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[Page 1]

A message to the first Moscow Conference

On the basis of a recommendation from the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Moscow, the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, with the approval of the Universal House of Justice, called a conference in Moscow the weekend of December 8-9. This historic gathering was attended by Bahá’ís from every part of the Soviet Union, members of three Continental Boards of Counselors, and representatives of all those National Spiritual Assemblies having responsibility for the work of the Faith in that vast area. Following is a message addressed by the Universal House of Justice to the Moscow Conference:

To the Friends gathered at the Moscow Conference

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

It is with a sense of joy and wonderment that we address you, the representatives of the Bahá’í communities throughout the USSR and of the National Spiritual Assemblies which have been given the awesome responsibility for raising up the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in that vast area. The march of world events has utterly transformed the scene of your labors, presenting you with formidable problems but with achievements and opportunities which must cause your hearts to sing with joy to the Almighty.

In the Heroic Age of the Faith many events occurred to link it with the peoples of Russia. We need but mention the offer of asylum extended to Bahá’u’lláh by the Russian government prior to His banishment to Iraq; His Tablet addressed to Tsar Alexander II; the deep interest that the Cause aroused in Russian scholars and leading literary figures; the glories of the Bahá’í community which arose in Ashkabad; the exemplary action of the members of that community in appealing for clemency for its persecutors; and the raising of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in that city. A beginning which showed such promise was eclipsed by the restrictions following the first World War but, even in those dark days, the beloved Guardian saw clearly that it was but a temporary veiling of the light of this Revelation. In a letter he wrote in Persian to the believers in Ashkabad on January 11, 1923, we find these insightful words:

"There is no doubt that the day will come when the very people who are now engaged in destroying the foundations of faith in God and promoting this baseless doctrine of materialism will arise and, by their own hand, snuff out the flame of this commotion. They will sweep away the entire structure of their unrestrained godlessness and will arise with heart and soul, and with hitherto unmatched vigor, to atone for their past failures. They will join the ranks of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh and arise to promote His Cause....If the friends remain steadfast, and discharge their duties with loyalty and prudence, the veils of God's inscrutable wisdom will be lifted and extraordinary events will be witnessed. The hosts of divine confirmation, fortified by the power of the Spirit will, in unimaginable ways and from unexpected quarters, provide the means for the triumph of the Cause of our Self-Subsisting Lord, and in so doing will brighten the eyes of the faithful throughout the world."

And again, on January 2, 1930:

"Russia will in the future become a delectable paradise, and the teaching work in that land will be carried out on an unprecedented scale. The House of Worship established in its very heart will shine forth with dazzling splendor, and the call of the Most Great Name will reverberate in its temples, its churches, and its places of worship. We need to show forth patience and forbearance. In these momentous convulsions there lie concealed mighty and consummate mysteries, which will be revealed to men's eyes in the days to come."

We have been blessed to see the beginning of the unfoldment of these mysteries, and to this generation has been entrusted the task of conveying the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the many races and peoples of that land, and of raising up Bahá’í communities in its cities, towns and villages.

The society in the midst of which you are called upon to work is undergoing radical changes in every aspect of its life, changes which are but a concentration of the problems which every country, and world society as a whole, is undergoing.

Announcement from the Universal House of Justice

REJOICE ANNOUNCE DECISION ESTABLISH AT RIDVAN 1991 TWO NEW NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES: ONE FOR THE USSR WITH ITS SEAT IN MOSCOW, AND ONE FOR ROMANIA WITH ITS SEAT IN BUCHAREST. OFFERING PRAYERS BOUNDLESS GRATITUDE TO BAHÁ’U’LLÁH FOR OUTPOURING HIS DIVINE CONFIRMATIONS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JANUARY 9, 1991

About 500 Bahá’ís take part in Atlanta’s annual Martin Luther King Day parade

About 500 Bahá’ís from around the country turned out January 21 to march in Atlanta's sixth annual parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The celebration, marking what would have been Dr. King's 62nd birthday, was the culmination of 10 days featuring forums, rallies and prayer sessions dedicated to peace and racial unity.

More than 40 organizations were represented in the parade through downtown Atlanta including schools and social groups such as the Peace Corps and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Carole Miller, the National Spiritual Assembly's representative to the Martin Luther King Center who helped organize the event, said she was pleased with the Bahá’í presence and spirit, especially considering the 30-degree weather.

"The march symbolizes the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream and the expression of brotherhood, amity and fellowship," Mrs. Miller said.

The parade began with a police escort, followed by marching bands and colorful floats. Atop the Bahá’í float, Bahá’ís of various races and ethnic backgrounds waved to the crowd.

A large rainbow stood over the back of the float, and large banners were displayed along its sides.

SwanLake, an Atlanta-based trio of Bahá’ís, swayed atop the float as they performed Bahá’í and other inspirational music.

"I'm glad I came," said Jamal Reimer, a Bahá’í who had driven from Chicago to take part in the event. "I wanted to express my concerns about racism in America. The march reinforced for me that minorities are successfully attacking the problems they face."

Seventeen-year-old Arya Khadem

Sixth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference draws 1,900 to Paradise Valley resort in Phoenix

Laotian dancers perform during the Conference last December 21-24 in Phoenix, Arizona.

On December 21-24, 1,900 Bahá’ís attended the sixth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference at the Wyndham Paradise Valley resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

Participants came from as far away as Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Among them were many Iranians now living in this country.

Among the featured speakers were:

Counselor Wilma Ellis, director-general of the Bahá’í International Community who, with her family, was among the first Bahá’ís in Phoenix in the 1930s.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly's secretary for external affairs and director of graduate studies in the Soviet and East European Studies programs at Yale University.

Juana Conrad, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 2]

Teacher-training session for new Bahá’ís held in Arizona

A teacher-training session for new believers was held by the National Teaching Committee last December 30 in connection with a long-term direct teaching project in Avondale, Arizona.

Those taking part in the session were one adult and a dozen children and youth ages 11-15 who had recently entered the Faith as a result of the project.

More than 200 adults and 40 youth are members of the Faith in Avondale, most of whom have entered the Faith through consistent direct teaching efforts over the past five years.

Six homefront pioneers, who are at the forefront of teaching in that community, have been challenged in their efforts to deepen and confirm such a large number of receptive souls and to lead them along paths of service to the Cause.

The training of children and youth as teachers for the Faith in Avondale, therefore, was especially significant.

The program for the teacher-training session included prayers and consultation regarding the Station and Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, the impact that He has in our lives as Bahá’ís, and the avenues open to believers in expressing their love for Him.

Participants discussed how, and with whom, they would share their love for Bahá’u’lláh. They also discussed what they would say in telling others about the Faith, how they would invite others to join the Faith and invite new believers to engage in similar training upon declaration.

Following this consultation, the new believers were paired with homefront pioneers to form six teams. The teams went to visit specific people who had been chosen during the discussion, most of whom were relatives of those taking part in the session.

Upon returning, the teams reported that two adults had declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh and three children had been registered as Bahá’ís.

The young Bahá’ís commented that making their own presentations based on the love they felt for Bahá’u’lláh was fun and added to their confidence in teaching.

The new adult believer at the session said he also felt more confident in telling others about Bahá’u’lláh because his presentation was an expression of love for Bahá’u’lláh.

The homefront pioneers found that, if new believers are taught in such a way that they understand their responsibility to participate as active members of the Bahá’í community from the outset, they are likely to do so. The recently declared believers were invited to and attended Feast that evening.

National Spiritual Assembly provides guidance on proper Bahá’í response to international crisis

Dear Friends:

As Bahá’ís we are aware that there will be great turmoil in the world before world peace is attained. The Bahá’í Faith teaches that through the development of collective security and of international law the means will be found to control aggression.

If you are asked for the Bahá’í position on the crisis in the Middle East, you should respond that the Bahá’í Faith does not take positions on particular crises or conflicts. We hope and pray that all such conflicts will be resolved quickly and as peacefully as possible. We are confident, in spite of conflicts which erupt in the world, that world peace is inevitable. Bahá’í support international law and the role of the United Nations.

It would not be appropriate for Bahá’í institutions or individuals representing those institutions to take part in demonstrations regarding the crisis in the Middle East.

Bahá’ís are encouraged to study The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, especially pages 64-67 and pages 191-193, The Advent of Divine Justice, especially pages 72-77, “The Promise of World Peace,” The Promised Day Is Come, pages 114-124, and Citadel of Faith, pages 30-38.

From the National Spiritual Assembly January 17, 1991

King Day

from page 1

Czerniejewski of Glencoe, Illinois, also taking part in the parade for the first time, said she saw it as a teaching opportunity, adding she had also come to see friends and have fun.

“I think this is a wonderful chance for Bahá’í youth to demonstrate through action the principle of racial unity,” she said.

After all of the floats had entered the parade, the Bahá’ís filed into the street carrying peace banners and chanting, “There’s only one race, the human race.”

The Bahá’ís comprised one of the largest groups marching behind the floats, and led the way through downtown Atlanta. Several held aloft banners during the mile-and-a-half walk, while others carried signs designating their home states.

“The Bahá’ís are giving people a sample of what the world community can be like,” said Artemus Stover of Kingstree, South Carolina. “We have blacks, whites, Asians—people of many different ethnicities marching together. I came to be a part of this fellowship.”

Nargesh Fani of Nashville, Tennessee, said she believed the parade represented freedom and unity.

“I love this idea of free expression,” she said. “I’m originally from Iran, so this is all very new to me.

“I’d never been absent from class before,” said Miss Fani, a member of the Tennessee Bahá’í choir and student at David Lipscomb University, “but I decided I wanted to be here. I talked to my teachers—I had to come. There’s so much love here. To see all this, my heart cries with happiness.”

Toward the end of the parade the marchers passed Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, founder of the Center for Non-Violent Social Change. She attended a student rally at the end of the parade, thanking all of the participants.

“This is a day for unity and peace,” she said, “a day to bring about more justice and to give more love.

“I hope those who participated (in the march) will carry that message back home with them.”

Worker for world government receives sixth Bahá’í Peace Award in Portland, Oregon

Mrs. Betsy Dana (fourth from right) receives the sixth annual Portland (Oregon) Bahá’í Peace Award from the 1989 recipient, Michael Henderson, as members of the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Auxiliary Board member Marshall Murphy, and keynote speaker Rebecca Murphy look on.

Last October 21, the Bahá’ís of Portland, Oregon, presented the sixth annual Portland Bahá’í Peace Award.

Despite heavy rain and winds, about 200 people were present to see this year’s award given to Mrs. Betsy Dana, a tireless worker over the past four decades for the Federalist movement toward world government.

Her most recent effort concerns Citizens Global Action, a registry of voters pledged to vote to end the arms race, to strengthen world institutions to keep the peace, and to support legislators at the national and international levels who favor global reform.

A Bahá’í, Rebecca Murphy, gave the keynote address on the spiritual basis for world government.

A local musical group, Time Ensemble, delighted the audience with selections of gospel and contemporary religious song.

A catered luncheon for past award winners, their spouses and other special guests was hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Portland. Five past award recipients were able to attend.

Gregory Institute is site of youth training session

A training session for youth who will be serving the Faith in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps was held January 3-6 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Seven young people from five states took part in the intensive four-day training which focused on studying the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, service to God, and the letter from the Universal House of Justice on “Individual Rights and Freedoms in the Bahá’í Faith.” The training also included cultural awareness activities.

The youth were excited by the prospect of serving Bahá’u’lláh in this way. They will be going to such places as India, Peru and Honduras.

Presently, there are 19 youth in service posts around the world, from the Louis G. Gregory Institute and Native American Bahá’í Institute in the U.S. to such other countries as Brazil, Canada and Thailand.

If you are interested in serving Bahá’u’lláh through the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, please contact Laura Cessna at the Youth Desk, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039, ext. 232). [Page 3]

Answers to some questions about ‘earmarking’ funds

Many friends have called or written during recent weeks with questions about earmarking and support for the various Funds of the Faith. They have also wanted to know in more detail how the suggested goals for local Spiritual Assemblies relate to their own giving practices.

In an effort to address these questions, the Office of the Treasurer wishes to share some passages from the Writings and some thoughts on these matters. This article is the first in a series of four exploring various facets of these questions. All of the quotes are from the 1988 Canadian edition of the Universal House of Justice’s compilation, Bahá’í Funds, unless otherwise noted.

What is earmarking?

The term “earmarking” is the definition for the procedure that allows a check made out to the National Bahá’í Fund to be channeled through to another Fund or purpose. Where the giver wishes to deduct the gift from his/her income taxes, the only way legally to categorize that gift is as a contribution to the National Fund; the giver is then free to request that the National Assembly use the gift for a specified end, but must give the Assembly discretion over the payment.

Earmarking by itself is a freedom rigorously upheld by the beloved Guardian and the Universal House of Justice, but their guidance also emphasizes that too much earmarking is a problem.

Last year, individual contributions from believers and Assemblies processed at the Treasurer’s Office for the Arc Fund totaled $2 million; gifts for the International Fund and the Continental Fund were $616,000 and $462,000, respectively. These proportions could become problematical, and were one factor that led the National Assembly to decide that the American community’s contribution should be given without restriction to the International Fund. To some extent, that decision is also modeled in the local Assembly goal program.

Two passages are relevant in this connection: “...it is up to the individual to decide; if he wishes to donate a sum to a specific purpose, he is free to do so; but the friends should recognize the fact that too much labeling of contributions will tie the hands of the Assembly and prevent it from meeting its many obligations in various fields of activity.” (p. 12)

And: “In general, although it is permitted for the friends to earmark contributions, it is apparent that it is often better that the friends allow the Assembly to use their contributions without restricting them.” (p. 24)

The believers must determine, through prayer and consultation, the balance among these manifold opportunities. Part of the complexity, of course, lies in the number of Funds and the number of ways the friends can give, the importance of tax deductibility, and the sheer magnitude of the work to be done.

All levels and facets of the Faith’s work are important; we are encouraged and blessed as we give our support in as many areas as we can. The solution, then, may be for the friends to divide their gifts in their own way so as to support their local community’s collective goals while at the same time making their individual contributions that maintain their links with all levels of the Faith’s affairs.

Mentally handicapped students at Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina, were surprised and delighted recently when four Bahá’ís from Durham County brought to their classroom two bags filled with toys and games which are badly needed to help these children learn. The parents of nine-year-old Alex Brode, a Bahá’í who is a student in the Pearsontown class, alerted the friends in Durham County to the need for toys and games. Alex suffers from a genetic condition known as fragile X syndrome, the leading known hereditary cause for mental retardation and learning disorders. The gifts were purchased with money from a ‘penny fund,’ saved by the Bahá’í children.

American Indians recognized at 3rd Honors Dinner sponsored by Milwaukee’s Marian Steffes Council

The Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council and the Council for the Equality of Women and Men held its third annual Honor Dinner last November 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Each year, all American Indian organizations in the greater Milwaukee area are asked to choose someone they wish to honor and someone to introduce the honoree. This year, seven groups honored a deserving person with about 85 people attending the dinner.

A traditional American Indian meal is provided, and each honoree receives a nine-pointed star plaque colored yellow, black, red and white to symbolize the four races of mankind.

This year’s Bahá’í co-hosts were master of ceremonies Phil Lucas, a Choctaw from Washington state, and Nick Hockings, an Ojibwe from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, who led an honor dance for those receiving the awards.

The Honor Dinners have made the Marian Steffes Council, named for one of the first American Indian Bahá’ís, well-known in the Indian community and have promoted good-will and interest in the Faith.

Master of ceremonies Phil Lucas, a Choctaw Indian from Washington state, speaks during the third annual Honor Dinner last November in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sponsored by the Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council and the Council for the Equality of Women and Men.

Youth raise $1,000 for Arc

After hearing of the urgent need for funds for the Arc, the six-member Bahá’í youth group of Charlotte, North Carolina, was compelled to action.

This past summer the group raised $1,000 by holding two garage/bake sales, taking part in a Read-a-Thon, baby-sitting, cleaning houses, and mowing lawns.

Because the group is relatively small, its members hope that their example will encourage other young people to do the same.

C O R I N N E T R U E

“I feel like mounting the housetops and shouting to the people to arise for the Temple.”

Corinne True Hand of the Cause of God

The Bahá’í Funds

Bahá’í International Fund • Continental Bahá’í Fund • National Bahá’í Fund • Local Bahá’í Fund [Page 4]

Moscow

grappling. The underlying cause of this transformation is that this is the age of the Oneness of Mankind, and therefore every people, whether of the USSR or in other parts of the world, must find its way to the unity in diversity, the harmony of formerly conflicting elements, which Shoghi Effendi held forth as the goal toward which mankind is striving. On this theme he wrote on March 11, 1936, to the emerging Bahá’í communities of the West, directing their attention to the challenging statements made by the Founder of their Faith:

"A new life," Bahá’u’lláh proclaims, "is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause, or perceived its motive." "O ye children of men," He thus addresses His generation, "the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race. ...This is the straight path, the fixed and immovable foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure." "The well-being of mankind," He declares, "its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." "So powerful is the light of unity," is His further testimony, "that it can illuminate the whole earth.

The one true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to the truth of these words....This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all aspirations." "He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful," He, moreover, has written, "cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body. Haste ye to win your share of God’s good grace and mercy in this Day that eclipseth all other created days."

Commenting on the implications of these momentous words, Shoghi Effendi states:

"The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded....

"A world federal system, ruling the whole earth and exercising unchallengeable authority over its unimaginably vast resources, blending and embodying the ideals of both the East and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries, and bent on the exploitation of all the available sources of energy on the surface of the planet, a system in which Force is made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one common Revelation—such is the goal towards which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving."

No one who contemplates the present conditions of the world, let alone of the USSR, could expect that such a consummation will come without great effort, without traversing manifold difficulties. But the mainspring of its achievement is the awakening of ever more human beings to the truth of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and their adherence to His Cause and His Covenant, the illumination of their spiritual and moral lives by the light of His Teachings, and the unification of their efforts through His Administrative Order. Through their individual transformation and through their combined efforts they will transform the conditions of the world and bring to birth a new, world-wide civilization.

The culmination of this process lies in centuries ahead, but it is not in the end alone that joy is found. The true nature of the human soul is spiritual; it is the relationship of each soul to God and its kinship with every other soul that brings true happiness and fulfillment.

Our Bahá’í communities are still far from the perfection that Bahá’u’lláh desires for us, but it is in our loving support of one another, in our forbearance of each other's failings, in our determination to develop and uphold the institutions which Bahá’u’lláh has ordained, in our spirit of love and tolerance toward all people, and in our courage and perseverance through all difficulties, that we achieve the fulfillment of our lives.

Now, at this conference, you are to consider the conditions of the Cause in your lands, to examine the possibilities before you and to recommend the courses of action that you deem to be most advantageous in the months immediately ahead. There are tasks to which you must now set your hands to prepare for the achievements of tomorrow.

Do not permit the problems in your way to dismay you or deflect you from your goals; it is to overcome the problems of humankind that the Bahá’í community has been brought into being. Your vital task is to immerse yourselves in the study of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, to enrich your spiritual lives and to discover thereby the best direction for your endeavors, to express them in your actions, and to convey them to those who thirst for guidance.

You are the instruments of the purpose of God, the channels of His grace, the bearers of His Message, the holders of the key to the challenge of the age. Follow His guidance and the successes you will achieve will be an inspiration to your fellow-believers and the quickener of hope in the hearts of the people. Be assured that as you arise for the promotion of His Cause, the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh will surround you, and you will witness the truth of these exalted words uttered by Him in His Most Great Prison:

"Verily, We behold you from our realm of Glory, and shall aid whosoever will arise for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Concourse on high and a company of Our favored angels."

We shall pray ardently on your behalf in the Holy Shrines and eagerly await news of the outcome of your deliberations.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, The Universal House of Justice January 2, 1991

Active Bahá’í teacher from Vietnam resettles in Fort Worth, Texas

Mr. Truong Van Tam, a Vietnamese Bahá’í who is an active teacher and recently provided a great service for the Faith as an interpreter in the Philippines, has relocated to the U.S. and is living in Fort Worth, Texas.

In May 1990, Mr. Tam accompanied the coordinator of the Bahá’í Indo-Chinese Refugee Committee of the Philippines as his Vietnamese Bahá’í interpreter during a teaching trip to the Palawan refugee camp.

According to the coordinator, "Mr. Tam was really one of our devoted and dedicated workers in the camp. After his trip to Palawan, he seem(ed) to have taken on a spirit of zeal and self-sacrifice that was apparent to all.

"We will surely miss him in the Philippines. One of (his) legacies is that he has taught many refugees in the camp and they are now coming around and asking to attend (Bahá’í) meetings."

Mr. Tam resettled in the U.S. as a Vietnamese refugee in October.

National Spiritual Assembly is given many goals by House of Justice for pioneers, traveling teachers

As you know, our National Spiritual Assembly has many goals for pioneers and traveling teachers. The Office of Pioneering is responsible for helping the friends prepare to travel or resettle in these goal areas.

In addition, we report the movement of the friends to the Universal House of Justice on a monthly basis.

Not all trips are traveling teaching trips. Often, though, trips taken for vacation offer opportunities for teaching. The Office of Pioneering would like to know about these opportunities, and can provide a trip report form to make it easier for you to share your experiences.

The Universal House of Justice has given the U.S. Bahá’í community the following goals for traveling teaching: Alaska, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan.

Also, the Leeward Islands, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the Virgin Islands, Western Samoa.

In addition, we have the following commitments to complete for the Two Year Plan for Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, China and Mongolia:

Area\Country	Goal	Filled
Ukraine	100	89
Kazakhstan	6	I
USSR(other Republics)	150	124
Bulgaria	5	2
Czechoslovkia	30	11
DDR\East Germany	10	I
Hungry	35	7
Poland	15	5
Romania	10	2
Yugoslavia	40	2
China	35	26
Totals	440	175

Look at a map, find the country of your choice and call the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039, or write to us at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. If you aren't sure where you would like to go, contact us--we'll gladly let you know where you are most needed.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Grand Canyon

founder and president of Women for International Peace and Arbitration. Richard Thomas, professor of history and urban affairs at Michigan State University.

Soheil Bushrui, distinguished visiting fellow at the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management and director of the university's Bahá’í Peace Chair.

Workshops allowed participants to analyze the strength of their family relationships and their commitment to the community and to the goals of the Faith.

Entertainment stressed unity in diversity, with colorfully costumed performers presenting music of American Indian, Latin American, Laotian and Persian cultures.

Fourth Peace Essay Contest for U.S. high school students challenge for young writers

The fourth annual National Peace Essay Contest sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace has begun.

The contest is open to public and private high school students, grades 9-12, in the U.S., its territories, and schools in other countries.

Students are challenged to research, analyze and write an essay concerning one instance in which the U.S. government made a significant contribution to the prevention or resolution of an international conflict and pointing out the lessons that might be learned for future peace-making efforts.

Top essayists at the state and national levels will receive college scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000. Essays that mention the Faith should be reviewed by a local Spiritual Assembly before submission.

For more information, please write to the U.S. Institute of Peace, National Peace Essay Contest, P.O. Box 27720, Central Station, Washington, DC 20038, or phone 202-457-1700.

Say: To assist Me is to teach My Cause. This is a theme with which whole Tablets are laden. This is the changeless commandment of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Comprehend this, O ye men of insight. -Bahá’u’lláh [Page 5]

Louis Gregory’s childhood home to be historic museum

In the fall of 1988 the childhood home of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory in Charleston, South Carolina, became available for purchase at a real estate auction.

For the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston, it was a dream come true. The Assembly was able to temporarily secure the property until the necessary funds could be raised to purchase the home.

With the support of the Universal House of Justice, the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly and the Auxiliary Board members in South Carolina, a call for help was sent to the American Bahá’í community.

On February 2, 1989, with the help of hundreds of friends from around the country and the world, the Gregory home was purchased. Shortly afterward, the city of Charleston designated the home a museum, thus creating the opportunity for it to become the first Bahá’í museum in the U.S.

During the last several months the house has undergone extensive renovation and reconstruction. Bahá’ís have volunteered their time and continue to send money to help complete the project.

On its completion, the museum will include an exhibition room for presentations on the history and tenets of the Faith; a special display devoted to racial amity, a topic dear to the heart of Mr. Gregory; and information on his life, times and contemporaries.

The building is located in the historic district of Charleston, which is visited by millions of people each year. The museum and its exhibits will enable the Bahá’í community to proclaim the Faith, educate visitors, honor an outstanding Bahá’í and citizen, and thus provide an invaluable service.

Those who are interested in more information, volunteering their services, or contributing funds are asked to contact Deborah Wigfall, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Charleston Inc., P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413, or to phone 803-722-2075.

The boyhood home of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory in Charleston, South Carolina, which has been purchased by the Spiritual Assembly of Charleston and is being extensively renovated before being opened as a museum in the city’s historic district. The museum will include an exhibition room for presentations on the history and tenets of the Faith; a special display devoted to racial amity; and information about Mr. Gregory’s life, times and contemporaries.

Guidance for Bahá’ís concerning military service

The National Spiritual Assembly has been receiving many telephone calls and letters from Bahá’ís seeking guidance on what to do should the U.S. government institute a draft.

Since a draft has not been instituted, it would be premature to provide the friends with specific guidance on this topic without knowing the terms and conditions of the draft.

Should the Federal government conscript citizens for military service, Bahá’ís should apply for non-combatant (1-A-0) status under the existing laws and regulations. At ‎tha at that‎ time, the National Assembly will provide those affected with additional instructions and a personalized letter which they can present to their draft board.

In the meantime, the National Assembly asks that all male Bahá’ís ages 17-25 make sure that the Bahá’í National Center (Office of Management Information Systems) has accurate information about their present address, date of birth and date of enrollment.

In addition, should it appear imminent that the Congress will be acting to reinstitute the draft, those affected should begin collecting documentation (i.e., information on past participation in Bahá’í activities) that would help verify the length of time they have been a Bahá’í.

The general principles regarding military service have been published in Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities: Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies, pages 19.7 and 19.8.

LETTERS

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

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s opinion or to attack anyone on a personal level.

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

Mental illness and prejudice

To the Editor:

Thanks to Bonnie Connell for her candid letter (December) about mental illness and prejudice: a most revealing letter and one that prompts me to share some similar thoughts.

Having once been part of a community that had difficulty in dealing with some mentally (as well as physically) impaired Bahá’í members, I can attest to the fact that many people have considerable difficulty with and even fear of persons with mental afflictions, probably out of ignorance.

In this case, there was a disturbed man who wandered about begging food and shelter from the other Bahá’ís; some of us fed him and helped him locate adequate housing, a lawyer to help with his personal affairs, and even formed a support group so that he could have some place safe in which to express his manifold fears and concerns.

People often are unaware that the mentally ill do worry about themselves. They are not completely unaware of their condition.

Unfortunately, there were other members of the community who were uncomfortable with the idea of giving aid and asylum to this poor man, and they did their utmost to discredit those Bahá’ís who found it beyond their conscience to simply ignore his plight. The rift that followed in the community has never been repaired.

I often use this as an illustration when speaking to other religious groups about the ineffectiveness of any religion (including my own) when it is devoid of spirit; if we obey rules and do not actually love our fellow man, our obedience comes to naught. Only when we perceive the pain of one to be the pain of all will we function as one soul, as Bahá’u’lláh intended.

Somehow, we have taught ourselves to be impervious to the pain of others, thinking that “that’s their burden.”

Many religions recognize that “when I honor you, I honor myself. When I hurt you, I hurt myself.” I hope that Bonnie’s heartfelt letter will serve to remind us that to dishonor the needy among us is also to dishonor God.

Leslie Helmick

Peterborough, New Hampshire

Proclaiming Faith in schools

To the Editor:

I would like to share a teaching idea I got from the friends in Louisville, Colorado, to inform the principal and teacher(s) of my children about the Faith.

Each year, I send my children’s principal and teacher(s) a calendar of Bahá’í Holy Days that fall on school days. This explains to them why the children will be absent from school on those days. A pamphlet about the Faith is included with the calendar.

Michele Ryland

Escondido, California

Setting our lives in order first

To the Editor:

Why do we do the things Bahá’u’lláh has told us not to do?

Why don’t we do the things He has told us to do?

The whole point of personal recovery/“12 Step” programs is to get the dysfunctional (non-Bahá’í) behavior dealt with so we can be closer to God.

It is clear that as Bahá’ís we are to teach the world about Bahá’u’lláh—but we are going to have to “walk the talk” before the world gets the point.

How many times have the Teachings practically begged us to put our lives in order (i.e., new World Order) so we can serve Bahá’u’lláh and serve as examples of His truth?

Teaching the Faith starts with me first (deepening-transformation-recovery) and then with the rest of the world (proclamation).

Jim Seigel

Carmel Valley, California

N.J. Education Association sees Bahá’ís take part in Convention for 16th year

In November, the Bahá’í Group of Ventnor, New Jersey, took part for the 16th year in the annual Convention of the New Jersey Education Association in Atlantic City.

The friends distributed 5,014 pieces of Bahá’í literature including 3,846 “Wage Peace” poster/pamphlets and almost 1,200 assorted pieces such as “Ten Ways I Can Work for Peace,” “Who Are the Bahá’í Children?” and an informational sheet, “Who Is Bahá’u’lláh?”

Twenty-one people filled out interest cards asking for more information about the Faith including one who asked for a Bahá’í speaker for a class in comparative religion. [Page 6]

Publications for Teaching Proclamation · Personal Development

NEW PUBLICATIONS AND SOFTWARE TO AID IN STUDYING AND TEACHING THE FAITH

Library: A computer-based tool for the study of the Bahá’í Writings For the Apple Macintosh Computer developed by Paul Lample SW $125.00

Library is a series of HyperCard stacks. HyperCard is a software program that enables the user to handle information using words and graphics. Information is stored on individual screens called cards; a collection of cards makes a stack. In Library, a stack is the equivalent of a Bahá’í book; each card in the stack contains a page from the book. Once you open a book, you can search the Bahá’í writings for words or phrases and make compilations of passages to print or use in your word processor. You can underline part of the text you read and later, if you choose, erase and revise those highlights. You can take personal notes that remain associated with specific pages from the texts. Reference tools, such as a glossary, index cards (that you compile), and a dictionary are available to assist your understanding of Bahá’í terms and word meanings. You can easily access a help file to guide you in the use of all the program’s features.

Library requires a Macintosh with at least 1mb of memory, HyperCard version 1.2.1 or higher, and a hard drive with 8mb of free space for the entire program, although not all of the stacks need to be present at the same time to use Library. If you use HyperCard 2.0 you will need 2mb of RAM to convert the Library stacks. Five 3-1/2 inch disks; User’s manual Palabra Publications

To the Peoples of the World by the Universal House of Justice PA 100pkg.$25.00, 500pkg.$100.00, 1,000pkg.$175.00

Printed in Canada, this edition of The Promise of World Peace has been made available here in the United States as an edition for mass distribution. We have packaged sales in quantities of 100, 500, and 1,000 to reduce the price per copy of the larger quantities ordered. This edition will not be available in smaller quantities nor will our normal discounts apply. A generic response card has been created that can be purchased separately and enclosed with this statement to identify people interested in your local Bahá’í community. See the accompanying ad in this issue for the Mail Response Card. 5-1/2 x 8-3/8 inches, 14 pages, introduction Bahá’í Peace Council of Canada

Mail Response Card CR 100pkg.$2.00, 500pkg.$8.75, 1,000pkg.$15.00

This card is styled after the business ‎rely reply‎ card often found in magazines. The card provides space for individuals to indicate their thoughts of the peace statement, topical areas of particular interest, and various options for personal involvement. Some examples of the topical areas of interest are: Aggression and Human Nature, Disarmament, Racism, A New World Order, and The Experience of the Bahá’í Community. Options for personal involvement include: To discuss the issues indicated above, to have the peace group(s) that I’m involved with work with the Bahá’ís, and to learn more about the Bahá’í Faith. The address side of the card is left blank. Local communities can either print, photocopy, or ink-stamp a local address. The community can apply either regular postage or a bulk rate permit stamp. The U.S. Postal Service will accept either a printed or ink-stamped bulk rate permit. 3-7/8 x 5 inches Bahá’í Peace Council of Canada

TITLES BACK IN STOCK

Thief in the Night SC	$4.95
Portals to Freedom SC	$10.95
Promise of World Peace Presentation SC	$3.95
Bahá’í Faith: An ‎Introducton Introduction‎ VHS	$17.95
Mothers, Fathers, and Children SC	$14.95
Women Compilation - Canadian CM	$3.95
Bahá’í Marriage & Family Life SC	$2.95
Happy Ayyám-i-Há CS	$9.95

PRICE LIST CORRECTIONS

Per: Chand Bahth-i-Amri SC is listed as $2.50, this is incorrect. The correct price is $6.95.

Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society by Robert A. White SC $2.50

Robert White’s study of our changing relationship to Nature takes a broad approach as viewed in the light of the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It suggests that humanity is perhaps, after all, not a delinquent species running out of control, but is at the very center of a vast growth process clearly approaching a tremendous transition. Through this attempt it is hoped the reader will be led to a deeper understanding of current environmental dilemmas and will be offered a vision of profound change. 6 x 9 inches, 23 pages, abstract, conclusion, appendix Association for Bahá’í Studies

The Prophecies of Jesus by Michael Sours SC $18.95

In the Nineteenth Century many Christians throughout the Western world expected the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies. Some even ventured to conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in 1844. This widespread expectation is well known to historians and culminated in what has been referred to as “The Great Disappointment.” The Prophecies of Jesus offers a thoughtful, verse by verse exploration of Jesus’ greatest prophetic sermon in light of Bahá’u’lláh’s extraordinary ministry and teachings, nineteenth century Christian beliefs and current Christian interpretations. 7 x 8-5/8 inches Oneworld Publications

So Great a Cause by Kenneth D. Stephens SC $7.95

This book is dedicated to all sincere seekers after truth, but especially to the Latter-Day Saints who follow the admonitions revealed through their beloved prophet Joseph Smith. Written not just to the Latter-Day Saints, nor to the Seventh-Day Adventists alone, but to all people of Faith as well as people of no Faith Stephens explores the prophecies and promises of the prophets, poets, philosophers, medicine men, and learned scholars, in the light of the ‎Relevation Revelation‎ of Bahá’u’lláh. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 211 pages, ‎forward foreword‎, illustrations, bibliography Naturegraph Publishers

Native American Design NoteCards by Youle CR $9.95 / 8 pkg.

Appropriate for any occasion, these cards consist of four designs depicting Native spiritual values and traditions combined with Bahá’í prayers and writings. The card shown above combines a nine-pointed star, symbolizing the multiple paths to the Spirit, the division of the physical world into the Four Directions (East, South, West, and North), birds sailing upon the Four Winds, and a prayer from the Báb asking that we be protected from the evil that assails us from all directions. 5-1/4 x 7-3/8 inches, blank interior North Dakota Bahá’í School

CHILDREN’S STORIES

The Light World by Heather I. Niderost SC $7.50

The style of this book is geared to the young mind. It is a happy, uplifting approach to the subject of death, particularly the death of a child. Its purpose is to shed light on the next world of existence, to remove the dark brooding, horribly morbid fear of death from our minds, especially from the minds of our children. It is written from the imagined perspective of the author’s son, Eric, who died at age ten. He addresses his relationship with this world, why we exist, God’s purpose of revelation, the Soul, the Mind, the various worlds of God, and the power of prayer as the connecting link between the worlds of God. 6-1/2 x 9-1/4 inches, 32 pages, bibliography Bahá’í Canada Publications

Run to Glory by William Sears illustrated by Shirley Gitchell Johnson SC $9.95

Run to Glory is another hilarious adventure with the master of love, laughs, and suspense, William Sears. Sears was raised with trotters and pacers, and longed for years to write this captivating story, Run to Glory! Its pages are filled with drama, delight, gentle humor and plenty of excitement. With “Grandfather’s” and “Billy’s” help, a sick, dying foal overcomes every adversity to make it to the starting line of the County Fair Stakes. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches, 380 pages, illustrations Naturegraph Publishers

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

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

LITERATURE FOR STUDY AND UNDERSTANDING

Contemplating Life's Greatest Questions Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh commentary edited by M.K. Rohani SC $7.95

The great questions of life shape every aspect of human activity and thought. Questions such as—Is there a God?; Is there life after death?; Is there a purpose to life?; Do people have souls?—affect our concept of justice, our beliefs about morality, the sanctity of life and so on. Such beliefs and concepts affect everything. They shape our views about criminal justice, abortion, community responsibility, the use of violence, even whether we pay taxes or choose to get out of bed in the morning to go to work. All of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings and the answers He provides to the eternal questions of life lead back to the attributes of God and the ethical fundamentals of the spiritual life. Life's Greatest Questions contains thoughtful commentary on the great questions of life and excerpts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

5-1/4 x 8-1/2, 93 pages, introduction, conclusion, bibliography Oneworld Publications

Racial Unity: An Imperative for Social Progress by Richard W. Thomas SC $12.95

According to Richard Thomas, his new book Racial Unity has been conceived through years of discussions with his students on racial unity, the Bahá’í community, and his interest in the Civil Rights Movement. Currently being used as a university text for several disciplines, Racial Unity has three unique parts: (1) Why Racial Unity is an Imperative for Social Progress in the Modern World, (2) Barriers to Racial Unity and Multiracial Progress, (3) The Interracial Struggle for Racial Justice, Unity, and Fellowship. Richard Thomas is an Associate Professor in History and Urban Affairs at Michigan State University.

6x9 inches, 127 pages, epilogue, biographical note Association for Bahá’í Studies

NEW CALENDAR

Bahá’í History Calendar 147-148 B.E. CA $6.50

This year's calendar is entitled The Báb... The Morn of Truth and features scenes and objects associated with the life and mission of this Manifestation of God's Holy Cause and the forerunner of the Bahá’í Dispensation. It also includes a pullout map of Persia in the nineteenth century, listing significant dates and events of the Bábí revelation.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands

One People One Planet

NEW MUSIC

The Roger Lee EP by Roger Lee CS $7.50

This very innovative solo recording of acoustic guitar and voice is sometimes brisk and sometimes plaintive. Roger Lee is best known as the lead singer of Groundwork, who produced the album Confluence. The lyrics portray human emotion as it deals with change. Woven throughout are Bahá’í concepts, such as: seeking truth, the singleness of the human family, and the mystic nightingale, into the folk rock tradition, which is often known for its message of societal concern. It is sure to find a devoted audience in the United States, and throughout the English speaking throughout the world. It is an excellent teaching tool for those who have world.

Water Music, Inc.

The Adventures of a World Citizen by Andre Brugiroux SC $13.95

Called the "Marco Polo of Modern Times," Andre Brugiroux left France with 10 francs in his pocket to begin an epic eighteen-year journey round the world. From Indian Ashrams to war-torn Vietnam, and whether being thrown in jail in Bolivia mistaken for a revolutionary follower of Che Guevara or befriending head-hunters in Borneo, or being rescued by Inuits in Alaska where he embraced the Bahá’í Faith, or battling with Russian officialdom, Brugiroux survives it all with good humor and irrepressible curiosity. More than just a "rough guide" to the world, this account of the author's action-packed, dangerous, often hilarious adventures provides a unique appreciation of the human race in all its diversity.

6-1/8 x 9-1/8 inches, 311 pages, 16 photos & maps, appendix Oneworld Publications

Valley of Search by Angela Anderson SC $11.95

Dissatisfied with the pampered, protected world of her childhood, Angela Anderson embarked on a personal search for the meaning of life that was to draw her along many of the spiritual and philosophical paths of the late 50s and 60s. From the euphoric early days at Coombe Springs exploring the teachings of Ouspensky and Gurdjieff, working as the personal assistant of J.G. Bennett, and meeting Pak Subuh, to inspiring encounters with Anthroposophists, Bahá’ís, Christians, and followers of many other faiths, this is one woman's quest for spiritual consciousness. Sharing with readers all the joys, frustrations, hopes and—above all—the lessons of the journey of a lifetime, this down-to-earth, humorous and uplifting story will touch the hearts of many seekers.

5-1/4 x 8-1/2 inches, 182 pages Oneworld Publications

AUDIO-VISUAL TOOLS FOR TEACHING

Morning Stars—A Profile of Kevin Locke VT $29.95

Produced in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, a Canadian public television network, and Stay Focused Productions, this video introduction to the Bahá’í Faith stars Native American hoop dancer/flute musician Kevin Locke, with drumming and singing by Chester Mahooty. Morning Stars features cultural aspects of traditional Lakota Sioux society as expressed through dance, music, and storytelling. Mr. Locke also discusses his personal view of the Bahá’í Faith as a fulfillment of many of the traditional Lakota religious prophecies. Morning Stars was co-produced and directed by Shar Lenz and David Andrews. Musical director for the project was Jack Lenz.

VHS, 28:54 minutes Stay Focused Productions / Global Arts, Inc.

Bahá’í Newsreel, Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 1990 VT $15.95

The third in this very popular series, the Bahá’í Newsreel is meant to inform the Bahá’í community of its teaching and development activities already expressed sympathy with the principles and claims of the Faith. Some of the highlights in number 3 include: the Sino-American Women's Conference in China, Native American teaching activities, live satellite coverage of the Hiroshima Day commemoration, and the Soviet documentary film of the Bahá’í Faith.

U.S. Bahá’í Media Services

To the Planters of Trees by Nancy Ward CS $10.95

This is an album that Nancy Ward fans have been waiting for. It is a marvelous collection of lyrical songs and powerful messages addressing global issues—from healing the environment to feminine qualities and spiritual insights—all conveyed through natural, evocative images. These are songs for the heart, mind, and spirit of our times.

Water Music, Inc.

The Shores of This Great Ocean by Parrish & Toppano CS $9.95

First released in Europe by Parrish and Toppano as a follow-up to their Royal Falcon album. An intriguing blend of piano, synthesizer, and New Age sound effects, containing Bahá’í as well as pre-Bahá’í influences, The Shores of This Great Ocean expands the ever-growing body of Bahá’í arts and culture. Digital Stereo Chrome; 37:55 minutes

Pavon International / Global Arts, Inc.

WE RECYCLE & other songs for EARTH KEEPERS by Dave & Helene Van Manen CS $9.95

Here is a delightful album for children and the entire family. The Van Manens have once again produced an endearing and joyful collection of songs that continue many of the themes they began on Barley Bread & Reindeer Milk. WE RECYCLE uplifts the spirit, and would be a wonderful gift for birthdays, holy days, or any occasion.

People Records

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY BOOKS

Bahá’í Coloring Book, Set of Four compiled by Elizabeth M. Witham SC $7.50

These books illustrate themes found in prayers and quotations from the Bahá’í writings and portray aspects of daily life in Africa. A brief quotation on the left-hand page sets the mood for a simple black and white illustration on the right page. Each book includes a single-page biography of one of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith. Quotations in book one focus on teachings for this new day; those in book two focus on faith, certitude, and detachment; book three focuses on developing a spiritual character; those quotations in book four focus on knowing and loving God. 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches, 21 pages per volume

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Africa

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

Contact the Department of Human Resources, Ms. Geneva Sutton, Bahá’í National Center at 1-708-869-9039 if you would like more information or would like to apply for any of the following positions at the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service: EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT; ASSISTANT EDITOR: MARKETING ASSISTANT.

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

Ordered by: (Please print or type) Name Address City State Zip Date Day Phone TAB 2/91 American Express MasterCard VISA Check Money Order Account Number: Expiration Date: Signature:

QTY | TITLE | COST | AMOUNT TOTAL [Page 8]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BAHÁ’Í World Center needs to fill immediately the following six positions: bookbinder/conservator to work in the World Center Library’s general collection. Responsibilities include general refurbishment of books, general bookbinding, and book and paper conservation treatments such as dry cleaning, washing, mending, encapsulation and matting; conservation bookbinding styles such as split-board and post bindings; and construction of protective enclosures such as drop spine boxes and others. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, one year experience in ‎library\archive library/archive‎ book conservation ‎lab or private studio\bindery lab or private studio/bindery‎, and ability to perform craftwork with care, precision, patience, and attention to detail. Curator in the Office of Holy Places, coordinating the work of documenting the appearance and contents of all Holy Places in the Holy Land. Museology degree or historical degree with background in 19th century Middle Eastern cultures and experience in working in a museum environment. Librarian to direct the operations and staff of the World Center Library. Requires an advanced degree in library science, knowledge of commercial data base systems, SDI services and ‎inter\library inter-library‎ services. Researcher to help in the process of researching, classifying, indexing and compiling information from the writings of the Central Figures of the Faith. Must have advanced degree, mature Bahá’í experience, and proven writing ability. Knowledge of ‎Persian\Arabic Persian/Arabic‎ is useful, though not required. Plumber with several years experience, preferably licensed. Should be familiar with plumbing codes, and have the ability to read and work from blueprints. Irrigation specialist familiar with the design, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems to serve in the Gardens of the Faith. Should have several years of irrigation experience and be knowledgeable about modern irrigation practices and principles. Basic knowledge of garden construction and gardens practices is also desirable. For information about any of these positions, please write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

DYNAMIC, deepened homefront pioneer and communicator needed for America’s most powerful media community, Malibu, California, to help rebuild an Assembly that presently has only four members. Influential area for reaching the masses via the media and arts. Need articulate, young-in-heart teachers. Pepperdine University (60-75 nations, 24 religious denominations represented) could also use a Bahá’í Club. For information, contact Ruth Rosenwald, Malibu, CA 90265, or phone 213-457-5336.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Citrus County, Florida, now has only eight members and needs one or more pioneers as soon as possible. Citrus County, in west-central Florida an hour north of Tampa, features lakes, rivers and the Gulf Coast for water sports, plus the Withlacoochee Forest and many parks for camping and outdoor recreation. Two incorporated towns, Crystal River on the west coast and Inverness, the county seat. Two hospitals, 15 retirement and nursing homes, eight elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, a vocational school and community college. Within driving distance of the University of Florida in Gainesville and the University of South Florida in Tampa. Employment primarily in medicine, nursing and tourist-related fields. Reasonable housing. Please write to the Spiritual Assembly of Citrus County, P.O. Box 106, Lecanto, FL 32661, or phone 904-726-6408.

JEOPARDIZED ASSEMBLY: Sandoval County North, bordering on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in north-central New Mexico. The area needs a chiropractor, a veterinarian, and entrepreneurs for a number of small businesses. If you are retired or able to open your own business and are committed to teaching the Faith in an area where you are badly needed, come to Sandoval County North and help save its dedicated, hard-working Assembly. We offer peace, love and nature at its most beautiful all year ’round. Phone 505-289-3039, 505-289-3801 or write to Jean Villasenor, Box 337, Regina, NM 87046.

TWO BAHÁ’ÍS are needed to help save a jeopardized Assembly in the Town of Hamburg, New York, on the shores of Lake Erie only 10 miles from Buffalo. There are a number of fine colleges in the area and lots of summer and winter sports to enjoy. The Bahá’ís of Hamburg will be happy to help you find housing. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Hamburg, Hamburg, NY 14075.

WANT TO MAKE a difference? Be like a Brilliant Star! Come live here on DelMarVa... In Salisbury’s where we are! We offer you fine housing... Great schools and shops to boot... We even have an airport, and zoo with owls that hoot! Employment opportunities... Careers in education, Medicine and agriculture, sales and aviation... Just minutes to the ocean, Many jobs and summer fun... Come enjoy our beaches, Fishing, surf and sun. By now you’re probably hungry... Let us whet your appetite: Our produce is unbeatable... Our seafoods, pure delight! ‘Tis the land of pleasant living, We pray you’ll come and stay To help us spread the Light of God... And raise an LSA. The Bahá’ís of Salisbury, Salisbury, MD 21801 (phone 301-543-8990).

GREAT FALLS, Montana, whose incorporated Assembly was recently lost, needs homefront pioneers. There are job openings for genetic scientists at the nationally known McLaughlin Research Institute, which is recruiting two to three genetic scientists to work on cancer research projects, etc. For information, write to MRI, Great Falls, MT 59401, or phone 406-452-6208. For information about pioneering to Great Falls, write to Maloney, 1404 Great Falls, MT 59401, or phone 406-727-1120.

SIX ACTIVE and enthusiastic Bahá’ís would welcome homefront pioneers to Pacific Grove, on California’s scenic Monterey Peninsula. Magnificent scenery and climate, good employment opportunities, excellent schools, many cultural advantages. For more information, please write to Dorothy Stroessler, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, or phone 408-373-2391.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are needed in Alpharetta, Georgia, whose Assembly is numerically jeopardized. Need three active Bahá’ís by Ridván to keep the Assembly intact. For information, write to Shahin Vojdani, Alpharetta, GA 30201, or phone 404-664-2869.

LA GRANDE, Oregon (population 12,000), in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley, home of Eastern Oregon State College, needs Bahá’ís to help restore its Assembly and retain the Bahá’í College Club. The economy is slow at present, but there is employment in the manufacturing, retail and health fields. Great for retired people, as the cost of living is moderate and all forms of recreation are available. For more information, write to P.O. Box 3132, La Grande, OR 97850, or phone Donna Hines, 503-963-4457.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Speedway, Indiana, in a quiet suburban area (except during May!) with highly regarded schools and access to a major metropolitan area (we’re “in” Indianapolis) is in jeopardy. Since the “crossroads of America” maintains one of the strongest growth economies in the U.S., this is an excellent time for you to help save an Assembly by becoming a homefront pioneer. Write to the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ of Speedway, Speedway, IN 46224, or phone 317-299-5121.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Jessie B. Hall (died Royal Oak, MI), Phyllis Hall, Mary B. Hammond, Esther G. Harding (died Winter Park, FL), Joseph F. Harley III (died Chicago, IL, 1944), Orrol Harper, Thomas Q. Harrison, Gustave and Josephine Haupt (died Union City, NJ). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following books, in good or excellent condition: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Song Bird (Aubade Publ.), Adventure in Understanding (Canada), Bahá’í Life: A Handbook on Deepening by John Davidson (Australia, 1975), and Bahá’í Teachings by A Gash (Australia, 1985). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

SCHOOLS

THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School will expand in September 1991 from its present 160 students to 220, the maximum number that can be accommodated with its present facilities. The school will have grades 7-12 in September with a maximum of 20 students per class. Parents seeking admission for their children should apply immediately, as limited space is available. Admissions already are closed for grades 11-12. Send requests for information and/or admission applications to: Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, CANADA.

APPLICATIONS are being accepted from volunteers who wish to be of service to the Maxwell International Bahá’í School during the 1991/92 school year. There are three terms of service: summer program (June through August); Year of Service (August to August); and June to June. Help is needed in kitchen, laundry, office, grounds and maintenance. Applications should include a full résumé including education and experience or training with a letter of reference from an institution of the Faith. Urgent: the school requires, as soon as possible, one volunteer with office management and secretarial skills to coordinate fund-raising activities. Please send applications to: Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0, CANADA.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1991 employment. Positions available include children’s teacher (3 positions), assistant cook, recreation director, lifeguard, music director, kitchen assistant (2 positions) and maintenance assistant (2 positions). All require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from July through August (9-10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief résumé of your experience, or request an application for employment from the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

WANTED

ESSAYS NEEDED about American youth who professed their faith in Bahá’u’lláh to be compiled in a chronicle entitled 99 Lights Across America. Essays should explain how the individual came to recognize Bahá’u’lláh and how this has transformed ‎his\her his/her‎ life. The book will be an inspiration for teaching the Faith, and will attest to the fact that everyone is potentially a Bahá’í regardless of race, religion, social or economic background. Publication of the identity of the author of each essay is optional. Please send essays as soon as possible to Jennifer Redson, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (phone 301-750-0570) or Andieshe Samandari, Folsom, CA 95630. Deadline for essays is April 29, 1991.

WANTED: stories of the lives of African-American ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ for a project to provide local Bahá’í story-tellers with material for schools and other programs. Any photographs would be returned at your request. Send information, written or taped, to Blanche Grant, Yucaipa, CA 92399.

NEEDED: your used books and educational materials, especially basic books for teaching English, children’s fiction and non-fiction, Bahá’í books, dictionaries, workbooks, parenting and craft books, old picture catalogs, filmstrip projectors, photocopiers and more. If you are willing to ship to pioneers overseas, please send a description of the materials to be matched with a request. Please do not send materials to me. Vonnie Lincoln, Lyons, OR 97358.

ITEMS FOR SALE

FOR SALE for the Arc by the Spiritual Assembly of Colorado Springs, Colorado: a special edition copy of The Priceless Pearl. This is a numbered copy (682/1550), in perfect condition, gold-edged, in its original case, signed by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum. Bids should be sent to Mr. Muin Afnani, treasurer, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. The highest bidder will receive this lovely collector’s item, and all proceeds will be donated to the Arc.

HELP US reach our National Fund goals by Ridván. A 42-minute cassette tape of beautiful, meditative music by Chopin, Debussy, Brahms, Bach, Pachelbel, Ravel and others performed by pianist Nancy Harper can be purchased from the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Fe, New Mexico. “Meditations,” designed for use during Feasts or Holy Day observances or for your own peaceful meditations, is available for only $10 plus $1 for shipping and handling. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Santa Fe, P.O. Box 1767, Santa Fe, NM 87504. MasterCard and VISA accepted by calling 505-438-0733. All proceeds go to the National Fund.

Bosch Bahá’í School hosts session on improving skills for writers, would-be writers

Fifty writers and aspiring writers gathered the second week in December at the Bosch Bahá’í School to listen to the insights of three successful writers and to see how they might improve their own writing and potential for being published.

The speakers were Guy Murchie, adventurer and author of several well-known books including The Seven Mysteries of Life; Cindy Savage, author of more than two dozen books for young adults including Nothing in Common; and Lloyd Steven Seiden, author of Buckminster Fuller’s Universe.

The three authors shared many ideas and several processes for improving writing skills as well as insights into the publishing industry.

The event was so successful that the participants decided to remain in contact through an informal network formed during the weekend.

Because of the response, plans are being formulated to make the Bosch Writers’ Conference an annual event. If you would like to receive information about the 1991 Writers’ Conference, or if you feel you have something to present at that event, write to the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387. [Page 9]

A Study Guide to Epistle to the Son of the Wolf

In 1992 the Bahá’í world community will commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. The Universal House of Justice, in its 1990 Ridván message, encourages the believers to orient themselves to the importance of this approaching event. The friends, they state, "must be spiritually prepared through prayer and study of the teachings to obtain a deeper appreciation of the station and purpose of Bahá’u’lláh and of the basic meaning of His mighty Covenant. Such preparation is at the very core of their striving to effect a transformation in their individual and collective lives."

To aid the friends in preparing for the anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension, the National Spiritual Assembly has chosen Epistle to the Son of the Wolf for focused study by the national Bahá’í community during the current Bahá’í year. In this issue of The American Bahá’í you will find the first two sessions of a six-session study guide for this important book. The guide will assist both individuals and communities to study Epistle to the Son of the Wolf systematically and to consider deeply Bahá’u’lláh’s station, His purpose, and His advice for the transformation of individuals and society. Sessions 3 and 4 will appear in the March issue; Sessions 5 and 6, in the April issue.

Overview Of A Study Guide To Epistle To The Son Of The Wolf

Introduction: Any study of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings requires the use of several approaches. In this study you will read Epistle to the Son of the Wolf from beginning to end; look for major themes; investigate the meaning of many references Bahá’u’lláh makes to the Qur’an and to people, places, and events in His life; and explore the importance of what Bahá’u’lláh has to say in this, the last major tablet of His revelation.

The goals of this study guide are to:

• Increase your knowledge of the historical context of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation
• Give you greater insight into Bahá’u’lláh’s identity, His purpose, and the proofs that validate His claims
• Promote a deeper understanding of His teachings
• Improve your ability to teach His Cause
• Stimulate action based on the knowledge gained through this study

The study guide is comprised of six sessions, each of which covers approximately thirty pages of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. There are two parts to each session: "Individual Work" and "Group Work." The purpose of the "Individual Work" sections is to help you to identify major themes and ideas, to understand the meaning of certain references, and to prepare you for exploring the broader issues addressed in "Group Work." The purpose of the "Group Work" sections is to build unity of understanding within a group and to discuss the broad implications of Bahá’u’lláh’s message for individuals and for society. If you do not have access to a study group, you should complete the "Group Work" sections on your own. Both the "Individual Work" and "Group Work" sections follow a four-part study process that includes (1) preparing, (2) reading, (3) reflecting, and (4) acting upon new understandings.

A deep study of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings takes time and effort. Bahá’u’lláh promises, however, that the benefits to be gained from such study stand in direct proportion to the eagerness and effort of the student. Because the "Group Work" sections build on the knowledge and insight gained from completing the "Individual Work" sections, the entire study will be most effective when you do the "Individual Work" before tackling the "Group Work."

Overview of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf was the last major work to flow from the pen of Bahá’u’lláh. Written about one year before His death in 1892, it marks the end of forty years of divine revelation. In Epistle, Bahá’u’lláh quotes "some of the most characteristic and celebrated passages" from His own revelation and proclaims to the world clearly and without hesitation Who He is and why He has come. Thus Epistle to the Son of the Wolf offers an extraordinary model of how to use the writings of Bahá’u’lláh to teach the Bahá’í Faith—a model provided by Bahá’u’lláh Himself.

In Islam, as in other religions, the clergy holds a certain influence over the Muslim believers. During Bahá’u’lláh’s time, the clergy’s power was very great. In Iraq and Iran, members of the clergy were responsible for much of the persecution the followers of Bahá’u’lláh suffered. Bahá’u’lláh wrote Epistle to the Son of the Wolf in response to the tyranny of a particular cleric—Shaykh Muhammad Taqi-i-Najafi in Isfahan. This Shaykh’s father, Shaykh Muhammad-Báqir, also a powerful cleric, was a confirmed enemy of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Many outstanding Bahá’ís were persecuted and a number martyred at his command. For his viciousness, Bahá’u’lláh named him "the Wolf." When he died, his son, whom Bahá’u’lláh called the "son of the Wolf," assumed his position of power and continued the same course of persecution.

In Epistle to the Son of the Wolf Bahá’u’lláh tries to convince the Shaykh to recognize his wrongdoing, to beg God’s pardon and mercy, to mend his ways, and to recognize the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause. In exchange, Bahá’u’lláh promises that the Shaykh will receive a generous share from the ocean of God’s forgiveness and bounty.

In the course of His epistle, or letter, Bahá’u’lláh proclaims that the source of His revelation is God. He describes the circumstances surrounding His revelation and repeats basic truths set forth elsewhere in His own teachings. He restates His identity and advances arguments that prove the truth of His Cause.

Unfortunately, Bahá’u’lláh’s compelling proofs fell on deaf ears. But even though Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is ostensibly addressed to Shaykh Muhammad Taqi-i-Najafi, Bahá’u’lláh has another audience as well. He speaks to all of humanity, reminding us that God’s great mercy and grace await those who heed the call of the "Supreme Mediator," the "Lord of the Day of Reckoning," and arise to serve His mighty Cause. For a detailed summary of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, see Adib Taherzadeh’s The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Mazra’ih & Bahjí 1877-92 4:368-412. For a description of the odious deeds of "the Wolf" and of the "Son of the Wolf," see Shoghi Effendi’s God Passes By 200-01.

PREPARING FOR STUDY

Materials: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf; a dictionary; a copy of this study guide; 5x7-inch notecards or a spiral notebook.

Optional but helpful: Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By; Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Mazra’ih & Bahjí: 1877-92 (Vol. 4).

Spiritual Preparation: Read the following passage from Epistle (2), and take a few moments to meditate on it: "Purify thou, first, thy soul with the waters of renunciation, and adorn thine head with the crown of the fear of God, and thy temple with the ornament of reliance upon Him."

Overview of Pages 1:1-30:15: The themes of Bahá’u’lláh’s entire letter are sounded with great clarity in the opening pages of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Stated directly and interwoven in prayers revealed especially on the Shaykh’s behalf are Bahá’u’lláh’s pronouncements that:

1. God is the source of His Revelation. 2. The Word of God is the proof of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause. 3. Through Bahá’u’lláh unity and oneness have been revealed to humanity. 4. He is the Most Exalted Pen, the Supreme Mediator, as well as the dawning-place of the names and the dayspring of the attributes of God. 5. Humans were created to remember God, to glorify Him, to recognize His Manifestation, to be steadfast, and to aid His Cause. 6. One’s response to God’s new revelation has consequences.

In the prayers revealed on the Shaykh’s behalf (see Epistle 3-9, 9-10, 18), Bahá’u’lláh lays bare the cleric’s sins and describes the spiritual consequences of his actions. Despite the seriousness of the Shaykh’s transgressions, God’s forgiveness is always at hand (6). However, an act of will is needed. The Shaykh must acknowledge his wrongdoing and ask God for forgiveness. Then he must embrace Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause and arise to promote it (7-9).

Bahá’u’lláh asks God to aid the Shaykh to be fair and equitable in his judgment. Without the practice of equity and justice there can be no order and tranquillity in the world (28-29). Bahá’u’lláh further advises the Shaykh to quench, by "the power of wisdom and the force of" his "utterance," the "enmity and hatred" existing in the world (12). To assist him, Bahá’u’lláh restates certain teachings about justice and equity and about the purpose of the Manifestations of God and religion (12-17).

Bahá’u’lláh suggests that, if the Shaykh were to listen to His voice, he would cast away his possessions and follow Him (19). Bahá’u’lláh describes the circumstances surrounding the birth of His revelation in the Síyáh-Chál dungeon of Tehran. He tells how waywardness and folly among His followers were changed. [Page 10]through the power of His Word and God’s grace, into piety and understanding and how weapons were converted to instruments of peace (20–21).

Throughout the first section of Epistle, but especially in the closing pages of that section (29:1–30:15), Bahá’u’lláh speaks beyond the Shaykh and addresses the Bahá’ís. He encourages them to “Strive that haply the tribulations suffered by this Wronged One and by you, in the path of God, may not prove to have been in vain” (29). As the “shepherds of mankind,” they have a duty to “liberate” their “flocks from the wolves of evil passions and desires, and adorn them with the ornament of the fear of God” (29). He reminds them of the value of virtuous character and upright conduct and teaches that the exercise of justice and mercy are expressed in how we treat our neighbors (30).

READING:

Reading for Meaning:

1. Read and reflect, asking yourself, “What is Bahá’u’lláh saying?” Reread if necessary. 2. Read for patterns. Try to recall other places where Bahá’u’lláh addresses the topics found in pages 1–30. What else does He say about them? 3. The following explanations of terms are provided to aid your understanding of the text.

page
1:8–9	“the standard of the Most Exalted Word” In addressing the leaders of religion, Bahá’u’lláh states (The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Kings and Leaders of the World 73) that “the Book itself is the unerring balance established amongst men. In this most perfect balance whatsoever the peoples and kindreds of the earth possess must be weighed. . . .” See also Epistle 128. Bahá’u’lláh has said (The Kitáb-i-Íqán 3–4) that “unless and until” humankind “ceases to regard the words and deeds of mortal men as a standard for the true understanding and recognition of God and His Prophets,” “man can never hope to attain unto the knowledge of the All-Glorious, can never quaff from the stream of divine knowledge and wisdom, can never enter the abode of immortality, nor partake of the cup of divine nearness and favour. . . .”
11:17–18	“I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch. . . .” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Some Answered Questions 85, 86) explains the meaning of these words: “This is the state of manifestation: it is not sensible; it is an intellectual reality, exempt and freed from time, from past, present and future; it is an explanation, a simile, a metaphor and is not to be accepted literally; it is not a state that can be comprehended by man. Sleeping and waking is passing from one state to another. Sleeping is the condition of repose, and wakefulness is the condition of movement. Sleeping is the state of silence; wakefulness is the state of manifestation. . . . “Before declaring their manifestation, They are silent and quiet like a sleeper, and after Their manifestation, They speak and are illuminated, like one who is awake.”
13:18	“He is the Subtile” Keenly perceptive, penetrating, discerning.
14:10	“the war that hath involved the two Nations” The war referred to is the holy war declared by the clergy, during the reign of Fath-’Alí Sháh (1797–1834), which involved Persia and Russia and in which Persia was defeated.
15:4–6	“We spoke in the language of the lawgiver; at another in that of the truth-seeker and the mystic” As lawgiver, Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Book of Laws. In The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys, Bahá’u’lláh addresses the Sufis, Persian mystics, in the Old Persian style.
17:14	“Hill and . . . Haram” See the glossary in Epistle 187.
17:25	“Kaaba” See the glossary in Epistle 188.
18:21–23	“the seal of the Choice Wine hath . . . been broken” The reference to choice, sealed wine comes from the Qur’án (83:22–26). The word “seal” alludes to the fact that the meaning of the sacred texts of former dispensations was not disclosed until the advent of Bahá’u’lláh. The breaking of “the seal of the Choice Wine” signifies the disclosure to all of humanity a new revelation of the Word of God, bringing new teachings and new laws.
19:4	“a mere fisherman” A reference to Peter, a fisherman who abandoned his trade to follow Christ, becoming one of His twelve disciples.
19:5	“Abú-Dhar, the Shepherd” See the glossary in Epistle 183.
19:29	“vindicating” Clearing of accusation or blame with supporting proof.
20:10	“the attempt upon the life of His Majesty” For an explanation of this event, see Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By 61–71.
20:20–21	“the dungeon of Tihrán” The Síyáh-Chál, an old water reservoir under the city of Tehran that was used as a prison during the time of Bahá’u’lláh. Also known as the Black Pit. For a description of Bahá’u’lláh’s experience in the Síyáh-Chál, see Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By 71–72, and Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Baghdád, 1853–63, 1:7–11.
21:22	“victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen” The Manifestations of God are sent by God to bring spiritual enlightenment to humanity through Their words and deeds as well as through the power of the names and attributes of God that radiate from Their own person. In Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh (105), Bahá’u’lláh says, “The first and foremost testimony establishing His truth is His own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For whoso faileth to recognize either the one or the other He hath established the words He hath revealed as proof of His reality and truth.”
26:13, 21–22	“Ishráq'’,” “Ishráqát'’,” “Tajallí'’,” “Tajallíyát'’” These tablets are found in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (101–34, 47–54).

Reading for Insight:

1. Keep track of some of Epistle’'s major themes on 5x7-inch notecards, using one card for each theme. The following are some of the many that can be found on pages 1:1–30:15. On each card list specific examples of the theme and any other information you want to include. (See the examples that follow for suggestions.)

Bahá’u’lláh’s Directives to the Shaykh (2, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 28)

page	Directive	Promised Result
2	Listen to God.	You will draw closer to God.

Bahá’u’lláh’s General Teachings and Directives (3, 5–6, 9–10, 12, 13–14, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

page	Teaching/Directive	Promised Result
12	God has sent Divine Messengers.	They will promote the knowledge of God and further human unity and fellowship.
13–14	To the Bahá’ís: Strengthen your efforts to promote Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation.	Religious dissension and strife will be obliterated.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Directives to the Kings and Leaders (28)

page	Directive	Reason
28	Uphold religion.	It is the chief instrument for establishing order and tranquillity in the world.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Identity (2, 9, 12, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29)

page	Description
28	Bahá’u’lláh is the “Pen of the Divine Expounder.”

Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission (1, 2, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24)

page	Mission
15	Bahá’u’lláh’s supreme purpose and highest wish has always been to disclose the glory and sublimity of unity.

God as the Source of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation (1, 2, 9, 11–12, 13, 18, 21, 22, 24)

page	God as the Source of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation
9	Bahá’u’lláh does not speak from mere impulse. God has “given Him a voice” (that is, made him speak).

The Nature and Effect of the Word of God (1, 14, 19, 21, 22, 25)

page	The Nature and Effect of the Word of God
19	The Word of God transforms people. (Bahá’u’lláh refers to the transformation of Adam, Peter, and Abú-Dhar through the Word of God.)

Bahá’u’lláh’s Suffering and His Response (17, 20, 22, 23)

page	Bahá’u’lláh’s Suffering	His Response
17	The Shaykh has turned many people against Bahá’u’lláh and encouraged persecution of many Bahá’ís.	Whatever happens to Him in the path of God is the beloved of His soul and the desire of His heart. He is not afraid.

Human Responses to Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and Their Consequences (3–4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19)

page	God’s Action	Human Response	Consequences
5	Remembered and protected the Shaykh.	The Shaykh turned away from Bahá’u’lláh.	The Shaykh’s integrity and honor are destroyed.

2. To improve your ability to “recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 200) and increase the effectiveness of [Page 11]your teaching, copy several short passages for memorization and meditation.

REFLECTING AND REVIEWING

Reflecting: Spend a few moments at the end of every reading session reflecting on what you have just read. Summarize in your mind what you have read, and try to relate it to what you already know. What spiritual insights have you gained?

Checking Your Recall of the Facts:

1. For what purpose was the Shaykh and, by extension, every person, called into being? (3, 4, 6) For what purpose were the senses created? (2, 7) 2. What were the results of the Shaykh’s decision to turn away from God? (5) 3. What effects do the twin guardians—justice and equity—have on the world? (13) 4. What does Bahá’u’lláh mean by the phrase "thick clouds of oppression"? (14-15) 5. What advice does Bahá’u’lláh give for presenting truth? (15) 6. What does Bahá’u’lláh mean by "divines"? How does He describe such people? (15-16) 7. How is the value of the arts and sciences to be judged? (19, 26-27) 8. Of what value is knowledge? (26, 27) 9. In what two ways will Bahá’u’lláh be rendered victorious? (21) 10. What is to take the place of swords in this Day? (24, 25) 11. What actions will lead to the victory of the Cause of God? (26) 12. To whom is the responsibility of upholding religion given? (28) 13. Name the chief cause of the protection of mankind. (27) 14. Name the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world. (28) 15. How does one practice justice and mercy? (29-30)

ACTION: Read the following passage from Epistle (12), and underline or highlight the directives it contains. How can you act on them? "Now is the moment in which to cleanse thyself with the waters of detachment that have flowed out from the Supreme Pen, and to ponder, wholly for the sake of God, those things which, time and again, have been sent down or manifested, and then to strive, as much as lieth in thee, to quench, through the power of wisdom and the force of thy utterance, the fire of enmity and hatred which smouldereth in the hearts of the peoples of the world."

Memorizing: Choose one of the passages you copied for memorization, and memorize it. How can you act on it? Find or create an opportunity to use it in teaching.

GROUP WORK

PREPARING FOR STUDY:

Materials: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf; Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh; Selections from the Writings of the Báb; The Hidden Words; The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Secret of Divine Civilization; a copy of this study guide; notes from "Individual Work" section.

Spiritual Preparation: Read aloud the prayer found on Epistle 18:1-20. If you are working with a group, spend a few moments sharing insights. If you are working alone, write down your insights.

READING AND REFLECTING:

Reviewing and Sharing:

Share with your group the answers to the questions from the "Individual Work" section. If you are working alone, review your answers.

Discuss any ideas that were of particular interest. If you are working alone, write down the ideas that were of particular interest to you.

Share the results of your efforts to memorize and act on a passage from Epistle. If you are working alone, you may wish to keep a journal of such efforts and their results.

Discussion: The purpose of this section is to come to a group consensus on answers to the questions that follow. For some questions, multiple page numbers are listed as aids to answering. Assign one page to each member of your group (or to several members if your group is large) to read and report on. Then, as a group, consult upon and formulate a response to each question. If your group's time is limited, consult about which questions you will cover together and which questions individuals should complete on their own. If you are working alone, write a short essay in response to each question.

1. What is the Greater Covenant? What is every individual’s responsibility to that Covenant? What benefits result from fulfilling that responsibility? How do the first nine pages of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf relate to the Greater Covenant? Be sure to consider the purpose of human existence and the results of fulfilling that purpose. Cite pages when answering. 2. How does the practice of justice and equity lead to the establishment of order and tranquillity? Think of an international problem, and consider solutions based on your understanding of the principles of justice and equity. See Epistle 11, 28-29, 30. 3. In the opening paragraph of Epistle, Bahá’u’lláh states that the Word of God is a standard for the world and a demonstration of the truth of His revelation. How does the Word of God fulfill these roles? See Selections from the Writings of the Báb 43, 104-05, 109, 120. 4. Bahá’u’lláh spends several pages explaining to the Shaykh what He has taught His followers. List some of those teachings (consult the cards on which you listed major themes). What is the primary focus of the teachings cited? Why do you think Bahá’u’lláh focuses on these particular teachings in Epistle to the Son of the Wolf? 5. How would you define "a goodly character and praiseworthy deeds"? How are they a proof of the power of the Word of God? What effects do they have on the progress of the Cause of God? On the world at large? See Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 36, 57, 257; The Hidden Words Persian, no. 69; and The Secret of Divine Civilization 46, 60, 98-99. 6. What is "the fear of God"? Why should people fear God? Consider the following phrase from The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys (58): "... all things fear him who feareth God." See also Epistle 27-28 and Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 93, 121, 155.

ACTION: How can you, as a group or as an individual, act on the following directive from Epistle (25)? "It is incumbent upon thee to summon the people, under all conditions, to whatever will cause them to show forth spiritual characteristics and goodly deeds, so that all may become aware of that which is the cause of human upliftment, and may, with the utmost endeavor, direct themselves towards the most sublime Station and the Pinnacle of Glory."

ASSIGNMENT: To prepare for Session 2, read Epistle 30:16-62:22.

SESSION 2: Pages 30:16-62:22

INDIVIDUAL WORK:

PREPARING FOR STUDY:

Materials: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf; Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh; Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come; Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vols. 1, 3, 4; a dictionary; a copy of this study guide; 5x7-inch notecards or a spiral notebook.

Spiritual Preparation: Read the following passage from Epistle (33), and take a few moments to meditate on it: "This is the day whereon the wise should seek the advice of this Wronged One, and ask Him Who is the Truth what things are conducive to the glory and tranquillity of men."

Overview of Pages 30:16-62:22: In the section of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf covered in Session 2, Bahá’u’lláh restates His claim that God is the source of His revelation and offers proofs for the claim. He quotes extensively from His tablets to the kings and rulers so that the Shaykh "mayest know of a certainty that whatever hath been mentioned hath come from God" (39). Bahá’u’lláh also expresses His hope that the Shaykh will be touched by the "breezes of Revelation" and will arise to aid the Cause of God (59). By quoting such passages, Bahá’u’lláh reveals to the Shaykh the purpose of His revelation: to impart to the kings and rulers of the world "that which is the cause of the well-being, the unity, the harmony, and the reconstruction of the world, and of the tranquillity of the nations" (45). In the passages quoted, Bahá’u’lláh proclaims His identity and states His mission. He summons various kings and rulers to recognize Him and to arise to aid His Cause. He informs them of the rewards and punishments that will be meted out to them according to their response to His Cause and gives them specific advice regarding the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the treatment of their subjects. He also recounts His sufferings, noting their similarity to the sufferings of previous Manifestations of God; describes His joy at being able to offer His life in the pathway of God; and affirms His power to prevent anyone from thwarting His mission.

Bahá’u’lláh also discusses the subject of His own divinity. The clergy has accused the Bábís of believing that Bahá’u’lláh is God. Bahá’u’lláh denies the charge and explains the paradoxical station of the Manifestations of God. He defines "Divinity" and explains the nature of His station (41).

Exhortations and warnings to the Bahá’ís appear throughout. Bahá’u’lláh cautions them against treachery, bloodshed, unfair judgments, and dissension (54-56). During Bahá’u’lláh’s stay in Constantinople, His jealous and unfaithful half-brother Mirza Yahyá (also known as Subh-i-Azal) and his followers (known as Azalis) tried in various deceitful ways to stir up trouble for Bahá’u’lláh and the other Bahá’ís. The warnings in Epistle against treachery are aimed at those believers who may be taken in by Yahyá’s scheming and plotting (54-56). At the same time, Bahá’u’lláh counsels His followers to practice trustworthiness and generosity, to use wisdom to subdue people’s hearts, and to conceal the sins of others (55).

READING:

Reading for Meaning:

1. Read and reflect, asking yourself, "What is the meaning of this passage?" Summarize each section in your own words. 2. Underline or highlight the major themes. As you find a major theme, list it on a 5x7-inch notecard or in a spiral notebook. Note the pages on which it appears. (Keep this list for use in Session 2 Group Work.) 3. As you find a passage that is of particular importance for your teaching, copy several short passages for memorization and meditation. [Page 12]2. Read for patterns. Try to recall other places where Bahá’u’lláh addresses the topics found in pages 30–62. What else does He say about them?

3. The following explanations of terms are provided to aid your understanding of the text.

page
30:21	“Lesser Peace” The first stage of world peace in which the political unity of the nations will be achieved. It will involve fixing every nation’s boundaries, strictly limiting the size of their armaments, setting down the principles underlying the relations of governments toward one another, and ascertaining all international agreements and obligations.
32:11-12	“a knowledge which, when applied, will largely, though not wholly, eliminate fear” According to Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated 5 January 1948 written on his behalf to Charles S. Krug and published in Bahá’í News (No. 210 [Aug. 1948] 3), this knowledge was never disclosed by Bahá’u’lláh (see Bahá’í Education: A Compilation 7–8).
32:22	“Crimson Book” Refers to Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of the Covenant, the Kitáb-i-‘Ahd (see Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 217–23 for the text of the Book of the Covenant).
35:19-20	“such as have broken Thy Covenant and Thy Testament” A reference to Bahá’u’lláh’s treacherous half-brother, Mírzá Yaḥyá, and his followers, known as Azalís. (Mírzá Yaḥyá had been appointed by the Báb as leader of the Bábís until Him Whom God shall make Manifest—Bahá’u’lláh—appeared. Unfortunately, Mírzá Yaḥyá refused to recognize Bahá’u’lláh as the One promised by the Báb. He was extremely jealous of Bahá’u’lláh and spent a large part of his life, despite Bahá’u’lláh’s kindness to him, trying to destroy Bahá’u’lláh.) Some of Bahá’u’lláh’s followers were also involved. Together, these groups created a great deal of mischief in Constantinople in trying to discredit Bahá’u’lláh and the resident Bahá’ís. Their treachery and dishonor caused Bahá’u’lláh far greater suffering than the physical hardships imposed on Him by the government. For further information on the activities of the Azalís, see Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Mazra’ih & Bahjí 4:391–406.
36:18-19	“Fear not the tempestuous gales, O Mariner!” A reference to the Tablet of the Holy Mariner, a mystical poem by Bahá’u’lláh in which He foreshadows the suffering He was to sustain in the course of His life. See Bahá’í Prayers 221–29, and The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Baghdád 1:228–44.
38:13-14	“Sinai hath smiled at Him Who conversed upon it” Bahá’u’lláh indicates in numerous places that His is the voice Moses heard in the Burning Bush (42, 65, 146). In a letter dated 19 October 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer (in Lights of Guidance: A Bahá’í Reference File [1988] 471), it is explained that “Bahá’u’lláh is not the Intermediary between other Manifestations and God. Each has His own relation to the Primal Source. But in the sense that Bahá’u’lláh is the greatest Manifestation to yet appear, the One Who consummates the Revelation of Moses; He was the One Moses conversed with in the Burning Bush. In other words, Bahá’u’lláh identifies the Glory of the God-Head on that occasion with Himself. No distinction can be made amongst the Prophets in the sense that They all proceed from One Source, and are of One Essence. But Their stations and functions in this world are different.”
38:15	“Sadrah” See the glossary in Epistle 191.
38:28	“dissimulation” Hiding one’s true feelings or intentions under false pretenses.
41:7	“Súrih of Tawḥíd” The first súrih of the Qur’án. It explains the oneness of God.
41:18	“Sadrah of Utterance” A reference by Bahá’u’lláh to Himself, for it is Bahá’u’lláh Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush (129).
41:26-28	“Siyyid of Findirisk,” “Abú-Nasr,” and “Abú-‘Alí Síná” See the glossary in Epistle 192, 183.
43:10	“Seal of the Prophets” A reference to Muhammad, Who was to be the last Manifestation of the Prophetic Cycle before the advent of the Day of God.
43:16	“those other stations which the Abhá Pen hath disclosed” For an explanation of the various stations of the Manifestations of God, see Gleanings 51–56, 66–67, or Kitáb-i-Íqán 152–53, 176–81.
45:27	Tablet to “Napoleon III” See The Promised Day Is Come 33–35, Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: ‘Akká, The Early Years 3:109–15, or The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Kings and Leaders of the World 17–23.
48:21-22	“The stars of the heaven of knowledge have fallen” Bahá’u’lláh explains the meaning of this symbolic statement in the Kitáb-i-Íqán (41): “. . . by the words ‘. . . and the stars shall fall from heaven’ is intended the waywardness of the divines, and the annulment of laws firmly established by divine Revelation. . . .”
51:27-28	“‘We were in ‘Iráq, when the hour of parting arrived.’” Bahá’u’lláh had been in Baghdad, Iraq, for nearly ten years when He was summoned to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in 1863.
52:10-11	“the Most Great Prison” The prison-city of ‘Akká.
56:28	“Tablet . . . to . . . the Czar of Russia” See Promised Day Is Come 33–35, Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: ‘Akká, The Early Years 3:118–23, or Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh 27–30.
57:2-3	“‘turn thou unto Paradise’” “Paradise” is the recognition of the Manifestation of God (Bahá’u’lláh) and submission to His will (see Selections from the Writings of the Báb 82–83, 102). Bahá’u’lláh says that paradise is reunion with God and the attainment of His pleasure (see Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 118, 189, and The Hidden Words, Arabic no. 6). Paradise is realized through love of Bahá’u’lláh and His good-pleasure and is experienced in both this world and the next (see Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 189 and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions 223).
58:2-3	“Be thou not of them who called upon God by one of His names” “Names” refers to the Manifestations of God. An admonition to those who recognize only one of the Manifestations.
59:7-8	“the Tablet of Her Majesty, the Queen” See Promised Day Is Come 35–36, Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: ‘Akká, The Early Years 3:123–28, or Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh 33–35 for passages from the tablet Bahá’u’lláh sent to Queen Victoria.
60:14	“Mosque of Aqṣá” The name of the mosque built on the site of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem and the name by which the Temple of Solomon is referred to in the Qur’án.

Reading for Insight:

1. Keep track of some of Epistle’s major themes on the 5x7-inch notecards you started using in Session 1. The following are some examples found on pages 30:16–63:12. On each card list specific examples of the theme and any other information you want to include.
   • Bahá’u’lláh’s General Teachings and Directives (30–31, 32, 33, 38, 41, 44–45, 46, 47, 48, 49–50, 55, 57, 61, 62)
   • Bahá’u’lláh’s Directives to the Kings and Rulers (30–31, 40, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50–52, 53, 54–56, 57–58, 58–59, 61)
   • Bahá’u’lláh’s Identity (38, 39, 43, 46–48, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
   • Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission (33, 34, 36, 38, 45, 46, 56)
   • God as the Source of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation (39, 41, 45–46)
   • The Nature and Effect of the Word of God (41, 42–43)
   • Bahá’u’lláh’s Suffering and His Response (32–33, 34, 35–36, 37–38, 45, 52–53, 59)
   • Human responses to Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and Their Consequences (42, 43, 44, 46–47, 48, 49, 60, 61)
2. To improve your ability to “recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 200) and increase the effectiveness of your teaching, copy short passages for memorization and meditation.

REFLECTING AND REVIEWING:

Reflecting: Spend a few moments at the end of every reading session reflecting on what you have just read. Summarize in your mind what you have read, and try to relate it to what you already know. What spiritual insights have you gained?

Checking Your Recall of the Facts:

1. What is the greatest means for ensuring the tranquillity of the nations? (30)
2. What proof does Bahá’u’lláh offer that this Revelation came from God and not Himself? (39–40)
3. If the Shah were to heed Bahá’u’lláh’s call, what would be the result? (40–41)
4. What does Bahá’u’lláh mean by the term “Divinity”? (41)
5. What is the source of humanity’s prosperity and wealth? What attitude should knowing this evoke? (44)
6. In the Tablet to Napoleon III, Who does Bahá’u’lláh say He is? (46–48)
7. What does Bahá’u’lláh tell the monks to do? (49)
8. What punishment does Bahá’u’lláh promise to Napoleon III for his actions? (51)

[Page 13]9. What was Bahá’u’lláh’s response to the tribulations He suffered? (34, 35-36, 37-38, 45, 52-53, 59)

10. What does Bahá’u’lláh mean by "the world"? (54)

11. What should you do when you become aware of another's sin? Why? (55)

12. In the Tablet to the Tsar, Who does Bahá’u’lláh announce Himself to be? (57-58)

13. Why does Bahá’u’lláh quote His own tablets in addressing the Shaykh? (39, 45-46, 59)

14. For what purpose did Bahá’u’lláh come? (33, 34, 36, 46)

15. For what actions is Queen Victoria praised? (60-61)

ACTION

Read the following passage from Epistle (55): "If ye become aware of a sin committed by another, conceal it, that God may conceal your own sin."

How can you put this advice into action? Imagine a situation in which you become aware of another's transgressions. Mentally rehearse, or write about, how you might handle it.

Memorizing: Choose one of the passages you copied for memorization, and memorize it. How can you act on it? Find or create an opportunity to use it in teaching.

PREPARING FOR STUDY

Materials: Epistle to the Son of the Wolf; Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace; a copy of this study guide; notes from "Individual Work" section.

Spiritual Preparation: Read aloud the prayer found on Epistle 37:4-38:8. If you are working with a group, spend a few moments sharing insights. If you are working alone, write down your insights.

READING MATERIALS FOR SESSIONS 1 AND 2 OF A STUDY GUIDE TO EPISTLE TO THE SON OF THE WOLF

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf by Bahá’u’lláh PS $6.50

Marking the end of forty years of divine revelation, Epistle was the last major work to flow from the pen of Bahá’u’lláh. Proclaiming to the world Who He is and why He has come and quoting "some of the most characteristic and celebrated passages" of His own revelation, Bahá’u’lláh provides an extraordinary model of how to use His writings to teach His Faith. The National Spiritual Assembly has asked the American Bahá’í community to read and study Epistle to the Son of the Wolf this year as a personal education objective. 4-1/4 x 7 inches, 181 pages, glossary. U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas by Bahá’u’lláh ⚫ PS $6.50

Contains the complete text of a number of Bahá’u’lláh’s tablets that are quoted at length in Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. Among the sixteen tablets it contains are some characterized by Shoghi Effendi as ranking "among the choicest fruits" Bahá’u’lláh’s mind has yielded and marking "the consummation" of His ministry. 4-1/4 x 7 inches, 269 pages, notes, index. U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi ⚫ SC $14.50

Offering descriptions of the odious deeds of "the Wolf" and of the "Son of the Wolf" (to whom Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is addressed), God Passes By surveys the outstanding events of the first Bahá’í century (1844-1944). The book covers the declaration of the Báb to His first disciple, His imprisonment and martyrdom, the fate of the heroic dawn-breakers, Bahá’u’lláh’s ministry, His imprisonment and exile, His revelation of books and tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry, and the rise of the Bahá’í community around the world. Foreword by Shoghi Effendi. 412 pages, index. U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Mazra’ih & Bahji, 1877-92, Volume Four by Adib Taherzadeh HC $29.50/SC $19.50

Among Bahá’u’lláh’s works discussed in this volume is Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, the significance and historical background of which are explained in detail. The book is the last in a four-volume series surveying the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. It examines the most momentous period of Bahá’u’lláh’s ministry—a period when, after years of exile and imprisonment, Bahá’u’lláh took up residence in the Mansion of Bahji and revealed many tablets of unsurpassed importance. 431 pages, notes, index. George Ronald.

READING AND REFLECTING

Reviewing and Sharing:

Share with your group the answers to the questions from the "Individual Work" section. If you are working alone, review your answers.

Discuss any ideas that were of particular interest. If you are working alone, write down the ideas that were of particular interest to you.

Share the results of your efforts to memorize and act on a passage from Epistle. If you are working alone, you may wish to keep a journal of such efforts and their results.

Discussion

1. How does Bahá’u’lláh answer the accusation that He claims to be God (41)? Explain the paradox that Bahá’u’lláh is, and yet is not, God.

2. Bahá’u’lláh says that "This is the day whereon the wise should seek the advice of this Wronged One, and ask Him Who is the Truth what things are conducive to the glory and tranquillity of men" (33). How is humanity learning to seek such advice and discovering what is conducive to its glory and tranquillity? How might one of "the wise"—or anyone—follow through with this directive? Identify some teachings of Bahá’u’lláh that promote the glory and tranquillity of humanity.

3. Bahá’u’lláh states that His purpose is "to abolish, through the force of Our utterance, all disputes, war, and bloodshed, from the face of the earth" (34). How does the force of utterance work to accomplish such a goal? How might this principle apply in countries where some feel that fighting injustice with weapons is justified? Before answering these questions, consider Bahá’u’lláh’s injunction to "Subdue the citadels of men's hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance" (55). See also Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh 198-99.

4. Bahá’u’lláh laments that His followers, who were created to aid His Cause and exalt His Word, have helped His enemies (36-38). How might the servants of God aid the enemies of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh? Think about what has happened in the past, and consider what can happen in the present and in the future.

5. How do Bahá’u’lláh’s interactions with the kings and rulers prove His identity? As "the dawning-place of His most excellent names and the dayspring of His most exalted attributes" (2), how did Bahá’u’lláh exercise the attributes of power and sovereignty? (See 39-40, 45, 48, 51; see also Promulgation 202-03, 224, 432-33.)

6. Explain the difference between believing in the existence of God and believing in the unity and Oneness of God.

ACTION

How can you, as a group or as an individual, act on the directives in the following passage from Epistle (55)? "O people of Bahá! Subdue the citadels of men’s hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance.... Say: The sword of wisdom is hotter than summer heat, and sharper than blades of steel, if ye do but understand. Draw it forth in My name and through the power of My might, and conquer, then, with it the cities of the hearts of them that have secluded themselves in the stronghold of their corrupt desires."

ASSIGNMENT

To prepare for Session 3, read Epistle 62:23-92:5. To prepare for Session 4, read Epistle 92:6-121:23.

OTHER READING MATERIALS FOR SESSIONS 1 AND 2 OF A STUDY GUIDE TO EPISTLE TO THE SON OF THE WOLF

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh by Bahá’u’lláh HC $18.50/PS $6.50

The Hidden Words by Bahá’u’lláh HC $6.95/SC $4.95

Selections from the Writings of the Báb by the Báb HC $12.50/LT $6.95

The Promulgation of Universal Peace Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ⚫ HC $18.50

The Secret of Divine Civilization by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá PS $4.50

The Promised Day Is Come by Shoghi Effendi • HC $4.75

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Baghdád 1853-63, Volume 1 by Adib Taherzadeh SC $17.95

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh Adrianople 1863-68, Volume 2 by Adib Taherzadeh SC $19.50

The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh ‘Akká, The Early Years 1868-77, Volume 3 by Adib Taherzadeh SC $19.50 [Page 14]

MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE

روز ۲۱ ژانویه سال جاری حدود ۵۰۰ نفر از احباء از سراسر ایالات متحده برای شرکت در مراسم بزرگداشت مارتین لوتر کینگ، رهبر آزادیخواه سیاهپوستان آمریکا، در شهر آتلانتا گرد هم آمدند. این مراسم شامل راهپیمائی بزرگی در شهر مذکور بود.

در این راهپیمائی نمایندگان بیش از ۵۰ سازمان گوناگون، از جمله مدارس و سازمان‌های اجتماعی شرکت داشتند. خانم کرول میلر Carole Miller نماینده محفل روحانی ملی در "مرکز مارتین لوتر کینگ" از شرکت احباء در مراسم مذکور اظهار رضایت نمود به ویژه که در روز راهپیمائی هوا سرد بود. خانم میلر اظهار داشت: "این راهپیمائی نمودار تحقق رؤیای مارتین لوتر کینگ و بیانگر برادری و برابری و دوستی است."

راهپیمائی با اسکورت اتومبیلهای پلیس آغاز شد. سپس گروه‌های مختلف و ارابه‌هایشان floats (اتومبیلهائی که به نحو خاصی تزئین شده‌اند) به راه افتادند. بالای ارابۀ بهائی احباء از رنگ‌ها و نژادهای گوناگون ایستاده بودند و به تماشاگران دست تکان می‌دادند. رنگین کمانی در پشت ارابۀ بهائی قرار داشت و پرچم‌های صلح در دو طرف آن نصب شده بود. همچنین در بالای این ارابه يك گروه موسیقی به خواندن سرودهای بهائی مشغول بود.

یکی از جوانانی که برای شرکت در این مراسم از شیکاگو به آتلانتا رفته بود می‌گفت "من برای اظهار نگرانی خود نسبت به اختلافات نژادی در آمریکا به آتلانتا آمدم و این راهپیمائی باعث شد بفهمم که اقلیت‌ها دارند با موفقیت با این مساله روبرو می‌شوند."

جوان دیگری که از ایلینوی در این راهپیمائی شرکت کرده بود، می‌گفت "علت شرکت من در این مراسم این بود که اولاً این راهپیمائی يك فرصت تبلیغی در اختیارم می‌گذاشت و ثانیاً می‌توانستم دوستانم را ببینم. فکر می‌کنم برای جوانان بهائی این بهترین وسیله است که بتوانند اصول و تعالیم امر مبارک را در عمل نشان دهند."

احباء یکی از بزرگ‌ترین گروههائی را تشکیل می‌دادند که در این راهپیمائی شرکت می‌کردند. یکی از شعارهائی که احباء می‌خواندند این بود "فقط يك نژاد وجود دارد و آن نژاد انسان است."

یکی از احبای کارولینای جنوبی می‌گفت "بهائیان دارند نمونه‌ای از آنچه که جامعۀ جهانی می‌تواند باشد نشان می‌دهند. سیاهپوست و سفیدپوست و آسیائی و افرادی از همه نژادهای مختلف در بین احباء وجود دارد."

یکی دیگر از احباء که از ایالت تنسی در این راهپیمائی شرکت کرده بود، می‌گفت "اعتقاد من این است که این راهپیمائی نمودار آزادی و یگانگی است...من هیچوقت از مدرسه غایب نمی‌شوم ولی این بار تصمیم گرفتم که در این راهپیمائی شرکت کنم. بنابراین از معلمهایم اجازه گرفتم؛ باید می‌آمدم. چقدر عشق و محبت در اینجاست، و دیدن آن قلبم را سرشار از شادی می‌کند."

در پایان این راهپیمائی خانم کورتا کینگ، همسر مارتین لوتر کینگ، و بانی "مرکز کینگ برای تغییر اجتماعی بدون توسل به خشونت" اظهار داشت "امروز، روز وحدت و صلح است، روزی برای رسیدن به عدالت و محبت بیشتر. امیدوارم همه کسانی که در این راهپیمائی شرکت کرده‌اند این پیام را به دیگران نیز برسانند."

YOUTH YEAR OF SERVICE

از ۳ تا ۶ ژانویه سال جاری يك دورۀ آموزشی برای جوانانی که می‌خواهند در "سپاه خدمت جوانان بهائی" شرکت نمایند، در "مؤسسۀ بهائی لوئیس گریگوری" در کارولینای جنوبی ترتیب داده شد.

۷ نفر جوان بهائی از ۵ ایالت در این دورۀ آموزشی فشرده شرکت کردند. موضوع اصلی این دوره عهد و پیمان و تأکید بر بیانیۀ بیت‌العدل اعظم دربارۀ حقوق افراد بود. همچنین مطالبی دربارۀ فرهنگ‌های گوناگون به شرکت‌کنندگان تعلیم شد.

جوانانی که در این دوره شرکت کرده بودند از امکانات تبلیغی و فرصت‌هائی که برای خدمت به امر حضرت بهاءالله در آینده به دست خواهند آورد، بسیار خوشحال بودند. قرار است این جوانان به نقاطی چون هندوستان و پرو و هندوراس سفر کنند.

در حال حاضر ۱۹ جوان بهائی در "سپاه خدمت جوانان" در سراسر جهان، از مؤسسۀ لوئیس گریگوری و مؤسسۀ بهائیان بومی در ایالات متحده گرفته تا نقاطی چون برزیل و کانادا و تایلند مشغول خدمت به امر مبارک‌اند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با خانم لورا سسنا Laura Cessna مسؤول امور جوانان در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند.

تلفن: ۸۶۹-۹۰۳۹ (۷۰۸).

دوره سه سالۀ مطالعات نظم جهانی در آکادمی لاندگ

در تابستان سال ۱۹۸۹ آکادمی بهائی لاندگ در کشور سویس دورۀ سه‌ساله‌ای در زمینۀ مطالعۀ نظم جهانی آغاز نمود. تاکنون هفتاد‌وپنج دانشجو دورۀ ابتدائی آشنائی با برنامه را تکمیل نموده در سال‌های دوم و سوم دوره به تحصیل اشتغال دارند.

افرادی که به آشنائی عمیق با تعالیم آئین بهائی علاقه‌مند می‌توانند در این دوره ثبت نام نمایند. برنامۀ دوره علاوه بر اصول و مبادی این دیانت، تاریخ و نظام اداری و تشکیلات بین‌المللی و موقعیت کنونی آن را و همچنین راه‌حل‌هائی را که برای مشکلات جهان امروز و تاسیس نظم جهانی جدید ارائه می‌کند بررسی خواهد نمود.

محصلین باید هر‌سال چهار‌هفتۀ متوالی در ماه‌های جولای و آگست در محل آکادمی حاضر باشند. در این مدت برنامۀ مطالعات فردی دانشجویان برای بقیۀ سال تنظیم می‌شود و آزمایش‌های لازم انجام می‌گیرد.

داوطلبان می‌توانند برای ثبت نام یا کسب اطلاعات بیشتر دربارۀ برنامه و شرایط ورود و مخارج دوره بوسیله تلفن یا نامه با نشانی زیر تماس حاصل فرمایند.

The Registrar Certificate Program in World Order Studies Landegg Academy CH-9405 Wienacht/AR Switzerland

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به احبای ایرانی

بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در تاریخ ۲۹ دسامبر ۱۹۹۰ پیامی مهم خطاب به احبای ایرانی در سراسر عالم صادر فرموده‌اند و بنا بر امریۀ معهد‌اعلی نسخ آن در طول هفتۀ آخر ماه ژانویه ۱۹۹۱ به نشانی خانواده‌های بهائی ایرانی ساکن در ایالات متحده ارسال گردید. دوستانی که بعلت نقل مکان یا علل دیگر نسخه‌ای از پیام مذکور را دریافت ننموده‌اند می توانند بوسیله تلفن یا نامه دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی را مطلع فرمایند.

‎ANOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT‎ BY THE TRUSTEES OF HUQUQU’LLAH

احبای عزیز ایرانی مقیم امریکا هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله ضمن تقدیم تحیات روحانیه مطالب ذیل را به عرض دوستان عزیز می‌رساند:

در ظل عنایات و تأییدات جمال اقدس ابهی جل جلاله مسألۀ تحقق هدف نقشۀ شش‌ساله دربارۀ تعلیم عمومی امر مقدس حقوق‌الله به جامعۀ بهائی به نحو رضایت‌بخشی پیشرفت نموده است. آموزش تدریجی جامعۀ بهائی و ازدیاد آگاهی و تعمق دوستان عزیز در متون و موازین این حکم محکم الهی منتج به افزایش روز‌افزون شرکت‌کنندگان در اجرای این فریضۀ وجدانی گردیده است. از آغاز نقشۀ شش‌ساله و بخصوص در ظرف سه چهار سال اخیر تعداد کثیری از دوستان عزیز ایرانی و غیری به محاسبۀ دارائی و دیون خود به صندوق حقوق‌الله فائز شده و افتخار اجرای این فریضۀ حتمی روحانی را حاصل فرموده‌اند. اطفال و جوانان عزیز بهائی که بر اثر تعلیمات روحانی در محیط خانوادگی و شرکت در جلسات تزئید معلومات دربارۀ حقوق‌الله به حقایق روحانی این قانون الهی آشنائی حاصل نموده و با کمال خضوع و خشوع به ارسال تقدیمی‌های خود به صندوق حقوق‌الله مبادرت فرموده‌اند. چنانچه در اطلاعیه‌های قبل به استحضار دوستان عزیز رسیده، هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله امیدوار است که بر اثر تعلیم مداوم حکم حقوق‌الله عموم خانواده‌های عزیز بهائی اطاعت و اجرای این قانون متین را جزء ضروریات روزمرۀ خویش قرار دهند.

هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله اخیراً مجموعه‌ای از آثار حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله ارواحنا فداه و دستخط‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم دربارۀ "ارتباط بین حقوق‌الله و دیگر تبرعات" تهیه نموده است. به ضمیمه نسخه‌ای از این مجموعه به حضورتان ارسال می‌گردد. پیشنهاد خاضعانۀ این هیئت به حضور دوستان عزیز این است که خود و خانواده متون این مجموعه را دقیقاً مطالعه فرمایند و در صورت امکان آن را در دسترس دوستان خود نیز قرار دهند.

در خاتمه قسمتی از دستخط منیع معهد اعلی را که در سال ۱۲۶ بدیع خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایران ابلاغ فرموده‌اند، جهت مطالعۀ یاران درج می‌نماید:

"البته یاران الهی به انوار خشیةالله منوّر و به لزوم تطهیر و حفظ اموال به نصّ قاطع ربّ متعال متوجّه و ناظرند. در این ایام پر‌انقلاب ادعیۀ این مشتاقان به درگاه عالمیان متصاعد که آن محفل جلیل را موفق فرماید تا در طی ابلاغیه و منشور و اعلان در اجتماعات و دروس و انجمن‌های پیروان امر ربّ غیور یاران و متابندان جمال رحمن را به اهمیت و قاطعیت این حکم مقدس الهی مکرّراً متذکر دارند و آنان را تشویق و هدایت به اطاعت کاملۀ حقیقیه از این فرمان مبارك ربانی فرمایند تا مؤمنین متقین از عواقب تحقیرات مصونه محفوظ مانند و به برکات موعوده نائل شوند و به فیوضات محتومه معنویه فائز گردند."

هیئت امنای حقوق‌الله

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

Dr. Amin Banani [Address Omitted] Santat Monica, CA. 90402

Dr. Daryush Haghighi [Address Omitted] Rocky River, OH. 44116

Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910 [Page 15]

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به جمع یاران در مؤتمر مسکو ۲۱ نوامبر ۱۹۹۰

یاران عزیز بهائی،

نمایندگان جوامع بهائی از سراسر اتحاد جماهیر شوروی و محافل روحانی ملی که مسؤولیت خطیر انتشار امر حضرت بهاءالله را در آن سرزمین پهناور به عهده دارند، با عواطفی آمیخته از سرور و اعجاب یاد نمائیم. پیش‌آمدهای پی در پی جهانی صحنه مجاهدات آن یاران را دگرگون ساخته و دوستان را با مسائل عظیمه‌ای مواجه نموده است، ولیکن این پیش‌آمادها همراه با فرصت‌ها و موفقیت‌هائی است که باید قلوب یاران را از وجد و طرب سرشار سازد و به ترنم سرود سرور در ستایش مواهب حضرت مقصود برانگیزد.

در عصر رسولی امر الهی حوادثی به وقوع پیوست که امر مبارک را با مردم روسیه مرتبط ساخت. ذکر این نکات کفایت می‌کند که قبل از سرگونی حضرت بهاءالله به عراق پیشنهاد پناهندگی آن حضرت به روسیه توسط آن دولت مطرح گشت، لوح مبارک حضرت بهاءالله خطاب به الکساندر دوم تزار روسیه عز نزول یافت، امر مبارک علاقه‌مندی شدید دانشمندان و ادبای برجسته روسیه را برانگیخت، جامعه بهائی عشق‌آباد با شکوهی عظیم جلوه نمود و اعضای جامعه مزبور در تقاضای عفو برای مسببین مظالم وارده اقدامی نمونه نمود و اولین مشرق‌الاذکار عالم در آن مدینه مرتفع گردید. طلوع چنین سرآغاز امیدبخشی دچار کسوف تضییقاتی شد که پس از جنگ جهانی اول حادث گردید. ولیکن حتی در همان ایام مظلم حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله به وضوح وقایع مزبور را برای سطوع انوار امر حضرت بهاءالله عبارت از حجابی موقت شمردند. در توقیعی که در ژانویه ۱۹۲۳ به لسان فارسی در حق احبای عشق‌آباد صادر، این بیانات نبوت‌آمیز مندرج است:

«شبهه‌ای نیست که آن روز مبارک خواهد رسید که نفس مخربین آئین و دین الهی و مروجین عقائد سخیفه مادیون عالم خود قیام نمایند و این آشوب و فتن را به دست خویش خاموش کرده بنیان بی‌دینی مفرطشان را از اساس براندازند و به جان و دل و به قوائی اشد و اکمل از قبل به تلافی مافات قیام نموده خود را منضم به پیروان این امر مبارک نمایند و مروج تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله گردند...اگر یاران ثابت و راسخ مانند و در نهایت تمکین و حکمت به وظائف خود قیام نمایند امور عجیبه از پس پرده حکمت الهی مشهود و عیان گردد و جنود تایید به قوائی ملکوتی و به اسباب غیرمنتظره در نقاطی مخصوصه نصرت امر قیوم را خواهند کرد و چشم روحانیان را در تمام قطعات عالم روشن و منور خواهند نمود.»

و نیز در توقیع دیگری در ۲ ژانویه ۱۹۳۰ می‌فرمایند:

«اقلیم روس در آینده جنة‌النعیم گردد و امر تبلیغ و ترویجی عظیم یابد. معبد عظیم در قطب آن اقلیم جلوه‌ای حیرت‌انگیز نماید و اسم اعظم جمال قدم رنّه در معابد و صوامع و معابدش اندازد. صبر و تحمل لازم. این انقلابات جسیمه را حکمتهای عظیمه بالغه مکتون، من بعد بر کل آشکار و مبرهن گردد.»

حال این سعادت حاصل آمده که شاهد طلیعه کشف نقاب از وجه اسرار الهی باشیم. ابلاغ پیام حضرت بهاءالله به ملل و نژادهای گوناگون در آن سرزمین و تأسیس جامعه بهائی در بلاد و قصبات و قراء آن دیار وظیفه‌ای است که اکنون بر عهده نسل حاضر مؤمنین به این آئین نازنین قرار گرفته است.

جامعه‌ای که یاران عضو آن به قیام به خدمات و مجهودات امریه دعوت شده‌اند، در جریان تغییرات شدید و عمیق در جمیع جهات زندگانی است، تغییراتی که سبب بروز و تمرکز مشکلاتی می‌گردد که هر یک از کشورها و جامعه جهانی به طور کلی با آنها درگیر است. علت اصلی این تحولات آن است که این عصر، عصر وحدت عالم انسانی است. بنابراین همه مردم، چه در اتحاد جماهیر شوروی، چه در نقاط دیگر جهان، باید راهی به سوی وحدت در کثرت و ایجاد توافق بین عناصری که سابقاً با یکدیگر در منازعه بوده‌اند، پیدا نمایند، راهی که حضرت ولی امرالله آن را بعنوان هدفی که جامعه بشری به سوی آن سوق داده می‌شود، معرفی فرموده‌اند. در ۱۱ مارس ۱۹۳۶ خطاب به جامعه‌های جدیدالولادة بهائی در مغرب زمین و به منظور جلب توجه آنان به صدای مجاهدت‌انگیز شارع این امر اعظم حضرت ولی امرالله چنین مرقوم داشته‌اند:

"حضرت بهاءالله می‌فرمانند که مجموع اهل ارض در این عصر در حرکتند و سبب وعلت آن را دریافته‌اند، و معاصران خود را خطاب می‌فرمایند که «ای پسران انسان، دین‌الله و مذهب‌الله از برای حفظ و اتحاد و اتفاق و محبت و الفت عالم است... این است راه مستقیم و این است محکم متین. آنچه بر این اساس گذاشته شود، حوادث دنیا او را حرکت ندهد و طول زمان او را از هم نریزاند.» و می‌فرمایند «مقصود اصلاح عالم و راحت امم بوده؛ این اصلاح و راحت ظاهر نشود مگر به اتحاد و اتفاق...» و نیز علاوه می‌فرمایند «قسم به آفتاب حقیقت، نور اتفاق آفاق را روشن و منور سازد. حق آگاه گواه این گفتار بوده و هست... این قصد سلطان مقاصد و این امل ملیك آمال...» و همچنین می‌فرمایند «إن ربكم الرحمن یحب ان یری من فی الاكوان كنفس واحدة و هیكل واحد. ان اغتنموا فضل الله و رحمته فی تلك الایام التی ما رأت عین الابداع شبهها.»

حضرت ولی امرالله در تبیین مظاهر این کلمات ‎دریات درّیّات‎ چنین می‌فرمایند:

"وحدت نوع انسان به نحوی که حضرت بهاءالله مقرر فرموده، مستلزم آن است که یک جامعه متحد جهانی تشکیل یابد که در آن تمام ملل و نژادها و ادیان و طبقات کاملاً و پیوسته متحد گشته، و در عین حال استقلال دول عضوش و آزادی و ابتکار اعضاء مرگی‌اش تماماً و یقیناً محفوظ مانده باشد... در چنان جامعه‌ای یک نظام فدرالی جهانی برقرار گردد که بر جمیع بلاد حکومت نماید و فرمانروای بلامنازع منابع بسیار عظیمش باشد و مرامهای عالیه شرق و غرب را در بر گیرد و طلسم جنگ و بدبختی را بشکند و به استفاده از جمیع منابع موجود در زمین راغب باشد. در چنین نظامی دور خادم عدل و داد شود و بقایش متکی باشد بر شناسائی خداوند یگانه و پیروی از یک دین عمومی... این است هدف و مقصدی که نوع انسان ناگزیر بر اثر نیروهای وحدت‌بخش حیات به سویش روان است."

نه تنها اهالی اتحاد جماهیر شوروی بلکه هر فردی که در اوضاع و احوال جاری جهان تأمل نماید اذعان می‌کند که حصول چنین مقصد اعلائی بدون سعی و کوشش و حل مشکلات و رفع موانع گوناگون مقدور نیست. اما سرچشمه حصول این مقصود بیداری روزافزون تعدادی از مردمان و توجهشان به حقانیت پیام حضرت بهاءالله و اقبالشان به امر مبارک و تمسکشان به عهد و پیمان الهی و تنویر حیات روحانی و اخلاقیشان به نور تعالیم الهی و توحید مساعی و مجاهداتشان در ظل نظم اداری اوست تا در اثر تحول روحانی انفرادی و مساعی دسته‌جمعی، اوضاع جهان را تغییر دهند و تمدن جهانی جدیدی را متولد سازند.

تحقق کامل این مقصود موکول به قرون آینده است، ولیکن سرور و رضایت خاطر فقط در اثر تحقق نهائی این مقصود حاصل نمی‌گردد. شرافت حقیقی وجود انسانی در حیات روحانی اوست. ارتباط یافتن روح هر فرد با خداوند و درک خویشاوندی روحانی انسان با دیگران است که سبب سرور واقعی و احساس رضایت می‌شود. جوامع بهائی در حال حاضر هنوز به مرحله کاملی که منظور نظر حضرت بهاءالله است نرسیده‌اند، اما کمک و پشتیبانی محبت‌آمیز ما از یکدیگر، شکیبائی در برابر قصور دیگران، مصمم بودن به توسعه و تعزیز مؤسساتی که حضرت بهاءالله تشریع فرموده‌اند، و روحیه دوستی و تحمل نسبت به همه مردم و شجاعت و استقامت در مواجهه با جمیع مشکلات است که ما را به تحقق مقصد نهائی زندگانی رهنمون می‌گردد.

حال آن یاران عزیز باید در این مؤتمر روحانی شرایط و احوال امر مبارک را در سرزمین‌های خود مورد مطالعه قرار دهند و امکانات موجود را در نظر گیرند و اقداماتی را که به نظر می‌رسد در ماه‌های آینده مثمر ثمر خواهد گشت، پیشنهاد نمایند. وظائف و اقداماتی هست که اکنون باید بدانها پرداخت تا موفقیت‌های بعدی میسر گردد. نگذارید مشکلاتی که در پیش دارید شما را مأیوس سازد یا از دنبال کردن هدف باز دارد. جامعه بهائی برای برطرف ساختن مسائل و مشکلات جامعه انسانی به وجود آمده است. وظیفه حیاتی شما آن است که خود را در مطالعه تعالیم و دستورات حضرت بهاءالله مستغرق نمائید و زندگانی روحانی خود را غنی سازید و بدین ترتیب بهترین طریقه زندگانی را برای خود بیابید و آن را به مرحله عمل درآورید و به نفوس دیگری که تشنه راهنمائی هستند ارائه دهید. شما وسائل و اسبابی برای تحقق مقصد الهی و مانند جویباری واسطة انتقال عنایات الهی و حاملین پیام او هستید. کلید حل مشکلات زمانه در دست شماست. از هدایت حضرت بهاءالله پیروی کنید تا موفقیتی را که به دست می‌آورید الهام‌بخش سایر دوستان و مایه ایجاد امید در قلوب مردمان گردد.

اطمینان داشته باشید که وقتی برای پیشرفت امر الهی قیام می‌کنید، تأییدات حضرت بهاءالله شما را احاطه می‌نماید و خود شاهد حقانیت این کلمات عالیه خواهید بود که در سجن اعظم از قلم مالك قدم جاری گشته است:

«و نریكم من افقی الابهی و ننصر من قام علی نصرة امری بجنود من الملاء الاعلی و قبیل من الملائكة المقربین.»

از قبل آن یاران در اعتاب مقدسه صمیمانه دعا می‌کنیم و مشتاقانه در انتظار وصول بشارت نتائج مشاوراتتان هستیم.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام معهد اعلی خطاب به محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۹ ژانویه ۱۹۹۱

با کمال مسرت تصمیم به تأسیس دو محفل روحانی ملی جدید را در رضوان ۱۹۹۱ اعلام می‌داریم: یکی محفل روحانی ملی اتحاد جماهیر شوروی که مرکز آن در مسکو خواهد بود و دیگری محفل روحانی ملی رومانی که مرکز آن در بخارست استقرار خواهد یافت. برای ابراز سپاس و امتنان بی‌پایان از شمول تأییدات متتابعة الهیه به تقدیم دعا به آستان مقدس حضرت بهاءالله مألوفیم.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

اطلاعیه محفل روحانی ملی

در اگست سال ۱۹۸۶ اطلاعیه‌ای در خصوص فعالیت‌های مالی آقای دکتر فرهنگ هلاکوئی در این نشریه درج گردید. اکنون محفل روحانی ملی رفع طرد اداری جناب هلاکوئی را اعلان می‌دارد. ایشان مراتب ندامت و تأسف خود را از قصور خود و همچنین از دشواریهائی که برای طلبکارانشان ایجاد گردیده ابراز داشته‌اند. به آقای هلاکوئی توصیه شده است که مطابق وظائف روحانی خود دیون خویش را به باقی طلبکارانشان اعاده نمایند. [Page 16]

Servicio a la Causa: El arado del alma

Es de suma importancia que cada creyente de Bahá’u’lláh se de cuenta del proceso de lo que pasa cuando un alma declara su fe en Bahá’u’lláh. Así es que, cada creyente podrá, al enseñar la fe, guiar al recién declarado al nivel de “ser autosuficiente e independiente promotores de la Fe en sus respectivas localidades.”

A la vez, cada creyente veterano podrá distinguir el nivel de su propio desarrollo y crecimiento en la Fe y hacer los necesarios ajustes para regresar al camino recto. Primero, se elaborará sobre lo que ocurre cuando se declara un creyente, que sostiene ésa identidad, y que pasa cuando el creyente no es activo.

Nuestro amado Guardian en una recopilación, que todavía no se traduce al español--Living the Life: A Compilation--páginas 35-36, nos explica claramente lo que actualmente pasa cuando ‎alguién alguien‎ se declara.

Nos dice que la semilla del espíritu brota en el alma. Esta semilla del espíritu necesite regarse con las efusiones del Espíritu Santo.

Las efusiones del espíritu son dones del espíritu que son recibidos por medio de cuatro actividades, las cuales son: oración, meditación, estudio de la Palabra Santa, y servicio a la Causa.

Servicio a la Causa se califica como un arado que remueve la tierra material cuando se planta la semilla. El removimiento de la tierra es necesario para que se enriquezca, y por consecuencia causa un crecimiento fuerte de la semilla.

De la misma manera la evolución del espíritu toma lugar, cuando se remueve la tierra del corazón, para que sea una ‎reflección reflexión‎ continua del Espíritu Santo.

Al remover el corazón por medio de servicio a la Causa, el espíritu crece y desarrolla a grandes pasos y saltos.

Para utilizar los conceptos ofrecidos de Shoghi Effendi hay que pensar que cuando se declara un alma hay que, de inmediato, dejarles saber que necesitan de la oración, meditación, el estudio de la Palabra Sagrada, y servicio a la Causa.

Las expectaciones deben expresarse claramente--de que se espera que cada creyente en Bahá’u’lláh participe en actividades que al final construya el reino de Dios aquí en la tierra. El tiempo más oportuno es al principio de la vida bahá’í del creyente.

Al final, cuando no nos ocupamos a servimos a la Causa el Guardian nos advierte que “No hay en la Fe nada que produzca el éxito como el servicio. El servir es el imán que atrae las confirmaciones divinas.

“Es así que cuando una persona es activa, es bendecida por el Espíritu Santo. Cuando son inactivos el Espíritu Santo no halla repositorio en su ser y, por lo tanto, se hallen privados de sus rayos curativos y ‎vivicantes vivificantes‎.”

National Assembly restores rights

In August 1986 a disclaimer about the financial activities of [redacted] was printed in The American Bahá’í.

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to announce that it has recently restored the administrative rights of [redacted], who has expressed sorrow and regret for his wrongdoings and the suffering caused to his creditors.

[redacted] has been encouraged, in accordance with the spiritual obligation we undertake as Bahá’ís to redeem our debts, to make restitution to his remaining creditors.

Retiro Hispano: Búsqueda de estrategias para la enseñanza

A principios del mes de diciembre, en la ciudad de Saugerties, Nueva York, se llevo a cabo para encontrar estrategias para llevar el mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh a la humanidad.

Veinticinco creyentes y seis no-bahá’ís asistieron el retiro y fue patrocinado por el grupo bahá’í de Saugerties y el Comité de Enseñanza Nacional.

Los participantes, quienes ahora residen en los estados de Nueva York, Nuevo Jersey y Massachusetts, estuvieron representados siete países latinoamericanos y los estados unidos.

El punto clave de la consulta fue ‎solore sobre‎ el amor de Bahá’u’lláh. Se habló del poder tranformativo de Su amor y la necesidad de compartir nuestro amor hacia El durante la enseñanza.

Los no-bahá’ís quienes asistieron estuvieron de acuerdo con la idea de que ellos fueron atraídos hacia Bahá’u’lláh y Su Causa por medio del espíritu creado por los amigos y la demostración de ese amor por los creyentes.

Mostrar nuestro amor por Bahá’u’lláh cuando ‎enseñanzas enseñamos‎ es imperativo. Un “Di: Ayudarme es enseñar mi Causa.”

Los medios de compartir Su Mensaje incluye invitando a no-bahá’ís a nuestro hogar, o actividades bahá’ís y celebraciones como institutos de enseñanza, clases de estudio, y observaciones de los Días Sagrados.

Pero, es importante mantener el enfoque de que tales actividades reflejen nuestro amor hacia Bahá’u’lláh.

Un matrimonio ofreció un ejemplo de sus experiencias con la enseñanza. Ellos invitan a los creyentes y no-bahá’ís de varias nacionalidades ‎semenalmente semanalmente‎ a su hogar. En estas reuniones se disfruta de alimento, música, y discusiones de cuestiones pertinentes.

La clave del éxito de estas reuniones es en expresar el amor hacia Bahá’u’lláh por nuestra demostración de amor hacia la humanidad y mostrando unidad bahá’í.

El momento culminante del retiro fue cuando hubo dos declaraciones de fe y compromiso hacia Bahá’u’lláh, de parte de los participantes. El júbilo que sintieron en sus corazones en volverse hacia Bahá’u’lláh se celebró por medio de música y baile.

El domingo los participantes se despidieron con un fuego renovado de amor y “habiendo obtenido suficiente regeneración individual—requisitos esenciales para la enseñanza”—estaban preparados para “enseñar Su Causa con rectitud, convicción, entendimiento y vigor.”

The Bahá’ís of Mount Vernon, Virginia, have presented to chaplains at the Mount Vernon Hospital chapel bookmarks entitled ‘The Golden Rule’ with scriptures from many religions including the Bahá’í Faith. The bookmarks are distributed with book carts from the hospital library. The Bahá’ís regularly attend hospital devotional services, occasionally hosting a service themselves. Accepting the bookmarks from Bahá’í DuBois Johnson is Chaplain Joyce McCullough.

National Assembly encourages friends to join growing National Center Bulletin Board System

If you or your community has access to a personal computer with a modem and communications software, the National Spiritual Assembly encourages you to join the network of 870 users already on the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS).

This electronic communications system offers immediate and efficient communication with the offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly wishes to communicate with as many members of the U.S. Bahá’í community as possible in order to gather and disseminate important news and information.

The BNCBBS can be reached 24 hours a day at 708-869-0389. Modems should operate at 2400 baud or slower, and software parameter settings should be N/8/1 (no parity, 8 databits, 1 stop bit).

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

Second series of Assembly Development Conferences opens in Portland, Oregon

The second series of local Spiritual Assembly development Conferences opened the weekend of December 7-9 in Portland, Oregon.

The conference, held at Lewis & Clark College, welcomed 195 participants who concentrated on modules discussing “Celebrating Diversity,” “Consultation,” and “Applying Spiritual Principles.”

Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt and Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, were present at the conference as speakers and workshop leaders.

National Chinese Teaching Committee Seeks Volunteer Bahá’í Host Families The U.S. National Chinese Teaching Committee wants to find Bahá’í “Host Families” for Chinese students from the People’s Republic of China. There are currently 42,000 such students in the United States. Families with children and extended families are especially sought for this service. You need not live in a university community to be of service, just near one. Being a Host Family does not require much financial commitment or responsibility, just some time and love: 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. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 15) FOR MORE INFORMATION contact the U.S. National Chinese Teaching Committee, National Teaching Committee office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: (708) 869-9039, ext. 231.

[Page 17]

Bahá’í New Era Foundation adds several new projects

The New Era Foundation for International Development, which was formed by the National Spiritual Assembly in response to the Six Year Plan’s emphasis on social and economic development, has recently added several new projects to its portfolio.

Some of these are small projects that have required relatively little funding from the Foundation, but which have had an enormous impact on the people who benefit from the funds. These projects are called the “GEM” collection--small but infinitely valuable.

One such project is the Tongotongo Association for Rural Development in Swaziland. Begun through the devotion of two pioneers, Richard and Yoshie Ragland, its purpose is to empower rural women to develop income-generating skills with respect to small product enterprises.

Women are taught a variety of vocational skills built on their traditional handicrafts. A budding cottage industry has been established revolving around the weavers’ craft, and the women produce fine mohair wool rugs, fine basketry and wall hangings.

While the fact that women produce these goods or even learn these skills is not so vital, what is different in the Swazi venture is that the entire operation is perceived to be directed by the women themselves, a remarkable achievement in grassroots empowerment and a wonderful way to build self-confidence.

In a continent where women’s status is abysmally low, where many women work long hours with few rewards, where many are illiterate, in poverty and poor health, such confidence-building has enormous implications.

The Tongotongo method of decision-making uses Bahá’í principles of consultation. The Raglands hope to add classes on literacy and health, and already have a spiritual dimension to the courses they teach.

The New Era Foundation is proud to be associated with this venture, which has drawn praise from the government of Swaziland, and continues to support it financially.

Those who are interested in finding out more about the New Era Foundation or this and other projects may write to the secretary, Mona Grieser, Silver Spring, MD 20902.

Left photo: Women in Swaziland weave a mohair rug as part of the New Era Foundation’s Tongotongo Association for Rural Development. Right photo: One of the women displays the finished product. The social and economic development project has drawn praise from the government of Swaziland while building skills and self-confidence among that country’s women.

North American Environmental Sabbath Committee places emphasis this year on involvement of college students

In 1989 more than 200 ‎Bahá’is Bahá’ís‎ wrote to the U.S. Bahá’í United Nations Office requesting packets of information for celebrating Environmental Sabbath Weekend, the weekend nearest UN World Environment Day, June 5.

Services, ceremonies and other programs were held by Bahá’í communities to combine the knowledge of earth sciences with the forces of spiritual values.

Interest increased in 1990, and religious communities in Canada, the U.S. and several other countries reported celebrations.

This year, the North American Environmental Sabbath Committee is placing special emphasis on the involvement of students on college campuses.

One copy of Only One Earth, published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will be mailed to the office of campus ministries at colleges throughout the country.

The magazine includes information about the status of the environment, quotations for celebrations, meditations, prayers and songs, and a detachable “action guide.”

The present list of active Bahá’í college clubs is included in the UNEP mailing.

A supplemental publication, A Child’s Eye View of Planet Earth, will be available for 1991 Environmental Sabbath programs the weekend of June 7-9. It will include songs, illustrations, projects, earth facts, and references to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Declaration from the 1990 World Summit for Children.

Both publications are suitable for environmental events held throughout the year.

To order either Only One Earth or A Child’s Eye View of Planet Earth, write to Susan Clark, Environmental Sabbath Coordinator, United Nations Environment Program, DC2--Room 803, New York, NY 10017. Please enclose a check for $5 per publication made out to UNEP and specify the title(s).

For more information, contact the ‎Bahá’is Bahá’ís‎ of the U.S., UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-751-1282.

Bahá’ís active in promoting worldwide literacy

The Universal House of Justice asked Bahá’í communities around the world to promote actively the United Nations 1990 International Literacy Year both within and outside of the Bahá’í community.

In its Ridván 1990 message, the House of Justice praised the active participation of the Bahá’í International Community in the UN’s World Conference on Education for All held last March in ‎Jomtein Jomtien‎, Thailand.

In a follow-up event last July, a representative of the BIC was invited to an Education for All reception at the White House.

Last December, two members of the staff of the National Assembly’s office in Washington, D.C., attended the first meeting of the U.S. Coalition on Education for All, which was created to carry out on a national level the goals developed at the World Conference on Education for All.

The coalition, a diverse group of government and non-government groups who have joined efforts to promote basic education through conferences, workshops and publications aimed at improving education in the U.S. and in U.S.-sponsored programs worldwide, is another example of the recent trend toward independent national and international groups coming together to achieve common goals and to benefit from a cross-fertilization of ideas.

Bahá’ís discuss environment

On November 17, following an 11-inch rainfall that inundated northwest Washington state, 25 Bahá’ís gathered to discuss environmental issues as a part of the Living Waters Teaching Institute.

Topics included cleaning the environment, saving energy, and preserving natural resources through recycling and other means.

Friends are encouraged to take part in Earth Day

The National Spiritual Assembly encourages interested Bahá’í communities, college clubs and individuals to take part April 22 in Earth Day 1991.

This year’s theme is “Make Every Day Earth Day.”

Activities will focus on grassroots initiatives and individual responsibility for preserving the earth’s resources.

Last year the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of the Environment encouraged Bahá’í communities around the world to take part in Earth Day, which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970.

In a statement of support, the Office of the Environment wrote: “We are confident that the worldwide, concerted efforts of this day will be successful in highlighting the need to go beyond technical solutions--as important as they are--toward resolving the issues which underlie environmental degradation, issues which include poverty, war, inequality between the sexes, prejudice, lack of education, and unbridled nationalism. It is in this spirit and with this purpose that we lend our sincere efforts to the worthy aims of Earth Day 1990.”

In response, Bahá’í communities around the country flooded the National Spiritual Assembly’s office in Washington, D.C., with enthusiastic reports of their activities, ranging from

See EARTH DAY page 19 [Page 18]

News from OVERSEAS

The Bahá’ís of Honduras report great success in their teaching efforts among the Garifuna Indians. In 1989 the National Assembly of Honduras told of the enrollment of 1,300 new believers in the area; in 1990, a total of more than 7,000 Garifuna people accepted the Faith between January and September.

An international women’s conference for French-speaking countries of Europe was held October 26-28 at the new Bahá’í Center in Luxembourg. Some 100 Bahá’ís from seven countries attended the conference, which was sponsored by the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe. ...

In August, almost 100 people attended a lecture on the Faith given as part of a series of talks on comparative religion in Puerto Rico. The occasion was the inauguration of the Puerto Rican Museum of Religious Anthropology and the audience included prominent intellectuals, artists, diplomats, university deans and television personalities. ...

An 11-year-old Bahá’í child, Kelly Koay, was chosen from more than 200 primary school students to represent Singapore at the Barbie Summit for World Peace, held last November in New York City. ...

The first regular Bahá’í radio program to be broadcast in the Guajiro language went on the air last September in Maicao, Colombia. The program, “Looking for the Morning Star,” airs each Sunday morning, reaching communities on the Guajiro Peninsula in Colombia and Venezuela. ...

The Bahá’í House of Worship in India is described as a breakthrough in religious architecture in a lengthy article in World Architecture, a national publication produced in China. The article is entitled “The Pure House of Worship of the Bahá’í Faith.” ...

More than 30 Bahá’í women took part in festivities last November celebrating Samoa’s first National Women’s Day. The Bahá’ís had a float in the Women’s Day parade, and a booth at which Bahá’í literature was given out. ...

In Tamil Nadu, India, 8,124 people were enrolled in the Faith and 23 new localities were opened during a teaching campaign in South Arcot District. Thirty-one deepening classes were held and 489 believers of capacity were identified. ...

The last in a series of European women’s conferences sponsored by the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe was held last November 2-4 in Dublin, Ireland. The theme of the conference, attended by some 350 Bahá’ís, was women, teaching and service. ...

Radio Lesotho has given the Bahá’í community a 15-minute time slot each Sunday evening for a period of one year. The Bahá’í programs, which began last September, are entitled “Tumelo Ke Thebe,” or “Faith Is a Stronghold.” ...

About 65 people attended a National Bahá’í Youth Camp last October in Thailand. The theme was “Be As a Lamp, Be As a Bahá’í.” ...

In Lomé, Togo, children who attend the Rainbow International School’s kindergarten dressed in their native costumes for a recent Peace Festival. A total of 37 nationalities are represented in this Bahá’í-owned and operated school.

In Kiev, USSR, Bahá’ís visited public schools as an adjunct to a Bahá’í Women’s Forum held last October. Pictured giving a class on progressive revelation is Bahá’í Shamsi Sedaghat, who was invited to do so by the coordinator of one of the schools.

In Pakistan, the Bahá’í community has taken the concept of ‘teaching through service’ to heart. Some of the friends have planted trees, as shown here, to make a contribution to their land and its peoples.

Bloomington Bahá’ís make systematic effort to reach Chinese students on campus

For the past year, the Bahá’ís of Greater Bloomington, Indiana, have made a systematic effort to reach the Chinese students at Indiana University.

After initiating contact with some of these students through a visit and slide program presented by Jene Bellows, the friends in Bloomington planned monthly international potlucks and invited the Chinese to attend.

One Bahá’í in the area started a free class in conversational English for the wives of Chinese students. The class meets weekly, and during its last 30 minutes each week is reading The Bahá’í Faith by Gloria Faizi.

Eleven Chinese attended a Thanksgiving potluck. Meanwhile, three Bahá’í families in Bloomington have joined a World Wide Friendship Club and host a Chinese couple in their home three times each semester. [Page 19]

News in brief

Spiritual Assembly of Galveston, Texas, proclaims the Faith via series of events

The Spiritual Assembly of Galveston, Texas, which was incorporated last March 21, actively proclaimed the Faith last year through a series of events including:

An Earth Day booth at which 25 people asked for more information about the Faith.

A mailing to 50 area churches in connection with the PBS-TV series, “The Race to Save the Planet.”

Presentation of “The Promise of World Peace” to the president of the local chapter of the NAACP during Galveston’s annual “Juneteenth” observance.

Sponsorship by Bahá’í youth of a “Synergy” movement at the local high school to eliminate racism and promote unity.

Also, as many as 31 seekers have attended the community’s regular monthly firesides, while firesides for youth have drawn as many as 16 young seekers.

• Bahá’ís Ben and Francine Levy were invited in November by the coordinator of social studies for the Seminole County, Florida, Department of Curriculum Services to speak to social studies department co-chairmen for all of the county schools.

The Levys, who are members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee for the city of Sanford, spoke on the national theme for his birthday observance, “Non-Violence: A Time to Act--A Way to Live,” and distributed copies of “The Promise of World Peace” to everyone present.

• The National Spiritual Assembly of Italy has established the Italian Association for Bahá’í Studies.

Italian-speaking Bahá’ís are encouraged to register. They will receive the Association’s bulletin, Kalimát.

Fees are Italian lire 75,000 for youth under 28, 130,000 for adults. Please note that if you register now, your membership will be valid until the end of 1991.

Address: Associazione Italiana per gli Studi Bahá’í, c/o National Spiritual Assembly of Italy, Via della Fontanella, 4-00187, Roma, Italia.

• The Bahá’í community of Sunnyvale, California, recently sponsored an international dinner (with each course served originating from a different country) and an auction and arts/crafts sale to raise funds for the Arc.

A total of $2,181.50 was raised and an additional $125 pledged.

Bahá’ís in media asked to contact World Congress

The Media Task Force for the Bahá’í World Congress is compiling a resource file of Bahá’ís who have professional experience in journalism, television reporting or production, radio news or production, public relations, film or video production, and photo-journalism.

Bahá’ís with such expertise are asked to send résumés and samples of their work to: Bahá’í World Congress Media Task Force, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

Conferences for Bahá’ís who work in these professions will take place in Los Angeles on May 18-19 and in New York City, June 22-23.

The Bahá’í community of Boulder County, Colorado, recently donated 19 pine trees to the county. The trees were placed by the Bahá’ís at Walden Ponds Park east of Boulder, and will be transplanted next spring to another location in the Walden Ponds area with a sign recognizing the Bahá’í donation.

Excellence in all things . . .

Naomi M. ‎Goldberg,, Goldberg,‎ a Bahá’í who is an exceptional student education teacher at Parkway Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been named “Teacher of the Year: 1990-91” at the school.

Hormoz Hormozi, a Bahá’í who lives in Streamwood, Illinois, was honored recently as Streamwood’s 1990 Businessperson of the Year. Mr. Hormozi is plant manager and director of manufacturing and engineering for Quantum Performance Films in Streamwood.

Wendy Diessner, a Bahá’í from Lewiston, Idaho, has been named “Woman of the Year” by the Lewiston Business and Professional Women. She was recognized for her work as assistant director and program developer on the Yakima Indian Reservation, where she had worked while homefront pioneering for many years.

Phil Sisson, a Bahá’í from San Diego, California, who is a musician, poet and junior high school teacher, has placed second in Watermark Press’ National Poetry Contest and third in the National Library of Congress Poetry Contest. Mr. Sisson has had his work published in five anthologies of poetry and has produced an audio cassette, “The Dream,” which includes his original music and poetry inspired by The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.

Joseph Galata, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, Nevada, was honored recently by the Writer’s Digest International Library Competition for his televised script, “Essence of an Empress,” a portrait of the life of Queen Marie of Romania. Awards were given to 100 of the best plays, television and motion picture scripts from among the more than 6,000 entries in the competition.

Albert August Bolz, a 12-year-old Bahá’í who lives in Lafayette, Colorado, was the only seventh-grade student at Angevine Middle School to achieve straight A’s last year to earn a place on the school’s honor roll.

Ben Schreibman dies at 91

BEN SCHREIBMAN

Ben Schreibman, an early pioneer during the Ten Year Crusade to England, later sent by the Guardian to Austria, Germany and Switzerland, died November 11 in Key West, Florida. He was 91 years old.

Mr. Schreibman later pioneered to the island of Grenada and finally to Key West.

To the Spiritual Assembly of Key West, Florida:

STEADFAST DEVOTION BEN SCHREIBMAN CAUSE BAHA’U’LLAH AS EXEMPLIFIED HIS TEACHING ACTIVITIES EUROPE DURING TEN YEAR WORLD CRUSADE AND SUBSEQUENT PIONEERING GRENADA AND KEY WEST GRATEFULLY REMEMBERED. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE NOVEMBER 29, 1990

Earth Day

from page 17

recycling and reclamation projects to setting up Bahá’í booths and participating in parades.

For more information on local and regional Earth Day activities, please contact Earth Day U.S.A., c/o Mrs. Susan Bonsall, executive director, P.O. Box 810, Epping, NH 03042 (phone 603-929-0220, 929-0217, 929-0306).

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust has available the booklet “Unless and Until--A Bahá’í Focus on the Environment,” the compilation “Conservation of the Earth’s Resources,” and a reprint of the article, “Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society” first published in The Journal of Bahá’í Studies, Volume 2, No. 1.

To the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly:

SHARE YOUR DEEP SENSE LOSS IN PASSING OUTSTANDING, VIGOROUS PROPONENT CAUSE BAHA’U’LLAH STAUNCH DEFENDER COVENANT HELEN BISHOP. HER LONG YEARS ‎ILLLUSTRIOUS ILLUSTRIOUS‎ SERVICES IN TEACHING FIELDS EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA, HAWAII AND HER SUPPORT WORK INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I BUREAU GENEVA GRATEFULLY REMEMBERED. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES ESPECIALLY WARM WELCOME ABHA KINGDOM THIS RADIANT MAID-SERVANT BLESSED BEAUTY AND PROGRESS HER SOUL DIVINE WORLDS.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE JANUARY 2, 1991

IN MEMORIAM

Jack L. Apple Miami, FL	Yvonne Adele John Hadley, MA	Ruth Schroeder Peoria, IL
Charles L. Barkley Griffin, GA	Eddie Long Cherokee, NC	Wilbur Sharp Marion, IN
Hunt Bushnell Los Angeles, CA	Cheryl McAllister Lebanon, IL	Ben Van Dyke Greenfield, NY
John Childs Mohegan Lake, NY	Arthur Nash Holyoke, MA	Virginia Zimmerman Glendale, CA
Charles Colville Manassas Park, VA	Mahmoud Neshati Pleasant Hill, CA
Charles Jackson Lindale, TX	Phyllis Pace Spring Lake, MI

[Page 20]The Continental Indigenous Projects Committee (Tripartite Committee of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, Canada, and United States) would like to invite you to the

6th Continental Indigenous Council Theme: Transformation and the Family

July 3-7, 1991 Maxwell International Bahá’í School Shawnigan Lake, B.C., Canada

Please bring your arts & crafts, food donations, and regalia

For further information contact John Sargent at: Bahá’í National Centre, 7200 Leslie Street, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L8, Canada Phone (416) 889-8168, Fax (416) 889-8184 or Christine Lucas at: Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia V0R 2W0, Canada Phone (604) 743-7144, Fax (604) 743-3522

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.	To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your copy of The American Bahá’í, send your new address and your mailing label to MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be.	This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.
A. NAME(S):
1. I.D. #	Title	Full name - No nicknames please!
2. I.D. #	Title	Full name
3. I.D. #	Title	Full name
4. I.D. #	Title	Full name
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
Street address	P.O. Box or Other mailing address
Apartment # (If applicable)	Apartment # (If applicable)
City	City
State Zip code	State Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY:	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date	Area code Phone number Name
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):
Area code Phone number Name	Area code Phone number Name
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:		H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above.	[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMETTE, IL PERMIT NO. 479

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

28-March 3: International Bahá’í Youth Conference, Jamaica. Theme: “From a Spark to a Flame: Igniting the Promise of Peace.” Open to all Bahá’í youth and non-Bahá’ís (provided they have at least some knowledge of the Faith). For information, write to the National Youth and Children Education Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 208 Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 6, Jamaica, West Indies.

MARCH

2: Ayyám-i-Há Festival, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

15-17: Junior Youth Conference (ages 11-14), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

23: Naw-Rúz celebration, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

28-April 3: Youth Symposium, Landegg Academy, Switzerland (German/English). Theme: “Conflict Resolution.”

29-31: Conference for Mothers, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

APRIL

4-7: Pioneer Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette.

5-7: Spring Victory Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School, with Auxiliary Board members Javidukht Khadem and June Thomas. Deepening and fellowship for new believers and seekers. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

5-7: “Creating Effective Events: A Step-by-Step Formula for Success,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Taught by Lloyd Seiden, a professional producer of events. Residential fee is $225 and includes all meals and lodging. A $100 deposit reserves your space. For a brochure or to reserve space, write to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387.

12-14: Senior Youth Conference (ages 15 and older), Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

12-14: Touchstone Conference, Camp Young Judea, Wimberly, Texas. $55 for pre-registration; $65 at the door. For more information, contact Jeff Kester, San Marcos, TX 78666. Phone (day) 512-353-3339, (evening) 512-392-9816.

20: Ridván celebration, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

25-29: 82nd Bahá’í National Convention, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette.

SPRING

Pioneering Institutes: Evanston, Illinois, and Austin, Texas. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

MAY

3-5: Parent-Child Conference with Robert Harris and Auxiliary Board member June Thomas, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

4-5: Bahá’í Family Reunion 1991, Mahaffey Theatre at the Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg, Florida. Inspired by Curtis Kelsey’s Bahá’í Family Gathering held in 1970, this event will launch a statewide expansion project in Florida. For registration information, write to Bahá’í Family Reunion, P.O. Box 2251, Largo, FL 34649, or phone 813-584-2080.

10-12: Annual Writers Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Theme: “Tapping into your Creativity”. For more information, write to Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387.

17-19: Second annual Asian Teaching Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Co-sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. For ‎informaiton information‎, phone 313-653-5033.

24-26: 18th Annual Conference of Nur, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg. Theme: “Preparing for the Holy Year-Part 1”. Speakers to include Robert Harris, Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh, James Sturdivant. For complete information and registration, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 3108, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or phone 717-232-9163.

30-June 7: Pacific Women’s Conference, University of Hawaii, Hilo. Co-sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands and the University of Hawaii; open to Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í participants. For information, write to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, P.O. Box 28003, Honolulu, HI 96827, or phone 808-595-3314.

JUNE

7-9: Women’s Conference with Counselor Jacqueline Delahunt, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

16-27: Youth Academy, Native American Bahá’í Institute, Houck, Arizona. Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to inspire and sponsor youth to attend. All youth are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Native American youth. As there are only 20 spaces available, please apply as soon as possible to: Carl North, registrar, Native American Bahá’í Institute, P.O. Box 187, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

23-28: Fifth annual Camp Louhelen for children grades 3-6, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

29-July 11: 1991 Summer Youth Academy, Bosch Bahá’í School. Other sessions to be held July 13-25, August 3-15, and August 17-29. To inspire Bahá’í youth through a disciplined academic approach to deepen in the fundamentals of the Faith. Local Spiritual Assemblies are encouraged to sponsor youth to attend. Previous Youth Academy graduates may apply and be considered for an advanced program. As attendance is limited to 20 students per Academy, early application is advised. Please write to the Academy registrar, Mrs. Angelina Allen, Cardiff, CA 92007, or phone 619-944-6441.

JULY

5-10: Pioneer Institute, “Lifetime of Service,” with emphasis on the family, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

11-14: International Youth Conference, Guadalajara, Mexico. For information, contact the Youth Desk at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 708-869-9039).

AUGUST

10-14: Art Forum, the Netherlands.

31-September 1: Pioneer Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.