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[Page 1]‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh

Fifth Continental Indigenous Council is held

300 or more from nearly 60 tribes meet to consult on spiritual destiny, prophecy

By LAURA HILDRETH and JACQUELINE DELAHUNT

As this picture shows, the weather ranged from hot to cold and wet to dry during the fifth Continental Indigenous Council held August 1-5 near the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota.

The winds blew steadily from north, south, east and west August 1 welcoming Indian people from all parts of the Americas to the fifth Continental Indigenous Council at Indian Memorial Park on the edge of the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota.

The days were blessed with rain, bringing to an end a long drought in the northern plains. These seemed to be physical manifestations of the spiritual refreshment brought to the area by the gathering of more than 400 people including 300 or more from nearly 60 tribes who met to consult on the spiritual well-being and unity of their peoples and the long-awaited fulfillment of their prophecies.

The Continental Indigenous Councils, sponsored by the Bahá’ís, are held every 2-3 years with the meeting-place rotating among Alaska, Canada and the U.S.

This year's Council was sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and held August 1-5 in the approximate geographical center of the North American continent.

Indian communities around the world were represented as tribal members came from Greenland, Canada (including the Yukon territories north of the Arctic Circle), Alaska, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico, the U.S. and even Australia.

A roll call underscored the great diversity of tribes present with everyone from Athabasquin and Aztec to Yaqui and Yuchi and many tribes in between among those who identified themselves.

In traditional American Indian style there were no keynote speakers; instead, there was a format in which participation by all those attending was encouraged.

Consultation was held on the spiritual destiny of the Indian people, and thanks were given to Bahá’u’lláh for having "brought brothers from all four directions together finally."

An address was made by a special guest, Hooper Dunbar, a member of the Universal House of Justice who was welcomed as a long-lost brother by many of those present who remembered his many teaching trips to their native lands.

Mr. Dunbar pointed out that Indians have the largest population of all races in the Bahá’í Faith, but that the North American Indians represent only a small percentage of that population.

In our quest to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, he said, we must be "warriors of the spirit" against our lower selves.

Genocide study group newsletter discusses persecutions in Iran

The persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran is among the topics discussed in the Spring 1988 issue of "The ISG Newsletter," a quarterly publication of the Institute for the Study of Genocide.

The front-page article, which deals with recent cases of genocide or potential genocide in several countries, is headlined "Afghans and Bahá’ís: The Fire This Time."

Major Objectives of the Six Year Plan

1. Carrying the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind 2. Greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society 3. A worldwide increase in the translation, production, distribution and use of Bahá’í literature 4. Further acceleration in the process of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities 5. Greater attention to universal participation and the spiritual enrichment of individual believers. 6. A wider extension of Bahá’í education to children and youth and the strengthening of Bahá’í family life 7. The pursuit of projects of social and economic development in well-established Bahá’í communities

Florida conference proposes far-reaching plan

Calls for ‘Fourth-Epoch thinking’

"Our clear task is to take 'The Promise of World Peace' to the peoples of the world," read a report generated from the Florida Statewide Conference for District Teaching Committee members and assistants to the Auxiliary Board, held June 25-26 in Orlando.

Consultation at the conference, inspired by the Riḍván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice, produced a number of ideas to help achieve this and several other teaching goals in a spirit of unified action:

"A new system of communication will help unify our efforts. A statewide newsletter, electronic bulletin board and annual calendar of events will be developed. We will find new ways to use the Florida Bahá’í phone... as a proclamation and teaching tool.

"The Auxiliary Board member will meet with the assistants and DTC members semi-annually to ensure forward motion of these efforts.

"The assistants and DTC members coordinate and communicate the teaching efforts; the Assemblies provide the authority and direction; but it is the individual believers who provide the power that must be released to bring about the Most Great Peace.

"Each of us must make a renewed effort to open our hearts to the spiritual energy that can flow through us. We can do this by: • praying morning, noon and night • reflecting the Bahá’í teachings in our daily lives • giving personal firesides in our own homes at least once every 19 days • encouraging the use of drama and the arts at our Nineteen Day Feasts, which will provide teaching tools to be used in other ways • traveling to other communities to share these gifts, thus attracting the Celestial Concourse and confirming the believers

"As the power of the individual believers is released, it will be channeled through the various teaching projects already in progress.

"This will enable Assemblies to become the facilitators for these projects, thus lightening the burden of the few who are presently trying to 'do it all.'

"With ‘Fourth-Epoch thinking’ we can unleash the full force of Florida's spiritual energy and watch these projects flourish."

Martha Root Hall dedication

A dedication ceremony was to be held September 17 for the newly completed Martha Root Hall at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California. Over the past six months, as the exterior of the hall was being completed, the school experienced an increase in the use of the facility, both by Bahá’ís and through rental to other groups. [Page 2]

San Diego presents Peace Essay Awards to high school students at Center brunch

The San Diego High School Peace Essay Awards brunch was held April 30 at the San Diego Bahá’í Center.

More than 150 people were present as the top four prizewinners and 10 honorable mention winners received their awards.

One hundred ninety-one entries from 25 San Diego area schools were submitted as students responded to the question, "How can we help build a peaceful world?"

The contest was sponsored by San Diegans for a Peaceful World, a group of organizations that includes Bahá’í communities in the San Diego area, the Sweetwater Education Association, Peace Resource Center, Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft, and San Diego chapters of the Alliance for Survival, Educators for Social Responsibility, SANE/FREEZE, the United Nations Association, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the World Federalists Association.

First prize was awarded to Ray Fabros, a student at Montgomery High School.

The second prize winner was Chris Knowlton of Helix High School, third prize went to Josef James Gulick of Hoover High School, and fourth prize to Dawn Varyan of Diegueno Junior High.

The keynote address was given by Bob Filner, a member of the San Diego City Council.

A highlight of the program was a stirring presentation of dances, skits and songs by the San Diego Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

Bahá’í's top score earns law school berth

Richard Reid Lewellen, a Bahá’í from Carlsbad, California, entered Harvard Law School in September.

Mr. Lewellen's score of 45 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) ranked him in the top one percent of those taking the test.

An article about his achievement in National University's weekly "Alumni Alert" bulletin said that instead of seeking a high-salaried position in law, Mr. Lewellen "plans on committing himself to a life of public service."

man and woman PEACE HOW WE CAN HELP BAHA’I FAITH CONTRESS OF AY BELGOOS MARIO

For the fourth year in a row, the Bahá’ís of Santa Cruz, California, served on the committee that arranged the city's annual Peace Day observance on May 15. This

A family that ways together tays together

year the Bahá’ís were asked to organize the evening interfaith service that closed the day's activities. They also had a colorful booth (pictured here) at a local park which they plan to use as a traveling peace exhibit in libraries and other public places.

Ex-Costa Rica head at House of Worship

On June 19, Rodrigo Carazo, the former president of Costa Rica, and his wife visited the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended a noonday devotional service.

Sr. Carazo, a founder of the United Nations University for Peace, was given a copy of The Dawning Place, Bruce Whitmore's history of the House of Worship, and his wife was given a copy of "The Bahá’í Peace Program," a reprint from the World Encyclopedia of Peace, in which she had shown an interest while visiting the House of Worship's bookstore.

Bahá’ís attend Esperanto classes in Michigan

Charles Donoghue of Kingstree, South Carolina; David Earl of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Darlene Evans of Wilmette, Illinois, attended a week of classes for advanced students of Esperanto taught by Dr. Douglas Swett prior to the Midwest Esperanto Conference held June 24-25 in Portage and Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Sherry Wells, a lawyer from Royal Oak, Michigan, organized the conference and taught the class for beginners.

Janet Bixby, who remained in Chicago to attend her daughter's graduation, sent a taped message in Esperanto describing the collaboration between Bahá’ís and Esperantists.

Lidia, the daughter of Ludwig Zamenhof, who founded Esperanto, became a Bahá’í, seeing in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh the unity of people through the language invented by her father.

In the banquet room of The Great Wall of China restaurant, Ms. Evans read the statement from "The Promise of World Peace" concerning the need for an international auxiliary language and reported to the 24 Esperantists at the conference that one million copies of the peace statement had been distributed to people all over the world including 198 to heads of state.

More than 100 people (including about 20 Bahá’ís) attended the 31st annual Race Unity Day observance June 29 at the University of Colorado/Boulder. The speaker was Prof. Glenn Morris (left), a Shawnee Indian who is an assistant professor and director of the Fourth World Center at the University of Colorado/Denver. His topic was 'Racial Equality: The Path to Peace,' and many of the views he expressed complemented those of the Faith.

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

Pictured are many of those who attended the first International Bahá’ís in Recovery Conference which was held July 1-4 in Haines, Alaska. Thirty Bahá’ís were present—three from Canada, two from the U.S. and 25 from Alaska—including blacks, whites and American Indians. The conference was dedicated to the memory of the late Counsellor from Canada, Angus Cowan.

Pasadena Bahá’ís are guests on TV, radio interview programs

Bahá’ís from Pasadena, California, were among the guests on two recent interview programs.

On April 18, Margaret and Oliver Moore were featured on "California Couples" on KHJ-TV in Los Angeles.

The topic was interracial marriage (of which the Moores are a successful example). Also taking part in the half-hour program were a social worker and a graduate student who is studying this social phenomenon.

The program was re-broadcast the following Sunday morning.

On April 20, Stephen Licata was a guest on a late-night talk show, "Karl Koren Live," on KIEV-AM radio in Glendale.

The announced topic was the Bahá’í perspective on social issues, but the many questions from the host and the call-in format led quickly to a three-hour "fireside" for an audience of about 40,000.

The host was impressed with the Faith, complimented his guest, and took great care to pronounce and spell the word "Bahá’í" throughout the program.

He also promoted the accessibility of reading material at local libraries and at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles.

"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 [Page 3]

LETTERS

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

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

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

'Peace Award' response

To the Editor:

For the second year the Bahá’ís of the Delta communities in California have presented what we call "The Bahá’í Peace Award" to a graduating senior at our local high school.

The award consists of a framed certificate, a monetary college scholarship, and a "gift" copy of "The Promise of World Peace." We also include a letter to the recipient explaining the method and criteria by which he/she was chosen.

Last year The American Bahá’í printed an article about the peace award in which we offered to share our information on the topic.

As a result, we heard from three Bahá’í communities who have all gone ahead with similar projects and have given peace awards at their schools this year.

A member of one of these communities said that since they had offered the award there had been a marked improvement in the attitude at the school toward Bahá’ís.

We have also had a favorable response. Since we chose to have the faculty at the high school choose the winner based on the criteria we furnished, we are assured that they will, of necessity, learn a lot about what the Faith stands for.

But the letter we have just received from this year's winner really puts the icing on the cake! It reads in part:

"...Your award has really made me feel good about myself. I have read the publication 'The Promise of World Peace to the Peoples of the World' and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its message is profound and true.

"The ideas of the Bahá’í Faith have made a lasting impression on me. Thank you for the enlightenment. And thank you very much for the very nice award!"

Lucy Tennant Byron, California

Puerto Rican 'adventure'

To the Editor:

Imagine attending a pioneering course in a real pioneer setting. Picture yourself learning Spanish with a hundred frogs sounding off in the softly falling rain while a flashy bird tries to attract your attention with his preening, or waking up to the crowing of bantam roosters and eating small, sweet bananas picked from a nearby tree.

This adventure can be yours! It was just mine.

We have a wonderful resource for Bahá’í education in the Amoz Gibson Training Center in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

This June, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, the Gibson Center offered its first two-week course in International Bahá’í Service, which I was fortunate enough to attend.

Operating under the auspices of the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Committee, the Amoz Gibson Center has offered courses in media and radio technology for the past six years. It has now expanded to serve pioneers and youth year of service volunteers. Our class proved that one doesn't have to be an official pioneering candidate to benefit from the instruction.

All new ventures begin modestly, and our class was small. Of the four, two were planning to pioneer within two years and two were homefront pioneers with work to finish there. All are now interested in international pioneering at some time.

We returned home determined to spread the word to all Bahá’ís that the course is extremely worthwhile. It is professionally conducted in simple but comfortable facilities on a lush tropical mountainside in the interior of Puerto Rico.

I was impressed with the caliber of instruction as the teaching staff either had their Ph.D or were working toward a doctorate in the subjects they were teaching.

Indeed, they were Bahá’í pioneers in that location, but their credentials were worthy of any university. In fact, two of them are professors at the Inter-American University in Puerto Rico.

We were in class six hours a day for a total of 66 hours of Tablets of the Divine Plan, language instruction, cross-cultural studies, pre-pioneering details, and actual pioneering experiences.

We slept in comfortable dorms, ate in an open-sided dining gazebo, studied in a modern solar-powered classroom and said prayers under the breadfruit and banana trees.

We felt as though we were already pioneering when we ventured alone into Arecibo to test our Spanish, or took a ride on a "jungle queen" type vessel.

It seemed that we were always laughing and always eating. Julita Stephens' cooking is destined to become world-famous as more students pass through. We sampled all sorts of great Puerto Rican dishes over the two weeks.

The cost of all this is quite reasonable. The entire two-week session is $280 if reservations are made at least two weeks in advance; it's $50 more for late bookings.

Where else can one spend a vacation in a foreign country for $140 per week? Rates on the three-week classes are a comparable value.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in pioneering, the year of service, or Bahá’í media training to consider attending the Amoz Gibson Training Center's summer sessions.

For more information, contact Dr. Randie Gottlieb, Amoz Gibson Training Center, HC-02, Box 14765, Arecibo, PR 00612, or phone 809-878-4189. She'll be happy to talk to you about next summer's courses.

Linda J. Brown Aspen, Colorado

Raising kids: any ideas?

To the Editor:

At this year's National Convention much concern was expressed for the education of children, both in children's classes and in the home.

I would like to encourage all Bahá’í parents to use this column to exchange ideas about how they teach their children the Faith.

What do you do, besides living the life, to teach your precious gems? I'm willing to share what I do and would like to learn from others.

My children are now 7 and 10. From the beginning, we encouraged bedtime prayer. Then we began to use this prayer of the Báb at mealtimes:

"Our Father! Help us to realize Thy substance in all things. May this food strengthen and nourish our bodies that we may use them in Thy service."

Along with drilling the children on math, English and geography this summer, we begin with the study of one of the Hidden Words.

Then we do activities designed to teach them about various cultures and countries from a wonderful book called "Children Are Children Are Children" by Ann S. Cole.

I gave my 10-year-old the Bahá’í DayBook at Naw-Rúz. It is about her level, and she loves the questions, which she asks me! We do this together at bedtime.

Meanwhile, my 7-year-old and I wrote a story together and submitted it to Brilliant Star magazine.

When the children asked for an allowance, I agreed on the condition that it be used three ways: Each week they put some money in a piggy bank to save, have some to spend, and contribute some to the Fund. They decided how much would go to each area.

I would be most interested to learn what other parents are doing for their children, and am sure I could use many of their ideas as my two grow. I look forward to seeing many useful ideas in these pages.

Shari Meyer Clearfield, Utah

Thank you, Green Acre

To the Editor:

This is to say a heartfelt "thank you" to the Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, for its uplifting and educational programs and its beautiful, serene environment.

This weekend (June 11-12) more than 30 men and several women attended a Bahá’í Men's Conference at Green Acre, the first of its kind, as far as we know.

It was stimulating, soul-searching, challenging, enriching and, I believe, will have a long-term influence on all who attended.

The speakers/facilitators were dynamic; the content as well as the process of learning and working together on common goals and problems in a Bahá’í atmosphere really demonstrated the power of coming together in unity.

The overwhelming consensus was to have many more such conferences.

As a final note, I think it should be emphasized that Green Acre is planning a major restoration of the historic Sarah Farmer Inn, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited for an entire week in 1912. The project is costly, but not really, as a few dollars given from the heart by many individuals will go a long way.

In any case, if you can come to Green Acre this summer you'll certainly be the richer for it.

Larry Hosack South Berwick, Maine

Try saying 'I Should...'

To the Editor:

I would like to offer an exercise for all Bahá’ís who say, "We Bahá’ís should..." or "The Bahá’ís should..."

Try saying: "I should...".

When I can be open and honest with my feelings when I say, "The Bahá’ís should...," I find that I am expressing my own doubts and shortcomings. Then I can go to the next place and say: "I want to...

So instead of saying, "The Bahá’ís should pray at dawn every day," if I say, "I should pray at dawn every day," I am now in a position to do something powerful about my frustration, and that is

See LETTERS page 30

NOTHING IN 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í principles to every day situations.

SC $4.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019 [Page 4]

MAHMUD FARÚHAR

In the last issue of The American Bahá’í we mentioned that after the Islamic Revolution took place in Iran in 1979, a number of Bahá’í couples were martyred by the new regime.

Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Farúhar. In the last issue we printed Mrs. Farúhar’s profile; in this issue we include her husband’s.

Mahmud Farúhar was born into a Bahá’í family in 1917. His parents were dedicated Bahá’í s.

He spent his early years in Shíráz. After graduating from high school he moved to Abádán, a city in western Iran, where he studied English for a short time—since some knowledge of English could help him find a better job—and after a while he moved to Tehran.

There he was employed by the Royal Bank. In 1945 Mr. Farúhar married Ishráqiyyih, a dedicated young Bahá’í. Their marriage was a good example of how Bahá’í marital life should be.

After a while Mr. Farúhar changed jobs, becoming an employee of the National Iranian Oil Company. Meanwhile he continued his education, and after a few years obtained a degree in accounting.

In 1961 Mr. Farúhar resigned from his job and, with his wife, decided to go homefront pioneering. The Farúhars pioneered to Gawhar Dasht, a small town about 30 miles west of the capital city.

For a time they were the only Bahá’ís in the town, but they encouraged a number of other Bahá’ís from Tehran to join them, and as a result, the following Ridván, the first local Spiritual Assembly of Gawhar Dasht was formed.

In Gawhar Dasht the Farúhars devoted nearly all of their time to serving the Faith by attending to the needs of the Bahá’í youth, conducting Bahá’í classes for the children, visiting the friends in nearby villages, and serving on the local Assembly and its committees.

In August 1981 a number of Revolutionary Guards went to the Farúhars’ home, confiscated their belongings, arrested them and took them to prison.

In prison, they were tortured and put under pressure to recant their faith. They did not bend or shake, and endured the hardship and torture as their brave brothers and sisters had done.

Bosch School dedicates new Martha Root Hall

A dedication ceremony for the new Martha Root Hall at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California, was to be held September 17.

Over the past six months, as the exterior of the hall was being completed, the Bosch School has experienced an increased use of the facility, both by Bahá’ís and through rental to other groups.

"For the period, all of the Bahá’í sessions have been at near capacity," says Bosch School administrator Jim Kelly. "And we continue to receive two or three calls a week inquiring about rental of the facility."

In February, Women for International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA) held its first large West Coast conference at the school.

Other groups that have used the school in recent months include the Unity Temple of Santa Cruz; Teaching for the Inner Christ; and Continuing the Peace Dialogue: USA-USSR, an international women’s conference that drew women from the Soviet Union, Sweden, Finland and 19 states in the U.S.

In early June, the Bahá’í Justice Society held its annual meeting at Bosch.

Interspersed with these conferences have been the ongoing Elderhostel programs.

"The summer programs," says Mr. Kelly, "are all much higher in attendance than we had anticipated.

"In our over-all plan for improvement, the new hall has allowed for the expansion of our dining area into the space previously used for the main assembly.

"This fall," he says, "we’ll be reviewing with the national Properties Office what changes can be made to improve the kitchen area."

Since the inception of the project to build Martha Root Hall, it has been the intention of the Bosch School Council to have it completely funded on a pay-as-you-build basis.

From the initial gift of $105,000 with which the effort was begun, the Council, through generous contributions from the friends, Groups and Assemblies, has almost reached the final goal of $340,000.

Fund-raising was begun more than four years ago and has averaged slightly more than $4,000 a month.

"The friends have responded with great interest throughout the time of plans, adjustments and construction," says Mr. Kelly. "And I think the key, the thing they really take pride in, is that they paid for the building; we didn’t have to take any money from the National Fund."

Only recently, he says, more than 100 adults, youth and children attending a session at Bosch organized a number of activities which together raised more than $2,000 for the Martha Root Hall project.

Contributions reached their highest level in August 1987 when more than $14,500 was contributed. As of August 1988, less than $8,000 was needed to reach the $340,000 goal.

Martha Root Hall, of course, honors the memory of one of the foremost Bahá’í teachers of the Formative Age of the Faith.

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said (in God Passes By, p. 389), "O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of ’Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it," it was Martha Root who first answered the call.

Although she was a small, frail middle-aged woman of modest means, she spent the rest of her life traveling around the world (three times), teaching in many countries and telling everyone she met about the Bahá’í Faith.

When considering a name for the new building at Bosch, the School Council considered a number of names and decided that the name "Martha Root" stood alone as an example of the spirit desired for use of the hall.

It is the hope of the Bosch Council that Martha Root Hall will serve as a teaching center where the friends can become deepened and inspired and go forth to teach the Faith in the spirit of Martha Root.

Above: Installing exterior building paper. Below: Landscaping, an important part of any new architectural endeavor.

Above: In the beginning... pouring cement for the steps from the lodge to Martha Root Hall. Below: Putting on roofing paper before adding the actual roofing materials themselves.

TO THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

JOYOUSLY SHARE NEWS EXCITING RECENT DEVELOPMENT. YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF AMERICA, WITH HEAD OFFICE IN BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON, U.S. MAINLAND, SPONSORED YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM ON MAUI PAST TWO WEEKS. PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED ELEVEN YOUTH, FOUR ADULTS FROM SOVIET UNION INCLUDING WIFE, CHILDREN OF MINISTER OF SCIENCE VELIKOV, PLUS FIVE YOUTH FROM CALIFORNIA, ABOUT FIFTEEN MAUI YOUTH AND OTHER LOCAL PEOPLE.

LSA MAKAWAO (MAUI) VOLUNTEERED BAHÁ’Í ASSISTANCE WITH COOKING INCLUDING ORGANIZING, SEEKING FOOD DONATIONS, PLANNING MENUS, ALL COOKING AND GENERAL CLEANUP. TWO BAHÁ’ÍS FROM KAUAI, ONE YOUTH AND ONE ADULT, FLEW TO MAUI TO SERVE AS FULL-TIME KITCHEN CREW AND ASSIST MAUI BAHÁ’ÍS. ALL WERE INTRODUCED EARLY ON AND WERE KNOWN AS BAHÁ’ÍS AND REFERRED TO AS THE BAHÁ’Í YOUTH THROUGHOUT TWO-WEEK PROGRAM.

WONDERFUL RAPPORT ESTABLISHED, BONDING AND FRIENDSHIPS DEVELOPED, LEADING TO TEARFUL FAREWELLS, ENTHUSIASM TO REMAIN FRIENDS AND VISIT EACH OTHER’S COUNTRY. LAST NIGHT (JULY 28) DURING EVENING FAREWELL SOCIAL, BAHÁ’Í YOUTH WERE INTRODUCED AND AS THEIR FAREWELL THEY PRESENTED COPIES OF ’THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE’ TO EACH PARTICIPANT. EACH PEACE STATEMENT WAS INSCRIBED WITH FOLLOWING: ’TO THE YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF THE WORLD: WE BELIEVE WORLD PEACE IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE BUT INEVITABLE. WE ENCOURAGE YOU, CO-WORKERS, IN YOUR EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL. WITH LOVE FROM YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE BAHÁ’Í YOUTH.’

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF HAWAII JULY 29, 1988 [Page 5]

National Assembly saves thousands of dollars through low-interest loans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you or your community would like more information about the loan program, please contact the Office of the Treasurer at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 312-869-9039).

Motivation Institute honors Bahá’í as its top distributor

Diane Gray, a Bahá’í who is president of Gray Enterprises in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, was honored June 10 as a top distributor for Success Motivation Institute (SMI) in Waco, Texas.

Ms. Gray was presented the President's Honor Club award by Buddy Haney, president of SMI, during the firm's June Career Development Conference in Waco.

"The problem that faces you is not material, but spiritual. In your national Community which enjoys the great prosperity that has been bestowed on your nation as a whole, it seems clear that if every believer contributed to the National Fund it would be possible for you to meet the needs of your budgets even without sacrifice on the part of the friends. . . .This, however, even though it would provide the funds immediately required, is not enough. The spirit of sacrifice and of wholehearted devotion to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is far more important, for this will enable the friends to overcome, not only their financial problems, but all the other obstacles that stand in the way of the advance of the redeeming purpose of God." (From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, dated March 31, 1970)

ACS FOR LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES & BAHA’I GROUPS

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

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

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

Signed _____________ Title: _____________ Tel: (H) _____________ (W) _____________ Participation: This contribution represents _____________ participants (adults, youth and children).

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

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

With All My Heart

An inspiring program relating the joys of giving and service to our everyday lives.

This captivating presentation sheds light on the pattern of our devotional life through the words and deeds of Bahá’ís from various walks of life.

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

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

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

Individual Automatic Contribution System

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

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

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

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

Mail to: NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND, Wilmette, IL 60091

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gateway Institute set

The Gateway Bahá’í Institute, a scholarly course on Bahá’í theology co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of University City, Missouri, and the North Central Regional Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, was to begin September 24 at Washington University in St. Louis and continue to meet one Saturday per month for nine months.

To register (a $60 fee covers course materials and site fees but excludes the Holy Texts which will be used extensively), please contact Dr. Barbara McEntire, Chesterfield, MO 63017 (phone 314-391-8017).

No child care is offered. [Page 6]

PIONEERING

The Universal House of Justice assures us in its 1988 Ridván letter that "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 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."

The following legend, reprinted from the August 1988 issue of Bahá’í Canada, beautifully expresses the spirit of teaching in the language of the traditions of our native brothers and sisters.

A Vision of Snow Owl

A great council was held where all the tribes came together, and from the circle of unity of the tribes came nine eagle feathers. These feathers were the symbol of the message of unity and hope of all tribes.

Nine people were chosen by the Chiefs to be the bearers of the feathers, to go to all peoples and bring them the message. These brave people went out into the world of men to deliver the message.

Some found that when they gave the feather, it was immediately consumed by fire and went to ashes and fell to the ground. Others found that their feather, when given, turned to ice and broke into pieces and fell to the earth.

Still others found that their feather turned into air and was carried away on the wind. Very few found that their feather was accepted and held close to the heart to become a part of the people.

Those whose feathers had turned to fire, ice or air returned to their Chiefs with tears of sadness. They told of the events with shame and said that now they had no feather to return to the sacred circle.

The old men of the tribes said,

"YOU ARE THE EAGLES ... YOU ARE THE EAGLES ... YOU ARE THE EAGLES.

"When your feather turns to fire, you must pluck one from your self and continue. When your feather crumbles with the ice, you must take one from your own heart and continue. When your feather turns to air, you must pull one from your spirit and continue.

"The feathers you were given in the Great Circle were only a symbol; they are not the only ones you have. For when you give the feathers of your own selves, this great sacrifice will do these things."

The feathers which turn to fire are those people so caught in the trap of self that they burn everything in their fire of heedlessness. When you pluck a feather from your own self to give to them, this kindness will turn their hearts to someone other than themselves.

The feathers which turn to ice are those people whose hearts have been so burdened by hurt that they have frozen in the ice of caution. In pulling a feather from your own heart, this sacrifice will warm them and free their hearts from the cold of doubt.

The feathers which turn to air and blow with the wind are those people whose spirit is wavering and whose loyalty rests in no meadow. When you pull a feather from your own spirit, your sacrifice will calm their souls and they can again walk with you on the Spirit Path.

It is not only the great and wise who know of this secret of sacrifice, of giving of one's own being in the service of the Great Spirit. Every feather bearer learns this truth.

You must not be sad or shameful, for even if you give away all the feathers of your self and return to the Great Circle naked, with only the love of those who accepted your feathers to clothe you, you will find great honor, and all the sons and daughters of humankind will remember your name and praise your deeds in the sight of the Great Spirit.

"Let us scatter to the uttermost corners of the earth; sacrifice our personal interests, comforts, tastes and pleasures..." (Shoghi Effendi, in Bahá’í Administration, p. 69)

Conference to discuss teaching Chinese

The National Spiritual Assembly of Singapore is sponsoring a conference on Chinese teaching December 18-21. Speakers have been invited from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Participants will learn of the exciting teaching and proclamation successes in those countries.

The conference will begin with a "Grand Fireside" and will include discussions on such topics as "How teaching the Chinese in the Asia-Pacific region will contribute to the building of the Arc," "Facets of Chinese teaching," and "Success of Taiwan's Muhájir Project."

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

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

TOTAL GOALS ASSIGNED: 163 TOTAL PIONEERS SENT: 121 TOTAL GOALS FILLED: 55 TOTAL OPEN GOALS: 112

Pioneers to goal countries: 77 Pioneers to non-goals: 44 Pioneers filling goals for other countries: 22

• • AFRICA**

(F) BURUNDI: Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 1 (E) CISKEI: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) THE GAMBIA: Preferably Persian. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) KENYA: Preferably outside Nairobi. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) NIGERIA: Goals Assigned 3, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 3 (E) SIERRA LEONE: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) SOUTH AFRICA: Goals Assigned 3, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 3 (E) ST. HELENA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) SOUTHWEST AFRICA/NAMIBIA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) TRANSKEI: One to teach the Faith in the university; one doctor. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) UGANDA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) VENDA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 Total AFRICA: Goals Assigned 23, Pioneers Sent 11, Open Goals 15

• • AMERICAS**

(E) BAHAMAS: North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island. Goals Assigned 5, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 5 (E) BELIZE: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 1 (K) BARBADOS: Employment opportunities for a dentist. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 1 (P) BRAZIL: For radio, consolidation, development projects; skills for National Secretariat. Goals Assigned 7, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 7 (S) CHILE: Juan Fernandez Islands, preferably Spanish-speaking couple. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) DOMINICA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 2, Open Goals 0 (F) FRENCH GUIANA: Preferably Persian. Goals Assigned 3, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 3 (E) GRENADA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 2, Open Goals 0 (F) GUADELOUPE: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) GUYANA: Preferably East Indians and Blacks. Goals Assigned 7, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 7 (S) HONDURAS: Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon. Preferably self-supporting. Goals Assigned 4, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 3 (E) JAMAICA: Preferably self-supporting for rural areas to work in village development. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 2, Open Goals 1 (P) MARTINIQUE: French-speaking youth to enroll in university or with musical talent. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (S) NICARAGUA: Preferably Persian. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (S) PARAGUAY: Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 1 (E) ST. LUCIA: Skills in community consolidation. Goals Assigned 4, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 3 (E) ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 2, Open Goals 0 (D) SURINAME: Preferably Persian. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Preferably Persian. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (S) VENEZUELA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH: To help develop public relations experts. Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 1 Total AMERICAS: Goals Assigned 44, Pioneers Sent 29, Open Goals 30

• • ASIA**

(E) INDIA: Goals Assigned 8, Pioneers Sent 12, Open Goals 0 (E) MALAYSIA: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 (E) NEPAL: Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 0 (M) TAIWAN: Chinese background. Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 0 Total ASIA: Goals Assigned 12, Pioneers Sent 16, Open Goals 2

• • AUSTRALASIA**

(E) MARSHALL ISLANDS: Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 0 Total AUSTRALASIA: Goals Assigned 1, Pioneers Sent 1, Open Goals 0

• • EUROPE**

(P) PORTUGAL: Couples for goal areas outside greater Lisbon, preferably Portuguese or Spanish-speaking. Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2 Total EUROPE: Goals Assigned 2, Pioneers Sent 0, Open Goals 2

• • LANGUAGE KEY**

(E) ENGLISH, (D) DUTCH, (F) FRENCH, (P) PORTUGUESE, (S) SPANISH, (K) MANDARIN

Youth beckon family to 'new home' in Argentina for service to Cause

The Office of Pioneering would like to share a letter received recently from Lizette Lopez, a former California youth who arose with her sister, Vanessa, to help achieve America's destiny by volunteering a Youth Year of Service in the international field.

Alláh’u’Abhá! Here I am in Chaco, Argentina. Of all places in the world, Chaco seemed to choose us. My family has always wanted to pioneer, and our dream has finally come true.

In 1980 we went on pilgrimage and asked Bahá’u’lláh to guide us where we were supposed to go. We knew it was going to be somewhere in South America. Many doors were opened at first, but as time passed, nothing happened. Then in 1986 my sister, Vanessa, and I wanted to begin our Youth Year of Service.

At first we didn't know where, so we filled out an application and waited. Within a month or so we were offered a job (the only way we could go) in Chaco, Argentina, to teach English and, at the same time, do our Year of Service.

We thought we would be returning in a year, but as time went by we grew to love this place. We learned the language (Spanish) and the culture quickly, and we felt very much at home.

Our parents would call and ask us how we liked it here. As it turned out, they decided (a year later) to join us in Chaco. As a family, we are together and have decided to make Chaco our new home.

As for that home, Chaco is a small city but quite different from any place we've lived before. The people are so warm and friendly. We have many friends, and life seems to go by as it always has.

Our efforts have been mainly in teaching the Faith to the indigenous people of the area, the Tobas. We have begun weekly deepenings in Barrio Toba here. At first, we started with a small group of women, but now it has grown somewhat. Every week (Saturday) we usually have one or two declarations. The people are so pure-hearted they need hear

Resource file planned to monitor U.S.-Soviet efforts to cooperate

There has been an increase in opportunities for citizens of the U.S. and the Soviet Union to cooperate and communicate on issues that are important to the future of mankind.

Many grassroots peace initiatives and citizen ambassador programs have been established to build bonds of friendship between ordinary people in these two countries. The Office of Pioneering is setting up a resource file of this kind of activity.

If you are involved in any of these initiatives, are presently working with citizens of the Soviet Union, or would like to be, please contact the Office of Pioneering for information that will help in your efforts.

The address is Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). [Page 7]

CAMPUS CLIPS

As the school year begins we can reflect on the opportunities that Bahá’í College Clubs have to teach the Faith and to make the world aware of the solutions that Bahá’u’lláh has brought.

During the past few years the clubs have made some major contributions to the worldwide progress of the Faith. Some have held large events, others have helped to establish a course on the Faith at their school, while still others have taken part in an effort to make the peace statement available to officials at their university or college.

Recently, in the 1988 Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice, the Bahá’ís of the world were given a call to action. At one point the message states:

"...the paramount purpose of all Bahá’í activity is teaching. All that has been done or will be done revolves around this central activity, the 'head cornerstone of the foundation itself,' to which all progress in the Cause is due.

"The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts. The time is now, lest opportunity be lost in the swiftly changing moods of a frenetic world.

"Let it not be imagined that expedience is the essential motive arousing this sense of urgency. There is an overarching reason: it is the pitiful plight of masses of humanity, suffering and in turmoil, hungering after righteousness, but 'bereft of discernment to see God with their own eyes, or hear His melody with their own ears.'

"They must be fed. Vision must be restored where hope is lost, confidence built where doubt and confusion are rife...."

The need to arise, to move now, could not have been more clearly stated. How, we wonder, can we arise to so challenging a call? How can we bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind, as we are called upon to do in the Six Year Plan? The Universal House of Justice, in the concluding part of the above passage, has given us an answer:

"...In these and other respects, 'The Promise of World Peace' is designed to open the way. Its delivery to national governmental leaders having been virtually completed, its contents must now be conveyed, by all possible means, to peoples everywhere from all walks of life. This is a necessary part of the teaching work in our time and must be pursued with unabated vigor."

Now is the time to pray, meditate and consult, to develop strategies for bringing 'The Promise of World Peace' to all people. And where better to start than on your campus?

Let's get together and take the message of peace to every student at every school where there is a Bahá’í College Club!

White Plains residents learn that Faith is there

The Bahá’ís of White Plains, New York, recently completed a direct mail campaign whose goal was to increase the dissemination of information about the Faith by letting every resident know that there is a Bahá’í community in that city.

The vehicle was a "Dear Neighbor" letter introducing the name Bahá’í and a few of its beliefs and letting the recipients know where to obtain more information.

The campaign was carried out systematically:

1. An application was filed with the postmaster for a bulk mail permit. It took about four weeks for approval.

The National Teaching Committee provided the necessary tax-exempt number and instructions for filling out the application for a permit which enabled the Bahá’ís to mail the letters at 5.3 cents per piece.

And because they adhered to postal requirements for organizing the mailing in trays provided by the post office, the bulk of it was processed as first-class mail. As a result, mail returns are returned to the Bahá’í post office box as if they were first-class mail.

2. Pressure-sensitive labels were purchased from Election Computer Services in New York City, which told the Bahá’ís how many labels (13,500) they would need to reach every household in White Plains and organized them by "carrier routes."

3. A local printer was contacted and gave a quote for 14,000 pieces which were delivered camera-ready in a week.

4. A "mailing party" was held at which 13 of the friends worked one afternoon sticking 13,293 labels on the gold-colored letters.

5. Forty-six postal trays were delivered and weighed in at the post office.

6. For people who responded to the mailing, 50 copies of Gloria Faizi's book, "The Bahá’í Faith," were purchased. They are sent with a personal note after a telephone follow-up to the response.

7. Firesides and deepenings are being held regularly in White Plains.

8. The cost of the mailing project: mailing permit, $100; postage, $704.53; labels, $276.14; printing, $646, for a total of $1,726.67.

Besides completing the goal of presenting the Message to every resident, the Bahá’ís found a pleasant side effect: the local treasury, which they had thought would be empty, had a surplus of $700!

"We have been busier than ever," they said in a report to the National Spiritual Assembly, "with the manifold work and interactions inspired by the spirit that was released by this project."

Bahá’í is first black to earn criminal justice doctorate at Rutgers

Harvey L. McMurray, a Bahá’í from Washington, D.C., became the first black to complete a Ph.D degree in criminal justice at Rutgers University when he received his degree last May.

Dr. McMurray, who completed his undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, earned a masters degree and later taught at Howard University in Washington, the University of the District of Columbia, and Rutgers, was the first Bahá’í to receive a Ralph Bunche Fellowship at Rutgers.

His outstanding work led to further recognition when he was given a period of internship with the United Nations, serving in its Criminal Justice branch.

During all this time he has remained active in Bahá’í programs on campus while finding the time to write a number of articles and monographs relating to family needs, the development of the family, and programs needed for children in foster care.

Dr. McMurray is presently an associate professor of criminal justice at North Carolina Central University.

Bahá’í Exhibit in Glenview

Leonard Braun, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Glenview, Illinois, stands beside a Bahá’í exhibit that was displayed for a month recently at the Glenview public library in conjunction with the Assembly's celebration of the 25th anniversary of its formation.

The exhibit was commended by several of the librarians for its excellence, and the Assembly received telephone inquiries from people who had seen the exhibit and wanted more information about the Faith.

WE ARE ALL THE LEAVES OF ONE TREE THE FLOWERS OF ONE GARDEN

The Perspective Series

Teaching and Proclamation Materials for the Fourth Epoch Developed by the Public Informational Office of the Bahá’í International Community

Beautifully designed with many four color photographs

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction Pkg of 10 $9.95

Especially suited for teaching the Bahá’í Faith during this initial stage of the Fourth Epoch, this contemporary booklet gives a brief, basic introduction on the Faith. It includes information regarding the Bahá’í teachings, its history, Central Figures, administration, impact on the social and economic development of local communities, and the Faith's international character. Abundantly illustrated with color photographs of diverse Bahá’ís from around the world, the Bahá’í Houses of Worship and Holy places, and the Universal House of Justice, this beautiful booklet will greatly enhance your teaching and proclamation efforts.

Social and Economic Development Pkg of 10 $9.95

Dramatically demonstrating the world changing effects of the Bahá’í Faith, here is a booklet that will interest civic leaders and other like-minded people concerned about improving the condition of humanity. The text and photographs demonstrate the international Bahá’í communities' active involvement in such issues as group decision-making through consultation; community development; children's education; the encouragement of women; the development of tutorial schools, agriculture, health care, Bahá’í radio projects; and international collaboration. The photographs of the richly diverse Bahá’ís and their far-reaching projects clearly illustrate Bahá’í principles in action.

Published by the Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE BAHÁ’Í APPROACH

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019 [Page 8]EDUCATION

Louhelen holds fifth Teacher Training Conference

File:Louhelen-Teacher-Training-1988.jpg

Bahá’ís at the Louhelen Bahá’í School’s fifth annual Teacher Training Conference take part in a consultation session on learning styles. The conference was devoted to the ‘most vital and challenging issue’ of race prejudice among whites and blacks in the U.S.

The fifth annual Teacher Training conference held July 5-10 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School brought together more than 100 participants to consult frankly on the most vital and challenging issue: race prejudice between blacks and whites in the United States.

Several of those at the conference summed up the experience by saying that “it was the beginning of a healing process” and that it produced “renewed confidence in the capacity we share for love and for action.”

The conference was co-sponsored by three national Bahá’í committees: the National Teaching Committee, National Race Unity Committee, and National Education Committee.

It marked the first time that outside agencies had been invited to be presenters at a national Bahá’í conference.

Presenters who were guests of the conference represented the Council on Interracial Books for Children, the Children’s Defense Fund, and the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith.

At the core of the conference was study of the Writings on race prejudice, particularly those that are specifically addressed to American Bahá’ís.

The objectives of touching the hearts and helping individuals with personal transformation ‎was were‎ greatly assisted by keynote speakers each morning who opened the sessions by setting the theme for the day.

Ben Davis of the Urban Coalition of Flint began the conference with a presentation on the nature and history of race prejudice in the U.S., reading a paper written by Mrs. Olive Beasley.

The second day’s theme was explored by Nat Rutstein who spoke on the history of race relations in the American Bahá’í community.

Next, Auxiliary Board member June Thomas spoke on color, culture and self-concept, candidly sharing the extent to which color prejudice exists within the black community.

She also presented slides that illustrated to what degree the white standard of “beauty” pervades all advertising, and its devastating effects on those who don’t fit that narrow standard.

Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux spoke about how the family can be an agency for combating prejudice and racism.

The last morning’s session featured a panel discussion on models for pursuing race unity.

The panelists included Jeanette Taborn, representing the Michigan-based Council for Interracial Unity; Deborah Bley, a Bahá’í from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who is editor of Brilliant Star magazine; and Charles Nolley, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.

Another unique aspect of the conference was the integration of the arts into the program. Participants could choose an “art-shop” to be part of for the week. These were offered in the areas of drama and mime, music, poetry, and movement.

The presentations offered to the conference on the last evening electrified the group and solidified the feelings of unity that had been fostered during the week.

The week was an emotional one, and a time for frank self-assessment.

One participant said afterward, “I feel greatly inspired to act, and I feel a humility about my (white) ignorance of my own racism.”

Said another: “I am no longer feeling afraid or burdened by racism, knowing the necessity for change to happen.”

Consultation at the end of the week was focused on how the week’s experiences could be translated into activities for children to address this vital issue.

More than 80 ideas were generated for various age groups, which can be developed into lesson plans.

Participants also took home with them materials shared by other participants and resource guides from the guest agencies about what is available through them on the topic of prejudice and the appreciation of diversity.

The Teacher Training Conference program is being evaluated and revised, and will likely be piloted in several more places before reaching its final form. —Deborah Bley

Green Acre School Fall-Winter Schedule

The Green Acre Bahá’í School is pleased to announce its fall and winter schedule. We look forward to seeing you all.

Session 11 (October 21-23): Hispanic Conference with presentations in Spanish by Counselor Arturo Serrano and Pablo Lucas, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico. English translations available.

Session 12 (November 4-6): The Three Charters of the Bahá’í Faith. Exploring the Tablet of Carmel, the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá guided by scholar/author Rob Stockman.

Session 13 (November 25-27): Circle of Unity (Native American Conference). Speakers to include Milagros Negron, Paul Tamburro, Tom Garrand, Robert Blackbull and Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt. Included will be a pow-wow with pipe ceremony, dancing and Native American food.

Session 14 (December 25-30): “It’s a Family Affair” with Linda and Dan Popov presenting classes on “Raising Children of the Kingdom,” “The Care and Maintenance of a Spiritual Marriage,” and “How to Have a Family Conference.”

Session 15 (December 30-January 1): “Make Me a Teacher in Thy Cause” gives top priority to “teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety and an intensity outstripping all current efforts” with Nat Rutstein as keynote speaker. Sponsored by the New Hampshire District Teaching Committee.

Please note that space may not be available without advance registration. For more information or to register, please contact the registrar, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200).

Any Bahá’í interested in teaching the Faith in MEXICO? Contact: National Teaching Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone (312) 869-9039

Green Acre School hosts July arts conference and festival

File:Phillip-Walker-1988.jpg

PHILLIP WALKER

Following a long tradition, an arts conference and festival was held July 17-24 at the Green Acre Bahá’í School. Classes, workshops, exhibits and performances were presented by a variety of artists from many disciplines.

“The Purpose of the Arts from a Bahá’í Perspective” was taught by Anne Atkinson. Participants explored various Bahá’í concepts of the use and purpose of the arts, the obligation of Bahá’ís to develop their talents and to produce works of art that reflect the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, and the role of the arts in serving the goals of the Six Year Plan.

Music workshops included presentations by Randy Armstrong of Do’a World Music Ensemble on “The Bahá’í Faith and the Artist,” “The Emergence of World Music,” “The Business of Being Professional,” and “World Music Workshop,” and by Donna Kime on “Improvisational Chanting” and “Composing and Performing Music—All Kinds.”

In the graphic arts, participants learned to think differently in a workshop by Inger Gregory called “Drawing—The Right Brain Perspective.”

The opportunity to enlarge one’s visual perspective was the focus of a workshop/exhibit by Stephen Brandon entitled “The Vision in Art.”

Leona Hosack taught a class in calligraphy and exhibited her work while Manuel Rodriguez, from the Philippines, shared his vision of forming a Bahá’í International Arts Institute. His unique paintings incorporated Bahá’í quotations, symbols and motifs.

Dance and movement were represented by Erika Batdorf, Susan Cardwell and Holly Heyman who taught classes in international folk dancing and movement.

Video production was the topic of a workshop by Brian Taraz, who presented his video, “The Bahá’í Faith—An Introduction.”

Workshops in drama were taught by a non-Bahá’í, Phillip Walker of the African-American Drama Company in “Characterization,” “Linklater Voice Production Techniques,” and “Creating a One-Person Show.”

Mr. Walker also presented a stunning play depicting black leaders entitled “Can I Speak for You Brother?” the performance of which drew a number of guests to Green Acre.

A musical fireside was given by singers/musicians Suzanne and Kingsley Swan.

In addition to an art exhibit and crafts display, attendees enjoyed the talents of musicians Lekan Parsons and Rose Paulson, Janine Staniszewski, Larry and Leona Hosack, Donna Kime, Jay Corre, John Dimartino, Ray LaBelle and Chris Hill (who declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the week).

Also performing were dramatic artists Anne Atkinson and Philip Cantor; dancers Cindy Mathieson ‎Gretchen Nutting and Gretchen Nutting‎; and storyteller Susan Cardwell.

The week ended on Sunday with a talk by Robin Chandler entitled “Building a Bahá’í World Civilization of the Arts” followed by a panel of artists exploring the question, “How Can Artists Make a Difference?”

Green Acre plans to use the arts extensively in future programs. If you wish to offer your ideas or talents, please write to “Creative Connection,” Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.

Pioneers

from page 6

only a little about the Faith and they embrace the Cause.

We have also decided to help them socially and economically. We are going to teach them to knit and to cook more healthful meals.

We also have a Bahá’í property (Tirol), which was donated by our beloved Hand of the Cause of God Rúhíyyih Khánum many years ago. The goal of our community (Resistencia) is to turn it into a teaching institute, to train Bahá’ís how to teach and deepen other Bahá’ís.

Since there is quite a bit of land, we also want to turn it into an agricultural center and raise food for the Tobas and possibly animals too.

As there is so much to write about, I will do so at a later time. For now I would just like to say that we will keep you all in our prayers, as I am sure you will keep us in yours. As all pioneers know, that’s what keeps us going!

On behalf of the Lopez family, Bahá’í Love Lizette Lopez

Alaska’s Hazel Lovelace to conduct two nine-day institutes in Manitoba

Two nine-day Teaching Institutes conducted by Hazel Lovelace of Anchorage, Alaska, will be held September 30-October 9 and October 14-23 at Dr. Jamshid Aidun’s farm near Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.

The institutes are co-sponsored by the National Teaching Committee of Canada and the National Spiritual Assembly’s Native Desk.

There is room for only 20 participants per institute, 10 accommodated on-site and 10 housed nearby. All meals will be provided, as will daily transportation to and from for those to be housed nearby.

Registrants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrange your own transportation.

Register by contacting the Native Desk (7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L8, Canada; phone 613-889-8168), or by phoning Carolyne Dowdell, 807-577-6047.

Martyrdom of Báb observed at campout

On July 9-10, an overnight campout was held at Lake Selmac near Cave Junction, Oregon, to commemorate the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb.

More than 30 Bahá’ís heard talks on the life of the Báb, the Covenant, Peace, and Effective Teaching. Among the speakers was Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, chairman of the National Teaching Committee. [Page 9]

In 1925, Green Acre hosted historic National Convention

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá blessed Green Acre with His presence in 1912, He directed the friends to come back year after year to this favored spot and to show forth such love for one another that all the surrounding country would be astonished.

The years that immediately followed His visit, however, proved to be ones of great challenge, upheaval and growth at Green Acre, years in which opposition and hardship were matched by history-making events; years when crisis and victory strode almost hand in hand.

Sarah Farmer became too ill to continue as the head and motivating spirit of Green Acre, and it passed into the hands of the Green Acre Fellowship.

Harry and Ruth Randall of Boston gave generously of their own resources to further its interests in every way, and it is documented that they “built wisely and well around the Principle of the Investigation of Reality.”

For a decade or so, such devoted servants as these weathered grievous storms that would have undone any undertaking other than one so destined by God to serve the needs of a sore-tried humanity.

Service and sacrifice, the watchwords through which the Cause of God seemed to triumph and endure at Green Acre, were again followed by an event of great historical significance when it was resolved that the 17th Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and Canada should be held there.

Ironically, it was at the recommendation of Dr. M.A. Cohn, who was not a Bahá’í, during the Fellowship’s annual meeting in 1924 that the resolution to hold the following year’s Convention at Green Acre was made.

As always, in those days, the first consideration was to assure the Guardian’s approval. Shoghi Effendi followed the affairs of the Cause of God closely, guiding the friends carefully along to new levels of maturity and responsibility.

He verified his support for the proposal when he wrote: “As to the suggestion of the Annual Convention being held next summer at Green Acre, I believe it to be both wise and helpful, and trust that it will forge another link between the Bahá’ís as a body and its founders and trustees, and will serve to draw them closer and closer to the outward form as well as to the spirit of the activities of the friends in America.”

The resolution was approved, and the Spiritual Assembly of Montreal, Canada, graciously set aside its own plans to host the Convention.

An invitation of unprecedented magnitude was issued to the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and Canada to gather in love and harmony in that place which the Master’s footsteps had blessed.

The advancement of the 1925 Convention’s date from the usual festive season of Riḍván to the warm Maine summer of the first week of July allowed many more believers to use their vacation time to attend.

Their numbers created one of the largest such gatherings seen to that time, one in which the many races and nationalities represented demonstrated what the Bahá’í Revelation had already accomplished.

In that gathering, the universal fellowship that had always been associated with the name of Green Acre found its truest expression in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Convention’s greatest significance lay in the fact that it included the first election of the National Spiritual Assembly to be conducted according to the principles laid down by Bahá’u’lláh.

The Guardian’s specific instructions called for one delegate to be elected for every nine recognized believers enrolled in a given community.

The friends received instructions via letters from Shoghi Effendi which made clear that such an undertaking should bear no resemblance to a political system—that in all elections, whether of local Spiritual Assembly, of delegates, or of the National Spiritual Assembly, “the believers must be entirely free from personality, basing their choice on the spiritual qualifications of those whom they elect according to the explicit instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ...”

A report of the National Spiritual Assembly for the year 1924-25 was read by the secretary, Horace Holley, the first such report to be made in this way, and it drew much appreciation, indicating as it did the great strides made by the Faith in that time.

At an observance of the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, Mirza Abu’l-Fadl explored the mystery of sacrifice and said that martyrdom is found not only in being killed, but in so losing oneself in God as to find selflessness.

Many speakers, such as Keith Ransom-Kehler, May Maxwell and Juliet Thompson, shared words of the Guardian or related the affairs of the Cause in the country and in the world.

Others, such as Ali-Kuli Khan and George Latimer, drew a picture of a new and greater Green Acre, one where divine Civilization would appear as a model for the world.

The future of Green Acre was assured when a resolution of that Convention proposed to join the school to the Cause of God by placing it under the control of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The resolution was joyously adopted by a large majority of those present and unanimously ratified at the Convention the following year.

In his impressions of the Convention, the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory cited a loving frankness and unity among the believers gathered there, which, he said, set a new standard in the history of such events.

The new maturity in the affairs of the Cause and among its followers was further evidenced when the first Plan for Unified Action to Spread the Bahá’í Faith was released at the close of 1925, a plan that had been born in the all-important Convention held at Green Acre the previous year.

The plan stipulated specific commitment and action designed to elevate the financial situation of the Cause while delineating the establishment of Green Acre as a great center for the study and teaching of the Faith, and a unified approach to the spread of the Cause over a three-year period.

The words of Harry Randall, chairman of the Board of Trustees, addressed to the assembled believers in 1924, are as applicable to Green Acre today as they were more than half a century ago:

“...Green Acre has survived and grown through its spirit of unity and service, and through its spirit of love. ...I think that Green Acre is approaching another period of its growth; it must be apparent to all that new life is coming to this center and is bringing to it a vision of new resources and of great growth.

“Therefore we should be ready to take the next step forward in the life of Green Acre. ...We grow by uniting ourselves to the larger needs. Man passes from one level of consciousness to another, and as growth toward the higher consciousness comes, he sees the higher world, and that this vision unfolds before him the plan of God.

“And so Green Acre must pass, in spirit anyway, from a center in itself to a greater center, and go forward in the unity of its own greater work. ...”

The fund-raising goal for the present restoration of Green Acre 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), all who love Green Acre are invited and encouraged to contribute to this noble cause. We especially appreciate the prayers of the friends around the 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 Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

Should you wish to know more about any work being done at Green Acre or receive program information, please contact us and we’ll be happy to add your name to our mailing list. The phone number at Green Acre is 207-439-7200.

Staples, which now serves as the office of Green Acre, was the administrative headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. and Canada following the election in 1925.

Martyr

from page 4

On May 8, 1982, Mr. Farúhar was executed. In his will he states in part:

“I, Maḥmúd Farúhar... have been sentenced to death based on false and unfair accusations. ...”

“I declare and affirm my belief in God and in the validity of the mission of His Messengers: that the Báb was the Qá’im, the Herald; that Bahá’u’lláh was the Manifestation of God. ...”

In July, more than 75 people attended the Great Plains Bahá’í Summer School at the Halsey 4-H Camp in Nebraska. The friends from the heartland states were joined by others from Arizona, Ohio and Samoa. Adults had sessions on parenting, the Huqú’qu’lláh, pioneering with one’s children, and community development. Other activities including canoeing, hiking, swimming, singing around a campfire, an international costume party, and a Native American circle dance led by Indian drummer Chester Kahn, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Bosch School’s Elderhostel programs show steady growth in size, popularity

“They’re all so impressed with the facility, the program, the staff, and especially the Martha Root Hall, that the demand for our sessions exceeded our capacity by more than 25 per cent for the season just completed,” said Molly King, program director at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California.

Mrs. King was referring to the Elderhostel programs presented throughout the spring and fall at the Bosch School.

Elderhostel is an international group that uses college campuses and conference facilities to present college-level courses to senior citizens who enroll and live at the facility for a week.

Bosch has been associated with the program for more than four years and during that time has presented more than 30 weeks of programs.

“The hall has added greatly to our programming ability,” said Mrs. King, “allowing for the needed flexibility in program and classroom space while making a clear statement about our concern for beauty and order in the physical environment.”

The course offerings at Bosch reflect the need for social and economic justice, world peace, the elimination of racial prejudices, the equality of men and women, the basic unity of religions, and the spiritual (human) values in building a peaceful world.

“We respond to the participants’ wide range of questions about the Bahá’í Faith,” said Mrs. King, “since many of those attending Bosch have visited either the House of Worship in Wilmette or the Shrines in Haifa and have enrolled here to learn more.”

Campus

from page 7

‎tional National‎ Youth Committee is here to help. If you are interested in hosting a traveling teacher who ‎ment ‎, race unity and the equality of men and women, please contact the Youth Committee office.

We leave you with these inspiring words of the Universal House of Justice from that same Riḍván 1988 message:

“...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 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 10]

Fireside a simple way to introduce others to the Faith

The beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, referred to the fireside as the most effective way of teaching the Faith.

So important is this kind of teaching that it is considered the responsibility of every Bahá’í to hold a fireside in his or her home at least once every 19 days.

A fireside is a simple gathering planned by an individual believer or Bahá’í family—often with the help of a few other Bahá’ís—for the purpose of introducing friends and acquaintances to the Faith.

Many Bahá’ís think of the fireside as a structured occasion in which a guest speaker delivers the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, questions are answered, and then refreshments are served. It is not necessary, however, that a fireside follow that or any other pattern:

“There is no standard technique for carrying on such an undertaking. Every Bahá’í teaches in his own home in a way that is most natural for him.

“For most people, conversation is easier than giving a talk. The informal character of conversation is conducive to discussion and asking questions, and questions open the door to understanding ... an individual is always more impressed by the sense of confidence, serenity, poise and deep faith expressed by the believer than he is by the number of persons present at the fireside and the eloquence of the talk.

“Curiosity about the source of that inner peace and confidence usually stimulates questions and at that point real teaching begins.”—U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, 1966

Perhaps the most important aspect of holding a fireside is to create a warm, loving, spiritual environment where guests are made to feel welcome.

Here they will feel free to ask questions in a comfortable atmosphere in which their views will be respected—an atmosphere to which they will wish to return.

The Universal House of Justice, in its Ridván message this year, summoned every individual believer to the field of teaching. Bahá’ís often wonder what we, as individuals, can do for the world-encompassing Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Inviting acquaintances to our homes for informal discussions of the Faith is perhaps the most simple approach to teaching, and yet we are told that it is the most effective.

In answer to this summons, the most fundamental activity in which we can engage is to hold a fireside in our homes once every 19 days.

Upcoming and Ongoing Teaching Projects

On the map (above) are listed the ongoing and upcoming teaching projects in the United States that have been reported to the National Teaching Committee as of August 10. If your community is sponsoring a teaching project that does not appear on the map, please write or phone the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). Best wishes for a successful project—we look forward to hearing from you!

Pre-youth in vanguard as Atlanta gears up for teaching effort

The greater Atlanta area has been chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly to be one of the four major teaching sites in its National Teaching Plan.

The local Assemblies in that area have already appointed a coordinating task force that began immediately to plan a strategy and focus for teaching.

During one of its first meetings, the task force was surprised to learn that the Bahá’í pre-youth in the area had already advanced to the vanguard in initiating intensive teaching efforts, launching a 19-day teaching campaign on August 3 with a two-day deepening institute.

Sponsored by the District Teaching Committee of Georgia-Northwest and working with several Assemblies in the state, the group of about 30 young Bahá’ís with an average age of 12-13 years began to visit several communities, engaging in direct teaching and service projects, inviting old friends and new to firesides, slide shows and peace forums.

As the campaign progressed, the average age of the participants began to rise as others joined the teaching teams.

Not only are the pre-youth leading the way for the Bahá’ís in this major teaching site, they are inspiring others to arise audaciously and showing them a variety of teaching methods to employ while doing so.

The rest of the Bahá’í community is now running to catch up with them.

Santa Monica Assembly makes effort to involve entire community in Plan

The Universal House of Justice has summoned each individual believer to the field of teaching, and it is on the individual that the entire Bahá’í community must depend.

Although it is the decisions and actions of individuals that will bring ultimate victory for the Cause, the institutions of the Faith are responsible “for planning the goals and activities of the Cause, for stimulating and encouraging the believers to arise, and for supporting and unifying them in their services.” (The Universal House of Justice, 1986)

The Spiritual Assembly of Santa Monica, California, aware of the role it must play in helping the believers to arise, recently sent letters to all members of its community asking them to study prayerfully an enclosed copy of the Six Year Plan and to make individual commitments toward fulfilling the goals of the Plan.

A worksheet was included to help community members establish personal plans of action.

The worksheet listed the major goals of the Plan, and beneath each one suggested activities on the local level in which the believers could pledge to take part during the Six Year Plan.

Additional space was included for them to indicate an interest in serving on local committees. It was asked that the worksheet be returned, along with other ideas for activities, by a specific date.

Although the response to the Assembly’s request cannot yet be measured, the National Teaching Committee is confident in the success of this effort, and offers it as a suggestion to other Assemblies who are arising to assist the individual believers in serving the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

Arise! To Teach

Bahá’u’lláh has enjoined upon the Bahá’ís the sacred obligation of teaching. We have no priests, therefore the service rendered by priests to their religions is the service every single Bahá’í is expected to render individually to his religion. He must be the one who enlightens new souls, confirms them, heals the wounded and the weary upon the road of life, and gives them to quaff from the chalice of everlasting life—the knowledge of the Manifestation of God in His Day.

From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

Music hath charm in Strongsville

A jazzy saxophone, haunting melodies from a flute, the gentle guitar sounds of Liberia, the majesty of a grand piano: these sounds and many more are heard at the home of Darryl and Margaret Greene, Bahá’ís who live in Strongsville, Ohio.

In an effort to serve the community, these musical evenings, held quarterly, have not only given musicians the bounty of sharing their talent but have afforded the audience an evening of diverse and distinctive Bahá’í hospitality.

In this warm and friendly home, Bahá’ís and their guests of varied backgrounds gather for music and lively conversation. An average of 10-20 people who are not Bahá’ís attend the concerts.

On July 24, the Spiritual Assembly of Schenectady, New York, held a reception to celebrate the formation of that city’s first Spiritual Assembly. About 35 Bahá’ís and a reporter from the Schenectady Gazette attended the program which consisted of prayers, music, a keynote speaker and two brief addresses by Assembly members. As a result, an article and photograph of Assembly officers appeared the next day on the front page of the paper’s third section. Pictured (left to right) are Assembly members Jack Bush, Irene Bush, Walter Hatke, Frank Whitson, Joyce Whitson and Koorosh Motahar. [Page 11]

Van Manens spend a part of every summer traveling, teaching, making music together

Every summer the Van Manens—a family musical group from Beulah, Colorado—take a week or two off work to go traveling teaching. This summer they traveled to Kansas, Illinois and Michigan.

“When you have a traveling teacher come,” says Helene Van Manen, “it really stimulates teaching. The community makes contact with many people they might not otherwise make contact with.”

Her comment was underscored by the approximately 75 people who attended a “Musical Story Hour” performed by the Van Manens one afternoon in Winfield, Kansas, a town of about 12,000, less than 25 of whom are Bahá’ís.

Later that evening, 50-60 people attended a musical “Peace Workshop” they led, which was inspired by “The Promise of World Peace.”

“Music and story-telling,” says Mrs. Van Manen, “open hearts in a way that speaking may not be able to. But once the hearts are open, the speaking can begin.”

Music is only one of the many contributions that traveling teachers can make to local teaching efforts.

Besides carrying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to many people, traveling teachers might bring fresh new ideas, new perspectives, deepened knowledge or administrative experience to bear on the process of consolidation.

Anyone who is interested in traveling teaching and needs help in planning an itinerary may contact Sam Williams, the National Teaching Committee’s traveling teaching coordinator, at P.O. Box 971, Yadkinville, NC 27055; phone 919-679-2133.

The Van Manens (Helene and Dave) from Beulah, Colorado, teach Bahá’í principles to audiences large and small as they travel and teach the Faith each summer.

These South Carolina cities also need homefront pioneers

In last month’s issue of The American Bahá’í, several cities in South Carolina that need homefront pioneers to help with consolidation in nearby communities were listed. Although assistance is needed throughout the state, the National Teaching Committee would like to highlight a few more cities in which the nurturing and guidance of mature believers would be especially helpful:

ROCK HILL

Population: 40,794

Employment: Food and kindred products, lumber and wood products, textile mills, stone, clay and glass products, primary metal industries, printing and publishing, rubber and plastic products, fabricated metal.

Education: 14 elementary schools, one alternative school, one special education center, one vocational school, three junior high schools, two senior high schools. Also Winthrop College (undergraduate and graduate programs including Master of Business Administration), York Technical College, Clinton Junior College, Miller-Motte Business College.

Transportation: Trailways bus system. Railroad—passenger service in Charlotte, North Carolina. Airport—Charlotte.

Housing: Current information available from the homefront pioneer coordinator (see below).

BEAUFORT CITY

Population: 10,760

Employment: Current information available from the homefront pioneer coordinator.

Education: Public schools, Beaufort Academy (college prep co-ed day school, kindergarten through 12th grade), Montessori School, Technical College.

Transportation: Information available from the homefront pioneer coordinator.

Housing: 60 mobile home villages in the county. Average rental housing prices in Beaufort City, $300-$350 per month. Average price of pre-owned homes, $70,000.

CHARLESTON

Population: 80,900

Employment: Charleston Naval Base, Medical University, ‎Wesvaco Westvaco‎ Corp., City of Charleston, S.C. Public Service Authority, Robert Bosch, Santee Cooper, Southern Bell, Kiawah Island Company, The Citadel, Sears Roebuck, Braswell Shipyard, Alumax of S.C., Ruscon Corp.

Education: Several elementary and secondary public and private schools. Also Medical University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Baptist College, Rutledge College, Webster University, Trident College, Johnson & Wales College.

Transportation: Amtrak, Charleston International Airport, local transit and Intercity.

Housing: Current information available from the homefront pioneer coordinator.

For more information about these and other areas of South Carolina where homefront pioneers are needed, please contact Moses Richardson, the South Carolina Bahá’í Coordinating Committee’s traveling teacher and homefront pioneer coordinator. His address is Darlington, SC 29532 (phone 803-393-6649).

Peace statement must be taken to everyone in world

“The Promise of World Peace” is a statement by the Universal House of Justice about the possibility and achievability of world peace.

It is addressed to the peoples of the world, and it is intended that each and every person in the world have an opportunity to read it.

The Bahá’ís have made great strides in presenting “The Promise of World Peace” to prominent persons such as governors, mayors and university presidents.

In its Ridván 1988 message to the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of the world, the Universal House of Justice said that “its contents must now be conveyed, by all possible means, to people everywhere from all walks of life.”

We still have far to go in sharing this supremely important statement with all the peoples of the world including our neighbors, co-workers, shoe repairmen, taxi drivers, and so on.

Opportunities to share “The Promise of World Peace” are often presented to us. With a conscious effort we can, for instance, guide coffee-break conversations and commuter service exchanges regarding any of the various world conflicts into discussions of world peace that lead to the presentation of the peace statement.

“The Promise of World Peace” is available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service in a Deluxe Edition ($10), Illustrated Summary ($1.75), Presentation Edition ($3), Study Edition (95 cents), or in Pocket-Size ($2.95 for a package of 10).

‘Teaching wave’ to sweep Long Island

A new idea for an intercommunity traveling teaching project has come from Long Island, New York.

On October 22, a wave of teaching will sweep over the island from east to west as Bahá’í communities send a traveling teacher to a community to the west of them and receive a traveling teacher from the east to take part in a teaching event on that day.

The times of the events and the teaching methods may vary, but the traveling teachers and host communities are meeting before that day to consult on the best way to use the abilities of the traveling teachers and to meet the needs of the host communities.

The project, called “Project Teaching Wave,” will mark the culmination of a surge of intensive teaching efforts begun in July. In future months the “wave” may return—this time sweeping across Long Island from the west to the east.

Children of Bahá’í couples should be considered Bahá’ís and registered formally as members of national community

The future builders of Bahá’í society will be our children. The progress of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh will depend to a great degree on their education and spiritual growth.

Shaping our children’s identity as Bahá’ís is of great importance to the development of their role in the Bahá’í community.

It was with this goal in mind that the National Spiritual Assembly initiated in 1985 the formal registration of children, according to a request from the Universal House of Justice.

A child is considered to be a Bahá’í and should be registered at birth if born to a Bahá’í couple. If only one of the parents is a Bahá’í, the child should also be registered unless the non-Bahá’í parent objects.

When a child is living exclusively with one parent, registration can be completed with the consent of that parent. A primary guardian may also give consent, although an effort should be made to secure the consent of natural parents.

In regard to children whose parents have become Bahá’ís, the Universal House of Justice has said that “...much depends upon the ages and reactions of the children concerned. They will require great love and understanding, and each case must be judged on its own merits.

“This applies to an added degree, of course, if only one of the parents has accepted the Faith, in which case the attitude of the other parent is an important factor; the aim of the Bahá’ís should be to foster family unity.”

Children may be registered by their parents; by filling in a registration card and sending it to the Bahá’í National Center. (If the child is of Persian parentage a “Supplementary Information for Enrollment” form is also required.)

Parents may register their children at birth or any time before they reach the age of 15. It is not necessary that the Assembly or District Teaching Committee countersign a child’s registration card.

Registration cards may be obtained from a local Assembly, District Teaching Committee, or directly from the Management Information Systems department at the Bahá’í National Center. Assemblies and District Teaching Committees can order a supply of these cards from Management Information Systems as needed.

A Spiritual Assembly may accept the declaration of faith from a child of non-Bahá’í parents and register him or her as a Bahá’í child if the parents give their consent.

When the card is received by the Management Information Systems department, the child will be given a Bahá’í identification number and his/her name will be added to the national computer records.

He will then receive a welcoming letter in care of his parents acknowledging the registration. The letter will include the child’s Bahá’í identification number which parents should retain for use when making address changes for the child.

Before a registered child’s 15th birthday, he/she will receive a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly explaining the importance of attaining the age of maturity and enclosing his Bahá’í identification card.

The registered child, therefore, on reaching the age of 15 years continues to be regarded as a Bahá’í. He does not need to sign a declaration card at that time.

If the young person does not wish to be considered a Bahá’í, he, the parents, or the local Assembly should inform the Bahá’í National Center so the individual’s name can be removed from the Bahá’í membership rolls.

Bahá’í group makes Nashville video, eyes agreement to record

Watters and Daughters, a vocal/instrumental group from Ohio, recently returned from Nashville, Tennessee, where they did a live video tape at the request of the director of The Nashville Network’s popular show, “You Can Be a Star.”

While there they had an appointment with a Music Row studio that agreed to handle the group after hearing one of its tapes.

Watters and Daughters consists of four Bahá’ís: Cora Watters and her daughters, Lisa Iezzi-Blessing, Lora and Patrice Yezzi.

The group has appeared at a number of conferences including the International Youth Conference in Columbus and the Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference in London, Ontario.

Watters and Daughters were asked to perform at the dedication ceremony for the House of Worship in India but were unable to attend.

“Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and lastly, speech.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 12]

Poignant stories reveal suffering, Station of Bahá’u’lláh

The following stories, taken from various sources, concern themselves with the childhood and early life of Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God for this Day. In the first of them, Bahá’u’lláh says:

When I was a child... one of my brothers intended to marry.... The program for the last day of the entertainment for the guests was the play of Sultan Salim. ...

They raised a great tent in the middle of the court. Representatives of human forms only a few inches in height would come out of the tent and cry: "The king is coming...." Then other figures came out, sweeping the ground while a number were sprinkling the streets with water. Then another figure was presented who was supposed to be the herald bidding the people to be ready for review before His Majesty, the Sultan.

The ministers came... while a number of others were garbed as chamberlains, aides-de-camp, farrashes and executioners.... All these lined up according to their station and class.

At last the king appeared with sovereign power and shining diadem upon his head.... Immediately a thief, captured by the police, was brought before the king and a royal order was issued to behead him. Then the chief executioners took the captive and beheaded him....

While the Sultan was consulting with some of his ministers the news was brought that a certain person had become a rebel. The Sultan issued orders that several regiments of soldiers be sent to the scene to quell the disturbance.

After a few minutes the thunderous noise of guns and artillery was heard.... I became astonished and bewildered at all these affairs. Then the review ended and the curtain descended.

After 20 minutes a man came out from behind the tent with a box under his arm. I asked him, "What is this box? Where are the king and all the men?"

He answered that all the great things and manifest objects, such as kings, princes and ministers, glory, majesty, power and sovereignty which we beheld were enclosed in this box.

I declare by the Lord Who has created all things through His Word that from that day all the conditions of this world and its greatness have been like that play before my eyes. It has not nor will it ever have the weight of a mustard seed.

I wondered greatly that the people should glorify themselves in these affairs. Notwithstanding this, the people of insight will discern with the eye of certainty the end of the glory of every great one before beholding it. (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 13)

Bahá’u’lláh, now that the Báb was no more, appeared in their (the divines and leaders of the government) eyes to be the arch-foe whom they deemed it their first duty to seize and imprison.

To them He was the reincarnation of the Spirit the Báb had so powerfully manifested, the spirit through which He had been able to accomplish so complete a transformation in the lives and habits of his countrymen. The precautions the Russian minister had taken, and the warnings he had uttered, failed to stay the hand that had been outstretched with such determination against that precious Life.

From Shimírán to Tihrán, Bahá’u’lláh was several times stripped of His garments, and was overwhelmed with abuse and ridicule. On foot and exposed to the fierce rays of the midsummer sun, He was compelled to cover, barefooted and bareheaded, the whole distance... to the dungeon.

All along the route, He was pelted and vilified by the crowds whom His enemies had succeeded in convincing that He was the sworn enemy of their sovereign and the wrecker of his realm.

Words fail me to portray the horror of the treatment which was meted out to Him as He was being taken to the Síyáh-Chál of Tihrán. As He was approaching that dungeon, an old and decrepit woman was seen to emerge from the midst of the crowd, with a stone in her hand, eager to cast it at the face of Bahá’u’lláh. Her eyes glowed with a determination and fanaticism of which few women of her age were capable.

Her whole frame shook with rage as she stepped forward and raised her hand to hurl her missile at Him. "...I adjure you," she pleaded, as she ran to overtake those into whose hands Bahá’u’lláh had been delivered, "give me a chance to fling my stone in His face!"

"Suffer not this woman to be disappointed," were Bahá’u’lláh’s words to His guards, as He saw her hastening behind Him. "Deny her not what she regards as a meritorious act in the sight of God." (The Dawn-breakers, pp. 606-8)

We were in no wise connected with that evil deed (an attempt on the life of the Shah), and Our innocence was indisputably established by the tribunals.

Nevertheless, they apprehended Us, and... conducted Us, on foot and in chains, with bared head and bare feet, to the dungeon of Tihrán....

We were consigned for four months to a place foul beyond comparison. As to the dungeon in which this Wronged One and others similarly wronged were confined, a dark and narrow pit were preferable.

Upon Our arrival We were first conducted along a pitch-black corridor, from whence We descended three steep flights of stairs to the place of confinement assigned to Us.

The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by which We entered.

No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling and gloomy place!

Day and night, while confined in that dungeon, We meditated upon the deeds, the condition, and the conduct of the Bábís, wondering what could have led a people so high-minded, so noble, and of such intelligence, to perpetrate such an audacious and outrageous act against the person of His Majesty.

This Wronged One, thereupon, decided to arise, after His release from prison, and undertake, with the utmost vigor, the task of regenerating this people.

One night, in a dream, these exalted words were heard on every side: "Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him."

...During the days I lay in the prison of Tihrán, though the galling weight of the chains and the stench-filled air allowed Me but little sleep, still in those infrequent moments of slumber I felt as if something flowed from the crown of My head over My breast, even as a mighty torrent that precipitateth itself upon the earth from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every limb of My body would, as a result, be set afire. At such moments My tongue recited what no man could bear to hear. (Bahá’u’lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, pp. 21-22)

Bahá’u’lláh loved the beauty and verdure of the country. One day He passed the remark: “I have not gazed on verdure for nine years. The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies.”

When I heard indirectly of this saying I realized that He was longing for the country, and I was sure that whatever I could do towards the carrying out of His wish would be successful....

One day I went to the Holy Presence of the Blessed Beauty and said: "The place of Mazra’ih is ready for You...."

He refused, saying: "I am a prisoner." Later I requested Him again, but got the same answer. I went so far as to ask Him a third time, but He still said "No!" and I did not dare to insist further.

There was, however, in ‘Akká a certain Muhammad Shaykh, a well-known man with considerable influence, who loved Bahá’u’lláh and was greatly favored by Him. I called the Shaykh and explained the position to him....

He went directly to Bahá’u’lláh and... asked, "Why do you not leave the city?"

He said: "I am a prisoner." The Shaykh replied: "God forbid! Who has the power to make you a prisoner? You have kept yourself in prison. It was your own will to be imprisoned, and now I beg you to come out...."

For a whole hour he kept on pleading. At last Bahá’u’lláh said "Khayli khub" (very good), and the Shaykh’s patience and persistence was rewarded.

For two years He remained in that charming and lovely spot (Mazra’ih). Then it was decided to remove to another place, at Bahjí.

...Bahá’u’lláh was nominally a prisoner (for the drastic firmans of Sultán ‘Abdu’l-‘Aziz were never repealed), yet in reality He showed forth such nobility that He was reverenced by all, and the Rulers of Palestine envied His influence and power. Governors and Mutasarrifs, generals and local officials, would humbly request the honor of attaining His presence.... (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 36-37)

The Mansion of Bahji where Bahá’u’lláh spent His last days.

From the Writings..

"O Jews! If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put Me to death, for He hath once more, in My person, been made manifest unto you. Deal with Me as ye wish, for I have vowed to lay down My life in the path of God.... Followers of the Gospel! If ye cherish the desire to slay Muhammad, the Apostle of God, seize Me and put an end to My life, for I am He, and My Self is His Self. Do unto Me as ye like, for the deepest longing of Mine heart is to attain the presence of My Best-Beloved in His Kingdom of Glory.... Followers of Muhammad! If it be your wish to riddle with your shafts the breast of Him Who hath caused His Book the Bayán to be sent down unto you, lay hands on Me and persecute Me, for I am His Well-Beloved, the revelation of His own Self, though My name be not His name. I have come in the shadows of the clouds of glory, and am invested by God with invincible sovereignty. He, verily, is the Truth, the Knower of things unseen.... O people of the Bayán! If ye have resolved to shed the blood of Him Whose coming the Báb hath proclaimed, Whose advent Muhammad hath prophesied, and Whose Revelation Jesus Christ Himself hath announced, behold Me standing, ready and defenseless, before you. Deal with Me after your own desires."

"Know verily that whenever this Youth turneth His eyes towards His own self, he findeth it the most insignificant of all creation. When He contemplates, however, the bright effulgences He hath been empowered to manifest, lo, that self is transfigured before Him into a sovereign Potency permeating the essence of all things visible and invisible. Glory be to Him Who, through the power of truth, hath sent down the Manifestation of His own Self and entrusted Him with His message unto all mankind."—Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings, pp. 101-2

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

• What is Bahá’u’lláh’s relationship to other Manifestations of God?
• What is Bahá’u’lláh’s relationship to God?
• What station does Bahá’u’lláh claim for Himself?

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

God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi. This book is a history of the first century of the Bahá’í Faith written by the Guardian. See especially Chapter 6.

Bahá’u’lláh, the King of Glory, by Hesan Balyúzí. A biography of Bahá’u’lláh.

Stories of Bahá’u’lláh, compiled by Ali-Akbar Furútan, a book containing brief stories told by early followers of the Faith.

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volumes I-III, by Adib Taherzadeh, a series of books that review the history and content of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, with stories of His life interspersed. [Page 13]

UN Q and A

The three basic responsibilities of the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations representative are to (1) represent the Assembly to U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the UN; (2) inform the Bahá’ís of the U.S. about UN-related issues and the work of the Bahá’í International Community; and (3) encourage American Bahá’ís to take part in UN activities at various levels.

Q: Does the U.S./UN representative actually sit in on sessions of the General Assembly, Security Council, etc.?

A: Like the general public, representatives of non-governmental organizations are entitled to attend all open meetings of the General Assembly and other organs of the UN. However, the Bahá’í U.S./UN representative rarely attends these meetings since most of the work of the representative takes place at the non-governmental organization level.

Q: How does the U.S./UN representative keep informed about events taking place at the United Nations and about current issues?

A: Weekly briefings for NGOs are given by the UN’s Department of Public Information. At these meetings information about current UN activities is shared with NGO representatives. The speakers are frequently ‎Under-Secretary-Generals Under-Secretaries-General‎ or heads of departments concerned with specific issues.

Recent topics have included a discussion of the UN’s financial crisis, refugees, women in development, apartheid, and disarmament.

Each briefing includes a question-and-answer session. Usually, about 100 NGO representatives attend.

Monthly briefings are also held at the U.S. Mission to which NGO representatives of U.S. organizations are invited.

For example, at one session Maureen Reagan gave a presentation on the status of women; at another, Herbert S. Okun, deputy Permanent U.S. Representative at the United Nations, and Dr. Lynn M. Hansen, assistant director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, presented the U.S. position on disarmament. Questions from the audience are encouraged.

Q: Besides regularly scheduled meetings, what other activities does the representative attend?

A: There are often special events held by NGOs which the Bahá’í U.S./UN representative attends. B’nai B’rith recently sponsored a luncheon featuring as speaker Ken Keyes Jr., co-author of “Planethood.” It was here that the Bahá’í representative had an opportunity to offer him the peace statement during a conversation.

The representative also attends receptions, social events, workshops and seminars sponsored by other organizations.

These events afford many opportunities to forge new friendships for the Faith, to extend support to worthy endeavors, and to make known the Bahá’í principles on various issues.

See UN page 27

Bahá’ís take part in annual UNA-USA Convention

The National Spiritual Assembly sent three delegates to participate in the 10th National Convention of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) which was held July 10-12 in New York City.

The Bahá’í delegates were Shirley Lee, Bahá’í representative to the United Nations; Wallace Carter III, national liaison in the Office of External Affairs; and a youth delegate, Riaz Jurney of New York City, former administrative assistant at the U.S. Bahá’í UN office.

The convention attracted a gathering of international statesmen and Association leaders from across the country to discuss the future role of the UN and to celebrate its past achievements.

Sounding the opening note of the convention was former Attorney General and Secretary of Defense Elliot L. Richardson, who is now chairman of UNA-USA.

The convention’s theme, “The UN: Making a World of Difference,” was the topic of an address by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar.

Also featured was a series of seminars spotlighting the 40th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ambassadors from the Soviet Union, Austria and Costa Rica offered their views of “A Successor Vision,” the influential report on the reform and strengthening of the UN issued by a distinguished international panel assembled by the UNA.

A “world issues” seminar led by the ambassadors of Canada and Singapore and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs ended the convention’s formal sessions on July 12.

UNA-USA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening the UN system and the U.S. role in it. The Association achieves nationwide public outreach through its unique network of chapters, divisions and affiliated groups and through the special information and education services it offers to Congress, the executive branch, students and the media.

The National Spiritual Assembly is a member of the Council of Organizations of UNA-USA. Mrs. Lee was recently elected a member-at-large of the Council’s Executive Board.

A display of Bahá’í books was exhibited at the Convention by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and its marketing manager, Robert Blum, was at the booth to respond to inquiries.

Pictured with Bahá’í Florence Kelley of Hawaii at the Bahá’í booth at the 10th National Convention of the United Nations Association of the U.S. in New York City are Bahá’í delegates Shirley Lee (left) and Riaz Jurney.

Bahá’í-sponsored luncheon in D.C. marks ICW centennial

On Sunday, June 26, the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) and the National Spiritual Assembly, assisted by the National Committee on Women, sponsored a luncheon at the Smithsonian ‎Institute’s Institution’s‎ Barney House in Washington, D.C.

The luncheon was held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the International Council of Women (ICW) and in honor of Laura Dreyfus-Barney, a Bahá’í who was an early outstanding supporter of the ICW.

About 55 guests attended the luncheon, which was one of the first of a wide range of events scheduled for the more than 700 participants from nearly 50 countries attending the Centennial.

Mary S. Power, BIC representative to the United Nations, introduced speakers Dr. Wilma Ellis Brady, administrator-general of the BIC; Dr. Sookja Hong, president of ICW; and Merrinelle Sullivan, president of the National Council of Women.

In their remarks, Ms. Sullivan and Dr. Hong were particularly appreciative of Bahá’í hospitality. Dr. Hong said that such hospitality was now almost a tradition at ICW gatherings.

Three years ago, the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom were hosts at a luncheon for board members.

At June’s event Hugh Locke, deputy director of the Bahá’í International Office of Public Information, announced the establishment of a Laura Dreyfus-Barney Commemorative Project to be sponsored jointly by the ICW and the BIC.

Madame Dreyfus-Barney was also honored at a reception at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which was sponsored by the ICW and the U.S. National Council of Women.

Many of those attending the Centennial later traveled to New York City for further activities, one of which was a reception co-sponsored by UNICEF and the BIC.

More than 250 women and a few men were received at the reception, held July 6 at UNICEF House. Welcoming the guests were Suzanne Bischoff, director of UNICEF’s Programme Funding Office; Djibril Diallo, director of Social Mobilization for UNICEF; Dr. Brady; and from the BIC, Ms. Power and Dr. Victor de Araujo.

Representatives of the Bahá’í National Committee on Women attending Centennial events in Washington and New York were Mrs. Farfar Guillebeaux and Ms. Katharine Bigelow.

Also present were a number of Bahá’ís from the New York Bahá’í offices and the local Bahá’í community.

In New York, the president of the New Zealand Council of Women and members of the Australian delegation enthusiastically recounted stories of Bahá’í involvement in women’s activities.

Women from India, the Philippines, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Cameroon, Canada, Kenya, South Africa, Korea, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Indonesia, Peru, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and other countries shared stories, renewed friendships and enjoyed the convivial atmosphere.

Brief remarks were made by the president of the U.S. Council; the newly elected president of the ICW, Lily Boeykens of Belgium; and Ms. Power.

The U.S. Bahá’í Committee on Women was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the U.S. National Council of Women for its support of the Centennial celebration.

Other Bahá’ís attending Centennial events included Lois Hainsworth, a member of the National Council of Women’s delegation from the United Kingdom, and Florence Kelley from Hawaii.

The luncheon and reception increased the prestige of the Bahá’í International Community and the U.S. Bahá’í community in the eyes of outstanding women from many parts of the world.

Pictured are Bahá’ís from Meridian, Philadelphia, Vicksburg, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Hines County and Madison County, Mississippi, who came together June 12 in Meridian for a Unity Picnic at which the delegate’s report from the Bahá’í National Convention was shared.

REMINDER!
UN days to celebrate: October 3: Universal Children’s Day October 6: World Food Day October 24: United Nations Day October 24-30: Disarmament Week December 10: Human Rights Day (40th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights)

[Page 14]

Teaching Materials

New teaching book for youth and adults

Nothing In Common

By Cindy Savage

SC $4.95

This is an intriguing story about a young woman’s search for truth and her discovery of the beauty and challenge of the Bahá’í 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 for and acceptance of the Faith. This story “teaches” by offering practical applications of Bahá’í principles to everyday situations.

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

New video assists teaching efforts

Peace . . . The Promise

$25.00

A celebration of unity and diversity in song, dance and word opens this powerful 28-minute video. Capturing the spirit of the San Francisco Bahá’í Peace Conference, it is a pleasure to watch and a unique tool for teaching. Used in conjunction with the Peace Statement or by itself, it will set the mood for a lively, attention-getting presentation on peace and the Bahá’í Faith. Peace . . . The Promise includes extracts from the keynote address of Ervin Laszlo, from the closing address of Robert Henderson, and some of the sympathetic statements of the many non-Bahá’í speakers and participants who were moved by the diversity, sincerity and love that permeated this historic event. VHS and Beta

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

Informative introductory booklets with four-color photographs for teaching.

Perspective Series

The Bahá’í Faith An Introduction

Pkg of 10, $9.95

This illustrated booklet provides a brief, basic introduction to the Faith. Illustrated with color photographs of diverse Bahá’ís and Bahá’í Houses of Worship, it gives information about the Bahá’í teachings, the history of the Faith, its Central Figures, its administration, its impact on the social and economic development of local communities, and its international character. Developed by the Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community, this booklet is especially suited for teaching the Faith during the initial stages of the Fourth Epoch.

Published by the Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community

Perspective Series

Social and Economic Development

Pkg of 10, $9.95

The test of true religion lies in its ability to transform the lives of its believers, both inwardly and outwardly. This booklet shows the involvement of the Bahá’í Faith and its international community in issues of human concern. Addressing such issues as group decision-making, community development, children’s education, the encouragement of women, the development of tutorial schools, agriculture, health care, Bahá’í radio projects, and international collaboration, this booklet will be of interest to civic leaders and other like-minded people who are concerned about improving the condition of humanity.

Published by the Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community

Reprints

Back in print again

Bahá’í DayBook

SC $5.95

We all know that we are supposed to read the Bahá’í writings daily. This compilation is designed to make it easy to do just that. It has a devotion for each day of the year, with explanations and suggestions for Feast Days, Holy Days, and special event days. It also contains questions and answers about many aspects of Bahá’í life. Because it is organized thematically, by the time you finish you’ll have covered the basic aspects of the Faith. With its charming illustrations, this is an excellent resource for new and veteran Bahá’ís alike.

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

Some Answered Questions

By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

HC $16.95, PS $4.50

Between 1904 and 1906 Laura Clifford Barney had many opportunities to pose questions to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on a variety of topics. His answers were collected into this book. Warm and personal, they cover a wide range of topics of concern to people today. Some of these are the relationship of the Manifestation of God to the development of humanity; the interpretation of Christian subjects; the powers of the Manifestation, and the nature of human beings. Some Answered Questions is an indispensable aid to developing a deeper understanding of the Bahá’í Faith.

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

Available in November

Secret of Divine Civilization

By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

HC: TBA SC: TBA

What do Bahá’ís have to say about politics and government? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá expresses His views in this 1875 message to the rulers and people of Persia. What qualities may we expect of our statesmen? What is the purpose of education? In providing answers to questions such as these, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sets forth the idea that civilization is an organism sustained by unity—not the false unity of egalitarianism, but a unity of interdependence, where all parts are essential to the functioning of the whole. Such a spirit of unity is expressive of God’s love for humanity and will, in turn, lead to a truly divine civilization. Although written more than 100 years ago, the principles discussed in this treatise are timeless.

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

ORDER FORM

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE				ORDER FORM
415 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091			1-800-999-9019	TAB 9/88 Prices subject to change without notice.		Date _______________
ORDERED BY: (Please print or type)				SHIP TO (if different): (Please print or type)
Name				Name
Address				Address
City	State	Zip		City	State	Zip
Home Phone No.	Work Phone No.
Qty.	Title	Cost	Amt.	Qty.	Title	Cost	Amt.
Acquiring Virtues—Cards	5.95
Bahá’í DayBook—SC	5.95
Bahá’í Ed. for Peace—Ring Binder	10.95
Bahá’í Faith: Intro.—Pkg. of 10	9.95
Can You Sound Just Like Me?—CS	8.95
Inspirational Music—CS	8.95
New Gospel—HC	11.95
New Gospel—SC	8.95
Nothing In Common—SC	4.95
Peace . . . The Promise—VHS	25.00
Principles for World Unity—Cards	4.95
Seeking the Light of the Kingdom—SC	2.50
Social and Econ. Devel.—Pkg. of 10	9.95
Top of the Hill—SC	4.95
Total

[Page 15]

Teaching Christians

The Gospels And The Christs New book for teaching Christian friends By Eric Bowes SC $6.95

The Gospels and the Christs unravels some of the mystery of the life of Jesus Christ, the historical Man with His tests and difficulties, and provides insight into the role and history of each of the Gospels. ‘Some of us need to think of, and reverence more clearly the man Jesus; the humanity of Jesus; the vehicle through Whom God manifested Himself to humanity. . . It is my sincere desire to awaken the reader to the knowledge that both Jesus and Bahá’u’lláh were Manifestations of and from God.’—Eric Bowes

Published by Bahá’í Publications Australia

The New Gospel Reprint, formerly published as Great Themes of Life By Eric Bowes HC $11.95 SC $8.95

‎The New Gospels The New Gospel‎ is a unique introduction to the Bahá’í Faith for Christians. Eric Bowes, a former seminary student, explains some of the major principles of the Bahá’í Faith through the words of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels. He begins each of the five chapters with some of the most familiar and beloved Bible texts and then goes on to explain how Bahá’u’lláh fulfills Jesus’ revelation. In addition to a brief overview chapter on the Faith, Mr. Bowes addresses such issues as why we were created, what is our true nature, what is our relationship to God, and what is our true relationship to our fellow beings. This book and The Gospels and the Christs will be valuable reading for anyone who is interested in learning about the relationship of Christianity to the Bahá’í Faith.

Published by Kalimát Press

Children’s Materials

Top Of The Hill New book for children By Morris Taylor SC $4.95

On an Indian Reservation somewhere in the beautiful Southwest, a young boy had never conceived of life without his great-grandfather. ‘Animals die. Strangers die before you know them. But people you know don’t die!’ His family and even his best friend are no solace. His great-grandfather, however, the ancient, ailing medicine man, is very wise. He leads his great-grandson, by stories and ultimately by the ‘vision quest,’ to begin to grasp the purpose of this life as well as the life to come. This story will help children and adults to find a more positive and even joyous attitude toward death.

Published by Naturegraph

Bahá’í Education For Peace Curriculum for Bahá’í education of children $10.95

This wonderfully detailed curriculum will enthrall the teacher and the child as it brings into balance the letter and the spirit of education. It includes lesson plans and addresses such topics as the ocean resource, the practice of the presence of God, the beauty of God reflected in other souls, and the independent investigation of reality. Bahá’í Education for Peace comes in a three-ring binder and is the first in a series on education.

Published by Bahá’í Distribution Canada

Acquiring Virtues New card game $5.95

A fun-filled, noncompetitive educational card game for children and adults which promotes principles for peace. It helps children develop their innate inquisitiveness, memory and mental skills. Can be played with two to six players.

Produced by Touchstone Publishing

Principles For World Unity New card game $4.95

Though this card game is fun to play, the concepts in it are serious and important to everyone’s personal development. Playing it will help children to remember some distinctive good virtues, and to realize what are some undesirable traits. Can be played with three to six players.

Produced by Touchstone Publishing

Bahá’í Feasts

Seeking The Light Of The Kingdom Same book with a new title, formerly known as Bahá’í Meetings and the Nineteen Day Feast SC $2.50

‘God hath verily purposed to bring the hearts of men together, though it require every means on earth and in the heavens.’ So writes Bahá’u’lláh in ordaining the Feast in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. This brief booklet is packed full of information about how the Nineteen Day Feast can help to achieve the goal of unity. The first part of the booklet describes the power of Bahá’í meetings where the focus is on the Word of God and the achievement of unity. This compilation from the Bahá’í writings is not only quite interesting reading, but contains specific guidance that will enhance our teaching work and help to create stronger communities.

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

Cassettes

Can You Sound Just Like Me? Music for children By Red Grammer CS $8.95

Not a new tape but new to the Bahá’í Distribution Service is this delightful collection of songs from Red Grammer. Here are songs, finger plays, and imagination games that touch the hearts and the funnybones of folks from ages 2-6 and their families. Though the Bahá’í Faith is not directly mentioned, its spirit is evident in this loving cassette. Anyone young at heart who likes Teaching Peace will like this as well.

Produced by Smilin’ Atcha Music

Inspirational Music Creative Word with music By Donna Kime CS $8.95

‘Bahá’u’lláh, in this glorious period has revealed in Holy Tablets that singing and music are the spiritual food of the hearts and souls.’ ‘Therefore . . . set to music the verses and the divine words so that they may be sung with soul-stirring melody in the Assemblies and gatherings, and that the hearts of the listeners may become tumultuous and rise toward the Kingdom of Abhá in supplication and prayer.’* Donna Kime has done just that. Inspirational Music, a re-release of the album, The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, contains 13 Hidden Words set to music plus two new songs, Oh, Sweet Lord, a powerful gospel song, and Queen of Carmel.

• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith

Bahá’í Distribution Service

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

1988 District Convention information

The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which mailed ballots can be sent, and a telephone number to call for more information.

Unit 1. Northern Alabama Birmingham Bahá’í Center, 600 - 40th Street South, Birmingham, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Mountain Brook, Mountain Brook, AL 35123, Phone for info: (205) 879-9115

Unit 2. Southern Alabama/Northwestern Florida Monroeville Community Center, Golf Drive, Monroeville, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Montgomery, P.O. Box 1131, Montgomery, AL 36102, Phone for info: (205) 575-4361

Unit 3. Arkansas Park Inn International, U.S. Hwy 71 and 62 West, Fayetteville, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Rogers, Rogers, AR 72756, Phone for info: (501) 636-4230

Unit 4. Northern Arizona - A Du Bois Conference Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Flagstaff, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003, Phone for info: (602) 774-4178

Unit 5. Northern Arizona - B Memorial Union Building, Pima Room, Arizona State University, Tempe, October 2, Noon (Registration: 11:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Fountain Hills, P.O. Box 17540, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone for info: (602) 837-1539

Unit 6. Northern Arizona - C Phoenix Bahá’í Center, 10th Street at Mountain View Road, Phoenix, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068, Phone for info: (602) 258-0560

Unit 7. Southern Arizona Cochise College, Sierra Vista Campus, 901 Columbo Avenue, Sierra Vista, October 2, 9:30 a.m., (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Sierra Vista, P.O. Box 2063, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, Phone for info: (602) 458-5280

Unit 8. Central California #1 - A San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94132, Phone for info: (415) 333-2157

Unit 9. Central California #1 - B El Cerrito City Club, 1600 Kearney Avenue, El Cerrito, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Richmond, P.O. Box 302, Station A, Richmond, CA 94805, Phone for info: (415) 235-7505

Unit 10. Central California #1 - C Chabot College Valley Campus, 3033 Collier Canyon Road, Livermore, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Livermore, P.O. Box 189, Livermore, CA 94550, Phone for info: (415) 449-0540

Unit 11. Central California #1 - D Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Phone for info: (408) 425-3974

Unit 12. Central California #1 - E Stanford University, ‎Tressider Tresidder‎ Union, Stanford, October 8, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Los Gatos, P.O. Box 1772, Los Gatos, CA 95031, Phone for info: (408) 395-5351

Unit 13. Central California #1 - F Carmel Middle School, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Monterey, P.O. Box 1131, Monterey, CA 93940, Phone for info: (408) 647-9862

Unit 14. Central California #1 - G Forrester Hall, Front Street, Soledad, October 30, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: DTC of Central CA #1, Los Gatos, CA 95030, Phone for info: (408) 395-5951

Unit 15. Central California #2 Hacienda Resort Hotel, 2550 W. Clinton Avenue, Fresno, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Fresno, P.O. Box 4513, Fresno, CA 93744, Phone for info: (209) 435-8889

Unit 16. Northern California #1 - A C. A. R. D., 545 Vallombrosa, Chico, October 9, 10:00 a.m., (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Chico, P.O. Box 236, Chico, CA 95927, Phone for info: (916) 342-6159

Unit 17. Northern California #1 - B Lillard Hall Room L-101, Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Blvd., Freeport, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Carmichael, P.O. Box 60912, Sacramento, CA 95860, Phone for info: (916) 646-3327

Unit 18. Northern California #2 Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin Street, Lakeport, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Lakeport, P.O. Box 1643, Lakeport, CA 95453, Phone for info: (707) 279-9090

Unit 19. Southern California #1 - A Lakeshore Club House, 24316 Venturi Drive, Valencia, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Santa Clarita, P.O. Box 3141, Canyon Country, CA 91351, Phone for info: (805) 253-2053

Unit 20. Southern California #1 - B La Cienega Park Community Center, 8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: 12:30 p.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406, Phone for info: (213) 394-6909

Unit 21. Southern California #1 - C NOTE: 3 DELEGATES, Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, October 2, 2:00 p.m. (Registration: 1:00 p.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Los Angeles, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, Phone for info: (213) 519-1811

Unit 22. Southern California #1 - D Harvey Mudd College, Galileo Hall, McAlister Auditorium, 12th Street, Claremont, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Pasadena, c/o Chryle Whalen, Pasadena, CA 91105, Phone for info: (818) 792-1685 or 502-2296

Unit 23. Southern California #1 - E Hawthorne/Lawndale Community Resource Center, 320 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Hawthorne, P.O. Box 453, Hawthorne, CA 90250, Phone for info: (213) 676-4294

Unit 24. Southern California #1 - F Parnell Park, 10711 Scott Avenue, Whittier, October 2, 2:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Long Beach, P.O. Box 4150, Long Beach, CA 90804, Phone for info: (213) 431-1141

Unit 25. Southern California #2 - A California State University/San Bernardino, 5500 State Univ. Pkwy., P.S. 10, San Bernardino, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of San Bernardino, P.O. Box 264, San Bernardino, CA 92402, Phone for info: (714) 884-1320

Unit 26. Southern California #2 - B Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Fullerton, P.O. Box 6031, Fullerton, CA 92631, Phone for info: (714) 990-5873

Unit 27. Southern California #2 - C Corona Del Mar High School (Little Theatre), 2101 East Bluff Drive, Newport Beach, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: 12:30 p.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, Phone for info: (714) 760-5360

Unit 28. Southern California #3 University of California/Santa Barbara, University Center (UCEN) Building, on Santa Barbara campus, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Santa Barbara, P.O. Box 1327, Santa Barbara, CA 93102, Phone for info: (805) 965-3626

Unit 29. Southern California #4 - A Poway Community Center, 13094 Bowron Road, Poway, October 9, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Poway, Poway, CA 92064, Phone for info: (619) 486-2877

Unit 30. Southern California #4 - B El Cajon Neighborhood Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon, October 9, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of El Cajon, P.O. Box 759, El Cajon, CA 92022, Phone for info: (619) 444-6020

Unit 31. Southern California #4 - C San Diego Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92111, Phone for info: (619) 578-3325

Unit 32. Northeastern Colorado Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Rd., Littleton, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Boulder, P.O. Box 1554, Boulder, CO 80306, Phone for info: (303) 786-1435

Unit 33. Southeastern Colorado UC/Colo. Spgs. Science Auditorium, Austin Bluff Parkway, Colorado Springs, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone for info: (719) 590-7049

Unit 34. Western Colorado Peach Tree Kinderhaus, 3235 I-70 Business Loop, Clifton, October 2, 9:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Grand Junction, P.O. Box 2805, Grand Junction, CO 81502, Phone for info: (303) 245-1399

Unit 35. Connecticut University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Hartford, Hartford, CT 06105, Phone for info: (203) 527-6277

Unit 36. Delmarva Atlantic Budget Inn/Stateline Convention Center, Route 13 North, Delmar, Maryland, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Wicomico County, Salisbury, MD 21801, Phone for info: (301) 543-8614

Unit 37. Central Florida Gold Key Inn, 7100 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Orlando, Orlando, FL 32803, Phone for info: (407) 898-9432

Unit 38. Northern Florida Bahá’í Center of Greater Jacksonville, 2140 St. John’s Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.) Mail ballot: LSA of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Phone for info: (904) 396-2261

Unit 39. Southeastern Florida - A Country Squire Inn, 7859 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth, FL, October 2, 9:30 a.m., (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Phone for info: (407) 793-6445

Unit 40. Southeastern Florida - B David Park Facility, 510 N. 33rd Court, Hollywood, October 9, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30), Mail ballot: LSA of Fort Lauderdale, P.O. Box 21432, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33335, Phone for info: (305) 581-0839

Unit 41. Southeastern Florida - C Holiday Inn, 10799 Caribbean Blvd, Cuthbert Ridge, Miami, October 2, 1:00 p.m.,(Registration: 12:30), Mail ballot: LSA of Dade County Central, P.O. Box 560554, Miami, FL 33156, Phone for info: (305) 271-9317

Unit 42. Southwestern Florida Newtown Community Center, 1845-34th St., Sarasota, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Sarasota City, Sarasota FL 34326, Phone for info: (813) 955-3073

Unit 43. Northeastern Georgia Medical College of Georgia / Physical Therapy Building, Laney Walker St., Augusta, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Richmond County, P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919, Phone for info: (404) 860-1066

Unit 44. Northwestern Georgia - A For information contact: LSA of Gwinnett County South at (404) 923-2361

Unit 45. Northwestern Georgia - B Atlanta Bahá’í Center, 379 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta, October 2, Noon, (Registration: 11:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30318, Phone for info: (404) 627-7918

Unit 46. Northwestern Georgia - C Fairmount Center, 241 Blanton St., Griffin, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Spalding County, Griffin, GA 30223, Phone for info: (404) 228-5185

Unit 47. Southern Georgia - A Perry Agricultural Building, Commerce Street, Perry, October 2, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 10:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Peach County, P.O. Box 1588, Ft. Valley, GA 31030, Phone for info: (912) 825-5999

Unit 48. Southern Georgia - B Memorial Medical Center Housing Recreation Room, 4700 Waters Road, Savannah, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Savannah, P.O. Box 1093, Savannah, GA 31402, Phone for info: (912) 352-4416

Unit 49. Southern Georgia - C Home of Ella Young, 607 Canoe Ct., Albany, October 2, 10:00 a.m., (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Albany, Albany, GA 31707, Phone for info: (912) 883-6929

Unit 50. Iowa Iowa State University Memorial Union/Grand Ballroom, Lincoln Way at Lynn Street, Ames, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:15 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Des Moines, P.O. Box 8244, Des Moines, IA 50301, Phone for info: (515) 243-4040

Unit 51. Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington Southeast Yakima Community Center, 1211 South 7th Street, Yakima, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Yakima, P.O. Box 9621, Yakima, WA 98902, Phone for info: (509) 248-1648

Unit 52. Southern Idaho Best West Burley Inn, 800 N. Overland Avenue, Burley, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Boise, P.O. Box 585, Boise, ID 83701, Phone for info: (208) 342-0390

Unit 53. Northern Illinois #1 Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of De Kalb, P.O. Box 702, De Kalb, IL 60115, Phone for info: (815) 758-1847

Unit 54. Northern Illinois #2 - A Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert, Arlington Heights, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, Phone for info: (312) 870-8038

Unit 55. Northern Illinois #2 - B Bahá’í House of Worship, Linden Avenue, Wilmette, October 9, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Skokie, Skokie, IL 60077, Phone for info: (312) 673-0573

Unit 56. Northern Illinois #2 - C Chicago Bahá’í Center, 3321 S. Calumet Avenue, Chicago, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60616, Phone for info: (312) 483-8005

Unit 57. Southern Illinois - A Miller Park Pavilion, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Peoria, Peoria, IL 61614, Phone for info: (309) 674-3721

Unit 58. Southern Illinois - B Alton Holiday Inn, 3800 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton, October 9, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Alton, P.O. Box 711, Alton, IL 62002, Phone for info: (618) 466-2466

Unit 59. Indiana Martin Center College, 2171 Avondale Place, Indianapolis, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46218, Phone for info: (317) 291-6110

Unit 60. Kansas Cranford Business College, 1600 N. Lorraine, Hutchinson, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Hutchinson, P.O. Box 1332, Hutchinson, KS 67504, Phone for info: (316) 662-8243

Unit 61. Kentucky Frankfort Electric & Water Plant Bd. Clubhouse, Louisville Road (U.S. 60) at Reservoir Rd., Frankfort, October 1, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Frankfort, Frankfort, KY 40601, Phone for info: (502) 875-5962

Unit 62. Louisiana Roadway Inn, 10330 Highway 61, Baton Rouge, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, Phone for info: (504) 649-1507

Unit 63. Massachusetts - A J. F. Kennedy Junior High School, Bridge Street, Northampton, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Northampton, P.O. Box 523, Northampton, MA 01061, Phone for info: (413) 586-3796

Unit 64. Massachusetts - B Keefe Tech High School, 750 Winter St., Framingham, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.) Mail ballot: LSA of Framingham, Framingham, MA 01701, Phone for info: (508) 875-6054

Unit 65. Massachusetts - C Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Boston, P.O. Box 1207, Boston, MA 02104, Phone for info: (617) 787-0851

Unit 66. Western Maryland/District of Columbia - A Robert Frost Junior High School, 9201 Scott Drive, Rockville, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Montgomery Co. NW, P.O. Box 232, Damascus, MD 20872, Phone for info: (301) 963-4822

Unit 67. Western Maryland/District of Columbia - B Howard Vo-Tech, 10920 Rt. 108, Ellicott City, MD, October 2, 1:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Howard County, P.O. Box 488, Columbia MD 21045, Phone for info: (301) 740-7186

Unit 68. Maine Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main Street, Eliot, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Eliot, P.O. Box 103, Eliot, ME 03903, Phone for info: (207) 439-7200

Unit 69. Mainland Michigan - A Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 6767 West “O” Avenue, Kalamazoo, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, Phone for info: (616) 382-3707

Unit 70. Mainland Michigan - B Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 South State Road, Davison, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Flint, Flint, MI 48503, Phone for info: (313) 743-7480

Unit 71. Mainland Michigan - C International Institute, 111 Kirby Road, Detroit, October 2, Noon (Registration: 11:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Ann Arbor, P.O. Box 7078, Ann Arbor, MI 48107, Phone for info: (313) 665-8039

Unit 72. Northern Minnesota Sunwood Inn, Highway 23 at South 4th Avenue, St. Cloud, October 9, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of St. Cloud, P.O. Box 1081, St. Cloud, MN 56302, Phone for info: (612) 253-6432

Unit 73. Southern Minnesota North Star Ballroom, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, October 9, Mail ballot: LSA of Coon [Page 17]Unit 74. Missouri - A Coon Rapids, MN 55433, Phone for info: (612) 755-6327

Unit 74. Missouri - A St. Paul School of Theology, 1514 Colorado Street, Kansas City, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64127, Phone for info: (816) 483-0874

Unit 75. Missouri - B Edgewood Children’s Center, 330 N. Gore, Webster Groves, October 9, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Webster Groves, c/o Mildred Birkett, Webster Groves, MO 63119, Phone for info: (314) 962-9314 or 652-7939

Unit 76. Mississippi Ramada Inn - Coliseum, 400 Greymont Avenue, Jackson, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Warren County, Vicksburg, MS 39180, Phone for info: (601) 636-9439

Unit 77. Montana University of Montana, University Center, Missoula, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Missoula, P.O. Box 2685, Missoula, MT 59806, Phone for info: (406) 721-1425

Unit 78. Navajo-Hopi Navajo Community College, Tsaile, AZ, October 2, 10:00 a.m. Mail ballot: Kenneth & Mary Morphet-Brown, P.O. Box 726, Tuba City, AZ 86045, Phone for info: (602) 283-4950

Unit 79. Central North Carolina - A Greensboro Day School/Upper School Building, 5401 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, October 15, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Greensboro, P.O. Box 10328, Greensboro, NC 27404, Phone for info: (919) 282-1724

Unit 80. Central North Carolina - B Cumberland Community Foundation, 310 Green Street, Fayetteville, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Cumberland Co., Fayetteville, NC 28304, Phone for info: (919) 867-2421

Unit 81. Eastern North Carolina - A Powell Drive Community Center, 740 Powell Drive, Raleigh, October 2, 12:30 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Raleigh, P.O. Box 51194, Raleigh, NC 27609, Phone for info: (919) 872-6023

Unit 82. Eastern North Carolina - B Mali Residence, 202 University Dr., Jacksonville, NC, October 9, 10:30 a.m., (Registration: 10:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: DTC, Rocky Mountain, NC 27803, Phone for info: (919) 446-5889

Unit 83. Western North Carolina - A Black Mountain Club House, Rhododendron & Laurel Circle, Black Mountain, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Asheville, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone for info: (704) 254-6439

Unit 84. Western North Carolina - B Days Inn, 122 West Woodlawn Rd., Charlotte, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Charlotte, P.O. Box 221155, Charlotte, NC 28222, (704) 366-3487

Unit 85. North Dakota Grand Forks Civic Auditorium, 615 First Avenue North, Grand Forks, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Grand Forks, P.O. Box 915, Grand Forks, ND 58201, Phone for info: (701) 772-4619

Unit 86. Nebraska Midtown Holiday Inn, 2503 South Locust Street, Grand Island, October 9, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Grand Island, P.O. Box 953, Grand Island, NE 68802, Phone for info: (308) 384-8887

Unit 87. New Hampshire Peterborough Elementary School, Peterborough, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Peterborough, Peterborough, NH 03458, (603) 924-7935

Unit 88. New Jersey - A Glenfield Middle School, 25 Maple Ave., Montclair, October 2, Mail ballot: LSA of Montclair Township, Montclair, NJ 07042, Phone for info: (201) 386-6399

Unit 89. New Jersey - B Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse/Hamilton Sq. Rd., Hamilton Square, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Cherry Hill, P.O. Box 3054, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, Phone for info: (609) 823-5076

Unit 90. Northern New Mexico Los Duranos Community Center, 2900 Leopoldo Avenue, N.W., Albuquerque, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 35358 Station D, Albuquerque, NM 87176, Phone for info: (505) 298-9017

Unit 91. Southern New Mexico/Western Texas - A Western Bank, Main Street at Lincoln Avenue, Anthony, October 2, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004, Phone for info: (505) 525-8056

Unit 92. Southern New Mexico/Western Texas - B Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, 800 Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Carlsbad, Carlsbad, NM 88220, Phone for info: (505) 887-2529

Unit 93. Southern New Mexico/Western Texas - C El Paso Bahá’í Center, 3821 Olympic, El Paso, October 2, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of El Paso, El Paso, TX 79912, Phone for info: (915) 877-3522

Unit 94. Northern Nevada Ormsby House, 600 S. Carson Street, Carson City, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Reno, P.O. Box 9028, Reno, NV 89507, Phone for info: (702) 322-5949

Unit 95. Southern Nevada Paradise Park Community Center, 4770 Harrison Drive, Las Vegas, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Paradise, P.O. Box 13072, Las Vegas, NV 89112, Phone for info: (702) 458-5152

Unit 96. Eastern New York - A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Communications Center Room 330, Troy, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Albany, P.O. Box 2556, Albany, NY 12220, Phone for info: (518) 438-5548

Unit 97. Eastern New York - B NOTE: 2 DELEGATES. New York City Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York City, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of New York City, New York, NY 10003, Phone for info: (718) 738-2456

Unit 98. Eastern New York - C Islip Bahá’í Center, 669 Lanson Street, Bohemia, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Brookhaven, East Patchogue, NY 11772, Phone for info: (516) 277-9540

Unit 99. Western New York - A State University College at Buffalo, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14213, Phone for info: (716) 885-4065

Unit 100. Western New York - B Kallet Civic Center, Main St., Oneida, October 16, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: DTC-Western New York, c/o Robin Bentz, Syracuse, NY 13215, Phone for info: (315) 363-9959

Unit 101. Northern Ohio - A Findlay High School, Broad St., Findlay, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Mansfield, Mansfield, OH 44907, Phone for info: (419) 423-9669

Unit 102. Northern Ohio - B Treuhaft Conference Center, 26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Lakewood, Lakewood, OH 44107, Phone for info: (216) 221-0914

Unit 103. Southern Ohio Live Oaks Vocational School, 5956 Buckwheat Road, Milford, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: Bahá’í of Miami Township, Loveland, OH 45140, Phone for info: (513) 575-0587

Unit 104. Eastern Oklahoma Day’s Inn (Travel Lodge motel), 2600 N. Aspen, (Exit 145 and Broken Arrow Expwy.), Broken Arrow, October 2, 9:45 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Broken Arrow, P.O. Box 1119, Broken Arrow, OK 74013, Phone for info: (918) 357-3845

Unit 105. Western Oklahoma Park Inn International, Lindra Road, Norman, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Norman, Norman, OK 73069, Phone for info: (405) 364-6216

Unit 106. Eastern Oregon The Vert Hall, 500 SW Dorian Street, Pendleton, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Pendleton, Pendleton, OR 97801, Phone for info: (503) 276-8780

Unit 107. Western Oregon - A Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus, 17707 NW Springville Road, Portland October 1, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Washington Co. N., P.O. Box 255, Beaverton, OR 97075, Phone for info: (503) 645-7260

Unit 108. Western Oregon - B Troutdale City Hall & Park, 104 SE Kibling Street, Troutdale, October 16, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:45 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Gresham, P.O. Box 932, Gresham, OR 97030, Phone for info: (503) 665-5185

Unit 109. Western Oregon - C La Sells Stewart Center, 26th & Western, Corvallis, October 16, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Corvallis, P.O. Box 309, Corvallis, OR 97339, Phone for info: (503) 750-2491 or 745-5027

Unit 110. Western Oregon - D 4-H Building, 215 Ringuette, Grants Pass, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Grants Pass, P.O. Box 2022, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Phone for info: (503) 476-6697

Unit 111. Eastern Pennsylvania Pottstown High School, 600 N. Washington, Pottstown, October 2, 9:00 a.m., (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Radnor Township, P.O. Box 16, Wayne, PA 19087, Phone for info: (215) 293-1315

Unit 112. Western Pennsylvania Best Western University Inn, 1545 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, Phone for info: (412) 465-7706

Unit 113. Rhode Island O.I.C. Building, 1 Hilton Street, Providence, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Providence, Providence, RI 02906, Phone for info: (401) 539-2028

Unit 114. Central South Carolina - A Columbia Junior College, 3810 Main Street, Columbia, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 10:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Columbia, Columbia, SC 29210, Phone for info: (803) 731-2629

Unit 115. Central South Carolina - B Home of Pertell McLeod, 521 James Street, Rembert, October 9, 4:00 p.m., Mail ballot: Heloise Herbert, Columbia, SC 29210, Phone for info: (803) 776-4596

Unit 116. Central South Carolina - C Home of Hattie Mae Oliver, P.O. Box 604, Summerton, October 2, 2:00 p.m., Mail ballot: Doris Morris, Columbia, SC 29210, Phone for info: (803) 772-6757

Unit 117. Central South Carolina - D Best Western Hotel, Highway 301, Orangeburg, October 2, 10:00 a.m., Mail ballot: Sandra Sigmon, North, SC 29112, Phone for info: (803) 247-5377

Unit 118. Eastern South Carolina #1 - A Home of Preston Pouncey, 309 Reese Street, Bennettsville, October 9, 11:00 a.m., Mail ballot: Preston Pouncey, Bennettsville, SC 29512, Phone for info: (803) 479-7657

Unit 119. Eastern South Carolina #1 - B Lydia Community Center (FAP), across from ball park, Darlington, October 2, 10:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Lydia, Darlington, SC 29532, Phone for info: (803) 332-2411

Unit 120. Eastern South Carolina #1 - C Home of Gentry & Iona Harley, City Rt. 24 - 7 mi. west of Jct. of 24 and 50, Minturn, October 2, 4:00 p.m. (Registration: 4:00 p.m.), Mail ballot: Harley Residence, Minturn, SC 29573, Phone for info: (803) 774-3043

Unit 121. Eastern South Carolina #1 - D Home of Otis & Linda Johnson, 603 McIver Road, Darlington, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: 12:30 p.m.), Mail ballot: Johnson Residence, Darlington, SC 29532, Phone for info: (803) 395-2477

Unit 122. Eastern South Carolina #1 - E Home of Ethel Smith, P.O. Box 61, (off Old Kemp Road behind church), Lake View, October 16, 4:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Lake View, P.O. Box 61, Lake View, SC 29563, Phone for info: (803) 759-2678

Unit 123. Eastern South Carolina #1 - F Home of David & Delores McLeod, 448 Savannah Grove Road, Savannah Grove, October 2, 11:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Timmonsville, P.O. Box 396, Timmonsville, SC 29161, Phone for info: (803) 346-3622

Unit 124. Eastern South Carolina #1 - G Bahá’í Center Property, 604 Oakland Avenue, Florence, October 9, 2:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Florence, P.O. Box 4323, Florence, SC 29501, Phone for info: (803) 667-1540

Unit 125. Eastern South Carolina #1 - H Grimsley Chiropractic Clinic, 118 Dansing Street, Lake City, October 2, 10:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Lake City, P.O. Box 1033, Lake City, SC 29560, Phone for info: (803) 394-8056

Unit 126. Eastern South Carolina #2 - A Home of Hilda Graves, 1012 Rosewood Street, Marion, October 2, 3:00 p.m., Mail ballot: Frank & Ellen Jordan, P.O. Box 581, Kingstree, SC 29556, Phone for info: (803) 382-3509

Unit 127. Eastern South Carolina #2 - B The Bakery, Meeting Street, Loris, October 9, 2:00 p.m., (Registration: 1:00 p.m.), Mail ballot: Esther Skipper, Loris, SC 29569, Phone for info: (803) 397-9224

Unit 128. Eastern South Carolina #2 - C For information contact: South Carolina Coordinating Committee at (803) 767-8755

Unit 129. Eastern South Carolina #2 - D Home of Virginia Kintz, 3006 Sawyer Street, Conway, October 2, 4:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Conway, Conway, SC 29526, Phone for info: (803) 248-5903

Unit 130. Eastern South Carolina #2 - E Home of Mrs. Lue Wilson, Interfaith Apartments #4B, Kingstree, October 2, 2:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Kingstree, Kingstree, SC 29556, Phone for info: (803) 354-5229

Unit 131. Eastern South Carolina #2 - F Home of Frank & Ellen Jordan, Rt. 1 Box 184 off Andrews Hwy 27, Kingstree, October 16, 4:00 p.m., Mail ballot: The Jordans, P.O. Box 581, Kingstree, SC 29556, Phone for info: (803) 382-3509

Unit 132. Eastern South Carolina #2 - G Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Rt. 2 Box 71, Hemingway, October 2, 1:00 p.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Williams Hill c/o Mary Beckman, Hemingway, SC 29554, Phone for info: (803) 558-5093

Unit 133. Northern South Carolina - A Ramada Inn, I-85 & U.S. 176, Spartanburg, October 2, 10:00 a.m., (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Spartanburg c/o Patricia McJermott, P.O. Box 16295, Spartanburg, SC 29303, Phone for info: (803) 579-3485

Unit 134. Northern South Carolina - B Home of Mehrdad Bashiri, 663 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, October 2, 10:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Rock Hill, P.O. Box 4141, Rock Hill, SC 29730, Phone for info: (803) 328-8395

Unit 135. Southern South Carolina #1 - A Home of Harry & Theresa Brown, Rt. 1 Box 955-Crescent Estates, Monck’s Corner, October 2, 10:00 a.m., (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of South Berkeley County, Monck’s Corner, SC 29461, Phone for info: (803) 761-6034

Unit 136. Southern South Carolina #1 - B College of Charleston/Stern Center/Room 408-410, 71 George Street, Charleston, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 2881, Charleston, SC 29403, Phone for info: (803) 762-1469

Unit 137. Southern South Carolina #2 - A Home of Lucius & Mary Belle, Rt. 2 Box 72, 11:00 a.m. (Registration: 10:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of St. Helena Island, P.O. Box 97, St Helena Island, SC 29902, Phone for info: (803) 838-5453

Unit 138. Southern South Carolina #2 - B Home of Harold Washington, 100 Lincoln Street, Walterboro, October 9, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 10:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of St. Helena Island, P.O. Box 236, St. Helena Island, SC 29902, Phone for info: (803) 838-5453

Unit 139. Western South Carolina Juanita Butler Recreation Center, 2 Burns Street, Greenville, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, Phone for info: (803) 271-2199

Unit 140. South Dakota - A Wanblee Bahá’í Center, Box 19, Wanblee, October 2, 11:00 a.m., (Registration 10:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: DTC c/o Louise Watson, P.O. Box 85, Martin, SD 57551, Phone for info: (605) 685-1054

Unit 141. South Dakota - B For information contact: LSA of Mission, P.O. Box 895, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4571

Unit 142. Eastern Tennessee Chattanooga Bahá’í Center, 5311 Cassandra-Smith Rd., Hixson, October 2, 10:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Chattanooga, 5010 Austin Road, Hixson, TN 37343, Phone for info: (615) 870-8326

Unit 143. Western Tennessee Natchez Trace State Park, Public Lodge, Wildersville, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Nashville, Nashville, TN 37214, Phone for info: (615) 298-6619

Unit 144. Central Texas - A Georgetown Community Center, St. Gabriel Park, Georgetown, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Round Rock, P.O. Box 433, Round Rock, TX 78680, Phone for info: (512) 255-3630

Unit 145. Central Texas - B S.W. Texas State University Campus, LBJ Student Center (Chataqua Room), San Marcos, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of San Marcos, P.O. Box 1341, San Marcos, TX 78667, Phone for info: (512) 392-9816 or 353-3339

Unit 146. Eastern Texas #1 - A Bridgeport Recreation Center, 1102 Lawdwin (off Lawdwin & Freeport), October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: DTC of East Texas #1, P.O. Box 1421, Euless, TX 76039, Phone for info: (817) 540-0127

Unit 147. Eastern Texas #1 - B Marshall Civic Center, 2501 East End Blvd., Marshall, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Tyler, P.O. Box 7613, Tyler, TX 75711, Phone for info: (214) 581-8222

Unit 148. Eastern Texas #1 - C Richland Hills Community Center, 3204 Diana Drive, Richland Hills, October 9, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:45 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Euless, P.O. Box 284, Euless, TX 76039, Phone for info: (817) 540-1339

Unit 149. Eastern Texas #1 - D Providence Towers East LB19, 5001 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Richardson, P.O. Box 831794, Richardson, TX 75083, Phone for info: (214) 231-3570

Unit 150. Eastern Texas #2 - A Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale Avenue, Houston, October 9, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of College Station, P.O. Box 9028, College Station, TX 77840, Phone for info: (409) 764-3160

Unit 151. Eastern Texas #2 - B Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale Avenue, Houston, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Houston,

SEE DISTRICTS page 30 [Page 18]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial messages can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BAHÁ’Í World Center has an ongoing need for interested and qualified persons to serve in a variety of capacities including janitorial staff, gardeners, security and secretarial-clerical. 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 with no responsibilities or dependent children. The custodians of a Holy Place bear over-all responsibility 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 Bahá’ís 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. Bahá’í 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 married 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, furnishings 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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, for an application or further information.

THE DEPARTMENT of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is accepting applications for the following positions: Minority development coordinator (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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í teachings, and the ability to apply Bahá’í principles to individual cases. Several years' experience in local Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í-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 with Bahá’í literature, particularly the Creative Word, and have some Bahá’í 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 Illinois driver's license. A solid knowledge of and respect for the Administrative Order and the institutions of the Faith is essential, as is some Bahá’í administrative experience. Secretary (Persian/American Affairs Committee office): position calls for a well-organized, 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, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 312-869-9039 for more information or an application.

NETWORK coordinator (National Youth Committee): responsible for the development and coordination of the Bahá’í Youth Network including Bahá’í College Clubs and Associations and local Youth Clubs and to ensure monthly publication of the "Youth Hotline." The position requires good letter writing and organizational skills, typing of at least 40 wpm, computer literacy or willingness to learn computer skills. Must also have a good understanding of the Bahá’í Youth Movement and its role in America's Spiritual Destiny. Contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

World Center has number of positions

Bahá’ís are invited to offer their services to the Personnel Office at the Bahá’í World Center in any of the positions listed below.

Bahá’ís who serve at the World Center have the privilege of access to the Holy Shrines and the bounty of associating with believers from more than 30 countries who form part of the World Center community.

Service at the World Center differs from that in the non-Bahá’í society in which career development and salary are the most important factors.

Here, believers serve as volunteers who receive an allowance to cover their basic expenses; their work may help in career development, but the greater benefit to them may well be the enhanced orientation to the work of the Cause and the deeper understanding of the significance of the Administrative Order.

There can be no assurance that everyone who volunteers for service at the World Center will be invited to serve.

The Personnel Office is obligated to choose those Bahá’ís who are best suited for the specific positions which are open and must, at times, decline offers of service from devoted and skilled Bahá’ís whose qualifications do not suit the available positions.

A basic knowledge of English is a requirement for most positions.

Gardens, Janitorial, Security

Includes gardens, gardens mechanic, professional gardening staff, arborist, soil technologist/compost specialist, pest control specialist, janitorial and security personnel.

Office Positions

Includes accountants/bookkeepers, investments, quality control, finance records analyst, assistants to the comptroller, administrative development office assistant, administrative assistant, Arabic/Persian/English research assistant, Persian research assistant, Arabic/English translator, archives intern, reference assistant, conservation assistant, indexer, records analyst, reference librarian, executive secretaries, general office staff, typist/quality control, summer worker, statistician, storekeeper, purchasing assistant, computer programmers, Persian user assistants, mail analyst, mail messenger, custodians, pilgrimage guide, switchboard operator, assistant cook.

Technical Positions

Includes building monitor, works office manager, construction site supervisor, auto mechanic, metal worker, maintenance mechanics, electricians, handyman, carpet restorer, driver, store/warehouse assistant.

Those who are qualified and interested in applying for any of these positions should contact Karen Crenshaw, World Center staffing representative, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for applications or further information.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

ALTAMONTE Springs (Orlando), Florida, has six adult Bahá’ís and would like to be able to form an Assembly. The area has good employment opportunities, and one of the Bahá’ís has two rooms to rent in her home. Please phone Antoinette Bianchi, 407-788-1503.

IF YOU would like to help form the first Assembly in Yreka, California, near the Oregon border (there are no Assemblies in all of Siskiyou County), please come now. The main industries are tourism, cattle ranching, and lumber. Chance for employment for teachers and other educators as well as those in the medical profession. Retired Bahá’ís would find this area a paradise! Lovely national forests, waterfalls and snow-capped Mt. Shasta. The air and water are pure and pesticide-free. Hoping for three Bahá’í families and some single Bahá’ís. Write to Bahá’í, P.O. Box 3, Dunsmuir, CA 96025, or phone Art Griggs, 916-842-9116, or Alice Lovejoy, 916-235-4709.

ARE YOU looking for a real challenge? If so, there's a pioneer post waiting for you in West Virginia, a state that has but three functioning Assemblies with a goal of six. Jobs are scarce, unless Bahá’u’lláh favors you with one. There are a couple of good colleges, and the general populace, while not entering the Faith in masses, is not hostile. Retired persons are especially needed in college towns that have a young Bahá’í complement. For more information, phone Doug Boren, 304-429-7450.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

NEPAL: seamstress, plant ecologist, rural sociologist, physical therapists, and silver design specialist. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

BRITISH Virgin Islands: environmental planning and management expert. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

INDIA: technical adviser needed for small artisan activities relating to commercial viability. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

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

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

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

TAIWAN: the National Spiritual Assembly seeks an individual with experience to serve as National Public Relations Officer. Also, teachers of English are needed. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

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

NIGERIA: financial controller, monitoring and evaluation specialists, chief project engineer, and workshop manager sought. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

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

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

SIERRA LEONE: radiologist, lecturer in data processing/computing. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

SCHOOLS

NUR UNIVERSITY in Bolivia needs your help. To find out how you can help this functioning Bahá’í-run university, contact Steven Kozlow, university liaison officer, Shelby, NC 28150, or phone 704-484-1697.

RIGHT NOW, undiscovered, there are many historical letters, documents, programs, course outlines, photographs, tape recordings, furniture, relics and the like relating to the Green Acre Bahá’í School. They are in the hands of Bahá’ís as well as non-Bahá’í relatives who are unaware of their significance. As Green Acre works on its restoration, it feels the need to embark on a "treasure hunt" to collect historical records of the school as well as personal accounts of experiences from those who have attended sessions at Green Acre. Our goals are to help in making an accurate restoration, to produce a commemorative book, a thorough history of the school, and well-organized archives for future Bahá’ís before these records slip through our fingers forever. Please share with us the information, pictures, etc. you may have stored in your attic or elsewhere, or let us know if you would like to volunteer to help collect information by dropping us a line: Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200. We'll be happy to copy and return any original documents, photographs, cassettes and the like on request.

WANTED

PIONEER farming family and fellow farmers in Argentina are interested in contacting any persons or businesses interested in importing such things as dry and fresh fruits, raisins, nuts, olives, leather garments, woolen sweaters, sports garments, garlic and other vegetables, honey, agricultural equipment, ceramic tiles and more. Such a business venture would do much to help the economy of this area of the world. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

WANTED: artists, craftsmen, quilters to take part in a Continental Bahá’í Quilt Project whose theme is "Raising the Standard." The completed quilt or quilts will visit the community of each participant for exhibition/teaching purposes. Each participant designs and quilts one 18-inch block. For more information about how to become a part of the project, contact E. June Youle, Valley City, ND 58072.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following people: Eunice C. Bliss, Arthur W. Block, Ralph W. Blohm, Mercedes and Pacora Blue Mountain, Ruby Esther Blute, Richard W. Boettcher, Eli Boraks, Hazel Bornholdt, Caroline Bosche, Eda Rae Bracken, Evelyn Bradt, and Delia Brandin. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who may have these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHÁ’ÍS in Staunton, Virginia, need copies of "Prophecy Fulfilled" or similar pamphlets on Christian prophecy for a series of newspaper articles. If you have extras, please contact Margaret Huffman, secretary, Bahá’ís of Staunton, P.O. Box 2682, Staunton, VA 24401.

BAFA (Bahá’í Association for Arts), a European organization sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands, is seeking to enlarge its membership to promote its universal aims which include encouragement, communication, deepening, [Page 19]

CLASSIFIEDS

education and coordination of arts activities among artists and others involved with the arts, as well as the development of a Bahá’í view of the arts. Members will receive four newsletters and two issues of the new magazine Global Artlife each year. They are encouraged to send news or other submissions to BAFA’s editorial office, c/o Helen Kontos, P.O. Box 17031, 54210 Thessaloniki, Greece. To become a member of BAFA, please send $25 to Anneke Buys, secretary, The Netherlands.

THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY of Kelso, Washington, is looking for ideas based on principles from the Bahá’í writings to produce quality programs on “the most challenging issue.” The programs would be an integral part of ongoing Bahá’í classes from nursery through 18 years. Do you have ideas on how to teach the unity of the black and white races? Is there something you have done to teach the topic successfully? Please share your thoughts and ideas by writing to the Spiritual Assembly of Kelso, c/o Barbara Haluapo, secretary, P.O. Box 456, Kelso, WA 98626.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Salt Lake, Utah, are forming a small choir and would like to sing songs written by Bahá’ís that reflect the ideals of the Faith. If you have written a song that they might use, please send the arrangement or a cassette tape of the music to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 7775, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.

BAHÁ’ÍS involved in educating children at home or in apprenticeship-type arrangements, please contact Charlene Winger-Bearskin, Holcomb, NY 14469, by postcard, or phone 716-657-7057. I am compiling interviews for a book on home schooling and would like to include Bahá’í families.

WANTED: ad slicks, print ads, samples, radio and TV PSAs developed and/or used by other communities. Send to Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs of the Greater Houston Area, c/o Jackie Cone, Houston, TX 77081, or phone 713-667-2176.

MISCELLANEOUS

YOU’RE invited to “Star Search,” a pre-District Convention campout October 1 in Lakeport, California, where they make teaching a party! Included will be a watermelon feed, recreational activities, children’s fun, live entertainment, and a sing-along campfire. Great opportunity for teaching, rest and relaxation. Those interested in taking part in entertainment—we need you. For information, phone Rick Green, 707-263-1295 or 707-263-1005.

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 344, New York, NY 10009.

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 Kedrie, secretary, North Dakota Bahá’í Centennial Committee, Fargo, ND 58103, or phone 701-235-3725.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii asks that any Bahá’í who plans to marry in Hawaii contact the National Assembly well in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has developed a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book auction catalogs. The Archives hopes to have 2-3 auctions of duplicate books each year. If you would like to be placed on the mailing list, send your name and Bahá’í I.D. number to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Texas youth honored as salutatorian of her high school class

Venous Ghaemmaghami Sahba, a Bahá’í youth from Pasadena, Texas, was salutatorian of this year’s graduating class at Sam Rayburn High School.

Venous was a member of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Society for the Study of Contemporary Issues, and a member of the Society of Distinguished American High School Students.

She plans to study pharmacy at the University of Houston.

News from the Network

Bahá’ís from Florida to New Mexico make news with wide variety of activities

Pensacola, Florida—The Pensacola Voice published a letter to readers and the editor from Lynda Couture, a Bahá’í who has written a regular column for the newspaper for three and one-half years. She was invited to write the weekly column about the Bahá’í Faith because of the relationship the Bahá’í community had developed with the paper as a result of a Race Unity Day event.

Mrs. Couture thanked the newspaper staff for encouraging her to start the column, as she had not thought of herself as a writer. Her column, “A New Reality,” is now published by several newspapers in the South.

Alamosa, Colorado—The Valley Courier published an article titled “What is the Bahá’í Faith?” by the Bahá’ís of the San Luis Valley. The article stated that many people have been introduced to the Faith through news of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran, and that some have been confused by the relationship of the Faith to Islam.

The Bahá’ís explained that the relationship between Islam and the Faith is similar to the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and that all great religions have brought the same truth.

Dover, Delaware—The State News published an article about the newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Dover which included a photograph of Assembly members, information about the local Bahá’í community and a background summary of the Faith.

Carlsbad, New Mexico—The Current-Argus published a commentary titled “The Common Source of All Religions” which was submitted by the Spiritual Assembly of Carlsbad. In it, the Bahá’ís explained the “common source” by drawing an analogy between newly elected public officials, who bring new ways of doing things to their job but do not change the basic laws of the land as they make reforms, and progressive revelation.

On the same page was an article about two young residents of Carlsbad who had attended the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana.

The article included statistics for the Faith worldwide, an explanation of “The Promise of World Peace,” and a summary of recent testimony by the National Spiritual Assembly before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations concerning the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Youth Conference, service project receive splendid coverage from media in Indiana

The Bloomington, Indiana, Herald-Telephone published two front-page articles about the International Youth Conference held in July at Indiana University.

One of the articles previewed the conference and included excerpts from an interview with a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington and stated how the city had become involved in preparing for the event.

The other article included a full color photograph of children busy with a project in the children’s classes, a summary of the Faith, and goals of the conference. An additional article was published about the proclamation of “Bahá’í Week” in Bloomington by the mayor.

The Indiana Daily Student published an editorial, by a member of its Opinion Board, which praised the Faith and its ideals.

The writer stated that “we could learn from the Bahá’ís and help to strive for unity and, ultimately, for peace.”

Before the Youth Conference, the Daily Student published two articles which summarized the Faith, previewed the conference, and included quotes from an interview with a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington.

Meanwhile, the Spiritual Assembly of Mishawaka, Indiana, conducted a three-part teaching project in conjunction with the Youth Conference, July 5-10. Included was a Bahá’í Youth Week of service and a peace vigil.

Seventeen youth from diverse backgrounds went to Mishawaka for the Week of Service. They worked one day at the zoo, one day at a shelter and soup kitchen for transients, three days with the parks department, and one day at a senior citizens center.

Tasks included picking up litter, cleaning bathrooms, walls and windows, and clearing brush and cutting trees. The director of each organization was presented a copy of “The Promise of World Peace.”

The South Bend Tribune published an article and photograph about the project and its young participants. The Mishawaka Enterprise published a photograph on the front page and an article and photograph about the Week of Service in its religion section.

The peace vigil consisted of meetings, prayers and devotions. An all-night prayer vigil was held in shifts in Bahá’í homes.

To demonstrate the international nature of the Faith, the Spiritual Assembly of Mishawaka invited two youth from other parts of the world to take part in the service project and to appear in television interviews. Contacts with three network-affiliated channels resulted in three interviews.

One interview was a four-minute live community information spot on a noon news program. The interviewer was given a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” and later asked for more information.

The second interview, a half-hour show which was aired twice during the weekend, included the Bahá’í youths’ attitudes toward the future and their daily struggles and a discussion of the concepts in “The Promise of World Peace.”

The third and final interview was a 15-minute spot about the Youth Conference, the Week of Service and St. Lucia Island (the home of the youth who was interviewed). It was broadcast on a weekday morning show.

Since the project the Bahá’ís have received several positive comments from neighbors, friends, co-workers and relatives in the area, many of whom were impressed with the high caliber of the Bahá’í youth and the clear vision and high expectation which they hold for the future.

Area peace groups have expressed interest in developing a relationship with the Bahá’ís. Excellent relationships have already been established with local newspapers, radio and TV stations.

Lectures on Covenant to continue in N.Y.C.

The series of lectures on the Covenant begun in September at the Bahá’í Center in New York City is to continue through February with the list of speakers and topics as follows:

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 Bahá’u’lláh).

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

THE NEW GOSPEL

New from Kalimat Press

Good News for Christians By Eric Bowes

Teach your Christian friends with this readable introduction to the Bahá’í Faith! The author, Eric Bowes, studied for the ministry before becoming a Bahá’í. This book is an attempt to explain his new Faith to a Christian audience.

Originally published as Great Themes of Life.

ISBN 0-933770-67-7 104 pp. Cloth $11.95 Paper $8.95

Order through your local librarian, or send check or money order to:

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 20]

Grandes éxitos logrados en Juárez con Conferencia

ESPAÑOL

La reciente experiencia de la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Juárez, México, hizo relucir de nuevo la riqueza de la ‎cultural cultura‎ mexicana, el calor de sus gentes, y los esfuerzos dedicados en el campo de la enseñanza para el avance de la Causa.

Muchos bahá’ís americanos recordaron nuestra comunidad vecina, la cual ofrece una rica diversidad en su cultura y una gran oportunidad para participar con nuestros hermanos hispanos en esparcir el Mensaje.

La Conferencia Internacional de Juventud, llevada a cabo en Juárez de julio 21 al 24 de 1988 fue un éxito.

Esta Conferencia atrajo un grupo diverso de personas de los Estados Unidos, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, y Nueva Zelandia.

Una agrupación de gentes internacionales causó una sensación en los medios noticiosos mexicanos, los cuales reaccionaron con ‎entusiastos entusiastas‎ reportes de las diferentes actividades bahá’ís generadas por la Conferencia y resultando en reportes diarios sobre la Fe Bahá’í y las persecuciones de los bahá’ís en Irán en cuatro de los periódicos principales en Juárez.

También hubo entrevistas de radio, y varias presentaciones de más de media hora cada una en dos programas principales de televisión.

Los bahá’ís también hicieron un esfuerzo especial para invitar dignatarios gubernamentales, y otras organizaciones para las sesiones en la noche de la Conferencia, las cuales ofrecieron entretenimiento y charlas sobre los principios de la Fe.

Prominentes personas de las Oficinas de Turismo y de Aduana y también de la prensa se unieron en estas noches sociales con los bahá’ís.

Entre los charlistas presentes en la Conferencia estaban: el Dr. Arturo Serrano y el Dr. Hidayatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih, miembros del Cuerpo Continental de Consejeros para las Américas; la Sra. Carmen de Burafato y el Sr. Raúl Gómez, miembros de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de México; el Sr. Jack McCants, miembro de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Estados Unidos; y jóvenes representantes de otros países.

Proyectos de enseñanza en tres areas principales siguieron la Conferencia. Más de cien jóvenes y adultos se quedaron por lo menos una semana para apoyar los proyectos gemelos de enseñanza (ocurriendo simultaneamente en los Estados Unidos y México) en Caléxico/Mexicali, El Paso/Juárez, y en Reynosa.

El plan sencillo semanal para la enseñanza comenzaba diariamente con oraciones temprano en la mañana, entonces ir a enseñar, y luego invitar la gente para charlas en las noches.

Los mexicanos son muy receptivos al Mensaje y el enseñar juntos, los hispanos y americanos, le impresionó aún más a ellos la singularidad del Mensaje.

Este tipo de enseñanza unida dio muy buenos resultados.

Los resultados fueron de que más de 15 no-bahá’ís asistieron a las reuniones por las noches y demostraron gran interés en los principios de la Fe y en la paz mundial.

En la última reunión hubo más de 30 no-bahá’ís. Los resultados fueron obvios; más de 15 declaraciones en el area de Juárez, y más de 40 declaraciones en una semana en diferentes partes de la frontera.

Fue muy evidente que después de la experiencia de participar en la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Juárez, México, y compartir con nuestros hermanos mexicanos en la enseñanza de la Causa en la area de la frontera de México y los Estados Unidos está madura la oportunidad de entrada por tropas.

México—una cultura tan rica en diversidad y el calor de su gente ayuda a comprender que a través de esfuerzos integrados y de colaboración podemos superarnos por encima de barreras y mover nuestros espíritus (y esfuerzos materiales) hacia esfuerzos mayores de trabajo unido.

Fue en este espíritu que la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Juárez se dirigió y de la cual todos debieramos de mover hacia delante con mayor ímpetu.

Varios jóvenes estuvieron recogiendo basura por los alrededores del lugar en dónde se tuvo la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Juárez, México, como un servicio a la comunidad de Juárez.

Algunos de los participantes que asistieron a la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Juárez, México.

Escuelas ofrecen fin de semana hispano

La Escuela Bahá’í Green Acre en Maine durante el fin de semana del 21 al 23 de octubre de 1988 auspiciará un fin de semana dedicado unicamente a la enseñanza hispana y a la integración de los creyentes hispanos al resto de la comunidad americana.

También la Escuela Bahá’í Louhelen en Michigan estará auspiciando un fin de semana hispano del 23 al 25 de septiembre de 1988 y la Escuela Bahá’í Bosch en California del 18 al 20 de noviembre de 1988.

Para más información, por favor de llamar directamente a las Escuelas Bahá’ís o al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza al 312-869-9039, extensión 220.

Ahora disponible cursos para consolidación

Está ahora disponible los “Cursos de Enseñanza” preparados por el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza de México para ser usados principalmente en la consolidación de los creyentes bahá’ís.

El curso contiene 15 lecciones en total que cubren los siguientes temas: El propósito de nuestra vida; El amor a Dios; Breve historia de la Fe; Algunas enseñanzas bahá’í; La administración bahá’í; La Fiesta de 19 Días; La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional; La Casa Universal de Justicia; Leyes y obligaciones.

Los “Cursos de Enseñanza” se pueden obtener enviando $2 al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, o llamando al 312-869-9039, extensión 220.

En la foto se encuentran Ricky Martínez (Puerto Rico), Ali Benzán (República Dominicana), Steve Gonzáles (Michigan), y Shahrokh Bahador (México) presentándole el Mensaje de la Promesa de la Paz Mundial al Juez Isidore Torres de Michigan.

Participen en Conferencia en San Fernando

Hispano—no te pierdas la Cuarta Conferencia Anual de los bahá’ís de habla ‎castellano castellana‎ que tendrá lugar del 7 al 9 de octubre de 1988 en el Centro Local de San Fernando, California.

Esta conferencia es tu oportunidad para conocer otros bahá’ís latinos y compartir con ellos tus inquietudes y experiencias en la enseñanza de la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh.

La conferencia enfocará en la consolidación de los creyentes y las comunidades bahá’ís y contará con la presencia de los Consejeros el Dr. Arturo Serrano, la Sra. Isabel Pavón de Calderón, el Sr. Eloy Anello, miembros de la Asamblea Nacional de México y con muchos bahá’ís de México.

Si desea más información, por favor comuníquese con el Centro Local de San Fernando al 818-361-6931 o llame al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza al 312-869-9039, extensión 220.

Varios jóvenes internacionales visitan bahá’ís hispanos durante el verano

Muchos jóvenes bahá’ís de diferentes partes del mundo fueron invitados a la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud en Bloomington, Indiana, a visitar la comunidad americana bahá’í y a ayudar con los esfuerzos de la enseñanza hispana en los Estados Unidos durante el verano.

La mayoría de estos jóvenes, quienes vinieron a los Estados Unidos por primera vez, procedían de Costa Rica, la República Dominicana, Guyana, México, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Tobago y Trinidad.

Alí Benzán de 17 años de la República Dominicana; Shahrokh Bahador de 19 años de México; y Ricky Martínez y Nabil Osorio de 21 años, ambos de Puerto Rico, vinieron no solamente como charlistas a la Conferencia Internacional de Juventud, dirigiéndose a la juventud americana bahá’í con un mensaje de la juventud de latinoamérica, sino que también para ayudar con los esfuerzos de la enseñanza hispana en el area mayor de Detroit, Michigan, y en el Valle de Salinas, California—dos areas de gran importancia en el trabajo de la enseñanza, pero las cuales han recibido muy poca atención de las comunidades nacionales y de los bahá’ís.

Alí, Shahrokh, Nabil y Ricky inmediatamente reconocieron la necesidad de colaborar en la consolidación de estas comunidades hispanas.

Dedicados en sus esfuerzos por servir la Fe, constantemente leyendo el mensaje de Ridván de 1988 como una fuente de entendimiento y guía, y memorizando selecciones del mensaje de la Paz Mundial, Alí Benzán, Shahrokh Bahador y Ricky Martínez fueron a Michigan a consolidar algunas de las comunidades en dónde residen creyentes hispanos, a presentar el mensaje de Paz Mundial a dignitarios del gobierno y corporaciones caritativas.

Ellos también recibieron una calurosa bienvenida en una reunión en Detroit de más de 60 bahá’ís quienes estaban conmemorando el martirio del Báb y quienes fueron a la actividad para conocer a los maestros viajeros.

Nabil Osorio también acompañó a Ricky Martínez al Valle de Salinas. Esta es una area muy vasta, en dónde viven un gran número de creyentes enseñados en masa.

Ellos consultaron con el Comité de Enseñanza de Distrito y con la familia Dragna, Sergio Montenegro, y doña Carmen Cruz (quién fue delegada del Valle de Salinas a esta pasada Convención Nacional) concerniente a visitar a los bahá’ís, enseñar la Fe a través de la radio, el periódico, y hacer presentaciones de la Promesa de la Paz Mundial, enseñar que la comunidad bahá’í es vista como una que promueve paz mundial y unidad.

El mensaje y las intenciones que estos jóvenes bahá’ís, quienes vinieron de otros países a la comunidad bahá’í americana, era muy claro.

“Debemos dejar todos nuestras preocupaciones menores a un lado y enseñar. Estudien el mensaje de Ridván de la Casa Universal de Justicia y la Promesa de la Paz Mundial, y remuevan todos los obstáculos que impiden al hombre de establecer el Reino de Dios en la tierra.” [Page 21]

برنامۀ تبلیغی نوجوانان در آتلانتا

PRE-YOUTH TEACH IN ATLANTA

شهر آتلانتا واقع در ایالت جورجیا یکی از چهار شهری است که توسط محفل روحانی ملّی جهت اجرای برنامه‌های گسترده تبلیغی معین شده است. محافل روحانی حومۀ آتلانتا هیئتی به منظور طرح نقشه‌های تبلیغی انتخاب کرده‌اند.

در یکی از اولین جلسات این هیئت به آگاهی اعضاء رسید که نوجوانان آن نواحی اقداماتی برای تبلیغ امرالله به عمل آورده‌اند که عبارت است از یک برنامۀ ۱۹ روزه تبلیغی که بدنبال آن جلسات تزیید معلوماتی به مدت ۲ روز تشکیل خواهد شد.

نوجوانان مذکور که تعدادشان ۳۰ نفر و حدّ متوسط سن آنها بین ۱۲ تا ۱۳ سال است، با كمك لجنۀ ناحیه‌ای نشر نفحات شمال غربی ایالت جورجیا و تعدادی از محافل روحانی محلی به فعالیتهای تبلیغی مختلفی در چند جامعه محلی اقدام کردند. این فعالیتها شامل تبلیغ مستقیم افراد و تشکیل بیوت تبلیغی و جلسات بحث درباره صلح و نمایش اسلاید بوده است.

با پیشرفت این برنامۀ تبلیغی حدّ متوسط سن شرکت کنندگان افزایش یافت زیرا سایر احباء نیز به گروه نوجوانان پیوستند. نوجوانان نه تنها در صف اوّل خدمات تبلیغی در آتلانتا و حومه قرار گرفته‌اند بلکه در مورد دیگر خدمات امری نیز الهام بخش سایر یاران بوده‌اند. به امید اینکه اینگونه اخبار از سایر نقاط نیز واصل شود.

کنفرانس بین المللی جوانان در وارز مکزیک

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE JUAREZ, MEXICO

از تاریخ ۲۱ الی ٢٤ جون سال جاری کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان در شهر خوارز Juarez در مکزیک منعقد شد. انعقاد این کنفرانس یادآور غنای فرهنگی مکزیک و گرمی و فداکاری بهائیان آن کشور بود. در کنفرانس مذکور بهائیان بسیاری از ایالات متحده و گواتمالا Guatemala و بلیز Belize و کوستاریکا Costa Rica و پورتوریکو Puerto Rico و السالوادور El Salvador و زلاند نو شرکت داشتند.

اجتماع بین‌المللی بهائیان در خوارز توجه مطبوعات مکزیک را به خود جلب کرد و مقالات متعددی در روزنامه‌ها راجع به امر بهائی و حتی تضییقات و ‎اعتلالات اعتقالات‎ بهائیان ایران نوشته شد. همچنین در بعضی از ایستگاههای رادیوئی و تلویزیونی برنامه‌ها و گزارشهائی به بحث درباره امر مبارک اختصاص یافت.

در کنفرانس مذکور اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای جناب آرتورو سرانو Arturo Serrano و جناب دکتر هدایت‌الله احمدیه و همچنین اعضای محفل روحانی مکزیک خانم کارمن دبورافاتو Carmen de Burafato و جناب رائول گومز Raul Gomez و نیز عضو محفل روحانی ملّی ایالات متحده جناب جك مکنتس Jack McCants بیاناتی اظهار داشتند.

پس از اتمام کنفرانس برنامه‌های تبلیغی مختلفی اجرا شد. این برنامه‌ها که با شرکت بهائیان مكزیك و ایالات متحده اجرا میشد، مورد استقبال مردم واقع گردید. در نتیجه مشروعات تبلیغی مذکور ٤٠ نفر به امر مبارك اقبال نمودند.

تسجیل اطفال بهائی

REGISTRATION OF BAHÁ’Í CHILDREN

یاران عزیز ایرانی نیک آگاهند که اطفال بهائی امروز بانیان و علمداران فردای امر مبارکند. بدین سبب توجه به تسجیل اطفال بهائی از اهمیت خاصی برخوردار است زیرا آنان را در رابطه با موقعیتی که در امر بهائی خواهند داشت، آشنا خواهد کرد.

از سال ۱۹۸٥ محفل روحانی ملّی به امر بیت‌العدل اعظم اقدام به تسجیل کودکان بهائی کرده است. اگر کودکی در خانواده بهائی زاده شود، او بهائی محسوب خواهد شد و بنابراین باید تسجیل شود. اگر تنها یکی از والدین بهائی باشد نیز باید کودک تسجیل شود مگر آنکه تسجیل او مخالف خواسته پدر یا مادر غیربهائی باشد.

والدین بهائی میتوانند اطفال خود را از بدو ولادت تا قبل از پانزده سالگی تسجیل نمایند. اوراق تسجیل را میتوان از محافل روحانی محلی یا لجنه‌های ناحیه‌ای نشر نفحات و یا مستقیماً از دفتر محفل ملّی دریافت نمود.

از یاران عزیز ایرانی تقاضا میشود نهایت دقت را مجری دارند که نونهالان بهائی از آغاز ولادت تسجیل شده باشند تا در مراحل بعدی زندگی نیز تعلّق خود را به امر مبارك حفظ نمایند.

تعهد بهائیان کانزاس برای خریداری یکی از طبقات مقام اعلی

KANSAS BAHÁ’ÍS BUY TERRACE ON MT CARMEL

بهائیان ایالت کانزاس طی عریضه‌ای به ساحت بیت‌العدل اعظم از معهد اعلی تقاضا کرده‌اند که مخارج یکی از طبقات مقام اعلی را عهده‌دار شوند. بیت‌العدل اعظم این اقدام را با حسن قبول تلقی فرمودند.

یاران کانزاس تعهد کرده‌اند تا رضوان سال ۱۹۸۹ مبلغ ده هزار دلار جهت خریداری یکی از طبقات مذکور جمع آوری نمایند. تا اول آگوست امسال تبرعات بهائیان کانزاس برای مشروع مذکور بالغ بر ۱۹۰۰ دلار بوده است.

کلوپهای بهائی

CAMPUS CLUBS

با شروع مدارس و دانشگاهها موقعیتهای تبلیغی مناسبی در اختیار دانش‌آموزان و دانشجویان بهائی قرار گرفته میشود. کلوپهای بهائی امکانات تبلیغی دانشجویان بهائی را سهولت میبخشند.

چنانکه عزیزان بهائی آگاهی دارند، بیت‌العدل اعظم در پیام رضوان امسال همۀ بهائیان را دعوت به تبلیغ امرالله فرموده‌اند:

"...هدف اصلی جمیع فعالیتهای بهائی تبلیغ امرالله است... موقعیت کنونی شریعت الهی مستلزم تبلیغ امرالله به میزان و کیفیت و تنوع و تمرکزی است که از جمیع مساعی حالیه پیشی جوید. زمان، زمان قیام و اقدام است...."

همچنین معهد اعلی در پیام مذکور فرموده‌اند که تقدیم و ارائه بیانیه "وعده صلح جهانی" به همۀ مردمان "جزء لازمی از فعالیتهای تبلیغی در زمان حاضر است و باید با شور و اشتیاقی کاهش ناپذیر پیگیری شود."

کلوپهای بهائی عامل مؤثری برای بحث و مذاکره درباره صلح جهانی بوده و بیانیه "وعده صلح جهانی" را به تعدادی از استادان دانشگاهها و دانشجویان تقدیم داشته‌اند. دانش‌آموزان و دانشجویان بهائی ایرانی، نظر به اینکه از موطن جمال مبارکند، فرصتهای بسیار مناسبی در اختیار دارند که اصول و تعالیم امر مبارک را به همقطاران و معلّمان و استادان خویش ارائه و القاء نمایند. آن عزیزان میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاع بیشتر برای چگونگی خدمات امری در کلوپهای بهائی با لجنۀ ملّی جوانان تماس حاصل نمایند.

National Youth Committee Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

پوسترهای مشرق الاذکار هندوستان

POSTERS OF INDIAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP

لجنۀ ملّی امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی پوسترهائی رنگی در دو اندازه مختلف از منظره شب مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان تهیه نموده است. قیمت پوسترهای كوچك (۱۱×۱۷ اینچ) با بسته‌بندی ۱۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ۹ دلار، و قیمت پوسترهای بزرگ (۲۲×۲۸ اینچ) با بسته بندی ۱٥/٥۰ دلار و بدون بسته بندی ١٤ دلار است. عایدات حاصل از فروش این پوسترها صرف مخارج پناهندگان بهائی خواهد شد.

علاقه‌مندان میتوانند جهت خریداری پوسترها با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۹۹-۹۰۱۹ (۸۰۰).

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 22]حضرت بهاء‌الله میفرمایند: «ای دوستان من، یاد آورید آن عهدی را که در جبل فاران که در بقعهٔ مبارکهٔ زمان واقع شده با من نموده‌اید، و ملاء اعلی و اصحاب مدین بقا را بر آن عهد گواه گرفتم....»

دربارهٔ عهد و پیمان

ON THE COVENANT

بنا به صوابدید لجنهٔ ملّی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی سلسله مقالاتی دربارهٔ عهد و پیمان در بخش فارسی نشریه امریکن بهائی انتشار خواهد یافت. این مقالات را میتوان از لحاظی مستقل دانست و از لحاظ دیگر ممکن است آنها را پیوسته و مرتبط با مطالب قبلی شمرد. آنچه در مدّ نظر بوده آنست که اگر دسترسی به مقالات قبلی میسّر نباشد باز بتوان هر یک از مقالات را مستقلاً مورد مطالعه قرار داد. امید است مطالبی که نگارش می‌یابد محلّ توجّه و باعث تأمّل یاران مهربان باشد و مطالعهٔ آنها راه را برای بررسی و گفتگوی بیشتر راجع به موضوع عهد و پیمان هموار سازد.

سابقه دینی

برای اهل ادیان عهد و پیمان کلامی آشناست. این مفهوم در آئین یهود و به تَبَع آن در کیش مسیحی و در دیانت اسلام تعلیم گردیده است. بدین ترتیب کلیمیان و مسیحیان و مسلمانان با موضوع عهد و پیمان آشنایند، و اگر چنین نباشد، بهتر آنکه بگوئیم، باید با موضوع عهد و پیمان آشنا باشند. وجود این مفهوم در ادیان توحید حکایت از آن دارد که عهد و پیمان از جمله اصول ادیان الهی است.

بسیاری از عرفای اسلام مسألهٔ عهد را مورد مطالعهٔ دقیق قرار داده‌اند، تعابیر عارفانهٔ زیبائی از آن نموده و با نوشتن تفاسیری پرمغز و دلکش بخشی از راز آنرا گشوده‌اند. در عرفان اسلامی مفهوم عهد و پیمان از یکی دو آیه از آیات قرآن گرفته شده است: پیش از آنکه خدا حقائق آدمیان را از عالم غیب به عرصهٔ شهود آورد از آنان عهد و اقراری گرفت. پرسید: مگر نه خدای شمایم؟ همه گفتند آری چنین گواهی میدهیم! از آن پس خدا آدمیان را در عالم ظاهر پدیدار ساخت. اما پس از آنکه چنین کرد "امانت" خود را بر همهٔ مخلوقات، بر آسمان و زمین عرضه داشت. جمیع از حمل آن سر باز زدند بجز آدم. او قبول کرد که حامل امانت خدا بر روی زمین باشد. بدینسان آدم با خدای خود عهدی بست، با او همپیمان و با "ساکنان حرم ستر و عفاف ملکوت" همپیمانه شد.

آدم مظهر و آیت بشریت است. چون او با خدا همپیمان شد و بار امانت را پذیرفت، لاجرم همهٔ انسانها معهد خدا و حامل امانت او شدند. قبول این پیمان و حمل این امانت در تقدیر آدمی است و او را در انتخاب آن اختیاری نیست، اما صداقت در امانت یا خیانت در آن به اختیار اوست. این امانت را میتوان به عشق یا عبودیت یا معرفت خدا و یا اطاعت از تعالیم و احکام او تعبیر کرد.

"امانت" خدا در دورهٔ یهود احکامی بود که حضرت موسی برای قوم خود آورده بود. بنا به روایات، این احکام بر لوحه‌های گلی نقش شده بود. یهود این لوحه‌ها را در صندوقی نگاه میداشتند و آنرا "تابوت عهد" میخواندند. امانت داری آنان در ظاهر حفظ لوحه‌های گلی بود و در باطن اجرای مفاد آنها.

همچنین در دوره‌های سایر مظاهر امر، احکام و تعالیم آنان امانت الهی در میان اصحاب آن ادیان بود: انجیل در دور مسیحی و قرآن در دور اسلام و قس علی هذا. مؤمنان با اجرای دستورات الهی پیمان خود را با خدا بجا می‌آوردند: آنکه متمسک‌ تر، در پیمان خدا نیز ثابت‌تر.

البته خدا در نظر بسیاری از قشریون دینی حاکم جابر قدر قدرت و قاضی انعطاف ناپذیری را دارد که در کمین نافرمانی بندگان خود نشسته تا هر که را که از او خلافی سر زند به تازیانهٔ عقوبت به کیفر رساند و درستکاران را نیز با نعمتهای زودگذر پاداش دهد. فرمانبرداری از چنین خدائی و یا نافرمانی از او همواره در پرتو ترس صورت میگیرد و اگر بتوان از ترس رهائی یافت دیگر جائی برای اطاعت یا عصیان باقی نمیماند.

اما اگر خدا دوست آدمی باشد و رابطه او با انسان بر مبنای عشق نهاده شده باشد هر چه انسان کند به مقتضای محبّت واقع میشود و بیم کیفر یا امید پاداش، اعمال آدمی را نمیآلاید. در چنین رابطه‌ای اگر هم برای رفتار انسانی انگیزه‌ای خارجی وجود داشته باشد آن انگیزه چیزی بجز بجای آوردن رسم وفا و پایداری در پیمان نیست. در میان دو دوست جز دوستی هیچ نمیباشد و لاجرم رابطهٔ انسان و خدا رابطه‌ای پایاپای و بر پایهٔ وفاداری و ایثار استوار خواهد بود.

ارتباط روحانی خدا و انسان در کتابهای آسمانی ادیان پیشین به تلویح بیان شده است. بسط و شرح این ارتباط را دانشوران و عارفان آن ادیان اظهار داشته‌اند. به بیان دیگر، وحی الهی مستقیماً و صریحاً تفسیری از ارتباط معنوی آفریدگار و آفریده نازل نکرده و به همین جهت چه بسا که اهل ادیان آنچه را عارفان و اندیشمندان گفته و نوشته‌اند با شک و تردید تلقی کنند.

در امر بهائی چگونگی ارتباط خدا و انسان، تا آنجا که در تاب و توان اندیشه بشری است، بازگو شده است. نظری به فقراتی از آثار حضرات بهاء‌الله، به ویژه "کلمات مکنونه،" روشنگر این مقام خواهد بود.

(ادامه دارد)

راهپیمائی برای "وحدت در کثرت"

WALK FOR UNITY IN DIVERSITY

در روز ۱۸ ماه جون سال جاری بیش از ۵۰۰ نفر بهائی و غیربهائی از نژادها و فرهنگها و دینها و ملیتهای گوناگون در "راهپیمائی وحدت در کثرت" در شهر شیکاگو شرکت نمودند.

این راهپیمائی تحت اشراف لجنهٔ وحدت نژاد محفل روحانی شیکاگو صورت گرفت. کسان دیگری که در طرح برنامهٔ راهپیمائی شرکت نمودند عبارت بودند از کمیسیون حقوق بشر دفتر شهردار شیکاگو، ایستگاه تلویزیونی WMAQ و مجمع ملّی مسیحیان و یهودیان. همچنین این برنامه مورد استقبال و حمایت محفل روحانی ملّی و محفل روحانی شیکاگو و لجنهٔ ملّی وحدت نژاد و لجنهٔ ملّی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی و لجنهٔ ملّی نشر نفحات و سایر دوائر محفل روحانی ملّی واقع گردید.

دو اعلان عمومی در تعدادی از ایستگاههای تلویزیونی شیکاگو در هفتهٔ قبل از راهپیمائی پخش گردید و مصاحبه‌ای با یکی از بهائیان برگزارکنندهٔ راهپیمائی از رادیو پخش شد.

پس از راهپیمائی در طی برنامه‌ای حاضرین از بیانات جناب دکتر رابرت هندرسون منشی محفل روحانی ملّی و سخنرانی رئیس اجرائی مجمع ملّی مسیحیان و یهودیان و نطق نایب رئیس کمیسیون حقوق بشر دفتر شهردار شیکاگو مستفیض گردیدند.

در این راهپیمائی برنامه‌های تفریحی و موسیقی نیز گنجانده شده بود. گروهی از نوازندگان و خوانندگان بهائی و غیربهائی برنامه‌هائی اجرا نمودند و همچنین نمایش خیمه شب بازی خاصی که خصوصاً برای راهپیمائی تهیه شده بود به نمایش گذاشته شد.

شرکت کنندگان نمایانگر وحدت نژاد و عبارت بودند از هندوها و سیکها و کاتولیکها و ایرانیان و امریکائیان برمائی و اسپانیولی زبانها و آسیائیهای جنوب شرق و سیاهان و سفیدان بهائی و غیربهائی.

مهاجرت داخلی

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING

لجنهٔ ملّی نشر نفحات اعلام داشته که در چند شهر از شهرهای ایالت کارولینای جنوبی نیازی به تعدادی مهاجر است. این شهرها عبارتند از راک هیل Rock Hill جمعیت: حدود چهل هزار نفر. چارلستون Charleston جمعیت: حدود هشتاد و يك هزار نفر. بیوفورت سیتی Beaufort City جمعیت: حدود ده هزار نفر.

یارانی که مایل به مهاجرت به شهرهای مذکور باشند میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با آقای موژز ریچاردسن Moses Richardson تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۶۶۴۹-۲۹۳ (۸۰۳)

Route 2, Box 177 Darlington, SC. 29532 [Page 23]

حقوق‌الله

الف. تدوین احکام حقوق‌الله A Codification of the Laws of Huqúqu’lláh

ب. اتساع مؤسسه حقوق‌الله The Development of the Institution of Huqúqu’lláh

حضرت بهاءالله میفرمایند: «جمیع عالم از حق بوده و هست. هر نفسی به کمال روح و ریحان خود اقدام در ادای حقوق‌الله نماید، اخذ شود، و الا فلا. این عمل خیرش به خود نفوس راجع....»

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin Silver Spring, MD. 20910

یادآوری: نشانی جناب دکتر امین بنانی تغییر کرده است. لطفاً یاران وجوه حقوق‌الله را به نشانی جدید ایشان که در بالا درج شده ارسال نمایند.

ضمناً برای کسب اطلاعات و دریافت نشریات مربوط به حقوق‌الله میتوان با یکی از امنای حقوق یا با دفتر مؤسسه حقوق‌الله مکاتبه نمود.

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

اطلاعیه هیئت امناء حقوق الله

LETTER FROM TRUSTEES OF HUQÚQU’LLÁH

دوستان عزیز ایرانی مقیم امریکا، حضرت عبدالبهاء در لوحی راجع به وظائف اصحاب شور میفرمایند: «ثالث وظیفه ترویج احکام الهیه در بین احباء از صلوة و صیام و حج و حقوق و سایر احکام الهیه بالتمام.»

با توجه به بیان فوق اخیراً هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله ضمن عریضه‌ای نظریات و پیشنهادهای زیر را جهت ملاحظه محافل مقدسه روحانیه تقدیم داشته است که خلاصه آن ذیلاً به استحضار دوستان عزیز میرسد:

۱- از آنجا که ترویج احکام الهیه منجمله «صلوة و صیام و حج و حقوق‌الله» از وظائف محافل روحانیه است، شرکت مستقیم محافل در تهیه و تنظیم و تنفیذ برنامه‌های لازم جهت آگاه ساختن احبای عزیز به دقائق حکم حقوق‌الله اقدامی اساسی در جهت تحقق یکی از اهداف نقشه شش ساله است.

۲- به محافل روحانی پیشنهاد شده است که جلساتی به منظور تزیید معلومات یاران در مورد حکم حقوق‌الله منعقد گردد و نشریات ذیل مورد مطالعه قرار گیرد:

الف. تدوین احکام حقوق‌الله

ب. نوارهای ویدیوئی حاوی بحث و مطالعه در مورد حکم حقوق‌الله جهت نمایش در جلسات تزیید معلومات.

نوار و نشریات فوق به زبانهای اسپانیولی و انگلیسی و فارسی در دفتر مؤسسه حقوق‌الله موجود است و یاران عزیز میتوانند آنها را از طریق مکاتبه با دفتر مذکور دریافت دارند.

۳- در نقاطی که تعداد بیشتری از احباء سکونت دارند پیشنهاد شده است که لجنات ناحیه‌ای نشر نفحات و یا چند محفل روحانی مشترکاً جلساتی ناحیه‌ای جهت بحث راجع به حکم حقوق‌الله منعقد نمایند. در صورت امکان اعضای هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله و یا نمایندگان ایشان در جلسات مذکور شرکت خواهند کرد.

۴- به محافل روحانی محلی پیشنهاد شده است که نسخه‌ای از آثار مبارکه مربوط به حکم حقوق‌الله را جهت استفاده احباء خریداری نمایند و به کتابخانه‌های محلی خود اهداء فرمایند.

این هیئت امیدوار است که دوستان عزیز ایرانی با مشارکت در ترتیب جلسات و تهیه برنامه‌های مربوط به تعلیم حکم حقوق‌الله، محافل روحانیه و تشکیلات محلی خود را مساعدت نمایند.

هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله در امریکا

قرض به محفل ملی

COMMUNITY LOANS TO NSA

محفل روحانی ملی هر ساله با گرفتن وام از محافل روحانی محلی و افراد بهائی هزاران دلار از بابت بهره وام صرفه جوئی میکند. در حال حاضر وام محفل ملی از ۲۲ محفل روحانی و ۶۵ نفر از احباء بالغ بر يك و نیم میلیون دلار است.

دسترسی محفل ملی به مبلغ فوق باعث شده که آن محفل مقدس مبلغ ۶۵۰۰۰ دلار کمتر بهره پرداخت نماید. در سال مالی ۸۷-۸۶ متوسط نرخ بهره‌ای که محفل ملی به افراد بهائی و محافل محلی پرداخته ۳/۵ در صد بوده، حال آنکه نرخ بهره بانکها در همان مدت بین ۷/۵ و ۸/۵ در صد بوده است.

محافل و یا افرادی که مایل باشند به محفل ملی وجوهی بعنوان قرض بدهند میتوانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر صندوق محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۳۱۲).

Office of the Treasurer Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

جوانان نمونه

OUTSTANDING BAHÁ’Í YOUTH

اخیراً خانم مامك چاره‌‍پو که از جوانان بهائی پیتسبورگ در ایالت پنسیلوانیاست و به اخذ دانشنامه در رشته موسیقی موفق شده، به دریافت جوائز افتخاری مختلفی در هنر موسیقی توفیق یافته است.

خانم چاره‌‍پو مقام دوم را در مسابقه بین‌المللی ضبط در بخش سونات هایدن بدست آورده و جایزه "بنیاد زنان امریکا در رادیو و تلویزیون" را در سال جاری از آن خود ساخته است. در زمان اهداء جایزه اخیر در طی مصاحبه‌ای که با وی به عمل آمد و در پاسخ به سؤالاتی که درباره پیشینه او پرسیده شد، توانست ذکری نیز از امر بهائی به میان آورد. مصاحبه‌کننده چنان تحت تأثیر قرار گرفت که وقتی نام خانم چاره‌‍پو را بعنوان برنده اعلان میکرد، مطالبی راجع به معتقدات اهل بهاء و تضییقات احبای ایران اظهار نمود.

خانم چاره‌‍پو در صدد گرفتن مدرك فوق لیسانس در رشته موسیقی است.

خانم شیلا مهاجر دختر خانمی ۱۸ ساله است که در اورلاندو Orlando در ایالت فلوریدا زندگی میکند. او در سال ۱۹۸۵ بعنوان پناهنده به ایالات متحده آمد. امسال نطق اصلی مراسم فارغ‌التحصیلان دبیرستان بر عهده او بود.

موضوع سخنرانی خانم مهاجر نیاز عالم بشری به صلح بود. در طی این سخنرانی خانم مهاجر راجع به تجربیات خود در ایران و عدم توانائی به ادامه تحصیل به علت بهائی بودن مطالبی بیان نمود. تعداد حاضرین در مراسم آخر سال تحصیلی بالغ بر ۵۰۰۰ نفر بود.

خانم مهاجر نامه تشویق آمیزی از طرف مدیر مدرسه دریافت نمود که در ضمن آن گفته شده بود که بسیاری از حاضرین از سخنرانی او تعریف کرده بودند.

آقای احمد فروزان جوان ۱۸ ساله‌ایست که در پیوریا Peoria در ایالت ایلینوی زندگی میکند. او در سال ۱۹۸۵ بعنوان پناهنده وارد ایالات متحده گردید. در ماه جون امسال آقای فروزان بعنوان شاگرد ممتاز از دبیرستان فارغ‌التحصیل شد و به دریافت جایزه‌ای از طرف اداره "کودکان و خدمات خانوادگی" ایالت ایلینوی موفق گردید. جایزه مذکور عبارت از کل شهریه تحصیلی در چهار سال دانشگاه و مبلغ ۲۰۰ دلار ماهانه برای سایر مخارج است.

لجنه ملی امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی موفقیت این نور چشمان را به آنان تبريك میگوید و امیدوار است تعداد اینگونه جوانان بهائی که براستی چشم و چراغ جامعه امری و امید و آرزوی آینده آنند، روز به روز افزایش یابد. [Page 24]

MARTYR'S PROFILE

همانطور که در شماره قبل گفته شد، پس از انقلاب اسلامی، چند زوج بهائی در ایران به شهادت رسیدند. در آن شماره مختصری از احوال سرکار خانم اشراقیه فروهر را به آگاهی یاران رساندیم. در این شماره یاد جناب محمود فروهر را زنده میداریم.

جناب محمود فروهر نیز مانند همسرش در يك خانواده بهائی زاده شد. مولدش آباده در استان فارس و سال تولدش ۱۲۹۶ شمسی بود. پدرش آقا شکرالله یکی از بهائیان آباده بود که خود به امر بهائی اقبال کرده بود. مادر جناب فروهر سلطان خانم نام داشت و فرزند جناب علی عسکر بود.

وقتی جناب علی عسکر از امر مبارک اطلاع یافت، در دل خواستار معجزه بود اما خواسته خود را با کسی در میان نگذاشت و آنرا همچنان در دل پنهان میداشت. پس از گذشت چهل روز خواسته‌اش مجری شد و لوحی از حضرت عبدالبهاء دریافت نمود که او را به خطاب "یا علی عسکر" مخاطب فرموده بودند. جناب علی عسکر لوح مذکور را بر دیده نهاد و با شور و عشق به امر حضرت بهاءالله اقبال کرد. بدین قرار ملاحظه میشود که جناب فروهر ‎نابت نبات‎ از سلاله‌ای مؤمن بود.

جناب فروهر پس از اتمام تحصیلات متوسطه به شیراز رفت. سپس مدتی را در آبادان به فرا گرفتن زبان انگلیسی پرداخت و چندی بعد راهی طهران شد. در آنجا به استخدام بانک شاهی درآمد و در سال ۱۳۲۴ با همسرش، اشراقیه خانم، ازدواج کرد. شرح دلدادگی و ازدواج این دو بهائی مخلص زبانزد خاص و عام بود. چنان به یکگر وابسته بودند که هیچکدام یارای آن را نداشت که از دیگری جدا باشد.

باری، جناب فروهر پس از مدتی به استخدام شرکت نفت ایران در آمد و دیری نگذشت که با کوشش و پیگیری به اخذ درجه لیسانس در رشته حسابداری توفیق یافت. در شرحی که یکی از بستگان خانم و آقای فروهر راجع به آن دو نوشته، چنین آمده:

"گر چه در اوایل ازدواج خداوند فرزندی به آن‌ها اعطاء کرده بود، ولی طفل به ثمر نرسید و بنا به حکمت الهی دیگر صاحب اولادی نشدند و این امر باعث شد که آزادانه به خدمت پردازند."

يك شب خانم و آقای فروهر و عده‌ای از احباء در جائی گرد هم آمده بودند. در آن جلسه یکی از الواح حضرت بهاءالله تلاوت میشد و چون به این فقره رسید که "ای پروانگان، بپرید! بشتابید و به آتش زنید." حالتی در دل و جانشان رقت که عزم خدمت به امر مبارک در فکرشان جزم‌تر شد و با خود عهد کردند که به نقطه‌ای مهاجرت کنند. بدین ترتیب جناب فروهر از شرکت نفت تقاضای بازنشستگی کرد. پس از اینکه تقاضای بازنشستگی پذیرفته شد، خانم و آقای فروهر شهرکی را به نام "گوهر دشت" که در غرب طهران قرار دارد، برای مهاجرت برگزیدند و در سال ۱۳٤٩ به آنجا نقل مکان کردند.

حضرات فروهر در واقع فاتحان روحانی گوهر دشت بودند چه که پیش از آنان کسی از احباء در آنجا زندگی نکرده بود. اما رفته رفته با تشویق این دو مهاجر فداکار عده‌ای دیگر از بهائیان، خصوصاً احبای طهران به آن نقطه هجرت کردند. در نتیجه محفل روحانی گوهردشت در رضوان سال بعد (۱۳۵۰) تشکیل شد.

چون جناب فروهر بازنشسته بود، میتوانست همه اوقات خود را وقف خدمت به امر کند. ‎اینرو از این‌رو‎ به محافل اطراف سرکشی میکرد و با درایت و محبت به رفع مشکلات احباء در قری و قصبات حومه گوهر دشت میپرداخت و بدین سان خدمتی بسزا به امر مبارک میکرد.

خدمات جناب فروهر و همسرش همچنان ادامه داشت تا آنکه در روز ۱۰ مرداد سال ۱۳۶۰ عده‌ای از مأموران دولتی به خانه ایشان ریختند و اموالشان را مصادره کردند و آنها را دستگیر کردند و به زندان بردند.

جناب فروهر مانند همسرش نُه ماه در زندان بود. مدتی او را تحت فشار روحی و توهین و شکنجه قرار دادند تا شاید به تبری از دین و آئین خود رضا دهد. اما چون ابتلاء مهد ایمان و محبت بود، اصرار و شکنجه و آزار نه تنها به انکار نیانجامید بلکه مزید پایداری و اشتیاق شد. بدین ترتیب حکم اعدامش صادر گردید و در روز ۱۷ اردیبهشت سال ۱۳۶۱ تیرباران شد.

از جناب فروهر دو وصیتنامه بر جای مانده است. یاران ایران بعد از شهادت او در جیب لباسش تکه پاره‌های یادداشتی را یافتند که بعد از چسباندن تکه‌ها به همدیگر معلوم شد وصیتنامه اول او بوده است. البته تمام متن این وصیتنامه قابل خواندن نیست، با این حال قسمتهایی از آن را در اینجا درج میکنیم:

"اینجانب، محمود فروهر فرزند شکرالله دارنده شناسنامه ۲۸۵۰ صادره از آباده فارس، در این ساعت که محکوم به اعدام شده و بر اساس اتهامات ناروا و خالی از حقیقت محکوم گردیده‌اند، ایمان و اعتقاد خود را به وحدانیت الهی و صدق رسالت کلیّه پیامبران کرده، ایمان و ایقان به قائمیت و مبشریت حضرت سیّد علی محمّد باب و مظهریت کلیّه الهی حضرت بهاءالله و جانشین آن حضرت ابراز و تصریح نموده...."

بقیه این وصیتنامه تقریباً ‎لایقرء لایقرأ‎ است اما در میان بعضی عبارات کلماتی چون "صادره" و "توقیف" و "چک شماره..." قابل خواندن است. به نظر میرسد که مأموران از محتوای این وصیتنامه راضی نبوده و آن را پاره کرده و جناب فروهر را مجبور کرده بودند وصیتنامه دیگری بنویسد. صورت وصیتنامه دیگر را نیز در زیر نقل میکنیم تا ارباب انصاف و درایت تفاوت آن دو نوشته را خود دریابند:

"از اولیاء محترم امور تمنا دارم جسم بنده را پس از اعدام به باباسلمان حمل نموده و به آقای... تحویل دهند و مخارج کفن و دفن را هم از... دریافت دارند. ضمناً جسم همسرم خانم اشراقیه را هم به باباسلمان حمل نموده با جسم بنده در یکجا نزدیک هم دفن نمایند و لوازم و اثاثیه ما را که ذیلاً درج میگردد تحویل خانواده... دهند:

عینک ذره‌بین، ساعت مچی امگا، هشت هزار ریال وجه نقد، کفش مشکی و مقداری البسه زیر و رو که ذکر جزئیات آنها ضرورت ندارد.

از همه دوستان و آشنایانی که در مدت ۲۸۰ روز زندانی من و همسرم زحمت کشیده و ما را مرهون منت خود ساخته‌اند قلباً تشکر مینمایم. ضمناً به استحضار میرسانم که چنانچه افرادی چیزی برای بنده و خانم در مدت زندانی خریداری نموده‌اند، بهای آن را از خانم... دریافت دارند. محمود فروهر فرزند شکرالله دارنده شناسنامه شماره ۲۸۵۰ صادره از آباده، فارس. امضاء"

قضاوت درباره این دو وصیتنامه را بر عهده اصحاب کیاست مینهیم.

باری، جناب فروهر نمونه‌ای از ایمان و خدمت و فداکاری بود. قولی است که جملگی بر آنند. یادش گرامی و پایدار باد!

اطلاعیه مؤسسه معارف بهائی ANNOUNCEMENT BY PERSIAN INSTITUTE FOR BAHÁ’Í STUDIES به کمال مسرت به اطلاع میرساند که مقاله دوم از دوره دوم "مطالعه معارف بهائی" تحت عنوان "عقل، دین و جامعه در اندیشه بهائی" به قلم دکتر نادر سعیدی به طبع رسیده و به مبلغ ۵ دلار آماده فروش است. Persian Institute for Bahá’í Studies P.O. Box 8464 Dundas, Ont. CANADA L9H 6M2

[Page 25]

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

NSA LETTER FOR THE FEAST OF ASMA’

ترجمهء پیام محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده بمناسبت ضیافت شهرالاسماء ١٤٥ بدیع ۲۰ آگست ۱۹۸۸

یاران عزیز بهائی

بیت العدل اعظم الهی در پیام نوید بخش رضوان سال جاری خطاب به بهائیان جهان فرموده اند: "یکی از نتایج مهم این فعالیتهای دامنه دار تشخیص مرحلهء جدیدی در مورد روابط خارجی امرالله است که با بلوغ و پختگی آشکار محافل روحانی ملی در مورد روابط در حال رشد آنها با مؤسسات دولتی و سازمانهای غیر دولتی و بطور کلی با عموم مردم مشخص و ممتاز گردیده است." مطابق دستخط معهد اعلی مورخ آوریل سال ۱۹۸۷ خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی، روابط مذکور "با ملاحظهء بیاناتی که حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله در باب سرنوشت روحانی امریکا اظهار فرموده اند،" نتایج خطیری در بر خواهد داشت.

حضرت ولی امرالله بیش از پنجاه سال پیش در مراسله ای که از جانب ایشان مرقوم شده، خطاب به محفل روحانی واشنگتن دی‌سی بیانی به این مضمون فرموده اند:

"آن محفل باید تا آنجا که در توان دارد پیام الهی را به اطلاع افراد برجستهء ساکن آن شهر برساند، چه که زمام رفاه و سعادت ملت در کف آنهاست. اگر آنان به الهامات غیبی حضرت بهاءالله ملهم شوند و تعالیم حضرتش را به کار گیرند، برای حل مشکلات عظیمی که در برابر ملت قرار گرفته مجهزتر خواهند بود. بدینسان در مورد علت اصلی اسقام و آلام اجتماعی بینشی جدید حاصل خواهند نمود و به اتخاذ سیاستی الهی که حافظ آینده جهان خواهد بود، موفق خواهند شد."

خروج از مرحلهء مجهولیت مستلزم آنست که اصول و تعالیم حیاتبخش حضرت بهاءالله به آگاهی کسانی که سرنوشت ملل را در دست دارند، برسد. محفل روحانی ملی با هدایت بیت العدل اعظم مصمم است که به مساعی خود در زمینهء روابط خارجی امر الهی ادامه دهد.

در این مقام از فرصت استفاده کرده، مراتب سپاس خود را به محافل روحانی محلی و افراد یاران که در فعالیتهای روابط خارجی شرکت نموده اند، ابراز میداریم. این فعالیتها شامل ارسال مراسلات و تقدیم بیانیّهء صلح به اولیای امور در سطح ملی و ایالتی و تماس با رسانه های همگانی و سایر خدمات بوده که به درخواست محفل روحانی ملی به عمل آمده است. مطمئنیم که مساعی مشترک این محفل و یاران عزیز در سبیل خدمت به آئین رحمانی قرین توفیق خواهد شد.

محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی روابط خارجی: فیروز کاظم زاده

امور مالی

بیت العدل اعظم الهی در دستخط مورخ ۲۱ مارچ ۱۹۷۰ خطاب به بهائیان ایالات متحده میفرمایند:

"مشکلی که در برابر آن یاران قرار گرفته مالی نیست، بلکه روحانی است. در جامعهء یاران ایالات متحده، که برخوردار از همان برکاتی هستند که به همهء افراد آن ملت اعطاء شده، چنین به نظر میرسد که اگر همهء احباء به صندوق ملی تبرع نمایند، امکان خواهد داشت که حتی بدون فداکاری خاص اجراء احتیاجات مالی آن یاران تأمین گردد... این امر اگر چه وجوهی را که علی العجاله بدان نیاز است فراهم خواهد آورد، اما فی نفسه کافی نیست. فداکاری و ایثار یاران را مدد خواهد کرد که نه تنها بر مشکلات مالی امر فائق شوند، بلکه تمامی موانعی را که در راه پیشرفت مقاصد نجاتبخش الهی قرار دارد، بر طرف سازند."

در قرآن مبارک در سورهء محمد آیات ۲۶ تا ۲۸ چنین نازل شده:

"وَ لا يَسْئَلْكُمْ أَمْوالَكُمْ. إِنْ يَسْئَلْكُمُوها فَيُحْفِكُمْ تَبْخَلُوا وَ يُخْرِجْ أَضْغانَكُمْ. ها أَنْتُمْ هؤُلاءِ تُدْعَوْنَ لِتُنْفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ..."

مضمون آیات فوق به فارسی چنین است: خدا اموال شما را نمیخواهد. اگر اموالتان را به اصرار بخواهد بخل میورزید و کین نشان میدهید. هان! شمائید که به انفاق در راه خدا فراخوانده شده اید.

از یاران عزیز تقاضا میشود در بارهء مفاد بیانات فوق تفکر و مشورت نمایند.

گزارش مختصر تبرعات احباء به صندوق محفل روحانی ملی

شهر الرحمة و شهر الکلمات سال ١٤٥ بدیع

الف. شهر الرحمة ١٤٥ بدیع (٢٤ جون تا ۱۲ جولای ۱۹۸۸)

کل وجوه تبرعات	۲٠۵۰۲۷/۲۵ دلار
کل تبرعات سالانه (از اول سال)	۱/۲۲ میلیون دلار
مشارکت احباء	۶۸۵۲ نفر

ب. شهر الکلمات ١٤٥ بدیع (۱۳-۳۱ جولای ۱۹۸۸)

کل وجوه تبرعات	۲۹۲٨٥٤/٨٠ دلار
کل تبرعات سالانه (از اول سال)	۱/۵۲ میلیون دلار
مشارکت احباء	٦٦٥٦ نفر

هدف ماهانه	۵۵۲۰۰۰/۰۰ دلار
هدف سالانه (از اول سال)	۲۷۱۵۰۰۰/۰۰ دلار
مبلغ دریافت شده	۱۵۲٠٢٦٢ دلار
کمبود سالانه (تا آخر شهر الکلمات)	۱۲٤٤٧۳٨ دلار

مرقومهء محفل روحانی ملی هاوائی خطاب به بیت العدل اعظم

YOUTH AMBASSADORS IN HAWAII ۲۹ جولای ۱۹۸۸

با شادمانی اخبار مهیج وقایع اخیر را به استحضار میرسانیم. "سفیران جوانان امریکا" که مرکز آنها در بلینگهام Bellingham واقع در ایالت ویرجینیاست، در دو هفتهء گذشته مبادرت به برگزاری برنامه‌های مبادله دانشجو کرده‌اند. شرکت کنندگان عبارت بودند از ۱۱ جوان و ٤ بزرگسال از شوروی شامل همسر و فرزندان وزیر علوم آقای ولی‌کاف Velikov به اضافهء ۵ جوان از کالیفرنیا و حدود ١٥ نفر از جوانان ماویی Maui و سایر افراد بومی.

محفل روحانی ماویی داوطلب شد که در امور مربوط به پخت و پز و اداره و یافتن اعانهء غذائی و تهیهء صورت اغذیه و نظافت كمك كند. دو نفر بهائی، يك جوان و يك بزرگسال، از كائوأیی Kauai از طریق هوائی به ماویی سفر کردند تا جهت کار تمام وقت جزو کارکنان آشپزخانه كمك نمایند. از همان ابتداء همهء آنها بعنوان بهائی معرفی شدند و از آنها بعنوان جوانان بهائی در تمام مدت دو هفته یاد میشد.

روابطه بسیار خوبی برقرار شد و پیوند محبت استوار گردید و منجر به وداعی اشك‌آلود و اشتیاق برای ادامهء دوستی و ملاقات کشورهای همدیگر شد. شب گذشته (۲۸ جولای) در ضمن تودیع رسمی جوانان بهائی معرفی شدند و بیانیهء "وعدهء صلح جهانی" را به همهء حاضران تقدیم نمودند. بر روی هر يك از بیانیه‌ها این عبارت مرقوم شده بود: "تقدیم به سفیران جوان جهان، ما بر آنیم که ایجاد صلح نه تنها امکان دارد بلکه حصولش ناگزیر است. شما همکاران را ترغیب میکنیم در کوششهای خود به این هدف نائل شوید. با محبت از طرف خواهران و برادرانتان، جوانان بهائی."

محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان هاوائی

یاران عزیز ‎ایراتی ایرانی‎ میتوانند نواری را که ایادی امرالله جناب علی اکبر فروتن در تشریح توقیع "ظهور عدل الهی" ضبط فرموده‌اند، از طریق موسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری نمایند.

بها ۳ دلار

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL. 60091 [Page 26]

Bahá’ís in forefront in school’s ‘Peace Day’ observance

Bahá’ís were in the forefront in June when Woodcock Valley Elementary School in McConnellstown, Pennsylvania, held a daylong “Peace Day” observance.

Included were classes on a variety of peace-related themes and a “homework” assignment in which the children were asked to “write or draw what you thought was the most important thing or things you learned about peace today.”

The idea for “Peace Day” was advanced by Debra Kirchhof-Glazier, a Bahá’í who teaches at nearby Juniata College and whose seven-year-old daughter, Brynda, attends the Woodcock Valley school.

To carry it out, she was helped by Bahá’ís George and Barb Mark of Huntingdon and John Brown of Fairfax, Virginia.

Kathy Brown, a Bahá’í youth from Cleveland, Ohio, gave the commencement address for the 1988 graduating class at Cleveland’s John Adams High School.

She also presented the Welcome and Introduction speech for the Career Beginnings Program recognition ceremony on June 21.

Miss Brown is presently attending Miami University in Athens, Ohio.

Curtis C. Wynne, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Carlsbad, New Mexico, has been named managing editor of the city’s only daily newspaper, the Current-Argus. Mr. Wynne, 39, who worked as a reporter for the paper from 1969-73 and as a mine and safety engineer from 1973-87 before rejoining the Current-Argus last year, will be responsible for the paper’s editorial content. Since becoming a Bahá’í eight years ago, Mr. Wynne has served on the District Teaching Committee and edited the district newsletter and a local bulletin.

“A North American Assisi: Learning to Live Together,” a conference sponsored by the North American Inter-Faith Network, will be held October 20-November 1 in Wichita, Kansas.

The conference will bring together representatives of a dozen religions from Canada and the U.S. to discuss the religious community, peace, justice and the environment.

Judge James F. Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, will be the official Bahá’í representative and will take part in a panel discussion on “The Religious Community and Justice.”

Other speakers will include Dr. Victor Goldbloom, president of the International Council of Christians and Jews; Dr. Diane Eck of Harvard University; Dr. Beatrice Medicine, an American Indian; and Bishop Yamaoka of the Buddhist Church of America.

For more information about the conference, phone Linda Tedder, 316-838-9125, evenings or weekends.

Some 350 people representing a variety of religions attended the recent 24th annual Interfaith Luncheon in Petaluma, California.

The program theme was “Circle of My Reach.”

Two Bahá’ís, Sandy Evanger and Melissa Schmidt, were active in supporting the effort.

Father George Benigsen, a retired Russian Orthodox priest, spoke on the history of Christianity in the Soviet Union while tributes to their faiths were given by a Christian Scientist, a Jew, a Buddhist, and a Bahá’í.

The program ended with Israeli and Yiddish folk songs performed with guitar accompaniment by a rabbi.

Bahá’ís in Kansas have joined forces to buy a terrace on Mount Carmel to help complete the Arc.

The Dodge City community wrote to the Universal House of Justice about the idea and asked for information about the cost of a terrace.

The House of Justice replied that they were pleased and excited about the project but did not know at this time the exact cost of a terrace.

Therefore, the goal was set to raise $10,000 by Ridván 1989. The slogan chosen for the campaign is “Stop Soil Erosion, Terrace Mount Carmel.”

As of August 1, the Bahá’ís in Kansas had contributed about $1,900 to the Terrace Fund.

The annual South Carolina Bahá’í summer school was held August 11-14 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute near Hemingway.

The theme of this year’s event was “We Are Champion-Builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order.”

Among the classes were:

• Carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s Healing Message to Mankind (John W. Smith, National Teaching Committee).
• Women: Releasing Their Power (Alonzo Nesmith Jr., National Committee on Women).
• Promoting Unity and Diversity (Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh).

There were many activities for youth, and children’s classes coordinated by Alexandria Gore.

Jamaica needs traveling teachers for 2 to 3 months

Jamaica needs traveling teachers who can stay at least two to three months to help with the teaching work there.

The population is multi-racial, consisting of people of African, European, East Indian and Chinese origin. The majority are Christian, so some knowledge of the Bible and Christianity would be helpful.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica would prefer that the teachers be at least 18 years old, as a degree of maturity is needed to be effective in the teaching work.

If you are interested in teaching in a diverse Caribbean community, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Mayor Jesse Perez of Orange, California, accepts a bronze plaque from Leslie Baskett, representing the Spiritual Assembly of Orange, to complete a long-term project by the Bahá’ís to build a nine-sided bench in Hart Park for the city’s centennial celebration. The bench, which surrounds a tree, is dedicated as a place to meditate and pray for world peace. The plaque, which was presented on June 11, bears the quotation, “This handful of dust, the earth, is but one country, let it be in peace.—Bahá’u’lláh” The mayor, in accepting the plaque, spoke glowingly of the Bahá’ís and their service to humanity, recalling the human rights award he had been given some 15 years before and which he said occupies a central place in his office, acting as a reminder of the service he must give to his city.

your true brother, Shoghi

Were you or your family blessed by receiving a letter from the Guardian? Do you know someone who was?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE ARCHIVES OFFICE

American Indian Teaching ‎Activitity Activity‎ August/September, 1988

[Page 27]

From the House of Worship

The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the North American community and in the efforts of the believers to take the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to mankind. The following quotation from a letter of the Guardian to the Bahá’ís of North America, dated October 25, 1929, explains the unique position of the Mashriqu’l-Adkhár:

"But however inspired the conception of Bahá’í worship, as witnessed in the central edifice of this exalted Temple, it cannot be regarded as the sole, nor even the essential factor in the part which the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, as designed by Bahá’u’lláh, is destined to play in the organic life of the Bahá’í community.

"Divorced from the social, humanitarian, educational and scientific pursuits centering around the Dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Bahá’í worship, however exalted in its conception, however passionate in its fervor, can never hope to achieve beyond the meager and often transitory results produced by the contemplations of the ascetic or the communion of the passive worshipper.

"It cannot afford lasting satisfaction and benefit to the worshipper himself, much less to humanity in general, unless and until translated and transfused into that dynamic and disinterested service to the cause of humanity which is the supreme privilege of the Dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to facilitate and promote.

"Nor will the exertions, no matter how disinterested and strenuous, of those who within the precincts of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be engaged in administering the affairs of the future Bahá’í Commonwealth, fructify and prosper unless they are brought into close and daily communion with those spiritual agencies centering in and radiating from the central Shrine of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

"Nothing short of direct and constant interaction between the spiritual forces emanating from this House of Worship centering in the heart of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, and the energies consciously displayed by those who administer its affairs in the service of humanity can possibly provide the necessary agency capable of removing the ills that have so long and so grievously afflicted humanity. For it is assuredly upon the consciousness of the efficacy of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, reinforced on one hand by spiritual communion with His Spirit, and on the other by the 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-Adhkár can most adequately provide the essentials of Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh."

UN

Q: How does the representative keep the Bahá’í community informed about UN affairs?

A: Information is communicated in several ways: through Bahá’í publications (Bahá’í News, The American Bahá’í, "Youth Hotline," etc.); in response to requests received at the Bahá’í U.S./UN Office (866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017; telephone 212-751-1282); by sending a speaker to talk at seminars, Bahá’í schools and workshops; and occasionally by special mailings to Bahá’í communities. Also, information about Bahá’í work at the UN is always included in editions of The Bahá’í World.

Q: Are Bahá’ís welcome to visit the U.S./UN offices when they come to New York?

A: Yes, Bahá’ís are welcome to stop by. If possible, visitors should phone ahead so that someone will be available to show them around. A tour of the UN complex, which is only a half a block away, can be an attractive addition to one's visit to New York.

Bahá’ís help celebrate Ukrainian Millennium

Bahá’ís were invited to take part July 16 in a celebration of the Ukrainian Millennium in Hudson, New York.

The festival, which marked the anniversary of 1,000 years of Christianity in the Ukraine, drew more than 500 people including the mayor of Hudson and a New York state assemblyman.

Bahá’ís had an information booth from which posters, balloons, pamphlets and other information was distributed to the festival participants.

A copy of the peace statement was presented to the Right Rev. John Kulish, the local leader of the Ukrainian Church in the U.S., and the Bahá’í "Prayer for America" was read to the congregation.

Bahá’ís taking part in the festival were from Albany, Kingston and Taghkanic, New York, and Springfield and Windsor, Massachusetts.

House of Worship hosts year's second Special Visit Program ..

The second Special Visit Program of the year to the Bahá’í House of Worship was held July 28-31.

The Special Visit Programs began in the early 1970s, the family Special Visit Programs in 1980. The programs are designed to refresh and gladden the spirit at the Mother Temple of the West and to provide insight into the functioning of the House of Worship Activities Office and other offices at the Bahá’í National Center.

The emphasis is on the significance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár for the individual believer and to the American Bahá’í community. Attendance is limited to 30 (enrolled Bahá’ís only) on a first-come, first-served basis. A closer relationship is possible among visitors when groups are small.

The following comments from attendees at the recent Special Visit Program point out the unique quality of these visits:

"(The Special Visit Program) has allowed our family to have a meaningful, informative visit, allowed us to share with Bahá’í families and children, which further develops our Bahá’í identity. Through visiting all offices (at the National Center) it helped me to understand and to feel the importance of the individuals and show me that I am special (me!) to all here at the National Center."

"This is my first visit, and I don't want to leave. I have a hollow feeling knowing I must go. The House of Worship is heaven. I will be back. I can't describe how I feel, except to say that I am leaving with a beautiful spiritual feeling."

"This was my first visit to the House of Worship. It will not be my last. It would take a book to write everything about the program. I am leaving here with an enormously raised spiritual sense of well-being, and have come to realize that it will only get better."

Pictured with House of Worship staff member Lee Olson (far right) are Bahá’ís who took part July 28-31 in this year's second Special Visit Program to the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois. Another program is tentatively scheduled for November 10-13.

...and prepares to hold another in November

Plans are being made for an additional Special Visit Program to the Bahá’í House of Worship on November 10-13.

These plans are conditional on the response of the Bahá’í community.

A registration form and information follows. We encourage you to consider the spiritual bounties for the teaching efforts and for your personal relationship with the Mother Temple that can result from a special visit to the House of Worship.

Since registration is limited, it is important that those who register let us know if their plans change. This is a courtesy to those on the waiting list who might otherwise miss the chance to attend.

The program begins Thursday evening with a devotional service in the Auditorium, a program in Foundation Hall, and a reception in the Visitors' Center.

On Friday morning, the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly addresses the visitors. After lunch there is a tour of the offices at the House of Worship, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the Bahá’í Home, and the National Center.

Saturday morning includes tours of the House of Worship and the National Archives.

The afternoon is left open; however, visitors are encouraged to guide at the House of Worship. Saturday evening includes talks and discussions about several aspects of the growth of the Bahá’í community.

Sunday begins with an in-depth presentation from the Writings on the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and a talk by the director of the House of Worship.

To end the day there is a visit to the bookstore, lunch, and afternoon devotions in the Auditorium.

It is not possible to express in words the bounties of participation in devotions at the Temple. Join us in November and see for yourself what makes the Special Visits so special.

Bahá’í House of Worship Special Visit Program

November 10-13, 1988 Registration Form

Housing rates per night at Evanston Holiday Inn (near public transportation to Wilmette) Double (2 persons).....$65.00 Single (1 person).....$55.00

We will make your reservations; however, you will handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. There will be a $5.00 per person registration fee to help defray expenses of the program. Please make checks payable to the Bahá’í Services Fund.

Limited low-cost housing is available at Kendall College in Evanston. Double occupancy, shared bath, $17.00 per person per night. A $20.00 deposit is required with registration.

Name ________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City ____________________ State ________ ZIP _________ Telephone (Area Code) _______________________________

List additional names of children here: (Give ages of children) _____________________________________________________ This will not be a family program. You will be responsible for your children.

Return to Special Visit Program: Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 [Page 28]

Council

"Teaching the Faith," said Mr. Dunbar, "will attract the Holy Spirit's assistance to help break the horse of the lower spirit."

Other Bahá’í guests taking part in the Council included Lauretta King, a Tlingit from Alaska who is a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa, Israel, and four Counselors for the Americas: Jacqueline Delahunt, a member of the Lakota tribe; Ruth Pringle, William Roberts and Fred Schechter.

National Spiritual Assemblies represented were those of the U.S. (by Alberta Deas; Robert Henderson; Chester Kahn, a Navajo from Arizona; Dorothy Nelson and James Nelson); Alaska (by Eugene King, a Tlingit elder, and Walter Austin); Canada (by Louise Leblanc of the Tlingit/Tutchone tribes); and Mexico (by Carmen de Burafato).

They were joined by two Auxiliary Board members, Stephen Birkland and Kevin Locke, a member of the Standing Rock Lakota tribe.

Several traditional native leaders, both men and women, also were present to lend their guidance and prayers.

The first two days of the Council were spent in fellowship as the friends set up their campsites and watched the "big top" go up for the Council circle. The next three days were devoted to consultation, prayer and celebration.

Above: Louise Leblanc, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. Below: Some of the children 'draw' their own conclusions.

The consensus of consultation was, as indicated in a message sent to the Universal House of Justice, that although they gratefully acknowledge the help of non-Indian homefront pioneers and traveling teachers, the Indian Bahá’ís feel ready to assume a greater responsibility in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh among their people, moving steadily forward in a spirit of unity to fulfill their destiny as set forth by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

To open the Council, Mr. Locke described the vision of the great chief Tatanka Iyotake, Sitting Bull, who understood and articulated the spiritual power inherent in the Indian people.

Around 1890 Sitting Bull called a gathering of tribes to consult about the spiritual health and survival of native peoples, saying to them, "Let us put our hearts together and see what future we can make for our children."

Before the meeting could be held, however, Sitting Bull was killed by government police who feared an Indian uprising.

As consultation at this latest Council began it was pointed out that this "circle of tribes" had come together "to bring unity not only to our tribes, but to all humankind."

A call for pledges, symbolizing the readiness of Indian believers to "shed illumination upon the world," resulted in almost 100 pledges from non-Bahá’ís as well as the Bahá’í participants.

A number of discussion groups were held to focus consultation on particular areas of interest:

• Arlene Trouse, a member of the Lummi/Coast Salish tribe from Bellingham, Washington, and Woody Blackcloud, a Hunkpapa/Lakota from Little Eagle, South Dakota, led a discussion on the goals of the Six Year Plan and the readiness of the Indian Bahá’ís to bring the Faith to their people.

• Mary Jane Litchard, an Eskimo now living in Mobridge, South Dakota, led a group discussion on the role of women as peacemakers.

• Atwell Seward, a Cherokee from Vermillion, South Dakota, and Dalen Corazon from Forest Park, Illinois, conducted a workshop on family life.

• Lorraine Mafi-Williams, an Aborigine from Australia, came to the Council to share the wisdom of the Aboriginal culture and prophecies.

• John Robinson of Redmond, Washington, facilitated a group discussion on race unity.

• Charles and Lois Myers-Pelton of Aberdeen, South Dakota, led a workshop entitled "Peacemaking from Within."

Above: A tipi (foreground) and the main tent with striped top.

The Counselors and members of National Spiritual Assemblies were asked to address the Council, and each offered the love and support of the institutions of the Faith to help bring into being the spiritual destiny of the American Indians.

Another moving speech was made by 10-year-old Demarus Teruk, an Eskimo Bahá’í from Mobridge who was trained in public speaking by Gayle Woolson of Evanston, Illinois.

The members of the U.S. National Assembly hosted a reception for the Tribal Council chairman and Councils of North and South Dakota and also met with the Cheyenne River Tribal Council and the Looking Horse family which keeps the original sacred pipe of the Lakota.

Following the Council, the National Assembly held its regular monthly meeting in Mobridge.

Among a contingent of 50 Navajo Bahá’ís from Arizona who came to the Council were the Pine Spring Singers, a group of young boys who played drums and sang, encouraging everyone to dance, and a group of young girls in traditional Navajo dress who circulated through the audience, greeting the guests and offering them pieces of candy.

Some of the older Navajo women also wore lovely traditional

Below: Drumming by the Running Antelope Singers from Little Eagle, South Dakota.

Above: Children on an archaeological walk along the Missouri River. Below: Preparing the final evening's delicious meal of stew, fry bread and choke cherry pudding. [Page 29]

Council

dresses of buckskin.

The gathering also enjoyed pow-wow style dancing to the drums of the Running Antelope Singers, fiddle playing by Riel Aubuchon from British Columbia, Canada, Eskimo drumming by Jens Lyberth from the Northwest Territories, and a traditional Hawaiian dance by Norman Ing.

A Wopila, or ceremony of thanksgiving, was held to offer thanks for the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

A tribute of honor was paid to those who had passed on, while a naming ceremony was held for two children who were receiving their Indian names.

The families of the children gave presents to friends in honor of their children, and a general gift-giving ceremony was held at which others offered presents to thank or to welcome one another.

Four "tipis" were set up next to the larger Council tent, the first and largest of which was used to house the children's classes.

The children, Indian and non-Indian, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, learned Bahá’í songs from many Indian cultures and took part in an archaeological walk along the banks of the nearby Missouri River to study the remains of two ancient Indian villages.

An audio-visual program about ancient Arikara Indian settlements in the Missouri River area was shown at an amphitheatre in the campground.

In the second tipi, an Intensive Study Institute for youth was held using as its text the "Word of God" booklet.

The other two tipis were set up for personal prayer and for registration. Fires were kept burning in two of the tipis, as temperatures during the week ranged from hot to quite chilly.

A fifth tipi, in a design created for the Council by Woody Black Cloud of Little Eagle, South Dakota, was painted and set up by a group of pre-youth.

On the final evening of the Council, a traditional Indian dinner was served consisting of a huge pot of stew, boiled in the open over a large cook-fire, with fry bread and choke cherry pudding.

The food was prepared by Debbie End of Horn from Wakpala, South Dakota, helped by a group of volunteers.

The Council ended later in the evening with a "farewell circle" in which each person spoke for the last time to everyone else in the circle.

Although sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly and National Teaching Committee, it was pointed out on several occasions that the Council was actually organized in large part by a committee of Indian believers from North and South Dakota.

Buttons and posters featuring the Council logo, which was designed by Gino Big Elk of Mobridge, are available from the National Teaching Committee.

People of all ages lend their artistic talent to designing the colorful canvas covering for the tipi for pre-youth.

The Word of God

Gift-giving is an integral part of any Native Council. Among those taking part here is Counselor Ruth Pringle (left).

A deepening session using the 'Word of God' booklet.

Hooper Dunbar, a member of the Universal House of Justice, uses the 'talking stick' to take his turn addressing the Continental Indigenous Council.

Justice Society names officers for 1988-89 at first meeting in July

At its first Board meeting July 30 in Wilmette, Illinois, the Bahá’í Justice Society elected the following officers:

Chairman, Linda Khadem; vice-chairman, Juana Conrad; corresponding secretary, Ted Amsden; recording secretary, Steven Gonzales; treasurer, Yvor Stoakley.

Membership applications and other correspondence should be addressed to: Bahá’í Justice Society, Ted Amsden, corresponding secretary, Detroit, MI 48243 (phone 313-568-6554).

A CONCORDANCE to the Writings Bahá’u’lláh

compiled by LEE NELSON

A new reference tool!

A Concordance to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Compiled by Lee Nelson

Quickly find a passage from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh in any of 9 books and 24 compilations

Research specific subjects

• Prepare deepenings; compilations; readings for firesides, Feasts, and Holy Days

• Explore and study the variety of meanings of words and groups of similar words

Enhance understanding, expand scope, and narrow personal interpretations and misquoting of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings

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

HC $49.95

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Tel. 1-800-999-9019 [Page 30]

Letters

from page 3

change. My goal is to feel that “I want to pray at dawn every day.”

Here’s an example of a more subtle way of not owning one’s feelings. I will use a paragraph from a recent issue of The American Bahá’í exactly as it was printed; then I will print the same paragraph, personalizing it. See what you think:

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

Now, the second version: “The true emotional experience of faith is foreign to me, and I seek to emulate something for which there is no cultural reference. I am intellectual, dysfunctional in my emotions, only experiencing joy, peace and love as limitedly as the non-believer I once was, but now fascinated and attracted.”

When I am spoken to as in the second example, my heart and mind are open. The first example, however, creates huge barriers for me and I miss wonderful learning opportunities.

I wanted to compare the tone of letters to the editor in The American Bahá’í with the tone of letters from our National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of Justice to see if I was simply being an obstinate little brat who didn’t want anyone telling me what to do.

I only had to read one letter, the Ridván ’87 message from the Universal House of Justice, to prove to myself that I was okay.

In that letter I was surprised to find the word “should” used only twice. In fact, I remember feeling as though I were being spoken to in the most gentle, wise and encouraging tone.

I read the letter only once, but I am going to study it many times to see if I can catch on and apply some of that gentleness in my own speech and communication.

Duette Maxon Carlsbad, California

Persians and racism

To the Editor:

This is a letter to our fellow Persian believers, and is the result of an experience we had during a weekend conference on racism at Green Acre.

The program was attended by about 50 people, but when everyone was divided into “ethnic groups,” we found only three members in our Persian group.

This prompted us to wonder why there was an apparent disinterest among Persians in this issue—an issue which the beloved Master and Shoghi Effendi repeatedly emphasized was the most important key to the success of our community.

We Persians are in a unique position; we are not fully “black” or “white.” Thus we are more easily accepted by both groups, and because we are “outsiders” we bring a new perspective that has a tremendous potential to help solve this problem, one that is probably at the root of our community’s lack of growth.

The Guardian promised that if we could overcome racism the community would become a magnet for others. Why is it that, with a few exemplary exceptions, we Persians are not actively involved in solving the most vital and challenging issue?

The most common reply is that “racism is not our problem; it’s the white people’s problem.”

There are two responses to this: First, America is now our community, and its problems are our problems, whether we like it or not.

If we are to follow the wishes of the Guardian, we must strive ceaselessly to develop the vigilance and moral courage to solve this problem.

Second, we too are infected by racism. How quick we are to say, “I am not prejudiced.” But ask yourself two simple questions:

(1) When you think of Persians and blacks marrying, do you have any misgivings? Be honest. If one is a true Bahá’í, the thought of Persian-black marriages should fill him with joy, and such unions should receive his blessing and support.

(2) Do you feel completely comfortable opening your home to black friends, and do you regularly socialize with blacks? If not, you cannot say you are working to help solve the most challenging issue.

Like all immigrants to this country, we Persians have tended to identify with those in power—but this is not what Shoghi Effendi wanted.

We have much in common with the black community, and we cannot waste the opportunity to share the Faith with one of the most important segments of the American population.

We both have been victims of persecution and prejudice. Perhaps because this is so painful to think about, we try to avoid the issue. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would not have wanted us to do that.

If we really love this Faith, we will become part of the solution to the most vital and challenging issue. To do this, we must learn about black history and culture, welcome blacks into our homes and visit theirs, and encourage our children to marry interracially.

The key to the spiritual triumph of our community is clearly in the Writings. Let us work together for the love of Bahá’u’lláh.

Ferida Khanjani Roy (Feridian) Steiner Ithaca, New York

Cassette tapes of 3rd annual Justice Society Conference available

Audio cassette tapes of the third annual Meeting and Conference of the Bahá’í Justice Society, “Justice: Achieving the Bahá’í Concept,” held June 2-5 at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, are available for purchase.

The tapes are: BJ-RT-400, “Meting Out Justice: A Bahá’í Perspective on Judicial Administration” (William Davis). BJ-RT-401, “In Search of Justice” (Juana Conrad). BJ-RT-402, “Bahá’í Values in Today’s Business Environment” (Farhang Javid). BJ-RT-403, “Reflections of a Bahá’í Judge” (James Nelson). BJ-RT-404, “Armed Conflict, Human Rights, and the United Nations” (Frank Newman). BJ-RT-405, “Justice in Race Relations: A Perspective” (Wilma Brady). BJ-RT-406, “Peaceful Conflict Resolution” (Dorothy Nelson).

The price is $7.99 per tape, four tapes for $27, six tapes for $38, or all seven tapes for $45. Please add 10 percent (minimum $1) for shipping and handling.

Order from Images International, P.O. Box 1051, 3 Stadler St., Suite 30, Belchertown, MA 01007 (phone 413-323-5808).

Names of conflict resolution experts sought

The National Spiritual Assembly would like the names of Bahá’ís who have professional experience in conflict resolution. Opportunities arise in which the National Assembly would like to call on individuals to take part on occasion in certain events that focus on conflict resolution as a specialty.

Qualified individuals are asked to send resumés or descriptions outlining their skills and experience to the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20009.

Districts

from page 17

P.O. Box 60606, Houston, TX 77260, Phone for info: (713) 664-0776

Unit 152. North-Central Texas Texas Tech University, University Center, Lubbock, October 1, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Lubbock, P.O. Box 10602, Lubbock, TX 79408, Phone for info: (806) 766-0241

Unit 153. Southern Texas Pastoral Center, 1200 Lantana, Corpus Christi, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Corpus Christi, P.O. Box 7888, Corpus Christi, TX 78467, Phone for info: (512) 643-1705

Unit 154. Utah Carlson Conference Center/Westminster College, 1840 S. 1300 E, Salt Lake City, October 2, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Salt Lake City, P.O. Box 8305, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, Phone for info: (801) 582-2026

Unit 155. Northern Virginia - A Reston Community Center, 2310 Cold Neck Road, Reston, October 9, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: Bahá’ís of Greater Fairfax, P.O. Box 7181, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, Phone for info: (703) 250-6855

Unit 156. Northern Virginia - B Northern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus, Bisdorf, Building Room 111, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Alexandria, Alexandria, VA 22301, Phone for info: (703) 836-2475

Unit 157. Southeastern Virginia Williamsburg Regional Library Arts Center Auditorium, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Phone for info: (804) 393-6558

Unit 158. Southwestern Virginia Quality Inn, Exit 41 off I-81, Salem, October 9, 9:00 a.m., Mail ballot: LSA of Roanoke, P.O. Box 6071, Roanoke, VA 24017, Phone for info: (703) 982-6984

Unit 159. Vermont Killington Village Resort & Conference Center, Killington, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Rochester, P.O. Box 24, Rochester, VT 05767, Phone for info: (802) 767-3303

Unit 160. Northwestern Washington - A Everett Pacific Hotel, 3105 Pine Street, Everett, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Lynnwood, P.O. Box 2494, Lynnwood, WA 98036, Phone for info: (206) 742-9216

Unit 161. Northwestern Washington - B White Center Park, 1321 SW 102nd Street, Seattle, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Seattle, P.O. Box 396, Seattle, WA 98111, Phone for info: (206) 723-1202

Unit 162. Northwestern Washington - C Lake Washington Vocational/Technical Institute, 11605 132nd Ave. N.E., Kirkland, October 9, 1:00 p.m. (Registration: Noon), Mail ballot: LSA of Redmond, P.O. Box 256, Redmond, WA 98073, Phone for info: (206) 883-4409

Unit 163. Southwestern Washington Evergreen State College, Library Room #4300, Olympia, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: LSA of Lakewood, P.O. Box 98496, Tacoma, WA 98499, Phone for info: (206) 565-1648

Unit 164. Northern Wisconsin/Peninsular Michigan Howard Johnson Motor Lodge, Wausau, Wisconsin, October 2, 9:30 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, Phone for info: (715) 341-6933

Unit 165. Southern Wisconsin - A Neighborhood House Community Center, 29 S. Mills, Madison, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Madison, Madison, WI 53703, Phone for info: (608) 255-8289

Unit 166. Southern Wisconsin - B Midway Motor Lodge, 251 N. Mayfair Road - Highway 100, Milwaukee, October 2, 9:00 a.m. (Registration: 8:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Waukesha, Waukesha, WI 53186, Phone for info: (414) 542-7958

Unit 167. West Virginia Executive Inn, 3300 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, October 2, 11:00 a.m. (Registration: 10:30 a.m.), Mail ballot: LSA of Huntington, P.O. Box 5414, Huntington, WV 25703, Phone for info: (304) 523-0114

Unit 168. Wyoming Tentative: Senior Citizen Center, Ft. Washakie, October 2, 9:30 a.m., (Registration: 9:00 a.m.), Mail ballots: DTC c/o Dr. Bruce Jones, P.O. Box 769, Ft. Washakie, WY 82514, Phone for info: (307) 686-0531

Thanks for talent survey

To the Editor:

I would like to thank you for including the National Bahá’í Talent Survey in the first few issues of The American Bahá’í in 1988.

To know that the Bahá’í teachings embrace people from all walks of life is comforting, and to see all the differences encompassed in a survey is heartwarming.

Congratulations to you and to the Department of Human Resources for your efforts to include all humanity in your talent search.

Ken Heral Machesney Park, Illinois

Can you identify anyone in this picture?

This photograph was taken on April 22, 1934, probably on the East Coast. Curtis Kelsey (fourth from left) and possibly Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum are in the middle of the picture. If you know anyone else in the picture, please send their names to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 31]

10 YEARS AGO

Teaching teams from communities throughout California gather for a summer teaching campaign in Watsonville that is aimed at restoring that community’s local Spiritual Assembly and bringing the Message to those in nearby towns.

In an address to the teaching teams, Counselor Hooper Dunbar stresses the necessity for love and unity among the friends. When that love is apparent, he says, people cannot help but be attracted and to listen to what is being said. ...

Ruth J. Moffett, one of the best known and most widely traveled Bahá’í teachers in the U.S., dies July 5 in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 98.

Mrs. Moffett, an active and enthusiastic teacher to the last moments of her life, delivered the Message of Bahá’u’lláh for more than 60 years to people of all races, classes and age groups in some 65 countries.

Bahá’í media committee representatives and other media experts from 14 states meet July 14-16 in Skokie, Illinois, for a national Mass Media Conference, the main purpose of which is to devise new media strategies to help win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

The conference, the first of its kind ever held, is sponsored by the National Information Committee and planned by its staff at the National Information Office. ...

Three Bahá’í “road shows” sponsored by the National Youth Committee and National Teaching Committee tour the country during the summer, proclaiming the Message of Bahá’u’lláh through music, dance and skits.

The New World Electric Company, a group of nine young people from Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota travels through Illinois, while the New World Power Company visits Georgia, Florida, and North and South Carolina. Its members are from Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin.

The New World Light Company, made up of performers from Rhode Island, Illinois, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Virginia presents shows in New York state and Massachusetts. ...

Elizabeth Laws, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to Basutoland, Africa, dies June 24 in Wapato, Washington, where she and her husband, Frederick, had moved to help save the local Assembly. ...

Also in June, devoted Bahá’í teacher Marian Steffes dies. In a cable, the National Spiritual Assembly, says, “Deeply grieved passing Marian Steffes steadfast handmaiden of Bahá’u’lláh whose membership Bahá’í community is recorded in annals earliest enrollments Native American believers.” ...

About 125 members of Chicago’s Vernon Park Church of God are among the more than 300 people attending a potluck picnic July 22 on the lawn of the national Hazíratu’l-Quds in Wilmette, Illinois. The event is sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Wilmette. ...

Juárez Youth Conference success in every way

The recent experience of the International Youth Conference in Juárez, Mexico, brought to light again the richness of Mexican culture, the warmth of its people, and the dedicated efforts in the teaching field for the advancement of the Cause.

Many American Bahá’ís were reminded of our neighbor community to the south, which offers a rich diversity in its culture and a great opportunity to take part with our Hispanic brothers and sisters in spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The International Youth Conference, held July 21-24 in Juárez, was an unqualified success.

The event attracted a diverse group of people from the U.S., Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and New Zealand.

The gathering together of such an international group caused a sensation in the Mexican press, which has reacted with enthusiastic coverage of the various Bahá’í activities generated by the conference including daily articles on the Faith and the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran in four of the major newspapers in Juárez.

There have also been radio interviews and various presentations of more than half an hour each on two popular television programs.

The Bahá’ís made a special effort to invite government dignitaries and members of other groups to evening sessions of the conference, which provided entertainment and talks on the principles of the Faith.

Among the speakers were Counselors Arturo Serrano and Hidayatu’lláh Ahmadíyyih; Carmen de Burafato and Raúl Gómez, members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico; Jack McCants, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; and a number of youth from other countries.

Teaching projects in three major areas followed the conference. More than 100 adults and youth stayed for at least a week to support the twin teaching projects (U.S. and Mexico) in Caléxico-Mexicali, El Paso-Juárez, and Reynosa.

The simple weekly plan for teaching began daily with early-hour prayers, followed by teaching and inviting people to evening talks.

The Mexicans are quite open to the Message, and the teaching teams composed of Hispanics and Americans further impressed on them its uniqueness.

Each evening, more than 15 non-Bahá’ís would attend the meetings, showing a great interest in the principles of the Faith and in world peace.

As a result, there were more than 15 declarations in the area around Juárez and a total of more than 40 in different areas along the border.

It was evident from the experience of participating in the Youth Conference in Juárez and sharing the Message with our Mexican brothers and sisters that the border area between Mexico and the U.S. is ripe for entry by troops.—Iris Guiñals

Lyle Ames, who served for 30 years as a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tacoma, Washington, died March 20. He was 81 years old. Mr. Ames, who was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, to an English father and Ojibway Indian mother, became a Bahá’í in 1956. The Spiritual Assembly of Tacoma has established a memorial fund in his memory, the proceeds of which will be sent to the Bahá’í World Center to help construct the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Long-time pioneer to Panama, Peru Frank Czerniejewski

On May 30 the Office of Pioneering received a letter from the Universal House of Justice which said in part: “Deeply saddened passing steadfast servant Bahá’u’lláh Francis R. Czerniejewski. His devoted services as pioneer Americas and in assisting with maintenance Bahá’í Temples Wilmette and Panama City remembered with enduring gratitude. ...”

In 1965, Francis (Frank) Czerniejewski and his wife, Jane, applied to pioneer internationally or on the homefront. The application was the beginning of more than two decades of service to the Cause of God.

In 1970 the Czerniejewskis traveled to the Continental Conference in Bolivia, stopping on their return to the States in Panama, Guatemala and the Yucatan.

In 1971, Frank assumed responsibilities related to the construction of the House of Worship in Panama, and their dream to pioneer overseas was fulfilled.

From 1977-85, the Czerniejewskis pioneered in Peru, bringing their special gifts and talents to that country.

On their departure, the National Spiritual Assembly of Peru wrote, “...we regret very much to lose such valuable and precious pioneers.”

Since their return to the U.S., the Czerniejewskis devoted their tireless energies to furthering the Cause in Virginia and Florida.

Pianist/teacher Niuta Isserlin, 69

Niuta Isserlin, a Bahá’í from St. Petersburg, Florida, who was a concert pianist and music teacher at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, died July 7. She was 69 years old.

Mrs. Isserlin, who was born in Lithuania, was a child prodigy who came to the U.S. while in her teens and later played in the major concert halls here and in Europe.

Before moving to St. Petersburg, she had taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

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

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM	IN MEMORIAM	IN MEMORIAM	IN MEMORIAM	IN MEMORIAM
Oddvar Aabel Pleasant Valley, NY April 26, 1988	Ocie Elena Cox Stamford, TX March 21, 1988	Lizzy Mae Harris Cochran, GA Date Unknown	Kavous Monadjemi Eugene, OR February 18, 1988	Mary Shaw Kingstree, SC Date Unknown
Laura Anderson Gray, GA Date Unknown	Brianna V. Cramer Glendale, CA July 13, 1988	Walter Haynes Buford, GA September 3, 1987	Tajmah Monadjemi Coeur d’Alene, ID April 1988	Earl Sherrill N. Little Rock, AR Date Unknown
Martin Apodaca Rincon, NM December 1987	Valerie Cramer Glendale, CA July 13, 1988	Isabel Hernandez Garden City, KS February 1988	Lexi T. Moore Tallahassee, FL Date Unknown	Clayton H. Shute Sanford, ME June 23, 1988
Virginia Apodaca Rincon, NM 1986	Rosalind Cunningham Carmichael, CA June 21, 1988	Josephine C. Hipp Apache Junction, AZ April 24, 1988	Hazel Murray Chicago, IL June 20, 1988	Petra Steinhauser Leucadia, CA July 16, 1988
Mina Arastou Newport Beach, CA June 23, 1988	Francis Czerniejewski Richmond, VA May 28, 1988	Carlotta Holmes Durham, NC May 24, 1988	Ann Pardue Jackson, MS April 17, 1988	Helen Synnott St. Charles, IL Date Unknown
E.D. Armstrong Bainbridge, GA November 1987	Mahnaz Dadressan Baltimore, MD July 16, 1988	Dorothy Hooks Anadarko, OK July 15, 1988	Bessie Paxton Crawfordsville, IN July 11, 1988	Petra Tafoya Los Lunas, NM Date Unknown
Isidora Arrieta Marfa, TX Date Unknown	William DeBenny Chicago, IL May 18, 1988	Mildred Howe E. Cleveland, OH July 29, 1988	Daniel A. Platz Missouri City, TX February 17, 1988	Fred Thomas Davenport, IA June 20, 1988
Freda Belson Amarillo, TX May 12, 1988	Valencia S. Douglas Fort Worth, TX Date Unknown	Anna Johnson Manokin, MD Date Unknown	Mary Frances Pool Grand Junction, CO July 13, 1988	Romell Timmons Johnsonville, SC 1985
Emma B. Bethel Miami, FL April 21, 1988	Anne Eastman St. Charles, IL Date Unknown	Octavia Jones Palo Alto, CA May 14, 1988	Concha Ramos Las Cruces, NM Date Unknown	Martin Watkins Fort Worth, TX Date Unknown
Dorothy Borhani Monroe, MI June 6, 1988	Mohammad Garzadeh Mansfield, TX July 20, 1988	Morad Kanani Northridge, CA February 1988	Lillian Riemland San Luis Obispo, CA June 1988	Viola White Princess Anne, MD Date Unknown
Nadine Bostic Lodge, SC May 1988	Jahan S. Ghalili Los Alamitos, CA July 23, 1988	Ervin Kelly Andrews, SC Date Unknown	Janie Rush Andrews, SC Date Unknown	Susie Wiggins Maitland, FL Date Unknown
Shirley Bryant Florence, SC Date Unknown	Jourabchi Ghods Burbank, CA June 4, 1988	Mack King Wake Forest, NC Date Unknown	Mattie Russell Anadarko, OK April 22, 1987	Jenny Williams San Marcos, TX Date Unknown
Juliette Buford Danville, IL October 15, 1987	Karen Jentz Lower Brule, SD Date Unknown	Fredrick Krueger Walnut Creek, CA 1988	Carmen Sanchez Los Lunas, NM Date Unknown	June Williams Wake Forest, NC Date Unknown
Robert Burks Houston, TX Date Unknown	Owen Good Face Sr. Lower Brule, SD Date Unknown	Ross A. Lindstrom Portland, OR May 21, 1988	Ray W. Schilling Oakland, CA June 6, 1988	Evelyn Wilson Youngstown, OH Date Unknown
Thelma Burks Houston, TX Date Unknown	John Grant Eatonville, FL Date Unknown	Burcey Lipscomb Zion, IL Date Unknown	Willie C. Scott Bainbridge, GA December 1986	Herley Wilson Maitland, FL Date Unknown
Raymond Burton Millsboro, DE Date Unknown	Curtis Halton Cairo, IL Date Unknown	Ziaullah Mahboobipoor Joliet, IL February 5, 1988	Daysi Seal Cochran, GA Date Unknown	Isaiah Wright Florence, SC Date Unknown
Joseph Chandler Kingstree, SC Date Unknown	Earl Harris Temple, TX May 1988	Hazel Marchbank Chicago, IL Date Unknown	Essie Shaw Kingstree, SC Date Unknown	Sinclair Wright Fruitland, MD March 31, 1988
Matt Cole Covington, GA Date Unknown	June G. Harris Seattle, WA November 11, 1987	James McDuffie Mullins, SC February 13, 1981	Florie Shaw Kingstree, SC 1988	Ramie L. York Tampa, FL July 7, 1988

[Page 32]Pictured are many of the Bahá’ís of Graham, Texas, who took part July 16-20 in a campaign in which copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ were delivered with a ‘Dear Neighbor’ letter from the local Spiritual Assembly to every household in Graham (population 10,000).

Bahá’ís in Graham, Texas, deliver peace statement to every household

From July 16-20, copies of “The Promise of World Peace” were delivered by the Bahá’ís of Graham, Texas, to every household in that city with a “dear neighbor” letter from the local Spiritual Assembly of Graham.

The county sheriff and city chief of police were told in advance of the effort and their clearance was obtained.

Newspaper articles and radio announcements conveyed news of the plan to the public.

The Assembly reinforced the effort through newspaper ads and radio spots inviting people to discuss the contents of the message in their homes and churches.

Afterward, the Assembly wrote a letter to the editor of the local newspaper commending the people of Graham for their warm acceptance of the peace statement.

The Bahá’ís of Graham were helped in delivering the statement to the city’s 3,200 households by a group of four Bahá’í youth who were en route from the Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, to another in Juarez, Mexico.

Delivery of the peace statement followed a series of six peace forums sponsored by the Assembly during the past year at which the people of Graham were invited to express their views on the many aspects of world peace.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

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

A	ID#	Title	Full name—Please DO NOT use nicknames
1.
2.
3.
4.

B—NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS:
House/Space #, Street or Description	P.O. Box or other Mailing Address
City Template:NbspTemplate:NbspTemplate:Nbsp State Template:NbspTemplate:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Zip	City Template:NbspTemplate:NbspTemplate:Nbsp State Template:NbspTemplate:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Zip

D—NEW COMMUNITY:
Name of new Bahá’í community Template:NbspTemplate:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Moving date

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:	F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Area Code Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Number	Area Code Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Number Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Name
	Area Code Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Number Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp Name

G Template:NbspTemplate:Nbsp We receive extra copies because:

• [ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) whose name(s) and I.D. number(s) are listed above.
• [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.
• [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well, and have listed my name, I.D. number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER Wilmette, Illinois 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL. PERMIT NO. 479

After Indiana conference

Youth help Hispanic teaching

Many Bahá’í youth from different parts of the world were invited to take part in the International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, to visit the American Bahá’í community, and to help with teaching efforts in the U.S. during the summer.

Most of these young people came for the first time to the U.S. from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago.

Ali Benzan, 17, from the Dominican Republic; Shahrokh Bahador, 19, from Mexico; and Ricky Martinez and Nabil Osorio, 21, both from Puerto Rico, came not only to represent the youth of Latin America at the Youth Conference, but also to help with Hispanic teaching in greater Detroit, Michigan, and California’s Salinas Valley—two areas of great importance for the teaching work.

Ali, Shahrokh, Ricky and Nabil immediately recognized the need for collaboration in the consolidation of these Hispanic communities.

Dedicated in their efforts to serve the Faith, constantly reading the Ridván 1988 message as a source of understanding, and memorizing passages from the peace statement, Ali Benzan, Shahrokh Bahador and Ricky Martinez went to Michigan to consolidate some of the communities where Hispanic believers reside and to present the peace statement to government officials and charitable corporations.

They received a warm welcome at a gathering in Detroit with more than 60 Bahá’ís who were commemorating the anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb and had also come to meet the traveling teachers.

Nabil Osorio accompanied Ricky Martinez to the Salinas Valley, a vast region in which a large number of believers reside.

They consulted with the District Teaching Committee and with the Dragna family, Sergio Montenegro, and Carmen Cruz (the delegate from the Salinas Valley to this year’s National Convention) about visiting the Bahá’ís, teaching the Faith through radio and newspapers, and presenting the peace statement.

The message and intentions of these young Bahá’ís who came from other countries to the American Bahá’í community was very clear:

“We must lay aside our minor concerns and teach. Study the Ridván message of the Universal House of Justice and the peace statement, and remove all obstacles that hinder man from establishing God’s Kingdom on earth.”

Toledo Bahá’í Club ‘Soars’ to new high

The Bahá’í Club at the University of Toledo (Ohio) has added 10 members in recent months thanks to its participation in the school’s “Soar” program.

Club members were able to introduce some 2,500 of their fellow students to the Faith. Besides the 10 who were enrolled, more than 50 asked for and were given more information about the Faith.

More than 330 attend 15th Conference of Nur

The 15th annual Conference of Nur, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was held June 3-5 at Elizabethtown College.

More than 330 Bahá’ís and their guests—12 of whom declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh—attended the event and were inspired by the speakers and workshops which placed great emphasis on teaching the Faith and the Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice.

Speakers included Counsellor William Roberts (“The Organic Changes Through the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh”); Auxiliary Board member Tahireh Ahdieh (“The Unfoldment of the New World Order”); Katherine Bigelow, deputy director of the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs (“The Rolling-Up Process of the Old World Order and Examples of New World Institutions”); and Dr. Shokrollah Mirafzoli, representative of the Huqúqu’lláh (“Huqúqu’lláh—The Love of Giving.”)

Each session was followed by seven simultaneous workshop discussions including sessions for youth and for Persian-speaking

Bahá’í and programs for children and pre-youth.

A Saturday evening concert included music by Scott Anderson, Lee Feldman, Paul and Sandy Huening, Adrienne Stengel, and Van Gilmer and family.

At the close of the conference, mime Bill George presented an animated skit that captured the hearts of those of all ages.

A message from the conference was drafted and sent to the Universal House of Justice.

Pictured are some of the more than 330 Bahá’ís and their guests who attended the 15th annual Conference of Nur which was held June 3-5 at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg.