The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 10/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 23, Issue 10

lran Times ad deplores persecutions

On May 25 the Iran Times newspaper, published in English in Washington, D.C., included an advertisement signed by 52 professors, mostly from American universities, deploring the execution of Bahman Samandari, an Iranian Baha’i.

The statement reads in part: “We the undersigned, a group of concerned Iranian academics in North America and Europe, are deeply disturbed by the renewed execution of members of the Baha'i religious minority in Iran and condemn this act of official lawlessness and brutality in the strongest possible terms.”

The advertisement was initiated by non-Bahd‘is; however, about 10 percent of those who signed it are expatriate Iranian believers.

European Parliament supports rights for Iran's Baha'is

On June 10 the European Parliament approved a resolution that calls on the European Community to “support the Baha’ struggle for the right to practice their religious beliefs without fear of persecution or execution,” and on the government of Iran to ensure that “full human fights are granted to the Iranian Baha'i community.”

The full text of the resolution is as follows:

“The European Parliament:

“A. recalling its concern for human rights for all mankind and for religious toleration,

“B. having regard to the continuing persecution of the Baha‘i community in Iran solely on the grounds of their religious beliefs,

“C. drawing attention to the execution of Mr. Bahman Samandari, a member of the Baha'i faith, in Evin Prison

in Tehran on 18 March and fearing that this may mark a return to the brutal persecution of the Baha‘is, which disgraced the first decade of the Islamic Republic,

“D. noting that the Iranian government has publicly and repeatedly maintained that the Baha‘i community is not being persecuted in Iran, yet this brutal act demonstrates that the Baha‘is continue to suffer at the hands of the Iranian authorities,

“1. Deplores the arbitrary execution of a member of the Baha'i faith;

“2. Condemns religious and ethnic persecution, the use of torture, the application of the death penalty, imprisonment without charge and secret trials, all of which abuses are widespread in Iran;

See PARLIAMENT page 2

The American Baha’i

Volume 23, No. 10

‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...-—Baha'u'llah

Kalimat B.e. 149 / July 13, 1992

Focus FOR ACTION National Assembly sets in motion new phase to promote race unity

On June 4 the National Spiritual Assembly set in motion a nationwide plan of action for the Holy Year that draws upon the dynamic forces of change operating both within and outside the Baha'i community, a plan that focuses on our remarkable mandate to prepare the American nation for its eventual role as spiritual leader of the planet.

THE STRATEGY, involving the consolidation of all energies and resources toward the goal of proclaiming the oneness of humankind, and placing special emphasis on the unique power of Baha‘u'llah's World Order to bring about peace and unity, comprises two aspects:

¢ the reorganization of our national Baha'i administrative structure; and

greatly intensified efforts at every

level to promote the Baha'i concept of race unity.

These changes mark the latest phase in a process that has been steadily gaining momentum since the publication by the National Spiritual Assembly of “The Vision of Race Unity” in April 1991 as the cornerstone of a national race unity campaign, the prosecution of which has been described by the Universal House of Justice as “a sacred task,...of critical importance to the Cause in America and to the ultimate success of your country in fulfilling the world-transforming mission foreshadowed for it in the...words of the beloved Master.”

The National Assembly's statement was issued atacritical time in the history of the Faith and of the world, as both began to feel the effects of “the burgeoning influence of Baha‘u'llah’s Revelation” which,

INSIDE:

Youth Movement Forum

Exciting program for young people planned at second World Congress

Tribute to Baha'u'llah

House of Justice pays homage on anniversary of His Ascension

in the words of the House of Justice, “seemed, with the imminence of the Holy Year, to have assumed the character of an onrushing wind blowing through the archaic structures of the old order, felling mighty pillars and clearing the ground for new concepts of social organizations.”

At no time was the truth of that statement more apparent than during the recent troubles in Los Angeles and other cities, which led to a national outcry for a solution to the problem of racism—a cry that politicians and other leaders have been unable to answer.

THE UNIVERSAL House of Justice, reacting to news of the disturbances in our cities, sent a message to the National Spiritual Assembly dated May 11, which read in part:

“...we reiterate more strongly than before the encouragement we expressed for your campaign to combat racism in the United States. It is highly fitting that during this Holy Year, which marks the centenary of the ascension of the Manifestation of God Who made the oneness of humankind the pivotal principle and goal of His Faith, you should sally forth in a mighty effort to rally the forces which will in His Name and in obedience to His command assist in eradicating this evil from the fair name of your country

In mid-May the National Assembly met in Atlanta with representatives of 29 local Assemblies from that area, members of local Assemblies in 14 cities in which rioting had taken place, and members of the Continental Board of Counselors to discuss how Baha‘i communities had reacted to the riots and their aftermath, and to consult on courses of action that might be taken to present effectively Baha’u'llah’s healing Message to the people of America.

The National Assembly

See NEW FOCUS page 2

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Pictured on Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Illinois, with the national Haziratu’l-Quds in the background are some of the hundreds who took part in the annual walk for race unity June 14 sponsored by the Chicago-area North Shore Race Unity Task Force. Among those who walked alongside Baha’is and members of other groups were the mayor of Evanston and president of the Village of Wilmette.

Upsurge in activities across the country marks annual Race Unity Day observances by Baha'is

There has been a nationwide upsurge in recent weeks in Baha'i efforts to promote the oneness of humanity. The new level of activity is in part a response to the national attention on the issue since the April riots; it also builds on the momentum generated by the release of the National Assembly's statement on race unity a year ago.

BOTH FACTORS have helped to draw attention on the part of individuals and groups of every description to the unifying principles of the Faith. In all areas of the country the Baha’is have enjoyed increased cooperation from churches, social organizations and government agencies. The Faith has been recognized by government officials in the form of awards and proclamations, and Baha’i activities are receiving unprecedented media coverage.

William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, commented on these developments:

“Although it is too soon to provide an exact number of race unity activities, all indications point to a degree of effort far surpassing anything we have yet seen.

What is particularly encouraging is that they are not limited to any one milieu: from the smallest towns to the largest cities; among Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and others; and in every social class from the lowest to the highest, the teachings of Baha‘u'llah are being promulgated.

“What is more heartening is that the people are responding to the message. This is in part a result of the Los Angeles riots, but must also be attributed to the spiritual power that this Holy Year is charged with. Especially insmallertowns, traditionally more conservative, there has been a great deal of positive reaction. It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of teaching in those places, because when we make a stand [in a small town] everybody knows about it and nobody forgets.

“THE RESULTS of these efforts,” he added, “are both immediate and longrange: first, they serve to increase the public’s awareness of the nature and objectives of the Faith; second, they lead to

See RACE UNITY page 5 [Page 2]2 THe American BanA'i

New focus from page 1

received a great many recommendations and ideas from that conference and from many of its committees and agencies, then held two consecutive weekends of intensive consultation on the issues that had been raised. The result of that consultation was a decision to channel all national efforts in the coming year into one mission—the promotion of race unity.

In its June 4 announcement the National Assembly set a two-fold agenda for all Baha‘i communities and individuals in this country:

1. promoting race unity “in His Name and in obedience to His command”; and

2. supporting the Baha’i World Congress, which is in itself a marvelous demonstration of the power of Baha‘u'llah’s Covenant to establish the oneness of hu~ manity.

IN ANNOUNCING the decision, Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, said these goals are meant to complement the agenda for the Holy Year already given to the American community:

“All of the major points of the Holy Year agenda,” he said, “deal with the concept of unity: the orientation of Baha'i activities; our reflections on the life of “‘Abdu'l-Baha’, and our efforts toward itual growth—all of them, when considered in light of the Station of Baha’ullah and the meaning of His Revelation, essentially have unity as their goal.”

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The National Spiritual Assembly, he continued, has its own plan of action including a number of specific measures to increase public awareness of the Baha'i teachings on race. Among other things, the National Assembly decided to:

Publish an open letter to President Bush outlining what needs to

be done to bring about racial unity in America. The letter was published in mid-June in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, several days after it was received by the President.

Publish a second “open letter,”

this one to the American people, also setting forth the principles for achieving racial unity.

Issue a second statement on

race unity, to be released in the near future. Central to this document will be a discussion of race unity in all its aspects and implications. Although more universal in scope than the first such message, it will nevertheless address itself to specific conditions in the U.S.

The National Assembly has a number of other race unity initiatives in the early stages of development.

TO FACILITATE this nationwide campaign, the National Spiritual Assembly has undertaken an organizational restructuring that builds on the work of the past several years. It sees these moves not as a mere shuffling of responsibilities, but as the harbinger of a profound change in the way in which the Administrative Or

National Spiritual Assembly's development initiatives show steady. progress.in.wake of recent Town Meetings

The National Spiritual Assembly*s development initiatives, discussed at Town Meetings in a dozen states in the final months of last year, are progressing steadily.

ANALYSIS by Baha’i National Center staff and members of the community is under way in a number of areas. Task Forces have been appointed by the National Assembly to study programs in the financial services field and in the area of asset management.

A recent organizational meeting was held at the offices of the Baha’i International Community in New York City for the newly-formed Mottahedeh Development Corporation, successor group to the New Era Foundation for International Development.

Finally, an additional Task Force is being established to do the initial organizational work behind the creation of a race unity consulting group. The goal of this last group will be to assist, on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, private and

The American Baha'i is published 19 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah: States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

ISSN Number: 1062-111.

Associate Editor:

of the United

postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional mailing offices. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. ‘en Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The

public bodies to apply the Baha’ principle of the oneness of humankind in government and in the workplace.

These further steps are the latest in a phased process that will gradually invite the help and participation of growing numbers of believers.

“We need to widen the circle,” said William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly. He added that there are friends who have a real contribution to make to the programs now under consideration, but the National Assembly does not always know who they are or what their qualifications might be.

These efforts to foster the community's development, Mr. Davis emphasized, need all the talents and all the support the community can give sothe national institution’s capacity to apply these principles at every level will be greatly enhanced.

“OUR essential challenge,” Mr. Davis pointed out, “will be to harness the force of our unity so as to build a community whose strength, both spiritually and matetially, will be increased a hundred-fold. People in every part of the globe and at every level of society are now asking to see the models of our Faith in action.”

a year by the

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Circumstances permit American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahi'i Faith. Articles should be clear and co! olor or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Baha'i, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1992 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

KaumAT BE. 149 / JuLy 13, 4 992

ting, these task forces will present their recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly within 60 days, and a national development conference, based on this preliminary work, will be convened in the fall to further broaden the discussion.

Pictured are Baha'is Carney Institute during a

der operates in this country, anticipating a time in the near future when extraordinary demands will be made on the community's resources as entry by troops becomes a reality.

Dr. Henderson, referring to the “onrushing wind” of change, noted that the Baha‘is are not immune to its influence.

“In the Ridvan 1992 message,” he pointed out, “the House of Justice wrote that ‘even the Community of the Most Great Name is feeling the rigorous effects of this quickening wind as it ventilates the modes of. thought, of,,us.all,,,renewing, clarifying and amplifying our perspectives as to the purpose of the Order of Baha'u'llah in the wake of humanity’s suffering and turmoil.”

“We must therefore accept and be grateful for the chance to improve our administrative structure, so that we may be ready for whatever the future holds.”

One of the most important aspects of this process of “ventilation” and “clarification” was the decision taken by the National Assembly to disband temporarily all national committees until a more streamlined and unified structure could be put in place. In the interim, special task forces will take over essential projects.

Meanwhile, the National Center will undergo changes designed to make it more supportive of efforts around the country.

DR. HENDERSON emphasized that the recent Congressional resolution calling for the emancipation of the Baha’i community in Iran underscores the fact that the Faith has indeed emerged from obscurity. He added that we are now beginning to emerge as leaders in the arena of race unity, citing specific examples such as:

the acceptance by the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta of the National Spiritual Assembly's proposal for a joint study

of race unity in conjunction with the Center's Atlanta Project, which is similar to the “Models of Race Unity” report issued earlier this year by the National Spiritual Assembly and the Chicago Human Relations Commission;

the acceptance of a similar proposal

by Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles;

offers of funding to help publicize the

statement on race unity from several major humanitarian foundations;

the many and diverse race unity

projects being carried out either wholly or

it to that community in May by Tod Ewing (third from right in back row), a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

in part by Bahda‘is in cities from coast to coast; and

work in progress toward establishing

not-for-profit consulting groups on race unity under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly.

“We can already see,” said Dr. Henderson, “that if the pace of Baha'i involvement continues to accelerate, we can soon envision great demands being placed on our resources. Now is the time for unified action. Now is the time to contribute our ideas, our means, our energiés in-the promulgation: of: the Baha'i teachings

“No other voice in this country,“ he said, “whether black or white, has the credibility or the plan to lead this nation in achieving unity. Let us ‘sally forth’ as we have been called upon to do by the Universal House of Justice, and arise to pay the purest form of homage to Baha’u'llah— that is, action!”

Parliament

from page 1

“3. Deplores the action of the Iranian authorities which permitted the arbitrary execution of Mr. Samandari to take place in contravention of all accepted standards of justice and human rights;

“4. Sincerely hopes that this execution does not signai the resumption of the execution of Baha’is in Iran for their religious beliefs;

“5. Calls on the Community to support the Baha’i struggle for the right to practice their religious beliefs without fear of persecution or execution;

“6. Calls on the Iranian government to ensure that such acts will cease immediately and that full human rights are granted to the Iranian Baha’i community;

“7. Asks the Commission, in its commercial negotiations with Iran, to include in any agreement reached a very strong clause requiring respect for human rights with an option to suspend any such agreement in the event of violation;

“8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Foreign Ministers meeting in EPC, the Commission, the governments of the Twelve and of Iran, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.”

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Baha'is take part in UN Economic Commission for Latin America

When the 24th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) met April 15 in Santiago, Chile, a Baha’i delegation was among the representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) attending.

There to observe, interact with other NGOs, and meet with UN delegates were Alejandro Reid, head of the Baha’i delegation; Paula Siegel, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile; Jaime Duhart; Virginia Montejo, head of the External Affairs Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of Chile; and Daniel er, representative to the UN for the

ALTHOUGH there was little interaction between NGO representatives and government delegations, the Baha'i representatives were able to make contact with delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and the U.S.

In every case, delegates were given a packet of information that included issues of the Baha‘ periodical One Country; a copy of “The Promise of World Peace”; the Survey of Baha‘i Education Programs; Baha'i statements on the environment, and an introductory pamphlet on the Faith produced in Spain.

Immediately following the ECLAC sessions, a regional seminar, sponsored by UNESCO and IDRC (International Development Resource Center), was held in Santiago. Mr. Wegener, representing the NGO Committee on UNICEF, and Odile Moreau, president of the NGO/UNESCO Standing Committee in Paris, were the only NGO representatives invited to the seminar. Mr. Wegener and Ms. Moreau are co-convenors of the International Coordinating Committee for the Education for All Network (EFA), a system-wide UN network for the promotion of universal education.

The purpose of the meeting was to promote research on basic learning needs in Latin America. Working papers on decentralized administration, educational inputs,

and curriculum reform were dis cussed, and a book, which could be useful to Baha’i educators and schools in Latin America, will be published on the results of the meeting.

Mr. Wegener and Helen Mirkovitch de Sanchez of Costa Rica were the Baha'i representatives at a regional consultation on education for all held in late April in Punta de Tralca, Chile.

The meeting was sponsored by the EFA Network and a wellknown Catholic NGO, CIDE, which has affiliates throughout Latin America and is highly respected and well-funded by national and international donors.

Although the BIC is not as well known, the Baha'i representatives made many valuable contacts and managed to raise the issue of the status of women and to have it included as a priority concern in plans of action.

The meeting adopted a theoretical statement with a set of recommendations for future action on national consultations, research on use of the media, women's issues, and building new partnerships.

WHILE in Chile, Mr. Wegener visited the Temuco area where most of the Baha‘is and their local Assemblies are located. After

speaking at several local Baha'i gatherings, having three interviews on the Baha'i radio station, and consulting h members of several Baha'i institutions, he returned to the U.S.

delegation to the Economic and Social Commission for Latin ‘aribbean leave the Foreign Affairs building in Santiago, Chile, where

were held.

Baha'i Office of External Affai

“The participation of Baha'i representatives in these regional meetings in Latin America is not only an important means of increasing the visibility and prestige of the Faith,” he said, “but the acceptance of Baha'i principles introduced in the consultations augurs well for the future of the region.”

Alejandro Reid.

Pictured (left to right) are Paula Siegel, secretary of

to the UN for the Baha'i International Community; and Virginia Montejo of the Brazil

Not pictured is the head of the Baha’i delegation,

Chinese newsletter

Guang Ming, a newsletter about Chinese teaching, is produced quarterly ‘by the National Chinese Teaching Committee. Anyone who would like to receive a (free) copy may contact the heehee of the Committee at the Baha’i National Center, 708-869-9039, ext. 231.

Wort Concress Yours Movement Forum

has referred to it as one of the two major events of the Holy Year. The other was the gathering of believers from around

“They're gonna look back, your grandkids are gonna look back, they're gonna come to us and ask us: ‘What was it like to live at a time when the entire history of the world changed?’”—Foad, age 17

The Baha'i World Congress has been described by Glenford Mitchell, a member of the Universal House of Justice, as a time when a “joyful noise” will be made in New York City.

From November 23-26, tens of thousands of Baha‘is from all over the world will gather at the invitation of the Universal House of Justice to celebrate the Holy Year and the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the Covenant of Baha‘u'llah.

We are probably too close to recognize fully the significance of the World Congress. The honor of sucha gift is indescribable.

When considering an event of such magnitude, there are probably many questions about what is going on. Although we may never fully understand God's Most Holy Plan, it is necessary for us to study the Writings and the messages of the Universal House of Justice. to better understand what is happening around us.

Here are four commonly asked questions that may be on your mind:

1. How does the World Congress fit into the Holy Year?

The Congress is one of the twin anniversaries that will take place during the Holy Year which began at Ridvan 1992 and will end at Ridvan 1993. The House of Justice

the world in the Holy Land in May to commemorate the ascension of Baha'u'llah. it called a Congress and not a conference?

We have conferences all the time, but Congresses are unique points and high water marks in social evolution. The first Baha'i World Congress took place in London in 1963 at the end of the Ten Year World Crusade, 100 years after Baha‘u'llah’s public declaration in the Garden of Ridvan. The second World Congress will commemorate the passing of Baha’u'llah in 1892 and the inauguration of His Covenant.

3, Why are we having the World Congress in New York City?

When ‘Abdu’l-Baha was in New York City in 1912, He declared New York the City of the Covenant and Himself as the Center of that Covenant. It was in New York City that the Master “revealed the implications of His station as the appointed Center of the Covenant of Baha‘u'llah.” (The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1992)

4. Who will be there?

Baha‘is from all over the world, described by the Universal House of Justice as “the hosts of Baha.” The Congress offers a unique opportunity in our young lives to be in the presence of our Baha'i family from every corner of the planet.

In its Ridvan 1992 message, the Universal House of Justice writes that the hosts of Baha at the Congress will (1) register their regard for the Covenant bequeathed by Baha'u'llah; (2) evoke the memory of Him Who was

appointed its Center; and (3) demonstrate the power of unity that the Covenant is meant to ensure to all the peoples of the world.

Complementing the Congress will be a unique threeday experience for young participants from 12-24 years of age. This special program, the Baha'i World Congress Youth Movement Forum, will reflect the truly international nature of the Congress and highlight the legacy of youth in their “recognition of Baha'u'llah and response to His Revelation” throughout the history of the Faith.

Young people will attend both the main Congress sessions and the Youth Movement Forum program. In an ing three days, youth will experience, as part of their spiritual journey through the Congress, a wide range of activities including formal presentations, study sessions, and an exposition of service opportunities.

The World Congress Youth Movement Forum is designed to be a profound personal and collective experience for Baha'i youth, one that will empower them to engage actively in the articulation and application of the spiritual teachings of the Faith to the needs of an ailing humanity, and to the continued enlistment under the Banner of Baha'u'llah of an army of youth committed to the spiritualization of the planet.

We want very much to encourage dialogue. If you have any thoughts or questions about the World Congress or any plans you are engaged in in your communities, please contact the Baha'i World Congress’ Youth Movement Forum, Bahd't International Community, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-486-0560).

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KauimaT B.£. 149 / Jucy 13, 1992 [Page 4]4 Tue American BanA'i

Pioneering: news from the front lines

We share with you excerpts from letters recently received by the Office of Pioneering. These letters share the spirit and excitement of this unique time in our history. The first is from Peggy (Marguerite) True, Knight of Baha’u'Ilah with her husband, George, to the Canary Islands, and the second from Marjorie Giorgi who also began her pioneering experience during the Ten Year Crusade.

“...Lately I've been ‘overfloored’ with the greatness of this Revelation. I doubt if any of the Baha’is can imagine the great bounty they have of recognizing the Manifestation which is not only the fulfillment of all Revelations since Adam, but the Great Manifestation under which all Others will reveal Teachings for the next 500,000 years!

“...A few hours ago, I returned from part of my ‘special project.” As you know, “Abdu’l-Baha yearned to goto the valleys, the mountains, the seas and the prairies and shout the Greatest Name, but as He could not do so, He begged the believers to do it in His Name. (America’s Spiritual

Townshend Baha'i School to open in Czechoslovakia

On September 9, the Townshend International Baha’i school will open its doors in Czechoslovakia. The school is situated in the vicinity of Ceske Budejovice, a small town in Southern Bohemia, a scenic lake area bordering on Austria and Germany.

In close collaboration with other Baha'i

Mission). In fact, it’s in the Tablet He revealed in which He mentions the Canary Islands.

“Well, whenever I can, I drive or walk to another part of Gomera and sing the Greatest Name on His behalf. I remember Ruhiyyih Khanum saying that sometimes she was so ill or tired she felt she couldn't go on, and that it was only because of His plea that she was able to go on. So, as long as 1am able (will be 80 in October), andas long as He wills, I hope to do this and feel that the ‘hard ground’ will be ‘warmed’ by the Greatest Name, so that the ‘receptive seeds’ will burst forth and bloom!

“I did this when in Tenerife many times, and am continuing here. I think the day will come when the believers will take the map (like the Guardian did), and divide it into regions and zones and streets and country areas, and invite the friends to pick a spot and walk there reciting the Greatest Name. He just asked us to go and say the Greatest Name. I think one of the reasons we aren’t advancing as we should is simply because we haven't done this, which is the first step! ...”

°

“... The rewards, the manifold blessings and bounties received in serving the Blessed Beauty wherever we are on this earth are overwhelming. I believe in a large measure on how we assess our ‘ma terial thinking’ and priorities. Last year my U.S. financial adviser told me quite clearly, that, long-term, I cannot afford to stay here.

“The Baha’i analysis is called up from the words of the beloved Guardian ‘to remain at our posts” and that is the goal. And when I read the story of the life of Martha Root, it is clear that everything is possible and attainable in His service independent of all material considerations.

“As a consequence of that determination, an Assembly has been reconstituted and the remarkable upsurge in the teaching work is beyond belief. Fresh doors have opened for the advancement of the Cause here in the far north of Scotland with the infusion of new energy amongst the believers in this very traditional culture.

“The Baha*i community has existed in this area for several decades, but little deepening and even less study of the Administration has been done, but together we are changing the scene in preparation for the Holy Year. It's all so exciting! ...”

‘The Baha’i Committee for China, a ¢ appointed by the Universal House of Justice, has asked that all those who are able consider serving as traveling visitors to China. Ifyou are interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI, COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY, EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESL GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAM: THE PHILIPPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES; SAMOA; BERIA; SIERRA LEONE; S DEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING, BAHA’{ NATIONAL CENTER, WILMETTE, IL 60091 (PHONE 708-869-9039).

6 YEAR PLAN U.S. PIONEERING GOALS

Goals Open

schools and experienced Baha’ ieducators, AFRICA Assigned Goals AMERICAS - Continued Assigned Goals 5 lead FE Ga HENSETT rs (—) a i ai =e ri o (E) Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for and self-actualization in an atmosphere of (E) 2 0 (F) aaa wikis teeta yee nee r i loving care and high moral standards. The (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians) ........ 2 0 roll in university or with musical talent) ..... 1 0 goal of the school is to bring forth mature (E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi) ....... 1 oO (S) Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) . % 0 individuals prepared to contribute to a (E) Nigeria 3 0 (E) St. Lucia (Skills in community consoldynamic world community. (E) Sierra Leone ee) idation) ee Inthe first year the school will start with (E) South Africa 2 0 (E) St. Vincent & G dines 2 0 the 7th, 8th and 9th grades, and in succes- (E) St. Helena se. 0 i referably Persian) Be ceas sive years expand to offer an international (E) Namibi a3 0 IaH robene (Preferably Persian) 2 0 baccalaureate diploma. (E) Transkei ane 0 (S) Urugu: m. 2 0 Tuition and board for the academic year (E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the « vi S) at 2 0 have been set at DM 9800 (appr. U.S. feiyionetcbcksh) Soe iea (8) Venera moa ae $6,000.); financial circumstances will be (EX vend: ort) (E) Virgin iatends, Brite! oy taken intoconsideration anda certain num- olal for Africa 23 7 Lotelton a reltcas ber of scholarships will be available. If you have any questions about student placement please contact: Tamara Kirilcuk AMERICAS Ree orn

(Fax: 0042-7-211056) or Ramona Reyhani (Tel: 0042-2-3115151) before the end of June when they move to the school of

(E) Bahamas (North "Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island, Long Island) ..

(E) Malaysia (To help develop public

Ticee, (E) Barbados (Employment opportunities relations experts) .. for a dentist) .. a (E) Nepal TRAVELING TEACHING (E) Belize (For radio, consolidation, devel- (M) Taiwan (Chine CALENDAR (S) opment projects; skills for the National Total for Asia

Secretariat) (P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project, ossibly of Persian background) .. (SXCChileYJuan Fernandez Islands, prefer BRAZIL: Rio de Janeito—June 1-12, Global Forum (UNCED-Earth Summit "92).

AUSTRALASIA

HUNGARY: Present-August § ‘i (E) Marshall Islands (To help with admin1992, non-stop proclamation; teach- Shae oe enncoupe) istration) ... one oO ing-deepening projects. July 1-15— Total for hie icas 10:

International Summer Projects I; July 16-31—International Summer

Project II; August 1-8—Hungarian (F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English Summer School; August 11-24— teachers) ... Teme International Summer Project III. (E) Guyana (Preferably East Indians and (P) Portug feolpies fonooal areas yous

greater Lisbon, preferably Portugese or Spanish-speaking) Total for Europe

UNITED KINGDOM: Clifton, York—August 10-15, Music and Arts Festival to celebrate the Centenary of the Covenant of Baha’u'Ilah.

For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039). |

_Blacks (sKaonauras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colo

preferably self-supporting) ...

nr elo

250 Pioneers filling goals for other countries .. 18 438 Total Pioneers sent...

77 Pioneers to goal countries 68 Pioneers to non-goals

Total goals assigned . Total goals filled

Language Key: (E) English (D) Dutch (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish _ |

Kaumat B.£. 149 / Juty 13, 1992 [Page 5]

Race unity

from page 1

contact with people who investigate the Faith and accept it, and with groups and organizations with similar goals, thereby helping to consolidate the progressive forces at work in the world. In every case the potential benefit for humanity is great.”

Mr. Davis estimated that some 600 or more separate activities were held to celebrate Race Unity Day this year, besides many other events designed to promote the Baha'i teachings on unity. The following examples show the variety and spirit of these efforts:

Atasama—The mayor of Selma attended that city’s third annual Race Unity picnic, proclaimimg the day Race Unity Day. In a corollary activity, the Baha‘is sent copies of the National Assembly's statement on race unity and the paper, “Healing of Racism: Eduation’s Role” to nine Selma public school principals. Two of the principals expressed deep gratitude and volunteered to share the materials with all the teachers in their schools.

In Jasper, copies of the race unity statement were distributed to the members of the City Council, the city and county Boards of Education, the news media, and 95 local churches.

Arxansas—A picnic in Rogers, scheduled for Race Unity Day, was rained out; instead, people were invited to meet at the home of one of the members of the District Teaching Committee. Thirty people came to the meeting, 10 of whom were not Baha'is. At this gathering it was decided to have a race unity picnic every other month, ol piiinoac ying

Connecticut—200 people, half of whom were not Baha'is, attended a Race Unity Picnic held in Hartford. The mayor of Hartford also took part. The Baha’is have planned four follow-up firesides for the event.

Fioripa—A Race Unity Day march held in Hillsborough County drew 1,000 people, and was endorsed by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Chamber of Commerce, the County Commissioners, the Tampa City Council and others. Governor Lawton Chiles was unable to accept the invitation to attend, but sent a letter of support and the state legislature declared June 14 Race Unity Day. Members of the Ku Klux Klan and the Pan African movement attended the walk to cause disunity. There was no negative interaction, however; at one point both groups joined the walk. An article about the event appeared in a local paper.

GeorGia—The Baha'is of West Cobb County sponsored the first Race Unity Day observance in the town of Kennesaw. About 50 people attended a public meeting that featured Baha’i and non-Baha’i speakers, including a school superintendent and a member of the county Board of

~ “Education. A proclamation from the mayor was read making June 14 Race Unity Day in perpetuity. A story about the event appeared the following day in_a local newspaper.

Inpiana—Sixty people including eight non-Baha’is took part in the Race Unity Day picnic in Indianapolis, which was followed by discussion groups on “Models of Race Unity.”

lowa—The Baha ‘is of Cedar Rapids are working toward the goal of mailing “The Promise of World Peace” to every household in the city; 7,000 have been mailed so far. The community also presented the

Te

mayor and city council with copies of the race unity statement, and sponsored a youth forum on race unity with high school students as speakers.

On June 13, Baha'is in Davenport had an information booth at the Intercultural Celebration and Black Freedom Day. The next day they hosted a public meeting and pot luck dinner in celebration of Race Unity Day.

One hundred people, only 20 of whom were Baha'is, attended the Race Unity Day picnic in Des Moines. Two television stations anda newspaper covered the event; one of the programs presented what the Baha’is were doing as a solution to recent tensions in Des Moines. Local Baha’is had appeared on two television programs prior to Race Unity Day to discuss the event and the Baha'i perspective on race unity.

Kansas—The Baha’is of Topeka took part in local Juneteenth Day activities for the fifth consecutive year. As in past years, the only white people who attended were Baha'is. The friends are asked to provide ice water and are allowed to have pamphlets on the Faith available for distribution. Since January the community has distributed more than 1,000 copies of the race unity statement and the statement on Baha’u'Ilah.

Kentucky—The Mayor of Hopkins~ ville, who was recently presented with the race unity statement, has asked the Baha’ is there to take part in establishing summer youth activities focusing on unity. Members of Bridges, a Baha’i institute for the

healing,of xacism, have been involved in

local race unity efforts.

Minnesota—During the past two years Baha’i efforts to promote the oneness of mankind in Bemidji have attracted the attention. of its citizens. An outgrowth of. Baha ’iefforts is a civic organization called the Circle of Many tures. This group sponsors regular activities focusing on the elimination of racism and the oneness of mankind. The race unity statement has been disseminated through this organization.

The Baha*is of St. Paul recently took part in a program for the Environmental Sabbath. Baha'i prayers were offered and the Baha*i Youth Workshop performed a race unity dance. The following week the Baha'is held a Race Unity Day celebration in which the Interfaith Council participated. The mayor sent a letter in honor of the occasion.

Missouri—The “Race Unity Focus Group,” a teachin; itute in St. Louis, organized a Race Unity Day picnic that drew 150 people, 50 of whom were not Baha'is. The institute followed up with a Unity Feast on June 23.

Nepraska—The “Power of Unity” teaching institute organized its third annual Race Unity Day parade and picnic in Omaha; this yeaf there was alsoan art show on the theme of race unity. Thirty of the 100 attendees were not Baha’is. The event was publicized on television and radio in advance and received TV coverage.

OktaHoma—The Baha’is of Oklahoma City have weekly dialogue sessions on racism at the Baha’i Center. The meetings are open to the public.

South Caro.ina—Race Unity Day was observed at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute in Hemingway, along with a celebration of Louis Gregory's birthday.

Young performers spell out thei

About 150 people attended the event. After the fellowship portion two people became Baha’is.

South Dakota—Race Unity Day activities have attracted the attention of local media in Rapid City; the Baha*is were offered free TV time to inform the community of this year’s Race Unity Day picnic, which drew 30 Baha’is and 20 guests. Positive contacts have also been made with the mayor and city council.

TeENNESSEE—The Memphis Institute for the Healing of Racism, the M.K. Gandhi Institute and the Human Services Co-op of Memphis State University sponsored a conference June 13 at MSU on “The Challenge of Unity:.BreakingBatriers and Building Bridges.”

Texas—The Baha'is of Austin presented Governor Richards with the race unity

-statement on June 18. At her request, she

was. also given areport on local race unity activities in which the Baha’is are in-! volved.

The Dallas Institute for the Healing of Racism has been holding weekly dialogue sessions for the past year at the Martin Luther King Center. The Institute also sponsors picnics and video nights to discuss race related issues. Sixty people attended this year’s Race Unity Day parade, sponsored by the Baha’i community of Dallas.

VirciniAa—The Baha'is of Fauquier County invited the local NAACP chapter to take part in this year's Race Unity Day activities. Three hundred people attended, more than half of whom were not Baha’is.

A teaching institue in Fairfax County has been giving out the race unity statement door-to-door in apartment and townhouse complexes. Members of the institue, which includes youth and children, report high receptivity to the Baha'i message among all types of people. The institute holds regular firesides and monthly race unity celebrations in a local park. The Baha’i community is working with the Human Relations Committee and the School Board, both of which have been presented with the race unity statement.

Wisconsin—A series of panel discussions, formal dinners and open forums on race unity in Green Bay has attracted the attention of the mayor, the chief of police, religious leaders and civic organizations. The United Way has publicly recommended that people support the Baha‘i efforts to foster race unity.

» THE AMERICAN BanA'i 5

‘message’ during a show that followed the third annual Walk for Race Unity in Evanston and Wilmette, Illinois. The June 14 event was sponsored by the North Shore Race Unity Task Force.

Several civic and government organizations took part in this year’s Race Unity Day walk and picnic in Milwaukee, including the Police Department, an ambulance company, the Crisis hotline and a shelter for the homeless. The Baha’is set up a booth at the picnic site where literature on the Faith was distributed to many of the 1,000 people who stopped by. A representative from the mayor's office also read a proclamation in honor of the occasion. The Baha'is followed up witha fireside.

Also of special importance are the many race unity activities being undertaken on American Indian Reservations, especially, in Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska,North; Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon,and North Carolina. In some cases these involve public events, and in others, such as the Native American Baha’i Institute in Houck, Arizona, service projects and schools where people of all kinds come together in real andall too rare demonstrations of unity in action.

The people of America are searching for an effective voice for racial harmony. One of the most important indications of this is the amount of media attention Baha’i activities are receiving.

During the Six Year Plan an average of 3,800 newspaper articles on the Faith appeared per year. In March and April of this year more than 1,100 items were printed in which the Faith was mentioned, compared to approximately 600 the year before. The numbers for May and June will not be final until well into July, but they appear to be exceeding March and April figures.

The type of coverage is changing as well, with many more in-depth articles about the Faith, pointing to the time when the Baha’is will emerge as the acknowledged leaders in the area of racial under standing. = _

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Kauimat B.E. 149 /Jucy 13, 1992 [Page 8]8 THe American BanA'i c= RES ee eee

Observances

Some 3,000 Baha’is representing 200 countries and dependent territories, and including most of the living Knights of Baha'u'llah, gathered in the Holy Land during the last week of May to take part in ceremonies commemorating the centenary of the Ascension of the Lord of the Age, an occasion described by the Universal House of Justice as “awe-inspiring and evocative of profound emotion.”

Ina June 7 message to the Baha’is of the world, the House of Justice stated that the group comprised “the widest diversity of human beings ever to have assembled on a Baha‘i occasion,” filling the eyes “with the vision of a garden of humanity that overwhelmed the senses, inducing a spirit of beauty, joy and splendor,” and indicating “the amazing extent to which the pervasive power of His influence has triumphed throughout the world.”

ON THE MORNING of May 28 the friends gathered for a ceremony in honor of the Knights of Baha‘u'llah, the highlight of which was the placement of an illuminated scroll bearing the names of all 257 of those distinguished believers in a vault inside His holy Shrine. Of the 159 Knights of Baha‘u'llah now living, 113 were present as the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum deposited the steel cylinder containing the Roll of Honor into its niche in the floor of the Shrine’s entrance door. The Universal House of Justice's tribute to Baha’u'llah was also read (see page 9 for the full text), as well as a letter from the Malietoa of Western Samoa, the world’s only reigning Baha’i monarch, written by him in honor of the centenary.

The scroll, ceremony marked the fulfillment of Shoghi Effendi*s expressed desire to pay tribute to the heroic souls who would arise to open the virgin localities specifically mentioned by him at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade. He did not live to witness the fulfillment of these goals; indeed, world conditions keptsome of the places closed to the Faith until the Six Year Plan. Inall there were 257 Knights who went to 259 localities (two went to two different places) in 131 countries and territories of the world.

The friends assembled again at the Shrine of Baha'u'llah in the early hours of

i

Baha'is and their guests who gathered to observe the 100th anniversary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah at the Langston Hughes Center in Buffalo,

Pictured are some of the more than 100

New York.

Kaur B.€. 149 / Jury 13, 1992

May 29, for the devotional program in honor of the Ascension of “the most precious Being ever to have drawn breath on this planet.”

The three remaining Hands of the Cause of God, together with the members of the Universal House of Justice, entered the room in the mansion of Bahji in which Baha*u‘llah passed away, and there, as the rest of the believers prayed silently outside, supplicated the Blessed Beauty on behalf of the entire world. The main program then commenced with prayers in English, Span

of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah

To the Baha'is of the World

As we reflect on the events which a few days ago marked the commemoration in the Holy Land of the Centenary of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, we feel impelled to express to the Baha’i world our sense of wonderment at the exalted character of what transpired. The nature of the Anniversary was in itself awe-inspiring and evocative of profound emotion. But the gathering of some 3,000 Baha’is, including 113 Knights of ‘u’llah, representing no less than 200 countries and dependent territories—the st diversity of human beings ever to have assembled ona Baha'i occasion—filled the ith the vision of a garden of humanity that overwhelmed the senses, inducing a spirit of beauty, joy and splendor. Bahji was never more resplendent. And we offer prayers of thanksgiving to our beloved Lord that so fitting an assemblage could have been realized on this special Anniversary, indicating the amazing extent to which the pervasive power of His influence has triumphed throughout the world.

May the evident blessings flowing from this heavenly experience infuse the dear friends everywhere with new strength and fresh encouragement, emboldening their efforts and enlarging their capacity to proclaim the Name and promote the Cause of Baha'u'llah during the course of the Holy Year so auspiciously begun.

ish, French, Persian and Arabic, ending with the Tablet of Visitation. After the devotions

The Universal House of Justice June 7, 1992

the entire group circumam~

bulated the Shrine, their path illuminated on both sides by thousands of candles placed on the ground at three-foot intervals.

Later that day the friends gathered at the foot of Mount Carmel for the concluding ceremony. The believers walked up to the Shrine of the Bab, circumambulated His tomb, and proceeded to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice where they viewed the photograph of Baha'u'llah projected life-size onto a screen.

Thus ended the foremost commemorative event of the Holy Year. “May the evident blessings flowing from this heavenly experience,” the Universal House of Justice wrote, “infuse the dear friends everywhere with new strength and fresh encouragement, emboldening their efforts and enlarging their capacity to proclaim the Name and promote the Cause of Baha’u'llah during the course of the Holy Year so auspiciously begun.”

Wor tp community MARKS ASCENSION

The Knights of Baha*u'llah and the world representation of believers in the Holy Land made up one of many gatherings held all over the world, which together bore witness to the “transcendent and victorious influence of Baha*u'llah’s liberated Spirit.” Similar meetings took place in every Baha’i House of Worship and in thousands of communities in every

D>

country and territory where the followers of Baha’u'llah reside.

The Baha*i House of Worship in Wilmette was the site of the chief observance in this country, where friends from across the United States heard selections from the same devotional program used in the Holy Land. The 2,000 in attendance filled both the main auditorium and Foundation Hall to capacity.

The friends were greeted upon entering. the House of Worship by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, who presented a single red rose to each person. The guests then filed through the main auditorium, where each was anointed with rose water before viewing the portrait of Baha‘u'llah from the U.S. Baha’i Archives.

The evening’s devotions were complemented by music from the Tennessee Baha’i Choir and the Bahai House of Worship Choir, who performed together, and by the chanting of a prayer in Arabic revealed by Baha‘u'llah. The Tablet of Visitation was read in English at precisely 4:00 a.m., then chanted in Arabic.

The entire program, carried out with exquisite attention to the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion, inspired those present with feelings of reverence and gratitude, and certainly reflected that “spiritual character and dignified manner” called for by the House of Justice, which would “draw down confirmations from on high and profoundly influence the constructive forces at work throughout the earth.”

Elsewhere in the U.S. local observances were held to coincide with the commemoration in Wilmette. One of the most successful was at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California, where more than 200 believers gathered for a six-hour program that included a turkey dinner and special presentations on the Station of Baha‘u'llah, the meaning of the Covenant, and the Ridvan 1992 message from the House of Justice. During the commemoration one non| Baha’i guest became a beJ liever.

The friends were so inspired that they sent a message to the National Spiri

tual Assembly assuring that body of their allegiance to Baha’u'llah and their commitment to teach the Faith in anticipation of entry by troops.

PROCLAMATION EVENTS

Many communities held proclamation events to bring the centenary to the attention of the public. For example, more than 2,000 Baha’is from Southern California took part in a public celebration of the Holy Year on May 30 in Fountain Valley. The friends set up a stage in a local park and displayed banners and signs about Baha'u'llah and His teachings.

The day’s program included musical entertainment and presentations on Baha'u'llah. Many copies of the statement on Baha*u’llah were distributed, as well as copies of the race unity and peace statements. About 130 non-Baha’is attended the event, which was advertised in two local editions of the Los Angeles Times. A story about the celebration appeared in the Orange County Register on May 31.

The Spiritual Assembly of Mount Vernon, Washington, prepared and distributed packets containing a statement directed to the administrators and 116 faculty members of Skagit Valley College and the administrators and faculty of Mount Vernon High School, on the importance of instilling a global perspective on tomorrow’s citizens.

Each packet also included “The Promise of World Peace,” “The Vision of Race Unity” and the statement on Baha'u'llah, as well as a press release on the establishment of the Baha’i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland at College Park. Recipients of the packets were invited to attend a program at Skagit Valley College Theater on May 29.

LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE TO BAHA’U’LLAH

The centenary of the Ascension of Baha’u'llah also prompted tributes to His life and work from leaders of thought and government around the world.

In a ceremonial act convened at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt on May 26 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Germany, 920 people paid tribute to Baha‘u'llah on the occasion of the centenary of His Ascension.

Ina written message of greeting read at the event, Chancellor Helmut Kohl conveyed his cordial greetings, referred to the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, assured the Baha’i community of the German government's continuing efforts in human rights issues, and said: “The Baha’is

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TRIBUTE

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House of Justice pays homage to Redeemer of humankind

On the occasion of the centenary commemoration at Bahiji of the ascension of Baha'u'llah: A tribute by the Universal House of Justice

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With soul-stirring emotion we gather in the hallowed environs of His resting place to honor the memory of the Supreme Manifestation of God, Baha’u'llah, on the solemn, historic occasion of the centenary of His ascension.

We lift our voices at the prompting of our hearts’ desire to pay tribute to a life infinitely beyond compare. But how shall we realize such a wish when it is evident that no mind canattain the comprehension which would make possible the vocabulary worthy of His celestial court? In very truth, our tongues falter in their impotence to describe, let alone extol, the prodigies of a prophetic career which was framed in superlatives. For here at Bahji, one hundred years ago, was drawn the last breath on earth of the world’s greatest Luminary, Founder of the Dispensation marking the culmination of the six-thousand-yearold Adamic Cycle, and Inaugurator of the five-thousandcentury Baha'i Cycle. He, the Most Great Manifestation, appeared in the Most Great Name and endured the greatest suffering in authoring the Most Great Revelation, which is the wellspring of the Most Great Peace. In our attempt to appreciate these matchless bounties, we recite the gem-like names of the Adored One, picked out as pearls from the veritable ocean of His Revelation, bestrewing them throughout our testimonial that they may lend an acceptable gleam to our expression of His glory and majesty.

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Supreme Mediator, Most Ancient Beauty: He is the Well-Beloved of all worlds. We hail Him as the long-awaited Promised One, the Object of the adoration of the world. And we exclaim: “Hallowed be the Lord in Whose hand is the source of dominion!”

How grievously Baha’u'llah suffered to regenerate the world! Wrongly accused, imprisoned, beaten, chained, banished from country to country, betrayed, poisoned, stripped of material possessions, and “at every moment tormented with a fresh torment”: such was the cruel reception that greeted the Everlasting Father, Him Who is the Possessor of all Names and Attributes. For two score years, until the end of His earthly days, He remained a prisoner and exile— persecuted unceasingly by the rulers of Persia and the Ottoman Empire, opposed relentlessly by a vicious and scheming clergy, neglected abjectly by other sovereigns to whom He addressed potent letters imparting to them that which, in His truthbearing words, “is the cause of the well-being, the unity, the harmony, and the reconstruction of the world, and of the tranquillity of the nations.” “My grief,” He once lamented, “exceedeth all the woes to which Jacob gave vent, and all the afflictions of Job are but a part of My sorrows.

The voice halts for shame from continuing so deplorable a recitation, the heart is torn by mere thought of the Divine Target of such grief—grief no ordinary mortal could endure. But lest we give way to feelings of gloom and distress, we take recourse in the tranquil calm He induces with such meaningful words as these: “We have borne it all with the utmost willingness and resignation, so that the souls of men may be edified, and the Word of God be exalted,” Thus, the Wronged One, patient beyond measure, preserved a majestic composure, revealing His true Self as the Merciful, the Loving, the Incomparable Friend. Concentrating His energies on the pivotal purpose of His Revelation, He transmuted His tribulations into instruments of redemption and summoned all peoples to the banner of unity.

No worldly power could thwart the purpose of the Most Exalted Pen. Through the copiousness of His writings, He poured upon the planet the healing waters of the Word of God renewed. Descending upon Him like a spring rain, His Revelation comprises some one hundred volumes— “volumes replete with unnumbered exhortations, revolutionizing principles, world-shaping laws and ordinances, dire warnings and portentous prophecies, with souluplifting prayers and meditations, illuminating commentaries and interpretations, impassioned discourses and

homilies, all interspersed with either addresses or references to kings, to emperors and to ministers, of both the East and the West, to ecclesiastics of divers denominations, and to leaders in the intellectual, political, literary, mystical, commercial and humanitarian spheres of human activity.” Foremost among His Books is His Kitdbi-Aqdas, the charter of the future world civilization in which He has announced the Laws of God for this age. Our hearts thrill to the prospect that during the course of this centennial year, the annotated English translation of this Mother Book of Bahda‘u'llah’s Revelation is to be published. We acknowledge with astonished joy the ic legacy of this divine outpouring. And we ex: “Praised be Thou, Who art the Desire of the World, and thanks be to Thee, O Well-Beloved of the hearts of such as are devoted to Thee!”

Today, we bear ess to the further abundance of a peerless heritage. With the setting of the Sun of Baha, the Moon of His Covenant rose in reflected glory, lifting the darkness of a night of despair, and lighting the path to the unity of all humankind. In the fullness of its radiance stands the magnetic Figure of ‘Abdu’-Baha, the beloved Son Whom Baha‘u'llah designated as the Interpreter of His Word and Executive of His authority, and Whom He appointed the Center of His Covenant, an office without parallel in all religious history.

We acknowledge the mysterious power of His wisdom, the illuminating potency of His words, the immortal example and unific character of His deeds. By His untiring exertions the fame of the infant Cause was spread abroad, the design of its Administrative Order was completed, the World Center of the Faith emerged into clear visibility. and the splendors of the Mountain of God, as alluded to in Baha‘u'llah’s Tablet of Carmel, began to be manifested. With profound gratitude for such evident blessings we reaffirm our loyalty tothe Covenant of Baha’u'llah. And we exclaim: “Glorified be the All-Merciful, the Lord of Grace abounding!”

Asa result of the phenomenal effects of His Covenant, aworldcommunity has been raised up onan “unassailable foundation.” The entire system of the Administrative Order originated by Baha'u'llah in His Most Holy Book has been erected. A vigorous network of local, national, continental and international institutions functions in exemplary harmony throughout the planet. Vitalized and nurtured by His stupendous Revelation, watered by the precious blood of countless martyrs, and tended by the loving care of unnumbered, devoted servants, the Tree of the Cause has, in these hundred years, grown mightily, has put forth its far-stretching branches and borne its first and plentiful fruit.

Baha‘u'llah found the world in a “strange sleep.” But what disturbance His coming has unloosed! The peoples of the earth had been separated, many parts of the human race socially and spiritually isolated. But the world of humanity today bears little resemblance to that which Baha‘u'llah left a century ago. Unbeknownst to the great majority, His influence permeates all living beings. Indeed, no domain of life remains unaffected. In the burgeoning energy, the magnified perspectives, the heightened global consciousness; in the social and political turbulence, the fall of kingdoms, the emancipation of nations, the intermixture of cultures, the clamor for development; in the agitation over the extremes of wealth and poverty, the acute concern over the abuse of the environment, the leap of consciousness regarding the rights of women; in the growing tendency toward ecumenism, the increasing call for a new world order; in the astounding advances in the realms of science, technology, literature and the arts—in all this tumult, with its paradoxical manifestations of chaos and order, integration and disintegration, are the signs of His power as a World Reformer, the proof of His claim as Divine Physician, the truth of His Word as the All-Knowing Counselor.

Baha'u'llah wrote voluminously about the purpose of this mysterious force and its transforming effects, but the essence can be drawn from these few perspicuous words: “Through the movement of Our Pen of Glory We have, at the bidding of the Omnipotent Ordainer, breathed a new

life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this worldwide regeneration.” And again: “A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause or perceived its motive.” And yet again: “He Who is the Unconditioned is come, in the clouds of light, that He may quicken all created things with the breezes of His Name, the Most Merciful, and unify the world, and gather all men around this Table which hath been sent down from heaven.”

Let the denizens of the earth wake from their slumber at the resonances of His Name and arise from their confused dreams to embrace the clarity of the new Day: For “This is the King of Days, the Day that hath seen the coming of the Best-Beloved, Him Who through all eternity hath been acclaimed the Desire of the World.”

Our thoughts turn back to the mourning time in 1892 when a vast number of residents from the surrounding area came to join His bereaved followers in lamenting the departure of the immortal Beloved. These were not adherents of His Cause and had no real understanding of His station, but the effect of His presence among them was such as to fill them with a grave sense of loss. Today, a century later, it is we, who identify ourselves with His community, who have come in multitudinous array from the far corners of the earth to pay homage to the King of Glory. With us in spirit are the millions of His lovers scattered among tens of thousands of villages, towns and cities, themselves observing in their own localities this solemn anniversary, their hearts focused on the Primal Spot here at Bahji.

And among us at this Point of Adoration are a number of the heroic souls from the celebrated company who earned the accolade Knights of Bahda‘u'llah conferred upon them by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause— this to signify their acts of daring and devotion as teachers of the Faith. It is they who were in the vanguard during the triumphant Ten Year World Crusade. Their exploits, built upon the dramatic feats of the Heroic Age and the sacrifices of countless martyrs and heroes of the past, and following the trail blazed by earlier teachers of the Faith, realized the actual establishment of the Cause of Baha'u'llah as a world religion.

Now, on this commemorative occasion, the Roll of Honor on which the names of the Knights have been inscribed is being deposited by Amatu’'l-Baha Ruh Khanum at the entrance door of the Most Holy Shrin« the spot designated by our beloved Guardian. This is both asymbol and a promise—a symbol registering the reality of aclear response, ata critical time, to the duty laid upon us by the Lord of Hosts to diffuse His teachings among all peoples; a promise that the commitment so dazzlingly displayed by these intrepid pioneers will be reaffirmed by generations of their successors, ensuring that the light of Baha‘u'llah’s Revelation “shining in all its power and glory will have suffused and enveloped the entire planet,”

This is also a mark of recognition of the power of the Hand of Omnipotence to turn gnats into eagles. His bounties embolden us. Broken-winged birds are we; yet, with His assurances resounding in our souls, we soar to ever greater heights in His service. “I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty!” He declares, benevolently adding: “I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its flight.” How then can we fail?

We here make this vow: With a stirring history of divine support behind us and a clear vision of unfolding, destiny before us, we move onward, renewed, teconsecrated, resolute, until the consciousness of every human being has been touched by the knowledge of God's triumphant Faith. And, intoning the expectant words of His Martyr-Herald, we exclaim: “Exalted be His glory, and magnified be His might, and sanctified be His holiness, and glorified be His grandeur, and lauded be His ways!”

The Universal House of Justice May 29, 1992

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Kauimar 8.€. 149 / Juty 13, 1992 [Page 10]10 The American BanA'i

US alates;

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

THE MAXWELL ional Bah: School in Canada regularly needs retired persons to volunteer in supervisory/manag’ positions such as for the uniform shop, laundry service, front desk, etc. Youth volunteers are also needed in many areas. Room and board provided. If you are interested, please apply to the Service Coordinator, Maxwell International Baha'i School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, ia VOR 2WO, Canada, or telephone 604-743-7144.

WOODBURN, Oregon, is poised for entry by troops! Would you like to help? Spanishspeakers are especially useful, as most of those who have enrolled here so far speak Spanish. However, about 4,000 Russian-speakers an 10,000 English-speakers also need to hear about Baha‘u'llah. There is work for everyone. Pioneers are most welcome, as are those who. can come on vacation any time of the year. Anyone who is passionate about teaching can be of enormous help. Most will need to be selfsupporting; housing is relatively inexpensive. We are planning to extend and strengthen a “diverse “effort, iat ‘hag included social ‘ahd economic dévelopmient tind long- and shortterm service projects. For example, we have ongoing nightly classes in English as a secon language, and need more teachers. Musi

have been of great help, ai possibilities for using music in the teachiiig work. For more information, please contact the Woodburn Coordinating Committee, c/o Jan House, P.O. Box 167, Aurora, OR 97002 (phone 503-678-5162, home, or 503-678-1085, business).

WANTED: intrepid homefront pioneers for the Navajo Reservation community of Navajo, New Mexico. Teaching positions are available in elementary, junior high, and high school for all subjects. Applicants must be mentally stable and able to endure physical hardships. Navajo is a semi-isolated community of 3,000 about 50 miles from Gallup on the New Mexico/Arizona border. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Red Lake Chapter, P.O. Box 1292, Navajo, NM 87328, or phone Vic Bertis (505-777-2479) or Loevia Hockley (505-777-2603),

THE BAHA'IS of Las Vegas, New Mexico, need your help to establish an Assembly and strong Baha'i community in this lovely area of northern New Mexico, home of New Mexico Highlands University and the Armand Hammer United World College (a prep school for select advanced high school students). Las Vegas borders the plains, magnificent national forests, and a wilderness area. For information, please write to Suzanne Watkins,

Las Vegas, NM 87701.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN, Hispanic and Korean Baha'is are invited to become homefront pioneers to Reno, Nevada. Also invited are financially independent Baha‘is to manage the newly acquired Baha’i Center in downtown Reno. The community is intensely unified, as are the surrounding communities, with primary emphasis given to children and family activities. Employment is abundant, real estate and housing rentals are available at reasonable prices, there are excellent schools including the University of Nevada-Reno and

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community colleges, a lovely environment and no state income tax. Continuous Baha‘i ies as well as recent enrollments prompt

tual Assembly of Reno to invi spective homefront pioneers to consider Reno, as a teaching and consolidation post. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513.

DOCTORS and other health care professionals are desperately needed to serve Indian ies in Nebraska, lowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. This homefront pioneering includes the potential for carrying Baha‘u'llih’s Message to American Indians. For more information, please phone Ada James at the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-657-8633.

BAHA ‘i college students are needed to pioneer inthe Las Vegas, New Me Mexico Highlands Universi isa small college (about 2,400 students) offering a variety of liberal arts, science and teaching degrees. A masters degree program is also available, as ial aid for qualified students. The school has a number of excellent

the school or an application for admission, write to the Director of Admissions, New 0 Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM formation about the Baha'i comwrite to Suzanne Watkins,

Las Vegas, NM 87701.

KILLEEN, 1

only one Baha’

i in this multi-racial 60,000 whose metro population ii

nearby Fort Hood is

about 200,000. Only an ate capital, Austin, and center of the Southwest. who would like to teach to people of diverse backgrounds black, white). The Killeen School District plans to hire an addinal 400 teachers before the coming school year. If you have a college degree, the school district will help you become certified. For an application, phone 817-526-8361. For more information, please write to David Price,

Copperas Cove, TX 76522, or phone Bill Irving, 817-772-7839.

THE BAHA’{ community of Harlingen, Texas, is poised for unprecedented growth. The special significance of the U.S.-Mexico border has been outlined by the Universal House of Justice. The Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Mexico will be a great impetus for growth here. There are four Spiritual Assemblies in the Valley: Edinburg,

Brownsville and Harlingen. If you would like to be a homefront pioneer or help bolster ou s, you would be most welcome. Employment in medicine is immediately available, especially for internists and family practitioners, but also in the sub-specialties. Teaching positions in primary and secondary education also available. One need not be bilingual. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Har!

78551, or phone 512-421-2233 or 5 638:

AFRICA—Tanzania:teacher trainer and E1 glish teachers. AMERICAS— Dominica: general manager/engineer for bottled water company. Ecuador: library attendant in Baha’i primary school. Honduras: elementary school teachers. ASIA—Cambodia: community development implementor, sanitarians. Loas: elementary school teachers. Thailand: teacher supervisor. Vietnam: public health adviser. URGENT need in Tanzania for an expe enced teacher trainer and three qualified Ei glish teachers for the Ruaha Technical Secondary School, the first Baha'i secondary school in Africa. Urgent need for fullycredentialed elementary school teachers at the Vientiane International School in Laos. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Fiji Islands is seeking a self-supporting couple experience in the fields of publishing and/or office management to take charge of their Baha'i Publishing Trust. The Peace Corps is seeking small enterprise development specialists and agribusiness advisers for the Baltics

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and the Commonwealth of Independent States. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i Ni nal Center, Wilmette IL 60091; telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneerit

ersal House of n behalf of the viduals: Mildred

(died Ventura, CA, 1970), Lorral Luther (died Monroe, WA, 1950), Hannah Lynch, Maardyu Lyska, Ruby Dunn

MacCurdy, Kaukab MacCutcheon (died Minneapolis, MN, 1948), Malcolm MacGillivrary and Ethel MacGross. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardi: asked to contact the National Baha‘i Archives, Baha‘i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-8699039).

THE NATIONAL Baha’i Archives is seeking district convention voting lists for the years 1952-67 for Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Colum di Towa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri and Montana, Anyone having voting lists they could donate isked to send them to the ional Baha‘i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091

WANTED: help for the Baha’i World Congress Youth Movement Forum in November. If you are a youth who is an experienced d/lighting technician or stage manager, and if you plan to attend the Congress and would like to help, please contact the Baha'i World Congress Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

WANTED: Experienced Baha'i communicators interested in helping in the design and development of the communications architecture of the World Congress. Initial design plans call for a virtual PBX, leased voice and digital lines, PBX trunking, cell and beeper systems, local and wide area computer networks, RF-based systems to include narrow band FM with tone burst signa and fiber optic systems. Qualifications and experience should include designing and planning complex multi-media communications networks, RF repeater networks, digital communications, and LAN/WAN backbone systems. Previous military/civilian experience in developing tactical communications networks would be most helpful. Baha'is holding general and above amateur radio licenses are urgently needed to help design back-up communications network to support various remote locations in the New York City area. Please submit a brief summary of qualifications and experience to Art Stanwood, On-Site World Congress Communications Coordinator,

Lexington, KY 40508. Phone 606-268-6280 after 5 p.m.

WANTED: Baha'i training and organizational development professionals, educators or aspiring professionals interested in becoming involved in an interfaith community-based learning collaborative designed to address humanitarian needs. Please respond to Cheryle Gittens-Bailey, P.O. Box 6065, Bridgewater, NJ 08628.

THE BAHA’E community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is urgently seeking two pictures from previous Baha‘i wall calendars for a public display: (1) the Temple in India; and (2) a close-up of the entrance to the Shrine of Bahdu'llih. If you have either or both and could share them with us, please send them to Linden Qualls, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 (phone 513-764-7079).

TAM LOOKING for stories about Baha'i teaching in the former Soviet Union for a book that Lynda Godwin and I are compiling. Anyone who has traveled to those republics and has a memory or a story to share may write a paragraph or even a chapter. The Universal House of Justice has encouraged the project,

TTT

saying it is “sure that this collection of personal stories will be of great interest to the present teachers and to those of the future.” Please send materials to Linda Brown,

Winter Haven, FL 33880 (phone 813-293-3584).

THE BAHA’{ World Congress Youth Movement Forum needs Baha‘is who are actors, singers and/or dancers to take part in two special dramatic presentations planned in connection with the Congress in November. Those who are interested should submit (1) a letter explaining why they wish to be considered as a performer; (2) a 3- to 5 ute VHS format video taped monologue on any classical or contemporary figure; (3) résumés listing relevant experience; and (4) one 8x10 photograph. If you are not a professional performer, please outline your experience and/or interest in the arts. Non-profe: nals are encouraged to apply. Please note: 1. roles vary to include inales, females, ad and youth of at least 12 years of age; 2. travel, accommodations and other expenses will not be covered by the World Congress—applicants must be self-sup ing; 3. performers must be available for in New York City by early November, three weeks before the Congress; and 4. the deadline for subm is July 1. Please World gress, Youth Movement resus 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

WANTED: a few helping hands at the Baha’i World Congress in November. If you are an experienced writer and/or photographer who plans to attend the Congress and would like to spend come time helping us produce the special issue of The American Bahd't that reports news of this historic event to the friends around the world, please drop a note to the editor, The American Baha'i, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Jack Bowers, 708-869-9039, ext. 293. Thanks.

MISCELLANEOUS

MIDWIVES and other Baha'is active in midwifery: where are you, and are you going to the MANA’eonference in’ New York the week before the World Congress? Whether yes or no, I'd love to get to know you. I'm a Baha'i, a Bradley Method teacher and active midwifery promoter. Contact Lisa Bradley,

Columbus, NE 68601 (phone 402-564-4193).

TEACH with video. I have dozens of noncopyrighted Baha’i presentations on VHS video—Hands of the Cause, members of the National Assembly, Auxiliary Board members, etc. I would like to swap copies of my videos for copies of yours. I'm especially i terested in trading internationally. If you'll send one tape of yours with a self-addressed, stamped mailer to me, I'll return the favor. Joel Smith, Carbondale, IL (phone 618549-8533).

YOUTH and those of all ages! Come teach the Faith this summer in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with the Northcoast Necklace of Lights, lovingly dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Youth with two weeks to give as well as travcling teachers are welcome. For information, contact the Baha'i Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, cfo Jenkins,

Cleveland, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526), or Lynn Farnsworth, 216-247-2135.

NOTICE to yendors at the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha'i Conference, September 1820: The National Spiritual Assembly has a policy that requires review and approval of all materials to be sold at Baha'i conferences. All materials must be specifically Baha'i in nature. Please contact the National Assembly for such review and approval. To sign up for space in the Exhibit Hall at the Green Lake Conferenc write to M. Naysmith, Exhibit Hall coordi tor, South La Crosse, WI 54601 (phone 608-782-5793).

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please eee i alrite,

stead for infocmations

Kaumart B.£. 149 / Jucy 13, 1992 [Page 11]THe American BaHA'i 11

Teaching activities in three areas of Tamil Nadu State, India, during February and March led to the enrollment of 153 new believers. The Spiritual Assembly of Sivakasi launched a teaching campaign in February, during which 85 people em braced the Faith. Meanwhile, in Thandrampattu, the local Assembly held a teaching project in which five volunteers enrolled 32 new believers, and formed anew Assembly in Thiruvannamalai District. In March, a homefront pioneer, Anthony Samy, enrolled 36 new believers in Kanyakumari. nee

Teaching during March and April in the Republic of Ireland resulted in the enrollment of almost 50 new believers including 15 members of a family of traveling people in County Tipperary. The other new Baha‘is, most of whom are young people from Waterford, Dundalk, Carlow and Gorey, were reached during a campaign led by a Counselor and Auxiliary Board members supported by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Irish Baha’i choir, “Turning Point,” which recently completed a teaching trip to Poland, presented concerts during the campaign.

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The “historic city of Curtea de Arges,

the resting place of Queen Marie of Ro

mania,” was the setting for that country’s first Baha'i youth school, held in April and attended by 60 young Baha’is. Many of those at the school took part in street teaching that resulted in the enrollment of 15 new believers. Participants also reported that the Faith was widely proclaimed in the city during the school, and that they were warmly received by the mayor and townspeople.

On April 21, the first day of Ridvan, the official document signifying the registration and recognition of the Faith in Poland was handed to a member of the Polish National Teaching Committee by a representative of the country’s Department of Religious Affairs. “Thus,” the National Spiritual Assembly reports, “the future National Spiritual Assembly as well as every existing or future local Spiritual Assembly in Poland has a legal status on its own as an organ of the Baha‘i Faith in Poland and. enjoys full tights.”

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Following a recent training program for native teachers in Celendin, Peru, whose participants, mostly youth, laterembarked ona 10-day teaching campaign, 120 people embraced the Faith and six new local Spiritual Assemblies were elected.

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Fourteen students at the Maxwell International Baha'i School on Vancouver Island, Canada, were among the winners in a competition designed to publicize the United Nations’ Earth Summit, an international conference on development and the environment. The competition was conducted by the Canadian International De

Sacramento's Hmong Teaching Institute stays active with help of video prepared by Baha'i in San Diego

The six-member Baha'i Hmong Teaching Institute of the Sacramento, California, area is engaged in a systematic effort to bring the Message of Baha’u'llah to all people of Hmong background in its area.

The commitment to that goal has led the members of the Institute to begin a “Fireside-on-Wheels” program. Three firesides have been held so far, two in Sacramento and one in South Sacramento.

Several declarations have resulted from the firesides including Mr. Moua Tou Vang, a Hmong clan leader of 20 families. The Institute reports that he joined the Baha'i community on May 27 and has already begun teaching the Faith to two or three Hmong families.

Ateach of the firesides, members of the Institute shared Baha'i literature in Hmong; a Baha'i video tape, also in Hmong; refreshments, and lots of love.

The video tape was made by Chue Chang, a prominent Hmong Baha'i in San Diego, California, who came tothe U.S. in the late 1970s as a refugee from Laos, has not only established himself and his family but has been directly involved in helping to improve the lives of other newcomers and proclaiming the Message of Baha’u'llah among them.

This has been made possible because of Mr. Chang's experience as a leader of Southeast Asian community groups, crosscultural counselor, gang prevention program counselor, and provider of adjustment services for newcomers. He has also served for many years as master of ceremonies for the San Diego area's Hmong

national New Year celebration.

Mr. Chang was one of many outstanding Southeast Asian leaders who took part last January in the first Southeast Asian Community Builders Round-Table Discussion at the Bosch _ Baha’i School. The success of that conference was due in part to his contributions and leadership.

Recently, Mr. Chang visited Sacramento to present a fireside in Hmong entitled “Introduction to and Principles of the Baha'i Faith.” It was so well received that video tapes of the fireside are now being used by the Baha'i Hmong Institute of the Sacramento area to teach the Faith. This has led to a number of declarations.

In a recent letter to the U.S. Baha’i Refugee Office, Mr. Chang expressed his wish “to recognize the many wonderful Baha'is who help spread and teach the Faith to Southeast Asians across the United States.”

Mr. Chang will be one of the featured speakers July 24-26 at the third annual Southeast Asian Conference at the Louhelen Baha‘i School. The conference theme is “Connecting the Hearts of Southeast Asians to Baha'u'llah.”

Crue CHANG

On May 1-2, Baha’

velopment Agency (CIDA), the Canadian Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, the Simons Foundation, and Veterans Against Nuclear Arms. The winners’ works appear in a publication entitled Creating Our Common Future and includes poetry, prose, music and visual arts work of the winning Maxwell School students. Ka On the first day of Ridvan, April 21, an official public announcement of the beginning of the Holy Year commemorating the centenary of the ascension of Bahda‘u'llah was made in the State Senate and House of Representatives of Hawaii. Baha’i prayers were recited after the announcement. ee The Spiritual Assembly of Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia, was elected at Ridvan during a meeting attended by 21 adults, youth and children. The voting resulted in an Assembly comprised of five native believers, two pioneers and two foreign residents. wee David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, undertook a traveling teaching trip through Canada in February and March in what the National Spiritual Assembly described as “part of the early beginnings of emblazoning Bahd‘u'llah’s Name across Canada.” The goal of Mr. Hofman’s trip was to proclaim and teach the Faith to prominent people, leaders of thought, and the news media. He also worked hard to support the teaching work in local communities he visited.

ee

On the first day of a proclamation campaign in Equatorial Guinea that resulted in the distribution of the peace message to almost 200 dignitaries, government ministers and other prominent persons in that country, the Secretary of State for Press, Radio and Television phoned Auxiliary Board member Dr. Mediany to congratulate the Baha'is for “this wonderful message.” The Secretary went on to invite Baha'i representatives to take part ina live television program broadcast throughout the country on Sunday afternoons. Three members of the National Spiritual Assembly did so, and the interview, which was to last for 10 minutes, went on three times as long.

wae Mark Ochu, a classical pianist from the

United States, presented a number of concerts in Greece from March 25-April

Sa i SEER

Hungary gathered at their National Convention in the presence of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Akbar Furatan to elect that country’s first National Spiritual Assembly, whose members are pictured with Mr. Furiitan (center) and delegates to the Convention.

6, combining each recital with the teachings of Baha’u'llah in a dignified, warmhearted way. “It was the first time,” the National Spiritual Assembly of Greece reported, “that the Name of Baha‘u'llah was so widely and openly proclaimed.” Mr. Ochu was interviewed on radio and television, and newspaper coverage mentioned that the concerts were being performed “for the commemoration of the Centenary of the passing of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith.” KRK On February 28, the Vice-President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, received a Baha‘ delegation at his residence in New Delhi. He asked many questions about the Faith and inquired about the situation of the Baha‘is in Iran. wee One hundred adults and 50 children including many Maori Bahd‘is attended a national Maori Hui held April 3-5 at ‘Tanuwhara Marae, near Hamilton, New Zealand. Also attending were Counselor Betra Majmeto, five members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and three Auxiliary Board members. The Hui was called to discuss initiatives of the Maori friends and to consult on teaching, deepening, the Covenant, and the Holy Year. we Immediately after Naw-Ruz, a correspondence course for all the believers was launched by the National Spiritual Assembly of Romania. The course, which includes 12 lessons on basic aspects of the Faith, will be mailed to the friends on a monthly basis. wae On the first day of the Holy Year, the Faith was proclaimed on Australian television. A program called “Real Life” showed film of the exterior and interior of the Australian House of Worship with a large congregation present. Short interviews with individual Baha‘is also were broadcast. aaK The Baha’i community of Sikkim has reached its Six Year Plan goal of opening 100 localities to the Faith. Also, in March, 25 new believers were enrolled. RRR

During January, the Faith was represented at a Congress on Religious Studies at the New University of Lisbon, Portugal. Ferdows Imani, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Portugal, presented a lecture on the Faith, and a Baha'i book exhibit was held.

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

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14 Tue American BanA'i

La necesidad de esta Hora

“La necesidad de esta Hora es la ensefianza aqui eneste pais. Sdlose puede lograr esta meta con un nuevo espiritu de dedicacién y consagracién de parte de los amigos, cada uno en su propio pais, en su propio hogar. Se estan logrando victorias milagrosas en las areas dificiles virgenes, porque los pioneros han consagrado sus vidas a la misién noble en que se han lanzado. Los amigos en sus localidades deben mostrar esta misma consagracién y dedicacién. Nunca deben dejar que pase un dia sin ensenar a algtinalma, confiando en Baha’u'Ilah que la semilla crecera. Los amigos deben buscar almas puras, ganar su confianza, y entonces ensefar a esa persona cuidadosamente hasta que sea Baha’i, y entonces educarle hasta que sea un apoyo firme y activo de la Fe” (En nombre de Shoghi Effendi, citado en Baha'i News, enero 1957, p.1 -- traduccion no oficial).

“EL PODEROSO 0 y loable esfuerzo ejercido por varios pioneros... debe...ser aumentado, doblado, mas bien triplicado, y debe manifestarse no solo en las tierras extranjeras ... sino a través de lo largo y lo ancho entero de la Union Americana, y particularmente en las ciudades con metas, en donde hasta ahora el trabajo se ha estancado, y que debe... llegar a ser el lugar de las mejores hazanas que este pais

hasta ahora haya visto” (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, pp. 127-128) (traduccion no oficial).

“Las asambleas del continente norteamericano, constituyen la base para las operaciones gigantescas destinadas a calentar e iluminar, bajo los auspiciosos Baha’is americanos, los cinco continentes del globo terrestre, no deben, en ningun tiempo y bajo ninguna circunstancia, permitir disminuir en numero o deteriorarse en su fuerza y su influencia. El movimiento de pioneros, sea pobladores o maestros ambulantes, que en campos tan distintos de esta base, ha mostrado tan maravillosamente una vitalidad, debe, dentro de los limites de la patria misma, ser ininterrumpido ni debe sufrir decaimiento. Los grupos y centros aislados tan esmeradamente formados y establecidos deben, conjuntamente con esta obligacion muy digna y esencial, ser mantenidos, criados y si es posible, multiplicados” (Shoghi Effendi Citadel of Faith, p. 75) (traducci6n no oficial).

Requisitos previos espirituales

“Quienquiera se levante a ayudar a nuestra Causa en este Dia, y Ilame en su ayuda las huestes de un caracter loable y una conducta recta, la influencia que fluye de tal accién, ciertamente sera difundida por todo el mundo” (Baha’u'Ilah, Pasajes de los Escritos de Baha'u'llah, pag. 190

Siendo Pioneros del Frente Interno en los Estados Unidos

191).

“Quienquiera se levante entre vosotros para ensenar la Causa de su Senor, que ante todo, se ensefie a si mismo, para que su palabra atraiga los corazones de los que le escuchan. A menos que se ensefie a si mismo, las palabras de su boca no influiran el corazon del buscador” (Baha‘u'llah,

Pasajes de los Escritos de Baha'u'llah,

pag. 184). “QUIENQUIERA a se levante a ensenar nuestra Causa debe

necesariamente desprenderse de todas las cosas terrenales, y debe considerar, en todo momento, el triunfo de nuestra Fe como se objetivo supremo. Esto, ciertamente, ha sido decretado en la Tabla Guardada. Y cuando determine dejar su hogar, por amor de la Causa de su Seftor, que ponga toda su confianza en Dios, como la mejor provision para su viaje, y que se atavie con el manto de la virtud. Asi ha sido decretado por Dios, el Todopoderoso y el Todo Alabado™ (Baha'u'llah, Pasajes de los Escritos de Baha'u'llah, pag. 222-223).

Preparacion para ser pioneros en este pais

“Los amigos deben darse cuenta de que es el esfuerzo e iniciativa individual que se necesita para la victoria en nuestras localidades, igual que en las areas virgenes. Todo el mundo debe recordar que es el

es saa

“Espiritu Santo” que nos guia y entoncesel maestro debe Ilegar a ser como un instrumento a través del cual el Espiritu Santo puede alcanzar al alma en busqueda.

“El amado Guardian ha recaleado una y otra vez, que para ensefiar efectivamente la Fe, el individuo debe estudiar profundamente la Palabra Divina, beber sus aguas que dan vida, y festejar sobre sus ensefianzas gloriosas. El debe, entonces, meditar sobre la importancia de la Palabra, y al encontrarsus profundidades espirituales, orar por guia y ayuda. Perolo mas importante, después de la oracién es la accion. Después que uno ha orado y meditado, debe levantarse, confiando completamente en la guia y confirmacion de Baha‘u'llah para ensenar su Fe. Perseverancia en accion es esencial lo mismo que sabiduria y audacia son necesarias para ensefar efectivamente. El individuo tiene que sacrificar todo a esta gran meta, y entonces las victorias triunfaran” (en nombre de Shoghi Effendi, citado en Baha'i News, enero 1957, pp.12) (traduccién_no oficial).

Para una lista de las metas de pioneros en este pais y contactos para estas localidades, favor de Ilamar o escribir al: National Teaching Committee Office, Bahai National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, (708) 869-9039.

Usando un equipo de ensenanza de tiempo completo

Como ha sido exhortado por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional en su Plan de Ensefianza para el Afio Final del Plan de Seis Afios, grupos pequefios de creyentes ya se estan levantando en varias areas del pais para dedicarse al servicio de tiempo completo de la Causa por varias duraciones de tiempo.

ESTOS grupos estan bajo la guia y direccion ‘de las instituciones en cuya jurisdiccion los equipos estan ensefiando. Para muchas Asambleas, dirigir los esfuerzos de los maestros de tiempo completo es una nueva experiencia. Las Asambleas, tal vez, no estan seguras como usarlos 0 tal vez no tienen las estructuras puestas para usarlos efectivamente. Sin embargo, si son capaces de desarrollar maneras constructivas para organizar, dirigir, y guiara estos maestros de jornada completa, la energiaespiritual preciosa de los amigos que postergan los otros planes

ensus vidas y ofrecen su tiempo y esfuerzo para servir la Causa en esta capacidad puede producir resultados maravillosos. Un equipo de ensefanza de tiempo completo puede ayudar con los esfuerzos de ensefianza de una comunidad Baha varias maneras. Por ejemplo, un equipo puede ayudar a establecer y mantener un instituto de ensefianza o participar cada dia en un proyecto de ensefianza en marcha. Un equipo puede estar disponible para visitar regularmentea los creyentes nuevos para ayudar a educarlos y profundizarlos, y ayudar a los creyentes nuevos con sus primeros esfuerzos de ensenar a sus familias, vecinos y amigos. Si una comunidad tiene varios jovenes y nifios, un equipo podria juntar a estos creyentes jovenes, entrenarlos como maestros para la Causa, y movilizarlos para ensefiar. Un equipo también podria proveer personal de tiempo completo en un Centro Baha’ io

Declaracion sobre Baha’u’llah

Durante el Afio Santo, Ridvan 1992 hasta Ridvan 1993, los Baha‘is a través del mundo daran “un recuerdo apropiado al Centenario de la Ascension de Baha‘u'llah y de la inauguracién de Su Convenio mundial unificador.” Mientras tal recuerdo apropiado requerira refleccion y meditacién sobre el significado de estos eventos, también requerira accion “para pregonar el Nombre de Baha’u'llah a través del globo terrestre, para que sea una eminencia conocida en las conciencias de los pueblos en todas partes.” (cita de la Casa Universal de Justicia, 1991 Mensaje de Ridvan, traduccion no oficial).

A peticion de la Casa Universal de Justicia, su Oficina de Informacion Publica ha preparado una declaracion corta sobre la vida y el trabajo de Baha‘u'llah para ayudar a los amigos a informar a la gente sobre Baha'u'llah y el significado de Su revelacion. En una carta del 3 de abril,

1991, la Casa Universal de Justicia anuncio que: “Ilevando el nombre de ‘Baha"u'llah,” la declaracion esta destinada primordialmente para la distribucion extensa al ptblico; sin embargo, como pronto se vera, tiene gran valor como una fuente de estudio e inspiracién para los amigos mismos.

Esta declaracion extraordinaria esta disponible en forma de folleto en el Servicio de Distribucién Baha’i (Baha'i Distribution Service). El precio de una edicion general atractiva es $1.50, mientras que el precio para una edicion para presentacién es $5.95. El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza urge que los amigos estudien esta declaracién cuidadosamente, que la compartan con sus amigos, familia, y socios, y que la usen en sus esfuerzos de ensefianza en la comunidad. “Ayudarme es ensenar Mi Causa.” -Baha‘u'llah (traduccion no oficial)

un Centro de Informacion Baha saludando a visitantes, contestando preguntas por teléfono, o alfabetizando o dando clases de nifios.

Si se ofrece los servicios de un equipo de tiempo completo a una Asamblea Espiritual Local, se sugiere que la Asamblea se retina con los miembros del equipo lo mas pronto posible para discutir las habilidades y los talentos de los

miembros del equipo, consultar sobre maneras en que el equipo pueda integrarse en el plan de ensenanza de la comunidad, y para decidir cuales tareas especificas el equipo hara. La Asamblea debe continuar reuniéndose conel equipo de vez encuando mientras estas tareas estan implementadas para evaluar y continuar guiando los esfuerzos del grupo.

‘Pavilion of ‘Abdu'l-Baha’ among many events designed to enhance appeal of World Congress

The fast-approaching second Baha'i World Congress in New York City will be the site of a variety of activities and events, inaddition to plenary sessions at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Seven hotels will host concerts, dramatic presentations, fellowship gatherings, and/or learning activities.

The most intriguing and moving among these many activities will be a “Pavilion of *Abdu'l-Baha,” which will depict the visit of the Master to New York City in 1912.

The Covenant of Bahd‘u'llah was proclaimed in the West by His appointed Successor, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, in New York on May 9, 1912. The Pavilion of *Abdu'lBaha celebrates that unique event and the promulgation of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah by the Center of the Covenant Himself.

Init will be captured some of the images and events of that remarkable turning point in Bahda’i history.

Through a wide selection of photographic materials and a collection of media coverage of His visit, those visiting the Pavilion will be afforded a glimpse of New York City as it was when ‘Abdu’ lBaha proclaimed His Father's message to the multitudes who heard Him speak in churches, at universities, and in private gatherings.

Designed to be viewed by an audience of selected non-Bahda‘is, as well as the friends who attend the World Congress, the Pavilion offers one an opportunity to experience something of the cultural milieu of New York and of the world of 1912.

‘The Master commented during His visit that more people were crowded into Manhattan and its suburbs than could be found, at the time, in all of Persia. It must have seemed to His companions that representatives of all humanity were being drawn to that spot as ‘Abdu'l-Baha raised | Baha‘u'llah’s call to humankind in the City of the Covenant. P

Baha’is will experience a feeling of awe and wonder as they glimpse these scenes from the life of the Exemplar of the Cause during His visit to the West. Everyone attending the World Congress will be given an opportunity to visit this unique exhibit and will be assigned a time for that pur Many other exciting events are being planned. Talented Baha'is from around the world will perform during this largest gathering of Baha’is in the history of the Faith.

KatimaT 8.£. 149 / Juy 13, 1992 [Page 15]

THe American BanA'i 15

Lub Rooj Sablaj Loj Baha'i Thoob Ntiaj Teb (Baha'i World Congress) Nyob New York City, November 1992

Pib txij lub 4 hlis ntuj tim 21, xyoo 1992 no, tsoom ntseeg Baha'is yuav qhib muaj kev nqaum paj nqaum nruas ua hmoov txhawb siab rau hauv lub xyoo tseem ceeb no, hu tias yog ib lub xyoo txwmtiam “Holy year.” Qhov no yog ua hmoov nco txog hnub txwm 100 xyoo xam txij thaum yawg Baha’u'Ilah tau tas sim neej thiab yog hnub pib tshaj txoj hmoo zoo kev ntseeg Baha’i kom nrov ncha mus thoob qb ntuj. Muaj ob yam tseem ceeb tshaj plaws yuay tshwm sim tuaj rau hauv lub xyoo no. Thawj yam yog yuav tsa kom muaj ib lub koomtxoos rau lub 5 hlis ntuj hnub tim 29. Qhov no yog lub koomtxoos tas los ua hmoov nco txog hnub yawg Baha’u’Ilah tau tas sim neej thiab nws yog ib hnub tseem ceeb heev rau tsoom ntseeg Baha’is.

Yam thib ob yog lub Rooj Sablaj Loj Baha’i Thoob Ntiaj Teb (Baha’i World Congress), uas yuav tsa muaj nyob rau tuam ceeb New York City pib thaum lub 11 hlis ntuj hnub tim 23 txog 26, xyoo 1992 no. Muaj ntau txhiaj leej cov ntseeg Baha'is nyob thoob gab ntuj yuav

tuaj koom rau lub rooj sablaj no thiab lub caij ntawm yuav muaj kev sib sablaj tham tseem ceeb ntau yam hauy txhua hnub, ua ke ntawd kuj yuav muaj kev nqaum paj nruas (Concerts) thiab lwm yam kev lom zem rau ib cag ntxiv thiab.

Tus nge mus koom lub rooj sablaj loj thoob ntiaj teb no ib leeg yog $50.00. Cov nyiaj no yog yuav coj mus them tej nge ntaub ntawv twj siv hauv cov rooj sablaj, thiab nge tsheb (Bus) es yuav xa koj mus los ntawm lub Hotel koj pw mus rau tom chaw sablaj. Tsis tas li ntawm xwb, nws tseem tshuav tej nge xaub hotel pw, nge muas pib dav hlau mus rau New York thiab rev qab.Tshaj ntawd, koj kuj tseem yuav tau npaj me ntsis nyiaj kom txaus muas zaub mov noj rau koj tus kheej hauv tsib hnub es koj mus koom sablaj nyob pem thiab. Nej lub tsev teey ntuj baha’i (Local Spiritual Assembly) nyob hauv nej lub nroog koj nyob ko, lawy yeej muaj ntaub ntawv tshaj piav qhia txog tej xwm es hais saum no huv si, thiab lawv muaj ntau yam ntawy muab tswv yim qhia pab saib yuav ua li

cas koj thiaj sau npe (register) thiab mus koom tau lub rooj sablaj thoob ntiaj teb (Baha’i World Congress) hais no.

Tsev teev ntuj Baha’i muaj peev xwm yuav ghia rau koj paub tias ua cas koj thiaj yuav thov tau me ntsis nyiaj pab koj kom tau mus koom. Yog tias lub tsev teev ntuj ntawm lawy tsis paub txog, koj muaj cuab kav nug thov lawv kom lawy pab koj hu mus rau lub hoobkas ceev nyiaj txiag nyob rau Baha’i National Center (Please contact: the Treasurer’s Office at the Baha’i National Center) thiab hais kom lawv lis tej dej num koj xav tau pub rau koj. Los puas koj hu mus tham ntsib nrog tus Auxiliary Board member es nyob ze nej tau ib yam.

Lub tuam tsev tswj kev ncaj ncees ntiaj teb vam thiab cia siab tias txhua leej cov ntseeg Baha'i yuav ua tiag ntxeem tuaj rau New York kom tau thaum lub 11 hlisntuj. Peb vam thiab xav ntsoov tias koj yuav tuaj koom tau, xwb no.

Centenary

from page 8

of Germany have at all times recognized an important task in the dialogue with other religions. Surely, this year’s anniversary of the Baha’is will give a new, valuable impetus to inter-religious dialogue. I wish that the Baha’ is of Germany and throughout the world may live their Faith in freedom and in peaceful bonds with other religions.”

Other written messages of greeting were received by Nobel Peace Prize winner Willy Brandt, who referred to the principle of the unity of mankind; and by the philosopher and physicist Prof. Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker, brother of the German President, who said: “I have great esteem for Bahia “uIlah. [believe that what he defines as the call to all religions, is exactly corresponding with truth. I wish that..the world in general will listen to what you are saying.”

The representative of the City of Frankfurt, one of the 200 non-Baha’i guests at the event, opened the ceremony with words of praise for Baha’u'llah and His teachings; another speaker, Dr. Johannes

Baha'is in Dubuque, lowa, give ‘Promise,’ ‘Vision’ to local officials, educators

During May the Baha'i community of Dubuque, Iowa, was able to distribute copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and “The Vision of Race Unity” to local officials and educators on three occasions.

Copies were presented May | to a 10member Iowa Advisory Committee to the U.S. Human Rights Commission, with permission to do so given by the National Spiritual Assembly; on May 13 to the Dubuque School Board and the superintendent of schools; and on May 18 to the mayor, city manager and members of the city council.

The meetings on May 13 and May 18 were covered by local public access cable television.

The mayor responded to the presentation with kind words about the Baha'i community in general and its involvement in planning a counter-event to a Ku Klux Klan rally that was to be held in Dubuque on May 29.

. Plans are-under way to present copies of the documents in the near future to six other local organizations.

Lahnemann, a professor at the Theological University of Nurnberg and a representative from the Christian community, repeatedly referred to Baha*u'llah and His principles in his talk on the role of religion in society.

Others present included representatives of the Regional Parliament, the Catholic and Evangelical Churches, humanitarian and interreligious organizations, professors, journalists and others.

Invoking the name of God, the President of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Ibsen Valls Pinheiro, opened a solemn session of the Chamber on May 28, called to observe the centenary of the Ascension of Baha’u'llah. More than 45 Federal Deputies were present, as well as senators, diplomats and prominent persons.

President Pinheiro delivered the first address tesifying to the magnitude. of the personality and teachings of Baha’u'll4h, quoting on several occasions His utterances concerning the establishment of a new World Order. Seven leading Deputies, including one woman, also gave eloquent testimonies on the life and teachings of Baha’u'Ilah and the transforming power that He set in motion.

These talks, which lasted about two hours, included direct references to the beleaguered Baha’i community of Iran, “those who with their lives testify to the ideals of justice and brotherhood”; to the social projects developed by the Faith in Brazil and around the world; to the unity of the Baha’i community, “free from divisions”; to the Name of Baha’u'llah, “The Glory of God—what a beautiful name!”; to His teachings focusing on education, world government, equality between men and women, the elimination of prejudices and protection of the environment, with particular emphasis on Baha’i participation at the forthcoming United Nations Conference on the Environment (UNCED) and the Global Forum.

President Pinheiro crowned the event by presenting the message addressed to him by the Universal House of Justice, reading it with much respect and emotion. He ended the session by reading the prayer contained in that letter.

The session was followed by the launching of a commemorative rubber stamp issued by the Brazilian Federal Postal Service. The stamp was first used by President Pinheiro and dedicated to the staunch Baha’i community of Iran. “UNIMAGINABLE POTENCY”

The Universal House of Justice, anticipating the spiritual potency of the events of the Holy Year, wrote the following in its Ridvan 1992 message:

“A year charged with happenings of

such sacred import is bound to yield consequences of unimaginable potency. The immediate outcome is, however, impossible to predict, nor can it be fruitfully speculated about. Rather should we direct our thoughts to the meaning of the solemn occasions which this year is set apart to memorialize.

“For the purpose of the Holy year is not fulfilled by public memorials alone, befit ting as they will be. Essential to its purpose is the opportunity it offers for inner reflection on the part of every Baha’i individual. ... This is a time of retreat into one’s innermost being, to the dwellingplace of the Spirit of Baha, that interior to which He summons us when He says: ‘Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.’”

Nineteen representatives from U.S. among those who attend centenary observance in Holy Land

On June 1, 1990, the Universal House of Justice wrote to all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting that they devise a fair basis for nominating 19 individuals of the widest possible ethnic and indigenous representation from their respective communities to receive invitations to attend the commemoration in the Holy, Land,

The National Assembly of the United States sought recommendations from its members and the from the Counselors of individuals who have given extraordinary service to the Cause of God over an extended period of time. Invitations from the Universal House of Justice were extended to the following persons who were our representatives to the commemora tion:

Charles Abercrombie, Eulalia Bobo, Oscar de Gruy, Soo Fouts, Marzieh Gail, Lionel Gonzales, Daryush Haghighi, John

Halsey, Elizabeth Haynes, Fereydoun Jalali, Vernon Longie, Sam McClellan, Jorge Nossa, Olive Pretends Eagle, Sarah Pereira, Janet Rubenstein, Lauretta Voelz, Dennis Wahkinney, and Maurice Willows.

These friends have now returned to the States and are enthusiastically sharing their experiences with their, fellow-believers. Lauretta Voelz, conveying her, impressions of the event, said: “I cannot really describe what it was like. Itseemed during the Ascension ceremony as if we had just laid the Blessed beauty to rest in a fresh grave. It didn’t seem as if a hundred years had passed! Yet it was a happy and joyful feeling.

“It was an honor and a privilege to be there. I feel like Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, ‘I have been to the mountain top.” The only difference is, I climbed it, too!”

IN MEMORIAM

Inez Arviso Lee C. Elliott Scottsdale, AZ Middletown, NY 1991 May 6, 1992 Karen Archie Wiley Ellis Jr. Venice, CA Bend, OR

April 1992 Date Unknown

Francisca Estrada Presidio, TX Date Unknown

Leroy K. Fouts Atlantic Beach, FL

Elizabeth Berry New Port Richey, FL May 1992

Willie D. Boyd Greenville, TX

Date Unknown May 14, 1992 Ellen Brigham Naomi Franklin Greenville, TX Dekalb, IL

1992 1992

Caster Burkett Lois Goebel Prentiss, MS Logan, UT

Date Unknown April 19, 1992 Melecio Corpuz Sherrie Harrington Somerton, AZ Norman, OK

April 1991 Date Unknown

Jerry Crosby Alice Holmes

‘Anderson, SC Kirkland, WA May 25, 1992 May 13, 1992 Vera Derrickson Joan Hughes

East Moline, IL November 1991

Bellmawr, NJ January 19, 1992

Ernest Jensen John H. Spahn

Tigard, OR St. Helena, SC May 1, 1992 April 7, 1992 Mansefield Jones Mary Louise Smith Batesburg, SC Prentiss, MS February 1992 1992

Elouise Lance Versie Smith Bucksport, SC Prentiss, MS

Date Unknown

Elizabeth Toomer Birmingham, AL January 31, 1992

Filipa Valenzuela

Date Unknown

Mattie Lansdowne Moncks Corner, SC Date Unknown

George Magnan

Ventura, CA Guadalupe, AZ April 21, 1986 1991

Christine McKay Yousef Vijeh Boston, MA Tyler, TX 1990 May 20, 1992 Louise Perchero Vincent White Laveen, AZ

April 20, 1992 April 18, 199:

Abbas Yavrom Suisun City, CA December 11, 1991

Dorothy Ann Person LaGrange, IL

Date Unknown

Kay Reynolds Hesperia, CA

Date Unknown

Kaur B.€. 149 / Jucy 13, 1992 [Page 16]16 THe American BanA'i

zs

JULY

“Challenges of the Holy Year—Proclaiming Baha’u'llah’s Revelation,” Bosch hool, Santa Cruz, California, Also, special course for young students ages 11 and older. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-30: Youth Institute and Graduate Youth Institute, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen, 408-423-3387.

19-24: Junior Youth Week, Louhelen Baha'i School (313-653-5

24-26: Third annual Southeast Asian Conference, Louhelen Baha'i School. The “Connecting the Hearts of Southeast Asians to Baha‘u‘llih.” For program information, please contact the U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office (phone 708-869-9039; FAX 708-8690247). For registration information, please phone the Louhelen Baht School, 313-653

Freedoms in the Ba ith,” Oklahoma City Baha’i ponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Bethany. For information, contact Khalil Dana, 405-789-2428.

nsures forma

on of Baha'u'lah/Celebration of the Covenant/Teaching. the Victory of the Covenant,” Bosch Baha‘i School, Santa Cruz, California. For tion, phone ne 423- 3387,

Summer School, Newtown School, Waterford. Contact the Senter, Burlington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.

3 Dayspring Baha'i School, Frostburg (Maryland) State University. Theme: “Baha‘u'llih—The Glory of God: The Significance of the Holy Year.” For informati phone Pam Rogers, 703-444-1512.

Mount Carmel. Through adi ‘ions and a bake sale, an audience of 60 enabled the 31-August 5: Fa: Week I, “The World Order of Baha‘u'llah,” Louhelen Baha’i children to raise $200 for the Arc Fund. School. For information, phone 313

AUGUST | 1-6: Junior Youth Institute (ages 12-15), Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. Because of the high demand for this week, we can register only those who have reached | their 12th birthday by August 1. For an application packet, send a $100 deposit to the | | Registrar, Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. 1-8: Baha'i Summer School, Brno, Czechoslovakia. Theme: “Baha'u'llah, the Unifier J -| of Mankind. | 7-9: Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Assembly, Washington, D.C. Theme: “Unity | | Through the Peaceful Resolution of Conflict.” Sponsored by the MLK Jr. Federal Holiday | Commission with the support of the National Spiritual Assembly. For inform: ion office, 202-708-1005, or Cornelia Rutledge, 202-966-235 | lah’s Tablets and His Mighty Covenant,” Louhelen | School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. Adult Institute, Bosch Bahé’i School, Santa Cruz, California. Conducted by | ary Board member Miguel Osborne. For information, write to the Registrar, Bosch | | Baha’i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387). | 14-23: Project 92: A Workshop for Baha'i Youth Workshops, Louhelen Bahai School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. | 15-20: In addition to the regular Youth and Graduate Institutes, a new program, | | “Advanced Research Institute on the Theory and Method of Baha'i Scholarship,” Bosch |_| Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California, Directed by Habib Riazati. For information and |_| _ interview for admission, phone Mr. Riazati, 714-994-3131. Z : 22-27: “Positive Personal Transformation,” “Understanding Our Transcultural SociLeek taut | ety,” “The Holy Year: Its Challenges and Opportunities,” Bosch Baha‘i School, Santa 2 H 1 | | | |

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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National Center, Wilmette, IL. 60091, as soon as you know what your new address will be

A. NAME(S):

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B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:

‘Sireet address P.O. Box or Other mailing address

‘Apartment (IF applicable) ‘Apartinent # (IFapplicable)

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California. Full program for children/youth directed by staff teachers. For informaphone 408-423-3387.

0: 10th Baha'i Conference at Massanetta, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton. Theme: “Baha'u'llah, His Revelation and His Covenant.” Please register by July 15. For registration/information, Jim Lamb, Staunton, VA 24401 (phone 703-885-6996).

SEPTEMBER

4-7: Pioneering Institute, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina, For information, phone 708-869-9039. 1g 1992, Louhelen Baha'i School. Phone 313-653-5033. z Our Horizons,” the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’ I-Baha’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For people of all ages, Speakers to include Auxiliary Board member Steven Gonzales, historians Marie Griffith and Duane Troxel. Also, performing arts, workshops, special youth excursion, children’s classes, nursery. Pre~ registration (adults) $15. Additional fees for activities. For information, please phone Cyndi Hogan, 303-625-3932.

18-20: 33rd annual Green Lake Bahé‘i Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Theme:

“Know Thou the Value of These Days.” Confirmed speakers: Suheil Bushrui, Javidukht Khadem, Jenna Khodadad, Kevin Locke, Robert Malouf, Robert Harris, June Thomas, Ernestine Berkey.For accommodations and meal reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

OCTOBER “The Role of Music in a Changing World,” Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, land. 30-November 1: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha’i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

‘State Tip coke, ‘State Zip core

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Name of new Baha'i Community Moving date ‘Area code Phowe number Name

\'F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):

‘Arca code Phone mumnber Name ‘Area code Phone number Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY:

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NOVEMBER 5-9: First Sino-American Seminar on Women’s Issues, sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Women’s Federation. Theme: “Women Today and Tomorrow.” For information, contact Seminar on Women’s Issues, Duette J. Rochelle, Kapaa, HI 96746 (phone 808-822-5756 or 808-335-3566; Fax 808-335-0065).

DECEMBER 11-13: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387. JANUARY

15-17: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha‘i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

BAHA'| NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, IL 60091

SS Kamat 8.€. 149 / Jury 13, 1992 �

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