The American Bahá’í/Volume 2/Issue 4/Text
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Riḍván 1971 Message from The Universal House of Justice
The goal is in sight, the time short.[edit]
To the Bahá’ís of the World
Dearly-loved Friends,
On November 28th 1971, the Bahá’í World will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant, the Ensign of the Oneness of Mankind, the Mystery of God, an event which signalized at once the end of the Heroic Age of our Faith, the opening of the Formative Age and the birth of the Administrative Order, the nucleus and pattern of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. As we contemplate the fruits of the Master’s Ministry harvested during the first fifty years of the Formative Age, a period dominated by the dynamic and beloved figure of Shoghi Effendi, whose life was dedicated to the systematic implementation of the provisions of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of the Tablets of the Divine Plan—the two charters provided by the Master for the administration and the teaching of the Cause of God—we may well experience a sense of awe at the prospect of the next fifty years. That first half-century of the Formative Age has seen the Bahá’í Community grow from a few hundred centres in 35 countries in 1921, to over 46,000 centres in 135 independent states and 182 significant territories and islands at the present day, has been marked by the raising throughout the world of the framework of the Administrative Order, which in its turn has brought recognition of the Faith by many governments and civil authorities and accreditation in consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and has witnessed the spread to many parts of the world of that “entry by troops” promised by the Master and so long and so eagerly anticipated by the friends.
A new horizon, bright with intimations of thrilling developments in the unfolding life of the Cause of God, is now discernible. The approach to it is complete victory in the Nine Year Plan. For we should never forget that the beloved Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade, the current Nine Year Plan, other plans to follow throughout successive epochs of the Formative Age of the Faith, are all phases in the implementation of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, set out in fourteen of His Tablets to North America.
The Nine Year Plan is well advanced, and this Riḍván will witness the establishment of seven more National Spiritual Assemblies, five in Africa, one in South America, and one in the Pacific, bringing the total number of these exalted bodies to 101. Next Riḍván, the nine already announced will be formed, together with 4 more, one each in Afghanistan, Arabia, the Windward Islands, and Puerto Rico, bringing the total to 114, six more than called for in the Nine Year Plan. The members of all National Spiritual Assemblies which will be elected at Riḍván 1972 will take part in the election of the Universal House of Justice at Riḍván 1973, when an international convention will be held at the World Centre.
The Mother Temple of Latin America, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Panama, is scheduled to be completed by December 1971 and its dedication will take place, at the following Riḍván.
Joyous Riḍván Greetings[edit]
Riḍván: The Most Great Festival[edit]
Toward the end of Bahá’u’lláh’s ten years of exile to the city of Baghdád, He related a dream which He had. “I saw,” He wrote, “the Prophets and the Messengers gather and seat themselves around Me, moaning, weeping and loudly lamenting. Amazed, I inquired of them the reason, whereupon their lamentation and weeping waxed greater, and they said unto Me: ‘We weep for Thee, O Most Great Mystery, O Tabernacle of Immortality!’ They wept with such a weeping that I too wept with them. Thereupon the Concourse on high addressed Me saying: ‘...Erelong shalt Thou behold with Thine own eyes what no Prophet hath beheld....Be patient, be patient.’ ”
The years of Bahá’u’lláh’s banishment to Baghdád were filled with continuous danger. The fierce campaign of martyrdom and persecution which raged in Persia had forced many Bábís to flee that country and gather near Bahá’u’lláh in ‘Iráq.
As the light of the Bábí Revelation began to dim, a new light was dawning in Baghdád. In more and more obvious ways, Bahá’u’lláh guided the little band gathered near Him toward recognition of His own authority and station. But, despite His many prayers and Tablets, replete with hints, and the allusions which He made in private and public converse, most Bábís remained unaware that the Sun of Reality was rising in their midst—that the Promised One foretold by the Báb, and by all the Prophets of God, had appeared.
Riḍván Message[edit]
The wonderful spirit released at the four Oceanic and Intercontinental Conferences, together with the practical benefits which accrued to the Cause from them, reinforce our high hopes that the four Conferences to be held this year will be resounding successes and result in more pioneers, more traveling teachers, greater proclamation of the Message, and a raising of the spirits and devotion of the friends.
Our appeal to the friends in December 1970 for support of the Bahá’í International Fund, which had reached a serious condition due to various unforeseen circumstances, has had a magnificent response from many quarters of the worldwide Bahá’í Community, and we are heartened to believe that this manifestation of devotion and sacrifice, as it continues and becomes more widespread, will resolve the condition that had threatened to adversely affect the attainment of cherished goals of the Nine Year Plan.
The travels and other services of the Hands of the Cause of God continually evoke our thankfulness and delight, even wonder and astonishment. Their deeds are such as to eclipse the acts of the apostles of old and to confer eternal splendor on this period of the Formative Age. On behalf of all the friends everywhere, we offer them our reverent love and gratitude. It is fitting to record here the passing, after seventy years of exemplary service to the Faith, of the Hand of the Cause Agnes Alexander, whose early services in Hawaii were said by the Master to be greater than if she had founded an empire.
Restrictive measures directed against the Faith, and varying in severity from outright oppression to the imposition of disabilities, make virtually impossible the achievement of the goals of the Nine Year Plan in a number of countries, particularly in the Middle East, in North West Africa, along the fringes of East Africa, and certain areas in South East Asia. It is hoped that those Bahá’í communities which enjoy freedom to teach their Faith will so far surpass their own goals as to amply compensate for the disabilities suffered by their less fortunate brothers. The army of traveling teachers must be reinforced and the friends, particularly Bahá’í youth, are called to seriously consider how much time they can offer to the Faith during the remaining two years of the Nine Year Plan. Teaching visits of brief or long duration, deputization of others, the undertaking of such tasks as would free other friends for teaching work, are all means of building up, in unison, that final surge which will carry the Plan to victory.
Two major objectives of the Plan are the formation of new Local Spiritual Assemblies and the opening of new localities. 13,996 Local Spiritual Assemblies are called for; 10,360 are now in existence. 54,503 localities must claim a Bahá’í resident; 46,334 do so now. The goal is in sight, the time short. However, the growth reflected in the above statistics has not taken place at all levels and in all areas. For while a number of national communities have already achieved, or even surpassed the goals assigned to them, many face extreme difficulties in attaining theirs. With mutual help and an increase in the momentum already generated, there is no doubt that the community of the Most Great Name is capable of sweeping on to total victory, thereby gaining a view of those enthralling vistas at present beyond the horizon.
The twin processes so clearly described by the beloved Guardian in his essay “The Unfoldment of World Civilization”—the steady progress and consolidation of the Cause of God on the one hand and the progressive disintegration of a moribund world on the other—will undoubtedly impose upon us new tasks, the obligation of devising new approaches to teaching, of demonstrating more clearly to a disillusioned world the Bahá’í way of life, and making more effective the administrative institutions of the Faith. The authority and influence of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be strengthened in order to deal with larger Bahá’í communities; the international character of the Cause will need to be developed, while the international teaching agency at the World Centre, already referred to in previous general letters, will be established.
However fascinating such considerations, which are likely to be forced upon our attention in the near future, may be, they must not deflect our energies and will from the immediate task—the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Their achievement is the best preparation for the future and the means of developing new powers and capacities in the Bahá’í Community. We are confident that the Army of Light, growing in strength and unity, will, by 1973, the centenary year of the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, have scaled the heights of yet another peak in the path leading ultimately to the broad uplands of the Most Great Peace.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
The Universal House of Justice
The Most Great Festival[edit]
Finally, in March of 1863, the order arrived from the Ottoman government banishing Bahá’u’lláh from Baghdád and calling Him to Constantinople, the capital of the Empire. The effect of this order upon the little band of Bábí exiles in Baghdád was devastating. Their confusion and desperation were only gradually calmed by the comforting words of Bahá’u’lláh Himself.
Twelve days before leaving Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh crossed the river with a few companions and went to a large garden. This garden was later named Riḍván—meaning Paradise. It was in this place that Bahá’u’lláh openly declared His Mission to the few who were present.
“Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation, the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Riḍván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise.”
On the day of Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival in the Riḍván garden, the river overflowed its banks. On the ninth day, the river subsided and He was joined by His family and a few others. Then, the river overflowed again and did not subside until the twelfth day when all were able to leave. These twelve days are now celebrated by Bahá’ís all over the world as the holiest days of the year—the Festival of Riḍván, acclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh as the “Festival of God,” the “Most Great Festival,” and the “King of Festivals.” This is a time of happiness and rejoicing, a time of celebration and festivity, of special prayer and meditation.
On the first day of Riḍván, all of the Local Spiritual Assemblies of the world are currently elected and new ones established, reaffirming the Covenant of God with all of mankind and carrying man one step closer to the Kingdom of God on earth. The first, ninth, and twelfth days of this Festival are recognized as Holy Days on which all work should be suspended.
“Rejoice, with exceeding gladness, O people of Bahá,” Bahá’u’lláh writes concerning the Riḍván Festival, “as ye call to remembrance the Day of supreme felicity, the Day whereon the Tongue of the Ancient of Days hath spoken, as He departed from His House proceeding to the Spot from which He shed upon the whole creation the splendors of His Name, the All-Merciful....”
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. Material must be received by the 15th of the month of its intended publication. Black and white glossy prints should be included with material whenever possible. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as assemblies and committees. Address all mail to: The American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. |
EAST TEXAS REPORTS ...[edit]
Great news is sweeping across the land of victories for the Faith in many states; Texas indeed has energetically played its part in winning these victories. Far from being asleep, the Texan friends have not only been continually enrolling the waiting souls to the Kingdom of God but have been challenging their brothers and sisters in other states to surpass their victories. Bahá’u’lláh said the friends should vie with one another in the field of service. The Universal House of Justice said that “the time is ripe” and “the time is short” for us to take the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the waiting masses. We must move swiftly.
It all started about six months ago on the first of September when the East Texan friends decided to open 100 new centers to the Faith and enroll 1,000 new believers by November 12, the Anniversary of the Birth of the Blessed Beauty. In that short span of 2 1/2 months, the beloved friends opened 70 new cities to the Faith and enrolled over 600 new believers. Continuing to win greater victories and supporting the mass teaching efforts of neighboring communities in West Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, the East Texan friends, on a new wave of enthusiasm and determination, helped to bring the total number of new believers to about 1,600 in this area in the next two months.
These victories brought new responsibilities and challenges. The entrance of numerous souls needs the follow-up of loving care and nurturing the new believers to greater understanding of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. Thus, plans were needed for the systematic deepening of these newly enrolled friends. The East Texas State Goals Committee appointed several mass teaching and deepening teams within its area; each team then appointed several “arms” to help in carrying out this important task. New believers were assigned to “older” believers for deepening. Friends are exclaiming, “We are having a lot of fun teaching and deepening our fellowman instead of crying about it.” Consultation at Feasts revolves around the teaching and deepening and how everyone can become involved in this precious work.
Mass teaching and deepening are filling the air with a special spirit as the Supreme Concourse rushes to aid our efforts and as the State Goals Committee and Local Spiritual Assemblies encourage us to greater victories for the Faith. Conferences have been held throughout the state.
Friends gathered at the Beaumont Conference.
Great mass teaching efforts have been made in Victoria, Killeen, Galveston, Marshall, San Antonio, Austin, Ft. Worth, College Station, Denton, Rowlett, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Arlington, Dallas, Beaumont, and Huntsville. The State Goals Committee plans at least one mass teaching conference in a different city in East Texas every month. Conferences will be held in Corpus Christi during March 26-27 and in Killeen on May 3. All are welcome to come and help in these efforts. As a friend said, “One of our major victories has been the universal participation in this mass teaching.” Another friend joyously remarked, “All the institutions of our Lord are helping us to enroll the masses to the Kingdom. What a blessing that we are all really together in this glorious task.” Another added, “Our special thanks to our Auxiliary Board Member, Mr. Paul Pettit, who is an example to all of us as he takes us by the hand in showing us how to do mass teaching and thus opens our eyes to a new way of delivering the Message of our Lord.”
Stories go on and on, dear friends, and our reporter will try to get some more of the Texans’ secret of success and inform you as they go along. Meanwhile, we wish all the Texans happy victories and for our brothers and sisters everywhere our loving prayers for your successes in proclaiming His Message.
CALIFORNIA takes Message to Chicano brothers and sisters[edit]
Mass teaching efforts in California are beginning to spark the entry of large numbers of Mexican-Americans into our Beloved Faith.
¡EL PROMETIDO DE TODAS ÉPOCAS POR FIN HA LLEGADO!!
California Bahá’ís have responded to the promptings of The Universal House of Justice Message and are reaching the Spanish-speaking peoples (¡GRACIAS A DIOS!). They have heeded the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“To doubt or hesitate is no longer possible... Time is pressing, the Divine Charger is impatient, and can tarry no longer. Ours is the duty to rush forth and, ere it is too late, win the victory.”
The sparks of mass teaching first began to ignite in Los Angeles, the city of the Angels. IF MASS TEACHING AMONG THE MEXICAN-AMERICANS WILL YIELD FRUIT IN EAST LOS ANGELES...IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE! “THE TIME IS RIPE.”
The barriers of language, culture, and staunch Catholic backgrounds were razed to the ground by a burning love for the Blessed Beauty. These dedicated teachers heeded not their weaknesses and frailties. These souls knew only obedience to what has been commanded by God! TO TEACH!! The doors were opened...the means provided...and a large number of Chicano brothers and sisters embraced the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
How beautiful it was to see everyone moving, teaching, on fire with the love of God. One elderly gentleman could not keep up with the rapid pace of the youth. But his heart was on fire, and the word was TEACH! Leaning on his cane, he walked through the park until he found another elderly soul seated on a park bench to whom he promptly gave our wonderful Message. Everyone was involved! THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT—EITHER WAY!
The Bahá’ís are promised ultimate victory by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and victory it was in East Los Angeles! Tears of joy flowed from the eyes of the new brothers and sisters. At last, at long last, they had been given the most precious Gift, the Word of God. The Los Angeles area Bahá’ís are still working tirelessly to bring this Holy Word to more and more of the Mexican-American people...Que Dios y Bahá’u’lláh les den fuerza pa’ que sigan en sus esfuerzos benditos...
California Story[edit]
In National City, a proclamation was aimed at the Mexican-Americans, and again, the sounds of victory! Valiant warriors of all ages arose to carry out the command to TEACH! At first fearful of culture and language barriers, yet trusting in Bahá’u’lláh, the friends found all doors opened.
Four believers in the Imperial Valley area sponsored a mass-teaching conference with the Spanish-Speaking Teaching Committee. The effort yielded the fruits of 19 new souls to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Old fears about teaching the Mexican-American disappeared. Language was found to be no problem. When a person encountered did not speak English, a bystander was quickly found to translate. Result: two new believers instead of one. Most important, the Bahá’ís learned that the language of the heart transcends all barriers. Warmth, love, and unity proved more important than eloquence. Simplicity and humility seem to be the keys in mass teaching. This precious Message penetrates deeply into the hearts of these pure, unlettered souls. (El conocimiento de cosas espirituales es facil para esta gente humilde.) The response is often: “Si, comprendemos muy bien que somos iguales, como las ojas de un solo arbol, y BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, LA GLORIA DE DIOS, es como el base del arbol.” (Translated: “Yes, we understand that we are all equal, as the leaves of one tree, and that Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God, is the base, the trunk of that tree.”)
The sparks of mass teaching are beginning to ignite into larger and larger flames. Central California State Goals Committee District 2 was asked by the Spanish-Speaking Teaching Committee to host a mass-teaching conference with less than 3-4 weeks to prepare. At first, the Committee was unsure...time was so short, and funds so low. However, it placed its whole trust in Bahá’u’lláh and enrolled over 24 souls during a “slow” migrant season. More than six localities were opened to the Faith that weekend.
Many of these new believers neither speak nor read English, but they have wholeheartedly embraced their new Faith. Such victories are possible because the friends refused to heed their weaknesses and frailties.
“By the righteousness of God! Should a man, all alone, arise in the name of Bahá and put on the armor of His love, him will the Almighty cause to be victorious, though the forces of heaven and earth be arrayed against him....”
PERISCOPE[edit]
A Spanish Proclamation in Northampton, MASSACHUSETTS, was termed successful. Puerto Rican music, literature, slides, and films were interspersed with an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith—all in Spanish!
Now a Group, Bergenfield, NEW JERSEY, recently reported four new believers. There had been only one declaration of Faith in the last 12 years. The Bahá’í population of Los Alamos High School in New Mexico is rapidly increasing, with 34 youth to date.
The State Goals Committee of East Texas has to go through a stack of declaration cards a foot high! The flame is spreading to West TEXAS, where, in San Angelo, 162 declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.
Mass teaching in East Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA, resulted in 17 new believers. Initiated by the Area Youth Committee, the well-planned program included music, refreshments, and the film, “It’s Just the Beginning.” The Area Youth Committee and State Goals Committee followed up with deepening classes.
Wilton, CONNECTICUT, Bahá’ís have opened Ridgefield with a Unity Festival which included newspaper advertising, distribution of fliers, a display on all the revealed religions in a bookstore window, and a showing of “A New Wind.”
Fishing, meditation, repetition of the Greatest Name—and a declaration across the street, in MISSOURI.
“SLEEPY RURAL AREA” RESPONDS TO MESSAGE[edit]
PART OF THE CROWD OF OVER 250 BAHÁ’ÍS WHO ATTENDED A MASS TEACHING CONFERENCE IN BIVALVE, MARYLAND, FEBRUARY 13-15, WHICH HAS RESULTED SO FAR IN A TOTAL OF 220 NEW BELIEVERS IN THE DELMARVA AREA.
Unipar[edit]
Hi there! I figure by now there is no Bahá’í in the United States who doesn’t know my name, Unipar. You no doubt all know that it means universal participation. One of the reasons I’m getting to be better known is because of the recent institutes on the Fund.
It’s really great to become well known and have everyone understand me better. Incidentally, you can read all about me and what I mean in Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 37-39. I especially like the sentence, “But all can pray, fight their own spiritual battles, and contribute to the Fund.”
Though all Bahá’ís are dearly loved by me, I learned at the Fund Institutes that I have very special friends: the treasurers of Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups. These people are so loving, patient, and devoted. How truly sacrificial must be the gift of time which these treasurers are giving in making sure that every Bahá’í receives the information from the institutes.
As you can imagine, I was really busy making plans for these institutes. Meeting rooms had to be provided in 36 cities. Some rooms were found with free rental, but for some others, Unipar had to pay. Fourteen representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly conducted the institutes, and Unipar paid the transportation and lodging costs.
Five hundred copies of the cassette recording of the inspirational and helpful information from National Spiritual Assembly members had to be made. This cost $375.
Reams of paper were used in printing the agendas and the program charts. The mimeograph and copy machines really hummed. (Someday I’ll tell you a story about the office equipment at the National Bahá’í Center.)
My friend the 6-cent stamp helped out, too. Many letters had to be mailed to the Bahá’ís who made arrangements for, were invited to, and conducted the institutes, and the cassettes were mailed to all Local Spiritual Assemblies, Bahá’í groups, and State Goals Committees.
I won’t ask the people in the treasurer’s office to find out the total cost of conducting the Fund Institutes and providing all the materials because they are so busy. Besides, the important thing is understanding followed by action. We all now have a greater understanding of spiritual obligation, sacred offering, spiritual unity, conscious sacrifice, spiritual attitude, and universal participation—Unipar.
The rewards will be great. “If every believer will carry out these sacred duties, we shall be astonished at the accession of power which will result to the whole body, and which in its turn will give rise to further growth and the showering of greater blessings on all of us.” (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 38.)
Much love to all from your friend,
SUMMER PROJECTS[edit]
Indian Teaching in Upstate New York[edit]
Description. A summer youth project to work on the Tuscarora and Tonawanda Indian Reservations, and possibly with migrant workers and others in the area.
Housing. A cabin on Lake Ontario (sleeps eight, all one sex as its one large room) with kitchen (stove, refrigerator, and running cold water) and toilet. Sleeping bags needed.
Meals. Prepared by projecteers.
Location. Fruit farm 1-1/2 miles from the small village of Olcott and 3 miles from the Village of Wilson. One-and-a-half hours from both reservations.
Transportation. One or two cars in the group would be necessary as the reservations are in opposite directions.
Sponsorship. The Indian Teaching Representatives of the State Goals Committee for Western New York. Help would be drawn from all Bahá’ís in Western New York, including Bahá’ís trained in Central America and in Indian areas.
For applications and further information, please write:
- Mrs. Betty Kappus
- 2030 N. Beebe Rd.
- Bart, N.Y. 14028
Teach the Tourists in Maine[edit]
Dates: July 24 through August 8. The cost: $14 per person for food and shelter plus your own spending money.
Sleeping bags will be needed. French-speaking youth would be helpful. We could use several cars and would pay half the cost of gas used while you are here.
For applications and further information, please write:
- Spiritual Assembly of Portland
- Marie Hoover, Secretary
- 62 Coyle Street
- Portland, Maine 04101
The next issue of The American Bahá’í will contain more information on Summer Projects throughout the United States. These above are the first received by the National Teaching Committee—many more will follow. A whole summer of opportunity to teach, grow, and learn can be yours through these projects—write the sponsors now!
DIVINE GUIDANCE FOR THE CREATIVE[edit]
To write or illustrate for Bahá’í publications is one of the most challenging tasks a creative Bahá’í can undertake, for he feels in his heart that nothing short of a flawless vehicle is worthy to carry the message of Bahá’u’lláh. If he were to undervalue his own artistic capacity, however, the artist would be denying himself the full benefit of the illumination which the Word of God can give to his work. He has for his aid that potent store of creative energy released into the world by Bahá’u’lláh; and he has for his assurance this sublime promise from Bahá’u’lláh:
“The onrushing winds of the grace of God have passed over all things. Every creature hath been endowed with all the potentialities it can carry...Man, himself, hath been invested with the gifts of understanding and knowledge.”
Secure in this promise, the Bahá’í writer or artist can look at himself with new confidence. What is more, he knows now that he no longer needs to speak in the idiom of a retrograde society, but can proceed to create works of true spirituality, certain that an awakening mankind will accept and comprehend a loftier style.
Whoever seeks publication under Bahá’í auspices will strive for the highest quality of workmanship to give expression to the new spiritual message, whether the work be simple or complex, directed to the unlearned or to the scholar. He will endeavor to let nothing that does not reflect the clear light of the Cause of God enter his work, keeping his spirit and his craft detached from the worldliness, the triviality, and the loose standards of the old order.
The Creative Word of our Lord is a flowing fountain of pure guidance from which the artist or author in the path of God can continually cleanse and refresh his creativity.
“He hath chosen out of the whole world the hearts of His servants, and hath made them each a seat for the revelation of His glory. Therefore, sanctify them from every defilement, that the things for which they were created may be engraven upon them.” “...advance into the vast immensity of the realm of God, and abide ye in the meads of sanctity and of detachment, that the fragrance of your deeds may lead the whole of mankind to the ocean of God’s unfading glory.” “A race of men, incomparable in character, shall be raised up which...will cast the sleeve of holiness over all that hath been created from water and clay.”
With such exalted words as these to inspire his heart and guide his hand, the sincere artist will find, after he has tuned himself to the spirit of the new Day through prayer and meditation, that his creative efforts will surely bear fruit to nourish the souls of his audience.
The Bahá’í who has dedicated his creative talent to the propagation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will take to himself with deep humility and gratitude the assertion of Shoghi Effendi that: “To us, the ‘generation of the half-light’,...has been assigned a task whose high privilege we can never sufficiently appreciate.”
new deepening materials[edit]
A remarkable rise in the number of new Bahá’ís all over the country, and especially in the South, has presented the American Bahá’í Community with new and unexpected challenges. The steady enrollment of ready souls under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh has given way to the entry of troops into the Army of Light. The brilliant victories won so recently by this Army in every part of the nation will surely astonish posterity.
But, to increase the ranks of the Army of God, to implant its banner, is not enough. Expansion and consolidation are twin processes that must progress hand in hand. Systematic and effective deepening and consolidation efforts must result in the erection of divine institutions and in the development of strong and unified communities that will soon become the sole hope of mankind.
To teach the Cause does not mean to only give the Message to new souls, nor does teaching end with a declaration. The true object of all teaching is to confirm new souls. The new believer is to be cherished and nurtured through different stages of development until he becomes a firm and active Bahá’í upholding the laws of his newfound Faith. This is also teaching.
Conscious of the need for aids to consolidation work, the National Teaching Committee is eager to experiment with new and imaginative deepening materials. On the following pages are two in a series of twelve leaflets designed for use in the South.
These leaflets are designed to be used in a variety of ways—in teacher training institutes, deepening classes, visits to new Bahá’ís, etc. They can also be sent through the mail to believers who could not otherwise be reached.
It is our hope that this material will immediately be put to use in mass teaching areas and that reactions, recommendations and comments will be sent directly to the National Teaching Committee (112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091).
The texts on the front and back of the leaflets are designed to be used independently of the rest if necessary. TO ASSEMBLE: CUT ALONG THIN SOLID LINES AND FOLD ALONG THE THICK BROKEN LINES.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE[edit]
Many of the friends may not be aware of an opportunity for service to the Cause, beyond regular teaching, existing at the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre, 1640 Holcomb Road, Victor, New York, near Rochester.
The “Message from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í World,” Riḍván 1967, announced the formation of this new institution of the Universal House of Justice: “An important supplementary achievement is the establishment of an international Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre whose function is to provide teaching and deepening aids to all National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as to store and index audio-visual records.”
At the Centre, there are many opportunities for volunteer service to the Cause. Many friends have already contributed skills and loving service, but activities are rapidly expanding and call for additional devoted workers. Skilled and unskilled help is needed to assist with accounting, typing, filing, packaging, providing transportation for volunteers, darkroom work, translating into Spanish and French, collating and packaging materials, tape editing, copy-writing and copy-fitting, layout, paste-up of mechanicals, and maintenance of buildings and grounds.
If you are interested, please contact William Richter at the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre.
Bahá’u’lláh wrote:
“O thou who art waiting, tarry no longer, for He is come. Behold His Tabernacle and His Glory dwelling therein. It is the Ancient Glory, with a new Manifestation.”
Bahá’u’lláh wrote:
“O SON OF BEING:
Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.”
Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois
Prayer by Bahá’u’lláh—
O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord.
Bahá’u’lláh is a Prophet of God. He is the Messenger of God for this day. Bahá’u’lláh was sent by God to teach all men how to live together in love and unity. He has come to unite all races and all religions. Bahá’u’lláh has brought new laws from God that we must follow.
Bahá’u’lláh is the Return of the Spirit of Christ. He is Christ come again with a new name. Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One of all religions. He has come to teach us how to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Bahá’u’lláh has come to keep the promise that Jesus made in the Lord’s Prayer — “...Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
The name “Bahá’u’lláh” means “The Glory of God.” Bahá’u’lláh is the Glory of God.
Prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá...
(This prayer is said at meetings of Bahá’í local Spiritual Assemblies all over the world.)
...O our Lord! We are weak and Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful! We are mortals and Thou art the great life-giving Spirit! We are needy and Thou art the Powerful and Sustainer!
O our Lord! Turn our faces unto Thy divine face; feed us from Thy heavenly table by Thy godly grace; help us through the hosts of Thy supreme angels and confirm us by the holy ones of the Kingdom of Abhá.
Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful! Thou art the possessor of great bounty and verily, Thou art the Clement and Gracious!
BUILDING A NEW WORLD[edit]
The Local Spiritual Assembly
Bahá’u’lláh has come to teach all men how to live together in love and unity. Bahá’u’lláh was sent by God to teach us how to build the Kingdom of God on earth. Bahá’ís follow the plan of Bahá’u’lláh. It will bring love, peace, and unity into the world. Bahá’ís are building the Kingdom of God on earth.
There are no ministers or clergy of any kind in the Bahá’í Faith. Wherever there are more than nine Bahá’ís in one town or city, they elect a local Spiritual Assembly for that city. The local Spiritual Assembly is a council of nine Bahá’ís. The local Spiritual Assembly is in charge of the Bahá’í Faith in its area. This is part of God’s great Plan for all men.
Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh was born on November 12, 1817, in the country of Persia. His family was very rich, and His father was a high government official. But Bahá’u’lláh gave all this up to follow God’s will.
Bahá’u’lláh never went to any school or college. But He was a Prophet of God, so God gave Him all knowledge and wisdom. Bahá’u’lláh said:
“I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of all that hath been. This thing is not from Me, but from One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing.”
The story of Bahá’u’lláh’s life is very beautiful, but very sad. Bahá’u’lláh suffered terrible persecutions because He spoke the Will of God. All the Prophets of God have suffered greatly.
Jesus was beaten and crucified; Bahá’u’lláh was chained in prison by His enemies. In 1863, Bahá’u’lláh was banished from His native land of Persia for the rest of His life. Finally, He was sent to the prison-city of ‘Akká, which is in the Holy Land. Bahá’u’lláh spent forty years in prison and in exile.
During all this time in prison, Bahá’u’lláh wrote hundreds of books and tablets. These teachings give us the answers to the problems of the world. All Bahá’ís must study the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. These teachings are the Word of God for today.
Bahá’u’lláh made a Covenant (an agreement) with all Bahá’ís in His Will and Testament. He said that all Bahá’ís must always work together in love and unity. To make sure that this would happen, He said that, when He died, all Bahá’ís must turn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His eldest son. Bahá’u’lláh also gave us the Universal House of Justice to turn to and obey.
Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois
In every country where there are enough local Spiritual Assemblies, a National Spiritual Assembly of nine Bahá’ís is elected. It serves the Bahá’ís of that country.
All of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the world together elect nine men to the Universal House of Justice. The Universal House of Justice sits in the Holy Land and meets on Mt. Carmel, God’s holy mountain. The Universal House of Justice is under the protection of God. Bahá’u’lláh has promised us that the Universal House of Justice cannot make a mistake because it is guided by God. All Bahá’ís must obey the Universal House of Justice; it is “the source of all good and freed from all error.”
In this day, the Holy Spirit flows through local Spiritual Assemblies, National Spiritual Assemblies, and the Universal House of Justice. These are divine institutions created by God. This is how Bahá’ís are building the Kingdom of God on earth.
UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
A response to the call for 10,000[edit]
“Ya know, it’s actually fun to sacrifice for the fund! We could give you our “sacrificing” story as: we are both students at college, engaged to be wed next month, with one of us needing frequent visits to the chiropractor. But, to our belief and understanding, there is just no such thing as sacrificing to the Cause of God. It’s ridiculous to think there is! So here ye be—the $50 you asked for. Surely 9,999 other believers will respond to the call. If we can, most anybody can. We’re confident that it will happen!”
DECLARATION CARDS IN SPANISH[edit]
In order to simplify the enrollment of Spanish-speaking people in our efforts to achieve this goal of the Nine Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly has approved the use of Declaration Cards in the Spanish language. These Spanish Declaration Cards are available through the Membership and Records office at the National Bahá’í Center.
All Local Spiritual Assemblies and State Goals Committees are authorized to sign and process Spanish Declaration Cards in accordance with the standard enrollment procedure.
WANTED ♦ ♦ ♦[edit]
TEACHERS FOR NW BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL
As we are called upon to evaluate and intensify our teaching efforts, there are many who might consider the acute need in the Pacific Northwest. Being on the staff of a Bahá’í School is not only a tremendous service, but is also a rewarding spiritual experience in which the teacher benefits as much as or more than the students.
Our Northwest Bahá’í School, held at the Seabeck Christian Conference Grounds in the State of Washington, is located in a beautiful setting near the Olympic Mountains overlooking the blue waters of Hood Canal, offering quiet surroundings for serenity, meditation, and study. For those interested in sports activities during free time, there are facilities for boating, swimming, hiking, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, etc.
A Bahá’í School is a unique institution in that the teacher is participating in a school where the attendees are mostly Bahá’ís. The teacher is knowledgeable in the particular area of his course, and the teacher becomes the “student” in other courses during the day.
Since training of children is vitally important, our most urgent need is for children’s teachers, teachers who will illuminate and inspire our young with Bahá’í attributes and create within them such a thirst for knowledge and love for Bahá’u’lláh that they too will wish to be of ultimate service to mankind, a mankind struggling desperately to find its purpose in life.
Ask yourself, “Am I the type of person who is concerned about human beings?” Can you be warm, loving, responsive, friendly, enthusiastic, and continually strive to inspire the student to study independently? With the answers being, “Yes”, then you are the one to apply to teach in the Bahá’í Schools.
THINK ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! MOVE TO IMPROVE! DON’T DELAY! ACT TODAY!
Summer Teachers and Pioneers Needed S.W.[edit]
SELF-SUSTAINED, DEDICATED TEACHER NEEDED FOR WORK IN EAGLE PASS, TEXAS, THIS SUMMER. THE PIONEER CURRENTLY SERVING MUST LEAVE DURING THE SUMMER AND URGENTLY REQUESTS ASSISTANCE DURING HIS ABSENCE. EAGLE PASS IS A BORDER TOWN WITH TREMENDOUS MASS-TEACHING POSSIBILITIES. THERE ARE NOW APPROXIMATELY 40 NEW BELIEVERS THERE. SPANISH WOULD BE HELPFUL SINCE MANY OF THESE NEW BELIEVERS DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH, BUT IT IS NOT A NECESSITY. THERE ARE SEVERAL STAUNCH BILINGUAL BELIEVERS WHO CAN HELP WITH TRANSLATIONS. ANY BAHÁ’ÍS INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT THE SPANISH-SPEAKING TEACHING COMMITTEE:
- Mrs. Marilyn Herrera, Secretary
- 917 E. State Avenue
- Phoenix, Arizona 85020
THE SOUTHWEST ALSO PRESENTS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOMEFRONT PIONEERING. SPANISH ESPECIALLY HELPFUL... DEDICATION AND LOVE FOR BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALIFICATIONS. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT THE SPANISH-SPEAKING TEACHING COMMITTEE AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
GREETINGS AND PRAYERS FROM VIETNAM[edit]
WE ARE VERY THRILLED WITH THE NEWS ABOUT MASS CONVERSION SUCCESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND IN OTHER STATES OF THAT SPIRITUALLY GREAT AREA. BE ASSURED THAT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO SINCERELY AND ARDENTLY PRAY FOR THE GROWTH OF THE FAITH ON THAT LAND, WHICH HAS THE REAL POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
- Mr. Le Loc, Chairman
- National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam
TRAVEL TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD THIS SUMMER[edit]
As we rush to complete the remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan, we know that every believer is adjusting his schedule to make more time to serve and teach. Opportunities are limitless and the following are some suggestions:
School teachers who have the summer free could travel and teach in the Western Hemisphere. Many countries would gladly welcome this help and a number of them require only English as translators are available.
If you do not have all summer free, one or two weeks or even an extended weekend is enough time for an international travel teaching trip. You could visit one or two areas in the space of a weekend and make an effective contribution to the teaching work.
Youth are particularly encouraged to travel-teach out of the country this summer, either in conjunction with a summer project or individually. Many new youth are embracing the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and need deepening, and many others are waiting to hear God’s healing Message.
ATTENTION YOUTH! SWITZERLAND AWAITS YOU[edit]
More youth are still needed to participate in the Summer Project in Switzerland. Special arrangements have been made to fly the participants via Icelandic Airlines from New York to Luxembourg at the start of the project and from there to Iceland in time to attend the North Atlantic Oceanic Conference. Also, some would spend one month of the project in Germany.
Special added bounties will be the presence of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum at the Youth Conference in Switzerland in July and the assistance and guidance of Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. William Sears, who will be in Europe for the summer.
We must know immediately if you wish to participate, so don’t write—call International Goals Committee at (312) 256-4400 and let us know!
EUROPEAN SUMMER TRIP[edit]
SPECIAL $240 ROUND-TRIP FARE
As part of the Summer Project in Switzerland, we have arranged through Icelandic Airlines a special fare from New York to Luxembourg, returning through Iceland for the Oceanic Conference, September 2-5, 1971. Here is the schedule:
| July 1 | New York - Luxembourg | ROUND-TRIP FARE $240 PER PERSON |
| Sept. 2 | Luxembourg - Iceland | |
| Sept. 5 | Iceland - New York |
Bahá’ís wishing to go to Europe this summer and return via the historic Icelandic Conference should immediately call the International Goals Committee at (312) 256-4400 to put their names on the list. PLEASE DON’T WRITE, AS CONFIRMATION MUST BE MADE TO THE AIRLINES BY APRIL 30. You don’t have to go on the project to qualify for the fare.
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE • WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
in this issue...
• Riḍván 1971 Message From The Universal House of Justice
• East Texas Reports Victories
• California Reaching Spanish-Speaking
• Maryland Conference Reports 220 New Believers
• Deepening Materials
• Summer Teaching Opportunities