The American Bahá’í/Volume 19/Issue 11/Text

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[Page 1]

House of Justice notes tremendous upsurge in teaching, quarter-million new believers

REJOICE EVE WORLDWIDE CELEBRATIONS ANNIVERSARY BIRTH BLESSED BÁB EVIDENCES GROWING NUMBER NATIONAL COMMUNITIES ENGAGED TEACHING INITIATIVES LEADING TO ENTRY BY TROOPS. THIRTY-FIVE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES HAVE SPONTANEOUSLY REPORTED ENROLLMENTS TOTALING QUARTER MILLION NEW BELIEVERS SINCE RIDVAN. GRATIFIED NOTEWORTHY CONSOLIDATION ACTIVITIES ESSENTIAL SAFEGUARD HARD-WON VICTORIES. HOUR PROPITIOUS FRIENDS ASSEMBLIES EVERYWHERE REDOUBLE SACRIFICIAL HIGHLY MERITORIOUS EFFORTS CONCENTRATE THEIR ATTENTION ON ALL-IMPORTANT TEACHING ACTIVITIES DESTINED CARRY BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S WORLD-REDEEMING FAITH INTO LONG-AWAITED PERIOD UNIVERSAL RESPONSE HIS LIFE-GIVING CALL.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OCTOBER 13, 1988

Peace Fest ’88 is bigger and better than ever

Jazz trumpeter John (Dizzy) Gillespie is pictured during a performance September 1 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina. Mr. Gillespie spent much of that day conducting jazz workshops for students at a number of schools in the area around the Institute. Accompanying Mr. Gillespie are saxophonists Marvin (Doc) Holladay (left) and Jay Corré, drummer Sherman Ferguson and bassist Phil Morrison.

Atlanta teaching moves rapidly forward toward entry by troops

The Greater Atlanta, Georgia, Teaching Project is fast becoming a significant model of progress in teaching for the American Bahá’í community.

The elements of success in Atlanta are readily transferable to all Bahá’í communities that will unite, overcome paralyzing fear by resigning it to Bahá’u’lláh through prayer and immersion in His Sacred Texts, and begin teaching.

The teaching work in the region is advancing rapidly toward a breakthrough level that promises to lead to entry by troops. Several key elements are major factors in the progress of the Faith throughout the metro Atlanta area:

• The level of unity among the 27 local Spiritual Assemblies of Greater Atlanta has been a catalyst to progress and success in the teaching work.

The Assemblies gathered at the outset of the campaign and recommended the appointment of a seven-member task force, which was approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. To empower the task force to carry out the National Assembly’s teaching plan, the local Assemblies signed a letter pledging to be supportive and to do nothing that would impede the task of achieving entry by troops.

The high level of collaboration among the institutions of the

Juana Conrad named to National Spiritual Assembly

Juana Conrad of Glendale, California, a member of the National Committee on Women, has been named in a by-election to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly. She replaces Dr. William Maxwell who resigned in September.

Peace Orchestra’s performance, award to Mrs. Aaron are among the highlights

A second appearance by the Bahá’í “Peace Orchestra” and the presentation of an award to Mrs. Billye Aaron, vice-president of the United Negro College Fund and wife of baseball superstar Henry Aaron, were among the highlights of Peace Fest ’88 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway, South Carolina.

The third annual event, sponsored by the Gregory Institute and WLGI Radio Bahá’í, began Friday, September 16, with an evening of “music to inspire the soul” featuring Gospel singers and choirs from all over the state. Saturday’s activities included a “youth fest,” the presentation of the Louis G. Gregory Peace Award to Mrs. Aaron, and an evening jazz concert by the 15-member Peace Orchestra.

On Sunday, the Institute held a worship service for peace, after which Counselor Wilma Ellis presented a talk.

Following the service, Peace Fest ’88 ended with a barbecue and picnic lunch.

Also taking part in the event was Auxiliary Board member Kevin Locke, a Lakota Indian who performed his well-known hoop dance, played the flute for those at the Peace Fest, and also performed for more than 600 black elementary school children at St. Mark School.

Performers at Friday’s evening of gospel music included the Grate Family, the Georgetown Community Choir, soloist Mark Richardson, the Holmes Sisters, the Horry Inspirational Mass Choir, the Andrews Community Choir, the Sensational Brown Brothers, Sam and the Exciting Linen Singers, and Mary Beckmon accompanied by Trish Reed.

Appearing at Saturday’s “youth fest” were the Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Workshop, the Ilu African Drummers, the Umoja Dancers, two double-dutch jump roping teams from Bennettsville, The Educators, B.O.B. Rappers, and the REAA Dance Team.

Besides receiving the Peace Award, Mrs. Aaron was keynote

National Assembly extends expiration date of current membership card to October 1990

At its meeting in August, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to extend the current Bahá’í membership card expiration date from October 31, 1988, to October 31, 1990.

Therefore, the only valid U.S. Bahá’í identification card is the red one with an October 31, 1988, expiration date. Any cards issued to new believers or those requesting replacement cards will be sent out with a notice of the change in expiration date.

29th annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference

A group of the friends enjoys one of the many Saturday afternoon optional sessions at the 29th annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference held September 16-18. [Page 2]

Moving in new directions

The American Bahá’í is changing. As the Bahá’í community grows and develops, its newspaper must do the same. And so, with a new Editorial Board in place, we are preparing to move in new and broader directions. In the months to come you'll see a more sharply focused paper with emphasis on those issues of greatest interest and concern to the American Bahá’í community: the Six Year Plan, the construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel, and the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice.

Included will be summaries of major decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly with comment where appropriate; statements on issues of social concern both to Bahá’ís and to the world at large; and a greater emphasis on the Writings of the Central Figures as the foundation of whatever we say and do. Instead of merely reporting the news, we'll go beyond events themselves to point out their relationship to our goals and aspirations, and enlist the help of those involved in successful teaching, deepening and consolidation programs to explain what has worked in their community and why. Of course, change is never one-sided; as new policies are adopted, old ones must be reviewed and perhaps amended. Among these is our advertising/promotion policy, a statement on which will be forthcoming. As always, we welcome and look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.—The Editor

San Mateo's Bahá’í 'Olympics' raises $6,100 to help build Arc on Mt. Carmel

Nine months of planning and hard work paid off handsomely June 11 as an estimated 300 Bahá’ís enjoyed the Bahá’í Spring "Olympics" at Burlingame (California) High School.

Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Mateo, the event drew Bahá’ís from all over Northern California, and even a few from Nevada, for a day of sun, sports, food and fellowship during which $6,100 was raised to help construction of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Top fund-raiser Roberta Metge of San Mateo and her son, Wyler, await the start of the walk/run at the Bahá’í Spring 'Olympics' in Burlingame, California. The Metges raised $1,000 by walking 10 laps. In all, $6,100 was raised at the 'Olympics' for the Arc on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel.

The games began with opening ceremonies in the morning. Sports enthusiasts of all ages paid $1 to take part in volleyball, backgammon, a frisbee throw, water balloon toss and chili-cooking contest.

Each event coordinator kept scores and awarded blue and red ribbons during the closing ceremonies.

Sponsored events included a walk/run, an aerobics marathon, and a best-of-20 basketball free throw contest.

The climax was a soccer tournament in which highly skilled Bay area teams each paid $60 to compete for the championship.

Participants and spectators alike enjoyed a barbecue lunch of hot dogs, chicken, chili, fresh fruit and soft drinks.

Top fund-raiser Roberta Metge of San Mateo raised $1,000 in the walk/run. She had close to 100 Bahá’í sponsors and walked 10 laps carrying her infant son, Wyler, on her back.

Bahá’í airlift aids hospital in Honduras

On June 8, two helicopters full of medical supplies and equipment arrived at the Bahá’í-run Hospital Bayan in Palacious, Honduras, thanks to efforts by Bahá’ís in Minnesota which began shortly after a similar airlift in January 1987.

Among the items delivered were a portable x-ray machine, mattresses, sheets, I. V. stands, two incubators, two stainless steel baby cribs, $3,000 worth of paint and supplies, a $3,000 Honda generator for electrical back-up, a solar water heater, a 30-foot tower to be used to mount a wind generator, and other equipment and supplies from the University of Minnesota Hospital.

The equipment was flown from Minneapolis to San Antonio, Texas, then to Tegucigalpa and finally to Palacious, Honduras.

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 Management Information Systems, 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.

Atlanta

Faith has created a unique structure through which a spirit of sacrifice among the friends is being channeled into the teaching work. Individuals are sacrificing their time, energy, talents and financial resources to carry forth Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. One youth has even postponed her medical studies to serve as the task force's full-time secretary and contact person.

The scale, variety, quality and intensity of the teaching work is allowing Bahá’ís throughout the area to feel that their contribution is important to the success of the entire campaign.

Direct teaching efforts in rural communities have led to the enrollment of more than 60 new believers. Firesides throughout the area are building in intensity with some attracting as many as 60 non-Bahá’ís.

Proclamation of the Faith has increased. One group of Bahá’ís used elements of the peace statement to create a "peace questionnaire" which was taken to shopping malls where it was used as a peace survey among the public. Bahá’í youth took an interracial group to perform at "pioneer days" in a predominantly white town. In fact, the youth and pre-youth have been in the forefront of the campaign, often leading the way in direct teaching and in bringing in new believers.

The teaching work has been sustained by a campaign of prayers that has spread to nine localities.

The friends gather for five-hour prayer vigils aimed an ensuring the success of teaching. The vigils are designed to include 500 "Removers of Difficulties," nine long healing prayers, nine Tablets of Ahmad, nine Fire Tablets, and nine prayers for the Southern States.

Significant breakthroughs have taken place in consolidation, with new believers arising to teach family members, friends and neighbors.

An example of the balance that has been achieved between expansion and consolidation involves a new believer, a youth, who has taught and enrolled 15 members of his family.

With the teaching campaign well under way, Georgia now looks toward its "official" opening the weekend of January 14-16 with not one but two highly significant events: the "Vision to Victory" conference called for by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the annual march honoring the memory of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Atlanta is one of four areas chosen by the National Assembly for large-scale teaching campaigns designed to lead to entry by troops. The others are Boston, Chicago, and San Jose, California.

Bahá’ís have marched for the past three years in ever-increasing numbers in the parade honoring Dr. King, giving them a splendid opportunity to proclaim the Faith by displaying unity in diversity. The greater the numbers, the higher the Faith's visibility, so everyone is invited to come and take part in the event.

Bahá’ís march with their banner in last January's annual parade in Atlanta honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For information about the "Vision to Victory" conference, please phone the Metro Atlanta Bahá’í Task Force, 404-250-0721; for information about the parade, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

Atlanta's young people, who have been in the forefront of teaching efforts there, also have big conference plans with the second Atlanta Bahá’í Youth Conference scheduled for December 28-January 1 at the Radisson Inn off 1-75 (Howell Mill Road, exit 104B).

The emphasis this year is, appropriately enough, on teaching. Not only will every participant learn how to teach—one-on-one, mass teaching, conducting firesides, and teaching through example—but they'll have a chance to put those newly learned skills into practice through role-playing and actual teaching projects that will enable them to gain working experience.

The conference committee reports that there'll also be "sensational" speakers and workshops, and that more than 500 people are expected.

For more information, phone Layli Miller, 404-664-6530; Chris Radpour, 404-248-1590; or Baji Varner, 404-228-8111.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts...

On September 24, Bahá’ís from 24 Assemblies and several Groups met along with isolated believers in Worcester to discuss plans for Project Massachusetts, the seeds of which were planted as long ago as last summer.

A special guest at the gathering was Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, who related her experiences with mass teaching in South Carolina and elsewhere.

In the conference program book was a list of some 65 grassroots teaching projects now taking place across the state. Also in Massachusetts...

Auxiliary Board members and their assistants are working shoulder-to-shoulder in the teaching efforts with District Teaching Committees, local Assemblies and individual believers.

A steady stream of fresh recruits is reported in the Montague area.

On October 22-23, intensive direct teaching efforts flooded Quincy with the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Nineteen days of intensive teaching were held in Cambridge during the month of Qudrat.

In September, a Race Unity Conference in Lowell drew and audience of 75-100.

At the end of August, a benefit concert in the Cape area raised $500 for the homeless.

UNITED NATIONS

Question: What anniversary does the United Nations celebrate on December 10?

Answer: December 10 is the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN as "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations."

Q: What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

A: The Declaration, a statement of universally agreed upon standards, has become the impetus for subsequent human rights treaties to which signatories, the nations of the world, are legally bound. Some examples include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1965).

Q: Of what significance is the Declaration to the Bahá’í world?

A: Many of the principles of the Declaration are in accord with Bahá’í principles. It is on the basis of this Declaration and several human rights treaties that the case for the Bahá’ís in Iran has been successfully presented at the UN.

Q: What significance has Human Rights Day had for Bahá’ís in the U.S.?

A: For the past few years, on Human Rights Day, the White House has issued statements that have mentioned the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. For several years, the National Spiritual Assembly has hosted a Human Rights Day event in Washington. Many Bahá’í communities have also sponsored programs on this day.

Q: In what ways can Bahá’í communities support this 40th anniversary?

A: There are many creative ways including: a reception for local human rights organization members; displays in the library and/or store fronts; an awards program; a talk to a high school class; or co-sponsorship of an event with another interested group. Bahá’í communities could contact their local UN Association to offer help and resources.

Q: Where can a copy of the Declaration be obtained?

A: Write to the U.S. Bahá’í UN Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-751-1282; or, Bahá’ís can contact their local United Nations Association chapter. [Page 3]

Peace Fest

speaker at Saturday afternoon's Peace Forum at which the Louis G. Gregory Ambassador of Education Award was given to Mrs. Ruby Forsyth for more than 50 years of service as a teacher.

Taking part in the forum with Mrs. Aaron were three representatives from nearby school districts: Joan Thompson, assistant superintendent of instruction, Williamsburg County; C.B. Dodson, superintendent, Georgetown District; and Muriel O'Tuel, assistant to the superintendent, Horry County District.

The Peace Orchestra dedicated its concert to the memory of Steve Perlow who died in August. Mr. Perlow, a talented musician who had been unable to play with the orchestra because of illness, was present at last year's Peace Fest and was so impressed by the atmosphere at the Gregory Institute that he later came to South Carolina as a homefront pioneer. He is buried at the Institute.

The orchestra was directed this year by baritone saxophonist Marvin (Doc) Holladay.

The other members were trumpeters George Graham, Warren Kime, Roger Lewis and Paul Seaforth; saxophonists Jay Corré, Ernest Hensley and Roger Hogan; trombonists Bruce Clark, Laney Furr and Jim Tangney; bass trumpeter Ed Kraft; pianist John Di Martino; drummer Sherman Ferguson; and bassist Walter Urban.

Health group formed

On September 25, a Bahá’í Health Association was formed in Massachusetts.

Seventeen Bahá’í health professionals attended the Association's first meeting in Worcester.

Left photo: Mrs. Billye Aaron, vice-president of the United Negro College Fund, delivers the keynote address during a Saturday afternoon Peace Forum, part of the Louis Gregory Institute's Peace Fest '88 celebration in September.

Right photo: The Holmes Sisters perform during the Friday evening Gospel Fest which drew top singers and groups from all over South Carolina.

Second annual 'Stepping Stones to Peace' Conference held

The second annual "Stepping Stones to Peace" Children's Conference was held June 18 at the Civic Center in Pasadena, California.

The day-long event, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Pasadena and surrounding communities, drew more than 600 people including 400 children and youth and more than 100 non-Bahá’ís.

Children and their parents took part in workshops emphasizing communication skills and cooperation while several children presented brief talks on a variety of peace-related issues.

The afternoon included a talk by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and performances by Helen's Dance Group Akhtamar (Russian folk and ballet), the International Children's Choir, and Bahá’í musician Red Grammer.

The goal of the series of conferences, begun last year at the request of Mr. Sears, is to present peacemaking as a methodical, realistic and inspirational process.

Each conference strives to meet three main goals: to broaden the children's understanding of the characteristics of a peaceful society and develop in them a sense of vision; give the children a public forum for asserting their role in the peacemaking process; and create an environment in which they can interact with other children from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds.

Within these guidelines, various themes are explored each year. This year's over-all theme was "Children of the World Unite in Teaching Peace."

During the morning program, the young members of a Bahá’í speech club addressed the audience on a number of topics: an optimistic future, the oneness of mankind, world peace, the merits of a fine character, justice, and the equality of women and men.

In the afternoon, the children spoke to a wider audience: Larissa Brown of Orange County read a letter to Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev; Arta Monjazeb of San Diego addressed the children of China; and Samira Enayati read a letter to President Reagan.

Children's workshops focused on the concept of "unity in diversity."

The International Children's Choir performs during the second annual 'Stepping Stones to Peace' children's conference June 18 in Pasadena, California.

Older children and youth were also active in the conference. Gina Fazzi, a youth from Pasadena, emceed the day's events while children ages 12-15 took part in workshops that discussed the relationship between self-esteem and the friends one chooses.

In the afternoon, the teen-agers composed a statement calling the world's leaders to account for their actions.

The evening program included a performance by the local Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

From the House of Worship

"The Bahá’í Temple at Wilmette, Illinois, has not arisen as the meeting place of a local congregation. It is the central shrine and House of Worship of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in North America. In the western world, this edifice is the first public expression made possible by the believers of the creative energy and spiritual aims of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Its construction, however, has been made possible by the contributions given by Bahá’ís of Europe, Asia and Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as well as of the United States, Canada and South America. The undertaking has been a world project when one realizes that the Bahá’í community of East and West is representative, in the racial and religious background of its members, of the diverse families of mankind. The period of time covered by the undertaking, from the original intention to the completion of the structure and its exterior decoration, has been about forty years.

"The Bahá’í Temple expresses the renewal of religion. It realizes a faith which relates the soul to a universal, a revealed and a divine truth wherein all human beings, of whatever race, class or creed, can meet and share the true equality emanating from their common dependence upon God. It serves a teaching which goes beyond all the social philosophies to make possible a world order capable not only of coordinating and guiding economic effort but also of safeguarding and fostering the highest qualities of man. Bahá’u’lláh declared the oneness of mankind, a spiritual creation inaugurating the universal era of knowledge, justice and peace which ancient Prophets foretold and promised the people would come." (Horace Holley, Religion for Mankind, pp. 174-75)

Service at the House of Worship is a way to demonstrate one's belief and faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá’ís on Cape Cod hold benefit concert for area's homeless

On August 28, the Bahá’ís of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, sponsored a concert to raise funds for the homeless.

About 150 people attended the event, at which more than $500 was raised for soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless on the Cape.

Most of those at the concert were not Bahá’ís and had heard of it through extensive newspaper and radio publicity.

New England Studies Association holds annual conference at Green Acre School

The New England Association for Bahá’í Studies held its annual conference over the Labor Day weekend at the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

The event, entitled "Bahá’í Heroines," was co-sponsored by the Sarah Farmer Women's Center.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

An afternoon panel discussion on "Transforming Words Into Action" included among the panel members Zylpha Mapp-Robinson, a Bahá’í from Washington, D.C.

The panel was followed by a remembrance by Marion Yazdi of the Greatest Holy Leaf.

Saturday evening, Anne Atkinson presented a dramatic reading about events in the life of Sarah Farmer, the founder of Green Acre.

Sunday's program began with a talk by Gwen Etter-Lewis, "Radiant Lights: Black Women in the Early American Bahá’í Community."

That afternoon, Mabel Garis spoke about Martha Root while Nat Rutstein presented the story of Corinne True.

The afternoon ended with a panel discussion entitled "Becoming More Comfortable with Our Sisters and Brothers in the Bahá’í Community," which focused on racism and sexism.

In the evening, there were dramatic performances on the lives of famous women, mostly Bahá’ís.

Attendance ranged from 80 to 100. [Page 4]

Want excitement? Try teaching on U.S./Mexican border

As an example of the friends arising to carry the Faith to other countries, the Office of Pioneering would like to share the following report from Marcia Veach of Oregon who recently undertook a traveling teaching trip to Mexico.

Having been the only “real” adult with a group of 10- to 22-year-olds traveling to the Youth Conference and teaching projects on the U.S./Mexico border (from the Northwest), my views may be different from theirs. But I defy you to find a finer group of Bahá’í youth than those I brought with me or picked up along the way.

We were hosted by the Bahá’ís of Calexico/Mexicali in a fine manner. They provided many opportunities for us to teach with them by handing out invitations to firesides and a Conferencia Unidad Mundial.

On one delightful evening the boys played basketball in a village outside of Mexicali, while those of us not playing handed out invitations to a large group of Mexicans who were drawn to the game between the locals and “gringos.”

Five people accompanied us to the fireside at the home of one of the local believers.

One of our group has plans to get a job, save her money, go to the local community college to learn Spanish, and return to Mexico for her Year of Service.

We all needed to know the language better. I had a year of Spanish 23 years ago and have been listening to tapes with poor success, but the Mexican Bahá’ís were ever helpful in trying to help me speak the language at least enough so that I could be understood.

I am pleased to report that at one coffee shop that I haunted three mornings in a row, the waiter and the manager spent time helping me with my Spanish and thanked me for coming in.

In return, I helped them with their English, which both were trying to learn. I gave them the number of the local Bahá’ís; unfortunately, it was the best I could do.

On our way back through Ensenada—a tourist stop for us—I had a whole conversation by myself with a woman who spoke no English, and she only laughed a couple of times.

As a service project, we visited nursing homes in Mexicali and in El Centro, California, and were present for 11 declarations: five in Juarez, five in San Luis, and one on the border between Mexicali and Calexico (our hostess, who was really a Bahá’í, decided to “make it legal”).

The three Mexican youth who were in Mexicali with us were a delight—such servants! And so knowledgeable and dedicated.

On the day we were to leave Mexico we went to San Felipe, where there are no Bahá’ís, and gave the peace statement to local officials.

One place we stopped was the home of a woman who had become a Bahá’í sometime before and was starting to teach her family and neighbors. She said she had some neighbors in a family of 12 who were interested. We left literature for her to share.

The only other suggestion I have for others who do this is to keep a large supply of balloons. I found that while I couldn’t speak the language of the adults, most of the children I met could understand the whys and wherefores of balloons.

A couple of times I was able to help by entertaining the children while the Mexican Bahá’ís taught the locals.

I really loved the Mexican Bahá’ís and the other people I met there. It was a special pleasure to go out and share the Message and find that no one was suspicious of our motives.

I am working with a few Bahá’ís in central Oregon who speak Spanish well to try to learn enough to help them begin regular teaching among Hispanics in our area. And my husband and I are seriously considering Latin America (and especially Mexico) as our pioneering goal.

Bahá’ís and seekers are pictured during a teaching project this summer at a park in Mexicali, Mexico.

Lorraine Hopper Welsh, pioneer since 1969 to El Salvador, dies in August at her post

Lorraine Hopper Welsh, a pioneer to El Salvador since 1969, died August 3 at her pioneer post and was buried next to her husband, C.L. (Peter) Welsh, in San Juan Tepezontes.

In a cable to the National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador and to her family, the Universal House of Justice stated:

“Grieved passing loyal handmaid Blessed Beauty, Lorraine Hopper Welsh, who as a child met beloved Master in America.

“Her deep knowledge Faith and staunch spirit throughout a long lifetime of service befittingly climaxed years pioneering El Salvador.

“Praying Shrines progress her radiant soul Abhá Kingdom. Extend condolences dear daughter and family.”

The Welshes’ only child, Jeanne Welsh Farrand, and her husband, Quentin, have been pioneers to El Salvador since 1956.

Mrs. Welsh is the fourth pioneer from the U.S., all of whom were in advanced years, to have died in El Salvador in the past 14 months. The others were Lester Dreyer, Jean True Farrand (Quentin’s mother), and Helen Johnson.

Bahá’í service held as part of interfaith program at Tufts U.

A Bahá’í service was held September 28 in the chapel of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, as a part of the school’s regular weekly interfaith worship series.

About a dozen students heard Bahá’í prayers, readings from the Central Figures, passages from the peace statement, and a talk on “The Promise of World Peace.”

Four of the students showed great interest in the Faith, and three have since attended firesides.

The chaplains at Tufts have requested Bahá’í books for the library so that students can borrow them.

Calendars to Schedule Teaching Events, Feasts, Holy Days, Deepenings

Bahá’í DateBook

Designed on a Gregorian monthly format, with all Bahá’í Holy Days and Nineteen Day Feasts clearly indicated, this handy scheduling calendar has the same design and format as last year’s Datebook with the change of cover colors to burgundy and mauve.

Published by the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust $3.50 each

Bahá’í History Calendar

Bahá’í history comes alive with the new 1989 Bahá’í History Calendar from Hawaii.

The theme of this year’s calendar is the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root, star servant and master teacher.

$6.00

Published by the Hawaii National Bahá’í Library

Do-It-Yourself Sticker Kit

Turn any calendar into a Bahá’í calendar by using this colorful sticker kit! There are stickers for Holy Days, Feasts, Assembly meetings, classes, the Fund, the Fast, and more. Designed to be removable and reusable, these stickers are timeless and inexpensive.

$2.95

Published by the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Pocket Calendar

This credit-card size calendar allows you to have a Bahá’í calendar wherever you need one: in your wallet, on your desk, in your car, in special folders, or on your refrigerator. Though small in size, it features 12 Gregorian months, including the Bahá’í Feasts, Holy Days, Naw-Rúz, and the period of the Fast.

Published by the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust Package of 10 $3.50

New Publications

The Bahá’í Religion

By Peter Smith

A straightforward, objective account of the history, teachings and concepts of the Bahá’í Faith suitable for new inquirers, the media, or for those teaching or studying comparative religion.

SC $5.95

Published by George Ronald Publishers

To Be One

By Nathan Rutstein

This frank discussion of one man’s struggle to face the “most challenging issue” of race prejudice opens the door for a dialogue on race relations based on social justice, love and unity.

SC $11.75

Published by George Ronald Publishers

A Leaf of Honey

By Joseph Sheppherd

Sharing his discovery that the Ntumu tribespeople of Cameroon have something unique to give to the rest of humankind, author Joseph Sheppherd offers readers a key awareness for enhancing Bahá’í teaching efforts—the appreciation of the diversity of other cultures.

SC $15.95

Published by the U.K. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Bahá’í Focus on Development

By Dr. Moojan Momen

Bahá’í Focus on Development offers a refreshingly clear insight for Bahá’ís interested in the nature of development, an area central to international Bahá’í activity.

SC $6.00

Published by the U.K. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Order now through your Bahá’í Distribution Service

1-800-999-9019 VISA • MasterCard • American Express Order through your Local Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 5]

Ciudad del Convenio sede del Congreso Bahá’í

La ciudad de Nueva York es un lugar de significado especial para los bahá’ís a través del mundo.

• Fue bendecida en dos ocasiones con la presencia de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, el Centro del Convenio, durante Sus viajes históricos en el Oeste.
• Fue designada por Él como “La Ciudad del Convenio.”
• Ahora ha sido escogida por La Casa Universal de Justicia como sede digna para una extraordinaria reunión bahá’í, el segundo ...

Congreso Mundial Bahá’í.

En noviembre de 1992 los bahá’ís de todas partes del mundo convergirán en la Ciudad de Nueva York ...

Para celebrar el centenario de la inauguración del Convenio de Bahá’u’lláh, y para proclamar sus propósitos y su poder unificador.

En una sóla ocasión anterior habíanse reunido los bahá’ís en un Congreso Mundial—fue el Más Gran Jubileo que se llevó a cabo en Londres en abril de 1963.

Allí, al cierre exitoso de la Cruzada de Diez Años del amado Guardián, 6,000 bahá’ís convergieron desde todas partes del mundo para conmemorar el centenario aniversario de la Declaración hecha por Bahá’u’lláh de Su Misión Profética.

Treinta años más tarde, habiéndose curado a la intemperie de una severidad increíble en Irán, y habiendo logrado crecimiento y progreso de una magnitud inimaginable, decenas de miles de bahá’ís se reunirán en el Centro de Convenciones Jacob K. Javits para celebrar y proclamar el poder de ‎la el‎ inviolable Convenio que Bahá’u’lláh le dió a la humanidad.

Ese Convenio ha sido descrito por Bahá’u’lláh como el espíritu de esta época, la arteria pulsante en el cuerpo del mundo, el eje de la unicidad del mundo de la humanidad, la ciudadela fuerte, y un refugio seguro para todas las cosas creadas.

“...¡He aquí al cierre de este siglo y de esta época, se hará claro y evidente cuán esplendoroso era ‎ese esa‎ primavera y cuán celestial era ese regalo!”

¡Que la convocación del segundo Congreso Mundial Bahá’í marque un punto decisivo en la lucha de la humanidad para lograr la paz.

Que todos los ojos se deleiten con esta convergencia de los amantes de Bahá’u’lláh, diversa y abarcadora del mundo, atestiguen el poder unificador de Su Convenio, y se despierten al ‎advenio advenimiento‎ del Reino de Dios sobre la Tierra!

CAMPUS CLIPS

Life as a college student can be demanding on our time, energy and resources; however, we must realize that while in college, opportunities to teach the Faith are often more abundant than in pre- or post-college years.

The National Youth Committee office has been receiving reports from college clubs that confirm the statement by the Universal House of Justice that “the time is now, lest opportunity be lost in the swiftly changing moods of a frenetic world.”

Teaching activities on college campuses are receiving greater attention than ever before.

How can Bahá’í college clubs tap into the power of this special time? Here are four tips:

1. Members of the clubs are displaying greater reliance on the Blessed Beauty for help and confirmations, and it’s working. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:

“Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone; seek whatsoever thou seekest from Him alone. With a look He granteth a hundred thousand hopes, with a glimpse He layeth balm on every wound, with a nod He freeth the hearts from the shackles of grief.”

2. Clubs that are united in thought and vision are achieving great victories. It is clear from the Writings that in order for a group to be successful, its members must first achieve true unity.

“The first duty of the members,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, “is to effect their own unity and harmony, in order to obtain good results. ... When unity ... is established, their second duty is to read the verses and communes, to be in a state of commemoration and mindfulness, that they may see each other as if in the presence of God.”

3. Activities that are in line with the guidance of the Guardian are showing great success; namely, “if the subject is properly presented and their intellect and sentiments satisfied,” college students would enter the Cause. “The Promise of World Peace” is designed to open the way and indeed may satisfy seekers.

4. “Have no fear or doubts. The power of the Covenant will assist you and invigorate you and remove every obstacle from your path.”

Strive daily to live up to the Teachings and you will be guided as to what your role is in the establishment of the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Señor Hooper Dunbar visita a los bahá’ís en Washington, D.C.

El domingo, 14 de agosto, los Bahá’ís del area metropolitana de Washington tuvieron el privilegio de reunirse con el señor Hooper Dunbar, recientemente elegido a la Casa Universal de Justicia.

El Sr. Dunbar compartió con unos 250 amigos sus primeras impresiones al entrar en el salón de sesiones de la Casa de Justicia.

Dijo que se sintió profundamente impresionado por el caluroso y entrañable afecto con que fue ‎agocido acogido‎ por los miembros veteranos y como le facilitaron adaptarse a este nuevo nivel de servicio a la Fe.

También comentó la forma abierta y libre en que se desarrolla la consulta, todos participando sin reserva, llegando a decisiones sin necesidad de votar.

La charla fue seguida por una hora de preguntas a las que el Sr. Dunbar contestó con claridad, cariño, profunda espiritualidad y conocimiento.

Todos los asistentes salieron con la sensación de haber estado en la presencia de una persona muy especial.—Conchita Ioas

Fourth Grand Canyon Conference set

“America’s Spiritual Destiny” is the theme of the fourth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference to be held December 23-26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

The conference will include dynamic presentations, stimulating workshops, outstanding entertainment, and educational programs for children and adults.

For information about hotel reservations, write to Grand Canyon Conference Registration, 122 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, or phone 1-800-228-9000 or 602-257-1110.

For information about conference registration, write to Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068. Attn: Conference Registrar.

News briefs

Bahá’í receives top arboriculture award

Oscar P. Stone, a Bahá’í from New Haven, Connecticut, is the 1988 recipient of the Award of Merit from the International Society of Arboriculture, the highest honor that the ISA can bestow.

The award recognizes those who have given outstanding service to the organization and to the care and maintenance of trees.

Mr. Stone, who has owned and operated his own tree business, worked for two major tree care companies and the Department of Transportation in Connecticut, is presently a consultant for Alpine Tree Care Inc.

He has lectured to college classes on arboriculture and grounds maintenance, and in 1982 published his own Study Course in Arboriculture.

Six young Bahá’ís, brothers and cousins, from Karnack, Texas, have formed a “rap group” that has won prizes in two recent competitions.

Their success led to a newspaper article about the group, whose members include 18-year-olds Chris Harris and Adeniji Washington; 16-year-old Dominic Harris; 15-year-old Pigana Washington and Talivu Porter; and eight-year-old Deryle Porter.

The youngsters, who are the grandchildren of long-time Karnack Bahá’ís Gid and Johnetta Porter, attend classes for Bahá’í youth and incorporate many of the Bahá’í teachings in their rhythmic rap songs.

On October 22, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies held its first Philadelphia conference at Temple University.

The theme was “Knowledge That Heals: Appreciating Racial Diversity.”

The keynote address by Counselor Wilma Brady was followed by a jazz history tutorial and parallel sessions on such topics as law, economics, history, education, art and multicultural issues.

On September 19, the Bahá’ís of Hillsboro, Oregon, had an opportunity to speak to three Soviet citizens during a reception held in their honor by Beyond War, which had invited them to the U.S. on a mission of peace.

Each of the three—an English teacher from Turkmenia, a professor of economics from Moscow, and an electronics engineer from the Ukraine—presented a brief talk about life in the USSR.

Afterward, the Bahá’ís gave each of them a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.”

Jennifer Eaton Walthall, a Bahá’í from Santa Paula, California, was chosen the outstanding student in theatre arts for the 1987-88 academic year at Ventura College.

Recientemente se reunió el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza Hispano con algunos bahá’ís de la ciudad de Nueva York y otras áreas adyacentes para discutir sobre el progreso de la Fe en esa ‎region región‎.

Grandes victorias en India como respuesta a mensaje de Riḍván

A todas las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales Queridos amigos bahá’ís

CON CORAZONES AGRADECIDOS COMPARTIR VICTORIAS RESONANTES ENSEÑANZA INDIA PRIMER EVIDENCIA RESPUESTA LLAMADO MENSAJE RIḌVÁN.

LUEGO DE LA DECISIÓN DE ASAMBLEA NACIONAL DECLARAR JUNIO MES DE ENSEÑANZA EN MASA, ‎CONCEJO CONSEJO‎ ESTATAL BAHÁ’Í UTTAR PRADESH PREPARÓ PLANES ESPECIALES CON ÉNFASIS PARTICULAR EN INSCRIPCIÓN MUJERES, JÓVENES, FAMILIAS 3 DISTRITOS ESE ESTADO.

INSPIRADOS POR CONSEJEROS Y GUIADOS POR 3 COORDINADORES, 2 REPRESENTANTES DE ‎CONCEJO CONSEJO‎, 110 ALMAS DEVOTAS SE LEVANTARON A ESPARCIR MENSAJE VIVIFICANTE DE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ENTRE SUS CONCIUDADANOS.

RESULTADO DE SUS ESFUERZOS APENAS UN MES ‎SOBREPASO SOBREPASÓ‎ TODA EXPECTATIVA. MÁS DE CIEN MIL HOMBRES, MUJERES, JÓVENES, MUCHOS PERTENECIENTES A LAS MISMAS FAMILIAS ACEPTARON LA FE.

EFECTIVO PROGRAMA DE SEGUIMIENTO INICIADO QUE ESTABLECE POR LO MENOS 5 INSTITUTOS DE PROFUNDIZACIÓN POR MES EN ÁREAS CENTRALES. YA 1,000 NUEVOS CREYENTES HAN CONTRIBUIDO AL FONDO INSCRIBIÉNDOSE A LA REVISTA BAHÁ’Í HINDI. GRAN CANTIDAD LITERATURA HINDI, INCLUYENDO CUADRO DEL MAESTRO, SIENDO PRODUCIDO CON AYUDA DE CONSEJEROS PARA DISTRIBUIR ENTRE NUEVOS CREYENTES. CASSETTES AUDIO DE LOS SAGRADOS ESCRITOS, ORACIONES, CHARLAS SENCILLAS SIENDO PREPARADAS. TRES GRANDES CONFERENCIAS RURALES SIENDO PLANEADAS PARA MUJERES, JÓVENES, FAMILIAS. SE ESTÁN CONSULTANDO PROYECTOS DE DESARROLLO SOCIO-ECONÓMICO.

CONFIDENTES DE QUE TALES VICTORIAS ALCANZABLES EN OTRAS PARTES DEL PLANETA TAMBIÉN. EXHORTAMOS SEGUIDORES MÁS GRANDE NOMBRE A TRAVÉS DEL MUNDO LEVANTARSE CON ALTA DETERMINACIÓN SEGUIR EJEMPLO DE SUS HERMANOS INDIOS LLAMANDO A LA HUMANIDAD A LA FE DE DIOS EN ESTE MOMENTO CRÍTICO DE LA HISTORIA HUMANA. ANSIOSAMENTE ESPERANDO RESULTADOS DE SUS ESFUERZOS. ASEGÚRENSE ORACIONES ARDIENTES SAGRADOS SANTUARIOS IMPLORANDO BENDICIONES ANTIGUA BELLEZA SUS ESFUERZOS DETERMINADOS CAMPO ENSEÑANZA MASIVA.

CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA 6 DE JULIO DE 1988 [Page 6]

Louhelen Residential Program begins its second year

The Louhelen Residential Program officially began its second year with a ceremony during the school's Homecoming 1988 observance.

This major development project, the first step in establishing a full-fledged Bahá’í post-secondary institution, was launched last year after four years of planning and consultation.

Students have come to attend the LRP from Ethiopia, Ecuador, Honduras, the Bahamas and Haiti as well as from Alaska, Arizona, Virginia, South Carolina and South Dakota.

The students are living at the Louhelen Bahá’í School and are enrolled in degree-earning programs at either the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College.

They are also involved in a formal Bahá’í Studies class, a class in study skills, a weekly deepening and "family consultation" program, and a program of service at Louhelen.

Roy Steiner, the resident counselor, is conducting the Bahá’í Studies class, and other Bahá’ís in the area are helping with deepening classes, tutoring, and social and recreational activities.

While the LRP is intended to provide a strong spiritual, social and intellectual framework for any college-age student, the National Spiritual Assembly has directed Louhelen to assist especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds and from areas in which the growth of the Faith has been significant.

The National Spiritual Assembly is providing scholarships for two Native Americans and three students from South Carolina.

The LRP will admit additional students for the winter term in 1989, and will have its third class beginning in the fall of 1989.

More information about LRP can be obtained from the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

Kim Meilicke given Louhelen's 1988 Hayden Poetry Fellowship

Kim Meilicke, a writer and teacher from Tucson, Arizona, has been chosen to receive the 1988 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

Ms. Meilicke is presently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the University of Arizona where she is also teaching freshman composition.

Before beginning work on her degrees, Ms. Meilicke worked as an editorial assistant at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and for Naturegraph Publishers.

As a part of the Fellowship, she was in residence at the Louhelen School for five weeks where she worked on her poetry, took part in workshops, conducted a writers' workshop, and gave public readings.

The Fellowship program was established in memory of Robert Hayden, a Bahá’í who was a renowned poet, a teacher at the University of Michigan and the first black writer to be named Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress.

The program is dedicated to continuing Mr. Hayden's practice of supporting promising poets in developing their craft and encouraging the development of the cultural and artistic elements in the emerging Bahá’í society.

'Sacrifice soup' held

Last May, the Spiritual Assembly of Greater Bellevue, Washington, hosted a "sacrifice soup" dinner in which proceeds from ticket sales went to help complete the Arc on Mount Carmel.

The supper, entertainment and an auction raised more than $4,600 for the Arc.

Great news! Brilliant Star reduces its two-year subscription rate to $20

We have exciting news! Brilliant Star magazine has reduced its two-year subscription rate to $20!

The action was taken in an effort to encourage the friends to subscribe for two years. When that happens, it costs the magazine less because we don't have to send out as many renewal notices or as often.

The result is that you save money and your child(ren) continue to receive the best Bahá’í children's magazine there is.

A subscriber recently wrote, "My children and I love your magazine—a wonderful combination of fun, learning and beautiful stories. 'The Master's Robe' (November/December 1987) was among the most beautiful I have ever read. Thank you for your dedication, hard work and excellent results."

And thank you for your support and contributions. If you and your children are not receiving Brilliant Star, you are depriving yourself of an experience that can help all of us develop and strengthen our Bahá’í identities.

To subscribe, send $20 for two years (12 issues) or $12 for one year (six issues) to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. These are domestic rates (including Hawaii and Alaska). Foreign rates available.

Rita Leydon (left), who has served for a number of years as art director of Brilliant Star children's magazine, welcomes her successor, Pepper Oldziey, who began working immediately on the March/April 1989 issue. Preparation of each issue takes place about six months before the magazine is received by its subscribers. Mrs. Leydon will remain on the editorial board as a consultant.

29th Green Lake Conference draws nearly 1,200 to share 'vision' of peace, triumph of the Cause

Nearly 1,200 Bahá’ís and their guests gathered September 16-18 to "Have (Their) Vision Checked" at the 29th annual Green Lake Conference, held as always at the American Baptist Assembly's conference center in Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Participants focused on "restoring vision ... where hope is lost," as directed by the Universal House of Justice in its Riḍván 1988 message to the Bahá’ís of the world.

Featured speakers included Auxiliary Board members Stephen Birkland, Javidukht Khadem and Morris Taylor; John Hatcher; Nadjla Birkland; Paul Lample from the National Teaching Committee office; and Claudius Adebayo from the National Treasurer's Office.

In a spirit of unified action, four of the speakers joined Mr. Birkland on stage for a question-and-answer session called "Seeing Is Believing."

The audience was captivated by the appearance of Allen and Mark Eghrari, five-year-old twins from Oak Brook, Illinois, who presented a memorized talk entitled "Humanity Is One Family."

Two other children, like the Eghrari twins trained in public speaking by Gayle Woolson of Evanston, Illinois, also spoke: 10-year-old Erin Bodan of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and 12-year-old Saba Firoozi of Glencoe.

Music was presented throughout the program, with one session devoted entirely to the arts.

Among those contributing their talents were singer/guitarist Mark Spittal of Minneapolis; pianist Cecilia Smith of Cleveland, Ohio; santour player Kiu Haghighi and his daughter, pianist Keely, of Glenview, Illinois; "Kindred Spirit," singers Jill Simon and Rebecca Rice, also from Minneapolis, who performed the conference theme song, "Vision"; and vocalist Phyllis Peterson from Loves Park, Illinois.

Paul Baumgartner of Milwaukee shared some of his poetry including a poem dedicated to the memory of the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem.

The friends also enjoyed four audio-visual presentations: "Peace... The Promise," "Carmel," "The Fourth Epoch Opens," and "World Congress—1992."

An exhibit hall featured a Bahá’í bookstore, arts and crafts, special interest booths, and a display of children's peace posters.

A variety of activities was provided for the more than 350 children at the conference—everything from puppet-making to video taping, as well as gathering together to work on consultation skills and to talk about teaching the Faith.

Sessions for youth included presentations by some of the speakers, a soccer game, a watermelon feast, and the production of skits that depicted many ways to teach the Faith (as well as many ways not to teach).

As always, a number of optional sessions were offered on Saturday afternoon.

Left photo: Santour virtuoso Kiu Haghighi and his daughter, pianist Keely, entertain at the Green Lake Conference. Right photo: Auxiliary Board member Stephen Birkland addresses the audience.

'Living Life' N.C. school's theme

"Living the Life" is the theme of the North Carolina winter school session, to be held January 13-15 at the 4-H Camp in Reidsville (north of Greensboro).

For information, contact Diane McKinley, registrar, Carey, NC 27513 (phone 919-481-0559).

Upcoming at Louhelen

November 18-20. Marriage Enrichment Institute for married couples who wish to strengthen their bonds. Led by Dan and Linda Popov. Limited enrollment.

November 25-27. Celebration of Cultural Diversity. Sessions, family activities, performances focusing on family and community growth through cultural diversity. Bring your friends and seekers!

December 2-4. Writers' Conference with workshop sessions on developing writing skills and preparing materials for the Faith. Conducted by Betty Fisher, Nat Rutstein and Debbie Bley. Also, Parents/Teens Conference conducted by the Chadwick and Dwyer families. Limited enrollment.

December 27-January 1. Family Winter Session with classes, activities, cultural events, fellowship for the whole family. Unity Feast December 31. [Page 7]

Conference on Growth zeros in on teaching aid

The National Teaching Committee’s Conference on Growth, which began four years ago as a briefing for District Teaching Committees, has evolved into an annual event involving not only the members of District Teaching Committees but also Regional Schools Committees; Regional Traveling Teacher Coordinators; Teaching Project Coordinators; National Treasurer’s Representatives; members of local Spiritual Assemblies, Regional and District Youth Committees, and, in fact, all individual Bahá’ís.

The summons by the Universal House of Justice to “every man, woman, youth and child” was the theme of this year’s conference, held over the Labor Day weekend in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

The conference was designed with a two-fold purpose: first, to explore how members of the agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly might help foster teaching “on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts”; and second, to critically examine the vital role that each individual Bahá’í must play in assuring that the goals of the Six Year Plan are met and exceeded, “for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends.”

Among the highlights of the conference were talks by members of the National Spiritual Assembly; 27 workshops on such topics as “Teaching Christians,” “Empowering Children to Teach,” and “Teaching Project How-To’s”; special visits to the House of Worship; and consultation involving conference participants.

The tone of the conference was set during the opening session by the chairman of the National Teaching Committee, who said: “We cannot continue to think and act in old ways, for if we do we will end up where we are—in the present. We cannot hope to surpass the present with thoughts, behavior, attitudes, or a vision from the past, because we will only get the past for our efforts.”

As the weekend progressed, participants had an opportunity to exchange ideas and to explore various ways of teaching based on the twin processes of expansion and consolidation that will outstrip all current efforts.

Pictured is a part of the audience at the National Teaching Committee’s Conference on Growth which was held over the Labor Day weekend at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

Some helpful hints in teaching Chinese

For those of you who are interested in Chinese teaching, the National Chinese Teaching Committee would like to give some hints on your own personal teaching efforts.

Let your efforts be heartfelt. Forcing yourself to try to bring the Faith to Chinese people, if your heart is not in it, will never bring success. A cold heart cannot generate a fire.

If you meet Chinese who are new to this country, perhaps as classmates in school, offer to help them when you see they have a problem dealing with the many new challenges facing them here.

Make Chinese friends and acquaintances and let them feel the Faith through your Bahá’í example. When people are attracted to you in friendship, they will readily listen to your explanation of why you are as you are.

Don’t judge your success on how many people enroll in the Faith. Chinese teaching must be viewed in the long term, not the short. Make friends because you want to be friends, not because you have some ulterior motive.

See your Chinese teaching efforts as part of your over-all teaching work. Chinese teaching is not something separate from “real teaching.”

If you live in an area where there is already a local Chinese Teaching Task Force, offer your services and seek their guidance. Help them, if possible, with information, time, or other resources available to you.

Take some time to learn about the composition of the Chinese community in your area. The Chinese people are not all the same. Ethnic and regional differences abound, and some groups are easier to approach than others.

For certain populations there may be special advice, do’s and don’ts that will apply. Attend some of the Chinese celebrations such as Chinese New Year festivals in your nearby Chinese communities.

For more help, information and consultation with members of the National Chinese Teaching Committee, call the Chinese Teaching Action Lines, 508-459-3014 or 508-374-9039.

70 gather in Lowell for Massachusetts conference on racism

On September 17, about 70 people from Massachusetts gathered in Lowell for a conference on the elimination of racism.

The event was co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lowell and the Merrimack Valley chapter of the NAACP.

Among the highlights was a showing of the film “A Class Divided,” in which a class of students is divided according to eye color, with each group taught stereotypical beliefs about the others.

The Lowell Sun carried a front-page article about the conference, which also was covered on a local television news program.

Vacation traveling? Consider teaching too

Going on vacation this winter? Why not do some traveling teaching along the way? Spend Feast with an isolated believer. Share your slides from Haifa, New Delhi, or Wilmette with a small Bahá’í Group. Offer to give a fireside in a community that receives few visitors.

There have been several changes in the National Teaching Committee’s network of traveling teacher coordinators, so even if you have used the system before, please consult the following list of coordinators. If you are traveling through several areas, please contact the National Traveling Teacher Coordinator for help:

Sam Williams, P.O. Box 971, Yadkinville, NC 27055 (phone 919-679-2133).

The regional coordinators are as follows:

Region 1 (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming): Marcia Veach, Bend, OR 97701 (503-388-1467).

Region 2 (California, Nevada): Sandra Huitt, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916-961-0807).

Region 3 (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah): Pamela Hawley, Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602-437-2040).

Region 4 (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota): Lynda Ochsner, Aurora, NE 68818 (402-694-6045).

Region 5, No. 1 (Arkansas, Oklahoma): Will Sutter, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405-235-2802).

Region 5, No. 2 (Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas): Riaz Haghpajuh, Addison, TX 75244 (214-243-1540).

Region 6 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin): Rebecca Huff, Macedonia, OH 44056 (216-467-8906).

Region 7 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont): Hollie Shaner, Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802-878-8949).

Region 8 (D.C., Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia): Sam Williams (address and phone number listed above).

Region 9 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia): Elizabeth Anderson, P.O. Box 1223, Athens, AL 35611 (205-233-3169).

Bahá’ís reach out to blacks at picnic

Twenty-three Bahá’ís in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, area gathered September 17 with members of the Black/Minority Family Association for a wiener roast at a local park.

In suggesting the event, the Bahá’í had made it clear that a goal of the Faith is to reach out and get to know and become involved with other groups in friendship and unity.

The BMFA presented a touching five-minute skit based on a poem that told of a black man’s love for his child and his faith that the future would be bright for him—brighter than his own as a slave.

The Bahá’ís presented passages from the Writings and prayers on the topic of unity.

Lighting award to India Temple

The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, has received a major international award for the excellence of its outdoor lighting.

The award, given by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, follows the receipt of two other top awards for architectural and engineering excellence since the structure was completed in December 1986.

The most recent honor, the Paul Waterbury Award of Special Citation for Outdoor Lighting, was accepted on behalf of architect Fariburz Sahba and the Bahá’í International Community during a ceremony at the IES’s annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The nine-sided Temple, patterned after the lotus flower and defined by 27 white concrete and marble “petals” that arch into the sky to a height of 43 meters (142 feet), has won praise in many architectural and engineering journals for its innovative design.

The architect has arranged the night-time illumination so as to make it appear that the entire structure is suspended in the air.

Last year, the House of Worship received the coveted honor award for religious architecture from the Interfaith Forum on Religious Art and Architecture (IFRAA), which is perhaps the top award for religious architecture in the world.

It also won a special award for structural engineering from the British Institute of Structural Engineers.

Durango’s ‘Peace Celebration’ picnic supports UN International Day of Peace

On September 18, about 50-100 people attended an outdoor “Peace Celebration” sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Durango, Colorado.

The event, which was planned and executed by the Bahá’ís of Durango and La Plata County, was held in support of the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Participants were invited to wear ethnic dress and to bring ethnic food for an international potluck picnic at the town’s Rotary Park.

The featured attraction was Yvonne Varis, a professional singer and Bahá’í who performed her own compositions on the theme of peace.

Through her efforts, three other local musicians also contributed their talents to the event.

Men, women and children, led by Cindy Chavez, also a Bahá’í, took part in folk dancing under the park’s Victorian gazebo.

The event was well-publicized through the local newspaper, on three radio stations, commercial and cable television, and by posters, special invitations, word-of-mouth and announcements in local churches.

The friends gave copies of the peace message to those at the celebration who expressed an interest in it.

New phone number for S.C. coordinator

In the August and September issues of The American Bahá’í, a former telephone number was given for Moses Richardson, the homefront pioneering and traveling teaching coordinator for the South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee. Those interested in homefront pioneering or traveling teaching in South Carolina may contact Mr. Richardson at his new number, 803-332-2411. [Page 8]

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.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE PERSONNEL Office at the Bahá’í World Center is continuing its search for qualified persons with the skills, desire and ability to work in the Holy Land. Positions ordinarily available include office work, technical, gardening, security and mechanical; many involve clerical work or physical labor. There can be no assurance that anyone who volunteers for service at the World Center will be invited to serve; the Personnel Office is obligated to choose those who are best suited for the specific positions that are open and must, at times, decline offers of service from devoted and skilled Bahá’ís whose qualifications do not suit the available positions. Those who are interested in applying for positions at the World Center, or who would like more information, should contact Karen Crenshaw, World Center staffing representative, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 264.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Bahá’í Publishing Trust—administrative assistant, associate editor, production manager, shipping/receiving clerk (Youth Year of Service). National Youth Committee—Youth Network coordinator. Office of the Secretary—administrative aide. Office of the Treasurer—secretary/receptionist. Interested applicants should apply to: Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

NANTUCKET Island, which has six active Bahá’ís including one youth, needs a physician. Contact Ms. Skokan, administrator, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Nantucket, MA 02554 (phone 508-228-1200). The Bahá’í Group correspondent is Mrs. Anita T. Dougan, (phone 508-228-1861).

MEDICAL director needed as soon as available for the country’s only Navajo-administered hospital. Must be a physician who has practiced internal medicine, pediatrics or psychiatry at least five years and has experience in medical administration. A unique opportunity to pioneer on the Navajo Reservation and to take part in programs at the Native American Bahá’í Institute. Contact Dr. Hannah Rishel, Ganado, AZ 86505 (phone 602-755-3432 or 602-755-3411), or Dr. Warren Perkins, medical director, Sage Memorial Hospital, Box 457, Ganado, AZ 86505 (phone 602-755-3411, ext. 274).

PRE-SCHOOL teacher needed for a new Bahá’í school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Young or old; love of God and children the most important qualifications. Adequate housing and salary provided. Phone Sarah Streiff, 404-226-0699.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

THE FOLLOWING positions are available in U.S. goal countries: Africa. Burundi, public health professional. The Gambia, chief accountant. Kenya, superintendent for an international school. Nigeria, agricultural advisers; agricultural economist; statistical systems and data processing specialist; training and manpower development specialist. South Africa, senior research officer; senior ‎lec-turer/turer lecturer‎. Uganda, agricultural coordinator. Americas. Bahamas, caretakers for Bahá’í National Center. Guyana, construction consultant. Jamaica/Cayman Islands, executive civil engineer. Asia. India, aviation mechanics; maintenance professionals; maintenance managers; A&P mechanics; avionics technicians. Australasia. Marshall Islands, English instructor. Europe. Portugal, factory manager-clothing technician. Multi-regional. Program manager; senior economists. Homefront pioneers needed: North Charleston, South Carolina. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

DAYTONA Beach, Florida, has a lot to offer homefront pioneers including year-round good weather and employment in the hospitality industry, the medical, engineering and teaching professions, and as support personnel for all kinds of businesses. There are four colleges in the metro area (population 282,500), and three major motion picture studios will open in central Florida in the next few years. Orlando, Cape Canaveral and St. Augustine are only an hour away; there are 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach to stroll (free); civic, community service and cultural activities; and a vibrant Bahá’í community that needs homefront pioneers. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Daytona Beach, c/o Linda Akin, secretary, Daytona Beach, FL 32018, or phone 904-252-4387.

THE THREE busy, active, devoted Bahá’ís in Folsom, California, are looking for some homefront pioneers to help them pan for “real gold” (new Bahá’ís). Folsom, 15 to 20 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, has a flavor and charm all its own with a small historic old town section where the lazy American River flows along the outskirts. Folsom Lake is 10 minutes away, and Lake Tahoe, with its great ski resorts, is about an hour away. Two or three new subdivisions are being built in the area with prices beginning in the high $90s. Apartment rents range from $475 to $600 a month. The Folsom-Cordova School District is said to be one of the better districts in Sacramento County. The area has a stable, growing economy with a range of employment opportunities. If you think you could come and help us teach and grow, we’d love to send you a relocation package and newspaper subscription. Write to the Bahá’ís of Folsom, c/o Barbara Stahl, Folsom, CA 95630, or phone 916-989-2840.

LORAIN County, Ohio, a community of about 100,000, seeks Bahá’ís to help form an Assembly. A Bahá’í family has a four-bedroom home for sale in the city of Lorain; excellent for a Bahá’í Center or Assembly meetings/firesides. Three large hospitals, two colleges (one private, one community), two Ford plants all within Lorain County. Contact Rebecca Jodi Cherney, Lorain, OH 44052, or phone 216-245-4017.

BE A PART of the exciting San Jose Metro 1000 Project and pioneer at the same time! Morgan Hill, a “bedroom community” of San Jose, is targeted for establishing a local Spiritual Assembly; at present there are no active Bahá’ís living there. You can be the “Bahá’í light” in Morgan Hill and provide a focal point for the history-making events scheduled there. Jobs are available in San Jose for secretaries, nurses, in computer-related fields and many others in Silicon Valley, only about 20-30 miles away. For information and help, contact the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, P.O. Box 6381, San Jose, CA 95050, or phone 408-448-0639. Now is the time ... we are the ones! Come help us win 1,000 new Bahá’ís!

PORTLAND, Texas, on the south Texas Gulf Coast, is soon to be larger due to an increase at the nearby Navy base. We need homefront pioneers to help re-form our Spiritual Assembly. Many people live in Portland and work in Corpus Christi, across the bay. Short, light winters make this an ideal area in which to retire, and any new arrivals would be cherished. For more information, contact Mr. and Mrs. Kasiri, 512-643-1705, or Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, 512-643-4935.

KLAMATH Falls, Oregon, which has had an Assembly since 1975 but is now jeopardized, needs active and enthusiastic homefront pioneers. Klamath Falls, Oregon’s “City of Sunshine” with an average of 290 sunny days a year, is in a scenic area with abundant hunting, fishing and boating and a metro population of about 45,000. Jobs aren’t plentiful, but there are some possibilities, especially in health care. There is a 200-bed hospital. The median cost of a three-bedroom home is $50,000. Your services are needed here. The Bahá’í phone number is 503-884-5494. Ask for Roberta.

RETIRED? Texas’ lower Rio Grande valley needs you! Thousands of “winter Texans” flock there every year to enjoy the warm temperatures and nearness to Mexico and the Gulf. Spiritual Assemblies radiate waves of light from Harlingen and McAllen, but the valley will gleam more brightly when “y’all come on down!” There are employment opportunities, especially for teachers and medical professionals. The people are receptive; the Faith is growing. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551, or phone 512-425-6385.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Morgantown, home of West Virginia University which includes medical, dental and law schools, a new hospital and cancer research facility. Lovely rural environment, friendly people and low crime rate. Job opportunities, however, are limited ... West Virginia is a low-income, high-unemployment state. The Bahá’ís of West Virginia, although small in number, are positive and hard-working with much ambition and energy to devote to the Faith. Morgantown, 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C. For information, write to the Bahá’ís of Monongalia County, P.O. Box 4136, Star City, WV 26507, or phone 304-292-1804.

LINCOLN City, one of the most popular coastal areas in Oregon with a small-town atmosphere and a small Bahá’í community, needs growth! A local nursing home needs Certified Nurses’ Assistants, and has a school for those who want to become CNAs. Put the two together and this service to the area should lead to oceans of love. If interested, please write to Sally Hazel, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

KNOW the Bible? Skilled in generating dialogue about alternatives to tobacco as a cash crop? Interested in lessening high adult illiteracy? Have a cottage industry and need a tourist area for market? Intrigued about the “Trail of Tears” (Cherokee nation)? Have expertise in manufacturing chemicals or in waste treatment or hazardous materials disposal? Any of these skills or interests plus many more can be pursued in western Kentucky while filling a homefront pioneering goal. Special targets are three cities ranging in population from 30,000 to 55,000: Paducah, Henderson and Owensboro, all on the Ohio River, and Hopkinsville (pop. 27,000), a city with a high percentage of blacks near the Fort Campbell Army base. For more information about the area, write to the Kentucky District Teaching Committee, c/o Connie Donley, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

DEVOTED Bahá’ís are needed in Seaside, California, a multi-racial and multi-cultural community of about 37,000 located 115 miles south of San Francisco on the Monterey Peninsula. Mild climate surrounded by natural beauty; tourism is a major industry due to the close proximity to Carmel and Monterey. Also, good job opportunities in government, industry and agriculture. Housing is readily available, and schools include the nearby Monterey Peninsula College (two-year) and the Monterey Institute of International Studies. There are presently three Bahá’ís. For more information, please write to P.O. Box 1131, Monterey, CA 93940, or phone 408-647-9862.

CAMBODIAN and other minority teaching and consolidation work in Project Attleboro needs Bahá’ís to settle in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The Interstate highways put you 15 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island, and 45 minutes from Boston with all the employment, education, culture and other resources. Come join our rich unity among the few isolated friends in the area. Massachusetts is a goal site of the Six Year Plan. Come where the action is! Phone 508-543-0021 or 508-543-9886.

SCHOOLS

THE LOUHELEN Residential Program is accepting applications for fall 1989. A maximum of 13 additional students (for a total of 26) is needed to enroll in this program; students live at Louhelen, have classes in Bahá’í studies and take part in Bahá’í conferences, fellowship, social, recreational and devotional activities while enrolled in degree-earning programs at the University of Michigan-Flint or Mott Community College. For information and application materials, write to Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School is accepting admissions for the fall of 1989. Parents with children entering grades 7, 8, 9 or 10 should write to the school for more information. Student interviews begin in January 1989. Contact: Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, P.O. Box 370, Shawnigan Lake, B.C., ‎VOR 2WO V0R 2W0‎, Canada.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Ruth H. Brandt, Anne Brien, Alexander Brin, Jack F. Britt, Margaret Britt, Eudora Broadhead, Ruth B. Bronson, Bessie Brooke, Flora Brooks, Beula Brown, Kenneth I. Brown, Sally Brown, Alice Browne, Mary E. Broyles, Georgina Bruce. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following issues of Alaska Bahá’í News in good or excellent condition: January and February 1978; July 1979; August 1980; January, February, August and September 1981; July 1983; January, February, September, October, November and December 1984. Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

WITH THE Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice to guide the process, the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala is preparing not only to enroll an increasing number of new believers but also to meet the needs of new Bahá’ís who read either very little or not at all. To do so, it must turn to the friends in other countries to help supply the equipment to carry out this task. Needed are a minimum of seven portable cassette tape recorders; seven portable slide/film projectors; one video camcorder; one studio quality cassette recorder for original radio and deepening programs; and 15 sleeping bags so that our constantly traveling teachers can be assured of at least the barest of sleeping accommodations. For more information, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala, 3 Calle, 4-54 z.1, Guatemala City, Guatemala. If you have items you can donate, please send them to Curt Porter, P.O. Box 3781, UPB, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

SINGERS: The Bahá’í House of Worship Choir is looking for experienced singers to fill out its size and sound. This is an invitation to singers within driving distance of Wilmette to sing at the Mother Temple of the West, on a consistent basis. Also, if you or your community know of any singers from minority backgrounds, we’d especially welcome their participation. We rehearse on Thursday evenings, and sing for devotional services at least two Sundays per month. To arrange an audition, or to obtain further details, contact the House of Worship Activities Office at 312-256-4400, or Merrill Miller at the Bahá’í National Center, 312-869-9039, ext. 295.

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School seeks visual and performing artists-in-residence for conferences next spring and summer. Interested artists are encouraged to contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

WANTED: information of any kind about Saffa and Vaffa Kinney, early Bahá’ís in New York City, and their family. Please send to Pat Tyler Kinney, Leonia, NJ 07605.

THE HISTORY of the Faith in South Carolina is the topic of our research which we feel is a valuable project for a number of reasons. For example, facts drawn from an historical analysis of mass teaching in S.C. will shed light on the unity of thought and action in future campaigns aimed at bringing about entry by troops. Any information, suggestions, personal recollections or experiences are greatly needed and appreciated. Please write c/o Dr. Behrooz Sabet, Fort Mill, SC 29715, or phone 803-547-5510.

ATTENTION U.S. military Bahá’í friends! Forming a network of Bahá’ís in the U.S. armed forces or dependents of military service members who belong to the Faith; would like to exchange information and consolidate our teaching efforts in ways that will appeal to the military and their families and to form support groups via a monthly newsletter to share ideas or suggestions. Would welcome those retired from the U.S. military or military reserve to join us. Write to Pam Frankenfield, Bonita, CA 92002, or phone 619-267-7047.

“The cornerstone of the foundation of all Bahá’í activity is teaching the Cause.” —Universal House of Justice [Page 9]

Support for Fund increases, but so do expenses as Cause grows, develops

To the American Bahá’í community

Dear Friends:

We are halfway through the Bahá’í year and the signs of progress of the Cause are everywhere:

A NEW PARADIGM! A NEW INTENSITY!

• The teaching campaigns in five areas—Atlanta, Massachusetts, Chicago, Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, and San Jose—have imparted new energy to the whole community.
• Our Bahá’í summer schools have reported increased attendance.
• Another outstanding Youth Academy session was held at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina.
• A member of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs staff was named a co-chair of the National Religious Involvement Committee of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. The Office of External Affairs played a major role in mobilizing support for the August 27 march in Washington, D.C., commemorating the late Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech including two busloads of Bahá’ís from South Carolina.
• Plans for the 1992 World Congress in New York are well under way.
• More than 125 Iranian Bahá’ís and 200 Khmer (Cambodian) believers have been resettled in the U.S. since Riḍván.
• More than 85 original letters of the Guardian have been located by the National Assembly’s Archives Committee.
• The Bahá’í Service for the Blind has converted a large number of Bahá’í books to the “talking book” format.
• Since Riḍván the National Assembly’s Office of Community Administration has responded to some 1,200 letters and more than 2,400 telephone calls.
• Eighty-three believers have arisen to pioneer since Riḍván; only 13 of them required financial assistance.
• WLGI Radio Bahá’í—recognized as one of the most listened to stations in South Carolina—broadcasts three devotional programs and 10-12 Bahá’í “informational spots” daily.

As you can see by this brief review of activities, we are developing ever-increasing capacities in our labor of love. We seek to expand our efforts to raise Bahá’u’lláh’s standard throughout this country. Expansion and consolidation at all levels is what the Universal House of Justice calls on us to accomplish.

Many are responding to the needs of the Fund. Compared to a year ago:

Contributions from local Assemblies are up 8 percent; donations from Groups, up 26 percent; contributions by individuals, up 15 percent. But the friends giving to the Fund today are the same ones as a year ago.

On the average, each Bahá’í month the National Fund needs . . . $342,000 to support our community’s activities, and $105,000 to support the Universal House of Justice.

In addition, we are rallying the American Bahá’í community to contribute at least $2 million this year toward completion of the Arc.

A brief report of our progress can be found elsewhere on this page.

With warmest Bahá’í love,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

William E. Davis, Treasurer November 4, 1988

Roger knew there would soon be an entry by troops, but . . .

Compared to last year . . .

• Contributions from local Assemblies, up 8 percent.
• Donations from Bahá’í Groups, up 26 percent.
• Contributions from individuals, up 15 percent.

Total contributions through September 30, 1988, are $2.7 million, compared to $2.4 million at this time last year.

Contributions received through the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) have increased by 34 percent.

. . . But contributions are still $800,000 short of our goal and lagging behind expenses, forcing the National Spiritual Assembly to continue to borrow money from the bank and adding to the existing $3.4 million deficit.

Malibu paper’s article chronicles the Faith

A full-page feature article about the Faith appeared September 23 in the Malibu (California) Times.

The article includes a brief history of the Faith, a summary of its beliefs and laws, and some mention of its Administrative Order and worldwide growth.

One of the Bahá’ís in Malibu, who is from Iran, says in the article that two of his relatives have been martyred and others imprisoned by the Khomeini regime.

Indianapolis hosts ‘Mr. Khadem Project’

Thirty-three Bahá’ís from across the U.S. ranging in age from eight to 67 years took part in Indianapolis’ “Mr. Khadem Project” following the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, in July.

Direct teaching was coupled with service projects in which the volunteers worked cheerfully in 100-degree heat, impressing everyone to such an extent that more than 40 interest cards were filled out by inquirers.

Public events included a “Reunion of the Family of Man” picnic, a candlelight prayer and song vigil celebrating the unity of mankind, a Bahá’í booth at “Black Expo,” firesides, participation in a peace festival, and attendance at a Hindu worship service and lunch.

Close relationships were established with VISTA, the Near East Side Community Organization, and Holy Cross Church which provided a facility used as the center of project operations.

Pictured during a planning session are some of the 33 Bahá’ís who took part last July in the ‘Mr. Khadem Project’ in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Waukesha Bahá’í honored in newspaper

On August 8, Robert B. Amerson, a Bahá’í from Waukesha, Wisconsin, was named that city’s “Person of the Week” in a column carried weekly in a local newspaper.

Besides listing his involvement in a number of community action programs, the article mentions that Mr. Amerson is a Bahá’í.

Fresno Bahá’ís co-sponsor conference designed to unify city’s ethnic groups

The Bahá’ís of Fresno, California, were among the co-sponsors of a conference September 24 entitled “One Race, Many Cultures” whose goal was to foster unity among that city’s many ethnic communities.

The Bahá’ís first proposed the idea, enlisted other sponsors including the city’s Human Rights Commission and the Wesley Methodist Church, and obtained financial support from the California Council for the Humanities.

More than 200 people attended the day-long conference which included, in addition to displays, music, fashion and food of many cultures, a panel discussion and workshops focusing on five cultural groups: Asian American, Black American, Hispanic American, Middle Eastern American, and Native American.

The keynote address was given by the Rev. Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco.

A special guest was Puran Stevens, coordinator of Refugee Affairs at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

SON OF BEING!

Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation. -Bahá’u’lláh

Archives seeks tapes, photos of conference, Indian Council Fires

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking tape recordings and photographs of the first American Indian Teaching Conference, Camp Verde, Arizona, November 1955, and the first four Indian Council Fires held in 1963-66 at the ‎Nakah Makah‎ Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington.

Anyone having tapes or photographs that they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

HUQÚQU’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

Local Bahá’í Fund

(ask your local Bahá’í community for the correct address)

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Continental Bahá’í Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í International Fund P.O. Box 155 Haifa, Israel 31-000

Persian Relief Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Rocky River, OH 44116 [Page 10]

VISION TO VICTORY

در کانونشن ملی امسال يك برنامه تبلیغی ملی جهت آغاز تحقق وعده "يدخلون في دين الله افواجاً" طرح گردید. این برنامه متضمن چهار ‎مشروع طرح‎ تبلیغی در ایالت ماساچوست و شهرهای آتلانتا و شیکاگو و سن حوزه و حومه‌های این سه شهر و همچنین انعقاد دوازده کنفرانس ناحیه‌ای در چهار نقطه مذکور و هشت شهر دیگر است که مالاً ۱۲۰۰۰ نفر از یاران را به میدان خدمت و تبلیغ فرا خواهد خواند.

اهداف تشکیل کنفرانسهای مذکور به قرار زیر است: - آگاه ساختن هر چه بیشتر احباء از اهمیت اتمام ساختمانهای حول قوس کوه کرمل. - ترغیب یاران جهت قیام به امر تبلیغ "به میزان و کیفیت و تنوع و تمرکزی که از جمیع مساعی حالیه پیشی جوید." - تشویق دوستان به تقدیم تبرعات هم فرداً و هم جمعاً. - تعیین دوره دو ساله رضوان سال ۱۹۸۸ الی رضوان سال ۱۹۹۰ بعنوان "دوره خدمت و فداکاری."

در این کنفرانسها مطالبی که از طرف اعضای تشکیلات ملی ارائه خواهد شد، حامل چشم‌انداز آینده خواهد بود و فعالیتهای محلی و شرکت یاران در این فعالیتها دستیابی به پیروزی نهایی را محقق خواهد ساخت. حضرات ایادی امرالله و دو نفر از اعضای سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم و مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضای محفل روحانی ملی از جمله ناطقین این کنفرانسها خواهند بود.

تعهد و اقدامات یاران در جوامع محلی تأثیر بسزایی در تحقق اهداف خواهد گذاشت. هر آنچه از طرف جوامع محلی ارائه می‌گردد، پایه فعالیتها و برنامه‌های مربوط به تحقق اهداف نقشه شش ساله را تسریع نماید. به بیان دیگر این برنامه‌ها باید شامل تبلیغ امرالله و ‎تشويد تشیید‎ معلومات و تربیت امری و برنامه‌های مربوط به جوانان و اطفال و خانواده‌ها باشد.

ذیلاً اطلاعات مربوط به بعضی از کنفرانسهای دوازده‌گانه درج می‌شود: ۱- کنفرانس بوستون در ایالت ماساچوست در روزهای ۸-۹ نوامبر سال جاری انعقاد می‌یابد. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با جناب جمشید آشوریان تماس حاصل نمایید. ۲- کنفرانس چاتانوگا در ایالت تنسی در روزهای ۱۲-۱۳ نوامبر سال جاری منعقد می‌شود. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با Lois Osborne تلفن شماره ۴۶۴-۷۶۸ (۶۱۵) تماس حاصل نمائید. ۳- کنفرانس سیاتل در ایالت واشنگتن در روزهای ۱۹-۲۰ نوامبر سال جاری تشکیل می‌شود. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با خانم مهناز جاوید تلفن شماره ۹۴۲-۷۲۱۶ (۲۰۶) تماس حاصل نمائید. ۴- کنفرانس هیوستون در ایالت تگزاس در روزهای ۷-۸ ژانویه سال ۱۹۸۹ منعقد می‌شود. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با Flo Wilson-Davis تماس حاصل نمائید. ۵- کنفرانس شیکاگو در ایالت ایلینوی در روزهای ۱۷-۱۸ دسامبر سال ۸۸ انعقاد می‌یابد. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با Lani Smith تلفن شماره ۷۵۰-۱۹۱۹ (۳۱۲) تماس حاصل نمائید. ۶- کنفرانس سن حوزه در ایالت کالیفرنیا در روزهای ۷-۸ ژانویه سال ۱۹۸۹ تشکیل می‌شود. برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با Ron Gilpatrick تماس حاصل نمائید.

PROJECT MASSACHUSETTS

چنانکه یاران عزیز مستحضرند، ایالت ماساچوست یکی از چهار محلی است که در طرح تبلیغ محلی ملّی در نظر گرفته شده است. در روز ۲۴ سپتامبر سال جاری عده‌ای از بهائیان این ایالت در جلسه‌ای که جهت مذاکره درباره مشروع ماساچوست منعقد شده بود، شرکت کردند. خانم دکتر آلبرتا دیز Alberta Deas عضو محترم محفل روحانی ملی نیز در این جلسه شرکت داشتند. در حال حاضر ۱۶ برنامه تبلیغ در سراسر ایالت ماساچوست در دست اجراء است.

THE ATLANTA CONFERENCE

یکی دیگر از نقاط چهارگانه‌ای که در طرح تبلیغی محفل روحانی ملی در نظر گرفته شده، شهر آتلانتا در ایالت جورجیاست. از تاریخ ۱۴ الی ۱۶ ژانویه سال ۱۹۸۹ دو واقعه مهم در شهر آتلانتا رخ خواهد داد. یکی از این دو، کنفرانس تبلیغی است که به اشاره محفل روحانی ملی تشکیل خواهد شد و دیگری يك راهپیمائی است که هر سال به افتخار دکتر مارتین لوتر کینگ صورت می‌گیرد.

احبای الهی در سه سال گذشته در راهپیمائی مذکور شرکت کرده و فرصت بسیار مناسبی جهت ابلاغ امرالله و نمودار ساختن وحدت در کثرت داشته‌اند. هر چه تعداد احباء در این راهپیمائی بیشتر باشد موفقیت اعلان عمومی امر مبارك نیز بیشتر خواهد بود. دوستانی که مایل به شرکت در کنفرانس تبلیغی یا راهپیمائی مذکور باشند می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با تلفن شماره ۰۷۲۱-۲۵۰ (۴۰۴) برای کنفرانس و با تلفن شماره ۷۷۱۲-۴۰۹ (۴۰۴) برای راهپیمائی تماس حاصل نمایند.

MESSAGE FROM WORLD CENTER

مقارن جشن‌های میلاد حضرت نقطه اولی در سراسر عالم موجب مسرت این جمع است که عده روزافزونی از جوامع ملی بهائی طرح‌های تبلیغی جدیدی را شروع نموده‌اند که منجر به تحقق وعده "يدخلون في دين الله افواجاً" خواهد شد.

گزارشهای واصله از ۳۵ محفل روحانی ملی حاکی است که جمع تعداد تازه تصدیقان از رضوان الی حال بالغ بر ۲۵۰ هزار گشته است. از فعالیتهای چشمگیری که در جهت تقویت جامعه صورت میگیرد کمال خوشنودی حاصل است زیرا حفظ و صیانت انتصاراتی را که با زحمت و کوشش فراوان نصیب گشته تأمین مینماید.

زمان مساعد است که یاران و محافل در اکناف عالم مجهودات فداکارانه و پرارزش خود را مضاعف نموده فکر و ذکر را متمرکز در فعالیتهای تبلیغی که حائز اهمیت تام است نمایند -- فعالیتهائی که مقدر است امر مقدس منجی امم را بآن دوره اقبال عمومی نسبت به ندای حیات بخش حضرت بهاء‌الله برساند که دیر زمانی است در انتظارش بوده‌ایم.

TEACHING AMONG THE BLACK PEOPLE

یکی از احبای سیاهپوست آمریکائی که در تعلیم و تربیت ید طولانی دارد نکات زیر را برای آگاهی کسانی که در صدد تبلیغ سیاهپوستانند، گوشزد نموده است: - سیاهپوستان را بهتر است با نام خانوادگی آنان و با کلماتی چون خانم و آقای ب مخاطب نمود. بسیاری از سیاهان به علل فرهنگی و سیاسی که از قبل در ایالات متحده وجود داشته، ترجیح می‌دهند که در ابتداء آنان را با نام كوچك خطاب نکنند. - در حین صحبت با سیاهپوستان باید از به کار بردن کلمات ساده و مفاهیم ابتدائی خودداری کرد، زیرا ساده‌گوئی در بسیاری موارد موجب رنجش آنان می‌شود و این تصور را در ذهنشان ایجاد می‌کند که گوینده آنها را عاجز از درك مطالب عمیق می‌داند. - در حین مکالمه با سیاهپوستان بهتر است که رو در رو با آنان سخن بگوید و در هنگام مکالمه به چشم آنان نگاه کنند. در فرهنگ سیاهپوستان نگاه نکردن به افراد در وقت حرف زدن با آنها، موجب رنجش آنان می‌شود. - بهتر است برای تبلیغ سیاهپوستان از نوارهای ویدیوئی که از طرف تشکیلات امری تهیه شده، استفاده شود. از جمله فوائد نوارهای ویدیوئی این است که در ضمن آنها مبتدیان سیاهپوست می‌توانند معاشرت و الفت بهائیان سفید و سیاه را به چشم ببینند.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR HONDURAS

احبای مینه سوتا مقداری مایحتاج و لوازم طبی را توسط دو هلیکوپتر به يك بیمارستان در کشور هندوراس ارسال داشتند. بیمارستان مذکور که "بیان" نام دارد توسط احباء اداره می‌شود. دو مهاجر بهائی، دکتر هوشنگ مهری‌پور و دکتر پری اسمیت Barry Smith دو پزشکی هستند که در بیمارستان بیان کار می‌کنند.

از جمله وسائلی که برای این بیمارستان فرستاده شد عبارت بود از دستگاه عکس برداری با اشعه ایکس، مقداری تشك و ملحفه، دو گهواره نوزاد، يك دستگاه تولید برق و سایر لوازم که از بیمارستان دانشگاه مینه سوتا گرفته شده بود. وسائل مذکور از مینه سوتا به تگزاس و از آنجا به هندوراس ارسال شد.

EXTENSION OF BAHÁ’Í ID CARD

بر طبق رأی محفل روحانی ملی اعتبار کارتهای بهائی که بنا بود از تاریخ ۳۱ اکتبر سال جاری منقضی شود، تا تاریخ ۲۱ اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۰ تمدید گردید. بنابراین تنها کارت معتبر بهائی کارتهای قرمز رنگ است که تاریخ انقضای آن ۲۱ اکتبر سال ۱۹۸۸ است. دوستانی که در صدد مسافرت به خارج از ایالات متحده باشند، می‌توانند از محفل روحانی ملی تقاضای معرفی‌نامه نمایند.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í IS CHANGING

همانگونه که ‎عزیزآن عزیزان‎ ایرانی ملاحظه می‌فرمایند قالب و محتوای نشریه "امریکان بهائی" دگرگون شده است. با تغییر و رشد و گسترش جامعه بهائی، نشریه رسمی آن نیز لاجرم می‌باید تغییر کند و رشد و گسترش یابد. اینک هیئت تحریریه جدید "امریکان بهائی" دست اندر کار است و راه و روشی نو به ارمغان آورده است.

مطالبی که در شماره‌های بعدی این نشریه درج می‌شود، تمرکز و تأکید بیشتری بر مسائلی خواهد داشت که ارتباط مستقیم با نیازهای جامعه امری ایالات متحده دارد. این مسائل عبارتند از: نقشه شش ساله، بنای ساختمانهای حول قوس کوه کرمل و پیام رضوان سال ۱۹۸۸. همچنین خلاصه‌ای از تصمیمات اساسی محفل روحانی ملی و مطالبی که از لحاظ اجتماعی مربوط به احباء و وضعیت جهان بطور اعم می‌شود در این نشریه منعکس خواهد شد و نیز مقدار بیشتری از نصوص ‎طلبات کلمات‎ مقدسه امر الهی در شماره‌های آینده "امریکان بهائی" درج خواهد گردید.

در مورد اخبار امری، به جای گزارش صرف این اخبار، به شرح و تفسیر آنها نیز پرداخته خواهد شد تا ارتباط این اخبار با اهداف امری روشن شود. همچنین از افرادی که به موفقیتهای تبلیغی دست یافته‌اند استمداد خواهد شد که علل توفیق این فعالیتها را در منطقه خود و نیز احتمال تکرار آن را در سایر جوامع امری بیان کنند.

البته هر گاه که روشهای جدیدتری اتخاذ شود، خط مشی‌های قبلی نیز مورد بررسی قرار خواهد گرفت و تغییرات مناسب صورت خواهد پذیرفت. هیئت تحریریه "امریکان بهائی" مترصد دریافت نظریات و پیشنهادهای خوانندگان است تا از برکت آنها این نشریه بارورتر شود و رسالت خود را در مورد تحقق اهداف امری این سامان ایفاء نماید.

PEACE FEST 88

جشنواره صلح از تاریخ ۱۶ الی ۱۸ سپتامبر سال جاری در مؤسسه لوئیس گرگوری در همینگوی واقع در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی برگزار شد. این جشنواره هر ساله از طرف مؤسسه مذکور و ایستگاه رادیوئی WLGT برگزار می‌شود.

گروه‌های مختلف بهائی و غیربهائی در مراسم امسال شرکت داشتند. "ارکستر صلح" یکی از گروه‌های بهائی شرکت کننده در جشنواره صلح بود که برنامه‌های موسیقی ویژه‌ای اجراء نمود. همچنین جناب کوین لاك Kevin Locke عضو هیئت معاونت با نواختن فلوت و اجرای رقص سرخپوستی معروف خود حضار را محظوظ نمود. سپس در یکی از مدارس حضور یافت و برنامه‌هائی برای ۶۰۰ دانش آموز خردسال سیاهپوست اجراء کرد.

روز یکشنبه جلسه‌ای تشکیل گردید و در طی آن سرکار خانم ویلما اليس Wilma Ellis عضو محترم هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای ‎بياناتي بیاناتی‎ درباره صلح اظهار داشتند.

AWARD FOR THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN INDIA

مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان بار دیگر يك جایزه بین‌المللی را از آن خود کرد. این جایزه از طرف مجمع "مهندسان متخصص روشنائی ابنیه عمومی" آمریکای شمالی برای کیفیت عالی نور و روشنی محوطه خارجی مشرق‌الاذکار اهداء گردید. جایزه مذکور طبق مراسم رسمی به النهایه از طرف مهندس فریبرز صهباء و جامعه جهانی بهائی دریافت گردید.

مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان به شکل نیلوفر آبی طرح شده و دارای نه جهت است. ۲۷ دیوار بتن و مرمر به ارتفاع ۴۲ متر به منزله گلبرگهای نیلوفر آبی در يك نقطه تلاقی سر به آسمان کشیده‌اند. تا کنون جایزه‌های متعددی از طرف مجامع معماری جهان به مهندس معمار ساختمان مشرق‌الاذکار اعطاء شده است.

معمار این بنا نورافکنهای آنرا طوری ترتیب داده که شبها وقتی چراغها بر ساختمان مشرق‌الاذکار نور می‌تابند چنین می‌نماید که کل بنا از آسمان آویخته شده است.

"AMERICA'S SPIRITUAL DESTINY" CONFERENCE

چهارمین کنفرانس سالانه گرند کانیون Grand Canyon با عنوان "سرنوشت روحانی آمریکا" از تاریخ ۲۲ الی ۲۶ دسامبر سال جاری در فینکس در ایالات آریزونا انعقاد خواهد یافت. شرکت در این کنفرانس برای همه یاران از هر سنی که باشند آزاد است.

در این کنفرانس دکتر امین بنانی و دکتر سهیل بشروئی و دکتر جین فیلی Jane Faily و دکتر ویلیام مکسول و عده دیگری از احباء از جمله ناطقین خواهند بود. علاقمندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند:

Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference P.O. Box 9961 Phoenix, Az. 85068 Attn: Conference Registrar. [Page 11]

10 YEARS AGO

Eskimos, Aleuts and members of 28 Indian tribes from Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the U.S. gather October 6-8 on the Yakima Reservation in White Swan, Washington, for the historic first North American Bahá’í Native Council.

The unprecedented conference, sponsored by the Continental Indigenous Council, is blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts.

Also present are Counselor Angus Cowan, members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the U.S., and Auxiliary Board members from all three countries. ...

As the number of recognized local Spiritual Assemblies in the U.S. nears 1,100 in mid-October, the National Spiritual Assembly and National Teaching Committee announce a goal of 1,200 Assemblies by November 12, the 161st anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.

1,400 local Assemblies must be formed by Ridván 1979 to win that goal of the Five Year Plan. ...

Reports from Georgia and South Carolina indicate that a fresh wave of teaching there has accelerated the pace of Assembly formations to as many as 13 a day.

Special teaching plans initiated by Counselor Hidáyatu’lláh Ahmadíyyih, who was sent by the Universal House of Justice to help the U.S. win its Five Year Plan goals, have enabled the friends in North Georgia to form an average of three new Assemblies each day, while in South Carolina up to 10 new Assemblies per day are reportedly being formed. ...

The Office of the Treasurer announces a special program to commemorate the anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birth. Called “A Special Gift for Bahá’u’lláh,” the program calls for individuals to make a special contribution to the National Fund in honor of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. ...

An intensive two-week teaching campaign by the Bahá’ís of Pinellas County, Florida, in their goal city of Seminole ends September 17 with a World Peace Day meeting at a park in Seminole.

Fifty people including five seekers attend the meeting. ...

A special plaque honoring its “outstanding organized support of Universal Children’s Day” is presented to the National Spiritual Assembly on behalf of UNICEF during a ceremony October 8 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. ...

On September 16, the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles County present a replica of an Aztec Calendar Stone to Plaza de la Raza, an educational center which serves as a focal point of Mexican-American community life, as a gift of friendship to the Mexican-American community of Los Angeles.

The Calendar Stone was reproduced originally for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art by David Villaseñor, a world-renowned sculptor, artist and sand painter who has been a Bahá’í for many years. ...

IN MEMORIAM

Eddie Adams Hopetown, SC 1976 Warren Adams Clewiston, FL Date Unknown Herman (Bob) Adducat Voorhees, NJ May 24, 1988 Enayatte Afaghi Beverly Hills, CA May 1988 Wesley Allen Yonges Island, SC Date Unknown Fakhri Arjomand Chicago, IL Date Unknown Millie Jo Austin Canton, GA Date Unknown Kaniz Bahereh-Rezvani Los Angeles, CA Date Unknown Beatrice Baker Italy, TX Date Unknown Daniel Baker Hillsboro, TX Date Unknown Lizzie Balentine Anderson, SC November 4, 1987 Ethel Barr Kingstree, SC 1986 Ocie Mae Bell Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Viola Bethea Floydale, SC August 12, 1988 Bertha Booker Kingstree, SC 1984 Henry Brown Johnsonville, SC Date Unknown Ike Brown Kingstree, SC 1987 Loretta Brown W. Florence, SC January 1988 Mood Brunson Sumter, SC Date Unknown ‎Lazorus Lazarus‎ Bryant Lane, SC Date Unknown James Burgess Washington Park, FL Date Unknown Mary Cain Lane, SC Date Unknown Janice Canada Brooklyn, NY Date Unknown George Cannady W. Elloree, SC Date Unknown Doris Cano Cambridge, MA July 30, 1988

Beatrice Charles Hoptown, SC Date Unknown Mattie Coates Detroit, MI Date Unknown Lita M. Coble Lincoln Park, MI Date Unknown Arthur Collier Wells, SC Date Unknown Stephen Connor Shaker Heights, OH Date Unknown Kevin Conway Woodgate, NY Date Unknown Israel Cooper Kingstree, SC 1983 Eloise Copeland St. Charles, SC Date Unknown Annie Crawford Harlem, FL August 1987 Dolly C. Crow Charlotte, NC August 8, 1988 Danny Daniels Hillsboro, TX Date Unknown Andrew Davis Friendship, SC 1986 Mary Elizabeth Davis Pinewood, SC Date Unknown Gerome Dibble Elloree, SC Date Unknown Essie Dickson Lane, SC Date Unknown Queenie Dixon Cherokee County, GA Date Unknown Lattie Evans Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Elizabeth Eccleston Rivervale, NJ August 1988 Maude G. Fields Greensboro, NC April 1988 Jerry Fisher Greenville, TX Date Unknown Anna Fore Mayesville, SC Date Unknown Malashia Fortune St. Charles, SC Date Unknown Mamie Fryerson Kingstree, SC 1986 Grace Fuller Eutawville, SC Date Unknown Leah Fullmore Cades, SC Date Unknown

Lauria Fulmore Kingstree, SC 1982 James Fulton Kingstree, SC 1984 Irene Gaddy Finklea, SC Date Unknown Beatrice Gaetano Phoenix, AZ July 3, 1987 Calvin Gary W. Florence, SC Date Unknown Willie J. Grace Washington Park, FL Date Unknown Janie Green Plantersville, SC Date Unknown Rebecca Harrison Blenheim, SC Date Unknown William Hannah Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Millie Harris Teaneck, NJ July 31, 1988 Thomas Harrison Darlington, SC Date Unknown Christina Hartman Aurora, CO September 27, 1988 Leroy Hawkins Greenville, TX Date Unknown Joe Hawkwing Wanblee, SD December 27, 1982 Luther Hayes Corsicana, TX February 1988 Walls Hemingway Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Thelma Hickman Nichols, SC Date Unknown Maria Holmstrom Chitna, Alaska August 6, 1988 Rodney Hoyle Phoenix, AZ Date Unknown Catherine D. Huff Teaneck, NJ September 6, 1988 Lindberg Hunter Kingstree, SC 1978 Annie R. Jackson Plains, GA Date Unknown Levi Jackson Atlantic Beach, SC Date Unknown Samuel Jackson Clewiston, FL Date Unknown Tedell Jackson Waskom, TX Date Unknown

Lizzie James Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Janet Jenkins Blenheim, SC Date Unknown John I. Johnson Waskom, TX Date Unknown Cora Jones Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Eloise Jones Green Sea, SC Date Unknown Harold Jordan Hillsboro, TX Date Unknown Del Russo Joseph New York, NY Date Unknown Sie Jowers Preston, GA April 1988 Ruby Kirkland Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Leo B. Kneer Evanston, IL July 1988 Ethel Koblentz Savage, MD Date Unknown Dora Lamb La Ceiba, Honduras August 14, 1988 Bobby J. Lewis Italy, TX Date Unknown John L. Lewis Hickory Hill, SC Date Unknown Alfred Lindsay Darlington, SC Date Unknown Carla Lott Pahokee, FL 1987 Melvin Lowrie Kaufman, TX Date Unknown Callie Mae Luster Waskom, TX Date Unknown Rosetta Madison Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Wilson Marvin Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Clifford McConnell Lemoyne, PA August 2, 1988 Henry McFadden Lone Star, SC Date Unknown Willie Mae McNeil Lane, SC Date Unknown Martha McRae Blenheim, SC Date Unknown Josh Meyers Lone Star, SC Date Unknown

Ida Merchant Manning, SC Date Unknown Marcel Mihaeloff Lausanne, Switzerland September 1, 1988 Stephanie Millson Concord, NH September 7, 1988 Verta Montgomery Hillsboro, TX Date Unknown Mary Moore Britton’s Neck, SC Date Unknown Alex Morris Nesmith, SC Date Unknown William Morris Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Francis Morant Lane, SC Date Unknown Nathan Moses Pinewood, SC Date Unknown Lizzie Mosley Corsicana, TX Date Unknown Wilson Murry Yonges Island, SC Date Unknown David Nesmith Muddy Creek, SC Date Unknown Eliza Nesmith Kingstree, SC Date Unknown Willie Nesmith Kingstree, SC 1984 Jerry Norris Anderson, SC Date Unknown Taj Attar Notghi Agoura Hills, CA July 18, 1988 Mary Oliphant Cayce, SC Date Unknown Venita Perry Fayetteville, NC August 10, 1988 Mardell Petras Green Bay, WI Date Unknown Bahieh Petsef Ridgewood, NJ July 10, 1988 Abraham Pinter Pahokee, FL Date Unknown Salmon Pollard Italy, TX Date Unknown Arthur Rachels Las Vegas, NV August 7, 1988 Dowlat K. Rahmati Hollister, CA August 16, 1988 Lillian Riemland Morro Bay, CA June 1988

Ada Ricks Mayesville, SC Date Unknown James Richburg Kingstree, SC Date Unknown Jamsheed Rowhani El Paso, TX October 23, 1987 Mattie Russell Anadarko, OK April 22, 1987 Joe Samuels Pee Dee, SC Date Unknown Celestine Smith Darlington, SC Date Unknown Stephen Perlow Kingstree, SC August 24, 1988 Sylvester Stanley Sellers, SC Date Unknown Peter Strobert Beaufort, SC August 1988 Paul W. Sydman Milwaukee, WI September 1988 William F. Terry Louisville, KY June 30, 1988 Thomas Turner Nesmith, SC Date Unknown Paul Vogel Gresham, OR January 1988 Milton Walker Italy, TX Date Unknown Richard Wells Anaheim, CA September 13, 1988 Ada B. White Unity, SC 1987 Jack White Vance, SC Date Unknown Dale Whiteman Brook, IN June 5, 1988 Elizabeth Williams Bend, OR September 23, 1988 Janet Williams San Francisco, CA August 6, 1988 Walter Williams Corsicana, TX Date Unknown Robert Wilson Champaign, IL 1988 Genmett Wood Cowpens, SC August 30, 1988 John Yates St. Croix, VI July 1, 1988

Donald Vahid Kinney, 77, ‘living treasure’ who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A memorial service for Donald Vahid Kinney, one of a narrowing group of “living treasures” who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to North America in 1912, was held August 27 at the Wilhelm Bahá’í properties in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Mr. Kinney died August 20 at the age of 77.

He was born Donald Purdy Kinney on February 18, 1911, a little more than a year before ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in New York City and spent considerable time at the home of his parents, Edward and Carrie Kinney, who had become Bahá’ís in 1896.

While there, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave each family member a Persian name. Donald was named Vahid after one of the Letters of the Living, early followers of the Báb.

As a child, his playmates included Mary Maxwell, now known as the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, and the late Hand of the Cause Paul Haney.

After service in World War II, Mr. Kinney moved near the Wilhelm properties in Teaneck, and together with Curtis Kelsey extended and modernized the properties.

With David Ruhe, now a member of the Universal House of Justice, he helped establish the first Bahá’í Audio-Visual Aids Committee.

Mr. Kinney also served on the Western Hemisphere Committee and on the Spiritual Assemblies of Teaneck and Bergenfield.

In May 1987, he was honored by the National Spiritual Assembly with others who had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. [Page 12]

Youth Week of Service, ‘Peace Vigil’ sponsored by Bahá’ís of Mishawaka

Young Bahá’ís prepare to undertake a work project at a park in Mishawaka, Indiana, during a week-long Bahá’í-sponsored Youth Week of Service and Peace Vigil.

On July 5-10, the Bahá’ís of Mishawaka, Indiana, sponsored a Bahá’í Youth Week of Service and Peace Vigil as part of the Jane Rowe Teaching Project.

To start the week, the mayor of Mishawaka was given a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.” Directors of each of the city’s departments were on hand for the presentation.

Afterward, 17 youth from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Connecticut, St. Lucia Island and Trinidad worked for one day each at a local shelter, a community center, a zoo and two city parks. The director of each organization was given a copy of the peace statement.

Six peace groups, a local musician, and the public were invited to attend the first two hours of the Peace Vigil at the Mishawaka Japanese Peace Garden.

Forty people, seven of whom were not affiliated with the Faith or a peace group, attended.

Later, Bahá’ís continued the vigil in their homes until 8 a.m. the following day.

Articles and photographs about the project appeared in two local newspapers, and a total of 45 minutes on three television stations was given to the Bahá’ís to talk about aspects of the peace message, the International Youth Conference, the week of service, and the Peace Vigil.

Retired educator shares some thoughts on teaching Faith to urban, rural blacks

A retired educator, who is black and has been a Bahá’í for several years, was recently asked to share his thoughts on teaching the Faith to black people. Here is a summary of his comments:

Many blacks resent being called by their first names upon first meeting. In the South, where black adults were not considered “men,” whites never called them Mr. _____ or Mrs. _____; they were always called by their first names.

It is better, then, to call a black person Mr. _____ or Mrs. _____ until you are invited to call them by their first name. When you know them well enough, you may ask if you may do so.

Do not feel that the Faith must be taught by using “elementary” words to explain concepts. While it may be true that many rural blacks are illiterate and need certain terminology to be simplified, it is disastrous to feel that all seekers would need such fundamental explanations.

Urban blacks, for the most part, can understand the basic Bahá’í principles in everyday language. Be careful not to insult seekers by “talking down” to them.

When talking face-to-face, seek to establish eye contact during your presentation. In the American black culture it is considered insulting not to look directly at people while talking with them. However, one must not go to the other extreme by “staring people down”—that might be considered threatening.

Make use of the many good video tapes such as “To Move the World,” “The Promise of World Peace,” “Peace ... The Promise,” “The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction,” and so on, to teach all strata of blacks, especially those who are illiterate or semi-literate, since they have difficulty with the printed word.

An advantage of teaching through videos is that the seeker is able to see black and white Bahá’ís actually consorting with one another on the tapes—and, as some wise person once said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Stay in touch with seekers after they enroll. Call or visit them once in a while. Make them feel welcome into the community, and they will begin to consider themselves a part of it.

Often, the black friends miss the spiritually uplifting songs that were sung in their former churches. Structure deepenings, Feasts and other Bahá’í gatherings so that singing is included.

Be prepared to sing some good old spiritual music once in a while. Many spirituals that do not emphasize Jesus as the Savior for this day are appropriate.

Faith proclaimed on cable television in Corpus Christi

The Faith is being proclaimed four times each week in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area via half-hour programs on local public access cable television.

The series “The Spiritual Revolution” is presently being seen following several weeks in which “The Light of Bahá’u’lláh” was broadcast.

Bahá’ís take active role at Global Peace Conference in Dallas

Among those taking part in ‘Global Peace ... from Vision to Reality,’ an International Women’s Conference held August 8-12 in Dallas, Texas, were Bahá’ís (left to right) Karen Sawhill, Carol Trout, Rúhíyyih Jahanpour, Ann Jones, Shiva Tavana and Jackie Oswald.

Individual transformation, the development of peaceful qualities and skills in conflict resolution, was the message that more than 1,000 women from all over the world shared at a Global Peace Conference held August 8-12 in Dallas, Texas.

The conference theme was “Global Peace ... from Vision to Reality.”

Women from 62 countries and all 50 states in the U.S. came together to continue the process of building a world “in which we can resolve our differences without killing one another.”

Each conference session began with an hour of music, dance, song and poetry.

Plenary speakers included Dr. Ruth Barnhouse (“Peace, the Universal Yearning”); Dr. M. Scott Peck (“The Technology of Peacemaking”); and Dr. Lia Golden of the Soviet Union who said we must change our mentality, our psychology to make global peace a reality.

The conference also featured a variety of workshops and daily work sessions for international delegates.

Bahá’í women from all over the world were there as participants, delegates, facilitators and workshop presenters, making up 10-20 percent of the total number attending.

Four of the seven women in the Irish delegation were Bahá’ís including one from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

On August 11, those at the conference learned about the Faith and the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran when Rúhíyyih Jahanpour spoke for 10-15 minutes as part of a six-member panel on “peace-making in some of the world’s tension spots.”

She told the story of her own imprisonment and torture in Iran solely because of her religious beliefs, and also explained the concept of progressive revelation.

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 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES and I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.