The American Bahá’í/Volume 20/Issue 2/Text

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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í ‘The real treasury of man is his knowledge.’—Bahá’u’lláh Volume 20, No. 2 February 1989

A global perspective . . .

In its Riḍván 1988 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice says, ‘‘New prospects for teaching the Cause at all levels of society have unfolded. These are confirmed in early results flowing from the new teaching initiatives being fostered in a number of places as more and more national communities witness the beginnings of that entry by troops promised by the beloved Master and which Shoghi Effendi said would lead on to mass conversion.’’ Indeed, the signs of entry by troops are everywhere apparent, as is evident in reports received during the past several months by the Office of Pioneering from Bahá’í communities all over the world. Here are some of the thrilling and heart-stirring reports:

Australia—The Farhangi Teaching Project in Western Australia results in 85 enrollments.

Bangladesh—23 declare at a women’s conference in May 1988 including six full families; 2,500 new believers are enrolled in Bangladesh as of the end of November.

Belgium—12 people declare in one week during spring 1988. (6/88)

Bolivia—1,000 new believers in eight days, November/December 1988. Directly prior to this, 250 people embrace the Faith in the Potosi region; 650 new believers, 35 new localities opened since November 1987.

Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)—70 new believers in 10 villages, four new local Spiritual Assemblies. (11/88)

El Salvador—‘‘Without Doubts, Without Fears, Without Delay Toward Mass Conversion’’ Project: 1,000 new believers in four months. (12/88)

Gabon—One new Bahá’í started teaching and soon enrolled 30 new believers, March 1988. (5/88)

Grenada—‘‘Mona Teaching Project’’: 25 enrollments in one week, summer 1988. (8/88)

Guyana—‘‘Youth on the Move’’ Project brings in 261 new believers, surpassing the goal of 50, March-May 1988. (7/88)

Haiti—2,371 adults, youth and children embrace the Faith, summer 1988.

Hong Kong—120 new believers as of November 7, 1988; 280 new believers in Macau as of November 7, 150 in 12 days. (12/88)

Iceland—14 new believers since Riḍván, nearly doubling the previous year’s total of eight. (9/88)

India—Andhra Pradesh: 298 new believers in two months. Madhya Pradesh: 10,000 new believers (majority of whom are from educated classes). Maharashtra: 537 declarations, 23 new Assemblies. Nilgiris: 1,000 new believers since July 25, 1988. Orissa: 5,150 new believers since October 1988, 35 local Spiritual Assemblies formed. Temple Outreach Project: 70 new believers. Tumkur: 300 new believers since July 9, 1988. Uttar Pradesh: 100,000 new believers including large numbers of youth and families since June 1988.

Japan—10 people embrace Faith at International Peace Festival in June. (7/88)

Kenya—448 new believers and 15 new local Spiritual Assemblies. (9/88)

Korea—84 new believers in three weeks in July. (8/88)

Liberia—500 new believers since July 18, 1988. (9/88)

Mariana Islands—50 new believers during the first week of July. (9/88)

Nigeria—643 new Bahá’ís, 28 new local Spiritual Assemblies; 145 new believers embrace the Faith during a teaching project in the northern area of the country. (5/88)

Norway—Three people declare in one week during ‘‘Focal Point Area’’ Project. (9/88)

Peru—1,764 new believers in five days (738 youth and 1,026 adults, half of whom are women). In one school, the principal, all the teachers and students embraced the Faith. (9/88)

Philippines—400 new believers and 14 new local Spiritual Assemblies in two weeks; a chief, his wife and 15 members of the Aetas tribal group declare during the last week in July. 501 new believers enroll in Quirino Province in northern Luzon in December, 18 of whom are Barangay captains (heads of local government). In Nueva Ecija Province, central Luzon, 711 embrace the Faith; in Isabela, Luzon, more than 500 are enrolled.

Sikkim—30 declare, surpassing goal of 25. (7/88)

Spain—Four declare at ‘‘Youth Convention’’ in Madrid, July 1988. (7/88)

Taiwan—40 people embrace the Faith at a National Teaching Conference; 2,000 have enrolled since Riḍván including 800 in December.

Tanzania—46 new believers in three weeks. (8/88)

Uganda—32 new believers in two weeks in June 1988. (9/88)

Uruguay—158 new Bahá’ís are enrolled in December in Belen during a nine-day teaching event.

Venezuela—477 new believers in three weeks in Coro, from all levels of society. The goal was 200. (10/88)

Pictured are some of the 600 Bahá’ís who marched January 16 in Atlanta’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Bahá’ís were instrumental in helping to plan a 10-day series of events commemorating the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth. (Photo by Scot Corrie)

‘Victory’ conferences move American community closer to goal of ‘entry by troops’

By JACK BOWERS

The blaze of activity that was ignited in Boston and fanned in Chattanooga and Seattle engulfed five more areas in December and early January as the ‘‘Vision to Victory’’ conferences moved the American Bahá’í community ever closer to the long-sought goal of entry by troops.

Chicago, Houston, San Jose, Atlanta and Kansas City were the latest to report outstanding successes as the friends arose with enthusiasm and conviction to ‘‘carry the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind.’’

Still to be held were conferences in Columbia, South Carolina; Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Attendance at each of the first eight conferences averaged slightly more than 1,000 while pledges to the Funds and the Arc totaled more than $716,000.

In Chicago, Houston and Atlanta, the friends were deeply moved and inspired by David Hofman, a former member of the Universal House of Justice, whose words of wisdom and guidance enabled them to focus their energies more fully on the task at hand.

Taking an active part in all five conferences were members of the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas and the National Spiritual Assembly.

In Atlanta, the conference coincided with the end of a 10-day observance honoring the 60th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent philosophy for racial unity.

Bahá’ís worked diligently behind the scenes to help ensure its success, and were a visible presence in the concluding events with more than 600 taking part in the annual King Day parade on January 16.

At a televised ecumenical service the previous day, Mr. Hofman was among the dignitaries introduced by Mrs. Christine King Farris, sister of the late Dr. King.

After reading Mr. Hofman’s name, Mrs. Farris said he was ‘‘a retired member of the Universal House of Justice of the Bahá’í Faith in Haifa, Israel.’’

Also among the invited guests at the service were Counselor Wilma Ellis; Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Wallace Carter of the Bahá’í Office of External Affairs, who was co-chairing the 60th anniversary observance; and several other Bahá’í representatives.

See VICTORIES page 6

Pace of teaching quickens in Massachusetts: page 2.

Bahá’ís in Portland, Oregon, rally community behind effort to combat racial unrest, violence

In early November, a black man was beaten to death in Portland, Oregon, by members of a white supremacist group which calls itself the Skin Heads.

This group is growing in numbers and support, and violence toward blacks is increasing in the Portland area.

Many blacks are reacting by withdrawing into the black community or arming themselves in self-defense.

Inspired by one of its co-directors, Mrs. Joy Cross, the Portland Metro Area Bahá’í Youth Workshop has mobilized itself and come to the forefront to take a positive and unifying stance against racism.

With the approval of the local Spiritual Assembly, the youth workshop organized a forum for the black community to address the issue of racism, to present the Bahá’í perspective on this issue, and to explore appropriate ways for the community to work together in eradicating racial prejudice and unifying the people of Portland.

The power of the Holy Spirit was evident as every obstacle was removed from the path of the youth in arranging and publicizing the event.

Again with the permission of their sponsor, the Bahá’í youth passed out more than 1,000 flyers at a shopping mall and in front of grocery stores, inviting the public to attend.

Press releases were sent to every newspaper in the Portland area and to key individuals such as the mayor. Representatives of the Bahá’í community visited radio and television stations to invite the media to attend the event.

See PORTLAND page 2 [Page 2]

Despite advances, racism remains our 'most vital, challenging issue'

As Bahá’ís we are called upon not only to study the Bahá’í Writings but to become well-informed about the social issues confronting the world around us. This prompting has helped us to become aware that racism in America—in many subtle yet devastating ways—may actually be worse today than it was in the 1960s when it was considered a major issue.

It may also be noted that the effects of racism continue to weaken the Bahá’í community from within its own ranks. Many friends from racial minority groups who come to this country do not feel welcomed—even by the Bahá’ís.

If our own community is not reflecting the unifying principles of the Faith, our ability to achieve a unifying influence in the world at large is thwarted. The American Bahá’í community cannot hope to reach its destiny as the spiritual leader of the world without all of its members working hand-in-hand. This contributes to the reasons why racial prejudice should be regarded as the most vital and challenging issue confronting the American Bahá’í community at its present stage of development.

The most effective tool in dealing with the issue of racial prejudice is the Bahá’í writings themselves. The Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism is a compilation of extracts from the writings that deals with the challenges of race relations in the larger context of the unification of humanity. It helps us to appreciate diversity and to understand the vital need to develop relationships with members of all races, to fight against learned responses and eradicate any lingering prejudices that may exist within us, and to demonstrate and promote the transforming power of the Faith that will ultimately unify the world.

This compilation can be used in Bahá’í communities in a variety of creative ways to help Bahá’ís understand the importance of unity and to help them move forward in bridging cultural gaps, teaching minority groups and integrating them into the Bahá’í community while maintaining and affirming the rich and unique qualities that make their cultures special.

It can be used in community deepenings, one-day and weekend institutes, workshops and seminars to help us begin to play the part we have been called upon to play in the evolution and spiritualization of the world. The National Teaching Committee joins the National Race Unity Committee in recommending its use in all Bahá’í communities and by all individual Bahá’ís.

New Jersey paper features Japan tour by Bahá’í musician

On December 12, The Atlantic City Press in New Jersey ran a feature article about a recent tour of Japan with the Duke Ellington Orchestra by Jay Corré, a well-known jazz musician who is also a Bahá’í.

The article mentions Mr. Corré's having played last September for World Peace Day at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina, and concludes with a reference to another upcoming date with the Ellington Orchestra, which is directed by Mr. Ellington's son, Mercer, in Geneva, Switzerland, to play with the Swiss Symphony Orchestra at the United Nations World Peace Conference, "Voz Humano."

"(The event) is really especially important and exciting to me," Mr. Corré is quoted as saying, "because I am a member of the Bahá’í Faith which puts much importance on the advent of world peace, and that's what the session will be all about."

Portland

Radio stations in the black community were also informed of the event.

The forum was held December 20 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Community Center. Few of the 200 people who attended were Bahá’ís, as the deliberate idea was to give the black community a chance to participate.

Crews from all major television stations, the cable TV outlet, and four radio stations were on hand. Coverage which was later presented on TV and radio gave a positive image of the event and of the Bahá’ís who sponsored it.

The program began with entertainment by the youth workshop, after which a panel of Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í members of the workshop addressed the group, expressing their personal feelings about racism and their belief in the possibility of solving racial problems amicably. Many used quotations from the Bahá’í writings in their talks.

Two members of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland also spoke, as did Kathleen and Joy Cross, the co-directors of the youth workshop.

Afterward, the microphone was opened for general consultation. Others expressed gratitude to the Bahá’ís for providing an opportunity for people to come together to discuss the issue and to explore positive solutions.

As a result of the event, Joy Cross was asked to appear the following day on a cable television program as part of a four-person panel to discuss racism in Portland. She was able to speak openly about the youth workshop and the teachings of the Faith that motivated its actions.

Another member of the panel, the leader of a group that was to hold a rally for racial unity, expressed the feeling on the air that the Bahá’í Youth Workshop should be supported. He invited the workshop to perform at the rally on January 17.

The Portland Metro Area Bahá’í Youth Workshop intends to remain in the forefront of the racial issue. At its first forum, a list was circulated for people to sign who were interested in working with the youth to help solve the racial problem. More than 25 people signed.

In addition, the youth planned another forum that was held January 19 in the white community to underscore the point that racial prejudice is not simply a black issue.

The youth feel that it is time for the Bahá’ís—and for themselves as individuals—to take a visible stance against those issues which Bahá’u’lláh taught were wrong. Their aim is to create a strong counter-group to which the young people of Portland may turn.

More than 150 are present as Harrisburg Bahá’ís commemorate UN Day of Peace

More than 150 people, only 20 of whom were Bahá’ís, attended a commemoration last September 18 of the UN International Day of Peace that was planned and sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The speakers were Pieter Kooistra of the Interfaith Peace Committee ("The Interdependence of Nations") and Auxiliary Board member Tahereh Ahdieh ("Removing All Barriers").

In honor of the occasion, the governor of Pennsylvania proclaimed September 18 a "Day of Peace" in the state.

The day before, Dr. Ahdieh conducted a deepening for the Bahá’ís and spoke at a public meeting on "The Role of the Individual in Establishing Peace."

Japanese receive peace statement

At the Bahá’í Center in San Diego, California, copies of the peace statement were presented recently to 47 members of the Japanese Congress Against A- and H-Bombs (Gensuikin).

They were among 250 members of the Congress who had attended a special session on disarmament at the United Nations.

Afterward, a buffet supper was served by the Bahá’ís to a gathering of 120 which included students from language schools and professors from local universities.

Massachusetts quickens pace of teaching on many fronts

Teaching in Massachusetts, which was already in full swing before November's "Vision to Victory" Conference in Danvers, has continued apace with activities on many fronts.

In December, a week of firesides was held at the Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, serving as a bridge to Cambridge's next month of intensive effort in January.

Meanwhile, on November 23, Boston began a month of firesides that was to culminate in a Unity Feast at the Wentworth Institute. Afterward, the Bahá’ís in that city were to turn their attention to distribution of the peace statement, with a goal of giving a copy to at least one prominent person each day.

Boston is also continuing its efforts to reach out to the Chinese community, with informal gatherings held monthly.

SON OF BEING! Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for my manifestation. —Bahá’u’lláh

The Spiritual Assembly of Boston has established the goal of obtaining a Bahá’í Center as soon as possible, preferably within six months.

More than $20,000 has been received toward acquisition of the Center, with a much larger amount pledged; the goal is to buy or rent some property, even if it is small.

The friends have also decided to expand the Boston Bahá’í library so that it can become the lending and purchasing library for all of eastern Massachusetts.

On the South Shore, Quincy continues to be a dynamo of activity in spite of the fact that only two Bahá’ís are carrying most of the workload.

Monthly public meetings have been held, resulting in considerable interest in Bahá’í meetings. On two weekends, Bahá’ís from Quincy and neighboring areas went door-to-door in Quincy to offer people invitations to a series of public meetings and to hand out copies of the peace statement.

As a result, more than 250 people heard about the Faith, and the Patriot-Ledger newspaper became interested and contacted the Bahá’ís for more information.

The Quincy Bahá’ís are considering even more ambitious teaching efforts, such as mailing the peace statement to every household in town.

Somerville has continued its efforts at Tufts University, where three people are investigating the Faith.

As a result of a mailing to radio and television stations in November, WBRS, the radio station at Brandeis University in Waltham, asked for a Bahá’í guest to appear on its regular weekly half-hour interview program.

The friends provided a speaker, and a half-hour discussion of the Faith was broadcast on November 30.

In December, Watertown continued its successful series of firesides on world issues, holding four such meetings. Attendance averaged eight, and there were always interested guests present.

Brookline continues to hold its successful monthly deepenings for the greater Boston area. Each month, Auxiliary Board member Mara Khavari drives down from New Hampshire to conduct a class on the Creative Word.

The Brookline community also sponsors the media committee, which is producing a series of cable television programs on the Faith for the Boston area.

Your gift can help children in Guyana enjoy Brilliant Star

Can you help send Brilliant Star magazine to Bahá’í children's classes in South America? There are more than 30 local Spiritual Assemblies in Guyana (formerly British Guiana), and the language there is English, but the average daily wage is less than $1.

For only $15 for a one-year subscription, you can help connect the Bahá’í children of Guyana to their worldwide family and give them high-quality stories, poems, crafts and music with emphasis on spiritual qualities and Bahá’í history.

Send your gift subscription to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. For more information, phone 312-869-9039. [Page 3]

Clarifying some terms used in teaching the Cause

Over the years, many phrases have been associated with various concepts related to teaching the Faith. It is often assumed that ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ understand what is meant by these terms. This is not always the case. This article is an attempt to clarify the meaning of some of the terms associated with teaching for those of us who hear them often but are not quite sure what they actually mean. One reference is provided for each term, although most can be found in many places in the writings.

Consolidation—with expansion and proclamation, one of the three processes of teaching; consolidation involves nurturing new Bahá’ís until they become firm and active supporters of the Cause and integral members of the Bahá’í community. It also involves the establishment of functioning Assemblies and strong Bahá’í communities. (Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 77-78)

Declaration—the point at which a person states his/her belief in Bahá’u’lláh as the Promised One of God, recognizes the stations of the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and requests enrollment in the Bahá’í community with the understanding that he/she must obey the laws, principles and institutions established by Bahá’u’lláh. (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32)

Declaration Card—a card produced by the National Spiritual Assembly on which a person who is declaring his/her faith in Bahá’u’lláh signs a statement to that effect, and provides name, address, phone number, and age. A confirmation of enrollment is on the other side of this card, which is used to verify the declaration.

Direct Teaching—openly declaring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Direct teaching is often associated with teaching door-to-door, but a variety of methods can be used. (Bahá’í Administration, p. 124)

Enrollment—the process by which a declarant is enlisted as a member of the Bahá’í community, in which the enrolling agency (Spiritual Assembly or National or District Teaching Committee) ascertains that the declarant is sincere in his/her belief and desires to become a Bahá’í and forwards the card to the National Spiritual Assembly so that the information can be recorded. (A Special Measure of Love, p. 18)

Entry by Troops—as foretold by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, large number of new adherents of diverse nations and races coming into the Faith as a prelude to mass conversion. (A Special Measure of Love, p. 11)

Expansion—one of the three processes of teaching; the increase in the number of new adherents, new localities, and new Assemblies. (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 32)

Extension Teaching—occurs when, in addition to teaching in its own community, an Assembly helps to develop, organize and carry out teaching activities in a community that, usually due to a lack of manpower or experience, needs special assistance. (Naw-Rúz 1974 letter from the Universal House of Justice)

Fireside Teaching—occurs when seekers are invited to the home of an individual Bahá’í or Bahá’í family, are shown Bahá’í hospitality, and, often with the help of a few other Bahá’ís, are taught about the Faith, often through informal discussion. (The Individual and Teaching, p. 33)

Homefront Pioneering—going to live in an area where there are few Bahá’ís and/or Bahá’ís who are not deepened to help them expand the Faith and establish a strong Bahá’í community. (Citadel of Faith, pp. 148-149)

Indirect Teaching—teaching that is done by reflecting the principles of the Faith in a variety of related activities while not boldly asserting the source of those principles. Teaching by one’s example is a form of indirect teaching. (Bahá’í Administration, p. 124)

Mass Teaching (teaching the masses)—teaching the rank and file of humanity; teaching that is designed to bring large numbers of people into the Faith in an effort to create a steady flow of new believers that will lead to mass conversion to the Faith. (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 31)

Proclamation—one of the three processes of teaching; using methods such as radio, the press, presenting the peace statement, and holding public forums to reach large numbers of people with the basic message of the Faith in order to spark their interest in investigating more deeply the Truth of Bahá’u’lláh. (Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 112-113)

Service Project—an indirect method of teaching the principles of the Faith by providing community service. Inspired by the Universal House of Justice’s letter of October 20, 1983, these are activities carried out to help bring about social and economic development.

Teaching Project—a program designed to systematically carry out a plan of action for teaching the Faith in a given area. (Wellspring of Guidance, pp. 32-36)

Traveling Teaching—occurs when individuals travel to areas outside of their home community to help with aspects of teaching, especially consolidation. (Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 22)

Unified Action—efforts involving collaboration between two or more of the various institutions of the Faith (such as local Assemblies or Auxiliary Board members) and/or agencies (such as Regional School Committees or District Teaching Committees). (Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly and Counselors, May 30, 1984)

10 religious leaders from New York City visit the World Center

In October, a group of 10 high-ranking religious leaders who are members of New York City Mayor Ed Koch’s Inter-Religious Advisory Committee visited the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa.

The group was in Israel to consult with officials of the Anti-Defamation League and to visit various of Israel’s religious communities.

The visitors were received by Douglas Martin, director-general of the Office of Public Information; Paul Reynolds, deputy secretary-general of the Bahá’í International Community; and Dr. Eugene Andrews, executive secretary of the World Center’s Planning Committee.

The visit began with refreshments at the Pilgrim House and included a visit to the Shrine of the Báb and its gardens, a buffet luncheon, and a visit to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Assemblies in Jeopardy Need Your Help!

Over 100 of our local Spiritual Assemblies are in danger of being lost if the number of adult believers in their communities is not brought up to nine before Ridván. If you could relocate to a nearby community or to a distant post to help save an Assembly, please contact the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

For those who wish to teach but need ideas, here are some suggestions from one who strives daily to deliver Message

The following is an edited version of a letter that was published in the Long Island, New York, intercommunity newsletter. The National Teaching Committee has asked The American Bahá’í to reprint the letter for the benefit of those Bahá’ís who wish to teach the Faith as individuals yet need ideas on how to begin.

To the Editor:

As most of us are aware, the most important duty for a Bahá’í is to teach the Faith. Indeed, whenever possible we should share the message of Bahá’u’lláh with those we come across, whether they be members of our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances, or even strangers.

Jesus told His disciples to stop fishing for fish and become fishers of men. I am a vegetarian and do not eat fish, yet I still enjoy fishing—for people with whom to share the beautiful message of Bahá’u’lláh. Let me share with you some of the bait I have used:

On a day when there is a Feast, fireside or other Bahá’í meeting, I will often ask people, in a casual way, what their plans are for that evening—as people often do to make conversation.

I will let them know that I am going to a Bahá’í function. More often than not, they will ask what Bahá’í is.

I then give them a basic overview of the Faith and mention that if they are interested I can give them a couple of pamphlets. They will often take the pamphlets, and I usually give them a general introductory pamphlet and one that focuses on a specific topic such as race unity or peace, depending on what I feel is of most interest to them.

When someone is not interested, I will say, “No problem, I just thought you might be interested,” and go on to talk about something else.

I always try to carry a Bahá’í book with me that I read in my spare time. In school, I’ll leave the book on my desk and people will ask about it. I tell them it’s a Bahá’í book, and again people will usually ask me what the Faith is about. Again, I will state the basic beliefs along with its origin and offer a couple of pamphlets.

Other bait that can be used includes Bahá’í T-shirts and sweatshirts. The “Mankind Is One” shirt is especially eye-catching.

Often people, even complete strangers, will comment on the shirt and ask about its origins. Once again people are nibbling at the bait. Bahá’í jewelry also catches people’s eyes and they will comment or ask about it.

Never overlook or discount any methods. On my car I have a few bumper stickers that, although they were not produced by Bahá’ís, reflect “Bahá’í” principles. I recently had a conversation about the Faith with a service station attendant because of those bumper stickers.

Here are tips to help restore lost Assemblies

Many of the local Spiritual Assemblies that are in danger of being lost at Ridván because the number of adult Bahá’ís in their community has dropped below nine are making courageous efforts to do everything in their power to save the Assembly before Ridván, working hard with the District Teaching Committee and Auxiliary Board members to increase the numbers of Bahá’ís in their communities.

However, most jeopardized Assemblies are liable to feel a certain sense of depletion—not only in numbers but also in spirit. For some, the level of distress makes it difficult to know where to turn or what to try next.

Here are a few suggestions for restoring local Spiritual Assemblies for those Assemblies that would like some guidance about how to proceed. For those Assemblies that have been trying many methods and seem to have run out of ideas, the suggestions may be used as a checklist.

It is not expected that a jeopardized Assembly would be able to accomplish every item on the list. It may be that not all Assemblies need to, for it may be possible that all that is needed in a particular community is prayers for the seeds that have been planted.

However, the suggestions should be considered according to the situation and capacity of each individual Assembly:

Suggestions for a jeopardized Assembly

• Hold a meeting to discuss the status of your community and devise teaching activities if you have not already done so. If your Spiritual Assembly is unable to convene a quorum, constitute yourselves as a teaching committee and concentrate your efforts on teaching.

• Pray together and unify yourselves so that others will be drawn to you.

• Concentrate all activities on teaching.

• Hold individual firesides. Take individual initiative in teaching.

• Invite speakers from nearby communities to help you with your teaching activities.

• Request a visit from a traveling teacher. Traveling teachers are available through the National Teaching Committee’s Regional Travel Teacher Coordinators or the District Teaching Committee.

• Invite other Bahá’í communities and youth in the district to help you with your teaching activities.

• Use all avenues in your community to advertise your firesides and/or public meetings. Be sure to talk with your friends, neighbors, relatives and associates so as to make the Bahá’í community visible.

• Visit nearby Bahá’í community Feasts to ask for homefront pioneers. Call your District Teaching Committee and ask for individuals who can move into your community to help save the Assembly.

• Keep the District Teaching Committee and Auxiliary Board members fully informed of your activities and of your successes.

• Remember the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in your teaching efforts:

“The teacher, when teaching, must be himself fully enkindled so that his utterance, like unto a flame of fire, may exert influence and consume the veil of self and passion. He must also be utterly humble and lowly, effaced and evanescent so that he may teach with the melody of the Concourse on high—otherwise his teaching will have no effect.” (The Individual and Teaching, p. 10)

John Wendling, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Mobile, Alabama, has been honored by Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson Institute of Physics as one of the top 50 physics teachers in the U.S. As a result of his selection, Mr. Wendling, who is now recognized by the Institute as a master teacher, spent four weeks of study at Princeton last summer. [Page 4]

UNITED NATIONS

Many Bahá’í communities in America supported the work of the United Nations in 1988 by taking part in local UN Association events as members or co-sponsors, and by sponsoring programs commemorating UN special events days.

Most widely celebrated were UN Day, Human Rights Day, and the International Day of Peace. Universal Children's Day, the International Year of the Homeless, and International Women's Day also provided opportunities for Bahá’ís to interact with the public and with other organizations.

Beyond programs featuring eminent speakers and panel discussions were such innovative events as concerts, international potlucks, awards banquets, essay and art contests, and a prayer session.

One of the more ambitious programs was sponsored by the Bahá’ís of San Diego and a number of peace-oriented groups. Students at 25 high schools were invited to participate in an essay contest; winners were chosen from 191 entries, and the award program was held at the Bahá’í Center in San Diego.

Some events proved more memorable than others. Turning possible calamity into providence, the Bahá’ís of Monterey, California, held a successful awards banquet in spite of a sudden loss of electricity.

The hotel dinner was served by candle light while the speaker, without benefit of a microphone, shouted his speech to the audience.

In West Sacramento, California, the program planner for the small Bahá’í group, although legally blind, launched a UN Day program with speaker, display and TV coverage.

These efforts, expended on behalf of the work of the UN, do not go unnoticed. The U.S. Bahá’í representative to the UN sends an annual report to the UN Office of Public Information listing ways in which our non-governmental organization supports the work of the UN.

The degree of our involvement is recognized and appreciated and does much to enhance the reputation of the Bahá’ís as workers for global good.

Reports of activities supporting the UN should be sent to: U.S. Bahá’í Representative to the UN, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017. It is not too late to send reports of activities held in 1988.

A complete list and description of UN special days, weeks and years is available from the above address.

PLAN AHEAD

For special UN days...

March 8: International Women's Day

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination

Our Sacred Obligation

National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Bahá’í Home in Wilmette marks its 30th year

Thirty years ago this month, on February 1, 1959, the Bahá’í Home for the Aged, "the first Dependency of the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois," opened its doors to the public.

The building of the Home was designated a goal of the Ten Year Crusade by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who died in November 1957, one month before construction was actually begun.

The cornerstone was laid in a formal ceremony on April 5, 1958, with more than 60 people present including the president of the Wilmette Village Board and William Campbell Wright, architect of the Bahá’í Home.

On that occasion, the Hand of the Cause of God Horace Holley, who was at that time secretary of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, said:

"The Bahá’í Home fulfills the meaning and power of divine worship in service to our fellow-men. For this institution is not restricted to members of the Bahá’í Faith but opens its doors to all persons, without any religious discrimination."

The Bahá’í Home, contemporary in design and primarily of brick with stone and wood trim, is situated on 3/4-acre of land about three blocks west of the House of Worship.

It is designed to provide living quarters for 18 residents and an administrative staff of three.

Since a home for the aged operates under special regulations, the Bahá’í Home is incorporated with a Board of Directors consisting of the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly. This corporate body holds title to the land and building, operates the Home, and maintains its own records including a bank account in the name of the Bahá’í Home.

Two Bahá’ís—Sophie Loeding and Kay Walker—were living at the Home until Mrs. Walker moved to other quarters in January.

Miss Loeding, who will celebrate her 100th birthday next year and has been at the Home for 24 years, became the first full-time employee at the Bahá’í National Center when she went to work as Mr. Holley's secretary in 1941.

Over the years the Bahá’í Home has given hundreds of elderly persons from Wilmette and the surrounding area, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, a loving, caring and comfortable place in which to live.

As the National Spiritual Assembly said of the Home in an article in Bahá’í News (October 1958):

"What the American believers are accomplishing in this unique project is to demonstrate to the public the Bahá’í principles of the oneness of mankind and humanitarian service.

"The Bahá’í Home makes no discrimination of race, religion or nationality. It is humanitarian in a profound meaning of that word, because it enables its guests to overcome the sense of loneliness and uselessness in this ruthless, materialistic age—forms of spiritual poverty no less grievous than lack of material wealth.

"...the Bahá’í Home, in essence, is a far-reaching humanitarian experiment. It is in no way to be compared with those institutions which give medical and other care including burial to inmates who have turned over their entire fortune."

Above: The Hand of the Cause of God Horace Holley (far right) presides during the Bahá’í Home's cornerstone ceremony in April 1958. Below: Pictured in her comfortable room is Sophie Loeding, the only Bahá’í presently living at the Bahá’í Home in Wilmette.

More than 50 attend Bahá’í-sponsored meeting on peace in St. Petersburg

"The Challenge of World Peace" was the theme of a Bahá’í-sponsored public meeting last September 18 in St. Petersburg, Florida, which drew an audience of more than 50 people.

During the meeting, Vice-Mayor David Welch presented a proclamation from Mayor Robert Ulrich declaring September 18 "World Peace Day" in St. Petersburg.

Sharing the speakers' platform were Dr. Robert Magin, president of the Tampa Bay UNA chapter, and Evelyn Phillip, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of St. Petersburg.

Music included songs by "The Peace Kids," a Bahá’í group made up of children ages 8-11 years.

Arise! To Teach

Indianapolis on state Commission

The Bahá’í community of Indianapolis, Indiana, is the newest member of the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality.

The Bahá’ís were warmly welcomed into the IICHE last November 20 with greetings to "the Bahá’í Faith's Indianapolis Assembly" from the Rev. James Taylor, the commission's new executive director.

Both the Rev. Taylor and the Rev. Anne Henning Byfield, the new president of the IICHE, expressed their commitment to its goals, which relate to many of the basic themes in the Universal House of Justice's peace statement.

Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout Indiana are welcome to become members of the commission.

Feast letter now available in Spanish

A Spanish translation of the Nineteen Day Feast letter is available to local Spiritual Assemblies.

The translation is available to help the integration of Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís into the life of the American Bahá’í community.

Please contact the National Teaching Committee, 312-869-9039.

When pioneering, remember that U.S. tax laws have bearing on life overseas

Planning to move overseas? Many Americans do not fully understand the special tax concerns that apply to Americans overseas.

You are working overseas and earn less than $70,000 a year, so you need not file a U.S. tax return. True?

False! You must file a U.S. tax return even if you owe no taxes. Congress and the IRS are aware that most expatriate Americans are not filing returns, and plan to clamp down on them in the future.

You own a home. Are you aware of the basic rule that you owe capital gains taxes on the sale of your residence unless you qualify for either of two exceptions?

The exceptions are: (1) you can defer the gain if you purchase a new residence that costs at least as much as the amount you realized from the sale. In most cases, the second purchase must be made within two years before or after the sale. (2) If you are at least 55 years old, own the home and use it as your principal residence for at least three of the five years preceding the sale, there is a one-time exclusion of $125,000.

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

Bahá’í has exhibits

Mark Sadan, a Bahá’í photographer and film-maker from Ossining, New York, recently had his works exhibited at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers and the Bertha Urdang Gallery in New York City.

Mr. Sadan has been invited to exhibit in April at Oxford University, in May in Riga, Latvia, and in June at the Portfolio Gallery in London.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

This is your chance to join activities being held throughout the world:

AFRICA • Botswana: "Star '89" Teaching Project, summer 1989. • Zimbabwe: Bahá’í Deepening Institute, ongoing.

AMERICAS • Canada: International Chinese Teaching Symposium, March 24-26, Toronto. • Costa Rica: Peace Conference, June 1989. • Haiti: Need for French-speaking traveling teachers. • Jamaica: Need for long-term, mature traveling teachers. • Leeward Islands: Need for "resident teachers" who can stay from one to six months. Also, need for mimeograph machine. • Puerto Rico: International Youth Conference, July 13-16.

AUSTRALASIA • Eastern Caroline Islands: Need for deepened, knowledgeable, mature traveling teachers who can stay for at least one to three months.

EUROPE • Iceland: "Skogar" Service/Forestry Project and Youth Conference, June 1989. • Norway: "Brennpunkt Focal Point Project" of teaching and consolidation, ongoing until Naw-Rúz 1989.

PLUS ongoing mass teaching projects in the Bahamas, Honduras, Hong Kong, Korea, Panama, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). [Page 5]

THE FUNDS

When a dear and long-time friend dies, it often provokes a pregnant pause in our otherwise hectic daily pace—a pause to reminisce about memories and messages of our past. We may seek refuge in a friend, an oft-read passage or a prayer.

The passing of our beloved coworker in the Cause of God, H. Borrah Kavelin, brought to mind one of his talks given nearly 10 years ago. It was the first time that the Universal House of Justice had thought it necessary for one of its members to travel to the U.S. to share the needs of the Bahá’í International Fund.

In the talk, Mr. Kavelin “takes us back” to the early days of the House of Justice when they found it necessary to take out a loan to purchase properties for staff housing.

In 1966, Mr. Kavelin had gone to Iran and shared the dilemma of the House of Justice’s housing needs with the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in that country. A group of ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in Iran undertook to cover the cost of liquidating the loan over the course of the next five years.

By 1973 the House of Justice had offices in no less than eight buildings, and a decision was made to construct a permanent Seat.

The cost of building this first edifice on the Arc was calculated at $20 million. Mr. Kavelin was privileged to be sent to Iran to tell the friends there that they would have the blessing of contributing the “lion’s share” of the cost of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

Before going to Iran, Mr. Kavelin said he had seen a newspaper article about a mosque to be built in Rome “that was to be larger than St. Peter’s at a cost of $60 million.”

He reminded the friends in Iran that “this would be one of thousands of mosques in the world, and we would be building only one building ... but we would be building the most important building in all the world ... except for our Holy Places.”

Within 30 days he had commitments of $10 million to present to the House of Justice. At the same time, Bahá’ís from many other countries were contributing to the project.

By June 1978, shortly before the Iranian revolution, the friends in Iran had met their initial commitment of $10 million while another $4 million was received from the rest of the Bahá’í world.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kavelin had returned to Iran to report on the progress of the building and to relay news of the victory of reaching their financial pledge to the House of Justice.

Actually, the friends in Iran had made a second pledge of $7 million, but within the next three years, their financial circumstances changed dramatically.

In his talk, Mr. Kavelin cited the heroic deeds of the friends in Iran during this difficult time.

In one village, 2,000 ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ were driven from their homes and fled to the mountains in the dead of winter. They had no jobs, no food; the authorities offered them food and blankets if they would recant their faith. They refused.

He said he had heard the story of one wealthy man from Shiraz who lost all of his money. One day Mr. Afnan, the caretaker of the House of the Báb, saw this man earning his livelihood carrying buckets of mud.

Mr. Afnan was shocked that the man would have to perform such menial work, but the man gave credit to Bahá’u’lláh for all he had and said he was privileged to work and to serve Bahá’u’lláh in any way he could.

Mr. Kavelin said that the Bahá’ís in Iran felt that their greatest ordeal was not that they had to shoulder such calamities, but that they were unable to fulfill their commitment to the Universal House of Justice.

Many people did not know that, at that time, the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ in Persia were contributing 61 percent of the entire income of the House of Justice.

So great was the loss of funds from the friends in Iran that the House of Justice was forced to reduce its budget by one-third.

“The Bahá’í world is one family,” said Mr. Kavelin, “and, tragically, one of the most devoted members of that family is now crippled and paralyzed.

“In any family where there is love and unity and devotion and dedication, what do they do in a case of this kind, when one of their members is afflicted?

“Don’t they arise and do all that is necessary to redeem that member’s ordeal? Do we dare fail in that spiritual responsibility?

“This crisis is not financial; it is spiritual. When Shoghi Effendi was asked what is the most important element in contributing to the Fund, he said, ‘sacrifice and self-sacrifice.’

“And as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, ‘As ye have faith so shall your powers and blessings be.’”

Mr. Kavelin then said that the Universal House of Justice had supreme faith and confidence that the friends would arise as one soul in one body and do all that was necessary to meet the material requirements of the Cause so that its spiritual progress “may continue unabated.”

When Mr. Kavelin spoke recently at the “Vision to Victory” conference in Massachusetts, he said that in the quarter-century in which he served at the World Center, he had gained a perspective ... a perspective that “all matters that have a bearing on the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have their appointed time.”

He urged us all to read and pray and meditate upon the letters of August 31, 1987, and Ridván 1988 from the House of Justice to remind ourselves of the privileges and responsibilities available to us at this time.

Puerto Rico invites all youth to attend ’89 Conference in July

The Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico invite all Bahá’í youth to attend the first International Youth Conference, to be held July 13-16 in the greater San Juan area.

With a theme of “Today ... Now is the time to transform words into action,” participants will have a chance to discuss challenges facing the Bahá’í youth at this time.

A teaching project will follow the conference, offering many opportunities to teach in a Hispanic country and learn a different and exciting culture.

The cost is $135 per person, which includes meals, lodging and conference materials. Registration closes on April 21.

There will be simultaneous translation into English throughout the conference.

If you would like to receive more information about the conference, please write to the National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039, ext. 220.

Local Bahá’í Fund
(ask your local Bahá’í community for the correct address)
National Bahá’í Fund Wilmette, IL 60091
Continental Bahá’í Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091
Bahá’í International Fund P.O. Box 155 Haifa, Israel 31-000
Persian Relief Fund c/o Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091
Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust Rocky River, OH 44116

On October 29, Bahá’ís in Denver, Colorado, commemorated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s overnight visit to that city in 1912. The breakfast meeting was held at the Oxford Hotel, where the Master spent the night of October 28-29, 1912. Richard Dodge of Englewood shared his research into ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Denver, and Gil Grassely, a descendant of the Clark family, one of the most active Bahá’í families in Denver at the time of the Master’s visit, shared his family remembrances.

Hurricane victims in Jamaica need clothing, other items

The National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica reports that victims of Hurricane Gilbert need:

Nails, bedding materials, canned food, clothing (especially for men and children), plastic sheeting, and any other items you may care to send.

Please send supplies directly to the address below, labeled as follows:

For distribution by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jamaica, 208 Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 6, JAMAICA, West Indies.

For direct monetary contributions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

Hand of the Cause of God, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum’s 1986 “Talk to the Indians of the Western Hemisphere” is available on cassette tape in English and in Spanish for $2.00 each from The National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (312) 869-9039.

Use care when writing to others

In the National Spiritual Assembly’s dealings with other non-governmental organizations, it has learned that once in a while some organizations have received nasty letters from Bahá’ís.

The National Assembly is saddened when it hears such things. The hallmark of Bahá’í behavior is kindness, integrity and consideration for the feelings of others.

Bahá’ís must realize that when they identify themselves as Bahá’ís, they become ambassadors of the Bahá’í Faith. The favorable or unfavorable reputation of the entire Bahá’í community can be established by a few individuals.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Automatic Contribution System Subscription Form

___________________________________________ residing at ____________________________________________________

(PRINT FULL NAME) (STREET ADDRESS)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(CITY, STATE & ZIP)

hereby authorize the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to charge my checking account each (Gregorian) month the fixed amount of $___________ to be distributed as follows:

National Fund $___________ International Fund $___________ Continental Fund $___________

[ ] Check here if this form is for a Local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í Group checking account and give the community name and LSA/Group ID #

Community __________________________________________________ LSA/Group ID # ______________________

Bahá’í ID # [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ] Signed: _____________________________________ Your Title (if for LSA or Group Acct.) _________________

Date ________________________________ Home Phone ______________________ Work Phone ______________________

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

• It takes 30-45 days (2 Bahá’í months) for your automatic contribution to be processed the first time. You may wish to continue contributing by sending your checks until we inform you of the date of first automatic withdrawal.

To our donors: A new Contribution Form is being developed by the Office of the Treasurer which will speed contributions to all the major funds—National, Continental and International. It will be introduced in 1989 and will supersede this and any other contribution forms currently in use. [Page 6]

Victories

from page 1

Chicago

The Chicago conference, held December 16-18 at the McCormick Hotel, drew nearly 1,500 Bahá’ís (including 158 children) from throughout the Midwest and as far away as Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Mr. Hofman was joined there by Counselors Wilma Ellis and Robert Harris and eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly, which met that weekend in Chicago.

After an informal reception Friday evening, the conference was convened the following morning with a memorial service for Miss Edna True, a former Counselor and member of the National Spiritual Assembly who died December 9 at the age of 100.

Paying tribute to Miss True’s exemplary life of service were the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears (via a tape-recorded message); Mr. Hofman; Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, who served with Miss True on the Board of Counselors for the Americas and the National Spiritual Assembly; and Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, chairman of the National Assembly.

Also recounted were anecdotes illustrating Miss True’s deep love for humanity, her remarkable ability to organize and get things done, and her keen and unfailing sense of humor.

After lunch, the conference focused its attention on teaching with earnest talks by Counselor Harris, who had met Friday evening with Chicago-area youth, and Dorothy Nelson.

Teaching, said Counselor Harris, “is not a safari to enrollments. It is an act of devotion to God—an act of worship, of obedience to Bahá’u’lláh.”

Through our teaching efforts, he added, “a world at war will become a world at peace.”

Mr. Harris then proposed what he called the Chicago “1-2-3 Get Closer” plan: (1) Fall in love with Bahá’u’lláh; (2) read His Writings; and (3) obey His Laws.

Judge Nelson compared the mighty task of completing the Arc on Mount Carmel with that of building the House of Worship in Wilmette, which she said was accomplished by “a small number of believers” who persevered through two World Wars and a Depression until the task was finished.

Although today’s challenges are no less daunting, she said, we must rise to meet them as a token of our love for Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause.

After Judge Nelson’s talk, the members of the National Assembly received and answered questions from the audience.

On Saturday evening, Mr. Hofman told the friends that the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, left no doubt in their many writings about the high spiritual destiny of the American people.

But to realize that destiny, he said, we must study deeply the Sacred Texts and especially the writings of the Guardian.

Shoghi Effendi, he said, was himself guided by three charters of the Faith of God: the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Tablet of Carmel, and the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

“We must come to regard the sublime Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh as an integral part of God’s immutable plan for mankind,” he said. “It is implicit in the act of creation.”

Following Mr. Hofman’s talk, the friends enjoyed an audio-visual presentation, “The Promise of World Peace.”

The conference was building a momentum that reached its crest on Sunday morning as Counselor Ellis delivered a heart-felt plea for action and involvement.

“We must trust the only thing that will help us to teach the Faith,” she said, “and that is Bahá’u’lláh.

“When you put Bahá’u’lláh in the center of your life you find you have energy, energy you didn’t know you had, and you find that you can do things you didn’t know you could do.

“When that happens—when you begin to teach—the flame of fire becomes so strong that it is irresistible.

“You feel it, and you want to be there when it catches—when the nation catches fire.”

In keeping with the spirit of the conference, which was to “inaugurate a two-year period of sacrifice and action,” the National Spiritual Assembly called for pledges of service to the Cause, more than 400 of which were joyously given in the next few minutes.

It was also announced that those at the conference had pledged more than $85,000 to the various Funds and the Arc in addition to a check for $25,000 which was presented as a no-interest loan to the National Assembly.

The conference ended with a presentation by Charles Nolley, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, of the Assembly’s teaching plans and activities.

Houston

More than 1,200 Bahá’ís (including 220 children and pre-youth) gathered January 6-8 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel for Houston’s conference, each of whose six sessions had a separate theme: (1) Prejudice, A Barrier to the Unity of Mankind; (2) Teaching; (3) The Vision; (4) Building the Arc; (5) Mission of the Individual; and (6) Women and Peace.

The speakers, in addition to Mr. Hofman, included Counselors Donald Rogers and Arturo Serrano; Auxiliary Board members Shelly Pittman and Robert Ramirez; and Dr. Roy Jones, director of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina.

The National Spiritual Assembly was represented by Juana Conrad, Chester Kahn and Jack McCants.

Seven hundred seventy-six pledges of service were made, and $110,940 ($67,000 in cash) was pledged to the Funds and the Arc.

Among the highlights were public meetings Friday evening with 50 non-Bahá’ís attending and Sunday afternoon with 100 non-Bahá’ís present to hear a talk by Mrs. Conrad.

Among other aspects of the conference itself were a blood drive with 24 donors, the presentation of a video tape on the Arc, and a slide program, “The Promise of World Peace.”

Four adults declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh at the conference along with five younger people who were reared in Bahá’í homes.

One of the declarants, Hitaji Aziz, is the host of a popular public affairs/talk program on Houston’s radio station KPFT.

On December 31, the Houston Post included on its religion page a photograph and two-column article headlined “Houston Bahá’ís Will Host Five-State Regional Conference.”

The conference was also publicized in the Houston Chronicle and other local newspapers including the east Indian paper, Indo-American News.

On the day after the conference, Mrs. Conrad, Mr. Kahn and Hooshang Sharifi spoke at the Wilhelm-Schole international school, members of whose classes later asked for Bahá’í literature.

San Jose

More than 1,100 Bahá’ís, most of whom were from California, Arizona and Oregon, were at the San Jose conference, held January 6-8 at the Civic Auditorium.

Among those on the program were Counselors Jacqueline Delahunt and Fred Schechter; members of the National Spiritual Assembly, William Davis and Dr. Henderson; and Auxiliary Board members Marcia Gilpatrick and Dick Groger.

A special moment came when Mrs. Flore Kavelin recounted the last days of her husband, Borrah Kavelin, a former member of the Universal House of Justice who died December 18 in New Mexico.

She showed a video tape of Mr. Kavelin, made shortly before his passing, in which he spoke ardently of teaching the Cause.

A Teaching Fair included booths sponsored by the United Nations, the Persian/American Affairs Committee, and the District Teaching Committee.

Workshops were held after the conference for Persians and youth, while community meetings were attended by Counselor Schechter and both Auxiliary Board members.

Some $18,000 was pledged to the Funds with at least another $46,000 in cash contributed. The final figures were unavailable at press time.

Atlanta

The conference in Atlanta, which drew about 850 Bahá’ís to the Radisson Inn and Conference Center on January 13-15, was preceded on January 8 by a presentation of copies of the peace statement to Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, and members of the M.L. King Commission.

On January 10, Mr. Hofman spoke for about four minutes to an audience of about 1,000 during a “Rededication to Peace and Justice” service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was the pastor until his death in 1968.

The former member of the House of Justice was also interviewed several times on radio, most notably during a half-hour call-in talk show that actually lasted about two hours because of the interest shown by listeners who phoned in from many of the 38 states covered by the station.

Mr. Hofman took an active part in the conference itself, as did Counselors Hedi Ahmadiyyih and Wilma Ellis, National Spiritual Assembly members Robert Henderson and Jack McCants, and Auxiliary Board members Soo Fouts and Jack Guillebeaux.

As the conference opened, a front-page article in the Religion section of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution proclaimed “Bahá’í faith initiates teaching campaign in Atlanta.”

And indeed, the emphasis was squarely on teaching, the success of which is indicated by the figure

See VICTORIES page 9

Counselor Robert Harris was among those who inspired the friends at the “Vision to Victory” conference in Chicago.

Above: The audience at the conference in Houston hears an address by David Hofman. Below: Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts speaks to the audience of 850 at the Atlanta conference.

Sunday afternoon with 100 non-Bahá’ís present to hear a talk by Mrs. Conrad. [Page 7]

World Center needs many skilled, devoted workers

The Bahá’í World Center remains in need of qualified Bahá’ís with the skills and desire to sacrifice a limited amount of time to voluntary service at the World Center and to experience the great privilege of serving the Universal House of Justice.

Serving at the World Center is similar to holding an overseas position. The term of service depends upon the position: six months, a year, 18 months or two and one-half years.

Individuals work scheduled hours like any other business; the actual times vary depending on the position.

Staff members are housed in rented or owned apartments all over the Haifa area. Each Bahá’í is expected to handle his own food preparation, cleaning and shopping, and to make his own arrangements for getting to and from work and other activities.

In other words, living and working conditions are about the same as for anyone living in a fair-sized city.

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

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

Many things are taken into consideration when choosing staff members: education and work experience, family and financial responsibilities, needs of the applicant’s country or community, ability to get along with others, etc. A basic knowledge of English is required.

Health is also taken into consideration, for several reasons: Haifa is on a mountainside, and a considerable amount of walking is required; the air, heavily polluted from local industry, has an effect on one’s breathing; and the health care, although excellent, is limited.

These and other factors are taken into account and compared to the current needs of the World Center.

All applications are welcome, but there can be no assurance that anyone who volunteers for service at the World Center will be invited to serve.

The Personnel Office is obligated to choose those believers who are best suited for the specific positions that are open and must, at times, decline offers of service from highly devoted and skilled Bahá’ís whose qualifications do not match the available positions. All applications are kept on file for future consideration.

Although there are many openings at this time, special priority has been given to the following areas: the Secretariat; International Teaching Center; Office of Personnel; Data Processing Department; Works Office; Purchasing Office; Finance Department; Mount Carmel project; and the Gardens Office.

Administrative assistants and executive secretaries with backgrounds in Bahá’í administration are needed for the Secretariat and International Teaching Center.

Vacancies in the Office of Personnel need to be filled with staff experienced in personnel work. Also needed are Bahá’ís with skills in main frame computers including computer programmers and hardware technicians.

Tradesmen from all fields are needed to serve in the Works Office which is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the Holy Places and Bahá’í housing needs.

These electricians, plumbers, painters, drywall and plaster specialists, an auto mechanic, a gardens mechanic, construction workers, draftsmen, etc., may be needed in the future to work on the Mount Carmel project—the building of the Arc and terraces. Others are needed to serve in purchasing as storekeepers and buyers.

The Finance Office is looking for experienced workers to serve as investment officers, payments clerk, mail analyst, quality controller, etc.

The Gardens Office needs laborers and professionals in horticulture, agriculture and gardening to serve in such positions as gardeners, soil and turf specialist, compost specialist, irrigation specialist and pest control specialist. Many other positions also are open.

Note: The Gardens Office plans to create a data base of experts in gardening, horticulture, agriculture and related fields; so if you are involved in these areas, please send your resumé to the World Center even if you are not available for service in the Holy Land.

Those who have skills in areas other than those listed here are welcome to apply, since in some of these positions flexibility and a spirit of service to the Cause are the primary consideration. Many of these positions involve either clerical work or physical labor.

Those who are interested should contact Karen Crenshaw, World Center Staffing Representative, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-869-9039 for more information and/or an application.

Fishing

from page 3

tion attendant who saw my stickers, and I gave him a copy of the peace statement.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer, “O Lord! Open Thou the door, provide the means, prepare the way, make safe the path, that we may be guided to those souls whose hearts are prepared for Thy Cause and that they may be guided to us ...” really does work. I recommend that we all say this prayer regularly.

It is a fisherman’s dream to be led to the fish or to have the fish come to him rather than having to depend on sheer luck to catch the fish.

Of course, the most effective bait we can use, aside from prayer, is to adorn ourselves with a praiseworthy and righteous character. Being loving to all those we meet and trying to live by the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will also attract people to us and to the Faith.

It is my understanding that once a fisherman has hooked a fish he must reel it in or the fish will get away. Likewise, when people express an interest in learning about the Faith we should always follow up with them.

We should ask them what they thought of the pamphlets and perhaps offer an introductory book or even a book of the Bahá’í scriptures. We can also invite them to a fireside.

So, let’s go fishing! We have the bait and the people are out there waiting to be “caught.” Unlike fish who lose their lives once caught, the lives of the people we catch will have a new and glorious beginning. Let us all go fishing today and tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, until the end that has no end.

Marc Hensen St. James, New York

Upcoming at the Bosch Bahá’í School

May 26-29: Couples.

July 1-6: Psychology/health.

July 8-13: Junior youth.

July 15-20, 22-27, July 29-August 3, August 5-10, 12-17: General sessions.

August 19-24: Youth.

August 26-31: General session.

Vision to Victory

Building the Arc: Advancing the Kingdom of God U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust Cassette $8.00 Completing the Arc.... Looking at the size of the Bahá’í community, the world’s conditions, and the proposed location, one might conclude that we are the wrong people at the wrong time in the wrong place. However, Dr. Peter Khan asserts that the project is not only a spiritual imperative but an opportunity as well. The Bahá’í World Centre is the spiritual center that will guide all humanity into the promised Kingdom of God on Earth. Then the yoke of oppression—whatever its form—will be lifted from the world. A rousing deepening for groups or individuals, this tape will inspire renewed consecration and sacrifice.

Major & Minor Plans of God U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust Cassette $8.00 Dr. Peter Khan discusses contemporary history as twin processes at work in the world: the growth and development of the Bahá’í community, and the Will of God bending humanity toward His ultimate goal of world unity.

Commentary on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá George Ronald Publishers SC $3.50 David Hofman examines passages of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament and their bearing on Bahá’u’lláh’s system of world order. Includes an epilogue recounting the years between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the Universal House of Justice.

History

4-Volume Set with Study Guide: The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh George Ronald Publishers SC $75.00 Adib Taherzadeh’s work describing Bahá’u’lláh’s major works and many Tablets is now available in a 4-volume softcover set. Includes many photos and information about the lives of Bahá’u’lláh, His companions, and followers. Individual volumes are available separately. Volume one at $17.95; volumes two-four at $19.50 each.

Some Fundamental Spiritual Verities: A Study Guide to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh George Ronald Publishers SC $3.50 Prepared by Canadian R.T. Anderson, this study guide identifies some of the basic spiritual truths of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. Includes five chapters on: God, The Manifestations of God, Mankind, The Covenant, Bahá’í Bounties and Responsibilities.

Breakthrough Teaching

The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust / U.S. Bahá’í Office of Public Information PA 10 / $2.50 50 / $10 An overview of the Faith, its history, teachings, administrative structure, and the scope of its worldwide community. Contemporary in design and tone, The Bahá’í Faith and Its World Community is an inexpensive major tool to assist our efforts for widespread proclamation and teaching to civic officials and the general public.

Perspective Series

The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community PA 10 / $9.95 Basic information about the Bahá’í Faith: its teachings, history, Central Figures, administration, impact on the social and economic development of local communities, and international character. Illustrated with color photographs of diverse Bahá’ís and Bahá’í Houses of Worship. Especially appropriate for those who want more information than a pamphlet but aren’t ready to read an entire book.

Social and Economic Development: A Bahá’í Approach Public Information Office of the Bahá’í International Community PA 10 / $9.95 Shows the impact of the Faith and its international community on issues of human social concern such as group decision-making, community development, children’s education, the encouragement of women, the development of tutorial schools, agriculture, health care, Bahá’í radio projects, and international collaboration. Will be of interest to civic leaders and other like-minded people concerned about improving the condition of humanity.

The Bahá’í Religion: A short introduction to its history & teaching

George Ronald Publishers SC $5.95 Examines the tenets of the Faith, its beliefs and practices. Peter Smith gives a straight-forward, factual account of the rise of the Bahá’í Faith, its emergence and development, religious and social doctrines, morality and spirituality, community life, and administration. Written objectively, it is suitable for new inquirers, civic officials, and for those studying comparative religion.

Fasting

Fasting: The Sun and its Moons A Bahá’í Handbook George Ronald Publishers HC $11.95 SC $7.95 Duane L. Herrmann combines passages from the Bahá’í writings about the Fast, with reflections by Bahá’ís on the practice of fasting, and prayers appropriate to the fasting period. Of interest to anyone who wants to know about the age-old practice of fasting.

Children

The Ayyám-i-Há Camel Kalimát Press HC $11.95 SC $8.95 An account by Cher Holt-Fortin explaining Ayyám-i-Há to make it a meaningful holiday for young Bahá’ís. The book captures the excitement, delight, and magic of the holidays and explores the challenge of being Bahá’í in a non-Bahá’í culture. Includes many illustrations. For preschool through juvenile readers.

Barley Bread & Reindeer Milk People Records Cassette $9.95 Fun, musical entertainment by Helene and Dave Van Manen teaches Bahá’í principles to children. Among them are importance of family and the oneness of humankind. These 13 songs promote wholesome fun and express “peace” in concrete terms. Uses a variety of children and adult voices.

Bahá’í Distribution Service

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 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: Administrative Services—media services manager. Bahá’í Publishing Trust—associate editor. NSA Properties Inc.—maintenance coordinator (Bahá’í House of Worship). Office of the Treasurer—controller. Interested applicants should apply to: Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

RESIDENT manager wanted for the Bahá’í Center in Washington, D.C. Single male or couple preferred. Knowledge of maintenance, security and beautification of the building and grounds is important as well as the ability to work closely with contractors. The Center, which is in an attractive, interracial neighborhood on a bus line, includes an apartment. The resident manager is expected to make a monthly contribution (negotiable) for utilities, the use of the apartment, and other services. If interested, please send a letter and resumé by March 15 to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, 5713 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20011, c/o Anita Ioas Chapman, secretary (phone 202-291-5532). Please include in your letter the date you were enrolled as a Bahá’í and a description of any services rendered to the World Center, the National Center, local Bahá’í communities and other relevant activities.

AN HISPANIC-language television station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has an opening for a technician who is familiar with the maintenance of video cassette recorders, cameras, etc. There are many opportunities for homefront pioneering in the Albuquerque area. For more information, please phone Kambiz Victory, 505-344-5589.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

JOBS are available in many countries overseas including: Africa—program manager, child survival, extension agent, civil engineers, agronomist, logistician. Gambia—drilling technician. Kenya—physician, engineers, project manager, surgeon, OB/GYN, FP/GP, internist, pediatrician, radiologist, water development specialist. Nigeria—OB/GYN, surgeon, internist, dentist, construction manager, crane mechanic, crane mechanic supervisor, drilling manager. Sierra Leone—radiologist. South Africa—erection superintendent. Transkei—MDs. Uganda—statistician. Americas: Bahamas—plant maintenance engineer. Caribbean—project manager. British Virgin Islands—environmental planner, management expert. Grenada—surgeon, MDs, anesthesiologist. Guyana—obstetrician, internist. Honduras—leather industry, wood processing industry. Nicaragua—physician, occupational therapist, disabled persons’ educator, physiotherapist, technician. St. Lucia—FPs, internal medicine, surgeon, anesthesiologist, orthopedic surgeon, agricultural training/communication adviser. St. Vincent and the Grenadines—psychiatrist. Asia: India—water development specialist, MDs/GPs, internists, cardiologist, ophthalmologists, RNs, control inst/electronics engineers. Malaysia—civil area water supply engineer, landscape architect, site manager. Taiwan—medical oncologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist, all physicians, medical equipment maintenance. Australasia: Marshall Islands: nursing instructor. Overseas: architects. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039).

National Center seeks controller The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is seeking a qualified person to serve as controller in the National Treasurer’s Office. The position requires a CPA license and a minimum of 4-7 years of public accounting experience and/or experience with not-for-profit organizations. Two years of supervisory experience is preferred. This person must also be well-versed in the principles of Bahá’í administration and be familiar with activities and trends in the U.S. Bahá’í community. Ability to interact with staff at all levels and to represent the National Assembly to public agencies and financial institutions is essential. Duties include helping advise the National Assembly about fund-raising strategies; helping to determine priorities in the allocation of funds for activities in the U.S. Bahá’í community; consulting and coordinating with the Bahá’í World Center’s finance department on cash management; advising local Bahá’í communities about appropriate application of state tax-exemptions laws. The controller also prepares monthly financial statements with written analyses; administers the National Assembly’s cost management plan to assure that funds are properly invested and available when needed; and supervises the accounting department staff. Apply to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 312-869-9039). The deadline for applications is March 15.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneers wanted for Trenton, the capital city of New Jersey. Ideal for single people or retired couples. Many colleges, businesses and industries in the area. For information, write to Janet Richards, Yardville, NJ 08620, or phone 609-585-6120.

ARE YOU creative? Are you willing to sacrifice for the Cause? Eastern Oregon does not, as a whole, offer prime employment opportunities, but it does offer a casual lifestyle, plenty of open spaces, and many smaller towns where a homefront pioneer could be the key to the establishment of a solid Bahá’í community. One such town is Baker (pop. 9,500), a goal of the District Teaching Committee on the I-84 corridor in the far eastern part of the state. There have been Bahá’ís in Baker for a number of years, but the community has not taken off on its own. The people of Baker are warm and friendly, the pace is slow, and the time is ripe. If you would like more information about Baker or other communities in eastern Oregon, please phone the Eastern Oregon District Teaching Committee, 503-475-6627 or 503-388-1467.

PIONEER in a National Forest. The vast forested mountain area of Siskiyou County, California, near the Oregon border, has many small villages and towns but not one local Spiritual Assembly. As employment is scarce, retired people might best be able to fill this need. The county seat, Yreka (pop. 6,000) has no Bahá’ís; Weed, a smaller town, has a community college and two Bahá’ís, and there are seven adult Bahá’ís in Happy Camp, further to the west. The main industries in the area are logging and tourism. Hunting, fishing and skiing draw people from cities all over the state. For more information, write to Alice Lovejoy, P.O. Box 3, ‎Dunsmur Dunsmuir‎, CA 96025, or phone 916-235-4709, 916-926-6675 or 916-943-2845.

SCHOOLS

BOSCH Bahá’í School seeks summer staff for June 25-September 1. Recreation director, children’s teachers, maintenance and kitchen workers. Room, board and stipend. Send brief resumé including experience and skills, name of your Assembly secretary, or other references to the School Administrator, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

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: Amelia Buxton, Elise Pumpelly Cabot, Evalena Caldwell, George Caleoper, Ward M. Calhoon, Elizabeth Callaway, David and Virginia Camelon, Helen Campbell, and Isabella M. Campbell. 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.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking District Convention voting lists for 1952-1967 for Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware and Florida. Anyone having lists that they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

IF YOU are audacious and would like to tap into a successful teaching effort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, come join us in our lovely furnished ocean-front condominium for the teaching experience of a lifetime! Eight enrollments in the last two weeks plus a proven process of consolidation. Limited space is available. For a free brochure, phone 1-800-458-7890 and ask for David Hoffman or Behin White.

WANTED

WANTED: your outdated Bahá’í calendars. The friends in the pueblos in Mexico have nothing to display which depicts the Faith. The lovely calendar pictures will give them something to hang on their walls and aid them in teaching. Please send calendars to Gil and Donja Murray, c/o Centro Bahá’í, Yucatán 97000, Mexico.

FOR THE PAST few years, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward Islands has sponsored a week-long youth camp in Antigua. The camp has expanded from only Leeward Islands youth to accepting those from all over the Caribbean. The prospects and potential of the camp are great; however, there is a great shortage of camping equipment, and we would like to ask those who are able to donate tents and/or sleeping bags in good, waterproof condition to mail them to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Leeward Islands, Box 352, St. John’s, Antigua. (For bulky or heavy items, please contact the National Assembly for shipping instructions.)

CALLING all Bahá’í story-tellers and balladeers: If you are an experienced story-teller or singer of ballads, you are invited to take part in the first Bahá’í Story-Telling Festival to be held in conjunction with the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This mid-September event is attended each year by several hundred Bahá’ís who tell stories or sing songs of the Faith to audiences of adults or children. Please send a brief description of your experience and the kinds of stories you tell. Topics could include the lives of the Central Figures, stories of martyrs and heroes, inspirational teaching and pioneering adventures, the early believers, etc. Send applications to Linda Brown, c/o Aspen, CO 81611 (phone 303-925-4294).

ON FIRE! Yap and Palau in the Western Caroline Islands urgently need copies of the orange teaching booklet (now out of print) for use in Masao-Olson Project which is spreading throughout the islands. Will purchase. Please send to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Western Caroline Islands, P.O. Box 448, Colonia, Yap, WCI; FSM 96943.

HELENA, Montana, is preparing to celebrate next Riḍván the 50th anniversary of the formation of its Spiritual Assembly, the first in Montana. If you have ever lived in Helena or know any Bahá’í who has, please let us know. Send any information you may have, especially names, memories and anecdotes, to Ardith Heaney, Helena, MT 59601, or phone 406-443-6011. When the historical list of Bahá’ís is complete, we’ll try to send one to each contributor.

The Bahá’ís of South Broward County, Florida, recently sponsored a group of 22 people in the annual March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon and raised $1,400 to help children born with birth defects. Among those who completed the 22-mile walk were Mr. Kamali, a 78-year-old man, and an eight-year-old boy, Ala Fallah.

Mr. Hofman has busy schedule during 12-day visit to Louhelen Bahá’í School

David Hofman, recently retired member of the Universal House of Justice, spent 12 days in December at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan while in the U.S. to take part in the “Vision to Victory” conferences.

During his visit, Mr. Hofman gave two public talks and two deepenings on The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Students in the Louhelen Residential Program, as part of their formal class in Bahá’í studies, took part in a three-part course on the Will and Testament conducted by Mr. Hofman.

Mr. Hofman also gave the talk at the weekly fireside and participated in some of the other school activities including attending a talk at Mott Community College by human rights activist and Nobel Prize recipient Elie Wiesel.

On December 2-4, 60 Bahá’ís came to Louhelen to attend one of two conferences.

Those at the Writers’ Conference were treated to Mr. Hofman’s stories and guidance reflecting his years at George Ronald Publishers.

Terrill Hayes, general manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust; Debbie Bley, editor of Brilliant Star magazine; and Nat Rutstein, author of several books including To a Seeker and To Be One, gave the major talks and conducted discussions designed to encourage and enhance the development of writers both for Bahá’í publications and for the general public, using themes or principles of the Faith.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hossain Danesh, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and chairman of the Executive Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, led an intensive weekend of study and consultation with participants in the Network for Young Bahá’ís who came from all over the U.S. and Canada to take part.

Both conference groups, along with LRP students and many friends from the area, attended a Saturday evening talk by Mr. Hofman on the “most significant charters” in the Bahá’í Writings.

Mr. Hofman conducted his second deepening on the Will and Testament during the weekend of December 9-10. Bahá’ís from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario, Canada, attended.

Mr. Hofman’s energetic activities, his example of untiring and cheerful service, and his thorough and profound talks and courses gave further inspiration and impetus to the growing dedication of the friends in their personal spiritual growth and in spreading the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the Midwest. [Page 9]

La persistencia paga; bahá’í enseña la Fe a un agnóstico

En una carta escrita en nombre de Shoghi Effendi, se afirmó que, “Los creyentes deben de dar el Mensaje incluso a aquellos que no parecen estar preparados para ‎el él‎, incluso a aquellos que aparentan carecer de todo poder de receptividad para la Enseñanza. Porque nunca se puede juzgar el poder con el cual la Palabra de Dios puede cambiar los corazones y mentes de la gente.”

Janet Kaye conoció al alguien así. Él era un agnóstico quien parecía no estar listo para creer en Dios, ni tan siquiera para aceptar todas las Manifestaciones de Dios, incluyendo a Bahá’u’lláh.

Este joven hombre es Javier Salazar, el tutor de la señora Kaye en la Universidad Gavelin en California en ‎dónde donde‎ ella está tomando clases de español. La señora Kaye estaba alquilando uno de sus cuartos y Javier se le unió en su casa.

Al principio, la señora Kaye no le habló sobre la Fe. No fue hasta que él le preguntó sobre una foto de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá que ella comenzó, poquito a poquito, a presentarle la Fe Bahá’í.

Javier es de Colombia. La señora Kaye supo a través de un amigo que había un bahá’í de Colombia, Sergio Montenegro, viviendo cerca de San José.

A través de su amigo, ella se comunicó con Sergio y lo invitó a que viniera a su casa en Hollister para una barbacoa.

Sergio vino a conocer a Javier y ellos llegaron a ser buenos amigos.

Dice Javier que, “Mientras más me hablaba Sergio sobre la Fe, más las cosas comenzaban a tener sentido.”

Él comenzó a sentirse más seguro sobre la existencia de Dios, y después de casi un mes de conocer a Sergio, Javier declaró su fe en Bahá’u’lláh.

“Yo me sentía que no estaba capacitado para ayudar a otros. Yo me sentía pesimista sobre la vida. Ahora me siento como que no estoy solo—pero más que eso, es que Dios está con nosotros. Ahora me siento optimista. Ahora cada actividad en mi vida tiene un significado.

“Mis amigos en la escuela se dan cuenta de que soy diferente. Y cuando me preguntan sobre ello, yo les hablo sobre la Fe.

“Hay dos niveles de amigos—los que han escuchado sobre la Fe Bahá’í y los que no saben de la Fe. Yo he tenido reuniones hogareñas para los que habían escuchado sobre la Fe. Ahora voy a tener reuniones hogareñas para aquellos que no han escuchado sobre la Fe.”

Entre las varias cosas que Javier compartió durante la conferencia para los bahá’ís de habla ‎castellano castellana‎ en San Fernando en octubre fue sobre la oración.

El asemejó el aprender a orar a aprender la tabla de multiplicación. Al principio nosotros realmente no entendemos ‎cúan cuán‎ útil puede ser en nuestras vidas, pero una vez la hemos aprendido y llega a ser automático, nosotros comenzamos a entender ‎cúan cuán‎ valioso es.

EL PLAN DE SEIS AÑOS

El Plan de Seis Años, en el cual nos estamos embarcando, es un paso hacia el cumplimiento del destino espiritual de nuestra comunidad y nuestra nación. Nuestras metas son:

• el llevar el Mensaje curador de Bahá’u’lláh a la humanidad en general;
• aumentar el envolvimiento de la Fe en la vida de la sociedad;
• aumentar la producción, distribución y el uso de la literatura bahá’í;
• acelerar el proceso de maduración de las comunidades locales bahá’ís y el de nuestra comunidad nacional;
• estimular la participación universal y el enriquecimiento espiritual de los creyentes individuales;
• extender la educación bahá’í a niños, jóvenes y adultos y fortalecer la vida familiar bahá’í; y
• seguir proyectos de desarrollo económico y social.

Si usted desea obtener una copia del Plan de Seis Años de la comunidad Bahá’í americana en español, por favor de escribir al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza al: Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 o llame al (312) 869-9039, ext. 220

Miembro anterior Casa de Justicia H. Borrah Kavelin fallece

Con corazones pesados, la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos le comunica a la comunidad bahá’í norteamericana el fallecimiento del señor H. Borrah Kavelin el pasado 18 de diciembre de 1988.

El señor Kavelin quien fue miembro anterior de la Casa Universal de Justicia, también sirvió en el Consejo Internacional Bahá’í, y fue miembro de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Bahá’ís de los Estados Unidos por muchos años. La Casa Universal de Justicia, en su mensaje a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional de los Estados Unidos, alabó al señor Kavelin por su fe indomable, rigurosa diligencia, optimismo desenfrenado, y su confiabilidad sin falta por casi mitad de siglo en servicios monumentales a la Causa que él constantemente promovió y defendió hasta los últimos días de su vida.

Boda bahá’í demuestra principios de la Fe Bahá’í a invitados

El día 23 de octubre de 1988 se realizó una boda en la Casa de Adoración Bahá’í en Wilmette, Illinois, a la cual la mayoría de los invitados eran no-bahá’ís.

Entre los invitados se encontraba la señora Leda Santodomingo, quien trabaja como reportera del canal 44 de televisión en Chicago (canal de habla hispana).

Cada invitado a la boda recibió un programa el cual incluía diferentes selecciones de las Escrituras Bahá’ís sobre el matrimonio y la igualdad del hombre y la mujer.

Varias semanas después de la boda, la señora Santodomingo llamó a los bahá’ís recientemente casados para pedirles las exactas citas usadas durante la ceremonia matrimonial para la señora Santodomingo poder usarlas en un reporte que estaba preparando para la televisión.

Leda Santodomingo mencionó que le había atraído mucho las citas de las Escrituras Bahá’ís sobre el concepto de la igualdad del hombre y las mujer y pensó que ese era el tipo de mensaje que la humanidad debía escuchar.

En su reporte, la señora Santodomingo mencionó en la televisión las palabras de ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “El mundo de la humanidad tiene dos alas: una es la mujer y la otra es el hombre. Hasta que ambas alas no se hayan desarrollado igualmente, el pájaro no podrá volar. Si una ala fuera débil el ‎vuelos vuelo‎ es imposible.”

Literatura bahá’í en español disponible

En esta edición de The American Bahá’í presentamos una lista de literatura que ofrece el Editorial Bahá’í de España. Si desean ordenar libros de la siguiente lista, por favor de dirigirse a: Editorial Bahá’í de España, Castellet, 17—08222, Terrassa (Barcelona), España. Ustedes deben de permitir dos meses para que sus pedidos lleguen a sus casas. Por favor noten que los precios de los libros indicados en la lista es en la moneda de España.

1. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá por Balyuzi, $16 2. Aurora del Día Prometido, $3’30 3. Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era, $1’88 4. Cartas a un Buen Católico por J.L. Marqués, $2’92 5. Conflicto de la Paz por H. Sabet, $2’32 6. Directrices del Guardián por S. Effendi, $1’61 7. Declaración Universal Derechos Humanos, $0’06 8. Esplendor Día Prometido por R. Mehrabkhani, $3’57 9. Espíritu en Acción por N. Rutstein, $3’92 10. Fundamentos Unidad Mundial por ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, $2’48 11. Fideicomisarios de Dios por A. Taherzadeh, $1’84 12. Folletos: “Unidad Mundial,” $0’05 13. Folletos: “La Tierra es un Solo País...,” $0’10 14. Folletos: “Un Mundo, una Humanidad,” $0’03 15. Gran Día de Dios por R. Mehrabkhani, $0’64 16. La Honradez, $1’90 17. Huqúqu’lláh y Fondos Bahá’ís, $2’32 18. Índice de Pasajes Escritos Bahá’u’lláh, $0’2 19. Informes “Fe Bahá’í,” $1’84 20. Leyes Divinas: Fuente Derechos Humanos, $0’95 21. La Oración, $3’40 22. Oraciones Bahá’ís (tamaño pequeño), $1’12 23. Oraciones Bahá’ís (tamaño grande), $3’36 24. Perspectivas Nuevo Orden Mundial por J.L. Marqués, $1’90 25. Pergaminos, $0’15 26. Promesa Desarme y Paz, $0’20 27. Promesa de Paz Mundial, $0’25 28. Posters: “Unidad Mundial, $0’06 29. Posters: “La Tierra es un Solo País...,” $0’15 30. Resumen Orden Administrativo y Enseñanzas Bahá’ís, $1’38 31. Recopilación Sobre la Enseñanza, $1’22 32. Recopilación Sobre la Paz, $2’8 33. Reflexiones Sobre la Enseñanza por D. Forghani, $1’22 34. Relatos Vida ‘Abdu’l-Bahá por A.M. Honnold, $3’16 35. Una Religión para la Humanidad por H. Holley, $3’36 36. Selección Escritos del Báb, $3’74 37. Unidad Mundial es la Meta, $0’70

Victories

from page 6

of 150 new Bahá’ís in the Atlanta area since the “Vision to Victory” campaign got under way.

About $85,000 was pledged by those at the conference to the various Funds and the Arc.

On Sunday afternoon, January 15, the Bahá’ís were invited to send representatives to the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Mrs. King delivered a “State of the Dream” address.

Among those attending were Mr. Hofman, Counselor Ellis, and Dr. Henderson.

On Monday, January 16, which marked the actual anniversary of Dr. King’s birth, Bahá’ís were again invited to the Ebenezer Baptist Church, this time for the televised ecumenical service.

The speakers on that occasion included the Rev. Jesse Jackson; U.S. Attorney-General Richard Thornburgh; Dr. King’s son, Dexter Scott King, president-elect of the King Center for Non-Violent Change; and the church’s pastor, the Rev. Joseph Roberts.

Through the warmly received efforts of the Atlanta Area Task Force, the Bahá’ís had arisen to offer their help at the King Center, and one of them was able to devote four full days as assistant to the director.

Because of the work of these volunteers and the participation of Bahá’ís in the events during King Week, Mrs. King was moved to express her deep appreciation for their services, and a warm relationship has developed between the Bahá’í community and the King Center.

Bahá’ís were among those invited to occupy the reviewing stand Monday afternoon during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade, in which about 600 Bahá’ís took part.

A Bahá’í float featured entertainer Red Grammer and children of diverse racial backgrounds, while many other Bahá’ís marched in the parade behind colorful banners.

Kansas City

Bahá’ís from a seven-state area gathered January 13-15 for the conference at Kansas City’s Park Plaza Hotel.

The total attendance was more than 500 including 104 children below age 15.

Among the speakers were Counselors Robert Harris and Ruth Pringle and two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Juana Conrad and Alberta Deas.

The conference was preceded by a Friday evening “coffee house” at which the friends were able to relax and become better acquainted.

Included in the sessions themselves were two brief video tapes, one on the Arc and the other prepared shortly before his passing by Mr. Kavelin.

More than $97,000 (including $10,102 in cash) was pledged to the Funds.

On Sunday morning, the children ages 8-14 video-taped a mock panel discussion moderated by Rey Cruz, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, at which the topic of pledging was thoroughly discussed. The children then pledged $247 to the Funds.

Puerto Rico auspicia conferencia este verano

La comunidad bahá’í de Puerto Rico cordialmente invita a todos los jóvenes bahá’ís a participar en la primera Conferencia Internacional de Juventud el cual se llevará a cabo en las afueras de la ciudad de San Juan durante el fin de semana del 13 al 16 de julio de 1989.

Con el tema “Hoy ... Ahora es el momento de transformar la PALABRA en ACCIÓN,” los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de discutir los retos que enfrentan los jóvenes bahá’ís en este tiempo.

Al terminar la conferencia, comenzará un proyecto de enseñanza, el cual ofrecerá grandes oportunidades de enseñar la Fe en una escala y de una calidad, una variedad, y una intensidad que sobrepase todos los esfuerzos actuales.

El costo de la conferencia es de $135 por persona, el cual incluye comidas, alojamiento y materiales de conferencia. El registro para la conferencia cerrará el 21 de abril de 1989. Durante la conferencia se estará ofreciendo traducción ‎simultanea simultánea‎ al ‎Inglés inglés‎.

Si usted está interesado(a) en recibir más información sobre la conferencia, por favor escriba al: National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, o llame al 312-869-9039, ext. 220.

If you can’t pioneer—deputize! [Page 10]

احیای پورتلند و رفع تعصبات نژادی

PORTLAND BAHA’IS LEAD THE WAY IN RACE UNITY

در نوامبر ۱۹۸۸ یک مورد سوءنیت نژادی بر علیه یکی از گروه‌های اقلیت ردیف در پورتلند واقع در ایالت اورگان به وقوع پیوست. این واقعه تلخ با چنان روح و منش و رفتار متعادل و صلح‌جویانه‌ای از سوی جامعه بهائی پورتلند مواجه شد که در حل‌وفصل کل قضیه و تلطیف روابطی صمیمانه بین کلیه معتقدین و پیروان مذاهب و فرقه‌های مختلف بسیار مؤثر واقع گردید.

جامعه بهائی پورتلند با تدبیر و هوشیاری بلافاصله این ماجرا را با اصل و هدف دیانت بهائی که یگانگی عالم انسانی است منطبق ساخت و بدین ترتیب با تمهید روابطی محل تصمیم به حل‌وفصل قضیه مذکور و رفع سوءتفاهمات تشکیل شد و در آن مسائل مربوط به روابط نژادی و رفع تعصبات و دیدگاه بهائی را مطرح کردند.

اکثریت نمایندگان و نمایندگان گروه‌های مختلف نژادی و مذهبی نیز در این جمع حضور داشتند. جلسه با برنامه دعاهای متعددی آغاز گردید و سپس مدعوین از اعضای جامعه بهائی و غیربهائی با کمال احترام و آرامش به تبادل‌نظر و اظهارنظر درباره تمایلات صلح‌جویانه و تشریح و تبیین معتقدات جامعه بهائی پرداختند.

در اثر این اقدام مبارک، روح صمیمیت و همدلی در افکار افراد بهائی و غیربهائی رسوخ کرد چنانکه موقعیتی در اختیار قرار گرفت تا در فضائی صلح‌آمیز و مملو از تفاهم، عقاید و افکار بهائی منتشر گردد. در واقع تلاش پیروان حضرت بهاءالله در این مورد بسیار ستودنی است و مورد تحسین و احترام مقامات و مسئولین و گروه‌های غیربهائی واقع شد.

اعضای این جلسه با روحیه بسیار والائی در حیات اجتماعی سیاهان پورتلند شرکت جستند. کارگاه‌های آموزشی پیرامون روابط انسانی و تبلیغی سازمان داده شد و از آنان دعوت شد که در گروه‌های مربوط به وحدت نژادی که در گروه‌های تبلیغی طرح شده شرکت نمایند.

امکانات خدمت در جهان

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

امکانات خدمات امری و تبلیغی بسیاری در سراسر جهان فراهم گردیده است. ذیلاً به برخی از این امکانات اشاره می‌گردد:

• در ونزوئلا در انجمن تبلیغی "ستاره ۸۹" Star 89 در تابستان امسال اجرا خواهد شد.
• در گویان، برنامه مشترک آموزشی، بهداشتی و مداوا.
• در ترینیداد، مرکز کنفرانس صلح در دست احداث است.
• در هائیتی، به مبلغین مجرب نیاز است که قادر به تکلم به زبان انگلیسی باشند.
• در پورتوریکو، کنفرانس بین‌المللی جوانان از ۱۷ الی ۲۱ ژوئن سال جاری.
• در جامائیکا نیاز به مبلغین بسیار است که بتوانند دو تا سه ماه در آنجا اقامت داشته باشند.
• در جزائر کارائیب، تبلیغ در پاناما، هندوراس و هنگ‌کنگ و کوراسائو و تایلند و گویان و پورتوریکو و نیز در دشت ایرلند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر به دفتر مهاجرت خارجه تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: (۳۱۲) ۸۶۴-۸۴۰۰

Office of Pioneering Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

دستخط راه‌گشا

LETTER OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

۲۶ جولای ۱۹۸۸ ۱۴ شهر الکلمات ۱۴۵

... دستخطی که از طرف دارالانشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم به افتخار آن محفل نازل گردیده است ارسال داشتند. متذکر می‌گردد که در مکتوبی که به این بخش "اهل بها" در عبارت "اهل بها در کشور کلمبیا" آمده است، منظور جامعه بهائی آن کشور است.

دقت در این عبارت (صفحه ۸) موجب رفع هرگونه ابهامی است. مراجعه به متن نامه روشن می‌کند که منظور از لفظ بهائیان در عبارت "تبلیغ در بین اهالی بومی" این است که در آن منطقه، جامعه بهائی وجود دارد و به فعالیت‌های تبلیغی می‌پردازد.

نمونه خدمت و تسلیم

DEDICATION TO SERVICE

سرکار خانم فورت‌من یکی از یاران ‎ایمانی ایمانی‎ است که حدود ۸۵ سال پیش در ایالات متحده متولد گردید و اکنون در ایالت جرجیا سکونت دارد. در دوران طفولیت، خانم فورت‌من با والدین خود در خانواده‌ای که به آئین بهائی ایمان آورده بودند، می‌زیست.

ناگفته نماند که یکی از بزرگترین دست‌آوردهای یاران ایرانی در مورد خدمت امری، همانا عدم آشنایی با زبان انگلیسی است. در مورد خانم فورت‌من این اشکال وجود داشت که او از بدو تولد به زبان انگلیسی آشنایی داشت. با این حال ایمان باطنی، خانم فورت‌من را به راه حق آشنا کرد. وی با همان اشتیاق، مأموریت خود را آغاز نمود و با کمال میل قلب خویش را به خدمت به آئین یزدان پاک اختصاص داد.

خانم فورت‌من از بدو ایمان، زندگی خود را وقف خدمت کرد. وی با همان ایمان و صفای قلبی، مأموریت خود را در کلمبیا آغاز کرد. با همان اشتیاق، زندگی و جوانی خود را وقف خدمت نمود و با همان قدرت و صلابت، به کلمبیا رفت. او در پارک‌ها قدم می‌زد و به فارسی با مردم صحبت می‌کرد و به پیام بهاءالله دعوت می‌کرد و با این روش، آشنایی چهره‌ای را با مردم نژاد سیاه آغاز می‌کرد که خود نیز جزو آن نژاد بود.

توجه آنان را به ستایش پروردگار جلب نموده و آنها را به سوی تبلیغ و خدمت سوق می‌داد. خانم فورت‌من با همسر و فرزندان خود زندگی آرام و ساده‌ای را برگزیدند و با این حال به تبلیغ و ترویج این آیین الهی ادامه دادند.

دخول فوج‌افوج

ENTRY BY TROOPS

بیست‌وهشتم می سال ۱۸۸۹ فرخنده چشمی به عالم گشوده شد. او در ایام طفولیت برای تبلیغ امر به ایالت کالیفرنیا دعوت شد. وی با اشتیاق تمام، این دعوت را پذیرفت و برای سال‌های طولانی در کالیفرنیا به خدمت مشغول شد. این خانم پرتلاش توانست در مدتی کوتاه بسیاری از خانواده‌ها را به آئین بهائی ایمان آورد و به برکت تبلیغات و خدمات مخلصانه وی، بسیاری از معارف و احکام الهی در آن منطقه ترویج یافت.

نیروی وحدت

POWER OF UNITY

یاران راستان و آنان که اهل بها بجهت تبلیغ امر مبارک و تحقق وحدت عالم انسانی قدم به میدان گذاشته‌اند، همواره باید به این نکته مهم توجه داشته باشند که یکی از اهداف اصلی آیین بهائی، زدودن تعصبات از هر نوع و با هر رنگی است.

یکی از مشکلات اساسی در جوامع بشری، وجود تعصبات نژادی و مذهبی است که باعث ایجاد تفرقه و نفاق می‌گردد. حضرت بهاءالله به همین منظور هدف اصلی آیین خویش را ایجاد وحدت در عالم انسانی قرار دادند. کتاب بی‌نظیر "وحدت: فراتر از تعصب و تبعیض" Power of Unity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism درباره روابط نژادی و ارتباط آن با وحدت عالم انسانی است. این کتاب در جوامع مختلف در معرض مطالعه عموم قرار دارد.

صعود خانم ادنا ترو

THE PASSING OF MISS EDNA TRUE

چنانکه یاران عزیز استحضار دارند ادنا ترو که یکی از ‎منتنفذین متنفذین‎ احبای امین بود، در تاریخ ۸ دسامبر ۱۹۸۸ به ملکوت ابهی صعود نمود. وی در تمام طول زندگی خویش با اخلاصی مثال‌زدنی و تلاشی خستگی‌ناپذیر در خدمت به آستان مبارک بود. وی از زمان طفولیت با حضرت عبدالبهاء آشنا گردید و همواره از انفاس قدسیه ایشان بهره‌مند می‌شد. ایشان با شوق و اشتیاق وافر در محافل مختلف به ترویج پیام حضرت بهاءالله پرداختند و همواره مایه امید و شادی جامعه بهائی بودند.

کنفرانس تبلیغ چینییان در سنگاپور

SINGAPORE CONFERENCE

از تاریخ ۱۸ الی ۲۱ دسامبر ۱۹۸۸ دومین کنفرانس برای اساتید و علاقه‌مندان به تبلیغ ‎چینییان چینیان‎ در شرق و جنوب شرقی آسیا در سنگاپور تشکیل گردید. در این کنفرانس نمایندگان ۱۹ کشور مختلف حضور داشتند.

تصحیح و اعتذار

CORRECTION

در شماره مربوط به انتخاب جدید محفل روحانی ملی که در شماره ماه ژانویه نشریه درج گردید نام دکتر میشل چاپمان (Mrs. Michelle Chapman) از قلم افتاده بود که بدین‌وسیله پوزش می‌طلبیم.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 تلفن: ۸۶۴-۸۴۰۰ (۳۱۲) [Page 11]

10 YEARS AGO

On December 26, the New York Times publishes a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly which seeks to correct misstatements and errors that appeared in a December 10 article in The Times headlined “Moslem Revolt In Iran Stirs Fears For Future of Minority Religions.”

The National Assembly’s letter, which appears in The Times under the headline “Religions in Iran: What the Bahá’í Faith Is and Is Not,” is part of a campaign by the National Assembly to provide the news media with more accurate information about the Faith. ...

Also in December, the Universal House of Justice announces that a new Seven Year Plan will begin at Riḍván 1979, immediately after the conclusion of the present Five Year Plan.

The first phase of the new plan, which is to last for two years, “will call for greater proclamation, continued consolidation and wider expansion” of the Cause, the House of Justice says in its letter of December 26 to the Bahá’ís of the world.

Announcement of the Plan comes exactly one month after the U.S. wins its Five Year Plan goal of establishing 1,400 local Spiritual Assemblies in this country. ...

To help sustain the momentum generated by recent teaching victories, especially in the southern states, the National Spiritual Assembly, through its National Teaching Committee, develops and distributes new guidelines for integrating the twin processes of expansion and consolidation. ...

On January 10, a new local Spiritual Assembly is formed on the Pala Indian Reservation in California. It is the first Assembly ever formed on an Indian Reservation in that state, and the first of three Assemblies on Reservations called for in California’s Five Year Plan. ...

To aid deepening and help individuals and communities develop “the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life,” Bahá’ís in upstate New York develop a new communications skills workshop entitled “Victory Over Our Own Selves.”

The two-day event stresses freedom of expression within a loving, caring, spiritual environment. ...

Two hundred young people gather December 16-18 at Pacific Grove, California, for the second Western States Bahá’í Youth Conference.

In keeping with the theme, “Each One Bring One,” the Bahá’í youth are encouraged to bring their friends. ...

Responding to a request from the National Youth Committee for a teaching campaign, the Bahá’í College Club at the University of El Paso, Texas, holds a two-week proclamation on campus in October.

Activities include a party to celebrate the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, a display room on campus, a slide presentation about the Faith followed by a day-long fireside, and a prayer session on the final day of the campaign. ...

Committee on Women sponsors special events

In pursuit of its mandate to “hold special conferences and training programs for women and men,” falling within the development goals of the Six Year Plan, the National Committee on Women is sponsoring five events across the U.S.

In the Midwest, the committee sponsored an evening training session for Milwaukee area Bahá’ís last December 3 in conjunction with an awards luncheon for American Indians.

Sixty Bahá’ís attended the training session, one of whose highlights was the declaration by one of the ‎non-Bahá’í’s non-Bahá’ís‎ present.

In the Southeast, a conference entitled “Lines That Divide—Ties That Bind,” focusing especially on equality and black women, was held February 18-19 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Among the speakers were Dr. Wilma Ellis, director-general of the Bahá’í International Community, and Dr. Johnneta Cole, president of Spelman College.

In the Northeast, a teaching project consisting of several events is planned for April 13-16 in central New York state.

The project will focus on the early women’s movement in Seneca Falls and the long devotion to women’s rights by the area’s Iroquois Indians, pre-dating Colonial America.

The Southwest—specifically, Albuquerque, New Mexico—is the site of a conference on equality and Hispanic and American Indian women to be held May 5-7.

The gathering repeats the successful April 1988 conference on that same theme in Phoenix, Arizona.

In the West, the committee is hosting a four-day session from June 15-18 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near San Jose, California, one of four sites chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly for intensive teaching projects during 1989.

Information about the events in Albuquerque and New York state and at Bosch may be obtained by contacting the National Committee on Women at 1010 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 (phone 517-351-1415).

Registration for the session at Bosch may be arranged directly with the school by writing to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

The conferences are open to everyone, and the committee especially invites the participation of men who are dedicated to advancing the principle of equality.

House of Justice says now is the time to reach Chinese outside the mainland

“Concerning China, every activity has its time, every opportunity its season. Now is the time to reach the Chinese people outside the mainland, and we appeal to you with all the fervor of our hearts to expedite this work.”

This was the counsel of the Supreme Institution of the Faith in a recent message to Bahá’ís from various countries who met December 18-21 in Singapore for a second symposium to consult on the challenges involved in teaching the Faith to Chinese peoples outside mainland China.

The beloved Guardian referred to China and Southeast Asia as being “endowed with unimaginable potentialities.”

He wished that no one in that area should “be deprived of the bounty of enlisting under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh because the believers failed to do their part.”

The large numbers of Chinese and Southeast Asians who have migrated to the United States over the years represent a wide range of cultural diversity.

They have come from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Many of them, especially the younger generations, are well-integrated into mainstream American culture. Many are attending colleges and universities.

It is vitally important that local Bahá’í communities extend their teaching and consolidation efforts to include these peoples.

The recent influx of Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees into the U.S. gives us an unprecedented opportunity to facilitate the process of increasing the racial diversity and enhancing the quality of activities in our local Bahá’í communities.

This process represents the necessary first step toward the spiritual transformation of these peoples as foreseen by the Guardian.

As reported in The American Bahá’í (January), more than 200 Bahá’í refugees from Southeast Asia have been resettled since last September in the U.S., mostly through non-Bahá’í sponsoring agencies affiliated with other religious groups.

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office (USBRO) is presently trying to locate these friends in order to ensure that they are warmly welcomed and made an essential part of the community in which they reside, as well as the American Bahá’í community as a whole.

If you have any Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees in your community, please contact USBRO at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 312-869-9039) immediately.

We will be happy to provide you with materials to help you with your teaching efforts among the Southeast Asians. Time is of the essence, friends!

House of Worship to host 80th Convention

The 80th Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 27-30 in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Delegates’ seating is prearranged. After the seating of the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for those who may wish to observe the proceedings.

Seats for visitors are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis by postmark date. To request seating reservations, send your name, address and Bahá’í I.D. number to Convention Seating, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Seating is available by advance reservation only.

Special hotel rates ($53 per night for singles, doubles, triples and quads) have been arranged with the Hyatt Lincolnwood, 4500 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood. Reservations may be made by calling (toll-free) 1-800-223-1234 by April 7. Indicate when making reservations that you will be attending the Bahá’í National Convention.

Transportation will be provided between the hotel and the House of Worship.

For special airline rates with Delta or American Airlines, phone Bahá’í reservations at Corporate Travel Consultants, 1-800-323-0088.

There will be no children’s classes, and parents are encouraged to make other arrangements for their children. Those who bring children will be responsible for their supervision.

The recently acquired trailer at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í School in Arroyo Grande, California, adds four more classrooms for children at the facility. Work on the trailer is nearly completed.

IN MEMORIAM

Gholam-Ali Ale-Naddaf Orlando, FL December 17, 1988	Ruben Lewis Dawson, GA October 1988	Frederick Redding Seattle, WA December 26, 1988
Ahmad Badipour Gaithersburg, MD November 10, 1988	Jeannette Longaker South Bend, IN December 3, 1988	Russell Roberts Hollywood, CA October 12, 1988
Fairy Bell Bamboren Elloree, SC Date Unknown	Josie Mack Wadmalaw, SC 1988	Molook Roshan Garden Grove, CA December 19, 1988
L.A. Ben Bentley Applegate, CA December 18, 1988	Gilbert Marrowbone Cherry Creek, SD October 2, 1988	Adele Sampson Reno, NV December 8, 1988
JuGe Brice Denton, TX 1980	Bertha McIntyre Williston, FL Date Unknown	Earl Simmons Hatch, NM Date Unknown
John Campbell Gresham, SC August 9, 1988	Clare Menking Cedar Hill, TX October 17, 1988	Dale Spath Fargo, ND March 30, 1988
Mary Cheeseboro Elloree, SC October 1988	Ernest Middleton Wadmalaw, SC 1988	Taylor Thomas Urbana, IL November 13, 1988
Arthur Collier Holly Hill, SC 1986	Julia Middleton Wadmalaw, SC Date Unknown	Alex D. Towns Williston, FL Date Unknown
Gerome Dibble Elloree, SC 1986	Agnes Mitchell Morton Grove, IL September 1988	Edna M. True Wilmette, IL December 9, 1988
Gloria Dorlan Grover City, CA April 18, 1988	Joseph Montgomery Holly Hill, SC Date Unknown	Calvin Tyndall Jr. Macy, NE November 5, 1988
Cecile Hargis Shorewood, WI August 26, 1988	John P. Pasca Coram, NY November 3, 1988	Harry E. Weakley Denton, TX 1988
Sara E. Harris Mattoon, IL December 21, 1987	‎Richerd Richard‎ Parker Houston, TX Date Unknown	Marvin Williams Denton, TX February 20, 1988
Daisy Howard Meridian, MS Date Unknown	Albert Phillips Meridian, MS Date Unknown	Floyd Williams Denton, TX Date Unknown
Jacquelyn Howley Burlington, VT Date Unknown	Albert Profit Holly Hill, SC Date Unknown	Birdie M. Wyatt Los Angeles, CA August 12, 1988
Octavia Jones Palo Alto, CA May 14, 1988	Mariam Rafaat Irvine, CA November 13, 1988	Harriet Zeeck Hamden, CT October 19, 1988
H. Borrah Kavelin Albuquerque, NM December 18, 1988

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More than 200 see Portland Assembly present fourth annual Peace Award

Pictured (left to right) at the Peace Award program sponsored last October 30 by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, are Dr. Hideo Hashimoto, the 1987 Peace Award recipient; Lydia McCarter and Michael Sears, the program’s co-directors; and Dr. Matthew Prophet Jr., superintendent of Portland’s public schools and recipient of the 1988 Peace Award.

More than 200 people were present last October 30 as the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, presented its fourth annual Peace Award.

This year’s recipient was Dr. Matthew Prophet Jr., superintendent of Portland’s public school system.

He was cited for his development of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural curriculum for the school system that emphasizes the oneness of humanity.

The program, which focused on the women of the world and their role in establishing peace, included addresses by Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and Elizabeth Furst, director of the Oregon Peace Institute.

Mrs. Furst and program co-director Lydia McCarter, in consultation with the National Office of Public Information, arranged for showing the video “The Promise of World Peace” on the Peace Cable Channel, which has an audience of up to four million viewers, during the coming months.

The Peace Award program also included a showing of “Women for America—For the World,” the 1987 Academy Award-winning video for best short documentary; entertainment by Portland’s Bahá’í Metro School chorus directed by Charlotte Easley; and an extensive display of American Indian artifacts.

Dr. Prophet, who was impressed by the program and the Portland Bahá’í community, agreed to teach a class at the Bahá’í Metro School and to arrange for a Portland public school staff member to work with the Bahá’ís on developing a peace curriculum for the school system.

Workshop performs at L.A. County Fair

The Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop recently performed for three days before a combined audience of 5,800 at the Los Angeles County Fair, the largest such event in the world.

The young performers gave out some 2,500 copies of the peace statement, held one-on-one firesides, and were interviewed on four local radio stations including one for the Spanish-speaking audience which reached another four million listeners.

As a result, the Workshop was invited to take part in next year’s fair, and there is a possibility that the young Bahá’ís may film the prime time television commercials inviting the public to the event.

Our apologies ... again

Having received several recent telephone calls and now a letter from Karen Jentz of White River, South Dakota, in which she says her name was mistakenly listed in the “In memoriam” section in September, we assume she is serious about this and wish to correct the error.

Mrs. Jentz is, as she says in her letter of January 22, “alive and well.” And we apologize for the slip-up.

Barbados women’s conference eyes ‘pathway to peace’

The Bahá’í National Women’s Committee of Barbados is sponsoring an International Women’s Conference to be held April 8-9 at Dover Convention Center in Christ Church, Barbados.

The theme is “Women: In the Pathway to Peace.”

For more information, contact Patricia J. Caws, Barbados, West Indies (phone 809-422-4709).

National Assembly extends expiration date of current membership card to October 1990

At its meeting in August, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to extend the current Bahá’í membership card expiration date from October 31, 1988, to October 31, 1990.

Therefore, the only valid U.S. Bahá’í identification card is the red one with an October 31, 1988, expiration date. Any cards issued to new believers or those requesting replacement cards will be sent out with a notice of the change in expiration date.

Milwaukee dinner honors American Indians

Pictured are some of those who were entertained at the Awards Dinner for American Indians on December 3 in Milwaukee.

On December 3, the Marian Steffes Project and the Bahá’í Council for the Equality of Women and Men, a group sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Wisconsin, co-sponsored an honors dinner for American Indians in Milwaukee.

About 60 Indians including adults, youth and children attended the dinner which was held to honor the American Indian community in memory of Marian Steffes, an early American Indian believer who lived in the Milwaukee area.

At least 11 tribes were represented at the dinner including the Oneida, Cherokee, Minnesota and Creek.

Eight local Indian groups identified individuals from the local community to receive the Steffes Award.

The eight groups represented were the Indian Community Schools, Indian Council for the Elderly, Milwaukee American Indian Studies Project, Indian Health Board, American Indian Center, We Indians, the ‎Siggeanuak Siggenauk‎ Project, and Indian Summer.

They joined about 20 Bahá’ís at the dinner to hear Ruby Lawson, a member of the National Committee on Women, speak about Marian Steffes and the spiritual destiny of the Indian peoples.

To prepare for the dinner, Assemblies and individuals in Wisconsin raised $900 to offset the costs of the event.

Also that weekend, the National Committee on Women conducted an educational workshop for 60 Bahá’ís in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa.

The group studied and analyzed slides depicting sexism in the media and took part in an in-depth consultation that included role playing by men and women.