The American Bahá’í/Volume 19/Issue 7/Text

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Alaska, Canada, U.S. produce unified 'statement of vision'

Last October, at a meeting held in Canada with the Continental Counselors resident in Alaska, Canada and the United States and the National Spiritual Assemblies of Canada and the United States, a joint statement was prepared of our vision of the challenge to raise a major share of the funds needed to complete the Arc on Mount Carmel and to initiate entry by troops on the North American continent.

In a spirit of unified action, the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska has voiced its support and become a co-signer to the statement of the institutions to focus attention on the historic initiative of the Universal House of Justice.

To the Bahá’ís resident in Alaska, Canada and the United States

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The Universal House of Justice has notified us that we have reached a turning point in human history and a new stage in the development of the Cause of God. Through the sacrifices of the Bahá’ís in Iran, the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has emerged from obscurity. With its emergence, the Bahá’í community must prepare to assume new responsibilities.

The House of Justice has directed us to proceed without delay to raise funds to complete the construction of the remaining buildings of the Arc at the World Center of the Faith, "the metropolis of the Kingdom of God on Earth."

In its letter of August 31, 1987, addressed to the Bahá’ís throughout the world, the House of Justice states, "...erecting the remaining buildings of the Arc will bring into being a vastly augmented World Center structure which will be capable of meeting the challenges of coming centuries and of the tremendous growth of the Bahá’í community which the beloved Guardian has told us to expect."

In a message to the Bahá’í world dated November 27, 1954, Shoghi Effendi described the world-shaping effects of the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel:

"The ultimate completion of this stupendous undertaking will mark the culmination of the development of a world-wide divinely-appointed Administrative Order whose beginning may be traced as far back as the concluding years of the Heroic Age of the Faith.

"This vast and irresistible process, unexampled in the spiritual history of mankind, and which will synchronize with two no less significant developments—the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá’í national and local institutions—the one outside and the other within the Bahá’í world—will attain its final consummation..."

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

Two former members of House of Justice to travel and teach in U.S.

When two former members of the Universal House of Justice, David Hofman and H. Borrah Kavelin, accepted an invitation from the National Spiritual Assembly to travel across the U.S. to help with teaching efforts and regional conferences, they opened the door to a wonderful opportunity for deepened understanding of many aspects of the Faith for believers in this country.

Mr. Hofman and Mr. Kavelin will speak at the 12 conferences planned by the National Assembly, at sites to be determined, to present the challenge of completing the Arc.

"Entry by troops!" delegates' desire and goal

At 79th Bahá’í National Convention

"Entry by troops!" was the theme and rallying cry as delegates and guests gathered May 19-22 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, for the 79th Bahá’í National Convention.

The Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice, with its call for teaching "on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts," was the basis for intensive consultation on the Six Year Plan goals of growth, integration and development.

As a part of that consultation, the National Spiritual Assembly introduced a new nationwide teaching plan, conceived during April's sixth International Convention in Haifa, which was enthusiastically endorsed by the delegates.

On Saturday morning, the 155 delegates present at the Convention assembled in Foundation Hall at the House of Worship to elect the members of the National Assembly for 1988-89. An additional 10 ballots were received by mail.

Those elected to serve on the National Assembly are William Davis, Alberta Deas, Robert Henderson, Juana Conrad, Erika Toussaint, Richard Gurinsky, Dorothy Nelson, Jack McCants, and James Nelson.

The Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir entertains delegates and guests at the 79th Bahá’í National Convention held May 19-22 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Message from the Universal House of Justice

HIGHLY PLEASED ANNOUNCE COMPLETION AGREEMENT WITH OWNERS NEW SOUTHGATE CEMETERY PURCHASE LARGE AREA ADJACENT RESTING PLACE BELOVED GUARDIAN. OFFERING PRAYERS GRATITUDE SACRED THRESHOLD OPPORTUNITY ENSURE PROTECTION PRECINCTS HALLOWED SPOT.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 12, 1988

Resolution urges Iran to respect human rights

On May 23, U.S. Senators Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and John Heinz of Pennsylvania introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 urging the government of Iran to respect the human rights of members of the Bahá’í Faith in that country.

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by 33 other senators from both parties, was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

The text of the resolution and Sen. Dodd's remarks were published in the Congressional Record on May 23.

"This is a particularly opportune day for the submission of this concurrent resolution," said Sen. Dodd. "May 23, 1988, marks the 144th anniversary of the founding of the Bahá’í Faith.

"Bahá’ís throughout the 160 countries and territories where they reside celebrate this day as one of the holiest of the year.

"Today they reflect on the past decade, when the successors of those clergymen (who persecuted the early Bahá’ís) continue to torment the small law-abiding Bahá’í community, many of whose members are descendants of those who were killed 140 years ago.

"At the time that our country is about to complete the process of ratification of the Genocide Convention, it is appropriate that we again speak out against the genocidal practices of the government of Iran."

International Teaching Center appointed

REJOICE ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT COUNSELOR MEMBERS INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER FOR FIVE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING MAY 23, 1988: DR. FARZAM ARBÁB, DR. MAGDALENE CARNEY, MR. HARTMUT GROSSMANN, MR. MAS'UD KHAMSÍ, MRS. LAURETTA KING, MR. DONALD ROGERS, MRS. ISOBEL SABRI, MRS. JOY STEVENSON, MR. PETER VUYIYA. VIEW SUPREME IMPORTANCE ACCELERATION TEACHING WORK THIS STAGE FORMATIVE AGE, NUMBER COUNSELOR MEMBERS NOW RAISED TO NINE. EXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE MR. ‘AZIZ YAZDÍ AND MISS ANNELIESE BOPP FOR THEIR ASSIDUOUS DEVOTED SELF-SACRIFICING SERVICES TEACHING CENTER OVER SO MANY YEARS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 18, 1988 [Page 2]

Vision

tion, in the Golden Age of the Faith, through the raising of the standard of the Most Great Peace, and the emergence, in the plenitude of its power and glory, of the focal Center of the agencies constituting the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

"The final establishment of this seat of the future Bahá’í World Commonwealth will signalize at once the proclamation of the sovereignty of the Founder of our Faith and the advent of the Kingdom of the Father repeatedly lauded and promised by Jesus Christ.

"This World Order will, in turn, in the course of successive Dispensations of the Bahá’í Cycle, yield its fairest fruit through the birth and flowering of a civilization, divinely inspired, unique in its features, world-embracing in its scope, and fundamentally spiritual in its character—a civilization destined as it unfolds to derive its initial impulse from the spirit animating the very institutions which, in their embryonic state, are now stirring in the womb of the present Formative Age of the Faith."

Seventy-six years ago, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá laid the cornerstone of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West, He stated that its founding would "mark the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth" and would be "conducive to the unity and oneness of the believers." The building of the Temple, He elaborated, was the "most important of all things" because it "is the spiritual foundation" for "all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity."

The American Bahá’í community at that time consisted of a few thousand believers scattered throughout the continent. They were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task. But history records that their persistent efforts, through two world wars and a global economic depression, were triumphant, and that the spiritual energies released with the completion of each successive stage of the Temple contributed to the growth and development of our community.

Likewise, the House of Justice has stated that as each stage of the Arc is completed, spiritual energies will be released that will advance the progress of the Bahá’í international community and move the world closer to peace.

Dear friends, the Continental Counselors resident in North America and the National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Canada and the United States call on you, the co-inheritors of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, to arise to meet this challenge. Our communities have been especially blessed and invested with a world mission by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. With the Six Year Plan as our charter, let us advance in all fields of service, and let us make an unequaled contribution to the completion of the Arc.

We call on the institutions and agencies of the Faith which, at every level, hold the responsibility to prepare the communities for change and growth, to intensify the campaign of unified action, and to beseech the Lord with ardent prayers to guide our united efforts and make us wise and strong.

We call particularly on the individual believers, who were addressed by the beloved Master as "apostles of Bahá’u’lláh." The success of this enterprise depends on you more than it does on any institution or agency of the Faith. Whatever skill you possess, whatever resource you have to contribute, large or small, homespun or professional, now is the time for you to arise in sacrificial endeavor.

The perfection of the human soul does not occur in isolation, it takes place as the individual participates in the process of serving his Lord. As you consecrate your life to the service of His Cause and the advancement of civilization, your relationship with Bahá’u’lláh will grow stronger. Your soul will be refined and your capacity to render further service expanded. The progress of the Faith and the movement of mankind toward its own salvation depend to a large extent on your exertions as individual Bahá’ís.

During the final year of his ministry, Shoghi Effendi wrote to the Bahá’ís of North America challenging every individual believer to arise and advance the Cause toward the fulfillment of its destiny. Neither the local nor national institutions, he explained, "no matter how elaborate their plans or persistent their appeals," nor "even the Guardian himself" could "supplant him (the individual Bahá’í) in the discharge of this task."

He described his longing to see the individual assess his character, consult his conscience, and shed the attachments which hold him back. This ardent desire he called "the prayer I never cease to utter..."

We conclude with these words of Shoghi Effendi addressed to the Bahá’ís of North America:

"The prizes within the reach of this community are truly inestimable. Much will depend on the reaction of the rank and file of the believers to the plea now addressed to them with all the fervor of my soul.

"To act, and act promptly and decisively, is the need of the present hour and their inescapable duty. That the American Bahá’í community may, in this one remaining field, where so much is at stake, and where the needs of the Faith are so acute, cover itself with glory that will outshine the splendor of its past exploits in the far-flung territories of the globe, is a prayer which I never cease to utter in my continual supplications to Bahá’u’lláh."

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Continental Board of Counselors resident in North America

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Inglewood to host annual memorial to Thornton Chase

On Sunday, September 25, the Bahá’í community of Inglewood, California, will host the annual Thornton Chase Memorial at Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Mr. Chase became a Bahá’í in June 1894, some 50 years after the beginning of the Bahá’í Era and one year after the Faith was first mentioned publicly in the U.S. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá confirmed that he was the first American Bahá’í.

Mr. Chase once wrote to a friend:

"I cannot doubt that some of the 'Invisible Light' has shone on my pathway and all that I can do is to try to let a little of that light reflect on others.

"Moments of inner joyousness that Light brings, are worth years of 'Valley' living. To breathe once the air of the mountain top is to ever long for the mountains thereafter."

Each year, the Inglewood community hosts the Thornton Chase Memorial and warmly invites all Bahá’ís to attend.

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

On April 30, the Bahá’ís of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, had this booth during 'Sister City Day' at a local shopping mall. A Bahá’í youth, Joanna Rowe, represents the Faith on the Stevens Point sister city committee, which has adopted Rostov, Russia, as its sister community. The Bahá’ís gave out many peace posters and pamphlets and 'world citizen' balloons. Pictured at the booth are (left to right) Stephanie Stokes, Susan Rowe, Laurel Rowe, Erin Rahn and Mary Rowe. (Photo by Terri Rahn)

VIEWPOINT

As era of nation building comes to a close, need for commonwealth of nations becomes apparent

In its statement on peace released in October 1985, the Universal House of Justice identified a contradiction in human affairs: people have an intense desire for peace, yet believe that humanity is "incorrigibly selfish and aggressive," and therefore is incapable of achieving peace.

The House of Justice also pointed out the need to reassess the basic assumptions on which this contradiction is based.

One such assumption is, I believe, the entrenched view that "nationhood" is the pinnacle achievement in human organization toward which mankind has long aspired.

Nation building was a useful and important stage in the development of modern day civilization, but not the final one.

Nation building had its high points. It allowed mankind to prosper and develop materially—and it provided large groups of people with relief from the constant fear of attack or at least with some defense in case of attack. Liberated from the incessant threat of harm, humanity was able to explore its surroundings; develop arts and sciences; and make quantum leaps forward in commerce, agriculture and communication.

The security provided by the nation-state also gave people the opportunity to develop autonomous governments and the administrative capacity to manage them effectively.

This stage in human history, unlike any that preceded it, allowed humanity to prosper as it had never prospered before.

However, as nations began to reap the last positive benefits of the era of nation building, they also began to experience negative down-side impacts.

Two such impacts are the unabated competition among nations that ultimately spawned the nuclear arms race, and the evolution of a fragile world economy, the distinguishing features of which are artificial trade barriers and tariffs.

Far from being the crowning diadem of social and political achievement, nation building is characterized by the Bahá’í teachings as a necessary but preliminary stage in our social evolution.

The next step in this ongoing evolutionary process is the establishment of a more broadly-based commonwealth of nations, the structure upon which the Most Great Peace can be established.

According to Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to Queen Victoria outlines clearly the need for "the inevitable curtailment of unfettered national sovereignty" as a necessary step toward establishing a world commonwealth.

The Guardian also explained that the federation of nations envisioned in the sacred texts of the Faith is not intent on "the subversion of the existing foundations of society," nor on limiting "sane and intelligent patriotism," but seeks rather to broaden society's loyalties to encompass all of humankind.

Speaking of the commonwealth prophesied by Bahá’u’lláh, the Guardian said, "...it insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world."

The Universal House of Justice states unequivocally that the achievement of autonomy by nearly all countries since World War II signals "...the completion of the process of nation building..."

Nationalistic tendencies must now give way to greater world consciousness and the development of a world superstate. Beyond this, the Most Great Peace is the zenith toward which humanity is evolving.

It is clear, therefore, that the process of nation building is a milestone in human history. It is not, however, our ultimate organizational goal—world unity is!

The "oneness of mankind," the Guardian intimated, "...(the) final stage in this stupendous evolution, is not only necessary but inevitable...."

This month's column, "Beyond Nation-Building," was written by Vicentee Ferguson of Jacksonville, Florida.

Announcements

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

‘Paper’ Assemblies?

To the Editor:

There is a term used among Bahá’ís in this country—"paper Assemblies"—with which I have been all too familiar during my eight years as a Bahá’í.

I am quite guilty of having used the term, which I now believe misrepresents the state of the Bahá’í communities to which it refers.

I live in South Carolina—a state that I once believed to be the capital of "paper Assemblies."

When I moved here a year ago, I contacted the Bahá’ís in Lancaster, expecting, in my arrogance, to have to teach them all about the Bahá’í Faith. What a mistake!

Much to my surprise, I found that the native believers have a deep understanding and, most important, appreciation of the Faith. I have learned much more than I could ever have taught!

As my understanding—small as it is increases, I realize that the annual election of Assemblies in this area serves as a constant reminder of the administrative functioning of the Faith—a candle being kept aflame every year.

One day, in every locality, that flame will set afire an entire community as it is now doing in Lancaster.

Because valiant, steadfast souls have been devotedly forming these Assemblies every Ridván, there is a beacon of light in these communities—something to depend on, something that keeps the fire of the Faith alive.

I have tried to put into words the moving and humbling experience of witnessing the results of Assembly elections and the growth of our beloved Faith here in South Carolina.

I offer only one contribution—that we refer to these elected institutions as "light local Spiritual Assemblies" as we all strive toward a greater understanding of the power of Bahá’u’lláh and the mysteries of His Faith.

Rowena Dalloul Rampersad Fort Lawn, South Carolina

TV spots: a different view

To the Editor:

Some months ago several articles touching on how the Bahá’í Faith should portray itself in the mass media appeared in The American Bahá’í.

The television commercial is the quintessential example of old-world thought and feeling.

Participants in TV commercials are for the most part young, are mostly Caucasian, are not physically handicapped; in fact, they are "beautiful" (around six feet tall but not much taller, etc.).

The viewers, Bahá’ís as well as non-Bahá’ís, like to see this, and the television producers and their clients make a lot of money.

But the Bahá’ís must present God's view of what it means to be human, of human happiness, well-being and dignity, even if it may at first be unpalatable to their hearers.

Thomas Chou Honolulu, Hawaii

We are the alternative

To the Editor:

As members of not only the Bahá’í family but the human family as well, we have a responsibility—as I see it—to start building a new World Order in real and tangible ways.

In the past, the generality of Bahá’ís (like mainstream Christians) may have felt it was enough simply to espouse a sort of pie-in-the-sky/wait-till-you-die religion; but today one of the challenges we've been given in the Six Year Plan is to increase our involvement in the life of society.

And in a recent message, the National Spiritual Assembly instructed us to "bring about a spiritual revolution in the United States" by becoming "the alternative that people in society at large will turn to..."

It is time that we, as Bahá’ís, stood up and stood out and really made a difference. It's time to revolutionize the fortunes of humanity!

We have to get our message across to the generality of humankind. And it seems to me that an effective way to do this is not through words alone but through definitive social action, i.e., social and economic development.

People respond positively to social action. Let's not just tell 'em that peace is economically viable, but demonstrate it through the development of jobs and industry along the lines of a divine economy.

The world is moving ahead, and the Bahá’ís should be in the vanguard of that movement. Let's step out of this "no-growth rut" we're in and begin to blaze new trails!

I write this not in judgment of any person or group, but in the hope that it may inspire an interchange of ideas and create a climate for consultation, the result of which will cause those involved to arise in a new spirit of vigor and action.

Robert W. Mitchell Alamogordo, New Mexico

No lack of dedication

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to Amir Venus's letter (April) under the headline "'Penny an hour' for the Fund."

Amir: what a terrific idea! I think there are many ways to approach the challenge of giving to any and all of the Funds, but I agree that finding a way to support the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel is a special task for all of us in the American Bahá’í community.

I'd not be tempted, however, to surmise that we lack dedication or the attitude of sacrificial giving. I think that many of us are really below the poverty level.

This does not mean that we cannot give of what we do have, but sometimes, Amir, it is quite meager.

In my own case, when my income was a fixed $282 a month, it was all but impossible to find even five cents.

Later, when, with the mercy of God aiding me, I had $486 a month to support myself and my child, we were able to pledge $1 each calendar month.

And we were so happy! We asked God to return our pledge to us ten-fold so that we could give more! And do you know what? He did!

We kept asking for more so that we could give more, and now we are able to support ourselves just fine, and make what we consider a large contribution every month.

See? I like your way, too. But sometimes poor folks do not have even 25 cents.

I don't know how I am going to support the completion of the Arc. But I have a little cottage industry, and if it ever gets humming I intend to give all the profits from it to completion of the Arc. Pray for me, Amir.

Leslie Helmich Peterborough, New Hampshire

The ABS responds

To the Editor:

In response to Shiva Tavana's letter (April), the Association for Bahá’í Studies' Executive Committee certainly shares her dismay that there were few women speakers at the Association's 12th annual Conference at Princeton University last October, and assures Ms. Tavana that this lack was "loudly protested by our Bahá’í brothers" (and sisters) as she hoped it would be.

The Association feels that this community-wide dissatisfaction with perpetuating the status quo is a healthy sign of maturing attitudes in the Bahá’í community.

The Association also recognizes that this situation must change, but as an article in our most recent Bulletin points out, there is a need for cooperation from the community in identifying resources and from women in accepting invitations from the Association and preparing presentations of the caliber dictated by the nature of our conference:

"There were also a number of critical comments on and evaluation of certain aspects of the conference, as well as suggestions for improvement.

"The vast majority of these comments concerned the relatively small number of women and minorities among the presentors at the plenary sessions of the conference.

"The Association Executive would like to take the opportunity afforded by the present Bulletin to assure members that we have shared (and continue to share) these same concerns and that we have made persistent efforts over the years to solicit greater participation and representation by women and minorities in Association meetings and conferences.

"Nevertheless, we recognize and accept that these efforts, however sincere, have not been sufficient to produce the results we all desire.

"Perhaps two things would help us to fulfill this goal. First, it should be realized that the Executive Committee of the Association has no special knowledge of the human resources abroad in the Bahá’í community. With the exception of invited guests and a few invited presentations by Bahá’ís, the majority of presentations, even at plenary sessions of the annual conference, have been contributed papers.

"If those among the minorities and women who are able and willing to make such presentations do not come forward and offer their services, or if someone else does not kindly bring to our attention the existence of such persons, then it will continue to be very difficult for the Executive to identify these capable people and to solicit their participation.

"(Some have already responded to this request by furnishing the Association with a list of persons they know to be competent and capable in this regard, and we are grateful for this.)

"Second, when women or minority persons are approached by the Association and invited to participate, they should make every effort to respond positively.

"The role of the majority is to create a loving and supportive environment that will encourage minority participation, but the natural counterpart to this is the role of the minorities themselves in taking their courage in hand and responding confidently when approached." (Bulletin 28, pp. 5-6)

Like the U.S. Properties Committee, we too welcome recommendations of women to take part in the programs of the Association for Bahá’í Studies' regional, national and international conferences.

Please send suggestions/offers of participation to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, KIN 7K4. Ontario, Canada

The Association's 13th annual Conference will be held October 7-10 in Ottawa, and submissions should be received by August 15. This year's theme is "Toward a Global Civilization: An International Conference on the Spiritual Foundations of Cultural Development," in recognition of the UN Decade on Cultural Development.

Christine Zerbinis, secretary Association for Bahá’í Studies Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Why not social events?

To the Editor:

Many of us have non-Bahá’í friends and relatives who think the Faith is fine for us but have made it clear that they won't go near any fireside or worship service.

Still, we can let them see what sort of people our Bahá’í friends are by taking them to Ayyam-i-Há or Naw-Rúz parties, picnics, or other social events where there may be a short prayer or two, and that's all.

Usually we can be confident that anyone speaking at such a gathering will be aware that non-Bahá’ís are present and that their feelings must be considered, as they understood they were only attending a party.

Please, friends, some of our precious friends and relatives may never join us again if discretion is not used.

M. "Jeff" Jeffries Burlington, Vermont

Let's ‘B-sharp,’ raise Arc

To the Editor:

As the Faith matures, the promise of peace is drawing near. The Arc (our cymbal of peace) is steadily rising as the funds slowly trickle in.

Every contribution, even if it B-minor, can help complete the Arc.

There is no need to fret. We in Gainesville, Florida, think we may have come up with a fund-raising plan that could pick up the beat of cash flow and C-major results in building the Arc.

We call it "Sing for the Fund" or "Raising the Arc." Remember "We Are the World"? Now think of us, Bahá’ís who have a message the world is aching to hear.

Some of us are great speakers, while others are better at express...

CONVERSATIONS

JOHN HATCHER

a young man’s journey through his own spiritual awakening...

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GHULAM-HUSAYN FARHAND

Ghulám-Husayn Farhand was born into a Bahá’í family in 1927 in Hamadán, a town in western Iran.

When he was a young man, his family moved to Ahváz, another town in western Iran, because of the hardships they were experiencing for being Bahá’ís.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Farhand began working for the National Iranian Oil Company. He was still a young man when his father died, and the responsibility of supporting the family fell on his shoulders. At the age of 25, he was married.

Mr. Farhand served on the local Spiritual Assembly of Ahváz, and was its treasurer. In 1968 he moved to Tehran, and in 1978 he pioneered to Karaj, a town some 20 miles west of Tehran.

In Karaj, he served as secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly for a while and later became its chairman.

After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Mr. Farhand was dismissed from his job. To earn a living, he began working at home, doing carpentry and woodwork.

In June 1983, Mr. Farhand was arrested with six other members of the Spiritual Assembly of Karaj. Later, he was imprisoned in the notorious Evin Prison. For 10 months no one knew the whereabouts of the prisoners.

His wife, who is a Muslim, managed to see him in the prison for the first time the following April. From that time she was allowed to visit him once every few weeks.

On December 9, 1984, Mr. Farhand was executed with five other Bahá’ís. The news of his martyrdom was given to his family 13 days after the executions, when his wife, sister and oldest son went to the prison to visit him.

Mr. Farhand was a dedicated Bahá’í. No matter where he lived, he always considered serving the Faith his first priority.

He lived most of his life in pioneering posts; nonetheless, he never considered himself a pioneer. After the Revolution, he was offered a job with a good salary in Alaska, but he decided to stay in Iran where he thought his services for the Faith were needed.

During his stay in Ahváz, he taught a number of classes for Bahá’í youth, and also supported financially a number of young people.

Although his wife and her relatives were Muslim, he had won their respect for the Cause through his deeds and kind and considerate attitude.

A 'new paradigm of opportunity' emerges

"A silver lining to the dark picture which has overshadowed most of this century now brightens the horizon. It is discernible in the new tendencies impelling the social processes at work throughout the world, in the evidences of an accelerated trend toward peace.

"In the Faith of God, it is the growing strength of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh as its banner rises to more stately heights. It is a strength that attracts."

These stirring words from the Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice were read to the assembled delegates by the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum at the first consultative session of the sixth Bahá’í International Convention held April 29-May 2 in Haifa, Israel.

They struck the keynote of the inspired and inspiring message—"a new paradigm of opportunity" has emerged, and "new prospects for teaching the Cause at all levels of society have unfolded."

The message continues:

"The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts."

The theme was to recur repeatedly in the consultations of the delegates.

The Convention was officially opened Friday morning, April 29, with prayers in four languages.

Six hundred sixty-three delegates representing 132 of the 148 National Spiritual Assemblies were present in Haifa Auditorium to take part in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

In addition, mail ballots were cast by delegates from the 16 countries who were unable to attend.

The spectacular array of humanity, many wearing national costumes, colored the atmosphere of solemnity as each delegate stepped forward to cast a ballot.

A highlight of the balloting was the presence of two delegates from Cuba, which had never before been represented at an International Convention. They were warmly applauded as they crossed the stage to cast their ballots.

The results of the voting were announced at noon on Saturday, June 30, by the chief teller, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. The members of the House of Justice are:

‘Alí Nakhjavání, Glenford Mitchell, Hushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, Peter Khan, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Hooper Dunbar and Adib Taherzadeh.

Of the 1,296 ballots cast, only one was invalid. The members were elected by a total of 7,880 of the 11,655 individual votes cast.

The nine members of the House of Justice were called to the stage as the delegates applauded.

Then wave after wave of sustained applause swept the auditorium as the two retiring members of the Universal House of Justice, David Hofman and H. Borrah Kavelin, were called to the stage and saluted by the audience of delegates and World Center staff members for their long and dedicated service.

Three other former members of the House of Justice were affectionately called to mind: Charles Wolcott, recently deceased; Amoz Gibson and Lutfu’lláh Hakim, whose daughter and grand-daughter, respectively, were present as delegates to the Convention.

A special sadness coupled with a feeling of pride pervaded the hall as the absence of delegates from Iran was noted.

In paying tribute to the sacrifices and continued suffering of "our brothers and sisters in Iran," Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum announced that a closing prayer would be offered in their memory, and called for an enormous bowl of 120 red roses, a gift from the Bahá’ís in Iran, to be brought to the center of the stage.

Five of the Hands of the Cause of God were present for the opening session, lending a special dignity and the spiritual force of their high office: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, ‘Ali Akbar Furútan, Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqá, William Sears and Collis Featherstone.

These dear "remnants of the Guardian" each participated in unique ways during the five days of the Convention.

The topic of Huququ’lláh was addressed by Dr. Varqá who pointed out that this institution should be seen as a spiritual obligation based on the love of the believer; it is a tangible aspect of the Covenant of God, and it strengthens the relationship between God and man.

The other Hands of the Cause of God contributed their guidance on themes dealt with in the Ridván message. Mr. Sears brought special greetings from those Hands of the Cause who were not present: Dr. Ugo Giachery, Jalál Kházeh and John Robarts.

From April 30-May 2, all sessions were chaired by Counselors: Dr. Magdalene Carney, International Teaching Center; Zena Sorabjee, Asia; Dr. Wilma Brady, Americas; Joy Stevenson, Australasia; Lucretia Mancho Warren, Africa; and Polin Rafat, Europe.

Under the gilt emblem of the Greatest Name, and occupying the entire center stage, a magnificent, large, full-color aerial photograph featuring the Shrine of the Báb, set against a skillfully overlaid architect's rendering of the future terraces with their myriad young cypresses, paths, fountains and shrubs, and the Arc with its five edifices completed, constantly reminded the delegates of the compelling needs of the Arc Project.

The architect and project manager, Husayn Amánat and Faríburz Sahbá, drew further attention to the detail, grandeur and financial needs of this project in their slide presentations.

Two Holy Days were celebrated by delegates, visitors and World Center staff during the Convention period.

The Ninth Day of Ridván was commemorated in the forecourt and gardens of the Haifa Pilgrim House adjacent to the Shrine of the Báb with the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears presiding.

Readings in five languages—Arabic, English, Spanish, French and Persian—were followed by the recitation of the Tablet of Visitation, after which the friends silently and reverently circumambulated the Shrine of the Báb.

Following the close of the last Convention session, on the Twelfth Day of Ridván, the distinguished visitors and World Center family gathered in the Haram-i-Aqdas at Bahji where the celebration was opened with forceful remarks by the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone about the significance of the occasion.

Readings in five languages were followed by the solemn but joyous circumambulation of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh by more than 1,000 of His followers.

For four days prior to the Convention, the delegates enjoyed a series of visits arranged for them to the Holy Places of the Faith in Haifa and ‘Akká.

Also, scores of consultative sessions were held among groups of National Spiritual Assemblies which share common goals and interests. These took place on the days before the Convention opened and in the evenings after the general sessions, often lasting into the late hours of the night.

Counselors from all five Continental Boards attended the Convention—16 from Africa, 16 from the Americas, 12 from Asia, eight from Australasia, and nine from Europe—61 in all.

Special meetings and events were held for the Counselors under the auspices of the International Teaching Center. Five "continental" sessions were held for members of each of the Boards and the National Spiritual Assemblies in their areas.

Following the Convention, from May 3-8, the Hands of the Cause and Counselors remained in Haifa to take part in a Counselors' Conference and to consult with the Universal House of Justice and the International Teaching Center.

Visit

...ing the Arc on Mount Carmel and initiating the process of entry by troops in North America.

Never before has the Bahá’í community had an opportunity to enjoy the presence of former members of the Universal House of Justice.

Their recollections of the Bahá’í world community at an earlier stage of its development, their understanding gained through vast and historic experience, and their view of the emerging World Order of Bahá’u’lláh from the vantage point of the House of Justice, may now be shared by these retired members of the supreme governing body of the Faith.

Both Mr. Hofman, from Great Britain, and Mr. Kavelin, from the United States, became members of the Universal House of Justice when it was elected for the first time in 1963, on the centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh and less than six years after the passing of the Guardian.

The 25 years since then have seen vast changes in the Bahá’í world, and at the World Center of the Faith, among them the completion of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, expansion of the gardens and property owned by the Faith at the World Center, and recognition by the State of Israel of the Faith's status as an independent world religion.

In 1963 the Bahá’í world community counted less than 60 National Spiritual Assemblies; today there are 148.

The number of local Spiritual Assemblies worldwide has grown to more than 25,000, while the number of localities in which Bahá’ís reside now stands at more than 118,000.

As of January, the Universal House of Justice's statement, "The Promise of World Peace," had been presented, directly or indirectly, to 198 heads of state, while countless thousands of copies had been distributed elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the number of Bahá’í-sponsored social and economic development programs around the world has grown dramatically, to nearly 1,500 as of January 1988.

Included in the total are seven radio stations, one in Africa and six in the Americas including WLGI Radio Bahá’í in South Carolina.

The extremely rapid growth of the Faith, both internally and externally, during the past quarter of a century is awe-inspiring. But it is only the beginning.

In its Ridván 1988 message, the Universal House of Justice calls our attention to the importance of teaching, and states the urgency of the hour.

The U.S. Bahá’í community will now have the opportunity during the coming year to hear presentations about that message from Mr. Hofman and Mr. Kavelin, two distinguished members of the House of Justice who helped draft it.

Germany requests traveling teachers

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 campaign from September 4-24, 1988. The project will mostly involve visiting schools. Knowledge of German is helpful but not required.

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

Complete photographic coverage of the sixth Bahá’í International Convention is on pages 28-29.

Necesitan Maestros Viajeros en su communidad? Favor de comunicarse con: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 5]

The National Bahá’í Fund

"O SON OF BEING! Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation." — The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh

1st Women's Conference at Green Acre

Bahá’í women from all over the Northeast plus Washington, D.C., Canada and even Botswana gathered May 5-7 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Maine for its first-ever Women's Conference.

It was a joyous occasion; the 80-plus participants seemed eager to be together from the first moment on Friday evening until the last meal on Sunday.

In the one and one-half days, which offered an intensive schedule of nine sessions and activities, the women (and one man who joined the group on Saturday) endeavored to understand the meaning of their station and all that it implies, and to gain insight on the issues of equality.

Topics such as teaching and race unity were given significant attention. In one session, the women took part in a three-part exercise that helped to identify (1) the qualities of a good teacher, (2) those skills and attributes that women presently bring to the teaching work, and (3) areas in which women need to gain greater strength in order to make more of an impact.

An excellent workshop on race unity identified those ways in which women can help break down barriers that keep blacks and whites apart in America.

Other workshops focused on women's needs to choose their life's work with greater care, to cast aside the shackles of second-class citizenship, and to transcend, as well as address, the difficulties of inequality as it presently exists within and without the Bahá’í community.

The thread that tied together all aspects of the conference was the exemplary life of Bahíyyih Khánum, the Greatest Holy Leaf.

In the opening session, participants studied her life and tried to remember her throughout all of the sessions. One of the more moving moments came when Leona Hosack and Bev Rodgers sang Joany Lincoln's song, "Most Holy Leaf."

The lives of other Bahá’í women were brought into focus as well, with Martha Root, Dorothy Baker, Corinne True and Táhirih held up as lights to follow. Consultation was consistently sprinkled with references to these pioneer women who served the Cause so splendidly.

At an open forum Saturday night, issues ranged from returning to school at middle age to sharing the responsibility for children within the Bahá’í community.

Afterward, participants were led through a progressive relaxation exercise and guided meditation.

The Sunday morning session examined ways in which women can advance the Cause of God while a final session reminded the women of their divine station.

Automatic Contribution System proves popular

Advancing the Faith around the World way to help community achieve its Fund goals

The Automatic Contribution System (ACS) is fast becoming one of the hottest items to come out of the National Treasurer's Office.

This channel for contributing to the Bahá’í Funds through the electronic transfer of funds is proving so popular that it already accounts for a sizable part of the total contributions received each month.

For instance, out of the total contributions of $262,523 reported for the month of Jamál, nearly $51,500 came through ACS.

The potential of the system in helping the entire Bahá’í community to achieve its Fund goal is tremendous.

That potential is not being fully realized because despite its many advantages and ease of operation, less than two percent of registered Groups and Spiritual Assemblies are presently using it. That is only 62 Groups and Assemblies.

Imagine how well the Fund could be doing if we had 3,000 communities using the system!

Advantages

You may be wondering why your Group or Assembly should be using the ACS, especially if the Group or Assembly is presently contributing to the Fund. Some of the benefits of the system are:

(a) It assures a steady flow of your contributions (regular participation) to the Fund.

(b) The steady flow makes financial planning easier for the National Spiritual Assembly.

(c) ACS saves the local treasurer's time, one less thing to worry about.

(d) The community has fewer checks to write; one ACS transaction takes care of any or all of the four Bahá’í Funds.

(e) It saves the National Assembly some money by reducing the costs of check processing and receipting.

Why then is everyone not using it?

We realize that the ACS system is not suitable for everyone. Like individuals, communities may have some financial considerations that make it difficult for them to take advantage of the system.

However, most of the problems we are familiar with can be easily solved. If you or your community need any further information or assistance in subscribing to the ACS, please contact the National Treasurer's Office, 312-869-9039.

With All My Heart

An inspiring program relating the joys of giving and service to our everyday lives. This captivating presentation sheds light on the pattern of our devotional life through the words and deeds of Bahá’ís from various walks of life.

Suitable for Bahá’í study classes, firesides, children's and youth classes, and individual study of the Faith.

For additional copies send check or money order to Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091.

©1988 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Running time: 19:20 min. $15.00 US 5/88 VHS Bahá’í Distribution Service Call toll free: 1-800-999-9019

Administrative Information

NEEDED: person with expertise in estate sales, preferably in California or western states. For information, write to Office of the Treasurer, Fund Development Officer, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 320.

"Let him [the teacher] not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly-adopted Faith." — Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 43-44.

ACS FOR LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES & BAHA’I GROUPS

YES, our ( ) Local Spiritual Assembly ( ) Bahá’í Group would like to enroll in the Automatic Contribution System (ACS). We realize the first withdrawal may not be made for 30 to 45 days.

1. I, _____________, represent the Local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í Group of _____________, (BLC# _________). I authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to charge our community checking account $_________ each Gregorian month to be distributed as follows:

National Bahá’í Fund $_________ Bahá’í International Fund * $_________ Continental Bahá’í Fund $_________ Other (Please describe) $_________ Total $_________

Signed: _____________ Title: _____________ Tel: (H) _____________ (W) _____________

Participation: This contribution represents _______ participants (adults, youth and children).

2. (Check if appropriate) Consider this donation part of the NSA's pledge to the International Fund.

3. We have enclosed a voided check from our community bank account.

The National Bahá’í Fund Individual Enrollment

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

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

Attach this form to a check in the amount of your authorization.

Signed: _____________ Bahá’í ID # _____________ Date: _____________ Home phone: _____________ Number of participants: _______ Work phone: _____________

Mail to: NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND, Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 6]

PIONEERING

The question is, 'What does the Faith need us to do?'

At the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Conference in September 1986, much of the discussion was centered on the role of the individual and his relationship to the institutions as our Faith moves into the fourth epoch of the Formative Age. On Friday evening, U.S. pioneer and Continental Counselor Eloy Anello of Bolivia spoke to the friends about the international needs of the Faith. The staff of the Office of Pioneering feels that Counselor Anello beautifully expresses all that is in our hearts, and we would like to reprise for you the highlights of his 1986 talk.

It occurs to me that a question comes to mind when we talk about the international needs of the Faith. Many of us sincerely ask, "How can I serve the Faith?" Some think, "I'm a singer, I'll sing," or, "I like science, I'll be a scientist," or "I'll be a doctor," or a Bahá’í teacher, a Bahá’í physician, or a Bahá’í musician and so on.

It seems to me that the question "How will I serve the Faith?" is not the question at all. We should be asking the question, "What does the Faith need us to do?" That is the question.

That may mean that you have to sit home all night typing minutes for the local Assembly; that you have to serve on the local teaching committee through hours of consultation and planning; that you have to go and give a fireside though you've never given one before; that you give a year of service to a foreign country, sleep on the floor with villagers and walk for hours to visit them; that you have to do those things you've never done before and for which you are not qualified.

The question is, "What does the Faith need you to do?"

It is essentially a question of self-sacrifice.

Many of us mold our lives around the needs of the Faith. Some of us do it on a local level; a few shape their lives around the national needs of the Faith, working at the national office, thinking about the national needs from a national perspective.

An even smaller few dedicate themselves to the international needs of the Faith.

I've noticed that in America there is a lack of consciousness about the international needs of the Faith. There is a tendency to look at the needs of America's development on the local and national level.

I would like to expand that consciousness through this talk and help us realize that America's destiny is intimately entwined with the international needs of the Faith.

The glorious destiny of America that has been outlined in the Tablets of the Divine Plan depends upon the fulfillment of the international needs and the response of this community, the American Bahá’í community, to those needs.

If we are not even conscious of what they are, do not think about them, consult about them, how are we going to fulfill our destiny as envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Divine Plan and depicted by the Guardian in his writings?

How is the American Bahá’í community going to arise to become the champion-builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order? How are we going to become the executors of the Divine Plan?

Right now there are about 100,000 Bahá’ís in the U.S.; 1.3 percent are pioneering internationally—1.3 percent in 128 countries.

Right now there are about a dozen American believers who are giving regularly to the deputization fund. When you read Gleanings, you find that Bahá’u’lláh says if you can't go, you should send someone in your stead. He says this quite clearly. This is a verity in our Faith.

What does this mean? It means you should help the pioneers to go, help finance their trip, help sustain them until they can find a job.

In Bahá’í Administration, the Guardian clearly states that the creation and purpose for the existence of the Administrative Order is to sustain the teaching effort. He even goes so far as to say that the sole purpose of the administration is to sustain the pioneering effort.

Why is pioneering so important? If you look at every victory we have had in the international arena, you can trace it to the sacrificial efforts of a pioneer or a pioneer family. The thousands of Bahá’ís we have in Bolivia are the fruits of a handful of pioneers who went and taught the Faith in the mountains.

Look at the Temples we have raised up and the many localities that have been established throughout the Bahá’í world, the statistics we present with such pride: 30,000 local Spiritual Assemblies, almost 150 National Spiritual Assemblies, 128,000 localities throughout the world.

How did they occur?

They are the fruits of individual pioneers, out there, on the front, putting their all on the line for Bahá’u’lláh. That's what it's all about, and our Administrative Order should be sustaining that effort.

The Guardian, in The Promised Day Is Come, talks about the three false gods, one of which, he says, is nationalism.

Do you know how we protect ourselves from this false god of nationalism? By creating and maintaining a world-embracing vision.

I think that just as nationalism affects current political and national bodies, it can also affect our Faith. We have to have a world-embracing vision; otherwise, we lose perspective. We become ingrown.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that America's spiritual sovereignty and glory depends upon the waves of spirituality that it sends throughout the world. The Guardian explains those waves as being waves of pioneers.

Now if we are not sending pioneers, we are not sending out waves of spirituality, and our spiritual sovereignty is in jeopardy.

The facts are that we have 1,350 pioneers from America, and that five years ago, the number was 1,550. We have lost 200 pioneers in the pioneering field; 200 pioneers have left their posts and come back home, and we have not replaced them.

You don't know what 200 pioneers mean to these Third World countries. You have no idea of the effect that even one pioneer has.

Bahá’u’lláh said, "Christ came to make thee fishermen of men; I have come to make thee fishermen of nations." Going to these countries and conquering them in the name of Bahá’u’lláh is what this is all about.

I once asked Mr. (Mas’ud) Khamsi, who is a Counselor at the World Center, what is the quality most needed to be an effective pioneer.

He said, "Obedience is the most important quality. Through obedience an ignorant one can become wise, a coward can become heroic."

On another occasion I had the opportunity to be with the Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Muhájir, and to check Mr. Khamsi's response I asked him the same question.

"Obedience," he replied without hesitation. "What did Anís do that made him worthy to share the crown of martyrdom with the Báb? He was obedient. The Báb asked him to do something that was unimaginable, and he arose to obey.

"Through that obedience, Anís’s blood was mingled with the blood of the Báb. His dust has become one with the dust of the Báb on Mount Carmel. His soul is wedded with the soul of the Báb throughout the worlds of God.

"Through that one act of obedience, he was granted the crown of martyrdom with the Báb."

I remember when I was pioneering in Puerto Rico, the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga visited us and talked about the Hand of the Cause Mr. Bananí.

Mr. Olinga was praising him, and said the Guardian had called Mr. Bananí "the conqueror of Africa." The Guardian said that the continent of Africa would be under the protection of Mr. Bananí’s soul for all eternity.

"Do you know how the Hand of the Cause Mr. Bananí conquered Africa?" Mr. Olinga asked. "Through his obedience to the Guardian."

I mentioned Mr. Olinga's remarks to Mr. Khamsi, who said, "Mr. Bananí was the essence of obedience."

What is obedience—that instant, exact and complete obedience that moves mountains, that conquers continents?

The Guardian said that obedience is another word for implicit Faith; it is the outward expression of an inward condition of faith.

There is a lovely quote by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that I think is a little strong, but is a good tonic. It talks about sacrifice:

"Sacrifice of life is of two..."

Dominica sets summer school

Dominica is holding its annual Bahá’í summer school from August 2-5.

If you are interested in attending or offering to teach classes for children or youth, please 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

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

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.

'Onward to Victory' theme in Guyana

"Onward to Victory" is the theme of an International Bahá’í Conference to be held July 29-August 1 in Guyana. The conference will focus on teaching and will include special programs for children and youth, workshops, discussions, music and tours. Extensive teaching projects are planned for after the conference. For more information and a registration form, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

The following is a list of Bahá’í College Clubs and Associations that are in danger of not forming next year due to the small number of Bahá’ís attending those schools.

If you plan to attend college next semester, or to transfer to a new school, please consider one of the schools listed here.

Alabama-Auburn University, the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Alabama A&M.

California-Contra Costa College, Mt. San Antonio College, the University of Southern California, San Jose State University, Chabot College.

Colorado-Metropolitan State College.

Washington, D.C.-George Washington University.

Illinois-Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

Iowa-Maharishi International University.

Maryland-Western Maryland College, Towson State University.

Michigan-Central Michigan University, Oakland University.

Minnesota-University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Missouri-University of Missouri-Columbia.

Montana-University of Montana.

New York-Columbia University.

North Carolina-Duke University.

North Dakota-University of North Dakota.

Ohio-Case Western Reserve University.

Oregon-Lewis and Clark College.

Rhode Island-Brown University.

Tennessee-Memphis State University.

Texas-North Texas State University.

Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University.

Wisconsin-University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Glenwood Springs set to mark anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit

The 76th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, will be observed September 16-18 with a weekend gathering at the Hotel Colorado.

This year's commemoration honors Martha Root whose epic travels in response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets of the Divine Plan set the example for all Bahá’ís.. Duane Troxel will share his collection of 140 slides and many stories about Miss Root. Other topics will include the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (taught by Dr. Jamshid Samandari); the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and the Arc on Mount Carmel.

For registration information, contact Bill Mahoney, P.O. Box 206, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 (phone 303-945-1192).

Service to Cause of God goal of ‘Youth Year’

In its letter of January 3, 1984, addressed to the Bahá’í youth of the world, the Universal House of Justice suggested that "...while still young and unburdened by family responsibilities, you give attention to the idea of volunteering a set period, say, one or two years, in the teaching or development field.

"It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth. Regardless of the modes of service, however, youth must be understood to be fully engaged, at all times, in all climes and under all conditions."

In response to that letter, the National Youth Committee established a Bahá’í youth "Year of Service" program, designed to offer Bahá’í youth an opportunity to serve the Cause in a unique and exciting way.

Youth who have graduated from high school or college are encouraged to set aside a year of their life in service to the Cause and to humanity. During this time, they have a chance to serve Bahá’u’lláh through sacrifice and service to mankind.

The National Youth Committee works closely with those youth who have arisen to fulfill their commitment by directing them to positions of service, both at home and abroad.

Since the development of the "Year of Service" program, the National Youth Committee has helped place approximately 45 youth in various positions.

In addition to these are those young people who have decided to serve at the World Center, where about 20 youth are now serving in various capacities.

Among the positions suggested to youth who inquire about "Year of Service" opportunities are many that are available overseas Carolyn Das, secretary of the National Youth Committee, presents a report on the International Youth Conference in Indiana to delegates and guests at the 79th Bahá’í National Convention.

as well as here in the states.

Opportunities are available in many countries where the youth may take part in teaching activities, clerical work at national offices, traveling teaching, consolidating new believers, etc.

The most urgent needs are currently in Africa and Taiwan. Some positions are available in the U.S. at the Bahá’í Properties office, the House of Worship, the National Archives office, and in various Bahá’í communities.

The National Youth Committee keeps current lists of opportunities and also encourages youth to find new ways to serve the Cause which have not yet been explored.

One point that the National Youth Committee tries to emphasize is that although some positions may be advertised as positions in which the volunteer must be self-supporting, it is important to remember that funds for the "Year of Service" can always be raised.

Volunteers are encouraged to seek support from their families, local Spiritual Assemblies, and the National Youth Committee in order to raise the funds needed to support their "Year of Service."

Local Assemblies are also encouraged to set aside funds for future "Year of Service" volunteers, or to sponsor youth from other communities while they are on a "Year of Service."

Another important role of the National Youth Committee is to ensure that those institutions who wish to host "Year of Service" volunteers meet various requirements, among which are providing adequate supervision, social and environmental adjustments, and that the youth are kept active while allowing for periods of rest.

24 ‘youth representatives’ present

The Bahá’í youth "Year of Service" program is one of sacrifice and service to Bahá’u’lláh. The young people who participate find a great feeling of fulfillment, and a deeper bond with God is established during this time.

In Gleanings, Bahá’u’lláh says, "How great the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving the Almighty!"

America's destiny is not an ingrown destiny; it is a worldwide destiny. America's destiny is to serve the world; then will we achive our ultimate goal.

For information about the youth "Year of Service" program, write to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í Nationa! Conter, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Young people add spice to National Convention

A new dimension was added to the Bahá’í National Convention this year through the presence of 24 "youth representatives" from many areas of the country.

Their participation came about as the result of a suggestion by the National Youth Committee, made last fall in the call to District Conventions, that youth might take a deeper interest in and become better informed about the administrative process through their presence at the National Convention.

The young people came from as far away as California, South Carolina and Washington state.

Their vitality and spirit affected all the participants at the Convention as they mingled with the delegates and sat in the visitors' section, respectfully watching the proceedings.

The National Spiritual Assembly, cognizant of the significance of the presence of so many youth, invited them to observe the session, usually closed to all but voting delegates, at which the National Spiritual Assembly is elected.

Another influence of youth on the Convention came in the moving presentation by the secretary of the National Youth Committee about the International Youth Conference scheduled for early July in Bloomington, Indiana.

The impact of one of the first conferences in the history of the Faith was recalled, including the fact that youth were among the foremost participants and influences at that conference-the conference of Badasht-140 years ago.

The secretary said she hoped that the Youth Conference would similarly affect the heart of each participant, of whatever age, and that each would arise to teach the Cause with a "quality, variety and intensity outstripping all current efforts."

Youth Committee to launch program at universities to deal with racism

The National Youth Committee is launching a nationwide program for colleges and universities that will deal with the issue of racism. The support, resources and encouragement of the entire Bahá’í community is urgently needed.

Please submit any original ideas, presentations, research or other contributions to Mandy Enayati, National Youth Committee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TO THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND DELEGATES ATTENDING THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

AMERICAN YOUTH SERVING AT THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER IN HAIFA ARE OFFERING PRAYERS AT THE SACRED SHRINES ON BEHALF OF YOUR CONVENTION FERVENTLY PRAYING FOR A WAVE OF SPIRITUAL ENERGY AND HEARTFELT UNITY TO WASH OVER THE CONVENTION, INFUSING, INSPIRING, REJUVENATING AND REINFORCING ALL WITH THE ENERGY AND ABILITY TO TACKLE THE GREAT TASKS THAT LIE AHEAD OF US. AS THE NEW BAHÁ’Í YEAR UNFOLDS YOU WILL REMAIN IN OUR PRAYERS AND IN OUR HOPES FOR YOUR GREAT SUCCESS.

AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í YOUTH IN HAIFA MAY 18, 1988

TO THE YOUTH IN HAIFA FROM THE YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES AT U.S. NATIONAL CONVENTION

ALLAH-U-ABHÁ! WE ENVY THE SACRIFICE YOU HAVE MADE OF MATERIAL THINGS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SPIRITUAL BOUNTIES. YOUR SERVICE IN HAIFA HAS INSPIRED INCREASING ACTIVITIES AMONG THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES. WE HOPE TO PUT YOUR SPIRIT TO WORK HERE AND CREATE A SPIRITUAL WAVE ACROSS THE STATES. THE WAVE HAS ALREADY BEGUN HERE AT THE CONVENTION WITH NEWS OF NEW TEACHING PLANS INITIATED BY THE U.S. NSA.

THE YOUTH HERE HAVE RECEIVED PROFOUND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE DELEGATES TO CONTINUE THEIR TEACHING EFFORTS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND EAGERLY AWAIT YOUR ASSISTANCE IN BRINGING IN THE MASSES UPON YOUR RETURN.

WE OFFER OUR LOVE, EXCITEMENT AND PRAYERS IN RETURN FOR YOUR SPIRIT FROM THE HOLY LAND. WARMEST BAHÁ’Í LOVE.

YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES AT THE 79TH U.S. NATIONAL CONVENTION MAY 22, 1988

ABS New England conference scheduled

The sixth annual Association for Bahá’í Studies New England Regional Conference will be held September 2-5 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

The speakers will include Dr. Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Zylpha Mapp Robinson, a former pioneer and health consultant in India and Tanzania; and Nat Rutstein, an author, educator and former television producer.

Workshop titles include "On Being a Black Bahá’í Woman" and "Transforming Words into Action."

For more information, write to the Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.

Ontario to host ‘International Picnic’

The 27th annual "International Bahá’í Picnic" will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 14 at Canatara Park, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

The picnic, which usually draws 100-200 Bahá’ís, provides a wonderful chance to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. Canatara Park is just across the Blue Water Bridge from Port Huron, Michigan. [Page 8]

Marriage, family life theme of S. Carolina symposium

“Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life, the Eternal Principle” was the theme of a symposium held May 6-8 at Camp Buckhorn near Greenville, South Carolina.

Forty adults, both married and single, and 20 children took part in the event whose speakers included Jack and Fafar Guillebeaux, Ann and Bret Breneman, Truitt and Behine White, and Jack McCants.

Saturday’s sessions, on “Preserving the Fortress for Well-Being Against Formidable Odds,” saw the Guillebeauxs leading the workshops and discussions.

On Sunday morning Mr. McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, inspired everyone with his reminiscences of the sixth Bahá’í International Convention held in April in the Holy Land to elect the Universal House of Justice.

He spoke of the meetings between our National Assembly and the House of Justice, and stressed the urgency of the Supreme Body’s Ridván message in which it stated, “...we urge you, with all earnestness from the utter depths of our conviction as to the ripeness of the time, to lay aside your every minor concern and direct your energies to teaching His Cause—to proclaiming, expanding and consolidating it.”

The final topic for the adult sessions, “Raising Children to Become the New Race of Men,” was conducted by the Brenemans.

Special thanks go to the children’s teachers, whose devotion assured that their experiences at the conference were positive ones.

Thanks, too, to Annette Young, Julia Acaba and the Greenwood Bahá’í community for their wonderful cakes; to NFSG (Newly Formed Singing Group); to Kathy Thompson for her glorious banner; and to Vince Cerqua, in charge of book sales.

You’re never too young to talk about Bahá’í marriage and family life, as these children found during a symposium on that topic held May 6-8 at Camp Buckhorn near Greenville, South Carolina.

Louhelen women’s conference supports teaching through arts

Youth Theatre presents play ‘Táhirih’

The use of the arts to teach the Faith is often a topic of discussion when Bahá’ís gather.

The impelling power of the Covenant, released through the Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice which states that “the present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and an intensity outstripping all current efforts,” caused the National Teaching Committee to look with fresh interest at the potential of grassroots efforts to use the arts to teach.

One such effort was among the highlights of a conference for women held June 2-5 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

The presentation of the first two acts of the drama “Táhirih” on the Friday evening program received a standing ovation from a full house of Bahá’ís and their guests, and generated lively discussion at an informal gathering that followed the program.

The play, based on the life of the 17th Letter of the Living, was written and directed by Carolyn Duell.

Its 16-member cast, “The Louhelen Youth Theatre,” ranging in age from six years to adulthood, is drawn primarily from communities in the Davison, Michigan, area and from the Louhelen Residential College.

Three captivating roles in the play are the child who becomes Táhirih, played by nine-year-old Sonya Hazelwood; Táhirih’s husband, Muhammed, played by Brian Bullock; and Táhirih herself, played by 16-year-old Emily Merrell.

The audience is transported to 19th-century Persia. Rose-scented fog, curtains, veiled women, and turbaned, barefoot men adorn the stage as the glorious history of the first woman to be martyred for the principle of the equality of women and men, as well as the awe-inspiring story of the recognition of the Báb by His earliest followers, is conveyed to the viewer through the art form of drama.

Striving for excellence, the Louhelen Youth Theatre members began rehearsing the play in January in anticipation of performing it at the International Youth Conference in Indiana in July.

However, doors to public presentation of the play opened at the University of Michigan-Flint as well as at the Masonic Temple in Detroit during June.

The National Teaching Committee anticipates the emergence of similar developments in the use of the arts for teaching in response to the Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice.

Other highlights of the Louhelen Women’s Conference included inspirational and informative lectures by several women including Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff of India and England; Mrs. Frances Van Deusen of Ivory Coast; Ms. Jacqueline Delahunt, secretary of the National Teaching Committee; and Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis, a researcher-writer.

About 75 people attended the conference, which was the second major conference for women to be held at the Louhelen school.

A dramatic moment during the play ‘Táhirih,’ the first two acts of which were presented during a women’s conference held June 2-5 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan.

Welcome hot summer with cool issue of Brilliant Star and learn ‘manners’

Welcome the hot summer with a cool issue of Brilliant Star magazine! The July/August issue focuses on courtesy, which Bahá’u’lláh called “the lord of all virtues.”

Learn about “manners of the world” and what’s acceptable in one culture and not in another.

There are plenty of activities too! “The Case of the Table Setting Mystery” is one we can all solve.

How to make a centerpiece for the table for the observance of the Martyrdom of the Báb, a word game, a song and a memorization round out the things to do.

Susan Engle has contributed two delightful poems about “Ms. Kangaroo” and “The Family Disarming.” And there are three pieces of fiction to read aloud or to yourself: “Na Jean Meets the Americans” by Janis Porter Hayes, illustrated by Sarah Cassar; “Flowers in Her Hair” by Grace Schillinger, illustrated by Susan Rose; and “Porker, Stinker and Oafer” by Dona Schenker.

And of course you’ll find our usual Parents’ Page, Book Nook, and the newest regular feature, “Profile,” which highlights the authors and artists who make Brilliant Star the quality periodical that it is.

Look for us at the Subscriber Service booth at the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana!

You may subscribe now by sending $12 for one year (six issues) domestic mail to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Women’s Conference set for July 30-31 in Reynosa, Mexico

A Bahá’í International Women’s Conference will be held July 30-31 in Reynosa, Mexico.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Harlingen, Texas, and Reynosa, and the South Texas District Teaching Committee.

Special guests will include Carmen de Burafato, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico; and Auxiliary Board members Michael Pietrzak and Robert Ramirez.

For reservations and information, contact Elvia Ramirez, McAllen, TX 78501 (phone 512-631-8786).

Need a gift? Try Brilliant Star!

Ever need a birthday present, a gift for an ill child, a special thought for a new parent, or a wonderful teaching tool? Brilliant Star magazine is the answer to your needs.

Published six times a year on behalf of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, the magazine is attractive and offers something for everyone.

In many Bahá’í homes, Brilliant Star is used as a coffee table magazine. Its colorful cover invites one to pick it up.

And once your guest has it in his hands, why not offer it to him? (Usually you can replace it by ordering that particular issue through Subscriber Service.) What a gentle way to introduce the Faith to friends and neighbors!

Once your friends look inside, they’ll be delighted. Each issue has stories and drawings from around the world, contributed by the children who love Brilliant Star.

These delightful stories are appropriate both for Bahá’ís and their friends. They all reflect a high moral standard and deal with problems and tests that confront us all.

Photo essays tell us about our world and are especially appropriate for younger readers. Children have overwhelmingly told us that they enjoy the crafts and activities included in each issue. They range from mobiles and interplanetary vehicles to centerpieces for Holy Days.

And in each issue, books are reviewed for parents, teachers and children. A Parents’ Page written by a well-known Bahá’í rounds out each copy of Brilliant Star.

Please consider Brilliant Star as a gift that arrives throughout the year and a valuable teaching tool that will remind you to invite some guests over, each time it arrives.

A one-year subscription is $12; two years, $23. Send your check to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Meera Grimes, a dancer from India, was featured April 30 in a public program at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California. Mrs. Grimes, who is not a Bahá’í, presented a musical discourse on the Indian Saint Meera of Rajasthan and a classical South Indian dance. [Page 9]

Green Acre hallowed by the footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

EDUCATION

After a comparative study of the major religions, which culminated in her embracing the Bahá’í Faith on her trip to ‘Akká in 1900-01, Sarah Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, maintained ongoing correspondence with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Master assured her that He was with her in spirit as she worked to spread the Bahá’í Message at Green Acre, and when He came to America in 1912, He visited Green Acre from August 16-23.

Local papers observed: “The great Persian teacher, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is to spend several days at Green Acre, Eliot, arriving on Friday afternoon, August 16, about 4 o’clock, with his interpreters. ...”

“A large gathering is expected at the evening reception on Friday at 8 o’clock at which some notable figures will be present. All friends of Unity and Peace are welcome.”

Details of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit are gleaned from diaries, letters, and oral and written reminiscences of people who were present at the time.

Mirza Ahmad Sohrab reported in Star of the West: “Many believers and visitors gathered at the gate to welcome him. ...From the gate of Green Acre to the hotel on both sides of the road two long lines of Japanese lanterns were hung.

“Each person in Green Acre, whether Bahá’í or not, had hung one of these lanterns. There were over a thousand. When the grounds were illuminated, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: ‘Very beautiful; very beautiful.’

Convention office has some lost items
The National Convention Coordinator’s office has several items found at this year’s Bahá’í National Convention. If you lost something, please phone 312-869-9039, ext. 209, or write to National Convention Lost and Found, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

“Everybody was delighted with the coming of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the atmosphere of Green Acre became Divine and spiritual with His Presence.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to a number of people on various themes of rational proofs and logical arguments, the distinction of the spirit of man from his physical aspects, the station of man, his spiritual capacity to ascertain the reality of things, the oneness of the world of humanity, the kingdoms and worlds of God and their harmony with one another, the power of love, and the oneness of God. (The talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Green Acre may be read in The Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 253-75.)

Each day ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would walk down the country road, stopping to visit with townspeople going about their daily chores. Passing a camp, not too far from Green Acre, He napped in one of the bungalows for children.

On another occasion, entering a neighbor’s side door, He startled a woman who was doing her wash. What a vision He must have seemed in His flowing Persian robes and accompanied by exotic interpreters!

The Master gave a Unity Feast for several hundred guests from the porch of Staples (the house that now contains the Green Acre offices). Louise Thompson’s notes report that “‎Abdu’l-Baha ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎ once said he had left enough spirit in Green Acre to bring dry bones to life.”

Shoghi Effendi described the blessing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá bestowed on the open forum at Green Acre as one of the seven “outstanding functions associated with His visit to the community of the American believers, functions designed to pave the way for the erection of their central House of Worship, to fortify them against the tests they were soon to endure, to cement their unity, and to bless the beginnings of that Administrative Order which they were soon to initiate and champion.” (God Passes By, p. 288)

Parts of a letter sent to Green Acre by Belinda M. Elliott Calvert of Louisville, Kentucky, speak of the impact of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit on the friends who come to Green Acre today:

Pictured is Sunrise Camp for guests at Green Acre conferences who could not afford to stay at the Inn. The large tent served as the fair weather lecture hall above which the Peace Flag flew.

“The years we lived in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and could drive over to Green Acre any time we wished, stand out in my memory as the happiest times of my long life as a Bahá’í.

“Walking on the land that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked on, associating with other Bahá’ís and the wonderful courses offered for study every year were experiences that can never be forgotten. It was ... sublime. ...

“The atmosphere can be so other-worldly at times that one forgets the Old World and its problems. It is living on another plane while at Green Acre.

One time I left so entranced after a week, that I was thinking the new World Order had been established and we were living in it. I had driven several miles toward home before returning to reality. ...

“After moving from New England I returned to Green Acre many times during summer vacation. It was always like coming home again.

“One year I was given the room on the third floor next to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s. ...Lying down to sleep, it seemed I could feel vibrations of light and power coming through the wall to me. My room seemed to be shimmering with light.

“While at Green Acre you can say, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá looked at this scene, He walked up these steps, the same steps where I am now placing my feet. He walked down the hill from the Inn.

“Is it possible? How is it that I was chosen to know these things? Your heart lifts and swells with gratitude and love.”

And what did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá say about Green Acre?

“Are you well and happy? This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality halos everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.” (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 264)

And again:

“As the name Green Acre is similar to the town of Acca, when I arrived there I was made very happy. I spent one week in that green and delightful Acca. They had a large meeting every evening in which many people gathered, and I spoke to them on spiritual subjects.

“I met there many cultured and educated people. It is a most beautiful country place. Its water is pure, its air salubrious and its atmosphere is spiritual. There are many pine woods. ...

“I went there one afternoon; many people had gathered, and I spoke on the Bahá’í teachings.” (Star of the West, Vol. 5, p. 50)

“Consequently, if one looks for praiseworthy results and wishes to produce eternal effects, let him make exceeding effort, in order that Green Acre may become an assemblage for the Word of God and a gathering place for the spiritual ones of the heavenly world.” (The Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, p. 56)

From a letter of William H. Randall to Mrs. Mabel Hyde Paine dated May 18, 1922:

“When I was in Haifa in 1919, ‎Abdu’l-Baha ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎ talked to me about Green Acre and requested that I do all I could to keep the foundation of Green Acre a living issue because He told me that some day Green Acre would be the Acca of America and would be the greatest spiritual center in America for the gathering of all peoples.”

The restoration and winterization of the Sarah Farmer Inn will enable it to be more useful to a greater number of the friends for many years to come. This is a necessary increment in Green Acre’s path toward its glorious destiny as envisioned by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The fund-raising effort, as of this writing, is at approximately $150,000, with $1.5 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.

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 Green Acre, drop us a note or phone 207-439-7200 and we will be happy to add your name to our newsletter mailing list.

Several of the 19 children who attended a session May 1 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, summarize their class topic for the adults, some 33 of whom were present for a deepening on ‘The Seven Valleys’ given by Dr. Vida Bertrand, a Bahá’í who is a lecturer in the language department at Stanford University.

New from George Ronald, Publisher

Finding the Real You

MOTH INTO EAGLE

Viv Bartlett

‘Something’s missing in my life!’ Starting from this all-too-familiar feeling, this book focuses on the talents and capacities you never knew you had. Based on the Bahá’í teachings, here is a challenging approach to the subject of change.

224 pages

Softcover $7.50

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091 TEL 1-800-999-9019

or through your local distribution representative. No postage on orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States (add 15% outside this area). [Page 10]

‘Dawn-breakers’ theme of campaign in western S.C.

Enthusiasm is high, interest is keen, unity is manifest, and selfless dedication is evident as the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in South Carolina’s Western District launch their “Dawn-breakers of the New World Order” teaching campaign.

The campaign is to continue until the end of the Six Year Plan, gaining strength and momentum until entry by troops is assured.

All of the goals of the Six Year Plan are being energetically pursued. Topping the goals of the campaign is proclaiming the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all the people in the district and enrolling at least one percent of the population, thus bringing an estimated 6,000 new believers into the Faith.

Consolidation is receiving special attention. Even as the campaign is launched, children’s classes are functioning and a Library Committee is making available and dispersing Bahá’í literature.

New believers’ institutes are scheduled to take place once a month, and a plan is being initiated to encourage and assist local Spiritual Assemblies to reach maturation.

Under the supervision of a coordinator who is assisted by a secretary, five task forces are carrying out specific duties such as organizing public meetings, holding deepening classes, and handling media and publicity.

The coordinator and his assistant are monitoring the teaching activities and ensuring a unified and efficient mass teaching effort.

Everything is in place, conditions are right, and the harvest is waiting. Now, the friends in Western South Carolina are asking you to join in and work beside them.

Needed are homefront pioneers to help bring about the maturation of Assemblies. Public speakers are needed for firesides and media interviews; also needed are youth who are able to dedicate time to the campaign.

If you are interested and feel that you can help, please contact Jane Cerqua, 803-868-9470.

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 June 3. If your community is sponsoring a teaching project that does not appear on the map, please fill in the form (to 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!

Oregon East slates summer school at Hideaway in Ukiah

The Oregon East summer school is to take place August 13-16 at Hideaway Hot Springs in Ukiah, Oregon.

The theme is “The Fourth Epoch—The Unfolding Pattern.” Classes will be held for adults, children and youth.

Pre-registration by August 1. For information, phone Sharon Hays, 503-426-3790 or 503-426-3756.

Consistency pays off in Buffalo firesides

There were only three weeks during the past year in which a Bahá’í fireside was not held in the home of Bill Sims in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Sims has an entire task force helping to attract seekers to his firesides. They are the projectors of Project Lua, a teaching campaign focused on reaching minority residents of Buffalo.

Jeane Delaney is the coordinator of Project Lua. Like many of those involved in the campaign, she devotes one day per week to visiting seekers.

At least nine people are visited regularly by Mrs. Delaney and her teammates, but more have asked for visits as new people are often met at seekers’ homes. During these visits, the seekers are reminded of the firesides, and many of them come.

Although various speakers are asked to address the firesides each week, the presentations are informal. The speakers are asked to speak from the heart.

The only stipulation is that at the conclusion of the talk, they show a declaration card and, in their own words, explain how one can join the Faith.

Consistent interaction with seekers has led to an increase in the number of believers in Buffalo. In the past year, two new friends declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh at the firesides—and one more in a car on the way home.

‘Fireside Video’ winners named

At the 1988 National Convention, the National Teaching Committee announced the winners of its second Fireside Video Contest.

Taking first place was “Magic Peace Project” by the Magic Valley Peace Committee of Buhl, Idaho. Placing second was “Making Our Choice” by the Bahá’í Information Office of Miami Valley, Ohio. And in third place was “Martin Luther King Jr. and World Peace” by Siamak Danandeh and Arya Mansur of Irving, California.

The possible availability of the videos will be announced in an upcoming issue of The American Bahá’í.

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

The Covenant

Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It

Second in “The Word of God” series!

First there was The Word of God. The second booklet in a series of study guides developed by the National Teaching Committee to act as a bridge to expanded study of the profound concepts found in the Bahá’í Writings is now available.

The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It addresses the appeal of the Universal House of Justice in its Ridván 1987 Message to concentrate on this theme, which “will enable us all to obtain a deeper appreciation of the meaning and purpose of His Revelation. . . .”

Like The Word of God, this booklet may be used for individual or group study. It may be used as a resource for preparing firesides, public talks, or seminar work at Bahá’í schools or institutes. New believers and long-time Bahá’ís will find it useful, educational, and uplifting. Order yours now!

Order from: Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: (800) 999-9019

Only $2.00 each!

Booklet	Quantity	Cost
The Word of God
The Covenant Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It
Total Cost

Name: __________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: __________________ State: ________ Zip: ________

Phone: _________________________________________________

Credit Card Number (circle one) Mastercard / Visa: ____________________ exp. date: ________ [Page 11]

A simple proposal from Spiritual Assembly of Redlands

TEACHING

The Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice summons every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—to the field of action, reminding us that “it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends.”

With that message in mind, the National Teaching Committee would like to share a letter from the Spiritual Assembly of Redlands, California, to the members of its community. Their modest and simple request, found toward the end of the letter, is one that we all might try to fulfill.

Dear Redlands Bahá’ís,

From time to time the Redlands local Spiritual Assembly gets caught up in planning events, correspondence, etc., and puts direct teaching by the community and individual believers on a back burner.

The Assembly wishes to remind the local believers and itself that teaching the Cause is the primary duty prescribed to us by the Central Figures and the Universal House of Justice. Following are some common thoughts:

Why should I teach the Cause? “In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed on every devoted believer and servant of His Faith.”

“Under all conditions the message must be delivered, but with wisdom. If it be not possible openly, it must be done quietly.”

But I don’t know who I can teach. “No effort must be spared to ensure that the healing word of God reaches the rich and poor, the learned and the illiterate, the old and the young, the devout and the atheist, the dweller in the remote hills and islands, the inhabitant of the teeming cities, the suburban businessman, the laborer in the slums, the nomadic tribesman, the farmer, the university student; all must be brought consciously within the teaching plans of the Bahá’í community.”

But I’m afraid I’ll blow it. “Whenever thou art desiring to talk and answer questions, turn thy face toward the Kingdom of Abhá and beseech for assistance; then loose thy tongue. Thou will behold at that time how thou art able to answer all the questions.”

“Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much in the field of teaching is the interest you looked upon your own weaknesses and inabilities to spread the message. Bahá’u’lláh and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our own handicaps and lay our reliance upon God.”

“...The mere act of arising will win for you God’s help and blessings.”

“...Let your heart burn with the desire to serve His mission and proclaim His call; and you will observe how eloquence and the power to change human hearts will come as a matter of course.”

“Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him ...”

How can I prepare myself so I don’t blow it? “...no system for teachers to practice exists. But obviously the more people know about the teachings and the Cause, the better they will be able to present the subject. If some people find that prayer and placing all their trust in God releases in them a flood of inspiration, they should be left free to pursue this method if it is productive. ...”

“...to effectively teach the Faith, the individual must study deeply the Divine Word.”

When should I teach the Faith? “Now is the time that you must divest yourselves from the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven and travel and teach through all these regions.”

“In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation ...”

Dear friends, the quotes are limitless, the instructions and inspirations in our vast number of books is endless.

The Redlands Assembly has a modest request for all the members of the community, including the members of the Assembly.

In the coming weeks, invite a non-Bahá’í to dinner at your home. Shower him or her with Bahá’í love, kindness and gratitude. Mention the Faith to them.

Then, at a time shortly thereafter, invite them to a fireside at your home. If it is not possible to host a fireside, invite them to the very next fireside in our community.

That’s it! Let’s give it a try. We have only to try and things will begin to happen.

“...Be assured that Bahá’u’lláh has promised to aid all those who arise in His name. His strength will sustain them; their own weakness is unimportant.”

With Bahá’í love, Local Spiritual Assembly of Redlands, California

‘Growth Conference’ set in Lincolnwood on Labor Day weekend

A “Conference on Growth,” hosted by the National Teaching Committee, will be held September 2-5 (Labor Day weekend) at the Hyatt Lincolnwood hotel in Lincolnwood, Illinois, near Wilmette.

The conference is designed as a briefing for District Teaching Committees, but all Bahá’ís are invited and encouraged to attend.

The conference theme is “Building Unity of Thought on Teaching.” Its primary focus will be on the Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice with an aim toward precipitating entry by troops.

In addition to guest speakers, the conference will include workshops emphasizing the vital importance of the individual and teaching, the processes of growth, and unified action in teaching, as well as others designed to provide “nuts and bolts” information, guidance and materials for those appointed to all the committees that assist the work of the National Teaching Committee.

It is hoped that as many of the friends as possible will attend this exciting conference. For more information about arrangements—and for a registration form—please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Stereotypes can be a barrier to progress

Obvious differences are apparent in various groups of people. But once racial, cultural and socio-economic differences are stripped away, people are—no, not all the same—they are individuals; the most diverse group of all.

People of all colors, nationalities and backgrounds have personalities as different as their fingerprints—and need to be approached and treated as such when they are taught the Faith.

Stereotypes are generalizations that make it easy for us to sort people into predictable categories. Stereotypes are convenient; they save our minds the time and trouble of constantly interpreting new stimuli.

But they can also be dangerous in that they cause us to overlook the great diversity of character that is to be found in every group, thereby causing us to make false assumptions about people.

Such stereotypes have led to prejudice against black people in the United States.

Stereotypes can be stumbling blocks to effectively teaching the Bahá’í Faith. The following, for example, are a few of the typical erroneous assumptions based on stereotypes about black people that some ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ who are not black may have carried over from their “old world” patterns of thinking:

• Most blacks are not intellectually mature enough to understand the intricacies of the Faith—it is better to stick to the basics when teaching them.
• All blacks enjoy singing—teaching them Bahá’í songs is one of the best ways to deepen them in the Faith.
• Few blacks have strong administrative capabilities—it is better to fill in forms for them than to bother with asking them to do it themselves.

In examining these assumptions, we can see how damaging stereotypes are to the progress of each Black Bahá’í—and, therefore, to the progress of the Cause as a whole.

One way to confront and overcome prejudiced attitudes and beliefs is through participation in workshops that are specially designed to deal with stereotypes.

Many Bahá’ís, such as Iris and Leonard Bell in Oregon, have led successful workshops in which, through the initial use of films and stories, interspersed with quotes from the Writings, people have come to realize the subtle assumptions they make in an atmosphere in which they can consult freely about them and can begin to restructure their ways of thinking.

The most fundamental way in which Bahá’ís who are not black can overcome stereotypical ways of thinking toward black people, however, is through informal association and interaction with them on a level that is deeper than superficial acquaintance.

Not only can those who have prejudiced attitudes come to terms with those attitudes by experiencing their black friends’ true individuality, they can also confront their attitudes by asking their black friends to point out to them when they have made a comment or acted in a way that reflects stereotypical thinking.

Shoghi Effendi referred to both the black and white races in this statement about the most vital and challenging issue of race prejudice:

‘The more one can give, the better it is ...’ National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Late news about Mexico conference

Some last-minute news has arrived about the International Youth Conference to be held July 22-24 at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Juarez, Mexico:

• Confirmed speakers are Counselors Hedi Ahmadíyyih, Isabel Pavón de Calderón and Arturo Serrano.
• Prices for rooms at hotels have been reduced by 20 percent.
• Bahá’ís arriving at the conference site on Thursday morning will be able to take part in a community service project.

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

Summer schools can reinforce one’s sense of Bahá’í identity

Where is your nearest summer school? Will you attend?

In today’s world we are surrounded by defective social, economic and religious systems. Care must be taken that they do not influence us. We must be intentional in assuring that the primary influence shaping our identity is the Bahá’í principles.

A Bahá’í identity can be strengthened at Bahá’í summer schools. The reinforcement gained at these schools can help the individual and the family withstand the challenges of this world.

If you are an adult, the time is now. If you are a child, a summer school is a spiritual investment. If you are a youth, you are summoned by Shoghi Effendi:

“The obligation to teach is essentially the responsibility of young believers. Their whole training should therefore be directed in such a way as to make them competent teachers.

“It is for this very purpose that Bahá’í summer schools, which constitute the very basis upon which the Bahá’í universities of the future will be established, should be widely attended by young believers.”

Unified Action in Teaching

The panel pictured here was displayed at the 1988 Bahá’í National Convention in May. It was compiled from reports of unified action in teaching submitted by District Teaching Committees. All but two DTCs reported teaching activities which involved dynamic collaboration among two or more institutions and/or agencies of the Faith! Committees were asked to submit information on a 3-by-5 inch card. The District Teaching Committee of Southern Ohio had so many examples of unified action in teaching that they submitted their report in the form of a 3-by-5 inch multi-sectional fold-out (shown at lower right). Many delegates who saw the display said their districts would not be outdone by Southern Ohio next year. [Page 12]

For New Bahá’ís

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Universal House of Justice explains:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Writings

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

Questions for Discussion

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

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

Building a Bahá’í Library

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

While there is no one answer—each person’s choice will depend upon his or her particular interests—the following is a recommended list of five books that can serve as a core library; they include material from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, and contain a survey of the teachings and history of the Faith.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources

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

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

A Reader's Guide: The Development of Bahá’í Literature in English, by Eunice Braun, contains a brief history of Bahá’í literature in English and a list and brief description of books and other materials published in English throughout the Bahá’í world up to the end of 1986. [Page 13]

Resolution

its accession to the Genocide Convention," Sen. Dodd pointed out, "it is instructive to recall that the possibility for actual genocide to occur has not been eliminated even to this supposedly enlightened age.

"It can be argued that measures taken by the government of Iran against the Bahá’í minority in recent years have, in fact, constituted the most recent example of this horrendous crime against humanity.

"Mr. President, it is time again to call the attention of the government of Iran to the international norms of civilized behavior.

"By supporting our concurrent resolution, our colleagues can take a small step in trying to restrain and eliminate religious intolerance from this world. I urge my colleagues to do just that."

On June 2, Reps. John Porter of Illinois and Tom Lantos of California introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives (H. Con. Res. 310) with the co-sponsorship of 81 other members of the House also showing wide bi-partisan support. Reps. Porter and Jim Leach of Iowa added remarks about the House resolution in the Congressional Record on June 3.

"...Iranian Bahá’ís have suffered severe persecution," said Rep. Porter, "solely for their belief in the divine authority of the founder of the faith.

"...it is time again," he said, "for Congress to join over 100,000 American Bahá’ís in support of their brothers in Iran and elsewhere throughout the world."

"While there have been recent reports of the release of a number of Bahá’ís from prisons in Iran," said Rep. Leach, "and while executions appear to have declined, the international community dares not be silent until all such grievous human rights abuses have ended.

"Far too fresh in our memories are the executions of over 200 Bahá’ís in Iran since 1979, the pattern of brutal torture and imprisonment, the desecration of property sacred to members of the faith, and the economic hardships visited upon the Bahá’ís.

"The terror which has befallen this vulnerable religious community is unconscionable.

"Until the campaign of religious persecution and genocide against the Bahá’ís comes to an end," Rep. Leach added, "this body and the executive branch have an obligation to monitor events in Iran, to work with other governments to bring pressure on Iranian authorities to cease their human rights violations, to press the case of the Bahá’ís in international fora, and to provide appropriate assistance to those fleeing persecution."

A concurrent resolution is one that contains similar wording in both the Senate and House versions.

Hearings on the resolution, which was referred to a subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, are expected to take place this summer.

Pictured are some of the children who attended an Ayyam-i-Ha children's party in Seattle, Washington. Activities included prayers, refreshments, a piñata and nature hunt.

High school grad, women's conference, letters highlight growing press coverage

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Springfield, Massachusetts—The Union-News published an article entitled "The 13th Year" about high school graduates who spent a year out of school as a way to pursue their goals before attending college. One of those interviewed, Negar Mottahedeh, spent a year of service at the Bahá’í World Center.

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania—The Press-Enterprise published an article about a women's conference there. Featured was a photograph of Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general of the Bahá’í International Community, presenting the keynote speech at the conference.

Flint, Michigan—The Journal published a letter to the editor from the Spiritual Assembly of Flint, thanking the Journal for printing a previous letter about the 48 Bahá’ís in Egypt who were convicted for engaging in Bahá’í activities and mentioning that 12 of them were acquitted and the rest scheduled to be re-tried. The letter stated that the cases were influenced by widespread publicity such as appeared in Flint.

• Carlsbad, New Mexico—The Current-Argus published a guest column by the secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Carlsbad which answered commonly asked questions about the Faith.

• Orangeburg, South Carolina—The Times & Democrat published an article about the Bahá’í International Convention and the attendance of Alberta Deas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly and resident of South Carolina. Included was a photograph of most of the members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly standing in front of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

• New Orleans, Louisiana—The Times-Picayune published an article about the Faith and the local Bahá’í community which highlighted the commemoration of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and summarized the Teachings of the Faith. Special attention was given to a long-time Bahá’í, Mrs. Lee Blackwell. A reprint of the article was circulated by a financial institution which Mrs. Blackwell helped to found more than 35 years ago. The reprint included a note that Mrs. Blackwell had been the first secretary of the company.

S. CON. RES. 120

Urging the Government of Iran to respect the human rights of members of the Bahá’í Faith, and for other purposes.

Whereas the Congress has, by concurrent resolutions adopted in 1982 and 1984, and in numerous other appeals, declared that it holds the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including members of the Bahá’í faith, Iran's largest religious minority;

Whereas the Congress has condemned the Government of Iran's actions against the Bahá’ís on account of their religious beliefs, and has urged the President to work with appropriate foreign governments and with the United Nations in efforts to appeal to the Government of Iran concerning the Bahá’ís;

Whereas nearly 200 Iranian Bahá’ís, including many elected leaders of the religious community, have been executed since 1979, on account of their religious beliefs, thousands more have been imprisoned, and many subjected to torture and demands for recantation of their religious faith; and

Whereas the Government of Iran has not only undertaken to deprive Bahá’ís of civil, economic, and social rights, but also has in many cases confiscated Bahá’í community and personal property and denied access for Bahá’ís to education, employment, pensions, insurance, and other benefits available to other Iranians; Now, therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the Congress—

(1) continues to hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its nationals, including Bahá’ís, in a manner consistent with the Government's obligations under international agreements guaranteeing the civil and political rights of its citizens;

(2) welcomes reports of the recent release of Bahá’ís from prisons in Iran and takes note of the decline in the numbers of Bahá’ís and others executed in that country;

(3) expresses the hope that these developments may indicate a greater willingness on the part of the Government of Iran to act in a manner consistent with its obligations under the various international agreements to which it is a party;

(4) urges the Government of Iran to restore fully the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion, education, and equal protection of the law; and

(5) calls upon the President—

(A) to continue to observe and report on developments affecting the Bahá’í minority in Iran, and to monitor developments affecting the Bahá’ís in countries in which their rights might be abridged on account of their religious beliefs;

(B) to cooperate with other governments in continuing to make appeals to the Government of Iran concerning the situation of the Bahá’ís;

(C) to initiate and support efforts in the United Nations and its agencies on behalf of measures to promote the protection of the religious rights of Bahá’ís; and

(D) to provide, and to urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Bahá’ís who flee their homelands for reasons of religious repression.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy of this concurrent resolution to the President.

Beatrice Ashton, ‘devoted handmaiden’ of Cause

SHARE DEEP SORROW PASSING DEVOTED HANDMAIDEN BAHÁ’U’LLÁH BEATRICE OWENS ASHTON. IN HER TIRELESS, INCALCULABLE SERVICES FAITH SPANNING SEVEN DECADES FROM CLOSING YEARS HEROIC AGE, SHE DREW CONSTANT INSPIRATION FROM HER CONTACTS WITH BELOVED MASTER AND SHOGHI EFFENDI. HER EXTENSIVE TRAVELS IN EUROPE, HER PIONEERING TO ALBERTA, CANADA DURING TEN YEAR WORLD CRUSADE AND LATER SERVICES AT BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER FOR RESEARCH DEPARTMENT COMBINED WITH ALL HER NUMEROUS ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES HAVE PRODUCED LEGACY EXEMPLARY SINGLEMINDED DEDICATION TO CAUSE TO WHICH SHE GAVE LAST MEASURE HER EARTHLY STRENGTH. EXTEND LOVING SYMPATHY HER DEAR FAMILY. ASSURE ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HER PRECIOUS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 10, 1988

Beatrice Owens Ashton, a Bahá’í since 1920 who pioneered to Norway and Canada and served for two years in the 1970s in the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, died May 8 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, nine days short of her 98th birthday.

Mrs. Ashton, a 1911 graduate of Vassar College, was an editor and writer who in the 1940s and early 1950s edited "What's New," the medical publication of Abbott Laboratories in Waukegan, Illinois.

After pioneering briefly to Norway in 1947, she made many overseas trips for the Faith at the request of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, helping fledgling local and National Spiritual Assemblies establish administrative procedures.

In 1959, despite her advancing age, she pioneered again, this time to rural Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, where she labored tirelessly to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the residents.

Returning to the Cleveland area in 1967, she helped develop the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland Heights on which she served until 1970.

Then, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, she moved the Bahá’í World Center and spent the next two years working in the Research Department.

In 1972 an injury forced her to return to Cleveland Heights where she continued to serve on the Assembly and to lead classes on the Faith in her apartment.

In her 90s, she embarked on a mammoth project, that of preparing a detailed and elaborately cross-referenced index to The Dawn-breakers, which she completed some four years later.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Times article cites persecutions

From the Office of Public Information:

The New York Times published an article in its international section on May 26 about human rights. The article cites the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. An editorial about the report appeared the next day, mentioning among other things the persecution of Bahá’ís in Egypt and Iran. [Page 14]

The Covenant

"The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, the 100th anniversary of the inception of which will be commemorated in 1992, must be the subject of sustained and concentrated study. Instituted by the Revealer of God's Word in this Day to direct and canalize the forces released by His Revelation, the Covenant in essence guarantees the continuation of divine guidance after the ascension of the Manifestation through the presence in the world of an institution to which all the friends must turn.

"So important for the development of the Faith at this time is the understanding of the Covenant in all its aspects that it has been designated as a major theme of the Six Year Plan." The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 25 December 1987

To help Bahá’ís study the Covenant, the Bahá’í Distribution Service now has available a new compilation, two new books, and a study book on the topic. Each work offers a different perspective on the Covenant, a different facet of a precious jewel. Each facet is valuable and complements the other one.

SC $6.95 SC $2.50 The Covenant The Covenant THE POWER OF THE COVENANT THE SC $2.00 ETERNAL COVENANT HC $19.95 by Lowell Johnson

The Covenant

A new compilation from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

The Covenant contains 46 extracts from the Bahá’í writings, several published for the first time, that convey the essential elements of the Covenant. The Universal House of Justice hopes that this compilation will not only deepen our understanding and love for the Covenant, but also increase our level of conviction and our loyalty to the Cause and its institutions.

The extracts are arranged in six sections. Some deal with the Greater Covenant between God and the human race and some focus on the Lesser Covenant that Bahá’u’lláh made with his followers regarding ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá perpetuated through the Administrative Order. Included are

The Nature of the Covenant The Greater Covenant The Lesser Covenant Made by Bahá’u’lláh The Lesser Covenant Perpetuated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Our Response to the Lesser Covenant The Power of the Covenant

The index and the numbered extracts make this compilation an excellent resource for a "concentrated study" of "the essential elements" of the Covenant by individuals and by groups.

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

The Power of the Covenant

These three booklets—Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant with Mankind, The Problem of Covenant-Breaking, and The Face of Opposition—have been reprinted with a new cover design and packaged as a set.

The Power of the Covenant was written in 1976 as a response to a letter from the Universal House of Justice urging individuals and communities to begin to deepen on the Covenant and to prepare themselves for the great wave of opposition that will confront the Bahá’í communities as they emerge from obscurity. These booklets contain extracts from the Bahá’í writings plus an in-depth analysis of the Covenant and the internal and external opposition that will confront the Faith.

(For more information on these booklets see p. 18 of the April American Bahá’í.)

Published by the Bahá’í Publications Canada

The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It

As a self-contained study book on the Covenant (similar in format to The Word of God), this book will greatly assist Bahá’ís in their study of the "profound concepts" of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states: "The principles, administration and fundamentals of the Faith are well known, but the friends need greatly to study the more profound works which would give them spiritual maturity to a greater degree, unify their community life, and enable them to better exemplify the Bahá’í way of living!"

The Covenant is part of a National Teaching Committee series, the purpose of which is to "draw the reader into a study of the profound concepts found in the Bahá’í Revelation. It is also intended to serve as a bridge leading to expanded study of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi."

This work contains extracts from the Bahá’í writings, plus commentary of different aspects of the Covenant such as the meaning of the Covenant, the Covenant of God, the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, the Covenant of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, our attitude toward the Covenant, and Covenant-breaking. Each section includes definitions of some of the more important or difficult words, plus questions and answers. The index at the end of the book has references that go beyond the quotations covered in the lessons and offers a valuable starting point for an extended study of the Covenant.

The Covenant is designed both for group or individual study. It can be used as a resource for preparing for firesides, public talks, or seminars at Bahá’í schools.

By the National Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

The Eternal Covenant

By Lowell Johnson

Having lived in Africa for many years and traveled in many Third World countries, Mr. Johnson has used those experiences in writing this book. Not only does The Eternal Covenant clearly explain what the Covenant is and how Bahá’u’lláh fulfils it, but it also addresses a wide range of topics that relate to the Covenant, such as unity, virtue and how to acquire it, the science of the love of God, the challenges ahead, and eternal life. There is an especially interesting section on virtue and the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory

The books contains Many extracts from the Bahá’í writings plus in-depth commentary Stories of the author's experiences in Africa Pictures, color charts, and illustrations Simple summaries plus prayers and meditations at the end of each chapter An appendix that contains even more in-depth information for the interested reader

This book is for anyone who would like to be guided through the Covenant or who needs a resource book for preparing children's and adult classes.

From the National Literature Committee of the Bahá’ís of South and West Africa

The Creative Word

New pocket-size New reference tool Compiled by Lee Nelson Babdullah Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh By Bahá’u’lláh PS $4.50 Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Bahdullah HC $49.95 A Concordance To the Writings

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

Shoghi Effendi characterized the sixteen Tablets included in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, all revealed after the formulation of the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, as "mighty and final effusions of His [Bahá’u’lláh’s] indefatigable pen." They are Tablets that "must rank among the choicest fruits which His mind has yielded, and mark the consummation of His forty-year-long ministry." These significant and much-loved Tablets include the Book of the Covenant, the Most Holy Tablet, the Glad Tidings, the Tablet of the World, and the Tablet of Wisdom. Now available for the first time in a pocket-sized edition.

From the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

A Concordance To the Writings Of Bahá’u’lláh

The new reference work, A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, is now available. This is a giant of a book, and it can enable you to take on giant tasks. It is 81/2" x 11" and 2" thick and has over 160,000 references to the key words in nearly all of the published English writings of Bahá’u’lláh. It is indexed to 9 books and 24 compilations. A Concordance can help you find a favorite passage; research specific subjects; prepare deepenings and compilations; prepare readings for firesides, Feasts, and Holy Days; explore and study the variety of meanings of words and groups of similar words; and enhance your understanding of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

From the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

New Music Cassettes

By Barb Shanks CS $9.95

The Victory

The Victory breaks new ground in expressing the spirit of the Bahá’í writings with music!

It was created to encourage the believers to draw closer to the covenant and to be steadfast. Several of the songs such as The Covenant, Clinging to the Cord, and The Victory relate directly to the Covenant. (The Victory was a theme song of the International Youth Conference in Indiana.) The lyrics in eight of the ten songs are quotations from the writings of the Central Figures or the Universal House of Justice.

Upbeat and contemporary, Barb Shank's exquisite voice is enhanced by the beautiful ensemble of voices and powerful musical arrangements including horns, keyboard, strings, and percussion. The sensitive use of jazz, gospel, and—yes—even a touch of rock express the Bahá’í spirit of diversity that will have you listening again and again.

Produced by Donna Kime and Barb Shanks Gregory Paul THIS IS THE DAY By Gregory Paul CS $8.50

This Is the Day

This Is the Day, a musical tribute to the spirituality of the people of the Caribbean!

The 12 songs, each by a different composer, reflect the cultural diversity of the Caribbean as well as its people's spirituality and love of life. Among the selections are two moving historical ballads called Bábís of Tabarsi and The Poisoning (of Bahá’u’lláh); three Bahá’í prayers and a poem by the Greatest Holy Leaf put to music; a light-hearted calypso that refers to Bahá’í history; a song in Haitian Creole about the year 1844, when the Báb declared; a song in Spanish about living happily; a song in Sranan Tongo about the coming of Bahá’u’lláh; a catchy Dixieland tune about unity; and a marvelous tune in Brazilian style that was inspired by the words of Bahá’u’lláh.

Gregory Paul's warm and soulful voice, coupled with his diverse musical styles, makes this an enjoyable listening event!

Available through your [Page 15]

New Books

Personal development

Drops from the Ocean By Henry A. Weil

The late Henry Weil, author of Closer Than My Life’s Vein, provides a thought-provoking discussion of the Bahá’í sacred writings as they relate to such subjects as God, prayer, the Manifestations, spirit, intellect, the soul, wealth and poverty, heaven and hell, inner vision, dreams, and much more.

Mr. Weil supports his insights with many extracts from the Bahá’í writings and provides “procedures” for applying these insights to everyday situations.

From the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of India SC $4.95

Finding the Real You By Viv Bartlett

Exploring the feeling “There is something missing in my life” is the focus of this book. Mr. Bartlett stresses, “If you ignore these inner feelings of ‘something missing’ you do so at your own peril.”

Filled with short quotations from the Bahá’í writings and a variety of stories, each chapter offers insights into how to begin and continue the unfolding process of Self awareness that leads to happiness and spiritual contentment.

Finding the Real You is for those youth and adults who are concerned with

• Uncovering their higher Self
• Letting go of addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex, or material possessions
• Investigating the Bahá’í Faith or questioning the existence of God

From George Ronald, Publisher SC $7.50

New Book

A new teaching tool for youth and adults!

Nothing In Common By Cindy Savage

SC $4.95

Nothing In Common, a wonderful introduction to the Bahá’í Faith, is the story of one young woman’s search for truth and her discovery of the beauty and challenge of the Bahá’í message.

• Seekers of all ages will enjoy this easy-to-read and informative presentation of the Faith.
• Young people will find encouragement to hold tightly to Bahá’í standards as they confront the peer pressures of dating, drugs, and backbiting.
• New and veteran Bahá’ís will experience some of their own joys and excitement of investigating the Faith as they follow Katie’s search.

Katie’s search takes her on an adventure that brings her from feeling slightly out of sync with the crowd to realizing that it is her differentness that gives her strength. Katie finds her own place in her new religion and learns that she can help show the rest of the world that all people have a lot in common.

Author Cindy Savage has three novels for teenagers in print that have sold nearly a quarter of a million copies and has five more scheduled for publication in the coming months.

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

New Teaching Video

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction

This 45-minute program provides a powerful glimpse of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity. Screen actor Alex Rocco narrates this introduction to the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. We meet his diverse American “family” of Bahá’ís from New York City to the Navajo Reservation, from South Carolina to San Diego who share by word and example what their glorious Faith means to them. Entertaining and informative, The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction is great for firesides and individual teaching!

From Unlimited Visions Productions ‎VHF VHS‎ or Beta $29.95

Job Openings

Marketing Manager Applications are being accepted for the position of marketing manager for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service. Responsibilities of the position include: Planning and executing marketing activities, ordering all books and materials from other vendors, overseeing customer service activities, and participating in decisions relating to the Publishing Trust’s publishing program.

Editor for the Bahá’í Writings Applications are also being accepted for the position of editor for the Bahá’í writings at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Responsibilities include: Assisting with the development of a strategy for the publication of Bahá’í writings and compilations; recruiting compilers; critiquing manuscripts and obtaining reader critiques; editing compilations and ensuring the accuracy of the Bahá’í writings published by the Publishing Trust; and assisting in the organization of editorial projects and in preparing editorial schedules.

For more information about either job please contact the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, 1-312-869-9039.

Bahá’í Distribution Service ORDER FORM

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Can I have new items automatically sent to me? Yes! These are called standing orders, and many of our customers use them. Just request a standing order form, fill in the kinds of books and other items that you want, give us your credit card number, and we will automatically send you the new materials as we get them.

Tab 7/88

Bahá’í Distribution Service

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 New toll-free number 1-800-999-9019 [Page 16]

Letters

from page 3

ing ourselves by strumming up a tune.

The treble we have is that we haven’t yet come together and combined our talents for the world to hear. In other words, we’re talking about an album—one composed of different songs by different Bahá’ís.

Diversity in style and music, yet one theme: the Bahá’í theme. Not so much as “religious” music, but Bahá’í attitude music—the kind the general public can listen to and feel comfortable with.

Some of us already have A-major name in the music world, while others are virtually unknown, yet we may have a song we consider good enough to make it in the big world.

Here is our chance. The key-note is unity; working together in harmony to amplify the cry of the Cause and increase the volume of believers.

If we can bass it on our Faith, and drum up enough interest to C even A-minor change in the world’s attitude, we’re that much closer to seeing the old world order B-diminished and the new one blossom.

So let’s record our songs and send them all to one place where we can put together an album. We can donate our talents to the Cause and donate the profits to the Arc.

Your help is desperately needed: people in the music business who have the facilities, the connections, the marketing and promotional skills, as well as the song writers, performers and production talent, we especially call on you to help.

This is a grand opportunity for us to become more octave in teaching the Faith.

Entry by troops is just around the corner, so let us tone ourselves up for this important verse in history, for the Bahá’í World Order can’t B-suspended much longer.

If interested in this wonderful project, please contact William Tucker, RR 3, Box 10, Archer, FL 32618.

William Tucker Archer, Florida

Don’t drop accent marks

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to a letter from John Ives (March) concerning the use of the Bahá’í calendar.

I agree with Mr. Ives’ suggestion that we should use the Bahá’í calendar more frequently in our daily lives.

I disagree, however, with his suggestion that we drop the apostrophes and accent marks from Persian words.

Such accent marks are not only a part of the Persian language, they are a part of Spanish and other languages as well.

Accent marks on Persian words help me (and other Hispanic Bahá’ís) to pronounce a Persian word more correctly without having to ask a Persian Bahá’í to pronounce it for us.

Raúl Hernández N. St. Louis County, Missouri

Make room for ‘feelings’

To the Editor:

I have been following the debate on racism in the Bahá’í community, and feel there are more subtle and fundamental issues at work here than what has heretofore been expressed.

In the book Equal Circles there is an essay by Gloria Haithman, “On Being Black, Female, and Bahá’í in America.” In the American Bahá’í community that I have experienced, which is primarily the white American Bahá’í community, there is, as Ms. Haithman also points out, an emphasis on the presentation of information rather than the sharing of feelings.

Everyone is expected to conform to a standard of behavior that is calm and businesslike. The avenue of communication is the intellect.

This is the expression of European culture that America has adopted as its own. In such a culture, anything to do with feelings is suppressed and distrusted. Any emotional discharge is viewed with suspicion. For example, I was trained from an early age that “big boys don’t cry.”

Thus at the typical Bahá’í Feast, as both I and Ms. Haithman have observed, the normal mode of communication is for one person to talk while everyone else silently listens.

There is seldom any music and never any group singing. Anything to do with the expression of feelings is studiously avoided. Even the “clash of differing opinions” must be done in a calm, controlled manner lest consultation get out of hand.

In her essay, Ms. Haithman contrasts this with a black church, where if a minister were to speak and his congregation was to listen silently, he would feel that there was something terribly wrong with him.

If the membership were not free to weep, shout and give back to the minister in an open and demonstrative way their feelings, he would have no idea how he was doing and would be left with no guidance as to where to go next in his sermon.

If there were no music or group singing, the service would be devoid of any spirit and the church would die.

With music and participatory listening, the spontaneity would be lost, improvisation would die, sharing would wither, freedom would be repressed, and the emotional release of the spirit of one’s soul to soar to the heights of ecstasy in its love for God would never happen.

I feel that the American Bahá’í community would do well to recognize that there is much to be learned from the way in which the Afro-American culture obtains emotional release in its worship of God.

We must also recognize that the European culture in which feelings are suppressed, and which we have adopted in our worship services, does not reflect the Bahá’í goal of unity in diversity. Various styles should be reflected in the Bahá’í community.

Richard Meier St. Louis, Missouri

Bahá’í inducted into prestigious SMU honor society

Cyrus Peikari, a member of the Bahá’í community of Dallas, Texas, was recently inducted into the Robert Stewart Hyer Society at Southern Methodist University.

The society, named in honor of the first president of SMU, is the school’s most prestigious academic organization for undergraduates.

To be considered for induction, students must have at least a 3.85 grade-point average. In addition to this and other criteria, candidates are required to submit an essay on a topic chosen each year by a committee of five faculty members.

This year’s topic had to do with the decline in individual participation in the institutions of society (i.e., voting to volunteerism).

The Hyer Society inducts up to 25 students each year. This year, however, only 18 of 41 candidates were inducted.

The Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir, directed by Trish Reed (right), presents one of its two spirited performances for delegates and guests at the 79th Bahá’í National Convention in Wilmette.

Spirits are high as Louis Gregory Unity Choir charms delegates, guests at 79th Convention

The spirit enveloped Foundation Hall and overflowed into every nook and cranny of the Bahá’í House of Worship as the Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir from South Carolina made an unannounced but thoroughly welcome appearance at the 79th Bahá’í National Convention in May.

The choir actually performed twice, on Saturday afternoon and again that evening, each time eliciting a standing ovation from delegates and guests at the Convention.

After the choir’s first performance, Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, explained how it had come into being as a result of the establishment three years ago of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Youth Academy.

“We simply wanted to look at the cotton fields, and the cornfields, and the tobacco fields of South Carolina,” he said, “and begin to draw from that population and develop these youth.

“So ... we looked at ages 14-18 specifically, and we said that we wanted to have not an academic program but a spiritual enrichment program.

“...we began to concentrate on a program that would focus on adolescent behavior, on peer pressure, on the family as principal to the Youth Academy. ...

“We looked at education and its role. Job training, career development are all a part of the Youth Academy preparation.

“But it is the spiritual foundation, which is already there, that needs to come out and be nurtured.”

One aspect of nurturing the spiritual foundation was to form the Louis G. Gregory Youth Choir, which has performed at many events in South Carolina, both for Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í audiences.

The choir is directed by Trish Reed, who, it was pointed out, makes a 75-mile round trip twice each week for rehearsals.

“You’ll never know ... you’ll never really understand,” said Dr. Jones, “what it meant for this choir to be on stage here and singing for you. You’ll never really know what it meant—what it requires.

“It requires spiritual discipline. It requires commitment. You have to know that this was not just any thing here; this is something special.

“So I thank you for greeting them the way you greeted them. That made the difference. They felt at home. They knew there was a connection here—from the cotton fields of South Carolina.”

Spanish-speaking delegate wins hearts at Convention for courage, loving manner

A special bounty for delegates to this year’s Bahá’í National Convention was the presence of a delegate from California’s Salinas Valley.

That delegate was Doña Carmen Rodríguez Cruz, who, like an estimated several million other Americans, does not speak English.

Her mother tongue is Spanish, and her presence as a delegate was evidence of a growing participation in the affairs of the Cause by a significant minority in the U.S.—Hispanics who do not speak English.

Shy by nature, it was an especially brave gesture on Mrs. Rodríguez Cruz’ part to arise to address the Convention.

After expressing her joy at being able to attend, she said, “Bahá’u’lláh came and stole my heart right away from me. But that is okay, because He gave me a new heart, a better one.”

Her eloquent and moving statement was translated into English for the benefit of delegates who do not speak Spanish by a fellow delegate, Jorge Nossa of New York.

Mrs. Rodríguez Cruz became a Bahá’í in 1980 through the efforts of a teaching project. Her Bahá’í teachers took special care to help her deepen in the Faith.

Like many of the Bahá’ís in the Salinas Valley, Mrs. Rodríguez Cruz does not read or write. However, she listened intently as she was taught, memorized prayers, and became a firm believer in Bahá’u’lláh.

Last year, the seventh of her 10 children became a Bahá’í.

Mrs. Rodríguez Cruz was deeply moved by being in the House of Worship, and by the new friends she met at the National Convention.

Since her visit to Wilmette she says she has been on fire with the desire to travel to teach the Cause. She has begun to go out teaching on her own, and has a personal goal of visiting every Bahá’í in the Salinas Valley to share a Convention report. [Page 17]

Convention

(from page 1)

derson, Chester Kahn, Firuz Kazemzadeh, William Maxwell, Jack McCants, Dorothy Nelson and James Nelson.

The National Assembly met during the dinner hour on Saturday to elect its officers for the coming year and announced the results to the Convention later that evening.

Prolonged applause greeted the announcement that Judge Dorothy Nelson had been elected chairman. She is the first woman to hold that position since Dorothy Baker in the late 1940s.

The other officers are: Judge James Nelson, vice-chairman; Dr. Robert Henderson, secretary; William Davis, treasurer; and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary-External Affairs.

Once elected, the National Spiritual Assembly “hit the ground running” with its new teaching plan, the broad outline of which was presented in last month’s issue of The American Bahá’í.

In brief, it calls for a dozen regional conferences whose main purposes will be (1) to initiate large-scale teaching campaigns in at least four metropolitan areas to be chosen at a later date, and (2) to inspire an unprecedented outpouring of funds for completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel and for the achievement of the goals of the National Bahá’í Fund.

Two former members of the Universal House of Justice, David Hofman and Borrah Kavelin, have been invited and have agreed to take part in the regional conferences. Also invited were the architect and project manager of the Arc Project, Husayn Amánat and Fariburz Sabhá.

The teaching campaigns, said Dr. Henderson, will serve as a prelude to that “entry by troops,” as the Universal House of Justice said in its Riḍván message, “promised by the beloved Master and which Shoghi Effendi said would lead on to mass conversion.”

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly also shared with the delegates and guests their impressions of the sixth Bahá’í International Convention which was held April 29-May 2 at the World Center in Haifa, Israel.

The World Center was represented at the Convention’s opening session Thursday evening with an audio-visual presentation, “The Fourth Epoch Opens.”

Also represented was the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas, three of whose members—Dr. Wilma Brady, Robert Harris and Fred Schechter—addressed the Convention on Friday afternoon.

Other highlights of the Convention included:

• Two performances on Saturday by the Louis G. Gregory Unity Choir from South Carolina.
• Special presentations on this summer’s International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, and the second Bahá’í World Congress to be held in 1992 in New York, the City of the Covenant.
• The disclosure by Dr. Kazemzadeh during the annual report of the Office of External Affairs that Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut would introduce on May 23, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, a concurrent resolution calling on the government of Iran to respect the human rights of Bahá’ís in that country (see article on this page).
• The election by the delegates of Judge Dorothy Nelson as permanent chairman of the Convention, making her the first woman to serve in that capacity since Dorothy Baker in 1949.
• The presence of 24 “youth representatives” from various parts of the country who were chosen for that honor at their District Conventions and who were allowed on Saturday morning to witness the election of the National Spiritual Assembly.
• A reception and guided tour of the Bahá’í National Center for delegates and guests.

Consultation, by all accounts, reached a level of maturity and focus unequaled at past Conventions, with the delegates eager to respond to the many challenges that lie ahead and to help pave the way for unprecedented growth of the Cause in this country during the remaining years of this century.

The National Spiritual Assembly, in its annual report, pointed to “a frustrating lack of growth” as the one dark aspect in a year of “dramatic developments, and of strong signs of progress.”

As Dr. Henderson pointed out in his remarks on Friday morning, the National Assembly’s response to that challenge, after fervent prayers at the Shrines during the International Convention, was its new teaching plan, a plan that received immediate, enthusiastic and unanimous endorsement from the delegates.

SUMMONED AND DIRECTED BY THE EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE, WE, THE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES OF THE 79TH CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY, BLESSED BY THE PRESENCE OF COUNSELORS BRADY, HARRIS AND SCHECHTER; HONORED GUESTS, MRS. KHADEM AND MRS. WOLCOTT, AND ENTHUSIASTIC GROUP OF YOUTH OBSERVERS, ARE INVIGORATED WITH CONFIDENCE AS WE VISUALIZE THE ONCOMING RAPID EXPANSION OF OUR COMMUNITY. NEWLY ALERTED TO THE RIPENESS AND URGENCY OF THIS TIME, DELEGATES VIED IN EAGERNESS TO SUPPORT THE TEACHING PLAN PRESENTED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. YOUR BLESSINGS SUPPLICATED IN OUR ACTIONS TO REDEEM THE SACRIFICES OF OUR IRANIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS AS WE REAFFIRM OUR INSTANT, COMPLETE AND EXACT OBEDIENCE.

DELEGATES ATTENDING THE 79TH BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION

JOYOUSLY WELCOME UNITED CONFIDENT SPIRIT CONVEYED YOUR CONVENTION MESSAGE. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY THRESHOLD YOUR RESOLVE CARRY FORWARD NEW TEACHING PLAN PRESENTED YOUR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAY WIN GOOD PLEASURE LORD OF HOSTS EMPOWERING DEARLY LOVED AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY TO MOVE RAPIDLY TOWARDS NEXT TRIUMPHANT STAGE ITS ENVIABLE DESTINY.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MAY 23, 1988

Counselor Wilma Brady addresses delegates at the 79th Bahá’í National Convention.

Convention: A time to renew old friendships.

Above: For these youngsters, Foundation Hall was a great place for dancing. Below: Sarah M. Pereira, a delegate from western North Carolina, makes a point during consultation.

Lakota Bahá’í Kevin Locke plays the flute at Northwestern University. [Page 18]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The 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

SOUTH AFRICA needs a retired, self-supporting couple to serve its National Hazíratu’l-Quds in Johannesburg as administrative assistant and caretaker. New cottage is being built on the property. Please include computer experience, etc. in resumé. National Spiritual Assembly of South Africa.

FLORIDA aviation firm seeks applicants to work in aviation business 30 hours per week and 20 hours/week on Bahá’í administration and teaching. Total pay is $5/hour (i.e., $250 per week). Aviation work is promotional, clerical, research and telephone contact; Bahá’í work is administrative and clerical as well as public relations. Knowledge of airplanes is desirable but not mandatory. Must be dedicated, outgoing Bahá’í. Typing is required and computer experience is helpful. Contact Helen Hauck, International Aircraft Corp., Homestead, FL 33030, or phone 305-245-1000.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

ALTAMONTE Springs, Florida, has five adult Bahá’ís and would like to be able to form an Assembly. The area has good employment opportunities, and I have two rooms to rent in my home. Please phone Antoinette Bianchi, 407-788-1503.

WE ARE working to establish an Assembly in St. Matthews, Kentucky, and invite your help. St. Matthews, a city within the metropolitan Louisville area, has full access to big-city cultural, educational, medical and employment opportunities. Our hard-working Bahá’í Group longs for a family who can settle here permanently, singles who can help us teach, or anyone who wants the special challenge of helping to establish a brand-new Assembly. If you’re attracted to serving the Faith in Kentucky, please get in touch with us: Bahá’ís of Louisville, c/o Marilyn Sykes, Louisville, KY 40223.

DEMING, New Mexico, on Interstate 10 an hour from Lordsburg and Las Cruces, is the extension teaching goal for the District Teaching Committee of Southern New Mexico/West Texas. If you travel by it, please stop and say prayers, and, if you can, drop us a card to let us know you did it. If you have time to stop, contact Liz Arrambide, Anthony, NM 88021, or phone 505-882-5670. We have several seekers and believers who would love a visit. Some speak Spanish and some speak English.

ALEXANDRIA, a warm, friendly and caring community of 12,000 in central Minnesota, needs five adult Bahá’ís to form an Assembly. Alexandria, a small town in the midst of rich, rolling farm lands, has excellent transportation, communication, educational and health facilities as well as a solid economic base. Traffic jams, smog and drugs have no hold here yet. We are teaching as we await your arrival. Contact: DTC of Northern Minnesota, Aitkin, MN 56431.

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, and college students are especially needed, but we need and welcome everyone who wants to come.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

AMERICAN Samoa has an opening for a family nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Jobs include rotation through the ER field clinics as sole practitioner, and the goal area of Ta’u, Manua Islands. Two-year contract, U.S. $19,200 per year, plus moving and travel expenses. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

AMERICAN Samoa has positions for secondary school teachers of English, science and math. Two-year contract, U.S. $12,000 per year plus housing, moving expenses. Also, positions for elementary school teachers with a private school. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MARSHALL Islands: (1) Managing director for newly established Development Bank. Assignment is to lead a team of six full-time officers in setting up operations. Applicants should have experience in credit and investment in development banking in the Third World. (2) Chief fisheries officer to work as the leading technical expert in the Ministry of Resources and Development, including spearheading the development of fisheries activities into major commercial sector of the economy. Applicants should have extensive fisheries development experience in small tropical fisheries. (3) Chief agricultural officer to work as chief technical officer in the agricultural and animal husbandry division within the Ministry of Resources and Development, including development of viable agricultural and husbandry projects in atoll conditions. For more information about any of these positions, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INFORMATION is available on Pacific Rim Management Programs—a cooperative venture of the International Business Education and Research (IBEAR) program and the Office of Management Development programs of USC’s Graduate School of Business Administration. The programs are designed for senior managers and executives who are preparing for assignment to Asia/Pacific, considering entering an Asia/Pacific market, etc. Participants are often responsible for business development, regional or national operations, marketing, sales, sourcing, or strategic planning in Asia/Pacific. For complete details, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

PUERTO Rico: companion needed, preferably with some nursing or home care background, to live with an 86-year-old pioneer in good health. Room and board are provided, but will need own funds for personal expenses. Great opportunity to take part in a teaching project too. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

FOR SALE

"THE UNTAPPED Reservoir," the April 29-30 Regional Conference sponsored by the National Committee on Women, was audio recorded and cassette tapes are now available. The conference, held in Phoenix, Arizona, dealt with issues of importance to all women but also specifically focused on concerns of American Indian and Hispanic women. Outstanding contributions by Jacqueline Delahunt and Dr. Homa Mahmoudi plus many others. Write today for your free listing: Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

THE NEWEST index to Brilliant Star magazine for March/April 1987 through January/February 1988 is now available. Send $2 to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Past indexes are also available; please specify year.

BAHÁ’Í literature in English: 18-page descriptive catalog contains almost 600 titles, more than 600 of which are not available from conventional sources. Send $1 or four 25-cent stamps to help cover costs to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Bookshop, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (phone 213-933-8291).

ARE YOU longing to see our American Bahá’í community become the close-knit, loving, supportive entity that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá envisioned? If your heart longs for help in achieving this, listening to Richard Thomas’ talk given at the Project Massachusetts Conference on April 17, 1988, is a must! He discusses eloquently the importance of Bahá’ís moving beyond a superficial community life. He honestly and lovingly describes the existing barriers, from an historical perspective, between classes, races and sexes and between Persians and Americans, and gives practical suggestions on how to overcome these barriers. Dr. Thomas stresses the extreme importance of Bahá’ís as agents of social change and beseeches us to meet our obligations on these issues, as set forth in the Writings, so that the progress of the Faith is not impeded. Moving and vital. Available for $7.99 (plus $1 for shipping and handling) from Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

HIGH-quality audio cassettes: No. MM/1, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears in Vancouver, B.C., to mark the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Canada ($6); No. MM/2, Ernestine Berkey, "The Most Vital and Challenging Issue: A Mandate and a Commitment," from Seattle’s Black and Indian Teaching Seminar ($6); No. MM/3-4, management consultant Lawrence Miller, "Barbarians to Bureaucrats," from the Northwest Assembly Training Seminar in Seattle (two tapes, $12). Also, The Western Washington Bahá’í Resource Directory ($4), which contains business, service and skills listings of regional Bahá’ís, Assembly directory, Bahá’í committees, treasurer’s reps, libraries, Centers, bulletins, Bahá’í clubs, etc. Thinking of doing one for your area? Check out ours. Order from Greater Seattle Bahá’í Metro-Media, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111.

BACK ISSUES of Brilliant Star magazine are available from Subscriber Service. Send $2 per issue (specifying issue) to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MORRIS Taylor’s talk, "Foibles of the Formative Age," from the 1986 Green Lake (Wisconsin) Conference, is now on sale for $7.50. This is a humorous account of some flaws of the Formative Age with an important message—we must look at our mistakes with a sense of humor while working diligently to learn from and overcome them. Send $7.50 plus $1 for shipping and handling to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Dept. AB, Belchertown, MA 01007.

GREAT gift idea! For Bahá’í children and their friends. Send a subscription to Brilliant Star magazine: $12 for one year, $23 for two years. Send to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

SCHOOLS

THE AMOZ Gibson Training Centre in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, will present an intensive three-week course this summer entitled "Media Technology for Development Communication," conducted by K. Dean Stephens, professor of development communication at the Centre. Six classes per day will be offered, six days each week, for a total of 122 hours of instruction—the equivalent of six academic credits. The Amoz Gibson Centre has graduated students from more than 25 developing countries including members of National Spiritual Assemblies, non-literate villagers, university professors, and youth Year-of-Service volunteers. Throughout each training session, participants are immersed in a multi-cultural environment designed to foster a spirit of cooperation and service, in addition to providing instruction in specific knowledge and skills. For more information and course reservations, please write to the Amoz Gibson Training Centre, HC-02 Box 14765, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809-878-4189 before 9 p.m. EST.

RIGHT now, undiscovered, there are many historical letters, documents, programs, course outlines, photographs, tape recordings, furniture, relics and the like relating to the Green Acre Bahá’í School. These documents are in the hands of Bahá’ís as well as non-Bahá’í relatives who are unaware of their significance. As Green Acre works on its restoration, it feels the need to embark on a "treasure hunt" to collect historical records of the school as well as personal accounts of experiences from those who have attended sessions at Green Acre. Our goals are to help in making an accurate restoration, to produce a commemorative book, a thorough history of the school, and well-organized archives for future Bahá’ís before these records slip through our fingers forever. Please share with us the invaluable information, pictures, etc. you may have stored in your attic or elsewhere, or let us know if you would like to volunteer to help us collect information by dropping us a line: Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 93903, or phone 207-439-7200. We’ll be happy to copy and return any original documents, photographs, cassettes and the like on request.

WANTED

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Betty Bennett, Fred Bennett, Winifred E. Bennell, Ivan Benson, Jean Berest, Sando Berger, Herbert Berman, Annie Berridge, Norman Bethel, Frank Bethune, Pinkie Bevan, and Mildred Bickett. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED: prayers, materials and/or suggestions to help us in our desire to establish a program promoting chastity. Please send to: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Westerville, P.O. Box 611, Westerville, OH 43081, or phone 614-890-9787.

AUSTRALASIA: the Continental Pioneer Committee for Australasia is seeking traveling teachers and pioneers to Australasia. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

HENRY Halifax, where are you? I need a copy of the play "The Education of Henry Halifax." Pioneers in Chile hope to present the play at next year's International Youth Conference there. If you have a copy you can part with, or if I could copy your copy, please send it to Marty Allen, P.O. Box 11, Purcellville, VA 22132, or phone 703-338-6275.

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 the area or pioneered there or know of pioneers and/or traveling teachers to or from the area, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Bellingham, P.O. Box 103, Bellingham, WA 98825, or phone Lina Zeine, 206-734-6505. We are grateful to the friends who have responded but need many more!

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 and Maine. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MISCELLANEOUS

LISA Alter, born June 1962, wishes to contact her mother, last name also Alter, who lived in New York at the time of Lisa's birth. Any information greatly needed and appreciated. Write to P.O. Box 340, New York, NY 10009.

CHILDREN: this ad is for you. Brilliant Star magazine is always looking for drawings, poems and stories written by children. Send them to Brilliant Star, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Bahá’í from India featured speaker at Missouri gathering

Mehreban Jamshedi, a former member of the National Spiritual Assemblies of India and Pakistan, gave the keynote address at a public meeting last November on "The Bahá’í Faith in India" at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Mr. Jamshedi spoke about the growth of the Faith in India culminating in the completion of the Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi.

Betty Wedman, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Columbia, which hosted the event, shared her own experiences investigating the Faith in India.

Another highlight was a showing of the 26-minute documentary, "Heart of the Lotus," about the Temple in India.

Bahereh Reyhani, who attended its dedication in 1986 and toured India, contributed slides of the country which were shown while taped Indian classical music was broadcast over the audio system.

Invitations designed by Farah Nieuwenhuizen were mailed to more than 100 Indian faculty, staff and students at the university.

The Bahá’ís of Columbia plan to repeat the proclamation event this coming fall.

Don't forget to celebrate INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, September 20! [Page 19]

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was possibly taken in the 1910s in Chicago or Michigan. If you know or can identify any of the children in the picture, please send the name(s) to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Immense, diverse audience expected at second Bahá’í World Congress

The second Bahá’í World Congress, to be held in November 1992 in New York City, will attract an immense gathering of Bahá’ís and is expected to demonstrate the great and unusual diversity of the Bahá’í world community.

It is envisaged that the Congress will draw more than 20,000 participants whose presence in New York, the City of the Covenant, will provide opportunities for proclamation and celebration on a scale not previously realized.

The Planning and Executive Office, which has been established by the Universal House of Justice under the auspices of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, is responsible for logistics and physical operation of the Congress, which will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. At present, operations of the office are coordinated from locations at the Bahá’í World Center and the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

The Planning and Executive Office is coordinating the hotel and travel arrangements and is the only administrative agency authorized by the Universal House of Justice to do so. The goal is to provide for the basic needs of participants in the most economical and efficient manner. To fully realize economical rate advantages, the cooperation of everyone is required.

Information about World Congress plans will be issued periodically. Registration is to begin in early 1991 and end in April 1992 to allow for Congress credentials and final information to be processed.

New booklet on administration seeks to calm misgivings about differences

Is Bahá’í administration, in all its details, uniform throughout the Bahá’í world? That is not an unreasonable assumption to make.

As Bahá’ís, we know that we are a close-knit community with unity of thought, unity of purpose, and unity of action. When we visit Bahá’í communities in other countries, or when Bahá’ís from overseas visit us, we are struck by how we all recognize that Bahá’í feeling, that commitment to the Bahá’í way, wherever we go.

We know that they believe the same things we do, and though our ways and manners are different, we obey the same principles and, internationally, the same Bahá’í institutions.

How is it, then, that sometimes there seems to be a failure of communication between Bahá’ís of different backgrounds about certain administrative practices?

When a Persian Bahá’í insists that Naw-Rúz is to be celebrated when the vernal equinox occurs—and that may sometimes happen on March 20—while an American Bahá’í commemorates it on March 21, regardless of the motion of the spheres, who is right?

Simply put, they both are. In this particular case, as revealed in the Writings, Naw-Rúz begins with the vernal equinox (Appendix to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas).

The Guardian, however, gave instructions, reiterated by the Universal House of Justice, that until such time as Bahá’í practices became standard throughout the world, in the West Naw-Rúz should be celebrated on March 21.

This variance in practice is not that difficult to explain. The broad principles of Bahá’í administration are the same everywhere. Every country has a National Spiritual Assembly, local Spiritual Assemblies, national and local committees, and, of course, the appointed institutions, all of which operate under the same guidelines.

The specifics, on the other hand, can differ from place to place.

The apportionment of delegates, for example, is left to the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly, and certain national committees may function with varying degrees of authority.

Despite all efforts to state positions clearly, misunderstandings may still be common. Some of the Persian Bahá’ís are disturbed by what they see as divergences in the U.S. Bahá’í community from practices they were used to in Iran, but all it really takes to dispel some of this confusion are brief, simple answers based on guidance from the institutions of the Faith.

An effort in this direction is the publication by the National Persian/American Affairs Committee of a Persian booklet entitled An Introduction to Bahá’í Administration.

While reinforcing the general principles of Bahá’í administration for Persian believers, it points out specific areas of uniqueness of Bahá’í administration in the U.S. Each chapter is simple, concise and to the point.

Far from being exhaustive, the booklet is exactly what its title denotes: an introduction.

It should, however, help its readers gain a better understanding of Bahá’í community life in America and encourage them to become active participants in all its wonderful and varied aspects.

The booklet is available for $1 per copy from the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 1-800-999-9019).

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

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

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

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

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

Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Rocky River, OH 44116

Quickly find a passage from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh in any of 9 books and 24 compilations!

A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, compiled by Lee Nelson, is one of the most comprehensive tools available for finding and studying passages from the Creative Word. It lists alphabetically all of the significant words in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and includes a portion of the passage in which the word appears. This concordance has over 160,000 references to key words and provides access to nearly all of the published English writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

HC $49.95

A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, a basic tool that belongs in every Bahá’í library, can help you to:

• Find a favorite passage
• Research specific subjects
• Prepare deepenings and compilations
• Prepare readings for firesides, Feasts, and Holy Days
• Explore and study the variety of meanings of words and groups of similar words
• Enhance understandings, expand scope, and narrow personal interpretations and misquoting of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings
• Foster unity by what Bahá’u’lláh actually wrote rather than on what Bahá’ís think He wrote

A Concordance is indexed to these books:

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf	The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh	The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh	Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh
Kitáb-i-Íqán	A Synopsis and Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Prayers and Meditations	Plus 24 compilations

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019 [Page 20]

La sexta Convención Internacional Bahá’í

ESPAÑOL

“Un resquicio al cuadro sobrio que ha vertido una sombra sobre la mayoría de este siglo actualmente ‎abrillantante abrillantando‎ el horizonte. Se discierne en las nuevas tendencias que impulsan los procesos sociales que están en vigor a través del mundo, en las evidencias de una tendencia acelerada hacia la paz. En la Fe de Dios, es la fuerza creciente del Orden de Bahá’u’lláh mientras su estandarte se iza a alturas más imponentes. Es una fuerza que atrae.”

Estas palabras emocionantes del mensaje de Riḍván de la Casa Universal de Justicia fueron leídas por la Mano de la Causa de Dios Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum ante los delegados reunidos en la primera sesión de consulta de la sexta Convención Internacional Bahá’í que se realizó en Haifa del 29 de abril al 2 de mayo de 1988.

Resumieron la esencia del mensaje inspirado e inspirador: ha emergido ‎“una nueva paradigma “un nuevo paradigma‎ de oportunidad,” y “se han desplegado nuevos prospectos para enseñar la Causa en todos los niveles de la sociedad.”

Sigue diciendo el mensaje:

“El reto actual requiere enseñanza en una escala y de una calidad, de una variedad, y de una intensidad que sobrepase todos los esfuerzos actuales.”

Este tema surgía repetidamente en las consultas de los delegados.

Amatu’l-Bahá abrió la Convención en forma oficial la mañana del viernes, 29 de abril. Se leyeron oraciones en cuatro idiomas.

Hubo 663 delegados presentes en el Auditorio de Haifa para la elección de los nueve miembros de la Casa Universal de Justicia que servirán por los próximos cinco años. Representaron a 132 de las 148 Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales en todo el mundo.

Además, se recibieron votos por correo de delegados de los dieciséis países que no pudieron asistir.

La colección espectacular de personas en representación de toda la raza humana, muchas de las cuales estuvieron ataviadas con el vestido típico de su nación, prestaron colorido a la atmósfera de solemnidad cuando cada uno pasó adelante para dar su voto.

Un momento emocionante de la entrega de los votos fue la presencia de dos delegados de Cuba, país que por primera vez se vio representado en forma personal en una Convención Internacional Bahá’í. Fueron aplaudidos calurosamente por los demás delegados cuando cruzaron la plataforma para dar su voto.

Los resultados de la votación fueron anunciados a los delegados reunidos por el Escrutador en Jefe, el Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, a mediodía del sábado 30 de abril.

Los miembros son: el Sr. ‘Alí Nakhjavání, el Sr. Glenford Mitchell, el Sr. Hushmand Fatheazam, el Sr. Ian Semple, el Dr. Peter Khan, el Dr. David Ruhe, el Sr. Hugh Chance, el Sr. Hooper Dunbar, el Sr. Adib Taherzadeh.

De las 1,296 balotas entregadas, solamente una no era válida. Los miembros fueron elegidos por un total de 7,880 de los 11,655 votos individuales. Amatu’l-Bahá señaló, como un reflejo de la madurez del mundo bahá’í, el alto porcentaje de los votos recibidos de delegados que no pudieron asistir.

Se llamó a los nueve miembros a la plataforma mientras aplaudían los delegados.

Ola tras ola de aplauso continuó ‎inundaba inundando‎ el auditorio cuando se llamó a la plataforma a los dos miembros de la Casa Universal de Justicia que se retiraban, el Sr. David Hofman y el Sr. H. Borrah Kavelin, para recibir el saludo de la audiencia de delegados y personal del Centro Mundial por su servicio largo y devoto.

Se recordó a tres anteriores miembros de la Casa de Justicia, el Sr. Charles Wolcott, quien falleció hace poco; el Sr. Amoz Gibson y el Dr. Luṭfu’lláh Hakím, cuya hija y nieta respectivamente estuvieron presentes como delegadas a la Convención.

Una tristeza especial combinada con sentimientos de orgullo llenó el salón cuando se mencionó la ausencia de delegados para representar a Irán.

“De todo corazón extrañaremos la comunidad bahá’í más antigua... los amigos en Persia,” dijo Amatu’l-Bahá en sus palabras de apertura en la primera sesión de la Conferencia.

Hizo un tributo a los sacrificios y el sufrimiento continuo de “nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Irán.” Anunció que se ofrecería una oración de clausura en su memoria y pidió que un gran jarrón con 120 rosas rojas, regalo de los bahá’ís en Irán se trajera al centro del escenario.

Cinco Manos de la Causa de Dios estuvieron presentes para la sesión de apertura, y aportaron la dignidad especial y la fuerza espiritual de su alto puesto: fueron Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, ‘Alí Muhammad Varqá, William Sears y Collis Featherstone.

Cada uno de estos queridos “remanentes del Guardián” participó de manera única y significante durante los cinco días de la Convención.

El Dr. Varqá habló sobre el tema del Huqúqu’lláh y señalo que esta institución debe verse como una obligación espiritual basada en el amor del creyente; es un aspecto tangible del Convenio de Dios; y fortalece la relación entre Dios y el hombre.

Las otras Manos de la Causa de Dios contribuyeron su guía sobre temas tratados en el inspirador Mensaje de Riḍván. El Sr. Sears trajo saludos especiales de las Manos de la Causa que no pudieron estar presentes, el Dr. Ugo Giachery, el Sr. Jalál Kházeh y el Sr. John Robarts.

Del 30 de abril hasta el 2 de mayo todas las sesiones generales fueron coordinadas por Consejeras: Dra. Magdalene Carney, del Centro Internacional de Enseñanza; Sra. Zena Sorabjee, de Asia; Dra. Wilma Brady, de las Américas; Sra. Joy Stevenson, de Australasia; Sra. Lucretia Mancho Warren, de Africa; y Sra. Polin Rafat, de Europa.

Delegados de todos los continentes por igual hicieron sus contribuciones en las cinco sesiones de consulta sobre temas (avisados de antemano por correo) que incluyeron:

1. Desarrollo de la comunidad bahá’í como modelo; El fortalecimiento de la unidad; El Convenio en todos sus aspectos.

2. Qué más necesita hacerse para promover la paz; El desarrollo de las agencias de asuntos externos; Lo que puede hacer la comunidad bahá’í para promover el desarrollo social y económico; El concepto del Año de Servicio.

3. El relacionar las Enseñanzas de la Fe a las necesidades y preocupaciones del mundo en general; El desarrollo de la pericia bahá’í y los estudios bahá’ís.

4. El ganar crecientes números de nuevos seguidores de la Fe y la consolidación de lo ganado.

5. El desarrollo de los fondos de la Fe; el Fondo del Proyecto del Arco; Huqúqu’lláh.

Bajo el emblema dorado del Más Grande Nombre y ocupando toda la parte central del escenario, una gran fotografía magnífica a colores, tomada desde el aire, que mostraba el Santuario del Báb con un agregado bien ejecutado de los planes arquitectónicos de las futuras terrazas con una miríada de cipreses, senderos, fuentes y arbustos, y el Arco con los cinco edificios ya construidos, sirvió para recordarles continuamente a los delegados acerca de las necesidades urgentes del Proyecto del Arco.

El arquitecto y el administrador del proyecto, los señores Husayn Amánat y Fariburz Sahbá, en sus presentaciones de diapositivas, dirigieron la atención de los presentes aun más hacia los detalles, la grandeza y las necesidades financieras de este proyecto.

Otros temas centrales de la consulta fueron las siguientes:

• Tanto mujeres como hombres se refirieron al principio de la igualdad y al papel de la mujer en el proceso de la paz.
• Se mencionó a los jóvenes y niños como un recurso poco aprovechado con respecto a la enseñanza de la Fe, y se dieron ideas sobre su educación.
• Se hizo referencia a nuestro respeto por las contribuciones culturales de los pueblos indígenas que enriquecen a la comunidad.
• Se compartió información sobre las maneras comprobadas de ganar cada vez más creyentes para la Fe y cómo mantener su entusiasmo.

Durante el período de la Convención los delegados, visitas y el personal del Centro Mundial celebraron dos Días Sagrados.

Se conmemoró el Noveno Día de Riḍván en el patio y los jardines de la Casa de Peregrinos en Haifa adyacente al Santuario del Báb, y la Mano de la Causa William Sears presidió. Hubo lecturas en cinco idiomas — árabe, inglés, español, francés y persa — seguido de la recitación de la Tabla de Visitación. Después los amigos circundaron el Santuario del Báb en silencio y con reverencia.

Luego de la clausura de la última sesión de la Convención en el Duodécimo Día de Riḍván, todos los distinguidos visitantes y las familias del Centro Mundial se reunieron en el Haram-i-Aqdas en Bahjí donde los jardines estuvieron en el apogeo de su esplendor primaveral. La celebración se abrió con aptas palabras por la Mano de la Causa Collis Featherstone sobre el significado de la ocasión.

Hubo lecturas en cinco idiomas y luego, en torno al Santuario de Bahá’u’lláh, circundaron más de mil de Sus seguidores con solemnidad pero también alegría.

En los cuatro días anteriores a la Convención los delegados disfrutaron de una serie de visitas programadas a los Lugares Sagrados de la Fe en Haifa y ‘Akká.

Se realizaron veintenas de sesiones de consulta entre grupos de

Vea HAIFA página 32

Obtenga su copia del Plan de Seis Años

Ahora está disponible la traducción en español del Plan de Seis Años de la comunidad norteamericana. Si desea una copia, por favor de comunicarse con la oficina del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza al: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, o llame al 312-869-9039, ext. 220.

Hispanos representados en Convención con Doña Carmen

Se encuentra en el centro de la foto, Doña Carmen Rodríguez Cruz, delegada este año del Valle de Salinas en California a la Convención Nacional Bahá’í.

Una especial bendición para los delegados de la Convención Nacional este año fue tener la presencia de una delegada del Valle de Salinas de California.

Doña Carmen Rodríguez Cruz, así como otros millones de personas americanas, no habla inglés. Su idioma nativo es el español, y su presencia como delegada fue una evidencia de una creciente participación en los asuntos de la Causa por un grupo bastante significativo de minorías en los Estados Unidos — los hispanos quienes no hablan inglés.

Tímida por naturaleza, fue un gesto especialmente valiente de su parte que se levantara para dirigirse a la Convención.

Luego de expresar su alegría por poder haber tenido la oportunidad de asistir a la Convención, ella dijo, “Bahá’u’lláh vino y se robó mi corazón inmediatamente. Pero eso está bien, porque El me dio un nuevo corazón, uno mejor.”

Su elocuente y conmovedora declaración fue traducida al inglés por su compañero Jorge Nossa de Nueva York.

La Sra. Rodríguez Cruz se hizo bahá’í en 1980 a través de los esfuerzos de un proyecto de enseñanza. Sus maestros tomaron cuidado especial para ayudarla en su profundización en la Fe.

Así como muchos otros bahá’ís residentes en el Valle de Salinas, la Sra. Rodríguez Cruz no escribe ni lee. Sin embargo, ella siempre escuchaba atentamente cuando le enseñaban canciones y oraciones para memorizarse, llegando a ser una creyente firme en Bahá’u’lláh.

El pasado año, el séptimo de sus diez hijos se hizo bahá’í.

La Sra. Rodríguez Cruz estuvo profundamente conmovida al estar en la Casa de Adoración y por los nuevos pocos amigos que ella conoció en la Convención Nacional.

Desde su visita a Wilmette, ella dice que ha estado muy activa e inspirada, sintiendo el deseo de viajar para enseñar la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh.

Ella ha comenzado a enseñar por sí sola, teniendo como meta personal el de visitar a cada bahá’í en el Valle de Salinas para compartir con ellos su reporte de la Convención.

Nuevo nombramiento Consejeros al Centro Mundial de la Fe

Queridos amigos bahá’ís,

El 18 de mayo de 1988 la Casa Universal de Justicia envió el siguiente mensaje por correo electrónico y télex a ciertas Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales:

REGOCIJADOS ANUNCIAR NOMBRAMIENTO CONSEJEROS MIEMBROS CENTRO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSEÑANZA PARA TÉRMINO DE CINCO AÑOS COMENZANDO 23 DE MAYO DE 1988: EL DR. FARZÁM ARBÁB, LA DRA. MAGDALENE CARNEY, EL SR. HARTMUT GROSSMANN, EL SR. MAS’ÚD KHAMSÍ, LA SRA. LAURETTA KING, EL SR. DONALD ROGERS, LA SRA. ISOBEL SABRI, LA SRA. JOY STEVENSON, EL SR. PETER VUIYA. SE VE SUPREMA IMPORTANCIA ACELERACIÓN TRABAJO DE ENSEÑANZA ESTA EDAD FORMATIVA, NÚMERO DE CONSEJEROS AHORA AUMENTADO A NUEVE. EXPRESAMOS PROFUNDO AGRADECIMIENTO AL SR. ‘AZÍZ YAZDÍ Y A LA SRTA. ANNELIESE BOPP POR SUS ASIDUOS DEVOTOS ABNEGADOS SERVICIOS CENTRO ENSEÑANZA DURANTE TANTOS AÑOS. [Page 21](بقیه گزارش کانونشن ملی) متحد جهت تبلیغ امر مبارک در حداقل ۴ منطقه بزرگ شهری و تعهد تسجیل ۱۰۰۰ نفر تازه تصدیق در هر یک از مناطق مذکور، و تشویق اهل بهاء به مطالعه دقیق پیام رضوان معهد اعلی در طی کنفرانسهای مذکور.

قرار است برنامه تبلیغی فوق از سپتامبر سال جاری تا فوریه سال بعد به موقع اجراء گذاشته شود. این برنامه با استقبال گرم نمایندگان کانونشن روبرو گردید به طوریکه بسیاری از آنان پیشنهاد و تقاضا نمودند که منطقه یا شهرشان برای برنامه تبلیغی در نظر گرفته شود.

ON BAHA’I ENGAGEMENT

در دیانت بهائی ازدواج امری پسندیده است. مرد و زن با هم پیمان میبندند که عمر خویش را با همدیگر بسر برند، دست به دست یکدیگر دهند، پستیها و بلندیهای زندگی را بپیمایند، و با سعادتی که در کنار راه پا به پای آنان میرود، ثمری از خود به جا گذارند. صاحب اولاد شوند و فرزندانی بپرورند که هم سعادت خود را ضامن گردند و هم جامعه را از برکت وجود خویش فاضله بخشند.

زن و شوهر بهائی امید و آرزوهائی سوای آمال دیگران دارند. ایشان ازدواج را فقط نزدیکی و الفت جسمانی نمیدانند، بلکه "در فراسوی مرزهای تن" به گونه‌ای دیگر از یگانگی چشم دوخته‌اند. نظرگاهشان بالاتر و والاتر از عشق جسمانی است، زیرا نیک آگاهند که الفت جسمانی ناگزیر فرقتی از پی دارد. به فرموده حضرت عبدالبهاء:

"اگر اتحاد مجرد از حیثیت جسم باشد البته آن موقت است و عاقبت مفارقت محقق."

اینست که اهل بهاء نظر به وحدت انسانی و یگانگی روحانی افکنده‌اند. حضرت عبدالبهاء در لوحی شرایط و اوصاف زندگی زناشوئی را چنین بیان داشته‌اند:

"در این امر حیات عائله باید مثل حیات ملائکه سماء باشد. روحانیت و سرور باشد. اتحاد و اتفاق باشد. موافقت جسمانی و عقلانی باشد. خانه منظم و مرتب باشد. افکارشان مانند اشعه‌های شمس حقیقت و ستاره‌های روشن سماء باشد. چون دو مرغ بر شاخسارهای شجر وحدت و یگانگی بسرآیند. همیشه پر فرح و سرور باشند و سبب سرور قلوب دیگران شوند. برای دیگران سرمشق باشند. برای یکدیگر محبت صمیمی حقیقی داشته باشند. اطفال خود را خوب تربیت نمایند تا سبب افتخار و اشتهار آن عائله گردد...."

اجرای مفاد بیان حضرت مولی‌الوری بر خلاف ظاهر آن چندان آسان نیست. زن و شوهر باید پس از ازدواج با تلاش شخصی و شکیبائی و پایمردی و گذشت مراحل زندگی را بپیمایند تا به غایت مطلوبی که در کلام حضرت عبدالبهاء آمده وصول یابند.

اما پیش از آنکه ازدواج صورت گیرد نیز باید زن و مرد شرایطی را رعایت نمایند تا راه زندگی زناشوئی برایشان هموارتر گردد. یکی از این شرایط عدم مداخله دیگران درباره انتخاب همسر است. رضایت و پسند طرفین باید بر رضایت و پسند دیگران، حتی پدر و مادر تقدم داشته باشد. به فرموده مرکز میثاق:

"... مسئله تزوج به موجب شریعت‌الله اول باید که شما یکی را بپسندید، بعد به رضایت پدر و مادر مرهون. قبل از انتخاب شما آنان حق مداخله ندارند."

دیگر از این شرایط، آگاهی دو نفر از احوال و اخلاق و شخصیت یکدیگر است. در این خصوص حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند:

"عقد بهائی ارتباط بین طرفین است و تعلق خاطر بین جهتین، ولی باید نهایت دقت بنمایند و بر اخلاق همدیگر واقف شوند و عهد وثیق ارتباط ابدی حاصل شود...."

اما پس از آنکه طرفین از اخلاق یکدیگر وقوف حاصل نمودند و به ازدواج رضایت دادند و رضایت پدر و مادر خویش را نیز کسب نمودند، باید در طی ۹۵ روز بعد به عقد همدیگر درآیند. بنا به نص صریح حضرت عبدالبهاء:

"بعد از قرار ازدواج و تحقق و اعلان آن در ما بین ناس رسماً یعنی به دوستان و یاران و خویش و پیوند اخبار شود که ازدواج آن دو نفس تحقق و تقرر یافت، پس از آن نود و پنج روز بیشتر فاصله جائز نیست... اگر نود و پنج روز بگذرد حرام است و عصیان امر پروردگار...."

علت محدودیت این دوره را طلعت پیمان چنین بیان فرموده‌اند:

"در خصوص مسئله ازدواج و مدت منصوصه بین تعیین و قرار ازدواج مرقوم نموده بودید، این نص قاطع کتاب الهی است، تأویل بر ندارد، و آن اینست که در قدیم بعد از قرار و تعیین بلکه عقد و کابین، مدتی مدیده زفاف تأخیر میشد و از این جهت محظورات کلیه حاصل میگشت. حال نص کتاب اینست: چون ازدواج و اقتران زوج و زوجه مقرر گردد یعنی این دختر به نام این پسر شد و اقتران قطعی شد، به جهت تهیه و تدارک جهاز و سایر امور بیش از نود و پنج روز مهلت جائز نه...."

لازم به تأکید است که مطابق بیان فوق این ۹۵ روز برای تهیه و تدارک جهاز و اموری از آن قبیل است و نباید با دوره آشنائی مشتبه شود.

در ایالات متحده هرگاه طرفین ازدواج هر دو ایرانی باشند، باید حکم ۹۵ روز را رعایت نمایند، اما اگر هر دو غیر ایرانی، و یا یکی از طرفین ایرانی و دیگری غیرایرانی باشد، رعایت آن در حال حاضر ضروری نیست. این حکم نیز مانند بسیاری دیگر از احکام امری به تدریج در ایالات متحده اجرا خواهد شد و زمان اجرای آن نیز توسط بیت‌العدل اعظم معین خواهد گردید.

امید است یارانی که در صدد ازدواج میباشند با توجه به نکات فوق به این حکم مقدس الهی مبادرت نمایند. برای حسن ختام قسمتی از یکی از الواح حضرت عبدالبهاء درج میگردد:

"... باید اهل بهاء چون رابطه ازدواج در میان آید اتحاد حقیقی و ارتباط معنوی و اجتماع روحانی و جسمانی باشد تا در جمیع مراتب وجود و در جمیع عوالم الهی این وحدت ابدی گردد، زیرا این وحدت حقیقی جلوه‌ای از نور محبت‌الله است...."

PUBLICATIONS

اخیراً دفتر امور پناهندگان جزوه‌ای به زبان فارسی تحت عنوان "آمریکا: سرزمین مهاجرین" منتشر ساخته است. غرض از تهیه این جزوه آشنا ساختن پناهندگان و مهاجران تازه وارد ایرانی با آداب و عادات و ویژگیهای افراد و جامعه ایالات متحده است. قیمت: ۲ دلار.

همچنین پوسترهای رنگی زیبائی در دو اندازه مختلف از منظره شب مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان تهیه شده و آماده فروش است. قیمت پوسترهای کوچک (۱۱×۱۷ اینچ) با بسته بندی ۱۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ۹ دلار، و قیمت پوسترهای بزرگ (۲۲×۲۸ اینچ) با بسته بندی ۱۵/۵۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ۱۴ دلار است.

ایادی امرالله جناب علی اکبر فروتن بنا به تقاضای لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی نواری در تشریح مطالب توقیع "ظهور عدل الهی" به همراه منتخباتی از آن توقیع منیع را ضبط نموده‌اند. ترجمه فارسی توقیع "ظهور عدل الهی" به قیمت ۴/۲۵ دلار و نوار جناب فروتن به قیمت ۳ دلار به فروش میرسد.

جزوه مختصر "نظم اداری" که جهت آشنا ساختن یاران ایرانی با مبانی نظم اداری به خصوص در ایالات متحده تهیه گردیده، به قیمت ۱ دلار به فروش میرسد.

علاقه‌مندان میتوانند انتشارات فوق را از طریق مؤسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری نمایند.

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 22]

گزارش کانونشن بین‌المللی در حیفا

ششمین کانونشن بین‌المللی از تاریخ ۲۹ اپریل الی ۲ می سال جاری در حیفا انعقاد یافت. امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم اولین جلسهٔ مشاورات کانونشن را با قرائت عبارت زیر از پیام رضوان معهد اعلی افتتاح فرمودند:

”پرده‌ای از نور از پس چشم‌انداز تیره‌ای که قرن حاضر را در خود گرفته، افق جهان بشری را روشنی می‌بخشد. اثرات آن در کوششهای جدیدی که محرک جریانات اجتماعی در سراسر جهان گردیده و آثار تمایل روزافزونی که برای صلح مشاهده می‌شود به چشم می‌خورد. در داخل امرالله این اثرات به صورت قوای دافعه نظم بدیع حضرت بهاءالله جلوه نموده که درفش آن بر اوج قلل پرشکوه‌تری برافراشته می‌گردد...“

مفاد بیانات فوق بعنوان محور مشاورات کانونشن بین‌المللی قرار گرفت. کانونشن با تلاوت مناجات به ۴ زبان مختلف آغاز گردید. ۶۶۲ نماینده از ۱۳۲ محفل ملّی در سالن کانونشن جهت انتخاب اعضای بیت‌العدل اعظم حضور داشتند.

در حین ‎ابدای ادای‎ رأی نمایندگان کوبا همه حاضران بپا خاستند زیرا این اولین بار بود که نمایندگان کوبا در کانونشن شرکت کرده بودند. غیاب محسوس نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملّی ایران باعث اندوه و حسرت عمیق حاضران و در عین حال یادآور احساس افتخار نسبت به آن عزیزان رنج دیده محنت کشیده بود. ۱۲۰ شاخه گل سرخ که از جانب بهائیان ایران ارسال شده بود در ظرف بزرگی نهاده شد و سپس برای خلاصی یاران مهد امرالله مناجاتی تلاوت گردید.

پس از شمارش آراء اسامی اعضای بیت‌العدل اعظم بدین ترتیب اعلان گردید:

جناب علی نخجوانی، جناب گلنفورد میچل Glenford Mitchell، جناب هوشمند فتح اعظم، جناب ایان سمپل Ian Semple، جناب پیتر خان Peter Khan، جناب دیوید روح David Ruhe، جناب هیو چنس Hugh Chance و جناب هوپر دانبار Hooper Dunbar و جناب ادیب طاهرزاده.

پنج تن از حضرات ایادی امرالله امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم، جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن، جناب دکتر علیمحمد ورقاء، جناب ویلیام سیرز William Sears و جناب کالیس فدرستون Collis Featherstone در کانونشن بین‌المللی حضور داشتند و هر یک به نوبه خود در طی جلسات و برنامه‌های کانونشن مطالبی ایراد مینمودند. جناب ورقاء راجع به اهمیت حکم حقوق‌الله و اساس روحانی آن بیاناتی اظهار داشتند. جناب سیرز حامل تحیات سه تن از حضرات ایادی امرالله جناب جلال خاضع، جناب جان روپارتس John Robarts و جناب دکتر یوگو جیاکری Ugo Giachery به نمایندگان بودند، زیرا حضرات مشار الیهم نتوانسته بودند در کانونشن حضور یابند.

همچنین دو مهندس معمار ابنیه حول قوس کوه کرمل، جناب حسین امانت و جناب فریبرز صهباء راجع به ظرایف ساختمانهای مذکور و احتیاجات مالی جهت بنای آنها بیاناتی ایراد نمودند.

در روز نهم رضوان نمایندگان در باغهای مسافرخانه جنب مقام حضرت اعلی اجتماع کردند. ادعیه و الواح به زبانهای عربی، انگلیسی، اسپانیولی، فرانسوی و فارسی زیارت گردید و سپس زیارتنامه مبارک تلاوت شد.

در آخرین جلسه کانونشن که روز دوازدهم رضوان تشکیل شد، شرکت کنندگان در حول حرم اقدس در قصر بهجی حضور یافتند. جلسه مذکور با بیانات پرشور ایادی امرالله جناب فدرستون آغاز گردید. آثار مبارکه به پنج زبان تلاوت شد و سپس حضار که تعدادشان افزون از ۱۰۰۰ نفر بود حول مقام مقدس حضرت بهاءالله طواف نمودند.

ناگفته نماند که تعداد ۶۱ نفر از اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در کانونشن بین‌المللی حضور داشتند. مشاورین محترم در جلسات ویژه‌ای که جهت مشورت با اعضای دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی تشکیل شده بود، شرکت جستند و به مذاکره و تبادل آراء پرداختند.

گزارش هفتاد و نهمین کانونشن ملّی

هفتاد و نهمین کانونشن ملّی از تاریخ ۱۹ الی ۲۲ می سال جاری در مشرق‌الاذکار ایالات متحده منعقد گردید و در طی آن فریاد ”یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً“ از زبان و دل تک تک نمایندگان کانونشن ملّی به گوش میرسید.

پیام رضوان معهد اعلی قرائت گردید و مشاورات نمایندگان بر محور این عبارت از پیام مبارک میگردید: ”موقعیت کنونی شریعت الهی مستلزم تبلیغ امرالله به میزان و کیفیت و تنوع و تمرکزی است که از جمیع مساعی حالیه پیشی جوید.“

۱۵۵ نفر از نمایندگان در کانونشن ملّی شرکت جستند و ۱۰ نفر از نمایندگان آراء خود را از طریق پست ارسال داشته بودند. پس از ‎ابدای ادای‎ رأی نمایندگان کانونشن و شمارش آراء، اسامی اعضای محفل روحانی ملّی اعلان گردید. سپس اولین جلسه محفل روحانی ملّی تشکیل شد و هیئت عامله آن نیز انتخاب گردید. اسامی اعضای محفل روحانی ملّی و هیئت عامله آن به شرح زیر است:

سرکار خانم دوروتی نلسون Dorothy Nelson رئیس محفل، سرکار خانم آلبرتا دیز Alberta Deas ، جناب جک مکنتس Jack McCants ، جناب فیروز کاظم زاده منشی مسئول روابط خارجی، جناب رابرت هندرسن Robert Henderson منشی، جناب ویلیام مکسول William Maxwell ، جناب چستر کان Chester Kahn ، جناب ویلیام دیویس ‎Willaim William‎ Davis امین صندوق، جناب جیمز نلسون James Nelson نایب رئیس.

در طی کانونشن ملّی اعضای محفل ملّی از تجربیات و خاطرات خود راجع به ششمین کانونشن که چند هفته قبل در ارض اقدس تشکیل شده بود — سخن راندند و نمایندگان را از نوایای بیت‌العدل اعظم در مورد جامعه بهائی آگاه ساختند.

نمایندگان کانونشن از دفتر محفل ملّی بازدید کردند و از چگونگی اداره دوائر مختلف آن آگاهی حاصل نمودند. همچنین نمایندگان در خلال کانونشن از بیانات اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و حضرات دکتر ویلما بریدی Wilma Brady و رابرت هریس Robert Harris و فرد شکتر Fred Schechter استفاده نمودند.

از جمله دیگر وقایع کانونشن ملّی یکی برنامه موسیقی بود که توسط گروه خوانندگان جوان که لوئیس گرگوری Louis Gregory اجرا گردید. دیگر، معرفی برنامه مربوط به کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان بود که در ایالت ایندیانا انعقاد می‌یابد و همچنین گزارشی درباره دومین مجمع جهانی که در سال ۱۹۹۲ در نیویورک تشکیل خواهد شد. دیگر حضور ۲۴ نفر از نمایندگان جوانان جوامع مختلف امری بود که از جانب کانونشنهای ناحیه‌ای برای آشنائی با چگونگی انتخابات ملّی به کانونشن ملّی اعزام شده بودند. دیگر اعلان حمایت دو تن از سناتورهای ایالات متحده از حقوق مسلوب یاران ایران بود که گزارش آن توسط جناب فیروز کاظم‌زاده به سمع حاضران رسید.

در خلال کانونشن، محفل روحانی ملّی برنامه گسترده‌ای را جهت تسریع امر تبلیغ و تهیه وجوه لازم برای اتمام ابنیه حول قوس کوه کرمل اعلان نمود. این برنامه که در طی کانونشن بین‌المللی در ارض اقدس توسط محفل روحانی ملّی طرح گردید، شامل نکات زیر است:

- دعوت از دو تن از اعضای سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم جناب بورا کاولین و جناب دیوید هافمن، و همچنین دعوت از دو مهندس معمار ابنیه قوس حول کوه کرمل، جنابان حسین امانت و فریبرز صهباء جهت شرکت در جلساتی که برای آگاه ساختن احباء از اهمیت و چگونگی بنای ساختمانهای مذکور انعقاد خواهد یافت.

- دعوت از اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و معاونین آنان جهت شرکت در جلسات بزرگی برای آشنا کردن یاران الهی با کیفیت ابلاغ امر مبارک به جمیع مردم از هر طبقه و نژاد.

- انعقاد ۱۲ کنفرانس در نواحی مختلف ایالات

(ادامه در صفحه بعد) [Page 23]یادی از جناب غلامحسین فرهمند

MARTYR’S PROFILE

جناب غلامحسین فرهمند به سال ۱۹۲۷ میلادی در همدان زاده شد. او دومین فرزند از هفت فرزند خانواده بود. کودکیش در همدان گذشت. اما چون اعضای خانواده‌اش به علّت تدیّن به دیانت بهائی روزگار سختی را در آن شهر می‌گذراندند، ناچار به اهواز نقل مکان کردند. جناب فرهمند دوره دبیرستان را در اهواز به اتمام رساند و پس از اخذ دیپلم متوسطه به استخدام شرکت ملی نفت درآمد.

جناب فرهمند در ۲۵ سالگی با نوه عمهٔ خود ازدواج کرد و حاصل این اقتران ۴ فرزند بود. اما دیری نگذشت که پدر را از دست داد و سرپرستی خانواده پدری را نیز به عهده گرفت.

در زمانی که جناب فرهمند در خوزستان به سر می‌برد به خدمات امری گوناگون اشتغال داشت: نونهالان بهائی را تدریس دروس اخلاق می‌کرد و نیز به عضویت محفل روحانی اهواز انتخاب گردید و چندی امین صندوق و مدتی منشی آن محفل بود.

در سال ۱۹۶۸ به تهران منتقل شد و پس از مدتی در سال ۱۹۷۸ مهاجرت به کرج نمود. در آنجا نیز به عضویت محفل روحانی درآمد و در سمت منشی و رئیس محفل به خدمات تشکیلاتی خود ادامه داد.

پس از انقلاب اسلامی مشمول پاکسازی ادارات شد و از کار اداری اخراج گردید. بدین جهت به کارهای تجاری پرداخت و در منزل خود کار می‌کرد و بدینسان روزگار میگذراند. اما در همه این احوال به خدمات امری خود ادامه میداد.

در یکی از روزهای ماه جون سال ۱۹۸۲ در ساعت پنج صبح عده‌ای مأمور برای دستگیر کردن جناب فرهمند به منزل او رفتند. در آن زمان دو پسر ایشان در خانه بودند. پاسداران آن دو را زدند، یعنی از اموال خانه و وجوه نقد را برداشتند و جناب فرهمند را با خود بردند و به همراه شش نفر دیگر از اعضای محفل روحانی کرج بازداشت کردند.

پسر کوچک خانواده حامل خبر دستگیری پدر به مادر خود بود که در آن هنگام در تهران بسر میبرد. بردباری و بلوغ عاطفی و شعور این پسر خردسال که با متانت، مادر خود را از ماجرا آگاه کرد، تا مدتی زبانزد بیگانه و آشنا شده بود.

تا مدت ده ماه از هیچکدام از زندانیان خبری نشد. بالاخره همسر جناب فرهمند با تلاش بسیار و جستجوی پیوسته خبری از جناب فرهمند حاصل نمود. در اپریل سال ۱۹۸۴ برای نخستین بار جناب فرهمند با همسر خود در زندان اوین ملاقات کرد. از آن پس هر چند هفته یکبار اجازه ملاقات داشتند.

در یکی از روزهائی که همسر و خواهر و فرزند ارشد جناب فرهمند برای ملاقات به زندان رفته بودند، پس از مدت درازی که در انتظار نوبت ماندند، به ایشان گفته شد که بند زندان عوض شده است. شماره تلفنی به خانم فرهمند دادند تا با آن تماس بگیرد و بتواند با همسر خود ملاقات کند. پس از اینکه خانم فرهمند به آن شماره تلفن کرد، بعد از شنیدن فحاشی و رکاکت لحن طرف مقابل، خبر شهادت جناب فرهمند را نیز دریافت نمود.

جناب فرهمند در روز ۹ دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۴ به همراه پنج تن دیگر از یاران بردبار ایران به شهادت رسید. مطابق مراسله تلگرافی بیت‌العدل اعظم، خبر شهادت آن عزیزان ۸ روز پس از ما وقع به اطلاع یاران رسید. سه روز پس از اینکه خانواده جناب فرهمند از شهادت او خبردار شد، لباسها و وصیتنامه آن شهید را مأموران به خانواده‌اش تحویل دادند.

در شرح مختصری که یکی از نزدیکان جناب فرهمند راجع به احوال او نگاشته، چنین آمده است:

"در تمام دوره زندگی سعی کردند جائی را انتخاب کنند که بتوانند خدمتی نیز به امر کرده باشند، ولی هرگز نام مهاجر بر خود نگذاشتند زیرا معتقد بودند که هر جا رفته‌اند برای مأموریت اداری بوده و ایشان برای اینکه در آنجا بسر ببرند حقوق می‌گرفته‌اند. با وجود اینکه پست و موقعیت اداری بسیار عالی در ایالت آلاسکا در امریکا به ایشان پیشنهاد شد، قبول نکردند و معتقد بودند که حالا و در این شرایط که در ایران به ایشان احتیاج هست نباید میدان خدمت را خالی کرد و جان را نجات داد..."

"ایشان سالها در شهرهای کوچک خوزستان تنها بهائی آن نواحی بودند و خدمات بی‌نظیری انجام دادند.

"بسیار مهربان بودند و قلبی چون آینه داشتند. هرگز دست رد به سینه هیچکدام از کسانی که کار به ایشان رجوع کردند، نزدند. چندین فرزند خوانده داشتند که تمام مدت بخصوص شبهای عید آنها بر فرزندان خودشان تقدم داشتند. با نهایت مهربانی و بدون اینکه فرزند خوانده‌هایشان بدانند چه کسی به آنها کمک میکند، از نزدیک و پنهان مراقب حال آنها بودند.

"از تظاهر و خودنمائی پرهیز داشتند و با وجود اینکه همسر ایشان و تمام خانواده همسر ایشان مسلمان بودند، چنان رفتار کرده بودند که جائی خاص در قلب همه فامیل و آشنا و بیگانه داشتند...."

جناب غلامحسین فرهمند ۱۷ ماه آخر زندگی اینجهانی خود را در زندان سپری کرده بود و در زمان شهادت ۵۳ سال از عمرش میگذشت. از آن پس دیده به دیدار دوست گشود و راهی جهان نور شد. شهادت به حقانیت عشق داد و برای برقراری مهر و آشتی جان خود را فدا کرد.

همسر و چهار فرزندش از او باقیمانده‌اند. مهر ایزدی بر روانش نورافشان باد!

SECOND BAHÁ’Í WORLD CONGRESS IN THE CITY OF COVENANT

دومین مجمع جهانی بهائی در نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ در شهر نیویورک، که از زبان حضرت عبدالبهاء به "مدینه میثاق" ملقب گشته، منعقد خواهد شد. این مجمع شاهد تجمع تعداد بسیاری از اهل بهاء خواهد بود و کثرت و تنوع جامعه جهانی بهائی را نمایان خواهد ساخت.

انتظار میرود که بیش از ‎۲۰۰۰۰ هزار ۲۰,۰۰۰‎ نفر از احباء در مجمع مذکور شرکت نمایند. حضور این تعداد کثیر در نیویورک موقعیت ویژه و بیسابقه‌ای برای اعلان عمومی امر بهائی حاصل خواهد کرد.

"دفتر برنامه‌ریزی و اجرا" که به دستور بیت‌العدل اعظم تحت اشراف محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده دائر گردیده است مسؤول امور مربوط به اداره و ثبت نام برای مجمع جهانی خواهد بود. مجمع مذکور در مرکز اجتماعات جیکوب جاویتس Jacob Javits Convention Center انعقاد خواهد یافت. در حال حاضر امور دفتر مذکور تحت نظر مرکز جهانی بهائی و دفتر محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده اداره میشود.

"دفتر برنامه‌ریزی و اجرا" بنا به دستور معهد اعلی تنها مسؤول ترتیب جا و مکان و ثبت نام برای شرکت کنندگان در مجمع جهانی خواهد بود. بدین سبب همکاری یاران مهربان با دفتر مذکور جهت پیشرفت امور مجمع جهانی مغتنم خواهد بود.

اطلاعات بیشتر درباره دومین مجمع جهانی بهائی گاه به گاه به آگاهی دوستان خواهد رسید. ثبت نام برای مجمع مذکور از اوایل سال ۱۹۹۱ آغاز خواهد شد و در اپریل سال ۱۹۹۲ خاتمه خواهد یافت.

۹ جولای روز شهادت حضرت اعلی است [Page 24]قسمت اعظم مشاورات کانونشن به بحث درباره نقشه تبلیغی محفل روحانی ملی انحصار یافت. نقشه مزبور در ارض اقدس در خلال کانونشن بین المللی تحت تأثیر نیاز فوری به استفاده از فرصتهایی که در پیام معهد اعلی ذکر شده، و پس از تلاوت ادعیه حاره در اعتاب مقدسه طرح گردید. هدف این نقشه اجرای برنامه‌های تبلیغی وسیعی در چهار منطقه بزرگ شهری در ایالات متحده است. اجرای این برنامه‌های تبلیغی به دنبال کنفرانس‌های متعددی در پائیز سال جاری آغاز خواهد شد. در این کنفرانس‌ها راجع به موقعیت‌ها و نتایج حاصله از اتمام ابنیه حول قوس کوه کرمل و بدایت تحقق وعده "یَدخُلُونَ فی دینِ اللهِ اَفواجاً" مذاکراتی به عمل خواهد آمد. عکس‌العملی که نمایندگان کانونشن به نقشه محفل روحانی ملی نشان دادند حاکی از قبول عام آن بود. بسیاری از نمایندگان تقاضا نمودند که شهر یا منطقه آنان برای برنامه‌های تبلیغی در نظر گرفته شود و تا کنون جوامع گوناگون امری نامه‌های بسیاری حاوی پیشنهادهائی جهت مشروعات تبلیغی به محفل روحانی ملی ارسال داشته و تقاضا نموده‌اند که جوامع آنان جهت انعقاد کنفرانس‌های مذکور انتخاب گردد.

این جمع آن عزیزان را ترغیب مینماید که با تلاوت ادعیه و مناجات سهمی را که جامعه آنان میتواند به عنوان یکی از نقاط کنفرانس و یا به عنوان یکی از صدها نقاطی که با تبلیغ و اعلان عمومی امرالله و تحکیم اساس آن ایفاء نماید مورد بررسی و مذاکره قرار دهند. رمز موفقیت یاران در وحدت عمل افراد و مؤسسات امری نهفته است.

همچنین از جمیع جوامع امری تقاضا میشود که جلسات شور و مذاکره‌ای جهت مطالعه دقیق و عمیق پیام رضوان بیت‌العدل اعظم منعقد نمایند، باشد که هدایتی که در آن مندرج گردیده راه پیروزیهای بیمسابقه آینده را هموار سازد. این مرقومه را با نقل بیان اطمینان بخش معهد اعلی به انجام میرسانیم:

"بیم مدارید و تردید به دل راه مدهید. قوه میثاق مدد خواهد نمود و روحی تازه خواهد دمید و هر مانعی را که بر سر راه باشد مرتفع خواهد ساخت. اِنَّهُ یَنصُرُ مَن نَصَرَهُ وَ یُذَکِّرُ مَن ذَکَرَهُ."

با تحیات بهائی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی: رابرت سی هندرسن

RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO TRAVEL IN THE U.S.

چنانکه یاران الهی استحضار دارند چندی قبل جناب بورا کاولین Borrah Kavelin و جناب دیوید هافمن David Hofman دو تن از اعضای سابق بیت‌العدل اعظم به علت کبر سن از عضویت معهد اعلی استعفاء دادند. اما همچنانکه اکثر اوقات عمر این دو نفس محترم وقف خدمت به امر جمال قدم گردیده وقتی که محفل روحانی ملی از ایشان جهت انجام اسفار تبلیغی در ایالات متحده دعوتی به عمل آورد ایشان آنرا اجابت نمودند.

جنابان کاولین و هافمن در سپتامبر سال جاری وارد ایالات متحده خواهند شد و تا مدت ۶ ماه برای انجام خدمات امری در این سامان اقامت خواهند داشت. در طی این مدت در ۱۲ کنفرانس که مطابق نقشه محفل روحانی ملی در نقاط مختلف ایالات متحده منعقد خواهد گردید شرکت خواهند جست و در خلال کنفرانسهای مذکور راجع به فرصتهائی که جامعه بهائی جهت اتمام ابنیه حول قوس کوه کرمل در دست دارد و نیز درباره آغاز تحقق وعده "یَدخُلُونَ فی دینِ اللهِ اَفواجاً" بیاناتی ایراد خواهند نمود.

حضور جناب کاولین و جناب هافمن در ایالات متحده موقعیت بیمسابقه‌ای در دسترس یاران گرامی خواهد گذاشت تا از تجربیات آن دو عضو سابق معهد اعلی استفاده نمایند. ایشان از آغاز تأسیس بیت‌العدل اعظم در مدت ۲۵ سالی که در معهد اعلی عضویت داشته‌اند تجربیات بی‌نظیر و فراوانی اندوخته و شاهد خروج امر الهی از مرحله مجهولیت و دخول آن به مرحله اشتهار بوده‌اند.

در زمانی که بیت‌العدل اعظم برای نخستین بار تشکیل گردید تعداد محافل روحانی ملی کمتر از ۶۰ بود. در زمان حال ١٤٨ محفل روحانی ملی در سراسر عالم وجود دارد. همچنین تعداد محافل روحانی محلی به عدد ۲۵۰۰۰ بالغ گشته و در سراسر جهان بیش از ۱۱۸۰۰۰ نقطه امری وجود دارد. تا ژانویه سال جاری بیانیه "وعده صلح جهانی" به ۱۹۸ تن از سران ممالک و دُول عالم تقدیم گردیده بود و هزاران تن دیگر از افراد بشر نیز آنرا دریافت داشته‌اند.

بیت‌العدل اعظم در پیام رضوان امسال اهل بهاء را به مجاهدت در سبیل تبلیغ امر مبارک ترغیب فرموده و اهمیت و ضرورت قیام و اقدام را در زمان حاضر به بهائیان خاطر نشان ساخته‌اند. امسال یاران جامعه امری ایالات متحده این فرصت بی‌نظیر را در اختیار خواهند داشت که از مطالبی که جناب کاولین و جناب هافمن در توضیح و تشریح نوایای معهد اعلی بیان خواهند فرمود، شخصاً استفاده نمایند و در نتیجه با آگاهی بیشتر طریق خدمت به امر حضرت بهاءالله را انتخاب فرمایند.

HUQUQU’LLAH

بیت‌العدل اعظم میفرمایند:

"تقدیم تبرعات به صندوق محافل نمیتواند جزئی از پرداخت حقوق‌الله محسوب گردد. بعلاوه، اگر کسی به حقوق‌الله مدیون باشد و نتواند از عهده حقوق‌الله و تبرعات هر دو برآید، تأدیه حقوق‌الله بر تقدیم تبرعات ارجحیت دارد."

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani	Santa Monica, CA. 90402
Dr. Daryush Haghighi	Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin	P.O. Box 927	Silver Spring, MD. 20910

ضمناً برای کسب اطلاعات و دریافت نشریات مربوط به حقوق‌الله میتوان به امنای حقوق و یا با دفتر مؤسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

Office of Secretariat Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust Rocky River, OH. 44116

ANNOUNCEMENT BY PERSIAN INSTITUTE FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES

نمایندگی فروش نشریات مؤسسه معارف بهائی در منطقه کالیفرنیا و جنوب غربی ایالات متحده را سرکار خانم باهره رضائی به کمال لطف تقبل فرموده‌اند. موضوع برای اطلاع عموم دوستان اعلان میشود تا مستقیماً با ارسال قیمت از ایشان درخواست نمایند. نشریات مؤسسه تا حال به شرح زیر است:

- "نفحات فضل" (نماز، لوح مبارک احمد و ادعیه یومیه) شامل جزوه متن و نوار صوتی. قیمت: ۹ دلار.

- "مطالعه معارف بهائی" - الوان در آثار بهائی - نگارش جناب دکتر وحید رأفتی. قیمت: ۶ دلار.

علاقه‌مندان میتوانند جهت خریداری انتشارات مؤسسه معارف امر بلسان فارسی، از طریق مکاتبه با نشانی زیر و یا با تلفن شماره ۳۱۰۰-۲۶۰ (۸۱۸) با خانم رضائی تماس حاصل نمایند:

Mrs. B. Rezai Granada Hills, CA 91344

بیت‌العدل اعظم میفرمایند: "بحمدالله مقصد معین است و طریق سفر معلوم و زاد و توشه مهیا. پس ای کاروان هدایت حرکتی، و ای سالکان سبیل محبت همتی، و ای عاکفان کعبه سعادت جهدی تا مراحل باقیه نیز طی شود و در بحبوحه اطمینان و سرور به سرمنزل مقصود رسیم و در ظل عنایت حضرت معبود وارد گردیم...." [Page 25]

MESSAGES OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه تلگراف بیت‌العدل اعظم مورخ ۱۸ می ۱۹۸۸

با مسرت انتصاب مشاورین قاره‌ای عضو دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی را که دوره پنجساله خدمتشان از تاریخ ۲۳ می سال ۱۹۸۸ آغاز میگردد، اعلان مینمائیم:

جناب دکتر فرزام ارباب، خانم دکتر مگدالین کارنی Magdalene Carney، جناب هارتموت گروسمان Hartmut Grossmann، جناب مسعود خمسی، خانم لورتا کینگ Lauretta King و جناب دانالد راجرز Donald Rogers، خانم ایزوبل صبری Isobel Sabri، خانم جوی استیونسن Joy Stevenson و جناب پیتر ووییا Peter Vuyiya.

با ملاحظه اهمیت فوق‌العاده تسریع فعالیتهای تبلیغی در این مرحله از عصر تکوین، عده مشاورین عضو دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی به ۹ نفر افزایش یافته است. این جمع مراتب قدردانی خود را به جناب عزیز یزدی و خانم آنالیز باپ Anneliese Bopp جهت خدمات مجدانه و مساعی فداکارانه آنان در طی سالهای متمادی در دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی ابراز میدارند.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه تلگراف بیت‌العدل اعظم مورخ ۱۲ می ۱۹۸۸

این مشتاقان بسیار مسرورند که اتمام و امضای موافقتنامه خود را با صاحبان گورستان نیو ساوت گیت Southgate New جهت خریداری محوطه بزرگی از زمینهای مجاور مرقد حضرت ولی عزیزالله اعلان نمایند. در اعتاب مقدسه جهت یافتن این فرصت برای تأمین حفظ و حراست از آن مقام مقدس به تقدیم ادعیه شکر و سپاس مبادرت میگردد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

دستخط دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم ۵ شهرالکلمات ۱۴۲ ۱۷ جولای ۱۹۸۶

محافل مقدسه روحانیه ملیه شید‌الله ارکانهم

حسب الامر بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی لطفاً مفاد پیام ذیل را از طرف معهد اعلی به ایرانیان عزیزی که اخیراً از طریق پاکستان و ترکیه به خارج آمده و در ممالک و بلاد مختلفه مستقر گشته‌اند ابلاغ فرمائید:

چنانکه آن یاران عزیز مطلعند به فضل الهی و مجاهدت شبانه روزی تشکیلات بهائی آن یاران معنوی با همکاری و معاونت مؤسسات سازمان ملل متحد فعلاً در نقاط مستقر گشته‌اند. ان شاء‌الله به برکت الهی مشکلاتشان مرتفع گردد و وسیله خدمت به آستان مقدس بیش از پیش فراهم آید.

الحمدلله که آن عزیزان در نزد دول مختلفه و تشکیلات ملل متحد حسن شهرت یافته و به نیک خلقی و نیک نامی فائز گشته‌اند و از این طریق خدمتی لایق به آستان الهی فرموده‌اند.

یکی از شرایط حرکت آن عزیزان از پاکستان یا ترکیه به کشورهای ‎ماشره مهاجره‎ این بوده است که آن یاران نازنین سعی نمایند هر چه زودتر و لو به اقساط مبلغی که ملل متحد برای مخارج طیاره و حمل و نقل به آن عزیزان پرداخته به آن سازمان مسترد دارند. وفا به این وعده هر چه زودتر بسیار لازم است زیرا سبب مزید حسن شهرت جامعه بهائی و فراهم آوردن تسهیلات بیشتر برای دیگران که از ایران بیرون می‌آیند خواهد بود. لهذا فوراً به محفل ملی مرقوم فرمایند که چگونه و به چه مقداری میتوانند بازپرداخت قرضی را که از سازمان ملل متحد گرفته‌اند بپردازند....

با تقدیم تحیات از طرف دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

پیام‌های محفل روحانی ملی

NSA LETTER FOR THE FEAST OF NUR

ترجمه پیام محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده بمناسبت ضیافت شهرالنور ۱۴۵ بدیع ۵ جون ۱۹۸۸

خطاب به جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده

یاران عزیز بهائی

با سروری موفور پیام رضوان بیت‌العدل اعظم را به ضمیمه ارسال میداریم. از آن عزیزان تقاضا میشود ترتیب مناسبی دهند که مفاد این پیام الهام‌بخش را که براستی صلای اقدام و قیام است، با اعضای جامعه امری خود در میان گذارند و درباره مطالب آن بخصوص تبلیغ امر‌الله که به فرموده معهد اعلی "هدف اصلی جمیع فعالیتهای بهائی است،" به مشورت پردازند.

همچنین صورت عریضه‌ای را که نمایندگان هفتاد و نهمین انجمن شور روحانی ملی به ساحت رفیع بیت‌العدل اعظم مخابره نمودند همراه با پاسخی که معهد اعلی عنایت فرموده‌اند درج مینمائیم:

"نمایندگان هفتاد و نهمین کانونشن ملی جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده، با الهام از پیام منیع بیت‌العدل اعظم و به برکت حضور مشاورین محترم قاره‌ای حضرات بریدی Brady و هریس Harris و شکتر Schechter و مهمانان محترم خانم خادم و خانم ولکات Wolcott و گروه پر شوری از جوانان، از تجسم گسترش سریعی که در آتیه نزدیک نصیب جامعه بهائی خواهد شد اعتماد و اطمینانی جدید یافته‌اند، و چون به آمادگی و ضرورت و اهمیت زمان حال آگاهی یافتند با اشتیاق در پشتیبانی و تأیید برنامه تبلیغی محفل روحانی ملی بر یکدیگر سبقت گرفتند. با تأکید به عبودیت و اطاعت تام از معهد اعلی، برکات و تأییدات بیت‌العدل اعظم را جهت مجهودات خود در سبیل ‎جهران جبران‎ فداکاریهای یاران ایران ملتمسیم.

نمایندگان حاضر در هفتاد و نهمین کانونشن ملی بهائی"

"با سرور و شادمانی وصول پیام آن عزیزان را که حاکی از روح اتحاد و اطمینان بود، اعلام میداریم. در آستان مقدس دعا میشود که عزم و اقدام آن یاران در پیشبرد نقشه جدید تبلیغی که محفل روحانی ملی ارائه نموده، سبب شود که به کسب رضای رب‌الجنود توفیق یابند و جمال قدم جامعه محبوب و عزیز بهائیان امریکا را قوت و قدرتی بخشد که هر چه سریعتر بسوی مراحل پیروزمندانه بعدی از مقدرات محمود و مغبوط خود پیش رود.

بیت‌العدل اعظم"

NSA LETTER FOR THE FEAST OF RAHMAT

ترجمه پیام محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده بمناسبت ضیافت شهرالرحمة ۱۴۵ بدیع ۲۴ جون ۱۹۸۸

خطاب به جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده

یاران عزیز بهائی

اثر طنین هفتاد و نهمین کانونشن ملی همچنان از زوایای ام‌المعابد غرب به گوش میرسد. خاطراتی که آن جمع به جا گذاشته — مشاورات اندیشمندانه نمایندگان، نوای زیبای گروه خوانندگان مؤسسه لوئیس گرگوری Louis Gregory Institute و شرکت نمایندگان جوانان در کانونشن — آری همه این خاطرات دل را گرمی میبخشد و اعتماد ما را به قابلیت جامعه امری برای تحقق سرنوشت یگانه آن تحکیم مینماید.

پیام رضوان بیت‌العدل اعظم نمایندگان کانونشن را تقلیب نمود و فوریت احتیاج به پیشرفت فعالیتهای تبلیغی را جهت تأمین تقدم امر مبارک به ایشان خاطرنشان ساخت تا طلیعه نوری را که در افق این قرن تیره هویدا گردیده روشنی بیشتری بخشند. پیام معهد اعلی حکایت از امید تازه‌ای مینماید که بر اثر تمایل روزافزون مردم دنیا به صلح و در نتیجه مشاهده قوای متزاید جامعه جهانی بهائی، ایجاد گردیده است. بیت‌العدل اعظم در این پیام مبارک میفرمایند:

"موقعیت کنونی شریعت الهی مستلزم تبلیغ امر‌الله به میزان و کیفیت و تنوع و تمرکزی است که از جمیع مساعی حالیه پیشی جوید."

با تحیات بهائی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی: رابرت سی هندرسن [Page 26]

Native American Institute hosts ‘Healing Gathering’

About 100 people, many of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a Memorial Day weekend “Healing Gathering” at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona dedicated to consultation on the healing of addictions and the elimination of alcohol abuse.

The three-day conference included Indian-style “talk circles,” arts and crafts classes for children, traditional Indian sweat-lodge experiences, workshops, educational videos, and Navajo song-and-dance socials.

Among the highlights was a presentation on Native-based healing and education by Larry Foster, a Navajo Indian activist who uses the sweat lodge as an approach to spiritual rejuvenation and emotional and physical healing for Navajo prison inmates.

Mr. Foster and his wife were warmly received by a predominantly Bahá’í audience.

Other workshops included presentations and consultations about co-dependency, re-evaluation counseling, and the “Bahá’ís in Recovery” program.

Local Navajos Andy and Verna Morgan, strong friends of the Faith, helped the Institute in carrying out the conference, as did a BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) school counselor who has become an enthusiastic friend of the Faith and who served on the Institute’s Addictions Task Force.

The conference was also blessed by the attendance of Billy Lee, a Navajo war veteran who joined the friends at the Institute on Memorial Day for dawn prayers and for the rest of the day’s sessions.

Mr. Lee poured his heart out in prayer and shared with the friends his military memorabilia. He was warmly included in the conference by all the friends.

Pictured (left to right) at the Native American Bahá’í Institute’s ‘Healing Gathering’ May 27-30 are Chester Kahn, Mark Hull and Phil Jamison.

Navajo Bahá’í elder Angela Ashley addresses a ‘talk circle’ during the Native American Bahá’í Institute’s ‘Healing Gathering’ held May 27-30.

Auxiliary Board members Nancy Phillips and Rick Wadleigh were joined by 30 of their assistants and some Navajo Bahá’í friends for a conference May 14-15 at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona.

SON OF BEING!

Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for my manifestation.

-Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’í top graduate

Cheri Wallace Matthews, a member of the Bahá’í community of Knoxville, Tennessee, was among the top 14 graduates this spring at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Based on her grade-point average, Mrs. Matthews was graduated first in the College of Agriculture.

Archives has auctions mailing list

The National Bahá’í Archives has developed a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book auction catalogs. The Archives hopes to have two to three auctions of duplicate books each year.

If you would like to be on the mailing list, send your name and address to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

‘Steffes Project’ honors American Indians

Last year they were the Native American Bahá’í Task Force. They held a conference, with one of its goals being to recruit new members. At that time they had four members.

Now, a year later, the membership has grown to nine, they have taken on a new goal, changed their name and held their first public event under that name, the Marian Steffes Project.

“Honor American Indian Day,” held May 24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was attended by about 100 people.

The program was varied: native crafts of all types were on display and for sale; a table of literature was available; Nick Hockings, a Chippewa from Lac du Flambeau, displayed wood carvings; Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor presented a magic show for about 50 children.

One goal of the project is to bring political factions in the Indian community together. Oneida, Chippewa, Winnebago, Menominee, and Stockbridge-Munsee all took part in this public event which focused on Wisconsin’s Indians.

Another goal is to find Indian people for possible enrollment later on. To facilitate this, a casual invitation to stay at the end of the day and hear about the project and find out about the Bahá’í Faith was extended.

As a result, seven non-Bahá’í Indians attended a fireside conducted by Mr. Taylor. In the afternoon, Tim Kinney, a Menominee folk singer, performed.

“An interesting observation is how well we worked together, this being our first planned activity,” said Patricia Miller, chairman of the Steffes Project.

“Our group is so vital, so full of energy and unified. We were certainly successful in fulfilling our goals.

“We feel very lucky to have native and non-native believers working on this project with skills applicable to the task.”

Tim Kinney, a Menominee Indian folk singer, performs during ‘Honor American Indian Day’ May 24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The public event was sponsored by the Marian Steffes Project.

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. Indians will gather from all parts of North America on Monday, August 1st, for two days of camping 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.

Hope to see you there!

For more information contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 312/869-9039 [Page 27]

UN Q & A

Question: Where are the Bahá’í offices located in New York City? Answer: The offices of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC), the International Office of Public Information (OPI), and the U.S. Bahá’í UN representative (U.S./UN) are located within one-half block of the United Nations headquarters.

Q: What benefits are derived from this proximity? A: The ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’í‎ offices are frequently the site of non-governmental organization (NGO) committee meetings, receptions for prominent visitors and UN personnel, and ad hoc consultations with NGO representatives. It is here that consultations with Bahá’í representatives from other national communities and committees often take place. Personnel from BIC offices in other countries meet here, as well.

Q: How are the three Bahá’í offices arranged? A: The ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’í‎ offices are situated in a 5,500-square-foot suite on the first floor of the building. The suite includes a conference room, communications center, kitchen facilities, and individual offices that accommodate a staff of 18. The offices are tastefully furnished; decorative accessories include gifts from ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of several countries and cultures.

Q: What part of the office facilities comprise the U.S. Bahá’í UN office? A: The U.S./UN office has a staff of two, the representative and an assistant, each of whom has an individual office.

Q: In what ways do the three offices (BIC, OPI, U.S./UN) interact? A: Interaction and cooperation are the main characteristics of the combined agencies. Each day is begun (9 a.m.) with the entire staff gathering for prayers. (Note: Many on staff commute long distances from Connecticut, New Jersey and upstate New York.)

After prayers, pertinent announcements and reports of activities of general interest are shared. Task forces for special projects are generally made up of personnel from each office. All offices share the central services of switchboard, mail handling, reception and communication facilities.

This continuing inter-agency cooperation adds special impetus to Bahá’í approaches to issues of international importance and bodes well for the success of efforts on all fronts.

‘Global Cooperation for Better World’ New United Nations program has broad vision

On April 21, a project called “Global Cooperation for a Better World” was launched at United Nations headquarters in New York.

The aim of the project is to encourage individuals and groups from all sectors of society to come together and develop a vision of what a better world could be like.

The process can help develop skills that further the art of cooperation and put forth courses of action designed to make the vision a reality.

The positive visions (no negatives allowed) are to be written down and sent to a “bank” of ideas and actions called the Global Cooperation Bank.

The ideas and actions will be dedicated to the United Nations and will be presented to the UN in the spring of 1989.

The motto at the reception was “think globally, act locally.” More than 100 delegates attended including ambassadors or their representatives from every continent and high-ranking individuals from the UN Secretariat.

Dr. James Grant, executive director of UNICEF, shared his personal vision, saying, “In a sense what we are seeing here is a series of examples of changing values, changing ethics, that some individuals have pioneered but (they have been) abetted by a great number of others. The values of our society have changed.”

The honorary chairman is Mrs. Marcela Perez de Cuellar, wife of the UN Secretary-General.

Letters of encouragement for the project have been received from many notables including Mr. Perez de Cuellar; former President Jimmy Carter; and President Corazon Aquino of the Philippines.

Launch activities also took place in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Kenya, Mauritius, India, and Thailand.

In the U.S., the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Boston participated.

Entertainers at the UN event included ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ Red and Kathy Grammer with the children from Lakeside School, Peekskill, New York, singing “Teaching Peace” to conclude the afternoon.

The Bahá’í International Community was represented by Dr. Victor de Araujo.

For more information about Global Cooperation for a Better World, write to Shirley Lee, UN Representative, U.S. Bahá’í UN Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (telephone 212-751-1282).

Bahá’í singer/songwriter Red Grammer and children from Oakside School in Peekskill, New York, entertain during the international launch of ‘Global Co-operation for a Better World’ at UN headquarters in New York on April 21.

Persian/Americans in Portland hold big ‘Unity Pow-wow’

The Area Persian/American Affairs Committee of Portland, Oregon, has been actively encouraging community fellowship, taking its cue from an ancient American Indian custom.

During Ayyám-i-Há, the committee organized a Unity Pow-wow with a potluck dinner thrown in for good measure.

More than 200 ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ and their non-Bahá’í friends came together for this touched-up native ceremony: 40 Persians—mostly refugees—45 Americans, 25 children and about 100 American Indians.

A Bahá’í, Dr. Nosratullah Rassekh, presented a brief talk on Ayyám-i-Há and what it signifies for Bahá’ís.

The program seemed to be well-received by the Indians, who have extended a standing invitation to the Bahá’ís to attend their regular pow-wows.

The Area PAAC of Portland had similar success with its Naw-Rúz party which attracted more than 300 ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ and their friends.

Again, the ethnic mix was diverse: American Indians, Hmong and Eastern Europeans as well as the American friends.

Six local Spiritual Assemblies to take part in UN program to heighten awareness of Africa’s social/economic problems

An effort encouraged by the National Spiritual Assembly has sparked participation by six selected local Spiritual Assemblies in a project called “Africa Focus.”

The principal sponsor of the project is the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service. A co-sponsor is the YMCA of the U.S.A. whose branches will serve as liaisons at the local level.

The sponsors chose six pilot cities (Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Boston, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and New York) to initiate efforts designed to heighten nationwide awareness of the critical plight of an entire continent: Africa.

Africa was described by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, as an area of the world which is “truly awakening and finding herself and (which) undoubtedly has a great message to give and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilization.”

The local task forces in the six cities are composed of civic leaders and representatives of various non-governmental organizations including the Bahá’í Spiritual Assemblies.

Their goal is to produce an awareness in the community of Africa’s economic and social problems and of several African initiatives that are being taken to help solve those problems.

American partnership in long-term solutions is crucial to the success of African development efforts.

Although participation was optional, all six local Spiritual Assemblies have chosen to join the effort.

The first and second phases of the project, which involve task force formation and consultation, have already begun.

Third-phase activities will include community-wide conferences or symposiums on Africa, teacher workshops for curriculum development, fact-finding missions, lecture series at universities, media roundtables, and other means of generating interest and enlisting support.

Acceptance of these opportunities promises to bring the twin rewards of service and recognition to those Assemblies taking part.

Pioneering

from page 6

kinds. To be killed for the Cause is not so difficult as to live for it in absolute obedience to the commands of God.

“To attain to the condition of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl who cared for nothing in this world save to write something for the Cause that will be of benefit, or like Mírzá Haydar-‘Alí, who cared not for money, clothes or even food, but only to teach someone something about the Kingdom; this is real attainment to the plane of sacrifice.

“And without attaining this condition, all efforts are without any final result. One who cares for love for husband, wife or children more than for the Cause of God has not attained.”

When I became a Bahá’í, my Bahá’í teacher was getting ready to pioneer. I was born into the Faith thinking that pioneering is what you have to do. Prepare yourself as quickly as you can and go. And that’s exactly what I did; I quickly finished school and went pioneering.

One of the greatest gifts of pioneering, one of the bounties of God, is a condition that I call “consciousness of one’s dependence on God,” that is, consciousness of your dependence on Bahá’u’lláh for everything.

It is a blessed state. You don’t depend anymore on your credit card, or your job, or your title. You are not dependent on those things because you know that they are nothing. They are ashes and dust.

You are dependent on the Source of all power, the Source of all glory, the Source of all majesty, the Source of all goodness and love. You are dependent on Bahá’u’lláh Himself.

And you feel so secure. You feel that there is nothing that can hurt you. You are not afraid anymore. You are not afraid to take the step of faith. Like Rúhíyyih Khánum’s little poem: “Faith is walking “where there is no path, “seeing where there is no light “breathing where there is “no air.”

You are no longer afraid to go anywhere and do what the Faith needs you to do.

Venezuela invita jóvenes a conferencia

El Comité Nacional de Jóvenes de Venezuela extiende una cordial invitación a los amigos bahá’ís a la Conferencia Internacional de Jóvenes en Maracaibo, Venezuela, del 18 al 21 de agosto de 1988.

El tema de la Conferencia es “La Juventud Sirviendo a la Humanidad.”

La Conferencia contará la presencia de los Consejeros Dr. Farzam Arbáb, la Sra. Isabel Pavón de Calderón y el Dr. Peter McLaren.

El propósito primordial de esta Conferencia es el de promover el Movimiento de Juventud en Colombia, Ecuador y en Venezuela.

Para más información, por favor de comunicarse con el Comité Nacional de Jóvenes al Centro Nacional Bahá’í al 312-869-9039 o escriba al: National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Arise! To Teach

Have You Had Your Word of God Seminar?

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

If you are in public health ...

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of Bahá’ís who hold advanced degrees or have considerable experience in the field of public health. Opportunities arise in which the National Assembly would like to be able to call upon those with expertise in public health to represent the Faith at national events.

Qualified individuals are asked to send resumés or descriptions outlining their skills and experience to the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20009. [Page 28]

The sixth Bahá’í International Convention

Left: The Ninth Day of Riḍván is commemorated at the Shrine of the Báb. In the front row (second from left) is the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí Akbar Furútan; behind him and to his right is the Hand of the Cause ‘Alí Muḥammad Varqá. Above left: delegate Eusebio Marca Fily from Bolivia rises to speak during consultation. Above right: Delegates Lyn Vitols of Norway (left) and Jone Waqavesi of Fiji in front of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Right: Delegates from Mali and Sierra Leone chat in the gardens near the Shrine of the Báb. Below left: The magnificent view of the terraced gardens on Mount Carmel as seen from the top walkway of the Seat of the House of Justice. To the right is the International Archives Building. Below right: Delegates to the International Convention visit the House of ‘Abbúd in ‘Akká.

All photographs copyright © 1988 by Paul Slaughter [Page 29]

The sixth Bahá’í International Convention

Left: Delegates to the International Convention stroll along the top walkway of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice with hanging gardens in the rear and Mount Carmel in the background. The building at top right is Nof Hotel where many of the delegates stayed during the Convention. Above: Colorfully costumed delegates from Swaziland flank another from Korea. Right: Delegates in the courtyard of the House of Abbúd in ‘Akká. Below left: Bob Napily, a delegate from Papua New Guinea, in colorful native dress. Below right: A delegate from The Gambia comes onstage to cast his ballot for election of the Universal House of Justice; looking on from the podium is the chief teller, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly. Six hundred sixty-three delegates representing 132 of the world’s 148 National Spiritual Assemblies were present at the Convention; members of other National Assemblies voted by mail.

All photographs copyright © 1988 by Paul Slaughter [Page 30]

Special Visit Program a ‘warm, moving experience’

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

The first Special Visit Program of the summer has just been completed. For the staff at the Bahá’í House of Worship, it was a particularly warm and moving experience.

Some of the passages from the group’s evaluation sheets reflect what we hope participants will take away with them:

“This Special Visit has been like a mini-pilgrimage for me—very ‘special.’ ... It was the first time since visiting the Shrines at the World Center that I felt I was ‘at home.’ I felt that this House of Worship was my home; and I could feel that in the middle of this continent, from which exudes uncaring attitudes and the loss of the links that bind us together, there is indeed a sanctuary. Thank you.”

“It has greatly increased my awe and appreciation of this beautiful House of Worship, deepened my respect and admiration for the early American Bahá’ís and the sacrifices they and the Iranian believers made to build this House of Worship.

“Also, it has significantly increased my awareness of how crucial it is that we sacrifice today to complete the buildings on the Arc on Mount Carmel. I will convey that to Indianapolis.”

“The tour of the National Center increased my understanding of the administrative order, and the level of competence, intelligence and humility demonstrated by the administrators was impressive to me. I feel strengthened in my loyalty to my NSA, and my vision of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh has been brought into better focus.

“In short, I have been deepened in the Bahá’í Faith, and am sincerely grateful to all those dear Bahá’ís who worked hard to make the Special Visit Program possible.”

“(The Special Visit Program has) inspired me and given me a new spirit and understanding of the Bahá’í Faith and daily life and how these two can be merged.”

“It was very nice to have had the opportunity to read in the House of Worship, to tour the National Center and meet the staff.”

“It’s like a picture is worth a thousand words. One visit is worth a thousand American Bahá’í News. If more people realized it, you would have many more visitors.”

We are considering an “extra” Special Visit Program this fall to accommodate the large number of applicants this year.

If you are interested in taking part, drop us a line at the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, IL 60091. Let us know when you could come; this will help us to decide the best time to schedule another program. And keep reading The American Bahá’í for further details.

Pictured with staff members of the Bahá’í House of Worship are Bahá’ís from across the country who took part May 26-29 in this year’s first ‘Special Visit Program’ at the House of Worship.

From the House of Worship

The Bahá’í House of Worship presents a variety of teaching opportunities that are available nowhere else. When the choir director from the Robert M. LaFollette High School in Madison, Wisconsin, phoned to arrange a tour of the House of Worship for his Senior Choir, we had no idea of the special experience we were to enjoy.

During the telephone conversation he remarked how the students would like the opportunity to sing at the Temple “sometime.” In a later call, we offered them the opportunity to sing as part of a special devotional service and asked if some of the students would also take part as readers. He was delighted, and asked if he and one of his fellow teachers could be included as readers.

When they arrived, their concern that they show proper respect for the House of Worship and follow any guidelines we might have was quite evident. We gave the choir director copies of the Writings and prayers of Bahá’u’lláh to be read. He scanned them, nodded in agreement, and picked what he considered “the best” for himself.

The spirit that emanated from the readings, and the beautiful choral singing, gave joy to all hearts. It was over far too soon. We returned to the Visitors’ Center where a guide showed the visitors the audio-visual presentation in Foundation Hall.

Several days later the following letter was received: “We have a real gratitude to you and the staff of Bahá’í Temple for our visit on May 13th.

“The memories are limitless. The excitement of singing in one of the truly awe-inspiring monuments of the human race, the sharing of words and thoughts strong for the saving of humankind and the preservation of ‎ear earth‎ the cordiality and sincerity of your service to us, and of course, the beauty and serenity of the Temple ... we remember and have a real joy.

“I’m sure that many of our choir will return again and again during their adulthood. I’m sure that every time we see a picture of Bahá’í that there will be a flood of emotions and precious memories.

“Your service and friendship to us is lasting and truly appreciated. We trust that we satisfied your expectations of us for our visit, our manners, our attention, our purposes, and our music. In all, we shared a very special gift, and that gift, given and received, and again, gift-wrapped for the future.

“Thank you and deep peace be in your life.”

The hearts of the staff of the House of Worship are really touched, and our sense of purpose is strengthened by such responses to the service we offer to visitors.

We feel great love and excitement when one we’ve been teaching declares his faith in Bahá’u’lláh. One of the greatest means of introducing a new believer to teaching and serving is at the House of Worship. Here one’s inhibitions just naturally disappear as the need for greeting and talking to the visitors is greater than any fear one may feel.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: “Lay your confidence in the everlasting bounty, turn to the presence of the generous God; ask assistance from the Kingdom of Abhá; seek confirmation from the Supreme World; turn thy vision to the horizon of eternal wealth; and pray for help from the Sources of Mercy! (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 351)

And again: “Be ye not seated and silent! Diffuse the glad-tidings of the Kingdom far and near to the ears, promulgate the Word of God, and put into practice the advice and covenants of God; that is, arise ye with such qualities and attributes that ye may continually bestow life to the body of the world. ... Enkindle with all your might in every meeting the light of the love of God, gladden and cheer every heart with the utmost loving kindness, show forth your love to the stranger just as you show to your relations.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 353)

San Francisco sets four-day conference on marriage, family

The Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco is sponsoring a four-day conference on courtship, marriage and family life during the Labor Day weekend (September 2-5) at the Bahá’í Center in San Francisco.

Among the outstanding speakers expected to take part in the event are Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, author of Some Thoughts on Marriage; Mrs. Mary Hardy, former secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom; and Dr. David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

The conference, designed especially for singles, will consist of four main sessions:

1. The purpose of marriage.

2. Courtship: knowing oneself; preparing for marriage; active vs. passive approaches; being single.

3. Courtship: level of expectation; role of changing times (traditional vs. modern society); intercultural and interracial dimensions.

4. Family life: what it entails; bringing up children; links with courtship and purpose of marriage; divorce.

Workshops will be arranged around topics of the sessions.

The conference registration fee ($25) must be received by July 31. Send to Courtship Conference, San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103. Please include your name, address, phone number, age, and Bahá’í I.D. number with your registration fee. Checks should be made payable to the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco.

Special lodging rates from $10-$45 a night have been secured for the conference. For hotel bookings, please phone 800-422-3646 or 800-221-6470 or 800-227-4747 to ensure a place to stay during the busy Labor Day weekend.

When phoning, please identify yourself as a Bahá’í conference participant.

More details about the conference may be obtained by writing to the above address or by phoning 415-524-8272 or 415-431-9990.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

The sixteen Tablets included in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh were revealed by Bahá’u’lláh after the formulation of the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Shoghi Effendi characterized these Tablets as “mighty and final effusions of His [Bahá’u’lláh’s] indefatigable pen.” They are Tablets that “must rank among the choicest fruits which His mind has yielded, and mark the consummation of His forty-year-long ministry.”

These significant and much loved Tablets include the:

• Book of the Covenant
• Most Holy Tablet
• Glad Tidings
• Tablet of the World
• Tablet of Wisdom

From the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust PS $4.50

Bahá’í Distribution Service

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019 [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

The 69th Bahá’í National Convention, the largest and in many respects one of the most memorable ever held, is charged with an air of unshakable optimism and bold determination as more than 1,200 believers from throughout the U.S. gather May 25-28 in Wilmette to elect the National Spiritual Assembly and consult on the goals of the Five Year Plan which ends on April 20, 1979.

Among the special Convention guests are the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Counselor Edna True. And for the first time, invitations to attend are sent to members of local Spiritual Assemblies in the specially designated goal states of California, Illinois and New York, and to assembly members from Indian reservations in the U.S.

Others attending include 15 Auxiliary Board members and 10 Bahá’ís from Bermuda, which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

The members of the National Assembly are Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, chairman; Judge James F. Nelson, vice-chairman; Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary; Dr. Dorothy W. Nelson, treasurer; Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, assistant secretary/administration; Soo Fouts, assistant secretary/teaching; Richard D. Betts; Franklin Kahn; and Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh.

Nearly 500 delegates from 108 of the 123 National Spiritual Assemblies in existence are present for the fourth Bahá’í International Convention held April 28-May 2 in Haifa, Israel.

Elected to five-year terms on the Universal House of Justice are Hugh Chance, Hushmand Fathe-azam, Amoz Gibson, David Hofman, Borrah Kavelin, Alí Nakhjavání, David Ruhe, Ian Semple and Charles Wolcott.

"Definitive Encouragement Always Dramatically Leads Individuals to Necessary Endeavors" (DEADLINE) is the theme of a recent teaching conference in Moline, Illinois, sponsored by the four-month-old Spiritual Assembly of Silvis, Illinois.

A talk by Counselor Edna True and visits by Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Soo Fouts, who holds the newly created National Assembly office of assistant secretary for teaching, set the tone of a mass teaching/consolidation institute held June 3-4 in Skokie, Illinois.

Held as a result of a suggestion at the 69th Bahá’í National Convention in May, the institute is attended by 17 Bahá’ís from the goal states of California, Illinois and New York, and by others from Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Washington state.

They consult with and advise the National Teaching Committee, which feels that while individual teaching and firesides must continue, mass teaching and consolidation are necessary to bring a sufficient number of "waiting souls" into the Faith to raise the local Spiritual Assemblies and open the localities needed to win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

JoAnne Menking, Knight ‎Bahá’u’lláh of Bahá’u’lláh‎ to Cape Verde Is.

JoAnne Menking, who with her husband, Howard, was designated a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, for their pioneering work in the Cape Verde Islands, died May 26 at her home in Dallas, Texas. She was 61 years old.

Mrs. Menking became a Bahá’í in 1950, and left that same year with her husband to pioneer to Brazil.

In 1953, when the Guardian called for pioneers for the Ten Year Crusade, the Menkings, having returned to the U.S., were quick to respond.

On her pioneer application form, Mrs. Menking wrote, "As the Guardian stresses pioneering so much, there seems no choice but to go."

The Menkings reached the Cape Verde Islands, off the western coast of Africa, on January 5, 1954.

As the islands were a territory of Portugal, the Menkings’ knowledge of Portuguese, gained during their pioneering stay in Brazil, was a great help in establishing the teaching work there.

After four years on the Cape Verde Islands, the Menkings returned to the U.S.

Later, they served as pioneer representatives for three Southwestern states on behalf of the International Goals Committee, and continued to serve in the international field through their many teaching trips to South America, Africa and Europe.

Cynthia Olson, 84, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, dies at post in Guam

Cynthia Olson, a knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Mariana Islands, died May 14 at her pioneering post in Guam. She was 84 years old.

Born November 7, 1903, in Hennepin, Illinois, Mrs. Olson was graduated from Indiana University with a degree in psychology and philosophy and some training in journalism.

She and her husband, Edgar (Olie), had a grocery business in Wilmington, Delaware, where Mrs. Olson served on the Spiritual Assembly, when they responded to the Guardian’s call for pioneers for the Ten Year Crusade.

The Olsons volunteered to go to a European island, but instead went to Guam. As Mr. Olson had to remain in the U.S. for a time to sell their business, Mrs. Olson went ahead and became a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh when she reached Guam on May 14, 1954.

Mr. Olson joined her the following year.

Naomi Oden, Michigan Bahá’í who received ’86 Kellum Award, dies

Naomi Oden, a Bahá’í from Highland Park, Michigan, who in 1986 received the National Spiritual Assembly’s David Kellum Award for her work with young people, died May 26 in Southfield.

Mrs. Oden, a Bahá’í since 1949, helped establish the Elmhurst Home in 1974 for men who were victims of alcohol abuse.

In 1987, she won the Spirit of Detroit Award for her work with drug abusers.

IN MEMORIAM

Ruth Abbott Lakeport, CA February 12, 1988	Esther Davison Ochopee, FL February 26, 1988	Josephine Hipp Apache Junction, AZ April 24, 1988	Clarence Lowe Richland, GA February 1988	Arthur Rozier Macon, GA March 1987
Buster Adams Lydia, SC April 8, 1988	Elizabeth DeBruin Kenosha, WI April 25, 1988	Ethal Horne Richland, GA March 1988	Jack Luallen Pageland, SC Date Unknown	Helen A. Salter Marion, IA February 19, 1988
Norman Akien Ruffin, SC August 10, 1987	Ratha Mae Dewitt Whiteville, NC November 1986	Marjorie Horton Mt. Clemens, MI November 2, 1987	Maggie Luff Windsor, CA April 23, 1988	Iraj Sami Cypress, CA June 2, 1986
Ruby Lee Allen Richland, GA February 1988	Dorothy Mae Dixon Latta, SC February 1984	Bennie Howard Richland, GA February 1988	Jamshid Mali Morgantown, WV June 9, 1987	Kelly Sampson Jr. Ellaville, GA March 1988
Ethel Almond Roswell, GA 1987	Norma Dixon Macy, NE April 8, 1988	Georgessa Hunter Sacramento, CA Date Unknown	Richard Marks San Francisco, CA April 24, 1988	Jerollus Sanders Walterboro, SC October 2, 1985
Beatrice Ashton Cleveland Hts., OH May 8, 1988	Joyce Eldred Chicago, IL December 26, 1986	Mose Hymer Pamplico, SC Date Unknown	William McCormick Jacksonboro, SC January 1988	Wilbert Sauceberry Lockport, LA Date Unknown
Stuart Ayshford Rochester, MN May 19, 1988	Horace Emery Pioche, NV April 1988	Edith Jackson Hartsville, SC November 1987	Australia McDonald Lakeview, SC Date Unknown	Fred Savage Spokane, WA Date Unknown
Jesus Baiza Cashion, AZ 1987	Atanacio Farinas Wapato, WA Date Unknown	Irene Jackson Hawkinsville, GA September 1987	Louvenia McFadden Olanta, SC Date Unknown	James Scales Lac du Flambeau, WI June 15, 1987
Ann Bell Hawkinsville, GA Date Unknown	James Faust Blackville, SC December 1987	Nancy Jackson Chesterfield, SC Date Unknown	Jo Anne Menking Dallas, TX May 26, 1988	Mattie Scott Orlando, FL February 1988
Willie Benson Clemson, SC Date Unknown	Romaine Firemoon Wolf Point, MT February 10, 1988	Mabel James Rimini, SC Date Unknown	Brian J. Miller Lakeport, CA February 8, 1988	Cleo Seabrook Ruffin, SC December 1986
Walter Blackmon Richland, GA February 1988	Emery Ford Lakeview, SC 1987	D McManus James Pageland, SC Date Unknown	Helen B. Miller Stead, NV 1987	Lizzie Sellers Cheraw, SC Date Unknown
W.M. Boatwright Pamplico, SC May 22, 1985	Lanuel Ford Lakeview, SC 1988	Roy W. Jensen Lebam, WA Date Unknown	Elmo Mitchell Odessa, TX June 1987	Lillian Shortman Malta, MT April 20, 1988
Isabel Boldes Albuquerque, NM May 6, 1987	Stephanie Fowler Yucaipa, CA March 1987	Berniece Johnson Union, SC Date Unknown	Harold E. Moore Sacramento, CA Date Unknown	Katharine Smith West Chester, PA November 30, 1987
Annanias Bowens Blythe, CA Date Unknown	Clifford Foye Dawson, GA Date Unknown	Cordelia Johnson Lockport, LA 1977	Jose Mosqueda Sonoma, CA February 1988	Lonzo Staley Denmark, SC May 1985
Wilma Bowers Warsaw, IN April 13, 1988	Octavia Fredricks San Jose, CA April 21, 1988	Bennie Lee Jones Dawson, GA Date Unknown	Lela Murphy Hamer, SC October 8, 1987	James Stephens Ruffin, SC Date Unknown
Beatrice Bryant Smoaks, SC December 1987	Annie Gerideau Walterboro, SC January 1988	Louanna Jones Pamplico, SC 1986	Reather Nelson Walterboro, SC January 1988	Virginia Stevens Silver City, NV April 1988
Waley Bryant Smoaks, SC Date Unknown	Doris Gibson Pasadena, CA Date Unknown	J.W. Kavanaugh Lancaster, KY 1987	Merle Patterson Springfield, MO Date Unknown	Esther Terroni Sacramento, CA Date Unknown
Timothy Burns Pine Ridge, SD Date Unknown	Erma Granahan Colton, CA Date Unknown	Margaret Kemp State College, PA March 20, 1988	Rachael Patterson Theodore, AL Date Unknown	Betty Tiffany Amherst, NY October 1987
Thomas Busse Federal Way, WA April 7, 1988	Charlie Greene Effingham, SC March 1988	William F. Keye Coeur d’Alene, ID Date Unknown	Lewis Potter Monterey, CA April 15, 1988	Hossein Tomlinson Santa Rosa, CA August 29, 1987
Albert Butler Makah Res., WA Date Unknown	Dora Gregory Gaffney, SC May 1988	Subash Khurana Philadelphia, PA March 17, 1988	Richard Provancial Mission, SD Date Unknown	Azizullah Toufigh Orange, CA May 6, 1988
Jack Cantsee Towaoc, CO February 8, 1988	Arthur L. Grier Dawson, GA Date Unknown	Corine Kinsey Jacksonboro, SC Date Unknown	Ella Puumann El Paso, TX September 1987	Eunice Van Sluizer San Francisco, CA October 5, 1986
Nancy Carmichael Lakeview, SC 1987	Diane Guidici Costa Mesa, CA February 20, 1988	Lester Kiser Bishopville, SC August 1987	Doris Ratliff Chesterfield, SC Date Unknown	Gayle Varner Richland, WA February 27, 1988
Annie Bell Carter Theodore, AL Date Unknown	Ruhiyyih Haghani Sacramento, CA July 4, 1987	Frederick Laws Port Angeles, WA Date Unknown	Anita Redbird Laveen, AZ 1986	Sean M. Vasquez Wapato, WA January 6, 1988
Freeman Clayton Lilly, GA February 29, 1988	Albert Ham Cash, SC Date Unknown	H.B. Lee Maricopa County, AZ April 13, 1988	Rosa Redfair Bishopville, SC February 1988	Edna Wafer Bakersfield, CA April 7, 1988
John C. Collins Yucaipa, CA July 20, 1986	Evelyn Ham Cash, SC Date Unknown	Mary Ann Lewis Sells, AZ Date Unknown	Laverne Rhode Portsmouth, NH December 8, 1987	OllyMae White Wenatchee, WA March 18, 1988
Jennings Connaway Davenport, IA April 18, 1988	Mary Harmon Pamplico, SC 1987	Rufus Little Thunder Parmelee, SD 1987	Calperta Richardson Hartsville, SC Date Unknown	John Wiggins Lakeview, SC Date Unknown
Andy D. Davis Lilly, GA April 3, 1988	June Harris Pasadena, CA Date Unknown	Jessie Loban Coos Bay, OR April 5, 1988	Luther Robinson Pageland, SC January 1988	Joe Wilson Lakeview, SC Date Unknown
Don L. Davis Clio, SC Date Unknown	Roystine E. Hart Riverside, CA March 29, 1988	Christine Lofstedt Indio, CA Date Unknown	Violet Robinson Pamplico, SC Date Unknown	Rosalie Woodard Theodore, AL Date Unknown

[Page 32]

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

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

A 1. ID# Title Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames 2. ID# Title Full name 3. ID# Title Full name 4. ID# Title Full name

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: House/Space #, Street or Description City State Zip

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box or other Mailing Address City State Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í community Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area Code Number

F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Please indicate in the right-hand space whose work numbers these are. Area Code Number Name Area Code Number Name

G We receive extra copies because: [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy. [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

On March 12, Bahá’ís in the greater Memphis (Tennessee) area were among 50 groups sponsoring and taking part in an International Woman's Day event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center in Memphis. The Bahá’ís had a display table, a poster exhibit, showed the 'Mona' video all day, and handed out pamphlets to a large number of visitors. Seen at the Bahá’í booth are (left to right) Diana Chambers, Manooch Hakimi, Mary Register and Mark Gilman.

Naw-Rúz celebration among highlights in March at House of Worship in India

The highlight of activities during March at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Bahapur, India, was the Naw-Rúz celebration sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of New Delhi.

Included in the program, which drew an audience of more than 300, was chanting by a 26-member choir. The Temple was specially illuminated for this joyous occasion.

During the nine-day Navratri Mela (Fair) organized each year by the nearby Kalkaji Temple, the House of Worship received some 112,365 visitors.

Jose Hermogenes de Andrade, a well-known writer from Brazil who had visited the Temple in March 1987 and made a video tape which he later presented to the Bahá’í community of Rio de Janeiro, returned this year with his wife and a group of 21 Brazilians, one of whom is a minister of the Catholic Church.

At their request, a special prayer program with only Bahá’í prayers and recitations was arranged, and when the visitors came out of the prayer hall they said they had felt "the presence of God" inside.

Jagdish Dhingra, an engineer who first came to the Temple in the company of the head of the Laxmi Narayan sect, visited again with two friends, one of them an engineer from Illinois.

This gentleman was much impressed by the Bahá’í principles, and the first question he asked after seeing the audio-visual program was, "How can one become a Bahá’í?"

After a gap of five months, two groups of Israelis visited the House of Worship. They proudly said that they live close to our Holy Shrine in Haifa and have visited it too.

One of the women said, "I like the Bahá’í philosophy; it is so open, it is for everybody."

It has been noted that more and more visitors of Islamic background are visiting the Temple, especially younger people, and that they are asking pointed questions. One Muslim youth was so attracted by the Bahá’í principles and the House of Worship that he declared himself a Bahá’í.

Among the dignitaries visiting the House of Worship in March was Dr. John B. Taylor, secretary-general of the World Conference on Religion and Peace International.

Others included Col. Gen. Wolfgang Reinhold, deputy defense minister of the German Democratic Republic; Margaret Catley Carlson, president of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); Dadi B.K. Prakashmani, administrative head of the Brahmakumaris; Stephen Lewis, the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations; and Dadi Hari Devi Vaswani, a revered member of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission.

Haifa

Asambleas Nacionales que tienen metas e intereses mútuos. Éstas se realizaron en los días anteriores a la apertura de la Convención y de noche después de las sesiones generales, siguiendo muchas veces hasta muy tarde.

Consejeros de todos los cinco Cuerpos Continentales asistieron a la Convención—16 de África, 16 de las Américas, 12 de Asia, 8 de Australasia, y 9 de Europa—un total de 61.

Se realizaron reuniones y eventos especiales para los Consejeros bajo el patrocinio del Centro Internacional de Enseñanza. Cinco sesiones "continentales" se realizaron para los miembros de cada uno de los Cuerpos de Consejeros y los miembros de las Asambleas Espirituales Nacionales de la zona.

Despues de la Convención, del 3 al 8 de mayo, las Manos de la Causa y los Consejeros se quedaron en Haifa para participar en una conferencia de Consejeros y en consultas con la Casa Universal de Justicia y con el Centro Internacional de Enseñanza.

"...revisit all the centers where you have already sown the seed, in order to water the seedlings that have taken root and to sow fresh fresh good seed in the prepared ground." (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 9 April 1925)

Bahá’í directs medical team's visit to Honduras

In the spirit of Ayyam-i-Há, Dr. Timothy Thurber, a Bahá’í who is a pediatric specialist at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago, planned and directed a trip by medical personnel to Honduras.

During the week of February 22-28, Dr. Thurber, two other pediatric specialists and a nurse, all from Illinois Masonic Hospital, examined patients, gave instructive talks to medical staff, and arranged for the delivery and distribution in Honduras of 600 pounds of medical supplies which were donated by several pharmaceutical companies.

The supplies were divided among Project Bayán, a Bahá’í clinic in the remote Caribbean coastal region of Honduras; the Hospital Escuela, which is the country's main public hospital; and the Friends of the Americas clinics.

The purposes of the trip were to provide an exchange between the Honduran and American medical communities, extend the role of the physician beyond national boundaries, and provide an opportunity for physicians and other health care professionals of both countries to become better acquainted with Bahá’í principles.

The arrival of the medical team coincided with the arrival of a new echocardiogram machine at the Hospital Escuela.

Thus one of the team members, Dr. Andrew Griffin, a pediatric cardiologist, was able to instruct the staff in the use of the new equipment.

Dr. Violetta Angara, a pediatric neurologist, shared her expertise and humane approach with her fellow professionals and made many contacts to supply scarce and valuable medical supplies and continuing assistance for the care of several particularly difficult cases.

The other member of the team, nurse Rachel Godinez, presented several talks to the nursing staff at the Hospital Escuela, emphasizing the vital role of nursing in medical care.

As Dr. Thurber was the only Bahá’í member of the team, the others were able to gain an increased awareness of the Faith and, hopefully, will feel inclined to continue their investigation of its teachings.

Teaching Guidelines updated, revised

Teaching Project Guidelines, produced by the National Teaching Committee, has been updated and revised and an appendix added on helping Indo-Chinese refugee Bahá’ís integrate into the American Bahá’í family.

These guidelines are designed to help a community prepare and carry out a teaching or service project. Included are sections on project planning, securing resources needed for the project, implementing plans, monitoring and reporting progress, and evaluating the project.

Teaching Project Guidelines is available for $2 per copy from the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Checks for orders should be made payable to "Bahá’í Services Fund."