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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh Volume 19, No. 4 — April 1988

Mr. Sears is speaker at Council Fire, praises destiny of American Indians

The 25th Commemoration Council Fire, “Circles of Peace,” held during Ayyám-i-Há near Tucson, Arizona, was blessed by the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears.

At least 20 Indian tribes from all over the U.S. were represented among the 500 people who gathered for the event.

Mr. Sears spoke to them about the special destiny promised to American Indians and reminded them of the promises of victory made by Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb.

Other highlights were an extended discussion of alcoholism, presentations on the importance of unity in the family in the scheme of world peace, a traditional Indian meal, and a pow-wow at which the attendees danced to Navajo and Apache singers and drummers in the desert evening.

Mr. Sears and his wife were present on both days of the Council, much to the delight of those who had come there from many areas of the country.

As Counselor Fred Schechter introduced Mr. Sears, he helped educate his audience about the significance of the station of the Hands of the Cause of God, saying we are much too close both in time and presence to have even the faintest appreciation of the bounty of this sacred institution of our beloved Faith.

In his talks, Mr. Sears often read quotations from the Sacred Texts about the importance of teaching the Cause.

The friends also heard a moving account of the contributions of the Bahá’ís in Iran to the establishment of the Faith around the world, and a presentation in dance and words of the importance of all

See COUNCIL page 2

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears speaks at the Council Fire ‘Circles of Peace’ held near Tucson, Arizona.

Committee on Women holds 1st regional conference in Atlanta

The first in a series of conferences on the equality of men and women sponsored by the Bahá’í National Committee on Women was held February 20-21 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Each of these conferences is to focus on a particular minority group. The first one, held during Black History Month, was directed toward black women.

The keynote address, “The Black Woman: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” was given by Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Among the more than 150 attendees were Dr. Beverly Sheftall, director of the Women’s Center at Spelman College whose department co-sponsored the conference; Alice Nightingale, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas; and several students from the college.

During the conference, a proclamation from Andrew Young, the mayor of Atlanta, was read proclaiming “Bahá’í National Committee on Women Weekend” in that city.

There were 11 workshops on various topics relating to women and equality, three of which were conducted by Auxiliary Board members: Jack Guillebeaux, Mary K. Radpour and William Roberts.

Entertainment was supplied by singer-actress Ladjamaya who gave a dramatic presentation entitled “The Black Experience: A Cry for World Peace”; singer/guitarist Mary Davis; and santour player Rouhullah Mahmoudzadeh.

A sizeable number of seekers

See SPELMAN page 4

Noticias y reportes en Español en la página 16

National Assemblies discuss collaboration at D.C. meeting

Representatives of six National Spiritual Assemblies met February 18-21 in Washington, D.C., and New York City to discuss areas of collaboration and implementation of external affairs activities within their respective countries.

The conference was a follow-up to an historic gathering last November in which members of 18 National Assemblies were invited by the Universal House of Justice to meet in Germany to discuss the relationship of National Spiritual Assemblies to their governments.

Among those present at this second series of meetings were the secretaries of five National Spiritual Assemblies: Dr. Hossain Danesh, Canada; Francois Petit, France; Christopher Sprung, Germany; Hugh Adamson, United Kingdom; and Robert Henderson, United States.

Also attending were Counselor Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community’s office in New York; Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and director of its Office of External Affairs; Christine Hakim-Samandari, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland; Wytze Boz, the Bahá’í International Community’s human rights representative in Geneva; and Nancy Ackerman, director of the Office of Public Affairs in Canada.

While in Washington they attended a luncheon with U.S. government officials including Richard Schifter, the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, and members of his staff and congressional aides.

The meetings themselves, which were held at the National Assembly’s Office of External Affairs in Washington, D.C., called to discuss areas of collaboration and implementation of external affairs activities within their respective countries.

Washington and the Bahá’í International Community’s offices in New York, were a further historic step in the emergence of the Faith from obscurity.

The participants agreed that they could feel a greater sense of the Bahá’í world community and the need for closer cooperation among the various National Assemblies.

Representatives of National Spiritual Assemblies and Counselor Wilma Brady (left, back to camera) are pictured during a conference February 18-21 in Washington, D.C., called to discuss areas of collaboration and implementation of external affairs activities within their respective countries.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada is pleased to announce the opening in September of the Maxwell International Bahá’í School, the first secondary academic Bahá’í school in North America. The school, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, will be a co-ed residential school of the highest moral and academic standards. First-year students will be accepted for grades seven, eight and nine; the school will add one or two grades each year until it can offer a full college preparatory program, grades seven through 12. The International Baccalaureate, which is accepted at all major universities around the world, will be the terminal diploma for its academic program. Parents interested in obtaining further information should send a letter of inquiry to the Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Box 370, Shawnigan Lake, B.C. ‎VOR 2WO V0R 2W0‎ Canada.

Bahá’ís welcomed by rights committee

Following a recent race amity workshop sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Indianapolis, the Bahá’ís were asked to become members of the Indiana Interreligious Committee on Human Equality and the Institute of Cultural Affairs.

The Bahá’ís also were asked to present the workshop to a neighborhood association.

12 Bahá’ís are acquitted in Egypt

The National Spiritual Assembly has confirmed the acquittal February 17 by the Egyptian Court of Appeals in Cairo of 12 Bahá’ís who were among 48 convicted last May 11 of allegedly violating a law banning Bahá’í activities in that country and sentenced to three years in prison.

Others of the original 48 were scheduled to be re-tried in March.

The National Spiritual Assembly issued a statement saying it was delighted with the outcome of the hearing and expressing its gratitude to the U.S. government, which through the Department of State and Congress brought its concern for the Egyptian Bahá’ís to the attention of the country’s government officials, and to other governments who put forth efforts on behalf of the Egyptian Bahá’ís.

The National Spiritual Assembly added that it was pleased to see Egypt’s tradition of religious tolerance upheld and her record of fair treatment of religious minorities maintained. [Page 2]

Spread the Promise of Peace

One heart at a time the Bahá’í Faith

Kevin Locke, a Lakota Indian from South Dakota, plays the flute during the 25th Commemoration Council Fire held in February near Tucson, Arizona. More than 20 Indian tribes were represented among the 500 people at the event.

Even though most of those at the Council Fire had to leave before its actual closing, the final "circle of peace" in which everyone had an opportunity to shake hands and speak to everyone else, lasted for nearly an hour.

The Bahá’ís of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, have found a billboard company that will accept free of charge ready-to-use artwork (such as that shown here) for display on unrented boards so they won't be blank during that period. The company has boards in many communities. For information, write to Spud Grammar, Hamilton, NJ 08610, or phone 609-888-0118.

the circles of peace and the unity of those circles as they form the greater circle of humankind.

The group discussion on alcohol, which lasted nearly three hours, was attended by a majority of those at the Council Fire. Discussed was the importance of understanding alcoholism by the Bahá’í community, as it affects not only the individual but the family and community.

People talked about ways in which the family could begin to heal and how sobriety could be supported by the community. Also discussed at length was the importance of getting beyond denial by one's family and community.

Everyone had an opportunity to see the making of a sandpainting with a presentation that combined statements of traditional Navajo belief and the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh concerning healing.

Many of the children visited a nearby museum of the desert while parents attended the discussion groups. Others took part in more traditional Bahá’í school activities.

Highlights of the evening programs included a demonstration of several dances by an Apache drum group whose members were all under 18 years of age; an "old-timers" drum group composed primarily of Navajos and spontaneously pulled together during the pow-wow; a demonstration by the Pine Spring Singers (Navajo children) of traditional Navajo social dancing; and a hoop dance performed by Kevin Locke.

The park ranger at the picnic and camping grounds asked permission for a Boy Scout troop that was using a part of the campground and for other families camping there to attend the pow-wow.

All of those attending were invited to participate in the dances and did so, apparently amazed and delighted by the unity.

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

The love of God, free choice, and obedience

There is a fascinating relationship between the love of God, the freedom to make choices, and the devoted obedience to His Commandments.

On the surface, the intellectual exercise of the freedom to choose our behavior according to our own will and an unquestioning obedience to the laws of God's Manifestation seems irreconcilable. If we have free choice, why should we continually relinquish our own desires and subject our personal wills to the Will of God?

Let us attempt to understand this seeming contradiction. A major function of our Holy Writings is to reconcile the irreconcilable, to take us out of our confusion, and to open our eyes to the truth.

The relationship of a human being with God begins with the recognition that God is All-Loving, All-Powerful, and All-Knowing. It is at this first step that the individual makes his supreme choice to believe, to accept, to forge a personal bond with his God, to feel at one with all that God has created.

It is here that faith is enkindled and a fire begins to blaze that energizes the soul along its spiritual journey toward God. It is in this early stage of belief that "the most great law" begins to rule the embryonic relationship of a human with the Creator:

"Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly Cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the diverse elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directs the movement of the spheres in the celestial realms." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Divine Art of Living, p. 108)

It is this love, this living link with God, that becomes the motivating and sustaining force of one's spiritual quest:

"Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker's heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being." (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-fgán, pp. 195-96)

When the supreme choice of recognition is made, it is love that makes obedience to the laws possible, because where there is true love, there is no other choice, there are no real alternatives, there is only one Beloved, and all that matters is His good-pleasure.

It is this unconditional love for the Beloved that makes possible the surrender of free choice for true liberty. In this state, obedience to God is the soul's supreme wish:

"There is no paradise, in the estimation of the believers in the Divine Unity, more exalted than to obey God's commandments." (The Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, p. 79)

When obedience is based on "the most great law" of love, rather than on fear of retribution or expectation of reward, the soul has put its spiritual foundation on solid bedrock:

"Say: From My laws the sweet smelling savour of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of Victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed My creation these words: 'Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.... By My life! He who hath drunk the choice wine of fairness from the hands of My bountiful favour, will circle around My commandments that shine above the Dayspring of My creation.

"Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. To this beareth witness that which the Pen of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, O men of insight!" (Bahá’u’lláh, Synopsis and Codification of the Aqdas, p. 12)

The interrelationship of love, choice and obedience becomes clear in the realization that it involves a magnificent interplay of exchanges.

On the one hand, there is the infinitely exalted Creator, Whose love flows to humanity through His Manifestation.

On the other is the object of His love—a finite human aspiring for transformation from a mere handful of dust to an immortal gem. For this process to succeed, the individual must make his choice freely. He is never forced into having faith, nor can he ever be coerced into belief.

But once the supreme choice of the recognition of God and His Messenger is made, the individual becomes like a traveler who has found "the straight and far-reaching path."

There is no need at all to make any further choices that might cause him to leave this safe and secure path; there is no point in entering blind alleys or taking false detours. Indeed, it would be illogical not to choose the path of obedience once the primary choice of recognition of the All-Wise has been made.

Who else but the Manifestation of God for this day can show us the best way to conduct ourselves so that we may have the genuine inner peace, harmony and happiness we all seek? Once we have experienced these bounties, we would not want to deprive ourselves of them through negligence or disobedience.

For the rest of one's life in the physical realm, every choice is then weighed with the unerring balance-scale of love and obedience for the Beloved, and all subsequent choices are made under the shadow of the original faithful acceptance of the Manifestation. Then, the soul will assuredly reach the summit of its glorious destiny.

It is in this spirit that the Writings are replete with exhortations of love and devotion. As love for the chosen Beloved increases, every minute decision and action comes to be considered in the light of His Standard and good-pleasure.

This surrender to His wishes will energize every possible good deed and guard against any and all that are abhorrent to Him.

The soul will then voluntarily carry out its spiritual obligations such as twice-daily recitation of the Creative Word, the saying of the obligatory prayer, the observance of the fast, service and obedience to the Administrative Order, teaching, contributing to the Funds.

Such a soul will actively explore every possible avenue of doing what would please the Beloved, and would refrain from all that is repugnant to Him.

He will constantly deepen himself in the Writings and aim to apply them more and more in his daily life. He will not wait to be exhorted by others to do what is already revealed by the Beloved, but will eagerly and with great joy sacrifice his own desires and comforts.

The true lover need never be asked twice; having submerged his free will into the Greater Will, he has made the supreme choice.

This month's column, "Love of God, Free Choice, and Obedience," was written by Khalil and Sue Khavari of Bayside, Wisconsin. [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

'Penny an hour' for Fund

To the Editor:

When I read the message of the Universal House of Justice about the completion of the Arc, I felt how lucky I am to be alive in this age and to have the chance to take part in such a beautiful and important project. What a bounty and what a joy!

I am certain that all Bahá’ís around the world have either the same or similar feelings about this great step in the course of Bahá’í history. I have no doubt that all believers wish sincerely to contribute to the Fund.

But in reality, we see that our own National Spiritual Assembly here in the U.S. does not receive adequate contributions from the friends.

What is wrong? I think the problem lies in a lack of discipline and commitment.

Frankly, I am tired of hearing about "sacrifice." I feel pain when I see that we in the U.S. are not even close to being a Bahá’í community with a sacrificial attitude and desire.

Granted, there are a healthy number of believers who give generously to the Fund on a regular basis, and I am certain that they do it in a spirit of sacrifice. But the National Treasurer's reports always show that we are not doing enough.

I am an accountant, and working with numbers is part of my life. So let's play with them now:

We have about 100,000 believers in the U.S. If each adult Bahá’í were to set aside only one penny for the National Fund each hour of his or her life, on an annual basis the National Spiritual Assembly would receive—believe it or not—$9,125,000!

How? There is no magic or gimmick. Turn on your calculator and do the following calculations:

One penny per person per hour equals 24 cents per day. Let's round the figure off to a quarter a day per person. Twenty-five cents per day times 365 days each year equals $91.25.

$91.25 times 100,000 (the number of believers in the U.S.) totals $9,125,000!

Can we really consider one penny an hour for the Fund a "sacrifice"? If so, how can we begin to describe the sacrifices of the martyrs in Iran or those of the Bahá’í pioneers all over the world?

Just think how we can serve the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh financially when we truly become a community with sacrificial attitude and desire.

Amir Venus Paradise Hills, New Mexico

Moderation is best path

To the Editor:

Regarding Wallace Pryor's letter (November '87), I was pleased to see the information on vegetarianism clarified.

Certainly a vegetarian diet, or any other aspect of our worldly existence, should not be all-consuming. Moderation is always the standard.

It is human nature to oppose a truth that you may not at first understand. Opposition to the Faith is a good example of that.

For those who think that vegetarianism is a "hippie" phenomenon from the 1960s, and proceed to type-cast anyone who is a vegetarian, they had better renew their outlook because it may be defective in other areas.

After the Industrial Revolution there began a rapid increase in such relatively rare (until then) diseases as cancer, etc.

Medical experts, in seeking the causes, observed many unaffected peoples around the world. What they found was that those who were relatively free from cancer ate much more grains, fruits and vegetables.

What the doctors found absent in their diets were high quantities of sugar, salt and fats. Meat consumption was low.

Disease arises from extremes of eating in these food categories.

We all strive for a spiritual attitude, a positive outlook, hopefully, pure and unrefined foods, and enough exercise to keep us happy.

Timothy A. Jones Fillmore, California

The Master in New York

To the Editor:

While researching material for New York City's 75th anniversary commemorative booklet, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York, the City of the Covenant, I found many discrepancies in the books already published, and had to do a detective job to correct them.

Some of the errors found their way into the calendar of events published in The American Bahá’í. I direct your attention to the period of November 23-26 which includes the Day of the Covenant:

• Monday, November 25, was a busy day for the Master including His talk at the Minerva Club, instead of November 26 as in the calendar.

Tuesday, November 26, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was at the Kinneys' and had the official translation of the Tablet of the Branch worked out, sternly checking sentence after sentence, for publication on December 1 (the delay probably occurred because of Thanksgiving on November 28).

On June 19, in His residence on 78th Street in New York, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had proclaimed His station as Center of the Covenant and had an "on-the-spot" translation of the Tablet of the Branch read as confirmation of His station. Subsequently, and because of His historic proclamation, New York was honored with the title "City of the Covenant."

From a study of the events of 1912, it is clear that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was well aware of the significance of each of His actions and utterances, particularly during his long stay (85 days) in New York City.

Therefore, it is significant that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had chosen November 26, the Day of the Covenant, for this translation and in the City of the Covenant. It was the conclusion of His purpose in this city.

This is an historic event that should be remembered in this country and should enhance the celebration of the Day of the Covenant, which in my experience is sorely neglected and misunderstood.

In New York City we are trying our best on this day, and of course in 1987 emphasis was placed on the events of 1912. We had announcements in several newspapers and had a full house at the celebration including 25 first-time visitors to the Center, which is unusual for a Bahá’í holiday.

Eliane A. Hopson New York, New York

'12 Steps' in Writings

To the Editor:

For those who have been working on a "12 Step Program," I would like to share the 12 steps I have found in the Bahá’í Writings. I believe them to be a wonderful spiritual exercise.

1. Noonday prayer. 2. "Thy Name is my healing." 3. "O God, refresh and gladden my spirit...." 4. "Thy heart is My home...' 5. "Noble have I made thee...' 6 and 7. "Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words..." 8 and 9. "The most beloved thing in My sight is justice...." 10. "Bring thyself to an accounting each day..." 11. "Meditation is the door to the Kingdom..." 12. "Magnify My Cause ..."

Joan Taylor Phoenix, Arizona

Raising 'color-blind' kids

To the Editor:

The other day I was watching a friend's six-year-old play with her Barbie doll.

It brought back some lovely memories, because I too had had a Barbie doll, and for a time it was my favorite toy.

It also brought back to me the realization that my Barbie doll had been black (I happen to be white). My Bahá’í parents had gone to the trouble to ensure that I had a selection of dolls, books, games and other toys that represented all races.

I am writing with the hope that other Bahá’í parents will take this same trouble. Children, as we know, learn an immense amount through play.

I know I can truly say that I loved that doll. As we all strive to meet the "most challenging issue," let's help our children meet it, too, with an opportunity to learn love through play.

Joy Gannaway Canary Islands, Spain

December issue 'inspiring'

To the Editor:

At a January Town Meeting in Chico, California, the secretary of our District Teaching Committee cited many articles from the December 1987 issue of The American Bahá’í as examples of teaching projects we might want to study for ideas to use locally.

It was inspiring to have the paper used in this way, as a sort of sounding-board, and it was just such a purpose that was discussed at our original Town Meeting in June 1986.

In mentioning this, I am fully aware that such a purpose is always a part of the publishing of teaching news (if not stated explicitly, then surely it is understood) and that each person who reads the paper may use the ideas.

It simply felt good to be present when the paper was mentioned in this way and an aspect of its importance recognized.

Laurel West Kessler Shingletown, California

Can 'separate' be equal?

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to L. Byron Hopper's letter (January) protesting against "meetings that exclude half the members of our communities."

The equality of men and women was proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, reinforced by the Central Figures of the Faith, and expounded upon in the Writings.

In practice, whether in the U.S. or in any other part of the world, Bahá’í women do not have equal status with men. This is a fact, supported by extensive statistics and data gathered and available from the Bahá’í World Center on the membership of National Assemblies and other Bahá’í institutions, and the offices held by women and men.

I cannot help but wonder why for so many years the men in our communities have not taken the initiative to actively encourage the growth and development of women as full participants at all levels of Bahá’í community life, which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says is so important for the establishment of a peaceful world civilization.

For years the question of equality between women and men has been seen as the sole responsibility of women; they were to make themselves equal.

Now that women themselves have taken the initiative, we look forward to receiving praise, encouragement and support from the men, as well as to their participation.

We also look forward to the day when the many "male only" or "male-dominated" Bahá’í events that still take place regularly, and that exclude half the members of our communities, will be loudly protested against by our Bahá’í brothers.

Two recent examples will suffice: the appointment of an all-male Restoration Task Force for the Green Acre Bahá’í School, founded by Sarah Farmer; and the annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Princeton, New Jersey, which featured a program of keynote speakers that was predominantly male, with but one or two exceptions.

Shiva Tavana Norwalk, Connecticut

(Recommendations of women to serve on the Restoration Task Force are welcomed by the National Properties Committee.—Ed.)

To the Editor:

In response to L. Byron Hopper's letter (January) about separate meetings of various groups within the Faith, I believe that the idea behind those kinds of meetings should be clarified.

The idea is not to deliberately exclude other groups on a permanent basis; a women's conference, a Native Council or a men's group is usually set up to discuss the issues and concerns of particular interest to that group and, ultimately, to break down those established barriers that tend to keep us apart.

Minority groups and women often feel isolated and even controlled by the dominant group.

The coming together of Bahá’í women or blacks for a few hours...

New from George Ronald, Publisher

The first in the new series Global Transformation, **Radio Bahá’í, Ecuador** looks at a Bahá’í development project that helps preserve the traditional music and culture of the country people of Ecuador, as well as serves the needs of local Bahá’ís.

215 pages, 6 illustrations Softcover $17.75

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

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

Buzurg Alavián was a prominent member of the Iranian Bahá’í community. Born in Qá'im Shahr, he was a descendant of one of the dauntless, erudite martyrs of the Faith, Mullá Alí Ján, celebrated for his conviction and bravery: when he saw the gallows on which he was to be hanged, he ran toward it.

A civil engineer, Mr. Alavián managed one of the largest construction firms in Iran. His company undertook a number of major projects including the complex for the Arya Mihr Institute of Technology, the most respected technical institute in the country.

Mr. Alavián enjoyed high professional regard. Often, projects were given to him without even obtaining bids from other companies by various individuals, companies and government agencies.

His integrity and competence earned him such confidence that even after the Islamic Revolution swept Iran in 1979, the new regime gave his company construction projects, one of which was completed during the time that Mr. Alavián was in prison.

He had already established residence in Canada when the new regime came to power. He decided to return to his homeland because he believed that he could contribute his professional skills toward fulfilling the needs of that country, while at the same time lending moral support to the afflicted Bahá’í community.

A fearless, well-disciplined and trustworthy man, Mr. Alavián served the Cause in any way he could.

His dedication to the Faith is manifested in the charges brought against him by a Revolutionary Court. In the bill of indictment, the charges include:

a. Membership in the Bahá’í central command in Tehran (i.e., the local Spiritual Assembly of Tehran).

b. Close relationship between the accused and an American member of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel.

c. Complete obedience to the House of Justice in Haifa....

As the charges leveled against him show, he served on the local Spiritual Assembly of Tehran where he rendered many of his valuable services to the community.

One day, while Mr. Alavián was in prison, one of his friends paid him a visit. He suggested to Mr. Alavián that, since his execution was almost certain, he should find some way to escape from the prison.

"I have the means to escape from Iran," Mr. Alavián replied convincingly, "but I do not fear these people."

Mr. Alavián was executed in Tehran on June 22, 1981. He is survived by his wife and their three sons.

Anniversary luncheon

The Bahá’í community of Glenview, Illinois, is holding a 25th anniversary luncheon on May 29.

If you were once a member of the Glenview community, please contact Mrs. Beatrice Somerhalder, Glenview, IL 60025, or phone 312-729-0056.

'Boldness, Love' propel Women's Conference in Issaquah, Washington, above all aspirations

The "Greater Boldness, Greater Love" Women's Conference held February 20-21 in Issaquah, Washington, not only met but surpassed all the aspirations of its planning committee.

The committee had hoped to attract up to 150 people; the opening day saw an audience of 300. A thrill of confirmation was felt from the first moment to the last goodbye.

The conference was opened by mistress of ceremonies Pasha Mohajer-Jasbi who introduced Auxiliary Board member Marchia Morey.

Next, Mayor A.J. Culver of Issaquah greeted the conference, presenting his views on partnership effectiveness in the workplace and at home.

One of the speakers each morning was Dr. Jane Faily, a clinical psychologist from Canada and former member of that country's National Spiritual Assembly.

Other weekend speakers included Opal Conner, Ted and Olga Ruys, Dr. Lee Piper and Ernestine Berkey.

During break times, Mike Tanaka fed piped-in music, while live music was present via the talented voice of Bobbie Branch and the sophisticated viola duo, Dyring and Ramee.

The group "Phoenix" entertained during the Saturday evening Peace Panel session with their sounds of harmony and oneness. And the conference was richly blessed with the gospel sounds of M.L. Johnson.

The peace panel included three non-Bahá’ís: Father Joseph McGowan of Seattle University, Helen Strickland of "Peace Child," and Ellen Reichman of Bellevue's Jewish Day School. Completing the panel was Bahá’í Rouha Rose.

Other elements contributing to the success of the conference included an extensive library provided by Joann Jaques and Erich Reich, a donation box for a local center for the handicapped, a special display table for items of interest, a most helpful Holiday Inn staff, and, most assuredly, the prayers and guidance of the sponsoring Spiritual Assembly of Squak Valley.

National Assembly of Leeward Islands to host September women's conference

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward Islands is hosting a Women's Conference September 9-11 in Antigua.

People are being invited from all Bahá’í communities in the Caribbean; the Women's Affairs Office of CARICOM; the Women's Affairs Office of the Commonwealth Secretariat; the Inter-American Commission of Women in Washington, D.C.; and many other women's organizations and religious groups.

The conference will cover such topics as Family Life, the Sanctity of Marital Relationships, Child Care and Discipline, Women and Children and the Law, Violence in the Home, Alcoholism, Consultation in the Family, the Woman's Role in the Home, Women as the Educators of Our Future Society, Building Self-Esteem, Equality, Work Ethics, Stress Management, and Women and the Community.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Spelman

GILES

Pictured are many of the more than 150 participants in the conference on equality of men and women sponsored by the National Committee on Women and held February 20-21 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Susie Bishop)

Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux and Fafar Guillebeaux, a member of the National Committee on Women, conduct a workshop, 'Balancing the Scales of Sexual Equality within the Marital Relationship,' during the conference on the equality of men and women held February 20-21 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Susie Bishop)

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heard a fireside talk given by Christine Rayner, a member of the National Committee on Women.

The conference theme was also carried through to the children's classes.

Mr. Guillebeaux closed the conference with a talk entitled "Birth Pains of a New Civilization."

Afterward, a telegram citing highlights of the conference was sent to the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel.

Terri Earl presents a workshop entitled 'The Pupil of the Eye Meets the Broken Wing, or Efforts to See and Fly Simultaneously' during the conference on the equality of men and women held February 20-21 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and sponsored by the National Committee on Women. (Photo by Susie Bishop)

CONVEY JOYOUS TIDINGS 150 SOULS ATTENDING HISTORIC CONFERENCE SPELMAN COLLEGE ATLANTA GEORGIA FEBRUARY 20-21 SPONSORED BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL COMMITTEE WOMEN. EVIDENCES ALREADY VISIBLE SUCCESSFUL GATHERING HISTORIC BLACK EDUCATIONAL EDIFICE FOUNDED 1881 PARTICIPANTS DIRECTOR AND CO-SPONSOR OF CONFERENCE, WOMENS STUDY DEPARTMENT, DEANS HONORS PROGRAM COLLEGE, MEMBER NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, DR. ALBERTA DEAS, 3 MEMBERS AUXILIARY BOARD, AND MANY BAHÁ’ÍS. ATLANTA MAYOR ANDREW YOUNG PROCLAIMING BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON WOMEN WEEKEND ACKNOWLEDGING BLACK HISTORY MONTH. CONFERENCE SPIRITS UPLIFTED ARTISTIC PRESENTATION.

BESEECH SUPREME INSTITUTION SUPPLICATE HOLY THRESHOLD THAT CONFERENCE EFFECT MIGHT WELL PLEASE BLESSED BEAUTY, INCREASE VICTORIES, ADVANCE PRINCIPLE EQUALITY SEXES, LIBERATING MEN AND WOMEN FETTERS IN EQUALITY PRESENT SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON WOMEN FEBRUARY 22, 1988

KINDLY CONVEY BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON WOMEN OUR GREAT PLEASURE AT RECEIVING THEIR MESSAGE REPORTING SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE SPELMAN COLLEGE. WHOLEHEARTEDLY APPLAUD THEIR VIGOROUS INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE PRINCIPLE EQUALITY MEN AND WOMEN. ASSURE THEM OUR ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES THAT IMMEASURABLE PROGRESS MAY REWARD THEIR HIGHLY VALUED ENDEAVORS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE FEBRUARY 29, 1988

Atlanta TV station broadcasts feature on Iran persecutions

On January 26, WAGA-TV in Atlanta broadcast a feature story about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran as seen through the eyes of some who were fortunate enough to escape to the West.

The feature, which began with a prayer chanted in Persian by Gonar Motahar, was narrated by Carmen Burns, a Bahá’í in Atlanta who is a reporter for the TV station.

Mrs. Motahar's daughter, Nary, spoke of the constant fear the family lived in before their escape. She also talked about Mona Mahmudnizhad while clips of the video, "Mona," were shown.

Also included was a part of the Critical Issues Forum at Northside High School at which Bahá’í Parisa Izadi described conditions in Iran: the attacks, destruction of homes and shrines, and loss of jobs by Bahá’ís. She emphasized the willingness of Bahá’ís to die rather than recant their Faith.

Bahá’ís interested in Traveling Teaching in Mexico, please contact: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039. [Page 5]

Spokane's new Service Committee carries Faith to community groups

The Service Action Committee, formed last year by the Spiritual Assembly of Spokane County (Washington) CCD No. 2 to be of service to organizations whose goals are similar to those of the Faith, has been quite busy since then carrying out its mandate.

In August, the committee took part with other groups in a Peace March to commemorate the bombing in 1945 of Hiroshima, Japan.

About 20 Bahá’ís wearing Bahá’í T-shirts and buttons were seen on the local television news and sang a "unity" song in which everyone at the march took part. The SAC hopes to have a Bahá’í on the planning committee for the 1988 event, which is to be sponsored by the city of Spokane. A Bahá’í speaker has already been asked to present "The Promise of World Peace."

On December 10, the committee joined the United Nations Association of Spokane and a dozen other organizations in sponsoring a Human Rights Day event at the Jewish Temple Beth Shalom.

Bahá’ís presented gifts of 90 hand-colored buttons which read, "Celebrate the Unity of Mankind." The program was designed and printed by the Bahá’ís as a gift to the event, and a Bahá’í musical group, "Kabundda," closed the program by singing "We Are the World."

On January 17, the SAC sponsored a celebration of the birthday anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an international potluck dinner, a panel discussion on the theme "Martin Luther King's Dream," and musical performances.

The panel consisted of three blacks and one Native American, two of whom were not Bahá’ís. About 50 adults and 15 children including 15 non-Bahá’ís attended.

The SAC also provided $60 for the Martin Luther King Center's annual Christmas dinner for the needy and is working on providing tutors for children at the King Center.

The SAC is getting to know prominent people who are members of black organizations, and would like to help sponsor a Race Unity Day event on June 14.

Juarez Bahá'ís seek help to man booth at annual city fair

The Bahá’í community of Juarez City, Mexico, will be renting a booth at the annual city fair June 18-July 5 to promote world peace. This effective method of proclamation has allowed many people to learn about the Faith and its teachings.

The Bahá’ís of Juarez would like people to come and help man the booth. Some knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not essential.

Anyone who is interested in helping with the fair booth is asked to contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039.

Hidden Words

"O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting." Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, No. 1

Dallas media campaign targets Metro buses

The Bahá’í Office of Public Information of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, recently completed a successful media campaign in which Bahá’í signs were placed on the exterior of local Metroplex buses.

Members of the committee designed, developed and produced the signs over a six-month period.

The theme, "Unity in Diversity," was inspired by the principle of the unity of mankind. Pictured was a group of area Bahá’ís of diverse ages and ethnic and racial backgrounds including black, white, Hispanic and Asian.

The colorful signs, bright and easily noticeable, also included a telephone number for people interested in more information about the Faith.

Eighty bus signs were distributed and displayed in Dallas and Fort Worth last October. Many of them have remained on buses in the months since then based on advertising availability.

The media campaign coincided with the annual Texas State Fair held each year in Dallas.

The Bahá’ís of Duncanville, Texas, sponsored a large booth that included the bus sign presentation to more than three million visitors to the fair.

As a result of the State Fair proclamation, about 120 people signed Bahá’í interest cards.

HOW TO GIVE TO THE BAHA'I FUNDS

WHEN YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO:	YOU SHOULD:	TAX DEDUCTIBLE	EXAMPLE
**LOCAL BAHA'I FUND**	(A) Make check payable to "Your community Bahá’í Fund"; Pay to Local Bahá’í Fund treasurer.	YES	Pay to Local Bahá’í Fund for Baha'i ID No.
**NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND**	(A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091."	YES	Pay to National Bahá’í Fund for Baha'i ID No.
**CONTINENTAL BAHA'I FUND**	(A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Earmark for "Continental Fund"; (C) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund, Wilmette, IL 60091."	YES	Pay to National Bahá’í Fund for Continental Fund Baha'i ID No.
**BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL FUND*** ...as part of NSA pledge	(A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Attach note you "wish donation to be part of NSA pledge" (See example on back)**; (C) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund." ** This step is essential to count as part of pledge.	YES	Pay to National Bahá’í Fund for International Fund Baha'i ID. No.
...over & above NSA pledge	(A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Attach note you "wish donation to go to International Fund"; (C) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund." Checks from Bahá’í Groups or LSAs only need to be earmarked "International Fund."	YES	Pay to National Bahá’í Fund for International Fund Baha'i ID. No.
...restricted for construction of Arc only	(A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Attach note you "wish donation for Arc"; (C) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund." Note that, as of this printing, the NSA has not established a pledge or budget specifically for the Arc. [Checks from LSAs only need to be earmarked "ARC."]	YES	Pay to National Bahá’í Fund for International Fund

• Checks made payable directly to "Bahá’í International Fund" (unrestricted or earmarked for the Arc), are NOT tax deductible. Checks made payable to the "National Bahá’í Fund" for International Fund without an accompanying note saying "I wish this donation to go to..." are also NOT tax deductible.

[Page 6]

Conferencia de jóvenes en Indiana enfocará en importancia de este Día

Una de las oportunidades para la mayoría de los jóvenes de reunirse, conocer nuevos amigos Bahá’ís y consultar sobre como avanzar el progreso de la Fe Bahá’í será durante la Conferencia Internacional de Jóvenes en Bloomington, Indiana, comenzando el 30 de junio hasta el 4 de julio de 1988.

Esta triple conferencia, para niños y adultos también, enfocará en el significado de la siguiente cita de las Escrituras:

"No hay tiempo que perder. No queda lugar para la vacilación. Las Multitudes están hambrientas por el Pan de Vida. El escenario está montado."

Esta conferencia promete inspirar, dando énfasis, a discusiones en grupos sobre el significado de este Día, de la Revelación de Bahá’u’lláh, y el servicio de la Causa.

Se espera tener muchos jóvenes de alrededor del mundo que se reunirán durante esta conferencia para compartir su amor, madurez y unidad.

Para más información sobre la conferencia, por favor comuníquese con el Centro Nacional Bahá’í al 312-869-9039 o escriba al: Bahá’í National Center, National Youth Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Bahá’í among 10 finalists: Council of Women presents 'Conscience' award

On March 2, the U.S. National Council of Women presented the 1987 "Woman of Conscience" award during a dinner at the United Nations in New York.

The recipient was the Rev. Susan D. Johnson, the first black woman pastor in a Baptist church in New York state and in any American Baptist Church nationwide.

Juana Conrad, a Bahá’í from California who is the founder and president of Women for International Peace and Arbitration, was one of this year's 10 finalists.

Among the 24 women previously honored are anthropologist Margaret Mead, author Rachel Carson, author and aviation pioneer Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and Barbara Jordon, the first black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

The Bahá’í National Committee on Women is one of 34 member organizations of the National Council of Women, which was founded in 1888.

A charter member of the UN Non-Governmental Organizations, the Council works to support the UN as an instrument of world communication and world peace.

This year, Mary Sawicki Power was named to the Council's executive committee. Ms. Power is also a representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the UN and deals primarily with women's issues.

WHEN YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE

PERSIAN RELIEF FUND (A) Make check payable to "National Bahá’í Fund"; (B) Earmark for "Persian Relief Fund"; (C) Send to "National Bahá’í Fund."

HUQUQU'LLAH (A) Make check payable to "Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust"; (B) Send payment directly to one of the Huququ’lláh Trustees (listed in The American Bahá’í).

BAHÁ’Í ID NO.: Remember to include your Bahá’í ID Number on all checks and correspondence.

CASH CONTRIBUTIONS are also welcome. Enclose note with appropriate instructions.

RESIDENTS OF LSA OR REGISTERED GROUP JURISDICTION: If you reside in a community with a Local Spiritual Assembly or a registered Bahá’í Group, contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund, Continental Fund, or National Bahá’í Fund may be made by one check payable to your local Bahá’í Fund with the appropriate instructions to your local treasurer. This allows your local treasurer to send one regular check to the Bahá’í National Center reducing processing time and expense.

AUTOMATIC CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM (ACS): ACS subscribers may earmark for any of the Funds noted above except Huququ’lláh. Contact the Office of the Treasurer for details.

GIFTS OF SECURITIES, PROPERTY, GIFTS-IN-KIND: If you wish to donate stocks, bonds, other securities, insurance, property, art objects, jewelry, or other gifts-in-kind, contact the Office of the Treasurer to discuss.

EXAMPLE OF NOTE TO ACCOMPANY CONTRIBUTION TO BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL FUND (MAKE COPIES AS NEEDED) I, ___________ ID# ___________ wish that the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States favorably consider using $ ___________ of this contribution for (Check either unrestricted or restricted gift):

Bahá’í International Fund (Unrestricted) If this note accompanies an unrestricted gift for the Bahá’í International Fund, check one below: Consider this donation part of the NSA's pledge to International Fund. Consider this donation over and above NSA's pledged amount.

Bahá’í International Fund (Restricted for construction of Arc only) Note: Your receipt will say "National Bahá’í Fund."

Prepared by the Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. (312) 869-9039 3/88

'Earth Is One Country' theme of N. Mexico's 'Fiesta of Friendship'

"The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens" ("La tierra es una sola pais y la humanidad sus ciudadanos") was the theme of the fourth annual Fiesta de la amistad (Fiesta of Friendship) held January 31 and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Anthony, New Mexico.

After enjoying foods from several countries, the more than 200 people at the festival listened to lovely traditional music of Mexico performed by professional singer Santos Olivas, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Anthony.

A slide program on the Bahá’í Faith in the Holy Land was presented in Spanish by Lupita Ahangarzadeh and in English by Dina Afsahi, both of whom had come from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to take part in the festival.

Nine youth ages 10-15 from the Tigua Indian Reservation in El Paso, Texas, then performed a 45-minute program of traditional dances and explained the tribe's history and its search for acceptance.

The Tiguas have only been officially recognized as an American Indian tribe within the last 15 years.

Banners bearing the legend "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens" were presented to Sharon Rios and Judy Shapiro of El Paso for the work they and their peace group had done to make people aware of the need to establish world peace.

The banners were made by Marna House, a Bahá’í from Canutillo, Texas.

At least 15 people came to the festival as a result of extensive advertising in Spanish and English in seven newspapers and on radio and television.

The Assembly in Anthony took full charge of the event, organizing and introducing the program, serving food, entertaining, and teaching the Faith.

¿Quieres ayudar promover paz mundial en Juárez, Méjico?

Cada año la comunidad Bahá’í de Ciudad Juárez, Méjico, alquila un local en la feria anual de la ciudad para promover paz mundial.

Este método de proclamación ha probado ser muy efectivo, y ha dado a conocer a mucha gente sobre la Fe Bahá’í y sus enseñanzas.

Los Bahá’ís de Ciudad Juárez estarán alquilando el local para la feria este año, comenzando el 18 de junio hasta el 5 de julio de 1988.

Cualquier persona interesado en ayudar los esfuerzos de la enseñanza en Juárez, por favor de comunicarse con el Centro Nacional Bahá’í al 312-869-9039 o escriba al: Bahá’í National Center, Office of Pioneering, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 7]

Purdue performs

Good news! The Bahá’í Club at Purdue University is back in action!

Since the fall of 1987 they have been engaged in the following activities: they showed the filmstrip "Out of God's Eternal Ocean" in honor of the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, a celebration attended by Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís; sponsored T-shirt sales at various school functions and used the sales as teaching opportunities; and displayed monthly showcases in the Purdue Student Union.

New action in New Orleans

The College Club at the University of New Orleans, the only registered Bahá’í Club in Louisiana, has not only been holding its own, but showing the whole state what the Bahá’ís can do.

During the fall '87 semester they were involved in a number of projects and events. For example:

The club had two showings of the video "The Promise of World Peace" in honor of the UN International Day of Peace, and eight non-Bahá’ís attended.

They also showed the video "Unity in Diversity" in November. To raise some funds, the club held a bake sale at which almost 20 people asked about the Faith, and the members became distributors of "Mankind Is One" sweatshirts, T-shirts and posters for Reflections at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

As if that weren't enough, they donated a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" and a two-year subscription to World Order magazine to the university library, helped in the school's Thanksgiving food drive, and held an end-of-semester barbecue attended by club members and guests.

This semester the club has planned to attend a basketball game together wearing Bahá’í shirts; hold another bake sale; present an architectural film on the House of Worship in India; sponsor a talk on the equality of women and men; and host a panel forum entitled "Peace... More Than an End to War" with speakers on the role of women in peace, the elimination racism-a key to world peace, and world peace through a new World Order.

And these are only the major events they have planned!

Peace Fair '88: "Bringing people together"

The Bahá’í Club at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) is co-sponsoring a major peace event on its campus.

The theme of "Peace Fair '88," which was to be held April 21, is "Bringing People Together" and, appropriately, the goal was to bring together off-campus groups and on-campus organizations.

Co-sponsors of the event are the Bahá’í Club, Beyond War, and SEED (Students Encouraging Education and Development).

Excitement grows as Youth Conference nears

The International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, which is anticipated to be the largest gathering of Bahá’ís in North America between now and 1992, is fast approaching.

The conference is to be held June 30-July 4, and now is the time to start preparing for it.

First, fill out and send in the registration form included in the March issue of The American Bahá’í.

Remember, it is necessary to start saving money and planning for transportation to and from the conference. Also, remember to bring a friend of the Faith; imagine the impact of this tremendous gathering of uplifted people on these interested souls.

A highlight of the conference is a dynamic, full-stage performance on the life of Táhirih, which is to be presented by students at the Louhelen Bahá’í School and by several friends of the Faith.

Other exciting events include an opening night social, a candlelight vigil, a Fund run (once you have registered for the conference, you'll be sent a pledge sheet for the Fund run), and a Peace Banner project.

The purpose of the peace banners is to use them for teaching and proclaiming the Bahá’í concept of world peace. The banners will be used before, during and after the conference.

To take part in the project, all you have to do is make a banner or banners. They should be 3 feet tall by 5 feet wide and represent the theme(s) of peace. Please attach ribbons to the corners of the banner(s) so that several can be tied together.

A lively educational program, based on the conference theme, is being planned to help the children realize the importance of their role in the progress of the Faith.

The children's conference will include learning center activities such as working with personal computers.

There will also be creative arts activities involving music, dance, art and crafts.

With the children taking an active part in the program, a unique conference is also being readied for the parents who will deal with issues of concern to Bahá’ís who are responsible for raising up a new generation of servants for the Blessed Beauty.

Scholarships to the conference are available for those who need financial help. To apply for one, contact the National Youth Committee office; forms will be sent to your appropriate local institution where scholarships will be negotiated.

The Youth Committee strongly encourages everyone to consider joining a service or teaching project in connection with the conference.

Other teaching projects will be held in the Caribbean, Central and South America, along with three traveling teaching caravans from the conference to the International Youth Conference in Juarez, Mexico, on July 22-24.

If you plan to do any international traveling, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Services for the hearing impaired will be available at the conference. Those who would like to know more about this are asked to contact Ron at 313-973-8008 V/TDD for the eastern U.S. or Victoria at 702-588-4613 TDD for the Western states.

A special reunion will be held at the conference for all former Bloomington residents attending.

Assembly Hall at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, site of plenary sessions during the Bahá’í International Youth Conference to be held June 30-July 4 at the university.

For more information, contact Fred Stewart, Bloomington, IN 47401, or phone 812-339-3552.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help at the conference in security, registration, with children's activities (home room teachers, learning center teachers, stage hands) and in other areas.

If you are interested in volunteering, please mark the appropriate box on the registration form, and please do not forget to add your phone number. It is essential for us to get in touch with you.

The National Youth Committee has put together a dynamic conference program for you. Our hope is that you will be able to join us and to contribute your efforts to truly convey the significance of this Day in which "the stage is set for universal, rapid and massive growth of the Cause of God. ..."

'Let's All Get Involved' was the theme and the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears the featured speaker at a regional mini-youth conference held October 30-November 1 in Tucson and sponsored by the District Youth Committee of Southern Arizona. Mr. Sears met each of the 50 young people from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California, all of whom agreed that the event was helpful in deepening their understanding of the Faith through talks and workshops. The National Youth Committee was represented by Jennifer Brannan of California.

Want booth space at Conference?

Any individuals or companies who would like to be considered for a sales booth at the International Bahá’í Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, this summer should contact the Bahá’í Distribution Service in writing.

Space for booths is limited, and applications should be received no later than May 15. There is a charge for booths, and a percentage of sales will be returned to the National Youth Committee to defray conference expenses.

What is special message, mission of Cause of God for Bahá’í youth?

All of the quotations in the following article can be found in the compilation "Arise to Serve." If you would like a copy, please write to the Bahá’í National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. It is a compilation for youth, about youth, to be studied by youth.

"This Cause... has a special message and mission for the youth..."

What is that mission? What does our Faith call on us to do? What is that "special message"?

"From the very beginning of the Bahá’í Era, youth have played a vital part in the promulgation of God's Revelation. The Báb Himself was but 25 years old when He declared His Mission, while many of the Letters of the Living were even younger."

We are told that "it is very important to extend the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh amongst the youth, as it is through their activities that the Cause of our Beloved Master (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) will in future spread all over the American Continent. They have upon their shoulders all the responsibilities for the progress of the Movement (the Bahá’í Faith). ..."

So, we know that it is the youth who will play a major role in spreading the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. What will your role be?

Why is it the special responsibility of youth to share the Faith with the people of America?

We are told that it is the youth who have the qualities of an adventurous spirit, vigor, alertness, optimism, strength, and who have not acquired the responsibilities of a family or long-established home or job. They are content with the bare necessities of life, are able to endure inhospitable and arduous conditions, and are freer to move than the older believers. These qualities are unique to youth and enable them to shoulder "all the responsibilities for the progress of the Movement."

It is the ardent hope of the Universal House of Justice that the youth and young adults will arise into the field of action "as unrestrained as the wind."

It is not the role of youth to be grand administrators; it is rather their role to share the teachings with their friends, to serve on projects, travel and teach at home and overseas, to deepen, pray and meditate.

Other avenues of service include their becoming "truly distinguished among men by your sanctity" [Page 8]

A review of the new compilation on 'Trustworthiness'

This review of "Trustworthiness: A Cardinal Bahá’í Virtue," a compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í Writings prepared by the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center, was written by ‘Abdu’l-Missagh and Marilyn Ghadirian and appeared first in Bahá’í Canada, Vol. 9, No. 11 (January 1988).

To the Bahá’í community, surrounded by a world engulfed in materialism, the Universal House of Justice has presented a new compilation on the subject of "trustworthiness."

In doing so, that august body draws the attention of the Bahá’ís to this important subject with the following statement: "It is of vital importance that the Bahá’í standard of trustworthiness be upheld at this time when the House of Justice has offered the Bahá’í experience to the world as a model for study in its search for peace."

The compilation comprises excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi on "trustworthiness." These are drawn from many sources, including previously untranslated Tablets and letters. Bahá’ís are encouraged to "study carefully" these Writings and to apply them in their personal lives.

Although each Bahá’í will find in this compilation his or her own "favorite" extracts, there are several themes that stand out in bold relief.

One is the relationship between trustworthiness and the peace and security of the world, as stated by Bahá’u’lláh:

"The first, the fundamental purpose underlying creation hath ever been, and will continue to be, none other than the appearance of trustworthiness and godliness, of sincerity and goodwill amongst mankind, for these qualities are the cause of peace, security and tranquillity...." and "Trustworthiness is the greatest portal leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people."

The importance of this cardinal virtue is depicted in this statement by Bahá’u’lláh:

"Were a man in this day to adorn himself with the raiment of trustworthiness it were better for him in the sight of God than that he should journey on foot towards the holy court and be blessed with meeting the Adored One and standing before His Seat of Glory."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá shows this importance in another light:

"If a man were to perform every good work, yet fail in the least scruple to be entirely trustworthy and honest, his good works would become as dry tinder and his failure as a soul-consuming fire.

"If, on the other hand, he should fall short in all his affairs, yet act with trustworthiness and honesty, all his defects would ultimately be righted, all injuries remedied, and all infirmities healed. Our meaning is that, in the sight of God, trustworthiness is the bedrock of His Faith and the foundation of all virtues and perfections."

Trustworthiness is an essential quality for the proper functioning of relationships among people. Bahá’u’lláh writes:

"I counsel you, O friends of God, to comport yourselves with the utmost trustworthiness in your dealings with my servants and people....Be ye repositories of the trust of all men."

He particularly invokes this virtue in the area of work:

"We have enjoined all to become engaged in some trade or profession, and have accounted such occupation to be an act of worship. Before all else, however, thou shouldst receive, as a sign of God's acceptance, the mantle of trustworthiness from the hands of divine favor; for trustworthiness is the chief means of attracting confirmation and prosperity. ..."

Work, however, is not the only area in which the quality of trustworthiness is called for. The Guardian writes:

"In their home, ... in the daily conduct of business transactions, the community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh should satisfy themselves that in the eyes of the world at large and in the sight of their vigilant Master they are the living witnesses of those truths which He fondly cherished and tirelessly championed to the very end of His days."

The role of trustworthiness in teaching is clearly defined by the Guardian:

"The victory of God's Faith is dependent on teaching; and teaching is conditional upon righteous actions and goodly deeds and conduct....

"People have grown weary and impatient of rhetoric and discourse....In this day, the one thing that can deliver the world from its travail and attract the hearts of its peoples is deeds, not words.

"In all matters, great or small, word must be the complement of deed, and deed the companion of word."

So important is this virtue that the Guardian goes as far as to say:

"...it is only when the Bahá’ís are able fully and befittingly to distinguish their characters by the adornment of these virtues that they will appear before the eyes of the world in a worthy and appropriate manner and that the name of Bahá’u’lláh will set the universe ablaze."

Committee on Women sets Phoenix conference

The National Committee on Women is sponsoring the second in a series of regional conferences on the equality of women and men April 29-30 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The first such conference, held in February in Atlanta, drew more than 200 people from as far away as Bermuda and the Bahamas.

The Phoenix conference, directed primarily toward Hispanic and American Indian women, will feature a keynote address by Jaci Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Included will be a panel discussion followed by an open microphone question-and-answer session with members of the National Committee on Women: Juana Conrad, Marcia Gitchell, Steven Gonzales, Ruby Gubatayao, Fafar Guillebeaux, Alonzo Nesmith and Christine Rayner.

Workshops, also geared toward Hispanic and Native American women, will be presented by, among others, Alice Bathke, Manuela Villanueva, Elizabeth Dahe, Francene Marquez Loper, Sandy LeBeau, Roberta Maull, Dr. Eileen Lori, Dr. Farshad Agahi, Joe Monteau and Ruby Gubatayao.

A special workshop for young people will be conducted by Ms. Maull, a member of the National Youth Committee.

Overnight accommodations are available at the Metro Center-Courtyard, 9631 N. Black Canyon, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Rooms are $48 each and can accommodate up to four persons. For reservations, phone 602-944-7373. Be sure to tell them you are with the Bahá’í group.

If you wish to share a room, it is up to you to find your roommates. Reservations must be made with the hotel, not with the committee.

Conference reservations are limited to 150 women on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve space, please fill out the reservation form below and mail it as soon as possible to Steven Gonzales, 1010 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823.

If you need airport pickup, phone Behzad Mowzoon in advance at 602-381-0311. The charge for the trip from the airport to the Metro Center-Courtyard is $9 each way per person (normally $20) by bus or taxi. Identify yourself as a Bahá’í to receive the special rate.

PLEASE RESERVE MY SPACE AS ONE OF THE 150 WOMEN ATTENDING THE PHOENIX REGIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Name ________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

Telephone Number including area code please _________________

Mail to Steve Gonzales, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 Clip out and mail TODAY

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

• • Boy Scouts:**
• Counselor's Guide: $2.00
• Program Booklet (Tiger Cub and Cub Scout): $2.00
• Program Booklet (Boy Scout): $2.00
• Program Booklet (Varsity Scout and Explorer): $2.00
• Award pin (Cub Scout): $5.00
• Award pin (Boy Scout): $8.00
• Parent's Tac (Cub Scout): $2.00
• Parent's Tac (Boy Scout): $3.00

• • Girl Scouts:**
• Counselor's Guide: $2.00
• Program Booklet (Brownie Scout): $2.00
• Program Booklet (Junior Girl Scout): $2.00
• Program Booklet (Girl Scout): $2.00

Note: Girl Scouts award pins will be available soon.

Total Price (includes handling charges): ___________

Name ________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City ____________________ State ________ Zip __________

Please make checks payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund." Send orders to: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Attn: Committee on Scouting

Series of parties marks 90th birthday of Bahá’í poet Helen Underhill

A series of parties was held last August to celebrate the 90th birthday of Helen Underhill, a Bahá’í from Newtown, Pennsylvania, whose first book, God Speaks and Other Poems, was published two years ago on her 88th birthday.

The first of these gatherings was held at the home of John and Annamarie Honnold. It was Mrs. Honnold who introduced Ms. Underhill to the Faith more than 30 years ago.

A second party was held at the home of Ms. Underhill's goddaughter, Mahin Motlagh, in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and a third at the home of Stephen and Mary Ann Sewell in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Underhill, who still travels extensively to teach the Faith, plans soon to publish a second book of her poetry.

International Picnic to be held in Ontario

A second Bahá’í International Picnic will be held June 26 at Queenstown Heights Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Last year's picnic drew around 700 people; the Spiritual Assembly of Niagara Falls, which sponsors the event, hopes to double that number this year.

NOTICE

LOOK FOR SUMMER SCHOOL SCHEDULE IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í [Page 9]

Archaeological study under way at Green Acre School

EDUCATION

A special archaeological study is under way at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, as a preliminary step in restoring the Sarah Farmer Inn.

Carpenter Associates Inc. of New Hampshire has been contracted to carry out the research project and to prepare a detailed report with accurate documentation of all pre-existing conditions going back to the Inn’s construction in 1889.

As previously announced in The American Bahá’í, the Sarah Farmer Inn is scheduled for extensive renovation work to begin next October. Preservation of its structural history is considered to be an important aspect of the project.

The Inn is one of the oldest structures in North America to serve the Bahá’í Faith. A thorough investigation from roof to cellar by Carpenter Associates will establish what parts of the building are original and what areas have been altered.

The research team will then select specific sections for intensive probing to reveal unknown facts and eliminate guesswork.

Other details of the work include taking paint samples to determine original colors and finishes, analyzing materials used in the original construction, documenting added features such as electricity, plumbing or changes in the floor plan, and even digging in the cellar to find the original foundation.

The researchers will then proceed to contact historians in the area to validate their findings.

In addition, several volunteers have been searching historical records locally and at the National Bahá’í Archives in Wilmette to collect further information.

When the report is complete, this authentic history of the Inn will be used by architects in their design plans and will be preserved for the archives and historical researchers of the future.

The fund-raising effort is closing in on the $100,000 mark toward raising the $1.1 million needed by September 30 to begin construction work.

While the fund-raising has been entrusted by the National Spiritual Assembly to the Bahá’ís of the Northeastern states, Bahá’ís everywhere are invited and encouraged to contribute to this noble cause.

Contributions earmarked for the Green Acre restoration can be sent to the National Treasurer’s Office or sent directly to: Restoration Fund, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

Should you wish to know more about any of the work being done at the Green Acre School, drop us a note or phone 207-439-7200 and we’ll be happy to add your name to our newsletter mailing list.

The Sarah Farmer Inn at Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, which is soon to be restored as part of a long-range restoration program at the school.

Popovs to conduct marriage enrichment seminar at Bosch

“Traps, Tips and Triumphs in Nurturing Marriage in the Light of Unity,” an enrichment for couples at the Bosch Bahá’í School on May 27-30, will be led by Dan and Linda Popov, psychologists and business consultants, teaching skills to meet the communication challenge in marriage and family life.

The session, to be held in the lovely Santa Cruz Mountains, begins with registration Friday, May 27, and ends with lunch on Monday, May 30.

To register, send a deposit of $30 per couple to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or use a charge card by phoning 805-423-3387.

Atmosphere ‘covered with God,’ Hindu leader wrote

Swami Vivekananda among Green Acre’s many famous visitors

The Green Acre Bahá’í School in Maine has a rich history of representing all of the world’s religions. Among the many illustrious visitors to Green Acre in the school’s earliest days was the Swami Vivekananda.

Billed as a “Hindu Prophet” by American tabloids of his time, he was a respected leader and exponent of the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism.

His path first crossed Sarah Farmer’s at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where the first public mention of the Bahá’í Faith in the West also occurred.

Miss Farmer invited the Swami to Green Acre the following summer, when the program advertised that he would offer lectures on “The Religion of India.”

In fact, he went a good bit farther, imparting ideas of a more universal nature to the then eclectic gatherings which frequently included spiritualists, magnetic healers, and advocates of metaphysics.

Typical of the teachings he espoused were exhortations to recognize the equality of women in the eyes of God, to work toward ending extremes of wealth and poverty, and to strive to manifest the universal brotherhood of all men (from the booklet, “Thus Spake Vivekananda”).

In the course of his lectures, the Swami also expressed the Vedantic view of the oneness of religion. A record of one such talk describes it as a defense of Muhammad, delivered by a Hindu to a Christian audience.

During his stay at Green Acre in the summer of 1894, Swami Vivekananda could frequently be found in his flowing red robes and yellow turban, seated cross-legged under “the Pines,” sharing his teachings with the audience that thronged around him, sometimes meditating there quietly, sometimes sleeping in this favorite spot.

He was greatly enamored of Green Acre, describing its atmosphere in a letter to one follower as “covered with God.”

He also cited, with a tongue-in-cheek poke at various schools of thought which made their beliefs known there, the presence of spirituality even in the face of crisis:

“... Yesterday there was a tremendous cyclone which gave a good ‘treatment’ to the tents. The big tent under which they had the lectures had developed so much spirituality under the ‘treatment’ that it entirely disappeared from mortal gaze and about 200 chairs were dancing above the grounds under spiritual ecstasy!”

Followers have described this period of the Swami’s life as one difficult in its outward circumstances, though inwardly happy.

His stay at Green Acre is seen by them as an important spiritual replenishment for him, and a time of transition that allowed him to seek a new approach to the American people, where his earlier efforts had proved less successful than anticipated.

Included in his efforts during that visit to the West was an attempt to gather funds for India, and he made his high regard for Sarah Farmer’s work at Green Acre clear when he advised Mrs. Ole Bull, one of his more celebrated followers and a friend of Miss Farmer’s, to “... turn all your help to Miss Farmer’s Greenacre work this year. India can wait as she is waiting centuries and an immediate work at hand should always have the preference.” (from Swami Vivekananda: New Discoveries, p. 474)

In a letter to Miss Farmer, the Swami perhaps best expressed his recognition of the spirit that was Green Acre:

“There is a mass of thought which is at the present time struggling to get its expression. It teaches us that higher direction and not destruction is the law. It teaches us that it is not a world of bad and good, but good and better—and still better. ... It above all teaches that the kingdom of heaven is already in existence if we will have it, that perfection is already in man, if he will see it.

“The Greenacre meetings last summer were so wonderful, simply because you opened yourself fully to that thought which has found in you so competent a medium of expression, and because you took your stand on the highest teaching of this thought that the kingdom of heaven already exists.

“You have been consecrated and chosen by the Lord as a channel for converting this thought into life, and every one that helps you in this wonderful work is serving the Lord.

“Our Gita teaches that he who serves the servants of the Lord is His highest worshipper. You are a servant of the Lord and as a disciple of Krishna I will always consider it a privilege and worship to render you any service in the carrying out of your inspired mission wherever I be.” (Ibid., p. 475)

After a second trip to America to impart more of his spiritual teachings, Swami Vivekananda returned to India to continue his teachings and tend to the practical humanitarian efforts such as famine relief which had been undertaken by his disciples. He died there in 1902 at the age of 39.

‘American-Soviet Walk’ set for June-July; 200 Americans to host Soviet citizens

Building on the success of the 1987 Soviet-American walk from Leningrad to Moscow, the 1988 American-Soviet walk through America will travel through parts of the East Coast, West Coast and Midwest from June 14-July 18.

Two hundred Americans will be chosen to host 200 Soviet citizens, the largest group of publicly accessible Soviets ever to travel in this country.

No purely public interaction of this kind or on this scale has ever been attempted between Americans and Soviets in the U.S.

From August 15-September 18, another 200 selected Americans will join 200 Soviets for the 1988 Soviet-American walk from Odessa to Kiev in the Soviet Ukraine.

For application forms and information, write to International Peace Walk Inc., Box 53412, Washington, DC 20009, or phone 202-232-7055.

The National Spiritual Assembly urges the friends who apply for selection to these events to send their applications through the National Assembly’s office in Washington so that important information concerning the involvement of Bahá’ís in these activities can be sent to each applicant.

The address is: Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009.

The Bahá’ís of Greenwich, New York, won a fourth place ribbon last August for this display booth at the annual Washington County Fair. It was judged for qualities such as originality, religious significance, unity of theme and effectiveness of its message. Pictured at the booth are Bahá’ís Coleen Gometz and John Marlow. [Page 10]

Non-English literature important element in raising numbers from all strata of society

The need “to increase significantly the number of believers from every stratum of society” has been emphasized repeatedly by the Guardian and Universal House of Justice.

One of the less-recognized prerequisites for achieving such an increase is the distribution of non-English language literature.

Shoghi Effendi, in The Advent of Divine Justice, stresses that the dissemination of Bahá’í literature in various languages is “an essential prerequisite to any effective organized campaign of teaching. ...”

Opportunities abound for Bahá’ís in the U.S. to show genuine appreciation for many cultures and to increase the diversity within our own community.

Since the U.S. attracts people from a multitude of cultural backgrounds, a large number of languages are spoken in this country. By using the Bahá’í Writings in a language understood by seekers, we can “sow seeds in their hearts as might, in the future circumstances, germinate and yield the most unexpected fruits.”

The National Teaching Committee has in stock Bahá’í literature in several languages. For example, “The Promise of World Peace” is available in more than 30 languages.

For more information about non-English language literature, write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Campus Clips

from page 7

Highlights were to include a presentation by Physicians for Social Responsibility; a video and presentation by Beyond War; speakers from the San Diego Peacemakers; a meditation for world peace hosted by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University; speeches, music and ethnic food provided by many on-campus groups.

All funds raised at the fair were to be donated to the Peace Resource Center in San Diego.

By working together with these groups, the Bahá’í Club at UCSD is fulfilling a goal of the Six Year Plan, which is:

“... to expand the awareness and understanding of the aims of the Faith among individuals and organizations with goals similar to ours, and to establish relations with such groups by conducting a series of conferences on major themes of the peace statement. ... which would feature large-scale attendance and participation of non-Bahá’ís. ...”

The National Youth Committee and its staff would like to send their love and prayers to all of the Bahá’í Clubs.

We know that the work you do is difficult and time-consuming, but we are also sure, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that every event, every fireside, every time the word “Bahá’í” is mentioned on campus, the Concourse on high gives its blessings and assistance and the Faith is aided in ways beyond our comprehension.

Upcoming and Ongoing Teaching Projects

On the map above are listed the ongoing and upcoming teaching projects in the United States that have been reported to the National Teaching Committee as of March 6. If your community is sponsoring a teaching project that does not appear on the map, please fill in the form (at the right) and return it to the National Teaching Committee. If you would rather that information about your project not be published in The American Bahá’í, please indicate this in the “comments” section. Best wishes for a successful project—we look forward to hearing from you!

Projects identified on the map:

• Wanblee, SD: AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT
• Baker, OR: BAKER PROJECT
• Mi-Wuk Rancheria, CA: TUOLUMNE MI-WUK PROJECT
• Los Angeles, CA: WEST HOLLYWOOD PROJECT; SPIRITUAL CONQUEST OF THE CITY OF THE ANGELS
• Beverly Hills, CA: BEVERLY HILLS PROJECT
• Mission, CA: MISSION VIEJO PROJECT
• San Diego/North Co, CA: SPIRITUAL CONQUEST OF SAN DIEGO & NORTH COUNTY
• Phoenix area, AZ: PROJECT PAUL PAVON; PROJECT MIHDI
• Southern Arizona: DESERT ROSE PROJECT
• Macy, NE: AMOZ GIBSON PROJECT
• Lapwai, ID: PROJECT 95
• Central CA: THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE PROJECT
• Minneapolis, MN: MINNEAPOLIS PROJECT
• Eagle Butte, SD: SPIRIT OF THE ROSE PROJECT
• Mandaree, ND: MANDAREE PROJECT
• Mille Lac, MN: ANGUS COWEN PROJECT
• Bemidji, MN: DAWNBREAKERS PROJECT
• Pueblo, CO: PROJECT ARISE
• Houck, AZ: NABI PROJECT
• Kansas: PROJECT ARISE
• Wichita, KS: GENOLA WEST PROJECT
• Picuris Pueblo, NM: PICURIS PUEBLO PROJECT
• Kansas City, MO: ALBERT WALKUP PROJECT
• Middleton, WI: SPIRIT OF AMANI PROJECT
• Rock Island, IL: ROCK ISLAND PROJECT
• Davenport, IA: FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND
• Eastern Texas: YELLOW ROSE PROJECT
• ‎Phelos Phelps‎ Co., MO: KHADEM PROJECT
• Western Tennessee: ODESSA MYERS PROJECT
• Milwaukee, WI: MARIAN STEFFES PROJECT
• Evanston, IL: HOUSE OF WORSHIP SERVICE PROJECT
• Indianapolis, IN: MR. KHADEM PROJECT
• Avondale, LA: AVONDALE PROJECT
• Southwestern KY: MARTHA JEFFERS PROJECT
• Northwest Georgia: NEW JERUSALEM PROJECT; GEORGIA ABLAZE
• Michigan, Mainland: THE RIGHT TO KNOW
• Flint, MI: FLINT SPARKS A FIRE
• Buffalo, NY: PROJECT LUA
• Concord, NH: MARTHA ROOT PROJECT
• Massachusetts: PROJECT MASSACHUSETTS (includes 38 Projects)
• Warwick, RI: WARWICK PROJECT
• Providence, RI: PROVIDENCE PROJECT
• New Jersey: SOUTH JERSEY PROJECT
• Connecticut: SE CONNECTICUT PROJECT
• Zenia, OH: PROJECT X
• Wilmington, NC: WILMINGTON PROJECT
• Lancaster, KY: THOMAS LEON HILL PROJECT
• St. Petersburg, FL: SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROJECT
• Pocomoke City, MD: DELMARVA PROJECT
• Falls Church, VA: OLINGA PROJECT
• Ft. Mill, SC: HORIZON SEED PROJECT
• Hickory, NC: HICKORY PROJECT

House of Justice concerned over use of ‘Farsi’

The Universal House of Justice is concerned about the increasing use by the friends, particularly Americans, of the word “Farsi” when the correct term is “Persian.”

Obviously, when speaking of Spanish, French, German, etc. the friends do not use the words which would be incorrect in those respective languages, and it is distressing to many of the Persian friends who hear this misuse and who are reluctant to correct the speaker.

The House of Justice suggests that you ensure that the institutions of the Faith avoid this usage in their official communications.

Seed of faith planted years ago blossoms during Idaho fireside

A seed of faith was planted in Shannon Metz of Blackfoot, Idaho, by a classmate, Beth (Sollars) White, who told her about the Faith while they were in the fourth grade.

For the rest of Shannon’s childhood and throughout her teen-age years, that seed lay dormant, until it was awakened last November through an outpouring of love from Beth’s parents during a fireside in their home.

As they were growing up, Shannon and Beth had been good friends, and, little by little, Beth had taught Shannon the principles of the Faith.

After graduating from high school they could not maintain regular contact, as Beth left Blackfoot to attend college.

However, Beth’s parents often saw Shannon in town and would stop to talk with her, reinforcing the bonds of friendship that Beth had established. One day, they invited her to come to a fireside.

Shannon began attending firesides regularly at the Sollars’ home. It was here that the seed which had been planted so many years before suddenly sprouted and began to grow.

During the second meeting, Shannon declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Within the few months that Shannon has been a Bahá’í, she has told her family and friends about the Faith, and many of them are now attending firesides.

Her mother has become so interested in the Faith that she has opened her own home for firesides.

Shannon’s stepsister became a Bahá’í in February, and Shannon’s husband is looking forward to attending the International Youth Conference this summer in Bloomington, Indiana.

Teaching Projects—1988/1989

Name of Project:

Sponsor:

Location:

Contact Person:

Phone Number(s):

Type of Project:

Goal(s):

Comments:

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

San Francisco committee uses arts, dance, special events to teach Asians

TEACHING

The Asian Teaching Committee of San Francisco has begun several programs to approach the Asian community which might be of interest to others who wish to teach this important segment of the population.

The committee’s approach corresponds with a statement by Shoghi Effendi:

“... the fundamental prerequisite for any successful teaching enterprise, ... is to adapt the presentation of the principles of the Faith to the cultural and religious backgrounds, the ideologies, and the temperaments of the diverse races and nations whom they are called upon to enlighten and attract.”

A three-month trial program in Teaching English as a Second Language in Chinatown has attracted 10-20 people. For those who wish to learn Chinese, classes in Mandarin are held at the Bahá’í Center.

Both programs are helping to decrease the language barrier in the community.

The arts are also being used to interact with the Asian community. Social dance classes, held once a month at the Bahá’í Center, are sometimes combined with other Bahá’í activities.

Also, Polynesian dance groups have been invited to use the Bahá’í Center free of charge.

In addition to these ongoing activities, several special events have been held.

The continuing efforts of the Chinese Teaching Committee allow for a greater cultural understanding of the Asian community while exposing that community to the principles of the Faith.

It is being demonstrated, in ‎San San Francisco San Francisco‎, that the Message of Bahá’u’lláh is uniting diverse peoples. [Page 11]

Illinois Bahá’ís meet to consider ‘challenge of Arc’

Inspired by California's "Arc of Love" campaign, more than 100 Bahá’ís from many parts of Illinois gathered February 20 in Decatur for the first statewide conference focused on the "Meaning of the Arc" and the role Illinois will play in building the Kingdom of God on earth.

In his keynote address, Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, challenged Illinois to redeem its spiritual legacy as the first western Bahá’í community in the world. He called on the Bahá’ís of Illinois to become spiritually awakened and to re-confirm their heritage.

Conference attendees consulted on specific approaches that could be taken in the state to hasten the process of entry by troops, strengthen and maintain jeopardized Assemblies, establish consistent Fund contributions, support and build the spiritual awareness of the friends, and set goals to help the construction of the remaining buildings of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem; Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; and Yvor Stoakley of the National Treasurer's Office each addressed the conference and answered questions pertinent to consultation.

Four statewide goals were wholeheartedly embraced:

1. Establish a statewide teaching goal. Each district will set specific goals for itself, including exchange teaching programs throughout the state.

2. Set a statewide participation goal. April 9 was set as the Feast day on which Bahá’ís would be encouraged to reach out and bring a friend to Feast with the aim of having the highest attendance ever at Feasts throughout the state.

3 and 4. Set a consistent statewide Fund goal including support for (a) the National Fund and (b) the Arc.

The goals are to contribute a total of $50,000 by Ridván 1988; $500,000 from Ridván 1988 to Ridván 1989; and $1 million from Ridván 1989 to Ridván 1990 (for a grand total of $1.5 million by 1990).

The Treasurer's Office at the Bahá’í National Center will be recording all Fund contributions from Illinois believers toward the goal amounts.

Unrestricted contributions from all local Assemblies, Groups and individuals in the state will automatically be counted toward the goal. Contributions for the Arc must be earmarked as such.

Dr. William Maxwell, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, challenges Illinois Bahá’ís to ‘redeem their spiritual legacy’ during a conference on the Arc held February 20 in Decatur.

A second statewide conference is tentatively scheduled for June 19 in Decatur to review the progress of statewide goals and consider any necessary adjustments.

Esperanto Society of Michigan slates Midwest conference

The Esperanto Society of Michigan is sponsoring a Midwest conference to be held the last weekend in June in Portage, Michigan (off I-94 south of Kalamazoo).

The conference theme, "Esperanto: The Second Century," emphasizes publicity, membership recruitment, and teaching/learning Esperanto.

Included will be conference sessions for many special interest groups including Bahá’ís.

The conference will be preceded by one-week, 30-hour courses for beginners, advanced beginners, and teachers. Classes are to be held from June 20-24.

For more information about the conference, contact either of the coordinators, Sherry Wells, 313-676-0966, or John Starling, 616-349-1327.

Growing South Georgia area presents ‘vast potential’ for teaching the Cause

It surprises many people to learn that South Georgia is not entirely rural. Three cities of more than 100,000 and half a dozen more in the 40,000-80,000 range balance the several hundred smaller towns that are a treasure in and of themselves.

South Georgia is blessed with lovely rolling farmland in the west and pristine coastal areas in the east with plenty of pine trees in between for the lumber and paper mills.

The pace of economic development in the area has picked up markedly in the last few years as private industries have been lured to build factories and the state has channeled funds for highway construction, better public education and other ingredients necessary for diversifying the economy.

For the Faith, South Georgia is an area of vast potential with more than 1,000 Bahá’ís on the district's list, many of whom were taught during the teaching efforts of the early 1970s.

Homefront pioneers have been desperately needed since that time, and the need remains urgent.

At present, only two functioning Assemblies, a couple of active Groups and a handful of pioneers try to support the development of communities in 38 localities where the Assemblies are not yet functioning (but must be elected each year) and in 80 other localities where there are non-functioning groups or isolated believers.

Although the entire district is fertile ground for homefront pioneering, reinforcements must first be added to those localities where there are already one or more pioneers but that do not yet have a functioning Assembly.

Among these are Albany (pop. 85,000), Macon (pop. 120,000), Columbus (pop. 170,000), Warner Robins and Valdosta (pop. 40,000) and Americus, Perry and Fort Valley (pop. 10-16,000).

Being on the "front lines" is part of the joy of pioneering everywhere. Some of this joy can be experienced in South Georgia.

The population is racially diverse, mostly hospitable and friendly, and opportunities for teaching and deepening abound.

For more information about pioneering in South Georgia, please contact the District Teaching Committee, c/o Mrs. Joan Shinnick, secretary, St. Simon's Island, GA 31522 (phone 912-638-5046).

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

TEACHING MATERIALS FROM THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE...

• Effective Teaching Workbook — $ 2.00
• Instructor's Book — $ 2.00
• Teaching Project Guidelines — $2.00
• Enrolling New Believers — $ .50
• Traveling Teaching — $ .50
• Building Unity of Thought on Teaching — $ .50
• Spanish Teaching Pamphlets (La Fe Bahá’í) — $ .01
• The Word of God — $ 2.00
• Bahá’í Program for Mothers

   *   Complete Set (including Teacher's Guides) — $18.00
   *   Set of Mother's Books — $9.00

• Fireside Video (VHS) — $15.00
• To Move the Word (VHS) — $15.00
• Ruhiyyih Khanum's Talk to the Indians of the Western Hemisphere (audio cassette) — $2.00 (English or Spanish, please specify)
• Conference on Growth--1987 (audio cassettes featuring):

   *   Robert Henderson — $2.50
   *   Wilma Brady/Robert Harris — $2.50
   *   Gene Andrews/Hoda Mahmoudi — $2.50

• 75th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit Commemorative Poster — $10.00
• Photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

   *   English quotation — $1.00
   *   Spanish quotation — $1.00
   *   Persian quotation — $1.00

A price list for non-English literature and translations of "The Promise of World Peace" is available on request.

Send orders to: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please add 10% for postage and make checks payable to: "Bahá’í Services Fund".

Connecticut designates ‘goal groups’

To achieve the Six Year Plan goal of forming six new local Spiritual Assemblies in the state, the Connecticut District Teaching Committee has recognized several Bahá’í communities as goal groups.

The Teaching Committee will provide special help to activities the Groups themselves initiate by sending traveling teachers to their communities and including profile articles in the DTC bulletin with regular updates on their progress. Special prayers will be said for assistance in teaching.

The District Teaching Committee took the initiative last September to send a questionnaire to selected communities which had the potential to become goal groups. Several replied that they were willing to make a determined effort to establish a Spiritual Assembly with help from the Teaching Committee.

Realizing that many of the friends must already be working hard to balance Bahá’í activities with their commitments to family and work, the DTC reminded them that "the Blessed Beauty has promised unimaginable bounties in both this world and the Abhá Kingdom to those who choose to make the necessary commitment and sacrifices to serve His Cause."

Bahá’í representative at national conference

Emily Laster, a member of the Bahá’í community of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, represented the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Cleveland Section, at its annual convention last November in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Laster, a volunteer and senior activities director at Karamu House, a cultural arts center, has won many awards for community service over the years including the Greater Cleveland Volunteer of the Year Award, the Citizen Award from Zeta Psi Beta Sorority, and the Greater Cleveland award in the nationwide General Motors Award for Excellence in Community Activities program.

She was also the 1987 recipient of the NCNW President's Award for community service.

Goal for Growth

"...to increase significantly the number of believers from every stratum of society and to make special efforts to enroll Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians..."

The healthiest Bahá’í community is one that is striving to be composed of people of different religious backgrounds, different ages, economic and social levels, and different ethnic backgrounds all struggling to put the Teachings into practice. Obviously, with such a diverse mix of people, cultural clashes may create messy problems. But if the Faith is used to solve problems, we will demonstrate -- often through much growing-pain, to ourselves and to a skeptical world that human nature can change, that unity in diversity can be achieved, that there is a chance, a good chance, that the human family can be united; and skeptics will become seekers, even believers.

If fuctioning properly, each Bahá’í community is, in microcosm, a world united, and every time a community reaches such a condition, humanity draws a little bit closer to planetary unity.

--Nat Rutstein, Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, p.29. [Page 12]

Pattern of Bahá’í community life constantly evolving

When becoming Bahá’ís, individuals may find the pattern of community life, whether it be devotional, social or administrative, vastly different from the experience in their previous religion.

Bahá’u’lláh, Who alone can bring them peace and justice and an ordered life.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 147)

Some differences result from the structures established in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh—for example, that there is no clergy. Others stem from the fact that a small or evolving Bahá’í community may be unable to meet needs their old religious community addressed.

It is impossible, in the limited confines of this article, to describe fully the nature of Bahá’í community life. The following is a brief description of some of the major influences on the pattern of Bahá’í community life, and some principles which govern it.

However, the pattern of Bahá’í community life is sufficiently adaptable that it can grow to meet all the needs of its members. In time, a pattern for a new world society will emerge.

‘Wherever a Bahá’í community exists,’ the Universal House of Justice writes, ‘whether large or small, let it be distinguished for its abiding sense of security and faith, its high standard of rectitude, its complete freedom from all forms of prejudice, the spirit of love among its members, and for the closely knit fabric of its social life.

‘The acute distinction between this and present-day society will inevitably arouse the interest of the more enlightened, and as the world’s gloom deepens the light of Bahá’í life will shine brighter and brighter until its brilliance must eventually attract the disillusioned masses and cause them to enter the haven of the Covenant of

Influences

The Bahá’í calendar—As in most religious dispensations of the past, the Bahá’í Faith brings with it a new calendar. The Bahá’í calendar is a solar calendar with 19 months of 19 days each; it also includes four (or five during leap years) intercalary days.

The Bahá’í year begins on March 21. The calendar dates from the declaration of the Báb in 1844. With activities such as Feasts at the beginning of each Bahá’í month or the Fast each year in March, the calendar plays an important part in setting the pattern for Bahá’í community life.

Teaching—Although primarily the obligation of the individual, the need to take Bahá’u’lláh’s healing Message to all humanity exerts an influence on community life. Through proclamation events, publicity, community firesides and other methods, the community can work collectively to help foster the spread of the Faith.

Devotions—The Feast and Holy Days are primary opportunities for Bahá’í devotions in the community. However, other occasions, such as gatherings for dawn prayers, are also encouraged.

Spiritual education—The study of the Writings and training in putting Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings into practice for adults, youth and children are essential components of community life.

Administration—The structure of Assemblies and committees provides the means by which the affairs of the Faith are planned and executed. Yet Bahá’í administration is not something added by the believers; it is an essential component of the Faith established by Bahá’u’lláh and clarified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. The administrative structure, the Guardian states, is the “nucleus” and “pattern” of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order.

Principles

Love and unity—The believers, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says, must be “in unity with one another, to such a degree that they will become even as one being and one soul.” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 203)

This unity should be manifested in all things. Bahá’u’lláh informs us that promoting the unity of humanity is “the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God” (Gleanings, p. 215), and that “no power can exist except through unity.” (“Consultation: A Compilation,” p. 1)

Unity in diversity—The unity which Bahá’u’lláh wishes for us is not uniformity. It prizes the contributions of each culture, race and nation. It finds value in the diversity of humanity which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá compares to the different flowers of one garden.

This principle of unity in diversity, which Shoghi Effendi describes as the “watchword” of the “animating purpose of the world-wide Law of Bahá’u’lláh” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 41) includes the principle of the equality of men and women along with an understanding of the oneness of humanity.

Consultation—Consultation is an essential tool of Bahá’í community life, whether it be used by individuals or groups, administrative bodies or the community itself. In consultation, each individual is free to share his personal opinion; the other participants “listen” for “truth.”

Through the “clash of differing opinions,” says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, comes “the shining spark of truth.” It is important that those who wish to consult be detached from their personal opinions and offer their comments without passion and without attacking others.

Consultation, says Bahá’u’lláh, is “the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.”

Nineteen Day Feast gives occasion for Bahá’ís to come together to worship, conduct business

One of the central elements of Bahá’í community life is the Nineteen Day Feast. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that “the greatest means for the union and harmony of all is the gathering of the friends in spiritual meetings.” (The Power of Unity, p. 64)

And it is the Feast, initiated by the Báb and confirmed by Bahá’u’lláh, which provides an occasion each Bahá’í month for the local believers to come together to pray, read the Writings, discuss plans and activities, and enjoy each other’s company.

The Feast, as a means for creating unity, is therefore not only an important element in community life, but an integral part of achieving Bahá’u’lláh’s goal of unity for all humanity.

“The Feast hath been enjoined upon you once in every month, though it be with water only,” Bahá’u’lláh states. “God hath verily purposed to bring the hearts of men together, though it require every means on earth and in the heavens.” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 17)

The Bahá’í calendar is made up of 19 months, each of which has 19 days. The Feast is held every 19 days, usually on the first day of every Bahá’í month.

Each local community holds its own Feast; the pattern is repeated in large cities and remote villages throughout the world. The Feast has three parts: devotional, social and administrative.

The devotional part consists of prayers and readings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and possibly, also from the sacred scriptures of other religions.

Music is permitted during the spiritual part—or any part—of the Feast. Indeed, music is strongly encouraged, especially where the Writings are set to music.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá also encourages the believers to “chant the divine verses, peruse instructive articles, read the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, encourage and inspire each other with love for the whole human race, invoke God with perfect joy and fragrance, sing the verses, glorifications and praises of the Self-subsistent Lord and deliver eloquent speeches.” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 20)

The social portion involves fellowship among the believers and food and drink. “The primary intent,” says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “is to kindle these stirrings of the spirit, but at the same time it follows quite naturally that those present should partake of food, so that the world of the body may mirror the spirit’s world, and flesh take on the qualities of soul; and just as the spiritual delights are here in profusion, so too the material delights.” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 17)

The administrative part of Feast gives the believers an opportunity to discuss community affairs in a frank and loving manner, and to make recommendations and suggestions to the local Spiritual Assembly.

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi indicates: “In the Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh has clearly revealed the spiritual and social character of this institution (the Feast). Its administrative significance, however, has been stressed by the Guardian in direct response to the growing needs of the Bahá’í community in this formative period of the Bahá’í Era for better training in the principles and practice of Bahá’í administration.” (Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, pp. 25-26)

Although attendance at the Feast is not obligatory, it is strongly encouraged and highly desirable. The Feast fosters “the spirit of service and fellowship in the community” and provides “the believers a splendid opportunity to fully discuss the affairs of the Cause and to find ways and means for continued improvement in the conduct of Bahá’í activities.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, in Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feast, p. 26)

“In brief,” says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “this is my hope: that the Nineteen Day Feast become the cause of great spiritual solidarity between the friends, that it may bring believers into the bond of unity, and we may then be so united together that love and wisdom will spread from this center to all parts. This Feast is a divine feast. It is a Lord’s supper. It attracts confirmations of God like a magnet. It is the cause of the enlightenment of hearts.”

From the Writings . . .

“You must continue to keep the Nineteen Day Feast. It is very important; it is very good. But when you present yourselves in the meetings, before entering them, free yourselves from all that you have in your heart, free your thoughts and your mind from all else save God, and speak to your heart. That all may make this a gathering of love, make it the cause of illumination, make it an attraction of the hearts, surround this gathering with the Lights of the Supreme Concourse so that you may be gathered together with the utmost love.

“In your hearts remember these things, and then enter the Unity Feast.

“Each one of you must think how to make happy and pleased the other members of your Assembly, and each one must consider all those who are present as better and greater than himself, and each one must consider himself less than the rest. Know their station as high, and think of your own station as low. Should you act and live according to these behests, know verily, of a certainty, that that Feast is the Heavenly Food. That Supper is the ‘Lord’s Supper!’ I am the servant of that gathering.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Meetings/Nineteen Day Feast, pp. 20-21

Discuss this passage with the Bahá’í who taught you the Faith or with another believer. Review the following questions together:

• What has ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked the individual to do to prepare for each Feast? Why is this important?
• How can the principles of individual behavior outlined in this statement be applied to other aspects of community life?
• How could you, personally, apply ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement to other aspects of your participation in community life?
• What can be done in your community to better build the bonds of love and unity among the believers?

If you would like to read more about Bahá’í community life or Bahá’í gatherings, refer to one or more of the following books:

Bahá’í Meetings/Nineteen Day Feast, a compilation of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.

The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism, selections from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice on various aspects of building unity in and outside the Bahá’í community.

On Becoming a Bahá’í, a booklet provided to new Bahá’ís when they receive their membership cards from the National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 13]

UNITED NATIONS

In this monthly column the history of the development and strengthening of the Bahá’í-United Nations relationship will be explored and current activities will be reported.

Question. How long has the Bahá’í Faith been officially associated with the United Nations?

Answer. The Bahá’í relationship with the UN began in 1947 when the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada was accredited as a national non-governmental organization (NGO). The UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945. Bahá’í affiliation has thus spanned all but two years of the UN’s 43-year history.

Question. Why did Shoghi Effendi encourage Bahá’í association with the United Nations?

Answer. On May 9, 1947, through his secretary, the Guardian explained: “He feels that the friends should bear in mind that the primary reason that he is encouraging Bahá’í association with the United Nations is to give the Cause due publicity as an agency working for and firmly believing in the unification of the human family and permanent peace. ... Also, he believes this association will afford the believers an opportunity of contacting prominent and progressive-minded people from different countries and calling the Faith and its principles to their attention.” (In The Bahá’í World, Vol. 12, p. 597)

Question. What is the relationship of the Bahá’í Faith to the UN?

Answer. The Bahá’í International Community is one of more than 900 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) accredited to the UN in one or more of three categories: general consultative status, special consultative status, and roster.

Question. What status does the Bahá’í International Community have as a non-governmental organization?

Answer. The BIC is accredited in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and is associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI).

Question. What privileges does consultative status confer on a non-governmental organization?

Answer. Representatives of such organizations may sit as observers at public meetings of the Council (ECOSOC) and its subsidiary bodies, and may submit written statements to the Council on topics in which they have special competence. Such statements will be circulated in the working languages by the UN Secretary-General to the members of the Council. There are also times when the organization may be asked to present an oral statement before the Council.

Question. Has the Bahá’í International Community ever prepared statements that have been circulated to members of the Council or its subsidiary bodies?

Answer. Yes, on subjects including human rights, drug abuse, social development, women, combating

See UN page 22

On recommendations from 78th National Convention

Actions taken by National Spiritual Assembly

The following are actions taken by the National Spiritual Assembly as a result of recommendations and suggestions made at the 78th Bahá’í National Convention.

Recommendation: That the National Spiritual Assembly design, initiate, promulgate and sustain through its agencies a formal campaign—ongoing and systematic—to teach the black and Native American populations in the U.S.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly initiated, in Chicago, a pilot project for teaching black Americans and American Indians which can be developed for metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

The Race Unity Committee published a statement on strategies for teaching black Americans and has worked with the National Teaching Committee to increase awareness and promote action.

The American Indian teaching efforts are among the most visible and consistent as noted on the map that appears regularly in The American Bahá’í. They involve greater numbers of Indian believers. Twenty-six of the 92 reports sent to the Universal House of Justice this year about our community’s activities were about Indian teaching efforts.

Six regional Indian teaching conferences or Council Fires have been held, and, recently, several prominent Indian people have been enrolled.

The activities at the Native American Bahá’í Institute have drawn a steadily increasing attendance by Indian people.

Recommendation: That youth be allowed to visit Reservations as part of the international Youth Year of Service.

Action: Wanblee, South Dakota, and the Native American Bahá’í Institute are included in the listing of Year of Service opportunities.

Recommendation: That a “Unity Through Diversity” national conference be planned.

Action: Approximately 20 such conferences have been held throughout the country.

Recommendation: That the National Spiritual Assembly publish a “wish list” of projects with the dollar value that could be accomplished if monies were available in excess of the $9.4-million budget.

Action: We have been asked by the Universal House of Justice to raise significant funds for the completion of the Arc, and the National Assembly is concerned about meeting its own goals for the growth and development of the Bahá’í community and increasing, by large measure, its contribution to the Bahá’í International Fund for completion of the Arc.

Recommendation: That a special ad hoc committee be appointed to find ways to enable us to achieve more vital consultation at Convention.

Action: The National Assembly solicited and received suggestions from several sources on the consultation at the National Convention and has made some changes to facilitate consultation at the Convention.

Recommendation: That materials from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on diet be compiled and published in The American Bahá’í.

Action: References will be submitted to The American Bahá’í.

Suggestion: That emphasis be placed on providing our children with a Bahá’í education to establish a firm foundation for a lifetime of service, supporting actively our youth and encouraging family deepenings.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a Bahá’í Education Committee and a Development Committee whose mandates include Bahá’í education and family and community life.

Suggestion: That the National Spiritual Assembly take a survey to determine why the community is not teaching, deepening, etc. We need a base line to study of where we are in the Bahá’í community.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has completed a demographic study of the community.

Suggestion: That a list of Bahá’ís be prepared who can be a ‎resources resource‎ to believers who wish to start a business or need financial guidance, or that such experts be encouraged to write articles for The American Bahá’í.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a Business and Estate Planning Committee.

Suggestion: That Bahá’ís from the grassroots be included on each of the national committees for expression that would not otherwise be heard.

Action: The National Spiritual Assembly conducts an extensive search of the American Bahá’í community for candidates for national committees and carries out a systematic review. In an increasing number of cases, interviews are conducted. To broaden still further our knowledge of the talent available in the community, a survey is being conducted (see The American Bahá’í, February-March-April 1988).

Suggestion: That plans for National and District Conventions include activities for children that will help them become aware of the significance of those events.

Action: Electoral unit planners are encouraged to have children’s programs when possible. Similarly, the National Assembly will make arrangements for children’s programs during the National Conventions when possible.

Women’s Guide under revision

Are you waiting to hear from the National Committee on Women? Don’t despair; we are busily working on revising the Guidelines for Local Women’s Consultative Groups.

This handy guide should be available within the next month. Watch The American Bahá’í for more information about when the Guidelines will be available and how to obtain your copy.

Statement published

The Bahá’í community of Fallon, Nevada, has completed publication of “The Promise of World Peace” in its entirety in the local Fallon newspaper.

Twenty-five guests attended a fireside on completion of its publication, resulting in one declaration.

N.Y. Assembly slates race amity conference in June at historic International House

The Spiritual Assembly of New York City is sponsoring an all-day Race Amity Conference to be held June 11 at the International House in Manhattan.

‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ and their friends are encouraged to attend this important event in the City of the Covenant to examine “the most challenging issue” confronting America.

The conference will trace the progress toward race unity over the last century in America as shown through music and the arts, health, education, interracial marriage and families.

International House, at 122nd St. and Riverside Drive, overlooks Riverside Park where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked during His visit to New York in 1912.

Founded to bring together the people of the world in study and friendship, International House serves as the residence for 1,500 foreign graduate students attending universities in New York City.

For more information about New York’s Race Amity Conference, phone the Bahá’í Center, 212-674-8998, between 1 and 7 p.m. eastern time.

Maryland fund-raiser nets $14,000 to help complete the Arc

Aware that the National Fund needed a boost following the Universal House of Justice’s letter of last August 31 about completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel, the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of Montgomery County South, Maryland, decided to ‎sponser sponsor‎ a fund-raising action for communities in the area.

A hall was rented, meals were prepared by volunteers, and ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ were charged $5 admission to attend the event, which was held last October.

After a delicious meal the auction began, and three hours later the more than 200 people who were there had raised more than $14,000 for the Fund, a sum that surprised even the sponsoring community.

In keeping with the United Nations’ 1987 theme of ‘International Year of Shelter for the Homeless,’ the Bahá’ís of Memphis, Tennessee, presented the second annual George W. Henderson Awards to local groups and individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for those who are less fortunate. The 1987 recipients were the Calvary Street Ministry for its work in supporting and rehabilitating the poor; Charles and Betty Gifford (Mrs. Gifford is in center of photo) for their work in housing and caring for the indigent; and Mrs. Perline Coleman Smith (right) for her work in feeding the homeless. The awards are named for the founder of Henderson Business College in Memphis, a member of the first Spiritual Assembly of Memphis (1941) who labored for 30 years to provide hundreds of black students with fundamental office and business skills.

Among the recent arrivals in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, Bahá’í community is Edna Norvell, ‘100 years young,’ a Bahá’í since 1927 who studied the Faith with Keith Ransom-Kehler, helped form the first Spiritual Assembly in Austria and also pioneered to South Africa and Greece. Also in Bridgeport from Laos via the Philippines are Sangvone and Say Kham Pengsavath who, although relatively new believers, were group meeting leaders in their refugee camp. [Page 14]

U.S. government teaching post serves pioneer family well

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

A recent ad in The American Bahá’í concerning the Department of Defense Dependents' Schools overseas interested me.

I have worked for the DoDDS Schools (in West Germany) for a little more than two years, and would like to offer some ideas that may be useful.

As you may know, DoDDS hire mostly teachers with a few years of experience. People who have that experience and wish to apply should fill out the applications at once and send them in, as the process is lengthy and time-consuming.

However, even if the deadline for sending them has passed, if the person is really interested he or she should send an application anyway.

The deadline on my application was January, but I didn't get my application form until the end of that month, and couldn't get all of the information together until March, when I sent the packet in.

The DoDDS called on August 21 to offer me a job.

DoDDS also needs teachers with more than one area of certification—many of the schools are small, and teachers may have several kinds of classes.

For example, I teach Spanish I, II and III, senior English and drama.

Elementary school teachers, of course, would normally teach in a self-contained classroom and teach only one grade.

Salaries in DoDDS are better than what I received in New Mexico, my home state, but not as high as in some of the eastern states.

On the other hand, there is the additional benefit of a living quarters allowance, which is only taxed for Social Security insurance, and which about covers our total house payments or rent. This makes the salary far more attractive.

Depending on one's area of employment, the government may provide appliances and some furniture, but a fairly large amount of the applicant's household goods (in our case, the entire contents of a three-bedroom house) and one car are usually shipped to the teaching post free of charge.

As with most things, though, there is a dark cloud behind the silver lining. Anything the government deals with or pays for is covered by heaps of red tape.

The longevity of one's employment may depend in part on his ability to deal with this. I have seen teachers who simply did not want to put up with the hassle and left after one or two years.

Now, as to the Bahá’í side of the issue, the silver lining really overwhelms the cloud.

The largest portion of DoDDS teachers are employed in West Germany. The Pacific area has the second largest group, and Spain and Italy have smaller contingents. Greece and Great Britain also have DoDDS Schools.

I was discouraged that DoDDS hired me for an area that didn't need American pioneers—at least, I thought it didn't.

It turned out that our two daughters filled youth pioneer goals by coming with us. After our arrival, we found that it is difficult to get Germans to move from city to city, as this is not the mobile society that America is.

We were able to help save an Assembly, and have reaped incalculable bounties from that.

The German Bahá’í community is an active, growing, challenging enterprise that involves people of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Some have said it is a model for future society, as it contains so many different types of people in each small community.

Although the language barrier is annoying, for us the motivation to learn German is strong, and the desire for a universal secondary language is heightened.

Since coming here, besides serving on a local Spiritual Assembly, I have been appointed to a committee for English-speaking friends in Germany that is trying to find ways to integrate this large minority into the German community.

Since Germany is actually a small country (I'm not sure that it is much bigger, if any, than New Mexico), communities all over the country take turns serving at the Sunday services at the first European House of Worship in Langenhain, near Frankfurt.

Our community had that responsibility only yesterday, and the memory of standing on a wind-swept hillside, overlooking Germany's meadows, valleys and plains, watching a superb "silent teacher" at work will last, I hope, forever.

I can't say that teaching for DoDDS has been as difficult as pioneering to, say, Guatemala, for we can shop at a government commissary for U.S. groceries, at the Post Exchange for clothing and household goods, and, if we wanted to (which, oddly enough, we don't), we could pretend we were still living in America.

But service here is an opportunity for Bahá’ís to get out into the world and see it from beyond the borders of home, to travel and teach in ways that we might never have done had we stayed where we were....

James S. Smith Langgöns, West Germany

Germany requests musicians, artists

The National Spiritual Assembly of Germany has asked for up to three traveling teachers of diverse ethnic backgrounds with artistic or musical talent to join a teaching project to be held September 4-24.

The project will mostly involve visits to schools. Knowledge of the German language is not required, but would be helpful.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

"TRAIL OF MATCHES" CARIBBEAN ISLAND-TO-ISLAND TEACHING PROJECT

ARISE RADIATE CAPTURE

• BELIZE
• COLOMBIA
• DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
• GRENADA
• GUADELOUPE
• MARTINIQUE
• MEXICO
• PERU
• PUERTO RICO
• ST. LUCIA
• ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES
• TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

THE VICTORY

Anyone can travel teach... all you need is an enterprising spirit, reliance on Bahá’u’lláh, and an open mind.

The National Teaching Committee, the National Youth Committee and the Office of Pioneering are collaborating on plans for international and domestic traveling teaching trips this summer. We are planning teaching routes from the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, through the southwestern states to the International Youth Conference in Juarez, Mexico, which will be followed by teaching projects in northern Mexico. Projects are also being developed in the Caribbean and Central America. If you are interested in joining one of these projects, fill out the form below and send it to the Office of Pioneering for more details. The address is Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

YES, I am interested in international teaching projects. Please send me more information.

NAME: ADDRESS: Phone #: Age: Bahá’í I.D.:

I want to Travel Teach to: Country: Dates:

Please return to: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 or call (312) 869-9039.

Dedication ceremony is held for Bahá’í primary school in Yikandor, Sierra Leone

The following exciting news is from pioneer Russell Kress in Sierra Leone.

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Alláh’u’Abhá! The official opening ceremony for the Bahá’í Primary School in Yikandor was held November 21, 1987.

The occasion was graced by the presence of more than a thousand people. Among the large group were the Paramount Chief A.B.M. Jah III of Panga-Kalonde Chiefdom; Paramount Chief Kebbie of Malen Chiefdom; Mr. P.M. Kamara, inspector of schools of the Pujehun District; the District Officer; the commanding officer (police) for the district; the inspectorate officers; teachers; section chiefs; and town chiefs, as well as six members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone.

Several groups of native dancers provided the entertainment.

The ceremony started at 11:30 a.m. with prayers in English, Mende and Arabic.

A speech of welcome was given by a Class 4 pupil at the school who was praised highly for her eloquence.

This was followed by a Bahá’í song and the official school song sung by some of the students.

Al Robinson, a Bahá’í pioneer from the U.S., gave a brief history of the school. It started, he said, because the people wanted it.

"We are old," they said. "The children you train will be your true Bahá’ís." The first teacher, Mary Sam, is a resident of the village who volunteered her services.

Alfred Mondu, the Bahá’í headteacher and manager of the school, remarked that the love, unity and cooperation of the people of Yikandor had made an indelible impression on his mind and in the history of the Faith in Sierra Leone.

The guest Bahá’í speaker then presented a talk on Bahá’í education.

The Paramount Chief, in his speech, referred to the entire exercise as a great challenge to him, to his chiefdom and to the Pujehun District as a whole.

"The Bahá’ís," he said, "are wholeheartedly permitted to teach, spread their religion and education in my chiefdom and the Pujehun District."

The inspector of schools said, "This Bahá’í school is the fastest progressing school" he had ever seen in the area.

The chairman of the event called on the Town Chief, Mr. Mor—

Belize needs music, dance groups to help

The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize has asked for music or dance groups to help with its International Teaching Project, to be held July 9-August 8.

This is an effective way to help activate the Bahá’í youth while attracting other youth to the Faith. Music and/or dance groups also are welcome anytime during the year.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Zimbabwe asks for traveling teachers

The Bahá’í community of Zimbabwe has a permanent Deepening Institute that offers courses throughout the year. The National Spiritual Assembly has asked for traveling teachers who can help with classes or the maintenance of the Institute.

Some courses that are being offered this year are Red Cross First Aid, Deepening for Men, Delegate Deepening, Adult Literacy, local Spiritual Assembly Deepening, Deepening for Women, Sewing/Tailoring, Deepening for Students. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). [Page 15]

House of Worship in India profiled in church magazine

• The January/February 1988 issue of Your Church magazine published a full-color photograph of the House of Worship in India on its cover. It was noted that the architect for the House of Worship in New Delhi recently received the IFRAA Architectural Design Honor Award.
• The Snoqualmie, Washington, Valley Record published an article for World Religion Day in January that asked what the religions of the area could do to promote the well-being, unity and harmony of all people regardless of race, class or belief. It included the question, “What can be done to heal, bind together, and reinforce the dignity of ourselves and our fellow human beings?”
• The Herald Journal in Logan, Utah, has published a series of questions addressed to religious leaders in that community, and the Bahá’ís of Logan have responded to questions such as: “What is humankind’s purpose on earth?” “What is the purpose of our lives?” and “... how would you respond if an elderly sick person in the hospital asked you to pray that he or she die?”
• The Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, Illinois, published a guest column by the local Bahá’í Public Information Representative about the plight of the Bahá’ís in Egypt.
• The Dallas, Texas, Morning News published an article about an Iranian Bahá’í who lives in Texas and the effects of the persecution on her and her family members in Iran. The article appeared in at least two other newspapers in the state.
• In Duluth, Minnesota, the News-Tribune published a feature article about Virginia Robare, a Bahá’í who is legally deaf and has earned the classification of ham radio technician.
• The Los Angeles Times published an article about the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance, including in it specific mention of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
• In Atlanta, a local television news program featured a report about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. The segment was produced and reported by Carmen Burns, an Atlanta area Bahá’í who works for the station. Film of the destruction of Bahá’í properties in Iran, excerpts from the “Mona” video and interviews with Persian Bahá’ís were included in the feature.
• In Memphis, Tennessee, the Commercial Appeal published an article about a prayer vigil in support of 48 Bahá’ís in Egypt who were sentenced to prison. Two weeks later it published a letter to the editor about Egypt and an article about the Fast. Concurrently, the Tri-State Defender published an article on the persecution in Egypt and another about Ayyám-i-Há, the Fast and Naw-Rúz.

Bahá’í newspaper columnists proclaim Faith

Several Bahá’ís write regular columns for local newspapers which discuss Bahá’í teachings or express their individual views as Bahá’ís.

Presently, the most active columnists are Lynda Couture and George Savitt in Florida and William Irving in Peoria, Illinois.

Lynda Couture writes a weekly column called “A New Reality” which began in November 1984 and is now syndicated in six newspapers in the South.

She writes about her life experiences in a friendly, often humorous way and reflects on how the Bahá’í Faith has affected her outlook on those experiences.

George Savitt has been writing a column under the name “Phil Ossofer” for nearly 30 years. His column concentrates on the Bible and black history.

He frequently has the opportunity to write pointedly about the history, structure and teachings of the Faith.

William Irving’s column, “A Bahá’í’s View,” appears in a Peoria newspaper which serves the black community.

In it, he quotes extensively from the Bahá’í Writings to answer questions about religion and society’s ills.

Islands beckon

Sao Tome and Principé are islands off the west coast of Africa. A local Spiritual Assembly was recently formed in Sao Tome, and the islands now have 21 believers. If you speak Portuguese and are interested in traveling teaching, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Pennsylvania’s 15th Conference of Nur to have World Order as its main theme

“The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” is the theme of the 15th annual Conference of Nur which is to be held June 3-5 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College.

The annual event is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg.

Among this year’s speakers are Auxiliary Board members Tahireh Ahdieh and William Roberts; Dr. Daryush Haghighi, a Trustee of the Huqúqu’lláh; and Katharine Bigelow, deputy director of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs.

Accommodations include two nights lodging in the air-conditioned college dorm, five meals, and use of the college’s recreational facilities.

Pre-registration by May 25 is required for both weekend attendees and commuters.

For registration forms and information about costs, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

Public Information Representatives meet at Regional Conference in Indianapolis

The Bahá’í Office of Public Information sponsored a conference February 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ronald Precht, director of the Office of Public Information, met with 25 local Public Information Representatives from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri to discuss providing clear and accurate information about the Faith to the media and the evolving role of the Public Information Representative.

David Freeman, a television newsman in Dayton, Ohio, and a member of the Office of Public Information for the Miami Valley, spoke about the nature of TV news and how to prepare for Bahá’í contacts with television reporters.

N. Georgia Bahá’ís march in parade for Dr. King

On January 18, the city of Atlanta paid tribute to the memory of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade in his honor.

Among the groups taking part in the event were the Bahá’ís of North Georgia who were joined by Bahá’ís from as far away as South Carolina and Alabama.

Leading the Bahá’í unit was a car filled with some of the friends who were not physically able to walk the long parade route but who wanted to be present to support the Faith.

The lead car bore signs on all sides identifying the Faith in large, bold letters. The passengers on each side waved pink and green “peace flags” at the throngs of applauding onlookers.

Heading the large contingent of marching Bahá’ís were three who carried the banner of the Faith. Behind them were other marchers carrying a banner that read “Prejudice Is a Handicap.”

More than 100 Bahá’ís, many carrying banners with the word “Peace” on them, marched in the ranks.

In the rear of the Bahá’í unit was another group holding a banner with the inscription “Peace: Don’t Leave the World Without It.”

Young Bahá’ís walked alongside the marchers, answering questions about the Faith and passing out cards containing the Bahá’í tenets.

When the parade announcer told the crowd as the Bahá’ís passed the reviewing stand that the Faith stands for brotherhood and the unity of mankind, they applauded and cheered the multi-racial Bahá’í unit.

After the parade, the friends gathered for coffee and doughnuts at the Atlanta Bahá’í Center.

Bahá’ís march behind their banner proclaiming that ‘Prejudice Is a Handicap’ during a parade January 18 in Atlanta, Georgia, honoring the anniversary of the birth of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dallas to host Women’s Conference

“Global Peace ... From Vision to Reality: An International Women’s Conference” will be held August 8-12 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Its mission will be to create paths to peace through encouragement, communication, education, friendship and positive action.

About 2,000 people from many countries are expected to attend the event, which will include speakers, workshops and participant meetings that will help to define peace objectives and how to achieve them.

On the last day, results and program activities will be reported and the conference will end in the evening with a rally and celebration of peace.

For more information, contact Rosann Thompson Naim, Peacemakers Inc., Dallas, TX 75201, or phone 214-871-8448.

THE EARTH IS BUT ONE COUNTRY

by John Huddleston

HC $14.95 PS $5.95

THE EARTH IS BUT ONE COUNTRY by John Huddleston

Announcing two exciting new editions of one of the best introductory books available. The history, teachings and administration of the Bahá’í Faith are thoroughly presented in clear, informative and challenging language and The Earth is but One Country is particularly suitable for those who fail to see what religion has to offer to the modern world. The author John Huddleston is chief of the Budget and Planning Division of the International Monetary Fund and brings a truly global perspective to his analyses of contemporary issues. This best-selling title is great for enquirers, libraries, and for formal presentation and the new pocket paperback edition has been subsidised to make it an inexpensive ‘give away’ teaching book.

• Striking new cover
• New illustrations (hardcover edition only)
• Updated statistics
• New appendices showing the impressive spread and diversity of the worldwide Bahá’í community.
• New sections on ....
  • Recent persecutions of the Bahá’ís in Iran
  • The Bahá’í Peace Initiative
  • Social and Economic Development

Order Thru

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 16]

Cable del Centro Mundial: Grandes victorias en Taiwan

7 de febrero de 1988 Queridos amigos bahá’ís

La Casa Universal de Justicia ha enviado el siguiente mensaje por telex y correo electrónico a las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales escojidas, el 3 de febrero de 1988, y ha pedido que el texto del mensaje sea compartido con ustedes.

NOS PLACE COMPARTIR INFORME ADICIONAL DE LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL DE TAIWAN.

Y CITAMOS, CON ALEGRÍA INFORMAMOS AL CUERPO SUPREMO ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS DE VICTORIAS EXPANSIÓN-CONSOLIDACIÓN PRIMERA FASE DEL PLAN DE SEIS AÑOS DESDE RIDVAN HASTA EL 15 DE ENERO.

1165 NUEVOS CREYENTES REPRESENTANDO UN AUMENTO DE 74 POR CIENTO EN LA MEMBRESÍA DE LA FE.

CONTRIBUCIÓN AL FONDO NACIONAL HA AUMENTO 75 POR CIENTO

59 NUEVAS LOCALIDADES ABIERTAS (META ERA DE 15).

5 CENTROS BAHÁ’Í NUEVOS ESTABLECIDOS, 1 EN CADA ÁREA DE ENSEÑANZA. MÁS DE 100 NUEVOS CREYENTES PARTICIPAN SEMANALMENTE EN ALGÚN TIPO DE PROGRAMA DE CONSOLIDACIÓN/ENSEÑANZA QUE INCLUYE DESDE PARTICIPAR EN LA FIESTA HASTA PROFUNDIZACIONES INTENSIVAS.

2 MAESTROS RESIDENTES DE TIEMPO COMPLETO PARTICIPANDO DIARIAMENTE EXPANSIÓN/CONSOLIDACIÓN DE CADA ÁREA DE ENSEÑANZA.

8 ASAMBLEAS ESPIRITUALES LOCALES FORMADAS (AUMENTO DE 30 POR CIENTO). UNO A FORMARSE PRONTO.

13 PAÍSES CON META DE ENSEÑANZA CHINA HAN SIDO VISITADAS POR MAESTROS DE TAIWAN (META ERA DE 12).

LA META DE ESTABLECER MAESTROS RESIDENTES EN ÁREA DE TRIBU Y EN ISLA DE MAKUNG SE DUPLICÓ.

8 BIBLIOTECAS DE PRÉSTAMO SE ESTABLECIERON, 1 EN CADA UNA DE LAS 5 ÁREAS DE ENSEÑANZA (META ERA DE 3).

3 INSTITUTOS REGIONALES DE PROFUNDIZACIÓN LLEVADAS A CABO EN ENERO SOLAMENTE.

GENERALMENTE PROGRAMAS DE EXPANSIÓN/CONSOLIDACIÓN HAN AUMENTADO A TRAVÉS DE LA ISLA. COMUNIDAD UNIDA Y FELIZ VICTORIAS ALCANZADAS, RESUELTOS A ALCANZAR LOGROS MAYORES. FIN DE LA CITA

Favor de compartir esta noticia emocionante con los creyentes de su comunidad a través de cualesquier métodos que estimen apropiados.

Conferencia enfoca en el crecimiento

Más de cien Bahá’ís del noroeste de Nuevo Méjico auspiciaron la conferencia sobre crecimiento el 19 y 20 de diciembre de 1987.

Algunos de los tópicos tratados durante la conferencia fueron: "El más grande desafío en los Estados Unidos," "Las relaciones entre persas y creyentes americanos," y "La enseñanza de los indígenas americanos."

La Doctora Wilma Brady, miembro del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros, fue la oradora principal de la conferencia. Ella hizo mucho énfasis en la enseñanza de la Fe a la gente de todos los rangos sociales.

En adición, la Doctora Brady mencionó la importancia de enseñar a los indígenas americanos en la área del noroeste de Nuevo Méjico, debido al gran número de indígenas en esa área.

Ella recomendó que los Bahá’ís estudiesen los mensajes de la Casa Universal de Justicia y aplicar el significado del mensaje en nuestra vida diaria.

A la izquierda se encuentra B.K. Manuelito dando una clase sobre la enseñanza a los indígenas americanos.

Los jóvenes John Barnes y Marva King, de Los Angeles, California, proveeron el entretenimiento musical para la conferencia.

El objeto de nuestra vida es amar a Dios

"El conocimiento es Amor. Tú estudia, escucha las exhortaciones, piensa, esfuerzate por entender la sabiduría y grandeza de Dios. Debe hacerse fértil la tierra antes que se siembre la semilla. —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

"Ser el amante de Dios! Este es el único objeto de vida del Bahá’í. Tener en Dios al más cercano compañero, y al más íntimo amigo. Un Amado sin igual, en Cuya Presencia está la alegría completa. Y amar a Dios quiere decir amar a todo y a todos, pues todos son de Dios. El verdadero Bahá’í será la personificación perfecta del amor. El amará a todos con un corazón puro y ferviente, no odiará a nadie, no despreciará a nadie; porque en cada rostro verá el Rostro del Amado y por doquier encontrará Sus huellas. Su amor no conocerá límites de secta, nación, clase o raza."

Enseñanza en marcha en Phoenix con proyecto Pavón

El proyecto Raúl Pavón, el cual comenzó en el otoño de 1985 por el Comité de Enseñanza del distrito de Arizona del Norte, es una campaña permanente de expansión y consolidación.

Sus metas son el atraer un "flujo constante de nuevos reclutas" a la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh, originando su inspiración en la vida del Consejero Raúl Pavón.

De la misma manera que el ímpetu de las actividades de enseñanza han aumentado en la área de Phoenix, este proyecto tiene como maestros a Bahá’ís veteranos y los nuevos adherentes a la Fe, continuando con los procesos gemelos de expansión y consolidación.

Los Bahá’ís consideran al mismo tiempo que los procesos se desenvuelven de manera natural y usualmente inesperado.

El proyecto ha ayudado estimular el apoyo y la participación de las instituciones Bahá’ís, promover la iniciativas individuales y desarrollar cualidades de confianza en Dios, depender en el Espíritu Santo, perseverancia, pacienca, constancia y valentía.

El proyecto Pavón está ahora en el próximo paso del proceso de la enseñanza.

En algunas comunidades, las cuales tienen la bendición de tener devotos pioneros, experiencian la continuación de proceso de enseñanza. Poco a poco, clases de niños están comenzando (en Tolleson y Avondale), Asambleas locales se reunen (Avondale) y la observación de la Fiesta de 19 Días y de los Días Sagrados se hacen más regular.

La esperanza es de que con la asistencia anual para ayudar elegir las Asambles locales, eventualmente las comunidades Bahá’ís serán posibles de elegir esas Asambleas por sí mismas.

Obviamente, el proceso puede ser acelerado si Bahá’ís, dedicados a la Fe, se levantase para ir de pioneros a cualquiera de estas nuevas comunidades de Bahá’ís.

Las actividades de enseñanza incluyen el regresar a los vecindarios hasta que cada persona haya tenido la oportunidad de escuchar el Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh.

El resultado ha sido un aumento constante de nuevos creyentes y amigos de la Fe.

Ambos, maestros que visitan y Bahá’ís recien declarados, son alimentados en su conocimiento sobre las enseñanzas y la vida Bahá’í.

Más de 20 comunidades Bahá’ís que estan envueltas en el Proyecto Raúl Pavón están esforzandose para ayudar en establecer el Reino de Dios en la tierra.

Atención: ley sobre legalización

Si usted no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos y ha estado en los Estados Unidos ilegalmente desde antes del 1 de mayo de 1982 o ha trabajado 90 días en agricultura antes de 1 de mayo de 1986, usted podrá cualificar para residencia temporera bajo la "Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986."

Si usted cree que cualifica, usted solamente tiene hasta el 4 de mayo de 1988 para solicitar. Por favor llame usando el servicio de llamada gratuito al 1-800-777-7700 para mensajes grabados en español el Inglés a la agencia voluntaria más cercana a usted para ayudarle en llenar su solicitud.

Recuerde, su solicitud es estrictamente confidencial y no puede ser utilizado para deportarlo. Si usted es eligible, por favor llene la solicitud antes de que sea muy tarde!

Méjico auspiciará Conferencia de jóvenes en el verano

Por segundo año consecutivo, habrá una Conferencia Internacional de Jóvenes en Ciudad Juárez, Méjico, durante el fin de se-mana del 22 al 24 de julio de 1988.

Esta conferencia enfatizará la importancia del servicio, la enseñanza y consolidación de la Causa de Dios y la gran responsabilidad que tienen los jóvenes Bahá’ís en promover las enseñanzas Bahá’ís.

En adición, habrá muchas oportunidades para apoyar los proyectos de enseñanza cerca de la frontera con Méjico y después de la conferencia en Méjico.

Para más información sobre la conferencia, por favor de comunicarse con el Centro Nacional Bahá’í al 312-869-9039 o puede escribir al: Bahá’í National Center, National Youth Committee, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Una sola religión

Cuando somos Bahá’ís creemos que todas las religiones del pasado tienen origen divino. Creemos que Dios tiene solamente una religión que llegó a la humanidad traida por maravillosos Maestros que vinieron de tiempo en tiempo. Al aceptar la religión de todas las edades, hemos hecho más perfecta nuestra creencia en Dios.

El género humano, debido a la imitación y la ignorancia, adora el punto del amanecer desde el cual sus antepasados vieron el Sol de la Manifestación. Si el mismo Sol se levanta desde un punto de amanecer diferente, lo pasan por alto y se confunden. Pero cuando miramos al Sol, reconocemos que es el mismo Sol que ha brillado antes desde horizontes distintos.

Los Bahá’ís creemos que todos los Profetas de Dios tienen igual rango y propósito. Todos son jardineros divinos que ayudan al crecimiento del bendito Arbol de Dios. Por lo tanto, cuando somos Bahá’ís estamos unidos por una Fe común.

Bahá’u’lláh escribió:

"Considera al sol. Si dijera ahora, 'Soy el sol de ayer,' estaría diciendo la verdad. Y si reclamara, teniendo en cuenta el orden de sucesión del tiempo, ser otro sol, aún estaría diciendo la verdad. De la misma manera, si se dijera que todos los días son uno y el mismo, sería correcto y la verdad. Y si se dijera, con respecto a sus nombres y designaciones particulares, que difieren, esto también es verdad. Aunque sean iguales, sin embargo, se reconoce en cada uno una designación separada, un atributo específico, un carácter particular. Piensa, asimismo, en la distinción, variación y unidad que son características de las varias Manifestaciones de santidad, para que puedas comprender las alusiones hechas por el Creador de todos los nombres y atributos a los misterios de distinción y unidad y descubir la respuesta a tu pregunta sobre por qué la belleza eterna se hubiese llamado, en distintas épocas, por diferentes nombres y títulos."

"Cuida os, oh creyentes en la unidad de Dios, de ser tentados en hacer distinción alguna entre las Manifestaciones de Su Causa, o de menospreciar los signos que han acompañado su Revelación. Esto es, de cierto, el verdadero significado de la Unidad Divina, si sois de los que comprenden esta verdad y creen en ella. Además, estad seguros de que las obras y hechos de cada una de estas Manifestaciones de Dios, más aún, todo lo que a ellas atañe y todo lo que manifiesten en lo futuro, está ordenado por Dios y es un reflejo de Su Voluntad y Propósito. Quien quiera haga la más leve diferencia entre sus personas, sus palabras, sus mensajes, sus hechos y costumbres en verdad ha dejado de creer en Dios, ha repudiado Sus signos y traicionado la Causa de Sus Mensajeros."

El Sol de la Verdad brilla nuevamente. En el pasado el Sol de la Verdad ha brillado mediante Krishna, Buda, Cristo, Mahoma, etc. En esta época el Sol de la Verdad brilla otra vez por medio de Bahá’u’lláh, la Gloria de Dios.

Bahá’u’lláh proclama: "En verdad os digo, este es el Día en que la humanidad puede contemplar el Rostro y oir la Voz de Prometido. El llamado de Dios ha sido proclamado y la Luz de Su semblante se ha levantado sobre los hombres. Incumbe a todos borrar de la tablilla de su corazón hasta la última huella de toda palabra vana y contemplar con mente abierta e imparcial los signos de Su Revelación, las pruebas de Su Misión y las señales de Su Gloria."

No es la cantidad, sino el espíritu

Fondo Nacional Bahá’í Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 17]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE PRICE LIST

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE — APRIL

Explanations of abbreviations and symbols

• On order

1. Net (no discount)

CA Calendar CS Cassette FD Folder HC Hardcover JW ‎Jewlery Jewelry‎ LP Record LT Lightweight Edition NEW PA Pamphlets PER Persian PP Photograph PR Poster PS Pocket-sized Edition SC Softcover SPN Spanish TBA Price to be announced VT Video

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Title	Format	Price
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	$16.95
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	SC	4.50
Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner--Eng/Per/Ara	HC	17.50*
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	14.95
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.00
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	PS	3.95
Gleanings--British Edition	HC	12.95
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	6.00
Hidden Words--Chinese/English	HC	14.95
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh--Deluxe Edition	HC	13.95
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.95
Hidden Words--British Edition	SC	3.50
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	HC	12.95
Kitáb-i-Íqán--British Edition	SC	9.00
Kitáb-i-Íqán	PS	3.95
Prayers and Meditations	HC	14.95
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.95
Prayers and Meditations	PS	4.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	7.50
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	HC	6.00
Seven Valleys and Four Valleys	SC	3.95
Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	2.50
Tablet to the Christians & An Appreciation	SC	2.00
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	13.95
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	LT	6.95
Writings of Bahá’u’lláh--A Compilation	HC	19.95

THE BÁB

Title	Format	Price
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	HC	11.95
Selections from the Writings of the Báb	LT	6.95

‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

Title	Format	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	HC	16.50
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London	SC	5.95
Foundations of World Unity	HC	10.95
Memorials of the Faithful	HC	10.95
Paris Talks	SC	5.95
Promulgation of Universal Peace	HC	16.95
Secret of Divine Civilization	HC	11.95
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.50
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.95
Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	LT	6.95
Some Answered Questions	HC	14.95
Some Answered Questions	PS	4.50
Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	6.95
Traveler’s Narrative	HC	12.00
Traveler’s Narrative	SC	7.50

SHOGHI EFFENDI

Title	Format	Price
Advent of Divine Justice	HC	12.95
Advent of Divine Justice	SC	8.50
Call to the Nations	HC	6.95
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	4.00
God Passes By	HC	21.95
God Passes By	SC	12.95
Light of Divine Guidance/2-Letter-Germ.& Aust.	HC	21.95
Promised Day Is Come	SC	8.50
Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi	SC	1.00
Unfolding Destiny	HC	28.50
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.95

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

Title	Format	Price
Constitution: The Universal House of Justice	SC	1.50
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	HC	4.50
Messages from the Universal House of Justice	SC	2.00
Promise of World Peace--Deluxe Edition	HC	10.00
Promise of World Peace--Illustrated Summary	SC	1.75
Promise of World Peace--Pocket-size, Pkg./10	SC	5.50
Promise of World Peace--Presentation Edition	SC	3.00
Promise of World Peace--Study Edition	SC	.95
To the Peoples of the World	SC	2.50
Wellspring of Guidance	HC	9.00
Wellspring of Guidance	SC	4.00

BOOKS FOR PRAYER AND DAILY MEDITATION

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í DayBook	SC	5.95
Bahá’í Prayers	HC	8.50
Bahá’í Prayers	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Prayers--British Edition	HC	5.95
Bahá’í Prayers and Holy Writings	SC	2.50
Bahá’í Readings	SC	5.95
Handmaidens of God: Prayers for Women	SC	2.00
Hidden Words and Selected Holy Writings	SC	2.50
Prayers and Meditations	HC	14.95
Prayers and Meditations--British Edition	HC	11.95
Prayers and Meditations	PS	4.50
Prayers and Thoughts for Peace	SC	3.25
Words of God	SC	2.00

GENERAL COMPILATIONS

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í Education	SC	4.50
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	3.50
Note: A Study Guide can be purchased ‎seperately separately‎	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Writings on Music	SC	2.50
Bahiyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	HC	10.50
Bahiyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf	SC	5.50
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.00
Consultation	SC	1.00
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.95
Covenant	SC	2.50
Crisis and Victory	SC	4.50
Days to Remember	SC	7.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.50
Desire of the World	SC	7.50
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Divine Therapy	HC	17.95
Divorce: Writings Discouraging Divorce	SC	2.00
Family Life	SC	3.50
Huqúqu’lláh	SC	1.50
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.50
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.95
Life Blood of the Cause	SC	2.00
Living the Life	SC	2.95
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.75
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	3.50
Peace	SC	2.95
Peace: More Than an End to War	SC	8.95
Pearls of Wisdom: Deepening Compilation	SC	1.95
Political Non-Involvement	SC	1.25
Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition	SC	3.50
Power of Unity	SC	7.95
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	HC	7.95
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measure of Love	SC	1.00
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Throne of the Inner Temple	SC	6.00
Trustworthiness	SC	1.50
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.95
Unrestrained As the Wind	SC	7.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Women	SC	2.00

BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS

Bahá’u’lláh

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’u’lláh	SC	6.25
Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh	SC	8.95
My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	11.95
Stories from the Delight of Hearts	HC	14.75
Stories of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	18.75

The Báb

Title	Format	Price
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	SC	8.50
Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb	HC	16.25

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Title	Format	Price
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Centre of the Covenant	SC	8.50
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master	SC	2.00
Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	12.95
Blessings Beyond Measure	HC	7.95
In Galilee	HC	11.95
Master in ‘Akká	HC	10.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	6.00
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	19.95
Mystery of God	SC	9.95
Portals to Freedom	SC	6.95
Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká	SC	9.50
Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	12.95

Shoghi Effendi

Title	Format	Price
Blessings Beyond Measure	HC	TBA
Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	TBA
Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith	HC	3.95
Meditations on the Eve of November 4th	SC	7.50
Priceless Pearl	HC	19.95
Shoghi Effendi: Recollections	SC	20.00

The Hands of the Cause of God

Title	Format	Price
All Things Made New--W. Sears	SC	10.00
All Flags Flying--W. Sears	HC	18.95
Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid	SC	11.95
Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid	HC	16.50
From Copper to Gold--D. Baker	SC	15.95
George Townshend	SC	8.50
God Loves Laughter--W. Sears	HC	22.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	14.95
Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold	SC	7.50
Story of My Heart--A. Furútan	SC	9.95
To Move the World--L. Gregory	SC	17.95

Dawnbreakers and Early Bahá’ís

Title	Format	Price
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	17.95
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	35.00
Eminent Bahá’ís in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	19.95
Mullá Husayn-(Young adults)	SC	3.50
Mullá Husayn: Disciple at Dawn	HC	14.95
Munírih Khánum: Memoirs and Letters	SC	8.95
Quddus-(Young adults)	SC	3.50
Táhirih-(Young adults)	SC	3.50

General

Title	Format	Price
Diary of Juliet Thompson	SC	9.95
For the Good of Mankind--A. Forel	HC	13.50
For the Good of Mankind--A. Forel	SC	5.95
From the Auroral Darkness--R. ‎Haydan Hayden‎	SC	16.50
He Loved and Served--C. Kelsey	SC	9.50
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	11.95
Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith	SC	5.95
Lidia: Daughter of the Founder of Esperanto	SC	14.95
Once to Every Nation (How I Became a Bahá’í)	SC	7.50
Rebirth: Memoirs of R. Szanto-Felberman	SC	6.95
Summon Up Remembrance--A. Khan	HC	28.50
Summon Up Remembrance--A. Khan	SC	15.75
Tristan	HC	19.95
Tristan	SC	9.50
Youth in the Vanguard	SC	5.00

HISTORY

Title	Format	Price
Ascension of ‎‘Abdu’l-Bahá’í ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900	HC	17.95
Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984	SC	5.00
Blessings Beyond Measure	HC	12.95
Dawn-Breakers--British Edition	HC	17.95
Dawning Place	HC	9.95
Dawning Place	SC	4.95
E. G. Brown and the Bahá’í Faith	HC	17.95
Fire on the Mountain Top	SC	3.50
Four on an Island	SC	7.25
From Strength to Strength	SC	2.00
God Passes By	HC	21.95
God Passes By	SC	12.95
Iran’s Secret Pogrom	SC	3.50
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1	SC	14.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2	SC	17.95
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3	HC	25.00
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4	SC	19.50
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4	HC	29.50
Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak	HC	11.50
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 1	HC	19.95
Studies in Bábí and Bahá’í History, Vol. 2	HC	19.95
Year with the Bahá’ís of India and Burma	HC	8.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	5.00

BAHÁ’Í HOLY PLACES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Title	Format	Price
Crown of Beauty	HC	21.95
Dawning Place	HC	12.95
Dawning Place	SC	4.95
Dawning Place of the Pacific	SC	8.00
Door of Hope	SC	17.95

CONCORDANCES AND REFERENCE BOOKS

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í World Volumes 1-12 (set)	HC	295.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII)	HC	27.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV)	HC	16.00
Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV)	HC	21.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI)	HC	22.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII)	HC	26.95
Bahá’í World: Volume 18 (XVIII)	HC	40.00
Concordance to the Hidden Words	SC	2.50
Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	49.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	HC	17.95
Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature	SC	9.50

INTRODUCTION TO THE FAITH

Title	Format	Price
All Things Made New	HC	19.95
All Things Made New	SC	9.95
Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion	HC	15.95
Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction--Faizi	SC	1.50
Bahá’í Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth	SC	2.25
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	HC	11.95
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	SC	3.50
Earth Is But One Country	HC	14.95
Earth Is But One Country	PS	5.95
Light of Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.95
Religion for Mankind	SC	7.50
Renewal of Civilization	SC	3.75
These Things Shall Be	HC	2.00
To a Seeker	SC	6.95
What Is the Bahá’í Faith	SC	9.50

WORLD RELIGIONS

Christianity, Judaism, and the Bible

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í References to Judaism, etc.	SC	14.95
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh	SC	4.95
Prince of Peace	SC	9.95
Promise of All Ages	HC	12.50
Promise of All Ages	SC	4.50
Tablet to the Christians & An Appreciation	SC	2.00
Thief in the Night	SC	4.95
Wine of Astonishment	SC	4.75

Islam

Title	Format	Price
Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction	HC	33.00
Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction	SC	21.50

General

Title	Format	Price
Golden Rule	HC	16.75
Golden Rule	SC	8.25
Imperishable Dominion	SC	14.50
Letters and Essays: Mirzá Abu’l-Fadl	HC	11.95
Miracles and Metaphors	SC	8.95
Story of Stories	SC	9.95

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Title	Format	Price
Continental Boards of Counselors	SC	3.95
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA	SC	1.00
Local Spiritual Assembly	SC	.50
March of the Institutions	SC	8.50
National Spiritual Assembly	SC	1.00
Principles of Bahá’í Administration	HC	7.95
Universal House of Justice	SC	3.95

BAHÁ’Í LIFE

Child Education

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í Education--British Edition	SC	4.50
Education in the Bahá’í Family	HC	16.50
Education in the Bahá’í Family	SC	8.95

Deepening Aids

Title	Format	Price
America’s Spiritual Destiny	SC	7.50
Centers of Bahá’í Learning	SC	1.00
Power of the Covenant 1-3 Set	SC	6.95
Word of God	SC	2.00

Family Life and Marriage

Title	Format	Price
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life	SC	3.50
Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life Study Guide	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Marriage and Family	SC	7.50

Bahá’í Distribution Service ORDER FORM

415 Linden Avenue Wilmette IL 60091

Date ____________________ PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

ORDERED BY: Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ________________ State ________ Zip ________ Home Phone No ____________ Work Phone No ____________

SHIP TO (if different): Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ________________ State ________ Zip ________

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Total __________ TAB 4/88 [Page 18]

The Year of Teaching

Carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind

What is the Greatest Gift from God?

Teaching the Faith is the greatest spiritual bounty given to mankind. "Unloose your tongues, and proclaim unceasingly His Cause. This shall be better for you than all the treasures of the past and of the future, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth." Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 330

Spiritual assistance awaits any person who arises to teach the Faith. "The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are in martial array, poised between Earth and Heaven ready to rush to the assistance of those who arise to serve the Faith. If one seeks the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, they can find it in rich abundance in the Teaching field." Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 28, 1953, in The Individual and Teaching

The "best teachers" are Bahá’ís who let the Spirit move them. "Bahá’u’lláh and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come to our help if we only arise and become an active channel for God’s grace. Do you think it is the teachers who make converts and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure souls who take the first step, and then let the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh move them and make use of them. If any one of them should even for a second consider his achievements as due to his own capacities, his work is ended and his fall starts.... The criterion is the extent to which we are ready to have the spirit operate through us." Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, March 31, 1932, in The Individual and Teaching

Teaching guided by prayer, meditation and action produces results. "Teaching is the source of Divine Confirmation. It is not sufficient to pray diligently for guidance, but your prayer must be followed by meditation as to the best methods of action and then action itself. Even if the action should not immediately produce results, or perhaps not be entirely correct, that does not make so much difference, because prayers can only be answered through action and if someone’s action is wrong, God can use that method of showing the pathway which is right." Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, August 22, 1957, in The Individual and Teaching

Here are some suggested books to help you prepare for teaching.

Effective Teaching Workbook Connecting Hearts with Bahá’u’lláh A workbook to increase Bahá’ís’ understanding of teaching and of the many skills that can be developed to become a more effective teacher.

• Offers something to the novice and the experienced teacher
• Designed to be used in study groups or by individuals alone
• Based on a five-lesson plan that includes

1. The nature and purpose of teaching, focusing on the spiritual process involving God, the seeker, and the teacher
2. The elements of effective teaching and the student’s evaluation of his or her own teaching skills
3. Some alternative teaching approaches with special emphasis on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s model of teaching
4. Ways to overcome barriers to teaching
5. The part that teaching plays in the unfolding of the Plan of God

Prepared by the National Teaching Committee Workbook $2 Instructor’s Guide for assisting groups $2 Cassette $3

A Special Measure of Love A compilation of messages from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice that addresses the importance of teaching the Faith to the masses of humanity. It answers such questions as:

• How to present the teachings of the Faith
• What attitude should a teacher take when enrolling new believers
• How to help educate the newly enrolled Bahá’ís, deepen them in the teachings, and wean them gradually away from their old allegiances
• What is the proper balance between expansion and consolidation
• What is the significance of the participation of the native believers of each country in the teaching work and in the administration of community affairs

Published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust Booklet $1

The Individual and Teaching Raising the Divine Call Want to know some general guidelines when teaching the Faith? This booklet of extracts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, will help you. Published by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust Booklet $1.50

BOOKS

NEW! Radio Bahá’í, Ecuador By Kurt John Hein From George Ronald SC $17.75

Kurt Hein’s simple style and lack of jargon make this book a useful introduction to the new range of Bahá’í literature that deals with global transformation through social and economic development.

• Looks at the scriptural bases for social and economic development
• Traces the evolution of the first Bahá’í radio station from its conception, as a way to communicate with Bahá’ís living in remote areas, to its emergence as the primary link among the widespread peoples of the Ecuadorian countryside

Kurt Hein is currently the manager of WLGI-Radio Bahá’í at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina.

REPRINTS AVAILABLE AGAIN! SC $5.95

The Power of the Covenant A set of three deepening booklets including:

Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant with Mankind: Part One

• Opposition of Bahá’u’lláh
• The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh
• The laws of Bahá’u’lláh
• The Administrative Order
• Opposition to Bahá’u’lláh

The Problem of Covenant-Breaking: Part Two

• Historical aspects
• The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh
• The nature of Covenant-breaking
• Historical aspects
• Principles governing attacks
• Role of individual Bahá’ís
• Role of institutions

The Face of Opposition: Part Three

• Opposition: why study it?
• Sources of opposition in the past
• Opposition to Bahá’u’lláh
• Opposition from totalitarian regimes
• Opposition from Christian clergy
• Opposition to the Administrative Order
• The effects of opposition
• Responding to opposition

From Bahá’í Canada Publications $6.95

Bahá’í Readings Selections from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for daily meditation

• Helpful in fulfilling Bahá’u’lláh’s injunction to "Recite ye the verses of God every morning and evening each day of the year."
• Has a reading for every day of the year plus special readings for the Holy Days, Feasts and Fast

From Bahá’í Canada Publications

Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being A valuable book to strengthen an existing marriage or to prepare for marriage. Includes topics such as:

• God’s purpose for man
• Foundations of a spiritual union
• Purpose of marriage
• Preparation for marriage
• The marriage ceremony
• Interracial marriage
• Prayers for marriage
• Maintaining a fortress for well-being
• Assistance from the Spiritual Assembly
• Remarriage

Available in late May with a new cover design! From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust HC $15.95; SC $8.95

Teaching the Bahá’í Faith By Nathan Rutstein Written to help Bahá’ís share their beliefs with others and to confirm new believers in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, this book describes both the spiritual and the practical steps a Bahá’í needs to take.

• Provides easy, enjoyable reading with many stories and analogies
• Uses many examples about how Bahá’ís approach teaching the Faith

Published by George Ronald SC $8.95

NOTE: Order form on price list located on previous page

NEW ITEMS

Chinese-English The Hidden Words This red silk Mandarin English-Chinese language edition of The Hidden Words is one of the most beautiful Bahá’í books available.

• Contains color photos of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and an illuminated Tablet
• Has full-color page illuminations throughout
• Bound in silk
• Has gilt-edged pages and two silk marker ribbons

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan HC $14.95

Peace Note Cards Three traditional Chinese designs are featured in each set of nine cards.

• The Chinese characters for peace are artistically portrayed above a brief Bahá’í quotation inside each card
• These cards quietly proclaim the Faith each time they are sent

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan $2.95

Purify My Heart This unique Chinese-English children’s prayer book includes 14 prayers printed over images of Bahá’í Holy Places

• Presents a wonderful image of unity in diversity for children and adults alike
• Includes symbols to help children and students of Chinese with the pronunciation

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan SC $3

Peace Scroll $4.50 This specially commissioned calligraphic rendering of the two Chinese characters for peace is printed on a unique woven paper scroll.

• Has the Chinese translation of Bahá’u’lláh’s verse, "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens" beautifully arranged below the large characters
• Makes an ideal gift to participants in Bahá’í-sponsored peace events

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan

Marriage Prayer Scroll $1.50 Colorful silk scroll.

• Presents the verse "Wherefore, wed Thou in the heaven of Thy mercy ..."
• Use in proclamation, as gifts, or in your home

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan

Children’s Prayer Scroll $1.50 Simple yet engaging silk scroll for children.

• Features the prayer "O God! Educate these children ..."
• Use in proclamation, as gifts, or in your home

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan

Bahá’í Burial Ring $5 Although not yet required for Bahá’ís in the West, these lovely enamel and brass rings have a calligraphic rendering of the Arabic verse "I came forth from God, and return unto Him, detached from all save Him, holding fast to His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate."

• Adjustable • Comes in a delicate silk pouch with an explanation of its purpose and use

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan

Beginning May 1 . . . The Bahá’í Distribution Service will have a new toll-free phone number: 1-800-999-9019 Good in Illinois, too!

FOR CHILDREN

From Mountain To Mountain Stories about Bahá’u’lláh By Hitjo Garst From George Ronald HC $19.95 A valuable addition to young people’s Bahá’í libraries, this delightful book relates the history of the Bahá’í Faith from the childhood of the Báb to the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh.

• Covers all the significant events in the life of Bahá’u’lláh
• Abundantly illustrated with 41 drawings
• Written in a simple style
• Brings together those strands from Bahá’í history which reveal how Bahá’u’lláh’s exile was part of the Plan of God
• Can be used in children’s classes or in the home

Birth Announcement This beautiful birth announcement is printed on high-quality paper with an embossed rosette design and the quotation "Let this suckling babe be nursed from the breast of Thy loving-kindness" in gold script.

• Can be used to announce the birth of a child to Bahá’ís and to other friends
• Includes a place for an optional family or baby photo, lines for the parents’ names, child’s name, date of birth, weight, and so on

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan Packet of 10 announcements with matching envelopes $4.50

NEW CASSETTE

Rúhíyyih Khánum: Address to the Parents and Children The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum addresses a variety of issues of concern to parents regarding children:

• Enrollment in the Faith
• Discipline
• Pioneering
• Divorce
• Consultation
• Teaching
• Personal freedom
• Rebellion in youth

$8 (Produced by the Bahá’í Distribution Service of Canada)

NOW AVAILABLE

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf By Bahá’u’lláh HC $16.95; PS $4.50

• The last work of Bahá’u’lláh
• A compilation of His writings that He personally selected
• Contains the major themes of His Revelation
• Includes His promises and warnings to the peoples of the world
• Available for the first time in an inexpensive pocket-size edition and a new hardcover edition

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Coming in June from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh By Lee Nelson We are now taking pre-publication orders on A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

A concordance to help you study the Word of God!

• Contains more than 160,000 references to all the significant words in 10 books of Bahá’u’lláh and 22 compilations
• Contains a guide on how to use it plus a foreword by Counselor Hooper Dunbar

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust HC $49.95

Do you know what a concordance is? A concordance lists alphabetically all the significant words in a particular book and tells you their location and some of their context. It is a valuable tool to help you study the Word of God.

How will a concordance help you study the Word of God? It can help you in several ways. One, it will help you find a passage quickly. For example, assume that you are searching for the exhortation, "Be ye as the fingers of one hand." You can take A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, look up the word "fingers," and quickly find the passage.

A second way it will help you as you study the Word of God is by unlocking the hidden meanings in the writings by grouping together passages that share a common word. In the example above, by finding all occurrences of the word "fingers" grouped together, you quickly learn that "fingers" not only symbolize unity in the Bahá’í Writings but also "might and power" and "heedlessness."

Here are some additional suggestions about how to use a concordance.

• Bahá’ís are exhorted to meditate on the writings. But did you know that Bahá’u’lláh has chosen many specific topics on which to meditate? By referring to the words "consider," "ponder," and "meditate" in a concordance, you can find these topics.
• Frequently the direct commands of Bahá’u’lláh are expressed in sentences that begin with the words "be" or "let." A valuable deepening on personal conduct could be centered on the exhortations which begin with either of those words.
• Any specific attribute can be studied (happiness, blessedness, purity, mercy, etc.) simply by using a concordance and a little thoughtfulness in selecting words that are likely to be relevant to your interests.

With continued use and a little imagination, A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh will serve as a creative approach to studying the Creative Word.

NEW VIDEO

Blessed Is the Spot The Story of Green Acre Bahá’í School $25 VHS or Beta See and experience the beauty and serenity of Green Acre for the first time or bring back memories of your visits there:

• Glimpse the peacefulness of this special place where even the smallest rock is blessed
• See the meeting place of North America’s first Spiritual Assembly and the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed

Produced by the Green Acre Bahá’í School to raise funds for the Green Acre Restoration Project [Page 19]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE PRICE LIST

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE — APRIL

Item	Code	Price
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Divorce: Writings Discouraging Divorce	SC	2.00
Education and the Bahá’í Family	HC	16.50
Education and the Bahá’í Family	SC	8.95
Family Life	SC	3.50
Gift of Life--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes	CD	12.50
Guidelines for Parents	SC	2.00
Living the Life	SC	2.95
Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being	HC	16.95
Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being	SC	8.95
My Baby Book	HC	12.00
Pattern of Bahá’í Life	SC	3.50

Health

Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Health	SC	7.50
Throne of the Inner Temple	SC	6.00

Life After Death

Burial Ring	JW	5.00
Death: The Messenger of Joy	SC	3.50
Open door--Pkg. of 10 with envelopes	SC	9.95
Unto Him Shall We Return	SC	7.95

Self Help

Becoming Your True Self--Pkg. of 5	PA	7.00
Divine Therapy	HC	17.95
To Understand and Be Understood	SC	7.50

Spiritual Foundation

Bahá’í Studies 11: Concept/Spirituality	SC	5.00
Consultation	SC	1.00
Divine Art of Living	SC	7.95
Huqúqu’lláh	SC	1.50
Inspiring the Heart	HC	9.50
Inspiring the Heart	SC	4.95
Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition	SC	3.50
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	HC	12.50
Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach	SC	7.50
Purpose of Physical Reality	SC	9.95
Spiritual Foundations	SC	1.00
Trustworthiness	SC	1.50

SOCIAL ISSUES

Peace

Bahá’í Focus on Peace	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Peace Program--Pkg. of 5	PA	4.50
Beyond Disarmament	SC	1.50
Circle of Peace	SC	9.95
Peace Bible	HC	8.95
Peace Compilation	SC	2.95
Peace: More Than an End to War	SC	8.95
Phoenix and the Ashes	SC	8.25
Power of Divine Assistance	SC	3.50
Prayers and Thoughts for Peace	SC	3.25
Promise of Disarmament and Peace--Pkg. of 50	PA	10.00
Promise of World Peace--Large Format	SC	10.95
Thoughts: Education for Peace	SC	14.50
Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace	SC	8.95
Waging Peace	SC	7.95
Way Out of the Dead End	HC	13.50
Way Out of the Dead End	SC	7.95
World Peace and World Government	SC	3.25

Race Unity

Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	6.00
Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity--Pkg/50	PA	7.50
Power of Unity	SC	7.95
Race Unity--Pkg. of 20 includes 10 of America’s Challenge/10 of Interracial Marriage	PA	2.00#
To Move the World--L. Gregory	SC	9.95

Women

Equal Circles	SC	9.95
Handmaidens of God	SC	2.00
Women Compilation	SC	2.00

Miscellaneous

Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--Smith	HC	25.00
Bábí and Bahá’í Religions--Smith	SC	14.75
Bahá’í, Faith and Marxism	SC	4.00
Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights	SC	6.00
Bahá’í Statement on Nature	SC	1.75
Bahá’í Studies 2: Science of Religion	SC	5.00
Bahá’í Studies 6: Violence-Free Society	SC	5.00
Circle of Unity	SC	9.95
Political Non-Involvement	SC	1.25
Radio Bahá’í, Ecuador	HC	17.75
Science and Religion	SC	7.50

TEACHING AND PIONEERING

Effective Teaching Workbook	SC	2.00
Effective Teaching Instructor’s Guide	SC	2.00
Individual and Teaching	SC	1.50
Quickeners of Mankind	SC	1.00
Special Measures of Love	SC	1.00
Success in Teaching--Pkg. of 5	PA	7.00
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith	SC	8.95
To a Seeker	SC	6.95

ART, POETRY, ESSAYS, FICTION, AND MUSIC

Another Song, Another Season (poetry)	SC	2.00
Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence (poetry)	SC	5.00
Bahá’í’s Table of Contents	SC	7.95
Dawn Over Mount Hira (essays)	HC	2.00
Mission of Bahá’u’lláh (essays & poetry)	HC	12.50
Reginald Turvey/Life and Art	HC	17.95
Selections from the Writings of E. G. Browne	HC	36.50
Selections from the Writings of E. G. Browne	SC	19.95
Song Celestial (poetry)	HC	8.00
Touchstone of Sincerity (fiction)	SC	7.50

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

Chinese

Hidden Words--Chinese/English	HC	14.95
Peace Scroll--Chinese/English	PS	4.50
Purify My Heart--Chinese/English	SC	3.00

Persian

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

PER: Mufávidáṭ-i-’Abdu’l-Bahá (Some Ans. Ques.)	HC	9.95*
PER: Secret of Divine Civilization	SC	4.00
PER: Sel. Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	8.00
PER: Sel. Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. 2	HC	6.50
PER: Tablets of the Divine Plan	SC	1.80
PER: Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	HC	17.95

Shoghi Effendi

PER: Advent of Divine Justice	SC	4.25
PER: Call to Nations	SC	6.25
PER: Prayers of Shoghi Effendi	HC	3.50

The Universal House of Justice

PER: Promise of World Peace	SC	.60
PER: U.H.J. Messages to Iran	SC	5.50

Prayers and Compilations

PER: Amr Va Khalq Volume 1 & 2	HC	24.95
PER: Amr Va Khalq Volume 3 & 4	HC	32.95
PER: Bahá’í Life	HC	6.00
PER: Bahíyyih Khánum	HC	16.50
PER: Daryáy-i-Dánish (Tablets and Prayers)	HC	8.95
PER: Golzár-i-Ta’alím-i-Bahá’í	HC	8.95
PER: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	2.50
PER: Tablets for the Departed	HC	16.00
PER: Tasbíh-u-Tahlíl (Prayers and Meditations)	HC	9.95

General

PER: Athár-Guharbar (Precious Pearls)	HC	13.95
PER: Bahá’í Faith Not Political	SC	4.00
PER: Chand Bahth-i-Amri	SC	4.00
PER: Collected Works of Dr. Davudi	HC	19.95
PER: Garden of Truth	HC	12.95
PER: Kitáb-i-Íqán	HC	20.00
PER: Memoirs of Nine Years in ‘Akká	HC	13.50
PER: Muhadirat (Ishráq-Khávari)	HC	31.95
PER: Nawnihalan-i-Ma	SC	3.00
PER: Success in Teaching	SC	1.25

Bahá’u’lláh

PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh	HC	21.50
PER/ENG/ARA: Fire Tablet/Holy Mariner	HC	21.95
PER: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	HC	20.00
PER: Fire and Light	HC	17.50
PER: Gleanings	HC	21.95
PER: Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	2.50
PER: Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-i-Aqdas	HC	25.95

The Báb

PER: Selected Writings of the Báb

HC

17.00

Spanish

Bahá’u’lláh

SPN: Epístola al Hijo del Lobo	SC	7.50
SPN: Estudio de los Escritos Bahá’ís	SC	4.00
SPN: Kitáb-i-Íqán	SC	6.00
SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones	SC	7.50
SPN: Palabras Ocultas	SC	3.50
SPN: Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	8.50
SPN: Sinopsis y Codificación Kitáb-i-Aqdas	SC	3.75
SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	7.50

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

SPN: Respuestas a Algunas Preguntas	SC	12.75
SPN: Sel./Escritos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	10.95

Shoghi Effendi

SPN: Adventimiento de Justicia Divina	SC	3.75
SPN: Día Prometido Ha Llegado	SC	5.25
SPN: Dios Pasa	SC	10.50
SPN: Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.75

The Universal House of Justice

SPN: Constitución: Casa Universal de Just.	SC	5.00
SPN: Promesa de Paz Mundial	SC	1.00

Prayer Books and Compilations

SPN: Flores de los Altares	SC	2.75
SPN: La Hoja Mas Sagrada	SC	9.00
SPN: Oraciones Bahá’ís	SC	3.75
SPN: Palabras de Dios	SC	.50
SPN: Principios de Asistencia Divina	SC	1.95
SPN: Recopilación de Escritos	SC	3.50

Introductory Materials

SPN: Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era	SC	8.50
SPN: Datos Basicos	PA	.10
SPN: Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet	SC	1.50
SPN: Renovación de la Civilización	SC	3.25
SPN: Respuestas Bahá’ís	PA	.25

Miscellaneous

SPN: Christo y Bahá’u’lláh	SC	3.95
SPN: Fortaleza para el Bienestar	SC	3.50
SPN: Prescripción para Vivir	SC	5.00
SPN: El Rosedal	SC	1.00

CHILDREN’S PRAYER BOOKS AND LITERATURE

Books of Prayers and Readings

Blessèd Is the Spot	HC	9.95
Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them	HC	5.50
Magnified Be Thy Name	HC	5.50
O God, Guide Me	SC	3.95
Prayer Book	SC	1.00
Prayers for Children	SC	1.95
Purify My Heart--Chinese/English	SC	3.00
Tablet of the Heart	HC	9.95

Preschool and Early Readers

Basic Truth Series: Set 1	SC	8.95
Birth of the Bahá’í Faith	SC	1.00
God and His Messengers	SC	7.50
I Am a Bahá’í--The Toy Truck	SC	5.50
I Am a Bahá’í--Sunflower Set 2	SC	5.50
Mama Buzurg Is Coming	SC	4.50
Naming of Femi’s Brother	SC	3.75
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.50
Stories for Children	SC	3.00
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95

Miscellaneous

Anthology for the Bahá’í Child	SC	3.25
B. J. and the Language of the Woodland	SC	3.75
Bahá’í Principles for Children	SC	2.50
Diamond in the Darkness	SC	4.50
Dragons of Rizvania	HC	9.95
From Mountain to Mountain	HC	19.95
Fly Away Home	SC	3.95
Mama Buzurg Is Coming	SC	4.50
My Name is Nabil	HC	6.00
Pokka Stories	SC	2.95
The Promise #1 (Ages 6-8)	SC	5.00
The Promise #2 (Ages 9-11)	SC	5.00
Remember My Days	SC	4.50
Second Birth	HC	8.00
Secret of the Garden	SC	1.00
Secret in the Garden	HC	5.95
Secret in the Garden	SC	3.00
Song in the Ground	SC	4.00
Special Strengths	SC	3.95
Spotlessly Leopard	SC	4.00
Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	SC	5.50
Stories for Children	SC	3.00
Stories from Star of the West	SC	3.00
Story of Stories	SC	9.95
Wonderlamp	HC	12.95
Zahra’s Search	SC	3.25

Young Adults

Mullá Husayn	SC	3.50
The Promise #3 (Ages 12-14)	SC	5.00
Quddús	SC	3.50
Refuge and the Cave	SC	5.95
Secret of the Stolen Mandolin	SC	3.75
Táhirih	SC	3.50
Unrestrained as the Wind	SC	7.95
Youth in the Vanguard	HC	5.00

PAMPHLETS AND BOOKLETS

Bahá’í Peace Program--Pkg. of 5	PA	4.50
Becoming Your True Self--Pkg. of 5	PA	7.00
Building a Unified Community	PA	3.00
Communion with God--Large Type	SC	1.50
God’s Great Plan	SC	2.00
In Search of the Supreme Talisman--Pkg. of 10	PA	10.00
Peace Pamphlets: General Introduction--Pkg/50	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets: More Than End to War Pkg 50	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets: Oneness of Religion--Pkg/50	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets: Race Unity--Pkg/50	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets: World Government--Pkg/50	PA	7.50
Peace Pamphlets: 10 Assorted from above	PA	2.00
Peace Pamphlets: 100 Assorted from above	PA	10.00
Promise of Disarmament and Peace--Pkg. of 50	PA	10.00
Prophecy Fulfilled--Pkg. of 10	PA	4.50
Race Unity--Pkg. of 20 includes 10 each: Interracial Marriage, America’s Challenge	PA	2.00#
Success in Teaching--Pkg. of 5	PA	7.00

AUDIO

Informational Recordings

Address to Parents & Child--R. Khánum	CS	8.00
Are you Happy?--Olinga	CS	7.50
Because We Love the Faith--Collins/Baker	CS	7.50
Carmel the Mountain of God--Khadem	CS	8.00
Foundations of Learning--Faizi	CS	7.50
In His Presence--Samandari	CS	7.50
In the Days of the Guardian--Iaos	CS	7.50
My Only Desire--Alexander	CS	7.50
Strengthening Administrative Order--Holley	CS	7.50
Triumph of the Cause--Balyuzi	CS	7.50
Visit with the Master--True	CS	7.50

Other Speakers

Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh--Khan	CS	7.50
Echoes of the Lotus--Set of 4 (W/Music cass)	CS	29.95
Major and Minor Plans of God--Khan	CS	7.50
Meeting the Master, Volume 1	CS	7.50
Peace--The Promise	CS	7.50
This Century of Progress...B. Mitchell	CS	7.50
Women: Equality and Peace...Khan	CS	7.50

Stories and Drama

Let It Be This Generation	CS	8.00
Stories From the Dawn-Breakers--Set of 4	CS	27.95

Music Recordings

Come On, Rise Up--D. Cameron	CS	8.00
Echoes of the Lotus--Music--Various artists	CS	8.95
Flight--Various artists	LP	2.00
Jewel in the Lotus--Various artists	CS	8.00
Let It Be This Generation--Various artists	CS	8.00
Loving Hands--Heart Beat	CS	8.95
Mona with the Children--D. Cameron	CS	8.00
Nightingale--D. Newton-Powell	CS	8.00
Teaching Peace--R. Grammer	CS	8.00
Unity in Diversity--G. Munro	CS	8.00
We Are Bahá’ís--D. Cameron	CS	8.00
We Are One--Leslie & Kelly	CS	8.50
We Want to Grow Up--N. Ward	CS	8.00
Wildfire--W. Johnson	CS	7.00

VIDEO

Ark of Destiny--Beta/VHS	VT	25.00
Bahá’í Faith: Through Eyes/Young Bahá’ís-BETA/VHS	VT	25.00
Bahá’í Faith: Unity in Diversity--BETA/VHS	VT	25.00
Blessed Is the Spot (Greenacre) Beta/VHS	VT	25.00
Eight Year Report--BETA/VHS	VT	30.00
Films of A. Q. Faizi--BETA/VHS	VT	49.95
Greenlight Expedition--BETA/VHS	VT	39.95
Heart of the Lotus--Beta/VHS	VT	25.00
Meeting the Master--Beta/VHS	VT	19.95
‎Moni Mona‎ Music Video--BETA/VHS	VT	45.00#
Peace...The Promise--BETA/VHS	VT	25.00
Pilgrimage--BETA/VHS	VT	39.95
Samoa: The Dawning Place--Beta/VHS	VT	25.00

(INDICATE BETA OR VHS WHEN ORDERING)

CARDS, CALENDARS, PHOTOGRAPHS, MISCELLANEOUS

Calendars

Bahá’í Datebook	CA	2.95
Bahá’í Pocket Calendar	CA	5.50
Bahá’í Pocket Calendar Pkg of 10	CA	5.50
Bahá’í Wall Calendar	CA	1.75
Do-It-Yourself Calendar Sticker Kit	CA	2.95
Peace Organizer	CA	9.95
Scroll Calendar (silk)	CA	4.50
Scroll Calendar (wood)	CA	4.50

Cards

Birth Announcements--Pkg. of 10 with Envelope	CD	4.50
Gift of Life--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes	CD	12.50
Open Door--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes	CD	9.95
Peace Note Cards--Pkg. of 9 with Envelopes	CD	2.95
Tapestry Note Cards--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes	CD	12.50
Teaching Cards, Wilmette H.O.W.--Pkg. of 25	CD	3.95

Photographs and Prints

‘Abdu’l-Bahá Color Lithograph, 11" X 14"	PP	7.00
Greatest Name--Illuminated Print	PP	5.00
Greatest Name--Illuminated Print	PP	5.00
Wilmette House of Worship Poster	PP	1.00

Miscellaneous

Bahá’í Faith Presentation File Folder	FD	.50
Burial Ring	JW	5.00
Children’s Scroll	PS	1.50
Marriage Scroll	PS	1.50
Peace Scroll	PS	4.50

[Page 20]

From the House of Worship

We look forward eagerly to the upcoming Special Visit Programs in May and July. The response has been tremendous from all over the country. The July family program now has a waiting list, and the May program is nearly full. If interest continues, a third program may be added to our yearly schedule. Past participants have spoken of gaining new insights and of expanding their sense of the scope of the Faith.

We also enjoy the enthusiasm and energy brought each year by youth summer volunteers. As they help us with guiding, mailings and other tasks, their willing assistance and cheerful manner brightens the Visitor’s Center and warms the hearts of staff and visitors. We are looking for mature, self-sufficient youth to help us this summer. If you are interested in being one of our helping hands, contact the Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.

A guide from Texas recently wrote to express his feelings and share his experiences at the House of Worship:

“… I would like to express some of my thoughts regarding my brief visit and ‘guiding experience’ that they might be of value to others. …

“Bahá’u’lláh tells us that all days are the Days of God, but that this day is special. So, too, are all spots blessed where the mention of God has been made, but there are some spots of greater blessings. We are all aware of the unique spirituality of the Blessed Shrines. The station of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár likewise gathers to itself an atmosphere of divine energy. We Americans, of both birth and choice, are doubly blessed as Shoghi Effendi has stated that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette is the holiest House of Worship that will ever be raised in the name of Bahá’u’lláh. …

“On several occasions I have read in The American Bahá’í articles about the need for guides at the House of Worship. I read not only of the need but of the heartfelt gratitude of the people who had guided. They recognized the blessing that had been bestowed. I decided that I could offer such service and … knew that I could also use such a blessing. I would not let this opportunity slip from my grasp.

“Friends, it truly is a blessing. How many are the times that we have, individually or collectively, moaned and groaned that we hold meetings and no one shows up; that our fellow man in our home town must have blinders and ear plugs on. If you have felt this way, even for a moment, then the House of Worship is paradise for you. People see it and stop, not knowing what it is, but in love. They enter its doors inspired and entranced. They question, they nod yes, they smile.

“I met a couple from New York who were out driving, looking at the homes of the wealthy in Wilmette, when they rounded a corner and stopped dead in their tracks. They had to know everything that that building stood for, and they too felt the regret of leaving it. I met a man from Peru who had been there often; he was bringing a group of six of his friends to experience the House of Worship for the first time. He was not only happy there, he was proud—proud to be welcome there and proud to be aware of it. He gave it as a gift to his friends, and these were not the first friends or relatives he had brought.

“Friends, I am not describing Bahá’ís, I am describing people who love Bahá’u’lláh because of His teachings and who love the House of Worship that stands in His Name. Before I left, I came to feel that time spent upstairs in the auditorium in prayer was ‘selfish time.’ Oh, it still felt good, and I wasn’t about to give it up, but the spiritual action, so to speak, is in Foundation Hall below. As for me, my friends, put me down on the guides’ list every time I return. I ask you to remember the words of Bahá’u’lláh regarding teaching: ‘Unloose your tongues, and proclaim unceasingly His Cause. … This is the day in which to speak.’

“Remember those words not only in your hometown, but remember them on your next trip to Wilmette and ask, ‘Is there any way that I could guide at the House of Worship while I’m here?’ If you say that to Ann Arp, she will give you the warmest, friendliest, most knowing smile, a quick but thorough orientation, a packet of information to review, a badge saying ‘Bahá’í Host’ or ‘Hostess,’ and an opportunity to enrich your life. Seize that opportunity, for it may not come your way again.”

For booth space at Youth Conference ...

Any individuals or companies who would like to be considered for a sales booth at the International Bahá’í Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, this summer should contact the Bahá’í Distribution Service in writing.

Space for booths is limited, and applications should be received no later than May 15. There is a charge for booths, and a percentage of sales will be returned to the National Youth Committee to defray conference expenses.

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph of a group of pioneers to South America was taken in Wilmette in 1950. Amelia Collins and Dorothy Baker are in the back row. If you can identify anyone else in the picture, please send the names to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

More than 100 attend Portland conference to explore ‘most vital and challenging issue’

On January 24, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, sponsored a conference on “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue” confronting the Bahá’í community, that of racial prejudice.

More than 100 adult Bahá’ís and 25 Bahá’í youth attended the conference at which Dr. Darrell Milner, chairman of the Black Studies Program at Portland State University, presented a comprehensive and insightful history of race relations from the international to the local level.

His presentation was followed by an historic overview of race relations within the Faith by Naomi Robinson of Seattle, Washington.

During the afternoon, participants were divided by race into small discussion groups.

Following guidelines set by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice, African-Americans worked to “wipe out every trace of suspicion that may linger in their hearts and minds,” while whites worked “to abandon … their usually inherent and at times subconscious sense of superiority.”

A racially mixed group also met to discuss their unique problems.

Every group agreed that the problem of racial prejudice does exist within the Bahá’í community and that it needs to be addressed.

A panel discussion ended the day-long conference by highlighting the role and responsibility of the institutions of the Faith in resolving racial differences and fostering unity.

A special presentation was made to Arizona O’Neill, a Bahá’í from the Portland area, for her decades of work in race relations.

Naomi Robinson, a Bahá’í from Seattle, Washington, speaks about the history of race relations in the Bahá’í Faith during a conference January 24 on ‘The Most Vital and Challenging Issue’ sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

From Mountain To Mountain Stories About Bahá’u’lláh HITJO GARST

Young people will find this book a valuable addition to their Bahá’í libraries. Here is the history of the Bahá’í Faith told in simple language, with numerous illustrations. Each of its forty-one chapters recalls one episode in the evolution of the Faith from the childhood of the Báb to the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. Suitable for use in children’s classes.

160 pages, 41 illustrations. Hardcover $19.95

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-323-1880 or through your local distribution representative. No postage on orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States (add 15% outside this area) [Page 21]

RIDVÁN TELEPHONE CONTACTS

Below is a list of Ridván telephone contacts. Immediately after the Ridván elections are held, each local Spiritual Assembly is responsible for calling the District’s contact person to report election results.

The contact person will need to know the name of the Spiritual Assembly, the name and phone number of the Assembly’s secretary or contact person, and the number of people voting—in person and absentee—at the local election.

DISTRICT	CONTACT PERSON	TELEPHONE NUMBER
Alabama, Northern	Marjorie Waddell	205/852-0787
Alabama, S/Florida NW	Sue Dixon	904/871-0446
Arizona, Northern	Dorothy Altman	602/937-1002
Arizona, Southern	LaRue Keys	602/378-6785
Arkansas	Annette Myrick	501/224-3246
California, Central #1	Beatrice Link	408/395-5351
California, Central #2	Dean Stickland	619/375-6921
California, Northern #1	Roger Hogan	916/244-9227
California, Northern #2	Carol Noah or Edna Thompson	415/892-3377
California, Southern #1	Perry Roshan-Zamir	213/829-9625
California, Southern #2	Nora Newman	714/685-0943
California, Southern #3	Cheryll McCarty	805/772-2377
California, Southern #4	Jim Schechter	619/462-8232
Colorado, Northeast	Paul or Anna Scott	303/666-7876
Colorado, Southeast	Ruby Tilton	303/746-2272
Colorado, Northern	John David	303/434-8350
Connecticut	Norma Avegnon	203/966-7028
DelMarVa	Robin Cain	302/734-5434
Florida, Central	Sheri Dressler	305/679-2779
Florida, Northern	Willie Kimble Jr.	904/562-5279
Florida, Southeast-Central	Carla Schindeler	305/525-1919
Florida, Southeast-North	Manet Eaton	305/641-2631
Florida, Southeast-South	Sue Blythe	305/289-0940
Florida, Southwest	Teresa Gordon	813/347-4826
Georgia, Northeast	LaVont Steele	404/733-1840 or 790-6597
Georgia, Northwest	Sharon Wright	404/923-2361
Georgia, Southern	Joan Shinnick	912/638-5046
Idaho, N/Washington E	Barbara Lachmar	509/334-3398
Idaho, Southern	Cindy Cowman	208/365-6510
Illinois, Northern #1	Liz Helt	815/338-5687
Illinois, Northern #2	Mari Hurt	312/470-1911
Illinois, Southern	Chris Kurianowicz	618/529-4945 or 529-2358
Indiana	Cathy Russell	317/675-6915
Iowa	Bill Willis	319/366-4433 or 364-8934
Kansas	Gray Bishop	316/788-5378
Kentucky	Sarah Lee	606/263-1820
Louisiana	Betsy Freeth	318/445-7643
Maine	Alma Carr	207/968-2199
Maryland/D.C.	Charlayna Gilmer	301/839-4832
Massachusetts	Charles Cooper	617/745-2430
Michigan, Lower	Dick Singer	517/792-8416
Minnesota, Northern	Norman Ellig	218/678-2211
Minnesota, Southern	Joanne Burke	612/431-1674
Mississippi	Lisa Kay Reimer	601/856-2964
Missouri	Mary Rowe	816/241-2948
Montana	Topaz Dosen	406/586-6323
Navajo/Hopi	Ken Morphet-Brown	602/283-4950
Nebraska	Mary Louise Brown	308/234-3749
Nevada, Northern	Robert Callju	702/331-4332
Nevada, Southern	Ruth Harvey	702/361-8846
New Hampshire	Jonathan Ring	603/772-4680
New Jersey	Richard Tomarelli	609/769-4257
New Mexico, Northern	Sharon or Carl Ewing	505/471-5333
New Mexico, S/Texas W	Ron Meese	915/544-0508
New York, Eastern	Delma Phillips-Siegel	518/482-0336
New York, Long Island	Jacqueline Goldberg	516/621-5182
New York, New York City	Viola Wood	718/756-8498
New York, Western	Sandra Schwagler	315/363-9959
North Carolina, Central	Bill Hunter	704/634-1719
North Carolina, Eastern	Warren Rochelle	919/772-1340
North Carolina, Western	Peggy Cerchione	704/264-7839
North Dakota	Mavis Nymon	701/232-0058
Ohio, Northern	Pleasant Montgomery	216/991-0475
Ohio, Southern	Rose Wendel	513/372-1844 or 433-1120
Oklahoma, Eastern	Janice Zielazinski	918/228-7054
Oklahoma, Western	Sandra Swartwood	405/737-2721
Oregon, Eastern	Dianne Henrickson	503/475-6627
Oregon, Western	Lydia McCarter	503/245-4385
Pennsylvania, Eastern	Robert Basso	717/599-5939
Pennsylvania, Western	Mary Anne Rood	412/465-7706
Rhode Island	Edith Carpenter	401/461-7904
South Carolina, Central	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Eastern #1	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Eastern #2	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Northern	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Southern #1	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Southern #2	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Carolina, Western	Betsy Haynes	803/767-8755 or 558-2977
South Dakota	Louise Watson	605/343-1054
Tennessee, Eastern	Bettye Hobbs	615/484-1977
Tennessee, Western	Inez Jones	901/847-2928
Texas, Central #1	Irma Gray	512/820-3077
Texas, Eastern #1	Rose-Marie Stevens	817/540-0127
Texas, Eastern #2	Dotti West	713/471-5365
Texas, Northcentral	Pat Klem	806/359-6505
Texas, Southern	Sheron Knowlton	512/552-7603
Utah	Debbie Kiyoko Laws	801/527-4441
Vermont	Mary Goding	802/767-3236
Virginia, Northern	Berdina Jenkins	703/636-3359 or 636-1670
Virginia, Southeast	John Czerniejewski	804/233-7033 or 232-1959
Virginia, Southwest	Sorour Payman	703/783-9011
Washington, Northwest	Kate Goodrich	206/376-4936
Washington, Southwest	Dean Martineau	206/581-3622
West Virginia	Douglas Boren	304/429-7450
Wisconsin, N/Penn. Michigan	Thomas May	414/869-2045
Wisconsin, Southern	Albert Taborn II	414/444-7418
Wyoming	Dru Hanich	307/883-2277

Young Florida Bahá’í wins top prize in national contest for anti-drug speech

Sarah Parnell, a Bahá’í youth from Brooksville, Florida, won $750 in U.S. Savings Bonds last year in a nationwide contest, "McDonald’s Youth Challenge: Living Drug-Free."

Sarah placed first in the 12-and-under category for a speech she made at the Brooksville court-house during a countywide "Just Say No to Drugs and Alcohol" rally.

During that event, children and adults representing county schools and clubs circled the courthouse with a red ribbon, symbolizing the protection of children by caring adults against the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

In the fall, the Hernando County Commissioners honored Sarah during one of their meetings, and in December, McDonald’s arranged a formal program to honor her and another student, Leah Killingsworth, who won honorable mention in the national contest.

Among those who saw Sarah receive her award were state Rep. Chuck Smith; Mayor Joe ‎Bernadini Bernardini‎ of Brooksville; and teacher Jo Ann Summerall, county coordinator of the "Just Say No" program.

Harrisburg Assembly devotes peace forum to World Religion Day

The Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which sponsors a forum/discussion on world peace every second Sunday of each month, devoted its January 10 program to World Religion Day.

During the program, whose theme was "One Religion—World Peace Through Mutual Understanding," representatives of five major religions presented brief talks on the essence of their faiths as taught by their divine revealers.

Addressing the topic were a Hindu, a Jewish rabbi, a Christian minister, a black Muslim and a Bahá’í.

Twelve Bahá’ís and 22 of their guests attended the program, which was publicized January 8 by the local newspaper in its religion section.

UN

from page 13

racism, the rights of minorities, rights of disabled persons, rights to development, and other areas of concern to Bahá’ís.

Q. Has the Bahá’í International Community given oral statements to sub-bodies of ECOSOC?

A. Yes, the BIC has often been given permission to make oral statements before functional commissions and committees of ECOSOC.

Q. What was one of the early challenges for a Bahá’í delegation?

A. In June 1950, through her persistent efforts, Bahá’í delegate Mildred Mottahedeh was instrumental in achieving the adoption of a resolution stating that all non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN should be specifically invited to all national and regional UN conferences. The resolution was passed during the Fourth International Conference of International NGOs in Geneva, Switzerland.

Introduction of the resolution was prompted by the Bahá’í delegation’s discovery that they had not been invited to a UN seminar on teaching that was held in Iran. The reason for the omission of the Bahá’ís, according to the Iranian vice-chairman of the committee, was that "there are no Bahá’ís in Iran," and that the Faith was no more than a sect of Islam. These statements were challenged successfully by Mrs. Mottahedeh. (The Bahá’í World, Vol. 12, p. 604)

Please direct questions about the Bahá’í Faith and the UN to: Bahá’ís of the U.S., Shirley Lee, UN Representative, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

Next month: "U.S. Bahá’ís and the UN."

National Assembly reserves the right to contact prominent persons, groups

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the American Bahá’í community that in all matters relating to the Faith, the National Assembly reserves the right to contact or to do business with national institutions or persons of national importance.

Therefore, without the explicit direction or approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Spiritual Assemblies or individual Bahá’ís should not initiate any action that is designed to take up matters of a Bahá’í nature with representatives or agencies of the federal government, state legislatures or governors, nationally prominent individuals, national organizations, or national media of communication.

Should your community wish to contact a person or group that falls into any of these categories, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly at the Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (phone 202-265-8830).

Counselor Wilma Brady heads list of speakers at Justice Society’s Annual Meeting at Bosch

Counselor Wilma E. Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community; William Davis, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and director of the California State Courts administrative office; and Juana Conrad, co-founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration and chairman of the Bahá’í National Committee on Women, head the list of speakers who will appear June 2-5 at the Conference and Annual Meeting of the Bahá’í Justice Society at the Bosch Bahá’í School.

The theme of the conference is "Justice: Achieving the Bahá’í Concept."

Registration for the entire event including nine meals, three nights’ lodging and ground transportation to and from San Jose is $125 (see registration form).

The single-day charge is $6 plus meals. Shuttle information or directions for reaching the Bosch School by car will be sent upon receipt of your deposit.

Some scholarships are available. For details, please contact Steven Gonzales, corresponding secretary, Bahá’í Justice Society, 1010 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 (phone 517-699-1312).

BAHA’I JUSTICE SOCIETY CONFERENCE June 2-5, 1988 Registration

FAMILY NAME____________________________

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY________________

Telephone: (H) (______) ____________________ (W) (______) ____________________

FIRST NAME	SEX	AGE	STREET ADDRESS	CITY	STATE	ZIP
________________	____	____	________________________________	__________	____	_____

Note: No accommodations available for children other than infants.

Please complete the following: [ ] I will bring my own linens/towels. [ ] I will need school linens/towels @ $6/package. [ ] I will need transportation from/to San Jose Airport @ $32 roundtrip. [ ] I am enclosing a deposit of $25/person for conference registration. [ ] Please charge registration to my [ ] VISA [ ] MASTERCARD Card No.______________________________________ Expires______________________

Mail to: Registrar, BJS Conference Bosch Baha’i School 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9615

FOR FURTHER REGISTRATION INFORMATION CALL BOSCH BAHA’I SCHOOL 408-423-3387 [Page 22]

Life beyond the front porch

There once was a lazy young greyhound who slept constantly on a porch. He would only move to get a bite to eat from a tray near his nose. But the poor creature awoke one afternoon from a nightmare to look at himself, and lo and behold! he found that on his fur coat some spots were woefully misplaced! Every color under the sun—red, yellow, black, brown, white—dashed there with abandon. He stretched his nose to the sky and commenced, for the first time in his life, to express a grievance.

His complaint carried on and on until suddenly, early in the morning, in the midst of his self-dissatisfaction, he looked at himself again. The sun had cast shadow and light just in the right place on his fur coat to please his sense of beauty. Hurrah, all is well!—or so he thought. For in the long process of admiring himself he noticed that, to his dismay, the lovely pattern was inexorably moving out of place. And like the three-year-old toddler that he was, he immediately sought solace once again in his wailings—but then thought better of it. A new idea had emerged: he could move himself to properly rest the pattern. So he shifted his body an inch or so—the first such effort in his life not for the sake of food. Again he shuffled. And again he shimmied. All morning he practiced this unique form of locomotion on the porch until at noon he found nowhere else to move. The shadows were gone.

He stood up in frustration—and as he did so, dazzling new shadows and lights unexpectedly flashed for a moment. Amazing! Yet there was more; his eyes became aware of new, more profound sights, his nostrils were filled with enchanting scents. His tray runneth over. The porch could no longer contain him, and off he dashed—yes, dashed, for he was a young greyhound—down the steps to the yard, and the lights and shadows that poured over him transformed everything into vivid colors. Without hesitation, he ran in earnest, and the entire world became a glowing river streaming swiftly all around him.

The porch was where nothing had moved and everything had been dead; now all was alive. He ran on to sustain this life, and he runs still. He no longer looks at himself, only straight ahead, because that condition alone which he cannot change is his spotted fur coat. Yet he is happy now, for he has learned that he is, in his flight through the world, becoming a beautiful passing star.

از مقالات دوستان

LET DEEDS BE YOUR ADORNING

مقالهٔ زیر را جناب آقای پرویز دادرسان برای درج در صفحات فارسی ارسال داشته‌اند. از همکاری ایشان تشکر میکنیم.

"لازال هدایت به اقوال بوده و این زمان به افعال گشته"

در این اندیشه بودم که با آنکه این ظهور اعظم الهی چون شمس تابان از افق آنان مشرق و نفوذ و اثرات و ثمراتش در انفس و آفاق چون بحر بی‌پایان در جریان و سریان و تعالیم آسمانیش به مثابه ‎دریاق تریاق‎ فاروق اعظم وسیلهٔ نجات کاروان گمگشته بشریت، چگونه است که بشر پریشان و سرگردان در متابع و مصائب بیکران از این شاهراه نجاح و فلاح دور و مهجور گشته و تشنگان بادیهٔ ضلالت و غوایت از این سرچشمه فیض و عنایت محروم و ممنوع گردیده‌اند. آیا علت جزای اعمال سیئهٔ بشر و غفلت بنی آدم از منظر اکبر است؟ آیا سبب لازمه سیر تکاملی تدریجی امر الهی است که از جمله نوامیس و سنن الهیه در ظهورات مظاهر مقدسه رحمانیه است؟ آیا به دلیل عدم توجه دقیق و عمیق و کمک پیروان اسم اعظم به تعالیم احکام مقدسه منزله در این ظهور افخم است؟

آری متأسفانه باید جمیع علل مذکوره را مثبت دانم، زیرا اکثری از ناس بواسطه غفلت از خداوند و پیروی از حدودات نفس و هوی از نعمت هدایت در یوم‌الله محروم مانده‌اند و عالم بشری نیز که در اجراء مواعظ و نصایح الهیه فتور و قصور ورزیده و از توجه به خداوند و طلب عون و عنایت از حضرت کبریائی روی برتافته اکنون به عذابی شدید که از جهت حدت و شدت و کیفیت در تاریخ بشریت بی مِثیل و عدیل بوده دچار و در بند متاعب بیشمار و مشقات بسیار گرفتار گردیده است. جمال قدم جلّ اسمه‌الاعظم میفرمایند:

"در باب گرفتاری خلق و عدم شورشان ذکر نمودید، حق لا ریب فیه. آنچه بر اهل ارض وارد شده و میشود از جزای اعمال است."

همچنین شریعت رحمانی نیز مطابق نوامیس طبیعت و قانون الهی باید سیر تکاملی خود را بتدریج بپیماید تا به مرحلهٔ بلوغ و کمال نائل آید و به رتبه تَبٰارکَ اللّهُ اَحْسَنُ الْخالِقین فائز شود.

در این مقام به علت دیگری که قبلاً اشاره گردید، یعنی نحوه اعمال و اخلاق و تمسک و تشبث ما بهائیان به احکام و مواعظ الهیه که در سهم خود تأثیری شدید در اقبال ناس و توجه بریه به شریعه عزّ احدیه داشته و دارد قدری دقیق و عمیق شویم و به حساب نفس خویش رسیدگی نمائیم: "حاسبوا انفسکم فی کل یوم من قبل ان تحاسبوا" و از سوئی آیا مصداق این بیان مبارک که میفرماید: "لازال هدایت به اقوال بوده و این زمان به افعال گشته، یعنی باید جمیع افعال قدسی از هیکل انسانی ظاهر شود چه که در اقوال کل شریکند ولیکن افعال پاک و مقدس مخصوص دوستان ماست." در وجود ما ظاهر گردیده؟ آیا به نحو اتم و اکمل به موجب دستورات و تعالیم سامیه الهیه عمل مینمائیم؟ آیا اتحاد و مودت و محبت حقیقی را که منظور و مقصود و هدف از بعث مظاهر مقدسه الهیه است در جمع خویش معمول میداریم؟ آیا خضوع و خشوع و محویت و فنا و رقیت و عبودیت که در کلمات الهیه مسطور است، در وجود هر یک از ما مشهود میگردد؟ چه نیکوست که پاسخ به جمیع سؤالات مذکوره را به دقت نظر و حدت بصر در الواح مقدسه الهیه محول داریم و بدین آیه شریفه نازله از قلم اعلی بیاندیشیم:

"قسم به خدا که اگر این معدود قلیل به سجیه الهیه در بین بریه حرکت میکرد، حال جمیع اهل ارض طائف امرالله و مقبل حرم الله بودند."

لذا از فحوای این آیه مبارکه متعالیه چنین استنباط میشود که ما اهل بهاء نیز به نوبه خود در احتجاب نفوس از مشاهده شمس حقیقت و درک فیوضات این شریعت سهمی عظیم داشته‌ایم. اگر چنین است وا اَسَفٰا بما فَرَّطْنا فی جَنْبِ الله. قلوب مقربین و کروبیین قرین انین و حنین است و موجب محرومیت و مهجوریت ما از تأییدات و توفیقات حضرت رب‌العالمین. قلم اعلی میفرماید:

"لیس خُسْری سِجنی و بلائی و ما ورَدَ علیَّ من طُغاة العباد، بل عَمَلُ الذینَ یَنْسِبونَ انفسَهُم الی نفسی و یَرْتَکبونَ ما یَنوحُ به قلبی و قلمی"

باید تفکر و تأمل نمود و طریق چاره یافت و در رفع این مشکل اقدامی عاجل نمود و هر لحظه از حیات را مغتنم دانست زیرا به حکم آیه "لانّ الموت یأتیک بَغْتَةً" تدارک مافات بسی مشکل و جبران آنچه از عمر گذشته به غایت سخت و دشوار است.

و نیز زندگانی فردی و اجتماعی خود را با میزان اکمل و قسطاس اتم که تعالیم روحبخش جمال اقدس ابهی است مقایسه نمود و ذروه کمال و رتبه جلال را که قدوه حسنه میباشد "کونوا قدوةً حسنةً بین الناس و صحیفةً یتذکر به الاناس" که نهایت و غایت مرام اهل بهاست بعنوان هدف معین نمود تا دلبر آمال چهره بگشاید و شاهد اقبال رخ بنماید و ارض جنةالمأوی گردد و عالم بشریت در ظل لواء مقصود و رایت معقود فوج فوج داخل گردند و "یوم یدخلون فی دین‌الله افواجاً" جلوه نماید و هر يك از محبان جمال رحمن به مثابه مصباح هدایت کاروان خسته و گمگشته بشریت را به صوب مدینه طیبه الهیه دلیل و رهنمون گردند.

صعود جناب ضياء الله محبوبى پور

در ماه فوریه سال جاری جناب آقای ضیاء‌الله محبوبی‌پور که همراه خانواده‌اش چندین سال مهاجر کشور افغانستان بود، به ملکوت ابهی صعود نمود. ایشان اخیراً در شهر Elgin در ایالت ایلینوی اقامت داشتند و از جمله مهاجرین داخله بشمار میرفتند. جناب محبوبی‌پور فردی خوش برخورد و فروتن و صمیمی و صاحب ذوق بود و هر از گاهی نظمی میسرود. دبیر نشریه لجنه ناحیه‌ای امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی بود و جایش در میان یاران، بخصوص احبای شمال ایلینوی سخت خالی است. قطعه زیر را در بیمارستان پس از عمل جراحی قلب که با سختی بسیار انجام شد، سروده:

قلب را بی ملال می‌بینم

شادی بی‌مثال می‌بینم

شور امواج بحر رحمت را

رأس اوج کمال می‌بینم

قدرت و رأفت عمیمش را

لم یزل لایزال می‌بینم

هم عنایات ذات اقدم را

همچو خمر زلال می‌بینم

هم مرور نسائم لطفش

چون نسیم شمال می‌بینم

چه دلیلی که مضطرب باشیم

شمس او بی زوال می‌بینم

روانش شاد باد! [Page 23]آنچه که در ایران معمول بود تفاوت‌هایی دارد. اگر چه این تفاوت‌ها همه جزئی است. اما برای حفظ وحدت جامعه لازم است که کلیه افرادی که در ایالات متحده سکونت گزیده‌اند مطابق روش تشکیلات بهائی این مملکت رفتار نمایند.

از جمله مواردی که در جامعه امری ایالات متحده اهمیت خاصی دارد یکی انعقاد جلسه سالانه است که در طی آن گزارش فعالیت‌های محفل محلی در سال قبل به آگاهی احباء میرسد و آراء اعضای جامعه برای انتخاب محفل جدید افتتاح میگردد. در صورت تساوی تعداد رأی نفر نهم و دهم، باید در همان جلسه برای انتخاب یکی از آن دو تجدید رأی‌گیری شود.

نکته دیگری که باید به آگاهی یاران ایرانی برسد مربوط به مفهوم "اقلیت" در ایالات متحده است. چنانکه یاران استحضار دارند وقتی که تعداد رأی نفر نهم و دهم محفل مساوی باشد، و یکی از این دو از اعضاء اقلیت‌ها باشد، کسی که در گروه اقلیت قرار گرفته به عضویت محفل انتخاب خواهد شد. اما در جوامع مختلف ملاک تشخیص اقلیت با هم تفاوت دارد. معمولاً در جامعه امری ایران ملاک تشخیص اقلیت دین آباء و اجداد افراد، و در جامعه امری ایالات متحده این ملاک نژاد اشخاص است. بهائیان ایرانی سفید پوست محسوب می‌شوند و در صورتیکه رأی نفر نهم و دهم مساوی باشد و یکی از این دو سیاهپوست یا یکی دیگر از اقلیت‌های نژادی باشد، شخص عضو اقلیت به عضویت محفل برگزیده خواهد شد. اما اگر یکی ایرانی و دیگری امریکائی سفیدپوست باشد، چون هر دو سفیدپوست محسوب می‌شوند، دوباره باید رأی‌گیری شود، و از آن دو کسی که رأی بیشتر را داشته باشد به عضویت محفل در خواهد آمد. بطور کلی در جامعه امری ایالات متحده یاران ایرانی از جمله اقلیتها بشمار نمی‌آیند.

امید است در این احیان که یاران راستان برای انتخابات نمایندگان جوامع محلی خود آماده می‌شوند، نکاتی را که با نقل بیانات مبارکه حضرت ولی امرالله زینت یافت در نظر گیرند و در خاتمه مفاد این بیان مولای مطاع را آویزه گوش هوش خود نمایند:

"محافل روحانی یاران در شرق و غرب عالم باید من دون استثناء هر سالی در یوم اول عید سعید رضوان تجدید شود... باید جمیع یاران متحداً متفقاً... به دل و جان اقدام به انتخاب نمایند، و انتخاب اعضای محفل روحانی خویش را از وظائف مقدسه مهمه وجدانیه خویش شمرند. ابداً اهمال در این امر نکنند و کناره نگیرند و دوری نجویند، منتخبین و منتخبین بهیچوجه دم از استعفاء نزنند...."

REPRESENTATIVES OF 6 NSA’S MEET ABOUT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

از تاریخ ۱۸ الی ۲۱ فوریه سال جاری جلسه‌ای با حضور نمایندگان شش محفل روحانی ملی در واشنگتن دی.سی و نیویورک انعقاد یافت. این جلسه به منظور مذاکراتی درباره همکاری برای فعالیت‌های مربوط به روابط خارجی امرالله تشکیل گردید.

به دعوت بیت‌العدل اعظم، در ماه نوامبر سال گذشته طی جلسه‌ای تاریخی اعضای ۱۸ محفل روحانی ملی در آلمان گرد هم آمدند تا درباره روابط آن محافل با دول مربوطه مذاکراتی به عمل آورند. جلسات واشنگتن و نیویورک در ادامه مذاکرات این مجمع منعقد گردید.

در این جلسات نمایندگان ۵ محفل روحانی ملی حضور داشتند: دکتر حسین دانش از کانادا، جناب فرانسوا پتی Francois Petit از فرانسه، جناب کریستوفر سپرونگ Christopher Sprung از آلمان، جناب هیو آدامسون Hugh Adamson از انگلستان، و جناب رابرت هندرسون Robert Henderson از ایالات متحده.

همچنین در این جلسه خانم ویلما بریدی Wilma Brady عضو هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و مدیر کل دفتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در نیویورک، دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده نایب رئیس محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و رئیس دفتر روابط خارجی آن محفل، خانم کریستین حکیم‌سمندری یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی سوئیس، آقای وایتز بوز Wytze Boz نماینده بخش حقوق بشر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در ژنو، و خانم ننسی اکرمن Nancy Ackerman رئیس دفتر روابط عمومی کانادا حضور داشتند.

شرکت کنندگان در مجمع مذکور فرصتی یافتند که در جلسه ناهاری که در واشنگتن انعقاد یافت با ریچارد شیفتر Richard Schifter معاون بخش "حقوق بشر و امور انسانی" وزارت امور خارجه و برخی از کارمندان و معاونان او و دیگر اولیای امور ملاقات نمایند.

جلسات فوق که در دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی در واشنگتن و دفتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در نیویورک تشکیل گردید نمودار دیگری از خروج امر مبارک از مرحله مجهولیت بود.

دومین پیک نیک بین المللی ‎بها ئى بهائی‎

دومین پیک نيك بین‌المللی بهائی در روز ۲۶ جون سال جاری در پارک Queenstown Heights در نیاگارا فالز Niagara Falls ایالت انتاریو در کانادا تشکیل خواهد شد. علاقه‌مندان میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاع بیشتر با محفل روحانی نیاگارا فالز تماس حاصل نمایند.

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لجنه ملی محفظه آثار برای تکمیل مجموعه عکس‌های موجود به داشتن عکس نفوس زیر احتیاج دارد: امت‌البهاء روحیه خانم، جناب ویلیام سیرز، جناب علی اکبر فروتن، جناب جان روبارتز John Robarts، جناب کالیس فدرستون Collis Featherstone، جناب علیمحمد ورقاء، جناب یوگو جیاگری Ugo Giachery، خانم ادنا ترو Edna True، خانم سارا پریرا Sarah Pereira، جناب دیوید روح David Ruhe، جناب بورا کاولین Borrah Kavelin، جناب هیو چنس Hugh Chance، خانم ولما شریل Velma Sherrill، و جناب گلنفورد میچل Glenford Mitchell.

از کسانی که عکسهایی از افراد فوق داشته باشند تقاضا میشود برای ترتیب ارسال آنها به دفتر محفظه آثار با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

National Bahá’í Archives Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

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اخیراً دفتر صندوق محفل روحانی ملی راهنمایی برای تنظیم وصیتنامه تهیه نموده است. راهنمای مذکور از طرف لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی به زبان فارسی ترجمه شده است. علاقه‌مندان میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر و دریافت ترجمه فارسی این راهنما با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

Office of the Treasurer Yvor Stoakley Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

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چنانکه عزیزان ایرانی استحضار دارند توقیع ظهور عدل الهی The Advent of Divine Justice صادر از قلم حضرت ولی امرالله از طرف محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده کتاب سال شناخته شده است. این توقیع مبارک حاوی نکات مهمی درباره اهداف بهائیان ایالات متحده میباشد و قرائت آن برای همه یاران ضروری است. ترجمه فارسی این اثر مبارک از طرف لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی تجدید چاپ شده است. قیمت: ۴/۲۵ دلار.

این توقیع مبارک را میتوان از طریق موسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری نمود.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 24]

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اذعان باید کرد که ادارهء امور اجتماعی و احوال شخصیه در ادیان پیشین با آنچه در امر بهائی نازل شده تفاوت دارد. این اذعان نه برای کسر حرمت از آن ادیان است، و نه برای احراز امتیاز برای دیانت بهائی. شرایط و احوال زمانی و مکانی متفاوتی که حاکم بر ادیان گذشته بوده، تفاوت ادارهء امور شریعت جمال قدم را حاصل آورده است.

دیانت بهائی در زمانی پدید آمد که نظام اداری و سیاسی گذشته توان آن را نداشت که مقتضیات دورهء اخیر را پاسخ گوید. نظام جهان پوسیده بود. اجتماع بشری سامانی را که در برخی از برهه‌های تاریخ به خود دیده بود نداشت. مسلکهای عقیدتی و مرامهای سیاسی و بنیادهای دینی با همهء کثرت برای تمشیت امور جهان غیرکافی مینمود.

حضرت بهاءُالله با ظهور خود بساط کهنهء نظامهای فرسودهء جهان را برچید و بجای آن بساط نظم دیگری را گسترد، نظمی که درخور مقتضیات زمان بود. بدین ترتیب در امر بهائی برای نخستین بار در تاریخ دینی عالم طرح تشکیلات اداری جامعه توسط بنیانگذار دین ریخته شد.

ناگفته پیداست که تشکیلات اداری و سیاسی در همهء ادیان وجود داشته، و جوامع دینی مطابق اصول و قوانین آنها اداره میشده‌اند، منتهی ظهور این تشکیلات ناشی از جبر زمان و مواجههء اصحاب ادیان با مشکلات مربوط به جوامع مذکور بوده است. در کتب مقدسهء قبل یا سخنی از اداره و برنامه‌ریزی برای جامعه نرفته، و یا اگر مطلبی در این باره نازل گردیده به ذکر کلیات اکتفاء شده است. بدین ترتیب در گذشته مدیران جوامع دینی بر اثر تجارب شخصی و بدون هدایت مستقیم و منصوص الهی فنون اداری را آموخته و به کار برده‌اند. البته با ملاحظهء اقتضای زمان، آنچه در گذشته برای رسیدن به هدف خاص هر دینی انجام شده، کافی به نظر میرسد.

اما در امر بهائی اصولی که برای تمشیت امور جامعه وضع شده در نصوص اصلی این آئین آمده و توسط شارع و مبین و ولی امر آن تعیین گردیده است. با مروری بر آثار حضرت بهاءُالله و حضرت عبدُالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله با دستورالعملهای خاصی برای ادارهء امور جامعهء محلی و ملی و بین‌المللی روبرو میشویم. در خصوص مواردی که دربارهء آن نص صریحی وجود نداشته باشد توجه اهل بهاء بسوی بیت‌العدل اعظم خواهد بود تا با وضع مقررات و صدور قوانین حل مشکل نماید.

در امر بهائی محافل روحانی محلی پایه اصلی تشکیلات اداری بشمار میروند. در آینده محافل روحانی محلی "بیوت عدل محلی" نامیده خواهند شد. حکم تشکیل بیوت عدل محلی در کتاب اقدس چنین میفرمایند:

"قَدْ كَتَبَ اللهُ عَلَى كُلِّ مَدِينَةٍ أَنْ يَجْعَلُوا فِيهَا بَيْتَ الْعَدْلِ وَ يَجْتَمِعَ فِيهِ النُّفُوسُ عَلَى عَدَدِ الْبَهَاءِ...."

و در لوحی مضمون بیان فوق به فارسی چنین نازل گردیده:

"در هر مدینه از مدائن ارض به اسم عدل بیتی بنا کنند و در آن بیت علی عدد الاسم الاعظم از نفوس زکیهء مطمئنه جمع شوند...."

محفل روحانی محلی در هر شهری که تعداد بهائیان ذیرأی آن بیش از نه نفر باشد، تأسیس میشود. امتیاز محفل روحانی محلی در مقایسه با سایر مؤسسات دینی غیربهائی در نحوهء تشکیل آن است. بدین معنی که اعضای محافل از طریق انتخابات آزاد، سری و عمومی از طرف اعضای جامعه به عضویت برگزیده میشوند. بنا به فرمودهء حضرت ولی امرالله:

"عزت و تقدم جامعهء بهائیان منوط به انتخاب نفوس سلیمهء مؤمنهء فعاله است. انتخاب محفل امری است سری، آزاد، عمومی. دسیسه مذموم، استعفاء و کناره‌جوئی ممنوع. یاران را فوراً متذکر دارید. کل من دون استثناء مشارکت نمایند."

مطابق این نص مبارک انتخابات بهائی "آزاد"، "سری" و "عمومی" است. لفظ "آزاد" حاکی از آن است که افراد جامعه با آزادی وجدان و بدون زد و بندهای معمول در انتخابات سیاسی رأی میدهند. در این انتخابات کسی حق تبلیغ برای خود یا دیگری را ندارد. کسی را نمیتوان مجبور به ابدای رأی نمود. تنها عاملی که فرد بهائی را ملزم به شرکت در انتخابات میکند همانا وجدان اخلاقی و وظیفهء روحانی اوست.

"سری" بدین معنی است که برای حفظ آزادی رأی دهندگان آگاهی از رأی دیگری، ولو این دیگری از اعضای خانوادهء شخص باشد، جایز شمرده نشده است. به فرمودهء حضرت ولی امرالله:

"حتی اطلاع زوج بر کیفیت و انتخاب رأی زوجه جائز نه. و همچنین مابین افراد يك خانواده این انتخاب باید مکتوم باشد. ابدای رأی و تصریح اسم بهیچوجه جائز نه."

قید "عمومی" حکایت از حق انتخاب شدن و انتخاب کردن برای همه افراد بهائی مینماید. بر اساس بیان مبارک "همه بار يك دارید و برگ يك شاخسار" هیچ گروه و طبقه‌ای از افراد بهائی حائز اولویت برای انتخاب شدن نیست. هر يك از اهل بهاء بدون در نظر گرفتن مقام و شهرت و حرفه و معلومات میتواند — و مطابق وظیفهء روحانی خود باید — در انتخابات شرکت نماید.

حضرت ولی امرالله دربارهء اهمیت انتخابات چنین میفرمایند:

"...باید هر يك از افراد احباء تصویت یعنی ابدای رأی را از وظائف مقدسهء وجدانی خویش شمرد و به قدر امکان اهمال در این امر ننماید. مستقل الرأی در نهایت توجه و خلوص و تجرد و فارغ از هر مآرب نفسیه و مقاصد شخصیه، نفوسی را که خالصاً وجداناً قابل این مقام که عضویت محفل مقدس روحانی است، داند انتخاب نماید."

اما شرکت در انتخابات برای اهل بهاء تنها يك وظیفهء وجدانی نیست، بلکه از لحاظ سیاسی — به مفهوم سالم و صحیح کلمه — یکی از بزرگترین عوامل حفظ آزادیهای شخصی و اجتماعی است. با انتخابات بهائی روش دمکراسی در بین بهائیان تثبیت میشود و رواج می‌یابد. چون اعضای محافل برگزیدهء افراد جامعه‌اند و با رأی آزاد انتخاب شده‌اند، استبداد هیئت حاکمه مجالی برای بروز نخواهد یافت. شرکت در انتخابات بهائی هم حق اهل بهاءست و هم مسؤولیت آنان. غفلت از این حق و قصور در انجام این مسؤولیت عواقب تلخی برای جامعهء بهائی به بار خواهد آورد.

یکی از مشکلاتی که احباء در مورد انتخابات بهائی با آن روبرو میشوند تصمیم بر سر انتخاب افراد واجد شرایط است. بسیار اتفاق میافتد که یاران، به خصوص در نقاطی که تعداد بهائیان نسبتاً زیاد است، درست در موعد مقرر برای انتخابات به صرافت میافتند و با عجله اسامی افرادی را که به خاطرشان خطور میکند در اوراق رأی مرقوم مینمایند. بدین ترتیب افرادی که در سال یا سالهای قبل انتخاب شده‌اند، چون نامشان آشناتر است، دوباره انتخاب میشوند. در نتیجه شرایط اصلی انتخاب نمایندگان جامعه که همانا "سلیم و مؤمن و فعال" بودن است، مورد غفلت قرار میگیرد. و عجب در این است که گاهی احباء شکایت میکنند که چرا افراد جدیدتری به عضویت محافل در نمی‌آیند!

هر يك از بهائیان مدت يك سال فرصت دارد که کسانی را که واجد شرایط برای عضویت در محافل بداند، در نظر گیرد و در زمان انتخابات به آنان رأی دهد. زیان کوتاهی در این وظیفه در مرحلهء اول متوجه جامعهء امری و سرانجام متوجه افراد بهائی خواهد بود. زیرا با غفلت از این مسؤولیت کسانی که برای خدمت در محافل مناسبتر باشند، انتخاب نمیشوند، و در نتیجه جامعهء امری از خدمات آنان برخوردار نمیگردد و به همین جهت از پیشرفت باز میماند، و چون محفل روحانی به علت عدم صلاحیت اعضاء نتواند جامعهء امری را به نحو مطلوب هدایت نماید، لاجرم افراد احباء اشتیاق لازم برای خدمت و تبلیغ را از دست میدهند و از تشکیلات کناره می‌گیرند.

بی‌تردید یاران ایرانی مقیم ایالات متحده متوجه شده‌اند که روش انتخابات در این سامان با [Page 25]جناب علویان اجازهٔ اقامت دائم در کانادا را کسب کرده بود و وقتی رژیم جدید قدرت را به دست گرفت، او در کانادا بسر میبرد. اما بر آن شد که به ایران باز گردد، زیرا معتقد بود که میتواند با استفاده از تجربیاتی که در طی سالها اندوخته بود به وطن خویش خدمت کند. همچنین روا نمیدید که یاران و همکیشان خود را در یکی از سخت‌ترین دوره‌های تاریخ امر همراهی نکند. این بود که راهی ایران شد.

از لحاظ خدمات امری نیز جناب علویان از هیچ کوششی دریغ نمیورزید و پیش از آنکه دستگیر شود در محفل روحانی طهران عضویت داشت. قبل از آن نیز سالهای متمادی یکی از اعضاء هیئت مدیره شرکت امناء بود. حدود يك سال و نیم بعد از انقلاب او را به دادگاه انقلاب احضار کردند. او نیز در کمال شجاعت خود را معرفی نمود. ادامه بازجوئی وقت دیگری تعیین شد. ماجرا را از زبان یکی از دوستانش میشنویم:

"جناب علویان قبل از رسیدن وقت بازجوئی برای دیدار خویشان عازم مازندران گردید. این بندهٔ ناچیز نیز به ملاقات ایشان نائل و به ایشان اظهار داشتم که این افراد منطق و استدلال نمی‌فهمند، و چیزی‌که برایشان اهمیت ندارد جان انسان است، و تحمّل وجود شما را نخواهند کرد. پس از کمی مکث رو به بنده کرده و با صلابت هر چه تمامتر اظهار داشتند: 'حسین آقا، من قدرت این را دارم که از مملکت خارج شوم ولی نمی‌روم و از کسی نمی‌هراسم.' شنیدم که در اجتماع خانوادگی آن شب در ماهفروزی نیز اظهار داشته‌اند: 'من تا به حال برای همسر و فرزندانم زندگی کرده‌ام و از این پس می‌خواهم برای خودم زندگی کنم.'"

در ورقهٔ کیفر خواست او اتهاماتی ذکر شده که همه حاکی از اطاعت او نسبت به تشکیلات امری اعم از محلی و ملی و بین‌المللی است. موارد اتهام او چنین آمده:

۱- متهم عضو فعّال تشکیلات صهیونیستی فرقه ضالّه بهائیت

الف: عضو مرکز فرماندهی بهائی در تهران

ب: ارتباط نزديك متهم با عضو آمریکائی بیت‌العدل حیفا

ج: اطاعت کامل از بیت‌العدل حیفا و اعتراف متهم مبنی بر ارسال گزارشات وقایع اتفاقیه در مدّت بازداشت به مرکز فرماندهی بهائی در ایران

د: تشکیل جلسات ضد‌اسلامی و غیر رسمی از نظر قانون اساسی صرفاً به منظور تقویت فرقه ضالّه در منزل شخصی متهم

۲- کمکهای ‎مال مالی‎ متهم و ارسال پول به صورت ارز به اسرائیل غاصب جهت تکمیل ساختمان فرماندهی کلّ بهائیت در حیفا و تحکیم مراکز کفر و توسعه فرهنگ ضد‌اسلامی نظیر ساختمان مشرق‌الاذکار تایلند و شرکت در کنفرانس ساپارو

۳- عضو سابق هیئت مدیره شرکت امناء مصادره شده که زیر نظر مستقیم تشکیلات فرقه ضالّه اداره می‌شده است

٤- مدیر عامل شرکت معظم رانکین

میزان شهامت جناب علویان را از این بند کیفر خواست میتوان دریافت:

"آقای علویان در برگ بازجوئی خود اعتراف و اقرار نمودند که بعد از آزادی از زندان گزارشات مدّت بازداشت را به محفل ملی ایران خواهد داد."

یکی از احباء در باره‌اش چنین نوشته:

"در اواخر شهریور ماه سال ۱۳۲٤ شمسی در بابل مازندران با جوانی برومند و معلّمی جدید به نام مهندس آقا بزرگ علویان از احبای الهی ماهفروزی ساری فرصت ملاقات دست داد. جوانی بلند قامت با قامتی رسا، گونه‌هائی فرورفته، چشمانی گرد و نگاهی عمیق و نافذ. خاموش و دل شکسته ولی مصمم و شکست ناپذیر... جناب مهندس علویان مردی بودند با اراده‌ای آهنین، سخت‌کوش و پرتلاش. اهل شوخی و مطایبه نبودند، و انضباط شدید را در کلیه کارها مراعات میکردند. وقت و زمان برایشان ارزشمند و گرانبها بود... مردی بودند وظیفه شناس بل مافوق آن. خستگی در فرهنگ ایشان مفهومی نداشت. جسمی سالم و روح و روانی مقتدر و اراده‌ای توانا داشتند. از چیزی هراس به دل راه نمی‌دادند، و عقیده خود را با گفتاری استوار و صریح اظهار مینمودند. از تظاهر و دروغ و ریا و بیکاری و سست عهدی بیزار، و گفته و کردار ایشان همسان و برابر... به خود تکیه میکردند و از کسی توقع نداشتند..."

اما تنها دوستان بهائی جناب علویان نبودند که فضائل اخلاقی او را می‌ستودند، بلکه افراد غیر بهائی نیز به خصائل نیکش شهادت می‌دادند. یکی از دوستان غیر بهائی او در یکی از روزنامه‌های ایرانی مقاله‌ای تحت عنوان "در سوگ دوست از دست رفته‌ام مهندس آ بزرگ علویان" نگاشته که قسمتهائی از آن نقل می‌شود:

"قلبت همچون آئینه، وجدانت بیدار، دستگیریت از زیردستان، و ایمانت به پروردگار خلل ناپذیر بود. دوست و دشمن هر آنکس که یکبار به فیض دیدارت نائل میگردید مجذوب رفتار شیرین و وقار معصومانه‌ات میشد. اصلاً بدخواهی نداشتی. زیرا با احدی از در ستیزه و جدال وارد نمیشدی. رفتار و کردارت و گفتارت چنان بود که هر دشمن غدّار نوع بشر سر تسلیم به سویت فرود می‌آورد. تحصیلات عالیه و تجربیات ذیقیمت و تلاش شبانه روزیت توأم با زندگی شرافتمندانه، وجودت را در سه دهه اخیر منشاء خدمات برجسته و گرانبهائی به کشورت نموده بود. حاضر به ترك وطن نبودی... چون معتقد بودی ضرورت جانفشانی در راه وطن بهم ریخته و هموطن محروم و مظلوم، خدمت شایسته‌ای خواهد بود و چون لکهٔ سیاهی در زندگیت نبود خود را در امان میدیدی...."

چه نیکوست وقتی ذکر خیر احباء با تأیید غیر‌بهائیان همراه میشود. در روز ۲۲ جون سال ۱۹۸۱ جناب بزرگ علویان در طهران تیرباران شد. یکی از احباء درباره‌اش چنین نوشت:

"گویند ’الاسماء تنزل من السماء’ آقا بزرگ علویان به دریای عشق الهی زد و شربت شهادت عظمی نوشید و از جام الست سرمست شد و آشکار گردید که هم آقا بود و هم بزرگ و هم لایق مقام علویت. روانش شاد باد."

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLÁH

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

ضمناً برای کسب اطلاعات و دریافت نشریات مربوط به حقوق‌الله میتوان با یکی از امنای حقوق یا با دفتر مؤسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust Rocky River, OH. 44116

تبرئه ۱۲ نفر از زندانیان بهائی در مصر

ACQUITTAL OF 12 BAHÁ’ÍS IN EGYPT

محفل مقدس ملّی خبر تبرئه ۱۲ نفر از زندانیان بهائی مصر را تأیید نمود. این افراد که از جمله ٤٨ نفری می‌باشند که در ماه می سال گذشته به اتهام فعالیتهای امری دستگیر و زندانی شده بودند، در روز ۱۷ فوریه سال جاری در دادگاه استیناف مصر تبرئه گردیدند. قرار است که بقیه این گروه در ماه مارچ دوباره برای محاکمه در دادگاه حاضر شوند.

محفل روحانی ملّی ایالات متحده در ضمن بیانیه‌ای، از دولت امریکا که از طریق کنگره و وزارت امور خارجه نگرانی خود را درباره بهائیان مصر به آگاهی اولیای دولت مصر رسانده بود، سپاسگزاری نمود. همچنین محفل روحانی ملّی از کلیه دولی که برای آزادی بهائیان مصر اقداماتی به عمل آورده‌اند، اظهار قدردانی کرد.

محفل روحانی ملّی در بیانیه‌ مذکور افزود که از رفتار منصفانه‌ای که دولت مصر در قبال بهائیان اتخاذ کرده، اظهار مسرت مینماید. [Page 26]

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

NSA LETTER FOR THE FEAST OF BAHÁ’

ترجمه پیام شهرالبهاء محفل روحانی ملی خطاب به جامعه بهائی آمریکا ۲۱ مارچ ۱۹۸۸

دوستان عزیز بهائی

با فرارسیدن رضوان، سال دوم نقشه شش ساله خاتمه می‌یابد. زمان آن رسیده است که اهدافی را که در آغاز نقشه تعیین نمودیم در نظر آورده بررسی کنیم، و مراحل بعدی را نیز طرح اندازیم.

نقشه شش ساله که توسط بیت‌العدل اعظم و با تشریك مساعی تشکیلات محلی و ملی طرح گردید نمودار آغاز مرحله جدیدی جهت شکوفائی و نشو نظم بدیع بود، مرحله‌ای که در آن، به فرموده حضرت ولی امرالله، اهل بهاء باید مترصد تغییراتی اساسی در مورد اوضاع و شرایط جهان، و در انتظار رشد عظیمی از لحاظ تعداد افراد و تأثیر و وظائف جامعه بهائی باشند. چنانکه بیت‌العدل اعظم خاطر نشان ساخته، این رشد به نوبه خود "جهت آزمودن قوای ما و ازدیاد آن، ناگزیر مخالفت دیگران را بر خواهد انگیخت."

اهداف نقشه شش ساله تغییرات و مسؤولیت‌های مورد انتظار را مستقیماً در نظر میگیرد. این تغییرات مستلزم نکات زیر است:

• افزایش عده افراد و ازدیاد منابع مالی امر مبارك.
• ارائه همگانی و آشکارتر شیوه حیات بهائی از طریق ملاحظات ویژه‌ای برای تربیت بهائی اطفال و نوجوانان، تقویت حیات بهائی خانواده، و توجه خاصی به تقویت روحانی حیات افراد.
• تسریع بیشتر در سیر جوامع محلی و ملی بسوی بلوغ و کارآزمودگی، و تحکیم وحدت بین دو شاخه مؤسسات نظام اداری (هیئت‌های مشاورین و معاونین از يك سو و محافل ملیه و محلیه از سوی دیگر).
• افزایش جهانی تهیه و توزیع آثار بهائی و استفاده از آنها.
• گسترش ارتباطات جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در رابطه با نیازهای جهان خارج.
• پیگیری طرح‌های توسعه اجتماعی و اقتصادی در جوامع امری قوی‌الارکان.

در سال دوم نقشه، بیت‌العدل اعظم به اقدام بزرگ دیگری، یعنی اقدام به اتمام ابنیه قوس کوه کرمل مبادرت نمودند. اتمام سریع این ابنیه با اجرای اهداف نقشه شش ساله ارتباط مستقیم دارد، زیرا که این مشروعات هر دو برای مقصدی واحد است که آن عبارت از ایجاد جامعه مشترك‌المنافع بهائی و تأسیس نظم بدیع حضرت بهاءالله میباشد.

اهدافی که برای جوامع محلی و جامعه ملی در ایالات متحده وضع شده نمودار این هدف کلی است. حال وقت آنست که پیشرفت خود را ارزیابی نمائیم و از خود بپرسیم: آیا برای پی افکندن تغییرات جهانی توفیق یافته‌ایم؟ آیا فعالیت‌های تبلیغی ما منجر به رشد جامعه خواهد شد؟ برای اشاعه شیوه حیات بهائی در زندگی شخصی و خانوادگی و در جوامع امری خود چه اقداماتی به عمل می‌آوریم؟ برای تقویت و ایجاد اتحاد در محافل روحانی محلی چه میکنیم؟ نیازهای مالی امر را چگونه تأمین مینمائیم تا پیشرفت مداوم امر الهی تضمین گردد؟

با فرارسیدن رضوان از آن عزیزان تقاضا میشود که در ضیافات و جلسات محافل روحانی و هر کجا که ممکن باشد راجع به پیشرفت محلی و ملی جامعه در طی نقشه شش ساله به مشورت بپردازند. همچنین تقاضا میشود که در ادامه ارزیابی پیشرفتهای خود، درباره اقدامات دیگری که باید برای موفقیت در همه جهات به عمل آید مشاوره و مذاکره نمایند و نتایج این مذاکرات را با محفل ملی در میان گذارند.

در خاتمه یاران را متذکر میدارد که به هر ترتیبی که این مذاکرات به عمل آید قلب را متوجه این بیان معهد اعلی نمایند:

"امید وطید بیت‌العدل اعظم آنست که هر يك از پیروان وفادار حضرت بهاءالله در زوایای قلب خود بکاود و با دقت تام و ایثار و فداکاری مخلصانه اهداف نقشه شش ساله را در مد نظر دارد و تشخیص دهد که برای تحقق آنها به چه نحوی میتواند سهمی ایفاء نماید."

با تحیات بهیه محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی محفل، رابرت سی هندرسن صندوقدار، دروتی نلسون

کنفرانس بین المللی جوانان

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

چنانکه یاران الهی استحضار دارند از تاریخ ۳۰ جون الی ۴ جولای سال جاری کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان در بلومینگتون Bloomington واقع در ایالت ایندیانا انعقاد خواهد یافت. انتظار میرود که کنفرانس مذکور بزرگترین مجمعی باشد که تا سال ۱۹۹۲ در آمریکای شمالی تشکیل میگردد. از عموم دوستان علاقمند به شرکت در این کنفرانس و همچنین کسانیکه مایل باشند برای وظائف و خدمات گوناگون در کنفرانس داوطلب شوند تقاضا میشود جهت کسب اطلاع بیشتر به صفحات انگلیسی این شماره مراجعه و یا با دفتر لجنة ملی جوانان تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۳۱۲)

یادی از جناب بزرگ علویان

MARTYR’S FILE

جناب بزرگ علویان نمونه پشتکار و درستکاری و امانتداری بود. "قولی است که جملگی برآنند." آشنا و بیگانه بر علو همت و صداقت او شهادت میدادند. این بود که او نیز در راه صداقت و دیانت شهادت داد و به جاودانگان پیوست.

جناب ملا علی جان مافروزکی، آن دلداده‌ای که تمام افراد قریه مافروزك مازندران را جامه ایمان بپوشاند، و خود در حین شهادت چون قتلگاه خویش را از دور دید دوان دوان بسوی آن شتافت. آری مجتهدی تا بدین پایه منجذب، عاشقی تا بدین حد فدائی از اسلاف جناب علویان بود.

دوره جوانی جناب علویان در مازندران گذشت. در حوالی سال ۱۳۲۲ تحصیلات خود را در رشته مهندسی مكانیك به پایان رساند. پس از ازدواج به طهران منتقل شد و مدتی در دبیرستان البرز به تدریس اشتغال یافت و پس از چندی به اداره ساختمان سازی فرهنگ منتقل شد و هر دو شغل را ادامه داد. در جنب این امور به کارهای مهندسی نیز میپرداخت و چون عزمی آهنین داشت در همه این امور قرین توفیق بود. به گفته یکی از دوستانش ساعات کاری او از ۶ صبح تا ۱۰ شب ادامه می‌یافت.

به تدریج موفقیت جناب علویان در کارهای مهندسی بالا گرفت. رفقا و مهندسان دوران تحصیل چون تلاش و زحمات شبانه‌روزی او را میدیدند با اعتماد تمام کارهای مختلفی را به او واگذار میکردند. رفته رفته سایر مشاغل را ترك گفت و انحصاراً به امور مهندسی پرداخت. مدیر عامل شرکت رانکین شد و انجام پروژه‌های بزرگی را به عهده گرفت. از جمله این پروژه‌ها یکی ساختمان دانشگاه صنعتی آریامهر بود. درستی رفتار جناب علویان حتی باعث شد که رژیم جدید در سالهای اول انقلاب اسلامی ساختمان چند برنامه عمرانی را به او واگذار نماید. اتمام یکی از این پروژه‌ها مصادف با زمانی بود که جناب علویان در زندان بسر میبرد. [Page 27]

CLASSIFIEDS

resent jeopardized Assemblies or District Teaching Committee goal communities. For more information, contact Mike Hillis, Stantonsburg, NC 27883, or phone 919-238-3336.

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

EMPLOYMENT

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the Staffing Services Representative in the Department of Human Resources. This individual will assist the director of Human Resources in human resource planning, recruitment selection and placement of individuals to serve the National Spiritual Assembly and its agencies. Primarily, responsibilities include developing and coordinating recruitment schedules; advertising current vacancies; applicant screening, interview and placement; pre-employment and new employee orientation; coordinating volunteer and temporary help; and helping the director of Human Resources with related projects. Must have a minimum of five years of exempt and non-exempt recruiting experience, and should have a working knowledge of EEO guidelines, affirmative action programs and labor laws relevant to daily work. Also, excellent organizational skills, strong written and oral communication skills, and an eye for detail. Must be able to do his/her own clerical work in keeping with job responsibilities. Deadline for applications is May 1. Human Resources is continuing to accept applications for the following positions: secretary (Office of External Affairs, Washington, D.C.), and clerk/aide (Persian/American Affairs Committee). For applications and/or further information, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

OCCUPATIONAL therapist needed for private pediatric practice in northeastern North Carolina. Income potential to $50,000/yr. School system and pediatric background helpful but not essential. Potential places of residence include Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville or Jacksonville, which represent jeopardized Assemblies or District Teaching Committee goal communities. For more information, contact Mike Hillis, Stantonsburg, NC 27883, or phone 919-238-3336.

Arise

(from page 7)

and detachment, loftiness of purpose, magnanimity, determination, noble-mindedness, tenacity, the elevation of your aims and your spiritual qualities..." and "to move towards the front ranks of professions, trades, arts and crafts which are necessary to the further progress of humankind."

There is no time left for Bahá’í youth to blend in with the rest of the world.

How will we achieve wonderful results? By each person relying on Bahá’u’lláh, taking the idea of "entry by troops" to heart, and deciding whether, alone or with a group, he as an individual will be responsible for his own actions and do his part in spiritualizing humanity through the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Then, as he arises to serve, others will become inspired and join the Army of Light.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking applicants for summer positions including program assistant, recreation director, registrar, teachers for youth/children's classes, cooks, kitchen helpers, librarian, housekeeping, maintenance, gardener and painter. Room and board and a weekly stipend are provided. Applicants should be able to serve from the end of June through September 5; shorter commitments will be considered. Those who are interested should contact the Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200).

THE SCHOOL of the Nations in Brasilia, Brazil, has vacancies for the 1988-89 school year, one at the primary level (grades 1-3), another at the intermediate level (grades 5-8). Single teachers are preferred; must have a minimum of two years' experience. Pioneer experience is desirable. Salary is U.S. $700 per month. Air fare with baggage allowance will be paid. A two-year contract is offered. Send curriculum vitae to Escola das Nacoes, CP 7093, Brasilia DF 71600, Brazil, or telephone 571-1050/366-1800.

PHYSICAL therapy director needed for private pediatric practice in northeastern North Carolina. Income potential to $50,000/yr. School system and pediatric background helpful but not essential. Potential places of residence include Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greenville or Jacksonville, which represent jeopardized Assemblies or District Teaching Committee goal communities. For more information, contact Mike Hillis, Stantonsburg, NC 27883, or phone 919-238-3336.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

TWO homefront pioneers are needed to save the jeopardized Assembly in Burnsville, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis (pop. 42,000). We are a 30-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and 40 minutes from downtown St. Paul. Burnsville is the home of the Twin Cities' newest hospital and the largest enclosed mall in the upper Midwest and is near several of the Twin Cities' top tourist attractions. We have an extensive park system, housing ranging from low income to upper middle class, private schools, and one of the top-rated public school systems in Minnesota. Employment opportunities in the Twin Cities include medical, computer, business and service industries; in Burnsville, retail, clerical and service occupations. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Burnsville, P.O. Box 1103, Burnsville, MN 55337.

JEOPARDIZED Assembly in Olean, New York, needs one more Bahá’í by Ridván. Olean, surrounded by mountains and only minutes away from ski country, is a picturesque town with all the conveniences of a large city. There are two local hospitals in need of doctors, a university, and several large industries. Enjoy a low cost of living and housing with a close, warm Bahá’í community. For more information, please write to Nancy Behrouz, secretary, Olean, NY 14760, or phone 716-373-8500.

HOMEFRONT pioneers needed. Come to Greenville, North Carolina, and help revive the local Spiritual Assembly and a previously active community. Greenville, a fair-sized city about two hours east of Raleigh, is the home of East Carolina University, a growing school with a sound medical school, a good education department and a splendid arts department. There is potential for a Bahá’í Club, as there is already one Bahá’í undergraduate. Greenville needs you! For more information, write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren G. Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529, or phone Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340 or Mary Spires, 919-446-5889.

IF YOU are a youth who wants to be actively involved in building race unity, working with the women's movement, building contacts with American Indians, or teaching youth, we have a wonderful opportunity for you. Our community has ongoing projects for each of these goals, a lovely southern climate, a fine university with relatively low tuition, and a need for students to help start our college club. We are an exciting place to be, because we are definitely emerging from obscurity! For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Florence, P.O. Box 2418, Florence, AL 35630.

STEVENS Point, a scenic town of 23,000 in central Wisconsin, needs one person to prevent its Assembly from being jeopardized. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is nationally known for its natural resources programs. The university, home of the Wellness Institute, features yearly conferences that attract people from many countries interested in holistic health. Stevens Point is an excellent community for supporting alternative life-style entrepreneurs; also ideal for nature-lovers who enjoy hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Other job possibilities include paper mills, financial institutions, insurance companies, the university, and agricultural work. For more information, write to Ron Laswell, Spiritual Assembly of Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or phone 715-345-0069.

WONDERFUL opportunity to become homefront pioneers to Mount Airy, North Carolina: a home on 3.3 acres with four bedrooms, an office, living room, dining room, family rooms, kitchen, two and one-half baths, finished basement, circular driveway, three-car garage with apartment under the garage is for sale. The home has been used to house Persian and other foreign students and for a variety of Bahá’í activities. Would love to sell it to homefront pioneers. Please contact Patsy Bradley, Mount Airy, NC 27030, or phone 919-786-7407.

HELP US win important goals for the Six Year Plan on the U.S./Mexico border. The District Teaching Committee of Southern New Mexico/West Texas needs homefront pioneers in areas where Assemblies are being elected but are not functioning. If interested in receiving a descriptive list of the 12 Assembly areas that need pioneers, please write to Liz Arrambide, Anthony, NM 88021. Teachers, nurses, Spanish-speaking people, returning pioneers from Spanish-speaking areas, college students and teachers are especially needed, but we need everyone who wants to come.

OPPORTUNITY for a professional person to help fill homefront pioneering goals in Rhode Island (Warwick, Newport). Brown University in Providence is seeking a director for its newly established Institute for International Studies which serves as an umbrella for numerous programs and activities at Brown with emphasis on East-West relations and on development studies in its North-South dimension. The director should have a balance of experience in academia and in policy-making positions at the national or international level and should have credentials appropriate for a senior faculty appointment. Also should have strong administrative skills and considerable fund-raising experience as well as the ability to work well with various constituencies including faculty, students, government and business leaders. The position will be filled by September 1 at the latest. A letter of application, resumé and three names, addresses and phone numbers of references should be sent to Prof. Abbott Gleason, Institute for International Studies, Box 1970, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.

WILLIAMSBURG County, South Carolina, needs homefront pioneers and school teachers. One school, Williamsburg-Blakely High, needs two industrial arts teachers, a possible English/Spanish teacher, and science, phys ed and English teachers for the 1988-89 school year. We already have 10 pioneer/teachers in public schools and colleges within a 40-mile radius of the Louis Gregory Institute. A teacher's certificate is required for these positions except in the hardship cases of math, science and special ed. In the Kingstree area, houses sell for $21,000 to $80,000 while others are for rent (must look in midsummer) for $100 to $400 a month. Settle in this area where the Assemblies need strengthening and there are some 30 youth who take part in activities at the Gregory Institute. Write to Francis Burrows, personnel director, Williamsburg Board of Education, School St., Kingstree, SC 29556.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: need a real challenge and willing to work hard? The Friendship Team of Manchester, Oelwein and Independence, Iowa, needs homefront pioneers to help teach in ongoing projects in northeastern Iowa, which is virtually virgin territory for the Faith. Ideal for retirees and the self-employed since jobs are scarce, but housing and rent are quite reasonable. For more information, phone 319-283-3940 (days), 319-334-7379 (after 7 p.m. CST) or write to Roger Rasmussen, Independence, IA 50644.

NEED a spiritual challenge? Want to work hard for the Faith? Come to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and help revive a lost Assembly and deepen mass-taught believers. Rocky Mount is a fair-sized town with many job opportunities with such firms as Glaxo, Abbott, Black & Decker, and is the headquarters of the Hardee's hamburger chain. For more information, write to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern North Carolina, c/o Warren G. Rochelle, Garner, NC 27529, or phone Warren Rochelle, 919-772-1340 or Mary Spires, 919-446-5889.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

BRAZIL: microwave antenna and feeder expert. Ph.D in applied electromagnetic theory on reflector antennas and/or feed systems. Experience in design and development of microwave antennas or terrestrial links. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

THE INTERNATIONAL School of Tanzania (IST) has teaching openings for the coming academic year. Classes range from nursery school through International Baccalaureate (equivalent of first year of university in the States). IST provides for a superior education and gives preference to teaching couples with up to two children. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: recording system training expert to be stationed in New Delhi. Degree or diploma in engineering or science with specialization in telecoms, considerable experience in radio frequency management and monitoring, thorough knowledge of relevant radio regulations, CCIR reports, etc. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

COSTA RICA: applications are being taken for position of director of the Agricultural College of the Humid Tropic Region, to open in September. Position begins July 31. 100 students initially with increase to 400 in four years. The college is dedicated to the development of professional agricultural human resource capable of managing the fragile soils of the humid tropics through "learn-by-doing." Director is also responsible for management of a 3,000-hectare college farm with commercial-scale production and student enterprise projects. Successful candidate must have ability to plan, develop and administer the college consistent with policies established by its board. Desirable qualifications include Ph.D in agriculture or related field, practical work experience in agriculture, ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish, work experience in a developing country, and a minimum of five years' experience in educational administration. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA: general manager for greeting cards production and marketing. Individual with genuine flair for development and marketing; requires highly developed commercial skills in marketing consumer products in Third World countries, plus business planning and control and the ability to achieve quality, volume and profit targets. Salary plus first class cost of living expenses. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BELIZE: Pathologist for two-year term to manage pathology unit, conduct in-service training for medical staff on forensic medicine and histopathology; OB-GYN for one-year term to share responsibility for management of OB-GYN service, conduct outpatient, inpatient and surgical gynecological services; anesthesiologist for one-year term to function as deputy anesthesiologist at city hospital, share responsibility for providing anesthesiology services during normal working hours. Salary, housing and travel provided. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

TAIWAN: immediate opening for an RN. Must be a U.S. citizen and have minimum of one year experience. Salary and benefits. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

BAHAMAS: manager of marine operations to manage weapons recovery, logistics and transfers-at-sea in an open ocean environment for contractor to U.S. Navy's Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). Degree in engineering needed, experience in logistics and shipyard overhaul and modification, as well as experience as a ship's captain or chief engineer. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

KENYA: Mowlem International in Mombasa is seeking a site engineer with up to five years' experience for a marine contract. Also need experienced sub-agent/civil engineer with East African experience. One year, single status contracts are offered. Some married applicants may be considered. Free medical coverage, generous leave also offered. Contracts could be extended. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. [Page 28]

CLASSIFIEDS

WEST AFRICA: materials testing engineer, preferably French-speaking for quality control of asphalt, concrete and soils on a highways and bridges contract. Single or married with no children. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

KOREA: visiting professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at Cheju National University. Requires a master’s degree, preferably in teaching English as a second language or related field. Must be a native speaker of English. Duties involve teaching English composition and conversation 12 class hours per week. Salary is adequate to meet regular living expenses and allow for some savings; furnished apartment is provided. One-year renewable contract. For more information send resumé and college transcripts to Penny Boivin, Cheju National University, Republic of Korea.

THE AGENCY for International Development (AID) is recruiting health/population and nutrition officers, accountants and economists for its International Development Intern (IDI) program. Positions require two years’ relevant experience, U.S. citizenship, and availability for worldwide assignment. Previous overseas experience and knowledge of a foreign language are desired, but not required. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GUYANA: obstetrician and internist are needed for a private 125-bed hospital. Housing provided for a nominal fee, plus salary and benefits; travel allowance. One-year assignment. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

LIBERIA: Cuttington University College is seeking applications from qualified persons with a master’s degree in fine arts to teach in its Department of Fine Arts. Housing and health care benefits in addition to salary. For details, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ENJOY the adventures of wilderness living in western Alaska. Small multi-cultural hub community on the middle Kuskokwim River has many opportunities. Business, employment and housing now available. Interested Bahá’í families are invited to write to Mrs. Jeannie B. Wooderson, Aniak, AK 99557, or to phone 907-675-4376 (evenings).

BRAZIL: physicians (MDs, internal medicine, family practitioner, pediatricians, general practitioners) to provide family health care in a clinical setting in the Amazon area. Spanish or Portuguese language required. Assignments range from one month to long-term; food and housing provided. Also, immediate openings in Brazil for teachers at the primary (1-3) and secondary (5-8) grade levels. Single teachers preferred; must have a minimum of two years’ experience. Pioneer experience desirable. Salary and benefits: $700 U.S. per month. Air fare with baggage allowance will be paid; two-year contract is offered. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NICARAGUA needs an epidemiologist for an occupational safety and health project to conduct collaborative research on pesticide-related health problems; a physician with specialty in rehabilitation or treatment of paraplegics; and an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for a 1-3 year assignment. Fluent Spanish is required. Salary, housing and excellent benefits. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BAHAMAS: seeking site electricians. Overseas experience is necessary, and candidates should have experience with cranes, batching plants, generators and all things electrical. Prefer someone 25-45 years old. Offering a single-status, one-year contract with 21 days leave after every six months. For more information, write to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MALAYSIA: undergraduate faculty needed to teach business and economics to Malay students in Kuala Lumpur. Program sponsored by Indiana University and Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities. Applicants should be qualified to teach accounting, business law, micro-economics, macro-economics and statistics. One-year minimum teaching experience. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: production agronomist for International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics to work with a team of scientists to develop a field research program for test management systems that increase and stabilize the yield of grain and fodder from crops grown in the semi-arid tropics. Ph.D in agronomy and 5-10 years’ experience in managing crops and/or fodder is required. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PORTUGAL: project construction manager for a 300-unit villa complex. Prefer Portuguese speaker. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

OVERSEAS: technical English teacher; position suitable only for an electronics technician possibly with a services background and trained as a TSL. To teach technical writing as well as spoken technical English skills. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

NIGERIA: optional teaching positions for OB/GYN, surgeon, urologist and dentist to work in new but poorly equipped 50-bed hospital serving a population of 100,000 plus those in other communities. More than 100 patients seen daily (in- and out-patients). Located in Owerri. Three-year assignments; salary, travel allowance and housing. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

JAMAICA: dentists (2) and one physician needed for a voluntary organization in the densely populated area of Kingston to provide a comprehensive health program specifically for the poor, unemployed and unskilled people in that area. Facilities are in an urban ghetto where health care is almost nonexistent. Housing and transportation provided locally; long- or short-term assignments. No salary or travel allowance. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

OVERSEAS: English-language teachers. Must have TEFL, TESL, RSA qualifications and technical English experience, preferably in the oil, gas and petrochemicals field. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SIERRA LEONE: rural clinic needs an internist, surgeon, pediatrician, hospital administrator, dentist and three RNs. Preference will be given to medical personnel who would like to serve for at least 1-3 years. Travel, food, housing and a stipend will be paid for long-term; short-term will receive food and housing. Area is remote and depends heavily on the manufacture of palm oil. A unique opportunity to live and work in a primitive rural African setting where primary health care and mother-child health and primitive medicine are of primary importance. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

LIBERIA: lab technician, RNs, midwives, and dietician/cook needed to provide care in a 95-bed hospital. Allowance for basic needs is negotiable. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

ST. LUCIA: short-term assignments for pharmacist, June through September; ophthalmologist from June onward; surgeon from May through November; anesthetist from April onward; and urologist for various months. No travel or salary offered to short-term volunteers, but a stipend can be received if assignment is over six months. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Ceremony

from page 14

beh Jusu, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Yikandor, to cut the ribbon, after which music filled the air with celebration and happiness. The celebration continued through the night.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Russell Kress

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following individuals to add to its photograph collection: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, William Sears, ‘Alí Akbar Furútan, John Robarts, H. Collis Featherstone, ‘Alí Muḥammad Varqá, Ugo Giachery, Edna True, Sarah M. Pereira, Velma Sherrill, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Borrah Kavelin and Glenford E. Mitchell. Anyone having photographs that they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ARTISTS, craftsmen, quilters wanted to take part in a Continental Bahá’í Quilt Project whose theme is “Raising the Standard/The Coming Generation.” Youth are welcome to participate. The completed quilt will visit the community of each participating quilter for exhibition/teaching purposes. For more information about how to become a part of this project, contact E. June Youle, Valley City, ND 58072.

CAMP Kamál in Wisconsin is seeking applications for the following positions: camp counselors, cook, camp nurse, and water safety instructor. This is a wonderful opportunity for Bahá’ís to share their skills with young people and to become involved in an exciting outdoor program. The residential camp, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin, will be held July 16-23 at a lakeside wilderness camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. Room and board are provided for staff. For more information, contact the camp director, James Lewicki, Viroqua, WI 54665, or phone 608-637-2743.

SEEKING your personal recollections, experiences and correspondence with Hands of the Cause of God for a work to be published. Your experiences, shared with the Bahá’í community, will prove invaluable to the present and future generations of believers. Write to Barry Harper, Santa Fe, NM 87501, or phone 505-982-8337 or 502-989-8370.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking district convention voting lists for the years 1953-67 for the states of Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine and North Carolina. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: volunteer fund-raising coordinator for the Bahá’í Encyclopedia Project to be responsible for coordinating all encyclopedia fund-raising activities. Strong organizational abilities, ability to work independently, social poise required; business or fund-raising experience desirable. Contact John Walbridge, Bahá’í Encyclopedia Project, 1830 N. York Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48128, or phone 313-278-0230.

WANTED: workshop leaders with academic credentials to help develop and present community development programs at Sunrise House in Eliot, Maine. Workshops would be of academic caliber for continuing education credit in such fields as conflict resolution, understanding cultural differences, eliminating racial prejudice, women and peace, and co-dependent issues. Please send vitae with detailed syllabi to Sunrise House, Attn: Search Committee, Box 283, Eliot, ME 03903. For more information, please phone 207-439-3306.

FOR SALE

SPRINGTIME is balloon-launching time. Proclaim the Bahá’í message with “One Planet, One People ... Please” balloons: $12 per hundred, $100 per thousand in assorted colors. Orders under $30 add $3 for shipping; over $30 add 10 percent. For a sample pack of four, send $1 and three 22-cent stamps. May be combined with orders for any Bahá’í book in print; shipment within 24 hours by UPS. Assembly orders can be billed; Groups and individuals send payment with order. Send to Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

LEAVING for the pioneering field, and have an optical retail business for sale in rural Northern California; established for six years with three referring M.D.’s in the state’s fastest-growing county. Must have valid ABO certificate for dispensing eyeglasses. No-interest terms available. Also available, separately or as a package deal, a four-bedroom home. Three-year-old Assembly is in jeopardy. Call now! 707-263-1071 (days) or 707-263-0724 (evenings and weekends).

T-SHIRTS (short sleeve) imprinted with “One Planet, One People ... Please.” 100 percent cotton in adult sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) $9.95 each; 50/50 poly/cotton blend, $7.95 each. Children’s poly/cotton in sizes 2-4, 6-8, 10-12 and 14-16, $6.95 each. Available in black, red, royal blue, navy, pink, light blue, grey, yellow, aqua and white (give second and third color choices). Shipping is $3 per order or 10 percent, whichever is greater. Shirt orders may be combined with orders for any Bahá’í books currently available. California residents add 6.5 percent sales tax. Discounts available for communities with minimum purchase. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH: An Introduction is a highly professional video that is ideal for use at firesides. The viewer visits Bahá’í communities across the country and sees their commitment to unity in diversity. The 45-minute video is narrated by actor Alex Rocco. To order, send a check or money order (VISA/MasterCard also accepted) for $29.95 (plus 10 percent for shipping) to Kalimát Press, 1600 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 34, Dept. A, Los Angeles, CA 90025, or phone 213-479-5668.

DO YOU want to make Feasts as meaningful for the children in your community as they are for the adults? “The Nineteen Day Feast Lesson Guide for Children,” a compilation of easy-to-teach lessons based on the Bahá’í calendar for ages four and up is back in print. Designed to be used only during the business part of Feasts, the guide makes it possible for every adult to share the responsibility of teaching the children on a rotating basis. It’s that simple! The guide is a non-profit publication by Bahá’ís associated with the Local Education Adviser program. Copies of the current printing are $12 each (Texas residents please add 72 cents sales tax). Please make checks payable to BCC Publications, 12510 Rocky Knoll, Houston, TX 77077.

THE LOS ANGELES Bahá’í Bookshop has Bahá’í literature in Basque, Bislama, Bulgarian, Chinese, Eskimo, Fijian, French, German, Gilbertése, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Maori, Norwegian, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Vietnamese, and more than 200 titles in English not available from conventional sources. Let us know your needs; we are here to serve you. Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

CASSETTE tapes, regularly $7.99, are now on sale for a limited time for only $6.25 each from Images International. (1) Gayle Morrison, author of To Move the World, “A New Creation: Power of the Covenant in the Life of Louis Gregory.” (2) Former Counselor Sarah M. Pereira, “Louis Gregory,” and Dr. Elsie Austin, “Alain Locke—Dawn Thinker in a Twilight Age.” (3) Counselor Adib Taherzadeh, “The Power of Divine Assistance” (in English or Persian). Send $6.25 per tape (plus 10 percent for shipping and handling, $1 minimum) to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

MUSIC tapes from Bahá’í musicians such as Parish and Teppano, the Van Mannens, and Seaforth and Jenkins are now available from Kalimát Press. For a free brochure, write to Kalimát Press, 1600 Sawtelle Blvd., Suite 34, Dept. A, Los Angeles, CA 90025, or phone 213-479-5668.

SCHOOLS, CAMPS

WASHINGTON West Bahá’í schools are having an International Bahá’í Spring School and Recreation Weekend from May 27-30 at Bay Horizon Park in Birch Bay, Washington. The theme is “Consultation Part I: A Tool to Build Unity Through Work and Play.” For information, write to Colleen Huffman, Tacoma, WA 98499, or phone 206-584-2791.

CAMP Kamál is a Bahá’í residential camp that offers young people (entering fifth through ninth grades) of all faiths and backgrounds an enriching

See ads page 36 [Page 29]

Sandpainter’s visit ‘gladdens hearts’ in Texas, N. Mexico

NATIVE AMERICANS

Mitchell Silas, a Navajo Bahá’í from Aneth, Utah, and his wife, Robin, “gladdened the spirits” of many Native Americans in Texas and New Mexico during a visit to those states last December.

Mr. Silas, a renowned Navajo sandpainter, demonstrated his art while Mrs. Silas read quotes from the Bahá’í Writings on health and healing and from traditional Navajo healing beliefs and practices.

The presentation was given three times, the first at the Tigua Indian Reservation in El Paso where Mr. Silas presented the tribe with a braid of sweet grass from Canada, symbolizing the unity of the Indian peoples, and, with Alice Herbig, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of El Paso, presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to Michael Pedraza, governor of the Tigua Pueblo.

After traditional dances and the sandpainting demonstration, the Tigua youth group was invited to dance in January at the “Fiesta of Friendship” in Anthony, New Mexico, and graciously accepted the invitation.

On December 6, the Silases gave their demonstration for more than 50 people in Anthony, bringing to more than 150 the total number who saw them that weekend.

Mitchell Silas (second from right), a Navajo Bahá’í from Aneth, Utah, gave Indian sandpainting demonstrations last December in Texas and New Mexico. Pictured with Mr. Silas are (left to right) Daniel Archuleta, dance director of the Tigua Indian tribe in El Paso, Texas; Michael Pedraza, governor of the Tigua Pueblo; and Alice Herbig, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of El Paso.

Yuma Bahá’ís celebrate Ayyám-i-Há with special service award ceremony

On February 27, the Bahá’ís of Yuma, Arizona, celebrated Ayyám-i-Há in a special way, presenting several awards to residents of Yuma and surrounding communities.

Attending the ceremony were Bahá’ís from El Centro and Calexico, California, and Yuma and Wellton, Arizona.

To everyone present a special presentation was given by one of the award recipients, Fred Miller: the first ever public presentation of the Cocopah Indian tribal flag, with an explanation of its meaning.

The flag embodies five ideals: spiritual, God, heaven, veteran, and past.

Recipients of the Bahá’í awards were:

• Susan Canole, a teacher of blind and handicapped students at Ham Elementary School who is herself blind.
• Charles and Linda Cobb, proprietors of the ATA Tae Kwon Do Center, where they help teach youth with disciplinary and other problems.
• Sunee LeRoy, from Thailand, who runs a local physical therapy clinic that deals with the oneness of mind, body and spirit, using the teachings and concepts of Buddha.
• Fred Miller, tribal chairman of the Cocopah Nation who works to help raise the standard of living of Native Americans.

In addition to his award, Mr. Miller was given a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.”

300 at MIT hear talk by Dr. Peter Khan

Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice, spoke to an audience of more than 300 Bahá’ís last February 17 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

Dr. Khan’s 80-minute talk had three main points: the external affairs of the Faith; the Faith’s internal consolidation; and priorities for the future.

Bahá’ís traveled from New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York state to attend.

FOUR WINDS CONFERENCE

Unity in Diversity BAHÁ’Í POW-WOW July 7-10, 1988 Los Angeles Area Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Malibu, CA (213) 457-5706

Indian education coordinator becomes Bahá’í at Louhelen

On February 28, during a Conference on the Arts at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, Les Gemmill, coordinator of American Indian education for the Michigan Department of Education, became a Bahá’í.

It was not the first time that Mr. Gemmill had been to the Louhelen School. His wife Dorothy, a Bahá’í for 10 years who serves on Louhelen’s Native American Task Force, had taken him there many times.

In addition, the Gemmills, who live near Lansing, have been to countless firesides over the years, attended many conferences, and put up many Bahá’í booths together.

What was it that caused Mr. Gemmill to declare his faith in Bahá’u’lláh?

Dorothy Gemmill feels that it may have had something to do with the support and kindness their Bahá’í friends showed him during a recent serious illness.

“The Bahá’ís have been spending a lot of time with him,” she said. “Over the years, he must have had 100 teachers.”

Mr. Gemmill is from the Pit River Tribe of Northern California.

Colorado Springs host to ‘Arc Raising’ dinners

Three Bahá’í families in Colorado Springs, Colorado, have come together to host three “Arc Raising” dinners, one for each of the buildings yet to be completed on Mount Carmel.

The first of these events, held last December 5 and dedicated to the International Bahá’í Library, raised $1,071.29, slightly above its $1,000 goal.

One family donated the food while each of the three families worked together to serve a simple but special meal for about 70 Bahá’ís and their guests.

The dinner was free, but a contribution box and envelopes were provided.

Afterward, the friends were entertained with music, sit-down games, and an “open mike” for spontaneous performances.

A closing game proved to be a favorite of adults and children alike. The object was to drop coins into a tank of water and try to land them in a glass at the bottom. The game raised $58.63 for the Arc.

The remaining two “Arc Raisers” will follow a similar format and will no doubt generate the same excitement, joy and unity of spirit in giving to the Cause.

Pictured are some of the friends who attended the first of three ‘Arc Raising’ dinners last December 5 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event raised more than $1,000 for the International Bahá’í Library.

Nevada Bahá’í named to counsel U.S. teens

Joseph Galata, a Bahá’í from Sparks, Nevada, has been nominated by the University of Nevada-Reno and selected by the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., as a member of a national commission to design counseling programs for teen-agers in federal government schools known as Job Corps.

Mr. Galata was also chosen to present a paper, “From Abyss to Illumination: Artistic Creativity and Logotherapy,” at the Congress of Logotherapists this month in Kansas City, Missouri.

Conference held

On Sunday, February 4, the Northern Nevada District Teaching Committee hosted a teaching conference that included talks by Auxiliary Board members Marsha Gilpatrick and Richard Groger and by Ron Gilpatrick, a member of the National Race Unity Committee.

CONTINENTAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL

August 1-5, 1988 Indian Memorial Park, Mobridge, SD

For consultation among American Indian Bahá’ís. Non-Indian family members may attend.

Featured activities include major presentations, workshops, discussion groups, the honoring of elders, and a giveaway.

Please note that the dates for the Continental ‎Indiginous Indigenous‎ Council have been changed to August 1-5. Indians will gather from all parts of North America on Monday, August 1st, for two days of camping to get to know the area and visit nearby communities before the actual Council events begin on Wednesday, August 3rd, and continue until Friday evening, August 5th. There will be pow-wows in nearby communities on the weekends ‎preceeding preceding‎ and following the Council.

Watch for more information in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í! [Page 30]

News in brief

Youth may undertake program of service at Maxwell School

The Maxwell International Bahá’í School on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, North America’s first residential Bahá’í school, is pleased to announce a program for a “Youth Year of Service.”

Bahá’í youth who have completed high school or who want to take a year off from college to serve the Cause at a Bahá’í educational institution, here is your chance.

The Maxwell School will open in September. Besides offering a high-quality moral and academic program in secondary education, it will provide areas of service for a few mature and dedicated Bahá’í youth.

Those who are interested should send a letter of inquiry to Box 370, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia V0R 2W0, Canada.

Last October, the District Teaching Committee of Connecticut achieved one of its major goals of the Six Year Plan with the presentation of copies of “The Promise of World Peace” to Courtland Fowler, chairman of the Mohegan tribe, and Richard Hayward of the Mashantucket Pequot tribe.

The presentations were made during a conference in Ledyard commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Pequot War, New England’s first Indian war.

The peace statement was also given to the editor of The Eagle, a Naugatuck-based newspaper of New England native culture and activities.

“Transition Mathematics,” a high-school textbook produced by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project and used in eighth-grade math classes in Portland, Oregon, and other cities includes a problem using Bahá’í Houses of Worship as an illustration.

The problem, found on page 200, says, “Temples in the Bahá’í religion have 9 sides. Suppose you view a Bahá’í temple from directly overhead. The outline of the temple will have what shape?”

In December, the Bahá’í Justice Society produced the first newsletter for its membership.

The four-page newsletter, which includes a variety of items of interest to the Society and its members, is edited by Brent Poirier of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Membership in the Justice Society is $35 a year; a lifetime membership is $750. Send check to the Bahá’í Justice Society, 1010 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823.

During the past year the Bahá’ís of Malden, Massachusetts, presented copies of “The Promise of World Peace” to several prominent individuals including U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey and Mayor James Conway of Malden.

Other presentations were made to the Malden Clergy Association and to the head librarian of the Malden Public Library who promised to catalog the peace statement, presented in book form, so that it would be available to the public.

Tapes of ’87 Women’s Conference available from Images International

On February 20-22, 1987, the National Committee on Women held a conference whose theme was “Equality is the Responsibility of All.” Liaisons who attended the conference are responsible for initiating local women’s activities and forming consultative groups to provide a forum in which ideas and issues concerning the equality of women and men can be explored and examined in a supportive environment.

Images International, in conjunction with the National Committee on Women, is distributing six cassette tapes of talks given at the conference with the idea that they will provide additional information and support for liaisons and the groups with whom they work. The tapes are:

NW-RT-310. Side one: Introductions and open microphone to participants—sharing of local women’s activities. Side two: sharing (continued); Ladjamaya: drama, “The Black Experience: A Plea for World Peace.” Dr. Phyllis Gudger-Porter, member of the National Committee on Women, “Paradigm Shift—Equality Is the Responsibility of All.”

NW-RT-311. Side one (slight sound distortion): completion of Dr. Gudger-Porter’s talk; Carol Rutstein singing selections from The Hidden Words; Dr. Marvin Hughes, “Equality of Men and Women: Evolving the Role of Men.” Side two: completion of Dr. Hughes’ talk; Shiva Tavana, member of the National Committee on Women, “Women’s Issues: Theme and Essence of Model Consultative Groups.”

NW-RT-312. Side one: Juana Conrad, chairman, National Committee on Women, “Women and Decision-Making.” Dr. Alberta Deas and Judge Dorothy Nelson, members of the National Spiritual Assembly and liaisons to the National Committee on Women, “Women’s Experience on a Decision-Making Level.” Side two: completion of Dr. Deas’ and Judge Nelson’s remarks followed by questions and answers.

NW-RT-313. Side one: Counselor Wilma Brady, “The Feminist Within Me”; reading of letter from the National Spiritual Assembly about the commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America; the Rev. Motlalepula Chabaku (slight sound distortion), keynote address. Side two: continuation of the Rev. Chabaku’s talk.

NW-RT-314. Side one: completion of the Rev. Chabaku’s talk followed by questions and answers. Side two: Shiva Tavana, “Global Status of Bahá’í Women”; Bahiyyih Nakhjavání, “The Greatest Holy Leaf”; Ruby Gubatayao, chairman, American Indian Teaching Committee, “Teaching.”

NW-RT-315. Side one: completion of Ruby Gubatayao’s talk; Nancy Dobbins, secretary of the National Committee on Women, “Teaching: Shoghi Effendi, a Practicum Applied.” Side two: Reading of message from the conference to the Universal House of Justice; children’s presentation by Sabra Firuzi and Errol Doris Jr.

ORDERING: The six tapes can be ordered for $38 or individual tapes for $7.99 each. The 10 percent charge for shipping and handling must be added to the total (for orders under $125; orders over $125 must add only five percent). Please note: Liaisons who attended the conference (February 1987) are entitled to a 10 percent discount. Please deduct the discount before adding on the shipping and handling charge. Please make checks payable to Images International and send with details of your order to P.O. Box 1051, Belchertown, MA 01007.

Boulder, Colorado, Bahá’ís host second annual Peace Congress

On February 14, about 200 people gathered at the University of Colorado for the second annual Peace Congress sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Boulder.

This year’s theme was “Peaceful Relations—Within and With Others.”

Most of those attending were not Bahá’ís, with some 50 of the more than 600 peace-related groups who were invited sending representatives.

Each group was given a table at which to display its view of peace.

Among the groups at the Congress were Beyond War, the Boulder County Health Department, Colorado Midwives Association, Greenpeace, the Grey Panthers, and the World Federalists.

Each was asked to take part in consultative sessions in which relationships among family, friends, men and women, races, cultures, religions, businesses and governments were discussed.

The keynote address, “Path to Peace: Myth or Reality,” was given by Duane Troxel, a Bahá’í who is assistant dean of education at the University of Colorado-Denver.

Red Ute, spiritual leader of the Southern Ute Indian Nation, presides over the closing ceremonies at the second annual Peace Congress sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Boulder, Colorado, and held February 14 at the University of Colorado.

Red Ute, a non-Bahá’í who is the spiritual leader of the Southern Ute Indian Nation, presided over the opening and closing ceremonies.

‘Fiestas’ proclaim Faith in Southwest

Several Bahá’í communities in Texas and New Mexico that are near the Mexican border hold fiestas about four times a year as proclamation events.

These events have helped to integrate the Hispanic believers into the Bahá’í community and actively involve them in community affairs.

Most recently, on January 31, a Bahá’í “fiesta” was held in Anthony, New Mexico.

More than 200 people attended the event, about 50 of whom were not Bahá’ís. The fiesta had been advertised on radio and TV and in the local newspapers.

A member of the District Teaching Committee attributed the success of the fiesta to the cooperation of Hispanic believers in several area communities including Anthony itself.

As a consequence of the event, many of the Hispanic believers have pledged to hold regular firesides.

Minnesota governor given peace statement

On January 6, Bahá’ís from throughout Minnesota presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” to Gov. Rudy Perpich.

The governor received the statement in a friendly manner, acknowledged its importance and commended the Bahá’ís for their good work.

The Bahá’í delegation, some of whose members made a two-hour-plus drive in sub-zero weather, reflected both the geographic and ethnic diversity of the state.

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf

By Bahá’u’lláh

• The last work of Bahá’u’lláh
• A compilation of His writings that He personally selected
• Contains the major themes of His revelation
• Includes His promises and warnings to the people of the world
• Available for the first time in an inexpensive pocket-size edition and in a new hard cover edition

SC $4.50 HC $16.95

To order: Contact your local Distribution Representative or the Bahá’í Distribution Service No charge for postage and handling

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

• Price valid only in the United States

[Page 31]

Riḍván election form

Please tell us where you want your Assembly mail to go to and what the Assembly’s current address is.

Remember that all Assembly mail will be sent in care of the secretary.

Election forms which have been sent to existing Assemblies will have the Assembly’s address label already attached over the upper right-hand box where the locality name, Bahá’í locality code and district are requested.

If this is not the case with your Assembly, please be sure to provide your locality name, Bahá’í locality code, and district in this box.

Your Bahá’í locality code can be found on your membership printout or your mailing label on the Assembly’s copy of The American Bahá’í.

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FORMATION REPORT FORM (SIDE A)

PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT IMMEDIATELY EVEN IF OFFICERS ARE TEMPORARY

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY

ASSEMBLY MAIL
Send all mail for Secretary to: [ ] Assembly address given below (Post Office Box or Bahá’í Center) [ ] Secretary’s home address Assembly’s Address: (If different than Secretary’s home address) ____________________________________________________ Street, Rural Route or Post Office Box Number ____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip	FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Locality Name ____________________________________________________________________

Bahá’í Locality Code* ______________________________________________________________

District __________________________________________________________________________

*The Community’s Bahá’í Locality Code can be found on any computer printed Assembly mailing label

Please fill in all information requested for officers of your Assembly including name, Bahá’í identification number, current address and telephone numbers.

If you are not able to elect officers right away, please appoint a temporary correspondent and list that person’s name, address, Bahá’í identification number and telephone number in the box marked “secretary.” When you elect officers at a later date, report them on the local Spiritual Assembly Officer and Address Change form.

CHAIRMAN Name ________________________________________________ ID #§ ____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City/State ____________________________________________ Zip ___________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

VICE-CHAIRMAN Name ________________________________________________ ID #§ ____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City/State ____________________________________________ Zip ___________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Name ________________________________________________ ID #§ ____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City/State ____________________________________________ Zip ___________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

TREASURER Name ________________________________________________ ID #§ ____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City/State ____________________________________________ Zip ___________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

OTHER OFFICER (IF ANY) Office Held ____________________ Name ________________________________________________ ID #§ ____________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City/State ____________________________________________ Zip ___________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

§Individual ID numbers are on the membership list, membership card, and The American Bahá’í address label

COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE REPORTING AN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

For each Assembly member, please provide the following information:
Name	ID #	Votes Received

In this box, please list all nine names and Bahá’í identification number of Assembly members, and the number of votes each member received. Do not fill in this box if you are forming by joint declaration.

COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM

I certify, on behalf of the Local Spiritual Assembly, that all nine members of the Assembly are Bahá’ís in good standing and that they are registered by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as members of the American Bahá’í community residing in the locality indicated above.

Signature __________________________________________________________________

Print Name __________________________________________________________________ ID # ________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone (______) ________________ Work Phone (______) ________________

The secretary of the Assembly, or the person assigned to help in its formation, should complete this box certifying that he or she has verified the membership of each Assembly member.

Please be sure to print your name, as well as sign it, and to provide us with your telephone number(s).

Send YELLOW copy to: NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER WILMETTE, IL 60091

Keep BLUE copy for your records

Remember to send the yellow copy immediately to the National Teaching Committee and to keep the blue copy for your files.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout, the person’s Bahá’í membership card, or his/her address label from The American Bahá’í.

NTC 2/88 (Supersedes all previous forms) [Page 32]

Riḍván election form

Here are samples of both sides of the Riḍván election form for this year. We have highlighted each section with a brief explanation to help you with questions you may have about the form. In addition, please note the following:

1. Remember to complete both sides of the form and to include all requested information.

2. If you are not able to find an identification number or some other piece of information, please attach an explanation to the form, such as, “new believer, doesn’t have ID card yet.”

3. If your Assembly does not receive election materials in time for Riḍván, you may request extra forms and instructions from your District Teaching Committee, or you may cut these forms out of The American Bahá’í and use them.

4. Please review the forms before sending them in to be sure you’ve included as much information as possible and an explanation for anything you have had to omit. Remember that we are receiving and recording information from more than 1,600 local Assemblies, and sometimes inadvertent mistakes or incomplete or incorrect information on an election form will cause delays in getting your Assembly’s information properly recorded.

5. Any questions about Assembly formations can be addressed to the National Teaching Committee. A Bahá’í National Center hotline will be available on April 20 and 21 at 312-869-9039. Please call if you feel that there is any problem with your Assembly forming.

If you are forming by election, please complete the top section of side B.

If you are forming by joint declaration, please complete the bottom section of side B.

You can look for identification numbers on your community membership printout, a person’s Bahá’í membership card, or a person’s address label from The American Bahá’í.

COMPLETE ONLY ONE OF THE SECTIONS BELOW:

ASSEMBLY ELECTION (to be completed if there are 10 or more adult Bahá’ís in your locality)

An election meeting was held on __________________________________, 19 __ , at ____ SIDE B a.m. p.m.
T E L L E R S R E P O R T	The following should be reported to the community after the ballots are counted:
	Number Voting in Person ...........	_________________
	Number Voting by Absentee Ballot ..................................................	+ _______________
	Total Number of Ballots Cast ................................................................	= _______________
	Number of Invalid Ballots, If Any ......................................................	– _______________
	Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast ....................................................	= _______________
	Number of Believers not Voting ....................	+ _______________
	Total Number of Adult Believers in Locality ....	= _______________
Tellers: (There must be more than one) Name (Please print) Phone No.     Name (Please print) Phone No.     Name (Please print) Phone No.		Has the community accepted the tellers' report? ____________________ Signature of Chief Teller ____________________________________

JOINT DECLARATION (to be completed if there are exactly nine adult Bahá’ís in your locality)

J O I N T D E C L A R A T I O N	A joint declaration was held on __________________________________, 19 __ , at ____ a.m. p.m.
	ID Number*	Name	Signature

* Individual ID numbers are on the membership list, membership card, and The American Bahá’í address label

PLEASE REPORT ELECTION OF OFFICERS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM [Page 33]

Riḍván questions and answers

The following are the answers to the questions most commonly asked of the National Teaching Committee in regard to Assembly elections at Riḍván. If, having reviewed these remarks, your Assembly or Bahá’í group still has questions or would like further clarification, please contact the National Teaching Committee as soon as possible. Regular office hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm (CST), Monday through Friday. A special hotline will be set up on Wednesday, April 20, from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight and on Thursday, April 21, from 8:00 am to midnight (CST).

Eligibility

Some believers, such as university students, live part of the year in one community and the rest of the year in another. In which community are they eligible to serve on the Assembly?

Believers cannot be considered members of more than one community at the same time. The locality in which believers reside for the most time (e.g. seven out of the twelve months) should be considered their home community, in which they are eligible to serve on the Assembly. If the length of time they spend at each residence is approximately the same, they may choose the community in which they desire to hold membership.

Can believers who live just outside of the city limits but have a business and receive mail at a Post Office Box in the city be considered eligible to serve on the city’s Assembly?

No. Only those who actually reside within the city limits of an incorporated city have the right to either vote or be elected as a member of the Assembly. All questions concerning areas of Assembly jurisdiction in areas other than incorporated cities should be directed to the National Teaching Committee.

If some Bahá’ís are planning to move into a community to help save a jeopardized assembly but cannot physically be living in the community until after the first day of Riḍván, can they be counted as community members?

If they have made a FIRM COMMITMENT, such as obtaining a lease or putting a down payment on a house, then they can be counted IF THEY ARE ABLE TO PHYSICALLY RESIDE IN THE COMMUNITY WITHIN 90 DAYS. The National Teaching Committee should be notified as soon as the individual moves into the community.

If a Bahá’í has recently enrolled but has not yet received a Bahá’í identification card from the National Spiritual Assembly, is that person eligible for election to an Assembly?

Unless they are Iranian (Iranians cannot be considered members of the community until they receive their credentials), individuals who have been enrolled by an enrolling agency such as an Assembly or District Teaching Committee but have not received a Bahá’í identification card may be included on the voting list. If Riḍván is approaching, it is recommended that the Management Information Systems at the Bahá’í National Center be called to obtain the identification number of the new enrollee in order to avoid confusion.

If Bahá’ís who have come from another country EXCEPT IRAN are residing in the community but have not yet received United States credentials, can they be eligible for election?

Yes, pending the transfer of their membership into the United States Bahá’í community from the community of the country in which they were last residing. The individuals must arrange for this transfer on their own. They must write the National Spiritual Assembly of the country in which they were living and ask that their credentials be sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. If, after 60 days following the election, these Bahá’ís have still not received their credentials, the National Teaching Committee should be notified.

Are Persian believers who have recently arrived in the United States considered eligible to vote and serve on an Assembly?

Persian believers who have current credentials (not temporary) from any country EXCEPT AUSTRIA are eligible for elections while membership is being transferred to the United States. Persians with United States credentials are considered eligible for election just like other Bahá’ís with U.S. credentials.

Can members of the community who are mentally ill or senile vote in the election and/or serve on the Assembly?

If these believers are obviously incapable of serving, they should not be considered eligible to vote for or serve on the Assembly. The Assembly or community should immediately inform the National Assembly of such believers’ conditions. If the community is uncertain that a person is capable of serving, he/she should be added to the voting list and can be elected to the Assembly. If elected, that person must be invited to attend the meetings. If the Assembly later determines that the person is incapable of serving (or that their behavior is disruptive to the functioning of the Assembly), the Assembly should write to the National Spiritual Assembly, recommending that the person be removed from the Assembly and declared ineligible to serve.

For several years, we have certain Bahá’ís whose mail has been returned and who we have been unable to visit to verify their addresses. Should their names be removed from the voting list?

Their names should not be removed from the mailing list. Every effort should be made to contact these individuals and verify their addresses with the hope of reactivating them in the Faith.

If a community member has asked to withdraw from the Faith but the community has not heard from the National Assembly if this ‎withdrawl withdrawal‎ has been accepted, should this person be counted on the voting list?

If word has not been received that the National Assembly has officially withdrawn the person from membership before the election of the Assembly, he or she must be counted as a member of the community.

If the boundaries of the civil community change during the year due to local government action, will this affect the membership of the community? Will some of the members be ineligible to vote in that community at Riḍván?

Bahá’í community membership is often affected by civil boundary changes, and because of this, those who are eligible to serve in one year may not be eligible to serve that community in the next. The National Teaching Committee should be notified of ALL civil boundary changes. No change in a membership list due to civil boundary changes should be made by a Bahá’í community until approval or acknowledgement is given by the National Teaching Committee.

Joint Declaration

Must everyone sign the form at the same time? What if a member is temporarily unavailable?

Those who are unavailable to sign the joint declaration at the same time as the others may sign their name earlier or later.

If a member of the community refuses to sign or consent to serve on the Assembly, can the Assembly still be formed?

If an Assembly is forming for the first time, it is essential that all nine signatures appear on the form. If all nine signatures cannot be obtained, the formation of the Assembly has not occurred. However, if an Assembly has previously been established in the community and a person refuses to sign, or, if for any other reason, one of the ‎signitures signatures‎ cannot be obtained, the form should be sent to the National Teaching Committee with an explanation of why the signature is missing. A decision will be made regarding recognition of the Assembly and communicated to the Assembly.

What should be done if a Formation Report Form cannot be obtained in time for the joint declaration?

A joint declaration can be made on an ordinary piece of paper. The sheet of paper, in addition to containing the nine signatures, should state that a joint declaration to form an Assembly is being made, and include the date, name of the Bahá’í locality, and Bahá’í ID numbers of those who signed the paper. If Assembly officers have been elected, these should also be noted.

Assembly Election

What is the minimum number required to attend an election meeting?

No quorum is required in the holding of an election for an Assembly. As long as all community members are properly notified of the meeting, the election is valid, even if no more than one person is at the meeting to vote.

Is it permissible to go to believers homes to collect ballots in order to form an Assembly?

In areas where it is likely that a large percentage of the believers will not attend the election meeting, it is recommended that visits take place to encourage participation. If it is discovered in the process that a believer will not be able to attend, absentee voting be encouraged.

If no one comes to the election meeting but absentee ballots are obtained can the Assembly be elected and recognized?

In all cases, an Assembly should be formed and the formation papers submitted to the National Teaching Committee describing any unusual or extenuating circumstances. The information will be reviewed and a decision regarding recognition will be made. In the meantime, those elected should begin to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an Assembly.

Is it permissible for people to vote for themselves?

Yes. Shoghi Effendi said, "This is entirely a matter of conscience; if the individual feels for some reason justified in voting for himself, he is free to do so."

What should be done if there is a tie vote for the 9th position on the Assembly?

A second ballot to break the tie must be cast by those present at the election meeting. Each voter should vote for one of the individuals who have tied for the 9th position. No other name should be introduced on the ballot. There is ONE EXCEPTION to this rule: If one of the persons involved represents a minority, that person should be given priority without question. The Guardian refers to "various races, faiths, or nationalities" as constituting minorities, but often, such distinctions are not clear-cut. If the person's minority representation is in any way questionable, or if both persons represent the minority, a re-vote should be cast to choose between those who have tied. IN ALL CASES OF DOUBT, a re-vote should be held.

Names of drug experts sought

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of individuals who have professional skills in drug rehabilitation. Relations with national organizations continue to develop, and opportunities arise in which the National Assembly must call on those with specific expertise and competence to represent the Faith at a variety of national events.

Interested Bahá’ís should send a resumé or description outlining their skills and experience to the National Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009. [Page 34]

10 YEARS AGO

The Universal House of Justice sends a cable to the Bahá’ís of the United States for consultation at the Feast of Jalál, April 9:

“Eve final year Five Year Plan call on all members valiant American Bahá’í community to evaluate their response to appeal for universal participation in victory campaign homefront inaugurated last September. During crucial months immediately ahead imperative for loyal followers Blessed Beauty to fully discharge responsibility personal teaching and lend unceasing effort every phase their local teaching plans thereby strengthening base vital institutions Faith enabling Bahá’í community meet challenge rapidly deteriorating standards majority people surrounding them. Ardent-ly praying Sacred Threshold success endeavors.” ...

Jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, a Bahá’í since 1968, receives an honorary doctorate in music February 17 from the Chicago Conservatory College, marking the first time that the Conservatory, founded 120 years ago, has so honored a non-European musician. ...

Bahá’ís in western Washington state, responding to the Universal House of Justice’s call for more extensive use of the mass media during the Five Year Plan, launch an ambitious radio advertising campaign designed to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to hundreds of thousands of residents ...

Five non-Bahá’ís from Chicago receive Rosey E. Pool Awards for Service to Humanity from the Spiritual Assembly of Wilmette during a ceremony February 18 at the Bahá’í House of Worship.

The presentation follows a dinner for the recipients at the National Haziratu’l-Quds.

Receiving the awards are Dr. Elizabeth Hill, a trail-blazer in the field of medicine for women and blacks; John H. Johnson, president of Johnson Publishing Company and editor of many publications including Ebony magazine; Rayna Miller, executive director of the North Shore Interfaith Housing Council; Renault Robinson, executive director of the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League; and Addie Wyatt, the first woman to be elected to the International Executive Board of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America.

The award is named for Rosey E. Pool, a Bahá’í who is perhaps best known as the teacher of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who died in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II and whose diary stands as an example of great love and courage in the face of death. ...

Bahá’í youth across the U.S. meet for weekend rallies February 12-13 to discuss such issues as teaching and how to be happy as Bahá’ís.

The six major gatherings are held at the University of California-Berkeley; the University of Chicago; Clemson, South Carolina; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; the Bahá’í Center in New York City; and at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. ...

Letters

from page 3

or days to develop their God-given natural strengths can hardly be called separatism.

White males are free to come together to work on ways they can support women, become true brothers to minorities, and reduce the age-old tendencies of competition, control and excessive intellectualism that hinder them from showing true love and unity.

The process of developing the sort of unity envisioned by Bahá’u’lláh will be long and arduous. I suspect that humankind will have to muddle through to meet that goal.

These temporary but separate meetings are simply one way of reaching out toward the goal of a true and lasting unity of all the people of the planet.

Dan Locke Yakima, Washington

‘Vigils’: Bahá’í ritual?

To the Editor:

It is disturbing to me to read about Bahá’ís carrying candles and holding candlelight vigils, for this could become the first Bahá’í ritual.

When people accept Bahá’u’lláh they should let go of all that has previously caused controversy, confusion and outward appearances of differences of religion.

If ‎Bahá’í’s Baháís‎ insist on holding onto old world religious practices, symbolism and such we could be hearing of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís’‎ foot washings, water baptisms, sticking pins in dolls, etc.

The use of candles goes back a long way. Once they were needed for rituals, ceremonies and some church services; today we have electric lights and even flood lights so that Bahá’ís can show seekers how to live the Bahá’í life in unity and diversity while worshipping God without rituals or ceremonies in one universal Cause, free from man-made trimmings, window dressings and pageantry.

Bahá’u’lláh has freed us from all of man’s vain imaginings and idle fancies, so that we may be united as one human race without all the diverse practices and symbolic ceremonies.

The idea of giving a rose to each person at a meeting was fine the first time, but not the second, because that it the way rituals get started.

Some years ago a woman said to me, “Bahá’í—oh, yes, that’s the Amway religion!” This was because the few Bahá’ís she had met were selling Amway products while trying to teach the Faith at firesides.

I drove a catering truck with some Bahá’í sayings on it, and a few customers called it “the Bahá’í wagon.”

A Navajo woman told me she could never be a Bahá’í because she couldn’t eat raw meat. She had been to a Bahá’í meeting at which barbecue was served, and what she had was raw.

We are being watched by those in both worlds, and we need to resist the temptation of attracting people to the Faith with food, clothing and charming shows, for Bahá’u’lláh and His Faith are too fabulous to try to make better by clever ideas or old world practices. (See Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32)

This is simply a reminder that we must be aware of our actions as ‎Bahá’í’s Baháís‎, for people easily jump to conclusions if we take current practices and adopt them as our own.

I believe that the most exciting thing on earth is a Bahá’í teaching the Faith to seekers. Let’s not mess it up with our personal ideas of how to improve the chances of people being attracted to God’s Cause, for God will increase our numbers if only we arise to teach from heart to heart.

As the Universal House of Justice says in Wellspring of Guidance (p.32), “The prime motive (in teaching) should always be the response of man to God’s Message, and the recognition of His Messenger.”

Tom Powell Rocky Ford, Colorado

One vote for gold standard

To the Editor:

With efforts being made around the world, and in particular between the U.S. and Russia, to stabilize the arms race and “eventually” to reduce armaments, it becomes necessary for the introduction of the supreme economic stabilizing agent.

Had there been a gold standard as an international law, no country in modern times could have financed any war. It is only the existence of fiat currencies that permits financing of war by governments.

Under a gold standard, any nation that set out to build an aggressive force would soon impoverish itself.

And if, initially, a nation’s leaders should convince the people to ‎sacrificeially sacrificially‎ resign themselves to impoverishment, there would shortly follow the inevitable bankruptcy of that nation when its trading partners, as holders of notes, demanded redemption of those notes.

In conclusion, to introduce “verification” into the arms race or to truly secure the stabilization of world civilization, a crucial step is the establishment of a gold standard as international law.

Bruce Koerber Middleton, Wisconsin

‘Introductory’ remarks

To the Editor:

Recently I visited with a new Bahá’í at a fireside. When I asked how she had become a Bahá’í, she said she was invited by a good friend to a Holy Day observance and later to another meeting.

She said she had felt confused after these meetings, where so many friends shared many ideas. In spite of this, she had remained involved because, she said, she felt the Bahá’ís were such nice people.

She explained that she felt new people were sometimes confused by being brought to Bahá’í meetings as their introduction to the Faith, and asked if there might be a better way to share the Faith initially with people.

I suggested to her something that I do frequently: I tell a friend, relative or acquaintance, “I want you to come over for coffee (or a meal). I have some exciting things I want to tell you about.”

Usually, we set a date. Then, after eating and visiting a while, I tell them I would like to share my excitement about the Bahá’í Faith.

With their permission, I use the teaching booklet as a fireside tool to teach them about the Faith. The booklet can be obtained from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

I assured my new Bahá’í friend that she knew enough to do this, and that she was the best person to share the Faith with people she knew.

I added that the Guardian had told the friends to have at least one fireside in their home once every 19 days.

She said she couldn’t wait to tell two people she wanted so much to tell about Bahá’u’lláh.

Richard Hoff Las Cruces, New Mexico

A friend in need ...

To the Editor:

After an absence of a little more than three years, I have returned to the predominantly Mormon community in which I became a Bahá’í.

Last week was the Feast of Sultán. Although I spoke with six Bahá’ís, none of them knew where Feast was to be held. And although all six know that I do not have a car, and that the temperature here was somewhere around -10 to -30°F that night, none offered me a ride.

In addition, not one Bahá’í has visited me. Not one has asked me if I need any help—which would have been nice to have, but which, of course, I can do without.

Were it not for my certainty about the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and my deep disbelief in those of the Mormon Church, I would certainly change communities.

If seekers are treated with such a cavalier attitude, it is no wonder that the ranks of our glorious Cause are not growing faster.

Anisa Divine Logan, Utah

Pioneer: Y’all come!

To the Editor:

I would like to extend a warm invitation to all of you to come to the field of pioneering.

Last night was Christmas eve in Guatemala, as it was in most of the rest of the world. The Latin custom is to explode fireworks at midnight (and beyond).

Having had a nice Jewish upbringing, this did absolutely nothing for me nostalgically, but it did keep me awake to think of the universality of human life on our planet.

Somehow, the firing off of “bombas” and rockets throughout this city of a million-plus testified to the possibility of a universal action throughout the world.

Pioneering is like that. It is a universal experience—linking one with fellow pioneers around the world whose names and faces are unknown but whose hearts are one.

It is also an individual experience in which one’s strengths and weaknesses become magnified to such a degree that the plough blade seems constantly overhead, tilling the soil of one’s heart and character.

Come.

Gary S. Marx Guatemala City, Guatemala

LaVerne Rhode, first Bahá’í in Hudson, New Hampshire, dies

LaVerne Rhode, a Bahá’í for more than a quarter of a century and the first Bahá’í in Hudson, New Hampshire, died last December 8.

Besides serving on various committees, as a delegate to the National Convention, and as chairman for many years of the Spiritual Assembly of Portsmouth, Mrs. Rhode served from 1971-73 as secretary to the Board of Counselors in Africa with headquarters in Kampala, Uganda, until political unrest in that country forced her to return to the U.S.

Mrs. Rhode retired in 1986 from her job as an executive at the Seacoast Mental Health Center.

IN MEMORIAM

Name	Location	Date
Lemuel Alexander	Akron, OH	February 8, 1988
Arthur W. Green	New Market, MD	January 1986
Clare Newman	Kutztown, PA	October 22, 1987
Anna May Barlow	Temple, TX	Date Unknown
Kathleen Gustafson	Weaverville, NC	February 3, 1988
John Patterson	Ventura, CA	February 8, 1988
Myron Carlson	Osceola, NE	Date Unknown
Barbara Halstead	Brookfield, WI	February 16, 1988
Emmy Lou Patton	Jackson, MS	January 19, 1988
Edward Candidus	W. Newton, MA	Date Unknown
Jake High Hawk	Porcupine, SD	1987
Vereda Pearson	New York, NY	July 11, 1986
James Cooper	Redding, CA	January 23, 1988
Ellen Hoffman	Lincoln, NE	January 28, 1988
Joseph Powell	Stockton, CA	December 22, 1987
Evelyn Cram	Portland, OR	December 21, 1987
Oscar Johnson	Temple, TX	Date Unknown
William Short Horn	Kyle, SD	April 1987
Maryam Farhang	Portland, OR	December 1987
Larry Lindner	Redding, CA	December 14, 1987
Nancy Soctomah	Perry, ME	Date Unknown
Vivian Fellows	Milwaukee, WI	December 13, 1987
Charlotte Livingstone	E. Pepperell, MA	November 8, 1987
Zaranguiz Sohrab	Ventura, CA	February 10, 1988
Wyatt Ferguson Sr.	Stephenville, TX	October 17, 1987
Ziaullah Mahboobi-poor	Elgin, IL	February 5, 1988
Alonza Thomas	Cochran, GA	Date Unknown
Leona Fowler	Louisville, KY	January 24, 1988
Loroli Moore	Brooklyn Center, MN	January 26, 1988
Evelyn Wilson	Youngstown, OH	Date Unknown
Niles Gaffney	Oakland, CA	January 29, 1988

[Page 35]Last October 18, the Bahá’ís of Modesto, California, entered the ‘Modesto Fun Run,’ one of the largest such events in the state. Community members dressed as a giant caterpillar with the words ‘Uniting the World’ painted on the side. Although the Bahá’ís won no awards, their name was announced over the P.A. system and they handed out more than 100 flyers.

Ads

from page 29

environment of purposeful outdoor living. The camp, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin, will be held July 16-23 at a lakeside wilderness camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. For more information and registration materials, contact James Lewicki, RR 3, Viroqua, WI 54665, or phone 608-637-2743.

WASHINGTON West is having a summer school from August 14-19 and a Winter School from December 26-29, both to be held at the Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. The facilities are excellent; meals are served family-style and everything is supplied except for personal toiletries. If you would like to be on the schools’ mailing list, simply send your name and address to Colleen Huffman, Tacoma, WA 98499. We are always in need of teachers for adults, youth and children. If you would like to volunteer, please let Ms. Huffman know.

PERIODICALS

SEND a Brilliant Star to Swaziland! The Brilliant Star Connection links children who can’t afford to purchase the magazine with families, communities or individuals who can afford to buy a gift subscription. The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has sent a list of Bahá’í pre-schools in that country which could use and enjoy Brilliant Star. Can you purchase a gift subscription to Brilliant Star for children in Swaziland? The overseas surface mail cost is $15/year. For more information, write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

STILL available: the “grandparents” issue of Brilliant Star magazine. Single copies, $2.50; subscriptions, $12/year. Write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MISCELLANEOUS

ANY Bahá’í who attended Lakenheath American High School in England from 1960-63 please contact Patt (Eggersdorf) Haugen, P.O. Box 171, Rapid City, SD 57709 (after May, c/o National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica, 208 Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 6, Jamaica, West Indies).

NOTICE: The Bahá’í-administered orphanage in Manaus, Brazil, is interested in arranging family adoptions with prospective Bahá’í adoptive parents. Children from infant to age nine years are available. Contact ADCAM-LAR LINDA TANURE, Parviz and Ferial Farzior (administrators), Conjunto Morada do Sol—Rua GH, Casa 11-13, Manaus, Amazonas 69.000, Brazil (telephone 092-236-2489).

ATTENTION, Bahá’í physicians: anyone who plans to attend the 8th World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War to be held in June in Montreal, Canada, please contact me so that we might organize a teaching event on world peace. Dr. Ilham Deloomy, Highland Park, NJ 08904 (phone 201-545-5973).

APARTMENT and rooms for rent at Sunrise House, a mini-conference center next to the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine. A super-studio, ground-level, spacious apartment opening out to a backyard in the woods is available for rent to a single person or couple. Also two separate bedrooms for rent on second floor (shared bath; kitchen privileges). For more information, please phone 207-439-3306.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington, are getting ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in that area and need your help. If you have ever lived in that area or pioneered there or know of pioneers and/or traveling teachers to or from that area, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98225, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505. We are grateful to the friends who have already responded but need many more!

Bahá’ís in Boulder, Colorado, help feed area’s needy people

Every Saturday evening from November 21-December 19, 1987, the Bahá’ís in Boulder, Colorado, helped feed the homeless people in that area.

The Bahá’ís were invited to take part in the effort because they are members of the Boulder Council of Churches and Synagogues which was asked to provide meals for the homeless until the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless was completed.

The Bahá’í provided the main entree, such as chili, black bean soup over rice, or stew, and then served the meals to a group of 25-40 people, most of them men.

The Bahá’í cooks were Vadjdieh Marxen, Stella Brocius, Marilyn Fisher and Atia Majidi.

Those who were served made many positive comments about the quality of the food and the service.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, send your new address and your mailing label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHIP & RECORDS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

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

A	ID#	Title	Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames
1.
2.
3.
4.

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:
House/Space #, Street or Description	P.O. Box or other Mailing Address
City State Zip	City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:
Name of new Bahá’í community Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Area Code Number	Area Code Number Name
	Area Code Number Name

G [ ] We receive extra copies because: [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy. [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

More than 65 attend Duluth peace conference

More than 65 people attended a peace conference last August 22-23 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Duluth, Minnesota.

Among the featured speakers were state Rep. Mike Jaros; Judge Gerald Heaney of the Federal Court of Appeals; and Stephen Chilton, a professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Bahá’í speakers on “The Peace Statement” were Jim Borland and Bill Harley.

Workshops were held on the Equality of Men and Women, Beyond War, Social and Economic Development, Racial Unity, and Interracial Marriage.

The conference was opened each day with a “peace cantata” composed for the conference by David Britton who was joined in its presentation by Vicki Morrison Goble and Betty Bartos.

Also performing was classical pianist Mark Ochu of St. Cloud. News of the conference was carried in the local newspaper and on all three television stations.

Shown performing a ‘peace cantata’ at a peace conference last August 22-23 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Duluth, Minnesota, are (left to right) Betty Bartos, Vicki Morrison Goble and its composer, David Britton.

Bahá’ís in New Jersey mark anniversary of Dr. King’s birth

On January 17, Bahá’ís from Woodstown and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, took part in an observance in Salem, New Jersey, marking the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Bahá’ís were present at a wreath-laying ceremony in a local park, marched in a parade through town behind banners that read “Mankind Is One” and “Bahá’í Faith,” and attended and provided music at a public meeting during which they were thanked for their participation in the event.

[Page 36]36 / The American Bahá’í / April 1988

MOVING? TELL US YOUR

fo avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of THE AMERICAN BAH, send your new address and your mail label to the OFFICE OF MEMBERSHI RECORDS, Baha'i National Center,

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

NEW ADDRESS mette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be. A 1. 1D# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames 2 IDt Title Full name 3. 1D Title Full name 4. IDF Title Full name Last October 18, the Bahá’ís of ‘Uniting the World’ painted on B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: Modesto, California, entered the the side. Although the Bahá’ís pedestal ahaa the rane awa hte PO IS eras sto Da FiO. or orother Mallng Addo Community members dressedasa and they handed out more than giant caterpillar with the words 100 flyers. city State Zip City State Zip sent a list of Bahá’í pre-schools in that R Ads country which could use and enjoy | 2—NEW COMMUNITY: Brilliant Star. Can you purchase a gift from page 29 subscription to Brilliant Star for child- Sf naw Bali comely Movidy dale

environment of purposeful outdoor living. The camp, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beloit, Wisconsin, will be held July 16-23 at a lakeside wilderness camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. For more information and registration materials, contact James Lewicki, RR 3,

Viroqua, WI 54665, or phone 608-637-2743.

WASHINGTON West is having a summer school from August 14-19 and a Winter School from December 26-29, both to be held at the Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal. The facilities are excellent; meals are served family-style and everything is supplied except for personal toiletries. If you would like to be on the schools’ mailing list, simply send your name and address to Colleen Huffman, Western Washington Bahd’ Schools Committee, Tacoma, WA 98499. We are always in need of teachers for adults, youth and children. If you would like to volunteer, please let Ms. Huffman know.

PERIODICALS

SEND a Brilliant Star to Swaziland! The Brilliant Star Connection links children who can’t afford to purchase the magazine with families, communities or individuals who can afford to buy a gift subscription. The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has

Baha'is in Boulder, Colorado, help feed area’s needy people

Every Saturday evening from November 21-December 19, 1987, the Baha’is in Boulder, Colorado, helped feed the homeless people in that area.

The Baha’ is were invited to take part in the effort because they are members of the Boulder Council of Churches and Synagogues which was asked to provide meals for the homeless until the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless was completed.

The Baha’is provided the main entree, such as chili, black bean soup over rice, or stew, and then served the meals to a group of 25-40 people, most of them men.

The Bahá’í cooks were Vadjdieh Marxen, Stella Brocius, Marilyn Fisher and Atia Majidi.

Those who were served made many positive comments about the quality of the food and the service.

ren in Swaziland? The overseas surface mail cost is $15/year. For more information, write to Subscriber Service, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.

STILL available: the “grandparents” issue of Brilliant Star magazine. Single copies, $2.50; subscripti $12/year. Write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MISCELLANEOUS

ANY Bahá’í who attended Lakenheath American High School in England from 1960-63 please contact Patt (Eggersdorf) Haugen, P.O. Box 171, Rapid City, SD 57709 (after May, c/o National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica, 208 Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 6, Jamaica, West Indies).

NOTICE: The Bahd’{-administered orphanage in Manaus, Brazil, is interested in arranging family adoptions with prospective Baha’ adoptive parents. Children from infant to age nine years are available. Contact ADCAMLAR LINDA TANURE, Parvíz and Ferial Farzior (administrators), Conjunto Morada do Sol—Rua GH, Casa 11-13, Manaus, Amazonas 69.000, Brazil (telephone 092-236-2489).

ATTENTION, Bahá’í physicians: anyone who plans to attend the 8th World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War to be held in June in Montreal, Canada, please contact me so that we might organize a teaching event on world peace. Dr. Ilham Deloomy,

Highland Park, NJ 08904 (phone 201-545-5973).

APARTMENT and rooms for rent at Sunrise House, a mini-conference center next to the Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine. A super-studio, ground-level, spacious apartment opening out to a backyard in the woods is available for rent to a single person or couple. Also two separate bedrooms for rent on second floor (shared bath; kitchen privileges). For more information, please phone 207439-3306.

THE BAHA'IS of Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington, are getting ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Faith in that area and need your help. If you have ever lived in that area or pioneered there or know of pioneers and/or traveling teachers fo or from that area, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98225, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505. We are grateful to the friends who have already responded but need many more!

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

Z Area Code

Z

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are.

Number

Area Code Number

Name

Name

G We receive extra copies because: ‘we do not have the same last name, ‘We do not want extra copies, 50 please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.

the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. ‘We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHA’I NATIONAL CENTER

Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. US. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO, 479

Our household receives only one copy of The American Baha'i. 1 wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

More than 65 attend Duluth peace conference

More than 65 people attended a peace conference last August 22-23 sponsored by the Baha’is of Duluth, Minnesota.

Among the featured speakers were state Rep. Mike Jaros; Judge Gerald Heaney of the Federal Court of Appeals; and Stephen Chilton, a professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Bahá’í speakers on ‘‘The Peace Statement”’ were Jim Borland and Bill Harley.

Workshops were held on the Equality of Men and Women, Beyond War, Social and Economic Development, Racial Unity, and Interracial Marriage.

The conference was opened each day with a ‘‘peace cantata’ composed for the conference by David Britton who was joined in its presentation by Vicki Morrison Goble and Betty Bartos.

Also performing was classical

Shown performing a ‘peace cantata’ at a peace conference last August 22-23 sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Duluth, Minnesota, are

pianist Mark Ochu of St. Cloud. News of the conference was car

(left to right) Betty Bartos, Vicki Morrison Goble and its composer, David Britton.

ried in the local newspaper and on all three television stations.

Baha’is in New Jersey mark anniversary of Dr. King’s birth

On January 17, Baha’is from Woodstown and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, took part in an observance in Salem, New Jersey, marking the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Baha’is were present at a wreath-laying ceremony in a local park, marched in a_ parade through town behind banners that read “Mankind Is One”’ and ‘‘Ba ha’i Faith,’’ and attended and provided music at a public meeting during which they were thanked for their participation in the event. �