been quite successful. Attempts are being made to spread these efforts to other cities.

In the larger cities as well as on college campuses, the goal is not to enroll visitors and students from the People's Republic of China (mainland China), since any religious affiliation may place them in danger.

Bahá’ís are encouraged to befriend those from the mainland, and may familiarize them with the principles of the Faith.

Through these friends of the Faith, the country that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said "has the most great capacity" will be influenced by the principles and ideals that will lead eventually to world peace.

Even though we should not enroll persons from mainland China, there are vast and significant opportunities to teach other Chinese people. The Universal House of Justice has written:

"Emphasis is now being placed on reaching the millions of Chinese people who reside permanently outside China with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh." (Letter of February 10, 1982)

The Chinese Teaching Committee urges you to make opportunities to teach these precious souls.

For more information, please contact the Chinese Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

A big "thank you" for your support

A big "thank you" to all those who have contributed to the Marianne Steffes Scholarship Fund at Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas.

We are again encouraging the friends to contribute to the scholarship for the 1988-89 school year which will be presented in April at the annual school banquet.

Again, thank you for your past support. We hope to be able to increase the amount of the scholarship each year.

Contributions should be sent to the Marianne Steffes Scholarship Fund, c/o the Spiritual Assembly of Lawrence, P.O. Box 584, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Number of teaching projects continues to move upward toward NTC goal of 200

Listed here are upcoming or ongoing teaching projects that have either been added to the number of projects contributing to the National Teaching Committee's goal of 200 for this year or have had information updated since the teaching projects were last printed in The American Bahá’í.

For each project, we have included the name and phone number of a contact person who would be happy to provide more information to those who would like to take part in their community's project.

Los Angeles, California "Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels" (through next summer). Jeanette Roberts, 213-933-8291.

Pueblo, Colorado "Project Arise" (ongoing, every other Saturday). Bill or Lori Ernst, 303-948-2219.

Minneapolis, Minnesota "Minneapolis Project" (ongoing, one weekend per month). David Ingham, 612-823-9074.

Please use the form below to report your community's teaching project to the National Teaching Committee so that it can be added toward the goal of 200 by Ridván. If you do not want your project to be listed in The American Bahá’í, please report it anyway but indicate in the "comments" section of the form that you prefer the project remains unpublished.

• • Teaching Projects - 1987-88**

Name of Project: Sponsor: Dates: Location: Contact Person: Phone Number(s): Cost per participant: Type Project & Goal(s): Comments:

Return to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

Plantation, Florida, plans ambitious series of firesides

An ambitious series of firesides is being held in Plantation, Florida.

On February 5, Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, will take part in a panel discussion on the topic "Is Religion the Main Channel for Establishing Peace and Order in the World? If So, What Is Wrong with Religion, as There Is Not Yet Peace and Order?"

Other panelists will be a Jewish rabbi, a Baptist minister, a college professor, a politician and a pediatrician.

On February 27, Dr. Duane Dumbleton of Jacksonville, Florida, will speak on "Facing Up to the Most Challenging Issue to Obtain Peace in the World."

On March 26, Juana Conrad, chairman of the National Committee on Women and a founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration, will address the topic "Equality of Men and Women, a New Channel for Peace."

She will also present a slide show of her recent trip to Moscow where she attended an international women's conference as a representative of WIPA.

The meetings, each of which begins at 8 p.m., are held at the home of Wilbert and Christine Rayner in Plantation.

For more information, phone 305-587-9579.

Florida Bahá’ís play prominent role in UN gathering on hunger

Bahá’ís had a prominent role October 24 in a United Nations Day observance sponsored by the city of Lake Mary, Florida.

The theme of the event was "International Year of Shelter for the Homeless: Seeking Global Solutions to World Hunger."

The opening remarks were made by Ben Levy, a Bahá’í who served as the city's United Nations Day chairman.

Also on the program were a film, "Why," which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the UN, and a panel discussion on "Solutions to the Problem of Hunger and the Homeless in Lake Mary and Seminole County."

One of the panel members, Anthony Lewis, director of the McKnight Center of Excellence, University of Central Florida, and vice-president of the Seminole County Mental Health Board, is a Bahá’í.

Ending the program was a coffeehouse with music, refreshments and fellowship.

Needed: If you are able to donate a new or used mimeograph machine for use by the Administrative Committee of Yucatán, Mexico, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

More than 100 people were present last October 25 as the Bahá’ís of Fauquier County, Virginia, presented their first Quest for Peace Awards to two county residents for their work in advancing the unity of mankind. Accepting her award from Dora Hanna (right), chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Fauquier County, is Janet Shannon, a social worker cited for her work as a volunteer tutor of English and her chairmanship last year of a community fair organized to help the needy. Also receiving an award was Joan Broughton, a high school physical education and driver education teacher, recognized for her encouragement of young people. An article about the awards appeared in the local newspaper.

EFFECTIVE TEACHING

Connecting Hearts with Bahá’u’lláh

Available from the National Teaching Committee is a course on teaching for communities and individuals. The course identifies the elements of effective teaching found in the Writings, and helps students build these principles into new patterns of systematic teaching.

NO WAITING FOR TRAINED INSTRUCTORS! Anyone can pick up the workbook and start immediately. Or, a community can select someone to lead group study with the step-by-step instructor's guide, while students complete exercises in the workbook.

Use the course alone, or, for best results, combine it with actual teaching efforts as a deepening guide. The principles of teaching apply for any method, and can help expand the range of teaching skills to fit a variety of circumstances and seekers.

Order from: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 800/323-1880 or 312/251-1854 in Illinois

Name Address City State Zip Phone Credit card number (circle one) MasterCard / Visa exp. date

Communities and group study: Be sure to order a workbook for each student along with your instructor's guide!

EFFECTIVE TEACHING Student Workbook @ $2.00 ea. Instructor's Guide @ $2.00 ea. Audio Cassette @ $2.00 ea.

ASSEMBLIES IN JEOPARDY NEED YOUR HELP!

"The Lord hath ordained that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Bahá (9), and should it exceed this number it does not matter..." --Bahá’u’lláh

Some of our divinely ordained Houses of Justice, which are now referred to as local Spiritual Assemblies, are in danger of being lost if the number of adult believers in the communities is not brought back to nine before Ridván. If you could relocate to a nearby community or to a distant post to help save one of these precious Assemblies, please contact your District Teaching Committee or the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039. [Page 12]

God's Messengers carry out His purpose for mankind

One of the first things we learn about when we become Bahá’ís is the idea of progressive revelation—that God has sent humanity a series of Divine Teachers, the Manifestations of God, to educate us, spiritually and materially, as individuals and as a society.

The succession of Messengers has taken place throughout history at different times and places and will continue without an end into the future.

We should, however, be careful not to overlook the fact that, rather than being simply an endless series of Divine Teachers, there is indeed a purpose which God has in store for humanity. Understanding this purpose is the key to beginning to understand the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

Consider the teachers in a school. One after another they work with the children to prepare them for a special event—graduation. Graduation represents a maturing, a coming of age.

Humanity, under the guidance of the Manifestations from Adam to Muhammad, has undergone preparation for a special time—the coming of age of the human race and for a special event—the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

It is Bahá’u’lláh’s mission to guide us through the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

"This is the Day in which God's most excellent favors have been poured out upon men," Bahá’u’lláh writes, "the Day in which His most mighty grace hath been infused into all created things. It is incumbent upon all the peoples of the world to reconcile their differences, and, with perfect unity and peace, abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of His care and loving-kindness....

"Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfill that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead." (Gleanings, pp. 6-7)

"The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh," Shoghi Effendi writes, "whose supreme mission is none other but the achievement of this organic and spiritual unity of the whole body of nations, should, if we be faithful to its implications, be regarded as signalizing through its advent the coming of age of the entire human race.

"It should be viewed not merely as yet another spiritual revival in the ever-changing fortunes of mankind, not only as a further stage in a chain of progressive Revelations, nor even as the culmination of one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, but rather as marking the last and highest stage in the stupendous evolution of man's collective life on this planet.

"The emergence of a world community, the consciousness of world citizenship, the founding of a world civilization and culture—all of which must synchronize with the initial stages in the unfoldment of the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Era—should, by their very nature, be regarded, as far as this planetary life is concerned, as the furthermost limits in the organization of human society, though man, as an individual, will, nay must indeed as a result of such a consummation, continue indefinitely to progress and develop." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 163)

We should not forget, in light of the powerful quotations that describe the greatness of this Day and of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, that the essence of all the Manifestations is one. They "are regarded as one soul and the same person," Bahá’u’lláh writes, though Each has "a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined revelation." (Gleanings, pp. 50, 52)

"The Cause We have proclaimed is such as no pen can ever describe, nor any mind conceive its greatness," Bahá’u’lláh writes (Gleanings, p. 99)

Yet we must make an effort to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation—an effort Shoghi Effendi describes as "the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 100)

It is only in this way that we can acquire the understanding and inspiration necessary to transform ourselves in accordance with Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings, and to play our part in helping humanity achieve the promise of this Day of God.

Need Spanish-speaking Traveling Teachers to visit your community? Contact: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

From the Writings...

"Only those who are willing to associate the Revelation proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh with the consummation of so stupendous an evolution in the collective life of the whole human race can grasp the significance of the words which He, while alluding to the glories of this promised Day and to the duration of the Bahá’í Era, has deemed fit to utter. 'This is the King of Days,' He (Bahá’u’lláh) exclaims, 'the Day that hath seen the coming of the Best-Beloved, Him Who, through all eternity, hath been acclaimed the Desire of the World....' 'It is evident,' He, in another passage, explains, 'that every age in which a Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely-ordained, and may, in a sense, be characterized as God's appointed Day. This Day, however, is unique, and is to be distinguished from those that have preceded it. The designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully revealeth its high station. The Prophetic Cycle hath verily ended. The Eternal Truth is now come....

"In this most mighty Revelation,' He, in categorical language, declares, 'all the Dispensations of the past have attained their highest, their final consummation. That which hath been made manifest in this pre-eminent, this most exalted Revelation, standeth unparalleled in the annals of the past, nor will future ages witness its like.'

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s authentic pronouncements should, likewise, be recalled as confirming, in no less emphatic manner, the unexampled vastness of the Bahá’í Dispensation. 'Centuries,' He affirms in one of His Tablets, 'nay, countless ages, must pass away ere the Day-Star of Truth shineth again in its mid-summer splendor, or appeareth once more in the radiance of its vernal glory.... Concerning the Manifestations that will come down in the future 'in the shadows of the clouds,' He, in a still more definite language, affirms, 'know, verily, that in so far as their relation to the Source of their inspiration is concerned, they are under the shadow of the Ancient Beauty. In their relation, however, to the age in which they appear, each and every one of them "doeth whatsoever He willeth."""—Shoghi Effendi, quoting Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 166-67

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

• What is meant by "the Day of God"?
• What is meant by "the Bahá’í Era" and the end of the "Prophetic Cycle"?
• What is the significance of the Revelation brought by Bahá’u’lláh? What is its purpose?
• What is the relationship of future Manifestations of God to Bahá’u’lláh?

The following books, along with many others, describe the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and are available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service:

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, especially pages 1-46.

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi, especially "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh," pages 97-157.

The Advent of Divine Justice, by Shoghi Effendi—see pages containing compiled quotations of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 75-85.

'No paradise more wondrous' than bellef in Manifestation of God in His Day

A greater understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is sure to awaken in every one of His followers a burning desire to see the purpose of that Revelation—the Most Great Peace and the Kingdom of God on earth—achieved.

Bahá’u’lláh informs us how we can help: "Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause....This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future." (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 196)

"Of all the gifts of God," ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us, "the greatest is the gift of Teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God, and is our first obligation. Of such a gift how can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer them all as a sacrifice for the Abhá Beauty and teach the Cause of God." (The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 25)

How wonderful it was when each of us first heard of Bahá’u’lláh and understood the truth of His station.

"There is no paradise more wondrous for any soul than to be exposed to God's Manifestation in His Day, to hear His verses and believe in them, to attain His presence...." the Báb writes. (Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 77)

How wonderful, also, it is to share with others the precious gift we have received.

There is much guidance in the Bahá’í Writings about the nature of teaching and how we should conduct ourselves as teachers. Before someone teaches, Bahá’u’lláh says, he should "teach his own self," for "unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker." (Gleanings, p. 277)

We should learn more about the Faith, and also learn how to become better teachers. (The books, The Individual and Teaching and Effective Teaching, both available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, would be useful to learn more about teaching.)

When we teach, we are trying to help another person connect his or her heart with their Lord. Teaching is a humble act.

"If ye be aware of a certain truth," Bahá’u’lláh instructs, "if ye possess a jewel of which others are deprived, share it with them in language of utmost kindliness and good-will."

If the person refuses the gift, we should leave him unto himself and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him." (Gleanings, p. 289)

Even when we don't know quite what to do, we need only arise and make an effort to teach, for "even if the action should not immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers can only be answered through action and if someone's action is wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right." (Shoghi Effendi, The Individual and Teaching, p. 40)

The process of continually educating ourselves and making efforts to teach the Cause is an endless cycle. In this way we receive the divine blessings that help us become true Bahá’ís exhibiting the attributes of Bahá’u’lláh while spreading His Teachings to help transform humanity.

This process must rest on our supreme confidence in Divine Assistance—for it is not the teacher who changes others, but the Holy Spirit. The teacher is only a channel through which the spirit acts.

"The peoples of the world," Bahá’u’lláh tells us, "are fast asleep. Were they to wake from their slumber, they would hasten with eagerness unto God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. They would cast away everything they possess, be it all the treasures of the earth, that their Lord may remember them to the extent of addressing them but one word."

And He urges us: "Arise to further My Cause and to exalt My word."

Do you read this page?

Are you a new Bahá’í or veteran believer? Are the articles on this page too difficult or too simple? What have you liked about this page? What would you like to see added or changed? The National Teaching Committee is considering revising and reprinting the new believers' page for another year. We need your comments and ideas! Please write: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 or call: (312) 869-9039 [Page 13]

Alternate U.S. Ambassador to UN speaks on behalf of Bahá’ís in Iran

The following is a statement by Ambassador Patricia M. Byrne, Alternate United States Representative to the 42nd session of the UN General Assembly, in the Third Committee, on Item 98, the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Intolerance, November 13, 1987.

NOTE: Emphasizing the importance of religious freedom, the U.S. Ambassador cites only two examples of government denial of religious liberty, devoting equal time to the plight of Iranian Bahá’ís and the situation in the Soviet Union. Ambassador Vernon A. Walters, the U.S. Chief Representative to the UN, also called attention in his November 23 speech reviewing human rights worldwide to the 12 Iranian Bahá’í prisoners threatened with execution.

Excerpts from Ambassador Byrne's speech follow:

"...Before concluding, Mr. Chairman, I wish to mention a particularly grievous situation of religious intolerance—the outrageous persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. The Interim Report of the Special Representative on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mr. Galindo Pohl of El Salvador, contains credible allegations that Bahá’ís continue to be executed and to suffer arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention without trial owing to their beliefs.

"Bahá’í cemeteries were reportedly desecrated and closed. Freedom of religious practice is denied and Bahá’ís are not considered equal under the law; they are 'unprotected infidels.'

"On September 28, two Bahá’ís were executed by the government of Iran. Mr. Chairman, my delegation wishes at this point to issue a strong appeal to the Iranian authorities and to the world community on behalf of the 12 Bahá’ís who also face execution in Iran because of their religious beliefs. These persons are: Mr. Ehsanullah Ayadi, Mr. Farajullah Saadati, Mr. Sohrab Dustdar, Mr. Ramezan-Ali Amuli, Mr. Behnam Pashai, Mr. Muhammed Dehqani, Mr. Ezzatullah Khorram, Mr. Mehran Tashakkor, Mr. Farid Zkiri, Mr. Vahid Qodrat, Mr. Shahroukh Haveydai, and Mrs. Parvin Fanaiyan-Edilkhani.

"The United States believes strongly that the world community cannot remain silent in the face of this impending crime. We urge all who value the sanctity of life to speak out on behalf of these persons and all the others unjustly imprisoned in Iran's dungeons.

"The Iranian government told the Special Rapporteur that 'Bahá’ísm is a foreign-affiliated political movement established througn the then Tsarist Russia and Great Britain as a means to ensure their colonial interests and long-term objectives in Iran.' Mr. Chairman, these are the absurd ramblings of an outlaw regime, whose persecution of this religious minority, as well as the tragic incidents it promoted at one of the world's most holy cities, Mecca, earlier this year need to be condemned by the international community...."

News from the Network

News, features, letters to editor give Faith wide press exposure

The University of California-San Diego's student newspaper, The Guardian, published a two-part article in November about two Bahá’í students there who escaped from Iran. The article was written by another Bahá’í student at the university, Van Hutchinson.

On Thanksgiving day, the Miami (Florida) News published two letters to the editor from Bahá’ís.

Both letters addressed the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran and the need to draw worldwide attention to the oppression of the believers in that country.

Also in November, El Hispano News of Albuquerque, New Mexico, published a feature article about the Faith which began on the front page with a photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette and included an overview of the history and teachings of the Faith.

The Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph published on October 19 an article about a Bahá’í family of refugees from Iran who live in Colorado Springs.

The article was followed on October 21 by an editorial about the persecution of the friends in Iran. Errors about the nature of the Faith and the Bahá’í view of Muhammad provided an opportunity for the Spiritual Assembly of Colorado Springs to write a letter to the editor to clarify those matters for Gazette-Telegraph readers.

Bahá’ís, Unitarians celebrate UN Day

Several years of patient work by the Bahá’ís of El Cerrito, California, paid off this year when members of the Unitarian Church of Berkeley invited the Bahá’ís to celebrate UN Day with them at their church.

The theme for the evening was "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."

Thomas Kilpatrick, a Bahá’í from Orinda, was asked to speak on the plight of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Two Bahá’í couples, Parissa and Ben Norris of Danville and Ijoma and Uluyemi Thomas of Oakland, performed music and songs.

A hardbound copy of "The Promise of World Peace" was presented to the church on behalf of the Spiritual Assemblies of Berkeley and El Cerrito, and two copies each were given to the minister, the Rev. Richard Boeke, and to Dr. Lucile Green, an active member of the church who organized the event.

About 25 Bahá’ís from several communities attended the dinner and program.

PROMISE THEM PEACE

This float, sponsored by the Central Washington State Bahá’í Float Committee, has appeared in 15 parades this year with a total audience of 850,000-900,000 and has been seen on eight local television stations, marking the seventh year in a row that the committee has had a float on the road including an appearance at the 1984 Fiesta Bowl parade in Phoenix, Arizona. This picture was taken at the Seattle Seafair parade. The float was designed by Gene Rivas, a graphic artist from Seattle; Arne Eklund supervised the carving, painting and animating of figures on the float which was designed to operate in wind and rain and to negotiate raised railroad tracks. The float was accompanied by a song, 'Promise Them Peace, They Are the Children of the World,' written by Nancy Taylor and sung by Curt Asplund.

Gulf Breeze, Florida, hosts media conference

PUBLIC INFORMATION

About 40 Bahá’ís attended a Media and Public Information Conference held October 18 in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Parks Scott of Birmingham, Alabama, former director of the Office of Public Information at the Bahá’í National Center, encouraged the friends to get the word out about the Faith because most people need to hear a word or two about it before they become curious enough to investigate.

"I heard about it for years before I ever attended a fireside," he said.

"Radio is probably the least expensive way to proclaim the Faith," said Ralph Featherstone, a radio announcer from Montgomery, Alabama.

In some towns, he said, one can buy 30 minutes of air time for $15, and that time can be divided into many smaller segments.

Elizabeth Anderson, a journalist from north Alabama, suggested that the friends make contacts with news reporters to familiarize them with Bahá’í views on current issues and trends that may in turn influence the stories they write about the Faith.

The event was sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Southern Alabama/Northwest Florida.

200 at Peace Award program in Portland, Oregon

About 200 people were present October 25 for the third annual Bahá’í Peace Award Program at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

The event was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland in conjunction with the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.

This year's award recipient was Dr. Hideo Hashimoto, professor emeritus of religious studies at Lewis and Clark College.

Dr. Hashimoto, a retired Methodist minister, has devoted more than 60 years to the cause of world peace as chairman of the Commission on World Peace and the Commission on Christian Social Concerns of the Oregon-Idaho Conference Board of Church and Society, and as a member of the National Christian Council Center for the Study of Japanese Relations and the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

The award program, which included music by children from the Portland Metro Bahá’í School, was chaired by Lydia McCarter of Tigard, Oregon.

Attendees were welcomed by Dr. James Nafziger, president of the Oregon chapter of the United Nations Association.

Also speaking were Dr. Michael Sears, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland; Beverly Curtis, representing the Portland Shelter for the Homeless; Mehran Adyani, a Bahá’í refugee from Iran; Armando LaGuardia, a refugee from Cuba and director of the Upward Bound program at Portland State University; and Dr. Karen Steingart, the 1986 Peace Award recipient who introduced Dr. Hashimoto.

Dr. Hideo Hashimoto, professor emeritus of religious studies at Lewis and Clark College, is congratulated by Lydia McCarter of Tigard, Oregon, after receiving the third annual Bahá’í Peace Award from the Spiritual Assembly of Portland at a ceremony held October 25 at Lewis and Clark College. [Page 14]

Falling dollar means higher prices for some books from overseas

The latest Bahá’í Distribution Service price list, printed elsewhere in this issue of The American Bahá’í, reflects a number of price changes caused by recent fluctuations in the international currency exchange rates.

Over the past few months the currencies of several countries have increased in value by as much as 25 per cent in relation to the U.S. dollar. Particularly affected are books from England and Germany.

George Ronald, Publisher, one of the larger producers of Bahá’í literature, has raised the prices of virtually all of its titles. January's price list also reflects price increases for books from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom and from Bahá’í Verlag of Germany.

With the value of the dollar lower around the world, there are certain to be other long-range effects from the present economic problems which may affect the price of other books.

The January price list also includes a few price increases resulting from the higher costs of some products and services to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service.

Bahá’í Distribution Service Top 25 Accounts, 144 B.E.

Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine Milwaukee, Wisconsin Los Angeles, California Wilhelm Library, Teaneck, New Jersey Louhelen School, Davison, Michigan Bosch School, Santa Cruz, California San Diego, California New York, New York Clackamas County Northwest, Milwaukie, Oregon Houston, Texas Florida Summer School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Riverside, California Charlottesville, Virginia Washington, D.C. San Francisco Bahá’í Center, San Francisco, California West Des Moines, Iowa San Jose, California Cleveland, Ohio North Platte, Nebraska Phoenix, Arizona Dallas, Texas Kansas City, Missouri Indianapolis, Indiana Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Xenia Library, Dayton, Ohio

'Peace... The Promise' audio tape of San Francisco Peace Conference available from Publishing Trust

Peace... The Promise, an audio tape of two major addresses given at the International Peace Conference in San Francisco, is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Included on the tape is the keynote address by Dr. Ervin Laszlo, editor of The World Encyclopedia of Peace, entitled "Is Peace Possible?" Also included is the closing address by Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, called "Peace...The Promise." The tape is priced at $8.

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

ORDER FORM

ORDERED BY Name Address City Date PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

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Some suggestions

NATHAN BUTSTEIN BAHÁ’Í FAITH Tegh the yx of young tabi' A 35-minute introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, produced by a leading maker of educational films in England. In The Bahá’í Faith Through the Eyes of Young Bahá’ís, deeds and words are used to show what this religion means to some of its youthful followers. $25 VHS or Beta

For children The Naming of Femi's Brother From the Bahá’í Distribution Service

Nathan Rutstein's biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True, who was known as 'Mother True' for her part in the building of the House of Worship in Wilmette and, with it, the North American Bahá’í community. $18.95 HC, $11.95 SC

The first full-length biography of the Báb's first disciple, including first-hand accounts of Mullá Husayn that have never before been published. By Iranian scholar R. Mehrabkhani. $14.95 HC

Four films, totaling more than two hours, of talks given by the Hand of the Cause of God A.Q. Faizi. Topics include prayer and meditation, answered questions, stories and excerpts, and education of children. $49.95 VHS or Beta

BASIC TRUTHS MULIA HUSAW Disch Dam HEART LOTUS AIMON THE BAHA FAITH IS INDRA

A film that introduces the Bahá’í Faith, using its growing community in Indi- as a model. Includes shots of the House of Worship in New Delhi and its dedication ceremonies. $25 VHS or Beta

God Why in the CASIO Growing TRUTHS SERIES

A children's story set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and around the naming ceremony for 'Femi's' new brother. Femi's family is a Bahá’í family, and that means his brother gets a special name. $3.75 SC

Or... BAMBI BETTS The first three booklets in a series of 12 introducing children to some of the abstract concepts of the Bahá’í Faith. Titles include 'God Is ...,' 'Growing, and 'Why in the World?' $8.95 for the set of three

A Gift of Love TO for the amount of From "The beginning of all things is the knowledge of God,..." SAMPLE Bahá’u’lláh hed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Gift certificates in any amount are available for Ayyam-i-Há or any other time of the year. We can send gift certificates directly to one or more individuals. [Page 15]A very special recollection of the time spent by a young Ali Yazdi in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his friend and classmate, Shoghi Effendi. Blessings Beyond Measure offers a truly unique perspective. $12.95 HC

One of the most popular books recently published is being given as a stimulating gift for Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís. John Hatcher's book suggests a challenging resolution to the purpose of a physical incarnation. $9.95 SC

Tapestry Notecards show 10 different views of the remarkable tapestry by Vicki Hu Poirier for the House of Worship in India. These notecards, depicting women in various forms of endeavor, can be used for Bahá’í Holy Days and observances or simply to send a short letter. $12.50 per package of 10

An audio tape full of the memories of those who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Remembrances are recorded from Juliet Thompson, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Florence Breed Khan, Edward (Saffa) Kinney, Curtis Kelsey and Marguerite (Daisy) Smythe. $7.50 CS

The 27 verses contained in Tablet of the Heart can be committed to memory by a child as part of the process of establishing a Bahá’í identity. Each quotation is illustrated, in a way that shows the diversity of the world's children. $9.95 HC

Children and adults alike can learn from listening to Stories from the Dawn-Breakers, narrated by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Mr. Sears narrates four tapes of Zoe Meyer's adaptation of Nabíl's Narrative. $27.95 for the set of four (with case)

Blessed Is the Spot, one of Bahá’u’lláh’s best-known prayers, is illustrated with color drawings to help children say and remember it. This book has been a part of Bahá’í households for three decades. $8.95 HC

A tape to delight all ages. Loving Hands has a side devoted to Bahá’í identity songs for children, while the other side has songs with a more general audience in mind. Sung by the group 'Heartbeat.' $8.95 CS

Terrill Hayes (left), general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, talks things over with Dr. B. Todd Lawson of the Association for Bahá’í Studies and Robert Stockman (standing) of the Harvard University Divinity School during the annual American Association of Religions Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bahá’ís active at annual meeting of American Academy of Religion

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, held in December in Boston, Massachusetts, included a new level of activity on the part of the Bahá’í Faith.

For the first time, a session of the New England Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies was held before the AAR meeting. Its topic was the creation of a dialogue between Bahá’ís and Christians.

Those presenting papers at the session were: Dr. Charles Courtney, professor of religion at Drew University ("Can Inter-Religious Relations Be a No-Trump Game?"). The Rev. Peter Wyatt, pastor of United Church, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ("Toward an Inclusive Christology"). Robert Stockman, Harvard Divinity School ("The Challenge of a Bahá’í-Christian Dialogue"). Dr. Ann Schoonmaker, Eliot, Maine ("Toward a Generic Theology: Investigating the Reality Behind Religious Pluralism").

A roundtable discussion was held during one session after participants viewed the film "The Mission."

During the AAR conference itself there was both a seminar on the Bahá’í Faith and a booth sponsored by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and the Association for Bahá’í Studies, displaying books on the Faith and manned by Publishing Trust staff members.

Presenting papers at the AAR seminar on the Faith were:

• Dr. John Hatcher, University of South Florida ("The Bahá’í Concept of Progressive Revelation and the Problem of a Christian Antinomianism").
• Dann May, North Texas State University ("Bahá’í Exegesis of Religious Symbolism and Mythology").
• Thomas May, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ("Sacred Narrative: Birth and Perception").
• Dr. B. Todd Lawson, Association for Bahá’í Studies ("The Crucifixion in the Qur’án, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith").

The booth operated by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust provided information on literature about the Faith to those teaching classes on religion as well as general information on the Faith.

House of Justice stresses universal participation in many messages to Bahá’ís of world

The 20th in a series of columns on the goals of the Six Year Plan.

As we draw closer to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal House of Justice, it is interesting to review some of the early messages from the Supreme Institution of the Faith.

In its first message to the 1963 national conventions, the Universal House of Justice mentions "the principle of universal participation." A year later, in its Ridván message announcing the Nine Year Plan, the House of Justice made universal participation one of the twin objectives, with expansion, of its initial plan for the Bahá’í world.

Later in 1964 a separate letter was issued that offered a further explication on the concept of universal participation. In the Six Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice calls for "greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of the individual believers."

You, too, may be interested in doing a little private research on the origin and true meaning of this term. You are invited to read Wellspring of Guidance, the messages from the Universal House of Justice from 1963-68, and Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-1973.

These two compilations of the messages from the Universal House of Justice not only show the development of specific concepts such as universal participation, but chronicle an historic 10-year period in the growth of the Bahá’í Faith.

Wellspring of Guidance is $9 in hardcover and $4 in softcover. [Page 16]

Letters

day; they are all clean people. Some have quite formal manners, while others prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

We should be moderate and presentable—but by whose standards? Most people want to "look good"—but the question is, look good to whom? In business, one's image is targeted to a certain group; but the target group of the Bahá’ís is the whole world!

In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh leaves matters of dress to the individual. So what do we choose?

Should we copy ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s dress, and wear an aba and fez? After all, He is our Exemplar. But that's not a practical idea, and definitely not within the bounds of moderation.

To be more realistic, should we all dress in business suits? For some seekers this would be ideal, while others might be intimidated by such formality.

Jeans and T-shirts, then? Fine, but it leaves no space for those who are dressed up.

And what if we're too broke to buy good clothes, or have a nicely decorated home, or a shiny car? Should we wear a placard saying, "I'm a good person, but I only make $10,000 a year"?

So much depends on personal points of view, if we are judging by appearances! If you're an American Indian, poor but in native costume, you may be considered perfectly acceptable and very spiritual; if you're a poor white, you may be an object of considerable scorn, from Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.

If we continue to judge one another according to appearance, and encourage this attitude in those who are not Bahá’ís as well, are we really working for unity in diversity? Or are we doing the opposite—encouraging prejudice and discouraging that precious diversity?

Do we want to fall into the same trap as all previous religions?

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi told the Bahá’ís that they should be recognized by their deeds and should teach the Faith through their actions, they encouraged us to better understand the Bahá’í teachings and apply them to our lives.

The purpose is not so that others will approve of us, but so that we will become more spiritual beings. The process of spiritualization encourages us to become less concerned with appearances and more aware of spiritual qualities, in others as well as in ourselves.

The only "image" we should strive for and preserve is the image of God—because that's what we're supposed to be. And the way to accomplish this is through belief, dedication, sacrifice and obedience, for these are the qualities of Bahá’ís.

Barbara Larkin Monajem Lilburn, Georgia

Karen Adams Smyrna, Georgia

The power of attraction

To the Editor:

All things move either by pressure (as when a soccer ball is kicked) or by attraction (as when the body's repair cells are attracted to a wound by chemical messengers).

Likewise, souls move continuously according to the pressures and attractions exerted by God and man. It is impossible to divorce oneself from this living arena of interwoven forces; mankind is one, and God is closer to us than our life-vein.

Within this web, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave us precious guidance in admonishing us never to burden a soul, and set an example by gently removing veils (materialism, doctrine, etc.) and allowing people to become attracted to their God, even as He was so attracted.

We pray (in the long Obligatory Prayer) that God would see us clinging to His cord, "through Whose movement the whole creation hath been stirred up." Somehow, in experiencing this connection and attraction to the King of Creation, we do not sense the stress of our Mover's pressure, which is impelling mankind to a new direction.

Similarly, a loyal dog at its master's heel never feels the leash tugging; its movements are already in complete harmony with its master's will.

The powerful personal tool of reflection reveals the wisdom of action by attraction. Which actions were the result of pressure, and which attraction? Which brought joy, and which were mechanical and dry?

Is the surging of the sea, the growing of a plant, the singing of a bird, or the evolution (or "unfolding") of life more beautiful when seen as a manifestation of pressure, or of attraction?

These physical events are certainly interpreted in many ways. Is our obedience to our King a matter of pressure or attraction? and is that obedience rewarding?

Finally, doesn't the peace message describe the world as merging inevitably into a unit, and doing so either by attraction (via the acceptance of the method of consultative relationships), or by pressure (after experiencing the horror of war's bloody and irradiated victims)?

Attraction is a fore-sighted action toward goodness; pressure is a hind-sighted reaction away from evil.

As Bahá’ís, we should strive to distance ourselves from all the crazy pressures by which a large part of present-day society lives (and exerts in great excess): maintaining the figure of a bulemic model or muscle-builder, owning an overwhelming number of material possessions ... even holding an aggressive view of religion which burdens its adherents with the pressure to propagate, rather than emphasizing the joy of sharing.

The insanity of yielding to these pressures would be laughable if we were somehow immune to both their influence and appalling consequences on the human level.

Helping others to act by attraction can characterize the spirit of our teaching efforts.

In becoming a Bahá’í, as I did recently, I never felt pressured. My views were always considered, and then either praised or upraised. At firesides, I felt that I was not the only one learning, but that the Writings were there to help all people achieve greater enlightenment.

Pressure, on the contrary, tends to reduce religions to relatively short-lived social phenomena, as seen in the "dying convulsions" of the resurgent religions (as described in Section I of the peace message).

Today, the most powerful heavenly attraction is found in the unique and enormously uplifting gift of a Divine World Order, made possible by the power of the Glory of God.

As Bahá’ís, we can make many people happy by teaching confidently in a spirit of service, "inviting them into this family," as one new believer, here, said.

Bruce Kinzinger Lexington, Kentucky

ABS Science Seminar invites manuscripts

The Association for Bahá’í Studies' Science and Technology Seminar (STS) invites the submission of manuscripts or papers on topics within the areas of interest of STS.

Papers are published as part of the Reports of the Science and Technology Seminar and/or presented at the STS' annual meeting.

Papers should be typed and sent for review to the editor-in-chief of STS, Dr. Gilbert Bartholomew, P.O. Box 1258, Deep River, Ontario KOJ IPO, Canada.

Disheartening tone

To the Editor:

I feel angered and disheartened by the sermonizing tone of letters that continue to appear in The American Bahá’í’s "letters" column.

These letters exhort us to "perfection" in all manner of being and breathing. I believe that this neurotic striving for perfection is instrumental in producing anxious, hypervigilant Bahá’ís with pathological stress levels and low self-esteem.

I do believe in "living the life." But I do not believe that this choice means to fall victim to anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or stress-related illnesses.

I believe that a lack of self-acceptance is often driven by an irrational belief that one must be "perfect" to be loved.

Each lover of Bahá’u’lláh (new and old-timer) is doing the best that he or she can at any given moment. I think I am free to move onward and upward when, and only when, I have fully experienced who and where I am today.

Candy Asman Bayside, New York

‘Thanks’ to musicians

To the Editor:

This is an open letter to all the wonderful Bahá’í musicians out there in this world.

I can't tell you how much an inspiration "Bahá’í music" is to me and, I am sure, to countless others.

Seals and Crofts, Danny Deardorff, Leslie and Kelly, and Do'a especially, great thanks to you for being who you are and letting the world know your joy.

Music is a step-ladder for the soul. It helps us all to stretch and reach with more strength than we may have had without it.

God bless you all, Bahá’í musicians.

Jacqueline Dodd Auburn, California

Let’s all meet together

To the Editor:

How many people would cry out in protest if there were a group formed to deal with issues facing our community and only men could attend?

How about a group for white males only? How loud would be the cry if women and blacks were politely told that they could not attend such meetings because they were intended to teach the men in our community to be better Bahá’ís and the groups would not function as well if women and/or blacks were to attend.

Having spent many years trying to fight the "evils" of society, I find it hard to be shut out of dialogue about sexism simply because I was born male—especially when that dialogue is within the Bahá’í Faith.

When the Faith was young in the U.S., there were all-male "Assemblies" and female "auxiliaries," but the system was dropped quickly, as it was not in accord with the Writings.

Women were not told to wait until they were better educated, more willing to talk in groups, or more deepened in the Writings before they were given full status as believers.

No place in the Writings do I find encouragement for us to meet separately, in any way. Not racially, not religiously, not sexually.

I am proud to be in a Bahá’í community that has a woman treasurer and male secretary on its Assembly, jobs that have been traditionally reversed.

Our district had a male secretary and female chairman this year, showing, possibly, that we are starting to shed some of the traditional mind-sets in these matters.

I am not proud that we have set up meetings that exclude half the members of our communities.

L. Byron Hopper Portsmouth, Virginia

Using the Bahá’í calendar

To the Editor:

In response to Kathi Wright-Hulett's letter (November) about the use of our Bahá’í calendar:

This problem of not using the Bahá’í calendar is something that has concerned me for some time. As often as possible, I try to use the Bahá’í date first, then underneath, use the Gregorian date in parentheses.

With the Faith now coming out of obscurity and more into the scrutiny of the non-Bahá’í world, it seems important than ever that we use our Bahá’í calendar.

It should also be used in connection with the observation of our Holy Days; for example, Bahá’u’lláh's birthday falls on Qudrat (Power) 9 each year.

Many of our older publications, such as Star of the West, used the Bahá’í date first, then the Gregorian.

After all, our calendar was revealed by a Manifestation of God, which should make it all the more important to us.

Admittedly, this is a difficult task, living as we do in a society governed by its own calendar; yet we should all try, as Kathi said, to make our own calendar more a part of our lives.

David W. Lehning Geyserville, California

UNDERSTAND AND BE UNDERSTOOD

A Practical Guide to Successful Relationships

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to: Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 17]it will come pass wher vomer & e, all in of the wor when cfidentyco eat arena c tics, wi waticipate affe s 6/ € ter easi

Members of Committee on Women attend conference in Washington, D.C.

Members of the Bahá’í National Committee on Women are (left to right) Alonzo Nesmith, Fafar Guillebeaux, Ruby Gubatayao, Christine Rayner, Marcia Gitchell, Juana Conrad and Steven Gonzales. Members of the committee attended the National Women's Conference Committee's 'Decade of Women on the Move' conference November 19-22 in Washington, D.C.

Members of the Bahá’í National Committee on Women attended the National Women's Conference Committee's "Decade of Women on the Move" conference held November 19-22 in Washington, D.C.

This 10th anniversary conference provided an opportunity for women to come together to review the 25-plank National Plan of Action, ratified in Houston, Texas, in 1977.

In addition to many seminars and workshops of special interest to the committee, an ecumenical presentation included a representative of the Faith, Bahiyyih Nakhjavání of Washington.

The conference brochure contained a full-page ad submitted by the National Committee on Women.

On Friday evening, about 50 people attended a reception hosted by the committee at the Highland Hotel.

Literature about the Faith was available, and many of the guests took pamphlets and copies of the peace statement.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

The National Bahá’í Archives would like to know the names of the Bahá’ís in this picture. The photograph was probably taken in the New York City area, as Roy Wilhelm is at the far left in the front row. Please send any information you may have to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Seminar on Faith, Christianity held at Harvard Divinity School; peace statement given to Holocaust Center in central Florida

The Harvard-Radcliffe Bahá’í Association and the Association for Bahá’í Studies' New England Regional Committee co-sponsored a seminar December 4-5 at the Harvard Divinity School on "The Relationship Between the Bahá’í Faith and Christianity."

The speakers and their topics:

• Charles Courtney, professor of philosophy of religion, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey ("Can Inter-Religious Relations Be a No-Trump Game?").

• Robert Stockman, doctoral candidate at the Harvard Divinity School and author of The Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900 ("The Challenge of Bahá’í-Christian Dialogue").

• Peter Wyatt, representative of the United Church of Canada ("Toward an Inclusive Christology").

• Ann Schoonmaker, coordinator of Sunrise House, Eliot, Maine ("Generic Theology: Investigating the Reality Behind Religious Pluralism").

Also included was a round-table discussion of the film, The Mission.

On November 30, Bahá’ís representing the local Teaching Committee of Seminole County, Florida, presented a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to Mrs. Tess Wise, president of the Holocaust Resource and Education Center of Central Florida, a non-denominational interfaith group whose purpose is to promote an awareness of the legacy of the Holocaust, racism, hatred, bigotry and intolerance.

The Bahá’í delegation consisted of Ben Levy of Seminole County, Anthony Lewis of Winter Springs and Dr. Adib Rabbani of Orlando.

Mr. Levy gave a brief introduction to the Faith, highlighting the sacrifices for peace made by the Persian Bahá’ís, and summarized the peace statement for the audience of about 250, only a dozen of whom were Bahá’ís.

Were you or your family blessed by receiving a letter from the Guardian?

Do you know someone who was?

• • The Universal House of Justice refers to the writings of the Guardian when preparing legislation and consulting on matters relating to the progress of the Bahá’í Faith.

• • The Bahá’í World Centre Archives maintains a collection of the Guardian's letters.

THE GUARDIAN WROTE AT LEAST 21,000 LETTERS TO INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS, GROUPS AND BAHA’I INSTITUTIONS IN THE WEST, BUT ONLY 11,014 OF THEM ARE IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE BAHA’I WORLD CENTRE.

If you, your family, friends or Local Spiritual Assembly have any originals or photocopies of letters of the Guardian, please send them to the National Bahá’í Archives Committee for forwarding to Haifa. Or send them yourself, by registered mail, to the Archives Office at the Bahá’í World Centre.

National Bahá’í Archives Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 312-869-9039

Archives Office Bahá’í World Centre. P.O. Box 155 31 001 Haifa, Israel.

If you wish to retain the originals, they will be returned to you after the necessary copies have been made for the Archives. If you wish to donate the originals, to be kept in your name in the International Bahá’í Archives, we will send you photocopies of them in return.

BAHA’I WORLD CENTRE ARCHIVES OFFICE

Martyr

unsuccessful attempts were made to kidnap him. One day, however, while he was in his car, he was arrested and taken to the infamous Evin Prison.

On June 23, 1981, after having been incarcerated for more than 16 months, Mr. Farid was executed by a firing squad.

Mr. Farid was known for his extremely warm and pleasing personality; no one ever saw him angry or bitter.

He was kind, gentle, calm, dignified and humble. He knew Arabic well and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bahá’í Scriptures. His life was an example of a true Bahá’í scholar.

He is survived by his wife and four children.

FIRESIDE VIDEO CONTEST

Start Your Cameras Rolling!

The National Teaching Committee is presenting its Second annual "Academy Awards" of Fireside Videos. Bahá’ís are encouraged to submit VHS videotapes made for fireside presentations.

There is no time limit for the videos but the tapes should be an appropriate length for a fireside presentation. They should not require an in-depth explanation by the host. They should present the Faith with accuracy and dignity. Production cost is the responsibility of those who enter the contest.

Winners will be announced at the National Convention of 1988. The winning videos will be made available to the community for teaching efforts.

Entries should be submitted to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, no later than March 15, 1988. [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

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is seeking a qualified person to serve as controller in the Treasurer's Office at the National Center. The position requires a CPA license and a minimum of 5-7 years of public accounting experience and/or experience with not-for-profit organizations. Two years of supervisory experience is preferred. This person must also be well-versed in the principles of Bahá’í administration and be familiar with the activities and trends in the U.S. Bahá’í community. Ability to interact with staff at all levels and to represent the National Spiritual Assembly to public agencies and financial institutions is essential. Duties include, but are not limited to, helping advise the National Assembly about fund-raising strategies; helping to determine priorities in allocation of funds for activities in the U.S. Bahá’í community; consulting and coordinating with the Bahá’í World Center's finance department on cash management; advising local Bahá’í communities about the appropriate use of funds according to Bahá’í principle and civil laws and on the appropriate application of state tax-exemption laws. The controller also prepares monthly financial statements with written analyses; administers the National Assembly's financial records including development of the budget; coordinates and supervises the annual audit; administers the National Assembly's cost management plan to assure that funds are properly invested and available when needed; and supervises the accounting department staff. If interested, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for an application. The deadline for applications is March 1.

CERTIFIED O.T., P.T., psychologist and fully certified S.M.H. teachers are desperately needed at a state mental health facility in Winfield, a lovely rural farming community in southern Kansas with an active local Spiritual Assembly and teaching work in progress. A great place to live. Your help is needed. Please call Ron Shufflebarger at 316-221-2911 or Barbara Johnson, 316-221-0513.

THE CHEYENNE River Sioux Tribe is accepting applications for the following positions: Nutritionist- Women, Infants and Children's Program. Accountant-Tribal Accounting Department. Magistrate Judge- Judicial Department. Court Administrator-Judicial Department. Coordinator-Energy Resource Program. Secretary/Bookkeeper-Centers of Excellence Project. Physician's Assistant (certified)-Tribal Health. For more information/applications, contact: Lynn LeCompte, director, Personnel Department, Eagle Butte, SD 57625 (phone 605-964-4818, ext. 3115).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

WANTED: dedicated, deepened Bahá’ís to move to Roseville, California, whose Bahá’í community will number only five active members after February '88. Roseville is within commuting distance of Sacramento with many job opportunities in all fields and several colleges in the area. Also, it's only three hours by car to San Francisco or the famous Sierra Ski Resorts and Lake Tahoe. For more information, write to Sharon or Lyle Hill, P.O. Box 421, Roseville, CA 95661, or phone 916-782-8640.

A HOUSE is available for the enterprising Bahá’í individual or family willing to pioneer to the rural town of Pierson, Iowa. Once occupied by a Bahá’í family, the house has since been sadly neglected but would respond to the loving care of a good handyman. The people of Pierson have been exposed to the Faith in the past and need a loving, conscientious Bahá’í or family to water the seeds. Contact Robert or Jo Ellen Clifton, Walthill, NE 68067, or phone 402-846-5409.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: enjoy the coziness of a small town with all the conveniences of a large city only minutes away! Knightdale, North Carolina, is a short drive from the state capital, Raleigh. The Research Triangle is a reasonable commute. Come to Knightdale and help activate its sleeping Bahá’í community! For more information, write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529 (phone 919-772-1340), or phone Art McKinley, 919-469-2783.

HAMILTON Township, a central New Jersey community between Trenton and Princeton, wishes to communicate with families and/or individuals interested in relocating to that area. Hamilton Township is a family-oriented community with active Bahá’í children's classes, good employment opportunities, about an hour from New York or Philadelphia on public transportation. Good schools, local colleges, recreation, etc. Contact Scott McNear, Mercerville, NJ 08620.

THE SHOSHONE-Bannock Indian Reservation at Fort Hall, Idaho, needs dedicated, patient and steadfast homefront pioneers to help strengthen and consolidate the Bahá’í community. There are many difficulties and a seemingly endless apparent lack of progress, but also much glorious potential among the deeply spiritual Native Americans there. The main industry in the area is farming, with potatoes the principal crop. Idaho State University and the ISU Vocational-Technical School are only 10 miles away in Pocatello. For more information, please contact Sarah Abdul-Wahid, P.O. Box 593, Fort Hall, ID 83203, or phone 208-237-7645.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Coos Bay (pop. 14,000), on the Oregon coast at the Pacific Ocean, needs four Bahá’ís to move there. Mild climate, excellent community college, good retirement area with moderate rents and housing, wonderful recreation including boating and fishing. Good schools too. There are two other jeopardized Assemblies in the area who are willing to work together on teaching projects. For more information, write to Mrs. Julie Rubenstein, secretary, P.O. Box 341, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Clayton, North Carolina, a small town with three active Bahá’ís on Raleigh's doorstep. Enjoy small-town life with a big city just down the road. With your help, the community can really grow! For more information, write to the Barghassa family, Clayton, NC 27520 (phone 919-553-3702), or to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529 (phone 919-772-1340).

NEEDED: homefront pioneers to reinforce teaching efforts and help save a jeopardized Assembly that was first formed in April 1982. The strictly residential/resort town of Paradise Valley, Arizona (pop. 12,000), borders Phoenix and Scottsdale. With a zoning ordinance calling for a minimum of one acre per house, there are no apartments or condominiums available, and the cost of a house ranges from $175,000 upward. Arizona has great diversity with abundant opportunities and challenges for teaching the Faith. For more information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Paradise Valley, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, or phone 602-948-3582 or 602-951-8668.

ALTAMONTE Springs, Florida, has seven adult Bahá’ís and needs two more to form an Assembly. This is a fast-growing area with good employment opportunities and apartments, houses and condominiums available. For information, write to Pearl Fleischhacker, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, or phone 305-260-9073.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: Apex, North Carolina, is an up-and-coming small town within commuting distance of the Research Triangle and three universities-Duke, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State and three cities with good employment opportunities-Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Help bring the Apex Assembly to functioning status! For more information, write to Debbie Reid, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Wake County, P.O. Box 25817, Raleigh, NC 27611, or to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529.

HAVE YOU ever dreamed of being part of an Assembly on an Indian Reservation? We could help you realize that dream. The Toppenish (Washington) Assembly, on the Yakima Indian Reservation, is in jeopardy and needs you before its formation date in April. Toppenish is in an agricultural and rural area; employment is high in agriculture and government with MSWs also needed. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, P.O. Box 284, Toppenish, WA 98948, or phone 509-865-5453 or 509-865-5838.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

THE DEPARTMENT of Defense is actively recruiting for the 1988-89 academic year for its network of overseas schools. Especially needed are elementary school teachers, special education teachers for all grades, school librarians, math and science teachers, and ESL teachers. To receive application forms or more information, request a copy of "Overseas Employment Opportunities for Educators," available from Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Recruitment and Assignments Section, Hoffman Building I, Alexandria, VA 22331 (phone 703-325-0885). Also contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) for information about the progress of employment plans.

INTERNATIONAL Schools Services (ISS) helps about 200 overseas American/International schools with recruitment of professional personnel. These schools serve the families of diplomats and businessmen working abroad. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, certification, and at least two years' recent full-time teaching experience. Computer specialists are also needed. For more information or application forms, write to ISS, Attn: Mary Rabbitt, P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543; also, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) for information about the progress of employment plans.

NICARAGUA: An international organization is seeking an agricultural engineer with a diploma and six or more years of agricultural workshop experience. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BURUNDI: The English Teaching Fellow Program of USAID is recruiting qualified applicants who are U.S. citizens for placement beginning in August 1988. Positions are now open in Burundi, a goal country. A Fellow is an employee of the local institution or center and not of the U.S. government. Salaries sufficient to live modestly in the local economy are paid in local currency with an additional stipend in U.S. dollars. Round-trip transportation for hiree only and group policy medical/hospitalization insurance are also provided. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA: Opportunity for a Human Resources Director with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. Applicants should have substantial experience at the management level in personnel or human resources for an international relations organization; experience should include manpower development and training as well as administration of personnel policies at all staff levels. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Honduras is seeking a self-sufficient Bahá’í to direct a deepening/professional development institute in central Honduras. Twenty live-in Bahá’í students study for three-month periods, deepening on the Faith and studying a profession (carpentry, poultry farming, etc.). The director administers all aspects of the institute except professional development (done by a government agency) including supervision of students and maintenance personnel, evaluation of teachers and curriculum, purchasing, weekend teaching projects, and free-time activities. Students' ages range from 18 to 40 years. Fluency in Spanish is necessary. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE GOVERNMENT of Kenya is seeking applicants through the United Nations for a chief technical adviser in statistical data processing for April 1988. Duties include advising directors of statistics and computer service departments, conducting in-service training for systems programming, hardware use and micro-computers, writing technical reports, providing backstopping to end-user training, administering projects, developing a manual, and directing processing support. Applicants should have a degree in computer science or a related field, considerable experience in statistical data processing as well as management, and broad programming experience on main frame computers and micro-computers. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

FOUR U.S. universities are recruiting U.S. faculty to teach graduate courses for servicemen stationed at U.S. military bases overseas. All require applicants to have a Ph.D in the discipline of instruction plus university-level teaching experience. For information about current openings and specific overseas locations, write to: (1) Dr. Ralph E. Millis, University of Maryland, University College, College Park, MD 20742; (2) Boston University Overseas Programs, Boston, MA 02215; (3) Dr. C.H. Porter, chairman, Department of History and Social Science, Troy State University, Troy, AL 36082; or (4) Chapman College, 3205 Midway Drive, San Diego, CA 92110. Also, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039) for information about progress of employment plans.

BRAZIL: to all Iranian Bahá’í refugees who are qualified as doctors or in other medical professions: Through the cooperation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil and the International Bahá’í Refugee Office, the government of Brazil is allowing Iranian physicians with refugee status to establish themselves in that country and work in Bahá’í-run clinics to be established throughout Brazil. "The House of Justice feels it would be highly meritorious for Bahá’í doctors to seize this opportunity" to follow their profession while at the same time helping to carry the Cause of God to a receptive people. For those who arise to answer this call, the House of Justice will offer prayers at the Holy Threshold for their "well-being and for the success of their valued efforts." For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

LOUHELEN Residential College is accepting applications for fall 1988. A minimum of 13 additional students (for a total of 26) to enroll in the 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 application materials, write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is now accepting applications for summer positions including children's education director, adult program director, registrar, recreation director, dishwasher/food service assistant (two positions), assistant librarian/book sales, groundskeeper. Room and board and a stipend are provided. Applicants should be able to serve from the end of June through August 24. Those who are interested should send a brief resumé listing applicable experience and position desired to: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters from the Guardian to the following deceased Bahá’ís: Edith Bail, Clarence Baker, Emilie Baker, Ellen A. Baptie, Bessie Barham, Lorraine Barlet, Chester F. Barnett, David D. Barnitz, Leone Barnitz, Nelson Barrus, Dwight Barstow and Christine Barth. Anyone knowing family members or relatives 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.

CHILDREN'S program teaching staff sought at Louhelen: child education coordinator, master teachers, teachers' assistants wanted for weekend conferences from January through the summer. For details and to apply, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE WOMEN of the greater Omaha (Nebraska) area have a dream: to start a day-care center. Surely we are not the only ones. Who out there has already done this? Can they give us the benefit of their wisdom? Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated. Questions: How big did you start? How did you get your first chil- [Page 19]

CLASSIFIEDS

dren? Did you begin as a Bahá’í daycare center or as a private one? What connection, if any, was there with the local Spiritual Assembly? How did you advertise? Did you begin in a home, a store-front, or what? After you got going, did you have profit-sharing? Did you form a corporation? What legal advice, if any, did you receive? What do you recommend? What business and hiring tips do you suggest? Your answers would be so helpful! Please send them to Zhaleh Vafai, Omaha, NE 68114, or phone 402-390-0167.

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.

SOCIAL Security Administration employees: Bahá’í working for the SSA would like to get in touch with others for mutual support. Let’s share positive experiences and help one another bring the Faith to bear on our jobs. Write to Lorraine Appelbaum, Philadelphia, PA 19144, or phone 215-438-3346 (home) or 215-951-7870 (work).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking 1952-1967 district convention voting lists for eastern New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, northern California, Nebraska and Minnesota. Anyone having lists they could donate should send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Bellingham, Washington, are preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in Bellingham and Whatcom County and need information on pioneers and traveling teachers to and from that area. If you have such information or know of anyone who does, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98227, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505 (evenings).

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.

PUBLICATIONS, ETC.

STILL available: the April 1987 issue of Bahá’í News featuring the color photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the cover. A perfect gift for Ayyám-i-Há or Naw-Rúz, and for use in your teaching and deepening. Keep several on hand for firesides or winter schools. Only $1 each from Bahá’í Subscriber Service; bulk orders available. Write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TAPES from Louhelen conferences: "Scriptural and Spiritual Answers to Fundamental Questions" by Jack McCants: set of four tapes, $20; "Bahá’í Development: The Practical Process of Transforming Mankind" by Holly Vick: set of three tapes, $16; "Marriage Enrichment Institute" by Dr. Hossain Danesh, set of four 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; "Forces of Light and Darkness" by Counselor Hooper Dunbar: set of three tapes, $16. Contact Reflections, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

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

SINGLE Bahá’ís: now there’s a newsletter just for you! "Bahá’í Friends—Singles Edition" needs writers and subscribers. Cost is $5 for one year (four issues), $8 for two years (eight issues). For more information, write to Visalia Rose Publishers, P.O. Box 1721, Visalia, CA 93279.

BAHÁ’Í literature in Spanish: we have more than 50 titles in stock including books and pamphlets. Send for our free list. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone 213-933-8291.

AVAILABLE now from Images International: audio cassette tapes from the National Committee on Women Conference for Liaisons held in February 1987. For more information, please write to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Belchertown, MA 01007.

"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).

NAW-RUZ cards, four different: Shrine of the Báb, Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the Greatest Name illuminated in color, and the ringstone symbol illuminated in color. Insides are blank; greetings supplied on separate inserts in English or Persian. Price is $7.50 for a pack of 10 of same card and greeting, envelopes included. Shipping is 10 per cent of order ($3 minimum). Illustrated flyer available on request. Write to Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016, or phone 213-933-8291.

Standard course for Bahá’í youth

The Standard is a 12-month correspondence course for Bahá’í youth. Begin to increase your methodical study of the Writings as requested in the Six Year Plan by subscribing to The Standard today! Simply send your name, address and $5 to the National Youth Committee.

MISCELLANEOUS

INFORMATION about applying for the 1988 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry may be obtained by writing to Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for applications in March 15.

HAVE YOU moved recently? Did your children move with you? Many times, copies of Brilliant Star magazine will be returned by the post office labeled "forwarding order expired," and it has happened that mother and father have submitted an address change but have forgotten about the children. If the family moves, please remember to include the names and Bahá’í I.D. numbers of the children with your address change. If your children do not have I.D. numbers, you may register them as Bahá’í children through your local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee. The total number of Bahá’í children registered to date is 6,244.

ATTENTION stamp collectors: The central office for the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas has a large selection of stamps for sale. The collection includes items from more than 60 countries. We would like to sell them in one lot to either a Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í collector. Please direct inquiries to Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Costa Rica.

Magic Valley (Idaho) Peace Committee produces 40-minute video featuring Bahá’í entertainers

As part of a long-range campaign to promote peace through the year 2000, the Magic Valley (Idaho) Peace Committee has produced a 40-minute video tape that includes the participation of Bahá’í entertainers Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis.

What is significant about the production is that all of the committee members except one are not Bahá’ís.

The campaign, called "The Magic Peace Project," was begun during the International Year of Peace in response to a proclamation by former Gov. John Evans who said that "the achievement of peace requires a new mode of thinking revolving around the concept of 'One Earth, One Humanity and One Common Destiny.'»

During the IYP the committee, whose chairman, Harry Massoth, is a Bahá’í, solicited dozens of ideas for promoting peace from Idaho residents and wove them around the theme of "Thinking Globally and Working Locally."

The conceptual framework of the campaign was based on ideas drawn from a number of documents including "The Promise of World Peace."

When Leslie and Kelly accepted an invitation from a group of high school students to become involved in the campaign, says Mr. Massoth, "our committee was able to create a booklet outlining 10 activities presented as 'magic tricks' for promoting peace with each 'trick' being introduced by lyrics from Leslie and Kelly's cassette, 'We Are One.'

"The activities include such things as the 'magic' of proclamation, prayer, inspiration, positive vision, action and celebration."

In October 1986, Leslie and Kelly spent a week in southern Idaho promoting the campaign, speaking at schools and performing in the annual "We Are the World" show.

In May 1987, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis were invited by the peace committee to be the featured performers in a Bicentennial Concert.

It was during the latter visit that the idea of a video was conceived. The video, produced by a local television station, revolves around a conversation with members of the Magic Valley Peace Committee, Leslie and Kelly, Gordi Munro and Susan Lewis.

Highlights include Leslie and Kelly's music video "In America" and a performance of Gordi Munro's hit song, "Unity in Diversity."

Two other sections of the video should be of special interest to Bahá’ís.

One is the recognition of the Faith for the statement, "The Promise of World Peace"; the other is a series of dramatic scenes of a white racist cross-burning and counter-rally in Idaho.

The counter-rally, which received national media attention, includes a candlelight service during which Seals and Crofts' song, "One Planet, One People... Please" was played.

The video, booklet and other materials have been packaged in a "Magic Peacemaker's Video Kit" which the committee hopes to place in schools throughout the state.

After reviewing materials in the kit, the Idaho Human Rights Commission praised the efforts of the committee and said its members were "impressed with the teaching materials."

The kits are also available for sale at $27.50 each. Please make checks payable to The Magic Peace Project and send to Harry Massoth, Buhl, ID 83316.

Miami Bahá’ís in news

A full-page article about the Faith and Bahá’ís in the Dade County, Florida, area, accompanied by a large photograph, appeared in the November 5 issue of The Miami Herald.

The article came about after a reporter for the paper noticed a Bahá’í billboard and phoned the secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Miami to ask if she could interview some Bahá’ís and write an article about them.

Bahá’ís interested in Traveling Teaching in Mexico, please contact: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Tablet of the Heart God and Me

Introduce a Child to the Sacred Text

27 memory verses from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá More than three dozen drawings—half in color—illustrate the quotations and sensitively depict the diversity of the world's peoples and cultures

Compiled by Leslie Lundberg Illustrated by Terry Ostovar Hardcover $9.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL. 1-800-323-1800 [Page 20]

Plans under way for summer 1988 Special Visits to House of Worship

We are also beginning to work on plans for this summer's Special Visit programs.

The dates will be Thursday, May 26, through Sunday, May 29, for the adult program, and Thursday, July 28, through Sunday, July 31, for the family visit.

Included will be a visit to the Archives, a tour of the House of Worship, and special speakers. Try to join us for this very special experience. You'll find details for reservations in the form on this page.

Guiding at the House of Worship is a special privilege in that it gives one an opportunity to teach without making the special efforts that a fireside at home demands.

At the House of Worship, all the teaching materials are at your disposal and those to be taught come to you.

The special privilege of guiding enables one to improve as a teacher, to rededicate his life to the service of our Lord, and to experience the pure joy of sharing the Faith with others.

Several elderly guides have discovered the special bounty of serving at the House of Worship. One of them travels by public transportation a long distance twice each week; another travels from Wisconsin to guide.

Your Treasurer's Office serves you!

Do you have any questions or ideas about Fund promotion, the Automatic Contribution System, local Assembly public liability insurance, Fund development, estate planning, wills, the National, International or Continental Funds, the Persian Relief Fund, contributions, accounting procedures, gifts of securities or real estate, taxes or tax exemption?

Please call on us: Office of the Treasurer Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone 312/869-9039

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

"We are beginning the process of fulfilling one of the goals of a long-range plan that deals specifically with global education and the world in which we live. We need to develop a central core of teachers who have been educated about global understanding," said Robert Goldman, superintendent of Evanston Township (Illinois) High School, about a recently established Global Studies Seminar at the school.

The seminar takes teachers to various places around Chicago to discuss with professionals in various fields ways to help students develop a global perspective.

On December 8, the same day on which the summit conference was opened in Washington, D.C., 48 of the ETHS Global Studies Seminar teachers and administrators came to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette for a four-hour program that introduced them to the House of Worship, the principles of the Faith, and the local, national and international Bahá’í community.

The program was hosted by the House of Worship staff and the Bahá’í community of Glencoe, helped by eight Bahá’ís who served as workshop facilitators.

This was the first occasion on which the House of Worship had been sought out by an educational institution to serve as a resource for teaching global consciousness.

Before the program, each seminar participant was given a copy of the Universal House of Justice's peace statement and asked to choose a workshop based on one of the themes in that statement.

During their welcome to the House of Worship they were congratulated for their role as educators and for their foresight in developing the Global Studies program.

The teachers toured the visitors' center and auditorium, and were shown an introductory audio-visual program and the audio-visual program from the San Francisco Peace Conference.

They chose workshops on "Rich and Poor," "Global Literacy," "Racism," "The Equality of Men and Women," and "Religious Strife," and spent nearly an hour exploring with their Bahá’í facilitators ways in which the House of Worship and the teachings and experiences of the Bahá’í community can be used to help them with their goal of teaching global understanding to students at Evanston Township High School.

It is expected that most of the 700 freshmen in the Global Studies course will come to the House of Worship in small groups with their teachers to take part in discussions of the peace statement.

Bohay Hous Teachers from Evanston Township (Illinois) High School are given a tour of the Bahá’í House of Worship during a four-hour Global Studies Seminar held there on December 8. The program, which was hosted by the Bahá’í House of Worship staff and the Bahá’í community of Glencoe, marked the first time that the House of Worship had been called on by an educational institution to serve as a resource for teaching global consciousness.

1988 Special Visit Programs to Bahá’í National Center*

View relics of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arranged especially for your visit by the National Archives.

REGISTER EARLY! Please indicate the program you plan to attend and your housing choice

July 28-31

See first-hand how the National Spiritual Assembly conducts its business.

Learn how the construction of the "Mother Temple of the West" was a primary stimulus for the development of the American Bahá’í community. Tour areas of the building that are normally closed to visitors.

Tour the entire Bahá’í National Center visiting the: • Office of the Secretary • Office of the Treasurer • National Committee Offices • Bahá’í Publishing Trust • Bahá’í Home

Have fun, make new friends, and take part in a spiritual experience you'll never forget.

• The Special Visit Programs are for Bahá’ís only!

May 26-29

HOUSING

SPECIAL VISIT FOR FAMILIES (Children's classes and special activities for the family will be planned)

REGULAR SPECIAL VISIT (No programs for children)

A limited number of rooms are being held at the HOLIDAY INN in Evanston. Rates per night: single, $55; double, $65. I wish to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn Please send a listing and rates for area hotels/motels (some of which are accessible to the House of Worship via public transportation). I am making other arrangements for housing

Name_ Address City Phone (Area Code) State_ Zip_

List additional names (and ages of children) here:

Return registration form to: Special Visit Programs, Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 21]

Sharing ideas spells success for southern Oregon events

A local Spiritual Assembly often spends many hours looking for the perfect proclamation and teaching project for its community.

In southern Oregon, the Spiritual Assembly of Jackson County found that special project, and it was the result of the simple Bahá’í practice of sharing ideas and learning to work together.

A member of the community suggested at a Feast that the members consider having Kevin Locke, the wonderful Lakota Indian hoop dancer, come to Jackson County and put on a series of performances.

With that simple suggestion and a lot of help from the Concourse on High, the Assembly was able to offer southern Oregon one of the most successful proclamations ever held in the area.

There were many factors in its favor, not the least of which was the ability of four communities to work together and individually through a coordinating committee.

Also, southern Oregon was ready for the special gifts of an American Indian, and a publicity committee was organized that really did the job of publicizing Mr. Locke's appearance.

All three local television stations included interviews and footage of Mr. Locke dancing on their evening and late-night news programs.

In addition, there were articles and photo coverage in at least four newspapers, while the public radio station also mentioned the event.

Southern Oregon State College's Anthropology Club combined with the Bahá’í Club to co-sponsor a performance by Mr. Locke at the college.

This sharing of sponsorship offered a golden opportunity to introduce the Faith to the professors in the Anthropology Department.

More than 400 people attended the performance, and about 175 stayed afterward for a question-and-answer session in which many questions about the Faith were raised.

Everyone who attended received an invitation that included a brief resumé on Kevin Locke, a quotation by Bahá’u’lláh, and a list of future firesides with phone numbers for additional information about the Faith.

Southern Oregon is blessed by having two people who devoted many hours to setting up Mr. Locke's performance in Chiloquin, working hand in hand with the Spiritual Assembly of Klamath Falls to ensure its success.

They went to Chiloquin a month before Mr. Locke's arrival and held prayer meetings with the local Bahá’ís while generally getting a feeling for the people in the town.

They set up a meeting with Chief Edison Chiloquin, a well-known Klamath Falls Indian leader who refused to cash his $250,000 check when all the tribal land was taken by the government.

After 20 years of negotiations, his land was restored to him last year.

The town of Chiloquin has a population of 500. There were 95 people at Mr. Locke's performance, 65 of whom were American Indians.

Under the careful direction of the Spiritual Assembly of Greater Grants Pass, Mr. Locke performed for an audience of 200 at the Rogue Community College cafeteria.

When it was found that the building was too low for him to be able to use the hoops required for his dance, the Bahá’ís simply moved the performance outdoors, and all 200 people followed.

Since that performance a number of college students have joined the Bahá’í Club on campus.

Mr. Locke also performed at two schools, a junior high school in Klamath Falls and a private school in Jacksonville. At the private school he led the children in a snake dance and told them a story about the woodpecker and the flute.

Mr. Locke, whose Indian name means "Stands First," also lectured to the Hakomi group on concepts of unity within the Bahá’í Faith.

The Hakomi is a psychological orientation that stresses the unity of all things. Many of its teachers came to the luncheon at which Mr. Locke spoke.

One of the highlights of Mr. Locke's visit was his interaction with the Bahá’í children. He taught them a children's prayer, "O God, Guide Me," in Indian sign language.

It was a powerful time, one that neither the adults nor the children will ever forget.

Mr. Locke completed his visit with a fireside. It had been publicized in the local paper, and a number of new seekers attended.—Hilary Miller

Lakota Indian hoop dancer Kevin Locke leads children at a school in Jacksonville, Oregon, in a traditional snake dance.

Council Fire

to be held in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the GREAT COUNCIL FIRE of 1963 near Tucson, AZ:

Tucson Mountain Park Gilbert Ray Campgrounds February 27-28, 1988

For information contact: John Cook 602/586-4555

‘Weave Us Together’ provides theme at N.C. ‘New Priorities’ Conference

"Weave Us Together" was the theme of a New Priorities Conference held September 19-20 in Asheville, North Carolina, sponsored by more than 70 organizations including the Bahá’ís of Asheville and Buncombe County.

More than 300 people attended the conference at Asheville High School which addressed the topics of peace, social justice and the environment.

Bahá’ís had suggested in November 1986 that such a conference be held, and were elected to leadership roles on the planning committee.

The majority of committee members were not Bahá’ís, and while Bahá’í principles were used to guide consultation, it was not a "Bahá’í" conference.

Other sponsoring organizations included the NAACP, the United Nations Association, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Educators for Social Responsibility, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters, Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council, Asheville Friends Meeting, American Red Cross, UNC-Asheville Environmental Studies Program, Peace Links, Hunger Awareness Group, local churches, social concern groups, schools and businesses.

The keynote speaker Saturday morning was Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux who addressed the issue of social justice.

Following the plenary sessions, participants had a choice of 15 workshops or three panels.

One of the workshops, on the spiritual foundations of peace, was conducted by a local Bahá’í, Jean Schwandes.

A display area with more than 35 booths gave the various groups an opportunity to share their focus and expertise. At their booth, the Bahá’ís gave out about 100 copies of the peace statement and 150 free posters.

The conference was capped by an evening of diverse local entertainment arranged by Bahá’ís Wilford Johnson and Mary Davis.

The Bahá’ís of Asheville and Buncombe County, through their central role in planning, their willingness to serve without special recognition, and their willingness to volunteer for any tasks required, demonstrated the principles of the Faith by their actions.

Relief

and will not ask for help in the hope that others can be helped instead of her.

In a letter dated July 13, 1987, the Universal House of Justice urged our National Spiritual Assembly to remind the friends of "the necessity to contribute to this Fund."

While the need continues to be great, the available resources are dwindling. From May through July 1987, $27,782 was disbursed in the U.S. from the Persian Relief Fund, while only $16,890 was received from the American Bahá’í community earmarked for that Fund during the same period of time.

The Persian Relief Fund is a humanitarian fund and not one of those used for promoting the Faith; therefore, Bahá’ís and their friends may contribute.

Contributions are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to the National Bahá’í Fund, earmarked for the Persian Relief Fund, and sent to the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The beloved Guardian's writings continually remind us that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will grow only through the twin processes of integration and disintegration. Bahá’í history showers us with examples of the alternation of crisis and victory in the battle of the Army of Light against darkness.

There is no example more vivid, or equal to, the crisis facing our cherished co-workers in Iran and the subsequent world-wide victories for the Cause of God.

The Persian Relief Fund is another way of saying "thank you."

Wall Street Journal carries editorial on persecutions in Iran

A sympathetic editorial about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran appeared November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, in The Wall Street Journal.

The teachings of the Faith, it says, "pose no threat to Iran's religious or government leaders. Its adherents are instructed to obey the laws of the governments under which they live and to avoid partisan political involvement. Its religious dogma is certainly unoffensive; it seeks 'universal peace' for all humanity."

The actions taken by the government of Iran—"jailing, torturing and killing Bahá’ís merely for adhering to their Faith," the editorial concludes, "underscores how important it is that the U.S. and other nations draw attention to Iran's persecuted religious minority."

Louisiana will have a Bahá’í Winter School on February 26-28. Contact Randy Landry, 504-446-1826.

CONTINENTAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL

South Dakota July, 1988

American Indian Bahá’ís are invited to attend.

Featured activities include: preceeding campout involvement of elders traditional Indian speakers

Watch for more information in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í!

Two Sioux Indian dancers entertain at L.A.'s Cross-Cultural Program

At the Cross-Cultural Program held December 5 in Los Angeles, entertainment was provided by two Sioux dancers, one of whom performed a "Fancy War Dance" while the other presented a "Grass Dance."

Both dancers addressed the gathering with spiritually uplifting words in accord with the Bahá’í Teachings.

Mrs. Joan Freeman (Seminole), director of the United American Indian Institute of Southern California, then spoke to the 300 people who gathered there about the needs of the urban Indian. More than half of those present were not Bahá’ís.

Cross-Cultural Programs are being held every Saturday evening at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles as a part of the "Spiritual Conquest of the City of the Angels" campaign, a teaching project focusing on minority groups mentioned in the Six Year Plan. [Page 22]A group of Bahá’ís from Vermont and Hartford, Connecticut, gathered recently at the home of Betsy Hartman in Derby Line, Vermont, to celebrate the 60th Bahá’í birthday of Lorna Tasker (holding photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). She shared her poetry and excerpts from her diary as well as stories of her times at Green Acre from the year 1927 when she accepted the Faith.

Bahá’ís in Longview, Washington, and several surrounding communities helped mark the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh by planting daffodil bulbs November 8 in a park across the street from the public school in which Bahá’í children’s classes are held every other Sunday. Later, the children had cupcakes and sang songs.

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

The Bahá’í Unity of Mankind Religious Emblem Program for the Scouts of America is available from the Bahá’í National Center. Orders are being accepted for the counselor’s guide and scout manuals. The emblems are in the final stages of production and will be available soon.

The following materials are offered for $2.00 each:

Girl Scouts: Item Quantity Total ($2.00 each) Counselor’s Guide Program Booklets: Brownie Scout Junior Girl Scout Girl Scout Price includes handling charges:

Boy Scouts: Item Counselor’s Guide Program Booklets: Tiger Club and Cub Scout Boy Scout Varsity Scout and Explorer Price includes handling charges:

Quantity Total ($2.00 each)

Please make checks payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund.” Send order to:

National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Attn: Committee on Scouting

First Bahá’í to graduate from Medical College of Pennsylvania honored at gala D.C. reception

Dr. Jeane Notto Washington, a recipient of five national medical awards and the first Bahá’í to graduate from the prestigious Medical College of Pennsylvania, was honored by friends and colleagues last June 13 at a reception at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C.

As a student, Dr. Washington was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and was on the national dean’s list.

She was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, from which she received an award for distinguished research; was given the Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Award for Academic Excellence; the Merck Manual Award for General Clinical Excellence; the Medical College of Pennsylvania Student Government Service Award; and the Humanities Scholar Designation. She also received a certificate of appreciation for her tutorial services to fellow students.

During the reception, the chairman, Dr. Sandra Chaff, director of Archives and Special Collections for Women at the Medical College, praised Dr. Washington’s many accomplishments and presented a cable from the Universal House of Justice which read:

“Kindly convey to Dr. Jeane Notto Washington our great happiness and warm congratulations. May this mark of recognition at so early a stage in her career inspire long years of increasing distinction in the services she will render as a physician, a profession highly extolled in our sacred writings.”

Other messages of congratulation were received from Mayor Marion Barry of Washington; Mrs. Dorothy Harasas, president of the D.C. Nurses Association; Mary Hartman, dean of students at the Medical College of Pennsylvania; Dr. Stephen Peitzman, a professor at the Medical College; Dr. Maurice Clifford, Philadelphia’s commissioner of health; and Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, a well-known Bahá’í and former Continental Counselor.

Expressions of appreciation on behalf of Bahá’ís in several areas were offered by Dr. Devi Vembu, Mohabbat Adiyyih, Shamsi Sedaghat, Theodies Washington and Dr. Elsie Austin.

Dr. Jeane Notto Washington (right) chats with Dr. Elsie Austin during a reception in Dr. Washington’s honor held last June 13 at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. Looking on is Dr. Steven Peitzman of the Medical College of Pennsylvania from which Dr. Washington was graduated last year with honors.

Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam among visitors

The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, witnessed a flurry of activity during September, some of which revolved around a visit by Hooshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, and Mrs. Fatheazam.

It was also a delight to welcome back, even if for a short time, the architect of the House of Worship, Fariburz Sahba.

Soon after their arrival in Delhi on September 13, Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam paid a visit to the House of Worship. The sight of that exquisite symbol of purity, the Lotus of Bahapur, moved them to tears.

On September 17, a special prayer program was arranged in their honor. The atmosphere inside the hall, as selections from the Bahá’í writings were read and prayers were chanted by the choir, was electric.

The same feeling was present during dawn prayers on Sunday, September 20, when members of seven State Bahá’í Councils and one State Teaching Committee of the northern states of India and 18 Auxiliary Board members from seven states, who had come to Delhi to attend a conference arranged by the National Spiritual Assembly, were among those in the audience.

On September 18, a “Meet the Architect” program drew more than 50 invitees who asked Mr. Sahba a variety of questions.

Even before the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Fatheazam, the Temple was the site of special prayer programs arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Delhi and dedicated to teachers to mark “Teachers’ Day” which is celebrated throughout India on September 5.

These were the organized programs during the month; but several impromptu prayer programs were held at the House of Worship due to the unprecedented visit of students from a public school in groups of 700 each day from September 16-25.

The students were given prayer cards specially prepared for school children on which were printed two prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. When the prayers were chanted for them inside the prayer hall, it was noted that the children eagerly followed each word.

An architect from England was not only impressed by the architectural beauty of the House of Worship but admitted that the Bahá’í principles are truly meant for this age and firmly establish that the fundamental purpose of all religions is the same.

Another man, a highly qualified engineer, said he visits the Temple not only because he is attracted by its peaceful atmosphere but also because of the central teachings of the Faith which profess the unity of God, of religions and of mankind. One Sunday morning, he came especially to attend the prayer program and to investigate the Faith further.

Many groups including a number of Russian youth from Leningrad visited the Temple in September. It was amazing to see the interest the Bahá’í principles generated in them.

Another group showing a keen interest was that of students of electrical engineering from Calicut University in Kerala State.

A group of engineers from various parts of India came to see the House of Worship because they had heard it was an architectural marvel. But they became so interested in the Bahá’í principles that their leader had to remind them repeatedly that they had to return to their workshop.

Many of them gave their addresses so they could be contacted about future programs.

A small group of young photographers from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad visited the House of Worship to take photos to be shown in Moscow as part of the Festival of India exhibition depicting an Indian cultural canvas.

On September 25, three leading national daily newspapers carried an extraordinary photograph of a partial solar eclipse as seen against the backdrop of the House of Worship.

From September 25-30, the House of Worship played host to a colorful group of visitors from villages, towns and cities who were attending a religious fair in a nearby temple. The site is so close to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár that visitors to the fair invariably visit the House of Worship too.

During September, a total of 108,797 visitors passed through the portals of the House of Worship. [Page 23]

موفقیت تبلیغی یکی از یاران ایرانی در باهاما / TRAVEL TEACHING IN THE BAHAMAS

اخیراً خبردار شدیم که یکی از یاران ایرانی مقیم ایالات متحده جناب دکتر منوچهر مفیدی به دعوت منشی محفل روحانی ملی باهاماس سفری ۱۴ روزه به آن صفحات کردند. ایشان در نامه ای شرح سفر خویش را نگاشته اند و چون کلامشان از دل برخاسته قسمتهائی از آنرا برای استفاده یاران راستان نقل میکنیم ایشان نوشته اند:

از همان قدم اول عنایات لانهایه اش شامل حال گردید. نویسنده و خبرنگار روزنامه تریبیون که روزنامه یومیه معتبر باهاماس است و اولین مبتدی این عبد در شش سال قبل بود قبول امر الهی نمود و اقبال این جوان باهامانی بینهایت باعث سرور دوستان گردید. در یکی از مدارس کاتولیک در جزیره آباکو (Abaco) که قریب ۲۳۰ محصل به اتفاق معلمین مراسم دعای صبحگاهی داشتند حضور یافته و مناجاتی از حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá که در حق محصلین عنایت بسیار فرموده اند تلاوت گردید در این جزائر دوستان بومی احتیاج وافر به مهمان نوازی و کرم و فتوت احیای ایرانی دارند....

جناب دکتر مفیدی در مرقومه جداگانه ای چنین نوشته اند:

"هم اکنون در باهاماس و ممالکی از آن قبیل محافل محلیه تشنه وجود يك خانواده Bahá’í ایرانی هستند تا با صفات ممدوحه خود در کنار مهاجرین فداکار کانادائی و آمریکائی امر الهی را نصرت بخشند. یاران پاک دل بومی در این جزائر و ممالک چنان مقام و منزلتی برای هموطنان جمال مبارک قائلند که تحول روحانی عمیقی بوجود میآید بلافاصله فيوضات غیبیه و عنایات مخصوصهاش شما را احاطه مینماید. بیان شما از قلب برمیخیزد خبرنگار تازه تصدیق باهامائی و اقبال این جوان باهامانی مبتدی شما اقبال میکند و زمانی که کارت عضویت در جامعه Bahá’í را امضاء مینماید بی اختیار تعبیر ظریف تبلیغ به تنفس در وجدان شما جان میگیرد. چون گلبول قرمز با استنشاق هوا در هر تنفس واسطه انتقال روح قدسی میشوید خون تازه به حیات کالبد جامعه میرسانید....

چنانکه ملاحظه میشود قسمتهایی که از نامه جناب دکتر مفیدی نقل شد حاکی از تأثیر شدید انتشارات حدید روحانی ابلاغ کلام الهی در دل و جان ایشان است. بی شك هر کدام از یاران که بر نصرت امر جمال قدم قیام نماید همان حلاوت تجربه خواهد کرد و همان روحانیت را.

دوستانی که علاقمند به اینگونه سفرهای تبلیغی باشند میتوانند با دفتر مهاجرت Office of Pioneering واقع در دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند تلفن : ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۳۱۲) و ۲۲۵ داخلی

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

Today, transistors; tomorrow...?

The truck bounced along over the high mountain pass. It was of foreign make, and its makers had imported the engine parts from yet other nations.

The driver was a native, though his parents were the children of foreigners, who were themselves the descendants of ancient peoples whose kingdoms no longer exist. But he was most assuredly alive, and the sun was shining brightly above the forests ascending on both sides of the pass.

It was a voluminous, well-burdened truck, and as his trip to the border was only an hour's duration, the driver had not troubled to secure the load with care. The truck was jarred constantly by natural imperfection in the concrete, laid so long ago by representatives of a distant continent who were eager for work. Up the driver would bounce to the cabin roof; there he would graze his head with no harm, and on would drone the imported radio's music, itself a signal bouncing from a satellite of transcendent nationality.

Each time he was in mid-air, his motley cargo likewise took flight and redistributed itself with the utmost abandon. The Japanese-made transistors would fall amidst the Swiss watches, the British trench coats would tumble into the West African handbags, the Brazilian mats would slide next to the Swedish shoes, the Polynesian trinkets would adorn the ivory Eskimo carvings.

It was a happy little truck, and its contents got on famously. And they needn't have feared separation, for they would soon be displayed in the same department store, and most likely would be purchased by the same customer to enhance the same household, and would eventually travel with their new owners back to their places of manufacture on the seats of bouncing, bumping trucks.

For now that the people have seen the compatibility of their commodities, they can't help but follow suit and accept the invitations which the mutual purchase and transport of goods have so eloquently expressed.

اقبال یک شهردار به امر مبارک / FORMER MAYOR EMBRACES THE FAITH

در روز ۴ نوامبر سال ۱۹۸۷ آقای ویلبر بیشاپ Wilbur Bishop که از سال ۱۹۷۷ تا سال ۱۹۸۳ شهردار تایگرد Tigard در ایالت اورگان بوده، تسجیل گردید.

آشنائی آقای بیشاپ با امر مبارک از سال ۱۹۸۰ با حضور او و همسرش در مراسم تشکیل محفل روحانی تایگرد آغاز شد. پس از آن آقای بیشاپ از دوستان Bahá’í خود درخواست کتابهای امری کرد و به مطالعه آنها پرداخت و در جلسات متعددی حضور یافت تا سرانجام ندای مظهر امر الهی را لبيك گفت و در زمره اهل بهاء درآمد.

مهاجرت داخلی / HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

Bahá’íان شهر مونت پلیر Montpelier مرکز ایالت ورمانت Vermont احتیاج به چند نفر مهاجر جهت تشکیل محفل روحانی محلی دارند. ورمانت از جمله ایالات معدودی است که هنوز در مرکز آن محفل روحانی تأسیس نگردیده و بدین جهت تشکیل محفل روحانی در مونت پلیر در صف اول اهداف لجنه ملی نشر نفحات است. دوستانی که مایل به مهاجرت به شهر مذکور باشند میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با لجنه ملی نشر نفحات تماس حاصل نمایند تلفن: ۳۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۳۱۲)

National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

PUBLICATIONS / توقیع ظهور عدل الهی

چنانکه عزیزان ایرانی استحضار دارند توقیع ظهور عدل الهی The Advent of Divine Justice صادر از قلم حضرت ولی امرالله از طرف محفل روحانی ملی Bahá’íان ایالات متحده کتاب سال شناخته شده است. این توقیع مبارك حاوى نكات مهمی درباره اهداف Bahá’íان ایالات متحده میباشد و قرائت آن برای همه یاران ضروری است. ترجمه فارسی این اثر مبارک از طرف لجنه ملی امور احیای ایرانی امریکائی تجدید چاپ شده است. علاقمندان میتوانند این توقیع مبارك از طریق موسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری سفارش داده ابتیاع نمایند.

خودآموز زبان عربی

حضرت ولی امرالله میفرمایند: "اطفال و جوانان احیاء لسان عربی را نیز بیاموزند و برای استفاده از الواح و آثار مبارکه قواعد این زبان فصیح را فراگیرند"

برای دوستانی که مایل به فراگیری قواعد زبان عربی باشند، خودآموزی به همراه ۶ نوار صوتی تهیه شده است. علاقمندان میتوانند خودآموز عربی را از طریق موسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری فرمایند.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 24]محبوب شتافت و غبار جسم را که حجاب چهره جان شده بود برانداخت. دریغا که فقدان بزرگانی چون جناب فرید نه مرگ بلبلی یا پژمردن گلی که تاراج گلستانی است. باشد که از میان جوانان بهائی که خود امید و آرزوی جامعه امرند نهالهائی بروید و جای خالی این درختان پربار را پر کند.

از آثار قلمی منتشر شده جناب فرید یکی جزوه ای است که به مناسبت صدمین سال نزول کتاب اقدس نگاشته و دیگری جزوه نهم از سلسله جزوات مجموعه معارف بهائی در مباحث متنوعه است. همسر و چهار فرزندش از او باز مانده اند.

گرامی یادش گرامیتر باد

قطعنامه سازمان ملل متحد UN RESOLUTION

در تاریخ ۷ دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۷ شورای عمومی سازمان ملل متحد طی قطعنامه ای نگرانی عمیق خود را درباره عدم مراعات حقوق بشر در ایران اعلام داشت.

در این قطعنامه که با ۶۴ رأی موافق در برابر ۲۲ رأی مخالف تصویب گردید، آزار و اذیت بهائیان ایرانی به تصریح بیان گردیده است. این اقدام شورای عمومی سازمان ملل با حسن قبول جامعه جهانی بهائی تلقی گردید.

آقای پل دویورمارک Paul Djermark که یکی از نمایندگان جامعه بهائی در سازمان ملل میباشد اظهار داشت: "تصمیم سازمان ملل نشان میدهد که جامعه جهانی بهائیان را از طرف دولت ایران نپذیرفته است. باعث آمایش خاطر بهائیان ایران است که بدانند فراموش نشده اند این پشتیبانی بین المللی تنها وسیله امنیت سیصدهزار بهائی ایران است. به نظر میرسد که اینگونه حمایت بین المللی باعث شده که تعداد بهائیانی که در سال ۱۹۸۷ به شهادت رسیده اند کمتر از عده ای باشد که در سالهای قبل اعدام شده اند."

کمک به صندوق ملهوفین PERSIAN RELIEF FUND

دفتر امین صندوق محفل روحانی ملی اطلاع داده که اخیراً وجوه پرداختی آن دفتر از صندوق ملهوفین به میزان قابل ملاحظه ای بیشتر از وجوه دریافتی بوده است.

چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهند وجوه صندوق مزبور تحت نظر و به اشاره معهد اعلی جهت کمک به آن دسته از بهائیانی است که در نتیجه بیداد و ستم مخالفان امر مبارک از لحاظ مالی دچار عسرت گشته اند و عایداتشان کفاف مخارج آنها را نمیکند. از یاران ایرانی تقاضا میشود تبرعات خود را به صندوق ملهوفین از یاد نبرند. وجوه تبرعات را میتوان با قید Persian Relief Fund در وجه صندوق محفل روحانی ملی National Bahá’í Fund پرداخت. در اینصورت تبرعات مذکور مشمول معافیت مالیاتی خواهد بود.

جلسه بزرگداشت روز حقوق بشر HUMAN RIGHTS DAY RECEPTION IN WASHINGTON

به مناسبت بزرگداشت روز "حقوق بشر" جلسه ای به میزبانی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده در روز ۱۰ دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۷ در واشنگتن دیسی منعقد گردید.

در این جلسه جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده نایب رئیس محفل ملی و جناب رابرت هندرسن منشی آن محفل مقدس و سرکار خانم ویلما بریدی Wilma Brady، مدیر دفتر جامعه بین المللی بهائی شرکت جستند. تعداد مدعوین حدود یکصد نفر و شامل برخی از اعضای کنگره ایالات متحده و کارمندانشان و عده ای از نمایندگان وسائل ارتباط جمعی و اولیای امور بود.

در این جلسه آقای ریچارد شیفتر Richard Schifter معاون دائره "حقوق بشر و امور انسانی" در وزارت امور خارجه ایالات متحده درباره حقوق بشر و آزار و اذیت بهائیان ایران بیاناتی اظهار داشت.

جلسه دعا با خانواده شهداء NPAAC GREETS RELATIVES OF MARTYRS IN ATLANTA

روز ۷ نوامبر سال جاری لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی امریکائی در جلسه دعائی که با حضور خانواده برخی از شهدای اخیر ایران در شهر آتلانتا انعقاد یافته بود شرکت جست. در این جلسه یک نسخه از ترجمه فارسی توقیع ظهور عدل الهی صادر از قلم حضرت ولی امر الله و یک شاخه گل سرخ به اعضاء خانواده شهداء اهداء گردید.

خانم پوران استیونس یکی از اعضاء لجنه ملی امور احیای ایرانی امریکایی در حال اهداء توقیع ظهور عدل الهی و یک شاخه گل سرخ به یکی از منسوبین شهداء.

مشروع فتح روحانی شهر فرشتگان ( لوس آنجلس ) SPIRITUAL CONQUEST OF THE CITY OF THE ANGELS

فتح روحانی شهر فرشتگان (لوس آنجلس) نام مشروعی تبلیغی است که در آگست گذشته در شهر لوس آنجلس آغاز گردید. هدف این مشروع تبلیغ و تسجيل عده معتنابهی از افراد اقلیتهاست. لجنه نشر نفحات لوس آنجلس و لجنه روابط عمومی شهر برای اجرای این مشروع طرح و برنامه ای را ریخته اند که بر مبنای آن پنج گروه برای تبلیغ اسپانیولی زبانها و سیاهپوستان و زردپوستان و سرخپوستان و دانشجویان مشغول به فعالیت میباشند. اعضای هر گروه تبلیغی اکثراً متشکل از بهائیانی از همان گروه است. بدین معنی که اکثر اعضای گروه تبلیغ سیاهپوستان را بهائیان سیاهپوست تشکیل میدهند و قس علی هذا. طریقه تبلیغ گروهای مذکور با هم تفاوت دارد و هر یک از این پنج گروه موفقیتهائی در زمینه تسجيل افراد تازه تصدیق داشته اند.

در این مشروع اهمیت تبلیغ انفرادی تأکید شده و به همین جهت جلسات تبلیغی گوناگونی در سراسر لوس آنجلس دائر گردیده است. احبای جوامع امری حومه لوس آنجلس نیز در فعالیتهای تبلیغی شرکت میجویند و از این راه بر رونق و روحانیت جلسات میافزایند.

همچنین عصر هر شنبه جلساتی در حظيرة القدس لوس آنجلس تشکیل میشود. تازه تصدیق در این جلسات تبلیغی شرکت میکنند و تجربیات خود را با مبتدیها در میان میگذارند. این جلسات مورد استقبال گرم یاران قرار گرفته است. در اولین جلسه ۸۰ نفر شرکت جستند. عده شرکت کنندگان در هر هفته رو به فزونی نهاد تا آنجا که در هفته چهارم تعداد حاضرین بالغ بر ۲۰۰ نفر بود.

در روز ۲۹ نوامبر ایادی امر الله جناب ویلیام سیرز علیرغم سرما خوردگی شدید برای افتتاح سالن اصلی حظيرة القدس که گنجایش ۱۰۰۰ نفر را دارد حضور یافتند و با بیانات خود شوری در میان یاران احداث نمودند.

مشروع "فتح" روحانی شهر فرشتگان قرار است حد اقل تا تابستان سال ۱۹۸۸ ادامه داشته باشد. از یارانی که قصد مسافرت به لوس آنجلس داشته باشند دعوت میشود در اجرای این مشروع با یاران آن شهر همکاری نمایند. شرکت یاران ایرانی در اینگونه خدمات تبلیغی موجب تقویت روحیه سایر احباء و تسریع امر تبلیغ و تحقق یکی از اهداف نقشه شش ساله خواهد شد. علاقمندان میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با حظيرة القدس لوس آنجلس تماس حاصل نمایند: تلفن: ۸۲۹۱-۹۳۳ (۲۱۳) [Page 25]

MARTYR'S FILE

جناب بدیع الله فرید جمله فضلای کم نظیر جامعه بهائی بود که در حوادث اخیر ایران مورد آزار و شکنجه واقع گردید و سپس به شهادت رسید. شخصیتش مانند نامش بدیع بود. مردی بود آرام و بی تکف. به دور از هیاهو و تظاهر دانشور و هوشمند اخلاق و رفتارش مردمان را جذب مینمود. ذره ای خود بینی و تکبر نداشت. از استبداد در رأی دوری میجست. از جدال در گفتار عاری بود. در مباحثه و مذاکره مرگز صدایش بلند نمیشد و هر چند هم که طرف مقابل بی انصافی و درشتی نشان میداد او با لبخند ملیحش همچنان آرام میماند. قلبش مانند چهره و چشمانش مهربان و کلامش چون شخصیتش آرام و دلپذیر بود.

جناب فرید بسال ۱۳۰۷ در شهر شیراز در خانواده ای بهائی چشم به جهان گشود. تحصیلات ابتدائی و متوسطه را در همان شهر تکمیل نمود و سپس به طهران عزیمت کرد.

در طهران به استخدام وزارت فرهنگ درآمد و در کسوت معلم در مدارس به تدریس پرداخت. چون از همت و پشتکار بهره ای بسزا داشت در ضمن اشتغال به تدریس دوباره به تحصیل روی آورد. بدین ترتیب پس از قبولی در کنکور بسال ۱۳۳۱ در دانشکده حقوق دانشگاه طهران ثبت نام کرد و سه سال بعد به گرفتن دانشنامه در رشته قضائی توفیق یافت. سپس دوره فوق لیسانس را در رشته علوم اداری گذراند و عهده دار مشاغل آموزشی و اداری گوناگونی گردید. بعنوان مثال از بنیانگزاران اولیه شرکت تعاونی فرهنگیان طهران بود و همچنین سالها بعنوان بهترین بازرس عالی وزارتخانه انتخاب شد. بعدها در سمت مشاور معاون وزارتی خدمت میکرد، خدمات اداری و فرهنگی جناب فرید بیش از سی سال بطول انجامید. پس از بازنشستگی مدتی به کار آموزی وکالت پرداخت و موفق به گرفتن پروانه بعنوان وکیل پایه یک دادگستری گردید.

خدمات امری جناب فرید نیز به گستردگی خدمات اداریش بود. چون از جمله مبلغان فاضل جامعه امری بشمار میرفت همواره به تصدی بیوت تبلیغی مبادرت مینمود و در کلاسهای گوناگون مطالعه الواح به تدریس آثار مبارکه میپرداخت. سالهای متمادی در لجنه تصویب تألیفات و لجنه ملی مطالعه و تحقیق از جمله اعضاء موثر بود. و این خود بر مراتب علمی او میافزود و او را در مورد معارف بهائی عالم تر و پخته تر میکرد و از او دانشمندی کم نظیر میساخت. همچنین جناب فرید در سالهای اخیر به عضویت محفل روحانی طهران درآمد.

یکی از اهداف نقشه پنجساله بیت العدل اعظم برای یاران ایران تأسیس "مؤسسه عالی معارف امر" در طهران بود. غرض از ایجاد این موسسه به تصریح معهد اعلی عبارت بود از تربیت معدودی از جوانان مستعد که لیاقت و قدرت و تحمل ممارست و تحقیق و تحصیل علوم قدیمه دینی و عرفانی داشته باشند. مسوولیت تأسیس و برنامه ریزی و اداره موسسه مزبور از طرف محفل روحانی ملی به جناب دکتر داودی و جناب فرید تفویض گردید. جناب فرید در این موسسه به تدریس کتاب اقدس و کتاب ایقان و دیگر الواح مبارکه اشتغال داشت و چندی نیز عهده دار مدیریت آن گردید.

جناب فرید از همان بدو ورود به طهران اشتیاق بسیاری برای کسب معارف امری و غیر امری داشت. بدین غرض به تحصیل زبان عربی پرداخت و قواعد آن زبان را بخوبی فراگرفت. با اصول فقه و منطق و کلام و ادبیات فارسی آشنائی عمیقی داشت. همچنین در مطالعه کتب مقدسه قبل خصوصاً قرآن ممارست میکرد و بطور کلی اطلاعات جامعی درباره دیانت اسلام کسب نموده بود.

اما معارف امری را جناب فرید نزد جناب فاضل مازندرانی آموخته بود. کمتر کسی بود که با جناب فرید آشنائی مختصری حاصل کرده باشد و از تعشق و تعلق خاطر او به جناب فاضل آگاه نباشد چه که حضرت فاضل سالها وی را تدریس رموز الواح و آثار کرده و به دانش جناب فرید وسعت و عمق بخشیده بود. همچنین خلق و خوی دلپذیر و آرام جناب فاضل در او موثر آمده و بدین ترتیب عشق آن علامه بی نظیر در دل و جان جناب فرید ریشه دوانده بود.

چون بغیر از جلد سوم مجلدات نه گانه تاریخ مفصل جناب فاضل بنام ظهور الحق هیچ یک از آثار او منتشر نگردیده بود جناب فرید به پاس قدردانی از مراد و مرشدش و نیز جهت برخورداری جامعه امری از آثار گرانبهای آن فاضل بزرگوار برای نشر بعضی از کتابهای او همت نهاد. شاید بتوان ادعا کرد که اگر پشتکار و پیگیری جناب فرید نمی بود کتابهایی چون امر و خلق و اسرار الاثار و رهبران و رهروان همچنان در پرده خفا میماند و در دسترس دوستان قرار نمیگرفت.

جناب فرید علاوه بر آثار جناب فاضل مازندرانی در تهیه و تدوین آثار مبارکه ای چون مجموعه های آثار قلم اعلی و مکاتیب ‘Abdu’l-Bahá و توقیعات مبارکه و تصحیح و تنظیم و تصویب سایر کتابهای امری سهمی بزرگ داشت. عده و سالهای انگشت شماری از یاران کتابی بود که قبل از نشر به نظر او نمیرسید.

جناب فرید در میان مخالفان امر مبارک چهره ای کاملاً شناخته شده بود. سالهای دراز بود که خدمات امری و مخصوصاً تبلیغی او کین و حسد آنان را برانگیخته بود. بدین سبب مخالفان همواره مترصد بودند که به هر ترتیبی که ممکن باشد صدمه ای بر او وارد آورند. نخست آن شدند که او را بربایند و چندین بار نیز قصد ربودن او را کردند اما موفق نشدند. ولی سرانجام در یکی از روزهای بهمن ماه سال ۱۳۵۸ او و راننده اش را دستگیر نمودند و به زندان اوین فرستادند. جناب فرید حدود شانزده ماه در زندان بسر برد و در آن مدت زندانیان و زندانبانان را تحت تاثیر حسن اخلاق و رفتار و دانش و وقار خود قرار داد. با اینحال قضاء به گونه ای دیگر اقتضاء کرده بود و فرید و وحید، بهائیان را سرنوشت آن بود که همراه دیگر جانبازان در میدان فدا جولانی دهد و با خون خویش شهادت به حقانیت امر جمال قدم دهد.

ناگهان بر طبق اطلاعیه دادستانی انقلاب به اتهاماتی چون عضویت در لجنه ضیافات و کمیسیون حقوقی و نگارش رساله عرفان و عمل متهم و محكوم به اعدام گردید. گویا جناب فرید از پیش میدانست که از زندان رهائی نخواهد یافت زیرا در آخرین نامه ای که از زندان به همسر و فرزندانش نگاشته چنین گفته: ".... در هر حال به حق توکل داشته باشید. شما وضع زندگی خود را طوری تنظیم کنید که اگر من نباشم ناراحتی و غم و غصه نداشته باشید."

در وصیتنامه مختصری که جناب فرید در شب شهادتش نوشته آثار آزاد منشی و مهربانی او نمودار است: "بنام خدا توسط پدرم همسر مهربان و فرزندانم از همه شما راضی هستم. میل دارم شما هم از من ناراضی نباشید. گوهر ایمان را حفظ نموده و همیشه از مادرتان اطاعت کنید. شما را برای همیشه به مادرتان و تا مدتی که صغیر هستید به او و عمویتان سپرده و از شما خدا حافظی میکنم. مسلماً در محضر الهی به دیدار هم نائل میشویم... آنچه پول در جیب دارم ششصد تومان آن متعلق به هم اطاقیهای زندان است که توسط مسؤول بند بایستی به آنان داده شود. از کسانیکه در مدت زندانی از من دیدار میکردند نهایت تشکر و امتنان را دارم و همچنین از کلیه دوستان و فامیل که به یاد من بودند. قربان همه شما. بدیع الله فرید."

در روز ۳ تیر ماه سال ۱۳۶۰ جناب فرید تیرباران شد. بار دیگر سودازده ای به دیدار... [Page 26]

ON CONSULTATION

یکی از مطالبی که اهمیت آن از طرف احیاء کمتر مورد توجه قرار میگیرد موضوع مشورت است. در امر بهائی اهمیت مشورت در همه جوانب زندگی به حداكثر ممکن تأکید گردیده است. در یکی از الواح مبارکه چنین میفرمایند: "صعود به آسمان امن و امان به مرقات مشورت معلق انشاء الله در جمیع احوال اهل الله به این نظر متمسك باشند." همچنین در لوح دیگری فرموده اند: "آسمان حکمت الهی به دو نیر روشن و منیر مشورت و شفقت در جمیع امور به مشورت متمسك شوید چه که اوست سراج هدایت و آگاهی عطا کند."

نکته مهمی که درباره مشورت باید در خاطر داشت اینست که همانگونه که در بیانات فوق ملاحظه شد مشورت باید در همه امور باشد. سوء تفاهمی بزرگ است اگر بپنداریم که مشورت فقط در امور امری صادق است.

بهائیان نیز مانند سایر مردمان در زندگی روزمره خود با مشکلاتی روبرو میشوند. برخی اوقات این مشکلات مربوط به روابط اشخاص با اعضای خانواده خویش است. گاهی مشکلات در روابط کاری افراد است. زمانی این مشکلات در اخلاق و ارتباط با راه و روش زندگی و رفتار و اشخاص است. بسیار اتفاق میافتد که حل این مشکلات در حد توانائی يك فرد نیست. در این موارد اگر به تفکر شخصی بدون نظرخواهی از دیگران اكتفاء رود حتی اگر تصمیمات افراد مطلقاً اشتباه نباشد دست کم ناقص خواهد بود. مذاکره و تبادل نظر با افرادیکه مورد اعتماد باشند سالم ترین و مطمئن ترین راه برای تصمیم گیری صحیح است. حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند:

"قضیه مشورت در امور بسیار مهم و از اعظم وسائط راحت و سعادت نفوس است. مثلا چون نفسی در امور خویش حیران باشد یا اینکه کاری و کسبی خواهد باید احبای الهی محفلی بیارایند و تدبیر در امر او بنمایند. او نیز باید مجری دارد و همچنین در امور عمومیه چون مشکلی حاصل گردد و عسرتی روی دهد باید عقلاء مجتمع گشته مشورت نمایند و تدبیری کنند بعد توسل به حق کنند و تسلیم تقدیر شوند تا هر نوع جلوه حق دستگیری کند. مشورت از اوامر قطعيه رب بريه است."

از جمله نتائج سودمند مشورت ایجاد اعتماد در میان افراد است. بی اعتمادی یکی از آفات زندگی شخصی و اجتماعی عصر ماست. جهانی که در آن بی اعتمادی حکم راند جهانی تیره و آمیخته به سوء نیت و سوء تفاهم خواهد بود. مشورت اما آنگاه که با "شفقت" همراه شود سبب حصول اعتماد میگردد. وقتی مشکلی را با کس یا کسانی در میان بگذاریم هم به آنان فرصتی میدهیم که از سر همدلی و عطوفت راهگشای ما باشند و ما را در تصمیمات خود راهنمائی کنند و هم تخم اعتماد در دل آنان میکاریم. تلویحاً به آنان میگوئیم که شما را همراز خود ساخته و رنج آشنای خود کرده ایم. اینست که مشکل خویش را با شما بازگفته و شما را به مدد خواسته ایم. چون اعتماد اساس روابط مردم شود دلهای آنان به یکدیگر تقرب بیشتر و بیشتر میجوید و هر کسی دیگری را از خود میداند. بدین ترتیب بدگمانی به یکسو میرود و راه رسیدن به روزی که افراد بشر برادر و خواهر نيكخواه هم باشند هموار و هموارتر میشود.

و همانطور که قبلاً گفته شد این مشورت باید در همه جوانب زندگی باشد. از حضرت عبدالبهاء چنین میشنویم: "از مشورت مقصود آنست که آراء نفوس متعدده البته بهتر از رأی واحد است نظیر قوت نفوس كثيره البته اعظم از قوت شخص واحد است. لهذا شور مقبول درگاه کبریاء مأموربه و آن از امور عادیه شخصیه گرفته تا امور کلیه عمومیه. مثلاً شخصی را کاری در پیش البته اگر با بعضی از اخوان مشورت کند البته تحری و کشف آنچه موافق است گردد و حقیقت حال واضح و آشکار شود. و همچنین مافوق آن اگر اهل قریه ای به جهت امور خویش با یکدیگر مشورت نمایند البته طريق صواب نمودار شود. و همچنین هر صنف از اصناف، مثلاً اهل صنعت در امور خویش با یکدیگر مشورت نمایند و تجار در مسائل تجاریه مشورت کنند. خلاصه شور مقبول و محبوب در هر خصوص و امور."

آنچه تا کنون نگارش یافت در مورد مشورت بطور کلی بود. اما مسئله مشورت به نحو اخص نیز برای اهل بهاء در رابطه با تشکیلات اداری از اهمیتی اساسی برخوردار است. اساس تشکیلات در امر بهائی بر مبنای اصل مشورت بنا گردیده است. عملکرد تشکیلات امری اعم از لجنات محلی و یا کمیسیونهای فرعی مربوط به آنها تا بالاترین مرجع اداری و روحانی شریعت جمال مبارك بر اساس مشورت پی ریزی شده است. شاید بتوان مدعی شد که این اساس بزرگترین مانع استبداد در هدایت جامعه بشمار میرود. زیرا مشورت در تشکیلات بهائی جامعه یاران را از تعصب و کوته نظری که در اکثر موارد ناشی از طرز فکر يك فرد است باز میدارد. بی سبب نیست که در آثار بهائی اینهمه تأکید در مورد لزوم مشورت رفته است.

اما مشورت نیز مانند هر امر دیگری اصول و قواعدی دارد که تنها با رعایت آنها میتوان نتیجه مطلوب را حاصل نمود. به اختصار این اصول و قواعد را مروری میکنیم. اول شرط توفیق در مشورت محبت اصحاب شور با یکدیگر است. بدون محبت و الفت سخن آنان در دل و جان هم نمی نشیند. مرکز میثاق درباره اصل محبت در شور میفرمایند: "... باید اعضاء مشورت در نهایت محبت و الفت و صداقت با یکدیگر باشند."

دیگر صداقت و صراحت مشورت کنندگان با یکدیگر است. باید با صداقت و بدون کوچکترین شائبه اختفاء و ریا به مشورت پرداخت تا ثمره مذاکرات به نحو احسن حاصل گردد. حضرت ولی امرالله میفرمایند: "... باید رأی خود را در هر امری و در هر جلسه در نهایت صداقت و روشنی و خیرخواهی و خضوع و خلوص ابداء و اظهار دارند.... در امور مرجوعه در کمال صراحت و صداقت و جدیت مشورت تام نمایند...."

دیگر دوری از ملاحظات و منافع شخصی و توجه به خیر عموم است. ناگفته پیداست که منافع شخصی ناشی از خودخواهی افراد است و در اکثر موارد با مصالح کلی و عمومی تباین دارد. حضرت ولی امرالله در این خصوص میفرمایند: "... نظر را متوجه و حصر در منافع عموم و مصالح امرالله نمایند نه ناظر به اشخاص و متمسك به مقاصد و مآرب شخصیه گردند."

دیگر وسعت نظر و دوری از اصرار و استبداد در رأی و قبول آراء جمع است. الحاح و اصرار در مورد آراء موجب حصول تفرقه و دوگانگی میشود و با روح دیانت بهائی مخالفت دارد. از زبان حضرت عبدالبهاء میشنویم: "در مسئله تحری حقیقت کنید نه اصرار در رأی زیرا اصرار و عناد در رأی منجر به منازعه و مخاصمه گردد و حقیقت مستور ماند."

و از حضرت ولی امرالله میخوانیم: "... آنچه را بعد از مشورت کامل و مذاکره تام رأى اكثریت بر آن قرار گرفت به دل و جان بدون ادنی کدورت و رنجش اجراء نمایند و لو آنکه رأى اكثريت مخالف واقع و عاری از صواب باشد. ..."

امید است نقل بيانات فوق راهبر و راهنما و راهگشای یاران در زندگی روزمره و خدمات امریشان گردد. [Page 27]

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

۱۹۸۷

ترجمه دستخط بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۱۷ نوامبر سال ۱۹۸۷

بیت العدل اعظم مرقومه مورخ ۱۰ آگست سال ۱۹۸۷ و سایر مراسلات آن دفتر را در ارتباط با مشروع پزشکی کشور برزیل بررسی نموده و امکانات کاری مشروع مذکور را برای اطبای ایرانی در سراسر جهان که در حال حاضر از ادامه خدمت در حرفه خود محروم گشته اند. ملحوظ داشته است.

نظر بیت العدل اعظم آنست که بسیار شایسته است که اطبای بهائی این فرصت را مغتنم شمارند چه که این فرصت نه تنها موقعیتی ایجاد خواهد کرد که ایشان در حرفه شریف خود ادامه خدمت دهند بلكه كمك بزرگی به امر الهی در کشور برزیل خواهد نمود زیرا مردمان آن قابلیتی بیاندازه برای قبول تعاليم جمال مبارك دارند.

باعث تأسف است اگر ملاحظات مادی مانع اجرای این خدمت پسندیده شود بخصوص که فرصتهائی از این قبیل ممکن است تا مدت مدیدی دست ندهد.

بیت العدل اعظم مایلند که این مرقومه را به همه بهائیانی که در شعب گوناگون حرفه پزشکی تخصص دارند و اخیراً از ایران خارج شده و واجد شرایط برای اقامت در برزیل میباشند ابلاغ نمائید.

همچنین اسامی دوستان عزیزی را که مایلند جهت مشروع فوق عازم برزیل شوند به مرکز جهانی ارسال نمائید تا در اعتاب مقدسه برای سعادت و موفقیت مساعی آنان دعا و مناجات شود.

ترجمه دستخط بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۲۳ نوامبر سال ۱۹۸۷ خطاب به شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس نمایندگان روابط خارجی امرالله که در لانگنهاین آلمان از تاریخ ۲۷ الی ۲۹ نوامبر سال ۱۹۸۷ منعقد گردید.

دوستان عزیز الهی این مشتاقان با محبتی بی حد و نهایت و سروری پر شور ناشی از هدف بغایت مهمی که نمایندگان روابط خارجی ۱۸ محفل روحانی ملی از دو قاره اروپا و آمریکای شمالی را با نمایندگان دفتر سازمان ملل متحد و دفتر روابط عمومی جامعه بین المللی بهائی گرد هم آورده، به همه آن عزیزان تحیت ابلاغ میدارند.

این جلسه خطیر فرصت مناسبی در اختیار آن عزیزان میگذارد که از طریق مشاورات همه جانبه ای که در آن نماینده بیت العدل اعظم جناب گلنفورد میچل نیز شرکت خواهد جست بتوانند به نظرگاه جهانی و واحدی درباره اصول و پیشرفت و آینده مساعی و همم وسیع النطاق آن یاران دست یابند.

نظرگاهی که به انسجام کامل در مورد وظائفی که هر يك از آن عزیزان جداگانه در ارتباط با دول و وسائل ارتباط جمعی و موسسات گوناگون غیر دولتی دارند منجر شود.

امید است این موفقیت موجب ازدیاد همبستگی و اتحاد در تمامی جامعه بهائی گردد و آمادگی نوینی جهت مغتنم شمردن فرصتهای بیسابقه ای که در پیش است به وجود آورد و توانائی تازه ای برای به دست گرفتن زمام قوائی حاصل نماید که عهد جدیدی را بسوی سرنوشت پر شکوه و جهانسازش سوق میدهد.

یقین بدانند که ادعیه حاره این مشتاقان در اعتاب مقدسه جهت موفقیت آن عزیزان آکنده از امیدی پایدار است.

بیت العدل اعظم

HUQUQ ’U’LLAH

ترجمه تلگراف بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۱۵ سپتامبر سال ۱۹۸۷

مراتب قدردانی عمیق این مشتاقان را از پیام محبت آمیز شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس حقوق الله که اخیراً در لوهان منعقد گردید ابلاغ نمائید و ایشان را به ادعیه حاره در اعتاب مقدسه اطمینان دهید.

بیت العدل اعظم

اطلاعیه هیئت امنای حقوق الله دوستان عزیز روحانی

از تاریخ ۱۱ الی ۱۳ سپتامبر سال جاری کنفرانس حقوق الله با شرکت اعضای هیئت معاونت و نمایندگان دفتر امین صندوق محفل مقدس روحانی ملی. نمایندگان حقوق الله و اعضای هیئت امنای حقوق الله در آمریکا به منظور مشاوره در تزیید آگاهی احیای عزیز بخصوص دوستان عزیز امریکائی در مدرسه بهائی لوهان Louhelen تشکیل گردید.

ذیلاً برخی از مطالب مورد مشاوره و پیشنهادات مصوبه در این کنفرانس را به عرض دوستان عزیز الهی میرساند

۱- در طی سال آینده جلسات متعدد محلی و ناحیه ای با مساعدت محافل مقدسه روحانيه محليه و لجنات محترمه ناحیه ای تبلیغ و لجنات ناحیه ای امور احیای ایرانی امریکائی به منظور تشریح و تزیید آگاهی احیای عزیز در امر تعمیق و حقوق الله تشکیل خواهد گردید.

۲- تعلیم و تدریس حقوق الله در مدارس تابستانه گرین ایکر Green Acre و لوهلن و بوش Bosch با شرکت اعضای هیئت حقوق الله و نمایندگان حقوق الله در تابستان سال ۱۹۸۸ ادامه خواهد یافت

۳- از لجنات و شوراهای مدارس تابستانه و زمستانه استدعا خواهد شد که در مورد گنجانیدن حقوق الله در برنامه های مدارس ناحیه ای زمستانه و تابستانه مساعدت لازم ابراز فرمایند.

ترجمه دو مجموعه تدوین احکام حقوق الله A Codification of the Laws of the Huquq’u’llah و اتساع مؤسسة حقوق الله The Development of the Institution for the Huquq’u’llah منتشره از طرف دائره تحقیقات مرکز جهانی به زبان اسپانیولی آماده و بزودی جهت استفاده احیای امریکایی اسپانیولی زبان منتشر خواهد گردید.

۴- به ساحت محفل مقدس روحانی ملى پیشنهاد خواهد شد که تعلیم حقوق الله جزء برنامه های درس اخلاق و جلسات تزیید معلومات جوانان قرار گیرد بخصوص پیشنهاد خواهد شد که لجنه محترمه ملی تعلیم و تربیت اطفال در تهیه مطالب لازم در این مورد اقدام فرمایند.

۵- به حضور لجنه محترم ملی جوانان بهائی امریکا پیشنهاد خواهد شد که موضوع حقوق الله جزء برنامه کنفرانسهای محلّی ناحیه ای ملی و بین المللی جوانان در سال ۱۹۸۸ قرار گیرد.

۷- در طی نامه از طرف ضیافات نوزده روزه به احیای عزیز پیشنهاد خواهد شد که از وجود نمایندگان هیئت حقوق الله در آمریکا استفاده نموده و از ایشان در جلسات و کنفرانسهای منعقده به منظور مطالعه امر حقوق الله استفاده فرمایند.

مشارکین در کنفرانس ضمن تلگرافی به ساحت منیع معهد اعلى طلب تأييدات و ادعیه در عتبات مقدسه نمودند. تلگراف فوق حاکی از عنایت بیت العدل اعظم خطاب به شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس واصل گردید.

با تقدیم تحیات روحانيه هیئت امنای حقوق الله در آمریکا

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمیهای حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huquq’u’llah Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله 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 حقوق الله میتوان با یکی از امنای حقوق یا با دفتر موسسه حقوق الله مكاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huquq’u’llah Trust Rocky River, OH. 44116 [Page 28]

Duque de Edimburgo recibe a Mano de la Causa

A todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales

En una serie de eventos del 3 al 5 de octubre de 1987 la Fe Bahá’í se hizo la sexta religión mundial en unirse a la Red Tocante a la Conservación y Religión, una alianza que abre nuevos horizontes y que se formó el año pasado entre el World Wide Fund for Nature (Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza) y grandes religiones mundiales.

Este nuevo paso tuvo como su evento sobresaliente una reunión histórica en que Su Alteza Real el Príncipe Felipe, Duque de Edimburgo, Presidente del WWF Internacional, recibió una delegación encabezada por Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

Entre los eventos hubo una ceremonia el 3 de octubre en el famoso Jardín Zoológico de Marwell en Winchester, Inglaterra, en la cual representantes de la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í emitieron de manera oficial una Declaración Bahá’í sobre la Naturaleza y se unieron formalmente a la Red, señalando un nuevo nivel de colaboración entre la Fe Bahá’í y grupos que se interesan por el medio ambiente.

La iniciativa es una respuesta al énfasis dada en el Plan de Seis Años al "mayor envolvimiento de la Fe en la vida de la sociedad humana."

Aclamada por conservacionistas y líderes religiosos como un gran paso hacia la ampliación del apoyo por esfuerzos de conservación en todo el mundo y hacia el ensanchamiento de las bases éticas del movimiento en pro del medio ambiente, la Red Tocante a la Conservación y Religión se formó oficialmente en Assisi, Italia, en un evento que duró cinco días durante septiembre del año pasado, en en vigésimo quinto aniversario de la fundación del WWF.

En esa ocasión se reunieron líderes religiosos en representación de los budistas, cristianos, hindúes, judíos y musulmanes con líderes conservacionistas para consultas sin precedente sobre la manera en que todos puedan colaborar al tratar con el crisis mundial del medio ambiente.

El World Wide Fund for Nature (Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza), conocido anteriormente como el World Wildlife Fund, es la organización privada mundial más extensa para la conservación de la naturaleza.

La finalidad del WWF es conservar la naturaleza y los recursos naturales, y se le puede identificar fácilmente por su famoso símbolo del oso panda.

El señor Frank Schmidt, Director-General Asistente del WWF, dijo que el WWF recibe con agrado la intervención Bahá’í en la Red.

"Como respuesta a los eventos del WWF en Assisi en septiembre de 1986," dijo el Sr. Schmidt, "ha surgido un programa para la participación de la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í en la nueva alianza sobre la religión y conservación.

"Esto ha sido consecuencia tanto de la creciente intervención Bahá’í en las actividades de desarrollo a nivel local en años recientes, como de iniciativas por introducir una perspectiva espiritual en varios foros internacionales tocantes al medio ambiente."

La ceremonia en el Jardín Ecológico de Marwell formó parte de un fin de semana de celebraciones en la ciudad de Winchester para señalar la participación de los cristianos del Reino Unido en la Red del WWF, y el primer aniversario de la fundación de la Red.

Se convirtió también en la ocasión para reconocer la unión de la Fe Bahá’í a la Red.

Las celebraciones finalizaron con un servicio especial en la Catedral el domingo 4 de octubre, Día de San Francisco en el calendario anglicano, para marcar el Festival de la Cosecha.

Los Bahá’ís estuvieron entre los representantes de otras religiones en la Red que asistieron al evento.

Además de este programa para la acción en pro del medio ambiente, la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í, con the ayuda de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional del Reino Unido, patrocinó varias actividades para celebrar su inscripción como el socio más reciente en la Red Tocante a la Conservación y Religión.

Estas actividades incluyeron un concierto de música de la época barroca presentado el 2 de octubre en el histórico Pilgrim Hall, construído hace 700 años, que se halla adyacente a la Catedral de Winchester; un segundo concierto de música popular contemporánea en la noche del 3 de octubre, diseñado para dar la bienvenida a los "peregrinos" que habían venido caminado de áreas cercanas para tomar parte en el servicio del Festival de la Cosecha; la participación de unos de 30 Bahá’ís en la caminata; el comisionar una partitura original por el flautista Tim Wheater, quien también fue patrocinado por la Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í para tocar en el servicio del Festival de la Cosecha en la Catedral de Winchester.

Para los Bahá’ís, la culminación de todas estas actividades fue una reunión muy especial el 5 de octubre en Gland, Suiza, en la sede internacional del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza.

Su Alteza Real el Duque de Edimburgo, Presidente de la organización, aceptó de Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum una copia de la Declaración Bahá’í sobre la Naturaleza. El tema central de la declaración es que nuestros principales problemas con relación al medio ambiente son de carácter internacional y requieren un trato unido.

En el transcurso de una reunión muy cordial, el Príncipe Felipe dijo que los Bahá’ís eran privilegiados por tener tantas referencias específicas a la naturaleza en los escritos sagrados Bahá’ís.

También respondió con especial interés a comentarios por Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum sobre la importancia de interesar a los pueblos indígenas en la conservación a nivel de aldea.

Comunidad Internacional Bahá’í Oficina de Información Pública 3 de noviembre de 1987

Chicago, Illinois

La comunidad Hispana Bahá’í de Chicago ha estado trabajando en la presentación del Mensaje de la Paz Mundial a varias personas prominentes en Chicago. Durante el mes de octubre de 1987, varios Bahá’ís y miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Local tuvieron una entrevista con el Sr. Charles Hayes, Congresista de la ciudad de Chicago. Durante la entrevista, los Bahá’ís le presentaron el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial. El Congresista, quién mostró gran interés en el mensaje recibido y por sentir la necesidad de paz mundial, prometió compartir con todos sus colegas congresistas el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial.

Durante el mismo mes, varios Bahá’í Hispanos fueron invitados al Consulado de Venezuela en Chicago para presentar el Mensaje de la Paz Mundial a la Cónsul, Sra. Elvira de Urdaneta. Como consequencia de la entrevista, la Sra. Urdañeta ha estado muy interesada en la Fe Bahá’í y ha estado asistiendo con regularidad a las reuniones hogareñas.

Haciendo entrega del Mensaje de la Promesa de la Paz Mundial al Congresista Sr. Charles Hayes de Chicago (derecha), se encuentran (de izquierda a derecha): Charles Young, Merikh Rowshan, Tim Thurber y Cecilia Mirafzali.

Waukesha, Wisconsin

El 26 de septiembre de 1987, la comunidad Hispana de Waukesha tuvo un evento de proclamación en español e Inglés, dedicada a la comunidad Hispana de Waukesha, en la Casa de Esperanza, la cual es una organización fundada con el propósito de ayudar a las minorías.

Aproximadamente cuarenta personas, incluyendo no-Bahá’ís, asistieron a este evento, el cual fue anunciado por la radio en Chicago y en Waukesha. También se invitaron a los miembros de la Casa de Esperanza, clubs, organizaciones sociales y cívicas y oficiales locales.

El Sr. Rolando Monterrey, quién fue miembro de la Asamblea Nacional de Nicaragua, y el Sr. James Ingraham, quién sirvió como pionero en Perú, fueron los oradores de este evento.

Los Angeles, California

Como consequencia de la enseñanza en las comunidades Hispanas en Los Angeles, en las últimas cuatro semanas han habido 24 declaraciones de nuevos creyentes a la Fe.

La "Conquista Espiritual de la Ciudad de Los Angeles" comenzó en Los Angeles el pasado agosto. La meta del proyecto es aumentar el número de los creyentes dentro de los grupos de las minorías mencionados en el Plan de Seis Años para la comunidad Bahá’í de los Estados Unidos. El proyecto, el cual comenzó como una iniciativa de los esfuerzos dentro de la comunidad, está muy bien en camino a ser un éxito sobresaliente.

Esto ha sido un esfuerzo de la Fuerza Especial de Enseñanza Hispana del area de Los Angeles en conjunto con varios amigos Bahá’ís. Durante los fines de samanas, los creyentes Hispanos se reunen para enseñar la Fe en un parque, para profundizar en los Escrituras Bahá’ís y para tener reuniones hogareñas con personas quienes están interesadas en la Fe. Todos los sábados por la noche, los Bahá’í de Los Angeles se reunen en el Centro local para comer, socializar y profundizar en la Fe en una actividad de confraternización.

Todo comenzó oficialmente el 20 de octubre, con Dr. Ahmadiyyih, miembro del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros de Belize, quién pidió a las 400 personas reunidas a que fueran a las comunidades y buscaran personas que pudieran ser traidas al Centro Bahá’í. El mencionó que el Centro Bahá’í necesitaba ser usado más en los esfuerzos de la enseñanza-y así ha sido desde entonces.

El proyecto está programado a continuar por lo menos hasta el próximo verano. Bahá’ís viajando a través del area de Los Angeles están invitados a participar en la "Conquista Espiritual de la Ciudad de Los Angeles." Si está interesado en participar, para más información, por favor llame a Jeanette Roberts en el Centro Bahá’í en Los Angeles, al 213-933-8291.

Area de la frontera con México

La enseñanza masiva en esta area se ha realizado en forma gradual desde la enseñanza puerta en puerta, hasta la difusión por televisión. Esta es una area eferbecente y continua así desde hace unos años, en la que varias comunidades (Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Anthony, Nuevo México; El Paso, Texas; y Juárez, México) han sido anfitrión de diversas fiestas.

Estas fiestas son llevadas a cabo con el propósito de motivar alegría y para enseñar la Fe a través de breves presentaciones sobre la Fe. Toda la comunidad del area han trabajado en la colaboración de estos eventos, interesados en la proclamación de la Fe Bahá’í.

Más de 200 personas, incluyendo no-Bahá’ís, han asistido a estas actividades, en las que se han presentado bailarines aztecas, mariachis, folklore mejicano y entretenimiento bilingüe. Recientemente, se reunieron en Las Cruces, Nuevo Méjico, cinco diferentes Asambleas Espirituales locales y otras comunidades que fueron representadas, para planear otros eventos de enseñanza en esta area y para planificar la próxima presentación de la Fe en el programa "Nikoliko" en Juárez, México, el cual durará una hora, durante los dias de Ayyam-i-Há.

Reuniones hogareñas funcionan: Preguntele a Amelia

Seguramente nos sorprenderíamos al saber cuántos de nuestros compañeros saben algo sobre la Fe Bahá’í.

A través del incremento en lo que los medios de comunicación han cubierto en recientes años, hay millones de personas las cuales han sido expuestas a los principios básicos.

Aún, cuando la gente escucha sobre la Fe a través de un esfuerzo de proclamación solamente, aunque ellos posiblemente acepten los principios, ellos usualmente todavía no están preparados para hacerse Bahá’ís.

De la misma manera que una semilla que ha sido plantada necesita agua y calor para salir de su estado adormecido, el alma necesita alimento espiritual para su despertar.

Las reuniones hogareñas proveen un ambiente en el cual este proceso puede tomar lugar.

El Guardián sintió que la manera más efectiva para enseñar la Fe es al hacer amistad con los vecinos y asociados, e invitarlos a las reuniones hogareñas.

Las reuniones hogareñas es la forma más efectiva de enseñar, el Guardián dijo que, debido a que preguntas íntimas personales pueden ser contestadas, y los estudiantes encuentran allí más abundante el espíritu de la Fe.

El siguiente relato es una historia verídica, la cual ilustra la efectividad de las reuniones hogareñas.

Hace seis años atrás, Amelia, quién era una estudiante en Arizona State University, leyó un reporte en el periódico sobre la Fe Bahá’í. Prontamente ella se olvidó lo que había leido.

Unos meses después, Amelia conoció un Bahá’í en su trabajo y le pidió al Bahá’í que le informara más sobre la Fe.

Amelia le sugerió que almorzaran juntas, pero el Bahá’í la invitó a una reunión informal para cenar en su casa-el cual, ella luego supo, era una reunión hogareña. [Page 29]Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 800-323-1880 312-251-1854 (in Illinois)

Price List: January 1988

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols
* = On Order	PA = Pamphlet
# = Net (no discount)	PER = Persian
CA = Calendar	PP = Photograph or Lithograph
CD = Card	PR = Poster
CS = Cassette	PS = Pocket-sized Edition
FD = Folder	SC = Softcover
HC = Hardcover	SPN = Spanish
LP = Record	TBA = Price to be announced
LT = Lightweight Edition	VT = Videotape

Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	$16.50
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	SC	TBA
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.95
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	5.50
Call to the Nations	HC	6.95
Constitution: Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	4.00
ENG/PER/ARA: Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner	HC	21.95
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	SC	4.50
Foundations of World Unity	SC	10.95
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.95
Gleanings--British Edition	HC	12.95
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.50
God Passes By	HC	21.95
God Passes By	SC	12.95
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.00
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh--Deluxe Edition	HC	13.95*
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.50
Hidden Words--British Edition	SC	3.50
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.95
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	HC	12.95
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	SC	9.00
Light of Divine Guidance, 2--Letters to Germany	HC	21.95
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.95
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	4.50
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	2.00
Paris Talks	SC	5.50
Prayers and Meditations	HC	14.95
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.00
Prayers and Meditations	PS	4.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75
Promise of World Peace--Deluxe Edition	HC	10.00#
Promise of World Peace--Illustrated Summary	SC	1.75
Promise of World Peace--Large Format	SC	10.95*
Promise of World Peace--Pocket-size, Pkg./10	SC	6.95
Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Study Edition	SC	.95
Promised Day Is Come	HC	8.50
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.95
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.95
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.95
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	11.95
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.95
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	HC	6.00
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	SC	3.95
Some Answered Questions	HC	14.95
Some Answered Questions	PS	4.50
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablet to the Christians & An Appreciation	SC	2.00*
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	13.95
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.95
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	6.95
To the Peoples of the World--Second Edition	SC	2.50
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	12.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	7.50
Unfolding Destiny	HC	28.50
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.95
Writings of Bahá’u’lláh--A Compilation	HC	19.95*

Compilations and Prayer Books

Title	Type	Price
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	7.50
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	2.00
Bahá’í DayBook	SC	4.50
Bahá’í Education--British Edition	SC	4.50
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	2.75
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life Study Guide	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	8.50
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.95
Bahá’í Prayers--British Edition	HC	5.95
Bahá’í Prayers and Holy Writings	HC	2.50*
Bahá’í Writings on Music	SC	2.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.50
Bahíyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.50
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.00
Consultation Compilation	SC	1.00
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.95
Days to Remember	SC	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.50
Desire of the World	SC	7.50
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Divorce Compilation	SC	1.00
Family Life Compilation	SC	3.50
Handmaidens of God	SC	2.00
Hidden Words and Selected Holy Writings	SC	2.50
Human Rights Compilation	SC	1.00
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.50
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.95
Living the Life	SC	2.95
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	3.50
Peace Compilation	SC	2.95
Peace: More Than an End to War	HC	16.00
Peace: More Than an End to War	SC	8.95
Political Non-Involvement	SC	1.25
Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition	SC	3.50
Power of Unity	SC	7.95
Prayers and Thoughts for Peace	SC	3.95
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	HC	7.50
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	SC	4.00
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Selected Prayers--Pkg. of 10	SC	7.50
Special Measure of Love	SC	2.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Throne of the Inner Temple	SC	6.00
Trustworthiness Compilation	SC	1.50
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.95
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Women Compilation	SC	2.00
Words of God	SC	1.95

General Titles

Title	Type	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Centre of the Covenant	SC	16.25
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master	HC	8.95
All Flags Flying	HC	20.00
All Flags Flying	SC	10.00
All Things Made New	HC	19.95
All Things Made New	SC	9.95
Another Song, Another Season	SC	2.00
Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--British Edition	HC	25.00
Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--Smith	SC	14.75
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	2.25
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	17.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	15.95
Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction--Faizi	SC	.50
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Focus on Peace	SC	5.00
Bahá’í References to Judaism, etc.	SC	14.95
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage and Family	SC	7.50
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Religion and Society	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 2: Science/Religion	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 11: Concept of Spirituality	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	7.50
Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence (poetry)	SC	5.00
Bahá’í World: Volumes 1-12 (set)	HC	295.00#
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	21.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	21.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	23.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	26.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 18 (XVIII)	HC	40.00
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	11.95
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	3.50
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	6.25
Beyond Disarmament	SC	1.50
Blessings Beyond Measure	SC	12.95
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	4.95
Christianity of Jesus	SC	8.00
Circle of Peace	HC	19.95
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Corinne True--Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	18.95
Corinne True--Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	11.95
Crown of Beauty	SC	4.95
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	17.95
Dawn Over Mount Hira	HC	2.00
Dawning Place	HC	9.95
Dawning Place	SC	4.95
Dawning Place of the Pacific	SC	8.00
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
Divine Therapy	SC	4.95
Door of Hope	HC	17.95
Earth Is But One Country	SC	8.50
Education and the Bahá’í Family	HC	16.50*
Education and the Bahá’í Family	SC	8.95*
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	35.00
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	19.95
Equal Circles	SC	9.95
Fire on the Mountain Top	SC	3.50
For the Good of Mankind	SC	2.25
Four on an Island	SC	7.25
From Copper to Gold	HC	16.50
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
George Townshend	SC	15.95
Gnostic’s Daughter	SC	5.50
Golden Rule	HC	16.75
Golden Rule	SC	8.25
Guidelines for Parents	SC	2.00
He Loved and Served	SC	4.50
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	HC	18.75
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	SC	8.50
Imperishable Dominion	SC	14.50
In Galilee	HC	7.95
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	1.95
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	11.95
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	SC	5.95
Letters and Essays: Mirzá Abu’l-Fadl	HC	11.95
Lidia: Daughter of Esperanto	SC	14.95
Light of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	1.25
March of the Institutions	HC	8.50
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	HC	22.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	14.95
Meditations at ‘Akká	HC	8.50
Meditations on the Eve of November 4th	HC	3.95
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	10.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Message of the Prophets	SC	3.25
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	12.50
Mullá Husayn: Disciple at Dawn	HC	14.95
Munírih Khánum: Memoirs and Letters	SC	8.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.95
Mystery of God	HC	19.95
Once to Every Man and Nation	SC	7.50
Passing of Shoghi Effendi	SC	2.50
Peace Bible	HC	8.95
Phoenix and the Ashes	SC	8.95
Portals to Freedom	SC	9.95
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	SC	7.50
Priceless Pearl	HC	7.50
Promise of All Ages	SC	12.50
Prophet’s Daughter	HC	17.95
Purpose of Physical Reality	SC	9.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	HC	17.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	SC	9.50
Rebirth: Memoirs of R. Szanto-Felberman	SC	6.95
Religion and the Arts	SC	3.25
Religion for Mankind	SC	7.50
Renewal of Civilization	SC	3.75
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	SC	14.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	SC	17.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	SC	25.00
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4	HC	29.95*
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4	SC	19.50*
Science and Religion	SC	7.50
Selections from the Writings of E.G. Browne	HC	35.00
Selections from the Writings of E.G. Browne	SC	19.95
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	SC	11.50
Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction	HC	33.00
Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction	SC	17.50
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	HC	19.95
Song Celestial	SC	8.00
Stories of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.75
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	SC	11.95
Struggle for Peace	SC	1.00
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Summon Up Remembrance	HC	28.50
Summon Up Remembrance	SC	15.75
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.50
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	6.95
These Things Shall Be	HC	2.00
Thief in the Night	SC	4.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	SC	14.50
To Move the World	SC	9.95
To a Seeker	SC	6.95
To Understand and Be Understood	SC	7.50
Touchstone of Sincerity	SC	7.50
Tristan	HC	19.95
Tristan	SC	9.50
Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace	SC	8.95
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	9.50
Way Out of the Dead End	HC	13.50
Way Out of the Dead End	SC	7.95
What Is the Bahá’í Faith	SC	.50
Wine of Astonishment	SC	4.95
World Peace and World Government	SC	3.25
Year with the Bahá’ís of India and Burma	HC	8.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	5.00

Children and Youth

Title	Type	Price
Ali’s Dream	HC	3.95
Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.00
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Principles for Children	SC	2.50
Basic Truths Series--Set 1	SC	8.95
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
Blessed Is the Spot	HC	9.95
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	4.50
Dragons of Rizvania	SC	8.95
Fly Away Home	SC	3.75
God and His Messengers	SC	5.50
Guebe and the Toy Truck	SC	4.50
I am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.50
Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them	HC	5.50
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
Mama Buzurg Is Coming	SC	4.50
Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
My Baby Book	HC	12.00
My Name is Nabil	SC	2.50
Naming of Femi’s Brother	SC	3.75
O God, Guide Me	SC	3.95
O God, My God	HC	6.50
Pokka Stories	SC	2.95
Prayers for Children	HC	12.95
The Promise 1 (Ages 6-8)	SC	5.00
The Promise 2 (Ages 9-11)	SC	5.00
The Promise 3 (Ages 12-14)	SC	5.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
‎Redue Rufie‎ and the Cave	SC	4.50
Remember My Days	SC	5.95
Second Birth	HC	8.00
Second Birth	SC	5.95
Secret in the Garden	HC	5.95
Secret in the Garden	SC	3.95
Secret of the Stolen Mandolin	SC	3.75
Song in the Ground	SC	4.00
Special Strengths	SC	3.95
Story of Leopard	SC	4.00
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.50
Stories for Children	SC	3.00
Stories from Star of the West	SC	3.00
Story of Stories	SC	5.50
Sunshine Tree	SC	9.95
Tablet of the Heart	HC	9.95
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.25

Foreign Language

Title	Type	Price
PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER/ENG/ARA: Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner	HC	21.95
PER: Advent of Divine Justice	SC	4.25
PER: Amr Va Khalq	HC	24.95
PER: Amr Va Khalq, Volume 2	HC	32.95
PER: Athár-Guharbar (Precious Pearls)	HC	13.95
PER: Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	1.50
PER: Bahá’í Life	SC	1.50
PER: Bahíyyih Khánum	SC	16.50
PER: Chand Bahth-i-Amrí	SC	4.00
PER: Collected Works of Dr. Davudi	HC	19.95
PER: ‘Ad’iyih-i-Dánish (Tablets and Prayers)	HC	14.95
PER: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	20.00
PER: Fire and Light	HC	17.50
PER: Garden of Truth	HC	12.95
PER: Gleanings	HC	16.50
PER: Golzár-i-Ta‘álím-i-Bahá’í	HC	8.95
PER: Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	20.00
PER: Memoirs of Nine Years in ‘Akká	HC	15.95
PER: Mufávadát-i-‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Some Ans. Ques.)	HC	17.50
PER: Muhádirát	HC	31.95
PER: Nawnihalan-i-Ma	SC	3.00
PER: Prayers of Shoghi Effendi	HC	3.50
PER: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	2.50
PER: Rising of the Sun	SC	6.00
PER: Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	4.50
PER: Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	8.00
PER: Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. 2	HC	6.50
PER: Selected Writings of the Báb	HC	17.00
PER: Success in Teaching	SC	1.25
PER: Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	2.50
PER: Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	25.95
PER: Tablets for the Departed	HC	16.00
PER: Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	1.80

[Page 30]Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC 17.95 Stories From the Dawn-Breakers--Set of 4 PER: Tasbyh-u-Tahlyl (Prayers and Meditations) HC 9.95 PER: U.H.J. Messages to Iran SC 5.50 Strengthening Administrative Order...Holley Teaching Peace SPN: Adventimiento de Justicia Divina SC 3.75 SPN: Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era SC 8.50 This Century of Progress...B. Mitchell Triumph of the Cause...Balyuzi SPN: Christo y Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.95 SPN: Constitución: Casa Universal de Justicia SC 5.00 Unity in Diversity Visit with the Master...True SPN: Datos Basicos PA .10 We Are Bahá’ís SPN: Día Prometido Ha Llegado SC 5.25 We Are One SPN: Dios Pasa SC 10.50 We Want to Grow Up SPN: Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh SC 3.75 Wildfire SPN: Epístola al Hijo del Lobo SC 7.50 Women: Equality and Peace...Khan 333333333333 CS 27.95 CS 7.50 CS 8.00 CS 7.50 CS 7.50 CS 8.00 CS 7.50 CS 8.00 8.50 CS 8.00 CS 8.00 CS 7.50 SPN: Estudio de los Escritos Bahá’ís SC 4.00 SPN: Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet SC 1.50

Photographs, Calendars and Posters

SPN: Flores de los Altares SC 2.75 SPN: Fortaleza para el Bienestar SC 3.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14" PP 7.00 SPN: Kitáb-i-Íqán SC 6.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Lithograph, 10.5" X 15" PP 2.50 SON: La Hoja Mas Sagrada SC 9.00 Bahá’í Datebook 145 B.E. CA 2.95 SPN: Oraciones Bahá’ís SC 3.75 Bahá’í History Calendar 1988 CA 5.50 SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones SC 7.50 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar 145 B.E.--Pkg of 10 CA 2.95 SPN: Palabras de Dios SC .50 Bahá’í Ringstone--Illuminated Print PP 5.00 SPN: Palabras Ocultas SC 3.50 Bahá’í Wall Calendar 145 B.E. CA 1.75 SPN: Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh SC 8.50 SPN: Poder de Asistancia Divina SC 1.00 SPN: Prescripción para Vivir SC 5.00 SPN: Promesa de Paz Mundial SC 1.00 SPN: Quienes Dios Confia SC 3.50 SPN: Recopilación de Escritos SC 3.25 SPN: Renovación de la Civilización SC 1.00 SPN: El Rosedal SC 12.75 SPN: Respuestas a Algunas Preguntas PA 1.25 SPN: Respuestas Bahá’ís SC 10.95 SPN: Selecciónes--Escritos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC 3.75 SPN: Sinopsis y Codificación Kitáb-i-Aqdas SC 7.50 SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh SC 8.50 Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kit 2.95 Greatest Name--Illuminated Print PP 5.00 Peace Organizer 1988 CA 19.95 Wilmette House of Worship PR 1.00 PA .50

Pamphlets, Cards and Folders

Bahá’í Faith Presentation File Folder FD .50 Bahá’í Peace Program--Pkg. of 5 PA 4.50 Becoming Your True Self--Pkg. of 5 PA 7.00 Building a Unified Community PA 3.00 Communion with God--Large Type SC 1.50 Gift of Life--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes CD 12.50 God's Great Plan SC 2.00 In Search of Supreme Talisman--Pkg. of 10. PA 3.00 Open Door--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes CD 9.95 Peace Pamphlets: General Introduction--Pkg/50 PA 7.50 Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion--Pkg/50 PA 7.50 Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity--Pkg/50 PA 7.50 Peace Pamphlets: World Government--Pkg/50 PA 7.50 Promise of Disarmament and Peace--Pkg. of 50 PA 10.00 Prophecy Fulfilled--Pkg. of 10 PA 4.50 Race Unity--Pkg. of 20 PA 2.00# Success in Teaching--Pkg. of 5 PA 7.00 Tapestry Note Cards--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes CD 12.50 Teaching Cards, Wilmette H.O.W.--Pkg. of 25 CD 3.95

Videotapes and Recordings

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh...Khan CS 7.50 Are you Happy?..Olinga CS 7.50 Ark of Destiny--Beta VT 25.00 Ark of Destiny--VHS VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith: Through Eyes/Young Bahá’ís--Beta VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith: Through Eyes/Young Bahá’ís--VHS VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--Beta VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--VHS VT 25.00 Bacause We Love the Faith...Collins/Baker CS 7.50 Come On, Rise Up CS 8.00 Echoes of the Lotus--Music CS 8.95 Echoes of the Lotus--Set of 4 CS 29.95 Education/Trustees--Beta VT 30.00 Education/Trustees--VHS VT 30.00 Films of Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizi-Beta VT 49.95 Films of Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizi-VHS VT 49.95 Flight LP 2.00 Foundations of Learning...Faizi CS 7.50 Heart of the Lotus--Beta VT 25.00 Heart of the Lotus--VHS VT 25.00 If You Only Knew CS 8.00 In the Days of the Guardian...Iaos CS 7.50 In His Presence...Samandari CS 7.50 Jewel in the Lotus CS 8.00 Let It Be This Generation CS 8.00 Loving Hands. CS 8.95 Major and Minor Plans of God...Khan CS 7.50 Meeting the Master, Volume 1 CS 7.50 Meeting the Master--Beta VT 19.95 Meeting the Master--VHS VT 19.95 "Mona" Music Video--Beta VT 45.00# "Mona" Music Video--VHS VT 45.00# Mona with the Children--Audio CS 8.00* My Only Desire...Alexander CS 7.50 Nightingale CS 8.00 Peace...The Promise CS 8.00 Samoa: The Dawning Place--Beta VT 25.00 Samoa: The Dawning Place--VHS VT 25.00

Ordering Instructions

To process your order, the Distribution Service needs your name and address and a daytime telephone number. For each item ordered you must give the quantity, title and type (HC, SC, CS, etc.). Since stock numbers are no longer used when ordering books, it is essential that the type of item be included.

Payment must accompany orders from individuals. You may pay by check, money order, VISA or MasterCard (include account number and expiration date). As of May 1, 1986, no postage will be charged, and all orders will be shipped by United Parcel Service (except to post office boxes) unless another method of delivery is specifically requested. Credit card orders may be placed by phone on our toll-free line, 1-800-323-1880 (except in Illinois).

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Blessings Beyond Measure Recollections of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi ALEM YAZDI HC $1295

A Young Man's Unique Recollections Ali Yazdi's warm personal account of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi including • A boy's pure delight waiting daily for a few moments with the Master A youth's friendship with a "lively, happy" classmate who was to become the Guardian 116 pages with 37 photographs

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

• Price valid only in the United States

new from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

An introduction to the Bahá’í Faith BAHAULLAH AND THE NEW ERA BUILDING A PEACEFUL AND GLOBAL CIVILIZATION A CHALLENGE TO HUMANITY

A reprint of the popular and comprehensive introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, featuring new design updated statistics and facts about the Bahá’í community ■some new translations of passages from the writings ■new reference list softcover $3.50

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

On November 10, 1977, the Cherokee Indian Reservation in western North Carolina forms its first local Spiritual Assembly. It is the 25th Assembly to be raised on an Indian Reservation east of the Mississippi River, thus winning the first homefront goal of the Five Year Plan two days before the 160th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, an achievement promised at the Bahá’í National Convention in May 1977 by the American Indian Teaching Committee....

The National Spiritual Assembly approves the appointment of a team of architects headed by Christopher Alexander, professor of architecture at the University of California-Berkeley, to undertake facilities design at the Louhelen Educational Center in Davison, Michigan....

In Norman, Oklahoma, more than 20,000 people receive brochures about the Faith in the mail. Thirty of the response cards enclosed in the brochures are returned with requests for the pamphlet "Prophecy Fulfilled" and more information about the Faith.

"Our aim was to let everyone in Norman know about the Faith," says Hafez Hafezzadeh, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Norman. "One reply even came from Dallas, Texas."

...

Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles is the guest of honor at a dinner and dance at the Biltmore Bowl which begins the observance of "Bahá’í Week" in that city (November 12-19).

Entertainment is by Seals & Crofts, Walter Heath and Danny Deardorff. Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh are read by Alex Rocco and Gloria Ferguson.

The week ends with a public meeting and panel discussion at the Aquarius Theatre. Among those taking part are two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Drs. Daniel C. Jordan and Dorothy W. Nelson; singers England Dan and John Ford Coley; and comedian Stu Gilliam....

On October 28, the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, is incorporated, fulfilling one of the community's goals of the Five Year Plan....

The directive from the Universal House of Justice that Bahá’ís make wider use of communications media to proclaim the Faith during the Five Year Plan gives rise in some areas to the formation of special committees to carry out the task.

In August 1976, the Greater Phoenix (Arizona) Bahá’í Media Committee is formed under the sponsorship and guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Tempe. Since then the committee has been actively developing and implementing media proclamation plans, concentrating its efforts on the 32 radio stations within its jurisdiction....

On October 28-30, more than 40 young people ages 15-25 from the New England states take part in the first Green Acre New England Youth Conference at the Green Acre Bahá’í School's Fellowship House in Eliot, Maine....

Viewpoint

ments and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician," he explained this guidance in terms of the Faith's eventual emergence from obscurity:

"As the number of the Bahá’í communities in various parts of the world multiplies and their power, as a social force, becomes increasingly apparent, they will no doubt find themselves increasingly subjected to the pressure which men of authority and influence, in the political domain, will exercise in the hope of obtaining the support they require.

"These communities will, moreover, feel a growing need of the good-will and the assistance of their respective governments.... Let them beware lest, in their eagerness to further the aims of their beloved Cause, they should be led unwittingly to bargain with their Faith, to compromise with their essential principles, or to sacrifice... the integrity of their spiritual ideals." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 65)

This brings us back to our original question: the wisdom of publishing statements that deny our non-political status. The Universal House of Justice writes:

"...an unwise act or statement by a Bahá’í in one country could result in a grave setback for the Faith there or elsewhere—and even loss of the lives of fellow believers." (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 131)

Shoghi Effendi advised Bahá’ís to "avoid any action that might, by arousing the suspicion or exciting the antagonism of any one government, involve their brethren in fresh persecutions or complicate the nature of their task." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 364)

The logic of these warnings is obvious: the old world order, crumbling though it is, remains immeasurably stronger than ours in material terms. Without the protection of our governments—or at least their tolerance—we will find our freedom cut off, as has happened in Iran, Egypt, the Soviet Union and elsewhere.

A changed political climate in Israel could induce the U.S. or any country to turn its back on Iran's Bahá’ís. The worldwide attention now focused on us actually increases our vulnerability.

This awareness need not frighten us into isolation. Our safest course, while renouncing political temptations and tactics, is to aggressively promote universal peace, pursue the social and economic development strategy of the Universal House of Justice, and, in the words of the Guardian, "build up the Bahá’í pattern" so that we "can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed." (Lights of Guidance, p. 332)

"Difficult and delicate though be our task," Shoghi Effendi promises, "the sustaining power of Bahá’u’lláh and of His Divine guidance will assuredly assist us if we follow steadfastly in His way....

"The light of His redeeming grace... will, if we persevere, illuminate our path, as we steer our course amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled age, and will enable us to discharge our duties in a manner that would redound to the glory and honor of His blessed Name." (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 67)

Campus

held on three dates at which various aspects of the Faith were discussed. On one occasion, Counselor David Smith spoke on "Peace: A Bahá’í Perspective."

All of these events have been widely advertised. The Association has also acquired an office on campus where regular hours are maintained, and this is also announced widely.

There is also a library where inquirers can drop in to read Bahá’í publications.

Purpose

Word amongst men. We are with you at all times and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me will arise to serve Me with such determination, that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose." (Gleanings, p. 137)

Bahá’í Service for the Blind

Offering the visually impaired a helping hand

The onset of old age, as well as some chronic diseases, cause many people to acquire a visual impairment. Most visually impaired people still have some vision, but they may find reading printed material increasingly difficult.

As Bahá’ís, we know that even though our eyes may not work as they once did, the soul still shines brightly, and there are many ways to serve.

We know that the onset of a visual impairment is no shame and need not mean the end of an active life if proper help and training are provided.

Questions and answers

Are a lot of Bahá’í books available in braille?

Yes. We strive to make books available in braille as quickly as possible. Even books as large as God Passes By or The Dawn-breakers are available in braille. Currently, all of the Sacred Writings are available, as are many other Bahá’í books.

What about other media?

Most blind people do not read braille. Therefore, we do make materials available on cassette and in large print as well as braille.

Who can qualify to use this service?

Anyone who cannot read the printed word because of a visual impairment or who cannot physically hold a book or turn a page should register with the Bahá’í Service for the Blind. A person need not be totally blind to use the services.

Is The American Bahá’í available in braille?

Putting The American Bahá’í into braille is beyond our resources at present, but both it and World Order magazine are available on cassette. Subscribers pay a one-time fee for the tapes and the mailing container. After that, they receive the magazines free.

I am teaching a person who is visually impaired. Can the Service help me get teaching materials to that seeker?

Yes. Your Assembly or District Teaching Committee may borrow books from our lending library.

Is there a catalog of materials available?

Yes, there are three: braille, tape, and large print. Please state which catalog(s) when ordering; $1 per catalog is requested. Also, please state if the catalog is required in print, braille or on cassette tape.

Volunteers

Whether Bahá’í or not, service for the blind is performed mostly by volunteers. The Bahá’í Service for the Blind needs volunteers to read books on to cassette tapes. A reader need not be a professional actor; he or she need only be able to read clearly and comfortably into a microphone. The most important quality is reliability! Recording is a time-consuming task.

If you have access to an Apple Ile or IIc computer, you may be able to help us produce materials in braille. With the advent of braille translation programs, a knowledge of braille is no longer necessary in order to write in braille.

If you would like information about volunteer work, please write and tell us in what way you would like to help.

The Bahá’í Service for the Blind can help in a meaningful way. A visual impairment does not mean the end of one's ability to read the Bahá’í Sacred Texts and other literature. For those who can use them, many books are available in large print, on audio cassette, or in braille.

The American Bahá’í and World Order are recorded regularly on cassette. There is a free lending library, and materials can also be purchased at or below cost.

The Service for the Blind can also help you teach visually impaired seekers by lending you the necessary materials.

If you know a Bahá’í who cannot use regular print and who is not receiving our service, or if you have any questions, please feel free to write to us: Bahá’í Service for the Blind, P.O. Box 463, Ludington, MI 49431 (phone 616-845-6364).

Now! Teaching pamphets in Spanish for only one cent each! Send your order to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

KINDLY ADVISE IMMEDIATELY DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE WASHINGTON SOUTHWEST NEWS PASSING KNIGHT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH FREDERICK L. LAWS RECEIVED WITH DEEP SORROW. HIS VALIANT SERVICES AFRICA AND HOME FRONT REMEMBERED WITH LOVING APPRECIATION. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 20, 1987

IN MEMORIAM

Leroy Arthur Lydia, SC Date Unknown

Freddie Barnwell Lobeco, SC September 21, 1987

Rosie Byers Cowpens, SC July 16, 1987

Mary Cendrowskis Marysville, MI September 19, 1987

Marion Channell Beverly, MA November 17, 1987

Benjamin Chestnut Charleston, SC April 1987

Stanley Dale Milwaukee, WI 1985

Mizell Dotson East Moline, IL October 30, 1987

Saeed Farid Redmond, WA June 20, 1987

Francis A. Farmer Bradenton, FL July 26, 1987

William Groves Landover, MD November 5, 1987

Harriet Hannon Watsonville, CA August 1987

Chester Hutchinson Detroit, MI November 13, 1987

Rosa Lee Johnson Geneva, NY Date Unknown

Joyce Laurent Denver, CO Date Unknown

Frederick Laws Port Angeles, WA November 16, 1987

Powell Lindsay Ann Arbor, MI September 22, 1987

Emma Link Marysville, MI September 19, 1987

Carl T. Meyer Torrance, CA October 17, 1987

John Morgan Waukesha, WI October 21, 1987

Arjen A. Morks Klamath Falls, OR November 7, 1987

Clare Newman Kutztown, PA October 22, 1987

Jessie Peters Flint, MI November 26, 1987

Randolph Pursell Peoria, IL 1987

Wilhelmina Quinichette Chicago, IL October 1, 1987

Emilia Ramirez Weslaco, TX Date Unknown

Shoallah Rowhanian Bellevue, WA September 27, 1987

Louise Sanders Charleston, SC Date Unknown

Monte Smith Tacoma, WA September 1987

Jean Stephens Detroit, MI November 4, 1987

Homer A. Tillman Baltimore, MD November 6, 1987

Alberta Tipton Monroe, LA August 28, 1987

Margaret Wadhams Manhattan Beach, CA November 5, 1987

Grace Welch Los Fresnos, TX 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, Wil- mette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A 1. ID# Title Full name-Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

B-NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C-NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D-NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community Moving date

E-HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

F-WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name 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 have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the per- son(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

Kaleidoscope Concerts

Two concerts performed last August by Red Grammer have been filmed for use in 'Kaleidoscope Concerts,' a special series of concerts for children to be broadcast beginning this month on the Disney cable television channel. Mr. Grammer's concert, which includes material from the 'Teaching Peace' recording, is scheduled to be broadcast some time in February. An interview with Mr. Grammer is to appear in a January issue of the Disney Channel magazine.

Reuniones de la pág. 28

Luego de la reunión hogareña, Amelia ofreció seguir a uno de los Bahá’ís en su auto a su hogar. El padre e hijo de la señora se encontraban fuera de la ciudad.

Amelia quería asegurarse de que la señora Bahá’í entraría a su hogar a salvo.

Por algún tiempo antes de esa noche, Amelia había tenido visiones sobre una casa en particular cerca de Camelback Mountain, en Phoenix.

Ella sabía que quién vivía en esa casa jugaría un papel significativo en su vida.

En sus visiones, se le había mostrado como llegar a la casa, pero ella realmente nunca había ido.

Con gran asombro, Amelia condujo detrás de la señora por Camelback Mountain y terminó en la entrada de la casa la cual ella había visualizado!

La señora la invitó a la casa, y en ella, en una pequeña mesa, estaba la fotografía de la Mano de la Causa Shu'a'u'llah 'Ala'i el cual Amelia había visto en el reporte del periódico unos meses atrás.

Este era su hogar.

Cada miércoles, Amelia fue a la casa del Sr. 'Ala'i para aprender más sobre la Fe.

Ella también asistió a las reuniones hogareñas en la casa de la mujer quien ella conoció en el trabajo. Ella sintió que ella no sabía lo suficiente sobre la Fe para hacerse Bahá’í, pero las reuniones hogareñas le preveyeron esa oportunidad.

Hoy dia, Amelia trabaja en el Centro Nacional Bahá’í, contestando a las solicitudes de las personas interesadas en la Fe residentes en la nación y alrededor del mundo.

Ella los refiere a los Bahá’ís en su area y les recomienda que atiendan las reuniones hogareñas.

"Los Bahá’ís que tuvieron las reuniones hogareñas a las que yo asistí llegaron a ser mi familia, aún antes de que yo declarara," dice Amelia.

"Ellos siempre estaban presentes para ayudarme. Si me hubiese quedado sola conmigo misma, yo no se qué hubiese ocurrido."

Después de asistir a las reuniones hogareñas dos veces en semana, por varios meses, yo quería hacerme Bahá’í pero me sentía tímida para hacer preguntas debido a lo enorme del Mensaje y porque yo realmente sentí que yo no sabía lo suficiente sobre la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh.

En una de las reuniones hogareñas, alguien finalmente me preguntó ¿Por qué tú no has todavía firmado tu tarjeta?

"Yo firmé mi tarjeta de declaración ese dia. Buena cosa, por que si nadie me hubiese preguntado, yo estaría todavía asistiendo a las reuniones hogareñas."

Involved in international relations? Please write

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of individuals who are involved in international relations, international law, world affairs, conflict resolution and related areas. Relations with national and international organizations have developed to the point at which the expertise of Bahá’ís in those areas is required.

Interested Bahá’ís should send a resumé or a description outlining their skills and experience to the following address: National Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009.

Navajo translation

A translation in the Navajo language by Chester Kahn of a summary of "The Promise of World Peace" is now available on an audio cassette for $3 from the Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 167, Houck, AZ 86506.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

The Naming of Femi's Brother by Kiser D. Barnes

A delightful children's story set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria

Five-year-old Femi has a new brother, only eight days old. Today Femi's brother will be named in a traditional naming ceremony. But Femi and his family are Bahá’ís, and Femi's brother gets a rather special name...

32 pages, full colour cover. Softcover $3.75

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service 15 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).