The American Bahá’í/Volume 22/Issue 11/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 22, Issue 11

Arc, Terrace projects at World Center advancing at full speed

To all National Spiritual Assemblies Dear Baha'i Friends,

The historic Are and Terrace projects are now advancing at full speed, and the Universal House of Justice has asked us to inform you of the progress being made.

The work is planned to proceed in several distinct phases. Phase One involved the strengthening and facing of the two-hundred-meters-long [660-foot] retaining wall supporting the main Terrace of the Shrine of the Bab. This work continued in spite of many difficulties during the Gulf crisis and has now been completed.

Phase Two, the contract for which was signed on June 17, 1991, as already announced, involves the excavation for the Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Extension, the extension eastward of the main Terrace of the Shrine of the Bab, and the completion of eight of the Terraces below the Shrine. Work is currently in progress in three main areas, as explained below.

On the site of the Center for the Study of the Texts and Archives Extension a security fence has been erected around the work area to separate it from the Archives

building and the gardens below the Arc path. Access roads have been opened to permit removal of excavated material. The first stage of excavation has been completed and rock bolts have been installed, allowing the construction of the first retaining wall to begin.

The extension of the main Terrace of the Shrine of the Bab eastward to make it symmetrical with the western half will provide a large underground storage area of great practical use in the care of the gardens. The excavations for this extension have now been completed and foundations are being laid.

On the site of the Terraces from the Shrine of the Bab leading down to “Abbas Street, over 200 valuable trees were carefully dug up and have been temporarily replanted on the Temple land until they can be returned tothe area of the Terraces after regrading of the mountainside. Now the remaining trees, undergrowth, topsoil and existing structures have been removed. The material from the excavations on the Arc is being moved to this area to provide the fill needed for the Terraces.

Phase Three will involve the construction of the Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Extension, and is scheduled to begin in July 1992. It is to be followed by several other phases to complete the projects, and announcements about these will be made in due course.

It can thus be seen that the work is in full flow. The flow of funds to finance the work must likewise be unintertupted. The Universal House of Justice is confident that the followers of Baha'u'llah will bend every effort to bring, to speedy completion this stage in the fulfillment of the beloved Guardian's vision of the establishment of the World Administrative Center of the Cause of God. It assures the friends in every land of its ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the successful completion of the great enterprises before the Baha’i world at one of the most critical periods in human history.

With loving Bahda’i greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat September 11, 1991

The American Baha’!

Volume 21, No. 11

Counselor Magdalene Carney, member of International Teaching Center, dies

“The real treasury of man is his knowledge. '—Bahd'u'llah

November 1991

DEEPLY GRIEVED SUDDEN PASSING STALWART MAIDSERVANT BAHA’U’LLAHMEMBER INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER MAGDALENE M.CARNEY. HER WELL NIGH THREE DECADES UNBROKEN SERVICE CAUSE GOD EXERTED IMMENSE INFLUENCE TEACHING WORK SOUTHERN REGION UNITED STATES, INVOLVED THIRTEEN YEARS MEMBERSHIP NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT COUNTRY UNTIL HER APPOINTMENT IN 1983 TO INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER. INDOMITABLE FAITH, UNSWERVING DEVOTION CONVENANT, SELFLESS SPIRIT, OPEN CANDOR, WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT EDUCATION CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE AMONG QUALITIES THAT WILL EVER BE ASSOCIATED WITH GOLDEN MEMORIES HER HIGHLY ACTIVE LIFE. ARDENTLY PRAYING HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER STERLING SOUL THROUGHOUT DIVINE WORLDS.

ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICES HER HONOR ALL HOUSES WORSHIP

AND IN BAHA’i COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT WORLD.

Dr. Magdalene M. Carney, who served from 1970-83 as a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and was appointed by the Universal House of Justice in 1983 as a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, died October 9 in Haifa, Israel. She was 61 years old.

Dr. Carney, an educator whose interest in the well-being of young people of all ages was unflagging, was born in 1929 in Ringgold, Tennessee. She was graduated

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE OCTOBER 10, 1991

magna cum laud in English and Spanish literature from Tennessee A&I University, earned a master of fine arts degree from George Peabody College in Nashville, and a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, which she attended on a Ford Fellowship.

Dr. Carney taught in elementary and secondary schools in Nashville for 15 years, completing her tenure there as chairman of the English department at Cameron High School. In 1969 she coordinated a successful desegregation program in the Canton, Mississippi, school system while serving asa classroom teacher and chairman of the English departmentat Rogers High School.

During that time Dr. Carney, who became a Baha'i in 1962, was a leader, as a member of the National Teaching Committee and later secretary of the Deep South Committee, in mass-teaching efforts that led to the enrollment in the Faith of thousands of people in southern states from Virginia and North and South Carolina to Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

She received the Ford Fellowship in 1972 and was awarded her doctorate degree in 1977. Among her special interests were teacher training and the role of ideals in

See DR. CARNEY page 15

Marvin (Doc) Holladay, saxophonist and leader of the Bahd't Peace Fest Orchestra, rehearses the group at the Louis Gregory

Bahd't Institute before the annual Peace Fest concert in Conway, South Carolina.

Peace Fest '91 celebrates unity of humankind in song

By KEN BOWERS

The unity of mankind was celebrated in the soulful sounds of gospel music and big band jazz as more than 500 Baha'is and their guests gathered September 20-22 for Peace Fest ‘91, the sixth annual eventsponsored by the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

The featured attractions of this year’s festival were a performance by the 17member Peace Fest Orchestra, led by saxophonist Marvin “Doc” Holladay, and a Gospel Jubilee with popular soloists and groups from the Hemingway area. Both events were broadcast live by WLGI Radio Baha'i.

Truitt White, director of the Louis Gregory Institute, described Peace Fest as “a forum for creative thought centering on peace.” He added that it is the musical aspect of the program that sets the tone for the event.

“The music,” he said, “allows for a uni fying cultural celebration. It also highlights our desire as Baha’is for a harmonious and peaceful world. The result is a unique opportunity for fellowship and spiritual sharing.

“Musical harmony in a band or singing group,” he continued, “reflects the harmony that should exist among all people,

See PEACE FEST page 11

A se Ss cess 2S INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Teaching the Faith to American

aN erereieterie stile eater 2 A new deepening workbook for Baha'i youth. .

Fathers Inc. helps train Detroit's inner-city youngsters. ....... 9 Reaching out to Chinese students, scholars............ 10 Texas' sixth annual Harmony Music Festival............. 12 �[Page 2]Page 2 / The American Baha'i / November 1991

To teach American Indians, we must first teach ourselves

The following was written by the National Teaching Committee. It isan expansion of their article in the August/September 1991 issue of The DirectLine under the same headline:

Teaching American Indians

The foremost way to prepare for teaching American Indians, which is the same preparation necessary in an effort to reach any population, is to teach ourselves. Baha‘u'llah has indicated that we should become firm believers in the Covenant, sources of all goodness unto men, and examples of uprightness to mankind. Such preparation will help us to arise to teach the Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor.

Weshould also become familiar with the manners, traditions, thoughts, and customs of the peoples we wish to teach in order to learn how to relate to them well and present the Message of Baha'u'llah in an effective and appropriate manner. In doing this, we should keep in mind that it is neither necessary nor to alter our lives to become more “Indian.”

Instead, let us continue to develop Baha'i attributes, using ‘Abdu'l-Baha as our example. Learning about manners, traditions, thoughts and customs of the people with whom we are working can help us understand how we can strive together to builda Baha’i society.

Some effective ways to initially meet American Indians are to attend social gatherings such as powwows, to visit Indian neighborhoods and community centers, or to make regular visits to Indian Reservations. Such activities can be undertaken with the intention of building warm relationships, patiently working to gain confidence and to develop friendships that may lead to opportunities to share the Message of Baha’u'Ilah.

This approach toward teaching can be simultaneously challenging and frustrating, exciting and disappointing. Deepened, patient and humble individuals who are willing to make long-term commitments toa specific Indian community offer wonderful contributions to the growth and development of the Faith.

Itisultimately most effective for Baha'is, who sincerely strive to live a life of service, prayer and reverence, to present the Faith from their hearts in a spirit of love and sincerity.

Programs to educate and strengthen Indian children are usually well received, as children are the center of American Indian community life. Shoghi Effendi encouraged efforts to teach Indian children. It was expressed on his behalf that having an institute for teaching Indian children “is a

ATTENTION: Baha’i College Clubs

Please contact the Youth Activities Coordinator to obtain college club formation papers for this school year: Youth Activities Coordinator, National Teaching Committee office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (708) 869-9039 extension 232.

very fine method of implanting the teachings of the Faith in the hearts and the minds of the young children, so that they may grow and develop into strong and virile menand women who will serve the Cause” (A Special Measure of Love, p. 12). The Guardian hoped that this method would also attract some parents.

While it is not inappropriate to offersuch programs to enrich spiritual and mental development, we must be careful not to inadvertently overstep the line between teaching and proselytizing by offering material benefits as a subtle inducement to the people to whom we want to teach the Faith.

As the Universal House of Justice cautioned us ina letter of July 13, 1964, “when teaching the masses, the friends should be careful not to emphasize the charitable and humanitarian aspects of the Faithasa means to win recruits. Experience has shown that when facilities such as schools, dispensaties, hospitals, or even clothes and food are offered to the people being taught, many complications arise. The prime motive should always be the response of man to God's message, and the recognition of His Messenger.” As the Baha’i community

grows, social and economic development projects that are conceived and will be developed by those at the grass roots level can be considered.

It is wise to constantly keep in mind that our aim is to raise indigenous believers who are actively involved in serving Baha‘u'llah. In Indian communities, for example, our goal should be all-Indian Assemblies established at the bedrock of those communities. To achieve this goal it is necessary to win the whole-hearted allegiance of those we teach. We must approach all we meet as equals, and strive to empower them to build Baha’i Institutions and support Baha’i Funds.

Seven Regional American Indian Teaching Committees have been established by the National Spiritual Assembly to further and intensify the teaching of the Faith of Baha’u'llah among the indigenous people of the continental United States.

Each regional teaching committee is under the guidance of the National Teaching Committee and operates within a specific geographic area, giving special attention to teaching American Indian youth

and children about the Cause of Baha’wllah.

The National Teaching Committee would like to hear about efforts to reach American Indians with the Message of Baha’-u'llah. If you have information you could share, if you would like to discuss teaching American Indians, or if you would like information regarding how you may contact the American Indian Teaching Committee for your area, please contact Ada James, the coordinator for American Indian Teaching, at the National Teaching Committee office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone 708-869-9039, ext. 361.

In North and South Dakota, Mississippi Homefront pioneers needed on or near Indian Reservations

The National Teaching Committee is publishing a series of articles to encourage and facilitate homefront pioneering and traveling teaching to various Baha'i communities. Assemblies, Baha'i Groups, or District Teaching Committees that are interested in receiving traveling teachers or homefront pioneers may send to the National Teaching Committee for its consideration such information as provided below:

Homefront pioneers needed on or near Indian Reservations

Pierre, South Dakota

Population: 12,874

Employment base: Major employer is the State Government offices in Pierre. The next three highest employers are the Federal Government, Catholic hospital, and public schools. For potential employment with State Government contact South Dakota Job Line (605) 773-3326. South Dakota Indian Health Service, Federal Building, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401.

Specifics of goal: Being a state capital, Pierre has been an Assembly goal since the time of the Guardian. There is only one Baha’i there now.

Indian teaching: Opportunities for teaching American Indians are many, as the Indian population in South Dakota is a large percentage of the general population of the state. Near Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Crow Creek Indian Reservation and Lower Brule Indian Reservation.

Environment: Located on the Missouri River. Good location for river sports and recreation.

Contact: Baha’is of Pierre, c/o Mrs. Doris Christmann, Pierre, South Dakota 57501. Phone (605) 224

The American Bahá'tis published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The American Baha'i welcomes news, | items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'i Faith. Articles should be written clearly and concisely; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence Baha’, Wilmette, IL 60091, Copyright © 1991 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

letters and other

to The Editor, The American

5488.

Bismarck, North Dakota

Population: 50,000

Employment base: Primarily State Government. Regional medical center with two hospitals. Nurses are indemand. Opportunity currently open for nutritionist.

Higher education: Four-year Catholic university and two-year community college. Also, good public education system.

Specifics of goal: Being a state capital, Bismarck has been an Assembly goal since the time of the Guardian. There are five adult Baha’is there now.

Indian teaching: Near Standing Rock Indian Reservation and Mandaree Indian Reservation.

Environment: Located on the Missouri River. Good location for river sports and recreation. Historical center.

Contact: Baha’is of Bismarck, c/o Patricia Ann Schulte, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501. (701) 223-8473.

Choctaw Reservation, Mississippi

Location: Between Jackson, Meridian, and Philadelphia.

Employment base: Opportunities for employment for non-Indians are low on the Reservation. However, proximity to Jackson would allow a pioneer to live within commuting distance from both Jackson and the Reservation. The Choctaw tribe has an outreach program to attract industry to Mississippi within the vicinity of the Reservation providing the potential for diverse employment opportunities.

Specifics of goal: There are three elderly Baha’is on the Reservation who are illiterate. They have asked for someone who can read from Baha'i publications and keep them informed of activities in Baha’i communities. This pioneer would most likely need to have transportation and valid driver's license.

Demographics of Reservation: 70 percent of the population is under 34 years old. About 45 percent of the population is under 18 years old providing great op-portunities to work with children and youth.

Interesting fact: The Choctaw tribe is

Phone

among the largest employers in the state of Mississippi.

Contact: Regional American Indian Teaching Committee for the Southeast, c/ © Bonnie Cote,

Springfield, Virginia 22150. Phone (703) 569-2371.

Traveling teachers needed in Woodburn, Oregon

The Baha’is of Woodburn (near Portland), who have been experiencing asteady stream of new believers which may lead to entry-by-troops, would like help in deepening and assisting more than 100 new believers to become steadfast teachers for the Cause. Traveling teachers who speak Spanish or who could help with English as a Second Language classes are especially needed, but others are welcomed, too. For more information, please call David House, (503) 678-1085.

Baha'i Newsreels not intended for broadcast

The National Spiritual Assembly is delighted that the Baha’i Newsreels are being put to broad use by Baha’is. However, the friends need to be aware of some legal restrictions on the use of the videos.

Some of the material in the Baha'i Newsreels is obtained from other producers. The National Spiritual Assembly does not have broadcastrights forall such material. Therefore, a complete Newsreel may not be shown on broadcast or cable television.

If Baha’is show a complete Newsreel on TY, the institutions of the Faith may be subject to legal action.

However, many segments of the Newsreels may be used as part of locally produced Baha’i programs with the approval of the Newsreel producer in the Media Services Department at the Baha’i National Center. Baha*is who wish to use such segments from the Newsreels should contact the Newsreel producer at 708-2561361. The Media Services Departmentalso can supply broadcast quality copies of approved Newsreel segments in several professional tape formats.

�[Page 3]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 3

Children enjoy musical entertainment during a Sunday class conducted primarily

‘for Cambodians by the Baha'é community

of Modesto, California.

Children's classes held each Sunday for Cambodians by the Bahd'is of Modesto are

often held outdoors because of the pleasant year-round California climate.

Modesto Baha'is aid Cambodian newcomers

On hearing that there were several thousand Southeast Asian Bahd‘is in the U.S. whose whereabouts are unknown, the Baha‘is of Modesto, California, decided to start an institute to locate some of these believers and deepen them in the Faith.

Volunteers from the Modesto Baha’icom munity drive each Sunday to a Cambodian apartment complex to make it possible for the Baha‘ children there to attend Sunday school.

What began in the summer of 1990 with four Baha’i children is now a car-pool that carries more than 20 children, Baha'i and

non-Baha’i, to children’s class each week. Classes are held outdoors as well as indoors, teaching the children about the Bab, Baha’u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha through prayer, music and stories.

The Bahd‘is have also met and learned about the religious beliefs of many Cambo dian Buddhists, and have found that the Cambodians are a family-oriented people. Parents of the non-Baha’i children have come to love and trust the Baha’is of Modesto due to the friendship, kindness and courtesy shown by the friends. Not only have these parents shown an interest in the Faith, a few have become Bahd‘is.

‘Youth Can Move the World’

New deepening workbook developed to help Baha'i youth

“This generation of Baha'i youth,” the Universal House

at this significant moment in human history, a new deep Chapters 7-8 focus on the field of a

n—the ways in

of Justice has written, “enjoys a unique distinction. You will live your lives in a period when the forces of history are moving to a climax, when mankind will see the establishment of the Lesser Peace, and during which the Cause of God will play an increasingly prominent role in the reconstruction of human society. It is you who will be called upon in the years to come to stand at the helm of the Cause in face of conditions and developments which can, as yet, scarcely be imagined.”

The Supreme Body has called for “an army” of “spiritually awakened and determined youth” to arise to devote “in ever greater measure their valued energies” to promote the Cause of “their All-Watchful and Expectant Lord.”

“Undoubtedly,” the Universal House of Justice has affirmed, “it is within your power to contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century; youth can move the world.”

To help youth understand their role and responsibilities

ening workbook, Youth Can Move the World, has been prepared.

The workbook centers on the study of the Baha’i writings using the same format as the deepening books The Word of God; The Covenant: Its Meaning, Its Origin, and Our Attitude Toward It; and The Significance of Bahd'u'lláh's Revelation.

Youth Can Move the World contains eight chapters. Chapter 1 examines the battle of the forces of light and darkness now sweeping the earth; chapter 2 deals with the need for “spiritual warriors” to arise to champion the Cause of Baha'u'llah and the discipline that they need to develop to prepare them for effective service.

Chapters 3-6 explore four lines of action required of the spiritual warrior: strengthening the spirit, acquiring a praiseworthy character, leading a life of service, and teaching the Faith.

which young people can apply their spiritual discipline and the lines of action necessary to change the world.

Youth Can Move the World has received an enthusiastic response from young people in the U.S. and as far away as Russia. And while the book is written from the perspective of youth, the themes it addresses have universal appeal to would-be spiritual warriors of any age.

Youth Can Move the World is available for $3 per copy from the Baha’i Distribution Service.

A supplement to the deepening book—a chapter designed in the same format—is available for use by adults, parents, Assemblies and Baha'i communities to help them examine the Writings to determine how they can help youth carry out their responsibilities. Copies of the supplement will soon be available. For information, contact the National Teaching Committee office at the Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Faith supports Advocates for African Food Security

Pictured (left to right) at the Advocates fo

African Food Security Symposium Vlat the United Nations in New York City are Barbara Adams, senior program officer, UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service;

Mary Power, representative to the UN for

the Baha'i International Community; and

Bisi Ogunleye, Country Women's Association of Nigeria.

The Faith was represented September 5 at the sixth Symposium of Advocates for African Food Security at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

The Baha’i International Community (BIC) is a founding member of the Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women, which sponsored the Symposium.

The Advocates is a coalition of 30 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), UN and government agencies formed to maintain a global focus on the role of African women farmers in achieving full food security for their respective countries.

Mary Power, representative to the UN forthe BIC and convenor of the Advocates, opened the Symposium by welcoming the more than 200 participants in the day-long session.

Eremina Mvura, a Baha’i who wasnamed “Outstanding African Woman Farmer” by UNIFEM in 1986, was among the panelists from Mozambique, Nigeria and Burkina

Faso representing various UN and nongovernmental agencies.

Alasebu Gebre Selassie, Baha'i consultant to the Advocates, prepared and analyzed the results of a survey on food security as the Advocates’ contribution to the Final Review of the UN Program of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development (UNPAAERD).

The BIC offices in New York provided major administrative support by preparing invitations to the Symposium, typesetting and arranging for publication of the results of the survey in a booklet, and acting as a clearing-house and meeting place for those who planned and implemented the Symposium.

Results of the survey and the final statement prepared as a result of the Symposium are available on request from the Advocates for African Food Security, c/o Baha’i International Community, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

�[Page 4]Page 4 / The American Baha'i / November 1991

Traveling Teaching Calendar

November 6-10: Baha’i Winter School, Malaysia

November 8-12: World Women’s Congress for a Healthy Planet, Miami, FL

November 26-30: International Chinese Teaching Symposium, Macau

December 25-January 1: Swiss Winter Baha’i School, (conducted in French), Charmey-Fribourg, Alps

December 26-January 2: “Baha’i Faith and the problems of the peoples of the Far North, Siberia, the Far East,” Murmansk, USSR

December 27-29: Winter School, Quebec, Canada

December 27-January 2: Forum °92, annual event for young professionals,

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOA

Goals Months Al RIC, iii (months) Completed Ci 24 3 Guinea-Bissau 12 0 Liberia 12 oO Nigeria 12 0 Tanzania 36 9 Uganda 24 0 Zambia 24 34 Totals 144 46 AMERICAS soa i gents re 24 — Bahamas 12 8 Barbados 12 oO Brazil 24 10 British V.I. 12 oO Colombia 24 0 Dominica 12 0 Ecuador 12 13 Guyana 24 36 Honduras 24 16 Jamaica 24 5 Leeward Islands 12 13 Martinique 12 0 Mexico 36 45 Nicaragua 24 2 Panama 36 16 Paraguay 24 0 Puerto Rico 12 3 Uruguay 24 0 Venezuela 12, AZec Totals 396 179 ASI. 4 ‘SEPERATE ERPS ARAN India 24 14 Japan 24 oO Pakistan 12 0 Taiwan 36_ A Totals 96 35 AUSTRALASIA ELS TAS ERIN TPL PET Mariana Islands 24 0 Marshall Islands 12 0 W. Caroline Islands 12_ ea Totals 48 4 EUROPE PRERTELIRT SF T Portugal 24 0

Landegg Academy, Switzerland

August 10-15, 1992: Music and Arts Festival to celebrate the Centenary of the Covenant of Baha‘u'llah, Clifton, York, United Kingdom

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Barbados; Bophuthatswana; Brazil; Burundi; Canada, Native and Chinese

Teaching, and Yukon Baha’i Institute; Canary Islands; Chad; Ciskei; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Eastern Caroline Islands; East Leeward Islands, H. Amadiyyeh Youth Teaching; Fiji; Gabon; Haiti; Hong,

Kong; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Malaysia; Martinique; Mau ; Mexico; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Re public of Benin; Singapore; South Africa;

Taiwan; Tonga; Uganda; United Kingdom; Venezuela; West Leeward Islands, H. Amadiyyeh youth teaching project needs long-term traveling teachers, short termpioneers, youth year of service volunteers; Yucatan. For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708869-9039).

As the end of the Six Year Plan rapidly approaches, wi

important international

goals yet to be achieved by this community, let us recall the words of our beloved Guardian: ‘The time has come for the friends...to think not how they should serve the Cause, but how the Cause should be served.’

URRENT U.S. PIONEERING GOALS

AFRICA

(F) Burundi .. (E) Ciskei

(E) Nigeria... (E) Sierra Leone (E) South Africa.. (E) (€) (E) (E)

(E)

university; one doctor) Venda .... Total for Africa

Se,

(€) B

AME! ee

for a dentist) (S) (P)

Secretariat) ....

(E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians) (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi

Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the

mas (North Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island) ... m3 (€) Barbados (Employment opportunities

(E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, devel- : opment projects; skills for the National

Goals Open B Goals Open Assigned Goals AMERICAS - Continued Assigned Goals 1 ws 0 . (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for 2 0 tural areas to work in village development) 4 0 2 0 (F) Martinique (French-speaking youth to en5 a roll in university or with musical talent) ..... 1 0 3 0 (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) ... 2 0 2 0 (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consol1 etna fi (©) stv 0 2 0 (D) Suriname (Preferably Persian) 2 2 0 (E) Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably 0 (S) Uruguay.... 0 2 0 (S) Venezuela 0 2 1 (E) Virgin Islands, Bi oO oa oe Total for Americas 10

(E) Indi 0 (E) Malaysia (To help develop public relations experts) 0 (E) Nepal ....

Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, possibly of Persian background) ..

(M) Taiwan (Chinese Background) .. Total for Asia

(S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, prefer- . ably a Spanish-speaking couple) iI 2 (E) Marshall Islands (To help with admin(E) Dominica 312 1 istration) alee Oe (F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian) ..... 3 3 Total for Americas 1 0 (E) Grenada nea oO Ss Goals Open (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English EUROPE Assia (Goble 0 STREAMS ER TASTER AE (E) (P) Portugal (Couples for goal areas outside 0 greater Lisbon, preferably Portugese or (S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Color Spanish-speaking) preferably self-supporting) ....... 1 Total for Europe 2 0 Total goals assigned 77 Pioneers to goal countrie: 232 Pioneers filling goals for other countries .. 12 Total goals filled .. 64 Pioneers to non-goals 408 Total Pioneers sent .... 652

[Language Key: (&) English (D) Dutch (F) French |(M)) Mandarin (P)) Portuguese (S), Spanish

Friends invited to Pioneer Institutes

For the friends who have committed to serving Baha'u'llah as pioneers, we cordially invite you to contact the Office of Pioneering regarding your interest in attending one of the upcoming Pioneer Institutes. The Pioneering Institute will provide you with the skills and a perspective on service which will enhance your ability to be happy and effective at your post. Your success as a pioneer will be in direct proportion to yourspiritual and practical preparation. The Institutes also provide workshops for returned pioneers, responding to the re-entry concerns of these friends, their families and their communities.

January 17-19, 1992—Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California

Spring 1992—Baha’i National Center, Evanston, IL

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 or telephone 708869-9039.

Please share experiences

Please continue to share your experiences as homefront pioneers. They serve to encourage your fellow pioneers as well as inspire others to arise. If you can become a homefront pioneer, please contact the National Teaching Committee office by phoning 708-869-9039.

Pioneering Institute for American Indian teaching scheduled

The Office of Pioneering is sponsoring a Pioneering Institute for American Indian Teaching January 10-12, 1992, in San Francisco. Counselor Jacqueline Delahuntand National Spiritual Assembly member Kevin Locke will conduct the program. Anyone currently involved in Indian teaching or interested in doing so is urged to attend.

For further information or to register for the Institute, contact Julie Cunningham at the San Francisco Baha’i Center, 415-431-9990.

�[Page 5]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 5

Victory in providing funds will come through spiritual growth

Local Treasurers and individual friends have often asked during the recent round of Town Meetings whether fund raisers are the best way to raise the necessary resources for the Faith's many objectives.

The Office of the Treasurer feels that while fund-raising gatherings of various kinds can be useful, even a necessary part of acommunity’s social life, real victory in providing money for the Cause of God will come about through spiritual growth on the part of every institution and individual believer.

One basic concept that must underlie spiritual growth is a deeper appreciation of who we are as believers in Baha’u'llah. Here are three passages from our Writings that speak to this question:

“O SON OF SPIRIT!

“Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” (Arabic Hidden Words, p. 22)

“From amongst all mankind hath He chosen you, and your eyes have been opened to the light of guidance and your ears attuned to the music of the Company above; and blessed by abounding grace, yourhearts and souls have been born into new life. Thank ye and praise ye God that the hand of infinite bestowals hath set upon your heads this gem-studded crown, this crown whose lustrous jewels will forever flash and sparkle down all the reaches of time.

“To thank Him for this, make yeamighty effort, and choose for yourselves a noble goal.” (Selections from the Writings of “Abdu’l-Bahd, p. 35)

“I pray that you may attain the highest station of humanity. ...I shall never forget you. You shall always live in my thought. I shall always pray and supplicate before the Kingdom of God and seek heavenly blessings for you.” (*Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 468)

As one friend said recently, “We Baha’is are not made to do things out of a sense of shame or guilt, but because we are given a new sense of our own power and value.” Because we are noble, our goal is not so much to dominate our lower nature but to rise to our truest and finest capacities. This is done through choice, through exercise of the free will God gave us.

One action that we are encouraged to choose is support for the Funds of the Faith. This action blesses us. By giving, the no

bility in each of us is strengthened and developed. To sacrifice for the Cause is, indeed, to “make a mighty effort.” Who among us would not choose a noble goal, if the reward is Baha’u'llah’s good pleasure?

New distribution agreement to place Oneworld book titles in major bookstores throughout U.S.

A meeting with the managing director of the National Book Network, America’s largest book representative-distributor, at this year's American Booksellers’ Association Book Fair in New York City has re-sulted in confirmation that a new trade distribution agreement will soon result in NBN representatives carrying titles from Britain's Oneworld Publications into major bookstores throughout the U.S.

Already, the marketing manager in Oneworld’s New York office has made contacts with buyers for such large chains as B. Dalton and Waldenbooks who now stock many of its titles, while wholesale distributors such as Bookpeople, New Leaf, The Distributors, Inland Book Company and Baker & Taylor sell Oneworld books direct to independent bookstores.

Oneworld was established in Britain to get high quality Baha'i books and books with a Baha'i perspective on topical issues

All Fund correspondence from National Center is being channeled to Secretary's address

The computer system in use at the Baha’i National Center presently allows only one address for each local Spiritual Assembly. In particular, Fund receipts are no longer being addressed to each Treasurer, for the reason cited. Kindly refer any questions or concerns to the Office of the Treasurer or to the Management Information Systems Department.

onto the shelves of libraries and bookstores in the English-speaking world.

Now, five years after the launch of its first three titles, Oneworld books can be found in most good bookstores in Britain, and this latest agreement with NBN will further increase their availability in the USS. In addition, new arrangements are being made to improve Oneworld’s distribution in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Oneworld’s experience on both sides of the Atlantic amply demonstrates that interesting, attractively produced books on the Faith can enjoy a broad appeal, once the public has access to them.

Huququ'llah payments

_ Hugqtiqu’llah (the Right of God) is a law revealed by Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas. Obeying the Law of Huqu’qu’lláh purifies the material wealth we acquire by giving back to the Cause of God a part of that which has come from our Creator.

At this time, the Law of Hugiiqu’llah is binding only on Persian believers and those who are required to observe the law in their native country. Western believers are free to pay Huqiqu’llah if they so choose. Paymentsto Huqii’qu’Ildh are tax-deductible for federal income and estate taxes. _

‘Questions ot payments should be addressed to one of the following Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, P-O. Box 927, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Dr. Amin Banani, §

, Santa Monica, CA 90402; Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116.

en ot? Pictured are young people who attended the second annual Youth Retreat in Moore,

pe Oklahoma, and helped raise funds for the Arc project.

PAN a raw |

MO BDO ON el aKy NEW YORK 1992

This billboard advertising the second World Congress in New York City is one of two recently erected inNewJersey. Its location

on the Atlantic City Freeway is passed by an estimated 93 million cars each year.

Well-known anthropologist, author John Adair, long a friend of Faith, declares belief in Baha'u'llah

On August 21, well-known anthropologist and author John Adair declared his belief in Baha'u'llah.

Mr. Adair, whose life’s work centers on American Indians, signed his declaration card at the Native American Baha'i Institute in Houck, Arizona. He said he was inspired to do soafter attending the Feast of ‘Asma the night before.

Mr. Adair, who grew up near Wilmette, Illinois, said he remembered passing by the Baha'i House of Worship as a boy “and seeing the dome under construction.”

Later, Mr. Adair became friends with a number of Baha'is including brothers Franklin and Chester Kahn, both former members of the National Spiritual Assem bly, whom he met when they were children some 50 years ago.

His interest in the Faith was nurtured by another of the Kahns, younger brother Ben. “I've known John for a number of years,” said Ben. “When my wife, Lorraine, first met him, she said he should become a Baha’i. John is like a grandfather to me; I'm glad he’s now a part of our spiritual family.”

Although Mr. Adair's books on anthropology have earned him renown in that field, he is perhaps best known for introducing film-making to the Navajo Indians.

In 1966, he and another anthropologist put movie cameras in the hands of Navajos and trained them to film. The result was a milestone in anthropological studies that led to the book, Through Navajo Eyes, co Renowned anthropologist John Adair (center) with Ben Kahn, Lorraine Kahn and Mr, Adair's Baha’ declaration card.

written by Mr. Adair.

In 1941 Mr. Adair founded the Navajo Arts and Crafts Guild of Window Rock, Arizona, and served as its first manager. Since then he has helped in a number of efforts to better the lot of Indian communities.

Now officially “retired,” the 78-year-old Mr. Adair nevertheless continues his research on the Navajos to better understand how the tribe has evolved socially over recent generations.

�[Page 6]Page 6 / The American Baha'i | November 1991

SC $3.00

books of Baha

Chapter | examin sweeping the earth,

Chapter 2 di champion the Cau: hapters 3-6 d

. and teaching,

BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

employees (From Left) — Jeffery Johnson, Derrick Mosley, and Clarence Burts receive the statement on Baha'u'llah from the printer.

lems facing humanity.

written from the perspe

71/2" x 10", 96 pp. Palabra Publicationa

Youth Can Move the World

by Melanie Smith and Paul Lample

Youth Can Move the World is the latest ii ncluding The Word of God, The Covenant, and The Significance ‘Ildh’s Revelation—that explore major themes of the Creative Word. It addresses the role and res to the Cause as they shape the socie ies the battle of the fore

Is with the need for spiritual warriors to arise to of Baha’u'llah, ss the strengthening the spirit, acquiring a praiseworthy character, leading a life

Chapters 7 and 8 focus on the field of action—the ways in which youth can change the world through c

Youth Can Move the World has already received an enthusiastic response from youth in the United States and a:

BG Can Move the World

a series of popular deepening

iblities of Baha’i youth in service es of the coming century. of light and darkness now

tions required of the spiritual warrior:

secration and by addressing the prob

ras Russia. While it addresses have

e of youth, the themes

universal appeal to would-be spiritual warriors of any age.

The Ascension of Bahd@’w'llah

A Compilation

HC $11.95

Divided in two sections, The Ascension of Baha'u'llah begins with the historic first Tablet of “Abdu’l-Baha to the Friends throughout the World. He writes, “The world’s great Light, once resplendent upon all mankind, hath set, to shine everlastingly from the Abha Horizon, His Kingdom of fadeless glory, shedding splendor upon His loved ones from on high and breathing into their hearts and souls the breath of eternal life.” Part one contains this Tablet, an account of Baha’ u’llih’s Ascension by Shoghi Effendi, and several others including Tuba Khanum, one of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s daughters, Nabil-i-A‘zam, the Baha'i chronicler, and Haji Mirza Haydar*Ali. Part Two begins with the Tablet of Visitation and The Book of the Covenant (Kitab-i’ Ahd) and ends with some utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Baha concerning Baha’u'llah.

5-1/8" x 7-1/4", 88 pp.

Kalimdat Press

The Passing of ‘Abdu 'l-Baha A Compilation

HC $14.95

“Dear Friends, It is well known that the loved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, in every part of the world are anxiously waiting to receive some details of the closing events of his unique and wonderful life. For this reason the present account is being written.” Thus begins the account of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s passing written by Sitarih Khénum (Lady Blomfield) and Shoghi Effendi in January 1922 that opens The Passing of ‘Abdu'lBahd. This book is the first in a new series of reference works for Baha'i Holy Days from Kalimat Press. Nine letters from Baha’is in the Holy Land at the time of the Master's passing are included in the compilation. Among them is a letter from one of ‘Abdu"lBaha’s daughters, Munavvar Khanum. The closing piece is the first letter Shoghi Effendi wrote as the Guardian of the Bahai Faith to the Baha’is of America. 5-1/8" x 7-1/4", 138 pp.

Kalimat Press

Persian: Nafahat-i-Fadl & Cassette

A Compilation

SC $9.95

A selection of prayers featuting The Tablet of Visitation, The Fire Tablet, and The Healing Prayer. The Tablet of Visitation revealed by Baha'u'llah and compiled in its present form by

Abdw'l-Baha after Bahd’u'Ilih’s Ascension, is read at the Shrines of Baha’u'Ildh and the Bab

as praise of the Manifestation of God and a tribute to His suffering. It is also frequently used in commemorating Their anniversaries. The Fire Tablet is Baha’u’llah’s cry to God to heed His suffering and is reminiscent of Christ's request to “let this cup pass from me” in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His Martyrdom. ‘The Tablet ends with the following statement by Baha’u'llih: “Should all the servants read and ponder this, there shall be kindled in their veins a fire that shall set aflame the worlds.” The Healing Prayer has “been invested by Baha’u'llih,” according to a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and quoted in Baha’ Prayers, page 209, “with a special potency and significance, and should therefore be accepted as such and be recited by the believers with unquestioning faith and confidence, that through them they may enter into a much closer communion with God, and identify themselves more fully with His laws and precepts.” A cassette tape is provided for further study.

5-3/8" x 8-1/2", 88 pp.

Persian Institute for Bahai Studies

World Order of Bahd@’u’llah,

The: Selected Letters

by Shoghi Effendi

PS $5.95

Seven letters from Shoghi Effendi on the theme of World Order written between 1929 and 1936 clarifying the meaning and purpose of the Baha'i Faith and itsCentral Figures, elucidating its relationship to past dispensations and to present world conditions, and guiding the Baha’{ community of the West to a better understanding of its duties, privileges, and destiny. Includes “The Dispensation of Baha’u'llsh,” “America and the Most Great Peace,” and “The Unfoldment of World Civilization.” The letters develop a thesis carried forward in The Advent of Divine Justice and The Promised Day Is Come.

Baha’i Newsreel, Vol. 2, No. 2

VT $15.95

This most recent edition of the Bahd’f Newsreel highlights eight teaching and development activities around the globe including: Formation of New National Assemblies in Romania, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and the West Leeward Islands ® Laos: Meetings with President Vongvichit * Spread of the Faith among the Garifuna in Honduras ¢ Iran: The Struggle for the Emancipation of the Baha’i Community * Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue * Hand of the Cause of God William Sears: Closing the Six Year Plan ¢ Mount Carmel Projects: Phase Two Begins * In Memoriam: John A. Roberts, the Hand of the Cause of God. Approximately 28 minutes

Media Services

Bahai Calendars

149 B.E.

“The swiftness of events during the past year is indicative of the acceleration, as the hundredth anniversary of Baha’u'llah’s Ascension approaches, of the spiritual forces released with the advent of His revolutionizing mission,” wrote the Universal House of Justice in its letter of Ridvan 1990. The Holy Year, April 21, 1992, to April 20, 1993, marks the Centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah and the inauguration of His Covenant. The Holy Year, “that special time when we shall pause to appreciate the tumultuous record of events which will have brought us to the Centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah and to reflect with due solemnity upon the redemptive purpose of the life of the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet.”

Remembrance of God A Collection of Baha’i Prayers and Holy Writings

SC $2.75

This highly affordable, attractive compilation of Baha’i Prayers and Holy Writings; is offered by the Baha’i Publishing Trust of India. Comparable in size to the Malaysian publication, this fourth revised edition contains prayers for assistance, children, detachment, families, handmaidens, justice, and mote. The softcover edition is turquoise in color. SC3-3/4"x 5", 210pp., Table of Contents, Chart of Baha'i Anniversaries and Holy Days

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of India

Order now through the Baha'i DistributionService ® 1-800-999-9019 �[Page 7]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 7

Tokoloshe! Imarried eleven DACHS HUNDS!

by William and Marguerite Sears SC $12.95

Originally a part of All Flags Flying, the Tokoloshe pages had to be dropped from the text for the sake of brevity, much to the delight of Marguerite who is reported as saying, “He (Tokoloshe) deserves a book of his own.” Over the years William Sears has provided glimpses into the lives of many Baha ’fs around the world who have dedicated their lives to Baha'u'llah. Of the gifts he has offered us through the years, one of the greatest is the gift of laughter. He has uplifted our spirits and cheered our souls. “The Tokoloshe story is told here with tender love and affection on behalf of all animals, those often-overlooked and unappreciated Baha’i pets whose importantrole has been played in every corner of the world with such uncomplaining heroism and such unflagging good nature.”

5-3/8" x 8-1/2", 279 pp. forward, a tribute National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Hawaiian Islands

Baha'i Datebook

CA $3.50

A handy pocket- or purse-sized datebook covering the fifteen-month period of January 1992 to March 1993. Information is provided regarding the Baha'i calendar, as well as addresses of the various Baha'i Funds. Major American national holidays are noted for your convenience.

3-5/8" x 6-1/2"

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the United States

Baha'i Pocket Calendar,

10/pk.

CA $2.50

This wallet-sized, twelve-month calendar begins with March, 1992 and ends with February, 1993. The design is the same as in years past with a listing of Baha’i commemorative dates on the back. These include separate listings of Baha’i Holy Days on which work should be suspended and those on which work is permitted, the dates of the Intercalary Days, and the Days of Fasting. This year’s calendar notes the beginning date of the Holy Year, proclaimed by the Universal House of Justice, as Ridvan 1992. The Holy Days, Intercalary Days, Days of Fasting, and Feast Days are highlighted for your convenience.

2-3/8" x 3-5/8"

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the United States

Baha'i Wall Calendar

CA $2.75

For the Holy Year in 1992-93, the Bahd 'i Wall Calendar focuses on Baha'u'llah. The back cover statement directs our attention to Baha’u'llah’s appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Baha as the Center of His Covenant and on it’s uniqueness in the annuals of religious history. Baha’{Holy Days, Nineteen Day Feasts, Days of Fasting, and Special Events Days are listed on the back, along with a quote from a letter written on behalf of the Guardian regarding the time of day that certain commemorations should be observed. Feast days and holy days are marked on the face of the calendar, and days of fasting are underlined.

x17"

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the United States

by William and Marguerite Sears

Enlighten Curriculum Pre-Kindergarten, Vol. 1

Second Grade, Vol. 4

by Lea Iverson

SC $19.95 per volume Pre-Kindergarten: This education level blends personal behavior lessons with historical information focused on important people in the Baha’ Faith and essential concepts of belief. These topics are presented at a very basic level. Examples of personal behavior lessons are Baha’i laws—such as sleep, kindness to animals, not entering a home without permission;—or virtues—such as courtesy and politeness, obedience to God, parents and teachers.

Second Grade: This level uses the same style lessons but at a higher complexity of understanding. Examples of personal behavior are the Baha’{ laws of obedience to government, work as worship, and understanding the five physical and spiritual powers. Virtues such as loyalty, tranquility, patience, and thoughtfulness are emphasized.

This curriculum was developed between 1988-1990 forthe Glad Tidings Baha’i School located in Minneapolis, Minnesota—one of the longest-running Baha’ i children’sschools in the country.

8-1/2” x 11”, approx. 94 pp. per volume Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of Golden Valley, Minnesota

TLPORK.

Can You Imagine, CS

by Rob Altork

CS $10.95

A collection of original Baha’i music in a Lennonesque style, gently spirited, ethereal, and mellow with a beat. The profound lyrics are food for the hungry-hearted and are designed to attract new seekers. They reveal the challenge and sweetness encountered on the spirit path from the affects of ‘Abdul-Baha’s visit to America to the power of the Greatest Name. Baha’is will find their own Faith proclaimed, confirmed, and refreshed. Digitally mastered, chromium dioxide tape Approximately 38 minutes

State of the Heart Productions

Christ and Bahd’u’llah by George Townshend SC $7.50

George Townsend resigned his position in the Anglican Church to research what he called the “grand redemptive scheme” by which the whole human race is to achieve maturity ina world order embracing the planet. He concludes that the return of Christ has already occurred and the, “confusion and stress, the oppression and darkness of our day-are the fulfillment of all the signs and portents which Christ gave to his followers.” He maintains that Christ has come again toan unheeding world in the person of Baha’u’Ilah, Founder of the Baha’i Faith.

4-3/8" x 7", 116 pp., Table of Contents, Prologue

George Ronald, Publishers

Christ and Bahaullah

Baha’ Distribution Service closes for

new computer system! Have you heard the News? The Baha’ i Distribution Service will be converting toanew computer system in early December. What will this long awaited upgrade mean to you? We will be able to provide much faster service when you call with questions about your account or the status of your current order. We will also be able to provide a description of the content of books as you are ordering. Can you help me while you’re converting the computer? Unfortunately there is a price to pay for this wonderful improved service! We will not be able to provide service for a period of approximately 3-5 days. We will be closed. This will be necessary in order to accomplish the physical conversion of the system and to train our staff. What days will you be closed? At the moment we don’t know. Several things need to be done before the upgrade can be complete. Not only must physical work be done but equipment must be ordered and received. Each step in the process depends on the one before it. Because of this we are unable to confidently announce the specific days we will be closed. We hope to be able to advise you in advance once the dates are confirmed. Your understanding of the difficulties this may pose will be appreciated. We look forward to being of greater service to you once the system is “up and running.”

Loar

Baha'u'llah The Golden Rule prepared by the Office of Public Information _ by Jeffery Streiff at the request of the Universal House of AP (Art Print) $15.00 Justice PE$5.95 GE $1.50 Rhapsody

by Michael Fitzgerald The Covenant for Young People SC $6.95 by Enoch N. Tanyi Teddy's Prayer SC$7.95 by Terry Shultz Enlighten Curiculum AP (Art Print) $15.00 Pre-Kindergarten, Vol. 2 Persian: A Concise and Brief Second Grade, Vol. 3 History of Religion by Lea Iverson by Dr. Riydd GHadimi SC $19.95 per volume SC $7.00

Bahd't Distribution Service / PHONE 1-800-999-9019

415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 FAX 1-708-251-3652 T11

�[Page 8]Page 8/ The American Baha’i / November 1991

Twin pillars of Baha'u'llah's World Order

The institutions of the ‘rulers’ and the ‘learned’

“Blessed are the rulersand learned among, the people of Baha. They are My trustees among My servants and the manifestation of My commandments amidst My people.”—Bahda‘u'llah, Kitdb-i- ‘Ahd, The Book of the Covenant

The organization of religion has been one of mankind's greatest challenges throughout history. In reli: before the coming of Bahi and authority as well as spiritual leadership and inspiration were vested in individuals. While this was no doubt necessary during humankind’s spiritual childhood, it has led to differences of opinion, the formation of various sects, and corruption of those in such exalted positions.

In Baha’u'llah’s Revelation, He has established a system of checks and balances which prevent these problems from occurring in the Baha’i Faith. He abolished the priesthood, and placed the reins of authority in the hands of elected corporate bodies. The Universal House of Justice has described this aspect of Baha’i administration:

“Having permanently excluded the evils admittedly inherent in the institutions of the ‘learned’ in past dispensations, Baha’u'llah has nevertheless embodied in His Administrative Order the beneficent elements which exist in such institutions, elements which are fundamental value for the progress of the Cause. ...

“The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations, is a feature of Baha'i administration unparalleled in the religions of the past. The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult to grasp; only as the Baha*i community grows and the Baha'is are increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, will the vital independence of the ‘rulers’ and ‘learned’ in the Faith be properly understood, and the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.”

In her book The March of the Institutions, Eunice Braun has provided a succinct overview of Baha’u'Ilah’s Administrative Order. In the introduction to that volume, the author makes the following observations:

“...He [Baha'u'llah] has created the form through which alone the spirit of His teachings flow. He has preordained institutions that clearly establish the perimeters within which both the ‘rulers’ and the ‘learned’ (the twoarms of His Administrative Order) carry out their separate functions, yet meet

Lillian Baker Gregory, former pioneer to Mexico, Colombia dies at age 94 in California

Lillian Baker Gregory, a former pioneer to Mexico and Colombia, died recently in San Marcos, California. She was 94 years old.

Ms. Gregory settled in Mexico in the fall of 1967 at the age of 70, remaining at her post for several years. At age 86, she joined her daugher and son-in-law in Colombia.

A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of that country written upon her return to the States says in part, “Her courage and prayers were an inspiration for many pioneers...”

and are one. ...One arm of this order, under the generic term of ‘rulers,” encompasses the corporate, elected bodies known presently as local and National Spiritual Assemblies. They govern, direct and administer the affairs of the community on both local and national levels.

“The other arm is composed of the Hands of the Cause of God, the Boards of Counselors and the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants—all of these institutions coming under the umbrella of the “learned,” and all appointed to their functions, not elected.

“The Supreme Body, the Universal House of Justice, also a corporate, elected, ruling body on the international level, stands sovereign over all. At its side, seated in the Holy Land, is posited the International Teaching Center, composed of all the Hands of the Cause of God, witha working nucleus of Hands and Counselors at the World Center, serving and aiding the Supreme Body. It is the seal and crown of the institution of the learned, coordinating the work of all the Boards of Counselors throughout the world, and serving as a right arm to the Universal House of Justice. ...

“The term ‘learned’ does not necessarily designate academic and scholastic ability or worldly achievements—though any and all such human accomplishments may very well apply toa given individual appointed to such a position of responsibility in the Faith. It is rather in a spiritual context that the term must be understood, and frequently “Abdu'l-Baha, in defining the qualities needed for those appointed to this function, speaks of the ‘spiritually learned.’ These are also qualities which every teacher of the Cause is called upon toattain in order to be effective in teaching the Faith. The difference is that the Hand of the Cause, Counselor, or Board member has certain specific functions and responsibilities toward the Baha’i community that are ongoing and continuous—responsibilities that rest upon that individual at all times in respect to the believers served.

“Moreover, while ‘Abdu'l-Baha states in The Secret of Divine Civilization that ‘the spiritually learned must be characterized by both inward and outward perfections...a good character, and enlightened nature...temperance, reverence, anda heartfelt fear of God...’ these are also, stated in various ways, among the requisites for those who serve on Spiritual Assemblies, where the views of many become submerged and blended into one view.”

In clarifying the relationship between the Spiritual Assemblies and the Auxiliary Boards and its assistants, the Universal House of Justice wrote in 1969:

“Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power. ...

“It is the Spiritual Assemblies who plan and direct the work, but these plans should be well known to the Counselors and Auxiliary Board members, because one of the ways in which they can assist the Assemblies is by urging the believers continually to support the plans of the Assemblies.”

In another letter, written in 1970, the Universal House of Justice reminds us about the vital spirit that should surround the interaction between the institutions of the ‘rulers’ and the ‘learned’:

‘Authority and direction flow from the Assemblies, whereas the power to accomplish the tasks resides primarily in the entire body of the believers. It is the principal task of the Auxiliary Boards to assist in arousing and releasing this power.’—The Universal House of Justice

“The principle of loving cooperation really covers the whole matter. The Continental Boards of Counselorsand their Board members are vitally concerned with every aspect of the Faith and should be kept fully informed of all developments by National and local Spiritual Assemblies. National and local Spiritual Assemblies have tomake decisions and should therefore be very grateful for any information, advice or assistance offered by the Boards of Counselors and the Auxiliary Board members. With this clear delineation of authority and function all matters can be solved in a true Baha’i spirit.”

None of us presently alive on the planet can understand or truly appreciate the value or the wisdom in Baha’u'llah providing His Administrative Order with two arms. Each of these “arms” is carrying out the

work of the “body” of the Cause of God, each grappling with the same issues, but from different perspectives. It is not necessary (or even possible) at this early stage in the organic development of Baha’u'llah’s World Order, for us to understand why the Spiritual Assemblies should closely and lovingly collaborate and confer with their Board members or with those Board members’ assistants. It is enough to understand that such collaboration is necessary—that Baha‘u'llah intends this interaction to be an essential activity in the evolution of “this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”

(Reprinted with permission from Alaska Baha'i News, Volume 34, No. 5, August 1991)

Baha'i community service project leads to hour-long radio program on Faith

Acommunity service project undertaken by Washington state’s Puget Sound Task Force, composed of Baha’is from Mercer Island, Shoreline, Seattle, Bellevue and Juanita, led to an hour-long progtam about the Faith in September on radio station KING-AM.

Members of the task force, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Mercer Island, volunteered to man telephones during a pledge drive for the local public television station. The guest host for the drive was Drake Collier, a talk show host from KING radio.

During breaks in the broadcast several of the friends had a chance to speak to Mr. Collier, who asked for more information about the Faith. He was later given a press kit, copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and the National Spiritual Assembly's statement on race unity, and a deluxe edition of the statement by the Universal House of Justice entitled “Baha‘u'llah.”

One day later the Baha'is received a call from Mr. Collier’s producer asking if they would like to be guests on his program the following evening. The Baha'is quickly

accepted,

Representing the Faith on the program, which was scheduled for 30 minutes but rana full hour, was Pasha Mohajer-Jasbi, a Baha'i from Kenmore, Washington, who is president of the Interfaith Council of Washington and the Baha’i representative on the Church Council of Greater Seattle.

The phone number for the Baha'i Book and Information Center in Seattle was broadcast twice during the program along with the toll-free number for the Washington Baha'i Resource Center, and calls were received at both numbers immediately after the first time they were announced. Archives seeks copiers —

The National Baha’i Archives would | like to have the names of Baha’is who haye the expertise and equipment needed to copy tape recordings in the National Baha’i Archives which deteriorating. i enol:

Anyone who is able to perform this service is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, Baha’i ) tional Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

Leslie Alleyne Jean Harrington

Willingboro, NJ Hoosick Falls, NY July 1991 August 29, 1991 Kenneth Anderson Gary Hendricks Everett, WA Eureka, CA December 24, 1990 July 11, 1991 Florence Borge Edson Hockenbury

Whitewater, WI September 16, 1991

Harrisburg, PA September 3, 1991

Alma Eberhardt Mary L. Jackson Canton, GA Riverside, CA December 1989 July 1991 Jimmie Gallegos Ed Jones Pagosa Springs, CO Miller, MO Date Unknown August 1991 Halima Harding

Cottonwood, AZ

August 10, 1991

Edward Karres Mae Phillips San Rafael, CA Tucson, AZ August 29, 1991 Date Unknown

William Schlichter San Francisco, CA

Esmat Khadem-Noh Castro Valley, CA

April 3, 1991 August 23, 1991 Thomas F. Lane Dorothy Stroman Teaneck, NJ Norway, SC September 19, 1991 August 4, 1991 Kenneth H. Lee Major G. West San Francisco, CA San Pedro, CA September 17, 1991 April 26, 1991 Richard McCurdy Dewitt Wickins Luxembourg Patrick, SC

July 6, 1990 Date Unknown �[Page 9]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 9

Baha'i-founded program promotes literacy, moral values

Fathers Inc. helps inner-city children, youth in Detroit

By KEN BOWERS

The children and youth of inner-city Detroit live in a world darkened by poverty, poor education, and rampant crime.

Into this bleak and unpromising environment has come Fathers Incorporated to offer these youngsters the light of opportunity for productive and meaningful lives.

Fathers Incorporated was founded in 1986 by Baha’is John Mangum Jr., Marvin Hughes and Richard Thomas. Living and working for many years in the Detroit area had instilled in them an appreciation of the need on the part of black urban youth for positive role models from whom they could learn the skills and behavior necessary to make successful contributions to society.

All three Baha*is had many years of experience working with young people, both professionally and through volunteer work.

In 1986 the House of Justice called for “a greater involvement of the Faith in the life of human society” as one of the goals of the Six Year Plan. Another goal was to pursue social and economic projects. Specifically mentioned was the need for establishing tutorial schools.

“There was a critical lack of programs and public funding for young people in the inner city,” says Mr. Mangum. “With no positive avenues to follow, many young blacks, especially males, were turning to less desirable elements of the community for inspiration. We felt that the black community must become more innovative in solving its problems.”

Aware of the urgent need forsuchschools in Detroit, and encouraged by the goals outlined by the House of Justice, the three men decided to act.

With the help of several like-minded friends, the Fathers Incorporated program was launched. Focusing on low achievers and children of single-parent homes, the project embodied two major goals.

One was to meet the educational needs of the participants. Tutorials were begun in reading, writing and mathematics, covering a wide range of skill levels. Other classes were set up to develop students’ ability for analytical thinking and public speaking. The youth were also exposed to the computer sciences, including both basic programming and word processing. other major purpose of the program,” says Mr. Mangum, “was to improve the self-esteem and social competence of the youth. We considered this to be as important for them as acquiring technical skills.”

The majority of inner-city youth, he says, suffer from an acute sense of hopelessness and despair. With limited means and education, their exposure to and understanding of the outside world is lamentably deficient.

Many come to believe that drugs, violence and poverty are inescapable facts of life. And with homicide the leading cause of death among black men ages 15 to 44, young males face especially bleak prospects for the future.

The Fathers Incorporated staff offered living proof that blacks could be successful. The example of their own achievements as professionals served as inspiration for their students to improve themselves.

The volunteers, however, did not stop at providing passive role models. They determined to actively expand the psychologi

cal, moral and social perspective of the youngsters.

Weekend retreats in suburban and rural settings became regular features of the program. Using films, role-playing and workshops, students learned to recognize and cope with negative peer pressure, improve their social graces for better interaction with their peers and with adults, and behave more responsibly in their relationships with others.

The harmful effects of substance abuse were also discussed. Students learned to resolve conflicts through communication rather than confrontation. Classes were held to prepare the youth for later life and work, involving marriage and the family, interviewing and résumé writing, and appropriate dress and behavior.

In the last two years an entrepreneurial program has been developed in which youngsters are taught various aspects of the business environment. Selected students now have the opportunity to planand tun a small business, putting their knowledge and interpersonal skills to use in a “real world” situation.

Since its inception, Fathers Incorporated has grownsteadily in scope and popularity. There are now about 41 students of both sexes, ranging in age from seven to 18.

Their efforts have been well received by the community. Fathers Inc. received a $2,500 “mini-grant” this summer from the McGregor Foundation to help fund an eightweek summer project. The youth were to take part in several field trips and learn the ins and outs of business as they help operate a T-shirt silk screening business.

Word of the program’ssuccess hasspread across the country. Staff members have

John Gruda (standing) conducts a class in computer science for young people as a part of Fathers Incorporated's efforts to

been invited to offer their help to similar programs in other areas, such as the Black Awareness Committee in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Louis G. Gregory Institute’s Youth Academy in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Far more important than the recognition is the knowledge the staff members have that they are changing young people's lives for the better.

“There was one young man,” says Mr. Mangum,”who had dropped out of school before we got him involved in our program. He ended up going back and getting his high school diploma. Now he is attending college—the first person in his family ever to do so.

“Recently that fellow’s sister, who is not

help those in Detroit's inner city lead more meaningful and productive lives.

involved with us directly, decided to go to business school. So there is also a ripple effect.

“It’s important for the youth to have contact with adults who have morals and are notout there selling drugs to get money. We are religious, too.”

Fathers Incorporated also stresses the importance of knowing African-American history.

“These young people have tosee a proud past, one that helps give them the knowledge that they also can have accomplishments under difficult circumstances.” says Mr. Mangum. “When we started and asked students if they wanted to attend college, only a few raised their hands. Now, they all raise their hands.”

Three traveling teachers from U.S. take part in Cape Verde campaign

in which more than 40 new believers are enrolled in Cause of Baha’

More than 40 new believers were enrolled in the Faith in the Cape Verde Islands during a summer teaching project in which three American traveling teachers took part.

One of the Americans was Howard Menking, the Knight of Baha’u'llah who first opened the islands to the Faith 37 years ago. Accompanying him were Richard Andre and Michelle Henderson.

Cape Verde is a nine-island archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean some 400 miles off the coast of West Africa. Formerly acolony of Portugal, the islands are important in history for having been the last port of call for slave ships bound for the New World.

Today the country has a population of just under 350,000. The traveling teachers found the Cape Verdians very receptive to the Faith.

“We were delighted at the warmth of their response to the Message of Baha’u’llah,” said Mr. Andre. “On the first day alone five people embraced the Faith. Within two weeks there were 19 new Baha’is. From then until the end of our month-long stay we saw a steady stream of new believers enrolled.”

The traveling teachers also attended the National Baha’i Summer School and visited several established Baha'i communities, developing friendships with the native believers.

Both Mr. Menking and Mr. Andre are looking into possibilities for establishing long-term projects for social and economic

Traveling teachers join Cape Verdiant at that country’s Baha'i summer school last August. Among those in the picture are

development in Cape Verde. They are also working to encourage other Baha isto visit the islands.

“Cape Verde is a beautiful country,” said Mr. Andre. “Its people are diverse and receptive, and the Baha’is here are very

u'llah

four members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Cape Verde and an Auxiliary Board member.

devoted.

“Unfortunately, the islands are so remote that the number of visiting Baha’is is. very small. We hope that those who are planning international teaching trips will consider coming to Cape Verde.”

�[Page 10]

Page 10 / The American Baha'i / November 1991

Reaching them is ‘one of highest priorities’

Chinese students, scholars welcome gestures of friendship

(The following letter is excerpted from Guang Ming, the newsletter of the National Chinese Teaching Committee.)

. Dear Bahd't Friends,

The Universal House of Justice tells us that reaching the Chinese is “one of the highest priorities for the entire Baha’i world.” “As Baha'is we have been entrusted with taking the message of Baha'u'llah to all of mankind, but only a comparatively small beginning has. yet been made to take the teachings to the vast population of China...who constitute over 20 percent of the world’s total population” (April 19, 1989).

This does not mean that we should all goto China. There are an estimated 42,000 students and scholars from China currently in the United States, sincere people of ca-pacity who welcome genuine friendship, who are interested in new ideas, and who hope the time will soon come when they can return to serve their country, taking with them what they have learned to help China take its place in the community of nations. Their stay in the United States is temporary, as is our opportunity to befriend them. The Universal House of Justice advises us that “...we should use this current opportunity to offer sincere friendship and hospitality to these Chinese visitors and to acquaint them with the progressive teachings of Baha‘u'llah so as to foster in them a positive view of the Faith” (April 19, 1989).

In its message to the International Baha’i Chinese Symposium in San Francisco, the House of Justice elaborated: “These are momentous times in the fortunes of mankind...times of rapid far-reaching global change which give rise to fundamental questions of concern about the social order in which we all live. All over the world, but particularly in China, our contemporaries are searching for answers to these questions. This searching seems to have generated a new kind of receptivity which recognizes in the Teachings basic principles which are at once timely, relevant and compelling. The conjunction of this receptivity with the presence of thousands of Chinese in your midst presents a opportunity for teaching that may never recur in your lifetime. The time is now. ...” (March 27, 1990).

But perhaps a message from the Universal House of Justice to our National Spiritual Assembly, congratulating them on the Symposium, explains best why we feel such urgency: “It is hoped that this symposium will be a turning point in the teaching of Chinese inthe United States and that your community will bring in thousands more Chinese believers in the future” (April 19,1990).

With loving Baha’{ greetings,

National Chinese Teaching Committee November 1991

The Host Family Program ‘Abdu'l-Baha is reported to have said, “The Baha'i teacher of the Chinese people must first be imbued with their spirit, know their sacred literature, study their national customs and speak to them from their own standpoint and their own terminologies” (Star of the West, Vol.VIII, p. 37). We do not have to be or speak Chinese to befriend the Chinese, but how do we acquire these qualities identified by ‘Abdu'l-Baha? The Chinese Teaching Committee recommends that we learn from our Chinese friends! Baha’i families can establish life-long friendships with Chinese students by becoming “host families.” Foreign students are away from their families, and like to have a “family,” especially an extended family or one with children, and even more so on holidays when other students go

Goals of the Chinese Teaching Committee

To form at least 50 teaching institutes focusing on reaching Chinese students, each with at least 10 seekers.

To “bring in thousands more Chinese believers.”

home.

Contact the international student office of your local college or university; tell them you would like to host a Chinese student. Invite him or her to your home for dinner. Show them genuine Baha’i hospitality and love. Remember *Abdu’l-Baha’s words: “Help to make them feel at home; find out where they are staying, ask if you may render them any service; try to make their lives a little happier” (Paris Talks, p. 15). And be trustworthy! With a little time, and love, you will have a friend for life!

“China needs this Message and will certainly respond to it when literature and teachers are available. He hopes you will contact and confirm many more of these Chinese students and visitors to America.” (From a letter written July 5, 1947, on behalf of the Guardian)

Teaching Activities

Farzam Kamalabadi, visiting the United States from Macau, recently gave a lecture on the Baha’i Faith in Chinese at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. About 15 Chinese students heard the talk. It was followed by an English session with the Baha’is on Chinese teaching, and the Baha’is attended the Chinese New Year Dinner the following night. ...

Some 47 people, including 24 Chinese seekers, attended a fireside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Hong Xiu-Ping and Mr. Kamalabadi gave the presentation, following up with visits to individual Chinese seekers over the next two days. ...

Baha’ is across the Midwest took advantage of the opportunity to learn about Chinese history and culture from Mr. Tekseng Lee, who put together a slide presentation as a way to acquaint American believers with the heritage of their Chinese friends. Among the cities Mr. Lee visited were Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Chicago. ...

The Chinese Teaching Institute of the Baha'is of Richardson, Texas, hosted a September 29 social attended by 19 Chinese students from North Texas State University and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Institute is also presenting regular firesides for Chinese seekers. ...

A new Chinese Teaching Institute has been formed in Atlanta, Georgia. The institute is unusual in that Chinese contacts helped to organize it, having decided with the Baha ’is that more joint activities should be planned. ...

‘Adopting’ Chinese visitors

Several Baha’ i families around the country have “adopted” Chinese visitors who are studying at colleges or universities in their areas. The National Chinese Teaching Committee has received many heart ‘China needs this Message and will certainly respond to it when literature and teachers are available. He hopes you will contact and confirm many more of these Chinese students and visitors to America.” (From a letter written July 5, 1947, on behalf of the Guardian)

Indian Baha'i, shares the Faith with Cheng

warming letters from these friends about the rewards of this special form of service. The following is a letter from a Baha'i couple who hosted a Chinese student and his wife last year:

“In November 1990, in response to a request by a member of the National Chinese Teaching Committee, I contacted the International Programs Office at Akron University and told them that my husband and I were interested in hosting some foreign students, preferably from mainland China. Within a matter of days, we were put in touch with a young Chinese biomedical student and his wife, who is a medical doctor.

“Getting to know this couple has been an enriching experience. ... They have enhanced our lives and given us the opportunity of getting to know people from another culture and help them a little. ... This cultural exchange has been enlightening, educational, exhilarating; and this friendship...has also been a source of great laughs.

“We do various things: they teach me to say a few phrases in Chinese, we play pool, we sing songs while I try to play the organ,

Ching (Steve) Lee, a Taiwanese student at the University of Texas-Dallas.

or we watch a movie on TV. I have helped the wife write her resumé and she took me to a newly-opened Chinese grocery store.

“One benefit of our new relationship has been the adventure of eating oriental cuisine. For example, this past Chinese New Year, we attended two celebration dinners and tried such dishes as black-ear mushrooms, tofu, lily soup, and squid--all quite good, really. In return I’ve shared my recipes for biscuits, corn bread and mashed potatoes and gravy.

“Since mid-December, we have gotten together at least twenty times. Uor friendship has simmered over dinner, sometimes with their friends, sometimes at Baha'i functions, whether firesides, public meetings or Unity Feasts.

“This spring, our new-found Chinese friends are going to join us in planting our garden with vegetables and flowers. We pray that the seeds will fall on the soil of these human hearts and that these tender plants will flower and yield wonderful spiritual fruit.”

Jan and Orville Molloham Barberton, Ohio

To increase your community's numbers, diversity, look toward Asian refugee sponsorship program

If your community is interested in increasing its numbers and its diversity, it could be productive to look into the refugee sponsorship program.

Localities that need one or two people to form a local Spiritual Assembly or to strengthen the community are frequently advertising for homefront pioneers. Meanwhile, the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office is often looking for individuals or groups to sponsor refugee families entering the country.

The USBRO can furnish information about families from refugee camps in Southeast Asia that are seeking sponsorship. The newly arrived Baha’is generally will go to areas where there are others from theirown. country.

The sponsoring Spiritual Assembly,

group or individual will find that, in helping the Baha'i refugee family adjust and sharing prayers with their new friends, they are also reaching the other members of the refugee community already in their midst.

Those communities that have accepted the challenge of working with Southeast Asian Baha'is (Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian or Vietnamese) have found many positive aspects. The Feast becomes radiant, children’s classes are well-attended, the Fund is supported, and teaching the Cause of Baha'u'llah accelerates.

If your group or community would like to reach out to the Southeast Asians already in your community, you can ask the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office for help. �[Page 11]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 11

Members of the Baha'i Peace Orchestra performed on television in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on the afternoon before the Peace Concert. Pictured (left to right)

Peace Fest

from page 1

in that both individual and collective efforts are required. Our purpose is to show the importance of such efforts in establishing peace: in the family, community, nation and, ultimately, the world.”

Mr. White also noted that events such as Peace Fest help to carry out the instructions of the Universal House of Justice to become more involved in the life of human society:

“The House of Justice, at the very beginning of the Six Year Plan, stated that the Baha’ is should ‘foster association with organizations, prominent persons and those in authority concerning the promotion of peace, world order and allied objectives, with a view to offering the Baha'i teachings and insights regarding current problems and thought.’”

Members of the Peace Orchestra helped take the Baha'i message of unity to local schools, conducting music workshops that included brief explanations of the purpose of Peace Fest.

Vocalist Tierney Sutton performs with the Peace Fest Orchestra during Saturday evening's concert in Conway.

are drummer Jim Hall, bassist Frank Esposito, trumpeter Warren Kime, pianist Fritz Kersting (seated) and tenor saxophonist Roger Hogan.

Another important aspect of Peace Fest is the recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions to peace and understanding in their communities. Every year the Ambassador Award is presented toan individual or group from northeastern South Carolina for community services transcending the bounds of race, belief and class.

This year'shonoree was the Rey. Antoine Campbell, rector of Baskerville Ministries in Pawley’s Island, whose work in the Hurricane Hugo relief effort is well known in his area of South Carolina.

Peace Fest opened with Friday evening's Gospel Jubilee, held at the Mitcheom Community Center in Hemingway and attended by some 500 people. The Jubilee began with beautifully sung renditions of the Lord's Prayer and the Baha'i prayer “Blessed is the Spot.” Then the audience enjoyed several hours of uplifting music as performed by 10 of South Carolina's most popular choirs and soloists.

Several hundred people also turned out for Saturday evening's Peace Concert featuring an energetic performance by the Peace Fest Orchestra. The program in Tom Fowler, amember of the Baha'i Peace Orchestra's splendid saxophone section, takes a solo turn on soprano sax.

Counselor Magdalene M. Carney presents the 1991 Baha'i Peace Award to the Rev. Antoine Campbell as Truitt White, director

of the Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute, looks

cluded blues tunes, swing numbers and fast-moving contemporary jazz in the best big band style. Among the selections were several original compositions on Baha‘ themes including “Tabarsi” by pianist Fritz Kersting and“Enoch Olinga” and “Thank You Mr. Sears,” both by tenor saxophonist Roger Hogan.

Jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton, a Baha’i from Boston, joined the Peace Orchestra for the first time this year. She also contributed an original piece, entitled “Everything You Know Isn’t True,” about her spiritual journey to the Faith.

That evening the Rev. Campbell was honored with the 1991 Ambassador Award. Counselor Magdalene Carney presented the plaque inscribed with the words of Baha‘u'llah: “That one is indeed a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race.”

Dr. Carney, in noting his services to the community, said that his work was special because it “crossed the color line” and helped lay the foundation for understanding between the black and white races.

Rey. Campbell responded that he has “tried to create a community where people live and work together.” He recalled his college days, when he had first learned of the Baha’i Faith through the music of the popular singing duo Seals and Crofts. Since then, he said, he had always admired the teachings of the Faith about the unity of mankind.

He praised the organizers of Peace Fest and the efforts of the musicians involved in the Peace Concert, who had given of their time and considerable talent to promote their beliefs. He was especially moved by the evening's jazz performance.

“Jazz,” he said, “has a unique capacity to bring the races together because it allows for both unity and individual creativity.”

Rev. Campbell concluded by expressing his conviction that humanity would ultimately prevail in its quest for world peace.

On Sunday morning an interfaith worship service was held at the Gregory Institute. The service began with prayers and singing including an inspiring performance of “Amazing Grace” by a local barbershop quartet.

After the devotions Counselor Wilma Ellis addressed the gathering, speaking about the age-old barriers to peace that we at this time in history are breaking.

“In the past,” she said, “diversity of lan

on. Dr. Carney, a member of the International Teaching Center, returned to Haifa shortly after Peace Fest and passed away there on October 9 (see story on page 1).

Dr. Magdalene Carney speaks over Radio Bahá't WLGI during a reception in her honor that preceded the Peace Fest.

guage, geographical remoteness and poor education, among other things, were obstacles to peace. In the realm of ideology we also suffered, suffused as our thinking was with racist and nationalist notions.

“Today, however, the achievements of science and the bitter experiences of modern history are making world peace not only possible but imperative.”

Baha’u'llah, she added, appeared in the world in this age to lay the spiritual and practical foundations for world peace.

“Baha'u'llah gave us the principles and the spiritual power to fulfill the promise made by Christ, that it shall be ‘on earth as it is in heaven.”

Peace Fest "91 received unprecedented attention from the local media. Mr. White and Mr. Holladay were interviewed on a Myrtle Beach TV news show on the opening day of Peace Fest. Also present were five members of the Peace Orchestra who performed a jazz number as the show's closing credits were aired.

The Weekly Observer, a Hemingway newspaper, rana detailed front page article on Peace Fest. Three other regional papers ran articles as well.

“We were delighted at the response of the media and the public,” said Mr. White. “Itshows that people are thinking seriously about peace. It also indicates that Peace Fest, after six years, is still growing in acceptance and popularity. Peace Fest is fast becoming an established tradition in South Carolina.”

�[Page 12]Page 12] The American Baha’ |] November 1991

Adults can help empower younger believers

- Youth, children have large role to play in teaching Faith

In its 1988 Ridvan message, the Universal House of Justicesummoned every “man, woman, youth and child” to the field of teaching. This summons challenged a prevailing assumption that young believers are not yet ready to assume their place as teachers of the Cause. The Universal House of Justice confirmed that youth and children have a significant role to play in the

teaching work at this very moment. Children, like all believers in Baha’u'Ilah, are responsible for fulfilling their first obligation, which as ‘Abdu’l-Baha stated in his Will and Testament, is to teach the Faith to others. And, like the rest of us, children need to be assured of their ability to teach and assisted in learning how to prepare themselves to teach effectively. To make

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS |

Robert Ahdieh, a 20-year-old student at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs, has begun a year of special studies in Moscow, Vienna and Washington, D.C. Mr. Ahdieh, who spent a year as a volunteer worker at the Baha’i World Center in Haifa before entering Princeton, left in August for Moscow where he is one of the first American students to study and conduct research at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. In December he travels to Vienna to study at the Vienna Academy for the Study of the Future, then returns to Washington to work next April through July at the Helsinki Commission, composed of U.S. Senators and Congressmen, among others, and known officially as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Mr. Ahdieh will return to Princeton in September 1992. ...

Frank and Pamela Bradley, members of the Spiritual Assembly of Memphis, Tennessee, have received the 1991 Community Service Award in Interracial Goodwill from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The award is presented for “dedicated service to the Memphis community in building bridges of understanding, championing the ideal of liberty and justice for all, and advancii the cause of human rights; for being an example in word and deed of the hig! of Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Familyhood among all people; [and] for significant improvement in the quality of life in Memphis/Shelby County through courageous and constructive involvement in community affairs.” ...

Sarah Makoski, a Baha'i from West Suffield, Connecticut, who is a junior at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, has received a Clare Booth Luce Scholarship allowing her two years’ worth of full tuition, room and board at the college. Miss Makoski also received a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, awarded annually to up to 250 outstanding undergraduate students throughout the country. This summer, she was one of 15 undergraduate physics majors from around the country who took part in a 10-week research program in nuclear physics at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, helping to figure out the correction factor required for a subatomic particle detector. ...

teaching a daily part of their lives requires that love for Baha'u'llah and firmness in His Covenant be firmly grounded within their hearts, that this love and certitude be developed into confidence, and that the expression of this love and obedience be practiced through action.

The following story illustrates how adults can help to empower young believers to become teachers of the Cause:

Last year, a teaching institute sprang up in South Carolina as a result of a conversation between a father and daughter who were discussing the difficulties involved in teaching the Faith by oneself. They prayed and studied the concept of teaching institutes, and then decided to form a teaching institute through which they would support each other’s teaching efforts. They decided to focus their efforts collectively on “youth of capacity” who were attending the daughter's high school.

This father and daughter began meeting twice a week for their teaching institute. On Sunday afternoons they would pray, memorize passages from the Writings, deepen, and study the Writings about teaching. They had identified two or three youth whom they felt were especially receptive, and centered most of their praying on bringing them closer to the Faith. They memorized passages from Writings that could be used while teaching, and began to go through the Effective Teaching workbook. Later, as new believers started attending these meetings, they began studying The Significance of Baha'u’llah’s Revelation.

In the meantime, on Friday nights, they were holding firesides, which they had decided would be their primary method of teaching.

Three or four young seekers consistently began to attend firesides. Within a few months, their first new believer joined the

teaching institute, and was available to assist with the firesides and other teaching activities.

Through the efforts of this teaching institute, formed by a Baha’i parent anda young believer who found it difficult to teach by herself, several youth of capacity have joined the Cause and are actively engaged in teaching their peers.

To help other children meet their spiritual obligation to teach, we might return in our thinking to the 1988 Ridvan message of the Universal House of Justice, consider its statement that “the paramount purpose of all Baha'i activity is teaching,” and examine how we may apply that purpose to the activities in which we engage with children.

We may ask ourselves, for instance, for what purpose do we read them Baha'i stories? Is it assist them to be teachers of the Cause? For what purpose do we help them to memorize Baha’i prayers? Is it to help them to be teachers of the Cause? If not, we may consider ways to connect these activities to the purpose of promoting the Cause of God.

If we act on the expectation that children are responsible members of Baha‘u'llah’s Cause, we can empower them to carry out their sacred obligations as believers. A positive and transforming self-fulfilling prophecy can often occur in children who are aware of the purpose of Baha’i activities and understand the role they are expected to play in these activities.

Children will strive to carry out sacred tasks which they have been empowered to perceive as their own responsibility to fulfill. Asa result, they will become actively involved in the teaching work and in other aspects of Baha’i community life.

Cultural traditions showcased at Harmony Music Festival

The musical traditions of many cultures were showcased September 22 at the third annual International Harmony Music Festival, sponsored by the Baha'is of Richardson, Texas.

About 400 people enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment “dedicated to international and intercultural understanding,” as American Indian, African-American, Laotian, Cambodian, and Russian performers, among others, celebrated the diversity of the human family through music and dance.

The festival was recognized for its contribution to intercultural understanding by the mayor of Richardson, who read a proclamation in honor of the event. State Representative Fred Hill also attended, presenting the Baha'is a state flag that had flown over the capitol as a token of the government's appreciation for their efforts.

The Baha'is enlisted the support of several area organizations including the Dallas UN Association, Women for International Peace and Arbitration, and the Richardson School District, which put posters about the event in 50 schools.

Advertisements were taken out in ethnically oriented newspapers and in the Rich—

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ardson News.

Linda Jensen, chairman of the Festival Committee, was delighted with the community’s response.

“Richardson isa very diverse city, which was reflected in the audience as well as in

the performers,” she said. “This year an unusually high number of people of Asian background turned out for the festival. “We were especially pleased with media coverage of the event, which in past years was rather sparse. This time we had cover Left photo: Francesca Sawyer accompanies herself on guitar as she sings a Baha'i prayer during the third annual Harmony Music Festival sponsored by the Baha'is of Richardson, Texas. Above: Among the many international performers at this year's Harmony Festival were the Laotian-Cam— bodian Preservation Group whose mem age both before and afterward. All of the articles mentioned the Faith and some of its major principles. It shows that persistent activity will attract attention over the course of time.

“The Universal House of Justice has

bers presented a number of traditional Southeast Asian dances. About 400 people enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment ‘dedicated to international and inter— cultural understanding’ featuring Ameri— can Indian, African-American, Southeast Asian and Russian performers.

asked the believers everywhere to undertake activities promoting our beliefs about peace and unity. We hope that in the years to come the Baha’is of Richardson will be an increasingly important factor in community life.”

�[Page 13]The Ame

an Baha'i / November 1991,/ Page 13

The National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya has begun consolidation work to reinforce the achievements of its recent “Victory Task Force” teaching campaign. During the campaign, the Faith was proclaimed to an estimated 12,900 people, teachers visited almost 2,000 households, 23 talks were given at schools, and more than 130 prominent people in Kenya were reached. Enrollments numbered 1,576 with 19 new local Spiritual Assemblies formed. During the same period, 136 inactive Assemblies were reactivated. The National Assembly began its consolidation of these gains with a two-day Deepening Institute fornew believers. Seven-day institutes also were planned. ...

In August, the National Teaching Committee of Bulgaria reported that a youth teaching team had enrolled 13 people in the city of Varna. The committee said the group held a proclamation in one of the city’s central parks, attracting people through the use of music. ...

A teaching campaign held in conjuntion with the North Cyprus Summer School led to the enrollment of 11 people, seven from the Gypsy community of Guzelyurt, one of the goal areas of the Six Year Plan in Cyprus. The summer school was held August 18-24 in Lapta with 41 Baha'is from Cyprus and Turkey taking part. Counselor Ilhan Sezgin and Auxiliary Board member Susan Mokhles were special guests. ...

The Baha'i Faith was specifically mentioned in relationship to an agreement between the Cambridge Bay Housing Association and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, which allows workers to choose 10 designated paid holidays instead of taking the general holidays provided for in the Labor Code. The agreement allows workers to take time off from work for their own religious holidays, which means that Baha'is working for the Association can now le

On July 15-21, Bahd'ts in Romania hosted the first European Baha'i Youth Conference at Neptune, atownon the coast of the Black

gitimately observe all nine Baha’i Holy Days on which work should be suspended.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Mauritius reports that a one-week teaching trip to Rodrigues Island resulted in the enrollment of 60 new Bahd‘is. Fifteen Baha'is took part in the campaign including three from the Seychelles. They performed three musical concerts, each of which was announced on the radio and drew an audience of about 400. During the trip, six new local Spiritual Assemblies were established. ...

On August 3, more than 75 men, women, youth and children launched the Rompe Olas Teaching Project with proclamation events in 69 of Puerto Rico's municipalities. The National Spiritual Assembly reported that the level of participation was unprecedented, and that 20 people were enrolled in the Faith during the early days of the project. ...

In Swaziland, where the Baha’i Faith has been a part of the curriculum at the University of Swaziland for the past four years, university officials have asked the Baha’is to develop a new curriculum on specific Bahda’i topics in relation to African customs and traditional beliefs. The National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland has appointed four people to teach the new courses. ...

An International Baha’i Youth Conference held August 10-17 in Zimbabwe drew 70 young people from 11 countries. Counselor Daniel Ramoroesi wasa special guest. Six people embraced the Faith during the conference, which was organized by Baha'i youth between the ages of 13 and 18. ...

Teaching efforts by members of the National Youth Committee of New Caledonia have resulted in the enrollment of six people in La Foa: one adult, three youth and two pre-youth. Auxiliary Board member Ivan Olivari reports that enrollments are now being recorded among the principal racial groups represented in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands—Caucasian, Caledonian, Martiniquais and Polynesian. ...

A teaching/consolidation institute was held July 28-August 1 in Oghara, Nigeria, to prepare participants for an intensive sixmonth teaching and consolidation project. Eighteen people took part including Counselor Kiser Barnes and two members of the National Teaching Committee. ...

The Baha’ is of Alingsas, Sweden, had a three-week exhibit on the Faith in the municipal library; the municipal authority enclosed a cultural pamphlet witha promi TENS mR eo

Sea. Participants at the conference launched the Téhirih II Neptune Teaching Project.

nent article about the exhibit in electric bills that went out to all area residents. In Sundsvall some 1,000 people were introduced to the Faith at a conference sponsored by the World Health Organization, at which the friends set up an exhibit featuring Baha’i economic and social development projects from around the world. ... The village of Rainy Mission, Transkei, South Africa, was opened to the Faith as

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a “ — Local Spiritual Assemblies in Moissala, Chad, and Munich, Germany, pooled their resources to establish a mobile Baha'i library to service outlying villages in Chad

the result of a teaching vigil held there at the request of the village’s sub-headman, who had become interested in the Faith through the efforts of Baha'i travel teachers from nearby Umtata. More than 100 people attended the vigil, at which one woman declared her belief in Baha’u’llah. The event marked the first time in the history of Transkei that a vigil had been held where no Baha’is were residing

,

whose young people have little access to public libraries in the cities. The library began service in November 1990.

Win 4

On September 23, friends and members of

the family of Kim Ly Ngim gathered at her grave site to pray for the teaching workand unity of the Baha'i community in Stockton, California, one year after the 11-year-old

girl had prayed, on the day of her passing, that her death would serve to kindle the hearts of the believers. Within the next week, 20 new believers had joined the Cause of Baha'u'llah in Stockton.

More than 100 attend Stockton conference designed to deepen new Cambodian believers

On September 22, 1991, a conference designed fornew Cambodian believers was held in Stockton, California, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly in that city. It was attended by more than 100 Cambodian believers, about half of whom were children.

The program began with prayers and music, after which the children participated in special classes geared toward the memorization of the Sacred Writings while the adults watched a video tape especially prepared for this weekend in the Khmer language by Mr. Sen Soeurn of Lowell, Massachusetts. The tape discussed the history and obligations of the Faith, including praying, teaching, giving to the Funds, and fasting.

Auxiliary Board member Richard Groger then presented a keynote address based largely on the writings of Shoghi Effendi.

Mr. Dy Bun, of Stockton, acted as the Khmer interpreter. Mrs. Puran Stevens, of the National Spiritual Assembly's Refugee Office, was also on hand to give those at the gathering a heartfelt message of welcome and love.

One of the results of this special Khmer: language conference for new believers is a new focus on the training of the Baha’i children. Stockton local Spiritual Assembly member Mr. Oeum Oeun will host weekly classes in his home with assistance from English-speaking members of the community.

An additional effort will be made to coordinate children’s training activities with the Baha’is of Modesto. Khmerspeaking Baha'is who were unable to attend the conference will also be given several opportunities to see the deepening tape by Mr. Sen Soeurn.

�[Page 14]Page 14 / The American Baha'i / November 1991

Baha'u'llah's new World Order is theme of ninth Massanetta Springs Conference

The ninth annual Massanetta Springs Baha’i Conference was held August 30September | in Staunton, Virginia.

The conference theme was “Baha‘u'llah and the New World Order.”

The main speakers were Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and James Sturdivant.

Dr. Henderson and Mr. Sturdivant related the Universal House of Justice's statement on Baha‘u'llah to daily living and the establishment of the new World Order.

The unity of mankind, Dr. Henderson said, will come about no so much by learning new ways as by unlearning old ways. The essence of that Order, he said, “is to do things God's way, not man’s way.”

Mr. Sturdivant pointed out that the statement talks about “the moral capacities latent in human nature” and explained how we can relate this with many events in the

crumbling communist countries of Eastern Europe.

Dr. Ahdieh spent Saturday afternoon with thechildrenand youth, inviting those young people who had spent the summer teaching the Cause to share their triumphs, their dreams, and their hopes for the future.

Dr. Henderson and Mr. Sturdivant conducted workshops, as did Mehrdad Bashiri (in Persian) and Dave and Helene Van Manen who also entertained children and adults with their delightful songs.

Saturday evening’s program, “An Evening to Remember,” honored through song, poetry and readings, in English and Persian, those Baha'is who have passed on to the Abha Kingdom.

A “silent auction” of mementos left by the late Bill and Flora Brooks, who organized the first Massanetta Springs Conference in 1979, raised $2,614 for the Arc Fund.

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Performing during the closing program at the Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Baha'i Conference in September are (left to right)

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Mary Davis, David Draim, Helene Van Manen, Dave Van Manen, Steve Reisetter and Tressa Reisetter.

Baha'is from several communities in Maine attended a special weekend gathering for Bahda't children August 16-18 sponsored by the Baha'i community of Brunswick. The facilitator was Yael Wurmfeld (back row, left), a member of the National

Teaching Committee. The goal of the weekend event was ‘to help kids acknowledge and recognize their personal identification with their own faith, to become knowledgeable about it, and thereby be able to answer questions.”

Seventh Annual Grand Canyon Bahá’f Conference December 27 - 30, 1991 Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona

Confirmed Speakers ai

Hand of the Cause, Ali-Muhammad Varga Robert Harris Dr. Soheil Bushrui

Dr. Firuz Ka:

mzadeh

Dr. Wilma Ellis Omid Forutan

For more information: Terry Agahi (602) 863-1919 Shervin Niknam (602) 998-3075

Images International marketing, distributing audio-visual aids on behalf of World Center

To help meet the needs of Baha’is around the world and to address a goal of the Six Year Plan, to “foster the use of Baha’i literature... supplemented as needed by tape recordings and visual aids...,” Images International has begun on behalf of the Audio-Visual Department at the World Center aggressive marketing and distribution of slides, slide programs and videos.

This is the first of many ventures to be jointly coordinated by the World Center, the International Baha'i Audio-Visual Office in Illinois and Images International, which is a not-for-profit corporation organized to produce, market and distribute materials that will help educate those who are interested in the Faith, its teachings, and their application to a wide range of subjects such as world peace, race unity, equality of the sexes, marriage and family life, social and economic development, and personal transformation.

The newest of the are the “generic” mini-slide sets, as they are affectionately called. These recent releases of the World Center's Audio-Visual Department are grouped into eight topics: World Center Arc and Terraces; Baha'i Holy Places; Baha’i Houses of Worship; Peace; Women; Youth and Children; Literacy; and Bahai Social and Economic Development.

Each 20-slide mini-set retails for $9. All eight topics (160 slides) can be purchased for the discount price of $63. A written description accompanies each mini-set to help in identification and presentation.

Two other programs, produced at the World Center in the mid to late 1980s, are also welcome additions to Images International's growing stock.

“The Baha’is and the Holy Land” (75 slides) surveys the historical and contemporary relationship between the Faith and the Holy Land. The accompanying narrative can be read easily in 20 minutes. The cost is $25 including shipping and handling.

“Baha'i Social and Economic Development” is an 80-slide program depicting an array of worldwide Baha’i-sponsored social and economic development programs. Included is a well-recorded 22-minute audio tape and printed script. The set is available for $30 including shipping and han

dling.

All the slides mentioned here can be shown in a variety of settings: summer or winter school classes, Feasts, deepenings, firesides, mobile institutes, as visual aids for public meetings, or in classrooms at colleges or universities.

Slides are also available as a stock supply of visual images for black and white prints, publicity photos, printed publications or television programs.

To order, write to Images International, P.O. Box 1051, Belchertown, MA 01007, or phone 413-323-5808.

National Assembly to co-sponsor Global Structures Convocation

The National Spiritual Assembly is one of 70 co-sponsors of the second Global Structures Convocation: Environment and Development, to be held next February 69 in Washington, D.C.

A representative of the National Assembly will conduct a workshop entitled “Earth Charter: Establishing the Values and Principles for International Laws and a Global Community.”

Designed as a working session for maximum participation, the Convocation will include as many as 20 simultaneous workshops on international legal, institutional and economic issues related to the implementation of the Earth Summit to be heldin June 1992.

The first Global Structures Convocation, the 1989 Structures for Peace Convocation, led to the formation of the Alliance for Our Common Future, of which the Baha’is of the U.S. are a member organization.

Individual Baha'is are welcome to attend the Convocation in Washington. The National Spiritual Assembly will have official representation there, and kindly requests that those who attend notify its office at .

Washington, DC 20009 (phone 202-2658830).

For more information about the Convocation, contact the Second Global Structures Convocation: Environment and Development,

Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202-8339585; fax 202-785-3942).

�[Page 15]The American Bahia! November 1991] Page 15

LETTERS

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

The American Baha’i welcomes letters to the editor onany 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 personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, andare 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 Baha i, Bahd'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Faith moves forward

To the Editor:

As I scan the most recent issue of The American Bahd’t I realize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Faith, not only inthe U.S. but ona global scale. These words of Baha‘u'llah have been taken to heart:

“Let your vision be world-embracing. Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns, let your thoughts be fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of

Dr. Carney

from page 1

human development, and she worked with early childhood development programs in Suffield, Connecticut; Hampden, Maine; and the Appalachian region of Ohio.

Dr. Carney was the author of a number of books and articles on education including Teaching: Issues, Perspectives and Definitions (1974), “Teaching Competence: An ANISA Definition” in The Constructive Triangle (1975), and (with Susan Theroux) Family Life and Child Rearing Practices Among Black Americans: A Review of the Research Literature (1977).

In November 1978 Dr. Carney came to Wilmette, Illinois, as the National Assembly’sassistant secretary, a position in which she served until appointed a Counselor in May 1983.

Asa member of the International Teaching Center she helped coordinate, stimulate and direct the work of five Continental Boards of Counselors in promoting the spiritual, intellectual and social development of Baha’i communities all over the world.

Dr. Carney had only recently returned to Haifa from the U.S. where she visited Bahai communities in a number of states as an unofficial “traveling teacher,” offering her love, support and counsel to those whose paths she crossed.

Her last formal appearance in this country was as presenter of the Louis Gregory Institute's Peace Award during Peace Fest ‘91 to the Rev. Antoine Campbell (see article on page 1, photographs on page 11).

men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy deeds, through a virtuous life and goodly behavior. Valiant acts will assure the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power.”

Weare nolongerthat little band of people, but a victorious army that has taken hold of this planet. An army whose strength can now be seen, as global events shake the very core of our planet.

All around us we see systems, feared by many at one time, collapsing before our eyes as people cry out for freedom and justice. Diligently, Baha’is go on with the work asked of them, and quickly (it seems) results follow. People talk about miracles and how wonderful they are, but we Baha’is witness them constantly in our teaching work. That is why Shoghi Effendi said:

“If one seeks the confirmations of the Holy Spirit, he can find them in rich abundance in the teaching field. ...” “The allconquering potency of the grace of God, vouchsafed through the Revelation of Baha’u'llah, will, undoubtedly, mysteriously and surprisingly, enable whosoever arises to champion His Cause to win complete and total victory.”

What we are asked to do is “to try, to persevere,” and then we are promised “complete and total victory.” Where else in the world are there such guarantees for one’s efforts?

It is inspiring and humbling to read and hear of the tremendous achievements of our fellow Baha’is. Also, it makes us realize how fortunate we are to live in these times. No wonder the prophets of old yearned to live in this Day!

The words of Baha’u'llah echo in my ears: “Should anyone arise for the triumph of Our Cause, him will God render victorious though tens of thousands of enemies be leagued against him. And if his love for Me wax stronger, God will establish his ascendancy over all the powers of earth and heaven. Thus have We breathed the spirit of power into all regions.”

Delia Lopez Sylmar, California

On showing reverence

To the Editor:

Concerning the letter (September) about prayer books and other Baha'i materials in one's bathroom:

It is not the place where a prayer is offered, but the sincerity with which that prayer is offered that is important.

No one can claim to know the thoughts of another. To assume that finding a prayer book in one’s bathroom in any way shows disrespect is an error in judgment.

Baha’u'llah says that prayers are to be recited in privacy. In many households, the bathroom is the only place where one is guaranteed solitude.

Furthermore, some obligatory prayers call for the washing of hands and face. Modern plumbing has replaced the wash basins of the 1800s and taken personal hygiene out of the bedroom. How is one correctly to offer the medium obligatory prayer ina modern bedroom without washing facilities?

Are we to say that the presence of a washstand and chamber pot in the bedrooms of ourancestors made their morning and evening prayers somehow less respectful than our own?

Mariam Kirby La Jolla, California . To the Editor:

I would like to respond to some of the letters in the September issue, one of which reminds me of a story I heard about two

The Bahá'i communities of Deerfield, Highland Park and Northbrook, Illinois, joined forces to produce this attractive float depicting ‘Peace through Unity’ for the annual Fourth of July parades in all

monks from different monasteries who liked to smoke cigarettes. They were concerned about whether it was proper tosmoke while saying their daily prayers, so they decided to ask their respective abbots.

‘When next they saw one another, one monk was dejected and explained that when he asked his abbot if he were allowed to smoke during prayers, he was given a severe reprimand for even considering the possibility.

The second monk smiled and said he had gotten quite a different response. He had asked his abbot if it was permissible to pray to God at all times, even when he was smoking. His abbot assured him that it was important to keep God in one’s heart and mind no matter what he might be doing.

I know that God loves me even when I am in the bathroom, so I suspect that He doesn't mind my remembering Him while Iam taking care of the body He gave me.

As for the letter condemning reading supermarket tabloids, I find it curious. In the Baha’i writings, the word that is found alongside “backbiting” is “fault-finding.”

Tam sure the writer is sincere in his desire to reduce fault-finding in the community, but there are no laws concerning reading magazines, and we are not allowed tomake up new laws for one another.

Instead, the writer may find it helpful to try what we are doing here in Albuquerque. During the social part of the Feast, we devote a few minutes to praising and thanking one another for who we are and what we have done for the community. Focusing on the positive always helps lessen our interest in the negative.

On that note, I would like to commend Mr. Neumann for his letter about teaching the Chinese. Not only was it informative, but it was written in a way that helped me feel good about teaching rather than guilty for not teaching.

It focused on ways to overcome barriers rather than on the damage that could be caused if we do not. If he teaches the Faith the way he writes, I am sure he is quite effective.

Jay Strain Albuquerque, New Mexico .

the writer (September) that every Baha’i should be interested in showing reverence. More important, we are trying to be reverent, and that is a matter of intent and focus. It is often difficult to keep one’s children still during a Feast or fireside without caus three villages. In Northbrook, the float won the Chairman's Award. It marked the third year in which the Bahd'ts have entered a

float in these parades, and the second in

which they have won a trophy.

ing even more disturbance quieting them than they were causing by “walking around.” Having been raised in the silence of Quaker meetings before accepting Baha'u'llah in 1964, I find that a bit of activity challenges me to go deeper into prayer, lifting the level of my spiritual commitment.

While we must all teach our children to be reverent and conduct themselves appropriately, we must also be tolerant and loving, and accept “adversity” as a blessing, enabling us to grow in spirit and dedication.

Margaret N. Semola Cypress, California

(EDITOR'S NOTE: We have receiveda large number of letters in response to the letter (September) on showing reverence. The letters printed here are representative of those received.)

Those less fortunate

Dear Editor:

I have been a Baha'i for many years, during most of which I have participated fully and frequently in the entire range of activities offered in my community. After my divorce, however, it became difficult to attend functions which involved any financial expense. With a child to support, it has been hard to do so much as bring food to a potluck or give to the Fund as I once did. As a result I have ceased to go to the kinds of events that I know will involve more cost than I can afford.

It has occurred to me that there may be others whose economic circumstances make it a problem for them to take part in events that most would consider easily affordable. There may even be those who feel embarrassed or uncomfortable enough not to come to other meetings.

We Baha’ is desire to reach and include as many people in our world society as possible. Maybe we need to look more closely at each other and strive to be more sensitive when planning community functions. Perhaps anonymous contributions could be made to help pay for things like group dinners, which would make them available to a wider range of believers. Some can afford more than others and would gladly contribute a larger share to provide for a less fortunate member of the community who would like to participate, but cannot bear the added expense.

Carolyn I. Thomas Marion, North Carolina

�[Page 16]Page 16 / The American Baha'i / November 1991

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Oral history: An important aspect of Archival research

Baha’is today have a unique role—not only are they making history, they are recording it. On paper, in local records, on microfiche, in the National Baha’i Archives, and on tape, the American Baha*i community is preparing for the mature administration of the Cause by keeping accurate records, and making Baha’ischolarship possible by maintaining historical documents. One aspect of this process is oral history.

“Baha’is cannot always be sure what information will be important in the future,” says Dr. Robert Stockman, director of the Baha’i National Center Research Office. “Oral history is one of the easiest ways to preserve potentially valuable information that might not be preserved in letters, minutes and articles.”

Young Baha'i is speaker at NCCJ Conference

Shaheen Mohajer, a 15-year-old Baha’i from Orlando, Florida, was one of 100 young people who attended the National Conference of Christians and Jews MetroTown Labor Day conference August 30September 2 in Orlando.

Mr. Mohajer spoke several times during the conference, on race unity and the Baha'i teachings, on the history and principles of the Faith, and on his family’s harrowing escape from Iran in 1985 after the Islamic Revolution. After reading Baha‘u'llah’s remarks about the prerequisites for peace (Gleanings, pp. 249-50), he was given a

Older believers are a tremendous source of local history. Often they can tell us who the first Baha’i in a town was, what it was like to teach the Faith in the early days, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Oral history can capture for posterity what might otherwise be irretrievably lost due to people’s lack of time, inclination or ability to write down their reminiscences.

In the future the residents of every town and city in the world will want to know about their areas’ earliest believers. They will wonder what those people were like, how they taught the Faith, what obstacles they faced, and how they ultimately succeeded in establishing the Cause. Oral history is one of the best ways to gather this information.

Many Baha’is have pioneered on the homefront or overseas, and oral history is an effective and interesting way to obtain information from them about their experiences. Pioneers and traveling teachers are important sources because, as outsiders, they form impressions that are different from believers who are long-time residents of a locality. Their experiences may be compared to snapshots, as opposed to motion pictures.

Often people who live in an area a long time have trouble remembering which events happened when, and how Baha'is’ attitudes toward the Faith or the world evolved, whereas visitors can sometimes date events and attitudes quite precisely.

Recent additions to the National Baha’i

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standing ovation.

The performing duo ‘Lifelong Friends’ (Melody and Ray Dodd) were among the entertainers appearing at the Environ—

mental Rally in September sponsored by the Baha'i community of Garland, Texas.

Garland, Texas, community sponsors Labor Day rally on environment to help educate residents

On September 8, the Baha'i community of Garland, Texas, sponsored an environmental rally to follow up its Labor Day parade activities.

Among those taking part were Morine Kovich, director of the Texas Committee on Natural Resources, who showed her audience what happens when forests are clear-cut for lumber; JoAnne Hill, the Committee's recycling chairman, who explained how the preservation of nature

begins in one’s home through recycling; and Scott Hakala, professor of economics at Southern Methodist University, who spoke about the long-term cost of pollution from an economic and spiritual point of view and stressed the responsibility Baha'is have to care for the environment and protect it for future generations.

Jinna McLaurin, a member of the Baha'i community of Garland, read excerpts from “The Baha’i Statement on Nature.”

Archives oral history collection include interviews of Joseph and Margaret Varga, the first native Wyoming Baha’is; Sunni (Norma) DaVar, the first native Bulgar Baha’i, who pioneered to Puerto Rico; Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, former member of the Continental Board of Counselors; and Dr. Elsie Austin, Trustee of the Huququ’llah.

If you are interested in conducting local history interviews to add to the National Baha'i Archives’ collection of tapes, please

contact the Director of Oral History, Sarah Lee, 649 Squires Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40515 for guidelines on conducting interviews, suggestions of people to interview, biographical questionnaire forms and copies of the form used to legally donate interviews to the Archives.

All that is needed is access to a tape recorder anda desire to be a part of preserving history.

The Hmong Teaching Institute of Sac— ramento, California, began one rainy Saturday in January 1988 when two Bahd'is went door-to-door in West Sacramento in an effort to save the jeopardized Spiritual Assembly. Pictured are fewer than onethird of the active members of the institute, including long-time Bahd'is and recent declarants, who gathered recently after school to welcome Puran Stevens of the

U.S. Bahd't Refugee Office. During the meeting, the children recited prayers from memoryand the adults consulted on various aspects of the Faith. The teaching institute has met many challenges while engaged in the twin processes of expansion and consolidation, and is reaching out to a newly arrived family of Bahd'trefugeesin Marys~ ville, a city without any other Bahd'is about 40 miles north of Sacramento.

L.A. columnist praises statement on race unity

The National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, “The Vision of Race Unity,” was quoted extensively by A.S. (Doc) Young in a laudatory column September 19 in the black-oriented Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper.

“Both here in Southern California and in the Chicago area,” writes Mr. Young, “I know, have known, or have met more than, a few members of various races who have found peace, understanding, security, a great outlook on life as a result of their Baha’i Faith.”

After commenting on a number of paragraphs from the National Assembly's statement, Mr. Young concludes: “The Baha’is, Ican say as a result of some involvement with and larger observations of them over

Arts program highlights summer classes at NABI

The highlight of summer classes this year at the Native American Baha'i Institute in Houck, Arizona, was a performing arts program led by Rosanne Groger, who brought hertalents and experience to NABI for the sixth year in a row.

Her group, called The Children of Burntwater, gave several performances during the summer including those at the Spiritual Unity of Tribes gathering in Nambe, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, Arizona.

After dancing and singing at the Fair, the group was asked to give an encore performance to be televised as part of a local station's coverage of the event. The halfhour performance was televised in four of the five agencies of the Navajo Nation.

the years in the areas mentioned, practice what they preach. If you are interested in learning more about the Baha’is, I suggest that you contact (name and phone number).

“You may be glad that you did!”

National Assembly reserves right to contact American Indian tribal chiefs

The National Spiritual Assembly has received complaints from an American Indian tribal chief who has been given multiple copies of the peace statement by well-meaning Baha'is. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that in all matters relating to the Faith, the National Assembly reserves the right to contact or to do business with national institutions or persons of national prominence.

Therefore, without the explicit direction or permission of the National Spiritual Assembly, local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Bahd’is should not initiate any action of a Baha'i nature with representatives or agencies of the federal government, state legislatures or governors, nationally prominent individuals, national organizations or national media.

Should any individual Baha'i or Baha’i institution wish to contact a person or group falling into any of these categories, please contact the external affairs secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly, 1606 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20009 (telephone 202-265-8830). �[Page 19]The American Baha'i / November 1991 / Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices inThe American Baha’i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads 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 and care in responding to them.

AFRICA: Benin: primary school teachers. Transkei: medical doctors. Zambia: director and teachers for newly founded Banani girls’ school. Uganda: co-op development specialist to direct co-op agribusiness project, chief technical adviser for forest rehabilitation project. Swaziland: physician to run rural clinic and Baha’i service project. ASIA: Macau: pre-school, primary and secondary school teachers. AUSTRALASIA: American Samoa: architect with U.S. registration. Tinian: teachers, doctors, nurses. Marshall Islands: elementary school teachers. MULTIREGIONAL: heaith care personnel for assignments in Africa; economists for assignments with the International Monetary Fund. International Scientific & Information Services, Inc. (ISIS) is recruiting individuals to teach English at universities and research institutions in China. Assignments are for one year (renewable) and are in a variety of locations including Beijing, Shangai, Jingdezhen, Hefei, Changchun and Fuzhou. SUMMER INTERNS NEED TO APPLY NOW. Many major programs have application deadlines in late October or early November. Programs generally do not include an overseas assignment, but offer an opportunity to focus on international issues within the frameworkofan international organization. The United

Nations (Internship Coordinator, Recruitment Program Section, Room 2475, United nations, New York, NY 10017) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (Intern Coordinator, PM/CSP, U.S. Agency for International development, Washington, D.C. 20523) sponsor several internship programs throughout the year. Write directly to the organization to receive information on internship programsand application materials. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL.60091, or telephone 708-869-9039.

THE CLINIC at Unalaska, fifth largest international fishing port in the world, needs a doctor with both general practice and trauma experience to serve its population of more than 20 nationalities. Unalaska has a moderate climate and dramatically beautiful landscape. There are three active believers in Unalaska who would welcome someone of professional capacity to help them reach and teach the Faith to other professionals, local and visiting dignitaries and frequent Soviet visitors. Housing is sparse but a single person or a couple are welcome to share quarters at the Baha'i Center until private housing is available. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039.

PIONEER to American Samoa: Architect with U.S. registration and general experience wanted by small construction management firm. Pleasesend résumé to Paul Fritz, manager, DeBye and Associates, P.O. Box 4889, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Phone 684-633-2769; fax 684-633-4298. Alternate fax, 684-633-2858.

PIONE.

RING (HOME

RONT)

THE BAHA'IS of Sarasota, Florida, need a few energetic, dedicated Baha'is to help maintain their 31-year-old Assembly. Would like to have a more diversified community to reflect the city's diverse population. Despite the popular notion that residents of Florida's Gulf Coast are all retired or elderly, most of those in Sarasota are much younger. There are several colleges including New College, the Ringling School of Art and Design, and the FSU/Asolo Film Conservatory, which trains students for careers in film and television production. Sarasota also has great weather, excellent health-care facilities, and a friendly atmosphere in which to live and work. If you are interested, please contact the

E

at the Baha’ Nati

ing positions: House of Worship Human Resources Media Services

NSA Properties Inc.

World Congress Logistics office Office of Public Information Office of the Secretary

Office of the Treasurer Baha'i Publishing Trust

these positions, or would like an

Please note: Some of the positions

publication.

Ne

Service/Employment opportunities

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking qualified people for the follow Management Information Systems Customer services representative/

Electronic communications coordinator

Customer service representative/receptionist If you, or people you know, are interested in learning more about any of

Department of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Diana Harris, 708-'

of publication of The American Baha’, as the deadline is one month before

onal Center

Office manager Administrative assistant Operations services manager Librarian/archivist

receptionist

Subscriber Services coordinator Director

General maintenance with emphasis in plumbing

Registration processing speciali Administrative aide (part-time) Administrative assistant Administrative aide Secretary/receptionist

application sent, please write to the

869-9039, ext. 320. listed may not be available as of the date

4

Assembly secretary, Patricia (Trish) Wicker, Sarasota, FL 34236, or phone 813-955-3073.

WANTED: Homefront pioneer family for the small town of Quincy in northern Florida, 25 minutes from the capital city, Tallahassee, and twostrong local Assemblies. Mass-taught Baha'is in Quincy need committed resident(s) to teach and consolidate. Lovely countryside with low cost of living within easy commute of two major universities, a community college andstate government offices. For information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Tallahassee, P.O. Box 20114, Tallahassee, FL 32316, or phone 904656-6381, 904-878-3937, or 904-575-4097.

TWO ADULT Baha’is who are also choral singers are needed in Greenwood, South Carolina, to help activate its local Assembly and start a choir. This new choir will sing challenging music from gospel to classical, with emphasis on honing a group that will be versatile, professional and unique. Non-singers would be welcome too. If interested, write to Jane Craig,

Greenwood, SC 29646, or phone 803-223-1972.

RETIRED? Join seven active Baha'i seniors at a 400-acre retirement village in the heart of Florida's resort area. Exciting, challenging. For brochures and price list, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Osceola County, c/o Alice Winget,

. Kissimmee, FL34746, or phone 407-933-1104.