The American Bahá’í/Volume 2/Issue 8/Text
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The Universal House Of Justice Calls For Special Commemorative Gatherings For 50th Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The following is a message from The Universal House of Justice addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies on July 12, 1971:
“We have noted with deep satisfaction that some National Spiritual Assemblies have already initiated plans to befittingly commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.
“We feel it would be highly fitting for the three days, November 26 to 28, during which the Day of the Covenant and the Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá occur, to be set aside this year by all National Spiritual Assemblies for specially arranged gatherings and conferences, convened either nationally or locally or both, on the three following main themes: The Bahá’í Covenant, The Formative Age, and The Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
“We hope that these gatherings will serve to intensify the consecration of the workers in the Divine Vineyard in every land, and provide them with the opportunity, especially in the watches of the night of that Ascension, when they will be commemorating the passing hour of our Beloved Master, to renew their pledge to Bahá’u’lláh and to re-dedicate themselves to the accomplishment of the as yet unfulfilled goals of the Nine Year Plan.
“The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, the members of the Universal House of Justice, and all resident and visiting believers at the World Centre will, on that memory-laden night, visit the Shrine of that Mystery of God on behalf of the entire Community of the Blessed Beauty and will supplicate for the stalwart champions of the Faith labouring in the forefront of so many fields of service and winning fresh triumphs in His Name, for the self-sacrificing believers without whose support and sustained assistance most of these victories could not be achieved, and for those who will be inspired to join the ranks of the active and dedicated promoters of His glorious Cause at this crucial stage in the development of the Plan, that we may all meet our obligations and discharge our sacred trust, thus making it possible in the latter months of the Plan for our entire resources to be devoted to an even greater expansion of the Faith in its onward march towards the spiritual conquest of the planet.”
NSA Chairman Visits Western Region[edit]
Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, recently completed a teaching trip through the Western States where he addressed the Bahá’ís on the prerequisites for continued victories in the concluding years of the Nine Year Plan.
Dr. Kazemzadeh likened the kind of decision facing individual Bahá’ís in these times to the glorious and heroic act of Ṭáhirih at the Conference of Badasht. On that occasion Ṭáhirih addressed the Bábís, stressing the nature of this new Day of God, and demonstrated her break with the “old order” by removing her veil before the assembled believers. This signal act shocked many of the believers and even led one Bábí, incapable of appreciating its significance, to slit his throat. Dr. Kazemzadeh said that each Bahá’í, like Ṭáhirih, must confront a “Badasht”—a time when he breaks with the ways of an “old order” and commits himself in deed and action to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The day in which a believer in God’s Messenger can be in spiritual meditation in some “cave” no longer exists. Neither can a Bahá’í close off the spiritual aspects of the Faith in the name of administration. The spiritual and humanitarian teachings of the Faith are inseparably linked with the administrative principles of the Cause.
Any attempt to separate the purely spiritual aspects of the Faith from the administrative aspects “... can only result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself.”
(continued on page 2)
NSA Sets State Convention Dates[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to stagger the schedule for State Conventions this year. State Conventions will take place over a period of 5 consecutive Sundays starting with October 17, 1971, and ending on November 14, 1971. The scheduled convention date for each state or district is as follows:
OCTOBER 17, 1971
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Northern Georgia, Southern Alabama, Southern Illinois, Michigan, Western Washington, East Texas No. 1, Montana, Southern Virginia, Minnesota, Northern Ohio, Northern California No. 1, Louisiana.
OCTOBER 24, 1971
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Northern Florida, Northern Alabama, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oregon, East Texas No. 2, Idaho, West Virginia, South Dakota, Southern Ohio, Northern California No. 2, Mississippi.
OCTOBER 31, 1971
Eastern New York, Western New York, New Jersey, Southern Florida, Arkansas, Iowa, Northern Colorado, Central California No. 1, Southern New Mexico, Utah, Kentucky, North Dakota, Southern Georgia, Central California No. 2, West Texas No. 1.
NOVEMBER 7, 1971
Eastern Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Maryland/D.C./Delaware, Tennessee, Missouri, Northern Nevada, Northern Arizona, Southern Arizona, Southern Nevada, Northern Illinois, Wyoming, Central Georgia, Southern California No. 2, West Texas No. 2.
NOVEMBER 14, 1971
North Carolina, South Carolina No. 1, South Carolina No. 2, Northern Virginia, Kansas, Nebraska, Northern New Mexico, Southern California No. 1, Southern California No. 3, Eastern Washington, Southern Colorado, East Georgia, Oklahoma.
DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANIZING STATE CONVENTIONS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has placed the responsibility for all arrangements of State Conventions with the District Teaching Committees in their respective districts.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND STATE CONVENTIONS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly will appoint representatives to the State Conventions this year. The primary responsibilities of these representatives will be to see that State Conventions are conducted according to established Bahá’í principles and procedures and to advise the Conventions of these principles as occasions arise. One of the functions of these representatives will be to meet with the Convention organizers the day before the Conventions to help in straightening out procedural matters as necessary. Representatives will not be sent to Conventions in their own electoral districts.
Special Deepening Institutes[edit]
The Universal House of Justice—that unassailable institution of the Cause of God for this Day—stated in its Riḍván Message of 1967, “Let the friends immerse themselves in this ocean, let them organize study classes for its constant consideration, and, as reinforcement to their effort, let them remember conscientiously the requirements of daily prayer and reading of the Word of God enjoined upon all Bahá’ís by Bahá’u’lláh.”
The National Teaching Committee has, over the last few months, coordinated institutes of several days’ duration, designed to immerse the friends in the ocean of the Sacred Writings.
The results of these in-depth institutes have been extremely encouraging. Without exception, Bahá’ís who have attended the sessions have stated that they have gained a much more profound understanding of the Holy Word, feel they have tapped a deeper source within them, and have acquired a fuller understanding of the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh for mankind.
These institutes are being carefully evaluated by the National Teaching Committee for use in mass teaching areas where enrollments have occurred rapidly and deepening of the new believers is urgently needed.
Institutes have already been conducted in South Carolina, Idaho, and the North Dakota/Minnesota area. Another institute is planned for Oklahoma during the latter part of July, and tentative plans are being made for additional institutes in other mass teaching areas in the South and Southwest.
All of these institutes have proved to be extremely exciting and stimulating. In fact, the primary concern of the Committee’s Minority Teaching Office, which has the responsibility of coordinating these institutes, is that the spiritual effects of this deep study into the Writings are properly balanced and channeled into practical applications.
While the nation is being swept by a fundamentalist revival movement, with the Pentacostalists speaking in different tongues and entering states of trance, it is extremely important that these Bahá’í institutes do not become involved in psychic phenomena.
In order to assure the effectiveness of the institutes, the National Spiritual Assembly has suggested the following:
- That the institutes be closely coordinated by the National Teaching Committee,
- That personal objectives be clearly defined at the beginning of the institutes,
- That married couples endeavor to attend together,
- That participants must at all times live the Bahá’í life; that their conduct must be in accordance with Bahá’í standards, and that they must assist with the work of the institute, such as washing dishes, cleaning, chopping wood, etc.
- That the institutes should not be known as “9-Day Institutes” nor have any importance or significance attached to the numbers 9 or 19 with regard to duration or number of participants,
- That participants be of diverse backgrounds and ages if possible,
- That each participant be encouraged to defray as much of the expense of an institute as is possible,
- That individuals be assisted in setting goals and assigned specific teaching projects at the completion of the institute.
NOTE: A Guideline for setting up these institutes will be provided on request by the National Teaching Committee’s Minority Teaching Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. All institutes of more than 3 or 4 days’ duration should be coordinated with the approval of the National Teaching Committee.
DR. KAZEMZADEH (continued from page 1)
Dr. Kazemzadeh stressed the importance of Bahá’í conduct and courtesy if we (Bahá’ís in America) are indeed to lead the world spiritually. Dr. Kazemzadeh quoted from the writings of Shoghi Effendi and pointed out some of the deteriorating conditions in America cited by the Guardian such as: crass materialism, moral decadence, lack of parental control, moral laxity, rising divorce rate, etc. Everyone living in America is affected by these conditions and the living environment such conditions create. It is to the degree in which Bahá’ís can reflect the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in their personal lives that continued victories will be assured, civilization advanced, and the dignity and glory of the Faith preserved.
Dr. Kazemzadeh visited Bahá’ís in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos, New Mexico; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Santa Ana, Burbank, and San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Denver, Colorado.
Bahá’í Film Shown at 13th Annual American Film Festival[edit]
The film IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING was shown at the 13th Annual American Film Festival held in New York City, May 11-15, 1971. It was entered under the category of Religious Topics. Blue Ribbon prizes were not awarded in this category; however, a certificate that the film was shown in the Festival was sent to the National Bahá’í Center.
The following is the latest available report on the showings of the two Bahá’í films being distributed through Modern Talking Picture Service, Inc.
A NEW WIND for an eleven-month period ending April 30, 1971 had 2,274 showings with a total of 97,612 viewers. Some 50,000 of the viewers were youth. The film is being shown mostly in high schools.
IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING for a five-month period ending April 30, 1971 had 1,062 showings with 31,450 viewers of which some 15,000 were youth. High schools are again the big users. Up to June 30, there have been 54 television showings of the film reaching an estimated audience of 2,150,000 viewers. Recent television stations showing the film include those in Portland, Maine; Columbia, South Carolina; Charleston, West Virginia; Evansville, Indiana; Ottumwa, Iowa; Corpus Christi, Texas; Sterling, Colorado; Pocatello, Idaho; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, New York; and Helena, Montana.
Both films are listed in Modern’s new catalog on Free Loan Films for Church Groups and in the Spring Catalog of Free-Loan Educational Films. Modern’s TV Cue Sheet, dated June/July 1971, sent to all U.S. television stations, gives a plug to the film IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING.
Some comments on the youth film received from viewers include the following: “Good insight into a movement, opens up areas of discussion for thinking youth.” “I certainly appreciate having such good films to use in my classroom.” Some 16 different organizations viewing the film were asked to rate the film and did so as follows: Excellent 6; Good 8; Fair 1; Poor 1.
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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 prior to 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. |
Fort Peck Indians Receive Proclamation[edit]
THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH was presented to the Tribal Chairman, Mr. William Youpee, by members of the Poplar Bahá’í Group. This Group attained Assembly status at Riḍván 1971.
The presentation was reported in the local newspaper, POPLAR STANDARD, which read: “PEACE COMMEMORATION - In commemoration of the presentation of a book first given to world leaders over 100 years ago by Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í religion, in which he asked for world peace and understanding, members of the Bahá’í Faith presented William Youpee, Fort Peck Tribal Chairman, a copy of that book. Pictured left to right: Mr. Youpee, Mrs. Effie Two Bulls, Mr. Dick Watson.”
Mrs. Two Bulls is the aunt of Mr. Youpee, and Mr. Watson is a pioneer in Poplar.
Proposed Regional Youth Committees Cancelled[edit]
After thorough consultation on the proposed purpose, duties, and responsibilities of regional youth committees, the National Teaching Committee decided not to appoint such youth committees this year. The Committee noted that more and more Local Spiritual Assemblies are establishing local youth committees and that youth are active on District Teaching Committees as well as on the National Teaching Committee itself. The Office of Youth and Student Activities of the National Teaching Committee will be focused on reaching more of the world’s searching youth on college, high school, and junior high school campuses. These activities, coupled with the role youth have played and are now playing in direct teaching and deepening projects throughout the country, suggest that an added administrative agency is not a necessity, particularly in light of the available channels for youth activities. This decision parallels the earlier decision to abolish the Area Youth Committees.
O God! Educate these children. These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they may be trained, grow and develop and appear in the utmost beauty. Thou art the Giver! Thou art the Compassionate!
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
U.S. Swiss Project Rocks Europe[edit]
Thirty Bahá’í youth from the United States, together with Bahá’ís from Switzerland, are presently spread out in teams throughout Switzerland and are telling the people about Bahá’u’lláh. This summer teaching project is being directed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, through a Coordinating Committee, and received the cooperation and assistance of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, through its International Goals Committee. During the first few days of the project, 15 new believers were reported!
The United States youth will return home September 5 after attending the Icelandic Conference in Reykjavik.
Although a final report on all summer youth projects will be given this fall, we are happy to share this brief, but exciting photo report with the Bahá’í community. The people of the Old World are responding to the call of the New World! Remember Europe in your prayers.
1. Mr. Daniel Schaubacher, Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland, introduces the members of the National Coordinating Committee, which was appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to coordinate the project. From left to right: Margery Seiffert, Ursula Namdar, Claude Hunziker, and Samin Khamsi (missing - Janet Lindstrom).
2. Mr. Schaubacher introducing Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel.
3. Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel and his charming wife, Ursula, an Auxiliary Board Member.
4. Under the shade of God’s Love? Clyde Williams of Detroit, Michigan, with the daughter of the innkeeper in Schaffhausen. The little girl kept asking Clyde in the local dialect, “Doesn’t the sun bother you? Are you not hot?” He did not understand the language, so he simply smiled at her. She ran back into the house and got her mother’s umbrella, which she opened, attempting to keep the sun off him, but all she accomplished was to repeatedly stick him in the eye with the corners of the umbrella. Clyde reached down, scooped her up, placed her on his lap, and they both happily listened to the speaker with no further interruption.
5. This team’s job is to travel between a few cities. It is also the group around which the majority of the publicity will be centered. From left to right, kneeling: Mrs. Mühlschlegel, Tara Hollingsworth, Jennifer Keller, and John Paul Vader. Standing: Dr. Mühlschlegel, Margery Seiffert, Amin Khamsi, Poya Khamsi, Kazam Samandari, and Carolyn Cheeks.
6. This is the Vernier team. From left to right: Nancy Gunderson, Kay Duiker, Caron Chandler, Kathy Hampton, Brin Barry, Dave Simmons, Gene Hendershot, and Bob Phillips, American Coordinator of the project.
7. When these young teachers put on a song fest, they do it right. They sit and sing, and play and sing, and their beautiful spirit draws people from the streets.
8. The Fribourg team stops to buy cherries from a farmer and, of course, gives the Message.
9. The farmer’s wife and son offer fresh strawberries, and the fireside continues.
10. Family accepts Message!
11. Family shelling beans on the front doorstep receives the Message.
12. Jean Luc, one of the new believers in Fribourg, stops youth on the street at night to tell them of Bahá’u’lláh and invite them to sing at a song fest.
13. Shanta Murday explains some of the principles of the Faith in French to a young man attracted first of all by the music.
14. Another young man invited to the song fest later accepts Bahá’u’lláh’s Message.
15. Team admiring the workmanship of a hand-carved cart, made by the children’s father. The children’s mother was later given the Message.
16. After a European Pop Festival where Linda Marshall spoke to the public—mostly youth—for about five minutes, small groups assembled outside to learn more about the Bahá’í Faith.
[Page 6-7]
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CASEY WALTON
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT BLUM
National Bahá’í Center Site of First District Teaching Committee Conference[edit]
On the weekends of July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, and July 31-August 1, 1971, representative members of the newly appointed District Teaching Committees from the Southern States, Western States, Central States, and Northeastern States, respectively, met at the National Bahá’í Center to prepare for the homefront teaching objectives that lie ahead.
The conference agenda included talks on the urgency of the times, district teaching committee organization, national teaching organization, the role of the National Bahá’í Center in teaching, a four-hour tour of the National Bahá’í Center (Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Bahá’í Home, House of Worship, Public Information Office, Archives, National Spiritual Assembly Secretariat, Membership and Records, and offices of the Treasurer, the National Properties Committee, the International Goals Committee, and the National Teaching Committee), a review of available teaching and deepening materials, the role of youth, THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í, the spiritual challenge of the Fund, the State Convention, minority teaching, direct and mass teaching, consolidation of Bahá’í groups and new Local Spiritual Assemblies, regional offices, and the assignment of goals to each District Teaching Committee.
The conferences were highlighted by a visit to the council chamber of the National Spiritual Assembly and a warm and personal greeting from Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary, who explained the joys and concerns of the National Spiritual Assembly.
District Teaching Committees:[edit]
PURPOSE:[edit]
- Open new localities to the Faith.
- Develop isolated centers into functioning Bahá’í Groups.
- Assist Bahá’í Groups to attain Assembly status.
- Nurture new Assemblies to handle basic teaching and administrative activities.
- Assist with jeopardized Assemblies when directed by the National Teaching Committee, and/or its Regional Offices.
DUTIES:[edit]
- Assist new Assemblies, Bahá’í Groups, and isolated believers in:
- proclamation activities
- minority teaching
- observances of Bahá’í Holy Days and Feasts
- deepening
- Encourage participation among new Assemblies, Bahá’í Groups, and isolated believers in giving to the National Bahá’í Fund.
- Cooperate with and take full advantage of the services of the special Minority Teaching Committees.
- Lend support to, or initiate intercommunity activities involving Bahá’í Groups and isolated believers, and cooperate with intercommunity activities involving Local Spiritual Assemblies.
- Lend support and/or implement special assignments as may be requested; e.g., State Convention.
RESPONSIBILITIES:[edit]
- Enroll new believers who live outside the jurisdiction of a Local Spiritual Assembly.
- Maintain mailing lists of isolated believers, members of Bahá’í Groups, and Group correspondents.
- Report changes of address and changes in status (marriages, deaths, etc.) to the National Bahá’í Center.
- Systematically schedule circuit and consolidation teachers.
- Produce and distribute a bulletin or newsletter on statewide Bahá’í activities.
- Initiate conferences, seminars, and institutes.
- Coordinate the calendar of activities with the respective Regional Office of the National Teaching Committee.
NOTE:
District Teaching Committees may receive and disburse funds on behalf of Committee functions but should not solicit funds. District Teaching Committees receive their budgets from the National Bahá’í Fund. In instances of events of districtwide interest and benefit, District Teaching Committees may make known to the Bahá’ís at large the overall budget for that activity should the friends want to contribute toward its expense.
National Teaching Committee
July 1971
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SCOTT BIVANS
“Confirm the Victories” Conference[edit]
BLACK MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
Approximately 150 people from seven states gathered to discuss “The Spirit and Work of Consolidating in Areas of Mass Teaching.” Miss Edna True, member of the Continental Board of Counselors for North America, gave many insights into the immediate needs and concerns as large-scale enrollments continue to grow. She constantly urged the friends to encourage each other in the work, no matter how gloomy and burdensome the tasks. Miss True showered much love and warmth on all of the friends. Those who arrived late in the evening still had the bounty of hearing her tell wonderful stories of the Master and Shoghi Effendi.
Miss Thelma Thomas
Auxiliary Board Members, Mrs. Jane McCants and Miss Thelma Thomas; National Spiritual Assembly member, Miss Magdalene Carney; and several Deep South Committee members also shared spots on the program.
A session which brought several District Teaching Committees together for a sharing of ideas, problems, and solutions proved very fruitful.
This conference left the friends with a feeling of great unity, the ability to avoid past errors, and a desire to confirm the victories already won by engaging more time in the “deeper thrust” called for in the whole arena of teaching. It was clearly emphasized throughout the Conference that we must build the Bahá’í institutions at the local level or else the justice that must come into the world will have no channel. With the entry of thousands of believers into the Cause, we must make a concerted effort to build the institutions; otherwise, we will retard the progress and growth of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, the Kingdom of God on earth. Any and every sacrifice is needed now.
Periscope[edit]
A weekend of mass teaching in Amarillo, TEXAS, resulted in a rich harvest of 102 new believers, most of whom are Spanish-speaking.
Returning to two small towns, Shellman and Cuthbert, GEORGIA, where teams of teachers had gone into the field several months ago to tell the people about Bahá’u’lláh, the District Teaching Committee of Southern Georgia sponsored a meeting which included a picnic and a showing of the film “It’s Just the Beginning.” A total of 16 people accepted the Message. Arrangements were made immediately to return to the same meeting place in each town the following week when slides would be shown and the new believers would learn more about the Faith and how a Bahá’í Community grows. One of the major tasks the Committee has undertaken is to return to the places where mass teaching has already been done so that arrangements can be set up for deepening the new believers.
Lincolnville, SOUTH CAROLINA, was recently opened to the Faith during a weekend teaching conference sponsored by the District 2 Teaching Committee. There are three new believers in Lincolnville; Ladson and Summerville have an additional three each.
The Center for the Study of Human Potential, School of Education, University of MASSACHUSETTS, directed by Dr. Daniel C. Jordan, has received a $175,000 grant to develop the specifications for the ANISA Early Childhood Education Model and the teacher training program based on those specifications. A staff has now been assembled at the University and work is in progress. Dr. Jordan serves as Project Director, Dr. Donald Streets is serving as Associate Project Director. The grant comes from the New England Program in Teacher Education. Dr. Dwight Allen, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts, and Dr. Streets serve on the Board for the New England Program in Teacher Education.
- El Paso, Texas; and Juarez, Mexico Bahá’ís at Teaching Conference and Picnic in Juarez on June 20, 1971.
- Five new believers and children. The four ladies in front are from Juarez, and the lady in the background is from El Paso.
S. California Summer School[edit]
“IT WAS A GREAT SCHOOL!”
The Southern California Bahá’í School Committee held its 8th Annual Summer Session July 3-10 at Idyllwild Pines Camp in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. A total of 284 people registered, which included 145 full-time students and visitors coming for a day or for an evening.
The morning classes were extraordinarily stimulating and thought-provoking. One such class on “Getting to Know Oneself” was given by Mrs. Marion West; and another, on the same subject, by Mr. Homayoun Mahmoudi. Exploration into the spirit and form of the Administrative Order and the Divine Institutions was conducted by Auxiliary Board Member, Mrs. Margaret Gallagher.
In addition to the regularly scheduled morning classes, there were elective classes and workshops in the afternoon, including such subjects as “The Literature of the Faith” and “How to Teach the Faith More Effectively,” which provided training for developing new teachers. There were also discussion sessions for different ages, and an extra bonus was the opportunity to hear a young man who had served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of Ṭehrán speak of the “Holy Local Assembly,” with great humility, and with such reverence and respect for this Divine Institution.
In the afternoons, also, there were planned recreational activities, including swimming, sports, and games, and one youth class produced a daily camp news bulletin called “Unity Press.” In addition, there was time for conversation, meditation, and study.
The after-dinner campfire was a time for family togetherness. Each early evening program was planned by children of different grades, with adults and children participating in the skits, songs, and “fun things.” Geraldine Jones, Blanche Grant, and Bob Gundry also contributed their special musical talents.
The late evening programs included a panel presentation on mass teaching; slide programs; an exciting and exhilarating description of the highlights of the Jamaica Conference presented by Auxiliary Board Member, Mrs. Margaret Gallagher; and a vibrant and challenging talk on “How to Do Mass Teaching” by Mr. Paul Pettit, Auxiliary Board Member from Texas.
One evening there was a dance, which was climaxed by the oldsters and youngsters joining in an old-fashioned Virginia Reel. It was a noisy but happy evening. The dance ended at 10 p.m. with a prayer and a Persian chant. The children were then promptly bedded, and the clean-up crew swung into action. The large auditorium was swept; chairs were placed for the morning devotions and classes; the lights were out, the doors closed, and the camp was quiet by 10:20 p.m. This was truly an example of Bahá’í community spirit.
The deeply moving observance of the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb was the spiritual highlight of this year’s summer school.
We are overjoyed to report also that four declarations of Faith were received during the one-week session.
South California Bahá’í School Committee
EDITORS NOTE:
Photographs by Paul Slaughter gratefully acknowledged.
Race Unity Day Activities[edit]
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA[edit]
A Race Unity Festival in El Cajon, California, attracted a large gathering, which included about 200 Indians, Mexican-Americans, blacks, and one Oriental person. The festivities included a picnic, games, and performances by Cupa Indian singers and dancers, and a Latin American Folk Dance Group. Between performances, Bahá’í prayers were said in Spanish, Japanese, and English.
Follow-up teaching included firesides in both English and Spanish and a program featuring the Bahá’í film, “It’s Just the Beginning.” The fruits of this endeavor are four new believers, the first Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís in El Cajon!
TENNESSEE[edit]
About 45 Bahá’ís and friends attended a statewide Race Unity Day picnic in Montgomery Bell State Park in Tennessee, drawing friends from as far away as Knoxville and Memphis—opposite ends of the State. As one of the friends remarked, “It was the most successful state picnic we’ve ever had, even if it did get rained out!”
EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE[edit]
Exeter, New Hampshire, Bahá’ís proclaim Race Unity Day.
Bahá’í News Going On Subscription Basis[edit]
BAHÁ’Í NEWS will be distributed to members of the American Bahá’í community on a subscription basis beginning October 1, 1971. The yearly subscription rate will be $6.00.
This decision was reached by the National Spiritual Assembly for purely economic reasons. Ever since its first appearance in 1924, this international publication has been mailed to the American believers free of charge. However, the accelerated growth of the community makes it impossible for the National Fund to continue to bear the heavy production costs. During the last fiscal year, the production of BAHÁ’Í NEWS cost $62,000. In 1970, the monthly run was 21,500 copies; by early 1971 this figure had to be increased to 33,500. It is the hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that subscriptions will meet a large portion, if not all, of the production costs.
The decision to put BAHÁ’Í NEWS on a subscription basis will not affect the free, monthly distribution of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í to all believers in the United States.
Shoghi Effendi expressed the hope that BAHÁ’Í NEWS would “become the foremost Bahá’í journal of the world” and advised that it “should be made as representative as possible,... replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse interest among believers... in every corner of the globe.” BAHÁ’Í NEWS has striven to live up to these objectives, which are supported by the expressed wish of The Universal House of Justice that its publication be continued. The journal provides an effective means of communicating to believers in every land the worldwide progress of the Faith and thereby stimulates the work of the Cause everywhere. As an historical record, BAHÁ’Í NEWS is valuable for research and is indexed annually.
A positive response to this new development in its life is necessary if BAHÁ’Í NEWS is to continue to fulfill its vital purpose. The friends everywhere are therefore urged to send in their subscriptions now, and certainly by September 12, so that they can receive the October issue.
Treasurer’s Corner[edit]
Following our most successful and fruitful Treasurer’s Institutes held nationwide, it has come to our attention that many of the friends wish detailed illustrations of expenditures of the Fund in order to experience from their contributions a more tangible connection.
In this issue, we shall briefly outline some of the areas in which expenses are incurred to meet our international commitments. Each of the following has a specific allocation in our current budget:
THE BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL FUND supports the administrative activities of The Universal House of Justice and the maintenance of Bahá’í Holy Places and their surroundings. It also provides support to 60 percent of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the world.
THE CONTINENTAL BAHÁ’Í FUND supports the activities of the Hands of the Cause, the Continental Boards of Counsellors, and their Auxiliary Boards.
THE INTERNATIONAL DEPUTIZATION FUND provides support for pioneering efforts throughout the world and is administered under the direction of The Universal House of Justice.
Contributions to the PANAMA TEMPLE FUND assure the expeditious completion of this beautiful temple and the realization of another important goal of the Nine Year Plan.
It is our intention to deal individually in future articles with specific areas where monies are expended, and we hope the friends will find the articles interesting and enlightening.
The Universal House of Justice in its letter dated December 29, 1970, to the Followers of Bahá’u’lláh in every land stated:
“...The backbone of the Fund must be the regular contributions of every believer. Even though such contributions may be small because of the poverty of the donors, large numbers of small sums combine into a mighty river that can carry along the work of the Cause. Moreover, the unity of the friends in sacrifice draws upon them the confirmations of the Blessed Beauty...”
This theme of universal participation in regular, sacrificial giving must remain the constant focus of our intentions and actions. Your prayers and devoted efforts in support of the Bahá’í Fund are vitally important.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS[edit]
This balanced distribution of the funds of our Faith assures our steady progress toward our goals. A steady stream of dollars to be divided up in this way speeds this progress.
| INGREDIENTS (From Each Dollar) |
YIELD FOR UNIVERSAL CONSUMPTION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| $.37 | Support of the World Centre and international teaching efforts including pioneering | $ | 833,000 |
| .22 | Support of national teaching and consolidation work including the activities of the Public Information Committee, National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Committee, Bahá’í Schools Committee, District Teaching Committees and Regional Teaching Committees | 495,500 | |
| .16 | Support of the administrative activities of the National Spiritual Assembly | 361,000 | |
| .12 | Maintenance and improvement of national Bahá’í properties including the Bahá’í House of Worship, National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Administrative Offices, and Bahá’í Schools | 266,000 | |
| .11 | Elimination of deficits accumulated from prior years | 250,000 | |
| .02 | Provision for important unanticipated expenses as the Faith expands | 44,500 | |
| ——— | ——— | ||
| $1.00 | $2,250,000 | ||
All the tender fruits are from one tree, and are in such demand and are being consumed so rapidly there is an urgent need to nurture and assure its continual growth. This balanced distribution of the funds of our Faith assures our steady progress toward our goals. A steady stream of dollars to be divided up in this way speeds this progress.
Youth Faced With Special Challenge[edit]
Mírzá Mihdí—The Purest Branch
by Adíb Táhirzádeh
“FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE BAHÁ’Í ERA, YOUTH HAVE PLAYED A VITAL PART IN THE PROMULGATION OF GOD’S REVELATION..., THE PUREST BRANCH YIELDED UP HIS LIFE AT THE AGE OF TWENTY-TWO THAT THE SERVANTS OF GOD MIGHT BE QUICKENED, AND ALL THAT DWELL ON EARTH BE UNITED.” (WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE p. 92)
In the early years of the Bahá’í Dispensation, where in Persia acts of heroism and sacrifice by a small band of dedicated and ardent followers of the Báb were reaching their climax, and the authorities and ecclesiastics were launching savage attacks on the members of this small, yet highly vigorous community, persecuting and killing many of its adherents, both high and low, a son was born to Bahá’u’lláh and His wife Ásíyih Khánum. This child, born in Tihrán in the very house in which Bahá’u’lláh Himself, more than thirty years before, had been born, was given the name Mírzá Mihdí, after a brother of Bahá’u’lláh who had died almost a year before. Later, the Pen of the Most High bestowed upon him the title of the “Purest Branch.”
Unlike his older brother, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mírzá Mihdí could not remember a life of luxury in Tihrán, for when he was about three years old his Father was imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál, and all the Family’s possessions were confiscated by the enemies of God’s infant Faith. During the four months that Bahá’u’lláh lay in that dismal dungeon, the Holy Family spent their days in anguish and fear, not knowing what would happen to Him. Often frightened and anxious, this child, tender in age and delicate by nature, found his only shelter and refuge within the arms of a loving and devoted mother; but soon providence would deprive him of this also.
As the exile of Bahá’u’lláh to Baghdád necessitated hardships and sufferings unbearable for a child as delicate as Mírzá Mihdí, he had to be left behind in Tihrán. For seven years he endured the agony of separation from his glorious Father. It seems that at this early age, through sufferings and calamities, his soul was being prepared to play a major part, at a later time, in the establishment of his Father’s Kingdom on this earth.
Mírzá Mihdí was taken to Baghdád to join the Family in the year 1860. It was in that city that this pure and holy youth, noted for his meekness, came in touch with the Divine Spirit and was magnetized by the energizing forces of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation. From that time on, he devoted every moment of his life to the service of his heavenly Father. He was Bahá’u’lláh’s companion in Baghdád, Adrianople, and ‘Akká, and served Him as an amanuensis towards the end of his life, leaving to posterity some Tablets and Books in his own handwriting. The last ten years of his life were filled with the hardships and sufferings inflicted on Bahá’u’lláh and His companions in the course of three successive banishments from Baghdád to ‘Akká.
The Purest Branch looked very much like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and throughout his short and eventful life, he displayed the same spiritual qualities which distinguished his illustrious brother. The believers loved and venerated him as they did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
At ‘Akká, the Purest Branch lived in the barracks close to his Father. Every afternoon he used to attain the presence of Bahá’u’lláh to serve as his amanuensis. And when revelation had ceased, it was his custom to go up on the roof and, in that open space, pace up and down, in meditation and prayer.
One afternoon, in June 1870, Bahá’u’lláh informed him that no Tablet would be revealed on that day and that instead he could go onto the roof to pray. It was on that fateful evening, as he paced the roof while wrapped in meditation, that he fell through an unguarded skylight onto a wooden crate placed on the floor beneath. His ribs were pierced; he bled profusely from his mouth, and his thighs were so badly broken that his clothes could only be removed by tearing them from him.
Having the whole of creation within His mighty grasp, Bahá’u’lláh asked His dying son, at his bedside, if he desired to live. His immediate response was to beg Bahá’u’lláh to accept his life as a ransom for all the believers who were deprived of attaining the presence of their Lord, that he might offer himself as a sacrifice for the opening of the gates of the Most Great Prison. This request—related to some remarks by Bahá’u’lláh prior to this event, intimating to those who were in His presence that the gates of the prison would be opened to His loved ones if a sacrifice were made—was accepted by his grieving Father. The Purest Branch died 22 hours after his fall, on the evening of June 23, 1870. He was then 22 years old.
Thus ended the life of one who “was created of the light of Bahá,” whose birth had taken place during some of the darkest hours in the history of the Faith, whose infancy had been spent within the cradle of adversity, whose soul, at an early age, had been set aglow with the fire of ordeal and remoteness, whose days of joy were spent in exile and within the walls of a prison, and whose tragic death had clothed him with the crimson vesture of sacrifice, shedding thereby an imperishable lustre upon the Cause of his glorious Father.
The person who normally attended the body of the dead in ‘Akká refused to wash the Purest Branch. This task was therefore carried out in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh by His cousin, Mírzá Hasan, a devoted believer, who had come to ‘Akká to attain the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and to carry, as he had done on previous occasions, His Tablets to Tihrán and Mázindarán. The remains of the Purest Branch, escorted by the prison guards, were carried out of the barracks and laid to rest outside the city wall in Nabí Sálih, a Muslim cemetery.
After his tragic death, the mother of the Purest Branch mourned the passing of her son, weeping incessantly. It was not until being assured by Bahá’u’lláh that God had accepted her son as a ransom that the believers might attain the presence of their Beloved, and that mankind as a whole be quickened, that that noble and saintly mother was consoled, and her weeping ceased.
Four months after the martyrdom of the Purest Branch, the gates of the Most Great Prison were opened, and Bahá’u’lláh and His companions left the prison barracks. Restrictions were relaxed, and many of the believers from Persia were able to come and attain His presence.
The blood-stained clothes of the Purest Branch are among the precious relics gathered by the hands of his devoted sister, the Greatest Holy Leaf, and left for posterity as a silent witness to this great sacrifice.
There are some great mysteries in creation, the wisdom of which will remain obscure in this life. One such mystery is that of sacrifice, and as long as we remain in this mortal frame, we shall never know its full spiritual significance.
“At this very moment,” Bahá’u’lláh declared, “My son is being crushed before My face, after Our having sacrificed him in the Most Great Prison.” In a prayer revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the martyrdom of the Purest Branch is regarded as an act of atonement to be associated with the Person of the Author of this Dispensation, and which should be viewed in the same light as the intended sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham, of Jesus Christ in Christianity, and of the Imám Husayn in Islám and the Báb in the Bábi Dispensation.
“Thou art, verily, the trust of God and His treasure in this land,” is another testimony of Bahá’u’lláh concerning His martyred son. “Ere long will God reveal through thee that which He hath desired... When thou wast laid to rest in the earth, the earth itself trembled in its longing to meet thee... Were we to recount the mysteries of thine ascension, they that are asleep would awaken, and all beings would be set ablaze with the fire of the remembrance of My Name, the Mighty, the Loving.”
In many prayers and Tablets, Bahá’u’lláh has extolled the station of the Purest Branch and glorified his name. In a prayer revealed on the day of his martyrdom, He astonishingly asserts: “I have, O my Lord, offered up that which Thou hast given Me, that Thy servants may be quickened and all that dwell on earth be united.”
Quoting this passage, the beloved Guardian, in a letter addressed to the believers in the East,... ...has made a remarkable comment, that the quickening of the peoples of the world, the unity of the nations, and the oneness of mankind—which are the primary and principal objectives of this Revelation—will all be realised through the mysterious forces released by the sacrifice of the Purest Branch.
“Bahá’í Journal” 199, London
The history of our beloved Faith is studded with the heroic deeds of valiant youths. Bold were the lives which were snuffed out; pure were the souls which were sacrificed.
Today we are called upon to endure a living martyrdom. From our ranks must emerge youth who will manifest the qualities of the steadfast Badí‘, the courageous Ṭáhirih, and the valiant Quddús. We have a great mission and we must fulfill it. We share the weighty responsibility for the “progress of the movement.” We must arise and, through prayer, deeds, and unshakable faith, proclaim the Name of Bahá’u’lláh. This is our Divine Task!
We are the standard-bearers of the Name of God; we must become lamps of brilliance in this darkened day. “O God! Make this youth illumined and this weak one strong!...”
With the final and dramatic phase of the Nine Year Plan fast approaching completion, let each one of us challenge himself with the soul-searching questions: What can I do, and what steps must I take to accomplish this? Let us refer to WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE and study the letter from The Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’í youth in every land, and ask ourselves:
- Is my character truly mirroring forth the standards of Bahá’u’lláh, for increasingly we must be the stalwart pillars of righteousness and forbearance?
- Am I teaching the Faith—especially to my fellow youth, for truly we are all on a quest, in pursuit of knowledge and experience? Parched and waiting are the souls we will meet along the way.
- Am I preparing myself effectively, appropriately, and intelligently to serve mankind, advance civilization and further the Cause of God, for it is our dedication to these ends which will unleash the power as yet hidden within our potential?
In addition, we must participate as “one soul in one body” in the life of this Cause. Singularly and triumphantly, we must conquer our private spiritual battles. Sacrificially and ardently, we must contribute to the Fund. Purposefully and vigilantly, we must harmonize our inner lives with those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.
The Purest Branch was a true lover who arose to discharge his share of the weighty mission entrusted to all Bahá’ís. May we, through our actions, become that treasure which Bahá’u’lláh promised would be raised up from the land by the ransom of His son. Please God, we may achieve it! We shall not fail!
Office of Youth and Student Activities
112 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH by H. M. Balyuzi. A George Ronald book available for the first time through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. The first essay is a brief but moving introduction to Bahá’u’lláh’s life, exiles, and major Writings. The second essay explores the nature and purpose of the Station of the Manifestations of God and Their impact on history. It also discusses the covenants which God makes with His Manifestations and with man, and those which the Manifestations in turn make with Their followers. The two sections evoke moving spiritual insights.
Cloth.......$2.75
Order through your local Bahá’í Librarian when possible. Orders under $5.00 add postage and handling fee of $.30. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Pioneering Opportunities[edit]
THE UKRAINE[edit]
If you are specializing in Russian Studies and can pioneer to the Ukraine, please contact:
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
The Ukraine is one of the unfilled goals of the TEN YEAR CRUSADE. This is a difficult post in which to place Bahá’ís and we are anxious to find believers who fill the above requirements.
ARE YOU OF SCANDINAVIAN DESCENT?[edit]
If you are and can pioneer to the land of your ancestry (Denmark, Finland, or Norway), please contact:
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 112 Linden Avenue
LWilmette, IL 60091
Teaching the Faith in these countries is easier for those whose heritage is Scandinavian.
ARE YOU SELF-SUPPORTING?[edit]
Are you receiving social security or pension benefits; or are you a self-supporting college student in your junior or senior year?
Imagine the teaching work you could do at a pioneering goal on that income! You could live in many places where no work is available, or you could continue your education and pioneer at the same time. In this way, the funds that are presently assigned for deputization could be used for filling collaboration goals, international travel teaching activities, and other special projects assigned to the United States community in the Nine Year Plan.
If you are self-supporting, or a student willing and financially able to attend school abroad, please contact:
|
HAVE YOU SENT IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO BAHÁ’Í NEWS? |
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
In This Issue
AUGUST 1971
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASCENSION OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
NSA MEMBER VISITS WESTERN REGION
STATE CONVENTION DATES
DISTRICT TEACHING COMMITTEE BRIEFINGS
SPECIAL DEEPENING INSTITUTES
SWISS PROJECT ROCKS EUROPE
RACE UNITY DAY ACTIVITIES
SPECIAL YOUTH PAGE
