The American Bahá’í/Volume 19/Issue 8/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 19, Issue 8

National Assembly names four teaching campaign sites

At its meeting June 24-26, the National Spiritual Assembly chose the four sites that will become the focus of largescale teaching campaigns during the coming year.

After carefully considering proposals from local Assemblies, District Teaching Committees and Baha’i communities, the National Assembly named the following as target areas: San Jose, California; the greater Atlanta, Georgia, area; Chicago, Illinois; and Boston, Massachusetts.

In a message informing them of their selection, the National Assembly said it anticipates that ‘‘these activities will result in the beginnings of entry by troops promised by the beloved Master and referred to by the Universal House of Justice in its Ridvan 1988 message.”

The large-scale campaigns are part of a teaching plan conceived by the National Spiritual Assembly during the sixth Baha’i International Convention in April.

The four sites are among a dozen at which a series of preliminary conferences is scheduled later this year. The National Assembly has invited two former members of the Universal House of Justice, David Hofman and Borrah Kavelin, and the architect and project manager for the Arc on Mount Carmel, Husayn Amanat and Farfburz Sahba, to take part, and they may visit some of the conferences.

The purpose of these conferences is to explore the challenges of completing the Arc and bringing about entry by troops.

Besides the four named above, the hosts for the conferences are:

Spiritual Assembly of New York City; Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Washington; Spiritual Assembly of Columbia, South Carolina; Spiritual Assembly of Houston, Texas; Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, California.

Also, Spiritual Assemblies of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas (co-hosts); Spiritual Assemblies of Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. (co-hosts); Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The National Assembly’s over-all plan is scheduled to be implemented between September 1988 and February 1989.

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

A The

Photo by Merrill Miller

House Subcommittee hears Iran testimony by National Assembly

For the third time in six years,

the National Spiritual Assembly has presented testimony about the persecution of Bahda’is in Iran before the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.

Appearing at the Subcommittee session June 29 were the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Robert C, Henderson, and its secretary for External Affairs, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh.

Also testifying before the Subcommittee on behalf of the Baha’is were Rep. John Porter of Illinois and Richard Schifter, Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs.

The hearing followed by less than two months the introduction in the Senate and House of a joint resolution calling on the government of Iran to respect the civil rights of all its citizens including the Baha’is who are not protected under the Constitution that was put in place after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

This latest resolution—also the third since 1982—has 90 co-sponsors in the House and 39 in the Senate.

Although no Baha’j has been executed in Iran since last Septem See CONGRESS page 4

More than 100,000 embrace Cause in June in India’s Uttar Pradesh

WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS SHARE NEWS RESOUNDING TEACHING VICTORIES INDIA FIRST EVIDENCE RESPONSE RIDVAN MESSAGE APPEAL. FOLLOWING DECISION NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DECLARE JUNE MONTH OF MASS TEACHING, STATE BAHA'I COUNCIL UTTAR PRADESH DEVISED SPECIAL PLANS WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ENROLLING WOMEN YOUTH FAMILIES THREE DISTRICTS THAT STATE. INSPIRED BY COUNSELORS AND LED BY THREE COORDINATORS TWO COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES 110 DEVOTED SOULS AROSE TO SPREAD LIFE-GIVING MESSAGE OF BAHA’U’LLAH AMONG THEIR COUNTRYMEN. RESULT THEIR EFFORTS WITHIN ONE SHORT MONTH WAS BEYOND ALL EXPECTATION. OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEN WOMEN YOUTH MANY BELONGING SAME FAMILIES ACCEPTED FAITH. EFFECTIVE FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM INITIATED ESTABLISHING AT LEAST FIVE DEEPENING INSTITUTES PER MONTH IN CENTRAL AREAS. ALREADY 1,000 NEW BELIEVERS CONTRIBUTED TO FUND SUBSCRIBING TO HINDI BAHA’{ MAGAZINE. LARGE QUANTITY HINDI LITERATURE INCLUDING PICTURE OF MASTER BEING PRODUCED WITH ASSISTANCE COUNSELORS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO NEW BELIEVERS. AUDIO CASSETTES OF HOLY WRITINGS, PRAYERS, SIMPLE TALKS BEING PREPARED. THREE LARGE RURAL CONFERENCES FOR WOMEN YOUTH FAMILIES BEING PLANNED. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BEING CONSULTED UPON. CONFIDENT SUCH VICTORIES ATTAINABLE IN OTHER PARTS OF PLANET AS WELL. URGING FOLLOWERS MOST GREAT NAME THROUGHOUT WORLD ARISE WITH HIGH RESOLVE FOLLOW EXAMPLE THEIR INDIAN BRETHREN CALLING MANKIND TO FAITH OF GOD AT THIS CRITICAL JUNCTURE HUMAN HISTORY. EAGERLY AWAITING NEWS RESULTS THEIR EFFORTS. ASSURE ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BESEECHING BLESSINGS ANCIENT BEAUTY THEIR DETERMINED EFFORTS MASS TEACHING FIELD. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

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Volume 19, No. 8 August 1988

Enthusiastic youth arise to ‘set stage’ for growth, victory

More than 3,000 pledge lives of service

to Cause of God at Indiana Conference

By JACK BOWERS More than 40 declarations of faith in Bahá’u’lláh ... upwards of 3,000 commitments of service to the Cause of God ... nearly 6,000 youth, adults and children from 50 countries and every continent on earth: this was a conference to cherish, to savor and to remember fondly for a lifetime.

What is more important, the 1988 Bahd’{ International Youth Conference may be recalled by future generations as the event at which ‘‘the stage was set” for a remarkable transformation in the American Baha’i community, one that would lead to victory in the Six Year Plan and help bring about the process of entry by troops which was, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, “‘promised by the beloved Master and which Shoghi Effendi said would lead on to mass conversion.”

The conference, held June 30-July 4 on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, was marked by a seriousmindedness and sense of purpose seldom seen at an event of its size and scope.

This was underscored Sunday afternoon when young people from all over the world stood

Complete photo coverage of the International Youth Conference: pages 5, 7, 18-19, 28-29, 31, 32, 36.

before a large audience including Counselors and members of the National Spiritual Assembly and described recent events in their countries that have helped advance the Cause of God, and again that same evening when the National Assembly asked for written pledges of service to the Faith.

As the audience stood and applauded, the pledges began arriving onstage—singly at first, then in handfuls, and finally boxes full of these marvelous commitments to serve, more than 3,000 in all.

The heart-stirring news was cabled immediately to the Universal House of Justice, which said in its reply:

“With joy and thanksgiving we

See CONFERENCE page 29

guilty.

religion.

Egyptian court acquits 32 more Baha’is

In June, the National Spiritual Assembly received news that a court in Egypt had acquitted 32 Bahá’ís who were sentenced in 1987 to three-year prison terms on charges that they violated a 1960 edict barring organized Baha’i activities in that country.

A District Court in Cairo ruled on June 13 that the monthly meetings held in Baha’i homes were not illegal because they were “private and personal’’ in nature.

The 32 Baha’is thus acquitted were among a group of 48 sentenced in May 1987 to prison terms on religious charges. At that time, two of the accused who recanted their faith were found not

Thirteen others convicted last year were acquitted February 17 by the Egyptian Court of Appeals in Cairo.

The National Assembly said it is pleased that the independent courts of Egypt have upheld the country’s long tradition of justice and religious tolerance, and expressed its gratitude for the efforts of the U.S. State Department, members of Congress and leaders of other governments on behalf of the Egyptian Baha’is.

According to reports from Cairo, the court rulings did not address the defense’s argument that the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory, requires Egypt to respect the rights of all citizens to practice their

�[Page 2]2/ The American Baha’i / August 1988

Universal House of Justice names 11 new Counselors

To the Bahá’ís of the World Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Recent events have given rise to 11 vacancies in the membership of the Continental Boards of Counselors. Mr. Adib Taherzadeh has been elected to the Universal House of Justice; Dr. Farzam Arbab, Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Donald Rogers, Mrs. Joy Stevenson, and Mr. Peter Vuyiya have been appointed as Counselor members of the International Teaching Center.

In addition, ill health has sadly made it impossible for Dr. Chellie Sundram to continue his services as a Counselor for Asia,” Dr. Iraj Ayman and Mrs. Thelma Khelghati have been compelled by circumstances be yond their control to leave, respectively, the continents of Asia and Africa in which they were serving, and Mr. Adam Thorne has had to resign, for personal reasons, from the Continental Board of Counselors for Europe. We wish first to express our profound appreciation of the contributions these dear friends have made to the advancement of the Cause of God during their years of service as Counselors, and we pray that the blessings of Bahd’u’ll4h will surround them in all they undertake in the future.

We now have great happiness in announcing the appointment of the following believers as Continental Counselors:

Africa: Mr. George Allen and Mr. Hiz

Newly appointed Teaching Center convenes first meeting at Bahjí

zaya Hissani. The Americas: Mr. Gustavo Correa, Mrs. Jacqueline Delahunt and Dr. William Roberts. Asia: Dr. Kim MyungJung and Mrs. Shantha Sundram. Australasia: Mrs. Violette Haake. Europe: Mr. Patrick O’Mara, Mrs. Elisabeth Mihlschlegel and Dr. Shapoor Rassekh.

Furthermore, as two of the Counselors now appointed to the International Teaching Center had been Trustees of their respective Continental Funds, we now appoint Counselor Peter McLaren to be Trustee of the Continental Fund in the Americas, and Counselor Ben Ayala to be Trustee in Australasia.

As was abundantly apparent at the time of the sixth International Baha’i Conven tion and in the meetings of the Counselors

which followed, the Bahd’{ world has

entered on a stage of the greatest impor- imporwhen

forefront of the thoughts of every ardent follower of Baha’u’ll4h. The challenges and opportunities are great, and are increasing in number with each passing day. We supplicate the Almighty to grant an unprecedented measure of divine confirmation to the institutions of His embryonic World Order and to His faithful believers who are laboring for the diffusion of His Message in every region of the globe. With loving Baha’i greetings, The Universal House of Justice June 16, 1988

With grateful hearts convey to the followers of Baha’u’ll4h throughout world joyful news first meeting newly appointed International Teaching Center.

On morning Friday third June the Hands of the Cause Amatu’l-Baháé Rúḥíyyih Khanum and ‘Ali Akbar Furitan, the members of the Universal House of Justice and the nine Counselor members of the International Teaching Center gathered in Bahjí and entered the Most Holy Shrine for prayers before proceeding to the Mansion of Baha’u’ll4h where their first joint meeting was held in room associated with Shoghi Effendi. All were acutely conscious of the inestimable blessing of initiating their consultations in these sacred precincts.

In this and subsequent consultations during the days which followed, the tasks of the International Teaching Center in face of the tremendous opportunities for teaching now before the Baha’i world were reviewed, and new patterns of operation were formulated.

Rejoice new vistas opening for victorious promotion Cause God.

Universal House of Justice June 13, 1988

About two years ago the Bahá’ís in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area made a commitment to acquire a Bahd’{ Center ‘in the Spirit

of the Roses.’ Thanks to the prayers and sacrifices of everyone in the community, the Center was purchased earlier this year for

cash and has been in use since Riḍván. Plans are being made to remodel and improve the building.

May Brown: a long life of service to the Cause

| t | VIEWPOINT

She was born within three years of the lifetime of Baha’u’ll4h. The automobile had been invented only eight years before, in 1887. The telephone was only 19 years old, and airplanes were still in the world of fantasy. Men were the ultimate authority in the family, and kings still ruled the earth. The year was 1895.

Two years after May Brown was born, the message of the Revelation of Bahd’u’ll4h reached America, and when she was five several other native Kansans were affirming their belief in this Most Great Revelation in the town of Enterprise. But she knew nothing about it.

Before May was 10, Rose Hilty, a Baha’i from Enterprise, moved to Topeka, becoming the first Baha’i there. In a few years May would move near Topeka and live most of the rest of her life there.

In 1915 she had a high school classmate whose widowed father would, in the next decade, marry the second Baha'i in Topeka, Ber

tha Hyde. May knew Miss Hyde, but did not know she was a Baha’i.

In 1933, 14 years after she had married her childhood sweetheart, Paul Brown, a man came to the goat dairy they owned and operated. He had come because it was the only four-star goat dairy in the area.

The man’s wife gave lectures on nutrition and wanted the best goat milk during her two-week stay in town. Part of the payment for the milk consisted of free tickets to the lecture series.

Neither May nor Paul had any idea that their lives were about to change radically and irrevocably.

The lecturer was Orcella Rexford. Besides her nutrition lectures on weeknights, she gave free lectures on weekends—lectures about religion.

The paid lectures, it seems, enabled her to travel around the country to give the religious ones.

May and her husband did not go to the first free lecture; they were quite satisfied with their religion and were active in their church. After all, wasn’t that why they had recently built their house next to the church? And weren’t they happy, busy members of it?

The American Baha’i (USPS 042-430) is published monthty by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’(s of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL (60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Ba‘hd’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura E, Hildreth. The American Bahd’! welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written in a clear and concise manner; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, 1L 60091. Copyright © 1988 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’(s of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

This month’s column, ‘May Brown, Handmaiden,’’ was written by Duane L. Herrmann of Berryton, Kansas.

But when they returned to the nutrition lecture on Monday, everyone was astir over the lecture on religion. ‘‘Why, she had the nerve to say that Christ has returned! How could any sane person say such a thing?”

Curious, May and Paul decided to attend the next religious lecture and check these stories out for themselves.

There, Mrs. Rexford indeed proclaimed that Christ had returned in the Most Great Name.

The Browns left the Baha’ lecture transfixed. From that moment on, their lives were inextricably linked with the Revelation of Baha’u’ll4h.

With two others who had attended the lectures, they helped form a study group to learn more about this amazing claim of Baha'u'llah.

The study group was formalized in November 1933 and named the “Topeka Baha’i Fellowship.”” It was the first documented organized Baha’i institution in Kansas.

At Riḍván 1934 the first Spiritual Assembly of Topeka was elected, but notification did not reach the National Assembly so it was not recognized.

The next Ridvan the Baha’is in Topeka tried again and this time met with success. The Assembly was duly elected and Paul Brown became its first chairman, a position he held often for the next 40 years until his death in 1979.

May was also elected to that first Assembly and served as a member for more than 40 of the next 50 years.

Both were delegates from Kansas to various Baha’i National Conventions, and both served frequently on regional, area or state teaching committees.

Their home was open to such traveling teachers as Dorothy Baker, Roy Wilhelm and others. In fact, every Baha’i in Kansas knew his way to the Browns’ hospitable welcome; their home was always open.

After Paul retired as a contractor, he and May traveled to the Geyserville and Green Acre Baha’i schools as well as to the National Center where he gave freely of his time and knowledge in renovating or rebuilding many of the buildings that are still in use today.

He died knowing that many of his children and gran had accepted the Faith. Even after several strokes, when he could no longer remember people’s names, he could recognize the Greatest Name.

After Paul’s death May was a tower of strength and source of consolation for her family, friends and the Baha’i community. She continued to live in their home, which was for 20 years the Baha’i Center of Topeka (really all of Kansas), served on the Assembly, ran the book sales and held regular firesides.

But when she reached her 85th year it began to be a bit too much for her. She moved to a retirement apartment near her sister but continued to serve on the Assembly,

hold firesides, and teach, teach, teach.

She also continued her monthly letters to her grandchildren, which by the mid-1980s meant two dozen letters each month, three carbons at a time, using the two-fi finger typing method employed by the Guardian. “‘If it’s okay for Shoghi Effendi,” she would say, “it’s okay for me.”

In addition, she sent monthly letters to various isolated Baha’is.

After a serious fall she knew it was time to move on. Her daughter in town had a room waiting for this day.

Moving would mean resigning, with great reluctance, from the Spiritual Assembly, which had moved its meeting place with her from house to apartment; file cabinet in one corner, bulletin board on a cabinet, chairs around the room. And it would have to meet, for the first time in more than 20 years, without ‘‘May Brown Cookies.””

Despite these restrictions on her activities, May’s devotion to and involvement with the Bahá’í community has not dimmed, even though her body has caused her to slow down.

She has contributed Specificalue in the names of Sar child greatpandcantes! slike balkingiof every House of Worship after helping to build our own.

She continues to take such an active interest in local and national affairs that a letter from her was included by the National Spir See VIEWPOINT page 3 �[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 “let

ters’? column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and o} never to denigrate another's 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, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Changing darkness to light

To the Editor:

I have noticed while reading the “letters to the editor’’ section of The American Bahd’/ that many deal with some form of injustice: racial inequality, women’s rights (or lack of), and one sad letter (April) from a new Baha’i who needed a friend and found none.

Dickens’ phrase about ‘“‘the best of times and the worst of times’’ seems very appropriate even today.

As the world becomes darker, we Bahá’ís need to become lighter. One way to do this is to deepen and pray and become the best Baha’is each of us is capable of being. This requires constant vigilance, bringing ourselves to account each day.

If there are not more Baha’is in the world right now, the only one who is at fault is each individual Baha’i. We can only be responsible for ourselves; to spend time laying the blame on one another is to lose precious teaching time.

It would be nice if we were all wonderful, caring, perfect Ba Viewpoint

from page 2

itual Assembly in its monthly letter to every Baha’i community in this country for the Feast of Baha to launch the year 144. And she still hosts Feast.

For several years May has wondered what Baha’u’llah yet wants her to do to complete her life so she can leave it. She refuses to consider that she has done anything on her own.

“| don’t know why people make such a fuss over me,’’ she once said. ‘‘I hayen’t done anything.”

“*No,”’ she was told in reply. “You've gotten out of the way so that Bahd’u’ll4h can do things. Other people don’t always get out of His way.”

“‘Well,”’ she said after a pause, “I guess you’re right.””

Despite her advanced age she has kept on teaching. In the last half of 1987 two of her granddaughters came to Topeka, to her home, to declare their belief in Baha’u’ll4h. One flew nearly 500 miles especially to do this.

Theirs were the first declarations in Topeka in nearly a decade. And still May Brown wonders what she can do for Baha’wllah.

ha’fs. But we are not (myself included), and we are struggling with sometimes overwhelming problems just like everyone else in the world.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá warned us about becoming ‘‘unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and mercy.’’

My point is that the injustices we see all around us—the poverty, immorality, drugs and alcohol, broken families, as well as racial and gender inequality—are all the result of mankind not heeding God’s laws and not listening to His appointed Messenger for this day: Baha’u’llah.

There are many tests for us as Baha’is, and each of us must pray and fight his own spiritual battles, even though at times we may appear to be losing.

If we all did this, and then reached out to one another, encouraging, respecting and loving each one as God’s child longing for an unconditional hug, I’ll just bet we couldn’t keep people away!

Brenda Snyder Olean, New York

‘An example to us all’

To the Editor:

Today (May 13) in Amarillo, Texas, a dear and devoted mai servant of Baha’u’ lah was buried.

Her name is Freda Belson. In July 1964 she came from New York City as a homefront pioneer to the Texas panhandle. For a middle-aged woman of Jewish background who had never lived anywhere but New York, I’m sure Amarillo was like a foreign land.

She lived on a limited income, but every Baha’f in the area and any who traveled through for the next 24 years was showered with her love, prayers and hospitality.

She could really be called the “mother” of the Baha’i community in that area. Her steadfastness through all those years, with the ups and downs of the Baha’i community, was an example to us all.

Only now, after having been a Baha’ for a few years, do I really appreciate her devotion to the Cause, her deep love for Baha’u’llah, and her willingness to remain at her pioneer post through every difficulty.

She will be missed very much by the community.

Marie Griffith Westminster, Colorado

More on the gold standard

To the Editor:

This is in reply to the letter (April) by Bruce Koerber concerning the gold standard.

While it is true, as he says, that fiat money helped to finance many wars, the gold standard was in effect, both at home and overseas, during World War I.

That war was financed by taxes and bond sales; the money supply was linked essentially to increases in gold reserves of the U.S. and the world.

Bond financing is independent of the money supply of any country, whether money supplies are ruled by gold production or by the credit expansion policies of government (i.e., by fiat).

The essence of any monetary system, whether based on gold, other commodities, or fiat, is that people trust the use of their medium of exchange (that is, coin,

currency, checks, etc.). Without that trust, the value is eroded by inflation and currency substitution.

What is needed is not disarmament per se, neither a gold standard per se. What is needed is an even greater degree of trustworthiness: trust to not use arms, trust that values can be easily and equitably transferred in all our business transactions.

When Baha’u’ll4h spoke of interest on loans (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 133), He referred, interchangeably, to gold, silver and money.

Elsewhere, when speaking of the establishment of a single world currency, He did not specify its form. Economic history has, most assuredly, ruled against gold, and Sor greater facilities of trustworthiness.

Keith Christian Jensen Professor of Economics Oceanside, California . To the Editor:

The American Bahd’?s “‘letters” section is a stimulating forum, the meeting-place of Baha’is’ minds from around the country, even the Baha’i world.

Every once in a while a strange notion pops up, such as the proposal that a return to the gold standard as ‘‘international law’’ would somehow stop wars.

It is my understanding that gold has been feeding wars, even caus

ci countries thousands of years ago until World War II.

Finally replaced by novel economic theories and banking practices, gold still fascinates some people as a ‘‘sure commodity’’ motivating a periodic rush of the primal hoarding impulse of man.

With apartheid at the forefront of news, gold is associated with the domineering racist society; however, the plight of the black miner in South Africa pales in comparison to the nightmarish ordeal of the tens of thousands of poor gold prospectors in Brazil.

In magazine pictures and film, they are shown crawling 12-hour days by the thousands, sucked by mountains of mud into the jungle

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 3

where acré after acre of unstable and heretofore unviolated jungle soils are carved to provide twothirds of Brazil’s gold output.

To think that peace could depend on a return to this barbaric gold standard does not appeal to me. I would rather stay faithful to the inspiring Bahd’{ vision of peace by “‘international law upheld by a world government.””

Eliane A. Hopson New York, New York

Pioneering =

To the Editor:

Pioneering is a beautiful experience. Many of us have heard about the wonderful things that our pioneers have accomplished.

I have great respect for the person who dedicates his time to glorify God, but let me say that there are some who have not yet realized the main objective.

As a pioneer you must endure a world of work. You will spend much of your time working on activities dedicated the promoting the Faith or on teaching programs.

As a pioneer you have to be able to understand and to help the people around you, and this requires real know-how.

Pioneering is nota game; it is a job that will probably show you things you never knew you could do. The rewards of pioneering will come later in life.

The idea I’m trying to project is that ‘‘pioneering equals work.’’ Unfortunately, the idea that pioneering is “‘fun’’ has gained in popularity; therefore, I would like all of the Baha’is in the world to know that we are here to serve and honor God and not to have fun.

Percy Gonzales Deer Park, Texas

On ‘racism’ and ‘color’ To the Editor:

Recently a seeker and I were discussing the causes for apathy she had seen within the American Baha’i community with respect to “the most vital and challenging issue.’

During that discussion she made a profound observation that I would like to share with you. I hope that those who think racism is dead will read it and ponder.

Service

“You know,” she asserted, “‘the biggest handicap for people who are white is their skin color!

“Think about it,’’ she continued. “If your skin is white no one calls you ‘nigger.’ If your skin is white your children don’t come home saying, ‘Mommy, I don’t want to have black skin anymore.’

“If your skin is white your heart does not break watching your child’s self-esteem erode as he or she, daily and alone, confronts the insidious, malicious, subliminal monster of destruction—racism.

“If your skin is white you live in the illusion of comfort provided by your own ignorance of, and by your distance from, the daily pain of racism.

“If your skin is white one thing keeps you from experiencing the truth about racism—the color of your skin.

“If your skin is white, and you could understand, you could do something about it. If your skin is white you can do more to battle racism because of the color of your skin.

“If your skin is white you could expose the deceptive, insidious nature of racism to your contemporaries.

“But if your skin were white why would you go to all that trouble?”

On another occasion we were talking and I asked my friend, who has read many Baha’i books and was asking for more, what was keeping her from joining the Faith.

To my astonishment, she said, “I’ve found from my experience that the Baha’is’ treatment of the race issue is totally unacceptable.”

To explain, she told me the story of a woman she had met at a recent Baha’i conference.

The woman was black, from the South, a long-time and active Baha’i who considered herself fortunate to have found, she thought, a religion that recognized, in black and white, the oneness of mankind, and promoted, at least in its literature, the importance of people living and working together as one.

See LETTERS page 35

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�[Page 4]4/ The American Baha’i / August 1988

Congress

from page 1

ber and none has been arrested since last February, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, ‘‘the Iranian authorities have not given any indication of relenting in their explicitly stated purpose of destroying the Baha’i community ...’”

After listing a number of hopeful signs concerning the treatment of Iran’s Bahá’í community in recent months, Dr. Kazemzadeh said, “It is an unfortunate fact that the persecution of the Iranian Baha’ js has not ended and may at any time flare up again in its most savage forms.

“International complications, economic crises, changes in leadership, domestic upheavals could produce situations in which one or another group of extremists would want to use the Baha’is for a scapegoat, as has happened repeatedly in the last 150 years.”

Dr. Henderson presented the testimony of two Baha’is who, he said, ‘‘cannot appear in person because threats have been made against members of their families still living in Iran.””

Both of these individuals, according to their testimony, were harassed, imprisoned and tortured by Islamic authorities before they were able to flee the country.

The National Assembly also presented government documents showing instances in which Baha’is in Iran were dismissed from schools and employment, denied business licenses, pensions, inheritance, compensation for in jury and even a proper burial, and had legal marriages annulled by the courts.

In every case, the reason given was none other than membership in the ‘‘errant sect,”’ that is, the Baha’i Faith.

Nevertheless, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, “‘in 1987 there began to apPear signs of change in the Iranian government’s treatment of Baha’is.””

Since last September, he told the Subcommittee, “no Baha’i has been executed; and no Baha’i has been arrested since February 1988.

“Moreover, there has been a significant reduction in the number of Baha’is held in the various Iranian prisons.

“Eighteen months ago more than 750 Baha’is were in prison. The latest data show 152. ...

“Until recently, for every Baha’i released, another one would be jailed. Currently, releases occur without new arrests, thus genuinely reducing the Baha’i prison population.

“There have been no reports of torture inflicted on any Baha’i prisoners in the last several months,” said Dr. Kazemzadeh, “and there are indications that the general treatment of prisoners has been somewhat improved.””

For the first time, he added, ‘a few Baha’ is have been issued visas and permitted legally to leave the country

“Tn several instances Baha’is whose homes, shops or farms had been confiscated were permitted to resume ownership. It must be noted, however, that as of now only a small fraction of confis

Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh (right), the National Spiritual Assembly’s secretary for External Affairs, testi cated properties has been returned.’”

One of the most encouraging developments, said Dr. Kazemzadeh, ‘‘has occurred in the field of education,”’ as some Baha’i students who had been expelled from schools and colleges have been invited to resume their studies.

“We do not know how many,” he said, ‘‘and it remains to be seen whether the right to education will be extended to all Baha’is or will be granted only in exceptional cases.””

Sies before the House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations. Looking on

In the absence of firm data, Dr. Kazemzadeh said, ‘‘it is futile to speculate about the reasons for the change in the treatment of the Baha’ is by the authorities in Iran.

“‘Whatever the reasons, we welcome the change and hope that it will continue until the Iranian Baha’is are guaranteed all their human rights.’”

And despite the recent improvement in their condition, he said, “American Baha’is hope that the United States will continue to show, through its elected repre is Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.

sentatives in Congress, its concern for the fate of the Iranian Baha’i community. ...

“The case of the Baha’is in Iran,’’ Dr. Kazemzadeh concluded, ‘‘is such a pure instance of religious persecution that it may serve as an archetype.

“The American Baha’is hope that advocacy of the cause of the Iranian Baha’is would not only alleviate the sufferings of the Iranian Baha’js but help all who suffer persecution for their faith.’’

Nine-year-old Hamed Yazhari of Bedford, Texas, presents a story about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at

a recent Nineteen Day Feast in his community.

Nine-year-old Baha’i delights friends at Feast with stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

For the past year, working on his own, nine-year-old Hamed Yazhari has presented at each Nineteen Day Feast in Bedford, Texas, a story about the life of “Abdu’l-Bahá.

“The way Hamed tells his stories,’’ says a letter from the Baha’is of Bedford, ‘‘is exceptional. He draws a picture with his words.

“For example, he doesn’t just say ‘they met in a garden.’ Instead, he says ‘...the birds were happily chirping and all the people in the garden were happy to be

there.

Now another Baha’i child, Julie Afsahi, inspired by Hamed’s example, has given a speech at Feast on how Baha’is can help bring about world peace.

“This dimension of youth involvement,’’ the letter continues, “makes the Bedford Feasts unique and inspiring. After all, if eight- and nine-year-old children can talk in front of a group about the inspiration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the promise of world peace, so can we.””

New York City host to Race Unity Conference

More than 200 people attended a Baha’i-sponsored Race Unity Day conference held June 11 at International House in New York City.

The keynote speaker was Clarence Wood, external affairs officer of the National Urban League, who said that acceptance and tolerance of dissimilarities should be the goal of every individual regardless of race or sex.

Mr. Wood was followed at the podium by Dr. Cheng-Tsu Wu, an author, poet and professor who has served on New York City’s Commission on Human Rights and on the state Advisory Council on Ethnic Affairs, and Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh, who is director of neurology at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital.

The afternoon session was opened with Vickie Nizin speaking on “The Multi-Racial Family.”’ She and her husband, Joel, are an interracial couple with two children.

Next came a panel discussion by a number of cross-cultural families: Sharon and John Joyce of Sodus Point, New York; Caroline and Eric Murray of Rhode Island; the Arrington family of Katonah, New York; and Marianne and Changiz Geula of Massachusetts.

Following entertainment by the Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir from the Bronx, the conference was broken into workshops on The Multi-Racial Family, Children of the Multi-Racial Family, and The Emergence of Race Unity.

After a dinner break, the entertainment resumed with performances by the Swan Quartet, Chris

French, Miguel Corrales, Mixashawn, and Ladjamaya.

The Spiritual Assembly of New York City has decided to make

this an annual event, and has appointed a task force to begin planning the 1989 Race Unity Conference.

Workshop participants discuss the role of the Grey Panthers in establishing peace during a Bahá’í sponsored peace conference held April 30 at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Bahda’i-sponsored Peace Conference held at Ohio State University in Columbus

The Baha’i Peace Committee of Central Ohio and the Ohio State University Baha’i Club sponsored a peace conference April 30 at Ohio State University, site of the 1985 Baha’i International Youth Conference.

About 60 people, half of whom were not Baha’is, attended.

The conference was structured in workshop sessions to allow key issues relevant to the peace process to be discussed.

The over-all purpose was to investigate the individual’s role in promoting peace.

Among the organizations that provided workshop leaders were

Amnesty International, the Grey Panthers, the NAACP, Ohio Peace March, Peace and Human Understanding, World Federalists, Ohio SANE/FREEZE, Directions in Life, and the Global Learner Center.

A representative from the New Covenant Church of the Brethren discussed the ‘‘Peace Chair Initiative’? project for the Ohio State University faculty.

Dr. Gwen Lewis was keynote speaker at the conference, which was closed with a theatrical performance entitled ‘Alice in Blunderland.”’ �[Page 5]The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 5

TheNationa

hat

9 Fund

Advancing the Faith around the U/orld

And they’re off! in the ‘FUNd Run’ at the 1988 Bahd’{ International Youth Conference at Indi

ana University in Bloomington.

On-site contributions to the National Fund exceeded $7,200 with many thousands more pledged by sponsoring individuals and com

abode of his beloved.’’

“O Son of Justice! Whither can a lover go but to the land of his beloved? And what seeker findeth rest away from his heart’s desire? To the true lover reunion is life, and separation is death. His breast is void of patience and his heart hath no peace. A myriad of lives he would forsake to hasten to the

—The Hidden Words of Bahda’u’llah

munities, One of the more than 200 runners of all ages completed 106 laps, generating an estimated $6,000 in pledges.

Yes, we sometimes have to borrow money

Some questions, answers about ‘Fund defici

To the Treasurer:

On April 21 our community formed its first Assembly. At the Feast of Jamal I was reading the National Treasurer’s letter and became quite concerned over one of the items.

My concern is over the rise in the Fund deficit. What exactly does that mean? Is it saying that the Fund is overdrawn? If so, this Teally concerns me.

I am hoping that the deficit merely represents that amount of money that is below the goals set for the Fund. And if this is the case, could it be possible that we have set our goals unrealistically high?

If the National Spiritual Assembly is to function as the new government in a new World Order, how can it possibly function properly if it is in a negative cash flow?

When we look at the situation the U.S. has gotten itself into, such as an unbalanced budget and being in debt, I am sure we will agree that this is no way to run a country or a world.

Are we allowing ourselves to create a new World Order that appears to be starting out the same way? Can we truly say that our way is a better one without a better example?

Children in S. Jersey raise $300 for Arc

On June 12, the children who attend the South Jersey Baha’i School held at yard sale/picnic at which $300 was raised for the National Fund to help build the Arc on Mount Carmel.

If we are trying to operate our governing body in the same troubled way we now find America, this does not seem anywhere near perfect to me and certainly not a way to teach the world that the Faith is the new way for a new World Order.

Kathi Ghareeb Anaheim, California

To answer your questions, let us begin by explaining first what the “Fund deficit” means. Each year the National Fund receives a certain amount of contributions. This past year, for example, we received about $7.5 million. Each year we incur expenses (i.e., teaching programs, National Center staff, committees, conferences, literature, etc.). This past year our expenses totaled almost $8.7 million, which means we spent $1.2 million more than we received. Therefore, for the past year we had a deficit Fund balance of $1.2 million. If we have received more in contributions than we spent, which was the case in 1987, we would have had a positive Fund balance (surplus) at the end of the year.

If you looked at each year going back about 10 years and added the deficits and surpluses, you would Sind that at the end of fiscal 1988 (April 30, 1988) the cumulative deficit had grown to about $2.7 million.

This does not represent an overdraft at our bank. Nor does it mean that we fell short of our goal by that amount. It means that we spent $2.7 million more than we received in contributions over that

period of time. You may wonder, ‘‘Weil, where did that $2.7 million come from?” We borrowed it from Bahá’ís and Srom our banks. As contributions increase, we pay back these debts, reducing the deficit. For example, in 1986 and 1987 we received more in contributions than we spent; we paid off much of our debt and reduced the deficit to as low as $1.6 million.

We are still in the Formative Age, and as one of the chief national communities of the Bahá’í world our responsibilities are literally world-embracing. Years, as you know, are artificial periods of time. Whether we come to the end of a year somewhat ahead or behind is not so important. What is important is the trend. When the Fund deficit increases as sharply as it did last year, that is cause for concern. The National Assembly is considering this matter right now and discussing what adjustments to make.

The cash flow problem is a difficult one which we face to some degree every year—even in the years in which we end up with a surplus. The contributions tend to be lower in the summer months and higher in the winter and spring. Teaching and other activities, however, are typically at their peak in the summer and early fall. So when we need the cash the most (summer), it is coming in at the slowest pace. Should we stop teaching? Stop supporting the Universal House of Justice? Suspend summer schools? The Na See FUND page 32

Condition of Fund could delay opportunity for growth, change

In order to keep the entire American Baha’i community more fully informed, the National Treasurer shares two recent letters addressed to the Bahá’í community for the Feasts of Kamal/Perfection and Kalimdat/Words.

. To the American Bahá’í community at the Feast of Kamdl/Perfection Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Standing as we are on the threshold of major growth and change, the American Baha’i community faces a most serious financial situation. If we do not significantly increase our contributions to the National Fund immediately, we will confront, in the next few weeks, the need to radically curtail all activities. We also face the prospect of not being able to make our full contribution to the Universal House of Justice.

Low contributions in the early months of this Baha’i year have forced the National Spiritual Assembly to borrow money in order to sustain our activities. Contributions have not increased. Without a significant increase, our only option is to consider a reduction in all of our activities. This reduction would come at the same time the Universal House of Justice has said the opportunity is ripe for major expansion, as illustrated by the 100,000 newly enrolled believers in India this past month; at the same time, we are launching intensive teaching campaigns in the United States.

As the Guardian reminds us in Citadel of Faith (pp. 130-131):

“Without his (the individual’s) support ... every measure adopted, and every plan formulated, by the body which acts as the national repa of the community to which he belongs, is foredoomed to

lure.””

As you can see, the American Bahda’{ community is in danger of being paralyzed by the current state of the Fund.

“Every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—is summoned to arise to this field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and serve, that the success of the enre community depends.””—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan

With loving greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States William E. Davis, Treasurer ° To the American Bahá’í Community at the Feast of Kalimdt/Words Dear Friends:

We are gratified by the overwhelming response from the National Convention delegates and local communities to our plan for teaching on an unprecedented scale. The National Assembly has chosen four sites to initiate the process of entry by troops: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and San Jose. These sites were chosen in part because of the high level of cooperation between local Assemblies and their eagerness to arise.

We decided to reduce our operational budget below last year’s expenses for the American Baha’i community to $6.5 million. The funds will be devoted primarily to teaching and the further development of a distinctive Baha’i community as referred to in “‘The Promise of World Peace.’’ We have increased our national pledge to the Universal House of Justice from $2 million to $4 million making the total contribution goal $10.5 million. It is our intention that every contribution you give to the National Fund directly support the needs of the Baha’i World Center and construction of the Arc on God’s Holy Mountain and simultaneously be devoted to the growth and development of the Faith and the establishment of world peace.

We call upon each individual, Baha’i Group.and local Assembly to arise and pledge your share, confident that universal participation is the key to success of this mighty endeavor. Let your contributions and pledges to the National Fund received during the month of Kalimat voice your commitment.

Since Isaiah, humankind has been awaiting this Day. How blessed we are! Why have we been chosen to carry out this divine mission?

With warmest Baha’i greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States William E. Davis, Treasurer

National Teaching Committee named

Members of the recently appointed National Teaching Committee are Reynaldo Cruz of Phoenix, Arizona; Vicentee (Smokey) Ferguson of Jacksonville, Florida; Marcia Gitchell of Hutchinson, Kansas; Hoda Mahmoudi of Santa Monica, Califor nia; Larry Miller of Roswell, Georgia; and John W. Smith of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

During its first meeting in July, Dr. Mahmoudi was elected chairman of the committee, Mr. Smith was named vice-chairman, and Mr. Cruz was elected secretary. �[Page 6]6 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Three American Indians share Message in Lappland

md PIONEERING

In January 1988 Ruby Lawson (Gubatayao) and her granddaughter, Leigh Anne Gubatayao (age 14), of the Tsimshian tribe of Alaska, and Shawn McConnell (16), of the Umatilla tribe, traveled to Lappland to visit the Sami people and share with them the Message of Baha’u’ll4h.

This was a “‘Trail of Light”’ trip sponsored by the Sami Teaching Committee, an agency of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Finland, Norway and Sweden.

The feeling of unity and respect established between the Sami people and their American visitors was uplifting. As indigenous peoples of two different continents, they found they had much in common.

Ruby, Leigh Anne and Shawn visited more than 20 schools. At each, they followed a format in

which Ruby would talk about the Faith and Indian culture and the two youth would help answer questions.

In every community they visited, the people were touched by the wholesomeness and courtesy of the Indian youth. On all their visits, Leigh Anne and Shawn gathered addresses of new friends who wanted to be pen-pals with youth in the States.

In Sweden, the three traveling teachers did a radio interview and spoke to 10 school classes.

They took part in a mini-conference: ‘‘Sami and Indian, the Meeting of Two Cultures,”” where 45 people attended. They also spoke at a school for 7-11 year olds and visited families in their homes.

In Norway and Finland, Ruby, Leigh Anne and Shawn lectured at schools, spoke at a cultural evening at a Youth Club where 80 children and youth were present, and helped start a Sami women’s group in one of the towns in Fin

“You must attach great importance to the Indians, the original | inhabitants of America. For these souls may be likened unto the | ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, prior to the Revelation of Muhammad, were like savages. When the Muhammadan Light shone forth in their midst, they became so enkindled that they shed illumination upon the world. Likewise, should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.”” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, pp. 31-32

Ruby Lawson (right), a Tsimshian Indian from Alaska, presents her granddaughter, Leigh Anne Gubatayao, and their friend and fellow traveling teacher, Shawn Mc land by taking part in a sewing circle.

The three Baha’is returned to Sweden for the final event on their trip, an Ayyam-i-Ha party in Karosuando, attended by 30 people. At that party, one of the Sami youth became a Baha’i.

She had met Shawn and Leigh Anne earlier in their trip and was

Connell of the Umatilla tribe, during a visit last January and February to the Lappland area of Finland, Norway and Sweden. The

so attracted by their spirit that she asked to travel with them for a few days. When she met them again at the party, she declared her belief in Baha’u’ll4h.

Altogether, there were three declarations during this Trail of Light visit, one of whom is an Inuit Indian living in Norway.

The American Baha’is were

U.S. INTERNATIONAL PIONEER CALL / RIDVAN 1987-RIDVAN 1989

“Trail of Light’ trip was sponsored by the Sami Teaching Committee. (Photo by Ramin Golmoham

madi)

able to establish a special rapport with the Sami people, as their cultures and experiences are so similar.

The Sami Teaching Committee welcomes Indian Bahá’ís who come to Lappland to help with the teaching work. Families can be especially effective in building bonds with these people.

It is important to bring the symbols of culture, i.e. costumes, dances, songs, etc., as the material

TOTAL GOALS ASSIGNED 77 Pi te 1 ted aspects of one’s culture show a AFRICA a2) Saul arts donests. Open TOTAL PIONEERS SENT 163 Ploncere to non-goale ae sense of identity and a desire to (P) BuruNor. .. Asetene BEE TOTAL GOALS FILLED -22_—-~Ploneere fi11ing goals maintain that identity. (e) cIsKet.. 3 Py TOTAL OPEN GOALS 55 for other countries 4 sTiieaes, ‘ardficts-aalanuidenttin: (E) THE GAMBIA *includes consolidat ion strate the principle of unity in diPreferably Pereian............++ 2 o 2 goals versity, that differences are to be A > x . 4, AMERICAS ( ) Goals Pioneers Open honoted and respecteds ( 3 0 3 CONTINUED hebiithed on Sent Bane If any Indian believers are in2 0 2 Se ean helping with the teach2 ft 1 (S) NICARAGUA i k in Lappland, pl e es 4 Preferably Persian. 2 ° Bion EM RRCU APE Rie Peace Cone: 2 1 1 (S) PARAGUAY 2 0 2 tact the Office of Pioneering, Ba2 4 0 (E) ST. LUCTA ha’i National Center, Wilmette, Skille in community consolidation. 4 1 3 TL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039. (E) ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES. . 2 0 2 Ae (D) SURINAME . 2 i x Preferably’ reveisn! 2 ° 2 Esperantists to meet Ba 1 1s" (E) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO a > Two special events for Esper‘paneer b 5 9 antists will be held September (8) VIRGIN ISLANDS, 2 0 2 16-19 at the Landegg Center near a 2 30 ~—«RRohrschach, Switzerland: AMERICAS piganaey toga * The East Switzerland EsperAssigned — Sent Goals ASIA Goals. Pioneers Open anto Cultural Festival (organized Medaneertateontieteceucee (e) 101. Sees ee Sori by the Esperanto Cultural Center Cat Toland, Long Ieland......... 3 2 1 (B) MALAYSIA” and the Swiss Esperanto Society). (B) BARBADOS: To help develop public relations * An Esperanto Training InstiEmployment opportunities for a 1 o 1 tute for Baha’is (organized by the e eats. secsevecescenees 1 0 1 ene 2 0 2 Esperanto Committee of the Ba(8) For radio, consolidation, Chinese background......... ye ai ai Re cone eyo eeu Di development projects; skills Total ASIA 6 6 oe Poe eee a for National Secretariat........ 1 2 0 outstanding Swiss Esperantists in(P) BRAZIL cluding Renato Rosetti and Fritz Preferably for Amazon project, ‘Wassmann will speak. ‘ce cxtmestbly of Persten beckgroved.. 1 7 0 AUSTRALASIA Goade. Eicswera vatren: Jaen Fernandes Ielands, preferably (a) Wantuaus, tsiAmoe Assigned — Sent __ Goals Germany seeks

4 To help with adminietration..... 1. 1 ae traveling teachers

Total AUSTRALASIA 3 i 3 The National Spiritual AsEretecenly Feretene 3 o 3 sembly of Germany has asked (BE) GRENADA .......566 2 2 0 for up to three traveling teach(P) GUADELOUPE EUROPE Genie ers of diverse ethnic backee et ie Ei fs ca (8) GUYANA Couples for goal areas outside A jerably East Indiane and greater Lisbon, preferably project from September 4-24. ke 2 ° 2 Portuguese or Spanish-speaking 4 0 & The project will mostly ineax = oc > volve visiting schools. Knowl. B 2 Peo edge of German is helpful but not required.

‘ably self-supporting for LANGUAGE KEY For more information, conrural areas to work in village (®) ENCLISH (0) MANDARIN tact the Office of Pioneering, development....... 4 2 2 Baha’i National Center, Wil (P) MARTINIQUE (0) ‘butcH (P) PortucussE mette, IL 60091, or phone 312French-speaking youth to enroll in (FP) FRENCH (8) SPANISH 869-9039. university or with musical talent. 1 1 0

�[Page 7]The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 7

House of Justice’s message to the Youth Conference

Message to the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A.

With joy and thanksgiving we hail the outstanding success of the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, which has been distinguished by an unprecedented number of pledges of service to be carried out in support of the goals of the Six Year Plan.

The powers released by the advent of the Revelation of Baha’u’ll4h are inspiring in the hearts of humankind a heightened desire for unity and peace, and are shaping world events in an evolutionary process destined to yield, in due time, the Lesser Peace and to lead ultimately to the inauguration of the Most Great Peace.

Collateral with this new spirit at work in the world is a heightened spiritual impetus energizing the community of the Most Great Name which was evident in the consulta tions at the International Convention and which is producing a rich harvest of victories in the teaching field, news of which reaches us every day.

Today we have received the welcome news of the enrollment of over 100,000 new believers in the State of Uttar Pradesh in India. Country after country is joining the ranks of those areas blessed with entry by troops into the community of the followers of the Blessed Beauty.

As the chief executor of the Divine Plan, the American Baha’i community is called upon to seize the privileges and obligations bestowed upon it, and by its noble exertions to inspire the entire Baha’i world.

Let the dearly-loved Bahd’{ youth of America arise as never before, in a consecrated and sustained endeavor to win fresh victories in the propagation of the Faith and the consolidation of its institutions. By this means they will

hasten the advent of that day when, as prophesied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, America will ‘‘evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.’’

We have full confidence that the American Baha’i youth, who comprise a strong element of the community honored by the Master with the title of ‘apostles of Baha’u’ll4h,”” will exert themselves to the fullest to fulfill the pledges they have made at this conference.

Our prayers will be offered at the Sacred Threshold, that these dear friends may be the recipients of unprecedented blessings as they embark on this new and exciting stage in their magnificent record of service to their Beloved.

Universal House of Justice July 4, 1988

60 pre-youth hold weekend retreat in Hoosick Falls, N.Y.

Sixty Baha’i pre-youth from six states converged on the Johnson home in Hoosick Falls, New York, the weekend of April 23-24 for two days of prayer, classes and fellowship.

The weekend retreat was sponsored by the Regional Youth Committee, with all classes and activities planned and supervised by senior youth.

Four adults manned the kitchen, but all other activities were carried out by youth.

The retreat provided an opportunity to reach out to many friends of the Faith in the neighborhood. With only three Baha’i families in the area, it was necessary to ask neighbors for sleepingbag space in their homes.

One family, who planned to be away for the weekend, turned over the key to their house. Another family, who heard about the conference from a neighbor, called to offer space for any overflow.

In all, five Catholic, Protestant and Jewish families offered facilities, and as a result, feel even closer to the Faith than they did before.

The Baha’is of Benington, Vermont, a 20-minute drive away, offered hospitality and deepening classes for parents who drove the pre-youth to the conference.

During closing consultation, the pre-youth voted unanimously to have another such conference next

year.

Young people respond to challenge from Supreme Body

‘Service’ an exciting new topic for Baha’i youth

By ROBERT HARRIS

and KAREN PRITCHARD

There is a topic that is finding its way into the normal conversation of today’s Baha’i youth. It is discussed with great excitement and in terms of personal action at every youth gathering.

Sooner or later it will be discussed in every Baha’i home, and parents of youth will become wellinformed. This exciting topic is Youth Service.

Twelve North American teenagers (including several Native American youth) traveled throughout a Caribbean island nation for six weeks in the summer of 1987, presenting anti-drug programs to hundreds of youth. They taught the Faith in rural villages, established children’s classes and worked on construction of the annex to the National Bahd’{ Center of that country. Their tests ranged JSrom the impossible to the unbearable—but they have said they would do it all again.

Youth can move the world

In its historic message of January 3, 1984, to the youth of the world, the Universal House of Justice issued a challenge to the young people living on our planet: “Undoubtedly it is within your power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century; youth can move the world.””

The Universal House of Justice points out that ‘‘the native urge of youth to move from place to

place,” and “‘their astounding zeal...”” must lead them to ‘‘a ty mobilization of teaching activities...’’ They further state: “One pattern of this mobilization could be short term projects in other lands, dedicated to both teaching the Faith and improving the living conditions of the peole.

“Another could be 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, to some Baha’ service, on the home front or abroad, in the teaching or development field.”

A young Bahá’í college student volunteered for his year of service. ‘He was placed as an assistant teacher at a bi-lingual school, the school being a social and economic development project directed by the Bahá’ís of this South American country. The young man’s duties included teaching moral training classes to children at the elementary level, working with the parents of the students, and helping with maintenance at the school. His letters home spoke of the tests he faced, his newfound reliance on God, and his prayer to serve as a pioneer after completing his education. Ongoing consultation: questions

Since 1984, the Continental Board of Counselors has been involved in constant consultation with the 41 National Spiritual As

crucial

Young Bahá’ís from some 50 countries gathered onstage at Indiana University’s Auditorium

during the 1988 Bahá’í International Youth Conference in Bloomington to recount news of

recent victories for the Cause of God in their respective areas of the world.

semblies in the Western Hemisphere, working to find a suitable response to this historic and urgent challenge issued by the Universal House of Justice. The spontaneous response by scores of youth who have already left North America and served in Third World countries or at the Baha’i World Center has been gratifying.

Hundreds more of our youth are seriously planning their own service. Certainly our consultation must take on a greater urgency to assist these youth with their noble desires. As we have examined how we might assist them, four major issues requiring our attention have emerged. They are best expressed in four crucial questions directed to the four populations most affected by the call of the Universal House of Justice:

1. To the youth:

Have you carefully and prayerfully examined your dedication, motivation, maturity, goals, timing, knowledge of the Teachings, age, health and service experience?

2. To the community sending the youth:

Are the right youth selected, and are they well prepared to meet the challenges awaiting them?

3. To the community receiving the youth:

Is the community set up to welcome, orient, integrate and mobilize the youth in Baha’i service?

4. To the parents:

Are we willing to help our children reject “‘the low sights of mediocrity (and) let them scale the ascending heights of excellence in all they aspire to do’’? Are we really willing to support and encourage and even love their service to the Cause of God and to humanity?

A Persian teen-ager (fourth generation Baha'i) attending a top college was barely making average grades. Although he had fuzzy ideas about becoming a physician, his grades were making that possibility remote. He went on a summer medical service project to a Third World island. After seeing with his own eyes the poverty and need for even the most basic health care, he returned to college, motivated as never before, much to the surprise and delight of his parents. He wants to return to that island to help his friends. The immediate challenge

Excited and motivated youth often find that their parents are not anxious to help support them in their service, or even to let them go. Parents worry about timing (it may interfere with school or other

plans), the youth’s maturity or his motivation.

Many times, youth appeal for someone to talk to parents and “convince them’ to let their children go. The rule of thumb might be this: if you can’t make a plan for the completion of your education, and if you can’t convince your parents, wait! You are not ready yet! Get yourself ready and able to serve. Like the old saying: Save the world ... after you clean up your room!

Yet, the experience of those valiant youth who have already arisen to serve has shown that this extended service is a priceless education, an opportunity to serve selflessly and completely, a chance to experience other cultures, to learn about the needs of our world, and to learn, most significantly, about oneself and one’s relationship to our Faith.

It is, indeed, a major stepping stone in a lifetime of service to the Cause.

Prospects for future generations

The Youth Year of Service is not yet well-known among many of the friends, but it is a topic of constant conversation among the youth,

The Universal House of Justice has indicated that this type of youth service will certainly become a permanent part of Bahá’í culture. Right now, all over the world, National Spiritual Assemblies are establishing programs to channel and send youth, receive youth, orient them, and support their efforts.

In the words of the Universal House of Justice: ‘It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community if such patterns (of service) could be followed by succeeding generations of youth.’”

In the years to come, young Baha’i families will raise their children for a period of service. “Youth service veterans’’ will visit their classes, sharing their experiences with children and parents. Local Spiritual Assemblies will assist youth in every aspect of this worthwhile activity.

Our young people will be protected from adopting the mediocre goals of a dying civilization. They will be informed of the real needs of the world from first-hand experience, and they surely will be motivated by their experience to deliver an ever-increasing measure of the healing message of Bahd’u’ll4h to a world so much in need.

A 19-year-old girl volunteered to go to Africa. She was given her

See SERVICE page 36 �[Page 8]8 / The American Baha’ / August 1988

Dizzy Gillespie headlines successful L.A. proclamation

The Baha’is of Los Angeles held one of the city’s most successful proclamation efforts recently, with the focus on contemporary jazz and featuring an appearance by the legendary trumpeter, John (Dizzy) Gillespie.

Mr. Gillespie surprised and delighted a capacity audience at the Los Angeles Baha’i Center’s newly completed 750-seat auditorium not only with his musical mastery but with the amusing story of how he had become a Baha’i and with a challenging and electrifying reading of the Tablet of Ahmad.

At least half of those at the March 21 program, which was organized by the Black Task Force, were guests of the Baha’is who

were there for the first time. Among them were scores of black -professionals, a group that had previously been difficult for the Baha’is to reach.

Sharing the stage with Mr. Gillespie was a group of well-known jazz sidemen and session players, Baha’i and non-Baha’i, who were known, for that evening only, as the L.A. All-Stars.

Also appearing were Alice and Oran Coltrane, the widow and son of the late jazz great, John Coltrane,. and the Keith Compton Quintet.

The evening’s most moving moment came when Mr. Gillespie surprised everyone, including the

Health Agency sets Illinois conference

The seventh annual Conference of the Baha’i International Health Agency will be held August 25-28 at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston, Illinois.

This year’s theme, ‘Health Care in Transition: Toward the Year 2000 and Beyond,” commemorates the 40th anniversary of the World Health Organization and the 10th anniversary of the Alma Ata Conference on Primary Health Care.

The program includes workshops, social activities, keynote addresses on ‘‘The Well-Being of Mankind: Developing Human Resources’’ and “‘Integrating Alternative Methods in Health Care,’’ and a panel discussion on “Changing Lifestyles: Integrating Ethics and Morals.”’

For more information, phone the Baha’i International Health Agency, 514-931-7640.

event’s organizers, by taking out his prayer book and saying that he would like to read his favorite Baha’i prayer.

As the house lights dimmed, he explained that the Tablet of Ahmad was given to the Baha’is by Bahd’u'lláh as a prayer of special potency.

Then he began to read, giving a unique interpretation that rose and fell and dipped and crescendoed with the rhythms of jazz.

Forcefully and powerfully, Mr. Gillespie alternately embraced and challenged the audience with Baha’u’ ll4h’s words.

When the prayer was over, the sense of spiritual peace and connection was palpable in the room. “That was incredible!’’ was the oft-repeated remark heard later.

A rousing musical encore closed the event, made even more joyous by the announcement from the National Spiritual Assembly that the Los Angeles community would re-elect its own local Spiritual Assembly at Ridvan.

The Bahá’ís actively circulated among the masses of now-inspired and smiling seekers, and the postevent greeting, teaching and fellowship continued long into the night.—David Langness

Participants from nearly 25 states gathered June 2-5 at the Bosch Ba

hd’? School near Santa Cruz, California, for the third annual Meet

Justice Society.

Justice Society holds 3rd Conference at Bosch

A capacity crowd took part June 2-5 in the third annual Meeting and Conference of the Baha’i Justice Society at the Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California.

The annual conference marked the end of a second year of growth for the Society.

More than 100 attendees gathered at Bosch to consider the theme ‘‘Justice: Achieving the Baha’i Concept.’

Speakers, including Counselor Wilma Brady; National Spiritual Assembly members William Davis, Dorothy Nelson and James Nelson; Juana Conrad, co-founder of Women for International Peace and Arbitration; retired California Supreme Court justice and human rights activist Frank Newman; and Farhang Javid,

chairman of the New Era Foundation, focused on the theme from a variety of perspectives.

Among the issues discussed were women and the justice system; human rights; armed conflict and the United Nations; peaceful methods of dispute resolution; and ethics in the business environment.

Discussion groups were organized around several of those topics and the issue of justice and racial prejudice.

In conjunction with the annual conference, the Justice Society elected Ted Amsden, Juana Conrad, Steve Gonzales, Linda Khadem and Yvor Stoakley to its Board of Officers for the coming year.

Another recent Justice Society

event, co-sponsored with the Louhelen Baha’i School in Michigan, was its first Regional Conference held early in May.

More than 30 participants from Canada and the U.S. attended the Louhelen conference whose theme was “‘Baha’i Law and Baha’i Administration.””

Included were sessions on ‘‘Baha’i Law Applicable in the West’ (conducted by Anna Lee Strasburg), “‘The Covenant”? (Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem), ‘‘Huququ’llah’’ (Daryush Haghighi), ‘‘Organizing Legal Professionals in Europe’’ (Bahiyyih Tazib), and ‘Improving Consultative and Decision-making Skills’? (Steve Connor, Michael Hyde and Nancy Moore of the BJS Dispute Resolution Task Force).

Renowned jazz trumpeter John (Dizzy) Gillespie addresses a public proclamation and jazz concert held March 21 at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles as Judge

Dorothy W. Nelson, chairman of

the National Spiritual Assembly,

looks on. The audience filled the

Center’s recently completed 750-seat auditorium.

Pictured (left to right) are moderators Donna Harding, Tommy Gregory, Catherine Lyle and Florence Reed who presided at a workshop on ‘AIDS and Its Im

| HAVE AIDS Please Hug me.

eesne?

[cmn'tawahe yooSiek

pact on the Bahá’í Community’

which was held June 5 and spon sored by the Spiritual Assembly of

St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Louis Baha’is hold AIDS workshop

On June 5, more than 20 Baha’is took part in a workshop on “AIDS and its impact on the Baha’i community”” sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of St. Louis, Missouri.

The workshop moderators were Donna Harding, Tommy Gregory, Catherine Lyle and Florence

Reed.

Six months in the planning, the workshop focused on three aspects of the disease—physical, emotional and spiritual—using guidance from the Baha’i Writings to help the friends deal with the issue of AIDS.

Former pioneer to Portugal speaker at Massachusetts’ ‘Day of Portugal’

On June 12, Jack Harmsen, a former pioneer to Portugal, was invited to be the main speaker at an outdoor rally and concert that Officially closed a week of cultural events commemorating ‘‘Dia de Portugal” (Day of Portugal) in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

In his remarks, Mr. Harmsen shared in the Portuguese language his experiences of living in Portugal for a dozen years as well as his appreciation of and admiration for Portuguese culture.

He referred to himself and his mostly immigrant audience as “world citizens,’’ and described that reality by quoting the words of Baha’u’llah, ‘‘The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.””

Afterward, Mr. Harmsen was approached by a reporter from the New Bedford Standard-Times whose request for an interview led to a front-page article that included a brief description of the Faith.

D.C. to reprise civil rights march

Saturday, August 27, marks the 25th anniversary of the civil rights march on Washington, D.C. To celebrate the occasion, another march will be made on the nation’s capital. It will start at the Sylvan Theater on the Mall and move to the Lincoln Memorial for the remainder of the program.

Come join the tens of thousands who want to remember the great march of 1963 and who are determined to keep the needs of jobs, peace, freedom and equality on our national agenda.

For more information, phone 202-484-2660.

�[Page 9]Pr ee Children raise the ‘peace flag’ at the Green Acre Bahá’í School as a part of its series of summer pro

grams open to all residents in the area around the school.

Green Acre marks peace flag’s 94th year, opens many summer events to the public

As part of its summer sessions, the Green Acre Baha’i School is hosting events advertised and open to the public.

The kick-off event was the 94th anniversary raising of the world’s first known ‘‘peace flag’’ presented in conjunction with, for the first time, Rotary International.

Amid rain showers, readings from various religions, songs and praise from area residents for Green Acre’s ongoing contribution to the region, the children from a crowd of more than 100 opened the season when they unfurled the white banner with “Peace” printed in large green letters.

That evening there was a public slide showing on Egypt. On Wednesday, July 6, Mrs. Meherangiz Munsiff presented a talk on ‘‘The

Role of Women in This Age.”

The following Saturday found Zia Shamsey in Baha’i Hall discussing his recent visit to the Soviet Union and showing slides of that trip.

Additional events including lectures, slides and concerts are to continue throughout the summer as Green Acre opens its evening programs on Wednesdays and Saturdays to area residents and announces the events in newspapers and on radio and television.

In the last year, Green Acre has experienced an increase in interest among the area’s non-Baha’fs in coming to Green Acre to learn about the Faith.

It is hoped that these open programs will stimulate even greater interest.

= EDUCATION

The disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ordinary people who rose to extraordinary levels of service, still today provide for us an example we would do well to emulate.

Their lives, their sacrifice, their love for the Cause of God remain for us to ponder and consider in our daily lives as Bahá’ís in America and the world.

Among the distinguished disciples of the Master were Sarah J. Farmer, the founder of Green Acre, and William H. Randall, an early Trustee of the Green Acre Fellowship, forerunner of the Green Acre Baha’ School.

Many of the friends are familiar with Sarah Farmer’s name, fewer with Mr. Randall’s. Both were named disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by the Guardian (see The Bahd’/ World, Vol. IV, p. 119).

At the request of members of the Universal House of Justice for stories about these disciples, Mrs. Bahiyyih Winckler of South Africa, daughter of Mr. Randall, visited Green Acre in July to research the archives of both Green Acre and Eliot, Maine. We were fortunate to visit with her and would like to share this:

Mr. Randall was a successful businessman and shipping company president who actively pursued the study of religion.

“He first heard of the Baha’i Teachings through Miss Alice Buckton of England, who told a group of our friends about the Baha’i martyrs. Through Miss Buckton he met Mr. Harlan F, Ober who supplied him with Baha’j literature, and who spent days and nights in our home explaining the Teachings. In the summer of 1912 Mr. Randall met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the Charlesgate in Boston, and later ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to our

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 9

‘Disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ provide enduring example of love, sacrifice

home (in Medford, Massachusetts).”’ (From Star of the West, Vol. 20, No. 1, p. 22)

Mrs. Winckler says that her father came to Green Acre because it had been a gathering place for Baha’is since 1901. He believed that if the Faith had the potency it claimed, it would transform the lives of people, and he wished to investigate.

As was the custom in those days, one did not declare but rather was placed on a committee.

In 1913, Mr. Randall was appointed a Trustee of the Green Acre Fellowship and put on the Committee on Proposed Amendments and By-Laws.

In 1913, Mr. Randall sent the new by-laws with the following note:

“I hope the circulation of this letter, which expresses the views of the new Trustees, will be well received, and set at rest the minds of the Fellowship as well as the public mind, that we have any idea of either injustice or personal gain, but rather, that we stand together to serve the best interests of Green Acre and humanity, in giving our time and our money to its highest ideals.””

Mr. Randall’s appointment as a Trustee of the Fellowship came at a tumultuous time in the history of the school. In part: Sarah Farmer was confined to a sanatorium; an endowment complete with furnishings dictated the building of a ‘‘cottage’’; the entire Fellowship was quite literally broke; and the ‘‘ownership’’ of the property and buildings was confused and contested.

In retrospect, we see that Sarah Farmer was released by arrangements of Mr. Randall; the endowment is known and loved as ‘‘Fellowship House’; the townspeople sided with the Baha’is and voted for Bahdé’i ownership of Green Acre; and Mr. Randall wrote a personal check to avert the imminent loss of the entire facility.

An understanding of such motivation, dedication and personal commitment to the Cause and to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá can be gained from a passage in a letter written by Mr. Randall in 1922 and found in the Eliot, Maine, Baha’i archives which says in part:

“When I was in Haifa in 1919, ‘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 someday Green Acre would be the Acca of America and would be the greatest spiritual center in America for the gathering of all peoples.

“When there in 1912, He (the Master) went to the top of Mt. Salvat, which is part of the Green Acre property there, and He told us that on this spot a great Mashrequ’l-Azkar would be built and that the whole hill would be covered with institutions of learning, science and religion, and to impress us with the importance of this Center, He said it had been created and was not a prophecy alone and ‘the Mashrequ’l-Azkar hung low over that place.’ ’’

And the commitment was not only personal but family as well,

vas his wife, Ruth Wales Randall,

was also busy serving Green Acre.

As it was customary at the time for people to go out for afternoon tea, Mrs. Randall conceived the idea of the Golden Cock tea house and gift shop, a part of which is now Rogers Cottage.

Reports of that time were that a great “‘drink’’ was served at the Golden Cock—it was called the “Purple Cow’’ and consisted of sarsaparilla and cream.

William Randall gave deeply of his own time, energy, love, commitment and resources. We thought you would appreciate a glimpse of this remarkable man.

Today, Green Acre is again at a vital point in its distinguished

See GREEN ACRE page 32

Want to order Baha’i magazines? Subscriber Service provides the answer

“Where can I find out about Baha’i magazines?’”’ That’s a question often asked by new believers and long-time Baha’ {s alike as they look for news and commentary about the Faith.

The answer is Baha’i Subscriber Service, which manages circulation and promotion for Bahd’/ News, World Order magazine, U.S. Bahá’í Report, The American Bahá’í (mailed outside the country), and Brilliant Star children’s magazine.

Bahá’í News, the senior partner of all Baha’i periodicals, is a direct descendant of Star of the West, and copies of the first issue, dated December 1924, are still available for purchase, as are most of the issues from the following 60 years.

World Order publishes articles on aspects of world order as reflected in religion, history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, education, poetry, architecture, science, ecology and the like.

Almost every one of the back issues is still available at $3 each, and the articles in them are as fresh and challenging today as when first printed.

U.S. Bahá’í Report, published

quarterly, is mailed to more than 1,800 non-Baha’i individuals and institutions and carries news of the American Baha’i community to friends made in government, the media, and interested others.

Many local Assemblies and Baha’i Groups have used U.S. Ba Il Purpose Subscription Form

Baha’i 1.D.#

Name

Address

hd’t Report with presentations of “The Promise of World Peace.”

The American Bahá’í is mailed free of charge each month to every American Baha’i household, and a recent decision of the National Spiritual Assembly allows Baha’ is living outside the U.S. to sub scribe. A one-year subscription to The American Bahá’í (via surface mail) is $15.

Brilliant Star, formerly Child’s Way, is a colorful children’s magazine published six times a year. Filled with stories, photographs, poems, music, and science and art

World Order

City

Gift from

State

Baha’i L.D.# Enclose check or money order to Baha’i Subscriber Service. Prices are for one year subscriptions within the U.S. only. For The American Baha’i, prices

epresent foreign surface mail.

Mail to: Baha’f Subscriber Service * Baha’i National Center * Wilmette IL 60091

Brilliant Star Zip

Baha’i News

Projects, it strives to develop the child’s understanding of the oneness of humanity while teaching Baha’i history and beliefs.

To order any or all of these Baha’i periodicals, simply use the handy all-purpose order form included with this article.

Circle your choice:

$12.00 $10.00 $12.00

U.S. Baha’i

Report

$10.00

The American Baha’i

$15.00

(foreign only)

Total Enclosed �[Page 10]10 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Teaching by example an excellent way to get Message across

Annette McKissick, who is black, and Gail Plunkett, who is white, were walking together through Annette’s Chicago neighborhood when they overheard a young black girl tell her friend, “Now there’s an example of black and white together.’”

As easily as that, a principle of the Bahdé’{ Faith was demonstrated.

If they had told that young girl they believed in racial unity, chances are their level of sincerity would not have been questioned; already, it was obvious. But if they had never been associating with members of a race other than their own, there would be more room for skepticism.

We have all heard that one of the ways in which to teach the principles of the Faith is through our example. Perhaps it is the most effective way.

Although a Message from God should not be judged by its followers, often it is. Usually, people are affected more by what they see than by what they hear.

People are more inclined to accept visible proof than vague declarations. In addition, they want to see that an idea can work before ascribing to it.

It is evident that those who are especially concerned with particular issues are those who are directly affected by them. In this country, after centuries of oppression, the principles of the elimination of prejudice, racial equality and racial unity are of critical concern to black people.

If teaching by example is the most effective form of teaching, then demonstrating in a tangible way our sincerity in helping to bring about the elimination of prejudice, establishing racial equality and promoting racial unity are especially crucial in reaching black people.

Yet the Baha’i Faith calls for far more than a mere demonstration of these principles: it calls for their reality. It calls for the sharing of a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, not just at a lunch counter. It calls for sitting together on the living room couch, not just on a city bus.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá did not hesitate to insist that Louis Gregory, a black Baha’i, sit at His right during a dinner party of socially distinguished guests.

In the America of 1912, this was a bold gesture indeed—and a statement that was stronger, perhaps, than any words could have been.

As the Exemplar of the Baha’i Teachings, the Master clearly showed us how to respond to the bidding of Baha’u’ll4h:

“Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.

Oregon dinner, auction raise $1,650 for Arc

On June 11, several Baha’i communities in southern Oregon met in Grants Pass for a Persian dinner and fund-raising auction for the Arc.

The combined efforts of Ashland, Douglas County, Eagle Point, Greater Grants Pass, Grants Pass, Jackson County, Medford, Rogue River, Roseburg and Talent fed 85 people including two from Nigeria while raising $1,650 for the Arc,

Upcoming and Ongoing Teaching Projects

Biocon Reus

ANCOCOWEN PRovEcT MMOR Ly

PROJECT PROKCT Mainiand Ah aaah Bees We, O08 non Misaght . Uidboe at Supe rowter — Orgong IeRGIYEROW HsPnovecT Seana 9 \ Soa eos Hones Rock Wand sow Sho > 2 Retard Sage Carotandacsn eossee 730 isonten® Proseet MARIAN STEEFES PROJECT see soerrei ids a PROC QE scraron | OPE, KASRSRGRMnouecT gute ny wea. ER showsh B22 Sonne | toe Vert mecton. wy Ona sa meee Door " Sitios & PORK RE onto " eanteno | || exsowwite Ber N af RES | \ Soo SESS Mccy ASU NTRBSY rascct Santee sraaar-szt | || SiS Yer aaee co suxte a sie aore Sree ae BASIN ie * prope) Sater BEN so: rmapenel st SSeS Boo bau a Ree Bybee Tevet aan Hitibhdecr Omens, = ee, Bice ee soanMe-2219 oe Berar hy Seoitcneu teaie7 20 x0s0s Kay Toran BEIAWAPAOeCT Som Tus Ree We eer Maly Site Sseaeiee TENE PRUE gancney RY mosey a et 6S ee Sera Ss tatBWStonouccr pace va Molex SPA ar Te, —— Sram tne HORE QeiecivOr ine EBORBYParK PnOECT sear Through next sumerer an : RUHA PROJECT 213338.9001 2130 9008 HontagN seen ros Bee tana avs Proxct Stare ere —w esse Pai, vi bie Hee. Save (ieee oeus one. | | BR rena Sari Hee etre PROuecT tues ton Bow Co. MO. ‘SUMMER ‘Ongong Se pees, PAdecr provect | | Qe, rh ee igeegettenet 7/ 1/RIRORS $emaey, | | Bawewtezo\ \\ sere ogihs Stas pnoscor Cecile Secon een rerun wisn Be hewn PROIECT NADL PAVON. , ceareoasts Sareea SU / BREEN Pnocr/ / poses | eaemeanen ae BESATRose ravee7%90 Groong_ Partandh Gutkbeaux ‘Stoo ber Brouecr BeRbame Eases res 81 Patt Nationwide, ° Alpen Wate comers SOuene 1681 Nortwost RAP ReStcr NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE BR NT Haare an RMNCREPOKCT Meteor tomer ONE Bee, 8 : sh HE espeacoman sept” hae Sera Soe ep coma On the map above are listed the ongoing and upcoming teaching projects [~~ — ~~ — ARIE tn AES. ah AL NS in the United States that have been reported to the National Teaching . . Committee as of July 8. If your community 1 sponsoring a teaching | &) Teaching Projects—1988/1989 ¢2 | project that does not appear on the map, please fill in the form (to the | Nama ot Brolecss | right) and return it to the National Teaching Committee. If you would | moon | rather that information about your project not be published in The | ‘Sponsor: | American Bahá’í, please indicate this in the ‘comments’ section. Best ue wishes for a successful project—we look forward to hearing from you! | Location: | ji A 7 [RoContactParman: to Abedin ros) mumble loam see When planning one’s first fireside, best | act | thing to do is just go ahead and do it [Pe eee verrnr Ce laa Rimes wie! By ANNETTE PROSTERMAN | mee Every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—is sum- | 02K): — _ | moned to this field of action ... Comments: | “1 thought I would have to be really deepened before having a fire- | side,” said 16-year-old Kemba Thomas of East Lansing, Michigan, who | | hosted her first fireside in June. “‘But then I realized that I’ll never be | |

totally deepened, and that I should just go ahead and do it. Once I decided to do it, it was easy.’’

...for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and serve, that the success of the entire community depends ...

“Tt didn’t turn out the way I planned. I had been teaching some friends, but they couldn’t come, and neither could the other Bahá’í youth. But three of my brother’s 9th grade friends came, and two college students. Also, a girl whose father has been investigating the Faith came. Later, she attended the International Youth Conference and is now really interested in the Faith. We didn’t really know each other before, but we’re close friends now.””

+-.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 ...

“I asked Bruce Johnson, the youngest adult member of the community, to speak. I was surprised that my brother’s friends, who are 13 and 14, were asking some really good questions. One of the seekers from the university was helping Bruce answer questions. He declared last week.’’

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

“T think the most important thing is not to be scared. Just trust God—and say a teaching prayer. It may not turn out exactly the way you planned, but that doesn’t matter.’’

Teaching is the food of the spirit; it brings life to unawakened souls and raises the new heaven and the new earth; it uplifts the banner of a united world; it ensures the victory of the Covenant and brings those who give their lives to it the supernal happiness of attainment to the good pleasure of their Lord.

“The next fireside we have,’’ says Kemba Thomas, ‘‘my brother is going to host.’’ Kemba’s brother, Ali, is 13 years old.

Orinda Bahda’is present scholarships

The Baha’is of Orinda, California, presented scholarships this

The scholarships were presented by Nura Ioas of the Bahd’{ com

year to three seniors at Miramonte High School who were chosen for their provocative essays on world peace.

munity of Orinda on June 9 at the school’s awards program to Nicole Townsend, Tom Harper and Michael Reeve.

BR Return to: National Teaching Committee, Baha National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

TEACHING PROJECT GUIDELINES

Recently revised by the National Teaching Committee, the “Teaching Project Guidelines" booklet provides helpful information to aid a Baha'i community in organizing and carrying out several different types of teaching projects. Included are sections on project planning, securing resources needed for the project, implementation of plans, monitoring and reporting progress, and project evaluation. To order a copy of the guidelines, simply complete and return the order form below:

Teaching Project Guidelines Order Form

Please send __copy(s) of the Teaching Project Guidelines to:

Name:

Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Services Fund".

Please include a check for $2.00 per copy payable to "Bahai

£2 Mail order to: National Teaching Committee Bahdii National Center + Wilmette, IL 60091

"® loved ones of God! Each one of the friends must teach at least one soul each year. This is everlasting glory. This is eternal grace.

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Individual and Teaching, p.13.

�[Page 11]TEACHING

When it comes to teaching the Baha’i Faith, Maggie McLendon is one intrepid, fearless lady.

Maggie has a small house adjoining the Bosch Baha’i School property near Santa Cruz, California. In the spring and summer, during school sessions, she helps in many ways including playing the piano when an accompanist is needed or simply playing for group singing.

She also extends her activities to nearby Santa Cruz where she helps with the senior meal program and frequently volunteers her music for various occasions.

But come fall and winter, Maggie hops a bus—or accepts a ride if friends are going her way—and heads for Mexico.

She is fluent in Spanish, and so finds it relatively easy to teach the Faith south of the border.

This past winter, Maggie found a job in Mulegé, some 1,100 miles south of Santa Cruz in Baja California. In return for room and

Special sessions used to introduce teaching booklets

An innovative way of introducing The Word of God and Effective Teaching was carried out during May by the District Teaching Committee of Illinois, Southern.

Simultaneous meetings were conducted by members or representatives of the Teaching Committee in four cities, and the Baha’is in the surrounding smaller communities were invited to attend.

Each session (one in the morning introducing The Word of God and one in the afternoon introducing Effective Teaching) lasted for two hours—just long enough to ‘‘whet the appetite’? of those who participated.

Baha’ is from surrounding communities were urged to take the booklets back to their home communities and to begin study groups for more intensive deepening.

The Regional Schools Committee of Illinois is also involved in seeing that The Word of God reaches all the Baha’is in that state.

The youth program at the Heartland Baha’i School, held July 20-24, was centered around the study of the booklet, which was produced by the National Teaching Committee and is available from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

board, she played the piano at the Terrazas Hotel for evening entertainment.

During the day she busied herself with many civic-oriented projects: she helped the Rotarians distribute donated clothing, furniture, toys and household goods to the needy; acted as translator for the volunteer doctors, dentists and chiropractors who came down from the States and helped notify the public when these volunteer medics arrived; and helped a veterinarian in a program to limit the dog and cat population through spaying.

In her ‘‘spare time,’’ she frequently became acquainted with tourists in parks and on the streets and made herself helpful as a translator and in giving general information.

Maggie says her piano playing was helpful in teaching because it was easier for people to listen to the Bahd’{ message when they knew she was in Mulegé for more than one reason.

Also related to her piano playing, Maggie was able to help two

children who had received for Christmas a toy piano that really played. Using the Suzuki method, which involves the mothers, she was able to teach the children how to play, much to the delight of their parents.

Maggie says she received some important help in Mulegé from Baha’is who came to help with the teaching: Christine Hoyt, a pioneer and school teacher from Manzanillo; Rex Wilson, a school teacher from Southern California; Jeanne Serrano, secretary of a District Teaching Committee in Southern California; and Harold and Marjorie Thompson, who brought her to Mulegé and were very useful with their car.

Together, they were able to get the new Baha’is to meet for their first Unity Feast.

When Maggie McLendon arrived in Mulegé in November 1987 there were no Baha’ is in the town.

When she left in the latter part of March there were nine Baha’is, and many other residents were studying the Faith.

As a follow-up, she keeps in

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 11

Retiree Maggie McLendon travels (1, 100 miles!) to teach

Maggie McLendon takes her seat at the piano and prepares to entertain guests at the Terrazas Hotel

touch with these new believers by sending each one the Spanish page from The American Bahd’!. Mem

in Mulegé, Mexico. As many of

the town’s residents found, she had much more than music to of fer.

bers of Maggie’s community give her their Spanish pages as a community project.—Lucy Tennant

is

Pictured are members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Dover, the state capital of Delaware, which was established at Riḍván. Standing (left to right) are Joe Cain,

Bruce Hutton, Arline Bogie, Robin Cain, Harold Bogie. Seated (left to right) are Pepper Oldziey, Peter Oldziey, D.C. Brown. Not pictured is Jim Bordley.

Dover, Delaware, forms first Assembly

At Riḍván, the Bahda’is of Dover, Delaware, established the city’s first local Spiritual Assembly, bringing one step closer the national goal of the Six Year Plan~ to raise an Assembly in every state capital.

For at least 15 years the formation of an Assembly in Dover was a primary goal of the District Teaching Committee of the DelMarVa Peninsula.

Once the formation of the Assembly became a national goal as well, the growth of the community accelerated.

Regular firesides were begun, and enrollments ensued. Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and Billy Roberts made regular visits and helped inspire the

teaching Chinese.

Asia-Pacific Conference in Singapore

The National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore is sponsoring a Baha’i Asia-Pacific Conference focusing on Chinese teaching to be held December 18-21 in Singapore.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore hopes to see people from many countries attending this conference. The greater the representation of different countries, races and backgrounds, the more richly rewarding will be the exchange of experiences for all who have an interest in the expanding field of

In addition to talks and workshops, there will be an exhibition at the conference of Chinese-language materials on the Faith.

Arrangements are being made for simultaneous translation of all sessions from English to Chinese.

As it becomes available, more information will be provided in upcoming issues of The American Bahá’í.

friends through some dark moments.

Meanwhile, The American Bahá’í published articles about Dover and encouraged homefront pioneers. Two families arose to fulfill the need. The arrival of each of these families was greeted with a new enrollment!

From five Baha’is three years ago, Dover has grown to comprise 13 adults and 13 children.

On May 1, approximately 50 Baha’is and their guests attended a formal celebration sponsored by the Baha’is of the DelMarVa district to honor the Spiritual Assembly of Dover.

The keynote speaker was Katherine Bigelow, deputy director of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Entertainment was provided by Paul and Sandy Huening and Adrienne Stengel.

One non-Baha’i, Ontry Patten, who had first heard of the Faith when reading the Ebony magazine article in the late ’60s and had always considered himself a Baha’i but had not formally enrolled, decided the time had come.

After signing his card, he showed the Baha’is the dog tags he had worn in Vietnam. Next to his blood type were the words ‘‘Bahai Faith.” Ontry had come home!

Many S. Carolina communities need homefront pioneers’ help

Many Baha’i communities have grown slowly and steadily over the years. In these older, more established communities, new Baha’is have ample opportunity to learn from the “‘older’’ believers how a community functions.

For example, new believers can observe how Feasts are conducted and can learn about the Baha’i principles of consultation by hearing others consult.

However, when a Baha’i community is established through mass teaching, the new Baha’is do not have the benefit of having older, more experienced Baha’is to guide them.

Such communities have been formed throughout South Carolina. Many of the Spiritual Assemblies there need the administrative guidance and the loving nurturing of mature believers in order to learn how to function.

Homefront pioneers can provide such assistance.

South Carolina has a Baha’i Coordinating Committee with a coordinator who helps homefront pioneers settle in South Carolina.

Moses Richardson, the Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneer coordinator for South Carolina, will be happy to help those who might be interested in arising to serve the Cause as a homefront pioneer to South Carolina. His address is Darlington, SC 29532 (phone 803-3936649).

Although help is needed throughout the state, some areas of concentration have been identified:

CHERAW

Population: 5,654

Employment: Carolina Canners Inc., Carolina Packaging Inc., Cheraw Dyeing and Finishing Co., Cheraw Yarn Mills, Cooper Industries, Crown Cork and Seal Co., F&S Industries, INA Bearing, James Fabrics (Burlington), Pioneer Ltd., Pyramid Screen Printers, Robertson Factories Inc., Stanley Works and Stanley Tool Division.

Education: Three elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school, ChesterfieldMarlboro Technical College.

Transportation: No public transportation.

Housing: Current information available from the coordinator.

ORANGEBURG

Population: 15,477

Employment: Industry well-balanced with manufacturing plants in chemical, lumber and woodworking, metal-working, textile equipment. Manufactured products include aircraft parts, ball and roller bearings, clothing and other textiles, fiberglass products, fishing equipment, foodstuffs, lawn mowers, packaging, and plastic molds.

Education: 18 elementary schools, six middle and junior high schools, one vocational school, eight high schools, five private schools, five church-operated schools, South Carolina State College, Claflin College, Southern Methodist College, OrangeburgCalhoun Technical College, and Orangeburg-Calhoun Regionai Hospital School of Nursing.

Transportation: Airport bases a number of corporate aircraft, accommodates jets and has a fixed base operator. Two railroads, four bus lines and four motor freight terminals.

Housing: Current information is available from the coordinator.

DILLON

Population: 11,961

Employment: Economy is based on textiles, retail trade and services. Burlington Industries (carpet yarn), Carpostan Industries (synthetic weaving), Dixiana Mills (carpets), Dillon Yarn, Buck Creek Industries (wool yarn), Craftex Creations (women’s underwear), Rownd and Son (plywood), Packaging Corporation of America (corrugated boxes), Wix Corporation (auto filters), Dillon Veneer and Plywood (furniture).

Education: Several elementary

See HOMEFRONT page 28 �[Page 12]12 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

\ IL

FOR NEW BAHA'S...

New World Order destined to unite peoples and nations

“Blessed is He.’’ With these words the Bab foreshadows the ultimate fruit of the Revelation of Bahá’u’ll4h—a new World Order destined to unite the peoples and nations of the world.

In Baha’ u’ llah’s teachings guidance is provided to foster the spirpsa the moral, and even the ma terial development of individuals.

He has likewise provided principles that serve to guide the progress of society—for example,

alone,

whether for the benefit of the individual or society, cannot accomplish their intended purpose unless they are incorporated in a structure that will govern the af fairs of humanity. As Shoghi Effendi explains, “«..,.The Spirit breathed by Baha’Mel upon the world... can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind

unless and until it incarnates itself in a visible Order, which would bear His name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His laws. ...

“For Bahá’u’lláh, we should readily recognize,’’ the Guardian continues, “‘has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy, however potent, sound and universal these may be.

“In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy.

“These are destined to be a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument for the establishment of the Most Great Peace, and the one agency for the unification of the world, and the proclamation

“As we view the world around us, we are compelled to observe the manifold evidences of that universal fermentation which, in every continent of the globe and in every department of human life, be it religious, social, economic or political, is purging and reshaping humanity in anticipation of the Day when the wholeness of the human race will have been recognized and its unity established. A two-fold process, however, can be distinguished, each tending, in it own way and with an accelerated momentum, to bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of our planet. The first is essentially an integrating process, while the second is fundamentally disruptive. The former, as it steadily evolves, unfolds a System which may well serve as a pattern for that world polity towards which a strangely-disordered world is continually advancing; while the latter, as its disintegrating influence deepens, tends to tear down, with increasing violence. the antiquated barriers that seek to block humanity’s progress towards its destined goal. The constructive process stands associated with the nascent Faith of Baha’u’ll4h, and is the harbinger of the New World Order that Faith must erelong establish. The destructive forces that characterize the other should be identified with a civilization that has refused to answer to the expectation of a-new age, and is consequently falling into chaos and decline.

“‘A titanic, a spiritual struggle, unparalleled in its magnitude yet unspeakably glorious in its ultimate consequences, is being ‘waged as a result of these opposing tendencies, in this age of transition through which the organized community of the followers of Baha’u’llah and mankind as a whole are passing.’’—Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 170

.

Discuss the passage with the Baha’i who taught you the Faith, or with another believer. Together consider the following questions:

What are some signs from current events of the breakdown of the old world order? What are some signs of the building of the new World Order?

What does Shoghi Effendi say is the source of the forces

bringing down the old order? What is the source of the forces establishing the new Order?

How does the Order established by Baha’u’ll4h—which outwardly may seem to be a replica of the institutions of Christianity or Islam—differ from those of other religions? (See page 18 of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Effendi.)

.

The following references that address the topic of Baha’u’ll4h’s new World Order are available from the Baha’i Distribution Service:

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi. This book includes a number of letters of the Guardian (including quotes from Baha’u’ll4h and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) that deal with conditions surrounding the unfoldment of Baha’u’llah’s World Order.

The Promised Day Is Come, by Shoghi Effendi, especially pages 108 (‘‘The Continuity of Revelation’’) to the end of the book. This book examines the initial response of humanity to pad at call and concludes with a look at the promise of the

ture.

of the reign of righteousness and justice upon the earth.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 19)

The existing Order of the world, based on the independent sovereignty of nations, daily demonstrates that it is no longer able to meet the needs of humanity. The threat of nuclear war, the unchecked spread of regional wars, the expanded use of terrorism, and the growing disparity between the rich and poor nations and peoples are only some of the major problems humanity has been unable to resolve.

These problems are a symptom of our lack of unity. And it is chiefly in establishing the basis of the unity of humanity that Baha’u’ll4h’s World Order will provide a remedy for the ills of society.

Bahd’u’ll4h, as the Messenger of God for this Day, addresses the problems of the world in two ways, which Shoghi Effendi describes as the major and minor plans of God.

In the major plan, the spirit released by the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh acts in the world to stimulate the progress of movements and institutions that support principles in harmony with Baha’u’ll4h’s teachings.

At the same time, the ineffective and outdated structures of an old Order disintegrate under the stresses and problems na result from the world’s dis

“The world’s eqauibeara hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order,” Baha’u’llah says. “Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”” (Gleanings, p. 136)

Carrying out God’s minor plan is a task given to the Baha’is. It is the spreading of the Message of Baha’u’llah and the raising of the institutions of His Adminstrative Order.

The present Baha’i administration, which includes the local and national Assemblies being raised even in the most remote regions of the world, is, according to Shoghi Effendi, the ‘‘nucleus’’ and ‘‘pattern’’ of the future World Order. (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 144)

As time passes and the Message of Bahá’u’lláh comes to the attention of and is accepted by a larger number of people, the major and minor plans will draw closer.

The Faith, Shoghi Effendi informs us, will pass through the successive stages of ‘‘unmitigated obscurity (from which we have recently emerged), of active repression, and of complete emancipation, leading in turn to its being acknowledged as an independent Faith, enjoying the status of full equality with its sister religions, to be followed by its establishment and recognition as a State religion, which in turn must give way to its assumption of the rights and prerogatives associated with the Baha'i state, functioning in the plenitude of its powers, a stage which must ultimately culminate in the emergence of the worldwide Baha’i Commonwealth, ani The Seat of the Universal House of Justice in Israel

mated wholly by the spirit, and operating solely in direct conformity with the laws and principles of Baha’u’ll4h.”” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 12)

The world as well will pass through various stages that will include the political unity of the nations and the creation of a world federation headed by a supreme tribunal. Eventually, the two processes will merge in the Baha’i Commonwealth.

The ultimate outcome of God’s plan is the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth—the establishment of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order.

It will involve not only the political and social unity of the peoples of the world, but a spiritual unity as well—the Most Great Peace. The establishment of the

Baha’i Commonwealth will be followed by the birth of a world civilization.

“This crowning stage in the evolution of the plan wrought by God Himself for humanity,” Shoghi Effendi states, referring to the Baha’i Commonwealth, ‘‘will, in turn, prove to be the signal for the birth of a world civilization, incomparable in its range, its character and potency, in the history of mankind—a civilization which posterity will, with one voice, acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden Age of the Dispensation of Baha’u’ll4h, and whose rich harvest will be garnered during the future dispensations destined to succeed one another in the course of the five thousand century Baha’i Cycle.” (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 156)

Elements of Baha’i Commonwealth set forth in Writings of Baha’u’llah

Unlike the institutions raised in other religions, the Order designed to guide the affairs of humanity that will result from the spread of the Baha’i teachings is firmly established in the Writings of the Founder of the Faith.

Bahd’u’ll4h, in the Kitdb-iAqdas and in certain other Tablets has set forth the elements necessary for the establishment of the Baha’i World Commonwealth.

The statements in the Agdas are confirmed, supplemented and correlated in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which, together with the Aqdas, serves as a charter for the emergence of Bahda’u’ll4h’s new World Order.

“«\.the apostles of Bahd’u’ll4h in every land,’’ Shoghi Effendi writes, “‘...have before them in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic language, all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the institutions, the guidance, they require for the prosecution and consummation of their task.

“Both in the administrative provisions of the Baha’i Dispensation, and in the matter of succession, as embodied in the twin institutions of the House of Justice and the Guardianship, the followers of Baha’u’ll4h can summon to their aid such irrefutable evidences of Divine Guidance that none can resist, that none can belittle or ignore. Therein lies the distinguishing feature of the Baha’i Revelation. Therein lies the strength of the unity of the Faith. ...’’ (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 21-22)

Indeed, it is not simply through

our belief in and love for Baha’u’llah that we are united as Baha’is. Such love for the Manifestations of God in the past was not enough to preserve the unity of their followers.

Rather, it is in adherence to Baha’u’llah’s teachings, particularly in regard to the Order He has established, that not only will the unity of the believers be protected but the ultimate unity of all humanity will be secured.

Don’t forget! to attend your District Convention

Your vote is important to help elect a delegate to next year’s Baha’i National Convention where he or she will in turn help elect the National Spiritual Assembly for 1989-90. Make plans now to attend!

"het 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.

�[Page 13]Arts celebrate beauty, diversity of humankind at Canada’s first ‘Festival of the Human Spirit’

There was a burgeoning of creative expression at Canada’s first “Festival of the Human Spirit,”’ held June 30-July 3 at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.

The focus of the event was the importance of the arts in celebrating the beauty and diversity of the human spirit and contributing to a better world.

An estimated 1,000 people attended the festival, which was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the Baha’i Arts Council of Canada, an organization that was formed as a goal of the Six Year Plan.

At one of the opening sessions, Dr. Hossain Danesh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, paraphrased a Japanese Haiku: ‘‘When the almond tree was asked of God, it blossomed.””

There was much evidence of blossoming in the multi-faceted artistic presentations, exhibits,

N.Y.C. youth slate series of lectures

on the Covenant

Starting in September, the Baha’i Youth Committee of New York City is presenting a series of lectures on the Covenant featuring well-known Baha’i speakers.

The events, to be held at the Baha’i Center in New York City, are made possible with the support of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City and Counselor Wilma Brady, director-general of the Baha’i International Community.

The schedule of speakers and their topics:

September 10, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh (The Covenant and the Cause).

October 8, Dr. Robert C. Henderson (The Divine Plan for America).

November 19, Counselor William Roberts (The Covenant and the Individual).

December 10, Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh (Remembering Shoghi Effendi).

January 14, Mrs. Mary Kay Radpour (The Covenant, Christ and Baha’u’Ilah).

February 25, Dr. Roy Jones (This Matter of Race ... A Baha’i View).

All Baha’is and guests in neighboring communities are warmly invited to attend. For more information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.

Arise!

talks about marriage and education, and activities for children and youth, all of which served to encourage and integrate the artistic and intellectual capacities of the Baha’i and non-Baha’i participants (about one-third of the performers were not Baha’is).

Highlights on the main stage included music by Andrew-Pemberton-Piggott; santour player Kiu Haghighi accompanied by his daughter, Keely, and Nancy Ward; a celebration of the folklore of French Canada presented by Ellie Melling-Cyr and a company of 18 singers, dancers and musicians; and the premiere of a ballet based on the story of Badi’, performed by Roderick Johnson & Co.

Among other evening events were a disco dance for people of all ages and two evenings of latenight informal performances (music, poetry and _ story-telling) hosted by Nancy Ackerman, a member of the Arts Council.

Many other presentations, performances and workshops were held in various buildings on campus. Topics ranged from ‘‘Educating Children for a Peaceful World: The Role of the Arts’’ to “The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging,’ ‘‘Sacred Ceremonial Sand Painting’”’ and ‘‘Out of Africa: Views and Fashions.””

Dramatic performances included a play, “Anticipation,” by John Dunn; ‘‘The Passing of Exquisite Music,’’ a one-woman play about Martha Root, written and directed by Ann Boyles and performed by Susan Lyons; and “Lord of the Flies,’’ a creative adaptation acted by children (ages 9-16) under the direction of Daniel Danis of Group Capture.

Among other highlights were talks and poetry readings by poet Roger White; a slide presentation and talks by architect Fariburz Sahba, who designed the Baha’i House of Worship in India; and a slide presentation and talk by artist and Counselor Donald Rogers.

Americans who took part in the festival included Kiu and Keely Haghighi (santour/piano), Mark Ochu (concert pianist), Donna Kime (jazz/classical fusion singer/pianist), and Deborah Chicurel Conow and Anne Gordon Atkinson, who performed dramatized versions of the poetry of Roger White with music by Donna Kime and lighting by designer Danny Phillips.

Festival exhibits included works by five contemporary Canadian artists, four of whom are non-Baha’is: Donald Rogers, Greg Cur

HUQUQU’LLAH

“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 Huqtqu’ll4h should be made to ‘‘Baha’i Huququ’ll4h 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 Huqtqu’ll4h should be referred to one of the Trustees or to:

Office of the Secretariat

Baha’i Huququ’ lah Trust

Rocky River, OH 44116

noe, Jamelie Hassan, Geoffrey Holdsworth and Susan Shantz.

In addition, a ‘‘Festival Emporium’ featured art works and crafts for sale.

The children’s program included many quality performances and workshops in dance, drama and music. The Children’s Festival Choir, composed of many of the children at the festival, performed for everyone at the closing ceremony.

Also provided was a day care program with arts and other activities for children under five years of age.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada has decided to make the Festival of the Human Spirit an annual event during the remainder of the Six Year Plan.

Next year’s festival is tentatively scheduled to be held in eastern

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 13

Andrew Pemberton-Piggott (right) performs during the open

Canada, with the following year’s in one of the western provinces. The power of the spirit was certainly evident at this first festival celebrating the diversity and crea ing night of Canada’s Festival of the Human Spirit in Ontario.

tivity of humanity. Future festivals promise an even more abundant blossoming of the artistic efforts of Bahá’ís and their guests.—Anne Gordon Atkinson

Thee AA

HC $49.95

similar words

think He wrote

Kitab-i-igan Prayers and Meditations

Bal

A Concordance to the Writings of Baha’u’llah, a basic tool that belongs in every Baha’i library, can help you to: e Find a favorite passage

« Research specific subjects

¢ Prepare deepenings and compilations

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Foster unity by what Baha'u'llah actually wrote rather than on what Baha'is

A Concordance is indexed to these books:

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah

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The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah

The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys Tablets of Baha'u'llah

‘A Synopsis and Codification of Kitab-i-Aqdas Plus 24 compilations

�[Page 14]14 / The American Baha’ / August 1988

Baha’is spearhead Chicago’ s ‘Walk for ee

&)

STORIES OF THE MARTYRS

MRS. ISHRAQIYYIH FARUHAR

Since the Islamic Revolution swept Iran in 1979 several Baha’i couples have been martyred, among whom were Mrs. Ishraqfyyih Fardhar and her husband.

Mrs. Farihar was born into a Baha’ family in Tehran, in 1924. Her father was an active Baha’i whose home was a center for many activities, epee classes and

In her childhood, Mts. Fardhar saw and took part in such activities, and thus her faith in the Cause was laid on a solid foundation.

In 1945, after her graduation from one of the better high schools in Tehran, she met and married a young Baha’i who had just moved to, and found employment in, that city.

Soon after the wedding Mrs. Farthar became pregnant but had a miscarriage. Later she fell ill and, as a result, was no longer able to bear children.

Although this was a sad experience for her, yet she considered it a blessing in disguise, as it enabled her to spend the rest of her life serving the Faith.

In 1961 Mr. Fardhar resigned from his job in Tehran and, with his wife, decided to go homefront pioneering.

The Farthars moved to Gawhar Dasht, a small town about 30 miles west of the capital. In a short time a few other Baha’i families also moved there, and by the following Ridvan a local Spiritual Assembly was formed.

In Gawhar Dasht, Mrs. Farihar served the Faith by conducting Baha’i classes for children and deepenings for adults, and by visiting Bahá’ís in nearby villages who were in need of deepened Baha’fs for consolidation.

If there was an opportunity to teach the Faith, she always seized it. She also served on the National Women’s Committee, whose meetings were held in Tehran.

In August 1981, a number of Revolutionary Guards went to Mr. and Mrs. Fardhar’s home, confiscated their belongings, arrested them and took them to prison.

In prison they received harsh treatment and were tortured to make them recant their Faith, which they refused to do.

On May 8, 1982, Mrs. Fardhar was executed in Karaj, a town some 20 miles west of Tehran. The Universal House of Justice described the Fardhars as ‘‘highly

See MARTYR page 30

On June 18, more than 500 Baha’is and non-Baha’is of many cultures, religions and ages exhibited a visible affirmation of racial unity by taking part in Chicago’s “Walk for Unity-in-Diversity.””

The event was organized and sponsored by the Chicago Area Race Unity Task Force of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.

Co-sponsors included the Mayor of Chicago’s Commission on Human Relations, WMAQ-TV and the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Support for the walk was provided by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Race Unity Committee, the National Teaching Committee, the National Persian/American Affairs Committee, the District Teaching Committees of Illinois, the Departments of Human Resources and National Properties, and many local Assemblies and individual Baha’is.

Two special public service announcements, filmed by Al Dolan, a Baha'i from Northfield Township, were seen on a number of Chicago area television stations during the weeks preceding the walk, which was held in downtown Chicago with coverage by two TV stations including WGN Of course, not everyone in the

‘Walk for Unity-in-Diversity’ in few were able to hitch a ‘ride.’

Above: Bahá’ís march behind a large banner celebrating the ‘unity of mankind’ during Chicago’s ‘Walk for Unity-in-Diversity’ June 18. Right: Dr. Robert C.

TV, a “‘super-station’”” seen on cable television across the country.

An interview with one of the Baha’i organizers of the walk was aired on more than one radio station in Chicago.

The walk was followed by a program that included talks by Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Stanley Davis, executive

Chicago actually had to walk; a

Leeward Is. to host Women’s Conference

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

Participants are being invited from all National Assemblies in the Caribbean, the Women’s Affairs Office of CariCom, the Women’s Affairs Office of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Inter-American Commission of Women in Washington, D.C., and many other organizations and religious groups.

The conference will cover such

topics as Family Life, the Sanctity of Marital Relationships, Child Care and Discipline, Women and Children and the Law, Violence in the Home, Alcoholism, Consultation in the Family, Women’s Role in the Home, Women as the Educators of Our Future Society, Building Self-Esteem, Equality, Work Ethics, Stress Management, and Women and the Community. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses the crowd of more than 500 who took part in the event. (Photos by Gail Etzenhouser)

director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews; and James Eldridge, acting director of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Relations.

Entertainment was provided by Nacho Segura’s Mariachi Band; the Lee Street Band, a multicultural group of musicians from the Chicago area; the Chicago Baha’i Singers; K.C. Porter, a Baha’i songwriter, producer and per

Baha’i to produce anti-drug film for Education Department

Phil Lucas, a member of the Baha’i community of Issaquah, Washington, is one of eight independent film makers across the country chosen by the U.S. Department of Education to take part in a congressionally sponsored anti-drug program.

Mr. Lucas is using his $650,000 grant from the Education Department to produce an anti-drug film, ‘Lookin’ Good,” which uses young actors in the Seattle area.

The film’s message is simple and direct: peer pressure is usually what leads young people to experiment with drugs, and peer support is often the only way out for those battling addiction.

Mr. Lucas, an American Indian, formed his own film production company in 1979. He coproduced the PBS-TV series, “Images of Indians,”’ and filmed “The Honor of All,’’ a documentary about drug and alcohol abuse in a British Columbia Indian community.

aa

former who is well-known in Latin America; P.J. Walrus & Company, professional puppeteers whose show was custom-written for this program; and Milton Bullock, a Baha’i who is a former member of The Platters and originator of Do It for the Kids Inc., a program designed to raise awareness and self-esteem in children.

Among those exemplifying racial unity were Hindus, Sikhs, Unitarians, Catholics, Jews, Iranians, Burmese-Americans, Hispanics, Southeast Asians, blacks and whites, most of whom were not Baha’is.

Baha'is came from as far away as Michigan and Indiana to take part in the event.

Warner Saunders, sportscaster for WMAQ-TV, was grand marshal of the Walk for Unity-inDiversity, the first of what is to become an annual event in Chicago.

Texas Baha’i named to board of directors by anti-drug group

Dr. Sherdeana Bell, a member of the Baha’i community of Duncanville, Texas, has been named to the board of directors of the Ethel Daniels Foundation in Dallas.

The purpose of the Foundation, established in 1987, is to support the individual efforts of substance abusers at improving the quality of life through counseling, education and self-image modification.

Dr. Bell, who has a private dental practice in Duncanville, is a member of that city’s local Spiritual Assembly.

REGISTR IN.

"Every individual believer— man, woman, youth and child—" is this year's theme of the

Conference on Growth

a briefing for the agencies of the National Teaching Committee

September 2-5, 1988 ¢ Lincolnwood, IL

open to all who wish to attend

For more information and to register by phone, call the National Teaching Office, Baha'i National Center, 312/869-9039. Ask about special airline rates!

IN

�[Page 15]News from the Network

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 15

Cause makes news from coast to coast and in between

the Faith. The headline was ‘‘Baha’: Faith Beyond Faith.” A photograph of the House of Worship in Wilmette was included.

° Bedford, Texas: The MidCities Daily News and the Northeast Extra Edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram published articles on the same day about a

From the House of Worship

The House of Worship was overrun by young people. We would like this to be a permanent condition. Wonderful, radiant youth returning from the Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, stopped and offered their willing hands to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as guides, office assistants, bookshop helpers and whatever else was needed. Many stayed for an extended period to serve the Mother Temple of the West.

These youth displayed one of the primary and distinctive characteristics of Baha’i life—service. The staff at the House of Worship sends these youth a very warm “‘thank you.”’ We also offer the following quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

“Of those who arise in the service of this edifice there shall be no soul but shall be imbued by God with a power emanating from His mighty Kingdom, and upon him shall rain such spiritual, heavenly blessings as shall fill his heart with a wondrous light and illumine his eyes to behold the glory of the Ancient of Days.””

Opportunities abound for service at the House of Worship. Do you speak a second language? There are visitors from many countries. It can be both exciting and frustrating to attempt to teach Bahá’u’lláh’s message when you don’t speak the same language; however, it is a bounty to be able to give out copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace”’ in other languages knowing that this universal message may be understood by all.

Garden teaching on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. until midnight presents a unique teaching opportunity. Guides personally escort visitors around the gardens and answer questions about the Baha’i Faith and the House of Worship. Anyone who likes to teach, deepen and socialize makes a good garden teacher. There are an average of 30-40 visitors to be taught in an evening. On a ‘‘slow”’ night there are about 25 people, and on the best nights there have been up to 80 people in the two-hour period. No experience is necessary, as new teachers can be paired

. with an experienced teacher until they are ready to ‘‘solo.””

The questions of visitors during the garden teaching sessions and in the Visitors’ Center are much different than they were even five years ago. While people remain interested in the details of the building and gardens, they are more aware of the Faith itself. There is a genuine interest in knowing what the Faith is about. One of the bounties of service at the Temple is being able to answer their questions.

The influence of the ‘‘silent teacher”’ is felt in ever-widening circles. A recent readers’ poll of the best things on Chicago’s North Shore resulted in the ‘‘overwhelming”’ choice of the House of Worship as the best and most important landmark on the North Shore. A brief write-up about this is to appear in the September issue of North Shore magazine, and the House of Worship will receive a certificate noting the occasion.

In service to the House of Worship we have the chance to show forth the distinctive characteristics of a Bahá’í life and to attract waiting hearts to the regeneration of the world. Wherever you live, you may find some way to serve the Mother Temple. You can arrange your vacation to come and serve and share in the bounties of offering your prayers. Baha’i communities can arrange special trips to the House of Worship. The spiritual significance of this holiest House of Worship is vital to the goals of the Six Year Plan.

In a letter written in 1929, Shoghi Effendi says: ‘‘For it is assuredly upon the consciousness of the efficacy of the Revelation of Baha’u’ll4h reinforced on one hand by spiritual communion with His spirit, and on the other by intelligent application and the faithful execution of the principles and laws He revealed, that the salvation of a world in travail must ultimately depend. And of all the institutions that stand associated with His Holy Name, surely none save the institution of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkéar can most adequately provide the essentials of Baha’i worship and service, both so vital to the regeneration of the world. Therein lies the secret of the loftiness, of the potency, of the unique position of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as one of the outstanding institutions conceived by Baha’u’ll4h.””

Baha’i, Jane Hogue, who is one of the organizers of the International Women’s Peace Conference for Peacemakers Inc.

© The Colony, Texas: The Colony Leader published an article about brothers Arash and Shahriar Yekrangi who recently visited the Holy Land. The article mentioned their visit to the Baha’i Holy Places and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, and also described their visits to other cities in Israel.

¢ Winston-Salem, North Carolina: The Winston-Salem Chronicle published an article about the local Baha’i{ community which highlighted a quotation from the Baha’i Writings and included information about the history and teachings of the Faith.

Hays, Kansas: The Daily

‘News published an article about

Ray and La Nelma Johnson who will be moving to British Columbia, Canada, to work as headmaster and director of residence, respectively, at the Maxwell International Baha’i School. The article described in detail the structure and purpose of the school.

Sioux City, Iowa: The Sioux

City Journal published a letter to the editor from Baha’fs in the area. The letter applauded a campaign against alcohol and drug use being launched by the Sooland Black Ministerial Alliance and mentioned the Baha’ teachings on the use of alcohol and drugs.

e Jacksonville, Florida: The Florida Times-Union published a feature article about the local Baha’i community with photographs of activities at the new Baha’i Center. Included was a description of the teachings of the Faith

and information about the Baha’i communities in the area.

Danbury, Connecticut: The

News-Times published a guest column about the Faith which described the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and included a summary of the history and teachings of the Faith. The column also told the story of some Baha’i refugees who are sponsored by the writer and her husband.

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Salt Lake Tribune published an article about Michelle Duiker, who will be taking part in the ‘‘Star 88”” Project in central and southern Africa. The focus of the article was on the service project, sponsored by various National Spiritual Assemblies, which will take volunteer Baha’i participants from Europe and the U.S. to Africa,

Communication

In its Ridvan 1988 message, the Universal House of Justice says, “The media are giving increasing attention to the Baha’i world community; authors are acknowledging its existence in a growing number of articles, books and reference works, one of the most highly respected of which recently listed the Faith as the most widely spread religion after Christianity.”

This quote from our Supreme Institution is a vivid example of the importance of communication between the Baha’i community and the National Spiritual Assembly. Through the actions of one American Baha’i, the Universal House of Justice was able to receive quick notification of statements about the Faith in the newly published Britannica Book of the Year.

A Baha’i in Colorado received his new copy of the 1988 Britannica Book of the Year and noticed

Washington reception marks 100th year of Council of Women

On June 26, Baha’is in Washington, D.C., commemorated the 100th anniversary of the International Council of Women with a reception honoring Laura Dreyfus-Barney, a Baha’i who was an ardent early supporter of the Council.

The reception was a collaborative effort among the Office of External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Baha’i National Committee on Women, the United Nations Office of the Baha’i International Community, and the Office of Public Information in New York City.

The 55 guests included representatives from 18 countries who were in Washington for a meeting of the International Council of Women.

Remarks were made by Dr. Sookja Hong, president of the International Council, and Ms. Merrinelle Sullivan, president of the National Council of Women.

They were both appreciative of the hospitality shown by the Baha’is, and Dr. Hong went so far as to comment that Baha’i hospitality was now almost a tradition at gatherings of the International Council of Women.

important link among Bahda’is

a reference to the number of Baha’fs in the USSR.

He sent a copy of the page containing the reference to a Baha’i friend, who recognized that there were several important statements about the Faith in the article.

The friend brought the article to the attention of the Office of Public Information. The National Spiritual Assembly and Universal House of Justice were then able to see the wider implications of the entire article.

The National Spiritual Assembly relies on the Baha’is to keep it informed of references to the Faith in the media, books and journals.

Whenever a reference to the Faith is published in your local

newspaper(s), please send two originals of the page containing that mention to the Office of Public Information as quickly as possible.

Whenever you see references to the Faith in other publications, please send a photocopy of the mention and the title page to the Office of Public Information.

The Cause of Baha’u’llah has become known worldwide, and it is vital that the National Spiritual Assembly be kept well-informed about what is published about the Faith.

The efforts of all public information representatives, members of public information committees, and the Baha’is in general are needed to fulfill this vital task.

The Bahá’ís of Boulder, Colorado, joined other religious groups in that city May 28-29 in the ‘I Love Boulder’ fair. About 5,000 people attended the fair, many of whom took information and asked about the Faith. The

Bahá’ís taught by example by manning other tables, providing the bulk of cakes for the Boulder Council of Churches’ cake sale, and providing manpower as needed.

Nation of Islam receives statement

On behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, a delegation including a member of the National Assembly, Dr. William Maxwell, and representatives from the local Spiritual Assembly of Chicago presented a copy of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace’”’ to Imam W. Deen Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam, during the dedication of its Mosque on Sunday, June 26.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and Jabir Muhammad also received the peace statement at the same presentation.

The event was witnessed by about 1,000 Muslims, many of whom were from Moslem countries. Photographs and a video tape of the event were made.

The presentation ended with quotations from the Bible, the Qur’4n, and The Hidden Words and a greeting of the Greatest Name which initiated a resounding response of ‘‘All4h’u’ Akbar” from the audience.

�[Page 16]16 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

i Cindy Savage, author of the new book Nothing in Common, autographs a copy during the International Youth Conference in Blooi ington, Indiana. Ms. Savage’s novel ($4.95 SC), about a high school girl who encounters the Bahá’í Faith when her first date with a fellow student is a fireside, was the best-selling book at the conference.

A new and ‘un-Common’ book helps fulfill its author’s fondest wish

The wish of a 15-year-old new Baha’i has become part of a new career for Cindy Savage, author of the new book Nothing in Common.

Ms. Savage’s book is a fictionalized version of her own investigation and acceptance of the Faith.

When Cindy Savage became a Baha’, she wished fervently that there was a book she could give to her friends. Eventually, she brought that wish to life, but it took some time.

After graduating from high school in Concord, California, Cindy earned bachelor of arts degrees, in Spanish and ethnic studies and a teaching certificate in bi-lingual pre-school education, She taught for five years until she gave birth to the first of her three children,

It was then that she began to look for a career she could pursue from her home. At first, she had a successful custom interior design business; then she started an image consulting firm that took her to businesses all over California.

“In 1982,”” she recalls, ‘‘someone gave me a bag of about 30 books. That got me back into reading. I had always been a reader and a writer.

“My first poem was published when I was six, and I wrote all through high school and college. But in all that time no one ever said, ‘Cindy, you ought to be a writer.”

“When I had finished all 30 of those books, I decided that this could be my job ... a career for someone who wanted to stay home with her family. The blending of career and family had always been a priority.

“My first step,’’ she says, ‘‘was to write a novel for practice. Then I joined a writers’ group. The members told me all the correct steps to take on the long road to getting published.

“Instead, however, I called up an editor and said, ‘I’m a writer. Do you need any articles written?’ I got my first assignment in five minutes.””

Ms. Savage wrote articles for newspapers and magazines, both local and national. And she began working on novels.

“The first novel I wrote,’’ she says, ‘‘was adult fiction. But I realized I felt more comfortable writing for young adults.

“I liked young adults, I liked reading novels for young adults, and I wanted to write books my kids could read and enjoy when

they got older.

“I wanted to make people happy with my stories. And I thought it would be possible to write books of substance, not fluff, that would include Baha’i principles.

“Tt was about that time that I called the Publishing Trust with my idea about a novel for young adults.””

That idea became Nothing in Common, the story of a high school junior (Katie) who meets-a senior (Matt) who asks her out— not on a date but to a fireside.

That part of the story closely parallels the way in which Cindy Savage heard about the Faith.

“The only thing that sank in (at her first fireside),”’ she says, ‘‘was someone saying that there were other prophets of God besides Jesus. It just blew me away. That had never occurred to me.’”

From that point on, Ms. Savage says, the book is more fiction than fact. It was designed to fulfill the author’s wish to have a book that could explain the Faith in an easy and interesting way.

“I felt—and still feel—that youth respond well to fiction,’’ she says. “‘They identify with the struggles, aspirations and goals of fictional characters their own age.

“There was nothing like this (book) when I was a Baha’i youth. Fiction is a very non-threatening way to teach the Faith. If you give someone a book that’s too steeped in the Writings, it seems as if you’re pointing a finger at them, whereas with fiction they’re learning about Katie and Matt and their struggle. It’s a vicarious approach to teaching, and it’s a down-to-earth approach.”’

Ms. Savage doesn’t want Nothing in Common to be seen only as a book for youth.

“It’s an entertaining way of teaching the Faith that I think will appeal to all age groups,’’ she says. ‘‘Everyone should find something in this book that they can relate to. Older people will get a different look at young people, pre-teens will get a look at some of the problems they’Il be facing in a few years.

“At the Youth Conference in Bloomington, high school were buying the book and coming back the next day to say, ‘That’s what I’m going through now!’ ””

It was obvious at the Bloomington conference that Nothing in Common was the hottest-selling book because of its appeal to a broad spectrum of people, accor See CINDY page 30

Concordance to the Writings of Baha’u’llah: What are the readers saying?

THE ULTIMATE DESERTISLAND REFERENCE TOOL

“Every Spiritual Assembly who can afford a Concordance should have this book as a reference tool. By using the Creative Word and the Concordance and by practicing true consultation, our institutions can be fortified and release their inherent potentialities to offer solutions to the world’s problems. The Concordance is an indispensable tool for the process of consultation. It is the ultimate ‘desert-island’ reference tool. It is perfect, complete, and easy to pr

Gwyn Magaditsch Housewife, secretary, student Norco, California

Reduced price items

More than 800 letters and cables covering the first 36 years of the Formative Age of the Faith of Baha’u’ll4h. These messages from Shoghi Effendi not only progressively unfold the destiny of the British Bahdé’{ ¢ommunity but contain a great deal of guidance applicable to the entire Bahá’í world. The wealth of information includes biographical notes as well as a general index and annexes. This compilation is intended to be a never-ending source of inspiration, guidance and incitement to service for generations to come. 531 pp., biographies, index, annexes.

HC $10.95, was $28.50

The statement about peace from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world, in a pocket-size edition. Designed to fit into a woman’s purse, a man’s pocket, or a No. 10 envelope for mailing, the pamphlet is printed in blue ink on tan stock. Packaged in 10s, this handy edition offers many proclamation opportunities for sharing with friends, leaders of thought, or public officials in conversations or when relating to current events. 24 pp., packaged in 10s

PS 10/$2.95, was $5.50

CONNECTING COMMON THREADS

“IT can’t say enough about the_

Concordance. From a key word I can find in 10 minutes what used to take all day. Using the Concordance to research clusters of quotations on one theme has very special benefits. The impact of a particular concept is enhanced. And nuances that elude me in general, reading become obvious. The Concordance has also made me aware of aspects of the Faith I’ve never thought about before. When I’ve researched common key words of other religions, I’ve found new common threads connecting all the religions. This book is indispensable for any serious or deep study of the Writings.””

KEY PHRASES—QUICK AND EASY

“It is an enriching experience simply reading key word phrases. Don’t wait until you are in need of a reference. Start with an idea of interest, and you’ll find that one new insight into a small area of the Word of God sheds new light on the whole Revelation of Baha’u’llah. Using references from the Concordance allows you to go from book to book very quickly. It is easy to find passages from the Writings, which gives greater impact to the meaning of the topic you are studying. Focusing on the Word of God can be a great source of unity as we increasingly rely on the Creative Word to settle disagreements and solve prob

Dann May lems.

Teaches introductory philosophy Lee Nelson

and religion courses Author

University of Northern Texas, San Juan Capistrano, California Dallas

Forthcoming fall titles

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust will be releasing two new titles this fall— one for youth and adults, the other for children.

To Dance in the Market Square, by Linda Walbridge, is the story of Suzanne Cocia, a Canadian journalist, who arrives in Iran in 1979, during a lull in the revolution. She witnesses the beating of a young woman and goes to her assistance. Suzanne learns that the woman is a Baha’i who is being persecuted for her beliefs, and meets her family.

As Suzanne’s friendship deepens, she learns that members of the family have been persecuted in every generation. As these episodes unfold, we learn of the spirit of courage and conviction that animates Baha’ is. To Dance in the Market Square is a thrilling adventure and a resource for teaching the Faith in an exciting but indirect way.

Willie and the Number Three Door and Other Adventures, by Adrienne Ellis Reeves, is a collection of four stories about a young black Baha’i, Willie Johnson, of Sweet River, South Carolina. In the first story Willie starts first grade and confronts his fear about the ‘“‘number three door,’’ which a friend has told him is something awful. Because of his fear, he is unable to answer his teacher’s questions, but with her help Willie learns an unforgettable lesson about the door, his teacher, and himself.

The other three charming stories are also about the struggles of a young boy growing up—a boy who is beginning to see that listening to one’s heart, asking questions, and relying on God can help in surprising ways. Targeted for early and middle readers, Willie and the Number Three Door will delight boys and girls alike.

Watch The American Bahá’í for the prices and availability of these exciting new titles.

Bahá' Distribution Service ORDER FORM Se owe

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Order now through your �[Page 17]The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 17

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Kitab-i-lqan: The Book of Certitude Sets forth the grand redemptive scheme of God. The /gdn, Shoghi Effendi says, “contains the basic tenets” of the Baha’f Faith. This book will help you “appreciate the true mission of the Bab and Bahd’u’llih,”” and to grasp “‘the full significance’ of the scriptures of other religions. It “should be read over and over again by every soul who desires to serve”’ the Faith. 274 pp., glossary, index.

PS $3.95

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah

Excerpts from the sacred writings of Baha’u’llah translated and compiled by Shoghi Effendi. This compilation includes discussions about the spiritual meaning of life, the potency of this age of unity, the divine nature of man and his responsibilities to God and society, and the source and outcome of the current world upheaval. 366 pp., glossary, in dex. PS $4.50

The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah

The essence of all revealed truth expressed in 153 brief, penetrating meditations. The Hidden Words, revealed by Baha’u’ll4h around 1858, ‘‘stands out as a mighty charter for the salvation of the human soul,” writes Adib Taherzadeh. 52 pp.

SC $3.95

Bahai Distribution Service

The Creative Word

All of the major works of Baha’u’llah available in English can now be purchased in dignified, inexpensive pocket-size or softcover editions!

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Tablets of Baha’u’llah

Sixteen Tablets revealed by Baha’u’llah 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 (Bahd’u’ll4h’s) indefatigable pen’? that ‘‘must rank among the choicest fruits which His mind has yielded, and mark the consummation of His 40-yearlong ministry.” 299 pp., notes, index.

PS $4.50

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Epistle to the Son of the Wolf

The last major Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh in which He frequently quotes from His own Writings as He ‘‘adduces proofs establishing the validity of His Cause’’ and proclaims His station as the Supreme Manifestation of God. Baha'u'llah also highlights some of the most important aims of His Cause, including blotting out every trace of enmity and hatred from the hearts of men and uniting mankind through the power of His peerless Revelation. Heartrending stories of some of the martyrs show the transforming power of the Faith. 197 pp., glossary, index.

PS $4.50

Prayers and Meditations

A collection of nearly 200 prayers and meditations of Bahda’u’ll4h. Compiled by Shoghi Effendi, this book is intended to ‘‘deepen ... the spirit of devotion and faith in the friends” and ‘‘to charge them with all the spiritual power” needed to accomplish the challenges of the Cause. 347 pp., index.

PS $4.50

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys Two treatises describing the stages the soul must traverse in its quest for God. The Seven Valleys, wrote Shoghi Effendi, “‘may well be regarded as (Baha’u’ll4h’s) greatest mystical composition.”” Translated by Marzieh Gail in consultation with Ali-Kuli Khan. 65 pp.

SC $3.95

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 New toll-free number 1-800-999-9019 �[Page 18]18 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Baha’i Youth Conference: A closer look

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

WITH RENEWED HOPE AND REVOLUTIONARY COMMITMENT TO MEET CHALLENGES AND OFFER VICTORIES 5,300 PARTICIPANTS FROM 36 COUNTRIES ARE GATHERED TOGETHER AT 1988 BAHA’{ INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE IN BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA.

BLESSED BY PRESENCE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE MEMBER HOOPER DUNBAR, COUNSELORS WILMA BRADY, JACQUELINE DELAHUNT, ROBERT HARRIS, WILLIAM ROBERTS, FRED SCHECHTER AND ARTURO SERRANO AND FIVE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’{S OF THE UNITED STATES, YOUTH DISPLAYING UNPRECEDENTED SERIOUSNESS TO TASKS DEFINED IN 1988 RIDVAN MESSAGE. THE CONFERENCE THEME, “THE STAGE IS SET,” FOCUSES ON INDIVIDUAL TRANSFORMATION AND DEEPER COMMITMENT TO REVELATION AND COVENANT OF BAHA’U’LLAH. ALL PREPARED TO HELP FULFILL HIGH DESTINY AMERICAN BAHA’{ COMMUNITY AS FORETOLD BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHA.

3,200 YOUTH, 1,400 PARENTS/ADULTS, 700 CHILDREN ATTENDING TRIPLE CONFERENCE HAVE GLOBAL VISION OF BAHA’i FAMILY BROADENED BY INTERNATIONAL PRESENTERS.

REQUEST PRAYERS HOLY THRESHOLD FOR DIVINE ASSISTANCE THAT YOUTH, PARENTS/ADULTS AND CHILDREN WILL INITIATE ENTRY BY TROOPS THIS CONTINENT “‘LEST OPPORTUNITY BE LOST.”’

LOVING GREETINGS, PARTICIPANTS GATHERED AT 1988 BAHA’l INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE JULY 4, 1988

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JOYFULLY REPORT SUMMARY RESULTS THUS FAR OF COMMITMENTS OF PARTICIPANTS—CHILDREN, YOUTH, ADULTS/PARENTS—INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE. PLEDGES REFLECT PROFOUND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING. 3,022 PLEDGES OF ACTION TO SERVE AND ADVANCE BELOVED CAUSE. UNIFIED SPIRIT OF DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT UNPRECEDENTED IN RECENT HISTORY OF THE CAUSE IN NORTH AMERICA. PLEDGES OFFERED TO SUPREME INSTITUTION IN THE SAME SPIRIT OF UGENCY CONVEYED IN RIDVAN MESSAGE. THE SUMMARY OF PLEDGES IS AS FOLLOWS: PIONEER OFFERS, 442; YOUTH YEAR OF SERVICE, 502; TRAVELING TEACHING, 697; TEACHING/SERVICE PROJECTS, 378; FIRESIDES AND OTHER TEACHING, 1,429; FUND, 704 PLEDGES TOTALING $163,173 INCLUDING $81,592 FOR ARC PROJECT; NEW DECLARATIONS, 23; PRAYERDEEPENING, 492; COLLEGE CLUB ACTIVITIES, 43. HUMBLY REQUEST PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES FOR CONFIRMATIONS AND FULFILLMENT OF EVERY PLEDGE. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES JULY 4, 1988

1. A young visitor to the Youth Conference receives a typical ‘Harris hug’ from Counselor Robert Harris. 2. The varied entertainment at the conference included contemporary classical music on piano, violin and bongos. 3. A rule of thumb—and hand—for having fun in children’s classes: the messier the better! 4. Hooper Dunbar, a member of the Universal House of Justice, was a most welcome guest at the historic conference. 5. A dramatic scene from the three-act play, ‘Tdhirih,’ which was written and directed by Carolyn Duell and presented twice by the Louhelen Youth Theatre. 6. For sheer energy and visual pleasure, it would be hard to top the marvelously acrobatic Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dancers from Chicago.

HAT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENDE.

ig

�[Page 19]ie American Baha’i / August 1988 / 19

1. Facing the audience are entertainers Dorothy Powells and Red Grammer, 2. A view from the balcony of some of the booths in Assembly Hall. 3. A sliding duo— tot and rabbit—reach their dest

nation during children’s classes. 4. Socializing, of course, is always a big part-of any Bahdé’i Youth ConFerence as young people from all over the world meet to exchange ideas and get to know one another, 5. The friends gather for a plenary session in Assembly Hall. 6. The Los Angeles Bahd’( Youth Workshop performs for an appreciative audience. 7. A teacher and her charge talk things over. 8. Counselor William Roberts (left) and Robert Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, gather in some of the more than 3,000 pledges of service to the Cause made at the conference.

�[Page 20]20 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha’i 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 re

sponding to thern.

.

EMPLOYMENT

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Baha’i National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Minority development cooordinator (National Teaching Committee): responsible for stimulating and developing all efforts related to minority teaching projects and issues in accordance with the Six Year Plan. Experience working with minority groups is essential. A college degree is preferred; some typing skills are necessary, and a willingness to learn computer skills is required. This person should be well-deepened in the principles of the Faith and possess some Baha’i administrative experience. Administrative consultant (Community Administration): responds to letters and phone calls from his/her assigned geographical area and prepares background data on personal status cases. Qualifications include a sharp and discriminating mind, an eye for detail, an ability to organize one’s work efficiently and to turn over a high volume of work on a timely basis. The position requires excellent typing skills, sound judgment, ‘a strong understanding of the principle of confidentiality, a compassionate personality, psychological stability, a deep knowledge of the Baha’i teachings, and the ability to apply Baha’f principles to individual cases. Several years’ experience in local Baha’i administration would be beneficial; typing ability on a word processor or computer is helpful. Marketing manager (Bahá’í Publishing Trust/Distribution Service): responsible for stimulating and inspiring the friends in their love for and use of the Creative Word and other Baha’i-related materials; planning and executing marketing activities; ordering all books and materials from other vendors; overseeing customer service activities; and taking part in discussions relating to the Publishing Trust’s publishing program. Must be thoroughly familiar wit: Baha'i literature, par ticularly the Creative Word, and have some Baha’j administrative experience. Administrative aide (Office of the Secretary): to provide administrative and clerical support to the executive assistant to the National Spiritual Assembly. A pleasant phone manner, typing of 55 wpm and strong oral and written communication skills are necessary, and word processing skills are desirable. This person must have or be willing to obtain a valid Ilinois driver’s license. A solid knowledge of and respect for the Administrative Order and the institutions of the Faith is essential, as is some Baha’i adminsian/American Affairs Committee office): position calls for a well-orga

® son OF BEING!

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

nized, patient individual who can provide clerical support to the office and help for the Refugee Program coordinator. An excellent understanding of Persian etiquette and experience in daily living and communication with those of Persian background is necessary. Must be fluent in English, type at least 45 wpm and be able to work well under pressure. A knowledge of the principles and institutions of the Faith is required. Those who are interested in serving at the National Center are encouraged to contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039 for more information or an application.

THE BAHA’I World Center has an ongoing need for interested and qualified persons to serve in a variety of capacities including janitorial staff, gardeners, security and secretarialclerical. Most specifically, there is an immediate need to fill the two positions listed here. Custodians of Holy Places: A married couple is needed to assume the position of custodians of one of the Holy Places. They should preferably be between the ages of 40 and 55, in excellent health responsibilities or dependent children. The custodians of a Holy Place bear over-all responsibi for the housekeeping, maintenance and security of the building and its contents. Some of this work they carry out themselves; in other aspects they receive help from various departments of the World Center. The custodians are also responsible for welcoming pilgrims and visitors and for ensuring that they are properly cared for. From time to time they are asked to receive and provide refreshments for prominent visitors to the World Center. Such a couple should, therefore, be devoted Baha’ fs with high standards, able to cope with mundane work on the one hand, and, on the other, to interact with a variety of visitors including tourists from many nations. They must be patient and flexible. Since the Holy Place cannot be left unattended, only a limited amount of free time is available. Baha’i administrative experience would be valuable, and the ability to consult and carry out committee decisions is essential. The couple must have valid Passports from a country other than Iran. Housekeeper for Holy Places: A mature person (or, preferably, a martied couple) is needed to undertake the skilled and careful cleaning work at the Holy Places. This includes both heavy-duty cleaning and the cleaning and care of delicate fixtures, furt ings and ornaments, many of which are historic objects of museum quality. Previous experience in cleaning such kinds of objects is necessary. Flexibility and the ability to work with a variety of people are also essential. A working knowledge of the English language is required for both positions. Those who are interested may contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039, for an application or further information.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

RETIRED? Help three Baha’is at a lovely retirement village form an Assembly in Florida’s Kissimmee resort area. Splendid apartments, reasonable

simmee, FL 32741, or phone 407-9331104,

ROSWELL, New Mexico, needs energetic and steadfast homefront pioneers. A regional teaching campaign has centered on Roswell, which is the geographic center of this electoral

district. Roswell, a city of about

50,000 in southeastern New Mexico, has one active believer, some job opportunities, mountains to the west and desert to the east. Manufacturing,

farming, tourism and retirement are Roswell’s main industries, but education and service industries also need Bahá’s influence. If you can’t move to Roswell, please pray for us. For information, write to Curtis Wynne,

Carlsbad, NM 88220, or phone 505-887-2529.

UPPER Midwest community of Moorhead, Minnesota, would like energetic youth and/or adults as homefront pioneers. Assembly will be in jeopardy by late summer. There are three institutions of higher learning in the vicinity and many job openings in health care, specifically nursing, as well as in high tech and retail businesses. If interested, please write to

Moorhead, MN 56560.

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 Arram

bide, 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)

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. If interested, phone Maureen Kraus, 809-833-8601.

TURKS and Caicos: urgent need for assistant manager in motorcycle sales, rental and service shop. Must have experience in motorcycle and bicycle mechanics, small engine maintenance and repair. Bookkeeping experience is helpful; any experience with PCVs and/or furniture manufacturing is a plus. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

GUYANA: obstetrician and internist needed in September for private 125-bed hospital. Housing provided for a nominal fee, plus salary and benefits; travel allowance. One-year assignment. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SOUTH AFRICA: professor of English. Must have doctorate in English and outstanding record in teaching and research, Expected to contribute to the development of teaching, courses and research while alternating with present professor as head of the department. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.

BAHAMAS: civil engineer for a commercial buildings project. Position is permanent with salary range of $36-$45,000 a year plus bonus. Must have a degree in civil engineering. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BRAZIL: physicians (MDs, internal medicine, FPs, pediatricians, GPs) are needed to provide primary health care in clinical setting in the Amazon area. Knowledge of Portuguese required. Assignments range from one month to long-term. Food and housing are provided. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: general physicians, dermatologist, physiotherapist needed for

six months for a volunteer organization that is putting all its efforts into the total development of rural communities, serving the poorest population. The area is a lovely tropical-rural district. Food and housing offered. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

TAIWAN: physiotherapist, podiatrist, medical oncologist, hematologist, internist-infectious disease, and anesthesiologist, all physicians, must be board-certified in their specialty. Long-term, would require training in ‘Chinese, at a 400-bed hospital opening a new building. Salary and benefits depend primarily on length of stay. For a stay of one year or more, salary, food and housing are provided. Also on Taiwan, public health nurse, infection control nurse, urologist, cardio-vascular surgeon, administrator, respiratory therapist and intensive care nurse needed by a growing 300-bed hospital. Need ideas on improving medical standards. Positions are from 3-6 months are are teaching positions. Compensation depends on experience; food and housing provided. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

NEPAL needs FP/GPs, TB specialists, pediatricians, internists, RNs, FNPs, agriculturist and administrative secretary for short- and long-term positions and PAs with Third World and tropical medicine experience to work at a new clinical hospital at the northeastern edge of Kathmandu. Quarters, hot lunches on duty days for a sixmonth assignment. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.

MARSHALL Islands: human services director responsible for organizing all psycho-social counseling of rehabilitation referral programs. Implements programs of counseling and education for families relating to mental health or mental wellness and wellbeing. Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field; two to five years of progressively responsible experience in social work. Also, health planner to provide technical assistance and necessary labor to help health services staff in developing short- and long-term plans and provide the expertise to continue computerization of tracking system for medical record summaries, vital statistics, immunizations and other areas as deemed necessary. Masters degree in public health or related field plus two years’ administrative experience are necessary. Also, medical director-MD with MPH. preferred to provide a high standard of clinical care for clients of a community health center. Work closely with members of hospital medical staff. All positions are for a minimum of two years; travel, housing benefits, salary and vacation provided. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

MONTSERRAT: histologist is needed to provide instruction for firstyear medical students at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. One-year or permanent fulltime appointments available. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BRAZIL: challenging opportunity to teach the Faith while helping to develop a model moral education curriculum. The Bahd’j-run “Escola das ‘Nacoes’’ in Brasilia is seeking primary and secondary school teachers. Openings are possible in August 1989 and January 1929. Applicants should have three years of teaching experience and preferably be single. For more infor

mation, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

NIGERIA: optional teaching positions for Ob/Gyn, surgeon, internist and dentist to work in new but poorly equipped 50-bed hospital serving a population of 100,000 plus those in ‘other communities. More than 100 patients seen daily (in- and out-patients). Located in Owerri. Two- or three-year assignments; salary, travel allowance and housing. Also, specialist surgeon for busy private hospital and modern surgical center. Should have board certification and five years’ experience in specialty. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

JAMAICA: two dentists are needed for a volunteer organization in the densely populated area of Kingston. To provide comprehensive program in health specifically for the poor, unemployed and unskilled people in the area. Housing and local transportation provided. Long- or short-term assignments. No salary or travel expenses provided. Also, one physician and optometrist are needed for a volunteer organization in Kingston. In an urban ghetto area where health care is almost non-existent. Long- or shortterm assignments; no salary or travel expenses provided. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

KENYA: physician is needed for two years. Teaching position serving an organization that has been operational in Africa for more than 20 years. Travel expenses, room, board and in-country expenses provided. Special arrangements are made for two years or longer; health and life insurance provided. Also, surgeon and water developer to begin as soon as possible at 185-bed mission hospital. Deal with both medical/surgical emergencies and give spinal or epidural anesthesia. Positions for May 1989. Surgeon, FP/GP, internists, Ob/Gyn. One- to two-year assignments; informal teaching. No travel allowance; food, housing and stipend offered. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

VIETNAM: there is an urgent need for knowledgeable Bahá’ís of Vietnamese origin who can travel to Hong Kong to meet with and help establish classes for Vietnamese Baha’is now in a detention camp there. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312869-9039.

DOMINICA: dentists, surgeons, lab technicians urgently needed to serve a needy and poor population. The hospital has inpatient and outpatient care. Short- and long-term assignments are available; long-term may receive a stipend. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-8699039.

PIONEERS are needed for a socioeconomic project in Seward, Alaska. Opportunities for young men and women with an enterprising spirit include typesetting, layout, printing and sales; also, positions in a restaurant and cannery. For information, please contact Yvon Van Driessches, P.O. Box 601, Seward, AK 99664, or phone 907-224-3462 (home) or 907-224-8706 (work). A great pioneering opportunity!

WANTED

MINORITI! Hispanic Baha'is, are wanted to settle or go to school in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. Our Assembly is not in jeo

�[Page 21]

CLASSIFIEDS

pardy, and we have an active, thriving community, but we need members of minority groups to make the community more representative of “unity in diversity.” Boulder, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, is the home of the University of Colorado. The job market is only fair, but Denver is only about 30 minutes away. Please consider us. Write to the Spit itual Assembly of Boulder, c/o Mi chele Ryland, P.O. Box 1554, Boulder, CO 80306.

RESOURCES needed. Attention, freelance graphic artists, designers and illustrators: the Baha’i Publishing Trust is looking for experienced graphic artists, designers and illu: trators (paid or volunteer) who are it terested in helping to communicate visually the Bahd’{ spirit in its publications. Especially needed are artists and illustrators with expertise in realistically and accurately portraying ethnic groups, minorities and various cultures in a variety of ages and settings. Designers experienced in book design emphasizing typography are also needed. Interested applicants should send a resumé and limited portfolio of representative and relevant work— pictures, slides, pages, galleys, covers and the like—to Mari Hurt, production manager, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, TL 60091 (phone 312-251-1854). All materials will be kept in a resource file. Artists wanting their samples returned must send a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

REMEMBER the Sound of Baha’is from Southern California (Costa Mesa) in the early "60s? Does anyone have the script sitting around? Would like to re-enact it for the ’80s, if it has not already been done. Please write to Michele Ryland,

Boulder, CO 80303, or phone 303-7861012.

WANTED: ad slicks, print ads, samples, radio and TV PSAs developed and/or used by other Bahá’í communities. Please send to Baha’i Office of Public Affairs of the Greater Houston Area, c/o Jackie Cone,

Houston, TX 77081, or phone 713-6672176...

BAHA’{ News: The Baha’ community of West Linn, Oregon, was given a gift of many years of Bahd’/ News, which are being bound, starting with 1964, We are missing about 30 issues between February 1973 and June 1985 to complete the set. If you are willing to donate some of your copies to help in this project, please contact Marcia VanOrman, 503-657-2929, or write to the Spiritual Assembly of West Linn, P.O. Box 145, West Linn, OR 97068. We also have extra copies to help anyone complete their library.

INTERESTED in joining the “Team Bahd’{” triathlon relay team? Needed are distance swimmers and bicyclists. Please write to Daniel Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116, or phone 216-3339074.

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is seeking district convention voting lists for the years 1953-67 for the states of Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky and Maine. Anyone having lists they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha’i Archives, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

ARE YOU 2 Paha’i who's lived in

Graham or « :cenle unty, Arizona, or Hi County, New Mexico? The Bahá 's of Duncan, Arizona,

ate planning a 40-year anniversary celebration and would like any information you can provide about Baha’is who have lived in the area of DuncanSafford-Clifton-Morenci, Arizona, and Virden-Lordsburg, New Mexico. Please contact Susan Cordova, correspondent, Bahá’ís of Duncan, P.O. Box 456, Duncan, AZ 85534 (phone 602-359-2477).

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.

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Marilyn Bierman, Achill Bippart, Edith E. Bi chard, Alberta Bird, George A. Birdsall, Jennie M. Birmingham, Thomas Bisher, David Blackmer, Mildred Blackmer, Allie M. Blackwell, Lee Blackwell, and Olivia H. Blackwell. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

SCHOOLS

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 Baha’i School. These documents are in the hands of Baha’is as well as non-Baha’i 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 Baha’is 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 Baha’i School,

Eliot, ME 03903, or by phoning 207439-7200. We will be happy to copy and return any original documents, photographs, cassettes and the like on request.

PERIODICALS

DON’T MISS these special issues of Brilliant Star magazine: July/August 1988 is all about courtesy and manners, Read stories and poems, sing a song, study Baha’i history, all with the theme of courtesy in mind. May/June 1988 is all about science and discovery. Who were Nikola Tesla and Frederick Goland Hopkins? What don’t you know about buttons and sourdough? Do you have a Commodore 64 or 128? Then do we have a game for you! Copies of back issues are available for $2.50 each, while subscriptions are $12 for one year (six issues) and are available from Subscriber Service, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

MISCELLANEOUS

WE EXTEND an invitation to all who have lived in or visited North Dakota to attend the state’s Centennial Gathering of Bahá’ís and Friends, to be held July 1-4, 1989, at the lovely International Peace Gardens. An excellent program awaits you. For information, contact Marian Kadrie, secretary, North Dakota Baha’ Centennial Committee, Farg0, ND 58103 (phone 701-235-3725).

THE BAHA'IS of Newberg, Oregon, would like to ask for prayers for teaching and proclamation. Help us make this garden even more “evergreen and lustrous."” Thank you! Baha’is of Newberg,

Newberg, OR 97132.

PLEASE PRAY for the potential of Southern New Mexico/West Texas to be released. The district is arising to teach on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border. We need your prayers! (Not to mention traveling teachers and pioneers.) Send a postcard letting us know of your prayers, and if you can help us in any way, to Liz Arrambide, secretary, District Teaching Committee of Southern New Mexico/West Texas, An

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 21

thony, NM 88021 (phone 50S-8825670). Also, send your resumé or give us a call to see if we have a job in your field. We are working hard to help settle homefront pioneers in areas within the district.

FORMING an organization for professional hair designers who are members of the Faith. Anyone wishing to join or to receive information about the organization, please write to David E. Seagraves,

Dayton, OH 45427, or phone 513-2680504.

BAFA (Baha'i Association for the Arts), a European-based organization sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, is seeking to enlarge its membership to promote its universal aims. Goals of BAFA include encouragement, communication, deepening, education and coordination of arts activities among artists and others involved in the arts, as well as development of a Baha’ view of the arts. Members receive four newsletters each year and two issues of the new magazine Global Artlife. They are encouraged to send news or other submissions to BAFA’s editorial office c/o Helen Kontos, P.O. Box 17031, 54210 Thessalonika, Greece. To become a member of BAFA, send $25 (U.S.) to Anneke Buys, secretary,

The

Netherlands.

Local Baha’i Fund

(ask your local Baha’i community for the correct address) National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091 Continental Baha’i Fund

c/o Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Baha’ International Fund P.O. Box 155

Haifa, Israel 31-000

Persian Relief Fund

c/o Baha’i National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Baha’i Huqiqu’ll4h Trust

Rocky River, OH 44116

Year-end report notes progress in Chinese teaching

The year-end report of the National Chinese Teaching Committee stated that:

More than 50 social gatherings were held with Chinese and

Baha’i friends.

More than 30 Baha’is attended Chinese New Year celebrations

in at least five cities.

About 50 Chinese friends attended Naw-Rúz and Ayyam-i-Ha

celebrations.

More than 60 Chinese took

part in commemorations of the 75th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to North America.

¢ A musical proclamation event, announced on two radio stations, was held in New York City’s Chinatown. Two famous Chinese musicians and a Persian Baha’i performed, and the Faith was mentioned.

Three articles about the Faith

were published in local Chineselanguage newspapers.

In order for us to remain up to date on Chinese teaching activities across the country, we need your help. Please keep the committee informed of Chinese teaching activities in which you are involved or which are taking place in your community.

If you would like to become more involved in teaching the Chinese people and don’t know how to get started, please contact us at P.O. Box 1889, Cambridge, MA 02238. We would be delighted to provide encouragement and materials for your Chinese teaching efforts.

DON’T FOR« OF PEACE, SI

‘PTEMBER 20!

ET TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY

Nothing

Katie didn’t realize that meeting

Matt would change her life forever

CINDY SAVAGE

A new teaching tool for youth and adults!

sc $4.95

NOTHING IY COMMON

by Cindy Savage

This is an intriguing story about a young woman's search for truth and her discovery of the beauty and challenge of the Baha'i message. Katie's search becomes an adventure that brings her from feeling slightly Out of sync with the crowd to realizing that it is her differentness that shows strength. Katie finds a niche in this new religion and learns how she can help show others that all people have a lot in common.

While Nothing In Common is especially appealing to young people, adults will find the issues challenging and will relive their own search and acceptance of the Faith. This story “teaches” by offering practical applications of Baha'i principles to every day situations.

Bahá’í Distribution Service

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019

�[Page 22]22 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Plan de ensenanza anunciado por la Asamblea Nacional

El punto sobresaliente de la Convencién Nacional de 1988 fue el anuncio hecho por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional sobre un plan dindmico de ensefianza a nivel nacional, concebido en Haifa cuando la Asamblea se reunié alld mientras asistian a la Convencién Internacional durante Ridvan.

mienzo a esfuerzos de ensefianza en grandes escalas en las siguientes localidades: el area mayor de Atlanta, Georgia; el area de Boston, Massachusetts (incluyendo todo el estado); el area de Chicago, IIlinois; y el area de San José, California.

Ademéas, habran doce conferen EI plan de ensefianza dard co cias, de un dia y medio para 1,000

Los oradores de las conferencias incluiran a dos miembros anteriores de la Casa Universal de

Justicia, los sefiores David Hofman y H. Borrah Kavelin, Manos de la Causa de Dios que estén disponibles, miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros y la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, y otros amigos distinguidos.

A través de este plan de ensefianza, la Asamblea Nacional

hace un llamado a los creyentes individuales a que presten sus energias a traer un vasto aumento en el nianere de adherentes declarados a ec.

Se espera que el plan de ensefianza sea implementado entre septiembre de 1988 y febrero de 1989.

La Asamblea de San Fernando invita los iberoamericanos a conferencia

La Asamblea Espiritual Local de San Fernando, California, cordialmente invita a todos los baha’is iberoamericanos a participar en la cuarta conferencia nacional, programada para el fin de semanas del 7 al 9 de octubre de 1988 en la ciudad de San Fernando.

La conferencia enfocaré en la ensefianza, bajo el tema de: “Motivacién y Consolidacién para una Vida Baha’i Activa.” Se esperan que asistan baha’{s de todas las partes de la naci6n e invitados de la Republica de México.

Para mas informaci6n, por favor de comunicarse con el Centro

Baha’i de San Fernando, 91340, o lame al 818-361-6931.

_ San Fernando, CA

Tema de conferencia:

igualdad de los

Mas de 100 personas asistieron a la segunda de una serie de conferencias sobre la igualdad del hombre y la mujer auspiciado por el Comité Nacional de la Mujer. Esta conferencia tuvo lugar el 29 y 30 de abril en el Centro Baha’i de Phoenix, Arizona.

La primera de estas conferencias fue en febrero en la Universidad Spelman en Atlanta, Georgia, la cual enfocé en la mujer de color. La conferencia en Phoenix trajo juntas a la mujer hispana-y nativa americana para consultar sobre sus necesidades particulares y sus preocupaciones y capacidades espirituales.

Un nimero de tribus nativo americano fueron representados incluyendo el Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Sioux y Tahuarmasa, con afables contactos hechos antes de la conferencia a las tribus de San Carlos Apache, Chemehuevi, Gila River y Quechua.

La oradora principal fue Jacqueline Delahunt, secretaria del Comité Nacional de Ensefianza, la cual proclamé la conferencia como histérica debido a su enfoque.

Ruby Gubatayao Lawson, miembro del Comité Nacional de

sexos

la Mujer, pidié a los nativos americanos que se levantaran a cumplir con su destino espiritual descrito por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá en las Tablas del Plan Divino,

Los otros oradores incluyeron otros miembros del Comité Nacional de la Mujer; Roberta W. Maiull-Guifials, miembro del Comité Nacional de Jévenes; Manuela Villanueva, miembro del Comité Nacional de la Ensefianza Hispana; Dr. Farshad Agahi, Alice Bathke, Elizabeth Dahe, Sandi Frazier LeBeau, la Dra. Eileen Lourie y Joe Monteau.

Una ceremonia de una tribu ancestral por un grupo indigeno Azteca y un grupo animado de Ballet Folklérico de México fueron presentados bajo una noche llena de estrellas y una luna completamente Ilena.

Los participantes de la conferencia sintieron un re-encuentro con los lazos filiales entre los nativos americanos y los hispanos, los cuales habitaron el sur de América por 500 afios.

Fue notable para todos como la Revelacién de Baha’u’llah, especialmente a través del principio de la igualdad de los sexos, ayudo a unir los corazones.

tales:

Shapoor Raseekh.

de Ensefianza.

La Casa Universal de Justicia anuncia Consejeros Continentales

En un mensaje con fecha del 16 de junio de 1988, la Casa Universal de Justicia anuncié a los bahd’is del mundo el nombramiento de los siguientes creyentes como Consejeros Continen Africa: e\ Sr. George Allen y el Sr. Hizzaya Hissani. Las Américas: el Sr. Gustavo Correa, la Sra. Jacqueline Delahunt, y el Dr. William Roberts. Asia: el Dr. Kim Myung-Jung y la Sra. Shantha Sundram. Australasia: la Sra. Violette Haake. Europa: el Sr. Patrick O’Mara, la Sra. Elisabeth Mühlschlegel, y el Dr.

Estos nombramientos se deben a recientes cambios en la membresia del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros. El Sr. Adib Taherzadeh ha sido electo a la Casa Universal de Justicia; el Dr. Farzam Arbab, el Sr. Hartmut Grossmann, la Sra. Lauretta King, el Sr. Donald Rogers, la Sra. Joy Stevenson y el Sr. Peter Vuyiya han sido nombrados Consejeros miembros del Centro Internacional

Ademaés, ya que dos de Consejeros nombrados al Centro Internacional de Ensefianza habian sido Fideicomisarios de sus respec tivos Fondos Continentales, se han nombrado al Consejero Peter McLaren para ser Fideicomisario del Fondo Continental en las Américas, y al Consejero Ben Ayala como Fideicomisario en Australasia.

Huququ’llah atrae las bendiciones divinas

El Huqtqu’ll4h (el derecho de Dios) es una gran ley y una institucién sagrada.

Formulada en el Libro Mas Sagrado (Kitab-i-Aqdas), es uno de los instrumentos claves para la construccién de las bases y la sustenacién de la estructura del Orden Mundial de Baha’u’ll4h.

Tiene ramificaciones de largo alcance que se extienden desde la promocién del bienestar del individuo, hasta el afianzamiento de la autoridad y la extensién de la actividad de la Cabeza de la Fe.

Al proporcionar una fuente regular y sistematica de recursos para la Institucién Central de la Causa, Baha’u’llah ha asegurado los medios para la independencia y el funcionamiento irrevocable del Centro Mundial de Su Fe. Identificando esta Ley como “El Derecho de Dios,’’ Baha’u’llah ha vuelto a enfatizar la naturaleza de la relacién entre los seres humanos y su Creador, como un Convenio basado en la confianza y las obligaciones mutuas; y al designar ala Autoridad Central de la Causa, a la cual todos han de dirigirse, como el receptor de este Derecho, El ha creado un nexo directo y vital entre cada uno de los creyentes y la Cabeza de su Fe, el cual es unico en la estructura de su Orden Mundial.

Esta Ley les permite a los

amigos reconocer la elevacién de su actividad econdmica al nivel de aceptabilidad divina, un medio para la purificacién de su riqueza y un iman que atrae las bendiciones divinas.

Los fundamentos de la ley del Huqiiqu’ll4h estan promulgados en el Kitab-i-Aqdas.

Mas consideraciones acerca de su cardcter distintivo pueden en contrarse en otros Escritos de Bahd’u’ll4h, en Tablas de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, y en cartas de Shoghi Effendi y de la Casa Universal de Justicia, en su mayor parte, en respuesta a preguntas realizadas por los amigos.

Todas estas referencias principales han sido recopiladas por el Departamento de Estudios de la Casa Universal de Justicia, y publicadas por separado.

Recientemente se reunié el Comité Nacional de Ensefianza Hispano con algunos de los bahd’is en Los

Angeles para discutir la ensefianza hispana.

Resulto internacional, nueva Asamblea local

Cuando se trata sobre la ensefianza de la Fe Baha’i, Maggie McLendon es una mujer audaz e intrépida.

Maggie tiene una pequefia casa junto a la propiedad de la Escuela Baha’i Bosch. Durante las sesiones de la escuela en la primavera y en el verano, ella ayuda en diferentes maneras, incluyendo tocando el piano.

Ella también extiende sus actividades hasta Santa Cruz, en dénde ella asiste con un programa de alimentacién y en varias ocasiones ofrece su musica voluntariamente.

Sin embargo, cuando llega el otofio y el invieron, Maggie se dirige hacia México. Ella conoce el idioma espajiol, y encuentra que es muy facil ensefiar la Fe en el sur, cerca de la frontera.

Este pasado invierno, Maggie consiguié un trabajo en Mulege, al sur de Baja California.

A cambio de hospedaje y comidas, ella tocaba el piano en el restaurante del hotel mas grande del pueblo en las noches; por lo tanto, ella tenia las tardes libres para ensefiar la Fe.

Durante el dia ella participaba en proyectos de desarrollo socioeconémico, traducia para varios médicos voluntarios de los Estados Unidos, y también frecuentaba el parque conociendo asi a los turistas, y sirviendoles como traductora al espajiol.

Cuando Maggie llego a Mulege en noviembre de 1987, no habian

baha’is en el pueblo. A través de sus esfuerzos sacrificados, persistentes y dedicados, juntos con los de otros baha’is quienes la visitaban desde California y otras partes de México, hubo nueve personas que se hicieron baha’is y otras que han quedado muy in teresados en el estudio de la Fe Ba Esta historia demuestra los grandes resultados que se pueden obtener para la Fe de Baha’u’llah si los bahd’is conffan plenamente en la asistencia divina, y ensefian con amor sincero.

Centro Mundial recibe Consejeros

CON CORAZONES AGRADECIDOS TRANSMITIMOS A LOS SEGUIDORES DE BAHA’U’LLAH A TRAVES DEL MUNDO FELICES NOTICIAS PRIMERA REUNION CENTRO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSENANZA ACABO DE NOMBRAR.

EN LA MANANA DEL VIERNES TRES DE JUNIO LAS MANOS DE LA CAUSA AMATU’L-BAHA RUH{YYIH KHANUM Y ‘ALi AKBAR FURUTAN, LOS MIEMBROS DE LA CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA Y LOS NUEVE CONSEJEROS MIEMBROS DEL CENTRO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSENANZA SE REUNIERON EN BAHJ{ Y ENTRARON AL SANTUARIO MAS SAGRADO PARA ORACIONES ANTES DE PROCEDER A LA MANSION DE BAHA’U’LLAH DONDE SE LLEVO A CABO SU PRIMERA REUNION CONJUNTA EN CUARTO ASOCIADO CON SHOGHI EFFENDI. TODOS ESTABAN AGUDAMENTE CONSCIENTES DE LA BENDICION INAPRECIABLE DE INICIAR SUS CONSULTAS EN ESTOS SAGRADOS RECINTOS.

EN ESTA CONSULTA Y LAS SUBSIGUIENTES DURANTE LOS DIAS QUE TRANSCURRIERON, SE REVISARON LAS TAREAS DEL CENTRO INTERNACIONAL DE ENSENANZA EN VISTA DE LAS TREMENDAS OPORTUNIDADES PARA LA ENSENANZA QUE ENFRENTA AHORA EL MUNDO BAHA’i, Y SE FORMULARON NUEVOS PATRONES DE OPERACION.

REGOCIJO NUEVAS PANORAMAS ABRIENDOSE PARA

VICTORIOSA PROMOCION CAUSA DIOS. LA CASA UNIVERSAL DE JUSTICIA

16 DE JUNIO DE 1988

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The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 23

‘Old song’ gains new meaning

“Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world.

Red or yellow, black or white,

They are precious in His sight;

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.””

The words of this song take me back to my earliest memories of childhood and to the roots of my fundamentalist religious upbringing. I loved the song and the warm security I felt in my heart when I sang it with childhood fervor and conviction.

But something was wrong. In my small-town Texas world it was apparent that not everyone knew the words to my wonderful song, or at least did not take its message seriously.

This distressed me as I saw that people with darker shades of skin were obligated to drink from separate water fountains, use separate public restrooms, enter buildings through designated entrances or wait outside. People with foreign accents were seen as sinister, and anyone who was ‘‘different’’ in any way was subject to ridicule or seen as an object to be avoided.

Yet, everyone I knew owned a Bible and could quote the words of Jesus. When I questioned the prevailing atmosphere of segregation, I was told, ‘‘They have their place and we have ours, and it’s better that way.’’ Somehow, that explanation did not make me feel better.

By the time I was a teen-ager, some things had changed, but not enough. I was exposed to another form of religious belief that, despite exemplary social laws, taught in subtle ways that darker races were inferior due to some ancient curse, but nevertheléss God would be merciful and forgiving if they met certain requirements.

This convinced me that religion was a source of confusion and the cause of strife and contention among the world’s diverse cultures. The veils of disillusionment completely obscured my childhood vision of a world in which all races were equally loved.

One day, much later in my life, divine intervention began to penetrate the veils and I saw youth of mixed racial backgrounds singing and dancing together. They were singing a song that was new to me, but the message of my old childhood hymn was the same.

But wait! They were using another name in place of Jesus. It was strange and foreign to my ears. I didn’t even think I could pronounce it, yet it was melodious and soothing as the name, ‘‘Baha’u’ll4h,’’ was repeated in the rhythms of the song.

I longed to know more about this new Messenger. The words of my old song were being fulfilled before my eyes. It was too good to be true—or was it?

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”’—Bahá’u’lláh

«one and all are the children of God. Love them all with your whole heart; no one is a stranger to the other, all are friends. "—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

—By Glory June Welch

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Pledges touch hearts with

One of the most moving and memorable aspects of the 1988 Bahd’{ International Youth Conference was the tremendous response to a request by the National Spiritual Assembly for pledges of service to the Cause.

More than half of the nearly 6,000 youth, adults and children at the conference in Bloomington, Indiana, made commitments to serve in some way or to prepare themselves for a life of service in the years to come.

Those pledges, which will be forwarded to the Universal House of Justice, have touched the hearts of all who have seen them, and the National Assembly. would like to share with you a representative sampling of what was written in Tesponse to its request:

“This weekend I learned the word that describes what I’ve wanted to do all my life. I learned that my dream to serve is called ‘pioneering.’ I will study to become a doctor, my studies forever guided by Baha’u’ll4h, and then I dedicate my life to serving wherever I can for the glory of the Cause and the Faith. ...””

“I have just declared my faith this morning. My pledge is to learn and grow spiritually in the Faith in order to educate others in the great belief that I feel. ...””

“I pledge to be a living sacrifice. Please God to accept “J pledge to give to the Fund and become active in my community and teach locally. ...””

“1... pledge to go to Africa (Zimbabwe) before the end of 1988. ...””

“I pledge my every breath and every drop of life to my beloved Baha’u’ lah. ...’’

“In love of Him, in total dedication to the beloved House of Justice, and in following the lead of the American National Spiritual Assembly, I pledge ... my utmost effort in ushering in the entry of troops, to outstrip all previous individual efforts, and to have ‘no fear or doubts.’ ...””

“I pledge to forget my shortcomings and with the assistance of the Blessed Beauty arise to serve the Cause to the utmost of my abilities, to improve my personal life, to teach the Faith daily, to live to serve the Cause. I humbly beseech my beloved Universal House of Justice to offer prayers at the Holy Shrine of the Blessed Beauty on behalf of myself and my family, that we shall always serve the Cause and be steadfast and firm in the Covenant. ...’”

“I promise that I will learn a new prayer every month. ...’”

“From today on 9 percent of all my earnings shall go to the Cause. ‘I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord:2222%%

“‘T pledge to declare my faith in Baha’u’ll4h and to begin my divine exploration of the Faith. ...””

“‘T declare my faith that Bahd’u’ll4h is the prophet from God, sent to bring forth the New Age. I pledge to teach the Love of Baha’will4h in my home, among my friends, with my co-workers and to my family I have yet to meet. ...””

“I declare my belief in Bahd’u’ll4h and His teachings. ...’”

“T will declare (definitely) in the coming days, and since I hope to become a doctor, I will try to do all I can for both unfortunate and fortunate countries in the medical profession, probably a year of ser

Young people respond to the National Spiritual Assembly’s call to

vice after I graduate from college. ...””

“I confirm my belief in the Blessed Perfection, and ask that He will accept me as His servant, a new Baha’i. I commit myself to

action by filling out some of the more than 3,000 pledges of service

learning and to teaching the Cause, and dedicate my youth toa teaching service. ...””

“Tonight, I declared my faith and I will not stop sharing this feeling with everyone that I en commitments to service

to the Cause of God made at the Bahá’í Youth Conference.

counter for the rest of my life. I have many friends that are ready for the Baha’i Faith. And I won’t be satisfied until each and every one of them is as sure and happy as myself. ...’”

Homefront

from page 11

and high schools; Francis Marion College is in nearby Florence and Pembroke State University is in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Transportation: No public transportation. Airport and Amtrak are in Florence.

Housing: Current information is available from the coordinator.

MYRTLE BEACH Population: 27,500 (summertime, 350,000)

Employment: Tourism is the major industry and in 1985 provided 34,000 jobs. Other Horry County industries are: AVX Corporation (electronic components), Aynor Manufacturing Co. (women’s apparel), Escod Inc. (electronic parts), AVX No. 2 Spingard, Stilley Plywood Co. (furniture), Canal Wood Corporation (lumber), New South Forest Industries (lumber), Hardee Manufacturing Co. (farm machinery).

Education: Nine elementary schools, six middle schools, seven high schools, three career centers, Center for Exceptional Children, USA Coastal College.

Transportation: Myrtle Beach Jetport—Piedmont Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, U.S. Air, Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Bus—Coastal Rapid Transit Authority. Train— Amtrak to Florence.

Housing: Current information is available from the coordinator. GREENVILLE

Population: 58,242

Employment: A wide range of jobs is available. Information can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce for a fee.

Education: Public and private elementary and high schools, Bob Jones University, Furman University, Greenville Technical College.

Transportation: Airport. Local bus service—Greenville Transit Authority.

Housing: Current information is available from the coordinator.

For more information about these and other areas of South

Carolina in which homefront pioneers are needed, please contact Moses Richardson, the Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneer Coordinator. Also, please watch for more information in upcoming issues of The American Ba

Archives has items for sale through Distribution Service

The National Baha’i Archives has the following items available for purchase through the Baha’i Distribution Service:

1. Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives, a 63-page manual on the organization and functioning of a Baha’i Archives. $7.50.

2. The American Bahá’í (197085) and National Bahá’í Review (1968-83) on 35mm microfilm. Set of five rolls of microfilm, $75.

Send orders to the Baha’i Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Overseas orders, add 15 percent.

Splendid array of performers provides balance at Youth Conference

Yes, the 1988 Baha’i International Youth Conference was purposeful with thousands of young people deepening their commitment to and love for the Cause of God—but that sense of purpose was carefully counter-balanced by a splendid array of entertainers whose performances left their audience, young and old alike, eager for more.

Singly and in groups, these performers, many of whom were youth, inspired and delighted everyone with their enthusiasm, insight and professionalism.

Included was music that ranged from classical to jazz, from contemporary to country, as well as dance, drama and satire.

Outstanding in the area of

drama were two performances of “*Táhirih,”’ a three-act play written and directed by Carolyn Wistrand Duell and presented by the Louhelen Youth Theatre.

Both performances were wellattended, and the audiences were visibly moved by the touching story of the Letter of the Living who became a martyr for women’s rights and the Cause.

For sheer energy and visual excitment it would be hard to top the Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Chicago, the beauty and precision of whose performance brought the audience in Assembly Hall to its feet.

Also lending an international flavor was the lithe Middle East ern interpretive dancer Jihan.

For children of all ages there was the inimitable Red Grammer, lead singer with the ‘‘Limelighters,’’ who performed on stage and again during Saturday afternoon’s outdoor ‘Celebration of the Family.”

After the youngsters responded to Red’s invitation to name the various ‘‘places in the world’’ and to try to “sound like him,” they were entertained by the Atlanta Baha’i Youth Workshop.

And Atlanta wasn’t the only Youth Workshop represented at the conference: Los Angeles, San Diego, Florida, Oregon, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., were also there to entertain, with San Diego presenting an especially

thought-provoking series of vignettes on race prejudice.

For those who prefer their music country-style, there was Dan Seals, one of Nashville’s hottest country stars whose recent albums have been best-sellers from coast to coast and most places in-between. Mr. Seals performed in concert Sunday evening.

Persian music was represented by the splendid santour player, Kamel Missaghian, from Puerto Rico, while Lakota Indian Kevin Locke was there to perform his spectacular traditional hoop dance.

For group singing, there was the Louis Gregory Institute Unity Choir which captured the hearts of everyone earlier in the year at

the Baha’i National Convention in Wilmette.

Vocalists included Barb Shanks; the duo of Karen Ryan and Julie Walker; and Dorothy Powells.

Among other talented performers were pianists Jameck Khazra and Sina Sabet; violinist Negin Mohtedi; and the group ‘‘919’’ (Rowshan Bashir, Dwight Bashir, Eric Johnson, Melissa Grevemburg and Nishi Gill).

Other entertainment included a Friday evening talent show featuring performers from across the country, and a celebration the following evening of ‘‘The Unity of Mankind”’ with music and dancing. �[Page 29]

Conference

from page 1

hail the outstanding success of the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, which has been distinguished by an unprecedented number of pledges of service to be carried out in support of the goals of the Six Year Plan. ...

“We have full confidence that the American Baha’i youth, who comprise a strong element of the community honored by the Master with the title of ‘apostles of Baha’u’llah,’ will exert themselves to the fullest to fulfill the pledges they have made at this conference.””

While the significance of those commitments cannot be overstated, they were but one aspect of a stupendous gathering whose effects will be felt within the American Bahá’í{ community for many years to come.

The over-all theme, ‘‘The Stage Is Set,’’ was taken from a pasage by the Guardian (Messages to America: 1932-46, p. 17) in which he says: ‘‘...There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life.

“The stage is set. The firm and irrevocable promise is given. God’s own Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering momentum with every passing day. The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution.

“Such an opportunity is irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions. To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and complete victory.’’

Every aspect of the conference, from plenary sessions to discussion groups and even social events, was geared toward realizing the goal of that theme: one’s personal commitment to arise and serve the Cause of God.

The conference was blessed by the presence of several members of the senior institutions of the Faith whose wise counsel was ardently sought and freely given throughout the five-day event.

They included one member of the Universal House of Justice, Hooper Dunbar; Counselors Wilma Brady, Jacqueline Delahunt, Robert Harris, William Roberts, Fred Schechter and Arturo Ser rano; and five members of the National Spiritual Assembly—William Davis, Alberta Deas, Robert Henderson, Jack McCants and Dorothy Nelson.

Also taking a leading role in the conference, which, as Dr. Henderson pointed out, ‘‘was planned by youth for youth,’’ were a number of young speakers and masters of ceremonies from the U.S. and abroad whose outstanding contributions helped make this a truly memorable event.

The task of introducing speakers, entertainers and other participants at plenary sessions was capably handled by half a dozen Baha’i youth including three from the U.S. (Traci Gholar, Ryan Heydarian and Mehr Mansuri) along with Nobi Garrigues (Spain), Rocky Moncho (Botswana) and Terrance Simmons (Guyana).

Apart from the Counselors, members of the National Assembly and its committees and agencies, the speakers were a diverse group who came from far and near and represented a number of ethnic groups.

They included Nelson Sapad (Southeast Asian now living in California), Sophie Berhane (Ethiopian now studying at the Louhelen Baha’i School), Homa Sabet (California), Louis Henrique Beust (Brazil), and Varta Sokhanvar (Canada).

The conference was convened Thursday evening with an opening night social, the first of two presentations of a dramatic three-act play, ‘‘Táhirih,’’ by the Louhelen Youth Theatre, and a late-night prayer session by candlelight.

Each morning from Friday through Sunday the youth, children and adults held separate sessions. Afternoons were devoted to discussion groups for parents and youth as well as other special activities, while evening sessions saw all groups coming together in [U’s Assembly Hall for inspirational talks and entertainment.

A highlight of the Saturday evening session was the presentation of a plaque by the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington to Dr. Herman B. Wells, long-time chancellor of Indiana University, recognizing his many years of devotion to the causes of world peace and human rights.

The following afternoon a tree was planted at the IU arboretum, also in honor of Dr, Wells.

Monday morning’s closing ses

BAHA INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

ndiana Univer

JUNE S0- JULY 4, 1988

sion included a presentation honoring Tomilea Allison, the mayor of Bloomington, and a ‘‘challenge to the American Baha’i community’’ by the Counselors and members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Other special events included:

¢ A Friday evening talent show featuring performers from across the country.

¢ A FUNd Run to raise money for the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

¢ A “Celebration of the Family’’ on Saturday afternoon whose centerpiece was a performance by Bahai singer/composer Red Grammer.

A Sunday evening concert by

well-known Baha’i entertainer Dan Seals.

A celebration that same evening of ‘‘The Unity of Mankind”

with music and dancing.

A reception hosted by the National Teaching Committee for

youth and adults from countries other than the U.S.

Each of the plenary sessions was centered around a theme whose cumulative impact was designed to inspire the individual Baha’i to arise in service to the Cause. Those themes were:

Friday morning, ‘The Significance of This Day.”

¢ Friday evening, u’llah’s Revelation.”

Saturday evening, ‘‘The Immediate Future.’’

¢ Sunday morning, ‘‘A New Attitude.””

Sunday evening, ‘‘The Time

Is Now.””

Monday morning, ‘‘Let the

Doubter Arise.”

The wide-ranging and provocative discussion groups for youth included something for nearly everyone, answering such questions as ‘‘Are Baha’is socialists?” and ‘‘Is Money the Root of All Evil?’’ and covering topics in such diverse areas as ‘‘the promise of world peace,”’ life as a single adult Baha'i, sexism and the media, prayer and meditation, families in crisis, a fresh approach to career/vocations, and Model United Nations: an international experience.

Meanwhile, parents were discussing topics that included developing cultural pride in one’s children, moral challenges facing youth, spiritual and psychological survival in the ’80s, spiritualization of the work place, developing your child’s potential through reading and writing, and discipline: parenting’s ‘‘most challenging issue.””

In addition, there were two discussion groups for pre-youth: “Calling All Younger Youth!’”’ (conducted by Counselors Wilma Brady and Robert Harris), and “Set Yourself Free!”’ (conducted by Cindy Savage, author of the new novel, Nothing in Common).

Ms. Savage’s book was a bestseller at the conference, whose over-all sales were described by a representative of the Baha’i Pub “‘Baha’ The American Baha’ / August 1988 / 29

Young people from several countries gather onstage to read ex lishing Trust and Distribution Service as “‘the best in at least a decade.”

The conference was front-page news in the Sunday edition of the local newspaper, the HeraldTimes, which described the event in a lengthy article with color photograph as “‘the biggest ever held in Bloomington.”

The friends were also welcomed by a number of billboards and signs on roads and business establishments in and around the city.

The plenary sessions for youth (mornings) and youth, adults and children (evenings) were a skillful blend of talks and entertainment (see separate article) designed to inform, edify and inspire everyone at the conference and to instill a greater love for and commitment to the Cause of God.

That they succeeded in that purpose was evident in the large number of commitments made in response to the National Spiritual Assembly’s request for tangible pledges of service.

The spirit of those commitments was equaled by that of two performing groups who, having rehearsed for months especially for the conference, were asked to relinquish their time so that the pledges could be received.

Although greatly disappointed, both groups—‘‘Global Beat’’ from San Diego and “Fourth Epoch’’ from Michigan—agreed without hesitation to do so.

The speakers at this grandly international event came from many countries (others attending the conference came from as far away as Korea, Nepal, New Zealand and South Africa) and included several groups of youth and preyouth whose remarks were especially well-received.

The first of these group presentations, ‘‘The Vibrating Influences of Baha’u’llah’s Revelation,’’ was given Friday evening by Shahrokh Bahador, Leon Graham, Parisa Payman, Natasha Miller, Glen Evans and Ricky Martinez.

A second, ‘‘Serving the Faith,” on Saturday morning, consisted of brief remarks on that theme by Adriana Tomas, Bobby Ahdieh, Ndeley Agbaw, Margie Bulkin, Rambod Hashemi and John Stahl.

On Sunday evening, ‘‘Summoning the Heroes’? was addressed by Kaylin Anderson, Michelle Lancaster, Verdia Louis,

cerpts from the wills of Bahá’í martyrs in Iran.

Cyprian Sajabi and Jene Wallace.

The youngest speaker at a plenary session was 12-year-old Saba Firoozi of Glencoe, Illinois, whose theme was ‘“‘Bahd’u’ll4h.””

Saba is a participant in the children’s public speaking project conducted by Gayle Woolson who gave three workshops on public speaking as a means of developing children and youth from ‘‘ordinary”’ to ‘‘extraordinary.””

While the youth were meeting each morning in Assembly Hall, parents and other adults were at the Auditorium for talks and other presentations by such welldeepened Baha’is as Counselors Wilma Brady and Fred Schechter; Judge Dorothy Nelson, chairman, and William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly; Helen Markovitch Sanchez, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica; Bahia Mitchell from the Baha’i World Center; John Smith of the National Teaching Committee and Linda Ahdieh of the National Youth Committee.

Other activities for parents included two ‘‘open mike’’ sessions and a multi-media presentation, “The Seven Year Plan: A Retrospective.”

The children’s program, held each day in the Student Union, was varied and interesting with entertainment, games and other activities for those ages 3-11.

More than 200 people of all ages took part in Sunday evening’s FUNd Run. On-site pledges to the Fund exceeded $7,200 with thousands of dollars more pledged by sponsoring individuals and communities.

One runner completed 106 laps, generating an estimated $6,000 in contributions.

In a sense, of course, everyone at this most remarkable conference was “‘running,’’ or at the very least moving quickly forward toward a deeper understanding of the Cause of Baha’u’ll4h and a greater commitment to teaching, which the Universal House of Justice said in its Ridvan 1988 message to the Baha’is of the world is “the food of the ‘spirit; it brings life to unawakened souls and taises the new heaven and the new earth; it uplifts the banner of a unified world; it ensures the victory of the Covenant and brings those who give their lives to it the ‘supernal happiness of attainment to the good pleasure of their Lord.”” �[Page 30]30 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Amherst Baha’is honor three legendary jazz musicians

What began as a frustrating experience for a Baha’j in the Amherst, Massachusetts, area developed into an opportunity to place the Faith in the foreground in an original and creative way.

When Leonard Smith, an assistant to then-Auxiliary Board member (now Counselor) William Roberts, went to the Jones Library, which serves the Amherst area, to see its compact disc collection, he was disturbed to find only classical music on disc in the well-endowed library.

Mr. Smith was looking for jazz recordings, but instead found that in a multi-cultural, multi-national community such as Amherst there was only music which reflected the white European heritage.

Faced with such an anger-inducing situation, Mr. Smith consulted with the Spiritual Assembly of Amherst, and a plan emerged— an ambitious plan that was augmented as one idea built upon another.

Martyr

from page 14

qualified and educated active Baha’is.””

In spite of the hardships she endured in prison, Mrs. Farthar, an exceptionally kind woman, wrote in her will:

“I am grateful to all. I thank the respected Pasdérs (prison guards) who have been so kind during these 280 days, and ask God to grant them long lives.’’

In that same document, she also refutes unequivocally the false charges brought against her:

“(1 confess that my only basis for conviction is my belief in the Baha’i Faith. I declare that I have never had any links with Zionism or a foreign power.”’

May her sacrificial services be an example to all Bahda’is.

The early plan was for the Baha’i community to present the library with some compact discs of jazz notables, especially of those who teach and live in the area.

Funds would be necessary, an awkward circumstance since eyes were set on raising funds for the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Eventually, through donations from music stores that Mr. Smith had patronized and proceeds from a fund-raiser, enough money was raised to cover most of the costs of a sizeable CD collection.

As plans evolved, it was arranged to hold a reception for three world-renowned jazz and “new world’? musicians who teach and live in Amherst, and to present each of them with a leather-bound copy of the peace statement.

This framework would provide a festive and memorable setting in which to honor the musicians and present the library a gift of compact discs and record albums.

On April 26 the event, arranged by the Bahá’ís of Amherst, was held at the Jones Library.

The presentations were made before more than 100 people, mostly fellow musicians and townspeople, in the library’s large gallery with its lovely crystal chandelier.

Dr. Phyllis Gudger-Porter welcomed the artists and guests, and Dr. Robert was the keynote speaker.

Those honored were drummer Max Roach and saxophonists Archie Shepp and Yusef Lateef.

Mr. Roach, a noted composer, arranger, teacher, lecturer and recording artist, has twice been awarded the Grand Prix du Disque from France and, from Italy, the Primo Della Critica Discogratica Italiano, and has won critical awards from Downbeat magazine and other musical publi cations and societies.

Mr. Shepp, who has been garnering musical acclaim since 1962, both here and abroad, has won awards for Best Tenor Saxophone and Album of the Year. His creativity has spilled over to prose, poetry and theatre.

Mr. Lateef, perhaps best known as a tenor and alto saxophonist, also plays flute and oboe and is the first American musician to win the Downbeat award for oboe. He also won a Grammy award this year for his ‘‘Little Symphony.’’

Following enthusiastic remarks linking their musical work to peace, Irene Taafaki presented the peace statements to Mr. Shepp and Mr. Lateef.

Dr. Fred Tillis of the University of Massachusetts’ music department accepted on behalf of Mr. Roach, who was on tour.

During the program a cablegram arrived from jazz great and

Can ee identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was ‘apparently ‘

taken in Flint, Michigan, in 1948. If you know anyone in the picture,

please send he py to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í

National Center, Wilmette, IL

60091.

Left photo: Versatile jazz musician Archie Shepp thanks the Bahá’ís of Amherst, Massachusetts, during a program April 26 at which he and fellow musicians Max Roach and Yusef Lateef were

Baha’ i Dizzy Gillespie in which he

said, ‘I am thrilled to know that

you are the first recipients of such

recognition by my spiritual famy.”

Such recognition, he added, is “a long overdue honor. ...’”

The artists responded to the events with words of joy, gratitude and appreciation; they were visibly moved.

Each mentioned his pride in having worked with and learned from Mr. Gillespie. Mr. Lateef related stories of Dizzy’s generos honored. Right photo: Two guests browse through the collection of jazz records and compact discs donated to the Jones Library in Amherst by that city’s Bahá’í community.

ity and humane acts to people in other parts of the world.

In accepting the peace statement on Mr. Roach’s behalf, Dr. Tillis commented on the diversity of those in attendance and said this was the most significant event to occur during his time in Amherst.

The program was closed by Nico Von Stein, a jazz pianist from the Bahá’í community of Springfield, who presented improvisational renderings of the musicians’ works.

Cindy

from page 16

ding to a Baha’i Distribution Service staff member.

People of all ages and backgrounds were buying it. The fact that it is priced at only $4.95 certainly puts the softcover book within the reach of almost everyone.

But Nothing in Common isn’t the only book Ms. Savage has written; she has four other extremely popular novels for young adults already in print for Willowisp Press, with four more scheduled for publication in the near future.

Ms. Savage also travels and lectures at elementary, junior and senior high schools. She takes copies of her books along and will be promoting Nothing in Common.

She hopes to write other books for young adults with Bahda’i themes: ‘‘The most important thing for a Baha’i youth is to be encouraged to feel that nothing is impossible, whether it is teaching the Faith, their careers, or personal and family goals.””

Because she spends so much time talking to young people— Baha’is and non-Baha’is—she believes she has a sense of some of the issues that need to be addressed. For youth brought up in Baha’i families, those issues include chastity, forming lasting relationships, deciding whether or not there is a God, and whether to become a Baha’i.

“Chastity is a big thing,’’ she says. “‘Bahd’fs tell me they are the last hold-outs in their eighth-grade class. Many Bahd’{ youth find that if they hold to their principles they lose many of their friends.

“There is pressure on them not

to form interracial friendships. And there is the violence that surrounds that issue,’’ she says. “Kids need to be able to roll with the punches, and they need to learn to be well-rounded people.”

To round out her life, Ms. Savage is raising her three children, Linda (8), Laura (6) and Kevin (2). She and her husband, Greg, who is the testing and receiving manager for an almond-growing company, also have a foster son, Brian, who is 3.

They live on a three-acre farm near Sacramento, California. Its main crops are oats and tar weed, although Cindy says she does tend a small vegetable garden in her spare time.

A sequel to Nothing in Common is on the drawing board. It will carry forward the story of some of the characters introduced in the first novel.

Baha’i named to serve on Portland UNA board

Lydia A. McCarter, a member of the Baha’i community of Portland, Oregon, has been nominated to serve on the board of directors of the Portland chapter of the United Nations Association for the next two years.

Mrs. McCarter has been the coordinator for the past three years of the annual World Peace Award program sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland in conjuction with United Nations Day.

She also serves as secretarytreasurer of the District Teaching Committee of Western Oregon.

Also nominated to the UNA board of directors was Charlotte Easly, a local Baha’i musician and composer.

Miss Easly will serve on the committee for the annual Folkfest sponsored by the UNA of Portland. �[Page 31]

UNITED NATIONS

The summer of ’88 provided a special kind of experience for four young Bahá’ís who served as interns at the Baha’i International Community offices in New York.

Two of the Baha’is, Andra Grant of Plantation, Florida, and Layli Miller of Roswell, Georgia, will return to high school this fall, while Aaron Alizadeh of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Carrie O’Hare of Springfield, Illinois, will resume their studies at college.

Carrie O’Hare, who completed a year of service at the Baha’j World Center in Haifa before interning at the BIC where she helped Brad Pokorny of the Office of Public Information with research and writing projects, embarks on her junior year at the

University of Illinois where she is majoring in international relations.

She says she came away from her internship with ‘‘an overwhelming feeling of confidence in the businesslike way the office is tun, the professionalism of the presentations to the public and the press, and the rapid response to pressing issues.

“You get a feeling of being at the ‘pulse-point’ and have a strong feeling of connection to the Universal House of Justice.””

For Layli Miller, it was ‘‘an experience I’ll always remember.

“*When I see so many organizations here working for a common. goal, I realize that the incredible spirit of the Cause is definitely at work everywhere.””

Aaron Alizadeh, who managed to take a course at NYU while interning at the BIC, says his work “gave me a sense of the international complexion of the Faith, of

Shirley Lee (left), the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN repre Bhs

sentative, and her assistant, Karla Tschiegg, at the U.S./UN booth.

Booth at Youth Conference presents information concerning Baha’is and UN

The National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations office was one of 25 exhibitors displaying information at the recent Baha’i International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana.

Interested young people and adults stopped by the booth to learn about the work of the Baha’is at the UN.

Pamphlets were available on model UN conferences for high school and college students. UN posters were displayed with statements on youth presented at the UN by the Bahda’{ International Community.

Information was also offered on Internships and Careers in International Affairs, a UN-U.S.A. resource book about internships and organizations available to students in the U.S. and abroad.

A drawing was held for ‘‘Give Peace a Chance,”’ a board game based on conflict resolution that was created by 12-year-old Mi chelle Alexander who has played the game with the UN SecretaryGeneral (and won!) and other world leaders.

The lucky winner of the drawing was Vonda McCrae of Fairfax, Virginia.

Reinforcing the display were two workshops on the model UN experience and the UN-U.S.A.’s Multilateral Project conducted by James P. Muldoon, director of Model UN and Youth Programs for the UN-U.S.A.

More than 50 young people attended the model UN workshop where fundamentals of the program were discussed and ideas, illuminating to both students and instructor, were exchanged by the participants.

Information about display items is available from the U.S. Baha’i UN office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-751-1282).

its relationship to the UN, how the various UN bodies function and some of their administrative problems.

“Most important, | learned what it’s like to work together in a loving Baha’i atmosphere where so much is being accomplished.”

Aaron will be a junior in college, majoring in creative writing and literature, and hopes to further his studies after graduation.

For Andra Grant, a high school senior, the summer experience was “awesome! I highly recommend ite?

Meeting so many people, she says, was impressive, and she learned a lot about “‘what is going on in the Baha’i world.””

Both Andra and Layli worked as volunteers at the UN on a project during the recent disarmament conference.

Anyone who is interested in becoming an intern with either the Baha’i International Community’s UN Office or the Office of Public Information in New York should send a letter to Dr. Wilma Brady, administrator-general, ex The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 31

Four young Baha’is spend summer as BIC interns

the four young summer interns at the Bahá’í International Community’s offices in New York City:

plaining your interest and including a resumé of your qualifications.

Write to the Baha’i International Community, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

Interns are responsible for their

+ Ok Layli Miller of Roswell, Georgia; Carrie O’Hare of Springfield, Ilinois; and Andra Grant of Plantation, Florida.

own housing and transportation. Stipends for certain other expenses are negotiable, and the length of stay varies.

Due to limited space, the BIC can have a maximum of only three interns at a time.

Reception held in N.Y. for tri-state Assemblies, Groups .

A reception for Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in the tristate area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) was held June 17 at the Baha’i International Community offices in New York City.

The reception was sponsored by the offices of the Baha’i International Community: the United Nations Office and Office of Public Information, along with the National Spiritual Assembly’s UN. Office.

Guests were invited to browse through the new suite of offices, visit with the staff and enjoy refreshments.

The BIC/UN Office, the Office of Public Information and the National Assembly’s UN Office, formerly in different locations in the same building, were moved into one suite in May 1987 along with the new Office of the Administrator-General.

MARRIAGE

Smears6

Consolidation of space and equipment has proven to be costeffective in many ways. The four offices now share communications and duplicating equipment, a central services staff, and conference, reception and food preparation areas.

Activities are more closely coordinated and a harmonious spirit unites the 18-member staff.

Along with the staff of each office, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, sec retary for External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Dr. Wilma Brady, administratorgeneral of the Bahda’{ International Community, were on hand to greet guests at the reception. Staff members helped prepare displays and handouts describing the functions of the offices. A sixminute video tape of highlights from the International Conven See RECEPTION page 36

Names of adult educators sought

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of Baha’is who hold advanced degrees or have considerable experience in adult education. Opportunities arise in which the National Assembly would like to call on those with expertise in adult education and in implementing literacy programs. Such people are needed occasionally to represent the Faith at national events.

Qualified persons are asked to send resumés or descriptions outlining their skills and experience to the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs,

Washington, DC 20009.

Marriage:

dating

A Fortress for Well-Being

Offers insights about applying the Baha'i teachings on marriage to the realities of everyday life. Examines the institution of marriage in the light of God's purpose for humanity. Challenges today’s couples to contrast their attitudes, expectations, and behaviors absorbed from society with the model outlined in the Baha'i teachings.

Addresses such topics as: preparing for marriage

@ the equality of women and men

¢ conflict resolution

¢ interracial marriage

¢ raising children

assistance from the Spiritual Assembly ¢ divorce and remarriage

Formerly published as A Fortress tor Well-Being With a new cover designed by Mona Carloni New Foreword by Geoffrey W. Marks and Amy Seidel Marks

Baha’ Distribution Service

415 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, IL 60091

UN office offers packet of statements

A packet of nine statements prepared by the Baha’i International Community for distribution at UN-related activities is syne from the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations office.

Included in the packet are statements on issues such as peace and unity, nature, the family, social and economic development, women, and racial discrimination.

To order, send $5 to the U.S. Baha’i UN Office, 866 UN Plaza, eh 120, New York, NY 10017. These statements may be repro luced.

A FORTRESS FOR WELL-BEING

From the Baha'i Publishing Trust HC $15.95 SC $8.95

�[Page 32]32 / The American Baha’ / August 1988

‘Day of Sharing’ with Native Americans held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut

A conference entitled **Circle of Unity: A Day of Sharing with Native Americans”’ was held April 30 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

The conference was planned and organized by the Connecticut Native American Teaching Committee, a task force of the District Teaching Committee.

A diverse group of about 70 attended the event.

The keynote address and many

of the workshops were given by American Indians, some of whom were Baha’ is.

Workshops were held on such topics as Native American Healing Practices, Native American Identity, and The Way of the Pipe: Native American Religion Today.

Featured at a potluck lunch were a variety of American Indian foods.

A highlight of the day’s events

was a panel discussion on ‘‘Life as an American Indian.”

The panelists spoke afterward of the warm sincerity and quick understanding of those assembled to hear them, and said it was a rare experience for them to find such qualities of empathy and comprehension in a cross-section of people as were represented there.

The meeting ended in an aura of fellowship and joy.

Ecumenical group in New Mexico admits Faith to membership

On March 10, the Gallup (New Mexico) Area Ecumenical Conference, which includes Christian churches of all denominations, voted to admit the Baha’i community under the category “Friends of Ecumenism.”

The local Assembly of Gallup had presented facts about the Faith to the members and asked permission to join:

After the vote, the Baha’is were welcomed and there was a round of applause from the members.

Indian Reservations well-represented at

N.D. Winter School

All but two of the North Dakota Indian Reservations were represented among the 73 people who attended the annual North Dakota Baha’i Winter School on February 12-14. 2

Discussions were held on the need to demonstrate love and unity within the Baha’i community through personal social interaction among the various cultural and racial groups represented in the Faith.

Green Acre

from page 9

history. As Baha’is in this country study the Ridvan message from the Universal House of Justice and ready themselves for largescale enrollments, this national institution, the Green Acre Baha’i School, is in the first phase of a restoration project that will, among other things, restore and winterize the very Inn that housed our beloved Master for those days in 1912.

Now is the time to prepare for the many who will join our ranks under His banner.

The fund-raising goal in this first phase is $1.1 million which is needed by September 30 to begin construction.

While for the first time in the history of the Faith, fund-raising for such a project has been assigned to a region (the Northeast), we know that Baha’is everywhere love the school that was so richly blessed by the Master and wish to see it achieve its glorious destiny.

All are invited and encouraged to contribute to this noble enterprise. We especially appreciate the prayers of the friends around the

oo oD!

Pictured during a recent Workshop for Bahá’í Men at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in

Houck, Arizona, are Navajo Ba

4 ‘7 hd’{ Alfred Kahn (top) and his Friend, Roger Coe. (Photo by Michael Frank)

world.

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

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

Mrs. Winckler asks that anyone who has Green Acre historical information such as letters, programs, course outlines, photographs, written or taped memoTies send them to Green Acre at the above address. Copies will be made on request.

Fund

from page 5

tional Assembly feels it is paramount to go forward with these activities and programs; thereSore, it is willing to borrow money until the contributions increase.

This year we had an unanticipated surprise—the announcement by the Universal House of Justice regarding plans to complete the Arc. While we are genuinely excited and thrilled at this prospect and the spiritual energies it will release in the world, adJusting to this new reality is not a smooth process.

The new World Order that Bahá’u’lláh has ordained for us is perfect; we are not. The process of applying the laws and teachings He has revealed is an imprecise one in these early, formative years. For example, Huququ’lláh is an important element of Bahá’u’lláh’s ‘‘divine economy”? for the world. But it will be many years before we either understand or Sully implement it. We must, however, place our confidence and trust in Bahá’u’lláh and proceed with prudence and wisdom. That is the challenge before us. If we pursue faithfully that course we will be worthy examples for the world to emulate.—Office of the Treasurer

Navajo-Hopi women hold conference at Institute in Arizona

On May 7-8, a Navajo-Hopi Women’s Conference was held at the Native American Baha’i Institute in Houck, Arizona.

It was conducted by Ruby Lawson, a Tsimshian Indian from Lapwai, Idaho, who is a member of the National Committee on Women.

Consultation in the prayer hogan included about 15 women.

= TF Ai

ae

ee

BAHAI! INTERNATIONAL YOUTH G

Auxiliary Board member and La- appreciated hoop dance during

kota Indian Kevin Locke performs his well-known and much

the Bahá’í International Youth Conference in Indiana.

Peace statement given to 84 percent of House sponsors of Iran resolution

Of the 95 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who recently co-sponsored the 1988 Congressional resolution condemning the treatment of Baha’is in Iran, 80 (or 84 percent) have been given copies of ‘‘The Promise of World Peace” by local Bahá’í delegations as requested by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Nationally, to date, 296 (or 69 percent) of the 432 members of the House have received the peace statement.

Letters were sent to each congressman asking for his or her cosponsorship of the resolution. The Office of External Affairs believes that the high percentage of representatives who responded positively to that request may be indicative of the fact that many of them had met with Baha’is.

It is important for local Spiritual Assemblies that have not yet completed their peace statement presentations to continue their ef forts to meet with their government officials or one of the official’s representatives,

In the future, the National Spiritual Assembly may have other reasons to contact nationally elected officials. Any information or requests from the Bahá’ís would be more readily received if the official already knew about the Faith and knew that Baha’is live in his or her district.

John H. Scott, retired professor, dead at 79

John Howe Scott, a retired professor of chemistry at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Bahá’í since 1963, died May 27 in Minneapolis. He was 79 years old.

Dr. Scott, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was fluent in several languages including Russian, French and German, and was an ardent proponent of Esperanto.

American Indian Teaching Activitity July/August, 1988

�[Page 33]PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITt

{OUT NOTIC

The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 33

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He 20.00 All Flags Flying Sc 10.00 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid HC 18.95 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid SC 11.95 From Copper to Gold--D. Baker Hc 16.50 George Townshend sc 15.95 God Loves Laughter--W. Sears sc 8.50 Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold He, 22:95) Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold SC 14.95 Story of My Heart--A. Furdtan sc 10.50 To Move the World--L. Gregory sc 10.50 Tokoloshe--W. Sears sc 9.95

Eminent Baha'is in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh HC 35.00 Eminent Bah'is in the Time of Bahá’u’lláh SC 19.95 Mull4 Husayn (Young adults) 3150 Mull Husayn: Disciple at Dawn Ho 19.95 Munfrih Khanum: Memoirs and Letters Ho 9.95 Quddús (Young adults) SC 3150 ‘Téhirin (Young adults) sc 3.50 GENERAL COMPILATIONS Baha'i Education ‘sc 4.50

Bahá'{ Marriage and Family Life sc O/B

Note: A Study Guide can be purchased separately 3.75 Baha'i Writings on Music sc 2.50 Bahfyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf WC 10.50 Bahiyyih Khánum: Greatest Holy Leaf sc 5.50 Centers of Baha’i Learning sc 4.50 Consultation iio). 338s Continental Boards of Counselors sc 3.98 ‘Covenant sc 2.50 Crisis and victory sc 4.50 Days to Remember sc 7.00 Death: The Messenger of Joy sc * 3.50 Desire of the World Bc ><. 7.50 Bees be ae Gipe ivi sc 8.50 Divine Thera HC 17.95 Divorces Writings Discouraging Divorce sc 2.00 Family Life sc 3.50 Hugdqu'114h sc 1.50 Individual and Teaching sc 1.50 Inspiring the Heart He 9.50 Inspiring the Heart sc 4.95 Life Blood of the Cause sc 2.00 Living the Life sc 2.95 Local Spiritual Assembly sc 250 National Spiritual Assembly sc 1.00 Pattern of Baha’i Life sc 3.50 Peate Sc °' 2.95 Peace: More Than an End to War sc 8.95 Pearls of Wisdom: Deepening Compilation SCT 1798, Political Non-Involvement. a FO 4 338) Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition sc 3.50 Power of Unity sc 8.50 Principles of Bahá'{ Administration HC 7.95 Quickeners of Mankind sc 1.00 Special Measure of Love sc kays0: Spiritual Foundations sc 1.50 ‘Throne of the Inner Temple SC 6.00 ‘Trustworthiness sc | 1080 Universal House of Justice sc 3.95 Unrestrained As the Wind sc 8.50 Unto Him Shall We Return 88.50 Waging Peace sc

Women sc General

Diary of Juliet Thompson SC

For the Good of Mankind--A. Forel wc

For the Good of Mankind--A. Forel sc 5.95 He Loved and Served--c. Kelsey sc 9.50 Leo Tolstoy and the Baha’i Faith HC 11.95 Leo Tolstoy and the Baha’i Faith sc 5.95 Lidia: Daughter of the Founder of Esperanto SC 14.95 Once to Every Nation (How I became a Bahá'{) SC 7.50 Rebirth: Memoirs of R. Szanto-Felberman Sc 6.95 Summon Up Remembrance--A. Khan HC 28.50 Summon Up Remembrance--A. Khan sc 715.75 ‘Tristan HC 19.95 Tristan sc 9.50 Youth in the Vanguard He 5.00

CONCORDANCES AND REFERENCE BOOKS

Baha'i World Volumes 1-12 (set) HC 295.00 Bahá'{ World: Volume 13 (XIII) He 27.00 Bah'{ World: Volume 14 (XIV) HC 16.00 Baha’i World: Volume 15 (XV) Ho 21.95 Bahá'{ World: Volume 16 (XVI) Ho 22.95 Bahá'{ World: Volume 17 (XVII) HC 26.95 Baha'i World: Volume 18 (XVIII) HC 40.00 Concordance to the Hidden Words sc 1.50 Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh HC 49.95 Reader's Guide to Baha'i Literature Ho 17.95 Reader's Guide to Baha’i Literature sc 9.50

‘ALL ‘things Mace New HC 19.95 All Things Made New sc BabA'{ Faith: The Emerging Global Religion HC Bahá'{ Faith: An Introduction--Faizi sc Baha’i Faith--Perkins and Haynesworth sc Bahd'u'll4h and the New Era HC Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era sc Earth Is But One Country He Earth Is But One Country PS Light of Bahá'u'l14h sc Religion for Mankind sc Renewal of Civilization sc ‘These Things Shall Be HC To a Seeker sc What Is the Bahá'{ Faith sc 9.50 WORLD RELIGIONS Christanity, Judaism, and the Bible References to Judaism, etc. 3C 14.95 Christ and Baha'u' 11s sc 4.95 Gospels and the Christs SC TBA Prince of Peace SC 9.95 Promise of All Ages HC 12:50 Promise of All Ages sc 4150 Tablet to the Christians & An Appreciation SC 2.00 Thief in the Night sc 4195 Wine of Astonishment sc 4.75 Islam Shitih Islam An Introduction He 33.00" Shi'ih Islam: An Introduction sc 21.50 ne: Golden Rule ae 625 Imperishable Dominion Sc 14.50 Letters and Essays: Mirz4 Abu'l-Fadl He 14.95 Miracles and Metaphors SC 11:95 Story of Stories sc 9.95 HISTORY Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá* ‘sc _2.00 Bahá'{ Faith in America: 1892-1900 Ho 17.95 Bahá'{ Studies 12/13: Persecution 1844-1984 sc 5.00 Blessings Beyond Measure HC 12.95 Dawn-Breakers--British Edition we 17.95 Dawning Place He 9.95 Dawning Place sc 4.95 E. G. Brown and the Bahá'{ Faith we 17.95 Fire on the Mountain Top sc 3150 Four on an Island $C), 7.28 Fron Strength to Streagth SC 2.00 God’ Passes By HC 22.95 sc 13.50 Pogrom sc 3:50 Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1 Sc 14.95 Baha'u'11ah, Volume 2 sc 17.95 Reve! Bahá’u’114n, Volune 3 He 25.00 Revelation of Bahá‘u'lláh, Volume 4 sc 19:50 Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4 He 29.50 Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak Wc 11-50 Studies in Babi and Bahá'{ History, Vol. 1 HC 24.95 Studies in Babi and Baha'i History, Vol. 2 HC 22.50 Year with the Bal of India and’ Burma Ho 8.95 Youth in the Vanguard He. 5.00 BAHA'I HOLY PLACES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP Crown of Beauty (World Center) Hc 21.95 Dawning Place (House of Worship in Wilmette) HC 9.95 Dawning Place (House of Worship in Wilmette) SC 4.95 Dawning Place of the Pacific Sc 8:00 Door of Hope (World Center) SC 17.95 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER Continental Boards of Counselors sc 3.95 Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of NSA/LSA SC 1.00 Local Spiritual Assembly 803. or680. March of the Institutions Hc 8.50 National Spiritual Assembly £0 ..4,00 Principles of Bahá'{ Administration He 7.95 Universal House of Justice sc 3.95 THE COVENANT ‘Covenant (compilation) sc 2.50 Covenant (It's Meaning, Origin, etc.) sc 2.00 Eternal Covenant HC 19.95 Power of the Covenant 1-3 set SC 6.95 BAHA'I LIFE ‘Child Education Baha’i Education--British Edition se 4.30 Education in the Bahá'{ Family HC 16:50 Education in the Baha’i Family sc 8.95

Deen AG America’s Spiritual Destiny SC 7.95

Centers of Bahá'{ Learning (Bahá'{ schools) SC Word of God sc 2:00

Family Life and Marriage Baha't Marriage and Family Life

Se 07k" Baha'i Marriage and Family Life Study Guide SC 3.75 Baha'i Studies Notebook: Marriage and Family SC 7.50 Divine Art of Living sc 8.50 Divorce: Writings Discouraging Divorce sc 2.00 Education and the Baha'i Family He 16.50 Education and the Baha'i Family ac 3 0095) �[Page 34]34/ The American Baha’i / August 1988

Family Life sc 3.50 Ereqchoo). and Reriy Reeders Introductory Materials Gift Of Life--Pkg. of 10 with Envelopes, cD 12.95 Basic Truth Series: set St 8.95 Bahd'urlláh y la Nueva Era sc Guidelines for Parents s¢ Birth of the Baha'i Faith sc 1.00 Datos Basicos PA

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Burial Ring aw 5.00 Anthology for the Baha" child 7.25

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Unto Him Shall We Return sc 8.50 Diamond in the Darkness 4.50

Closer Than Your Life's Vein sc 5.95 Divine Therapy HC 17.95 Drops From the Ocean Sey 914595) Finding the Real You sc 7.50 To Understand and Be Understood se. 7.50 Way to Inner Freedom sc 7.50 ual ion Bal Studies 11: Concept/Spirituality Sc 5.00 Consultation sc 1.50 Crisis and Victory sc | 4.50 Divine Art of Living SC 8.50 Hugiqu'114h sc 1.50 Inspiring the Heart He 9.50 Inspiring the Heart 4.95 Power of Divine Assistance--British Edition sc 3250 Prayer: A Bahá'{ Approach 12.50 Prayer: A Bahá'{ Approach se 17:80 Purpose of Physical Reality SCs 9.95) Spiritual Foundations Some iTe50 ‘Trustworthiness sc 1.50

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CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOKS AND LITERATURE

Books of Prayers Blessed Ts the Spot 3.95

He Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them Re 5.50 Magnified Be Thy Name He 5.50 O God, Guide Me BC, 57 3.95 © God, My God. BC 7.95, Prayers for Children Bess de Purify my Heart--Chinese/English sc 3.00 Tablet of the Heart HC 10.50

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Other Speakers Rpostles of Bahá‘u' 16h. .-Khan

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Meeting the Master, Volune 1

ce...The Promise

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�[Page 35]The American Baha’i / August 1988 / 35

10 YEARS AGO

The National Spiritual Assembly announces that the government has designated the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette “one of the nation’s cultural resources worthy of preservation’’ and has listed it in the National Register of Historic Places.

In a letter to the American Baha’i community, the National Assembly says such recognition means that ‘‘...our efforts to protect the physical existence of this sublime edifice have now been fortified a thousandfold.””

The official registration takes place on May 23, exactly 134 years after the historic Declaration of the Bab. ...

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears addresses more than 1,500 Baha’is and their guests June 24 at Evergreen Cabin in Teaneck, New Jersey, where the 66th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá picnic launches the second “Victory Weekend’’ observance.

Food- and flower-laden picnics are held in many Baha’i communities throughout North America and Hawaii, commemorating the visit by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 to Englewood,

Teaneck and West New Jersey.

Also present at the Teaneck observance are Counselors Sarah M. Pereira and Edna True, and Soo Fouts, the National Spiritual Assembly’s assistant secretary for teaching. .

Three “road shows”’ by the National Teaching Committee and National Youth Committee spend the summer traveling through Illinois, New York and four southern states, proclaiming the Faith.

The shows are based on a proposal to the National Spiritual Assembly by Carolyn Cheeks, a Baha’i from Wisconsin who directed four previous shows and is coordinating these four as well.

Thirty-five performers, ages 14-31, are involved in the shows, which are to run for three to four weeks beginning in mid-July.

The four southern states visited are North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. ...

At least 14 local Spiritual Assemblies are formed in South Carolina from Ridvan to the end of June, “‘more than we usually form in a whole year,’’ according to Trudy White, secretary of the South Carolina Regional Teaching Committee.

The ongoing campaign to have 1,000 active believers and 80 local Assemblies in the state by the end of the Five Year Plan looks promising, says Mrs. White. ...

To publicize Race Unity Day in North Georgia, the Atlanta Baha’i Metro Media Council helps arTange a two-part panel discussion on the Georgia Educational Television network’s weekly program, “A Second Look,”’ whose host is a Bahá’í. ...

The first three weeks of the North Texas Victory Campaign, which began early in June, produce 95 declarants whose enrolliment could increase the district’s Baha’i population by 70 percent and raise the number of local Spiritual Assemblies from three to

Letters

from page 3

Imagine her excitement on discovering this Faith; and imagine her disappointment when the Baha’is consistently failed to take a leadership role—or any role—in addressing what is described by the Guardian as ‘‘the most vital and challenging issue’’ facing the American Baha’i community.

But she had faith. She was enrolled as a Bahd’{, raised her children as Bahdis, and hoped that perhaps the next generation. ...

Now imagine her delight 20 years later when her eldest son, an active Baha’i, and his Baha’( girlfriend decided to marry. And imagine her horror when the girl’s Persian Baha’i parents, third generation Bahá’ís, while acknowledging her son’s excellent character, refused to give permission for them to marry because of the color of his skin!

Now imagine that you are her son. Imagine that you are suffering the shock, the excruciating grief, and the personal torture. Imagine yourself being torn by racism.

“‘Why should I,” my friend said to me, ‘“‘and my family, join this Baha’i community? For lip

service? Why should I subject my.

family to more pain? At least in the outside world you know who the enemy is!’”

My friend has roused my soul from its slumber, and I thank her

ha’{ from the South whose skin is white, some of the pain experienced from her perspective as an American whose skin is black.

I beg God to forgive me for my folly during my unconscious ignorance. I am indebted to my friend for “‘raising my consciousness”’ so that now I can see more clearly the “most vital and challenging issue” confronting the Baha’i community, and am thereby consciously committed to its eradication.

Berdina A. Jenkins Front Royal, Virginia

To the Editor:

I have read many letters in The American Bahá’í that address the topic of racism.

We have all landed, quite innocently, in this place and time in history and found ourselves surrounded by this plague which has caused and continues to cause so much pain and suffering.

Now we have, by the grace of God, become Baha’is, and are promised that the cure for this horrible condition is to be found in the teachings of this holy Cause.

At the same time, we are charged with the responsibility of developing ways to apply this one and only remedy.

Frankly, I am excited and challenged by this realization, but am also frustrated and feel so unpre and inadequate. I do not think these feelings are uncom mon.

One thought that may enable us to arise to this challenge in a more powerful way was expressed at a recent meeting: ‘The working principle must be at one with the

In other words, if we seek unity, we must begin with unity. Before we can move forward, we might

do well to recognize the oneness we already share.

While we share a vision of the “oneness of humanity,”’ each of us has been infected by the plague of racism; but however it may have injured our lives or our mannerisms, still we share the same hope and dream, still we long to sacrifice ourselves in the path of its realization.

We utter the same sweet prayers each day; we hold in our hearts the same desire.

If this is kept in the forefront of our minds, if it were to be mentioned before we began to consult about such a despairing topic, it could well serve to empower us to accomplish our truest goal.

Perhaps, in this way, we can “set (our) faces toward unity, and let the radiance of its light shine upon (us).’’ Then, perhaps, we would be enabled to ‘‘...root out whatever is the source of contention amongst (us).””

Mrs. Kathy Liebman Fenton, Missouri

Benefits of college club

To the Editor:

There are many benefits that come from forming a Baha’i college club—even if no students can devote any time to running it.

Staff at the college can also take part and are often happy to do the

used to help fill the requirement. Please don’t hide simply because you'll not be able to give a minute of your time; only your

name may be needed. M. Jeffries

Burlington, Vermont

‘Science for peace’

To the Editor:

The momentum of the emerging Lesser Peace is rapidly unfolding as a paramount force in the progress of humanity, and everywhere one can find indications of its existence.

At the same time there is a dark side; it is a tyrannical attitude that encourages the propensity toward vast military growth that exploits our human, spiritual and natural resources, resulting in the promotion of blind prejudice, the erosion of the quality of life and the devastation of the earth’s ecosystem, the so-called catastrophe.

According to scientific definition, ‘‘catastrophe’’ means change under stressing force. The Baha’i Dispensation is a force that will turn this event into a quantum leap in the evolution of a world civilization.

A recent example came during the 41st meeting of the Association for Geological Collaboration held last August in Japan.

Since its founding in 1946, the Association has been conducting research in earth sciences with the slogan ‘‘science for peace.”

Reaffirming the peaceful uses of science during their commemorative meeting in Japan, the Association members made the following declaration:

(1) We refuse to use the sciences, technology and education for military purposes. Conse quently, we will never participate in any research or education to be used for military purposes.

(2) We reassert that nuclear war is a crime against the whole of humanity and call for an instant elimination of all nuclear weap ons.

(3) We seek to contribute to the advancement of human welfare and world peace by research, education and dissemination of information on the earth sciences.

(4) We appeal to all earth scientists around the world to approve this declaration and to construct their own declaration in their places of work.

It is time for Baha’is to take this consideration to heart in relation to our own commerce and workplace. How can we subscribe to the Teachings of Baha’u’ll4h if the fruits of our labor contribute to the vast militarization of the nations of the world?

Richard N. Francis Reno, Nevada

Hats off to committee To the Editor:

appointment of the National

pose of which is to ‘assume a major role in the training and development of Baha’i Assemblies (and) Bahá’í communities, and the fostering and supporting. of projects of social and economic

The linking together of the principal issues which our communities face—race unity; equality of the sexes; promotion of unity in true diversity, grassroots initiative and the establishment of networking ; improving the practice of consultation i in Assemblies and communities; the need for more effective teaching—into one agenda alludes to our ackknowledgement and increased

understanding (perhaps overdue) of the vital importance and challenge of community-building.

I am also deeply impressed by the apparent association, as described in the article, of issues related to community-building with a social and economic devel opment mandate, suggesting that it is only strengthened Bahd’{ communities that are able to con tend with the serious social and economic crisis into which we are

was announced in the June issue Anna C. Vakil of The American Bahá’í, the pur- Ann Arbor, Michigan IN MEMORIAM

Oddvar June G. Harris Concha Ramos Pleasant Valley, NY Seattle, WA Las Cruces, NM April 26, 1988 October 11, 1987 Date Unknown Martin Apodaca Walter Haynes Lillian Riemland Rincon, NM Buford, GA San Luis Obispo, CA. December 1987 September 3, 1987 June 1988 Virginia Apodaca Josephine Hipp Janie Rush

is NM Apache Junction, AZ Andrews, SC 1986 April 24, 1988 Date Unknown Freda Belson Carlotta Holmes Ray W. Schilling Amarillo, TX Durham, NC Oakland, CA May 12, 1988 May 24, 1988 June 6, 1988 Emma Bethel Anna Johnson Essie Shaw Miami, FL Manokin, MD Kingstree, SC April 21, 1988 Date Unknown Date Unknown Dorothy Borhani Octavia Jones Florie Shaw Monroe, MI Palo Alto, CA Kingstree, SC. June 6, 1988 May 14, 1988 1988 Shirley Bryant Ervin Kelly Mary Shaw Florence, SC Andrews, SC Kingstree, SC Date Unknown Date Unknown Date Unknown Robert Burks Fredrick Krueger Clayton Shute Houston, TX Walnut Creek, CA — Sanford, ME Date Unknown 1987 June 23, 1988 Thelma Burks Ross A. Lindstrom Romell Timmons Houston, TX Portland, OR Johnsonville, SC Date Unknown May 21, 1988 1985 Raymond Burton Hazel Marchbank Viola White Millsboro, DE Chicago, IL Princess Anne, MD Date Unknown Date Unknown Date Unknown Joseph ents James McDuffie Susie Wiggins

Mullins, SC Maitland, FL

Date Uataows February 13, 1981 Date Unknown Matt Cole Kavous Monadjemi _Jennie Williams Covington, GA Eugene, OR San Marcos, TX Date Unknown February 18, 1988 Date Unknown Francis Czernewjewski Sr. Tajmah Monadjemi Evelyn Wilson Richmond, VA. Coeur d’Alene, ID Youngstown, OH May 28, 1988 April 1988 Date Unknown William DeBenny Lexi T. Moore Herley Wilson Chicago, IL Tallahassee, FL Maitland, FL May 18, 1988 Date Unknown Date Unknown Jourabchi Ghods Hazel M. Murray Isaiah Wright Burbank, CA Chicago, IL Florence, SC June 4, 1988 June 20, 1988 Date Unknown Owen Good Face Ann Pardue Sinclair Wright Lower Brule, SD Jackson, MS Fruitland, MD Date Unknown April 17, 1988 March 31, 1988 John Grant Daniel Allen Platz Eatonville, FL Missouri City, TX Date Unknown February 17, 1988 �[Page 36]36 / The American Baha’i / August 1988

Biles : be

A view of booths (lower level) and balcony at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall where plenary ses

Serence.

sions were held during the 1988 Bahá’í International Youth Con

Association’s 13th annual Conference to examine building a global civilization

The 13th annual Conference of the Association for Baha’i Studies, to be held October 7-10 at the Skyline Ottawa Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, will examine those forces which contribute to the building of a global civilization.

How will this vision become a reality? How can this process of growth be understood and enhanced so that individual and social development will be harmonious and balanced? How can the Baha’i community take part in this process and share its distinctive qualities and energies with all mankind?

To help answer these and other questions, the following themes will be incorporated into the conference weekend: (1) Culture and Civilization, (2) Culture and Identity, and (3) Culture and Social Change.

Special activities will include a children’s conference on the overall theme, Toward a Global Civilization; unique cultural presentations and interpretations by three distinct cultural groups; and a film festival.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Noel Brown, director and special assistant to the executive director of the United Nations Environment Program; David Burleson, UNESCO senior adviser and liaison officer to UNICEF; Dr. Riane Eisler, co-founder of the Center for Partnership Studies, Pacific Grove, California; Dr. Alvino Fantini, director of the Language

If you can’t pioneer— deputize!

and Culture Center at the School of International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont.

Also, Dr. Edward T. Hall, noted lecturer, author and anthropologist; Dr. Kurt Hein, director of WLGI Radio Baha’i in Hemingway, South Carolina; Maggie Hodgson, director of NECHIPoundmakers Lodge, St. Albert, Alberta; Mildred Mottahedeh, a Baha’i lecturer from New York City; Louise Prophet-LeBlanc, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; Shapoor Rassekh, a member of the Na tional Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland. Also, Dr. Susan Stoddart,

USAID information officer; Daniel Wegener, representative of the Baha’i International Community Office in New York City; and Bernard Wood, director of the North-South Institute in Ottawa.

This year?s Hasan Balyizi Lecture will be presented by Dr. Moojan Momen, a physician and noted Baha’; historian and author from Bedfordshire, England.

On Friday, October 7, before the formal opening of the conference, a number of professional interest seminars/institutes will be held dealing with agriculture, the arts, business and economics, consultation and conflict resolution, education, environmental design, intercultural issues, marriage and the family, science and technology, and women’s studies.

For more information or to register for the conference, write to the Association for Baha’i Studies,

Ontario KIN 7K4, Canada, or phone 613-233-1903.

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Service

from page 7

own hut in a village. For eight months, she taught a literacy program to young girls and women, and established children’s classes. In many ways, she helped plant the seeds of change in that village. The generation of young women who learned to read and write under this youth’s love and encouragement will challenge the old patterns of oppression and poverty in that society. In the face of that kind of empowerment, growth and improvement will occur. The young woman who gave of herself in that period of service is astonished at her own spiritual growth. In Africa, she made some of the dearest friends she will ever have in her life. She is now back in a U.S. university, studying with mature intensity, preparing for the rest of her “‘life of service.”’ No matter what they choose

One or two years of service, local youth projects, college club service, traveling teaching in the summer, a period of service in Haifa or Wilmette, studies overseas, or a life devoted to pioneer ing—whatever the young Baha’ in your home or community chooses, youth must be constantly involved in the motions of selfless service to humanity. The Universal House of Justice makes it crystal clear:

“Regardless of the modes of service, however, youth must understand to be fully engaged, at all times and under all condi For more information about youth service around the world, contact the National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Robert Harris is a member of the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas; Karen Pritchard is Youth Service Coordinator for the U.S. National Youth Committee.

Reception from page 31

tion in Haifa was shown by the Office of Public Information.

Guests commented in particular on the attractive decor of the offices. Others were impressed by the volume and importance of the work that is accomplished by the Baha’is at the United Nations and with influential non-governmental organizations.

The Universal House of Justice, in a message to a meeting of the senior officers of the UN office in 1986, wrote, ‘‘As windows of the Baha’i community to the world, these offices must display ever more clearly the unifying principles, the hope, the promise, the majesty of this emerging order.’”

Baha’i only student in S.Carolina to win Truman Scholarship

Lisa Stevens, a Baha’i from North Charleston, South Carolina, has won the prestigious Truman Scholarship for 1988, the only South Carolina student to be so honored by the Harry S Truman Foundation.

Miss Stevens, a sophomore at Furman University in Greenville, plans a double major in economics and political science and plans to use part of the scholarship for postgraduate study in law and international relations.

Recipients are given $7,500 a year for two years of undergraduate study and two years of postgraduate study. �