The American Bahá’í/Volume 21/Issue 9/Text

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[Page 1]

WE ARE ONE

A highlight of the first Dallas County (Iowa) Peace Fair on June 9 was the formation in a large field by almost 400 participants of the words 'We Are One.' The idea for the Peace Fair came from a Bahá’í, Diane Findlay, who enlisted the help of other groups, called the first planning meeting, and set in motion plans for the event, which included booths and displays, performing arts, workshops, games and other special activities. About 100 groups and individuals were involved in planning the Fair, which was attended by close to 1,000 people, several of whom asked for information about the Faith.

"The real treasury of man is his knowledge."—Bahá’u’lláh

Increase in giving to Fund mirrors new spirit of sacrifice

Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund for the fiscal year through the end of Kalimát (July 31) totaled $2,053,616, an increase of 35 percent, or roughly $533,000, over last year.

Congratulations to all who have played their part in this great achievement!

Perhaps most important, these results have been registered during the summer months, traditionally a slow time for giving. This year, however, far from seeing a seasonal drop in contributions, the National Fund has actually witnessed steady increases since May: from $328,000 in ‘Azamát to $367,000 in Núr, $460,000 in Rahmat and $465,000 in Kalimát.

Letters from the friends indicate that the call to sacrifice raised and exemplified by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and his wife, Marguerite, at this year's National Convention has deeply moved hearts all across the country.

Bahá’ís of all ages are hastening to take part in this great movement, so as to ensure that their names are included on the scroll that, according to a recent decision of the National Spiritual Assembly, will forever be associated with the Sears' special copy of Nabíl’s narrative, The Dawn-Breakers.

As a member of the Treasurer's Office staff pointed out, "The friends are working to break a long-standing pattern of giving. What we are seeing in action is the practical indication of the friends' dedication to the American community's 'serious commitments.'"

Where do we go from here? Obviously, the main goal must be to keep up this momentum. As one of the friends from Oregon recently wrote, quoting the words of the Blessed Beauty: "When the swords flash, go forward! When the shafts fly, press onward!"

House of Justice affirms Information on World Congress

The following information about the Bahá’í World Congress, to be held in New York City in November 1992, was recently released by the Universal House of Justice in a letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies about the Holy Year.

Bahá’í World Congress

This event will mark the Centenary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh and will take place in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The main program of the Congress will take place on Monday, November 23, through Thursday, November 26. However, pre-Congress activities and orientation will begin on Saturday, November 21, and the friends are encouraged to attend.

Communications. The House of Justice has appointed two agencies to administer the affairs of the Congress, namely:

1. The Bahá’í World Congress Program Committee, which is responsible for planning and executing the program as approved by the House of Justice. The Program Committee operates from the Office of the Bahá’í International Community in New York.

2. The Bahá’í World Congress Logistics Office, which is responsible for logistics.

Bahá’ís in Beijing discuss women's issues

More than 40 Bahá’ís from several countries were among approximately 500 Chinese and American women who met June 25-28 in Beijing to exchange ideas during the first Sino-American Conference on Women's Issues.

Two Chinese and two American speakers opened the conference at the historic Great Hall of the People. This monumental opening was shown on Chinese television and covered in newspapers.

Vice Premier Wu Xue Qian and Secretary-General Luo Gan attended the welcoming banquet, also held in the Great Hall of the People.

Chinese delegates from 30 provinces including federation leaders, researchers and women leaders from all strata of society participated with women from 38 American states, Canada, Suriname and Taiwan. Several Bahá’ís resident in China also attended.

Juana C. Conrad, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly who served on the conference steering committee, said the conference was two years in preparation and, as experienced, far exceeded her highest expectations.

Katharine Bigelow of the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs also served on the steering committee as an ad hoc member.

Of the 64 papers presented at the conference in workshop sessions, six were by Bahá’ís. It should come as no surprise to those acquainted with the Chinese culture that the Bahá’í principles were readily accepted by those in attendance. The Bahá’í presenters were:

Dr. Homa Mahmoudi, "International Women Executives and Their Personal Relationships."

Dianne C. Bohannon, "Women in Management and Administration: An Imperative for World Prosperity"

Ding Jo Hsia Currie, "The Role of Mothers as First Educators of Children: East and West."

Dr. Mona Grieser, "Well-Being: A Communicable Disease."

Farzaneh (Fafar) Quillebeaux "Internalized Oppression of Women."

Pictured are many of the 33 Bahá’ís from the United States who attended the first Sino-American Women's Conference June 25-28 in Beijing, China. [Page 2]

Training Institute focuses on homefront pioneering

From August 3-5, 24 people attended a Pioneer Training Institute at the Bahá’í National Center whose focus was on homefront pioneering on or near American Indian Reservations.

The institute was based on the format used for pioneers going overseas, but included discussions particular to teaching the Faith to American Indians.

Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt led two discussion sessions. She spoke on the Covenant, emphasizing the need for obedience to our institutions as an element of this “contract of the heart.”

She also responded to questions from these prospective pioneers about Indian culture and how to develop American Indian Bahá’í communities.

Kevin Locke, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, addressed the personal attributes needed for teaching American Indians. He said that, in teaching with wisdom and cultural sensitivity, we must rely upon the guidance found in the Bahá’í Writings for our personal conduct.

It is important, said Mr. Locke, to demonstrate our love for Bahá’u’lláh and to be illumined with our love for the Cause.

Other classes were taught by Auxiliary Board member Morris Taylor who spoke about the role of the pioneer, and noted author Eunice Braun who spoke on the Plans of God.

Another class focused on the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, and two staff members from the Office of Pioneering led a cross-cultural workshop.

Pictured are participants in a Pioneer Training Institute held August 3-5 at the Bahá’í National Center. The Institute was focused on homefront pioneering on or near American Indian Reservations.

Summer brings new teaching campaign to Selma, Alabama

This summer has seen the emergence of a teaching campaign in Selma, Alabama, considered by many to be the home of the civil rights movement in the U.S.

The project is co-sponsored by the District Teaching Committees of Southern Alabama and Northwestern Florida, in conjunction with the Spiritual Assembly of Montgomery, Alabama.

Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts has been instrumental in helping the progress of the teaching work, which was begun on June 9 with a picnic celebrating Race Unity Day. About 80 people from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi took part in the picnic.

On July 1, an interfaith prayer service held at the local Convention Center demonstrated in a lovely manner that all worship springs from love of God. The program ended with the official opening of a Bahá’í Information Center in Selma.

Many people, including several youth, have come from surrounding areas to support the teaching campaign.

Two homefront pioneers have recently moved to Selma to help in the teaching work, which has already led to the discovery of a Bahá’í living in Selma who was not known to be there.

Pictured are participants in ‘Camp Gillespie,’ held July 9-15 on the farm of Kingsley and Suzanne Swan near Griffin, Georgia. The camp-out, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of ‎Spaulding Spalding‎ County and supervised by 10 adult counselors, was attended by 21 children, most of whom are Bahá’ís. Also attending—at their request—were six junior camp counselors from Griffin, all of whom declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the camp-out. Besides learning about African-American history, the campers were deepened in the Bahá’í writings and took part in intensive prayer sessions. A dramatic presentation on the life of Bahá’u’lláh was given by the children.

DelMarVa Bahá’ís visit House of Worship, National Center

16-hour bus rides key ‘econo-pilgrimage’

On August 11, 29 adults and youth from the DelMarVa Peninsula (comprised of Delaware and some counties of Maryland and Virginia) visited the House of Worship and Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

Eight hours in Wilmette were sandwiched between 16-hour bus rides each way. Yet those who came were ecstatic at their opportunity to visit, and treated this as an “econo-pilgrimage” to the Mother Temple of the West.

The guests were taken on a guided tour of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár from the cornerstone room to the first balcony of the House of Worship.

One highlight of the morning was the participation of several of these guests in the regular mid-day devotions in the Auditorium. Many were moved to tears by the prayers.

The group then proceeded to the National Center for a luncheon and a guided tour of the Center, visiting the various offices.

The tour of the National Center was completed with a moving consultation about falling in love with Bahá’u’lláh and the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh.

Two young people with Bahá’í parents had expressed a desire to formally enroll in the Faith by signing their declaration cards in the shadow of the House of Worship, and it was arranged for their cards to be countersigned at the Bahá’í National Center.

The youth were invited to declare their Faith and were presented with a small gift (copies of Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh) on behalf of the National Teaching Committee.

There were other joyous surprises as well. Although some undeclared Bahá’ís had traveled toward Wilmette, all of the returning visitors were members of the Bahá’í community. While the youth were filling out their cards, the three non-Bahá’í adults who had come on this trip decided individually to become members of the Bahá’í family.

The afternoon session at the National Center ended with a discussion of the Arc and its significance. The tour then returned to the House of Worship for a special viewing of The Seat of God’s Throne, an enlightening video about the Arc.

The guests ended their day in Wilmette by indulging in private time—most went to the bookstore and back upstairs for private prayers.

The visitors had an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to their “pilgrimage.”

Several expressed the opinion that the trip would have great repercussions throughout their district, and that it may well have provided the “push” needed for the believers in the area to begin teaching the Faith with greater enthusiasm and understanding of the world-embracing nature of the Cause.

Lake Okeechobee teaching campaign sees at least 175 declarations in South Florida

A teaching project begun this summer in the area of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, has witnessed at least 175 declarations of faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Collaboration among the institutions of the Faith is evident in this effort, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Plantation and coordinated by the District Teaching Committee of Florida, Southeast-North.

Auxiliary Board member Charles (Cap) Cornwell and his assistants have lent assistance to the project, as has the National Teaching Committee.

The effort is multi-faceted. Participants work with new Bahá’ís to teach their neighbors and friends, while proclaiming the Faith to civil and religious leaders in the community.

Bahá’ís have met with the mayor and city council of Plantation, as well as with several ministers in the area.

In addition, a service project of beautifying the city was initiated by an effort to decoratively paint all of its fire hydrants.

Regular children’s classes are held in the area, and there are deepenings and weekly study classes for new believers. A Bahá’í Center is being rented to facilitate these classes.

Organizers have a long-range vision for the project, which will be punctuated by specific periods of more intensified teaching. [Page 3]

China

The gift was a tapestry by Vicki Hu Poirier, creator of tapestries on display at the Bahá’í Houses of Worship in the U.S. and India.

Dr. Nahid Sobhani, "Infant/Child Care."

The goal of the conference was to provide a forum for sharing research, information and ideas on four key issues related to women: education and training: employment and career advancement; family and child care; and health and well-being.

The value of this format was clear to Bahá’ís who observed the eagerness with which the Chinese and American women listened to the research and information shared by one another.

The Chinese reacted to the social trends in American society, particularly those reflecting the breakdown of order and loss of religious values, with great alarm.

By contrast, Bahá’í principles, when shared, were enthusiastically received.

On the last day of the conference Dawn Haghighi, a Bahá’í who is a lawyer in Chicago, presented a summary of the Family and Child Care workshops to the entire assemblage of participants.

She ended her remarks with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement regarding men and women as two wings of a bird, and identified the quotation as coming from the Bahá’í Writings.

One unmistakable sign of the effect of this conference, and a source of optimism for future meetings of Bahá’ís with mainland Chinese, is the degree to which Bahá’í principles and approaches were brought forth and accepted by the plenum.

The vitality of Bahá’í principles as a non-threatening help to the well-being of China became manifest. Indeed, two of those attending the conference were moved to embrace the Faith.

The conference theme, "Holding Up Half the Sky," was chosen by the co-sponsors, the All China Women's Federation and Global Interactions Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Phoenix, Arizona. It refers to an old Chinese saying that denotes women's equal share with men in the work force and the development of society.

At the closing banquet, a gift was presented to the All China Women's Federation by the representative of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

It depicts the conference theme, "Holding Up Half the Sky," and includes a quotation (rendered in Chinese characters) by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

"The East and the West must unite to give to each other what is lacking. This union will bring about a true civilization, where the spiritual is expressed and carried out in the material. Receiving thus the one from the other the greatest harmony will prevail, all people will be united, a state of great perfection will be attained..."

The tapestry shows women from the East and West cooperating to build a white jade column up to the sky. It is made of many small pieces to symbolize that even small, seemingly insignificant acts that women do are important and contribute to the whole column.

The column has carved pieces of jade sewn on it to symbolize the value and purity of such acts. On the column are stitched in Chinese characters the names of a few of the attributes of women; for example, justice, virtue, goodness, talent, friendship, heart, beauty.

A peach tree in bloom in the background symbolizes that this is a spiritual springtime. At the base of the column, a Chinese grandmother explains the meaning of the column to a small Native American child who represents tribal women from both countries, America and China.

The grandmother was chosen because grandmothers are the repositories of knowledge and wisdom in society. This particular woman is also a portrait of the artist's mother-in-law.

The tapestry will be hung in the VIP reception room of the new All China Women's Federation building in Beijing.

Another highlight of the week's proceedings was a reception at the residence in Beijing of U.S. Ambassador Lilley for all the American delegates and some Chinese delegates.

Before and after the conference itself many Bahá’ís attended pre- or post-conference exchanges to other parts of China.

This lovely tapestry by Vicki Hu Poirier was presented on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly to the All China Women's Federation during the first Sino-American Women's Conference in Beijing.

15 young Bahá’ís attend Dakota Youth Academy

The Dakota Bahá’í Youth Academy was held in June at Wanblee, South Dakota.

Fifteen young people from the Dakotas, Iowa and Nebraska attended the school. The organizers of the Academy, the first of its kind in that part of the country, hope that this establishes a tradition of youth education to be followed in the future.

Blair Nichols, director of the Academy, was helped in running the school by Edwin Roberts, former director of the Amoz Gibson Project. Sessions focused on the Covenant, the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, and Bahá’í history, as well as on personal development of distinctive Bahá’í characteristics.

Congress

the physical arrangements (i.e., travel, hotel accommodations, Congress facilities) and for registration. The Logistics Office operates from the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois.

These two agencies have been authorized to communicate with National Spiritual Assemblies and others concerning their work, and you are asked to cooperate with them in every way.

Travel and accommodations. By authorization of the Universal House of Justice, the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly has engaged the services of a travel agency to deal with travel and hotel accommodations connected with the Congress and to obtain the lowest possible rates and group discounts.

Kindly await and follow the advice of the Logistics Office on these matters. You are requested to ask the friends in your communities not to contact the New York area hotels either individually or in groups as this could jeopardize the delicate negotiations for low rates.

Registration. Registration for the Congress will open by April 1991 and close one year later. It is hoped to accommodate 32,000. When registration opens, all the friends who wish to attend, without exception, should complete the registration forms to be supplied by the Logistics Office.

Attendance. Kindly note that non-Bahá’í spouses will be permitted to attend the Congress; but regarding children, attendance will be limited to those who have passed their 12th birthday, as it will be impossible to provide, in New York City at the time of the Congress, facilities and care for children under 12.

33 receive copies of 'Promise of World Peace' at 1990 Soviet/American Institute in Michigan

On August 6, special copies of "The Promise of World Peace" were presented to the 33 participants in the 1990 Soviet/American Institute in Flint, Michigan.

The presentation was made during an open forum at the University of Michigan-Flint by Hermione Pickens, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Flint.

Among those receiving the document were 15 American educators, 15 from the Soviet Union, two from Poland and one from Canada. The Poles and Canadian were attending as observers.

The Institute, now in its third year, promotes collaboration between American and Soviet educators by exploring educational issues and methodologies that promote teaching for democracy and social responsibility.

It is co-sponsored by Educators for Social Responsibility, the USSR Academy of Pedagogical Sciences, Soviet Educators for Peace and Mutual Understanding, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. [Page 4]

Dr. Kazemzadeh speaks on Faith's history at Middle East Institute

At the request of the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, recently presented a lecture to members and interested individuals about the history and beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith and the present status of Bahá’ís in Iran.

About 35 people who are not Bahá’ís were in the audience and asked a number of spirited questions following the presentation.

The Middle East Institute, founded in 1946, seeks to be a "haven . . . for the exchange of views between Middle Easterners who cross our threshold and Americans who wish to increase their understanding of (the Middle East) society and culture."

In pursuing its aims, the Institute has annual conferences focused on Middle East issues and cultural programs induding Islamic Affairs programs that initiate workshops about Islam. It also offers language classes and services as a resource center.

SHARING THE WORD

Mayor Bettye Smith of Sanford, Florida, accepts a copy of the International Sacred Literature Trust booklet from Payam Maveddat (left), a member of the Bahá’í Group of Sanford, as fellow Bahá’í Monib Collestan looks on. Mayor Smith proclaimed April 22 on. Mayor Smith proclaimed April 22 'Earth Day 1990' in Sanford.

Dr. Craig Loehle, a Bahá’í who is a research ecologist in Aiken, South Carolina, delivers the keynote address, "The Spiritual Roots of the Environmental Crisis," during the Earth Day 1990 observance in April sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Seminole County West, Florida.

Foreign Service Exam oan open doors to overseas employment

Finding employment is one of the major obstacles to moving to another country. It is easiest if one is placed by an American organization. And what better American organization to place you overseas than the U.S. government?

Passing the Foreign Service Exam, to be administered on Saturday, October 27, makes one eligible for a Foreign Service position.

For more information about this test, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Public meetings mark Earth Day '90 In Seminole County

The 12-member Bahá’í community of Seminole County West, Florida, observed Earth Day 1990 in April with a program of prayer, talks on the environment, and music at Seminole Community College.

About 80 people including 20 who were not Bahá’ís attended the event. The keynote speaker was Dr. Craig Loehle, a Bahá’í who is a research ecologist in Aiken, South Carolina. His topic was "The Spiritual Roots of the Environmental Crisis."

Dr. Loehle also spoke the previous evening at the Greater Orlando Bahá’í Center on "The Ecology of Race."

With the cooperation of Bahá’ís from other communities, Earth Day resolutions were secured from Mayor Bettye Smith of Sanford and the Seminole County Commissioners.

In planning the program, the Bahá’ís made significant contacts with a number of non-Bahá’í agencies and groups including the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Central Florida Presbytery, the Environmental Information Center of Florida, the Environmental Protection Agency's Atlanta regional office, the Florida Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, the Save-the-Manatee Foundation, the Sierra Club, and the Florida State Department of Environmental Regulation, all of which provided materials for the Bahá’í-sponsored Earth Day exhibit which was a part of the observance.

Articles about the event appeared in several newspapers including the Orlando Sentinel and Sanford Herald.

Ongoing projects overseas

Barbados: Couple or single person to organize the Archives; ongoing teaching project. Bahamas: Teaching project. Bolivia: Teaching and consolidation project. Belize: Teaching projects. Brazil: "Education for Peace" project. Canada: Yukon Bahá’í Institute. Dominican Republic: Teaching and consolidation projects. El Salvador: Metro areas and suburbs, teaching and consolidation; youth especially welcome. Fiji Islands: Radio communications volunteer needed to help produce radio programs to help deepen local believers. Grenada: Teaching and consolidation projects. Guatemala: "Project Quiche," urgent need for Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís to help reach the Maya Quiche Indians. Hong Kong: Teaching and consolidation projects. Korea: Teaching and consolidation projects. Martinique: Teaching and consolidation projects. Peru: Projects in Tropas, Celendin, Cajamarca. Puerto Rico: "Brilliant Star" project, mass teaching. Norway: Projects on Lofoten Islands, Alta, Spitzbergen. Swaziland: Teaching/social and economic development projects. Switzerland: Projects in St. Gallen, Lucarno, Lausanne. Trinidad: Dr. Ugo Giachery Teaching Project. USSR: Ongoing teaching projects. Zimbabwe: Teachers needed for rural secondary schools.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Bahá’ís from six countries attend Art Forum '90 at De Poort Conference Center in the Netherlands

On July 12-16, Bahá’ís and their guests from six countries attended "Art Forum '90" at De Poort, a Bahá’í conference center in the Netherlands.

The exchange between artists and art enthusiasts was sponsored by the Bahá’í Association for the Arts (BAFA) under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands. Its theme was "Choices."

The keynote address, by Anne Gordon Atkinson of the United States, was entitled "The Dilemma of the Artist: A Perspective on the Development of Bahá’í Aesthetics."

The program included workshops, performances, the presentation of visual art, and the annual meeting of the BAFA.

That meeting included a discussion about future directions for the association, which has members in a number of countries.

Those at the conference came from Belgium, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway and the U.S.

For BAFA membership information, please write to Anne Atkinson, 400 Laurel Avenue, Wilmette, Il 60091.

ABS has new section on business, economics

A new section of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, the Bahá’í Business and Economics Association, has been established with headquarters in Victoria, Canada.

Its many goals include an international resource data base, a network to foster international communication, publication of a newsletter including advertising by members, and the creation of local and national chapters.

Bahá’ís and others in the business community who wish to join the Association, form local chapters, or make submissions to its newsletter are invited to contact the Bahá’í Business and Economics Association, P.O. Box 5987, Unit B, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8R 6S8. The fax number is 604-595-0596.

Learning language can lessen 'culture shock' for overseas travelers

Having some knowledge of the language of the country in which you are pioneering or traveling-teaching can reduce the amount of culture shock you may experience.

If you want to learn a foreign language, you can sign up for a course—or you can purchase a set of self-instruction tapes.

For more information about the advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction tapes, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Ideas sought for business, development overseas

From time to time the Office of Pioneering receives requests for information on setting up development projects and small businesses abroad.

If you have any references, bibliographies or other ideas relating to this, please forward the information to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 5]The American Bahá'! / September 1990/5 Pledge for Arc leads to victory, Texas style 'THE FIRST CONDITION...' "The first condition is absolute love and harmony among the mem- bers...."-'Abdu'l-Bahá National Convention wre electrified by Delegates and friends at this year's news of the $24,000 pledge announced by the delegation from Texas to re- deem the Hand of the Cause of God If your district or state wishes to launch a campaign, or track progress toward your collective goal, simply let the Office of the Treasurer know. We'll be happy to help you! For whom the scroll waits The friends' response to the call rais- ed by Mr. Sears at the Convention has been immediate and enthusiastic. Men, play their part in reaching the goal Mr. women, youth and children all want to and Mrs. Sears so stirringly set before us through their own act of sacrifice. A word of clarification may be in William Sears' sacrifice in giving to the order, however, about just how to go National Assembly his precious copy of The Dawn-Breakers, autographed by the beloved Guardian. As of August 15, that pledge was not only fulfilled but actually surpassed! Known contributions in support of the effort totaled nearly $30,000. Good for you, Texas! about this. Following the Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly de- cided to create a special scroll that will be kept forever with the Sears' copy of The Dawn-breakers in the National Ar- chives; this scroll will immortalize the names of those who have responded to this call to action. Wife, children depict remarkable life Loving memoir recalls warmth, devotion of Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem Zikrullah Khadem: The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God, With Love by Javidukht Khadem. A Champion- Builder Book, e 1990 Bahá'í Publish- ing Trust of the United States. 365 pp., 53 illus., appendix. Reviewed by Flo- rence V. Mayberry, former Counselor member of the International Teaching Center in Haifa, Israel. For many years of my service as an Auxiliary Board member and then as a fledgling Counselor, the Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem was my close friend, steady correspondent, mentor, adviser, educator in the Bahá'í Faith, sympathizer and encourager. I would add "shoulder-to-cry-on" except that Mr. Khadem's innate and modest dignity eliminated such an ex- travagant gesture, and I am not a weeper. He made me laugh many times with his subtle, near pixyish and unexpected wit. And in the best of all our under- standings, we struck the same chord in our love for Shoghi Effendi, the Guar- dian, with his chord more resonant, more knowledgeable, rising from a greater depth of association, and mine Sophie Loeding, first National Center employee, marks 100th birthday Sophie Loeding, who in November 1940 became the first full-time em- ployee at the Bahá'í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois, celebrated her 100th birthday on August 15. She was invited to work at the Na- tional Center by Louis Gregory, who at that time was assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. Her su- pervisor at the National Center was the National Assembly's secretary, Horace Holley. Miss Loeding, who became a Bahá'f in 1898, retired from the National Cen- ter in 1968 when she was 78 years old. She now lives in a retirement home in Arlington Heights, Illinois. merely a good echo. I thought I knew Zikrullah Khadem well. But this new book, Zikrullah Kha- dem: The Itinerant Hand of the Cause of God, With Love, by Javidukht Kha- dem, has given me a view of depths, mode of life, wisdom, devotion that I perceived only dimly in previous asso- ciation with him. Not merely as his wife has she done this-that would be only natural-but rather acting as a wonderfully polished mirror for a unique soul from his youth into advanced age. It is not, however, a sentimental por- trayal but one of immense perception and sensitivity. My heart throbbed as I followed the intensities of his devotion to the Great Figures of the Faith. I was awed by the constancy, yet naturalness, of that de- votion carried into daily relationships with his children, and marveled at the ways in which this good, loving and jolly husband and father interwove the purity and beauty of the Faith into family life. Javidukht has wisely included essays by each of their five grown and suc- cessful children in this unusual biog- raphy. I think their love for their par- ents touched me most; it arises like a fragrance from their memories, makes one long to be a better parent, yearn to leave a comparable heritage. Included also are scholarly, yet sweepingly readable, articles written by Mr. Khadem himself, filled with the history and drama of the Faith's early days, the sacrificial and joyful passions of the martyrs, new stories, new under- standings to quicken devotion in subse- quent believers. Mr. Khadem's stories seem to be written with a double-pointed pen, one point that of a scholar, the other wield- ed by a lover. My gratitude goes to Javidukht for expanding and intensifying treasured memories of a man I so deeply loved and admired.-Florence V. Mayberry For the remaining two years of the Six Year Plan, or until this community has sent a total of $24 million to the Bahá'í International Fund, whichever comes first, all those who contribute to the National Fund will have their names written on the scroll. Although the friends are free to do so, they need not earmark a specific Arc; the National Spiritual Assembly is contribution for the scroll or for the earnestly committed to sending the maximum amount possible to the Uni- versal House of Justice, and has indi- cated that out of the $25 million yearly budget, at least $10 million will be sent on behalf of the American Bahá'í com- munity. Such support for the National Fund is separate, as it always has been, from those contributions the friends are moved to make either directly to the House of Justice, the Arc fund, or the - LOS ANGELES ES HEALTH CARE other Funds of the Faith, and which they earmark for those purposes. It is also possible to earmark a con- tribution for the Arc, but to indicate that the donation is to be considered a part of the national budget, thus qual- ifying it to be counted toward this year's $10 million pledge. All this is to say there are essentially stricted contributions to the National three kinds of contributions that come to the National Assembly: (a) unre- Bahá'í Fund (counted on The Dawn- breakers scroll); (b) earmarked gifts in support of the national budget (also counted on the scroll if they are car- ternational Fund); and (c) earmarked contributions whose donors wish them to be sent by the National Assembly to another Fund or destination (not counted either on the scroll or in the community's pledge to the Interna- tional Fund). 1 PHIL COLLINS BUR Entertainer Phil Collins (center) re- ceives a copy of 'The Promise of World Peace' during a recent series of concerts in Los Angeles at which he drew attention to the plight of the homeless. With Mr. Collins are Dr. Michael Cousineau, executive director ORLD LOS OMLESS EL CARE of Los Angeles Homeless Health Care, and project director Deanne Larue, who is a Bahá'. Ms. LaRue contacted the National Spiritual Assembly to ob- tain its permission before presenting the peace statement to Mr. Collins. Bemidji Bahá'í Group spearheads race unity move educators and others from the white, black and American Indian communi- ties. The Bahá'í Group of Bemidji, Min- nesota, has spearheaded a movement in recent months toward greater racial harmony in that city. When the friends extended their planning of a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday to the wider community, a "racial harmony group" emerged with a thrust toward protect- ing cultural diversity in a city with a high concentration of American In- dians from three nearby Reservations. A series of potlucks with entertain- ment and speakers addressing the topic of racism drew community leaders in- cluding county commissioners, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, For Race Unity Day, a Bahá'í-spon- sored Walk for Race Unity was given front-page coverage in the local news- paper, as was the mayor's race unity proclamation. On July 4, the Bahá'ís marched in the annual parade behind a banner that read "Bahá'ís for Race Unity." The Bahá'ís have begun a series of deepenings and workshops on race uni- ty as a follow-up to events in the first half of the year. Several of the friends remain active in the ongoing communi- ty race harmony group. The American Bahd' is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'is of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahd'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Laura H. Arthur. The American BahdY wel- comes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Faith. Articles should be written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials to the Editor, The American Bahd'i, Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright 1990 by the National Spiritual Assem bly of the Bahá'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 6]

Understanding Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order

NEW PUBLICATIONS TO AID IN STUDYING THE FAITH

Preparing for a Bahá’í/Christian Dialogue: Volume 1 Understanding Biblical Evidence by Michael Sours SC $15.95 The first of a multi-volume study program to help Bahá’ís familiarize themselves with the Bible and Christian theology. Major features of Understanding Biblical Evidence include practical advice on studying the Bible, methods of interpreting the Bible, biblical evidence supporting the claims of Bahá’u’lláh, answers to common Christian questions concerning proofs and progressive revelation, and suggestions for presenting the Bahá’í Faith to Christians in a spirit of friendship. Drawing on many years of living among and talking to conservative Christians and his knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith, Michael Sours offers a book to help Bahá’ís build bridges of understanding with their Christian friends. 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches, 199 pages, glossary, bibliography, index OneWorld Publications

The Bahá’í Faith and Islam by Alessandro Bausani, et al. SC $14.95 Proceedings of the First International Symposium on the Relation of Islam and the Bahá’í Faith, hosted by the Association for Bahá’í Studies. This important volume focuses on various approaches to the sociological, historical, theological, and philosophical aspects of Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. It includes articles by well-known scholars, such as Alessandro Bausani, J. Christian Burgell, Michael M. Fischer, Douglas Martin, Heshmat Moayyad, Vahid Rafati, Annemarie Schimmel, and Marvin Zonis. The Bahá’í Faith and Islam will be of interest not only to Bahá’ís, but to anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of the relationship between these two religions. It is also an excellent resource for colleges, universities, and other scholarly libraries. Association for Bahá’í Studies

PER: Hál va Ayandiy-i-Jahán (The Present and Future of the World) Compiled from the writings of Shoghi Effendi SC $6.25 The first translation into Persian of Call to the Nations, an important collection of the writings of Shoghi Effendi. Published in 1977 by the Universal House of Justice, Call to the Nations includes extracts drawn largely from the Guardian’s World Order letters. It covers such topical issues as world problems, future global events, the importance of peace and the Bahá’í vision of a new world order, and the constructive forces required to achieve it. Most of the material in Hál va Ayandiy-i-Jahán has not been available in Persian and will not be familiar to Persian readers in the West. This new translation will greatly enhance their understanding of the Bahá’í World Order. 96 pages OneWorld Publications

New World Suite by Michael Fitzgerald SC $6.95 Nominated for the National Book Award, New World Suite is a book-length poem of diverse pieces held together by common themes of a vision of a unified world. Fitzgerald, with the rhythm and style of jazz, New World Suite combines diverse styles and moods into a vision of a unified world. Fitzgerald, with the rhythm and style of jazz, New World Suite combines diverse styles and moods into a vision of a unified world. Fitzgerald, author of three books of poetry and editor of Creative Circle: Art, Literature and Music in Bahá’í Perspective, was recently nominated for a Pulitzer prize. 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches, 54 pages Northwood Press

PER: Sukhaní Kútáh dar-báriyi Á’ini Bahá’í (A Short Discourse on the Bahá’í Faith) Alaeddin Ghods SC $4.00 A brief introduction to the Bahá’í Faith written especially for Persians of other religions. In a few pages the author concisely summarizes the history, beliefs and teachings. Since very little introductory material is available in Persian suitable for informing non-Bahá’í Iranians of the aims and principles of the Faith, this booklet will be very helpful in responding to their request for information. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 72 pages Published by Alaeddin Ghods

NEWLY ARRIVED TITLES

• Jpn: Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era/SC $16.50
• Jpn: Hidden Words/SC $8.50
• Jpn: Bahá’í Prayers/HC $16.50
• Jpn: Promise of World Peace/SC $1.75
• Jpn: The Bahá’í Faith Pamphlet/SC $1.00

BACK IN STOCK

• Conservation of the Earth’s Resources/SC $1.95
• Per: Baytu’l-’Adl-i-A’zam/SC $7.95
• Per: Gulzár-i-Ishq/HC $26.95
• Prayers and Thoughts for Peace/SC $3.95
• Rus: The Promise of World Peace/SC $2.95
• The Victory/CS $9.95

OUT OF PRINT OR TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK

• Fire on the Mountain Top (Out of Print)
• Women Compilation (BPT/UK-Out of stock)

TITLE CHANGE

The title RECOPILACION SOBRE LA PAZ has been changed to PAZ: SELECCIONES DE LOS ESCRITOS BAHA’IS which is the title on the book itself. We hope this won’t cause any inconvenience when ordering.

PER: Bahá’í Holy Days CS $9.95 In her ‎beautifu beautiful‎ and melodious style, Shokouh Rezai chants a selection of prayers and tablets suitable for observing Bahá’í holy days. Ms. Rezai is well-known in her native land for the heart-warming quality of her music, chanted in the classical Persian Style. In listening to these tablets, one need not speak the language to understand the spirit conveyed. Included on this 90-minute cassette are selections for Ayyám-i-Há, the Fast, Naw-Ruz, Birth of the Báb, Declaration of the Báb, Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, Ridván, Tablet of Visitation (Bahá’u’lláh), Tablet of Visitation (‘Abdu’l-Bahá), Kitáb-i-Ahd (Book of the Covenant). 90 minutes Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

The Promise of World Peace Summary Edition SC $1.25 The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ireland has published a summary edition of The Promise of World Peace. Sixteen pages long, the text is in easy-to-read language, that will make this document accessible to older children, youth, and many adults. Simple black-and-white illustrations help to convey the message of the peace statement. 16 pages Bahá’ís of the Republic of Ireland

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Feast Activity Book Compiled and edited by Elaine Zavitz SC $15.95 A collection of constructive and enjoyable activities to enhance the participation of children in the Nineteen Day Feast. Includes storytelling, games, crafts and activities, puzzles, finger plays, raps, thematic activities, and a bibliography of helpful resources--all to help make the Feast an enjoyable and confirming experience for children. An introduction and the first two chapters provide references from the Bahá’í writings and information on integrating children into the Nineteen Day Feast. A labor of love by many different people, Feast Activity Book will be welcomed by adults and children alike. 8-1/2 x 11 inches, 81 pages, introduction and appendix Published by Elaine Zavitz

The Promise of World Peace Children’s Edition SC $1.50 Written in simple language, this children’s edition of The Promise of World Peace is illustrated with charming, whimsical, drawings. The cover is printed in green ink on a cream-colored stock; the text is in black ink on cream stock. This booklet will be very useful for parents and Bahá’í teachers encouraging their children to become familiar with this very important statement from the Universal House of Justice. 20 pages Bahá’ís of the Republic of Ireland

Hands On: Activities for Education of Children by Alonzo and Sondra Coleman and Diane Petit Binder and Looseleaf Manual $24.95 A loose-leaf manual for teachers of Bahá’í children’s classes providing detailed instructions on how to construct learning centers and plan an educational program and environment for children ages 5-14. Topics include Bahá’í history, Central Figures and the Guardian, progressive revelation, Bahá’í teachings and institutions, and spiritual growth. Includes ideas for puzzles, games, and record keeping. 8-1/2 x 11 inch, loose-leaf notebook Louhelen Bahá’í School

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

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

SACRED WRITINGS, COMMENTARY, STUDY

• • Unto Him Shall We Return**

Compiled by Hushidar Motlagh SC $9.95

A comprehensive compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on the reality and immortality of the human soul. It is the first compilation to bring together the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the purpose of human life and the continuation of that purpose into the mysterious realms beyond physical death. In its fourth printing, Unto Him Shall We Return portrays a clear vision of the meaning of life—both here and hereafter—and offers guidance about the best preparation for worlds to come. An excellent reference for studies on immortality, a gentle consolation for the bereaved, and a sourcebook for memorial services. It can also be used for daily readings. 5-114 x8-114 inches, 130 pages, preface, references, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

• • Epistle to the Son of the Wolf**

Bahá’u’lláh PS $6.50

Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly as the book for focused study this year. The last major Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh, in which He frequently quotes from His own Writings as He "adduces proofs establishing the validity of His Cause" and proclaims His station as the Supreme Manifestation of God. Bahá’u’lláh also highlights some of the most important aims of His Cause, including blotting out every trace of enmity and hatred from the hearts of men and uniting mankind through the power of His Revelation. Heart-rending stories of some of the martyrs show the transforming power of the Bahá’í Faith. Introduction by Marzieh Gail. 4-114 x 7 inches, 181 pages, glossary, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

• • Bible Proofs**

A Fireside Aid for Teaching Christians Compiled by Nabil I. Hanna SC $14.95 5-1/2x8-1/2 inches; 161 pages, illustrations, selected bibliography

Collection of quotations from the Holy Bible and Bahá’í writings inspired by a statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: "It is very good to memorize the logical points and the proofs of the Holy Books. Those proofs and evidences which establish the fact that Bahá’u’lláh is the fulfillment of the Promise of the Holy Book. These proofs aught to be collected and memorized." Designed as an aid to fireside teaching or deepening classes, the focus is on significant topics often raised during discussions of Christian topics. Kalimát Press

• • Commentary on Epistle to the Son of the Wolf**

by Firuz Kazemzadeh CS $8.50

A commentary by Firuz Kazemzadeh in which he explains the historical significance of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf one of the last of the one hundred books revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and comments upon its contents. Designed for use by those who are reading the book, by those who are reading the book, Commentary on Epistle to the Son of the Wolf will facilitate individual study of the book that the National Spiritual Assembly has chosen as a goal for focused study during 147 B.E. (1990-91) 30 minutes Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

• • Bahá’í Prayers, A Selection**

Vinyl, British Edition SC $5.50

Unlike Bahá’í Prayers published in the United States, the prayers in this book are arranged by section according to their source the Bab, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their general subject. However, since there are no subject headings, readers may browse through the book as moved by their meditative spirit. A table of contents at the front of the book and an index before the occasional prayers will assist the reader in locating prayers suggested for particular subjects. Bound in a soft, vinyl material. 4x5-718 inches, contents, 58 pages, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

SELECTIONS FOR RELATED STUDY OF THE FAITH

• • A Sense of History**

by John Hatcher HC $21.95 / SC $11.95

In reviewing this book, Roger White, himself a poet, wrote that "beyond are poems of a high order, well crafted, accessible, powerfully convincing, and resonant with spirit and faith. John Hatcher's range of interests, breadth of vision and depth of compassion are stunning. These are poems of lived experience; they transfigure and illumine the ordinary, enlarge our perspective and affirm the loftiest human values." 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches; 224 pp., list of poema previously published, hote George Ronald, Publisher

• • Hinduism and The Bahá’í Faith**

by Moojan Momen SC $7.95

Most presentations of the Bahá’í Faith are written to appeal to a Westem Christian, or Islamic point of view. While directed to those of the Hindu tradition, Hinduism and The Bahá’í Faith also provides a new perspective and insights into the Bahá’í Faith. Dr. Momen examines the Band approach to Darshana, Dharma, and Moksha, and significant Hinds prophecies. He also discusses Bahá’í social teachings, laws, history, and the Bahá’í community. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 96 pages, references, bibliography, index George Renald, Publisher

• • Man of the Trees - Selected Writings of Richard St. Barbe Baker**

Edited by Karen Gridley SC $12.50

Published with the assistance of the Bahá’í International Community's Office of Public Information in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of St. Barbe Baker. Widely known as a forester, author, and conservationist, St. Barbe Baker was an early crusader for environmenul issues whose importance is only now being recognized. His Band Tbellieds were reflected in his actions and are evident in these quotations from his writings. Hence this book illumines environmental concerns with a Bahd perspective for those interested in or working on environmental concems 6-1/4 x9-114 inches; 115 pages, photographs, list of sources Ecology Action

• • Logic and Logos**

Essays on Science, Religion and Philosophy by William S. Hatcher SC $9.50

Five essays exploring issues of philosophy and theology such as "Science and the Bahá’í Faith," "A Logical Solution to the Problem of Evil," "From Metaphysics to Logic," "Myths, Models and Mysticism," and "Platonism and Pragmatism." Using principles of logic and precision based on mathematics, this is an exciting and stimulating book, exploring the interface between formerly mutually suspicious disciplines. Also, it was adopted as the textbook for a course on science and religion in the Bahá’í studies program at Landegg Academy, Germany, 5-1/2 x8-1/2 inches; 160 pages, works cited, notes George Ronald, Publisher

QUARTERLY JOURNAL

• • The Journal of Bahá’í Studies**

Vol. 2, No. 2 SC $6.00

Includes five articles, two book reviews, and two commentaries that will enlarge one's perspectives on a number of issues that are fundamental to achieving world peace. This issue will interest Bahá’ís and seekers; excellent for teaching and deepening. 6x9 inches, 86 pages, index to volume 1 Association for Bahá’í Studies

• • A Collection of Selected Words from the Bahá’í Writings in Persian, Arabic and English**

Compiled by Hamed Eshraghian

A Collection of Selected Words matches Persian/Arabic words and phrases in selected Bahá’í writings with their English equivalents. The first section lists Persian/Arabic words in alphabetical order and provides the translation; the second section lists the English translation and the original Persian/Arabic. Phrases have been included, which facilitates study of the words in context.

Though A Collection of Selected Words draws from a limited number of texts, it will facilitate studying the writings in Persian, Arabic, and English. Scholars and students of the Faith researching translation techniques of Shoghi Effendi and other Bahá’í translators will find this book particularly interesting. 8-1/2 x 11 inches; 94 pp. English to Persian, 103 pp. Persian to English Published by Hamed Eshraghian

OPEN POSITION

Applications are being accepted for the position of Associate Editor for the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and the Distribution Service. If you feel you are qualified, please submit your resume to the Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center.

SC $12.95 Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

[Ordered by: (Please print or type) [Name Address City Date State Zip Day Phone. Circle one: American Express MasterCard VISA Check Money Order Account Number Expiration Date Signature

WE ACCEPT VISA MasterCard American Express Check Money Onder Order now through the 1-800-999-9019 Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091

JOTY TITLE COST AMOUNT TOTAL [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

LANDEGG Akademie, 9405 Wienacht/Schweiz. Als vollamtliche(r) SEKRETAER(IN) des akademischen Direktors der Landegg Akademie sind Sie am Puls der Zeit und mitten im internationalen Bahá’í-Geschehen. Das fordert Sie täglich: Ihre Flexibilität, Ihre Kooperation, Ihre Dienstbereitschaft und auch Ihren Humor. Wir bieten: Ortsübliches Salär, 4 Wochen Ferien. Helle und geräumige Büroräume in der Stadt St. Gallen. Auf Wunsch Kursbesuche. Wir erwarten: Mehrjährige Erfahrung in einem Sekretariat, inkl. EDV. Englisch und Deutsch, perfekt in Wort und Schrift. Franz., persisch, spanisch und italienisch erwünscht. Eintritt: Per sofort oder nach Vereinbarung. Für alle weiteren Fragen steht Ihnen Dr. Iraj Ayman zur Verfügung. An ihn richten Sie bitte auch Ihre schriftliche Bewerbung mit den üblichen Unterlagen. Das Landegg Team freut sich auf Sie!

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

TROY, Michigan, a fast-growing community in the metropolitan Detroit area, needs homefront pioneers. The community presently includes eight adult members, and help is needed to prevent loss of its Assembly next Riḍván. For more information, please contact Faye McInnis, secretary, 2060 Somerset, Apt. 101, Troy, MI 48099, or phone 313-588-5542.

ARKANSAS, the Land of Opportunity, the Natural State, has something for everyone. Looking for a bargain in homefront pioneering? How about one of these deals? Conway: university, two colleges; 30 minutes to Little Rock or the beautiful Ozark Mountains; small city (30,000) with excellent educational facilities and strong industrial base, especially wood products and computer technology; best of all, an active Bahá’í Group. Russellville: a university that is starting a global studies program; nuclear engineers and technicians soon needed at a power plant; home for three Bahá’í women and three children. A local assembly could work wonders here. Arkansas has a low crime rate, low cost of living, low taxes, and inexpensive real estate. Thinking about retirement? Arkansas has the four seasons but a short and easy winter. We need older, experienced Bahá’ís like you. Healthcare professionals will do well anywhere in the state. Travel teaching on your mind? Phone 1-800-NATURAL for a free vacation planning kit. The District Teaching Committee and local Assemblies will help you. In Arkansas, you can choose to pioneer on your own or join one of 24 Groups. For more information about the Land of Opportunity, contact the District Teaching Committee, c/o Lindell Cooper, recording secretary, P.O. Box 143, Calico Rock, AR 72519 (phone 501-297-4132), or Lisa Armstrong, corresponding secretary, 10705 Timber Ridge, North Little Rock, AR 72116 (phone 501-758-4857), or leave a message on the Bahá’í Electronic Bulletin Board.

BOZEMAN, Montana: far from the ‎maddening madding‎ crowd. A cultural center in a rural state. Home of Montana State University; for college students and teachers, a land grant university with engineering, liberal arts, education programs and more. For businessmen and women, an overeducated, underemployed work force from which to choose good quality employees. For families, a good school system, safe neighborhoods, many parks. For fun-lovers, good skiing, hiking, wilderness; easy travel to Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Above all, good opportunities in service to Bahá’u’lláh. Help rebuild a lost Assembly. Contact Mr. Llewellyn or Gail Drong, 1228 S. Montana, Bozeman, MT 59715, or phone 406-587-1739.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA: Ciskei—social and economic development practitioners. Transkei—medical doctors. Uganda—management adviser. AMERICAS: Brazil—elementary school teachers, executive director for CHILDHOPE. Paraguay—chiropractic practice. ASIA: Sakhalin Island—operations manager for private airline. MULTI-REGIONAL: academic director for College Semester Abroad programs (SIT); environmentalist. Polish Talent Bank: TransCentury is developing several programs in Poland in banking, agriculture, economic planning, business promotion. For more information about any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

PIONEER to Paraguay: chiropractic practice available in Asunción. Three years developing, licensure available; pioneer family plans to relocate, needs chiropractic pioneer to carry on. Please send inquiries to La Clinica Quiropractica, Casilla 1602, Asunción, Paraguay, South America (telephone 011-595-21-660770).

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: ‎Luctice Lutice‎ Gerbracht, Edward Getsinger, Gertrude Gewertz, Elzora Gibson (died Los Angeles, 1952), Hedley Gillespie (died Brooklyn, NY, 1963), James Ginnett, Aryel Glenn, Ellen Julia Glines (died Washington, DC, 1936), Maxine A. Godsey, and Julia Goldman (died New York City, 1955). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who may have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking material documenting teaching activities on Indian Reservations including tape recordings, personal recollections and photographs of the first American Indian Teaching Conference, Camp Verde, AZ, November 1955, and the first four Indian Council Fires held at Makah Reservation, Neah Bay, WA, 1963-66. Anyone having material they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Employment opportunities at National Center

The Department of Human Resources at the Bahá’í National Center is presently accepting applications for the following positions. For more information, applications and position descriptions, please phone Lea Mallow or Geneva Sutton at 708-869-9039, or send your qualifications to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. — Administrative Services: media services assistant (studio); secretary (float in three departments); mail services assistant; manager, Subscriber Services — Bahá’í Publishing Trust: associate editor* — House of Worship: bookstore assistant* — National Teaching Committee office: secretary to the secretary of NTC; regional teaching coordinator, Midwestern states/Indian desk*; regional teaching coordinator, Western states/Southeast Asian desk/ — Periodicals Office: reporter/photographer, The American Bahá’í — Office of the Secretary: administrative aide/District Convention coordination — Office of the Treasurer: assistant controller*; administrative assistant*; bookkeeper/assistant cashier* — Persian/American Affairs Office: administrative assistant (must be fluent in Persian and English)* Bahá’í required for this position Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City/state/zip ________________________ Phone ( ) ______________ ( ) ___________ Bahá’í I.D. number ____________________

Khanngeun (Kim) Khunphixay performs a traditional Laotian dance during this year’s Riḍván observance at the Bahá’í Center in Fresno, California.

After only six years in U.S., 14-year-old Bahá’í from Laos is honor roll student, active believer

Khanngeun (Kim) Khunphixay is a 14-year-old Bahá’í who lives in Fresno, California.

She arrived in the U.S. six years ago with her parents, grandmother, four brothers and a sister, having spent several years in a refugee camp in Thailand after her family sought refuge from the war in Laos.

Her parents learned of the Faith in the Philippines but did not become Bahá’ís until they reached Hawaii, the state in which they were resettled.

The family moved to Fresno in 1986, contacted the Bahá’ís, and became active members of the community, as they had been in Hawaii.

Khanngeun is an honor roll student at Tehipite Middle School where she is in English as a Second Language classes. In March, she was named Student of the Month for her outstanding scholastic achievements as well as her good citizenship.

Besides being an exemplary student, Khanngeun is also a dancer, and during Riḍván the Fresno community was honored to have her perform at the Bahá’í Center.

Khanngeun attended the Chinese Symposium in San Francisco, and is making plans to attend the second World Congress in New York City in November 1992.

In May, she volunteered her time to help raise money for scholarships for the Hmong American Women’s Association of Fresno through her participation in “The Human Race” sponsored by the Fresno Volunteer Bureau.

Khanngeun has been helping the Spiritual Assembly of Fresno by serving as an interpreter when Assembly members visit some of the Bahá’í families from Laos who have recently settled in Fresno.

Khanngeun’s career goal is to become a doctor.

Lehigh Valley Bahá’ís hold two tree-plantings

On April 28, Bahá’ís of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, organized two tree-planting ceremonies, in Allentown and Whitehall Township.

Also taking part in the ceremonies were the Lenni ‎Lanape Lenape‎ (Delaware Indian Nation), the Whitehall Historical Society, and the Whitehall Town Environmental Advisory Council.

A white oak was planted in Allentown, a white pine in Whitehall Township. Each ceremony was preceded by a vigil in support of peace and the environment.

Almost 500 baby white pine saplings were given away at these ceremonies and at one the previous day organized by a Bucks County environmental group and the Quakers.

In May, Bahá’ís and Quakers together planted about 50 white pines as a gift to the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Regional conferences

October 12-14: DeGray Lake Conference, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Theme: “Reaching the Hearts of Men.” Speakers: Counselor Robert Harris, Auxiliary Board member Mary Kay Radpour. For registration information, contact Bobba Olinger, 1500 S. Bryant St., Little Rock, AR 72205 (phone 501-225-0502). Hotel reservations can be made at the DeGray Lake Lodge (phone 501-865-4591). Please make reservations by September 25.

October 19-21: Oklahoma/Indian Nations Fall Bahá’í School, Dwight Indian Mission, Vian, Oklahoma. Theme: “Culture, Self-Esteem and Urban Indian Teaching” presented through talks and workshops by Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and a team of three Bahá’ís from the U.S. who have recently returned from a travel teaching trip to the Yucatán peninsula. Registration deadline: October 5 ($10 late fee per family). For information, contact E. Liz Wakeham, registrar, 7113 NW 22, Bethany, OK 73008 (phone 405-789-2525). [Page 9]

Garden teachers help special ed students

When two teachers in Santa Monica, California, placed a newspaper ad asking for help for their special education students, the Bahá’í House of Worship’s Garden Teaching Committee responded.

National Assembly joins GTC environment group

The National Spiritual Assembly recently joined the Global Tomorrow Coalition (GTC).

The goal of GTC is to contribute to broader public understanding of long-term global trends interaction in population, resources, environment and development. The GTC also helps promote informed and responsible public choice among alternative futures for the U.S. in the national and international arenas.

Last fall, the National Assembly submitted testimony at the Globescope Pacific Assembly sponsored by GTC where the first public hearing on the report, "Our Common Future," by the World Commission on Environment and Development took place.

(Garden teachers are guides who keep the House of Worship gardens open for visitors on summer weekends from closing time until midnight. They host more than a thousand visitors each summer.)

At the Patterson School in Santa Monica, a fourth- and fifth-grade class was learning to read. To help these students, the teachers asked that people around the country send them picture postcards with a brief description of their home.

The garden teachers decided that each student should receive a picture postcard of the House of Worship. Recruiting others to make up the 15 writers needed, they coordinated the effort to ensure that a variety of scenes was used, each student was written to, and every postcard covered the facts asked for (name, city, occupation) plus a personal thought about the Temple.

Bahá’ís from Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Evanston, Joliet and Naperville took part. Their occupations ranged from college student to school teacher, secretary to business owner, artist to full-time parent.

The project was such fun that the friends expanded it to send the class a gift: a large photograph of the House of Worship and a poster with the Golden Rule according to Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.

A letter accompanying the gift described some unique Chicago area sites and explained the Bahá’í principles. "We hope you will hang these up in your classroom for everyone to share this year and every year," the letter read. "Then any time you need to remember how to be friends with each other or anyone else, you can look at the poster.

"And any time one of you is feeling alone or unhappy or made-fun-of, you can look at the picture of the building that is a gift to you and that you will always be welcomed in."

Russell G. Vestlie presents a copy of "The Promise of World Peace" to a member of Minnesota Gov. Rudy Perpich’s staff as a gift for Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev from the Bahá’ís of Minnesota.

Minnesota Bahá’ís present peace statement to Soviets to mark President Gorbachev’s visit

A presentation of "The Promise of World Peace" was made on behalf of the Bahá’ís of Minnesota to the Soviet delegation on the occasion of the friendship visit to that state on June 3 by President Mikhail Gorbachev.

The presentation consisted of a leather-bound edition of the peace statement in English, accompanied by a Russian translation, and a personal letter to Mr. Gorbachev from the Bahá’ís of Minnesota.

The statement was wrapped in ribbons that mingled the colors of the flags of the two countries and was topped by a straw wreath to symbolize the promise of peace and prosperity.

The presentation was facilitated through the office of Gov. Rudy Perpich who offered to accept gifts to be passed on to the Soviet delegation. Although no individual presentation to President Gorbachev or other members of his delegation was possible, "The Promise of World Peace" did accompany the entourage as they traveled on to San Francisco and back to the Soviet Union.

Although plans for a brief visit by Mr. Gorbachev with religious leaders in Minnesota had to be dropped because of a lack of time in his schedule, the Bahá’ís of Minnesota, guided by the Spiritual Assembly of St. Paul and the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs, were nevertheless able to achieve this important victory for the Cause.

Joel Alain Bertet, a student at Santa Monica (California) College, accepts a $250 scholarship from Sheila Banani on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Monica which has endowed an annual scholarship at the school in perpetuity with a one-time-only contribution of $3,200 to the Santa Monica College Foundation. The scholarship brochure distributed by the college each year lists the Bahá’í award and the criteria for selection: preference to a minority student dedicated to the promotion of world peace; active community involvement/service/volunteer work; 3.0 grade point average financial need. Mr. Bertet, who is pursuing a degree in law, is director of student services at the college, is on the Human Resources Committee, is a member of the Black Student Union and Club Hillel, and is involved in a Jewish cultural organization, the Sephardic Education Center.

Bahá’ís encouraged to discuss PBS-TV series

The National Spiritual Assembly, in collaboration with the Global Tomorrow Coalition (GTC) and the North American Conference on Religion and Ecology (NACRE), encourages local Bahá’í communities and individuals to establish discussion groups on the upcoming PBS television 10-week series, "Race to Save the Planet," that will begin on October 4.

The National Assembly has already contacted directly several local Spiritual Assemblies to encourage their communities to invite friends, family and other religious and civic groups to take part in these discussion groups. One goal of the discussion groups is to create interfaith environmental action groups.

The Global Tomorrow Coalition has prepared a Community Discussion Guide suggesting ways to use individual programs and the series as a whole, proposing actions individuals can take on the issues addressed, and listing resources for further action. For more information, contact Jerry D’Addio, Washington, DC 20005 (phone 202-628-4016).

NACRE has designed a Viewer’s Guide and Facilitator’s Guide to the series to deepen interfaith understanding of the ethical and spiritual implications of the environmental crisis. The cost of a Viewer’s Guide is $3 for a single issue including postage and handling. With the purchase of a Facilitator’s Guide for $15, you will receive 25 free Viewer’s Guides. Bahá’ís may purchase the Guides from NACRE, 5 Thomas Circle N.W., Washington, DC 20005. For more information, please call 1-800-LEARNER.

For a Bahá’í perspective, the National Assembly recommends the study of the compilation prepared by the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center, "Conservation of the Earth’s Resources," published in the January 1990 issue of The American Bahá’í and available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 1-800-999-9019).

Also recommended is "Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society," an article written by a Bahá’í, Robert A. White, and published in The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 1989. The journal may be purchased for $6 (U.S.) from the Association for Bahá’ís Studies, Ontario, Canada K1N 7K4 (phone 613-233-1903). [Page 10]

History and charter

In a letter of June 6, 1987, to all National Spiritual Assemblies, the Universal House of Justice elaborated on the Six Year Plan goal calling for "... systematic teacher training, preparation of lesson plans for all age groups, and the creation of teaching materials to support the educational process." In response, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a new National Bahá’í Education Committee, charging it with establishing a new level of teaching as called for by the Universal House of Justice, identifying existing curricula and source materials, and establishing standards for and revitalization of the development of new teaching materials.

In evaluating existing teaching materials, the committee was guided by the writings of the Universal House of Justice, the suggestions of the International Teaching Center and the peace statement, and contemporary learning theory. The evaluation addressed the potential of the materials to help arouse sufficient interest in the believers to lead them to the Creative Word. The committee evaluated the extent to which materials were related to the needs of present-day society in terms of the applicability of the teachings to real-life issues. Committee members, individually and collectively, reviewed the degree to which modern instructional technology and learning were incorporated in each document, and the extent to which these might enhance the development of spiritual awareness.

Use of this catalog

The catalog that has resulted is seen (a) as a means by which teachers can quickly and effectively access resources; (b) as a means by which to identify materials that effectively support present teaching efforts; (c) as an encouragement for Bahá’í classes for children, youth and adults throughout the country; (d) as a convenient selection of materials for specific applications; (e) as a delineation of deficiencies in useful existing materials for reconstructive purposes; and (f) as a source document for Bahá’í authors to use for the development of new materials.

The National Bahá’í Education Committee is pleased to offer this second edition of the catalog of educational materials. Many additional materials are now available to the community with more to come.

Among more than 230 items of educational material reviewed were those sent to the National Office by individuals, unpublished and out of print material found in regional Bahá’í school libraries, and materials found in the National Archives. This represents only a part of the educational materials produced in this country over the years.

New criteria

As the committee proceeded with its task, elements of a new standard of Bahá’í education began to emerge. Some of the criteria that were incorporated into the evaluation process were: sensitivity to race, culture and gender; pedagogical soundness where appropriate; accuracy and quality of presentation; incorporation of the Creative Word; provision for varied learnings styles as well as degree of spontaneity and creativity; and practical application of spiritual principles to life. The evaluation instrument devised by the committee was derived from the vision conveyed in the peace statement, the Ridván 1988 message from the Universal House of Justice, "Bahá’í Education: A Compilation," and the "Bahá’í Curriculum Guide."

The task of collection, evaluation and dissemination of educational materials continues. None of the materials offered can replace a teacher, parent or community that is able to combine vision, love and the art and science of pedagogy with an educational program grounded in the Creative Word, the history and teachings of the Faith, the application of spiritual principles to life, and consciousness of the oneness of humanity.

Yet another step toward the goal involves the international exchange of educational materials and programs, as assigned by the Universal House of Justice during the Six Year Plan. The collaborative process is already in motion, and international educational materials are to be included in this issue of the catalog. The National Spiritual Assemblies of Alaska, Australia, Hawaii and the United States have initiated the free exchange of educational materials in the past year.

Name	Content Focus	Type	Age	Status
America's Spiritual Destiny	Gen	SG	YA	IP
Ayyam-i-Ha	CPC, Hist	SG	P.I	OP
Bahá’í Calendar, The	CFC	LP	LY,A	UP
Bahá’í School Lesson Plans	Gen	Curr	P	OP
Bahá’í Teaching Guide for Children: Teachers Manual	Gen	Man	I	OP
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: Study Guide	CF, Hist, Gen	SG	Y.A	OP
Blessed Is the Spot-Lessons in Reverence	PF, SPG	LP	I	UP
Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	Cov	LP	N.P.I	UP
Children's Programs, Bahá’í Schools Directors	Gen	Man	A	OP
Comprehensive Deepening: Bahá’í Electoral Process	Cov	SG	A	OP
Comprehensive Study Outline for Children	Gen	LP	I	OP
Covenant, The: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It	Cov, SPG	LP	I,Y,A	IP
Creative Dramatics and Music	Gen	Man	P.I	UP
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, The	Hist, CF	SG/LP	Y.A	OP
Effective Teaching	Gen	Man	Y,A	IP
Everlasting Covenant and Greater Covenant, The	Cov	LP	Y	UP
Fast and Naw-Rúz, The	PF	LP	N,P,I	UP
Fund, The	Cov, SPG, CFC	LP	P.I	UP
Man's Dual Nature	SPG	LP	LYA	UP
Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being	CFC	SG	A	IP
Mystery of Sacrifice, The	SW	SG	N.P	OP
My Favorite Prayers and Passages	Cov	LP	Y,A	OP
Nineteen Day Feast, The	PF, CFC	LP	I,Y,A	Gen
Objectives for a Bahá’í Child-Education Program	CFC	Man	P.I,Y	OP
Progressive Revelation	CF, PF	LP	P,I	UP
Progressive Revelation and Manifestations	CF, PF	LP	UP
Secret of Wealth, The	Gen, Cov	LP	A	IP
Sing a New Song: Bahá’í Songs for Children	Gen	AB	P,I	OP
Spanish Lesson Guide for Bahá’í Classes	Gen	LP	P.I	UP
Study Classes on the Covenant	Cov	SG	I,Y	UP
Study Course on Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era	CF	90	OP
Study Guide to The Dawn-Breakers	Hist	SG	YA	OP
Study Guide for Unrestrained as the Wind	Gen	90	LYA	OP
Study Outline and Aids for The Advent of Divine Justice	SW, PF	SO	YA	OP
Study Outline: The Book of Certitude	SW, SPG	90	YA	OP
Sunflower Series	SW, Gen	AB	N.P.I	IP
What Is Teaching? Why Teach?	Gen	LP	P.I	UP
Where There's a Will	Cov	LP	Y.A	IP
Word of God, The	SW	SG	YA	IP
Youth for One World (YOW) Member Manual	Gen	AB	Y	OP
Youth Programs for Bahá’í Schools	Gen	SG	A	OP

Materials being sought

We are presently seeking materials that might be used in college courses, materials on parenting, and those that are culturally diverse. Please help us in providing these materials in future editions of the catalog. Your help is essential to the development of courses, materials and curricula to meet the educational needs of the Bahá’í community.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

National Bahá’í Education Committee October 1990

KEY TO INDEX LISTINGS

Content Focus

• **Gen**: General - Various topics or not specified
• **Hist**: History - Bahá’í history, heroes and heroines
• **CF**: Central Figures - Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
• **Cov/Covenant**: Covenant - Laws, administration, Guardianship
• **Peace**: Peace - Teachings and writings on peace
• **PF**: Principles - Social and spiritual principles
• **CFC**: Community - Community, families, communication
• **SW**: Sacred Writings - Writings of the Central Figures
• **SPG**: Spiritual Growth - Spiritual attributes and qualities

For Age

• **N**: Nursery - Ages 0-4 years
• **P**: Primary - Ages 5-8
• **I**: Intermediate - Ages 9-14
• **Y**: Youth - Ages 15-20
• **A**: Adult - Age 21 and up

Type

• **SG**: Study Guide - Outline of material and study questions
• **LP**: Lesson Plans - Directions for teacher with goals/objectives
• **SG/LP**: Both of above - Study guide and lesson plans
• **Curr**: Curriculum - Comprehensive series/course of study
• **Man**: Manual - Manual for a project training course
• **ATapes**: Audio tapes - Audio only information
• **AB**: Activity book - Activity and coloring book
• **Wkshp**: Workshop - Detailed lesson plan, day or week

Status

• **IP**: In print - Presently in publication and available
• **OP**: Out of print - Formerly published, not now available
• **UP**: Unpublished - Recently developed, not yet published

Published materials available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service

• • America's Spiritual Destiny**

A study guide toward understanding the spiritual destiny of America as portrayed in the Bahá’í Writings. The book includes five lessons on the condition of the country and the significance of the Writings for the American community. The lessons include quotations from the Writings, exercises and questions for use by individuals, study groups and workshops, youth through adult. Second printing, 1984 104 pp., $8.50.

• • Children's Feast Packets**

A series of 19 activity packets with teacher's guide providing educational experiences for children ages 6-13 at Feast. Profusely supplied with graphics and illustrations the monthly theme hews to the spiritual themes of each Bahá’í month. Prepared by Wellspring International Canada. Feast packets, 19 months, $114.00. Feast packets I, II, III and IV, $32.50 each. [Page 11]

• • The Covenant: Its Meaning and Origin and Our Attitude Toward It**

A study guide for learning about and understanding the significance of the Covenant in Bahá’í life. Each topic carries a summary, a selection of quotations from the Writings, suggested additional readings, and multiple-choice and discussion questions. May be used by an individual or study group. Prepared by the National Teaching Committee, 1988; 86 pp., softcover, $2.50.

• • Effective Teaching (Instructor's Guide and Workbook)**

These two books were written to help promote understanding of the meaning of teaching the Faith and to present a number of ways to teach. Passages from the Bahá’í Writings are quoted, and worksheets are provided to sharpen one's understanding. Each section ends with an evaluation form. Prepared by the National Teaching Committee, third printing, 1987; softcover, $2.50.

• • God's Creation: Workbooks, Parent's and Teacher's Guides**

A set of six lessons accompanied by a parent/teacher guide, teaching Bahá’í concepts concerning God's creation. Level I is intended for ages 6-9; Level II is suited to ages 9-13. Each concept is explored in depth and illustrated. The workbook may be used by itself, yet lends itself to linkage with other resources. Prepared by Wellspring International, Canada. God's Creation I, 6-Lesson Workbook; God's Creation II, Workbook, $10.95 each; Parent's and Teacher's Guides I and II, $9.95 each.

• • Hands On: Activities for Education of Children**

A loose-leaf manual for teachers of Bahá’í children's classes providing detailed instructions on how to construct learning centers and plan an educational program and environment for children ages 5-14. Topics include Bahá’í history, the Central Figures and the Guardian, progressive revelation, Bahá’í teachings and institutions, and spiritual growth. Ideas for puzzles, games and record-keeping are provided. By Alonzo and Sondra Coleman and Diane Petit, 1984; $22.50.

• • I Am a Bahá’í: Sunflower Series for Young Children**

The Sunflower Series consists of eight activities books, the last four of which have been bound together under the title I Am a Bahá’í. For pre-school children, the series was designed to strengthen the spiritual identity of a Bahá’í child through parental assistance with coloring and cut-and-paste activities. The series includes My Bahá’í Book, My Favorite Prayers and Passages, God and Me, My Bahá’í Community, The Bahá’í Feasts, and Our Bahá’í Holy Places. Includes guidelines for parents. Written by Deborah Christeen, illustrated by Pepper Oldtiny and John Solart; Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984; 48 pp., softcover, $5.95.

• • Where There's a Will**

A reference guide for implementing Bahá’u’lláh's law concerning wills. The guide includes questions and discussion concerning death, funeral arrangements and burial. Although intended as a manual for a course of study, it is suitable for use by individuals and Spiritual Assemblies as a reference source. The work includes a guide for preparation for a visit to an attorney, and pre- and post-tests. Prepared by the Office of the Treasurer, 1988; 53 pp., softcover, $2.50.

• • The Word of God**

A study guide for understanding the importance of, and the role of, the Creative Word. Each section presents a topical summary and selected quotations from the Sacred Writings followed by multiple-choice and discussion questions. For use by individuals or study groups. National Teaching Committee, 1987; 70 pp., softcover, $2.50.

Out-of-print and previously unpublished materials

Copies of these materials may be obtained in either of two ways: first, if you can locate a copy in your community, feel free to photocopy it. If you cannot locate a copy, you can order a photocopy from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. The prices are marked.

• • ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant**

A wide variety of stories and quotes from the Creative Word have been assembled to present the reality of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to children ages 2-11 years. Nine lessons cover ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's travels in North America, His Station, His role as Exemplar of His Father's teachings, and His services to humanity. A generous supply of art work is included. The unit can be used for an entire summer school term. By Janet King, undated, 74 pp.; photocopy $14.80.

• • The Advent of Divine Justice: A Study Guide**

Prepared to help the American Bahá’í community understand the implications of the Guardian's letter for the Seven Year Plan. Includes the Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh to America, outline of text, topical outline of details, thought questions and references for further study, and glossary. 1969, 26 pp.; photocopy $5.20.

• • The Ayyám-i-Há Lessons**

The Ayyám-i-Há lessons for ages 3-6, 7-10 and older children are highly participatory, rich in activity and Bahá’í content, and conducive to individual goal-setting and a growing awareness of the significance of the Intercalary Days. By Janet King, 9 pp.; photocopy $1.80.

• • The Bahá’í Calendar**

A complete lesson plan for pre-youth and youth based on the Creative Word. It may be divided into as many as four lessons and used in toto at a conference or in a community, and even as an introduction to new believers. The teacher may wish to supplement the lesson material with activities that encourage students to apply the principles involved in a variety of ways. Study questions are provided; memorization is encouraged. By Sunni DaVar, 8 pp.; photocopy $1.60.

• • Bahá’í School Lesson Plans, Grade 3, Series 1**

As part of a larger curricula series, this booklet provides the teacher with a variety of activities and resources. The focus is on the life of Bahá’u’lláh; God and man; and science and religion. Authored by a school advisory committee, 1970, 111 pp.; photocopy $22.50.

• • Bahá’í Teaching Guide for Children with Teaching Manual**

The Teaching Guide for Children, Intermediate Teacher's Manual, is part of a series designed for pre-primary school through intermediate age children, containing instructions and guidelines for using the children's intermediate workbook. Each lesson includes questions and "things to do." Compiled by Alice Cox and Evelyn Musacchia, illustrated by Lynn Hutchinson, 1966, 223 pp.; photocopy $44.60.

• • Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: Study Guide**

A study guide for teachers. Consists of 15 sections, accompanied by study and discussion questions and suggested readings. By Gertrude Robinson, 1971, 20 pp.; photocopy $4.00.

• • Blessed Is the Spot—Lessons in Reverence**

(No additional description provided).

• • The Fast and Naw-Rúz**

A companion piece to the author's lesson plan on Ayyám-i-Há, this lesson draws on Persian tradition to explain and contrast Bahá’í perspectives on these Days. Oranges, candy and lanterns are used to illustrate the spiritual principles behind the Fast and Naw-Rúz. The lesson can be supplemented by memory work from the Creative Word. By Janet King, undated, 4 pp.; photocopy 80 cents.

• • The Fund**

A mini-unit on the nature, type and purpose of the Fund, offering two lessons each for ages 3-6, 7-10 and 11 years and older. It is plentifully supplied with games, puzzles and art activities, and provides detailed strategies for introducing the concepts to each age group using stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quotes from the Writings, and spiritual attributes. By Janet King, date unknown, 14 pp.; photocopy $2.80.

• • Heartland Bahá’í School Summer Reading Program**

Two sets of three-month alternatives to weekly children's classes encompassing age groups 7-9 and 10-14. Children are invited to read a specific book each month and to take part in a picnic discussion. The selected book titles are available through Bahá’í and public libraries. The program includes annotated references, discussion questions, and excerpts from the Creative Word. Encourages self-study and participation, focusing on Bahá’í history and self-knowledge. By Marie Scheffer, Tim Braun, Nancy Braun, Judi Swanson, Pat Williams, 1987, 30 pp.; photocopy $6.00.

• • Man's Dual Nature**

This nine-lesson unit for pre-youth focuses on the concept of man's dual nature as stated in "The Promise of World Peace." The lessons explore the issue in depth through study and analysis of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's writings. Includes an analysis of vocabulary, definitions, and memorization of Bahá’í writings. By Sunni DaVar, 1986, 61 pp; photocopy $12.20.

• • My Bahá’í Yearbook/Mi Libro Año Bahá’í**

Designed to strengthen a Bahá’í child's identity through familiarizing the child with the Bahá’í calendar. Provides instructions and patterns for constructing a mobile, and selected quotations from the Creative Word. By Valerie Ramerez, Spanish/English, undated, 49 pp.; photocopy $9.80.

• • The Mystery of Sacrifice**

A series of five lessons designed to promote an understanding of the meaning of sacrifice, using history and development of the Bahá’í Era as examples. Each lesson features quotations from the Writings and outlines a series of individual and group discussions and questions. Office of the Treasurer, 1980, 84 pp.; photocopy $16.80.

• • The Nineteen Day Feast (Marie Scheffer)**

Seven lesson plans for ages 8-11 years with reverence as the theme. Topics include prayer, the nature of sacredness, holy places, Houses of Worship, and the Feast. The lessons stress discussion but also contain word searches, games, a pattern for a "Lite-Brite" picture of the Shrine of the Báb, and songs from Bahá’í record albums. Also includes plans for building a model of the House of Worship in Panama. By Marie Scheffer, 1988, 32 pp.; photocopy $6.40.

• • Children's Program for Bahá’í Schools Directors**

A directors' manual of instructions for recruiting teachers, preparing instructional materials, and developing a curriculum for summer and winter school programs. It also provides sample letters and reports, many checklists, and a source listing of supplies and equipment. By Bud and Victoria Polk, 30 pp., unpublished, not dated; photocopy $6.00.

• • The Nineteen Day Feast (Sunni DaVar)**

Two units of four lessons each for ages 3-6 and 12-15 years. Usable in connection with the Feast or during weekly class services. Lessons for the younger children emphasize reverent behavior, and memorization/recitation of prayers during Feast. Materials for the older children emphasize study of the Creative Word and the purpose, nature and arrangements of the Feast. By Sunni DaVar, 1987, 24 pp.; photocopy $4.80.

• • Comprehensive Deepening Program: The Bahá’í Electoral Process**

A study guide detailing the procedures for Bahá’í elections and the individual's responsibility to the process. Quotations from the Sacred Writings and the Guardian provide clarity as to approach to the electoral process, and spiritual behavior. By Daniel C. Jordan, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1965, 48 pp.; photocopy $9.60.

• • Comprehensive Study Outline for Children**

A collection of lessons for intermediate age children, covering the Kingdoms of God, several of the Manifestations, and the Bahá’í community. Each lesson includes poetry, selected readings, hands-on activities, stories about the Central Figures, group discussion questions, and a bibliography. Child Education Committee, 1960, 53 pp.; photocopy $10.60.

• • The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh: A Study Guide**

Nine lessons, each with questions for study and discussion of the material in a specific section of the book, with page references for each question. True/false questions are provided with each lesson for individual evaluation. Study Outline Committee, 1938, 14 pp.; photocopy $2.80.

• • The Everlasting Covenant and the Greater Covenant**

A systematically planned and thorough course of study of 13 lessons intended for those preparing for spiritual maturity (ages 14-15), and equally suitable for new Bahá’ís, Bahá’í youth and others interested in obtaining an in-depth understanding of the proofs of Bahá’u’lláh's Mission, Bahá’í prophecy, the sacred documents relating to the Covenant, progressive revelation, and obligatory prayer. Questions, assignments, and a course review are included. All quotations appear in the study materials. By Sunni DaVar, 1986, 81 pp.; photocopy $16.20.

• • Objectives for a Bahá’í Child-Education Program: Active Participation in Bahá’í Community Life**

Provides communities, teachers and parents with clear objectives for planning the active participation of all children in Bahá’í community life, based on the Creative Word and the Bahá’í calendar. The emphasis is on shared responsibility for the spiritual education of children and the application of spiritual principles to daily life. Quotations from the Writings are included as appropriate. National Education Committee, 1975, 14 pp., photocopy $2.80.

• • Peace: Consultation and Decision-Making**

The set of three lesson plans uses a wide variety of activities—art, memorization, games and puzzles from many sources including Brilliant Star magazine—to reinforce the concepts associated with world peace. These concepts include consultation and decision-making, appreciation of differences, and Bahá’í teachings for universal peace. By Janet King, date unknown, 12 pp.; photocopy $2.40.

• • Progressive Revelation (Janet King)**

This nine-lesson unit is rich with hands-on activities and analogies. Numerous puzzles and games from Brilliant Star magazine and other sources are included. Background information on each of the Manifestations of God is included. An especially good unit for classes beginning in the fall through December or January. For ages 3-6, 7-10, 11-12. By Janet King, undated, 109 pp.; photocopy $21.80.

• • Progressive Revelation (Ages 9-12)**

An eight-lesson unit for ages 9-12; easy to follow. Lessons for Zoroaster and Krishna were omitted. Relies on student reports and knowledge quizzes. [Page 12]

El parentesco Bahá’í de A-Z

ESPAÑOL

Durante el transcurso del Plan de Seis Años, la Casa Universal de Justicia ha dirigido a todas las comunidades nacionales y locales bahá’ís a prestar atención especial al desarrollo de una distinguida manera de vivir mediante "la profundización en la historia y las enseñanzas de la Fe y la aplicación de principios espirituales en nuestras vidas."

Entre las sugerencias de alcanzar ésta meta esta la siguiente directrice: "El estabelezer un programa para educar a los padres, especialmente a las madres, acerca del cuidado y entrenamiento de los niños bahá’ís."

Desde luego, cualquier plan de educación bahá’í sería inútil sin el reclutamiento de los padres, especialmente de las madres, como las implementadoras primordiales.

El Guardián en 1939 recordó a un creyente que "La tarea de criar a un niño bahá’í, como ha sido enfatizada una y otra vez en las escrituras bahá’ís, es la principal responsabilidad de la madre, cuyo singuar privilegio es en verdad, el de crear en su hogar condiciones que conduzcan tanto a su desarrollo y bienestar material como espiritual...." (Educación Bahá’í: Una Recopilación, pgs. 83-84)

Las sugerencias hechas aqui son inspiradas por las escrituras de Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, asi como mensajes de Shoghi Effendi y de la Casa Universal de Justicia. En el mejor de los casos, éstas sugerencias son solamente una representación de lo que puede encontrarse en las escrituras bahá’ís para guiar a los padres dedicados al sagrado labor de crear "una nueva raza de hombres."

A. Reuna a sus niños a orar diariamente entre la familia.

B. Anime a sus niños recitar el Más Grande Nombre (Alláh’u’Abhá) antes de dormirse y al despertar, como su última y primera palabra.

C. Arregle su hogar de tal manera que los niños puedan ver la importancia del Más Grande Nombre y el ejemplo del Maestro.

D. Cuente a los niños historias de la Figuras Centrales, de la Sagrada Familia, y de los héroes y heroínas bahá’ís, enfatizando su pureza de corazón y cualidades espirituales, asi como la manera en que ellos enseñaron la fe a otros.

E. Enseñe buenos modales a los niños, cortesía, reverencia y amor (e.g., a saludar a la gente radiantemente, ofrecer asiento a otros, especialmente a los mayores, dirigirse a los mayores con respecto, y a compartir siempre con otros).

F. Enséñeles a ser aseados, tanto personalmente como en el ambiente. No es necesario gastar mucho dinero para tener un hogar hermoso, ordenado, reflejando los valores de su familia.

G. Dele a sus niños servicios para hacer cada día, no por una recompensa monetaria, sino como parte de la familia. Recompénseles por tomar la iniciativa en servir a los demas.

H. Demuestre a los niños cómo vivir economicamente y animeles a que contribuyen regularmente al fondo.

I. Hagan amistad con familias procedentes de diferentes razas y culturas de modo que los niños experiezen diversidad dentro de su propia familia. Enséñleles buscar la diversidad.

J. Encuentren la forma de ayudar a sus niños a memorizar oraciones y Tablas de acuerdo con su capacidad.

K. Lleve a los niños a viajes de enseñanza y anímeles a preparar sus propios materiales para enseñar, tal como un album de recortes.

L. Plancé de atemano la celebración de Días Sagrados, de forma que la unidad familiar éste asociada con el significado y la importancia de tal acontecimiento. Plancé actividades familiares de acuerdo con el significado de éstos días.

M. Estimule a los niños a leer en voz alta, diariamente, de las Escrituras Sagradas y de libros sobre la fe apropriado a su edad, entonces discutan las significaciones.

N. Tanto como sea posible, lleve a los niños a funciones o exposiciones de las artes; anime sus tendencias naturales de representar en juegos experiencias reales, historias favoritas, etc.; haga que reciten historias acerca de la fe y de la familia en los eventos de la comunidad; y organize para que aprendan los elementos de música por medio de instrumentos y/o canciones.

O. Practique el arte de la consultación dentro de la familia, dando a los niños la oportunidad de tomar decisiones, en asuntos apropiados, sin usurpar la responsabilidad de los padres de tomar las decisiones acerca del bienestar de la familia.

P. Demuestre amor a cada miembro de la familia, abiertamente, frecuentemente, y de diferentes maneras.

Q. Establezca derechos y responsabilidades para cada miembro de la familia, basándose en principios espirituales y enfatizando que "el honor de uno es el honor de todos."

R. Converse amenudo con los niños del propósito de sus vidas, particularmente como bahá’í. Resalte los ejemplos de aquellos quienes han demostrado su amor por Bahá’u’lláh y por el Báb, tales como los maestros y mártires de la fe. Anímeles a que planeén un año de servicio, asi como una vida de servicio a la Causa, y presénteles jovenes quienes lo han hecho.

S. Evite la difamación en la familia, y ayuda a los niños a darse cuenta del porque ésto perjudica tanto a la unidad. Sobre todo evite la tentación de criticar a las instituciones de la fe, lo que daría lugar a debilidad en el Convenio cuando los niños lleguen a su madurez. Hagan un esfuerzo mayor por alabar las instituciones divinas, ayudando de ésta manera a los niños a comprender su parte en la construcción del Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh.

T. Acostumbre a sus niños a compartir sus problemas y preocupaciones con Usted, de forma que Usted pueda ayudarles a profundizar su entendimiento de cómo los principios espirituales pueden solucionar problemas cotidanos, e.g., integridad, unidad, racial, justicia, imparcialidad, amabilidad, amistad, hacia todos, etc.

U. Extienda sus hogar a reuniones bahá’ís, sociales, y para la hospitalidad a persones de todos origenes. Comprometa a los niños a compartir su hogar y a ofrecer amabilidad y amistad a los invitados.

V. Esfuérzese por hacer de su hogar un sitio de risa y alegria, espontaniedad y creatividad donde sus niños quieran trerá a sus amigos, no por ningún beneficio material, sino por el amor y la felicidad que se encuentran allí.

W. Estimule a los niños a enseñar la fe a sus compañeros de clase y maestros. Intente, en ocasiones, a invitar a sus familias a su hogar. Consideré hacer galletas para la clase de sus niños el día después de un Día Sagrado.

X. Enseñe a los niños a lograr excelencia en sus empresas; a completar cualquier cosa que empiezan y a perseverar a pesar de penalidades o dificultades.

Y. Enseñe a sus niños a respetar y a obedecer simepre a sus maestros, bahá’ís o no. Esto en sí mismo traerá distinción a su familia. Si le preocupa algo, hable personalmente con el maestro, en un espiritu de ayuda mutua. Evite la critica hacia al maestro o el minar la confianza que sus niño le tenga.

Z. Cuando se entere de que alguien de diferente raza o nacionalidad se ha mudado a su vecindario o ciudad, lleve a sus niños para darles la bienvenida y ofrecer sus ayuda y amistad.

‘General Jack’ campaign reports declarations in a number of Soviet areas

Young Bahá’ís engaged in the "General Jack" teaching campaign in the Soviet Union (named for the late pioneer Marion Jack) report declarations in a number of areas including more than 50 in Ulan Ude, southern Siberia, and others in Sever-obaikalsk.

In July, programs on the Faith including firesides were carried on radio and television in that area. And as of that time the friends had given out about 7,000 copies of the peace statement and 500 copies of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.

Nuevo documento para Imigrados por el Servicio INS

El Servicio de Immigración y Naturalización Estdounidense (INS—U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service) ahora despacha un nuevo documento de empleado autorizado a imigrados y refugiados en los EE.UU. con entrada legal que buscan empleo. Puesto que muchos patrones estaban confusos por los varios tipos de documentos de empleo autorizado y por lo tanto que a veces rehusaban considerar aplicaciones de empleo individual, éste documento nuevo intenta aseguar a los patrones estadounidenses que aquellos que aplican para empleo, quienes aparecerán y suenan extranjeros, pero llevan el documento nuevo, son eligibles para ser empleados. El documento nuevo se parece a una licencia despachada por el estado o una carta de identificación con foto.

En agosto de 1989 el INS empezó despachar una Carta Residente Extranjera (antes conocida como "la carta verde"-"green card") a extranjeros residentes permanentes. La revisada "carta verde" es color de rosa.

Según el INS, "otras cartas no expiradas siendo documentados de empleo autorizadas" e "otras Cartas de Residencia Extranjeras despachadas por el INS continuarán siendo aceptadas." Sin embargo, imigrantes y refugiados en los EE.UU. se les recomiendan aplicar por el documento nuevo cuando buscan empleo. No obstante, posiendo la carta no guarantiza empleo.

Para más información acerca de la carta nueva de documento de empleo autorizado y la revisada Carta de Extranjero Residente, póngase en contacto con su oficina local del INS.

On March 30, Bahá’í Louis Jessepe, an American Indian artist (better known as "Roe Cloud") was honored with a pow-wow and ceremony on the occasion of his 73rd birthday. Hundreds of people from various tribes and localities including Bahá’ís from Kansas and Nebraska came to the Pottawatomie Reservation in Holton, Kansas, to pay their respects to Mr. Jessepe. Roe Cloud's handmade crafts, which have won national acclaim, were displayed at the pow-wow. In 1979 he was invited by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate his crafts for two weeks as a visiting artist, and has been invited to return to the nation's capital this year. His crafts were a popular item at a fund-raising auction March 10 in Overland Park at which $800 was raised to help repair the House of Worship in Wilmette. Although formally a member of the Pottawatomie tribe, Roe Cloud is one of five American Indian Bahá’ís who live on the Kickapoo Reservation.

The Alabama Fall Bahá’í School will be held November 14 at the Days Inn Motel in Orange Beach. For information, contact the registrar, Keitha Hudson, Birmingham, AL 35222 (phone 205-595-9905). [Page 13]

Meeting In New York supports work on women's Issues

A meeting historic in its implications for future Bahá’í interagency cooperation took place August 10 at the Bahá’í UN offices in New York City.

Attending were representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Bahá’í International Community, the U.S. Bahá’í UN office, and the Bahá’í National Committee on Women.

The meeting ws called to explore ways in which the activities of the various agencies of Bahá’í administration can communicate with one another to better support their work on women's issues. It began with reports of current activities.

At the international level, it was reported that several Bahá’í women took part in a meeting in Vienna of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) that preceded the meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

A meeting of representatives of European National Spiritual Assemblies, called by the BIC, related to external affairs, indicated that European Bahá’í women are initiating contacts and carrying out activities with other women's organizations with increasing frequency.

The National Committee on Women is working closely with the U.S. National Council of Women, nurturing cooperation with Hispanic women's organizations, and working on the development of Bahá’í deepening and curriculum materials on the issue of sexual equality.

The committee encourages and supports programs by Bahá’í communities to honor minority women (non-Bahá’í) for community service.

A representative of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of External Affairs is working with members of other organizations including B'nai B'rith, Amnesty International, The American Bar Association, UNA-USA, and the American Association of University Women to urge ratification by the U.S. of several UN Conventions including the "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women."

The U.S. Bahá’í UN representative, who is chairman of the executive committee of the United Nations Association Conference of UN Representatives, Council of Organizations, has proposed the participation of the UNA-USA in these same efforts.

It was agreed by the participants that these activities portend the rising influence of Bahá’í initiatives related to the status of women.

A second meeting, to be chaired by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, is to be held in January.

Even during 'slow' summer season, Bahá’í UN offices keep hectic pace

While July and August are usually "down" days for activity by the various non-governmental organizations at the UN because the General Assembly is not in session and regular briefings for NGOs are suspended in the summer, the pace of work at the Bahá’í UN offices did not slacken.

Activities included preparation for the opening of an office of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in Fiji; composing a draft proposal for a joint Bahá’í-UNIFEM development project for Bolivia, Cameroon and Malaysia, to be funded by UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women); a report from the director of the BIC Office of Public Information in New York on his recent travels to London, Paris and Japan where new vistas for Bahá’í involvement are being explored; and the development, assembling and mailing of materials for a two-day colloquium at the UN on "The Relevance of Albert Schweitzer at the Dawn of the 21st Century."

In August, a luncheon was held at the UN in honor of Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein who is the recipient of the 1990 Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award. An informal tea was held at the BIC office for visiting dignitaries from Pakistan, and visitors from Ethiopia, Morocco, and a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of India were guests of the offices.

On his return from a tour of three Bahá’í schools in Bolivia, Brad Pokorny, editor of "One Country," a Bahá’í journal for non-Bahá’ís, reported that the schools would be the topic of a future article in that publication.

Visits to Paris and Geneva by Daniel Wegener, BIC representative to the UN, involved consultations that helped to cement relationships and move forward programs on literacy, education and development at the international level.

The director of the Office of the Environment attended a meeting in Geneva of the CONGO (Committee of NGOs in Consultative Status with UNESCO) Planning Committee for the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, and is working with Bahá’í representatives in Nairobi, Kenya, who will be attending the coming meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the 1992 conference.

Work by the Office of Public Information progressed on an award program for the International Council of Women, and the U.S. Bahá’í representative to the UN was preparing proposals to be presented to the 1990 Convention of UNA-USA and working on the By-Laws Committee of that organization which is revising its by-laws for the first time in 25 years.

Not the least of these activities was staff anticipation and preparation for a visit August 22 by Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice.

Among her other travels, Dr. Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the BIC, went to Los Angeles to speak at the 1990 Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemorative Peace Program at the Bahá’í Center.

Esperanto League forms new group, BELusono, to serve American Bahá’ís

A new American Bahá’í Esperanto association, BELusono, was formed in Chicago last summer at the national convention of the Esperanto League for North America (ELNA).

The rapid growth of Esperanto in this country was recognized by the Universal Esperanto Association in Rotterdam, which awarded the Fyne Trophy to ELNA in recognition of its percentage increase in membership.

Members of ELNA and BELusono will be happy to be of service to those Bahá’ís wishing to learn Esperanto. For information and a free home study course, contact:

BELusono, P.O. Box 1954, Ramona, CA 92065 (phone 619-789-6648). ELNA, P.O. Box 1129, El Cerrito, CA 94530 (phone 415-653-0998). BEL, RFD 1, Box 29, Wilber, NE 68465 (phone 402-821-2027). The Language Company, Route 5, Box 303, Boone, NC 28607 (phone 704-264-2207).

NEAF alive and well

From Papua New Guinea comes news from Don Todd, secretary of the New Era Aviation Fellowship (NEAF) that the organization is alive and well.

Those who would like information about this association for aviation enthusiasts and others in the business are invited to write to Mr. Todd c/o Bob Leonard, (Broadhurst Post Office), Gaborone, Botswana.

Bahá’í Peace Award

Yehderah Tobiga, who came to the U.S. from Ghana only four years ago, is the recipient of the second annual Bahá’í Peace Award and scholarship given to a deserving student at Sunset High School by the Spiritual Assembly of Washington County, Oregon. The award is presented to a member of the senior class "who best exemplifies the characteristics of world citizenship."

Miss Tobiga started the school's African-American Club and worked on the program commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. An article about the presentation appeared in the Portland Oregonian.

Request for articles by and about refugees

Are you sponsoring/assisting Bahá’í refugees in the U.S.? Would you like to share some of your recent experiences among Bahá’í refugees? If so, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office would greatly appreciate receiving the following types of articles:

(1) Stories of your recent experiences in contacting and integrating Vietnamese, Laotian, Khmer, Hmong and Iranian Bahá’í refugees into the American Bahá’í community.

(2) Stories about the contributions of Bahá’í refugees to Bahá’í community life in your locality (for example, how are the Bahá’í refugees helping to improve the quality of your Feasts, Bahá’í Holy Day commemorations, and other local Bahá’í gatherings and activities, and what kinds of Bahá’í activities have they initiated or proposed?).

(3) Stories, thoughts and ideas of Bahá’í children and youth who have interacted with their Bahá’í refugee peers.

(4) Impressions of Bahá’í refugees about their Bahá’í experiences in the U.S. and any thoughts and ideas they may wish to share about their progress and achievements since arriving in this country.

You need not be an experienced writer to send us your stories, and they need not be typewritten. If you know a Bahá’í refugee in your area who speaks, but does not write, English, and who wishes to share thoughts and ideas relating to his/her Bahá’í experiences and individual progress, you may wish to meet with him/her and write these down.

All submissions should be in English. We hope to print some of them in The American Bahá’í from time to time. All material submitted for publication in The American Bahá’í is subject to editing and review.

Please send your articles about the Bahá’í refugees to: U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 14]

LETTERS

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

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

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

• • Using the Bahá’í calendar**

To the Editor:

The Universal House of Justice continues to remind us of the importance of fostering unity within the Faith, and the other night, after reading a passage in Adib Taherzadeh's book, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Vol. 1, 1853-1863 (p. 116), I was struck with the conviction that we need to get into the habit of using the Bahá’í calendar in our personal correspondence and certainly in our Bahá’í activities.

So often, it is these little everyday babita that have a telling effect on our mind and spirit.

What a practical way to always know where we are in the Bahá’í month and how close is the next Nineteen Day Feast. And what a wonderful spiritual reminder that the months are named for the attributes of God.

The new calendar was ordained by the Báb, and, according to Mr. Taherzadeh, the Báb took the names of the 19 months, and the order in which they are given, "from a beautiful prayer in Shi'ah Islam" that was usually recited during the period of fasting in the Muslim month of Ramadán.

It seems to me logical that using our Bahá’í calendar is a necessary step toward binding the believers worldwide. Even now, Bahá’ís living in Muslim, Hindu or Judaic cultures have different calendar dates from the ones used in our western Christian culture. From a practical point of view, the use of the current form in each culture would have to be used along with the Bahá’í date until much later on when our Faith becomes accepted universally as the new common era.

An interesting question arises, however: which language do we use? The Arabic names of the days and months? Or the translation of each into our own tongue? Or could the answer lie in using an international language, such as Esperanto? It would be interesting to hear input from others.

Grace Calf Maynard, Massachusetts

• • Remembering Jacob Wetterling**

To the Editor:

On October 22, 1989, a fellow Bahá’í, Jerry Wetterling, and his wife, Patricia, had their lives shattered by the abduction of their 11-year-old son, Jacob. The Wetterlings live in a quiet country town in Minnesota.

Their tragedy has received much national attention due to the tireless devotion of Jacob's parents. I have seen the Wetterlings on television, have received a missing children's mailer with Jacob's photo on it, and recently read an article by his mother in a national women's magazine.

The disappearance of Jacob, and the unbelievable pain it is causing his family, has touched and disturbed me deeply. The ugliness and violence of this crime has also tested my faith in a way I'm not altogether comfortable with.

Somehow, in being a Bahá’í, I've always hoped we were somewhat protected from such violence—especially where it hurts most, our precious children. It is difficult to realize that we all are vulnerable to the cruelties of the world in which we live. But I'm learning.

I have three children, the oldest a son Jacob's age. This is not a lesson easily taught to our children either.

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Excellence in all things...

Jennifer Marie Hallock, a Bahá’í who is a senior at Michigan State University, has been awarded a Fulbright scholarship to represent American university students at French-speaking universities in Africa. She will visit Senegal, Burkina Faso and Burundi, and will host African students at MSU.

Jordis Langness, a Bahá’í from Denver, Colorado, has received the Silver Anvil Award for excellence in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America. She and a colleague won the award in the non-profit/public affairs category for their work with environmental groups in Colorado.

Nai Karimimanesh and Emmone Abedini, Bahá’í children from San Mateo, California, won prizes last January in an essay contest on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sponsored by Black Women United and the North Central Neighborhood Group of San Mateo. Nai won first prize in the fourth grade group while Emmone placed third among third graders. Both indicated that the Bahá’í Faith and its views on the elimination of racism were important elements in their essays and poetry.

Margaret G. Peterson, a Bahá’í from Asheville, North Carolina, was recently named Woman of the Year by members of the Sky Hy chapter of the American Business Women's Association in Asheville.

Tasha Gabrina Williams, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from North Charleston, South Carolina, has been named "Citizen of the Year" for grades K through 5 in the Charleston County School District.

Brian Aull, a Bahá’í from Cambridge, Massachusetts, was recently congratulated for his work on the Cambridge Peace Commission in a procia- mation signed by Mayor Alice K. Wolf of Cambridge. Mr. Aull has served on the commission for four years including two as chairman.

Matt Hitti, a Bahá’í from Cortez, Colorado, is one of two recent Mostezuma-Cortez High School graduates chosen to attend the 1990 summer Keystone Brass Institute for talented brass musicians of all ages. Matt is a trumpet player.

Dr. Jean Norris Scales, an Auxiliary Board member since 1985, was honored June 4 by the City Council of Durham, North Carolina, on her retirement after 31 years as a faculty member at North Carolina Central University where she was an associate professor of English. A resolution by the City Council praises Dr. Scales as "a standard bearer in the English Department at NCCU... a poet and scholar," and notes that she is "a distinguished member of the Bahá’í Faith" who "served on the first local Spiritual Assembly of Durham in 1962 and remained a member of this elected administrative group until 1985 when appointed an Auxiliary Board member for the states of North Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia." Dr. Scales, who taught previously at Jackson (Mississippi) State College and Prairie View A&M College in Texas, was also honored in the resolution as "an active supporter for improving human relations in the Durham community, as a volunteer reading tutor for elementary school students, and as an activist during the civil rights movement."

Elaine Mills, a Bahá’í from Denver, Colorado, visited Israel in July as recipient of a Vinnik Fellowship for research and travel in that country. The fellowships are awarded annually to persons in religion, Judaica, or interfaith studies programs. Ms. Mills is a teacher's aide at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine where she works with nursery, kindergarten and first-grade children.

Erica Rayshel, a Bahá’í from Riverside, California, was graduated this year as valedictorian of Ramona High School. Her valedictory address to the more than 2,000 students and family members at the school's graduation ceremony held closely to the content of "The Promise of World Peace." Ms. Rayshel, who plans a career as a teacher or museum curator, was a member of the All-State Honor Choir and was active in drama, playing leading roles in several plays.

Kimberly A. Sanjur, a Bahá’í from Homestead, Florida, was recently chosen from among several thousand employees as Federal Employee of the Year for the greater Miami area in the technical category. She works full-time as a safety technician for the Department of the Navy, and attends evening classes at St. Leo's College where she is to graduate in December.

Melody Mullins, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Los Angeles, has been nominated for the second year in a row for Who's Who Among American High School Students, one of less than 1/2 of 1 percent of students so honored. She is a People-to-People High School Student Ambassador whose Bahá’í activities include membership in the Bahá’í Youth Workshop and on the Feast Committee.

Colleen Williams, a Bahá’í from Union Township, Ohio, was graduated with honors this year from the University of Cincinnati. She was named "Most Outstanding Student" and has been elected to Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. Ms. Williams, who secured approval for a Bahá’í invocation and benediction at her graduation ceremony, has accepted a position at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

Jade Rubick, a Bahá’í from West Linn, Oregon, is one of 100 U.S. high school students including two from Oregon to win a 1990 Japan-U.S. Senate Scholarship, administered through Youth for Understanding International Exchange. In addition to receiving scholarship awards of $2,560, each of the winners spent seven weeks this summer touring Japan. [Page 15]Recent Bahá’í proclamation events in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area have included Race Unity Day (above), at which a group of Nigerian musicians was featured; Earth Day '90 (top right) in Dallas, whose marchers included members of the Bahá’í Choir; and an appearance by the choir (right) at a church in Ferris, Texas, on World Religion Day.

WE ARE FLOWERS OF ONE GARDEN BAHÁ’Í FAITH-

Music on the hou-chin (a two-stringed violin), a traditional Chinese musical instrument, was a part of 'An Evening of Chinese and Persian Culture' July 14 at the University of California-Riverside. Trying his hand at the instrument is Bahman Soltani, a Bahá’í from Riverside, with help from Yean-You Hwang, a member of the Chinese Thunder music group.

Riverside hosts ‘evening of Chinese/Persian Culture’

On July 14, the Spiritual Assembly of Riverside, California, and the Bahá’í Club at UC-Riverside co-sponsored "An Evening of Chinese and Persian Culture" at the university.

The more than 160 people attending included students and staff of the Riverside Chinese School, Chinese college students, members of the public, and Bahá’ís from the area.

The master of ceremonies, Farzam Kamalabadi, a Persian-born Bahá’í who now lives in Macau, addressed the audience in Mandarin, Cantonese, Persian and English.

The program consisted of a dinner of Chinese and Persian dishes followed by entertainment and dessert.

Students and staff from the Riverside Chinese School presented traditional Chinese music and dance, while members of the Spring Thunder Chinese music group performed on traditional Chinese instruments.

A newspaper reporter and photographer covered the event, and an article about it appeared in the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Albuquerque, Ashkabad ‘sister cities’

During the 1990 Sister Cities International Conference, held July 25-29 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a resolution was signed by the mayors of Albuquerque and Ashkabad, Turkmenistan, declaring them to be sister cities.

Ashkabad's three-member delegation to the conference consisted of the mayor, his assistant, and the city engineer.

Asked if he had heard of the Bahá’í Faith, the mayor said he certainly had, adding that Ashkabad had once had a magnificent Bahá’í Temple which unfortunately had been destroyed.

The mayor was introduced to several Bahá’ís from Albuquerque who were at the conference, and said he was impressed that there are also Bahá’ís in Albuquerque.

Bahá’í literature in Russian was presented to the delegation, and the mayor invited a group of Americans who planned to visit the Soviet Union this year to visit him while in Ashkabad.

Women’s Workshop held at New York City Center

A Women's Workshop was held July 13-15 at the Bahá’í Center in New York City.

The theme was the transformation of society from a model based on domination to one of partnership with values of nurturing, cooperation and compassion, and the role of women in this transformation.

About 20 women attended the workshop which was conducted by Betty Martin, a Bahá’í from Washington state.

Treat photos of Master with respect, dignity

Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice have strongly urged the Bahá’ís to treat photographs of the Master with the utmost respect and dignity. The Universal House of Justice has stated that photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "should not be used indiscriminately."

The National Spiritual Assembly discourages the use of portraits or photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in contacts with the media, especially with newspapers. The seven Houses of Worship and the Bahá’í properties in Haifa are appropriate photographs for publicity.

The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have stated that the Greatest Name and the Bahá’í ringstone symbol (a form of the Greatest Name) should not be used in publicity photos or in contacts with the news media. [Page 16]

PRESIDENT GORBACHEV IN MINNESOTA / تقدیم بیانیه صلح به میخائیل گورباچف

در روز ۲ جون سال جاری هنگامی که میخائیل گورباچف رئیس جمهور اتحاد جماهیر شوروی از ایالت مینسوتا دیدار میکرد نسخه ای از "وعده صلح جهانی" از جانب بهائیان آن ایالت به مشار الیه تقدیم گردید.

نسخه ای که به آقای گورباچف اهداء شد، نشر ممتازی از بیانیه صلح بیت العدل اعظم با جلد چرمی و اصل انگلیسی و ترجمه آن به زبان روسی بود و در جوف آن نامه ای از جانب احیای مینسوتا خطاب به رئیس جمهور قرار داشت. نسخه مذکور با روبانهای در هم پیچیده ای به رنگ پرچمهای ایالات متحده و شوروی به نشان اختلاط و آشتی دو کشور تزئین شده بود.

کارکنان دفتر فرماندار ایالت governor مینسوتا آقای رودی پرپیچ Rudy Perpich تسهیلاتی برای اهداء بیانیه صلح به آقای گورباچف ایجاد کردند و قبول نمودند که نسخه مذکور را از جانب بهائیان به ایشان تقدیم نمایند.

هر چند که به علت تراکم امور ممکن نشد که رئیس جمهور شوروی با رؤسای دینی مینسوتا دیداری به عمل آورد، ضمناً با کمک و هدایت محفل روحانی ملی و محفل روحانی بهائیان سینت پال St. Paul احباء توانستند به این پیروزی چشمگیر دست یابند و نسخه ای از "وعده صلح جهانی" را به رئیس جمهور یکی از دو ابر قدرت سیاسی و نظامی جهان تقدیم نمایند.

SISTER CITIES / شهرهای خواهر

در کنفرانس بین المللی شهرهای خواهر sister cities که از ۲۰ الی ۲۹ جولای سال جاری در آلبوکرکی Albuquerque در ایالت نیومکزیکو منعقد گردید، شهردار آن شهر و شهردار عشق آباد از جمهوری ترکمنستان شوروی با صدور يك قطعنامه دو شهر مذکور را بعنوان شهرهای خواهر اعلام نمودند. نمایندگان عشق آباد عبارت بودند از شهردار و دستیار او و مهندس شهر. وقتی که از شهردار سوال شد آیا اطلاعی درباره امر بهائی دارد یا نه، وی اظهار داشت که البته چنین بوده است و سپس افزود که بهائیان خیلی در عشق آباد داشتند که متأسفانه خراب شده است. شهردار همچنین اظهار نمود که در حال حاضر یک جامعه بهائی در عشق آباد وجود دارد که مشروعیتش به حکم قانون محرز است و در دفتر سازمانهای شهر ثبت شده است.

سپس چند تن از احیای آلبوکرکی به حضور شهردار عشق آباد معرفی شدند و مشار الیه از دیدار آنان اظهار خوشوقتی کرد و گفت که حضور بهائیان در آلبوکرکی او را تحت تأثیر قرار داده است.

در این کنفرانس مقداری جزوات بهائی به زبان روسی به نمایندگان عشق آباد تقدیم شد و شهردار از گروهی از امریکائیان که قرار است به شوروی سفری کنند دعوت کرد که از عشق آباد دیدن نمایند.

MUSICAL GROUP VISITS CHINA / سفر یک گروه هنری به چین

يك گروه شش نفره هنری که ۴ نفر از اعضای آن بهائی هستند، روز ۱ آگست سال جاری سفر دو ماهه خود را به چین آغاز کردند.

عامل اصلی ایجاد این برنامه تبادل فرهنگی امریکائی و چینی خانمی به نام ژو مینگ ینگ Zhu Ming Ying یکی از هنرمندان موسیقی متداول امروزی در چین است که در حال حاضر در یکی از دانشکده های موسیقی در بوستون در ایالت ماساچوست به تحصیل اشتغال دارد.

این نخستین سفر هنرمند مذکور به چین در چهار سال گذشته است. يك گروه بهائی به نام "بشریت یکی است" Mankind Is One نیز او را همراهی خواهد کرد. ۳ بهائی در گروه مذکور شرکت دارند که یکی از آنها نوازنده ساکسیفون و دیگری نوازنده پیانو و سومی نوازنده باس است. این گروه در ۱۱ شهر که پکن نیز یکی از آنهاست به اجرای برنامه های هنری خواهند پرداخت. دولت چین حمایت کامل خود را از این گروه اعلان کرده است. وجوهی که در نتیجه کنسرتهای گروه مذکور جمع آوری می شود، صرف مخارج یازدهمین بازی های آسیائی که قرار است در پائیز سال کنونی در پکن اجراء شود خواهد شد.

SINO-AMERICAN CONFERENCE / کنفرانس چینی امریکایی در پکن

در ماه جون امسال اولین کنفرانس چینی امریکایی درباره مسائل زنان در پکن پایتخت چین کمونیست انعقاد یافت. این نخستین کنفرانس بین المللی بود که پس از اوضاع بحرانی ماه جون سال گذشته در چین تشکیل میشد.

برای چینیان تشکیل این کنفرانس رویدادی شایسته جهت حصول آشنایی بیشتر با امریکائیان و تبادل فکر با آنان بود اما بهتر این بود که تقریباً همه زنان چینی حاضر در کنفرانس با بهائیانی که در آن شرکت داشتند، آشنا شدند و سخنرانی هایی را که به نمایندگی از طرف نمایندگان محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده ایراد میشد استماع نمودند.

حدود پانصد نفر در کنفرانس مذکور شرکت داشتند، نیمی از این عده از ایالات متحده و هاوائی و آلاسکا و امریکای مرکزی بودند. ۲۲ نفر از احباء نیز در این گروه کنفرانس شرکت داشتند. خانم جوانا کانراد Juana Conrad عضو محترم محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و همچنین خانم کترین بیگلو Katharine Bigelow نماینده دفتر امور خارجی محفل ملی از جمله احیایی بودند که در کنفرانس مذکور شرکت نمودند.

موضوع های اصلی کنفرانس که همه با مسائل زنان ارتباط داشت عبارت بود از آموزش و پرورش، اشتغال به کار و پیشرفت در مشاغل، حیات خانواده و نگهداری از کودکان، سلامت و بهداشت. شش نفر از احباء مقالاتی را که راجع به موضوع های اصلی کنفرانس تهیه نموده بودند، در جلسات کوچک تر کنفرانس قرائت نمودند.

هدف اصلی از تشکیل کنفرانس این بود که فرصتی برای تبادل آراء و اطلاعات و تحقیقات فراهم شود. در ارتباط با همین امر بسیاری از تعالیم Bahá’í نیز به استحضار شرکت کنندگان رسید. احیای حاضر در کنفرانس شاهد آن بودند که زنان چینی با چه دقتی به تحقیقات و اطلاعاتی که غربیان ارائه مینمودند، گوش فرا میدادند و در نتیجه نگران روندهای اجتماعی آمریکا و به ویژه بی اعتنائی به کم و بی اعتباری ارزشهای اخلاقی در ایالات متحده بودند.

از سوی دیگر هر گاه سخنی از تعالیم امر Bahá’í به میان می آمد مطالبی چون احترام به بزرگسالان و رفتار اخلاقی و رسیدگی به تحصیل فرزندان و رشد فکری و اوضاع حاضران نمایند، شرکت کنندگان چینی با اشتیاق فراوان آن را میپذیرفتند. هم احیایی که برنامه سخنرانی داشتند و هم یارانی که در استماع بحث و مذاکره کنفرانس شرکت نموده فرمت های گوناگونی یافتند که تعالیم امری را گوشزد حاضران نمایند.

در خاتمه کنفرانس از جانب نمایندگان سازمانهای مختلف هدایایی به فدراسیون زنان چینی تقدیم گردید. احباء نیز آن پرده نقش داری را که توسط یکی از احباء دوخته شده بود، به سازمان مذکور اهداء نمودند. این پرده نقش دار حاوی نقش شسته ای که حاکی از اتحاد و همکاری زنان شرق و غرب برای حصول صلح جهانی و همچنین مزین به بیانات حضرت Bahá’u’lláh به زبان چینی بود.

CHINESE-PERSIAN CULTURAL EVENING / شب فرهنگی ایران و چین

غروب ۱۴ جولای سال جاری محفل روحانی شهر ریورساید Riverside در ایالت کالیفرنیا با همکاری کلوپ Bahá’í دانشگاه آن شهر برنامه ای با عنوان "شب فرهنگی ایران و چین" ترتیب داد.

بیش از ۱۱۰ نفر از محصلان و کارکنان مدرسه چینی ریورساید و همچنین دانشجویان چینی و شهروندان ریورساید و گروهی از احباء در این برنامه شرکت جستند. ناظم این برنامه آقای فرزام کمال آبادی یکی از احیای ایرانی که در حال حاضر در ماکائو زندگی میکند به دو زبان از زبانهای چینی و همچنین به فارسی و انگلیسی مطالبی بیان کرد.

برنامه مذکور شامل صرف شام و اجرای برنامه های هنری بود. غذاهایی که برای شام تهیه شده بود مشتمل بر اغذیه و دسرهای ایرانی و چینی بود. محصلان و کارکنان مدرسه چینی ریورساید چند برنامه هنری و رقص سنتی چینی اجراء کردند و گروهی دیگر از چینیان نیز یک برنامه موسیقی سنتی چینی با آلات موسیقی سنتی چین اجراء نمودند.

شرح این برنامه فرهنگی با عکس و سایر تفاصیل در یکی از جراید که تیراژ آن ۱۱۰ هزار است، درج گردید.

BOSTON BAHA'I CENTER / حظیره القدس بوستون

خبر افتتاح حظیره القدس شهر بوستون در ۲۰ جون سال جاری در چند روزنامه محلی انعکاس یافته است. از جمله در شماره مخصوص یکشنبه روزنامه بوستون گلوب Boston Sunday Globe ستونی به افتتاح مرکز مذکور و نیز ذکر مبانی و تعالیم امر Bahá’í اختصاص یافته است.

یکی از خبرنگاران روزنامه ساوت اند نیوز South End News که مرکز Bahá’í نیز در میان ناحیه ای که روزنامه مذکور در آن منتشر میشود قرار دارد، در یکی از دو روزی که حظیره القدس برای استقبال از عموم مفتوح بود به محل رفته و در نتیجه مقاله ای در یک صفحه کامل با درج عکس هایی از کارگاه جوانان Bahá’í بوستون منتشر نموده است.

NEW PUBLICATIONS / آثار قلمی دکتر ریاض قدیمی

چنانکه یاران ایرانی استحضار دارند دکتر ریاض قدیمی از معلمان معروف ایرانی جامعه امرند. ایشان در چند سال گذشته به نگارش و تألیف چندین کتاب و رساله پرداخته اند. مطالعه کتابها و رساله های ایشان برای همه یاران ایرانی به ویژه برای جوانان بسیار سودمند و آموزنده است. صورتی از آثار جناب دکتر قدیمی و قیمت هر یک در زیر درج می گردد:

۱- سلطان رسل حضرت رب اعلی تاریخ مختصری از دوره حضرت اعلی و شرحی در مورد اهمیت دور بابی و... ۲- سید رسل حضرت محمد، اسلام و مذاهب آن شرحی از حیات حضرت محمد و رسالت آن حضرت و بحثی درباره حقیقت اسلام و تاریخ و فرق آن ۱۰ دلار ۳- حضرت روح عیسی بن مریم، مسیحیت و مذاهب آن شرح مبسوطی از حیات حضرت مسیح و تاریخ مسیحیت و مذاهب و فرق آن ۲۰ دلار ۴- گلزار تعالیم بهائی، حاوی قریب یکهزار و پنجاه فقره از نصوص مبارکه درباره یکصد و بیست موضوع از تعالیم بهائی ۱۰ دلار ۵- فرهنگ لغات منتخبه چاپ دوم حاوی واژه های عربی و فارسی و برخی از اعلام که در آثار امری به کار رفته است ۴۰ دلار ۶- جزوه تاریخ ادیان چاپ دوم بعلاوه فصلی جدید درباره ادیان هندو و بودا ۶ دلار ۷- جمال ابهی حضرت بهاء الله جل اسمه الاعلى چاپ دوم که به زودی منتشر خواهد شد.

لیستهای فوق به دلار آمریکایی است و شامل هزینه ارسال نیز هست. علاقه مندان میتوانند با ارسال چک در وجه آقای کامران نجاتی Nejati آثار دکتر قدیمی را خریداری نمایند. c/o Kamran Nejati Willowdale, Ontario, CANADA M2J 4T6

نوار "ایام متبرکه بهائی"

همانگونه که در شماره پیشین "امریکن Bahá’í" اشاره شد، اخیراً نوار کاستی با عنوان "ایام متبرکه Bahá’í" با صوت خانم شکوه رفائی تهیه شده و توسط مؤسسه مطبوعات امری انتشار یافته است. این نوار مشتمل بر الواح مربوط به ایام متبرکه Bahá’í است و قیمت آن ۶/۸۰ دلار است. علاقه مندان میتوانند نوار مذکور را از طریق مؤسسه توزیع مطبوعات امری خریداری نمایند: تلفن ۱۸۰۰۹۹۹۹۰۱۹

Bahá’í Distribution Service 415 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091 [Page 17]

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام تلگرافی بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی بلیز ۲۹ آگست ۱۹۹۰

از صعود قهرآمیز جناب هدایت‌الله احمدیه، خادم بسیار محبوب و جانفشان و خستگی ناپذیر جمال اقدس ابهی که در شرایطی ناگوار اتفاق افتاده است، عمیقاً متأسفیم. مجاهدات مستمر آن ‎شمعد اخی اله شمع الهی‎ در اعلاء امر حضرت بهاءالله با مشارکت موفقیت آمیز در نشر نفحات مسکیه الهیه من جمله از طریق تهیه دفترچه صوری که در خدمات تبلیغی مورد استفاده بسیاری از یاران و جوامع بهائی قرار گرفته است، محور اصلی خدمات پرشوری است که در مدت مشوار تازه‌ای در آمریکا و سال‌ها خدمت بعنوان عضو و رئیس محفل روحانی ملی کشور بلیز و مهاجرت در ایام شباب در ایران بدانها قائم بوده. موفقیت‌های برجسته ایشان طی اسفار بی‌شمار تبلیغی در آمریکای مرکزی و شمالی و جنوبی الی الابد زینت بخش فصول درخشان تاریخ انتشار امرالله در آن صفحات خواهد بود. مراتب مخدوم عمیق خود را به اعضاء محبوب عائله جناب دکتر احمدیه که همواره خدمات آن ‎شمعد شمع‎ الی الله را صمیمانه حمایت و تأیید می‌نمودند، ابراز می‌داریم. در اعتاب مقدسه دعا می‌کنیم که روح پرفتوحش در جمیع عوالم الهی اجر جزیل یابد و به سعادت و سرور ابدی نائل گردد. شایسته است جلسات تذکاری به یاد آن ‎شمعد شمع‎ الی الله در مشارق الاذکار پاناما و ویلمت و در کلیه جوامع بهائی در سراسر قارات آمریکا منعقد شود.

بیت‌العدل اعظم کنگره جهانی بهائی

WORLD CONGRESS

اخیراً از جانب بیت‌العدل اعظم اطلاعاتی درباره کنگره جهانی بهائی که قرار است در ماه نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ در نیویورک منعقد شود، در اختیار کلیه محافل روحانی ملی نهاده شده است. اطلاعات مزبور در زیر درج می‌گردند:

کنگره جهانی بهائی

این کنگره به مناسبت یکصدمین سالگرد آغاز عهد و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله در مرکز اجتماعات موسوم به "جیکوب جویتز سنتر" Jacob J. ‎Kavits Javits‎ Convention Center در نیویورک منعقد خواهد شد. برنامه اصلی کنگره از روز دوشنبه ۲۲ نوامبر ۱۹۹۲ آغاز و تا روز پنجشنبه ۲۶ نوامبر ۱۹۹۲ ادامه خواهد یافت، اما به منظور آشنا ساختن شرکت کنندگان با محل و نحوه مشارکت در کنگره، برنامه‌های مقدماتی از روز شنبه ۲۱ نوامبر شروع خواهد گردید. به دوستان گرامی توصیه می‌گردد که در این برنامه‌های مقدماتی نیز شرکت نمایند.

ارتباطات

بیت‌العدل اعظم دو دفتر مخصوص برای اداره امور کنگره، تعیین نموده‌اند که عبارتند از:

۱- "لجنه تهیه برنامه کنگره جهانی بهائی" مسؤول تهیه و اجرای برنامه‌هائی خواهد بود که مورد تصویب معهد اعلی قرار خواهد گرفت. دفتر این لجنه در محل دفتر جامعه بین‌المللی بهائی در نیویورک قرار دارد.

۲- "دفتر عملیات پشتیبانی برای کنگره جهانی بهائی" که مسؤول ترتیبات ‎ماشره مباشره‎، از قبیل مسافرت، هتل و محل اقامت، تسهیلات لازم برای کنگره و ثبت نام شرکت کنندگان خواهد بود. این دفتر در حقیرةالقدس ملی بهائیان آمریکا در ویلمت در ایالت ایلینوی مستقر شده است.

به این دو دفتر اختیار داده شده است تا با محافل روحانیه ملیه و سایر مؤسسات و مراجع برای اجرای وظایفی که بر عهده دارند، مخابره و مکاتبه نمایند. از محافل روحانی ملی تقاضا می‌شود تا آنجا که ممکن است با دفاتر مزبور مساعدت و همکاری نمایند.

مسافرت و محل اقامت

دفتر عملیات پشتیبانی برای کنگره جهانی بهائی تدارکات و مسافرتی مخصوصی قرار گذاشته‌اند تا کلیه امور مربوط به مسافرت و اقامت در هتل‌ها را برای شرکت کنندگان در کنگره بر عهده بگیرد و این اقدامات را با کمترین هزینه ممکن از طریق اخذ تخفیف‌های مخصوص دسته‌جمعی ترتیب دهد. لطفاً تأمل بفرمایید و از راهنمایی‌های دفتر پشتیبانی درباره ترتیب دادن سفر و اقامت در هتل‌ها استفاده نمائید. از محافل روحانی ملی تقاضا می‌شود از دوستان عزیز در جامعه خود خواهش کنند که با هتل‌های منطقه نیویورک چه به صورت انفرادی و چه به صورت گروهی تماس نگیرند، زیرا چنین اقداماتی مذاکرات بسیار حساس برای اخذ ارزانترین نرخ ممکن برای کلیه شرکت کنندگان را به مخاطره می‌اندازد.

ثبت نام

دفتر ثبت نام برای شرکت در کنگره از اپریل ۱۹۹۱ آغاز به کار می‌کند و پس از انقضای یک سال در اپریل ۱۹۹۲ تعطیل می‌شود. امید است که بتوان ۲۲ هزار نفر را در کنگره شرکت داد. برای كمك به مرکز جهانی بهائی برای تخمین تعداد شرکت کنندگان تعدادی از محافل روحانی ملی قبلاً فهرست‌هائی از اسامی یارانی که قصد شرکت در کنگره را دارند ارسال داشته‌اند. ولیکن وقتی که دفتر ثبت نام آغاز به کار می‌کند، تمام کسانی که مایلند در کنگره شرکت نمایند بدون استثناء باید حتماً اوراق ثبت نام را تکمیل و به دفتر پشتیبانی تسلیم دارند تا محل آنها در کنگره محفوظ ماند.

حضور در کنگره

لطفاً توجه فرمایید که همسران غیربهائی احباء می‌توانند در کنگره شرکت نمایند اما در مورد اطفال فقط نونهالانی که دوازده سال تمام یا بیشتر دارند، می‌توانند در کنگره شرکت کنند زیرا در ایامی که کنگره منعقد می‌گردد، امکانات لازم برای نگهداری از کودکان کمتر از دوازده سال در شهر نیویورک موجود نیست.

توجه دقیق دوستان به این نکات و مطالب و اطلاعات دیگری که به تدریج از طرف مرکز جهانی و مرکز پشتیبانی و لجنه تهیه برنامه منتشر خواهد شد، موفقیت برگزاری مراسم سال مقدس را تضمین خواهد نمود.

افزایش تبرعات به صندوق ملی

INCREASE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATIONAL FUND

تبرعاتی که احباء در سال مالی جاری تقدیم نموده‌اند، تا آخر شهرالکلمات (۲۱ جولای) بالغ بر ۲۰۵۲۶۱۱ دلار، یا به عبارت دیگر ۲۵ درصد بیش از مقدار تبرعات سال گذشته در مدتی مشابه بوده است. این افزایش موجب سرافرازی جامعه و درخور ستایش است.

همچنین به تعداد افرادی که به صندوق ملی تبرع نموده‌اند نیز افزوده شده است. عدد افرادی که تبرعاتشان به طور اتوماتیک از حساب بانکی‌شان به محفل ملی ارسال می‌شود، از ۲۹۸۹ نفر به ۴۱٤۰ نفر افزایش یافته است.

اما شاید آنچه بیش از هر امر دیگری درخور توجه است این باشد که مقدار تبرعات یاران در ماه‌های تابستان که معمولاً مبلغ تبرعات رو به کاهش می‌گذارد، افزایش یافته و اینهمه در زمانی واقع شده که دفتر امین صندوق قادر به ارسال رسید تبرعات به یاران نبوده است.

از ماه می تا کنون دفتر امین صندوق بجای روبرو شدن با کاهش حصول تبرعات در ماه‌های تابستان، شاهد ازدیاد تقدیمی‌های یاران به قرار زیر بوده است: ۲۲۸ هزار دلار در شهرالعظمة، ۳۱۷ هزار دلار در شهرالنور، ٤٦۰ هزار دلار در شهرالرحمة، ٤٦٥ هزار دلار در شهرالکلمات. افزایش وجوه تبرعات در واقع نشانی از این است که احباء تعهد روحانی خود را به چه جا آورده‌اند.

اما راه آینده به کجا خواهد انجامید؟ هدف اصلی باید بر محور ابقای این شور و شوق جدید باشد. مکاتباتی که یاران با محفل ملی داشته‌اند، حاکی از آن است که آن عزیزان در ‎سندند صددند‎ که نیازهای مالی مربوط به ساختمان‌های قوس را با شور و فعالیت خود تأمین نمایند.

همانگونه که یاران استحضار دارند، در کانونشن ملی امسال ایادی محبوب امرالله جناب ویلیام سیرز نسخه‌ای از کتاب "تاریخ نبیل" را که حضرت ولی امرالله امضاء و به جناب سیرز اهداء فرموده بودند، به محفل روحانی ملی تقدیم نمود تا از محل فروش آن الـ ۲٤ هزار دلار کمک به تبرعات بناهای قوس شود. نمایندگان ایالت تگزاس فی‌المجلس تعهد کردند که ۲٤ هزار دلار را بپردازند و این تعهد شور جدیدی در حاضران ایجاد نمود. در نتیجه ۲٤ هزار دلار دیگر هم جمع‌آوری شد.

تا ۱۵ آگست امسال تبرعات یاران تگزاس بالغ بر ۲۰ هزار دلار بوده است. اما پاسخ دیگر یاران نیز به دعوتی که جناب سیرز جهت شرکت آنان در برآوردن نیازهای مالی مربوط به ساختمان‌های قوس به عمل آورده‌اند، فوری و همراه با پدید آمدن شور جدیدی در آنان بوده است.

محفل روحانی ملی پس از خاتمه کانونشن طی تصمیم گرفت که لوحه ویژه‌ای تهیه ببیند که همراه کتاب "تاریخ نبیل" جناب سیرز برای همیشه در دارالآثار ملی نگاهداری شود و اسامی همه کسانی که در این مشروع مهم سهمی داشته‌اند بر آن نوشته شود.

بدین ترتیب در دو سالی که به اتمام نقشه شش‌ساله باقیمانده و تا زمانی که ٢٤ میلیون دلار از جانب جامعه بهائی آمریکا به صندوق بین‌المللی بهائی تبرع شود، همه کسانی که به صندوق ملی تقدیم تبرعات نمایند، نامشان در لوحه مذکور ثبت خواهد شد.

محفل روحانی ملی خود را متعهد ساخته است که از ۲۵ میلیون دلار بودجه سالانه خود حد اقل ۱۰ میلیون دلار از جانب جامعه بهائی آمریکا به بیت‌العدل اعظم تقدیم نماید.

سخنرانی دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده در "موسسه خاور میانه"

DR. KAZEMZADEH ADDRESSES THE MIDDLE EAST INSTITUTE

به تازگی دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، منشی امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی به درخواست "موسسه خاور میانه" The Middle East Institute واقع در واشنگتن دی‌سی در حضور اعضای موسسه مذکور و گروهی از علاقه‌مندان خطابه‌ای درباره تاریخ و معتقدات امر بهائی و همچنین اوضاع کنونی بهائیان ایران ایراد نمود.

حدود ۲۵ نفر غیربهائی در این جلسه شرکت داشتند و پس از پایان سخنرانی سؤالاتی درباره امر مبارک نمودند.

موسسه مذکور در سال ١٩٤٦ تأسیس شده و هدف از تشکیل آن "تبادل نظر میان افراد خاور میانه که به آمریکا می‌آیند و آمریکائیانی که مایلند آگاهی بیشتری درباره جوامع و فرهنگ‌های خاور میانه داشته باشند" بوده است.

این مؤسسه جهت اکمال اهداف خود کنفرانس‌های سالانه‌ای برای مذاکره در مورد امور مربوط به خاور میانه و همچنین برنامه‌هائی درباره امور اسلامی منعقد می‌نماید. همچنین موسسه مزبور کلاس‌هایی برای فراگرفتن زبان‌های کشورهای خاور میانه تشکیل می‌دهد و به تقدیم خدمات میدانی می‌پردازد.

کتابخانه این مؤسسه حاوی ٢٥ هزار کتاب و مجله است. این مجموعه که اکثر آن به زبان انگلیسی است، جهت آشنا ساختن آمریکائیان با خاور میانه جمع‌آوری شده است.

حقوق‌الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

"... یاران حساب حقوق‌الله را باید از تبرعات سائره جدا شمارند. یعنی ابتداء حقوق‌الله را تأدیه کنند، سپس به اختیار خویش به تبرعات سائره پردازند، زیرا وجود حقوق‌الله باید به اراده مرجع امر صرف گردد، حال آنکه تبرعات سائره بنا به تشخیص و تصمیم ناهی تبرع کننده است."

از دستخط بیت‌العدل اعظم، مورخ ۲۲ آگست ١٩٦٦

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 18]

News In brief

S.C. Bahá’ís march In Beaufort's Water Festival parade

Bahá’ís from several communities supported an entry sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, in the 35th annual Water Festival parade July 21 in Beaufort.

The friends marched behind a bus and gave out balloons, candy and 1,000 invitations to public meetings. After enjoying a cookout with swimming at the home of a Bahá’í in Beaufort, the friends presented a public meeting and fireside that evening at the Green Street Park.

For the fourth year, the Bahá’ís of the Delta communities in California have presented a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior at Liberty Union High School in Brentwood.

This year's winner, Michelle Vestal, has received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

In addition to the scholarship, Miss Vestal was given a framed certificate and a copy of the Universal House of Justice's statement, "The Promise of World Peace."

At its meeting May 11-13 in Toronto, Canada, the Executive Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies elected officers for 1990-91. They are: Chairman, Glen Eyford, St. Albert, Alberta; vice-chairman, Robert C. Henderson, Wilmette, Illinois; secretary, Christine Zerbinis, Ottawa, Ontario; treasurer, Augusto Lopez-Claros, Springfield, Virginia.

Bahá’ís in Winchester, Virginia, were instrumental this year in forming a community association to help combat racism in Winchester.

One result was a Race Unity Day picnic attended by about 80 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís.

An article about the picnic appeared in the local paper, and many people have since expressed an interest in the group.

Thirty Bahá’ís from 10 communities in Oklahoma and from Dallas, Texas, joined forces to man a booth June 8-10 at the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City.

The annual event is the largest American Indian fair in the Southwest, with more than 40,000 attending this year.

Besides greeting visitors to the booth and painting the faces of children with traditional Native American designs, the friends helped at a craft workshop, held a deepening session, and took part in a potluck supper and public meeting.

Florida Winter School

The Florida Regional Winter School will be held November 22-25 at North Middle Florida College.

The Theme is "Children Need to Teach."

Rates are approximately $75 (adult), $57 (youth) and $51 (children). Cabins, cafeteria dining. To register, contact Jim Lanier, Largo, FL 34640, or phone 813-584-2080.

Catalog

from page 11

mented by teacher creativity and use of the Creative Word. By Marie Scheffer, 1988, 41 pp.; photocopy $8.20.

The Promise of World Peace

An intensive five- or six-lesson unit on the peace statement for the 10-15 year age level, yet suitable for youth and adults as well. The unit will be most effective if a teacher supplements the material with audio-visual and kinesthetic activities including application of the lessons to life-transforming activities, Le., teaching and serving, consulting, and presenting the peace statement to others. By Marie Scheffer, 1987, 37 pp.; photocopy $7.40.

The Secret of Wealth: Course on Personal Resource Management

In five sessions, students are engaged in a study of our dual nature as a foundation for learning how to control and make the best use of personal resources, whether spiritual or material. After studying several examples of good and poor family budgeting systems, students learn how to set personal and family priorities and make use of budget finance sheets that reflect their own goods and priorities. The course is basic to any social and economic development project that aims to uplift the human spirit and preserve human resources. Prepared by the Office of the Treasurer, 1979, 85 pp.; photocopy $17.00.

Sing a New Song: Bahá’í Songs for Children

A song book with words and music for younger children. Songs are reflective of the folk music period with both sacred Writings and writer-inspired lyrics. Colorful graphics and illustrations heighten the effect. 1960, 44 pp.; photocopy $8.80

Spanish Lesson Guide for Bahá’í Classes

This guide was prepared for use with children ages 6-9 years in El Salvador. An Hispanic believer has reported the material as useful, accurate and inspiring for both children and adults. By Bonnie Cote, 28 lessons, 37 pp.; photocopy $7.40

Study Classes on the Covenant

An outline for up to six classes for pre-youth, youth and adults. Lists extensive references both for class sessions and homework assignments. Teachers are free to devise strategies and goals for lesson presentations and review at the end of the course. By Marilyn Tashakkor, 1987, 5 pp.; photocopy $1.00.

Study Guide to 'The Dawn-Breakers'

A general outline and summary of Nabil's Narrative followed by a series of questions for evaluation of the students' comprehension of the material in each general reading. Some general-discussion questions are included, as well as a system to help in learning the Persian names and their pronunciation. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1973, 35 pp.: photocopy $7.00.

Study Guide for 'Unrestrained as the Wind'

Provides an opportunity for deeper understanding of the teachings of the Faith as they relate to issues concerning Bahá’í youth in their mission as teachers. Includes 267 discussion questions with references to the text and 92 questions to stimulate the student to relate, compare and create concepts that will result in fresh approaches to teaching, developing a career, and living the Bahá’í life while coping with social pressures. By Dwight Allen, 1985, 26 pp.; photocopy $5.20.

Study Outline: 'The Book of Certitude'

Prepared in response to a letter from the Guardian emphasizing the importance of the Book of Certitude and its role in the teaching work in the West. The first section outlines parts one and two of the book, while the second section presents 59 discussion questions under each main heading of the outline. Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 1933, 15 pp.; photocopy $3.00.

Sunflower Books for Young Children: My Favorite Prayers and Passages

A guide to encourage children to use and memorize the Writings while recording their progress in an orderly, artistic way. Places children in direct contact with the Writings, helping them to acquire the habit of daily prayer and meditation. By Deborah Christensen, 1980, 16 pp.; photocopy $3.20

What Is Teaching? Why Teach?

A program using a combination of activities including art, role-playing and word scrambles from a variety of sources to impart concepts concerned with teaching. The author differentiates between teaching and proclamation, encourages memorization, and includes a stimulus for holding a fireside. By Janet King, undated, 8 pp.; photocopy $1.60.

Youth for One World' Member Manual

An activity manual for intermediate-age children. Designed along lines of a secretary's manual with goals and achievement awards system. Can be used by pre-youth and younger children to increase their motivation to serve, learn, grow, teach and take part in Bahá’í community life. By Linda Gregory and Kathy Peterson, 1980, 116 pp. photocopy $23.20.

Youth Programs for Bahá’í Schools: Director's Resource Guide

A course designed to train youth or adults working with ages 12-21 at Bahá’í schools or universities. It may serve as a manual for a director planning a program for youth. Describes age characteristics and expectations, program ideas, and organizational details, and suggests activities, a time line for completion of director's preparations, and a list of responsibilities. The course aims to generate a feeling of respect and dignity for each young person, and encourages a balance among spiritual, social and recreational activities National Education Committee, 1981, 34 pp.; photocopy $6.80.

Glencoe, IL Bahá’í Community

At a recent Feast in Glencoe, Illinois, two Bahá’í youth, Arya and Anisa Czerniejewski, made fuzzy 'caricatures' of each member of the community. After the identity of each was determined, the fuzzies were sold, raising $90 for the Fund. The fuzzies were part of a 'Feast of Sacrifice' concept in part of a 'Feast of Sacrifice' concept in which the five Bahá’í families in Glencoe take turns planning something special to raise funds for the Cause These have included a hula hoop contest, a movie and candy sale, and a dinner and auction. At the Feast at which the fuzzies were sold, a breakfast and used toy sale raised more than $1,100 which was sent to help restoration of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

EVALUATION

1. How was the catalog used? 2. How might you use the catalog? 3. What are the positive elements of the catalog? 4. What are your suggestions for improvemen 5. Do you know of other educational materials that you feel should be considered for the catalog? Please list.

Please return to: National Bahá’í Education Committee c/o Anne Breneman Florence, SC 29501 [Page 19]

Letters

I feel quite helpless in the face of such tragedy and pain. I am writing because I want the Wetterlings to know that Jacob is not forgotten. I pray for him daily, and for an end to their pain and suffering.

It is my hope that the entire American Bahá’í community may remember the Wetterling family in their daily prayers.

Michele Logan Clovis, California

In other words...

To the Editor:

The Spiritual Assembly of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has found a good way to carry out spontaneous translation that it would like to share with the rest of the Bahá’í community.

The Assembly bought several inexpensive Walkman-style portable FM radios with headphones for about $10 each. Then it purchased an FM wireless microphone for $19.95.

The microphone transmits quite clearly to the radios within a radius of more than 100 feet. In this way, a translator can speak quietly into the microphone, and the friends with ordinary FM radios can hear the translator's voice easily.

One of the major benefits of this method is that it helps integrate all of the friends, whether English-speaking or not, so that they can sit together at Feasts and other events. Otherwise, open air translation requires that one area of the room be set aside for non-English-speakers, and the translator's voice is somewhat distracting.

The Spiritual Assembly has found that this inexpensive method works well when it holds events that are attended by Bahá’ís from northern Mexico.

Brent Poirier Las Cruces, New Mexico

Richard St. Barbe Baker

To the Editor:

In its Ridván 1990 message, the Universal House of Justice refers to "the renowned Richard St. Barbe Baker"; this distinction marks St. Barbe Baker as a person of particular interest to Bahá’ís around the world.

The following is an excerpt from the March-April 1990 issue of Mother Earth News:

"Imagine a man who for 92 years walked the earth, often broke but never lost, inspiring others to plant trees. Who organized 3,000 Kenyan warriors into a new secret society, Men of the Trees. Who started reforestation projects in Nigeria, India, New Zealand, Palestine. Who went to court to save the California redwoods—twice, at 30-year intervals. Who organized the Green Front, an international effort to stop the advancing Sahara desert with a great wall of trees. Whose inspiration and guidance were, by one estimate, responsible for planting more than one trillion trees.

"For Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982), a healer of the earth, trees of every kind became his extended family.

"Inspired by childhood experiences of bonding with trees, this British idealist trained to be a professional forester. When the bureaucratic nature of his occupation frustrated him, he struck out on his own. Baker spent the rest of his life traveling the globe organizing planting projects and, in speeches and books, raising public awareness of the need for more trees."

One correction to the above: Men of the Trees was not a "secret society," but was "a fraternity like the scouts," as St. Barbe Baker once carefully explained to Pope Pius XI in a private audience.

Also, it should be added that the founding of the Men of the Trees in 1922 resulted in the planting of millions of trees in Kenya and became a world movement with the cooperation of 108 countries.

It is also noteworthy that St. Barbe Baker worked with President Franklin Roosevelt during the Depression in establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps involving some six million young people.

Richard St. Barbe Baker was probably responsible for the planting of more trees than anyone in history (one source credits him for 26 trillion trees!). And (as William Sears might say) I've saved the best for last:

Richard St. Barbe Baker was a deeply committed Bahá’í who performed important missions for the Faith under the personal direction of the Guardian. He refers to the Faith repeatedly in his autobiography, My Life, My Trees, in which he reveals that the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, was a life-long member of the Men of the Trees!

Thus, it is fitting that when the Universal House of Justice recently established the Bahá’í International Community's Office of the Environment, it was announced that "its current focus will be on trees as a foundation for conservation activities."

Expect to hear more about the growing legacy of "the renowned Richard St. Barbe Baker."

Paul Mantle Grass Valley, California

Helen Archambault, 103; was Bahá’í since 1933

Helen Louise Archambault, a Bahá’í since 1933, died July 11 in Eliot, Maine. She was 103 years old.

Mrs. Archambault, who taught school for 25 years in Massachusetts and Maine, served on the Spiritual Assembly of Boston for 12 years and later on the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot, site of the Green Acre Bahá’í School.

Fruits of cooperation

To the Editor:

You may have read in recent issues of The American Bahá’í and Bahá’í News about the success of last February's conference at the University of Michigan commemorating the work of poet Robert Hayden.

Besides demonstrating how even so ostensibly esoteric an art as poetry can, when empowered by Bahá’u’lláh, become a means of teaching the Faith, this seminal event, attended by no less than two Pulitzer Prize-winning poets, demonstrates something else worth noting.

The idea for the conference began more than four years ago with consultation of the Midwest regional Association for Bahá’í Studies (ABS). But as with most efforts of this sort, success depended ultimately on the persistence of a few devoted souls.

The University of Michigan's English Department, on whose assistance the conference depended, told Dr. Gwen Etter-Lewis, a Bahá’í representative of the Midwest ABS and professor of English at the University of Michigan-Flint, that it would help only if she could raise at least $10,000.

Dr. Lewis contacted and met with many funding agencies over the next two years, and finally wrote a proposal for the Michigan Council of the Humanities, but was told that receiving a grant depended on her acquiring the commitment of nationally known poets.

Over the next year, with the help of Diane Taherzadeh, another Bahá’í with the Midwest ABS, Dr. Etter-Lewis confirmed all the major poets for the conference and was awarded the grant, whereupon the University of Michigan's English Department added $40,000 of its own.

In addition, Mrs. Taherzadeh applied for and received an $8,000 grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts to produce the performance of Mr. Hayden's "Angle of Ascent," and spent a year putting together this marvelous one-night performance as the climax of the conference.

Meanwhile, William Diehl of the Louhelen Bahá’í School painstakingly organized the extremely well-received poetry workshops for high school students.

And what is the point? The point is that when we take note of such milestones and wonder how they come about (and if we too might consider doing something of similar magnitude), we would do well to remember how behind every event like this are individuals sufficiently devoted, selfless and determined that they see the concept through to the end and the seed of an idea, sprung from the fruits of consultation, evolves into something beyond the individual, something capable of producing fruit of its own.

John S. Hatcher Temple Terrace, Florida

Answering the call

To the Editor:

I recently called a number for the Bahá’í Faith only to be greeted by a two-minute sermon accompanied by a dog barking in the background.

The dog was funny, but the sermonizing was an insult (to a non-Bahá’í the words would have meant nothing taken out of context).

When was the last time you listened to what you are sending out to the world on your answering machine?

A word of advice: keep it happy, positive, simple... and smile when you talk. After all, helping the world can be fun!

Susie Knight Farmville, VA

Pictured with Counselor Fred Schechter (center) are the members of the Bahá’í National Youth Committee for 1990-91. Left to right: Alex Cariberg, Linda Ahdieh, Mitchell (Rocky) Moncho and Ryan Haidarian.

IN MEMORIAM

Helen Archambault, Eliot, ME Dolly Clark, Lima, OH Jeffrey C. Ewing, Santa Cruz, CA Ben Favors Jr., Griffin, GA Gracie Hampton, Camden, SC Terry D. Head, Griffin, GA Melvin Hicks, Farmville, VA Elinor Kepfer, Lima, OH Katharine P. Cole, Chardon, OH Charles Crockett, Los Angeles, CA Viola Davis, Scranton, SC Georgia de Garcie, Sanford, ME Nellie Dick, Ponemah, MN Darioush Ehsani, Anaheim, CA Exie Elmore, Inman, SC Toby Emmanuel, Miami, FL Elizabeth Lambourne, Darien, CT Enola Leonard, Oceanside, CA Mickie Manson, Rock Hill, SC Irma Martin, Laurence Harbor, NJ Christine McKay, Jamaica Plain, MA Olive R. McPherson, Wakeman, OH Irene Morton, Farmville, VA Jim Seigel, Carmel, California Esther Noriegs, Flushing, NY Julius W. Ryter, Colorado Springs, CO Louise Smith, Soudan, MN Brian T. Smith, Peoria, IL Shaida Telebrez, Salt Lake City, UT Catherine P. Taylor, Leeds, AL Mary M. Towns, Whitesburg, GA Rhoda Vaughn, Palm Springs, CA [Page 20]Thousands of people visited this year's Denver (Colorado) People's Fair, and many stopped at the Bahá’í booth to chat, accept literature or ask questions about the Faith. Ten asked to be contacted with information about Bahá’í meetings and events. Thirty-two Bahá’ís from 13 communities helped man the booth, which was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Denver, and coordinated by UACT (Unified Action Campaign for Teaching).

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS

To avoid necessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í and your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, soon as you know where you are going to move and what your new address will be.

NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: NEW COMMUNITY: Full name Please DO NOT use This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

C—NEW MAIL ADDRESS: FOB other Mailing Address Zip

E—HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: F—WORK TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

We receive copies because address labels do not match exactly. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear as the sales records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections that we will receive only our copy.

Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy as well and have listed my name, ID number and address above so that I may be put on the mailing list to receive my own copy.

Bahá’ís with computers and modems invited to join growing BNCBBS network

Attention, Bahá’ís/Bahá’í communities of Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming:

The National Spiritual Assembly is interested in obtaining additional users from these localities on the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS).

Eleven of the areas listed above have only 1 to 2 users in the BNCBBS users-group, while South Dakota and West Virginia are the only remaining two of the 48 contiguous states not represented at all.

If you or other Bahá’ís in your state/area have access to a personal computer with a 300, 1200 or 2400 baud modem and a communications software package, the National Assembly encourages you to join the network of Bahá’í users on the BNCBBS.

This electronic communications system offers immediate and efficient communication with the offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly. We wish to communicate with as many local institutions as possible, in order to disseminate and gather important news and information.

The BNCBBS can be reached 24 hours a day at 708-869-0389. Software parameter settings should be N/8/1 (no parity, 8 databits, 1 stop bit).

For more information or assistance please contact Merrill Miller, Management Information Systems, 708-869-9039, ext. 295.

Bahá’ís praised for restoring cemetery for blacks

Black residents of Hendersonville, Tennessee, are expressing praise for the efforts of Bahá’ís in that community to restore and dedicate a cemetery in which are buried slaves who toiled there before the Civil War and emancipation.

The friends were helped in the restoration effort by members of the Mount Olivet and Rockland Missionary Baptist churches.

The land has been cleared, graves are marked with headstones, and a gravel path leads to an arbor and a memorial inscribed with the names of those who are buried there.

The restoration project received coverage on all three major television stations in Nashville, and an article about the restoration and dedication ceremony appeared in the Nashville Tennessean.

The present challenge calls for teaching on a scale and of a quality, a variety, and intensity outstripping all current efforts.—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1988

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

30: 78th annual Thornton Chase Memorial Service, Inglewood Park (California) Cemetery. For information, contact the Thornton Chase Memorial Bahá’í Intercommunity Committee, 1811 Mt. Shasta Drive, San Pedro, CA 90732, or phone 213-519-1811.

OCTOBER

October/November: Pioneer Training Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine (exact dates to be announced).

6-27: Women's Forum, USSR.

15-22: Session, "Assemblies Facing Family Problems" (English), Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

17-20: Asian Youth Conference, Lahore, Pakistan. Theme: "The Role of Asian Youth in the Establishment of the Lesser Peace." Participation by the Hand of the Cause of God Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Featherstone, members of the Board of Counselors in Asia. Special fund-raising session for the Arc. For information, contact the National Youth Committee, P.O. Box 531, Lahore, Pakistan.

21: Founding Day celebration, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Phone 803-558-5093.

26-28: Esperanto Conference, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

NOVEMBER

9-11: 15th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Omni Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia. Theme: "Models of Racial Unity." Room rates: $69 flat rate single, double (also triple or quad if double-doubles available; otherwise, $20 charge for rollaway cots). Reservation number: 1-800-843-6664. Airline: Delta. (Phone 1-800-221-1212, ask for Special Meetings Network, specify conference meeting No. N10077). Registration information: Association for Bahá’í Studies, Ontario, Canada KIN 7K4 (phone 613-233-1903).

22-25: Ninth annual Thanksgiving Youth Conference to be held in the Washington, D.C., area. Look for more information in next month's calendar of events, or phone Roya Rowlings, 703-866-1509.

DECEMBER

7-9: International Visual Arts Conference, Antigua, Leeward Islands.

21-27: Bahá’í International Summer School, Malawi.

28-30: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway. Phone 803-558-5093.

JANUARY

11-13: Pioneering Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.