The American Bahá’í/Volume 20/Issue 11/Text

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[Page 1]From the Universal House of Justice

Guidelines on combating widespread problem of illiteracy

To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Holy Word has been extolled by the Prophets of God as the medium of celestial power and the wellspring of all spiritual, social and material progress. Access to it, constant study of it and daily use of it in our individual lives are vital to the inner personal transformation toward which we strive and whose ultimate outer manifestation will be the emergence of that divine civilization which is the promise of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The blessings which flow from the Word of God are implicit in this instruction of Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Mother Book of His Revelation: “Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths.” Again in the same book, He bids us recite the “verses of God every morning and evening.” An astonishing insight as to the sublime influence of the revealed Word is conveyed in this further instruction gleaned from one of His Tablets: “Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all men. Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb. Though he may, at first, remain unaware of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace vouchsafed unto him must needs sooner or later exercise its influence upon his soul.”

The most immediate access to the dynamic influence of the sacred Word is through reading. The ability to read is therefore a fundamental right and privilege of every human being. Bahá’u’lláh promotes this right in His command to parents to ensure the instruction of their sons and daughters in the “art of reading and writing.” For this essential reason, in our last Riḍván message we called attention to the need for systematic attention to be given to eventually eliminating illiteracy from the Bahá’í community. This matter must assume its proper importance as a continuing objective of that community.

Let each National and local Spiritual Assembly, according to necessity and circumstance, address itself to this ob- See LITERACY page 2

The American Bahá’í

‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’ — Bahá’u’lláh Volume 20, No. 11 November 1989

Gregory Institute aids neighbors hard hit by Hurricane Hugo

The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute is establishing warm friendships with people all over southeastern South Carolina following the destruction left in September by Hurricane Hugo.

During the storm many local residents went to the Institute for shelter and stayed in the dormitories. Now, as South Carolinians try to rebuild, and as vital resources remain in short supply, the Institute is playing a key role in distributing food, water, clothing and other badly needed supplies to hundreds of people.

In addition, an “LGI Hurricane See HUGO page 2

Assembly development is goal of conferences

About 75 Bahá’ís from 21 communities in the Chicago area gathered October 7-8 at the House of Worship in Wilmette for a Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conference, one of a dozen such events sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly in localities which hosted Vision to Victory conferences last year.

The main purpose of these conferences is to focus attention on Assembly development as a part of the maturation of local and national Bahá’í communities called for by the Universal House of Justice in the Six Year Plan.

A special guest speaker at the conference in Wilmette was Dr. David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice who was visiting the area on vacation with his wife, Margaret.

In his talk, Dr. Ruhe drew special attention to the compilation on the Nineteen Day Feast recently made available by the House of Justice, underscoring the importance of the Feast in developing local Assemblies and strengthening Bahá’í communities.

Other speakers at the conference included Counselor Robert Harris and Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Mr. Harris emphasized the spiritual significance and station of the institutions of the Faith, saying that, in this day, God has chosen the local and National Spiritual Assemblies to act as His hands to help carry out His Plan on earth.

On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, those at the conference were divided into small groups to attend workshop sessions on “Consultation,” “the Prayer for Spiritual Assemblies,” and “the Application of Spiritual Principles.”

The workshops are part of a series of modules designed for Spiritual Assembly development that are available to local communities from Auxiliary Board members or from specially designated teachers who have been asked to See DEVELOPMENT page 2

New Assembly guidelines published

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the publication of Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies. This publication represents a significant advance toward achieving one of the three selected priority goals of the Six Year Plan: the maturation of Spiritual Assemblies.

Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities, an entirely new publication that replaces Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, is an up-to-date compilation of about 450 pages designed to aid the organization and functioning of local Spiritual Assemblies.

It consists primarily of writings from the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, many of which are published for the first time. Also included are suggestions and general guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly to ‎carify clarify‎ the manner in which the administration of the Faith presently operates in the U.S.

Susan Fox of the Bahá’í National Center’s Office of the Secretary, who was involved in the preparation of the new manual, describes its purpose as that of a reference tool:

“Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities gives local Spiritual Assemblies easy access to the writings relevant to their concerns,” she says. “It allows them room to consult about their own unique set of circumstances and make their own decisions based on the principles found within the writings.”

Members of Spiritual Assemblies, says Mrs. Fox, will derive the most direct benefits from the new compilation whose 19 chapters cover such topics as the organization of the Assembly, community membership, the Feast, marriage, divorce, and relations with the government. One chapter is devoted to the important role of the local Assembly in developing distinctive Bahá’í communities.

The compilation is also an excellent reference text for anyone who wishes to investigate the writings on a particular topic, such as Bahá’í education or Bahá’í burial laws. Mrs. Fox says the manual could also be used in study classes, summer schools, and for personal deepening.

The publication is available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service in a looseleaf, three-hole punch format for $24.95 (binder not included). An index will be published at a future date and will be sent on request to those who purchase the manual.

Grassroots teaching institutes spring up, help revitalize individual teaching efforts

The American Bahá’í community is experiencing a revitalization of its teaching efforts through the development of teaching institutes.

This grassroots approach effectively links the simultaneous processes of teaching—expansion and consolidation—and focuses on the individual’s role in teaching.

Beginning a teaching institute is as simple as getting together with a few other Bahá’ís for the purpose of teaching. The core group meets to pray, study the writings, and strive to memorize the Creative Word.

In a teaching institute, the friends come together and begin to develop as a group and individually those special attributes and insights needed to help the Faith grow while working to raise up See INSTITUTES page 3

Atlanta strengthens bonds with King Center

By CAROLE MILLER In last month’s issue of The American Bahá’í were noted some of the wonderful opportunities for service at Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Change.

The beginnings of the growing spiritual bond between the Bahá’ís and the King Center began in January 1988 when the National Spiritual Assembly’s office in Washington, D.C., received a call from the executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission asking if the Bahá’ís would co-chair the Committee for Religious Involvement for the fourth commemoration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday in January 1989.

As a result, the committee was co-chaired last year by Joe Roberts, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. Wallace Carter of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs.

This year the National Spiritual Assembly was asked if the Bahá’ís would again co-chair the committee with Pastor Roberts, and Carole Miller of Atlanta was appointed by the National Assembly to be national co-chair for the King Federal Holiday in January 1990.

Dr. King’s widow, Coretta See ATLANTA page 3

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears hugs one of the more than 400 children he greeted and warmed with his love during the 30th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference in September. (See story on page 5) [Page 2]

Bahá’ís’ loving response comforts those devastated by Hurricane Hugo

To the American Bahá’í Community

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Hurricane Hugo shattered the lives of thousands in South Carolina. In a few short hours homes were destroyed, farms and crops ravaged, businesses and public works crippled. Food, clean water and shelter, the basic requirements of life, were unavailable to many.

Some saw the destruction as an opportunity for personal gain. They sold water, blankets and batteries for several times their true value. Others instantly arose to preserve life and administer relief.

The American Bahá’í community responded to the needs of South Carolina without hesitation. The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute became a shelter for dozens of families made homeless by the storm. Over 60 Bahá’í communities across the country sent food and clothing to the Institute by freight, van and even tractor-trailer. This has enabled Institute personnel to distribute goods to 1,500 people to date. Meanwhile, WLGI has broadcast a steady stream of information about relief services. The National Spiritual Assembly sent humanitarian contributions, assurances of its prayers, and offers of assistance to the governor of South Carolina and to the mayor of Charleston. After some discussion of long-term relief needs, Bahá’ís at the Institute are now undertaking a service project to help repair the damaged houses and trailers of area residents. Through the heroic efforts of the friends at the Louis G. Gregory Institute and others, the crisis brought on by the storm is slowly yielding to a spiritual victory, the strengthening of bonds of cooperation, and a growing understanding of the spirit of the Faith.

These days, no matter where we live, our communities are repeatedly battered by hurricanes of a different kind which, like Hugo, have powerfully destructive effects. They are the storms of estrangement, racial separation, and widespread unhappiness. They are the cold winds of personal isolation, homelessness and poverty, the breakdown of community life. They are the attitudes of aloofness born of the false security of wealth so easily blown away by powerful gusts of wind. They are the tempestuous winds of humanity’s heedlessness to the call of its Lord.

Our challenge is to intensify our relief efforts within and without the Bahá’í community; to diminish isolation and unhappiness through acts of loving kindness, prayer, and daily study of the Word of God; to erect a shelter capable of protecting all of mankind by completing the construction of the Arc and strengthening our Spiritual Assemblies; and to invite every soul to share the spiritual provisions of Bahá’u’lláh’s storehouse of plenty.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States November 4, 1989

P.S.—We are happy to report that our friends at the Bosch Bahá’í School are well, and we understand that the school itself sustained no damage from the earthquake that was centered in Santa Cruz, California. In addition, we have learned that the San Francisco Bahá’í Center suffered no structural damage.

Students meet Dr. and Mrs. Ruhe

Louhelen Residential Program begins third year over Labor Day weekend with Homecoming observance at school

The third year of the Louhelen Residential Program was opened over the Labor Day weekend during the 1989 Homecoming at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Davison, Michigan.

Twenty-one students from around the world including one Native American and four from South Carolina on scholarships provided by the National Spiritual Assembly are enrolled in the program.

Other students come from Alaska, Arizona, the Bahamas, California, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haifa, Haiti, Honduras, Sierra Leone, and West Virginia.

The Residential Program provides students with an opportunity to live, work and study in a Bahá’í school environment while taking degree-earning courses at one of two nearby colleges. It offers regular group study of the Bahá’í Writings, daily devotions, on-site tutoring, and academic counseling.

Recently the students were privileged to meet with Dr. David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice, and his wife Margaret who were at Louhelen for a brief visit.

The Ruhes visited officials at the area colleges, met with Louhelen staff and held a special meeting for LRP students.

At that meeting, they emphasized the importance of Louhelen’s evolution into an institution of higher learning, as envisioned by the Guardian, and the great importance of young people immersing themselves in the sacred texts and becoming leaders in the arenas of teaching, learning and service.

This year, the University of Michigan-Flint is offering a three-credit course at Louhelen in cultural anthropology.

Residential Program students as well as local students are taking the course, which is a significant step toward the establishment of independent, accredited courses being offered at Louhelen.

For more information about the Louhelen Residential Program, please write to the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-656-5033.

Thousands in Atlanta to take part in Fifth M.L. King Jr. parade

On Monday, January 15, thousands of people of all ages, races, classes, religions and walks of life will come together in Atlanta, Georgia, to take part in the fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade and march.

More than 600 Bahá’ís marched in last year’s parade, and the friends are invited again to make their presence felt in the 1990 event.

In this way, Bahá’ís can work with other groups whose members share Bahá’í ideals and be a visible part of what has become a national media event while honoring the Universal House of Justice’s instructions concerning “carrying the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind” and “greater involvement of the Faith in the life of society.”

Communities and/or individuals are asked to clear with the parade coordinator any banners or signs they wish to bring.

For more information, please phone the Atlanta Bahá’í Office, 404-250-0721, or Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

Development

from page 1

Dr. David Ruhe, a member of the Universal House of Justice, speaks at the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Conference held October 7-8 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

present them at development conferences and/or deliver them to various local Assemblies in their areas as required.

Those at the conference in Wilmette also saw the recently released video, “The Seat of God’s Throne,” which depicts the history and proposed development of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Among the activities undertaken by the more than 15 children at the conference was a trip to the Bahá’í Home in Wilmette.

Other Assembly Development Conferences have been held in Houston, Texas; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; at the Green Acre Bahá’í School (for the Boston area), and in West Palm Beach, Florida, with others scheduled in other locales over the next several months.

Hugo

from page 1

Relief Fund” has been set up, and the Institute is developing a medium- to long-range plan to provide equitable distribution of goods to the many who wait outside each day.

People are arriving at the Institute as early as 6 a.m., having been urged through word-of-mouth by neighbors to seek help there.

Many Bahá’í communities in the U.S. have contacted the Gregory Institute to offer goods and services. Communities in Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia have already sent truckloads of food and other supplies.

The Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette has become a collection center for supplies which began making their way to the Institute early in October.

The Institute’s swift and compassionate response in aiding South Carolina residents, following so closely the proclamation of the Faith at Peace Fest ’89, is giving people in the state a broader look at what the Bahá’ís are all about.

Staff at the Institute report unparalleled teaching opportunities. Many people, discouraged by the lack of support found in other emergency relief operations, have returned to the Institute, saying, “You Bahá’ís are the nicest people we’ve ever run across.”

Others have come back to talk to the staff or to ask for literature about the Faith.

One local resident, known formerly for her apprehension about the Bahá’ís, has visited the Institute at least six times, is getting to know the staff, and has been recommending the Institute to those in Hemingway who need help.

Literacy

from page 1

jective, conscious that even where total achievement is not immediately possible, opportunities must be sought to make steady progress. Let each be confident that the shining example set by Iran, the mother community of the Bahá’í world, under the inspiration of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and the urging of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, upholds a standard all can follow. In the earliest years of this century, when no systematic, over-all plan of education existed in Iran, the Bahá’ís seized their chance and organized a widespread program of education. Its teachers were distinguished for their ability to foster child, youth and adult education, which led to significant self-improvement among the Iranian Bahá’ís. The emergence of a literate Bahá’í community was an outstanding result.

Some local or national Bahá’í communities may wish to follow the example of those who have already instituted their own literacy projects and are achieving notable success; others may wish to participate in literacy programs organized by governmental or non-governmental organizations. Each community will have to determine whether to engage in one or the other, or to both. Progress will depend not only on the initiatives of Bahá’í institutions in relation to children, but also on the active interest of adult believers who want to learn to read. Such friends should definitely be encouraged and assisted to achieve, with dignity, their heart’s desire. Certainly, the willing participation of the friends in an undertaking of such importance to the upliftment of individuals and the consolidation of the Bahá’í community as a whole will attract divine favors and confirmations.

The United Nations has declared 1990 to be International Literacy Year so as to mobilize an all-out ongoing effort to eradicate illiteracy around the world. The literacy projects already in progress in the Bahá’í community, and those which are yet to be adopted, will surely lend support to this noble and necessary effort. Therefore, we commend the purpose of this special year to the attention of the entire Bahá’í world. The Bahá’í International Community’s United Nations Office will send National Assemblies information concerning activities associated with International Literacy Year and how Bahá’í communities may become involved. Moreover, agencies at the Bahá’í World Center having a special interest in literacy programs will offer helpful advice as necessary, but Spiritual Assemblies need not wait to hear from them before proceeding with their own plans.

We look forward with confident expectation to your achievements toward the ultimate fulfillment of this objective which is so essential to the progress of the Bahá’í community and indeed all humanity. And we assure you, as ever, of our continuing prayers at the Holy Shrines for your success.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice July 10, 1989

This powerful statement by the Universal House of Justice is the harbinger of many reports on the topic of literacy that are to appear in these pages during the coming UN Year of Literacy and beyond. If you are involved in any way, as a community or individually, in the battle against illiteracy we invite you to describe your experiences so that we may share them with others. Please write to Literacy, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 3]

Year of Service matures, strengthens Bahá’í youth

“Not long ago we sent you one of our most precious possessions: our first and oldest child. ... She came back with awe, wonder, joy, appreciation, radiance, and a more mature soul than I ever thought she would achieve in this realm.”

With these words a mother offered thanks to a Bahá’í project in Honduras. Her daughter had just completed a year of service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

In January 1984 the Universal House of Justice wrote to the Bahá’í youth of the world, urging them to “contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century” and “to move the world.”

In addition to their efforts to teach, study the writings, and prepare for future service to humanity, the youth were called upon by the House of Justice to accomplish these world-shaping objectives through “a mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in patterns of service rendered by Bahá’í youth.” The Youth Year of Service was born.

Today, the program is called the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, and it is directed by the National Teaching Committee on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Since the start of the Six Year Plan, 123 young people have taken part. Presently, 38 youth are serving in 14 countries.

“It would accrue to the strength and stability of the community,” the Universal House of Justice wrote, “if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth.” Thus the challenge to youth issued six years ago continues today.

Meeting this challenge will require the unified action of Bahá’í youth, parents, Local Assemblies, and the National Teaching Committee.

Youth: If you are thinking about participating in the Youth Service Corps, start your planning early. Carefully consider and examine your dedication, motivation, maturity, understanding of the Teachings, and opportunities to commit yourself to a path of service to Bahá’u’lláh.

Participants should be 18 years or older. Those under age 18 may also volunteer, but are limited to service in the U.S. Your planning should include consultation with your family and community.

Parents: Wouldn’t you long to see the transformation in your child described by the mother above?

Many youth who have given their year of service have been transformed and have returned to their other activities, such as college, with a zest and determination springing from their newly-born desire to secure training that will prepare them for their future life of service. Consider how you can help plan and provide for your child’s year of service.

Spiritual Assemblies and local communities: Communities can help youth in two ways. Those communities sending youth can guide their planning and provide deputization for the service of youth whenever possible.

Some communities can establish initiatives where youth can come to provide their service; such programs should give youth a chance for spiritual growth, transformation through study of the Writings, and service to the Cause and to humanity. Youth must meet with their Assembly before taking part in the Service Corps.

National Teaching Committee: The committee is prepared to provide guidance for youth to help them with their preparations, to help them contact returning youth to learn about their experiences, and to discuss the options available for youth when choosing their path of service. A one-week training program is offered to all youth before they enter the Service Corps.

The opportunities for service take a variety of forms: a few months, a year of service, local or international projects; development or teaching efforts; service in Wilmette or Haifa. “Regardless of the modes of service, however,” the Universal House of Justice wrote, “youth must be engaged, at all times, in all climes and under all conditions.”

“The day of service is now come,” Bahá’u’lláh states. “Arise for the triumph of My Cause, and, through the power of thine utterance, subdue the hearts of men.”

“Thou must show forth that which will ensure the peace and well-being of the miserable and downtrodden. Gird up the loins of thine endeavor, that perchance thou mayest release the captive from his chains, and enable him to attain unto true liberty.”

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Youth Service Corps, please contact the Youth Desk at the National Teaching Committee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 237).

CORRECTION

An ad for caretakers for the Bahá’í Center in Inverness, Florida (page 6, September) included an incorrect area code. The correct phone number is 904-344-3458. We regret the error.

Two Bahá’ís from the Soviet Union are presented a drawing of the Bahá’í House of Worship during their recent visit to Wilmette. Irandokht Hamidova (right) and Negar Kamelova (second from right) are from Dushanbe in the province of Tajikistan. Although the community does not yet have permission to form a local Spiritual Assembly, there are about 50 adult Bahá’ís and more than a dozen children living there who gather regularly for prayers and deepenings. Presenting the drawing are Lorelei McClure (second from left), the recently appointed administrator of the House of Worship, and staff member Roxana Hadden. A reception for the visitors was held September 5 at the Bahá’í National Center.

Atlanta

from page 1

Scott ‎King, serves King serves‎ as president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.

The continuing goal of Bahá’í involvement has been to act as unifiers, facilitators, servants, and to make sincere and lasting friendships. The opportunities for service keep mushrooming and bearing fruit, and the power of faith, sacrifice and prayer is increasingly evident.

Mrs. Miller was asked to be Atlanta site coordinator for the commission’s “I Have a Dream” National Youth Assembly in July.

Youth organizations, church groups and civic associations were asked to take part to learn about leadership skills, community service and volunteerism.

Among the adults attending were Gregg Petersmeyer, Deputy Assistant to President Bush for National Services; Eugene Marino, the Archbishop of Atlanta; former mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson; and Mrs. King.

On the final version of the program, the National Spiritual Assembly was named on a list of youth-serving groups that included the Girl Scouts, Boys Clubs, 4-H Clubs, and others.

Due to a lack of staff, funds and resources at the King Center, Bahá’ís played a major part in planning and carrying out this historic gathering. The Bahá’í role was one of facilitation, service and mobilization of efforts that enabled the event to be a singular success.

At the closing session, as Lloyd Davis, executive director of the Federal Commission, praised Mrs. Miller for her help in planning the Youth Assembly, he added, “And of course, we can’t congratulate Carole Miller without mentioning the wonderful work of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.”

Bahá’í participation in the event included a youth representative, Minoo Guillebeaux, who presented a talk that was especially well-received by the young people; Bahá’í prayers during an interfaith service; an American Indian medicine man, Thunderhorse; and Ladjamaya, who performed her one-woman drama, “The Black Experience—A Cry for World Peace.”

About 50 Bahá’í youth and adults took part in the program in various capacities: as registrars, workshop facilitators, speakers, and entertainers.

Another 50 or so Bahá’ís provided administrative help at the King Commission offices in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Bahá’ís helped with a 400-piece mailing to key organizations and churches in Atlanta, a 3,000-piece mailing for the Girl Scouts, a 100-piece mailing for the Catholic Diocese of Atlanta, with printing and typesetting publicity and program information, with massive follow-up telephoning to organizations as well as to all media agencies in Atlanta (about 70).

Publicity about the Youth Assembly included the Bahá’í information number along with that of the King Federal Holiday Commission.

Bahá’í involvement with the King Center and King Holiday Commission has opened the door to serve important elements of our society and to access significant social, religious and government agencies.

As one board member recently said, “The reason we like the Bahá’ís so much is because they have no interest other than service to the King Center.”

The quality of Bahá’í service to the King Center and Holiday Commission is reflected in the many expressions of respect and gratitude offered by members of the King family and staff to the more than 100 Bahá’ís in Atlanta and Washington who have taken part in their events.

If Bahá’ís are interested in becoming involved with the Martin Luther King Jr. Center as volunteers during King Week (the third week in January) or at any other time, they may contact Carole Miller, who, as the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the King Commission, is coordinating Bahá’í participation.

She can be reached through the Bahá’í Task Force Office, 600 River Valley Road, Atlanta, GA 30328.

Institutes

from page 1

new workers for the Cause.

When many of us hear of an institute, we automatically tend to think of either a place or an event. But teaching institutes are more than a mere building or a single activity.

TITLE	COST
An Evolutionary Approach to Teaching Institutes	.50 each
Effective Teaching	$2.50 each
Word of God series:
The Word Of God	$2.50 each
The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origins and Our Attitude Toward It	$2.50 each
The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation	$2.50 each
TOTAL

Order from Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 1-800-999-9019).

Teaching involves more than mere proclamation; it is the process of teaching ourselves, finding and attracting receptive souls, delivering the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh with wisdom, nurturing souls to acceptance of that message, and then inspiring the students to become teachers themselves.

The teaching institute, as clarified by the International Teaching Center, aids in increasing our understanding of teaching: its process and methods.

Teaching institutes are not a new way of teaching. No one teaching method is used; the core group is given the opportunity to decide for itself the specific ways to teach, be it firesides, door-to-door, or any other way.

The ITC calls for the evolution of as many teaching institutes “as could be supported by the Auxiliary Board members and selected assistants as the main focus of their work.”

Some suggestions for preparations for teaching include first increasing one’s understanding of teaching institutes through the pamphlet prepared by the National Teaching Committee, “An Evolutionary Approach to Teaching Institutes.”

Other resources for study include the “Effective Teaching” book and workbook, and the “Word of God” series. The preparations for teaching, however, should not overshadow the actual work of teaching.

Teaching institutes can help unlock the doors to personal transformation and empower the individual to arise and teach.

If you would like more information about starting or joining a teaching institute, please contact your nearest Auxiliary Board member or the National Teaching Committee office, 708-869-9039.

Committee on Women confers with Bahá’ís on Navajo Reservation

On September 23, the National Committee on Women met with Bahá’ís and guests in Tuba City, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation.

The group prayed, consulted and got to know one another while discussing some of the most pressing needs and opportunities on the Reservation.

One of the committee members led a frank discussion of the family dynamics associated with substance abuse, and presented an analysis of the well-known “12 Step Program.”

The group felt especially blessed by the presence of a number of senior Bahá’í women, one of whom, 87-year-old Louise Smith of Tuba, one of whom, 87-year-old Louise Smith of Tuba

See WOMEN page 19 [Page 4]

San Francisco to host International Chinese Symposium

The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to hold an International Chinese Symposium next March 30-April 1 in San Francisco, the first such gathering ever to be held in the U.S.

As the Universal House of Justice states in its letter of March 20, 1989, to the friends taking part in the North American Teaching Symposium on Reaching the Chinese, held in Canada, “the spiritual connection between the North American continent and China has already been forged in the first part of this glorious century.

“It was in North America that the first believers from China were enrolled, and it was also the home of some of the great Bahá’í teachers who traveled to China, with the Hand of the Cause Martha Root being foremost among them.”

In a letter dated April 19, 1989, to selected National Spiritual Assemblies, the House of Justice called upon the friends to take advantage of opportunities to share the Bahá’í teachings and principles with the ethnic Chinese, feeling that “this task must be regarded as one of the highest priorities for the entire Bahá’í world.”

The Supreme Institution has appealed especially to “Bahá’ís with academic, professional or particular business credentials” as well as to the Bahá’í youth, to accept this responsibility.

The International Chinese Symposium will serve as a forum for Bahá’í businessmen, scholars, students and others from around the world who are interested in learning about Chinese culture and the most effective ways in which to share the Bahá’í teachings and principles with their Chinese peers.

San Francisco was chosen as the venue for the symposium because of the unusually warm welcome given to David Hofman, a retired member of the Universal House of Justice, by the Chinese in that area and the extensive coverage of his visit by the Chinese-language media.

Plans are being made to invite a variety of guests and speakers representing among others the International Chinese Teaching Committee, the Continental Board of Counselors, and the National Spiritual Assemblies of the U.S. and other countries.

The presence of the friends from those countries in which outstanding progress has been made in teaching the Chinese will educate and inspire the participants.

For more information, please write to the symposium coordinator, Puran Stevens, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 708-869-9039.

Importance of reaching Chinese

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The importance of reaching the Chinese

As Bahá’ís, we have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking the message of Bahá’u’lláh to all of mankind, but only a comparatively small beginning has yet been made to take the teachings to the vast population of China. The Universal House of Justice feels that this task must be regarded as one of the highest priorities for the entire Bahá’í world. In order to assist you with this vital matter, we have been directed to draw to your attention the opportunities that are now open for reaching the citizens of the People’s Republic of China, who constitute over 20 percent of the world’s total population.

You may have observed that with the gradual relaxation in mainland China of previously restrictive policies toward foreign countries, avenues for visiting that vast land for business or tourism have greatly increased. Concomitantly, over this past decade, a rising number of students and scholars from that nation have also traveled or resided temporarily overseas to advance their education.

These are significant changes in the history of that government. While caution must still be exercised, we should use this current opportunity to offer sincere friendship and hospitality to these Chinese visitors and to acquaint them with the progressive teachings of Bahá’u’lláh so as to foster in them a positive view of the Faith. Doubtless a great number of them will eventually be holding important positions at various levels of government service or in their professional circles and will be the new leaders to guide that “country of the future” into the next century.

Individual Bahá’ís with academic, professional or particular business credentials are urged to take advantage of natural situations in the course of their work to meet their peers from the People’s Republic of China. They are also encouraged, whenever feasible, to offer their services in projects which may take them into the Chinese mainland. In this way they may be able to establish cordial contact with high officials as well as with individual Chinese citizens.

Efforts should also be made to increase the awareness of the Bahá’í youth to the importance of meeting Chinese people at school and at work. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to take up studies in the Chinese language and culture when possible and to specialize in their respective professions on aspects related to China. Bahá’í scholars and experts on China are needed to assist in establishing the Faith in China.

Increasing emphasis must also be placed on the teaching work among Chinese who have been long settled in your country as well as those who are students or long-term visitors from places with large Chinese populations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore or Taiwan. Historically, the Chinese overseas have been an important source of finance and expertise for their ancestral homeland. No doubt a great number of overseas Bahá’ís of Chinese background, many of whom may still have family relations in China, will be needed to take the Faith there in the future.

The House of Justice asks that your Assembly review your teaching plans in light of these needs, and it awaits with eager anticipation your response to its call to teach the Chinese people.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat April 19, 1989

The 18-member Bahá’í Peace Orchestra performs with the Greater Inspirational Mass Choir of Horry County at the Myrtle Beach High School auditorium during South Carolina’s Peace Fest ’89.

Peace Orchestra: the Message is in the music

In striving to carry the Bahá’í message of peace to the peoples of the world, there is one “universal language” on which the Faith can rely: music.

Connecting hearts to Bahá’u’lláh through music is the goal of the Bahá’í Peace Orchestra, which was formed four years ago to take part in the inaugural Peace Fest at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina.

The orchestra is composed of top-flight professional musicians who have donated their time and talents at four Peace Fests to help spread knowledge of the Faith and its message of world peace and brotherhood.

This year, members of the orchestra began to think in terms of a more permanent association beginning with a possible appearance at the West African Bahá’í Music Festival to be held December 28-30 in Monrovia, Liberia.

A fund-raising concert was held in August at the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, and the orchestra is presently trying to raise the bulk of the $30,000 needed to finance the trip to Liberia.

The friends can earmark contributions for the Peace Orchestra when contributing to the National Fund. To do so, simply specify the amount you would like earmarked to support the orchestra.

If its fund-raising efforts are successful, the orchestra would return to the U.S. from Liberia via London where two concerts have already been arranged at the International Centre in Knightsbridge under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

“We believe that music has an important role to play in bringing about the Bahá’í ideal of a world at peace,” says baritone saxophonist Marvin (Doc) Holladay, who led the Peace Orchestra during its acclaimed performance at Peace Fest ’89 in September.

“Besides being among the best musicians in the business, the members of the orchestra are Bahá’ís who share a deep commitment to the Cause of God. Our idea is to keep the orchestra together, to perform whenever and wherever we can to help promote the Faith and its peace message.”

As for the music itself, says Mr. Holladay, “the goal is to offer composers, arrangers and musicians an opportunity to create and perform music that represents their personal response to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, music that makes no accommodation to the decaying old world order as represented by much of what we hear today.

“Our responsibility as Bahá’ís,” he says, “is to create music so distinct that people will recognize it as being totally free of compromise—music that represents the purity of the Bahá’í message.

“We want those who compose for us to be as free and unfettered as they can be, to make music a means for spiritual elevation.”

To accommodate them, says Mr. Holladay, “we want to expand the present concept, to include more winds and possibly a string component. And our next step is to recruit musicians from overseas.

“But whatever form the orchestra takes,” he says, smiling, “one thing is clear to all of us: we’re gonna be different.”

Relief Fund set up

The “LGI Hurricane Relief Fund” is helping victims of Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina.

If you would like to make a contribution to the fund, send checks payable to the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute to Hemingway, SC 29554.

The Institute no longer needs shipments of food or clothing, but wishes to thank those who lent assistance following the hurricane.

Friends remember Master’s historic visit to Colorado with Story-telling Festival

Carrying out what might well have been the Faith’s first Story-telling Festival, more than 200 Bahá’ís spent the weekend of September 22-24 at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs remembering the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to that lovely mountain town, home of the world’s largest hot springs.

After an informal reception Friday evening, the story-telling began in earnest the next morning with Counselor Robert Harris among the several friends who shared humorous and inspiring anecdotes.

The session ended with members of the audience sharing stories of “how I became a Bahá’í.”

One of two optional programs Saturday afternoon was a talk and slide program about the early Bahá’ís in Colorado presented by Marie Griffiths of the Colorado Bahá’í Historical Society who emphasized that the Faith will observe its 90th anniversary in the state next year.

Counselor Harris was the speaker at a public meeting Saturday evening, and on Sunday morning Duane Troxel shared stories of Martha Root, Agnes Alexander and other early Bahá’í heroes and heroines.

The same story-tellers who spoke to the adults also appeared at a Children’s Storytelling Festival coordinated by Ed and Michele Ryland.

As the conference drew to a close, the children came to the front of the room, and after reading passages about how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá liked to give out sweets, circulated throughout the room presenting candies to the adults. [Page 5]

‘THE FIRST CONDITION...’

"The first condition is absolute love and harmony among the members..."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Master included this statement in one of His Tablets concerning consultation. It seemed to us here in the Treasurer’s Office that this would be an essential guide for the articles and comments we hope to bring you regularly in this little corner, especially since the purpose is to find out what you are thinking about in relation to the Funds.

So let’s try a word association game: what do you think of when you hear "dialogue"? "consultation"? "feedback"? In this office, what we think of is "precious commodity"—that is, how much we value the letters, calls and notes on your contribution slips, and how much we wish there were more of them.

صندوق محلى نشانی دقیق را از جامعه محلی خود بدست آورید

صندوق ملی c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

The first thing is to say "thank you!" to all those friends who have been so constant in their support of the Funds of the Faith. These are the people who pump the lifeblood, and they are the precious heart of this community.

Many of the friends gathered at the Vision to Victory and Fund Development conferences asked, "Where does the money go?" and, "What are we not doing because of a lack of funds?" Let’s look at that for a minute.

A large part of the yearly budget goes to support the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Center. Salaries and benefits for the 200 people on the National Assembly's payroll account for about $4.1 million a year. What do these people do? Well, last year they answered more than 40,000 letters, sent nearly 300,000 pieces of mail to the friends, and processed almost 20,000 address changes. They maintain the properties. They meet with important friends of the Faith. They run the schools. And do many more things.

Let’s look at other areas without including staff costs. Teaching, for example, is expected to cost $141,000 during the present fiscal year, covering travel, conferences, and support of many local and national projects.

Some $32,000 is budgeted for refugee programs, uniting families and extending support to people victimized by events in their homelands.

Another $140,000 is designated for the production of video materials on topics ranging from deepening to proclamation.

Properties is a large item—$553,000—not including vital repairs to the House of Worship.

An unexpected need was shelter for victims of Hurricane Hugo: the Louis Gregory Institute became a center for those left in need by the storm—how proud we can be to offer such assistance!

What are some of the things we would hope to do? Each Bahá’í probably has a wish list.

One of the projects delayed for some time is the new believers' packet. Repairs to the House of Worship and the Green Acre restoration are important priorities. More materials, more books, more support for teachers and pioneers—these are only a few of the ideas that come to mind.

These are some of the facts. The spiritual basis of these facts is much deeper. Perhaps it was put most clearly by a staff member in the Properties Office, who said, "When I repair a roof, it's not just any roof; it's part of the Kingdom of God."

That is also the relationship of financial support for the Faith to our lives: our contribution, whether by check or gift or automatic contribution, has a vital spiritual meaning and effect.

In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian and dated December 8, 1947, we read that "... our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Bahá’u’lláh—Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet...." What an extraordinary opportunity we have!

And only we, the Bahá’ís, can do this: "In this glorious Dispensation the treasures laid up by kings and queens are not worthy of mention.... However, a grain of mustard offered by His loved ones will be extolled in the exalted court of His holiness and invested with the ornament of His acceptance." ("Huqúqu’lláh—The Right of God," p. 11). A wonderful promise, indeed!

We in the Treasurer's Office have been thinking about these matters a lot lately. Won’t you share your thoughts as well?

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

صندوق بین المللی P.O. Box 155 Haifa 31 001, Israel

صندوق ملهوفین c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

هیئت امنای حقوق الله Rocky River, OH 44116

Fondos de las comunidades Bahá’í locales (pregunte a su comunidad local por el domicilio del suyo)

Fondos Nacionales de los Bahá’ís c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Fondos Continentales de los Bahá’ís c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Fondos Internacionales de los Bahá’ís P.O. Box 155 Haifa 31 001, Israel

Fondos Para Asistencia Persa c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Huqúqu’lláh Bahá’í Rocky River, OH 44116

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

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

Continental Bahá’í Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center 20 Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í International Fund P.O. Box 155 Haifa 31 001, Israel

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

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

Mr. Sears’ love warms 30th annual Green Lake Conference

Hand of the Cause greets each one of 450 children

For the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, the highlight of his appearance September 15-17 at the 30th annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference was the chance to greet each one of the 450 children who were there.

Mr. Sears made a personal commitment to make contact with every young person at the conference, and all of them had a chance to hug him, or to shake his hand or sit on his lap.

Mr. Sears, who was accompanied by his wife, Marguerite, reminisced about past visits to Green Lake, his voice full of laughter, eyes full of joy, always adding a light note.

Ever-present were his two favorite "props": large photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Universal House of Justice.

Despite a recent illness that affected his sight, Mr. Sears carried on, supported by Mrs. Sears and the love of the friends.

Having stayed up most of Saturday night to rewrite his notes, he had trouble reading them on Sunday, even after pulling out a magnifying glass the size of a dinner plate.

The friends, seeing this, roared with laughter, at the same time realizing that this was no prop or joke. It was real—and it represented for everyone the sacrifices the Hand of the Cause would make to be among the people he loved.

Throughout his talks, which ranged from reminiscences of the beloved Guardian to the teaching victories of a handicapped person in India, the audience roared and cried with laughter.

There was something different, however, in the tone of his talks and in the dynamics of the listeners—something that touched deep inside, that awakened the feeling that we must listen now—and act now—and treasure now—the presence of one of the few remaining Hands of the Cause while the chance yet remains.

Prior to Mr. Sears' talks, momentum had been building as various aspects of the theme, "Coming of Age... Rights of Passage," were developed. Talent poured from the believers in the form of songs and instrumental performances, dramatic readings and visual art.

The showing of a video about the Arc, "The Seat of God's Throne," brought many of the participants to tears and led to a greater personal commitment to contribute to the Fund.

Rounding out the agenda were representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board, and the Huqúqu’lláh Trust.

Auxiliary Board member Javidukht Khadem spoke movingly about her late husband, the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem, describing in tender terms a life dedicated to serving the Cause, assisting the beloved Guardian, helping to develop the American Bahá’í community and, more specifically, the Green Lake Conference itself.

Jack McCants, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, gave an impassioned appeal to the American Bahá’í community to arise and teach like never before. His voice thundered and broke as he pounded the podium and begged the friends to sacrifice and rededicate themselves to the Cause.

A new addition to this year's conference was a day-long Friday Forum whose focus was on the arts.

The introductory talk by Tom Kubala infused the following workshop discussions with Bahá’u’lláh's vision for artists, as embodied in the words, "In this great dispensation, art is identical with an act of worship...."

On Saturday, Nick Hockings of the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation led the friends in dawn prayers.

He lit a ceremonial peace pipe that has been used for generations and tapped each person present on the shoulders with it, symbolically passing on mankind's ancient wish for peace.

Later on Saturday, a variety of classes and workshops for children, youth and adults filled the day with an interchange on such topics as "Individual Rights and Freedoms" and "Bringing Up Parents."

Youth had deepening sessions and took part in a service project at a nearby nursing home, while children learned about the Faith and created music with Red Grammer.

As a service project, the pre-youth class (ages 11-14) at the 1989 Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference shared their Saturday afternoon with residents of the Sunnyview Nursing Home in nearby Princeton. Besides cheering the elderly residents with their presence, each member of the group planted spring-flowering daffodil and crocus bulbs at the home.

At least three people are known to have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the conference. And for everyone, its effect was to reinforce the significance of the time in which we live: a time of crucial change in an adolescent world, when humanity is coming of age and desperately needs the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and the institutions necessary to carry on an ever-advancing civilization.

—Van Hutchinson, Diane Lange

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" and sent to one of the Trustees: Dr. Elsie Austin, P.O. Box 927, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Tel: 301-589-8481); Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel: 213-394-5449); Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel: 216-333-1506).

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116. [Page 6]

NEW MATERIALS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the publication of Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies, a significant advance toward achieving one of the goals of the Six Year Plan, fostering the maturation of Bahá’í communities.

Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies Looseleaf, 3-Hole Punched Format, SC $24.95

A compilation of approximately 450 pages designed to give Spiritual Assemblies access to Bahá’í writings on topics relevant to their needs and goals. It consists primarily of writings from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, many of which are published for the first time.

Its nineteen chapters include extracts on topics such as: The Organization of the Assembly, Community Membership, Feast, Marriage, Divorce, and Relationship with Government.

An essential reference text for Spiritual Assemblies, it is also excellent for individual deepening and for use in study classes and Bahá’í schools.

An Index will be available later this year and will be distributed free of charge upon request. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Bahá’í Wall Calendar / 147 B.E. CA $2.75 In observance of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Hand of the Cause of God May Ellis Maxwell, the Bahá’í Wall Calendar for 147 B.E. features a stunning full color photograph by Mike Stump of her gravesite in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Pocket Calendar / 147 B.E. CA Pkg./10 $3.50

Bahá’í Datebook / 147 B.E. CA $3.50

Wood / Silk Calendars / 147 B.E. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Taiwan CA $4.50 each

Bahá’í History Calendar / 1990 The Environment and Literacy CA $6.50 This 1990 calendar marks the Bahá’í Faith’s third year of membership in the World-Wide Fund for Nature’s Network on Conservation and Religion with full-color photographs of animals in their natural habitat. It also salutes the International Year of Literacy with photographs and highlights of progress toward achieving literacy throughout the Bahá’í World. Bahá’í Distribution Hawaii

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The Search for a Just Society by John Huddleston HC $39.95

The search for a just society is an ancient one. It recurs throughout history, undeterred by cynicism or past failure. In recent centuries attempts to achieve a better society have become more frequent and have reached a crescendo in the twentieth century.

This fascinating 508-page book details the collective struggles of mankind—the achievements as well as the failures—and describes the provisions in place today and the options facing mankind in the 1990s.

Here is a book which charts that timeless and universal search. John Huddleston provides a masterly and comprehensive examination of the impulse towards justice that drives human civilization forward. He suggests that the logical successor to the progressive movements of the past is the Bahá’í Faith, with its broad vision, practical approach and accumulated experience. At the ‎same same same‎ time, Bahá’ís may see these progressive movements as an important part of their cultural inheritance, and their Faith as a force that will provide the means to transform the global community into a just society. George Ronald Publishers

MATERIALS FOR WIDESPREAD EXPANSION

Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet SC $1.00

Widely used as one of the ways to introduce the Faith to seekers, the teaching booklet is again available. This revised edition is the fruit of collaboration between the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas. It contains many updated full color photographs of Bahá’í communities world-wide, holy places, and Houses of Worship. It also features revised text, with excerpts from the Bahá’í writings as well as simple instructions for using the booklet. Its warmth, simplicity, and beautiful photographs make an unforgettable impression on seekers. When used in conjunction with other teaching and deepening aids, it can help stimulate the reader to investigate our world-embracing Faith. Bahá’í Publications Canada

Creating a Peaceful World The Bahá’í Approach PA $30.00/100

This simple pamphlet briefly discusses the concept that world peace is not only possible, but inevitable. It outlines a multi-faceted Bahá’í approach which includes multilateral disarmament, establishment of a world government, consultation in decision making, removal of prejudices, equal participation by women, grassroots social and economic development, and universal education.

Available now in packages of 100, Creating a Peaceful World offers basic information for seekers and provides a space for communities or individuals to include local contact information Bahá’í Distribution Services Australia

NEW FOREIGN LANGUAGE LITERATURE

Iran Ayandeh Prospect of Persia by Jamshid Fanaian SC $33.95

Written in Persian, this book analyzes the spiritual problems of a nation in a troubled age. The author presents the Faith as the driving force that will lead the people of Iran to a summit of progress and glory outshining the achievements of ancient Persia. Provides insight and historical perspective for the study of cultures and nations. Bahá’í Distribution Service Australia

Russian Materials Peace Statement SC $12.75 Now available in Russian, the believers can give this to anyone in contact with Russian-speaking individuals. Bahá’í Verlag, Germany

Pathway to Peace SC $2.25 Excellent gift for visitors or immigrants from the Soviet Union, or for international travellers or pioneers. Bahá’í Verlag, Germany

Use Order Coupon on page 7 to place your order, or call our toll free number listed below for assistance.

VISA / MasterCard / American Express / Check / Money Order

Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

1-800-999-9019 Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service [Page 7]

PROCLAMATION MATERIALS FOR ALL AGES

United Doves — Steps for Racial Harmony Poster-pamphlet — 11X17 inches PP 100/$30.00

Mini-pamphlet — 5-3/4X2-7/8 inches/folded PP 100/$4.00

Invitation Blanks — 2-up on 11-1/3X5-3/4 inches (Customize for your event. Print on these originals and trim to size.) PP 200/$8.00

Thousands of these attractive pamphlets have been distributed at fair booths, conventions, teaching projects, firesides, proclamation events, and for personal use. Their simple beauty attracts one to the more in-depth and interesting information provided on the reverse side. The smaller pamphlets are excellent for mailings, handouts, or personalized invitations to local events. Distributed only in bulk quantities, these materials are excellent for spreading the message of racial unity.

Special Ideas

Stay With Me by Doug Cameron CS $9.95 Upbeat and moody, poetic and hard-driving, Cameron’s new tape has songs about love, peace, and devotion to Bahá’u’lláh. Don’t Blink Music

Confluence by Groundwork CS $9.95 This is some serious rock ‘n roll! Like the name of the album, this emerging group blends many styles into a Bahá’í age with a moving sound to rival some of the best sound mixes on the airwaves. Perfect for Bahá’ís and seekers. Don’t Blink Music

BACK IN PRINT

Prescription for Living by Rúhíyyih Rabbání SC $6.50 Now back in print, this popular and much-requested book provides a forthright statement of the spiritual laws which need to be observed to effect a transformation in one’s life. A challenging examination of the moral problems of western civilization. In softcover only with a new cover design. George Ronald Publishers

Look for the Bahá’í Distribution Service updated Price List in this issue of the American Bahá’í.

Reading Materials for Sessions 3 and 4 of the Study Guide to the Kitáb-i-Íqán

The Kitáb-i-Íqán The Book of Certitude by Bahá’u’lláh PS $6.50

Bahá’í Prayers SC $5.50 / HC $9.50

Selections from the Writings of the Báb HC $11.95 / LT $6.95

Some Answered Questions by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $17.95

World Order of Bahá’u’lláh by Shoghi Effendi HC $24.00 SC $14.00

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Journal of Bahá’í Studies Vol. 1, No. 4 SC $5.00 This issue contains essays on Utopian and Dystopian literature, the art of Mark Tobey, moral and economic values, Stevens’ Mountain of God, as well as the reviews and commentary sections. Association for Bahá’í Studies

PLEASE NOTE: Effective November 11, 1989, the Area Code for direct dialing when calling the Bahá’í Publishing Trust & Distribution Service will be changed from 312 to 708. If you are calling us directly and not using our toll-free number listed below, remember to use this number: 1-708-251-1854 Thank you for your help.

RECENT NEW TITLES / REPRINTS

Kitáb-i-Íqán The Book of Certitude Reprint Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States PS $6.50

The Promise of World Peace Reprint Presentation Edition SC $3.00 The Universal House of Justice Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Throne of the Inner Temple Reprint compiled by Elias Zohoori SC $8.95 Bahá’í Literature Committee of Jamaica

Peace Bible Reprint HC $11.95 compiled by Steven Scholl Kalimát Press

Children’s Feast Packets / Ages 6–13 #1 Packet — Spring $32.50 March 21-June 5: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light #2 Packet — Summer $32.50 June 24-September 8: Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might #3 Packet — Fall $32.50 September 27-December 12: Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions #4 Packet — Winter $26.00 December 31-March 2: Honor, ‎Soverignty Sovereignty‎, Dominion, Loftiness 19-Month Packet $114.00 Includes all four packets noted above WellSpring International

Creating a Successful Family HC $18.95 by Khalil A. Khavari and Sue Williston Khavari SC $11.95 One World Publications New

Essays in Honor of the Late H. M. Balyuzi New HC $32.50 New SC $24.50 Studies in the Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, Volume Five edited by Moojan Momen Kalimát Press

Creative Circle New SC $13.95 Art, Literature and Music in Bahá’í Perspective edited by Michael Fitzgerald, with a foreword by Charles Walcott Kalimát Press

Door of Hope Reprint SC $17.95 A Century of the Bahá’í Faith in the Holy Land by David S. Ruhe George Ronald Publishers

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 TAB 11/89

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Date ________ Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ______________ State _____ Zip _____ Day Phone ______ Circle one: American Express MasterCard VISA Check Money Order Expiration Date: ________ Account Number: _________________ Signature: _________________________________________

QTY	TITLE	COST	AMOUNT
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VISA / MasterCard / American Express / Check / Money Order Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service

[Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is accepting applications for the following positions, many of which are key positions for which we are in urgent need of qualified personnel. Administrative services: administrative assistant. Bahá’í Publishing Trust: associate editor. Bosch Bahá’í School: morning cook, full-time (September–June); maintenance assistant. Community Administration: administrative consultant. House of Worship: coordinator of volunteers; administrative aide (temporary, November–May). Native American Bahá’í Institute: custodian/maintenance. National Teaching Committee Office: teaching coordinator, Hispanic desk (must be fluent in Spanish). NSA Properties Inc.: administrative assistant; building maintenance worker (House of Worship). Office of External Affairs, Washington, D.C.: national liaison to Non-Governmental Organizations; administrator of Office of External Affairs. (Please do not phone the Washington office for information.) Office of the Secretary: administrative aide/District Convention coordinator. Office of the Treasurer: assistant controller. Persian/American Affairs Office: translator (must be fluent in Persian and English). U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office: Refugee Program assistant. With few exceptions, these are regular, full-time paid positions with full benefits. Employment at the National Center offers many rewards and challenges while providing an opportunity to be in the forefront of the administration of the Cause. If you have the skills necessary for any of these positions, we urge you to contact Lea Mallow, Department of Human Resources, 708-869-9039, ext. 262, or send your resumé to: Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

OVERSEAS jobs: Africa—Sierra Leone: primary and secondary school teachers. General: auditors, enterprise promotion/development specialist, medical director, AFSC field director, Southern African International Affairs representative. Americas—Belize: primary health care project director, health educator. Honduras: project director, inventory management/logistics manager, medical director, rehabilitation specialist, first grade teacher. General: accountants, project director for Project Concern, electrical/AC mechanic, agrarian policy analysis/planning specialist, project specialist. Asia—Nepal: assistant director for international school, elementary and secondary school teachers, ESL/TEFL teachers. Taiwan: transators/editors. General: coordinator of traditional medicine center, accountants, civil engineer, director of university sociology department, lecturer in translation, marketing executive, programmer. Australasia—Marshall Islands: medical diagnosticians. For information about any of these positions, write to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

ACTIVE Assembly is in jeopardy owing to a death and a departure for service at the World Center. Community, near Chicago (40 miles from the House of Worship), has a large community college, is close to commuter rail lines and many job opportunities. Contact Nancy Daly, __________, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, or phone 708-469-4807.

LOOKING for a challenge? Council Bluffs, a small Bahá’í community in southwest Iowa, is looking for families and/or individuals with a burning desire to teach the Faith. Good opportunity for homefront pioneering in the Omaha metro area. Write to Priscilla Hofert, secretary, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, or phone 712-322-7960.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: E.B.M. Dewing, Elizabeth Dickerman, Fred Diehl (died Pasadena, CA, 1934), Naomi Dietz, Clarissa June Dilts, Janice Mapp Dingwall, Cora H. Ditmars (died Spokane, WA, 1948), and Charlotte Dixon (died Washington, DC, 1939). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have any of these letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following individuals to add to its photograph collection: John Robarts, H. Collis Featherstone, Ugo Giachery, Sarah M. Pereira, Fred Schechter, Velma Sherrill, David Ruhe, Hugh Chance, Borrah Kavelin and Glenford Mitchell. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

BAHA’I CLUBS

ATTENTION high school juniors and seniors: consider Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, for your higher education. Millikin, a small private school with many excellent programs, is among the top five schools in the country in music education. Come and be a part of our Bahá’í community and help us win our goal of establishing a Bahá’í presence (and club) on campus. Contact Marilyn Tashakkor, corresponding secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Decatur, __________, Decatur, IL 62521, or phone 217-423-0282.

LEWIS & CLARK State College in Lewiston, Idaho, has no full-time Bahá’í students and no campus club. The college does have two Bahá’í professors, a fine undergraduate program in liberal arts and sciences, a professional school for teacher training, nursing and business majors, and a vocational school offering a multitude of trades. This is an excellent homefront pioneering post; the Bahá’í Group needs to form an Assembly, and Lewiston has the bounty of being only 15 minutes from the Bahá’í Center on the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai. For information, write to __________, Lewiston, ID 83501, or phone 208-746-3770.

PERIODICALS

THE BAHÁ’Í Institute for the Arts, a section of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, has two publications available for sale: Orison, a bi-annual journal featuring articles, poetry, artwork, profiles of artists, announcements, scholarly research, and information about the Institute; and a directory of Bahá’í artists that includes names, addresses and descriptions of work by artists around the world. Copies of Orison (at $3.50 plus 75 cents for shipping) and of the Arts Directory ($5 plus $1.50 for shipping) can be ordered through Sasha Rogers Hariri, __________, Ontario M2N 1J2, Canada, and in the U.S. through Anne Atkinson, 400 Laurel Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. In addition, Ms. Atkinson has copies of two compilations on the arts ($2 each plus 50 cents shipping). Submissions to Orison are also welcome. (Deadline for the next issue is December 10. Please send to Mrs. Hariri at the above address.)

WANTED

WANTED: stories, anecdotes, recollections (written or taped) about the late Mrs. Jane Carolyn Edmunds who did extensive travel teaching in the southern United States, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Maine, New Hampshire, the South Pacific, Guam, the Turks and Caicos Islands, India, Malaysia and Japan. She died in 1982 while on a consolidation trip to South Carolina and is buried at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway. The information is needed to compile a manuscript about her life and teaching efforts. Please send information to her daughter, Mrs. Carole Arterbery-Howe, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

FAST-GROWING community in Florida needs small Bahá’í family or retired couple to serve as caretaker(s) for its Bahá’í Center. A nice two-bedroom, two-bath home with attached den and extra bedroom obtainable for $325 a month. Community will pay $120 a month toward all expenses. Extra bedroom, one bath and den to be used as Center with kitchen privileges for Feasts, firesides, etc. For more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Citrus County, P.O. Box 415, Inverness, FL 32651, or phone Fran Hunter, secretary, 904-344-3458.

HOMEFRONT pioneers in the remote Siskiyou Mountains of Northern California needs Bahá’í books in good condition for their Library Donations program. At present there are only two Bahá’í books in the Siskiyou County library system which includes many branch libraries as well as a community college. Please send what you can to the Bahá’ís of Happy Camp, P.O. Box 1045, Happy Camp, CA 96039.

WANTED: Bahá’í dreamers who “walk the mystical path with practical feet.” The Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, Washington, on the Yakima Indian Reservation has a need for three homefront pioneers who are basically self-sufficient and have skills applicable to a rural area. Jobs are available in agriculture, nursing and working with autos. The Assembly is ready to help prospective homefront pioneers look for housing and employment. Answer our prayers by writing to the Spiritual Assembly of Toppenish, P.O. Box 284, Toppenish, WA 98948.

WANTED: Bahá’ís of all ages and interests to correspond with U.S. pioneers and/or indigenous Bahá’ís from all parts of the world. If you would like to begin an international friendship by mail, send your name, address and a little about yourself—perhaps a photograph—to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

ARTISTS-in-Residence sought. The Louhelen Bahá’í School seeks visual and performing artists for conferences next spring and summer. Interested artists are encouraged to contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423.

MATERIALS wanted: scripts for dramas, skits, etc. dealing with racism, vehicles to stimulate discussion about the issue. Send to Houston’s Bahá’í Institute for the Healing of Racism, Houston, TX 77005, or phone Barbara Hacker, 713-666-7509.

COPIES of the cassette tapes “Teaching Peace” and “Can You Sound Just Like Me?” by Red Grammer and “Barley Bread & Reindeer Milk” by the Van Manens are needed for donation to a Toy Lending Library in the Siskiyou Mountains of Northern California. Please send to the Bahá’ís of Happy Camp, P.O. Box 1045, Happy Camp, CA 96039.

MISCELLANEOUS

INFORMATION about applying for the 1990 Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry may be obtained by writing to Dr. William Diehl, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. The deadline for applications is March 15. The fellowship provides room and board at Louhelen for three to five weeks during which one is free to write.

Bahá’í in Tacoma aids Southeast Asian refugees In response to National Spiritual Assembly’s call

For some time now the National Spiritual Assembly has urged the friends to become actively involved in helping Southeast Asian refugees resettle in this country. One of those who has responded to the call is Joseph Bushnell of Tacoma, Washington.

Having formerly traveled on a voluntary basis to work with Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in Thai-Cambodian border camps, Mr. Bushnell has for the past six years conducted literacy classes for Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees in the Tacoma area.

He presently serves on two Bahá’í committees in Tacoma: the Indochinese Cultural Service Center (ICSC) committee and the Refugee Forum (composed of various local and state governmental and non-governmental agencies).

Khmer refugees, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í alike, rely on Mr. Bushnell extensively for practical advice and help. Many of the little daily chores Americans take for granted can be confusing to refugees.

As Mr. Bushnell observed in a recent letter to the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office:

“During the course of a month, I may find myself involved in many activities, most of which deal with day-to-day issues. Sometimes I’m asked to contact the phone company to start service, check on a bill, cancel service, change service location, etc.

“In fact, this comes up so often, I know all the questions the phone company may ask by heart. ...

“With utilities, a deposit is required, and sometimes the refugees, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, may need help in making an appointment to get assistance for deposit, refund of deposits, canceling or starting service. ...

“Insurance and driving accidents are a continual and never-ending problem. Frequently I find myself assisting and giving advice on how much insurance is right for them. ...

“In this area, I also act as a referral service for those needing legal counsel. I have three personal injury cases currently outstanding. One is for the mother of one of our Bahá’ís, a second is for someone who was referred to me by another friend, and the third is for one of our Bahá’í families.

Joseph Bushnell of Tacoma, Washington (right rear) with some of his friends who are refugees from Southeast Asia.

“Another area of help is in housing. Frequently I am asked to help in locating housing, assisting with the paperwork to apply for housing, and even in moving to new homes or new areas. ...

“Often there is news coming from local papers and other sources about events in Southeast Asia. Since most of my (refugee) friends can’t read even their own native language, much less English, I bring the articles to their attention and (in)variably translate the important events for them.”

What a wonderful way to demonstrate “living the life!”

IBAVC has Venezuela distribution center

The International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Centre (IBAVC) has a distribution center in Venezuela for radio scripts and tapes, music cassettes, etc. in English, Spanish and French. For information, write to IBAVC Distribution, Apartado 1817, Maracaibo, Venezuela. [Page 9]

PREPARING FOR STUDY

Materials: Study guide, Bahá’í Prayers (1985 U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust ed.), Kitáb-i-Íqán, Bible, note-taking materials.

Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, 142-43.

Meditation: "Wert thou to cleanse the mirror of thy heart from the dust of malice, thou wouldst apprehend the meaning of the symbolic terms revealed by the all-embracing Word of God made manifest in every Dispensation, and wouldst discover the mysteries of divine knowledge." Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 68.

Procedure: The sessions may be used for individual or group deepening. Whether you are studying alone or as part of a group, begin with a prayer. Then read the meditation aloud. Allow for a few moments of silence to meditate on the passage. If you are in a group, spend about five minutes discussing insights. You may want to use your own note-taking materials to make notes about your insights and about other questions posed in this session. (The lines in the study guide only suggest places to pause and write or discuss.)

Study: All the holy books clearly state that the signs, symbols, and allusions found within them were closed up and sealed until the "time of the end" (Dan. 12:4) when the "Day of Resurrection" comes (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 143:9). Until that time, no one would understand their meaning. With the advent of Bahá’u’lláh's revelation, the Day of Resurrection has arrived. According to Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’u’lláh, in the Kitáb-i-Íqán, "broke the 'seals' of the 'Book' referred to by Daniel, and disclosed the meaning of the 'words' destined to remain 'closed up' till the 'time of the end.'" Shoghi Effendi also states that the Kitáb-i-Íqán "unfolds the meaning of such symbolic terms as 'Return,' 'Resurrection,' 'Seal of the Prophets' and 'Day of Judgment'" (God Passes By, rev. ed. [Wilmette, III.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974], 139). In this session you will study a few of the symbols that have been unlocked, and you will practice applying the new meanings to passages from various sacred texts. As it is a particularly long session, you may wish to plan two weeks for it.

PART I: WHY ARE THE MEANINGS OF SIGNS AND SYMBOLS VEILED?

(15 MINUTES)

Many statements in the holy books themselves explain why the deeper meanings of the texts are veiled by signs, symbols, and allusions (indirect references to other traditions or scriptures). Read the following passages (references include page numbers and line numbers; for example, "80:8-81:8" means page 80, line 8, through page 81, line 8):

Kitáb-i-Íqán, 49:13-49:21, 75:14-75:21, 80:8-81:8, 254:23-256:15 Dan. 12:4-10 John 16:12-13; Matt. 13:10-17; John 8:47

Learning Activities:

1. Why did the Manifestations use signs, symbols, and allusions to veil the deeper meanings of the holy books?

2. How do these reasons relate to the principle of separation and distinction discussed in Session 2 (see the October issue of The American Bahá’í, p. 10)?

FURTHER READING: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, comp. and trans. Laura Clifford Barney, 5th ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1981), 36-44. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers specifically to the prophecy in the book of Daniel.

PART II: THE EFFECTS OF UNSEALING THE BOOKS

(15 minutes)

The unsealing of the books was a long-awaited event of great consequence. To discover some of the effects of this event, read the following passages from the Bahá’í writings. Then do the learning activities.

"This servant will now share with thee a dewdrop out of the fathomless ocean of the truths treasured in these holy words, that haply discerning* hearts may comprehend all the allusions and the implications* of the utterances of the Manifestations of Holiness, so that the overpowering majesty of the Word of God may not prevent them from attaining unto the ocean of His names and attributes, nor deprive them of recognizing the Lamp of God which is the seat of the revelation of His glorified Essence." Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 28.

discerning: able to understand or grasp what is not clear or not easily recognized implications: things that are not directly stated but rather are implied or suggested

"Thus have We illuminated the heavens of utterance with the splendours of the Sun of divine wisdom and understanding, that thy heart may find peace, that thou mayest be of those who, on the wings of certitude*, have soared unto the heaven of the love of their Lord, the All-Merciful." Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 61.

certitude: the state of being or feeling certain

"I swear by God! That which had been enshrined from eternity in the knowledge of God, the Knower of the seen and unseen, is revealed. Happy is the eye that seeth, and the face that turneth towards, the Countenance of God, the Lord of all being." Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, new ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), 78.

"The Revelation, of which Bahá’u’lláh is the source and center, abrogates* none of the religions that have preceded it, nor does it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort their features or to belittle their value. It disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of the Prophets of the past, or of whittling down the eternal verity* of their teachings. It can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit that animates their claims, nor does it seek to undermine the basis of any man's allegiance to their cause. Its declared, its primary purpose is to enable every adherent* of these Faiths to obtain a fuller understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a clearer apprehension* of its purpose." Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 2d ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974), 57-58.

abrogate: to annul or do away with verity: truth adherent: loyal supporter or follower apprehension: the act or power of perceiving and understanding

"Well it may be claimed that of all the books revealed by the Author of the Bahá’í Revelation, this Book alone, by sweeping away the age-long barriers that have so insurmountably separated the great religions of the world, has laid down a broad and unassailable* foundation for the complete and permanent reconciliation* of their followers." Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, 139.

insurmountably: in a way not capable of being overcome unassailable: not liable to doubt, attack, or question reconciliation: a state of restored friendship or harmony [Page 10]Learning Activities:

1. What are the effects on the individual and on the world of unsealing the holy books?

2. How does unsealing the holy books serve Bahá’u’lláh’s mission to create world unity?

PART III: THE MEANINGS ARE REVEALED (1 hour)

Many symbolic references, signs, and allusions that point to the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh are found in the holy books of the past. Indeed, Bahá’u’lláh proclaims Himself to be "the One Whom the tongue of Isaiah hath extolled, the One with Whose name both the Torah and the Evangel were adorned" (Bahá’u’lláh, The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Kings and Leaders of the World, [Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1967], 29).

Knowing and understanding the meanings of the symbols, signs, and allusions in the holy books will enable you to be a more effective teacher of the Faith. Bahá’u’lláh led Hájí Mírzá Siyyid Muhammad to the truth of the Báb’s station by helping him to understand better the meaning of certain symbolic passages in the Qur’án. In several instances Bahá’u’lláh states that the true meaning of the symbols is very different from the meaning perceived by the common people or put forth by the clergy. In Parts III and IV of this session you will create your own glossary of some of the symbols Bahá’u’lláh used, and you will have an opportunity to practice applying them to passages in various sacred texts.

Learning Activities:

1. The assignment for Session 3 (see the October issue of The American Bahá’í, p. 10) asked you to define "resurrection" and to interview a few friends or relatives about their understanding of the term day of resurrection. Discuss your findings.

2. Make a glossary of some of the many signs and symbols explained in the Kitáb-i-Íqán. Look up each word in the following list of terms used in the Kitáb-i-Íqán, and prepare definitions of the symbols. Try to memorize the definitions so that when you are teaching you can easily recall them. If you are working in a group, divide the words among individuals or smaller groups, who can then report their definitions to the larger group.

a. oppression: 29:1–33:2, 41:24–42:8

b. sun, moon, stars: 33:3–42:17, 62:21–63:2

c. clouds: 71:13–75:13, 67:5–67:25

d. darkness, darkened: 31:21–32:6, 36:7–37:8, 41:7–42:17, 195:20–196:4

e. heaven: 44:10–45:15, 61:23–62:20, 66:1–69:3

f. trumpet call/blast: 116:21–23, 196:4–196:21

g. life, alive, live, born, resurrection, return, risen, awakened: 114:4–114:17, 116:23–24, 118:3–121:2, 143:1–144:12, 151:2–152:1, 158:13–159:12, 170:1–170:5, 196:4–196:10, 42:11–17

h. death, dead, die: 114:10–13, 118:3–121:2

i. tomb, sepulchers, beds, sleep: 116:23–117:5, 120:12–14, 26:21–25, 92:14–20, 117:1–5, 19:24–20:6, 228:7–13

FURTHER READING: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, 83–86, 108–09, 132–34; the Báb, Selections from the Writings of the Báb, comp. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, trans. Habib Taherzadeh, (Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 1976), 78–79, 106–08.

PART IV: APPLYING THE MEANINGS (30 minutes)

Learning Activity:

Following are some passages from various holy texts that contain the symbols you have just studied. Read the passages in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s interpretations, and explain their meaning as though you were speaking to a seeker. What other passages are you familiar with that use these symbols?

"When the Heaven shall be cloven in sunder; and when the stars shall be scattered; and when the seas shall be suffered to join their waters; and when the graves shall be turned upside down: every soul shall know what it hath committed and what it hath omitted." Qur’án 82:1–5.

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." Matt. 24:29.

"Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven." Rev. 6:13.

"For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine." Isa. 13:10.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. . . . Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:25, 28–29.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:16–18.

"The shout hath been raised, and the people have come forth from their graves, and arising, are gazing around them. Some have made haste to attain the court of the God of Mercy, others have fallen down on their faces in the fire of Hell, while still others are lost in bewilderment." Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, trans. Shoghi Effendi, 2d ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1976), 41–42.

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 4—EXPLORING MAJOR IDEAS OF THE KITÁB-I-ÍQÁN (see pp. 11–12): In the next session you will choose a major idea or theme from the Kitáb-i-Íqán to explore in greater depth. Go back to the materials from Session 1, and reread the section entitled "What is the Kitáb-i-Íqán about?" [Page 11]

Session 4: Exploring Major Themes of the Kitáb-i-Íqán

PREPARING FOR STUDY:

Materials: Study guide; Bahá’í Prayers (1985 U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust ed.); Kitáb-i-Íqán; Bible; Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; note-taking materials.

Prayer: Bahá’í Prayers, 120.

Meditation: “Were these people, wholly for the sake of God and with no desire but His good-pleasure, to ponder the verses of the Book in their heart, they would of a certainty find whatsoever they seek.” Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 174.

Procedure: The sessions may be used for individual or group deepening. Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half on this session. Whether you are studying alone or as part of a group, begin with a prayer. Then read the meditation aloud. Allow for a few moments of silence to meditate on the passage. If you are in a group, spend about five minutes discussing insights. You may want to use your own note-taking materials to make notes about your insights and about other questions posed in this session. (The lines in the study guide only suggest places to pause and write or discuss.)

Study: Studying the mysteries found in the Kitáb-i-Íqán is a lifelong endeavor. The first three sessions of this study guide are but a beginning. In this fourth session you will return to some of the major themes outlined in Session 1 (see the October issue of The American Bahá’í, pp. 7–8), and chart your own plan of study that will, it is hoped, continue in the future.

Some Major Themes of the Kitáb-i-Íqán:

God

1. “The existence and oneness of a personal God, unknowable, inaccessible, the source of all Revelation, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent and almighty” is unequivocally proclaimed (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, rev. ed. [Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974], 139).

See the following passages in the Kitáb-i-Íqán (references include page numbers and line numbers; for example, “97:1–103:2” means page 97, line 1, through page 103, line 2):

97:1–103:21, 14:9–15, 124:17–25, 167:1–19, 138:6–143:11, 113:16–114:17, 52:6–53:13, 170:18–172:7.

The Manifestations of God

1. The relativity of religious truth and the continuity of divine revelation is asserted.
   • See Kitáb-i-Íqán, 103:21–104:25, 107:14–108:4, 176:8–178:17, 181:3–23, 136:6–138:9.
   • See also Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 114:5–119:7.

1. The unity of the Prophets and the universality of their message is affirmed.
   • See Kitáb-i-Íqán, 99:6–100:15, 103:3–104:25, 142:2–143:11, 152:2–154:11, 159:13–19, 161:1–164:2, 178:12–180:23, 181:3–23, 57:10–58:4, 20:7–22:2, 118:3–23, 120:4–7, 139:11–13, 143:12–14, 17:3–7.

1. The nature of the Prophets of God and their inherent sovereignty is explained.
   • See Kitáb-i-Íqán, 97:1–25, 99:13–100:15, 103:6–104:25, 176:8–180:23, 181:3–23, 130:11–22, 106:3–108:6, 110:8–114:10, 123:19–125:22.

Humanity’s Response to the Manifestations of God

1. The reasons for humanity’s opposition to the Prophets of God are explained.
   • See Kitáb-i-Íqán, 6:10–7:3, 3:1–5:13, 12:19–19:10, 105:1–106:2, 26:6–28:14, 73:24–75:13, 80:8–83:21, 52:6–59:7, 213:1–214:14, 164:3–166:13, 17:1–14, 210:5–214:24.

1. The validity of the Báb’s revelation is demonstrated (these proofs apply to all the Manifestations of God).
   • See Kitáb-i-Íqán, 215:23–217:2, 221:17–228:13, 230:11–232:21, 233:13–237:7, 237:1–248:2 (proofs from Islamic tradition are cited).

Learning Activities:

1. With your group or by yourself, choose one of the three major themes to explore more deeply.

1. Frame questions that address the theme you have chosen. This can be done individually or as a group. This activity will prepare you to receive new information and will focus your study. It will also make it easier for you to find the information again when you want it later. For example, on the theme of God, you might ask the following questions:
   • What is meant by the oneness of God?
   • What is meant by a personal God?
   • What does “inaccessible” mean?
   • Why is God unknowable and inaccessible?
   • To whom is God inaccessible? and so on.

1. Read silently or aloud the passages from the Kitáb-i-Íqán that correspond with the theme you have chosen. Members of a group may wish to read all of the suggested passages individually, or they may wish to divide the readings among individuals, taking turns afterward to share what they have learned.

1. As you read, look for answers to your questions. Also think of new questions that the passages answer. If you are studying as a group, come to agreement on the answers. It is helpful, for later study, to write down the questions and answers.

1. What kinds of questions might a seeker pose that could be answered by your study? How how might you answer such questions? This last step prepares you for action and helps you to summarize what you have learned.

1. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for another theme listed above or for a theme of your own choosing. If you choose your own theme, in step 3 you will need to find for yourself passages that relate to that idea.

FURTHER READING: Mírzá Abu’l Fad’l, The Bahá’í Proofs, trans. Ali-Kuli Khan, facs. of 1929 ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1983). [Page 12]

DEVELOPING DISTINCTIVE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITIES

Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies Looseleaf, 3-Hole Punched Format, SC $24.95

Highlights of the nineteen chapters in this book:

The Local Spiritual Assembly—Spiritual Foundation; Relation to Other Institutions

The Formation of the Assembly The Election Process

The Organization of the Assembly—Meetings and Membership; Legal Basis

Consultation—Reaching a Decision; The Individual: Freedom of Expression and Criticism

Protection of the Faith—Covenant-Breaking; Opposition

Community Membership—Status of Children and Youth

Teaching Teaching the Masses, Large Scale Growth; Teaching Methods

The Distinctive Bahá’í Community—Role of the Local Spiritual Assembly

Holy Days, the Fast, and the Nineteen Day Feast—Cultural and Religious Festivals of Other Religions and Communities

The Bahá’í Fund—Ways of Giving

Bahá’í(Education—Duties of the Assembly; Bahá’íSchools

External Affairs—Relationship with Government, Other Organizations, and the Media

Social and Economic Development—Potential Projects

Bahá’í Properties—Factors to Consider before Acquiring a Center

Bahá’í Law and its Application—Laws and Standards of Behaviour subject to Administrative Sanctions

Marriage Obtaining Consent, the Marriage Ceremony

Divorce Responsibilities of the Couple; Relation of Civil Divorce to Bahá’í Divorce

Burial Law, Wills, Life After Death—Requirements Currently Binding on Western Believers

Miscellaneous Subjects—Birth Control; Serving Alcohol; Smoking; Capital Punishment; Debts, Military Service

1 THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY The Lord hash o Band A asing and World 4 Order ang b am vs Ready Parts & Prepareby the Prepared by the National Teaching Con Special Circuces Regarding APPENDIX A Teaching 8 THE DISTINCTIVE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY and al esm anguish ud no ne of i soul Deven Bahas come ng wes onace s 1 be an wich ynam l be con Mi in enables de in the w e will of with the d -- Baha Community Characteristics of Distinction

This compilation of approximately 450 pages was designed to aid Spiritual Assemblies in goal setting and making decisions based on the Bahá’í writings. It consists primarily of writings from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, many of which are published for the first time. Also included are suggestions and general guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly to clarify the manner in which the administration of the Faith presently operates in the United States.

The comprehensiveness of the volume makes it an excellent reference text for any believer who wishes to investigate the writings on a particular topic such as Bahá’í education or Bahá’íburil laws, for example. It could also be used in study classes, summer schools, and personal deepening.

An index will be published separately at a future date and will be available free, on request, to all who have purchased the manual.

The value of using this compilation as a springboard for the inner growth of the assembly is potentially limitless because the maturation of Local Spiritual Assemblies will be none other than the hallmark of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age.

Consultation: A Compilation

Extracts from the Writings and Utterances of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and The Universal House of Justice SC $1.60

Provides valuable information on how to make sound decisions in our personal lives and as members of groups, Spiritual Assemblies, committees, or other administrative bodies.

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States/By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly

SC $1.10

"The Text of this national constitution," writes Shoghi Effendi, "comprises a Declaration of Trust, whose articles set forth the character and objects of the national Bahá’í community, establish the functions, designate the central office, and describe the official seal, of the body of its elected representatives, as well as a set of by-laws which define the status, the mode of election, the powers and duties of both local and national Assemblies, describe the relation of the National Assembly to the International House of Justice as well as to local Assemblies and individual believers, outline the rights and obligations of the National Convention and its relation to the National Assembly, disclose the character of Bahá’í elections, and lay down the requirements of voting membership in all Bahá’í communities." Essential for understanding Local and National Spiritual Assemblies.

VISA MasterCard American Express Check / Money Order 1-800-999-9019 Order now through the

The Local Spiritual Assembly

SC $.50

This booklet, containing passages from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, is an important key to understanding the station and functioning of the Local Spiritual Assembly and the proper relationship between the Spiritual Assembly and the believers. It is divided into seven sections: "Establishment and Station"; "Membership Qualifications, Election"; "Taking Counsel Together—Functions"; "Attendance and Resignation"; "Assembly Relation to Believers"; "Believers Relation to Assembly"; "Prospects of the Future."

Principles of Bahá’í Administration

HC $9.50

A compilation of writings by and on behalf of Shoghi Effendi concerning the relations and functions of the individual Bahá’í and of the local and national Bahá’í institutions. Excerpted primarily from Bahá’í Administration, Bahá’í Procedure, and Bahá’í Community. Contains a few quotations from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and a few statements by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

Other resource materials:

Wellspring of Guidance: Messages 1963-1968 HC $9.00/ SC $4.00

Messages from The Universal House of Justice: 1968-1973 HC $4.50/SC $2.00

TEACHING EXPANSION CONSOLIDATION

Simultaneous Processes Focusing on the Individual's Role in Teaching

Teaching institutes can help unlock the doors to personal transformation and empower the individual to arise and teach.

Some suggestions for preparing for teaching include first increasing one's understanding of a process and utilizing available resources for study. The following materials support the teaching institute process which can help unlock the doors to personal transformation and empower the individual to arise and teach.

An Evolutionary Approach to Teaching Institutes

SC $.50

This booklet clarifies a process which provides a framework for the continuous training of the human resources so urgently needed for rapid expansion and for subsequent deepening and consolidation.

Effective Teaching

SC $2.50

Developed to assist in understanding what teaching really is and how to increase one's ability to teach more effectively. Based on a five-lesson plan that includes the nature and purpose of teaching, focusing on the spiritual process involving God, the seeker and the teacher. Offers alternative teaching approaches with special emphasis on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's model of teaching, ways to evaluate one's own teaching skills, and ways to overcome barriers to teaching.

The Word of God

SC $2.50

This book will contribute to understanding how to set in motion an acceleration of the maturation of our local and national communities. Five lessons focus on The Cause of Creation, The Revealed Word of God, Powers of the Word of God, Using the Revealed Word, and Avoiding Pitfalls.

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

SC $2.50

As a self-contained study book on the Covenant, this book contains Bahá’í readings, commentary on different aspects of the Covenant, thought-provoking questions, and in-depth exercises. It explores the meaning of the Covenant, the Covenant of God, the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, the Covenant of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the purpose of Bahá’u’lláh's Covenant, our attitude toward the Covenant, and Covenant-breaking. Includes ready definitions and an index with references to other quotations that go beyond those covered in the lessons.

The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation

SC $2.50

The purpose of this book is to draw the reader into a study of the profound concepts found in the Bahá’í Revelation. Excellent for individuals or groups, for preparing firesides, public talks or seminar work at Baha'i schools. Includes chapters on: The Day of God; The Station of Bahá’u’lláh; The Nature of the Bahá’í Revelation; The Forces of the Revelation; The Responses to His Call; A New Race of Men; The Kingdom of God on Earth.

Order through your Local Bahá’í Distribution Representative, or send your order with payment to: 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 Bahá’í Distribution Service [Page 13]

Bahá’í booth big success at Beaumont festival

In August, the Bahá’ís of Beaumont, Texas, responding to an unsolicited letter thanking them for agreeing to take part as an exhibitor in an upcoming downtown festival, contacted 96 Assemblies and Groups in Texas to ask for their help.

The response was immediate and gratifying, and the organizers of the festival were delighted with the Bahá’í tent which was filled with believers from all over the state who wore T-shirts promoting world peace.

The friends distributed more than 1,000 fingerprinting kits for children donated by the Beaumont Police Department; handed out Health Services Directories for the family, which were originally compiled and printed by the local Chamber of Commerce and reprinted at the Bahá’ís’ expense; gave away more than 3,000 balloons promoting the Faith and its message of peace; and dispensed about 80 gallons of free water donated by a local bottled water company (a cup of which cost $1.50 at another tent).

Hundreds of Bahá’í pamphlets and copies of the peace statement were picked up by those who visited the Bahá’í tent.

To support the efforts of the Bahá’ís in Beaumont, more than $2,000 was contributed by Bahá’ís outside the city while 52 Bahá’ís from all over Texas and a family from Louisiana volunteered to man the tent throughout the weekend (September 15-17).

Publicity included television and radio interviews and an extensive article on the front page of the Metro section of the Beaumont Enterprise under the headline, “‘Bahá’í: ‘We Must Learn to Work Together.’”

An estimated 50,000 people attended the festival, after which the exhibit coordinator said the Bahá’í tent was the best exhibit of the entire event and insisted that the Bahá’í community of Beaumont become a permanent part of the annual festival.

Some of the 26 children from the Montessori Country Day School in Mundelein, Illinois, are pictured in the cornerstone room of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette during a field trip last August. The children were accompanied on the tour by nine adult volunteers. Their teacher, Mrs. Rail, got the idea for the visit because one of the children in her class, four-year-old Amy Bucknell, is a Bahá’í. While in the cornerstone room the children discussed what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá meant when He said, after laying the stone during a ground-breaking ceremony in 1912, ‘The Temple is already built.’

Pictured are some of the friends who took part last July in a teaching/service project sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Cape Coral, Florida. As a result, three people have enrolled in the Faith.

Service project leads to three enrollments

A project last July in which Bahá’ís from Cape Coral undertook a number of activities including cleaning and painting a playground for the handicapped, has led to three enrollments in that southwest Florida city.

Also included were morning prayers, children’s classes, evening firesides and deepenings, a unity feast, an evening at an amusement park, a beach party, daily teaching activities, flyers and “take one” pamphlet racks.

A pamphlet approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Cape Coral was produced and distributed along with the pamphlet “One Universal Faith” and balloons with the project logo, “We All Count—Each One of Us.”

The project was publicized on radio and television and in local newspapers.

In addition to the three who enrolled, a number of people have phoned to ask for information about the Faith, attended firesides, or asked for Bahá’í speakers for their groups.

Pace of teaching quickens in Alsea, Oregon; Houston sponsors fourth World Peace Dinner

Accelerated teaching in the small town of Alsea, Oregon, led in August to the enrollment of an entire six-member family plus one other youth.

Shortly after enrolling, the family of new Bahá’ís hosted a weekend retreat for nearly 65 Bahá’ís ages 12-21 from all over the state.

Alsea, with a total population of about 500 families, now boasts a thriving Bahá’í community composed of 12 adults and 15 youth and children.

For the past two years the Spiritual Assembly of Alsea has given a $250 scholarship to a graduating high-school senior who met the qualifications of academic excellence and an orientation toward humanitarian goals.

Young members of the Alsea community recently took part in Philomath 2000, a project dedicated to developing parks, planting trees and generally improving the city of Philomath by the end of this century.

As a result of that involvement, the chairman of Philomath 2000, greatly impressed by the Bahá’í youth, has become interested in the Faith and has attended a fireside.

The fourth annual World Peace Dinner, sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Houston, Texas, to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace, was held September 23 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Houston.

The more than 350 people in attendance heard a keynote address on the elimination of racism as a key to world peace by Dr. Jane Faily, a Bahá’í who is a clinical psychologist and consultant on international development.

Honored for their contributions to the elimination of racism in Houston was Mrs. Suzanne Sachnowitz who is nationally recognized for her expertise in intercultural and interfaith relations.

In recent years she has been co-chairman of a city-wide symposium on nuclear disarmament, and during the 1988-89 school year she conducted a pilot program in ethnic sharing for the Houston Independent School District whose goal was improved race relations in troubled area high schools.

In September, the five-member Bahá’í music group “Wildfire” became the first entertainers ever to enter the nine Vietnamese refugee and detention camps in Hong Kong, drawing praise from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, local social service agencies, and the National Spiritual Assembly of Hong Kong.

In a report to the Universal House of Justice dated September 21, the National Assembly’s Office of External Affairs noted that Wildfire was “credited with helping to ease the mounting tension (in the camps) that at times has been of crisis proportion.

“Wildfire’s performances have generated unprecedented media coverage for the Faith in Hong Kong in both Chinese and English language newspapers, television and radio.

“With deep love and gratitude, the Bahá’í community of Hong Kong says goodbye to Monty Engs and Kirsten Zemke (New Zealand), Simon Hinton and Glen Martin (Australia), and Mary Sinclair (United States) as they depart for Taiwan today.

“We are confident they will continue to bless and uplift the spirits of all whom they encounter as they complete their year of service throughout this region.”

As a part of the recent 14th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, the Association’s Arts Institute was held in Irvine, California.

Seventeen participants met to discuss present and future directions of the Institute, and to hear presentations by Pierre-Yves Mocquais, who spoke on “The Purpose of Literature: Literary Culture and Spiritual Growth,” and Anne Gordon Atkinson, who presented a paper on “Women in Art: Some Impediments and Challenges.”

Consultation included discussion of the goals of the Six Year Plan related to the arts; use of the arts at the Feast and other community gatherings; communication between artists and administrators; innovation within the Bahá’í community; the role of suffering in the creation and sharing of art; other challenges to the artist; and teaching through the arts.

Also discussed was the need for the publication of a compilation on the arts as well as a pamphlet/statement reflecting a Bahá’í attitude toward the arts, both of which would be useful for Bahá’ís and for presentation to non-Bahá’í artists.

Bahá’í magazines: your money’s worth and more

Brilliant Star

You can help send Brilliant Star magazine to children’s class teachers in Trinidad and Tobago. We have just received from that country’s National Spiritual Assembly a listing of 10 such teachers who would “benefit very much from using Brilliant Star.”

Our successful program, the Brilliant Star connection, links families and Assemblies in the U.S. with those in Africa, Asia and Latin America who could never afford to purchase a magazine in U.S. dollars.

Your gift subscription of $15 can help children and their teachers learn about the history and beliefs of the Faith. For more information, write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039.

Bahá’í News

Bahá’í News offers articles about current events, Bahá’í history, our heroes and heroines, past and present, conferences, conventions, the achievements of pioneers, and the travels of the Hands of the Cause of God and members of the Universal House of Justice.

World Order

Don’t miss the 20th anniversary issue of World Order magazine—a big double issue, filled with the best articles, essays, poetry and reviews from the last 20 years of Bahá’í scholarship. Among the writers represented are S. Pattabi Raman, Constance Conrader, Robert Hayden and Glenford Mitchell. A $10 payment purchases four issues of World Order magazine.

All Purpose Subscription Form

Name ____________________ Bahá’í I.D.# _______ Address ___________________________________ City __________ State _______ Zip __________ Gift from __________________ Bahá’í I.D.# _______ Enclose check or money order to Bahá’í Subscriber Service. Prices are for one year subscriptions within the U.S. only. For The American Bahá’í, prices represent foreign surface mail.	Circle your choice: Bahá’í News — $12.00 World Order — $10.00 Brilliant Star — $12.00 U.S. Bahá’í Report — $10.00 The American Bahá’í (foreign only) — $15.00 Total Enclosed __________
Mail to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service • Bahá’í National Center • Wilmette IL 60091

[Page 14]

INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در دستخط مورخ ۷ سپتامبر سال جاری خطاب به جمیع محافل روحانی ملی از جامعه امری ایالات متحده خواسته‌اند که تا انتهای نقشه شش ساله در مجموع ۷۰۸ ماه را صرف مهاجرت کوتاه مدت به کشورهای خارجه نمایند. بدین ترتیب حتی کسانی که فقط مدت کوتاهی را می‌توانند صرف مهاجرت نمایند قادر خواهند بود در این امر مهم و مشروع عظیم که وسیله تقلیب روحانی جامعه بشری است، مشارکت کنند.

محلینی که برای ورود به دانشگاه آماده می‌شوند، یا آنهائی که تحصیلاتشان خاتمه یافته است و در صدد یافتن شغل و ورود به عالم کار و حرفه هستند، می‌توانند چند ماهی را وقف خدمت به آستان جمال مبارک نمایند.

حتی یاران ایرانی که هنوز تابعیت ایالات متحده را کسب ننموده‌اند، می‌توانند قیام به هجرت کوتاه مدت نمایند و مطمئن باشند که فرصت تبدیل اجازه اقامت به تابعیت را از دست نخواهند داد.

ذیلاً صورتی از نقاط مهاجرتی و مدتی که باید مهاجران در آن اقامت داشته باشند، درج می‌گردد. توضیح آنکه مدت‌های ذکر شده هدف کلی است. برای مثال اگر دو نفر به پاناما بروند و هر یک ۶ ماه در آن نقطه بعنوان مهاجر مستقر شوند، هدف ۱۲ ماهه تکمیل شده است.

افریقا

سیس کای Ciskei	۲۴ ماه	گینه بیسائو Guinea-Bissau	۱۲ ماه
لیبریه	۱۲ ماه	نیجریه	۱۲ ماه

آمریکای مرکزی و جنوبی

آرژانتین	۲۴ ماه	باهاما	۱۲ ماه
باربیدوس	۱۲ ماه	برزیل	٢٤ ماه
ویرجین آیلندز	۱۲ ماه	کلمبیا	٢٤ ماه
دومنیکا	۱۲ ماه	اکوادور	۱۲ ماه
گویان	۲۴ ماه	هندوراس	٢٤ ماه
جامائیکا	۲۴ ماه	لیوارد آیلندز	۱۲ ماه
مارتینیک	۱۲ ماه	مکزیک	٢١ ماه
نیکاراگوئه	۲۴ ماه	پاناما	٢٦ ماه
پاراگوئه	۲۴ ماه	پورتو ریکو	۱۲ ماه
اوروگوئه	۲۴ ماه	ونزوئلا	۱۲ ماه

آسیا

هندوستان	٢٤ ماه	ژاپن	٢٤ ماه
پاکستان	۱۲ ماه	تایوان	٢٦ ماه

استرالیا

ماریانا آیلندز	۲۴ ماه	مارشال آیلندز	۱۲ ماه
جزائر کارولین غربی	۱۲ ماه

اروپا

پرتغال

٢٤ ماه

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مهاجرت Office of Pioneering تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸)

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

دو بهائی ایرانی‌الاصل شوروی در امریکا

TWO SOVIET BAHÁ’ÍS VISIT THE U.S.

اخیراً خانم ایران‌دخت حمیدوا Hamidova و خانم نگار کاملوا Kamelova که دو نفر از احبای ایرانی‌الاصل اتحاد جماهیر شوروی هستند، جهت دیدار از بستگان خود سفری به ایالات متحده نمودند.

این دو یار نازنین که ساکن "دوشنبه" پایتخت جمهوری تاجیکستان شوروی هستند، در جلسه‌ای که روز ۵ سپتامبر در دفتر محفل ملی جهت ملاقات با احباء برایشان ترتیب داده شد، شرکت جستند و حاضران را از کم و کیف فعالیت‌های امری احبای شوروی و اخبار مربوط به آن مملکت مستحضر نمودند.

از جمله مطالبی که در جلسه مزبور به اطلاع حاضران رسید این بود که شهر دوشنبه حدود ۵۰ نفر بهائی دیرپای و بیش از ده جوان بهائی دارد، اما محفل روحانی آن هنوز تشکیل نگردیده است. احبای شهر مذکور اجتماعات منظمی جهت تلاوت دعا و مناجات دارند.

هنگام بازدید این عزیزان از مشرق‌الاذکار در ویلمت یک عکس از آن معبد عظیم‌الشأن به آنان تقدیم گردید.

راهنمای محافل روحانی محلی

ASSEMBLY GUIDELINES

اخیراً محفل روحانی ملی مجموعه‌ای به نام "تأسیس جوامع ممتاز بهائی: راهنمای محافل روحانی" Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities منتشر نموده است. انتشار این راهنما قدم مهمی در جهت تحقق یکی از سه هدف اصلی نقشه شش ساله یعنی "پختگی و بلوغ محافل روحانی" است.

مجموعه مذکور حاوی توقیعات حضرت ولی امرالله و دستخط‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم و همچنین مشتمل بر متدولوژی‌ها و دستورالعمل‌های محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده است که بسیاری از آنها قبلاً به طبع نرسیده است.

این راهنما ۱۹ فصل دارد و جهت آگاهی از کیفیت اداره امور جوامع محلی بسیار سودمند است. آثار و نصوصی که در این مجموعه جمع‌آوری شده، اصول لازم را ارائه می‌نماید و به محافل محلی اجازه می‌دهد که با مطالعه آن آثار در خصوص شرایط خاص محل خود مشورت نموده، تصمیم بگیرند. بعلاوه، این مجموعه مرجع مفیدی برای مطالعه و تزئید معلومات فردی در زمینه‌های مختلف مربوط به نظم اداری بهائی است.

قیمت این مجموعه ۲۴/۹۵ دلار است و علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند آن را از طریق مؤسسه توزیع انتشارات امری خریداری نمایند.

سپاه خدمت جوانان بهائی

BAHÁ’Í YOUTH SERVICE CORPS

بر اساس مفاد پیامی که بیت‌العدل اعظم در سال ۱۹۸۶ خطاب به جوانان بهائی در سراسر جهان صادر فرمودند، برنامه‌ای به نام "سال خدمت جوانان" طرح ریزی گردید. اداره این برنامه که در زمان حال "سپاه خدمت جوانان بهائی" Bahá’í Youth Service Corps نام دارد، از جانب محفل روحانی ملی به کمیته ملی نشر نفحات محول گردیده است.

شرکت‌کنندگان در این برنامه علاوه بر تبلیغ امرالله به مطالعه نصوص مبارکه اشتغال دارند و خود را برای خدمت به عالم انسانی آماده می‌سازند. در نتیجه بسیاری از آنان کاملاً تغییر شده و پس از یک سال خدمت با شور و نیروئی فوق‌العاده به اتمام تحصیلات خود جهت آمادگی برای خدمات آینده پرداخته‌اند.

امکانات مختلفی جهت خدمت در این برنامه وجود دارد و موارد زیر از جمله آنهاست: خدمات چند ماهه یا یکساله در مشروعات محلی، ملی و یا بین‌المللی، ایجاد و اجرای برنامه‌های تبلیغی، خدمت در حیفا یا در دفتر محفل ملی و غیره.

از آغاز نقشه شش ساله ۱۲۳ جوان بهائی در برنامه‌های "سپاه خدمت جوانان بهائی" شرکت داشته‌اند و در حال حاضر ۲۸ نفر در ۱۴ کشور مشغول به خدمتند. اما موفقیت این برنامه موکول به همکاری منسجم جوانان و والدین و محافل روحانی محلی و کمیته ملی نشر نفحات است. داوطلبان خدمت باید اقلاً ۱۸ سال داشته باشند. داوطلبان جوانتر از ۱۸ سال منحصراً در ایالات متحده خدمت خواهند کرد.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با کمیته ملی نشر نفحات تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۹۰۲۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰۸).

مؤسسه‌های تبلیغی

TEACHING INSTITUTES

جامعه امری امریکا با کمک "مؤسسات تبلیغی" Teaching Institutes شاهد تجدید قوای روحانی خود جهت فعالیت‌های تبلیغی بوده است. این مؤسسات جنبه‌های مختلف توسعه نطاق امرالله یعنی تبلیغ و تحکیم اساس جوامع را منسجم ساخته و توجه یاران را به اهمیت سهم افراد در تبلیغ امر مبارک معطوف ساخته‌اند.

"مؤسسه تبلیغی" محل و مکان بخصوصی ندارد. هر گروه چند نفره احباء را که جهت تبلیغ امر مبارک دور هم جمع شوند، می‌توان "مؤسسه تبلیغی" نامید. هدف مؤسسات مذکور چنانکه در مرقومه دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی آمده گسترش درک و فهم اهل بهاء از امر تبلیغ و جریان و طرق آن است.

نشر نفحات‌الله منحصر به ابلاغ کلمه نیست، بلکه با تزئید معلومات فردی شروع می‌شود. مراحل بعدی آن یافتن نفوس مستعد و ابلاغ پیام شفابخش جمال قدم با رعایت حکمت و پرورش ملاطفت آمیز ارواح است تا مرحله اقبال و معرفت مظهر ظهور و بالاخره تشویق و تحریض مسلمین جدید به قیام به انتشار نفحات‌الله.

جمعی از یاران که به نیت تشکیل "مؤسسه تبلیغی" گرد هم بیایند، به اتفاق مراحل فوق را به طور مستمر و مداوم طی نموده، مددکار یکدیگر در امر جمع خواهند بود. هر چند که این مؤسسات تحت اشراف کمیته ملی نشر نفحات و اعضای هیئت معاونت اداره می‌شوند، معذلک وظیفه و انگیزه تبلیغ از آن هر یک از افراد قرار دارد.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر در مورد "مؤسسات تبلیغی" با کمیته ملی نشر نفحات و یا عضو هیئت معاونت محل تماس حاصل نمایند.

خدمات احیاء در مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ

BAHÁ’ÍS HELPING THE MARTIN LUTHER KING CENTER

در شماره قبلی این نشریه راجع به امکانات بی‌نظیری که برای احیاء جهت خدمت در مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ در آتلانتا وجود دارد، مطالبی مرقوم گردید. در این شماره شرح مختصر دیگری درج می‌شود.

روابط دوستانه ما بین احباء و مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ از ژانویه سال ۱۹۸۸ برقرار گردید. در آن سال مرکز مزبور از دفتر روابط عمومی محفل ملی درخواست کرد که نماینده جامعه بهائی اشتراکاً نظارت کمیسیونی را بر عهده گیرد. با این درخواست موافقت شد و از آن زمان تا کنون احباء به تسهیل امور و ایجاد وحدت و تقدیم خدمت به آن مرکز اشتغال دارند.

اخیراً از خانم کرول میلر Carole Miller که نماینده محفل روحانی ملی در مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ است، درخواست شد که نقابت و اداره یکی از کنفرانس‌های مرکز را که در جولای منعقد شد، بر عهده گیرد.

در این برنامه یک جوان بهائی نطقی ایراد نمود که بخصوص مورد استقبال جوانان قرار گرفت. در قسمت روابط بین‌الادیان ادعیه بهائی تلاوت شد و تئاتری توسط یک بهائی سیاهپوست با عنوان "تجربه سیاهان: فریادی برای صلح جهانی" اجراء گردید. حدود ۵۰ نفر جوان بهائی به عناوین مختلف در این کنفرانس داوطلب کمک شده بودند.

در قسمت آخر این کنفرانس از محفل روحانی ملی بعنوان یکی از گروه‌های کمک به جوانان نام برده شد. همچنین یکی از رؤسای مرکز از خدمات شایان خانم میلر و محفل روحانی ملی سپاسگزاری نمود.

همکاری احباء با مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ باعث شده است که باب خدمت به عناصر مختلف جامعه مفتوح شود و فرصت ارتباط با دوائر مختلف اجتماعی و دینی و دولتی در دسترس یاران قرار گیرد.

یکی از اعضای هیئت مدیره این مرکز می‌گفت "دلیلی که ما بهائیان را دوست داریم این است که آنها هیچ هیچ نیتی جز خدمت به این مرکز ندارند."

Bahá’í Task Force Office Atlanta, GA. 30328

۲۸ نوامبر صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء

حضرت عبدالبهاء در لوحی خطاب به جوانی می‌فرمایند:

"ای جوان نورانی. رحمانی باش و آسمانی. ملکوتی باش و ربانی. تا توانی دمی میاسا و نفسی بپیر میاور مگر آنکه اثری از تو ظاهر گردد و ثمری از تو حاصل شود. اثر و ثمر انجذاب بنفحات‌الله است و اشتعال بنار محبت‌الله... اگر عزت ابدی جوئی، خدمت به درگاه احدیت کن... آسودگی مجوی، آلودگی مخواه، آزادگی طلب، فرزانگی بخواه... "

خدمات مؤسسهٔ بهائی لوئیس گرگوری

به دنبال خرابی حاصل از طوفان هوگو در سپتامبر امسال، مؤسسهٔ بهائی لوئیس گرگوری توانسته است روابط دوستانه‌ای با ساکنان جنوب شرقی ایالت کارولینای جنوبی برقرار کند.

بسیاری از ساکنان محل در زمان طوفان به مؤسسهٔ مذکور پناه آوردند و شب را در خوابگاه‌های آن گذرانده‌اند. در حال حاضر که ساکنان کارولینای جنوبی به بازسازی و تعمیر خرابی‌های طوفان مشغول و با کمبود منابع اولیه زندگی روبرو شده‌اند، مؤسسهٔ لوئیس گرگوری سهم عمده‌ای را در مورد توزیع آب و خوراک و پوشاک و سایر نیازهای اولیه در میان مردم بر عهده گرفته است.

این مؤسسه صندوقی جهت کمک به طوفان زدگان ترتیب داده و در حال حاضر مشغول طرح برنامه‌های میان مدت و دراز مدت برای توزیع مایحتاج اولیه در میان ساکنان کارولینای جنوبی است.

بسیاری از جوامع امری ایالات متحده با مؤسسهٔ مذکور جهت تهیه و ارسال خوراک و سایر اشیاء مورد نیاز در تماس بوده‌اند. دفتر محفل ملی نیز مرکزی برای جمع‌آوری مایحتاج و ارسال آن به مؤسسه بوده است.

مساعدت‌های بی‌دریغ و مهرآمیز مؤسسه باعث شده است که ساکنان ایالت کارولینای جنوبی نظری دقیق‌تر به امر مبارک و افراد احباء اندازند. کارکنان مؤسسه اطلاع داده‌اند که امکانات تبلیغی بی سابقه‌ای در دسترس یاران قرار گرفته است. [Page 15]

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

مرقومه دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده آمریکا اهمیت تبلیغ چینیان

دوستان عزیز بهائی،

وظیفه ابلاغ پیام حضرت بهاءالله به جمیع اهل عالم بر عهده ما اهل بهاء نهاده شده، اما تا کنون فقط اقدامات نسبتاً اولیه‌ای جهت ابلاغ تعالیم الهی به جمعیت انبوه کشور چین به عمل آمده است. نظر بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی آن است که این وظیفه باید بعنوان یکی از اهم اولویت‌ها برای کل عالم بهائی ملاحظه گردد. لذا جهت مساعدت به آن عزیزان در این امر ضروری معهد اعلی چنین ارشاد فرموده‌اند که خاطر آن یاران را به امکاناتی که در حال حاضر جهت تبلیغ اتباع کشور چین به وجود آمده است، معطوف نمائیم با توجه به این نکته که چینیان بیش از ۲۰ درصد کل جمعیت جهان را تشکیل می‌دهند.

ممکن است که آن یاران ملاحظه فرموده باشند که با رفع تدریجی محدودیت‌هائی که قبلاً در مورد کشورهای خارجی در کشور چین وجود داشت، طرق دیدار از آن سرزمین پهناور جهت امور تجاری و یا سیاحتی هموار گردیده است. همزمان با این آزادی در دهه گذشته تعداد متزایدی از دانشجویان و محققان آن کشور نیز به ممالك خارج جهت ادامه تحصیلات و مطالعات سفر کرده و یا موقتاً در آن اقالیم اقامت نموده‌اند.

تغییرات کنونی، از لحاظ تاریخ آن حکومت، از اهمیت خاصی برخوردار است. هر چند باید جانب حزم را مراعات نمود، معذلك باید از فرصت‌های موجود استفاده کرد و با اظهار دوستی و مهمان‌نوازی به این مسافران چینی آنان را با تعالیم مترقی حضرت بهاءالله آشنا ساخت تا نظر مساعدی در مورد امرالله در ذهن آنان ایجاد شود. بی‌تردید بسیاری از ایشان در آینده صاحب مناصب مهمی در ادارات مختلف دولتی و یا در مجامع علمی و تخصصی خواهند شد و رهبران جدیدی خواهند بود که آن "کشور آینده" را به قرن بعد هدایت خواهند نمود.

از افراد بهائی دارای مقام و موقعیت علمی و تجاری و حرفه‌ای درخواست می‌شود که از این وضع مساعد در ضمن فعالیت‌های روزمره خود استفاده نمایند و معتقدان خود را در کشور چین ملاقات کنند. همچنین از یاران واجد شرایط دعوت می‌شود که هر هنگام که شرایط مناسب باشد، در مشروعاتی که بتوانند آنان را جهت اجرای آن مشروعات به کشور چین راهبر شود، شرکت نمایند. بدین ترتیب ممکن است یاران بتوانند تماس‌های دوستانه‌ای با اولیای عالیرتبه امور و نیز عموم اتباع چینی بر قرار نمایند.

باید سعی شود که آگاهی جوانان بهائی نسبت به اهمیت ملاقات و مصاحبت با مردم چین در مدرسه یا محل کار افزایش یابد. همچنین باید آنان را تشویق کرد که در صورت امکان به تحصیل زبان و فرهنگ چینی روی آورند و در حرفه و پیشه خود نیز تخصصی در مورد امور مربوط به چین به دست آورند. بنابراین نیازی به فضلای بهائی و افرادی که درباره چین تخصص داشته باشند، وجود دارد که جهت استقرار امرالله در آن کشور كمك‌های لازم را اعمال نمایند.

همچنین باید در مورد تبلیغ آن دسته از چینیانی که مدت مدیدی است در ایالات متحده سکونت گزیده‌اند، تأكیدی بلیغ شود. مثلاً باید در مورد تبلیغ دانشجویان و مسافران ممالکی با جمعیت کثیر چینی، مانند هنگ کنگ و ماکائو و مالزی و سنگاپور و تایوان که مدت زیادی در ایالات متحده اقامت داشته‌اند، تأكید شود. از لحاظ تاریخی چینیانی که در خارج از چین زندگی می‌کنند، منابع مهم مالی و تجربی برای سرزمین آباء و اجداد خود بوده‌اند. شکی نیست که بسیاری از بهائیان چینی اصلی که خارج از چین زندگی می‌کنند، و ممکن است کثیری از آنان هنوز بستگانی در چین داشته باشند، در آینده جهت انتشار امرالله در آن کشور، مورد نیاز خواهند بود.

بیت‌العدل اعظم از آن محفل مقدس درخواست می‌نماید که برنامه‌های تبلیغی خود را در ارتباط با این حوائج مجدداً بررسی نمایند. معهد اعلی با انتظاری همراه با شوق مترصد استماع پاسخ آن عزیزان به صلای مرجع مطاع در مورد تبلیغ مردم چین است.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم ۱۹ اپریل ۱۹۸۹

سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی چین

INTERNATIONAL CHINESE SYMPOSIUM

محفل روحانی ملی فرانسه است که برای اولین بار يك سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی درباره چین از ۲۰ مارچ الی اول آپریل سال ۱۹۹۰ در شهر سانفرانسیسکو منعقد گردد.

چنانکه در یکی از دستخط‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به کنفرانس تبلیغ چینیان در آمریکای شمالی آمده است "در نیمه اول قرن نورانی اساس ارتباط روحانی با ‎بیم بین‎ آمریکای شمالی و چین استحکام یافته است. اولین مؤمنین چینی در آمریکای شمالی تسجیل گردیده‌اند و آن دیار محل و مسکن برخی از مبلغین بزرگ بهائی بوده که به کشور چین سفر کرده‌اند. مقدم‌ترین این مبلغین حضرت ایادی امرالله خانم مارتا روت است."

سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی چین فرصت مناسبی برای تبادل نظر بین تجار و فضلا و دانشجویان و سایر افراد بهائی علاقمند به فرهنگ چین به دست خواهد داد و موثرترین طرق ارائه تعالیم امر مبارك به چینیان فراهم خواهد آورد.

اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای و محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و چند محفل ملی دیگر و کمیته بین‌المللی تبلیغ چینیان از جمله ناطقان این سمپوزیوم خواهند بود. امید است که شرکت احباء از کشورهائی که در میدان تبلیغ چینیان به موفقیت‌های درخشانی نائل آمده‌اند، شرکت‌کنندگان در این سمپوزیوم را برای قیام به این خدمت مهم آماده و شائق سازد.

یاران می‌توانند جهت کسب اطلاع بیشتر در مورد این سمپوزیوم با خانم پوران استیونس در دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۸۶۹-۸۹۰۹ (۷۰۸).

Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

طرق کمک به پناهندگان هند و چینی

WAYS TO HELP SOUTHEAST ASIAN REFUGEES

آقای جوزف بوشنل Joseph Bushnell ساکن تاکوما در ایالت واشنگتن یکی از مساعدان و دوستان قدیمی پناهندگان هندوچینی است. ایشان که قبلاً بعنوان داوطلب در اردوگاه‌های پناهندگان بهائی هندوچینی در مرز تایلند و کامبوج خدمت کرده است، در شش سال گذشته به تدریس کلاس‌های سواد آموزی به پناهندگان مذکور در شهر تاکوما اشتغال داشته است و در حال حاضر نیز در دو کمیته غیربهائی مربوط به آن پناهندگان عضویت دارد.

پناهندگان بهائی و غیربهائی هندوچینی از کمک‌ها و راهنمائی‌های آقای بوشنل در مورد امور روزمره استفاده بسیاری می‌برند. چنانکه ایشان در نامه‌ای خطاب به دفتر امور پناهندگان مرقوم داشته:

"در طی ماه در بسیاری از امور معمولی به پناهندگان كمك می‌کنم. گاهی این كمك به صورت تماس با شرکت تلفن جهت وصل خط تلفن و یا سوال در مورد صورت حساب و یا تغییر مکان و غیره است. تصادفات رانندگی و گرفتن بیمه نیز یکی از مشکلات دائمی است و در بعضی موارد باید در مورد میزان بیمه لازم پناهندگان را راهنمائی کنم. گاهی نیز در مورد یافتن وکیل مناسب جهت مشاورات حقوقی به آنان كمك می‌کنم.

یکی از موارد دیگری که می‌توان به پناهندگان كمك كرد، یافتن محل سکونت است. اغلب از بنده می‌خواهند که نشانی منزلی را برایشان پیدا کنم و در تکمیل قرارداد اجاره و یا تقاضای محل سکونت آنها را یاری کنم.

غالباً اتفاق می‌افتد که اخبار مربوط به جنوب شرقی آسیا در روزنامه‌ها و اطلاعیه‌ها درج می‌شود. چون بعضی از پناهندگان سواد خواندن آن اخبار را حتی به زبان خود هم ندارند، بنده سعی می‌کنم آن عزیزان را در جریان بگذارم و اخبار و اطلاعات را برایشان ترجمه کنم...."

با خواندن این نامه بی‌اختیار این جمله بر زبان جاری می‌شود: "چه نمونه ممتازی از حیات بهائی!"

تبلیغ در اتحاد جماهیر شوروی

TEACHING THE FAITH IN USSR

اخیراً دو تن از احبای فنلاند به همراه عده‌ای از احباء سفری به اتحاد جماهیر شوروی کرده و شرح آن را طی نامه‌ای برای نشریه "امریکن بهائی" ارسال نموده‌اند. ذیلاً ترجمه آزاد و مختصر آن نامه جهت اطلاع یاران درج می‌گردد. دوستان می‌توانند متن کامل نامه را در صفحات انگلیسی بیابند و بخوانند.

دوستان عزیز، دیری نیست که از يك سفر باور نکردنی تبلیغی به شوروی برگشته‌ایم. يك گروه مشتمل بر ۱۹ نفر بزرگسال و ۷ نوجوان جهت شرکت در يك جشنواره صلح و محیط زیست که از ۲۵ تا ۲۹ جولای منعقد گردید، به مورمانسك Murmansk سفر کردند.

در آنجا بنا به اشاره بیت‌العدل اعظم نمایشگاه کتابی تشکیل دادیم. عکس‌العمل مردم حیرت آور بود. در عرض سه روز بیش از ۱۵ هزار نفر از غرفه ما دیدار کردند... فقط سه نفر از ما زبان روسی می‌دانستند و بقیه ماها در جواب سوال‌های دیدار کنندگان و درخواست‌های آنها برای کتاب و جزوه فقط لبخند می‌زدیم و ابراز محبت می‌کردیم... بیشتر آثار امری ما در گمرك مانده بود و بسیاری از مردم برای دریافت آثار مبارکه حتی گریه کردند....

۶ نفر بهائی شدند و بیشتر از صد نفر خیلی نزديك به بهائی شدن هستند. امر مبارك آشکارا در رادیو و تلویزیون و جرائد اعلان عمومی شد. مردم بارها از آمدن ما تشکر کردند و هدایای کوچکی هم به ما دادند.

يك زن و شوهر به غرفه ما آمدند و يك نسخه "کلمات مکنونه" را برداشتند و شروع به خواندن کردند... بعد گفتند که گر چه راجع به امر بهائی اطلاعی ندارند، اما می‌دانستند که دینشان را پیدا کرده‌اند! روز بعد این دو نفر ما را به منزلشان دعوت کردند. خیلی خوشحال شدند. تمام شب را راجع به امر و دوران اولیه آن صحبت کردیم. وقتی شنیدند که سفیر روس حضرت بهاءالله را نجات داد خیلی خوشحال شدند. ما تمام مدت حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء را در جمع خود احساس می‌کردیم.

وقتی راجع به حضرت باب و حضرت بهاءالله با آنها صحبت کردیم، گفتند که سوالی دارند. گفتند: "نمی‌دانیم چرا این سوال برای ما مطرح شده، اما خودمان را مجبور می‌بینیم که آن را بپرسیم. آیا در دیانت بهائی کسی را دارید که نمونه‌ای باشد که پایداری همه مثل او زندگی کنند؟" ماتمان برده بود!... شاید لازم به گفتن نباشد که این دو عزیز بهائی شدند....

بیت‌العدل اعظم به ما گفته بودند سعی کنیم اگر موقعیتی بود نسخه‌ای از پیام صلح را به شهردار اهداء کنیم. وقتی احباء در مورمانسك بودند، اذان درخواست شده بود که نمایندگانی به يك مجمع ادیان و فرهنگ‌های گوناگون بفرستند.

در آن جمع یکی از احبائی که روسی می‌دانست با مردی که پشت میز روبروی او نشسته بود، مشغول حرف زدن بود. آن مرد از او خواست که سخنرانیش را ترجمه کند. بعد از مدتی کاشف به عمل آمد که آن مرد شهردار مورمانسك بود! روز بعد احباء نزد او رفتند و پیام صلح را به او اهداء کردند.

احباء در ظرف سه روز سه بار با او ملاقات کردند و این يك پیش آمد باور نکردنی بود، چون مورمانسك بیش از ۵۰۰ هزار نفر سکنه دارد که در منطقه‌ای به مساحت ۳۰ کیلومتر مربع پراکنده‌اند.

تجربه حیرت انگیز دیگری که داشتیم با شخصی بود به نام الکسندر. او كه يك ناخدا بود به غرفه ما آمد و من و دو نفر از همراهانم را دعوت کرد که شب بعد از کشتی او دیدن کنیم.

شب بعد با شگفتی دریافتیم که ما تنها مسافران کشتی هستیم... اسم کشتی "HOPE" بود! و در دایره بزرگی چرخ می‌زد و نقطه شروع منظره‌ای از ناوهای جنگی و زیردریایی‌ها بود. بعد به قایق مخصوص آتش نشانی رسیدیم که قرمز رنگ بود. چون سه هفته بود که لوح "قد احترق المخلصون" را مرتب خوانده بودیم، فهمیدیم که دیدن این قایق معنای خاصی داشت... وقتی که به بندر بر می‌گشتیم کشتی بزرگی دیدیم که اسمش "مهاجر" "PIONEER" بود! در آن وقت روحمان داشت از خوشحالی پرواز می‌کرد.

بعد الکسندر ما را به آشپزخانه کشتی برد و غذای خوشمزه روسی که برایمان تهیه کرده بود خوردیم. الکسندر وقتی دید که ما به توسعه برنامه‌های سیاحتی بین دو کشور علاقمندیم، متعجب شد. مثل این بود که او دنبال کسانی مثل ما می‌گشته و ما دنبال کسی مثل او! بعد از چند ساعت صحبت ما را به ‎کایین کابین‎ خودش برد و اصرار کرد که شب را در تخت خواب او بخوابیم.

این مرد نازنین خیلی تحت تأثیر امر بهائی قرار گرفته بود و گفت که امر مبارك همان چیزی است که مملکتش احتیاج دارد و ما باید راهی پیدا کنیم که آن را در سراسر شوروی انتشار بدهیم. به ما پیشنهاد کرد که تابستان آینده يك سفر دریایی به سواحل شمالی شوروی بکنیم. او گفت كه يك کشتی برای این کار در اختیار دارد و دلش می‌خواهد که حدود صد نفر بهائی با هم سفر کنند و شهرها و قرای شمالی را ببینند و امر مبارك را به مردم آنجا معرفی کنند!

با خودمان می‌گفتیم که این مرد کیست که می‌تواند ما را دعوت به سفرهای خصوصی بکند و بگوید که تشریفات و مقررات اداری مسأله‌ای نیست؟ در آخر جشنواره بود که فهمیدیم که الکسندر یکی از اولیای عالیرتبه دولتی است. او از ما دو نفر دعوت کرده که چند هفته دیگر بر گردیم و مهمان او باشیم....

خیلی مطالب دیگر دارم ولی کلماتی برای اظهار آنها نداریم. مردم شوروی را با گرمی و سخاوتمندی خودشان ‎خیات خجالت‎ داده‌اند. آقای کوین لاك عضو محفل ملی آمریکا که سفرهای زیادی برای امرالله کرده، می‌گفت هرگز تجربه‌ای مثل این در هیچ جا نداشته است.

انگار که ماها در بهشت بودیم. با هم عهد کردیم که زبان روسی را یاد بگیریم و هر چه زودتر و هر چند بار که می‌توانیم به شوروی بر گردیم. امیدواریم که شما هم مثل ما برای پیشرفت تبلیغ امر مبارك در شوروی و در حق خواهران و برادران تازه تصدیق ما در آنجا دعا کنید.

یا بهاءالابهی

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است که تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani	Dr. Daryush Haghighi
Santa Monica, CA. 90402	Rocky River, OH. 44116
Dr. Elsie Austin
P.O. Box 927
Silver Spring, MD. 20910

۱۲ ‎نوا مبر نوامبر‎ میلاد جمال اقدس ابهی [Page 16]

UNITED NATIONS

The National Spiritual Assembly has a long-standing cooperative relationship with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and has urged Bahá’í communities and individuals to support its work by collecting funds at Halloween or by buying or selling UNICEF greeting cards.

On September 26, three members of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF met with the U.S. Bahá’í representative to the UN to discuss a wide range of UNICEF programs available for implementation at the community level.

UNICEF’s projects are concerned mainly with nutrition, primary health care, and basic education for mothers and children using a community-based approach. Funding is entirely voluntary, with one-fifth of its support coming from the general public.

Projects and materials that may be considered for use at the local level include a greeting card service that offers custom greetings on a minimum of 50 cards for particular holidays (Naw-Rúz, Ayyám-i-Há, etc.); the use of special materials that are made available for children’s and youth classes concerning programs emphasized by UNICEF (currently, clean water); a selection of video tapes on UNICEF and its specific social projects; and national UNICEF Day kits and greeting card sales (10 percent of sales monies may be kept by the seller).

For more precise information about these and other programs, write to the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, 331 E. 38th St., New York, NY 10016, or phone 1-800-367-5437.

On October 3, Bahá’í representatives at the UN took part in a day-long conference on religion and the environment sponsored by Wainwright House, an educational conference center.

Bahá’í contributions included a call for unity of purpose, consideration of the idea that relationships to nature won’t be resolved until people-to-people relationships are improved, and the caution that the concerns of minorities be included in the decision-making process.

Speakers were Peter Berle, president of the National Audubon Society; Bishop Dale White of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church; Daniel Martin, religious and cultural adviser to the United Nations Environment Programme; and Dr. Franklin E. Vilas, Jr., executive director of Wainwright House.

Participants explored several modal responses to the environmental crisis (the Environmental Sabbath program and the Citizens’ Treaty for Common Ecological Security) and proposed ways in which the various religious perspectives on the environment could be successfully integrated.

On October 5, the United Nations Association of the United States sponsored an orientation session and tea for new UN representatives of U.S. non-governmental organizations.

See UN page 19

Eager Soviets crowd around the Bahá’í exhibit at a Peace and Environment Festival held last July in Murmansk.

Bahá’ís have many pleasant surprises on ‘incredible’ teaching trip to Russia

This letter dated August 1 was sent to the Bahá’í National Center by Todd and Gerry Nolin of Angeli, Finland.

Dearest friends,

We have just returned from an incredible teaching trip to the Soviet Union! A Bahá’í group of 19 adults and seven children traveled to Murmansk to attend a Peace and Environment Festival that was held July 25-29.

There, on instructions from the Universal House of Justice, we held a Bahá’í book display. The stupendous response absolutely overwhelmed each and every one of us!

There were more than 15,000 visitors to our booth over a three-day period. There was a constant crowd. At one point on the last evening I had to get away from the pressing crowd, pleading for literature we did not have.

We felt so helpless, without even the Russian language (only three of the group spoke Russian), only our love and smiles.

I walked up a small hill above the festival area and tried to calm down. I began to pray, and as I did I literally saw the people streaming to the Bahá’í booth in even greater numbers!

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Most of our literature had remained in customs, and many of the Russian people actually cried as they pleaded for the Holy Writings. Some stood and completely copied the display samples.

Six Russians became Bahá’ís, and at least another 100 are very near! The Faith was proclaimed openly on radio, TV and in newspapers. The people thanked us over and over again for coming, bringing hundreds of small gifts for us.

One couple came to the booth, picked up a copy of The Hidden Words and made exclamations of joy as they read, hugging and kissing each other. They said that although they knew nothing about the Faith, they knew they had found their religion.

The next night they came to take Todd and me to their apartment, where they had spent hours preparing for us. We sat and talked through the night, telling them of the early days of the Faith.

How they loved the part about the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh’s life! What an incredible evening! We felt that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was with us all night.

After we had told our friends about the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, they had a question. “We don’t know exactly why we should ask this,” they said, “but we feel we must. Have you anyone in the Bahá’í Faith who is an example of how we should live?” We were astounded!

Explaining their reaction to The Hidden Words, they said that not only were the beautiful thoughts the same as their own, but that they’d actually been quoting some of them, word for word, to each other! Needless to say, that couple became Bahá’ís.

It seemed that everything the Bahá’ís did fit into a total and perfect plan.

The House of Justice had told us to try to present the peace statement to the mayor if the opportunity should arise. While in Murmansk, the Bahá’ís were invited to send representatives to a gathering of various cultures and religions.

While there, one of the Russian-speaking Bahá’ís was chatting with a man seated across the table from him when the man asked him to translate his speech later on.

In the course of their conversation, it soon became apparent that

See RUSSIA page 19

Bahá’í Canada goes public

Canada launches new tabloid, Teach! Canada, for community

The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada has changed dramatically the ways in which it communicates with the Bahá’ís and the public at large.

Bahá’í Canada, which was that community’s main communications link with the friends, has been re-introduced as a magazine for the general public with its focus on relating the principles of the Faith to contemporary social issues.

Bahá’í Canada has been replaced by Teach! Canada, a bi-lingual (English/ French) tabloid newsletter focusing on the activities of the Canadian Bahá’í community especially in response to the call for “entry by troops.”

Teach! Canada includes general news; youth, children’s, native and international news; and messages from the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

Published periodically are special sections, “InfoBahá’í,” carrying announcements to Bahá’ís and institutions on a number of issues and events, and “Teach! Canada Supplement,” carrying recent guidance from the Universal House of Justice.

Each issue of Bahá’í Canada is centered on a theme developed through an editorial, an in-depth feature article, and perspectives in prose, poetry and art.

Also included are news of the Bahá’í community in Canada and around the world, statistics, announcements, and a one-page glossary of Bahá’í terms with a capsule statement on the Faith.

The first two issues have looked at the equality of women and men, and prejudice. Coming up are issues on freedom, the environment, the family, violence, love and work.

Subscriptions to Bahá’í Canada are $15 U.S. per year (2nd class) or $22 (1st class); for Teach! Canada the yearly rates are $14 U.S. (air mail) or $10 (surface mail).

For information, write to the Bahá’í National Centre, 7200 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L8, Canada.

House of Justice issues new call for short-term pioneering projects

The Universal House of Justice, in its letter dated September 7, 1989, and addressed to all National Spiritual Assemblies, has called upon the U.S. Bahá’í community to fulfill 708 months of service in “a range of short-term pioneer projects during the remaining years of the Six Year Plan.” This is the time for us to play an ever greater role in the life-fulfilling transformation and spiritualization of our global community.

Young and old alike can and must participate. For the youth, a year in service to the Cause can have even fuller meaning as you fulfill goals for the Universal House of Justice. For those who are preparing for college and/or careers, take time to pioneer for a few months and “truly find yourselves”; your life plans may take a new direction! For those receiving pensions, you, too, can offer to serve internationally. The Persian friends seeking U.S. citizenship can achieve their hearts’ desire to pioneer by spending several months abroad without jeopardizing their eligibility for citizenship.

NOW is the time to search within our hearts, to re-evaluate the purpose of our lives, and to arise.

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS *

Goals (in months)		Goals (in months)
AFRICA		Panama	36
Ciskei	24	Paraguay	24
Guinea-Bissau	12	Puerto Rico	12
Liberia	12	Uruguay	24
Nigeria	12	Venezuela	12
AMERICAS		ASIA
Argentina	24	India	24
Bahamas	12	Japan	24
Barbados	12	Pakistan	12
Brazil	24	Taiwan	36
British Virgin Islands	12
Colombia	24
Dominica	12	AUSTRALASIA
Ecuador	12	Mariana Islands	24
Guyana	24	Marshall Islands	12
Honduras	24	Western Caroline Islands	12
Jamaica	24
Leeward Islands	12
Martinique	12	EUROPE
Mexico	36	Portugal	24
Nicaragua	24

(* In addition to existing pioneer goals.)

Our Supreme Body has said, “What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of the challenge so that each may assume his share of the responsibility for taking the teachings to all humanity.”

For more information on how you can serve in this exciting new phase, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039. [Page 17]

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‘Abdu’l-Bahá—color litho., 11" X 14", PP 8.00 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Centre of the Covenant, SC 16.25 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Ctr/Covenant, PC 14.80 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, HC 17.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, SC 6.50 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Master, HC 8.50 Achieving Peace by the Year 2000, SC 5.95 Acquiring Virtues—card game, GM 5.95 Ad Slicks—various subjects, PR .75# Ad Slicks, Spanish—various subjects, PR .75# Address to Parents and Children, CS 8.00 Advent of Divine Justice, HC O/S Advent of Divine Justice, SC O/S All Flags Flying, HC 20.00 All Flags Flying, SC 10.00 All Things Made New, HC 19.95 All Things Made New, SC 10.95 America’s Spiritual Destiny, SC 8.50 Ancient Beauty, HC 16.50 Ancient Beauty, SC 9.95 Another Song, Another Season, SC 2.00 Anthology for Bahá’í Children, SC 3.95 Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh, CS 8.00 Are You Happy?, CS 2.00 Ark of Destiny—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 2.00# Atlanta Monthly Article—reprint, PR .30# Ayyám-i-Há, PC 1.80 Ayyám-i-Há Camel, SC 8.95

B

B. J. /Language of the Woodland, SC 4.95 Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, HC 25.00 Bábí and Bahá’í Religions, SC 14.75 Bahá’í Calendar, PC 3.50 Bahá’í Consltn: Lamp/Guidance, SC 3.25 Bahá’í Datebook, 147 B.E., CA 3.50 Bahá’í Diary, 1989-90, 146 BE—Aus., CA 3.50 Bahá’í Education—compilation, SC 4.95 Bahá’í Ed. for Peace /Cur. Guide, Vol I, HC 10.95 Bahá’í Ed. for Peace /Cur. Gde, Vol 2, HC 10.95 Bahá’í Faith—50/pkg., PA 3.00 Bahá’í Faith—10/pkg., PA 0.50 Bahá’í Faith—Portals and Hainsworth, SC 1.50 Bahá’í Faith in America: 1892-1900, HC 19.95 Bahá’í Faith and the Arts—100/pkg., PA 24.50 Bahá’í Faith and the Arts—10/pkg., PA 2.50 Bahá’í Faith: Emerging Global Rel., HC O/P Bahá’í Faith: Emerging Global Rel., SC 9.95* Bahá’í Faith/Introduction—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction—Faizi, SC 1.50 Bahá’í Faith and Marxism, SC 4.00 Bahá’í Faith Presentat’n Fldr—Aus., FD 1.50 Bahá’í Faith Teaching Booklet, SC 1.00 Bahá’í Faith: Eyes/Young/Bahá’ís, VT 5.00 Bahá’í Faith Unites Mnkd.—100/pk., PA TBA Bahá’í Faith: Unity/Diversity, VT 25.00 Bahá’í Faith/ World Com.—10/pkg., PA 2.50 Bahá’í Faith/World Com.—50/pkg., PA 10.00 Bahá’í Faith/World Rel. Stats-10/pkg., PA 8.00 Bahá’í Focus on Development, SC 6.50 Bahá’í Focus on Human Rights, SC 6.50 Bahá’í Focus on Peace, SC 6.50 Bahá’í: Follower of the Light, SC 2.50 Bahá’í Funds: Contrib / Administration, SC 2.50 Bahá’í History Calendar, 1990, CA 6.50 Bahá’í Marriage/Family Life—comp, SC O/P Bahá’í Marriage Fam. Life Study Guide, SC 3.75 Bahá’í Peace Program—5/pkg., PA 4.50 Bahá’í Pocket Cal. 147 B.E.—10/pkg., CA 3.50 Bahá’í Prayers, HC 9.95 Bahá’í Prayers, SC 5.50 Bahá’í Prayers—"British" edition, HC 6.95 Bahá’í Prayers and Holy Writings, SC 5.95 Bahá’í Principles for Children, SC 2.50 Bahá’í Readings, SC 9.00 Bahá’í References to Judaism, etc., SC 14.95 Bahá’í Religion, SC 5.95 Bahá’í Ringstone—illuminated print, PP 5.00 Bahá’í School Lesson Plans, PC 22.50 Bahá’í Statement on Nature, SC 1.75 Bahá’í Studies 2: Science of Religion, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 6: ‎Violnce. Violence.‎-Free Society, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 11: Concept/Spirituality, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 12/13: Persecution, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 15: Abiding Silence, SC 5.00 Bahá’í Studies 16: B. Faith: Sect or Rel., SC 4.00 Bahá’í Studies Notebook: Mar./ Family, SC 7.50 Bahá’í Teachers Guide/Children, PC 44.60 Bahá’í Teachings (large print), SC 2.00 Bahá’í Wall Calendar, 147 B.E., CA 2.75 Bahá’í World: Volumes 1-12 (set), HC 335.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 1 (I), HC 14.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 2 (II), HC 20.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 3 (III), HC 20.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 4 (IV), HC 27.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 5 (V), HC 34.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 6 (VI), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 7 (VII), HC O/P Bahá’í World: Volume 8 (VIII), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 9 (IX), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 10 (X), HC 32.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 11 (XI), HC 32.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 12 (XII), HC 33.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 13 (XIII), HC 27.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 14 (XIV), HC 16.00 Bahá’í World: Volume 15 (XV), HC 21.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 16 (XVI), HC 23.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 17 (XVII), HC 26.95 Bahá’í World: Volume 18 (XVIII), HC 40.00 Bahá’í Writings on Music, SC 3.50 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, HC 13.50 Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, SC O/P Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era—"British" ed., SC 7.95 Bahá’u’lláh/New Era/Study Gde., PC 4.00 Bahá’u’lláh: The Word Made Flesh, SC 6.25 Bahíyyih Khánum: Grtst. Holy Leaf, HC 10.50 Bahíyyih Khánum: Grtst. Holy Leaf, SC O/S Barley Bread and Reindeer Milk, CS 9.95 Basic Bahá’í Dictionary, HC 25.00 Basic Bahá’í Dictionary, SC 16.40 Basic Facts/Bahá’í Faith—100/pkg., PA 13.00 Basic Truth Series: Set 1—3/pkg., SC 8.95 Basic Truth Series: Set 2—3/pkg., SC 8.00 Because We Love the Faith, CS 8.00 Becoming Your True Self—5/pkg., PA 7.00 Being a Spiritual Revolutionary, CS 8.00 Beyond Disarmament, SC 1.50 Birth Announcements—10/pkg., CD 4.50 Blessed is the Spot, HC 11.50 Blessed is the Spot—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Blessed is the Spot/Lesna/Revnce., PC 6.40 Blessings Beyond Measure, HC 13.50 Building the Ark: Adv./King. of God, CS 8.00 Building a Unified Community, PA 3.25 Burial Ring with silk pouch, JW 5.00

C

Call to the Nations, HC 6.95 Can You Sound Just Like Me?, CS 8.95 Carmel: Mountain of God, CS 8.00 Centers of Bahá’í Learning, SC 1.60 Chaste and Holy Life, SC 3.25 CHIN/ENG: Hidden Words, HC 14.95 CHIN/ENG: Peace Scroll, PS 4.50 CHIN: Prayer Book, SC 4.95 CHIN/ENG: Purify My Heart, SC 3.00 Children’s Feast Packets—#1—Spring 32.50 Children’s Feast Packets—#2—Summer 32.50 Children’s Feast Packets—#3—Fall 32.50 Children’s Feast Packets—#4—Winter 32.50 Children’s Feast Pckts—19 mo. pckt. 114.00 Children’s Prayer Scroll, PS 1.50 Children’s Progs./Bahá’í Schl. Dirs., PC 6.00 Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, SC 4.95 Christian Century Article—reprint, PR .30# Circle of Peace, SC 11.95 Circle of Unity, SC 12.95 Come On, Rise Up, CS 8.50 Commentary/Will/Test’./‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 3.50 Community Life, CS 8.00 Companions/Crimson Coloured Ark, CD 16.50 Companions/Crimson Coloured Ark, CS 9.95 Compr./Deep/Prog: Bahá’í Election, PC 9.60 Compr./Study Otln./Children, PC 10.60 Concord. to the Hidden Words, SC 1.60 Concord. to the Writings /Bahá’u’lláh, HC 55.00 Constitution/Universal House/Justice, SC 1.50 Consultation—compilation, SC 4.50 Continental Board of Counselors, SC 4.50 Conversations, SC 11.95 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaiden, HC 18.95 Corinne True: Faithful Handmaiden, SC 11.95 Counsels of Perfection., HC 6.95 Covenant—compilation, SC 2.95 Covenant: Its Meaning, Origin, etc., SC 2.50# Creating/Peaceful World—100/pkg., PA 28.00 Creating a Peaceful World, PA .30 Creating a Successful Family, HC 18.95 Creating a Successful Family, SC 11.95 Creative Circle, SC 13.95 Creative Dramatics and Music, PC 14.60 Crisis and Victory, SC 4.50 Crown of Beauty—World Centre, HC 21.95

D

Dawn-Breakers—"British" edition, HC 20.00 Dawning Place, low-priced HC 9.95 Dawning Place, low-priced SC 4.95 Dawning Place of the Pacific, SC 8.00 Days to Remember, SC 8.50 Death: The Messenger of Joy, SC 3.95 Declaration of Trust/By-Laws/NSA/LSA, SC 1.10 Desire of the World, SC 7.50 Devel. Distv. Bahá’í Communities, SC 24.95 Diamond in the Darkness, SC 1.00 Diary of Juliet Thompson, SC 13.95 Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 4.00 Dispensation/Bahá’u’lláh Study Gde., PC 2.80 Divine Art of Living, SC 8.95 Divine Therapy, HC 17.95 Divorce: Writings Discourag. Divorce, SC 2.00 Do’a...The Early Years, CD 16.50 Do-It-Yourself Sticker Kit, CA 2.95 Door of Hope—World Centre, SC 17.95 Dragons of Rizvania, SC 9.95 Drawings, Verse & Belief, HC 19.95 Drops from the Ocean, SC 6.95

E

E. G. Browne and the Bahá’í Faith, HC 17.95 Earth Is But One Country, HC 16.50 Earth Is But One Country, PS 6.50 Echoes from the Lotus—set of 4, CS 29.95 Echoes from/Lotus—various artists, CS 8.95 Education and the Bahá’í Family, HC 16.50 Education and the Bahá’í Family, SC 8.95 Education/Trustees—Beta/VHS, VT 30.00 Effective Teaching, SC 3.00# Effective Teaching Instructor’s Guide, SC 2.50# Effective Teaching Workbook, SC 2.50# Eminent Bahá’ís/Time Bahá’u’lláh, HC 35.00 Eminent Bahá’ís/Time Bahá’u’lláh, SC 19.95 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, HC 17.95 Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, PS 5.50 Equal Circles, SC 12.95 Eternal Covenant, HC 19.95 Everlasting Covenant/Grtr. Cov., PC 16.20 Excellence/All Things—"Aus." ed., SC 2.75*

F

Facts Sheet—Set/3 (NSA), PR 1.00# Family Life—compilation, SC 3.50 Family Repairs/Maint. Manual, SC 7.95 Family Worship, HC 9.00 Fast and Naw-Rúz, PC .80 Fasting: A Bahá’í Handbook, HC 11.95 Fasting: A Bahá’í Handbook, SC 7.95 Films of A. Q. Faizi—Beta/VHS, VT 49.95 Finding the Real You, SC 2.00 Fire on the Mountain Top, SC 9.95 Fire Tablet/Holy Mar.—Ara/Eng/Per, HC 19.50 Flickerings—colouring book, SC 5.50 Fly Away Home, SC 5.50 Foundations of Learning, CS 8.00 Foundations of World Unity, HC 12.50 Four on an Island, SC 7.25 Fourth Epoch Opens—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 From Behind the Veil, SC 4.95 From Copper to Gold, HC 16.50 From Mountain to Mountain, HC 19.95 From One Parent/Anoth.—100/pkg., PA 16.95 From One Parent to Another—10/pk., PA 2.00 From Strength to Strength, SC 2.80 Fund, PC 2.80

G

Gemstones—Deepening Program, SC 7.00 George Townsend, SC 15.95 Gift of Life—10/pkg. with envelopes, CD 13.50 Gleanings /Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 17.95 Gleanings /Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PS O/S Gleanings /Writ. /Bahá’u’lláh—"Br." ed., HC 12.95 Glorious Journey, SC 7.95* God and His Messengers, SC 7.50 God Loves Laughter, SC 8.50 God Passes By, HC 24.00 God Passes By, SC 14.00 God’s Creation, Level I—age 6-9, SC 10.95 God’s Creation Par./Tchr Gde, Lev.I, SC 9.95 God’s Creation, Level II—age 9-13, SC 10.95 God’s Creation Par./Tchr Gde, Lev.II, SC 9.95 God’s Great Plan, SC 2.00 Golden Rule, SC 8.25 Gospels and the Christs, SC 7.95 Gr. Name—cd, asst, colors—10/pk, PP 5.00 Greatest Name—cd., white/gold/blck, PP 1.50 Greatest Name—illuminated print, PP 5.00 Greenlight Expedition—Beta/VHS, VT 39.95 Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, HC 27.50 Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, SC 13.95 Guebe and the Toy Truck, SC 4.50 Guidelines for Bahá’í Archives, SC 7.50 Guidelines for Parents, SC 2.00*

H

Handmaidens of God: Prayers/Women, SC 2.00 He Loved and Served, SC O/P Heart of the Lotus—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Hidden Words, HC O/S Hidden Words, SC 2.50 Hidden Words—deluxe edition, HC O/S Hidden Words—deluxe edition, SC 6.95 Hidden Words—"British" edition, SC 3.50 Hidden Words—Chinese/English-silk, HC 14.95 Hidden Words/Sel. Holy Writings, SC 2.50 Horse of the Moonlight, SC 4.25 Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb, HC 18.75 Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Báb, SC 8.50 Huqúqu’lláh—compilation, "Brit." ed., SC 4.95 Huqúqu’lláh—compilation, "Can." ed., SC .85

I

I Am a Bahá’í—Sunflower Set 2, SC 5.95 Imperishable Dominion, SC 14.50 Imp. of Deep /Know. /Und. /Faith, SC 3.00 In the Days of the Guardian, CS O/S In Galilee, HC 8.95 In His Presence, SC 8.95 In His Pres: Visits / ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 12.95 In Search of Nirvana, SC 8.95 In Search of the Supreme Talisman, SC O/P Index/Dev. Distv. Bahá’í Communities FREE* India Temple—poster, 11"x17", PP 10.00# India Temple—poster, 22" X 28", PP 15.50# Ind. Rgts/Free./W.Order/Bahá’u’lláh, SC 3.00 Individual and Teaching—compilation, SC O/S Iranian Refugees in America, SC 8.95 Inspirational Music, CS 8.95 Inspirational Music Book, SC 4.95 Inspiring the Heart, HC 11.50 Inspiring the Heart, SC 8.25 Iran Persecution Background Pkg., WB 4.00# Iran’s Secret Pogrom, SC 3.50

J

Jewel of the Lotus—various artists, CS 8.00 Journal of Bahá’í Studies (cur. iss.), SC 5.00

K

Kitáb-i-Íqán, HC 35.00 Kitáb-i-Íqán, PS 6.50 Kitáb-i-Íqán—"British" edition, HC 13.95 Kitáb-i-Íqán—"British" edition, SC 9.95

L

Leaf of Honey, SC 17.25 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, HC 11.95 Leo Tolstoy and the Bahá’í Faith, SC 5.95 Let It Be This Generation—var. artists, CS 8.00 Let Thy Breeze Refresh Them, HC 6.50 Letters and Essays: Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl, HC 14.95 Lidia: Daughter/Founder of Esperanto, SC 14.95 Light of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 5.50 Light of Div. Guid. 2/Let. Germ./Aust., HC 21.95 Light Upon Light, CS 8.95 Lights/Guidance: Bahá’í Refer. File, HC 29.95 Living the Life, SC 3.50 Local Spiritual Assembly, SC .50 LSA Chairman’s Manual, SC 2.00 LSA Secretary’s Manual, SC 2.00 LSA Treasurer’s Manual, SC 2.00 Loving Hands, CS 2.00

M

Magnified Be Thy Name, HC 5.50 Major and Minor Plans of God, CS 8.00 Mama Buzurg is Coming, SC 4.50 Man’s Dual Nature, PC 12.20 March of the Institutions, HC 8.50 Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being, HC 16.50 Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being, SC 8.95 Marriage Prayer Scroll, PS 1.50 Martha Root: Lioness at the Thrshld, HC 24.00 Martha Root: Lioness at the Thrshld, SC O/P Master in ‘Akká, HC 18.95 Meditations on the Eve of Nov. 4th, HC 4.50 Meeting the Master—Beta/VHS, VT 19.95 Meeting the Master, Volume 1, CS 8.00 Memorials of the Faithful, HC 12.50 Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 13.50 Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 7.50 Messages/Universal House of Justice, HC 4.50 Messages/Universal House of Justice, SC 2.00 Microfilm: Am. Bahá’í, Nat’l B.Rev. 75.00# Miracles and Metaphors, SC 11.95 Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, SC .50 Mona with the Children, CS 8.00 Mona Music Video—Beta/VHS, VT 45.00 Mullá Husayn, SC 3.50 Mullá Husayn: Disciple at Dawn, HC 19.95 My Baby Book, HC 12.50 My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 9.95 My Name Is Nabíl, SC 7.95 My Only Desire, CS 8.00 Mystery of God, HC 19.95 Mystery of Sacrifice, PC 16.80

N

Naming of Femi’s Brother, SC 3.75 National Spiritual Assembly, SC O/S New Gospel, HC 11.95 New Gospel, SC 8.95 Nightingale, CS 8.00 Nineteen Day Feast, PC 4.80 Nothing in Common, SC 5.25 Now You Are a Bahá’í, SC 2.25

O

O God, Guide Me, SC O/S O God, My God..., HC 8.95 Objectives/Bahá’í Child/Ed./Program, PC 2.80 Ocean of My Words, SC 3.50 Once to Every Man and Nation, SC 7.50 One Universal Faith—100/pkg., PA 13.00 Open Door—10/pkg. with envelopes, CD 12.50 Ornament of Hope, CS 9.95 Our Children: A Bahá’í View—Pkg./10 2.35

P

Paris Talks, SC 5.95 Pattern of Bahá’í Life, SC 3.50 Peace—compilation, SC 2.95 Peace Bible, HC 14.95 Peace: More Than an End to War, HC O/P Peace: More Than an End to War, SC 9.95 Peace Note Cards—9/pkg. with env., CD 2.95 Peace Pamphlets: ass’t.—10/pkg., SC 2.25 Peace Pamphlets: ass’t.—100/pkg., SC 12.95 Peace Pamphlets: Gen’l Intro—50/pkg., PA 7.95 Peace Pam: More/End War—50/pkg., PA 7.95 Peace Pam: One Religion—50/pkg., PA 7.95 Peace Pam: Race Unity—50/pkg., PA 7.95 Peace Pam: World Gov’t.—50/pkg., PA 7.95 Peace... The Promise, CS 8.00 Peace... The Promise—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00 Peace Quotation Scroll, PS 4.50 Pearls of Wisdom: Deepening Comp., SC 1.95 PER/ARA: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, HC O/P PER/ENG/ARA: Fire Tab./Holy Mar., HC 19.50 Per: Alváh-i-Vasáyá-yi-Mubárak-yi Hadrat-i-‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) 2.00# PER: ‘Adam-i-Mudákhalih dar ‘Umúr-i Síásí, CS (Non-Involvement in Politics) 3.00#

Continued... [Page 18]

Bahá’í Publishing Trust & Distribution Service Price List — November 1, 1989 — 1-800-999-9019

PER: Amr Va Khalq, Volume 1 & 2, HC 23.50 (Revelation & Creation, Volume 1 & 2—Bahá’í Laws and Principles)

PER: Amr Va Khalq, Volume 3 & 4, HC 29.50 (Revelation & Creation, Volume 3 & 4—Bahá’í Laws and Principles)

PER: Amríká Sarzamín-i Muhájirín, SC 2.00# (America: A Nation of Immigrants)

PER: Anchéh Kunad’u Kunad, HC 15.50 (He Doeth as He Pleaseth—compilation on Bahá’í Laws & Principles)

PER: Áthár-i Guharbár, HC (Prec. Pearls) 13.95

PER: Badáyí’u’l-Áthár, Volume 1, HC 18.95 (Mahmúd’s Diary, Volume 1)

PER: Badáyí’u’l-Áthár, Volume 2, HC 19.50 (Mahmúd’s Diary, Volume 2)

PER: Bahár-Alláh’u’Abhá, CS 4.00# (Children’s Educational Packet)

PER: Bahíyyih Khánum, HC 16.50

PER: Bishárátu’l-Núr, HC 22.50 (Tablets for the Departed)

PER: Chand Bahth-i-Amrí, SC 4.00 (Some Bahá’í Discourses)

PER: Daryáy-i-Dánish, HC 8.95 (Collection of Tablets and Prayers)

PER: Diánat-i Bahá’í Yik Nihdat-i Síásí Níst, SC O/S (Bahá’í Faith Not a Political Movement)

PER: Farámín-i-Tablíghí, SC 2.50 (Tablets of the Divine Plan)

PER: Golzár-i-Ta’álím-i-Bahá’í, HC 9.50 (Garden of Bahá’í Teachings)

PER: Gulshan-i-Haqáyíq, HC O/P (Garden of Truth)

PER: Hadrat-i Nuqti-yi ‘Ulá, HC 24.95 (Life of the Báb)

PER: Hál Va Ayandih-yi-Jahán, SC 6.25 (Call to the Nations)

PER: Hayát-i Bahá’í, SC (Bahá’í Life) 1.75

PER: Hayát-i Hadrat-i ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 24.95 (Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

PER: Hidden Words, CS 5.00

PER: Írán-i-Nustín, HC 22.50 (Collected Works of Dr. Davudi)

PER: Írán Ayandih, SC 33.95 (Prospect of Persia)

PER: Khátirát-i Nuh Sálih, HC 19.95 (Memoirs of Nine Years in ‘Akká)

PER: Khulásí-yi Vá’di-yi Sulh-i Jahání, SC 1.00# (Promise of World Peace Summary)

PER: Lawh-i Ahmad, HC (Tab. of Ahmad) 15.50

PER: Lawh-i Ibn-i-Dhib, HC 20.95 (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf)

PER: Majmú’ih-i Az Alváh-i Jamál-i Aqdas-i Abhá, HC 26.50 (Tablets/Bahá’u’lláh After Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

PER: Majmú’ih-yi Khatábát-i Hadrat-i ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 18.95 (Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

PER: Mufávidát-i ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 9.95* (Some Answered Questions)

PER: Muhádirát (Ishraq-Khavari), HC 32.50 (Dialogs)

PER: Munájáthá-yi Hadrat-i Bahá’u’lláh, HC 10.95 (Pray. of Bahá’u’lláh)

PER: Munájáthá-yi Hadrat-i Valí-yi-Amrúlláh, HC 3.50 (Prayers of Shoghi Effendi)

PER: Muntakhabát az Makátíb-i Hadrat-i ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 8.00 (Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

PER: Muntakhabát az Makátíb-i Hadrat-i ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Jild-i-Duvvum, HC 6.50 (Selected Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vol. 2)

PER: Muntakhabát-i Ayát az áthár-i Hadrat-i Nuqti-yi Úlá, HC O/P (Selected Writings of the Báb)

PER: Muntakhabát az Áthár-i Hadrat-i Bahá’u’lláh, HC 19.50 (Gleanings/Writings of Bahá’u’lláh)

PER: Muntakhabát az Payámhá-yi ‘Umúmí-yi Bayt’ul-‘Adl-i-A’zam-i-Iláhí Khatáb bi Yárán-i-Irání, SC 6.95 (U.H.J. Messages to Iran)

PER: Muvaffaqíyyat dar Tablígh, SC 1.25 (Success in Teaching)

PER: Nár va Núr, HC (Fire and Light) 14.95

PER: Naunihálán-i-Má, SC 3.50 (Our Children in the Cradle of the Faith)

PER: Nazm-i Idárí, SC 1.00# (Introduction to Bahá’í Administration)

PER: Ráhnimá-yi Ahibáyí Írání, SC 2.00# dar Ayálát-i Muttahidih (Handbook for Newly-arrived Bahá’ís)

PER: Risáli-yi-Madanyíyyih, SC 6.50 (Secret of Divine Civilization)

PER: Tadrís-i ‘Arabí, CS 30.00# (Learning Arabic)

PER: Talkhís va Tadvín-i Ahkám-i Kitáb-i Mustatáb-i Aqdas, SC 2.75 (Synopsis/Codification of Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

PER: Tasbíh-u-Tahlíl, HC 9.95 (Prayers and Meditations)

PER: Trustworthiness, SC 2.50

PER: Tushbíh-yi-Rahmání, SC 7.00# (Sel. Writings—with English translation)

PER: Usúl-i-I’tiqádát-i Bahá’íán, SC 2.50 (Principles of the Bahá’í Faith)

PER: Va’di-yi Sulh-i Jahání, SC .75 (Promise of World Peace)

PER: Va’di-yi Sulh-i Jahání—Khushnivísí shudih, SC 3.00# (Promise of World Peace—presentation ed.)

PER: Zuhúr-i-’Adl-i Iláhí, SC 3.00# (The Advent of Divine Justice)

PER: Zuhúr-i-’Adl-i Iláhí, SC 4.25 (The Advent of Divine Justice)

Personal Computers and the Bahá’í Community, SC 22.50

Personal Witness: Intro/Bahá’í Faith—10/pkg., SC 9.95

Pers. Ser.: Social/Ec. Dev.—10/pkg., SC 9.95

Phoenix and the Ashes, SC 8.25

Pilgrimage—Beta/VHS, VT 39.95

Political Non-Involvement, SC 2.65

Portals to Freedom, SC 9.95

Power of Divine ‎Assistnce Assistance‎—"Br." ed, SC O/S

Power of Divine ‎Assistnce Assistance‎—"Can." ed, SC 2.75

Power of the Covenant—1-3 Set, SC 6.95

Power of Unity: Beyond Prej./Racism, SC 8.95

Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach, HC O/P

Prayer: A Bahá’í Approach, SC 7.50

Prayers for Children, SC 2.50

Prayers and Meditations, HC 17.95

Prayers and Meditations, SC 4.95

Prayers and Meditations—"Br." ed., HC 13.95

Prayers and Thoughts for Peace, SC O/P

Presentation Packet—press kit, PR 8.00#

Present Opportunities/Urgent Chal., CS 8.00

Prescription for Living, SC 6.50*

Priceless Pearl, SC 9.50

Prince of Peace, SC 9.95

Principles of Bahá’í Administration, HC 9.50

Principles of Bahá’í Administration, SC O/P

Principles of World Unity—card game, GM 5.50

Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 7.50

Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 3.75

Progressive Revelation (King), PC 21.80

Progressive Revelation (Schaeffer), PC 8.20

Promise, No. 1, SC 10.50

Promise, No. 2, SC 10.50

Promise, No. 3, SC 10.50

Promise of All Ages, HC 12.50

Promise of All Ages, SC 7.50

Promise of Disarm’t/Peace—50/pkg., PA 10.00

Promise of World Peace—dlx. edition, HC 10.00

Promise of World Peace—illus. sum., SC O/P

Promise of World Peace—PS, 10/pkg., SC 2.95

Promise of World Peace—lg. format, SC 10.95

Promise of World Peace—pres. ed., SC 3.00

Promise of World Peace—study ed., SC O/P

Promised Day Is Come, HC 9.50

Promulgation of Universal Peace, HC 17.95

Purify My Heart—Chinese/English, SC 3.00

Purpose of Physical Reality, SC 10.50

Q

Quddús, SC 3.75

R

Race Unity—20/pkg.; 10 ea. of America’s Challenge & Interracial Marriage, PA 2.50#

Race Unity: Bahá’í Perspective, VT 20.00#

Radio Bahá’í Ecuador, SC 17.75

Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature, HC 13.95

Reader’s Guide to Bahá’í Literature, SC 9.50

Rebirth: Mem. R. Szanto-Felberman, SC 8.50

Refuge and the Cave, SC 7.50

Reginald Turvey: Life and Art, SC 11.95

Religion for Mankind, SC 7.50

Remember My Days, SC 4.50

Renewal of Civilization, SC 3.75

Resurrection and Renewal, HC 22.50

Rev. of Bahá’u’lláh—4 vol. set/Guide, SC 75.00

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Study Gde, SC 3.50

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 1, SC 17.95

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2, HC O/P

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 2, SC 19.50

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3, HC 25.00

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 3, SC 19.50

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4, HC 29.50

Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Volume 4, SC 19.50

Reunion: Pathway to Peace, SC 2.25

RUSSIAN: Peace Statement, SC 12.75

S

Samoa: The Dawning Place, VT 25.00

Science and Religion, SC 7.50

Scroll Calendar, 147 B.E.—silk, CA 4.50*

Scroll Calendar, 147 B.E.—wood, CA 4.50*

Search for a Just Society, HC 39.95*

Seat of God’s Throne—Beta/VHS, VT 25.00

Second Birth, HC O/P

Second Birth, SC 5.95

Secret of Divine Civilization, HC 8.35

Secret of Divine Civilization, PS TBA*

Secret in the Garden, HC 6.95

Secret of Wealth, PC 17.00

Secret of the Stolen Mandolin, SC 3.75

Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 13.50

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, SC 1.00

Sel. from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, HC 12.50

Sel. from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, LT 6.95

Sel. from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 6.95

Sel. from the Writings of the Báb, HC 11.95

Sel. from the Writings of the Báb, LT 6.95

Sel. from the Writings of E. G. Browne, HC 36.50

Sel. from the Writings of E. G. Browne, SC 19.95

Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak, HC 11.50

Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, HC 6.95

Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, SC O/S

Sing/New Song/Songs for Children, PC 8.80

Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction, HC 33.00

Shi’ih Islám: An Introduction, SC 21.50

Shoghi Effendi: Recollections, HC 19.95

Significance/Bahá’u’lláh/Revelation, SC 2.50

Six Year Plan, SC .75#

Social & Econ. Development, SC 4.75

Some Answered Questions, HC 17.95

Some Answered Questions, PS O/S

Some Spiritual Verities: Study Guide to 4 Vols. Revelation/Bahá’u’lláh, SC 3.50

Song Celestial, HC 8.00

Song in the Ground, SC 4.00

Special Measure of Love, SC 1.60

Special Strengths, SC 4.50

Spiritual Assembly Growing Pains, SC 2.25

Spiritual Foundations, SC 1.60

SPN: 101 Básicos (Basic Facts), PA 1.40

SPN: Ad Slicks—various subjects, PR 50#

SPN: Advenimiento de Justicia Divina, SC (Advent of Divine Justice) 3.75

SPN: Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era, SC (Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era) 4.95

SPN: Cristo y Bahá’u’lláh, SC (Christ and Bahá’u’lláh) 2.95

SPN: Const: Casa Universal/Justicia, SC (Constitution: Universal House of Justice) 1.00

SPN: Datos Básicos (Basic Facts), PA .10

SPN: Dios Pasa (God Passes By), SC 6.50

SPN: La Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh, SC (The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh) 2.95

SPN: El Día Prometido Ha Llegado, SC (The Promised Day Is Come) 5.25

SPN: Epístola al Hijo del Lobo, SC (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf) 4.95

SPN: El Estudio de los Escritos Bahá’ís, (Imp. of Deepening/Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith), SC 1.95

SPN: La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet, SC O/P (Bahá’í Teaching Booklet)

SPN: Las Flores de los Altares, SC 5.00 (Flowers of the Altar)

SPN: Fortaleza para el Bienestar, SC 3.50 (Fortress for Well-Being)

SPN: Gleanings/Kitáb-i-Íqán, SC 6.50 (The Most Holy Leaf)

SPN: Kitáb-i-Íqán, SC 3.95

SPN: Orac’n. Bahá’ís, (Bahá’í Pryrs), SC 1.95

SPN: Oraciones y Meditaciones, SC 4.50 (Prayers and Meditations)

SPN: Palabras/Dios, (Words of God), SC .75

SPN: Palabras Ocultas (Hid. Words), SC 1.50

SPN: Pasajes de los Escritos de Bahá’u’lláh, (Glean./Writings of Bahá’u’lláh), SC 8.50

SPN: El Poder de la Asistencia Divina, SC 1.00 (Power of Divine Assistance)

SPN: Prescripción para Vivir, SC O/S (Prescription for Living)

SPN: Promesa de la Paz Mundial, SC .75 (The Promise of World Peace)

SPN: Recopilación de Escritos, SC 3.50 (Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

SPN: Renovación de la Civilización, SC 3.25 (Renewal of Civilization)

SPN: Respuestas a Algunas Preguntas, SC (Some Ans. Ques.) 12.75

SPN: Respuestas Bahá’ís (Bahá’í Answers), PA .25

SPN: La Sabiduría de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC (Paris Talks) 4.75

SPN: Selecciones de los Escritos de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC (Sel. from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá) 10.95

SPN: Sinopsis y Codificación Kitáb-i-Aqdas, SC (Synopsis & Codification/Kitáb-i-Aqdas) 1.75

SPN: Tablas de Bahá’u’lláh, SC 4.50 (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh)

Spotty Leopard, SC 4.95

Stirring of the Host, SC 3.25

Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 5.50

Stories of Bahá’u’lláh, SC 14.95

Stories of Bahá’u’lláh, SC O/P

Stories for Children, SC 3.95

Stories from Dawn-Breakers—set/4, CS 29.95

Stories from the Delight of Hearts, HC 13.95

Stories from the Star of the West, SC 5.95

Story of My Heart, SC 10.50

Story of Stories, SC 9.95

Strengthening Administrative Order, CS 8.00

Studies/Bábí/Bahá’í History, Vol. 1, HC 24.95

Studies/Bábí/Bahá’í History, Vol. 2, HC 22.50

Studies/Bábí/Bahá’í Rel., Vol. 3, SC 32.50

Studies/Bábí/Bahá’í Rel., Vol. 5, SC 24.50

Success in Teaching—5/pkg., PA 7.00

Summon up Remembrance, HC 28.50

Summon up Remembrance, SC 15.75

Sushi in the Kremlin/We’ Gen., CS 3.00

Synopsis/Codification/Kitáb-i-Aqdas, HC 2.50

T

Tablet/Christians/Appreciation, SC 3.25 (Lawh-i-Aqdas)

Tablet of the Heart: God and Me, HC 11.95

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, HC O/P

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, LT O/P

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, PS 4.95

Tablets of the Divine Plan, SC O/S

Táhirih, SC 3.50

Tapestry Note Cards—10/pkg. w/env., CD 12.95

Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, HC 10.95

Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, SC O/P

Teach. Cds, Wilmette H.O.W.—25/pkg., CD 4.95

Teaching Peace, CS 8.95

Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká, SC 7.95

These Things Shall Be, HC 4.75

These Things Shall Be, SC 2.50

Thief in the Night, SC 4.95

This Century of Progress, CS 8.00

This Is the Day, CS 8.50

Thoughts: Education for Peace & One World, SC 15.95

Throne of the Inner Temple, SC 8.95

To Be One: A Battle Against Racism, SC 11.75

To Move the World, SC 10.95

To the Peoples of the World, SC 2.50

To a Seeker, SC 6.95

To Understand and Be Understood, SC 7.50

Tokoloshe!—set/4, CS 29.95

Top of the Hill, SC 4.95

Touchstone of Sincerity, SC 7.50

Traveler’s Narrative, HC 12.50

Traveler’s Narrative, SC 7.95

Tristan, HC 19.95

Tristan, SC 9.50

Triumph of the Cause, CS 8.00

U

Unfolding Destiny, HC 12.50

United Dove—Poster, 100/pkg., PP 30.00

United Doves—Mini-pmph., 100/pkg., PP 4.00

United Doves—Invitations, 200/pkg., PP 8.00

Unity: Creative Foundation of Peace, SC 8.95

Unity in Diversity, CS 12.50

Universal House of Justice, SC 3.95

Unrestrained As the Wind, SC O/S

Unto Him Shall We Return, SC 8.95

V

Victory, CS 9.95

VIET: Auth./Duties LSA Ad.—10/pkg., PA 6.00

VIET: Basis of World Economy, PA 1.50

VIET: Promise of World Peace, PA 1.25*

VIET: We Are Seeking Day World Religion—10/pkg., PA 3.00

VIET: What Is Bahá’í Faith—10/pkg., PA 3.50

Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, SC 9.50

Visit with the Master, CS O/S

W

Waging Peace, SC 7.95

Way to Inner Freedom, SC 7.50

Way Out of a Dead End, HC O/P

Way Out of a Dead End, SC 7.95

We Are Bahá’ís, CS 8.00

We Want To Grow Up, CS 8.00

Wellspring of Guidance, HC 9.00

Wellspring of Guidance, SC 4.00

What Is/Bahá’í Faith? An Introduction, SC 9.50

What Is Teaching? Why Teach?, PC 1.60

Where There’s a Will, SC 2.50#

Wildfire, CS 7.50

Wilmette House of Worship—poster, PR 1.00

Wine of Astonishment, SC 4.75

With All My Heart—Beta/VHS, VT 15.00#

Women—compilation, SC 4.95

Women: Equality and Peace, CS 8.00

Word of God, The, SC 2.50#

Words of God—lg. print—"Aus." ed., SC 1.95

Words of God—U.S. edition, SC O/P

World Dance, CD 16.50

World Dance, CS 9.95

World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, HC 13.50

World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, SC O/P

World Peace and World Government, SC 3.25

Writings of Bahá’u’lláh—compilation, HC 21.95

Y

Year with the Bahá’ís of India & Burma, HC 8.95

Youth in the Vanguard, HC 5.50

Youth for One World, PC 23.20

Youth Programs/Bahá’í Schools, PC 6.80

Z

Zahra’s Search, SC O/P

Bold type indicates new or revised items
*—On Order	O/P—Out of Print
#—No Discount	O/S—Out of Stock
TBA—Price To Be Announced
PC—Photocopy (esp. education materials)

[Page 19]

BIRF: grassroots response to serious social problems

In the spirit of the call by the Universal House of Justice in its letter of October 20, 1983, for the Bahá’í community to be “alert to possibilities for extending the development of social and economic life both within and outside the Bahá’í community” for improving the lot of man, a grassroots program was begun more than two years ago for Bahá’ís “who suffer from addictions, estrangements, life crises, or any dysfunctions of ‘old world’ attitudes.”

The self-supporting Bahá’ís in Recovery Program (later renamed Bahá’ís in Recovery Fellowship) has since spread to many areas of the U.S. and to other countries around the world.

The group has received guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly, and continues to seek permission from local Assemblies to meet with the believers in communities it visits.

While the National Assembly approves of the initiative and feels it can help address a need shared by many Bahá’ís, BIRF remains a private venture that is not affiliated with any institution of the Faith.

Its purpose, the Fellowship declares in its literature, is “to share in a loving, non-threatening and confidential atmosphere our experience of recovery with each other to: (1) strengthen our Bahá’í identity, (2) encourage the process of becoming our true selves, and (3) reach out to others who still suffer.”

A suggested format for meetings is based loosely on the 12 Step Program for combating addiction, but local groups are free to adopt whatever methods suit them best. “The form,” says the Fellowship, “is secondary to the spirit.”

The Fellowship maintains that it is not a substitute for other support groups that provide specific help for addictions, “nor do we discourage people from seeking professional help, or pretend to be a substitute for such.

“We recognize that recovering Bahá’ís simply have unique problems in the process of becoming Bahá’ís and living the life; and it is our desire to provide identification, hope and encouragement on the path.”

Bahá’ís in Recovery Fellowship produces a monthly newsletter, “Footsteps in the Sands of Service,” for its members.

Russia

from page 16

this man was the mayor of Murmansk! The Bahá’ís ran into him again the next day, when the peace statement was instead presented to him.

The Bahá’ís met him no less than three times in three days, a rather incredible occurrence since Murmansk has a population of 500,000 spread out over 30 kilometers (18 1/2 miles).

Another amazing experience was with Aleksandr, a sea captain who came to the booth and invited Paul, Todd and me to visit his ship the next night.

When we arrived we found to our surprise that we were to be the only passengers on a private cruise around the harbor. The cruise was incredible with its inner meanings—we felt as though we’d been on a “Vision Quest” similar to that of the American Indians.

The trip was on a ship called HOPE which traveled in a large circle, starting first with a close-up view of naval destroyers and submarines.

We next came to the fire boat, painted a bright red. We had been spying the “Fire Tablet” daily for three weeks, so we knew this was significant.

From there we went to an atomic ice-breaker in the process of increasing its power from 50,000 to 75,000 hp. As we returned to port we looked up and saw on a huge neighboring ship the name “Pioneer.” We were flying high at this point!

Aleksandr then took us to the galley where he had prepared a delicious traditional Russian dish, and was amazed to find that we were interested and eager to develop tourism across these borders.

He had been looking for someone like us, and we for someone like him. After some hours of talking, he showed us to his cabin and insisted that we take his bed for the night.

This sweet man was so touched by the Faith. He said it was exactly what his country needed, and we must find a way to take to all of the Soviet Union.

He proposed a trip next summer by ship along the northern coast of Russia—he has a ship available and would like about 100 Bahá’ís to travel together, visiting northern villages and towns, introducing the people there to the Faith!

We wondered who this man was that he could offer private cruises and say that bureaucracy was no problem; only at the very end of the festival did we learn that he is a high-ranking official in the regional government.

He has invited Todd and me to return in a few weeks as his guests. It should be interesting, as his English and Finnish are extremely limited and our Russian even more so. But Bahá’u’lláh will care for this.

So much more to share, but no words to express it all. The Russian people overwhelmed us with their warmth and generosity.

Kevin Locke from the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, who has traveled widely for the Faith, said he had never seen anything like this before anywhere.

We Bahá’ís were in paradise, and came away committed to learning Russian and to returning as soon as possible and as often as possible.

We hope your prayers will join ours for the teaching efforts in the Soviet Union and for our new Bahá’í brothers and sisters in that country.

Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá! Gerry (and Todd) Nolin Angeli, Finland

UN

from page 16

More than 60 attended to hear Linda Moscarella of the U.S. League of Women Voters explain the challenges and rewards of working with the UN system.

Chairman for the event was the U.S. Bahá’í representative to the UN, Shirley Lee, who is the present chairman of the Conference of UN Representatives for the UNA-U.S.A.

The pace of Bahá’í involvement in social issues within the UN system continues to accelerate as opportunities to serve multiply at an ever-increasing rate.

Women

from page 3

City, helped the younger listeners to see more clearly the manifold, far-reaching effects of spiritual health and purity.

Also notable was the presence of members of three generations of one Navajo Bahá’í family.

Hospitality and children’s classes were provided by homefront pioneers Ken and Mary Ellen Morphet-Brown.

After visiting an ailing Bahá’í Indian youth at a nearby hospital, the group spent part of the evening in meditation and prayer at the Grand Canyon.

The committee has given special attention in recent years to American Indian teaching with projects in western New York state; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Phoenix, Arizona; and Albuquerque, New York ‎Mexico New Mexico‎.

A major event is being planned next spring in Albuquerque, with the focus once again on Indian as well as Hispanic teaching.

Edgar (Olle) Olson, pioneer to Marianas, dies while visiting friends in Nova Scotia

Edgar A. (‎Olie Olle‎) Olson, a pioneer for more than three decades to the Mariana Islands, died September 5 while visiting friends in Kentville, Nova Scotia.

Mr. Olson was the first person in Delaware to become a Bahá’í, and he and his wife, Cynthia, who married in 1988, had the first Bahá’í marriage in that state.

Mrs. Olson was named a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, when she arose in 1955 and pioneered, with Mr. Olson’s help, to the Marianas.

Shortly afterward, Mr. Olson joined her at their pioneering post.

On learning of Mr. Olson’s death, the Universal House of Justice cabled:

“Grieved learn passing devoted steadfast servant Bahá’u’lláh Edgar Olson. His services Faith Marianas support his dear wife Cynthia enable her to open Marianas response beloved Guardian’s call in Ten Year Crusade lovingly remembered. Offering prayers Holy Shrines progress his radiant soul all worlds God.”

Reminder about listing residences

Whenever a news release is issued or an ad is placed in your local newspaper announcing a public meeting to be held in a residence, it is recommended that you do not list the address of the residence. In most cities and towns a public invitation to a residence that may not be zoned as a public meeting place could present legal problems. It is best to list a telephone number to call for information about the event. Then you can personally invite the individual and provide the address.

IN MEMORIAM

Name	Location	Date
Doris W. Best	Loris, SC	1988
Doris Ebbert	Atlanta, GA	January 1989
Aldo Merlino	Lincoln, RI	September 9, 1989
Eugene Betzler	Valinda, CA	July 20, 1989
Rose Marie Feldman	Athens, GA	April 1988
Marjorie Guzman	Tuolumne, CA	August 16, 1989
Walter Blakely	Harriman, TN	September 19, 1989
Mary Graham	Georgetown, SC	Date Unknown
Edgar A. Olson	Guam	September 5, 1989
Shokrollah Bolouri	Sylmar, CA	August 6, 1989
Minnie Harper	England, AR	October 4, 1983
Anthony Pressley	Nesmith, SC	Date Unknown
William F. Brooks	Staunton, VA	August 28, 1989
Ronald L. Hauck	Naranja, FL	August 3, 1989
Humayun Rabbani	Dallas, TX	August 28, 1989
David L. Burge	Pendleton, OR	July 6, 1988
Mary Ann Hopper	Portsmouth, VA	April 22, 1989
Mahmoud Rabbani	Orlando, FL	January 31, 1989
Flora Carmichael	Nichols, SC	Date Unknown
Evelyn Horton	Denver, CO	September 2, 1989
Margaret Reid	Capitola, CA	May 30, 1989
Bertha Carolina	Mayesville, SC	Date Unknown
Niuta Isserlin	St. Petersburg, FL	July 7, 1988
Henrietta Schneider	Bellevue, WA	May 18, 1989
Jameel Chamberlain	The Bronx, NY	1988
Sammy Jackson	Shellman, GA	Date Unknown
Rowland Strandell	Everett, WA	1983
Charles Colville	Manassas Park, VA	Date Unknown
Wilfred Jacques	Attleboro, MA	Date Unknown
Esther Taber	Urbana, IL	August 20, 1989
Mary E. Cone	Fair Oaks, CA	August 20, 1989
Charles Jenkins	Chico, CA	September 22, 1989
Flossie Thomas	St. Petersburg, FL	April 13, 1987
Donna M. Cripe	Fresno, CA	Date Unknown
Bertha Johnson	St. Petersburg, FL	September 21, 1989
Gordon Thomas	Hadley, NY	August 29, 1989
Donna Cunha	E. Providence, RI	March 9, 1984
Mary L. Jones	Batesburg, SC	Date Unknown
Wayne Wellner	Janesville, WI	July 23, 1989
Essie Davis	Lawton, OK	1989
Bernadine Lampe	Beatrice, NE	Date Unknown
Mariah Williams	Mayesville, SC	Date Unknown

The Eastern Oregon Bahá’í Summer School continues to grow and develop with an attendance this year of 124. The school committee set a goal of 40 percent minority participation and achieved 32 percent. Next year, with new facilities at Meadowood Speech Camp (capacity 250), the emphasis will be on all aspects of family life and growth. [Page 20]

New York sponsors successful public forum on race unity

“A success.” “Terrific.” “Let’s have more.” These were some of the comments by the audience at a public forum, “Racism: There Is a Cure,” sponsored by the Bahá’í community of New York City and held September 25 at New York University.

Almost three-fourths of the nearly 200 people from all five of the city’s boroughs who attended were not Bahá’ís.

Besides receiving two pre-event news releases, 70 editors, reporters and others in the media were contacted through personal notes from the Bahá’í media relations officer.

A third news release, mailed the day after the event, made further contact with the media.

In addition, some 3,000 flyers, prominently displaying a quotation on racism from “The Universal House of Justice of the Bahá’ís,” were distributed to schools, organizations and individuals.

Panelists at the forum included a well-known educator in black studies; a leading clergyman and member of the city’s Interfaith Council; a woman journalist and editor; and a Bahá’í, Jacqueline Goldberg.

Within days afterward, a newspaper editor phoned to ask for literature on the Faith, some of those who attended the forum appeared at the Bahá’í Center seeking more information, and the Spiritual Assembly received a letter of congratulations from Mayor Edward Koch.

Pictured at a forum September 25 on combating racism sponsored by the Bahá’í community of New York City are panelists (left to right) Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Jacqueline Goldberg, the Rev. Joel Canon and Ida Lewis (who declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh shortly afterward) and moderator Dr. Hussein Ahdieh (at the podium).

Topping even this was the thrilling news that one of the panelists, Ida Lewis, had declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

The community is planning a series of follow-up programs to maintain the interest of the media and public.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 23-26: Annual Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Tucson, Arizona. Speakers include the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears; artist, designer and business executive Mildred Mottahedeh; Stephen Birkland; Dr. Amin Banani, Trustee of the Huqúqu’lláh; and Duane Troxel, associate dean, University of Colorado/Denver. For more information, please write to Desert Rose School, 1081 Eagle Landing Place, Tucson, AZ 85737, or phone Marguerite Sears, 602-297-3106, or Enayat Rohani, 602-742-4656.

November 24-27: Homecoming Weekend, Penn Center, Frogmore, South Carolina. Theme: “Vision Renewed.” Registrar, Donna Spahn, P.O. Box 236, St. Helena, SC 29920 (phone 803-838-5453).

December 21-25: Winter I General Program (all ages), Bosch Bahá’í School. “Preparing for the Inter-Religious Dialogue” (Dann May), “Identifying Strengths in Healthy Families and Communities” (Janet Huggins). To reserve places, send $30 deposit for each person to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, phone Molly King, 805-933-1253.

December 22-24: “Vision to Victory ’89,” fifth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix. For information, write to P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068, or phone 602-995-3817.

December 27-January 1: Family Winter Session, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Michigan. Classes on the Kitáb-i-Íqán and Bahá’í Family Life conducted by Chuck and Selma Howard. Full program for children and youth; recreation, devotions, family activities, variety show, fellowship, good food, Unity Feast.

December 28-30: West African Bahá’í Music Festival, Monrovia, Liberia. Theme: “Peace Through Unity.” For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

December 28-January 1: Winter II General Program (all ages), Bosch Bahá’í School. “The Kitáb-i-Íqán: Implications for Teaching and Transformation.” Forum presentations and thoughtful exchange with a panel of knowledgeable and experienced presenters from several Western states. Forum facilitators: Dann May and David Young. To reserve places, send $30 deposit for each person to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, phone Molly King, 805-933-1253.

December 28-30: International Conference for the Friends of Dr. Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir, Quito, Ecuador. To observe the 10th anniversary of Dr. Muhájir’s passing and to launch “Muhájir Year” in Ecuador. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

December 28-January 1: Third annual Atlanta (Georgia) Bahá’í Youth Conference. For information, phone Sharon Wright (404-923-2361) or Rouha Sobhani (404-664-2418).

January 12-14: Bermuda Bahá’í Winter School, Marriott Castle Harbor Hotel, Hamilton. Theme: “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue.” Special guests: Marilyn Greene, Van Gilmer, Jena Khodadad. Rooms, $59/day plus tax single or double (third person $25 extra). Reservations: National Education Committee, P.O. Box HM 742, Hamilton, Bermuda HMCX, or phone Mrs. Marcille Haynes, 809-293-1190. Children under 12 years free.