The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 14/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 23, Issue 14

Former Counselor for Central America Alfred Osborne dies

SADDENED LEARN PASSING OUTSTANDING RESOLUTE PROMOTER FAITH GOD ALFRED OSBORNE. RECORD HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES, ESPECIALLY AS CONTINENTAL COUNSELOR CENTRAL AMERICA, IMPERISHABLE. PRAYING FERVENTLY HOLY THRESHOLD ADYANCEMENT HIS NOBLE SOUL IN KINGDOM ON HIGH. KINDLY EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES MEMBERS

HIS DISTINGUISHED FAMILY. ADVISING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PANAMA ARRANGE BEFITTING MEMORIAL MEETING HIS MEMORY MOTHER TEMPLE LATIN AMERICA.

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AUGUST 25, 1992

The American Baha’i

Volume 23, No. 14

...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...

’—Baha'u'llah

Mashiyyat B.£. 149 / September 27, 1992

N i ‘i Left photo: A panoramic view of Mount Carmel taken July 19 with the Shrine of the Bab in the center showing progress in excavating the site for the terraces below

the Shrine. Following completion of earth works on the lower terraces, drainage and plumbing will begin. Right photo: Excavation of the site of the Center for the

Study of the Texts nears completi Observing the earth-moving eqmipaient from ahigher level with the large re g wall above the excavation and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in the background is the Mount Carmel Project's civil engineer. (Photos by Ruhi Vargha; more photos on page 9)

National Assembly places emphasis on developing Baha'i communities on

U.S. Indian Reservations

The National Spiritual Assembly, in calling for a special emphasis on the promotion of the oneness of humanity during the Holy Year, has placed a great deal of importance on the development of unity in diversity within the Baha’i community itself.

The National Assembly is especially concerned with developing Baha'i communities on American Indian Reservations, and has called for the establishment of an all-time high of between 70 and 80 local Spiritual Assemblies on Reservations by Ridvan 1993.

At the beginning of the Six Year Plan there were 64 Assemblies in Indian communities, the largest number ever recorded.

See RESERVATIONS page 2

INSIDE:

m Racism © In Houston, Institute for Healing

Chicago Baha'i is take lead in bringing races together

By Ken Bowers

About 500 people of diverse races and nationalities gathered August 29 in Chicago’s Burnham Park for the first Day of Unity and Unity Walk sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations, and the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago.

Highlights of the event included musical and dramatic presentations on the theme of race unity, representing a wide variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds; a threemile Walk for Unity along Chicago's well-known Lakeshore Drive; anda public presentation of “The Vision of Race Unity” to Richard Phelan, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Mr. Phelan, upon

Day or Unrry

Richard Phelan (left), president ofthe Cook County Board of Commissioners, was among those who attended the Day of Unity in Chicago.

tackles America’s pervasive disease receiving the race

unity statement, said, “It’s important to all of us that we recognize our differences, but share our values.” He also expressed his pleasure at attending the event.

Others speakers were Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the National

Miracles

Although they are possible, miracles offer no lasting basis for one’s faith

The Fund

Contributions are up thanks to single large gift, record estate bequests

Spiritual Assembly, and Clarence Wood, head of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.

Mr. Wood referred to the “Models of Unity” study, which his agency had conducted in collaboration with the National Assembly, as one of the most important programs undertaken by the Commission this year.

“What is important,” he said, “is that we

come together with a common vision...a vision that says we are all humankind. That is the beginning of the process. We are prepared to do this over and overagain until we have made this vision a reality. Dr. Henderson, commenting on the importance of gatherings such as the Day of Unity, said: “We can desegregate the law,

but now we must desegregate our hearts. See DAY OF UNITY page 14

[Page 2]

Houston's Institute tackles difficult task of healing Lae

The Houston Institute for the Healing of Racism was established in early 1989 by a multiracial group of Baha’is who wanted to follow the mandate of the Faith to eradicate prejudice and bring people togetherin unity. Through individual prayer, deepening and personal transformation, the Institute has evolved into an important and well-known contributor toward interracial understanding in Houston.

THE INSTITUTE has been called on to offer presentations and workshops by various groups in the community including the Catholic Diocese of GalvestonHouston, the Mayor’s Office and Committee for Human Relations, a police training academy, the City Health Department, the YWCA, Conoco Oil, DuPont, the University of Houston, the University of Texas, and several area churches, schools and social organizations.

The most popular of the Institute's programs is its “Dialogue: Racism” series held at the Baha*i Center. Each installment consists of nine sessions conducted by interracial teams. Participants are given information about the causes and expressions of racism; they then share personal experiences related to the issue.

The goal of the dialogues is to help individuals transform their own attitudes toward race, then to help them become a positive force for creating understanding among people. Part of the process is to become more attuned to the subtle ways in which racism is expressed in our society.

“Many well-meaning people who do not consciously harbor feelings of prejudice discover through these dialogues that they have subconscious patterns of behayior that can in fact perpetuate racial ste reotypes,” says Barbara Hacker, a dialogue facilitator. “The Dialogue series helps them to become more sensitive to this; and that awareness, in turn, becomes a source of confidence in trying to stop racism whenever it occurs.

“Racism is not an easy issue to deal with, but as people come together to combat it they find ways of supporting and appreciating one another.”

Cherry Steinwender, a co-facilitator, adds, “People of color often experience ‘internalized’ racism; they believe misinformation and stereotypical ideas about themselves. They find the dialogue a good forum in which to deal with the resulting pain and anger. Often they are able to regain pride in themselves and their heritage.”

THE SERIES has drawn a wide racial and ethnic mix to the Baha’i Center, and has also attracted followers of many religions. Attendance for each session is usually between 70 and 80. Although the Faith is not taught directly during the sessions, anumber of people have been attracted to it by the commitmentto race harmony shown by the Bahai participants. Five people have become Baha’is as a result of this contact, and more are studying the Faith at local firesides.

The dialogues have also won many friends for the Faith. A few of these have become closely involved with the Institute and have been trained as facilitators.

Others impressed by the Institute's ac

At Ridvan 1992 only 56 were formed; however, National Assembly records indicate that there are nearly 20 more Indian communities with nine or more believers that did not form Assemblies this year, and about eight localities with seven or eight believers.

Since Spiritual Assemblies are a part of the “healing remedy” brought to the world by Baha'u'llah, forming Assemblies in these Indian communities contributes to strengthening the Faith and, consequently, to establishing the oneness of humanity.

The National Assembly's goal can be achieved through efforts to maintain current Assemblies and to nurture other localities to Assembly status. The key objective is to raise effective administrative institutions serving Baha’u'llah.

The American Bahd'i is published 1

postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional m: ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Associate Editor: in American Baha interest from indi Baha'i h. Articles should be clear and con black-and-white glossy photographs should whenever possible. Please address all materials spondence to The Editor, The American Bahé't,

elcomes news,

IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Baha't 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.

Masnivyat B.€. 149 / SeptemBer 27, 1992

es a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class

Baha'i communitites are encouraged to consider actions from the following list that can be included in local plans: I. Consolidation

¢ Encourage and nurture teaching institutes.

Help American Indian communities

host prayer meetings for local members that are not open to the general public.

Encourage homefront pioneers and

traveling teachers to read or tell stories about Baha'u'llah and memorize His Writings so they can be recited easily.

Increase collaboration with Auxiliary

Board members.

Initiate activities to serve children

which in turn can help motivate Assemblies to meet and function.

IL.Teaching

Help strong indigenous Assemblies to

adopt extension teaching goals.

¢ Encourage Assemblies not located on Reservations to consult on and adopt extension teaching goals in Indian communities.

Support Indian teaching goals through prayer.

Regional American Indian Teaching Committees may be able to assist local Baha’i communities in such areas as:

Adopting Indian communities as extension

teaching goals.

¢ Helping Baha’is to develop effective consolidation and teaching plans for Indian localities.

Making contacts with

believers in Indian communities.

and correWilmette,

for the Healing of Racism

in Houston, Texas. The Institute has been held since 1989 at the city’s Baha'i Center.

tivities include the Houston news media, which have reported on the dialogues in many news articles and broadcasts, and people froma variety of professional backgrounds whose pursuits touch on racerelated issues. Some of the latter group have invited dialogue facilitators to conduct on-site consultations with their colleagues, who they feel need such preparation to better deal with their clients.

MEMBERS of the Institute have made great efforts to share experiences with other Baha'is across the country. The Institute sponsored a race unity conference on Labor Day in 1991, which was attended by 95 believers from several states. The conference proved an effective forum for consultation on ways to serve the Faith and the community at large.

Teams from the Houston Institute have also worked with Baha'i communities interested in starting similar projects, traveling to cities in Texas and to Florida, Tennessee and Illinois to conduct training workshops. The Institute has also provided telephone consultation to friends who wish to learn from the Houston expetience.

An important component of the Institute’s work is the attitude that the dialogues are a learning process for everyone. Its Baha‘i members seek continuously to develop their own appreciation of the Baha’i teachings related to “the most challenging issue,” so that they may act according to the true spirit of the Faith.

“We are all developing an ever greater understanding of how to relate to each other,” says Ms. Steinwender. “It is wonderful to see people of such diverse races and backgrounds getting together in this

“way, sharing with each other on a very

deep level. Many develop bonds of friendship and a totally new sense of community.

“Often we have seen spontaneous activities result from the dialogue sessions. All of these things show that they are truly beginning to believe in, and understand, the oneness of humanity.”

‘The more one can give, the better it is...’ National Baha’i Fund Wilmette, IL 60091

Professionals Sought for Race Unity Network and Referral Service

The National Spiritual Assembly is developing a network and referral system of professional individuals, corporations, and those active in the field of race unity to meet the needs of Baha'i ‘i communities and other organizations who may request assistance jatives. This network could assist local Baha’i communi al-expenses basis) by either

assist organizations (educational, civic/governmental, or corporate) by operating in their professional capacities.

Professionals interested in becoming a part of this network should contact the National Teaching Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone (708) 869-9039. Correspondence should include the name of corporation/consulting firm, area of expertise (multi-cultural education for schools, experience with corporations, etc.), methodology (how the firm operates), range of fees for professional referral work, and availability to work on a minimal-expenses basis (could individuals volunteer, for example, once per month?). Professional participants would have the option to say, “No,” to a particular situation which may be referred to them.

[Page 3]THe American BaxA'i 3

Miracles

Although possible, they offer no lasting value as basis for faith

By Ken Bowers

In discussing the Faith with friends from Jewish or Christian backgrounds, Baha’is are often asked whether Baha'u'llah or the Bab performed any miracles. The reason for this is that miraculous events are featured prominently in both the Old and New Testaments, and many of those who believe in the Bible consider miracles to be the greatest proof of prophethood.

THERE ARE in fact many miracles associated with the lives of the twin Manifestations of God; however, both the Bab and Baha’u'llah downplayed their significance, teaching that such miracles for which people normally laud the Prophets are of no real or lasting value as a basis for faith, except when taken in light of their hidden spiritual meaning. Baha’is believe that physical miracles can only be appreciated by those who actually witness them, and even then most fail to do so.

The Bible itself contains abundant evidence in support

__ of this view. In the days of Moses, for example, many of those who witnessed His miracles remained unconvinced that He was sent by God. Some of His followers, having survived the 10 plagues, crossed the Red Sea, and eaten of the manna from heaven, still abandoned the one God of Moses in favor of polytheistic practices.

Centuries later, when Christ cured 10 people of leprosy on one occasion, only one so muchas thanked Him for it, prompting Him to remark:

“Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18)

The author of the Gospel of John observed that most people who were eyewitnesses to Christ’s miracles were not sufficiently impressed by them to become believers:

“But though he had done many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.” (12:37)

The Baha’i Era is replete with well-recorded episodes that further demonstrate this ancient pattern. Perhaps the most dramatic of these was the first attempt to execute the Bab, where thousands of people saw Him emerge unscathed from a volley of 750 bullets. This amazing feat caused a sensation when it occurred, and was talked about in circles high and low for generations afterward. Virtually no one, including the Bab’s enemies, denied that it had happened, yet very few were led to investigate His Cause as a result; most simply explained it away or ignored it.

Little wonder, then, that Baha'u'llah, although possessing the same powers over nature as the other Manifestations of God, did not rely on them to validate His Mission. Rather, He showed forth the same spiritual signs evinced by His Predecessors. These He enumerated in this well-known passage:

“The first and foremost testimony establishing His truth is His own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For whoso faileth to recognize either the one or the other He hath established the words He hath revealed as proof of His reality and truth. This is, verily, an evidence of His tender mercy unto men.”

THIS CONCEPT is sensi Ly moral leader is that he is himself moral; the proof of a counselor is compassion and understanding; the proof of a king is his ability to govern.

No one would choose a physician because he can pull a rabbit out of a hat—why then apply such a test to the Divine Physician? No teacher would resort to magic to show that he can teach—why should the Divine Educator do so? Put in this perspective, the expectation that a Prophet should perform uncanny feats to justify His claims seems immature and irrelevant.

Miracles simply do not serve the main purpose for which the Prophets have appeared. Baha'u'llah once said this about the relationship of miracles to true religion:

“...the Cause of God is not a theatrical display that is presented every hour, of which some new diversion may be asked for every day. If it were thus, the Cause of God would become mere child’s play.”

Baha'u'llah, ever vigilant in upholding the dignity of the Cause of God, nevertheless lived in a society whose members believed that anyone laying claims toa Revelation from God should—and would—back them up with

marvelous supernatural deeds. The people most responsible for such expectations were the clergy, who believed in and taught the literal fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Day of Resurrection, and did not perceive the spiritual significance of many of the miracles recorded in past Scriptures.

Eventually the time came for them to challenge Baha'u'llah, Who used the opportunity to expose the distinctions in both belief and character between those people and Himself.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE MIRACLE

Abdu’l-Baha recounts the following incident that took

place during Baha’u'llah’s final years in Baghdad:

“It often happened that in Baghdad certain Muhammadan ‘ulama [clergy], Jewish rabbis, and Christians, met together with some European scholars, in a blessed reunion [a meeting with Baha'u'llah]: each one had some question to propose, and although they were possessed of varying degrees of culture, they each heard a sufficient and convincing reply, and retired satisfied. Even the Persian ‘ulama who were at Karbila and Najaf [citiesnear Baghdad] chose a wise man whom they sent ona mission to him; his name was Mulla Hasan-i-’ Amu. He came into the Holy Presence, and proposed a number of questions on behalf of the ‘ulama, to which Baha’u’Ilah replied.

“Then Hasan-i-’ Amt said: “The ‘ulama recognize without hesitation and confess the knowledge and virtue of Baha'u'llah, and they are unanimously convinced that in all learning he has no peer or equal; and it is also evident that he has never studied or acquired this learning’; but still the ‘ulama said: ‘We are not contented with this, we do not acknowledge the reality of his mission by virtue of his wisdom and righteousness. Therefore we ask him to show us a miracle in order to satisfy and tranquilize our hearts.”

“Baha'u'llah replied: ‘Although you have no right to ask this, for God should test His creatures, and they should not test God, still I allow and accept this request.

“The ‘ulama must therefore assemble and with one accord choose one miracle, and write that after the performance of this miracle they will no longer entertain doubts about me, and that all will acknowledge and

saries in the Orient acknowledged his greatness, grandeur, knowledge and virtue; and though they were his enemies, they always spoke of him as ‘the renowned Baha’u'llah."”

Those among the clergy who were Baha’u'llah’s enemies had expected that He would back down in the face of such a challenge, thereby giving them an excuse to denounce Him publicly. Instead, much to their shock and dismay, He immediately rose to the occasion, refusing to be intimidated.

This episode is unique in religious history, for never before had a Manifestation of God accepted to publicly perform a miracle on predetermined conditions. Baha’u'llah could easily have performed a miracle, had the clergy been able to agree on one. The Blessed Beauty was well aware, however, that that would never happen. The insincerity of the ‘ulama was apparent to Him. Their only motive had been to discredit the Cause; when He chose to defend it, they had no recourse but shamed silence. %,

BAHA’U’LLAH’S remark that “God should test His creatures, and they should not test God,” offers an important insight into the relationship between the Creator and humanity. It is highly presumptuous for amere human to believe that he knows what is better for mankind than God Himself, to assume that he, not God, can best judge what proofs should accompany a Divine Revelation, and to think that the Almighty should act according to any standard but His own.

There are other examples in Baha’i history in which Baha’u’Ilah, at the request of certain individuals, actually performed feats that were true miracles. These people did not actually test Baha’u’llah, however; in reality it was Baha'u'llah Who tested them. For those who were sincere, such gifts from the Blessed Beauty provided confirmation and abundant blessings. Those with dark motives,

however, found themselves utterly bereft of His bounties.

The Muslim leaders had hoped to expose Baha’u'llah as an impostor; instead, they were themselves exposed as hypocrites. As a result of their scheme Baha’u’llah’s spiritual and moral ascendancy was more firmly established than ever.

confess the truth of My Cause. Let them seal this paper and bring it to me. This must be the accepted criterion: If the miracle is performed, no doubt will remain for them; and if not, we shall be convicted of imposture.’ The learned man, Hasan-i-’Amt, rose and replied, ‘There is no more to be said’; he then kissed the knee of the Blessed One although he was not a believer, and went. He gathered the ‘ulama and gave them the sacred message. They consulted together and said, “This man is an enchanter; perhaps he will perform an enchantment, and then we shall have nothing more to say.’ Acting on this belief, they did not dare to push the matter further.

from several communities presented a copy of ‘The Vision of Race Unity’ to George chairman of the County Board of Commissioners. Pictured with Mr. Bailey are Baha’is (left to right) Pari and Arash Monjazeb of Spring Valley; Bob Ravellette of Chula Vista; Vivian Thompson of El Cajon J.D.; and Mike Lavach of Lakeside.

the San Diego, Califor area recently

-y (third from left),

“This man, Hasan-i“Amt, mentioned this fact © at many meetings. After leaving Karbila he went to Kirmanshah and Tehran, and spread a detailed account of it everywhere, laying emphasis on the fear and withdrawal of the “ulama.

“Briefly, all his adver New Mexico teachin of 57 new believers from six racial backgrounds

A teaching institute begun last year in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has seen the declarations of 57 new believers from six racial backgrounds in the past nine months.

Two graduate students from India, both. of whom were Hindu, declared their belief in Baha‘u'llah about a week after seeing the video tape, “Jewel in the Lotus,” about

institute sees declarations

the House of Worship in New Delhi. The number of Indian graduate students who have declared has risen to 16, at least 13 of whom are actively teaching others.

All new declarants are encouraged to begin teaching immediately and are given a supply of enrollment cards for seekers.

aan i RL

Masnivyat B.£, 149/ SeptemBen 27, 1992 [Page 4]

4 The American Bans

UPCOMING PIONEERING INSTITUTES

January 7-10, 1993—Bosch Baha’i School, Santa Cruz, California. Early Spring 1993—Green Acre Baha’i School, Eliot, Maine. Late Spring 1993—Bahda’i National Center, Evanston, Illinois.

If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

BAHA'I YOUTH SERVICE CORPS TRAINING

A Training Institute is being planned for January 5-10, 1993, at the Bosch Baha’i School. All youth, who live on the west coast and in the western states, please note, THIS IS THE ONLY TRAINING THAT WILL BE HELD IN YOUR REGION THIS HOLY YEAR AND UNTIL JANUARY 1994. Remember, you must participate in a Training Institute before you leave for your post. If you are interested in attending, contact the Office of Pioneering at the Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Louhelen awards '92 Hayden Fellowship — in poetry to Jeffrey Jentz of Minnesota

The Louhelen Baha'i School has awarded the 1992 Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship to Jeffrey J. Jentz of Shevlin, Minnesota.

Mr. Jentz holds a master of arts degree in English from the University of North Dakota anda master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Arkansas. He has taught at universities in Arkansas, Minnesota and North Dakota and presented readings of his poetry in those states and in Manitoba, Canada.

Much of Mr. Jentz’s poetry reflects his interest in and concern for rural people and American Indians. He has coordi UNICEF Day materials

To promote global awareness, multiculturalism and a spirit of caring for the world’s children, please write for the annual UNICEF Day kit which includes a fund-raising activities booklet, an educational guide, a full-color poster, and UNICEF collection cartons.

Toorder, write to the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, P.O. Box 182248, Chattanooga, TN 37422. Please enclose $3 to cover postage and handling.

AFRICA

1 ONS

(FA) Burundi (E) Ciskei.. (E) The Gambia (Preferably Persians)

(E) Nigeria . (E) Sierra Leone (E) South Africa (E) St. Helena (E) Namibia (E) Transkei

university; one doctor)

(E) Venda... Total for Africa

AMER!

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

for a dentist) .. (E) Belize (For radi

Secretariat) .... possibly of Persian background)...

ably a Spanish-speaking couple) (E) Dominica ..

(E) Grenada... teachers) (E) Guyana (Prefer: Blacks......

preferably self-supporting) ...

(E) Kenya (Preferably Outside Nairobi) ..

(E) Uganda (One to teach the Faith in the

Assigned Goals a a

(E) Barbados (Employment opportunities

(S) opment projects; skills for the National

(P) Brazil (Preferably for Amazon project,

(S) Chile (Juan Fernandez Islands, prefer

(F) French Guiana (Preferably Persian)

(F) Guadeloupe (Opportunities for English

(S) Honduras (Bay Islands, Yoro, Colon; _

Goals Open Assigned Goals

(6) (F)

(S) (E)

(E) (0) (E) (S) Uruguay ... (S) Venezuela

NNYNNNNO=ANN=oecococcocono

Bly eieS

Goals Open

ASIA si

istration)

ny ny

Suriname (Preferably Persian) . Trinidad & Tobago (Preferably Persian)

(E) Virgin Islands, British Total for Americas

heen ne (E) Marshall Islands (To help with admin

2 1 1 Total for Americas Oo

EUROPE

0 greater Lisbon, preferably Portugese or Spanish-speaking) ey a Total for Europe 2 0

nated social and educational projects on Sioux Reservations in South Dakota, and developed the Flowering Tree Writing and Healing Approach to promote racial harmony in a multi-cultural context. His poetry, for which he has received several awards, has been widely published in national and Midwestern magazines.

Mr. Jentz will be serving his residency period at the Louhelen School in the summer of 1993.

The Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship was established in 1985 by Mrs. Erma Hayden in memory of her husband, the first black and first Baha'i to be appointed Consultant in Poetry to the U.S. Library of Congress. Robert Hayden died in 1980.

The purpose of the Fellowship is to encourage the work of poets in the early stages of their careers.

Committee for China asks

for ‘traveling visitors’

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

6 YEAR PLAN U.S. PIONEERING GOA

AMERICAS Jamaica (Preferably self-supporting for rural areas to work in village development) 4 Martinique (French-speaking youth to enroll in university or with musical talent) ..... Nicaragua (Preferably Persian) ..... St. Lucia (Skills in community consol Goals Open

Continued Assigned Goals

°

no oo

Alypyryenyya wajooco+co

258 Pioneers filling goals for other countries .. 18 469 Total Pioneers sent .....

745

[Language Key: (E) English (0) Dutch (F) French (M) Mandarin (P) Portuguese (S) Spanish |

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS

Months

Guinea-Bissau

Liberia 12

Nigeria 12

Tanzania 36

Uganda 24

Zambia 24

Totals 144 AMERICAS

ie Bahamas

Barbados i . Brazil 24 20 British V.1. 12 14 Colombia 24 oO Dominica 12 oO Ecuador 12 18 Guyana 24 45 Honduras 24 25. Jamaica 24 27 Leeward Islands 12 47 Martinique 12 0 Mexico 36 78 Nicaragua 24 2 Panama 36 26 Paraguay 24 0 Puerto Rico 12 3 Uruguay 24 6 Venezuela 12 21 Totals 396 355

AUSTRALASIA Marianalsiands 24. 0 Marshall Islands 2c 6 W. Caroline Islands 12 12 Totals ae 7

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; THE GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; PHILLIPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES, SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA.

Masuivyat B.€. 149 / Sepremser 27, 1992 [Page 5]THe American BAHA'T 5

Quarterly update: Estate bequests set record, individual giving steady

July 31 marks the end of the first quarter of the National Spiritual Assembly’s fiscal year.

On that date, contributions to the major Funds and estate bequests stood at $4.9 million, a significant increase over the levels reached during each of the last two years. As indicated in the table on this page, contributions of $2.9 million to the Baha’ National Fund are up 20 percent over last year’s total and 38 percent over that of 1990, in part due to a single individual gift.

The element that stands out most, however, is the total for estate bequests: believers have provided through their wills for contributions totaling $1.6 million.

Contributions to the other Funds present mixed results. A total of $1.2 million has been contributed to the Baha’i International Fund, including amounts in support of the National Assembly's budget for

this Fund and earmarked sums ($122,000) given directly to the International Fund via the Baha’i National Center.

Direct contributions to the Arc Projects Fund declined for the third year in a row, to $216,000; together

with funds allocated from the Baha’i National Fund, some $391,000 has flowed to the Arc Fund via our National Treasurer's Office.

Finally, gifts for the Continental Baha’i Fund of $72,000 represented some progress over the first quarter of last year; because the work of the Continental Board of Counselors far outstrips these resources, however, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided to increase its own pledge to this important Fund to $120,000.

Largely because of the estate bequests,

vJul-90 Jul-91 wJul-92

National Baha'i Fund $2,066,467 $2,384,161 $2,850,898 Baha'i International Fund $137,974 $361,255 $122,200 Are Projects Fund $1,069,930 $235,069 $216,403 Continental Baha'i Fund $72,929 $48,818 $72,040 Estate Bequests - $138,737 $1,617,565 $3,347,300 $3,168,040 $4,879,106

Percent Change 90/91 91/92 National Baha'i Fund 15% 20% Baha'i International Fund 162% -66% Arc Projects Fund -78% -8% Continental Baha'f Fund -33% 48% Estate Bequests NIA 1066% -5% 54%

the National Spiritual Assembly currently has an operating surplus (excess of revenue over costs) of some $740,000, compared with a sizeable deficit at July ‘91. Loans from banks at the end of the quarter

totaled about $2.2 million. Current projections indicate that spending is well within the budget, thanks to a continuing program of austerity and tight purchasing control in national operations.

Local Assembly goal results are slowed

by summer season

A report just prepared for the Office of the Treasurer indicates that, with 20 percent of the fiscal year elapsed at the beginning of Kalimat (July 13), local Spiritual Assemblies have contributed on average about 8 percent of their committed goal amounts.

Reasons for this lag probably include seasonal factors and the delays some Assemblies experience in “getting under way” after the Ridvan elections, according to the Treasurer's Office.

More than 1,100 local Assemblies received suggested goals at the beginning of the third year of the program's operation. More than 700 of these Assemblies have so far replied to the Assembly's suggestion, either committing to the initial suggestion or choosing their own pledge amount. These commitments total $9.3 million, or about 55 percent of the annual budget of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Of the 892 Assemblies who have made acontribution thus far this year, 124 have achieved at least 20 percent of their commitment, and one Assembly has already contributed 92 percent of its pledge! Total contributions from local Assemblies (and a few registered Groups!) taking part in the program were $754,160 as of July 13.

Bahai‘is in Carroll County, Maryland, sponsor booth with ethnic food at festival

On May 9, the Baha'is of Carroll County, Maryland, with help from nearby Baha’i communities, sponsored an ethnic food booth at “Circle of Friends,” an international festival in Windsor.

The purpose of the yearly event is to promote multi-cultural appreciation through music, dance, drama, crafts and food.

The Baha‘is, whose display included a banner reading “Mankind Is One” and literature including the peace statement and statement on race unity, served Persian food prepared by a Persian family.

Proceeds from the sale of the food were sent to UNICEF.

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. ”—* Abdu’lBaha

The American Baha'i welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a Sree and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions ex— pressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not neces~ sarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors. Letters should be as brief as pos— sible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Baha‘i, Bahd'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Suggestions for the Fund

To the Editor:

At our last Feast the community consulted on the state of the National Fund and came up with a number of suggestions for ways in which our small community could help raise more money.

Then, after consulting on the “pre-eminent” place this country has in the history of the Cause, we developed an idea that we would like to share with every one of you, with humility and love for Baha‘u‘llah, in the hope that, working together, we may generate a mighty wave of funds to be deposited on the shores of our cherished Bahd‘i National Center, bringing us closer to one another and bringing joy to the heart of our Exemplar, ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

The idea is simple. Aside from regular contributions, every Friday each of us skips one meal and gives what that meal would have cost to the National Fund.

Now suppose that 10,000 Baha‘is were to do that, and that the average cost per meal was $4. That's $40,000 a week, $160,000 a month, or $1,820,000 a year for the Fund! Increase the number of contributors and/or the cost of the meals and...well, you do the math.

Our children could also be encouraged to sacrifice something on Fridays for the

Fund. Fridays for the Fund! *Abdu'l-Baha gave to the poor every Friday. In His memory, let us give to our Fund—the “life-blood” of our Faith that will hoist “the Standard of God among all nations.”

Won't you join us by adding your drop to help create this much-needed wave of sustenance for the Cause of God?

The Bahd'ts of Highland and Saugerties, New York . To the Editor:

The Baha'i community of Stamford was moved by the request of the National Spiritual Assembly that each person prayerfully consider the information given to him atthe Feast of Rahmat. We decided to consult as a community at the next Feast, bringing with us our personal reflections on the situation of the National Fund, and are moved to share some of our thoughts through The American Bahd't:

The over-all reaction to the National Assembly's letter was one of surprise. Few of us realized the financial position

from which the National Assembly is required to operate.

The situation was likened to trying to operate one’s household ona budget under similar circumstances. We considered the test of having only the funds to cover onequarter of budgeted expenses while relying on faith and credit to cover the threequarters left over.

There are usually ways to skimp and cut corners in a household, but none of our national projects, as listed by the National Assembly for the coming year, should ever be short-changed or limited because of insufficient funds to support them.

When we declare our belief in Baha'u'llah, we step onto a path of sacrifice as individuals and as communities. We remembered the beloved friends in Iran who have died for that belief. For those of us who live in the U.S., the sacrifice may be material. In the ultimate analysis, our support of the Funds is a call to demonstrate our love for Baha'u'llah. Our

See LETTERS page 14

On June 14, a group of six young Baha'is from Texas began a teaching trip across New Mexico on their way to the Colorado Baha'i School. The goal was to v: isolated believers and revitalize communities with their youthful energy. They

conducted fire: of Baha'u'llah, the Coven: always included music and Baha'i son;

Shoaleh Hedayati, Afsaneh Ighani, Leyla Hedayati, Farshid Ighani, Sh and Forris Hazen. The youth were accompanied by Vahid Hedayati, a Baha'i from

Graham, Texas.

les and deepenings on a variety of topics including the station of

f youth. These events from bottom left) are ila Hazen

Masnivyat 8.€. 149 / SeptemBer 27, 1992 [Page 6]

The Baha’i Newsreel, Volume 3, Number 2

by Bahd’i Media Services VT $15.95 SPECIAL HOLY YEAR EDITION! Centenary of the Ascension of Baha’u'llah—expanded / coverage of the commemoration services in the Holy Land and around the world. Twelve new National Spiritual Assemblies formed at Ridvan. Brazilian Federal Chamber of deputies holds solemn plenary session to pay homage to Baha'u'llah. Baha’{ International Community addresses world leaders at UNCED *‘Earth Summit” in Rio de Janiero. BIC activities at the related ‘‘Global Forum”’ conference of NonGovernmental Organizations in Rio: Symposium on moral leadership, contribution of Baha’i children and youth, **Global 500"" award for Baha’ Institute in India, Peace Monument—enduring Baha’i legacy. Commemorative postal stamps in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. The Prime Minister of Guyana responds to Baha’i development activities. Baha’i leadership on race issues in the wake of the Los Angeles riots in America. Tribal chiefs embrace the Faith as the “‘Ocean of Light’’ spreads to Vanatu. 48 minutes

Baha@’i Prayers

A Selection

SC $.50

An inexpensive, introductory selection of prayers from the Baha’i writings. Included is Blessed is the Spot, the short obligatory prayer, and prayers for assistance, morning, journey, night, children, youth, parents, healing, spiritual growth, forgiveness, the departed, mankind, teaching, and unity. Also included are selections from The Hidden Words and a calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast. Anvexcellent gift.

3" x 4-%", 29pp., table of contents

Bahd’i Publishing Trust of Malaysia

Special Times

by Susan Engle and Jean White

CS $9.95

Popular songwriter Susan Engle has teamed up with Jean White, Priscilla Jeanne, and Nina Doering to produce a new cassette tape for children. The cassette is divided into seven sections that correspond to parts of Baha’i life that are familiar to Baha'i children: Waking Up, Morning Prayers, Baha’i Schools, Teaching The Cause of God, Feast, Holy Days, and Going to Bed. Dialogue betweena | parent and child introduces each section. Instrumental accompaniment is intentionally sparse, says Susan Engle, to help “celebrate the use of the human voice and to encourage people to sing.” Quotations from the Baha’i writings are both spoken and sung to aid memorization. If you enjoyed Come and Sing or Loving Hands, you'll love this cassette.

Approx. 60 minutes

Shoestring Productions

THE BARAT are

wnat 1S 07

tem

The Baha’i Faith, What is It?

PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00 This pamphlet answers the most frequently asked questions about the Baha’i Faith, provides an excellent outline of the tenets of the Faith, describes what the Baha'is’ role in helping to improve the state of the world should be, discusses the importance of daily prayer and feasts and firesides in Baha*icommunity life, and concludes with a statement about the hopeful future of humankind.

6-panel, slimline format

Bahd’i Booksource

The Life of the Soul PA 10/pk $3.50 100/pk $25.00

This pamphlet contains a collection of quotations that discuss the nature, progress, development, and purpose of the human soul. It also addresses the soul’s passage through death into life in the next world, and deals with questions such as, “Will souls recognize one another in the spiritual world?” and “Does the soul live forever?”

6-panel, slimline format

Baha'i Booksource

Day of Glory

The Life of Bahda’u’llah

by Mary Perkins

HC $24.95 SC $11.95

Beginning with the childhood of Baha'u'llah, this clear, straightforward, and readable sequel to Hour of the Dawn: The Life of the Bab briefly examines the same period as its companion volume, focusing on the life of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith. Also covered are His days as the exemplary Disciple of the Bab; His imprisonment in Tehran’s “Black Pit”; the intimation He received telling Him that He is the Promised One of all ages; His banishment from Persia; and His journeys in exile from Tehran to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople, and finally to ‘Akka, the Most Great Prison on the edge of the Ottoman Empire.

8" x 5", 160pp.

George Ronald, Publisher

Occasions of Grace

by Roger White

SC $11.95

Here is the long-awaited major volume of Roger White's works written over the last decade since his previous two collections Another Song, Another Season and A Witness of Pebbles.

This new collection brings together a wide selection of poems, portrayals, vignettes and a good dash of White’s wellloved humor. It delicately balances a sympathetic portrayal of the strength of the Faith and its adherents with a portrayal of the vagaries of twentieth century life. Truly a portrayal of the new and old world orders.

8-4" x 5-42" George Ronald, Publisher

Posters

A unique presentation of Baha‘u'llah’s words surrounded by lively colorful borders and patterns that reflect the Baha’i Communities coming together in New York. Printed onarchival quality acid-free paper. Suitable for framing. Available with two different quotations and in two sizes.

Medallion $35.00 each

A three- inch bronze medal. One side depicts the familiar World Congress logo. The other side presents a “hoop of many hoops” pattern surrounded by words to remind

World Congress Office

Two official commemorative items designed to reflect the meaning and significance of the Bahd’t [i World Congress have been created. By purchasing

these, you will help defray the costs of this historic event called by the Universal House of Justice to proclaim the unifying power of the Covenant of Baha'u'llah.

us of the event’s significance. - World Congress Office

“Unity” Poster large (16" x 23") $5.00 each “Faith” Poster large (16" x 23") $5.00 each

“Unity” Poster small (7" x 10") 5 for $5.00 “Faith” Poster small (7" x 10") 5 for $5.00

Order now through the Baha’i Distribution Service ¢ 1-800-999-9019

Masuivyat 8.€. 149 / SeptemBern 27, 1992 [Page 7]THe AMERICAN BaHA'l . 7

Baha’u'llah Art Print AP $5.00

Baha’{ Publications Australia has produced an inexpensive full-color poster using the same cover as the hardcover and general editions of the statement on Baha’u'llah. Suitable for framing or for use at public gatherings and book displays. The quote at the bottom of the poster reads:

rt9 f We desire but the good

of the world and the happiness of the nations . - That all nations should become one

in faith and all men as brothers; that the diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race annulled—what harm is

there in this?

odd 20-3/4" x 15"

The Covenant of Baha’u’llah

by Adib Taherzadeh

HC $39.95

This book provides material for the study of the Covenant. The eternal relationship of

the human soul to its God is expressed today in faithfulness to the revelation of God's

will for humanity through Baha’u'llah, the Universal Manifestation. Mr. Taherzadeh

refrained from discussing the Covenant in his series entitled The Revelation of

Bahd'u'llah. Now, we have a wonderful tool for deepening our understanding of the

instrument through which God's will is expressed and His blessings are channeled. The Kitab-i-‘Ahdi, Baha’u’llah’s own Will and Testament, and the Will and Testament

of ‘Abdu 'l-Bahd are quoted in full in this volume, and the historical events they refer to

are explained.

6-4" x 9-2", 504 pp., 35 illustrations, table of contents, forward, introduction,

prologue, appendices, bibliography, references, index

George Ronald, Publisher

Models of Unity

Racial, Ethnic, and Religious

a project of the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’ts of the United States

SC $1.00 (net)

Inthe spring of 1991, the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States established a joint project to identify successful examples of interracial unity in the greater Chicago area. They were convinced that models of unity were common, but both organizations were concerned that reports of interracial violence, confrontation, and conflict, far exceeded those of interracial harmony, peaceful coexistence, and unity. ‘The Models of Unity reports on their success in finding such examples in the Chicago area.

8%" x 11", 15pp.

Models of Unity: acl Eh and Reino

Ride the Wave

by Cindy Savage

SC $6.95

Have you ever wished that you had a book to give older children between the ages of nine and fifteen? This book may be the answer. Popular children’s writer Cindy Savage, author of Nothing in Common, launches an exciting new series for youth that focuses on a Baha'i youth club in America. The Riverview High Baha’i Club, in an effort to proclaim the Faith, puts together a special act for a school talent show. Much to their surprise their unity song, accompanied by sign language, wins first prize. Requests pour in from community organizations, and before they have time to take a deep breath they are a local sensation. But now they are faced with problems of an unexpected nature. This book, the first in the new series Youth Wave, introduces all the main characters in a lively, fast-paced story that explores teaching, consultation, and equality. 5-//s" x 7-44", 92pp.

Oneworld Publications, Ltd.

Baha'i Families Perspectives, Principles, Practice by Patricia Wilcox

SC $10.95

When two people marry they set about creating a family unit. Each one has an idea of what a family should be. Where do these ideas come from?

Baha ‘is derive their understanding of marriage from the Baha’i Writings, a priceless storehouse of divine guidance.

In Bahd’t Families: Perspectives, Principles, Practice Patricia Wilcox—teacher, family counsellor, and mother of five—draws on the teaching of the Baha’i Faith to provide an insight into the development of happy, strong, and united families. In particular, she looks at marriage as a ‘‘fortress for wellbeing,”’ unity and diversity within the family, the equality of women and men, and family in transition. She also examines the education of children and consultation as a tool for progress.

5-1/4" x 8-42", 166pp., contents, foreward, references, bibliography George Ronald, Publisher

AW FAMILIES

RELATED TEXTS:

Creating a Successful Family Family Worship

Guidelines for Parents

Living the Life

Mothers, Fathers, and Children Raising Children as Peacemakers

Warmed

ARCHIVES

‘THE NATIONAL Baha‘ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Francis J. McConnell, James P. McCormick, Margery McCormick (died Wilmette, IL 1964), Allen McDaniel (died Lemon Grove, CA, 1965), Margaret McDaniel (died Waterford, VA, 1960), and James McFarlane. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked tocontact the National Baha'i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahé’i Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Spiritual Assembly that wishes to have a copy should write to the National Baha‘i Archives, Bahd‘i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

FOR SALE

A SELECTION of six 8 1/2 by 11-inch reproducible flyers addressing issues relevant to American Indians is being offered by the Regional American Indian Teaching Committee for the Southern West States. For more information, please contact the committee, c/ © Mike Bigler,

Stillwater, OK 74074.

MISCELLANEOUS

A RESOURCE LIST of Baha'i environmental professionals is being compiled, the immediate purpose of which is to include Baha‘is in overseas environmental projects with international agencies. Opportunities may be short-term or long-term witha special focus on projects in Eastern Europe. The list is being compiled in consultation with the Baha'i International Community Office of the Environment and the International Teaching Center. If interested, please forward your résumé to Alexander Tavangar, Geo-Environmental Consultants Inc., 55 Valley Stream Parkway, Suite 140, Malvern, PA 19355. Fax 215-251-2366; telephone 215-251-0900.

Masniyyat B.£. 149 / SeptemBer 27, 1992 [Page 9]Te AMERICAN BaHA'i 9

A

S C4

i

In North London, England, almost 2,500 Baha'is from Great Britain andmany from abroad commemorated the centenary of the Ascension of Baha‘u'llah with a program May 29 at the resting place of the beloved Guardian in the New Southgate Cemetery. The cemetery’s Chapel of Rest was made available to the Baha'is for the entire day and was used to display several holy relics associated with Baha‘u'llah including a cloak, a pair of slippers, and a lock of His hair. Each person who visited the chapel was given as a memento a few petals gathered from the Guardian's resting place. It was reported that the BBC World Service and its local radio stations gave extensive coverage to the Faith at the time of the events held to commemorate the centenary of Baha’u'llah’s Ascension.

°

The President and Prime Minister of Guyana were among the 250 prominent persons who attended a banquet June 19 in Georgetown to launch the Holy Year. Keynote speaker at the gathering, which was hosted by the National Spiritual As

sembly of Guyana, was Techeste Ahderom, representative of the Baha‘ International Community at the United Nations in New York City. °

Radio and televisionstations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “reverberated with the name of Baha‘u'llah” for an entire week in May as they issued invitations to three public meetings held May 30 tocommemorate the centenary of the Ascension of Bahd’u'llah. About 2,000 people attended the gatherings, the largest of which was held in a modern building with deluxe facilities. During each program, a chairman and three panelists led talks that centered on the history, teachings and Mission of Baha‘u'llah.

On May 30, the President of Kiribati as well as several government ministers and their spouses and the New Zealand High Commissioner attended a meeting to commemorate the centenary of the Ascension of Baha‘u'llah.

° \ Anenthusiastic audience of about 2,000

attended the “Live Unity” concert held May 26in Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada.

oS

ion work to prepare the site of the four terraces immediately below the

Shi

e of the Bab on Mount Carmel unearthed a burial chamber contai

1g five

graves including one clay coffin. A team of archaeologists from the Israel

Department of Antiquities removed the remains and coffin from the site. They believe the graves are 1,500 years old and date from the Byzantine period.

B la Hi re! On Mount Carmel, the anchored retaining wall at the site of the Center for the Study of the

A children’s concert that same morning drew more than 1,200 young people. Performers at the concerts included Dizzy Gillespie, Seals and Crofts, Dan Seals, Buffy St. Marie, Red Grammer, Airto, Douglas John Cameron, Russian tenor Renat Ibragimov, and Chinese soprano Ming Ying Zhu. YTV, a national television station offering programs for younger viewers, taped the concert and will be showing it as a special feature in November. °

On March 21, Madagascar’s national radio station broadcast a 20-minute early evening program of Bahd‘is reading prayers, sharing news of the Baha'i community around the world, and presenting commentaries on the Baha’i writings. The program was the first ina planned series to be broadcast on the eve of every Nineteen Day Feast.

°

Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, addressed a public progtam June 17 at the University of Mauritius to mark the centenary of the Ascension of Baha‘u'llah. The minister of Arts and Culture also spoke to the audience of 700 including mayors and other distinguished guests.

.

On May 29, the Hon. Leonard Gibbons, minister of Cultural Affairs for Bermuda, whose portfolio includes responsibility for religion and human rights, made the following statement in the House of Assembly: “The Baha'i community of Bermuda, along with Baha'is around the world, is today observing the centenary of the passing of the Prophet-Founder of the Bahd‘i Faith, Baha‘u'llah. A special observance has taken place in Israel, and among the some 3,500 participants are 14 members of the local community. The Baha‘is have made a significant contribution to Bermuda, and I feel that this House should recognize them on this, a very special day on their calendar.” Bermuda’s parliamentary sessions are broadcast live on radio.

.

At the close of the Six Year Plan, the number of local Spiritual Assemblies in Canada had risen from 342 to 410, surpassing by 10 the goal set for the Plan.

.

In fulfillment of a hope that “the friends

Texts continues to be built as progress is made from the top down. As of June, more than 60,000 cubic meters of rock had been excavated.

from the two former states of East and West Germany [would] get to know each other better and grow together,” about 50 Baha'is from all over Germany met June 5-8 in a 500-year-old castle in Saxony. The seminar dwelt on aspects of the Holy Year. .

George Price, the Prime Minister of Belize, received a delegation of Baha'is on April 21 and was presented a copy of the statement on Baha'u'llah. The Prime Minister asked many questions about Baha‘u'llah, the Baha'i teachings, and the relationship of the Faith to Christianity, and expressed his appreciation to the Baha’is for bringing him news of the Holy Year.

.

A successful Baha‘i-sponsored exhibit was held recently ata junior high school in Stanley, Falkland Islands. Panels depicting the history and principles of the Faith, progressive revelation, the Baha‘i Houses of Worship, and the World Center were erected. Visitors could also see videos about the World Center and the San Francisco Peace Conference. Two local radio stations broadcast an interview with one of the friends, and the newspaper published a number of photographs of the exhibit.

.

Mainly through the efforts of Baha'i students, a school in Bata, Equatorial Guinea—a country in which religion is an obligatory subject, one that is graded like any other—has recognized the Faith as an independent religion and authorized classes on the Faith to be held at the local Baha’j Center with exam results reported to the school director.

Baha'is take part in parade, proclaim Faith as part of St. Mary's sesquicentennial

On June 27, some 30 Baha'is from Ohio, New York, and western Pennsylvania took part in the St. Mary’s (Pennsylvania) Sesquicentennial Parade.

Following the parade, Bahd’is in the area held a week-long proclamation that included a book display, three-day open house, a Holy Day observance and public meeting. Events were reported by two radio stations and the local newspaper and advertised via posters.

Masuivyat 8.€. 149/ SeptemBer 27, 1992 [Page 10]+10. THe American: BaHA't

Sugerencias para entender y vivir la grandeza de este Aho Santo

Tomado del boletin de noticias de Colombia, El Esplendor. °

Este Ridvan comenzé el aiio Santo en conmemoraci6n al centenario de al Ascensién de Baha’u’llah y de Su Convenio. Mas que un nombre sefialando un afio de celebraciones especiales, es un periodo bendito—una realidad palpable—cuyas inmensas potencialidades podemos ir vislumbrando segtn la intensidad de nuestra fe y reflexion y la sinceridad de nuestros esfuerzos.

LA CASA Universal de Justicia nos ha dicho que éste “es un periodo saturado de significado incalculable y Ileno de posibilidades de mayores adelantos de la Fe de Baha’u'llah.

“Cuando estamos en el ayuno somos testigos del poder de dias designados por Dios con un propésito santo. Baha’u'll4h enuna oracion de ayuno promete que Dios “ha dotado a cada hora de estos dias con una virtud especial y a cada alma con una porcion de esta virtud."”

Podemos entonces meditar sobre las potencialidades en todo un Afio Santo— unaiio dedicadoal Mas Grande Nombre— ala Mas Grande Revelacion de Dios desde tiempo inmemorial. Sobre este dia Baha'u'llah mismo proclama:

“Doy testimonio ante Dios de la Grandeza, la inconcebible grandeza de esta Revelacién. En esta potentisima Revelacién todas las dispensaciones del pasado han alcanzado su mds elevada y final consumacién.” Cuantas virtudes no hay latentes en estos dias del Afio Santo? Entonces, cudntas oportunidades jamas sofiadas se nos pueden presentar? cuanto poder no se desatara al proclamar el nombre de Baha’u'llah como nunca antes?

La Casa Universal de Justicia afirma que “un afio cargado de eventos de un significado tan sagrado no puede sino producir consecuencias de un poder inimaginable.”

En este momento estamos entrando “en una nueva fase” en la historia de la Fe y del mundo. Aunque la Fe Baha’i esta conociéndose cada dia mas como una religion mundial de principios universales y bellos, falta conocer entre la gran mayoria de la humanidad el nombre, la persona y la magnitud espiritual de su Divino Autor, Baha'u'llah. El emblazonar el nombre de Baha'u'llah por toda la tierra damos a conocer la fuente misma de todo bien, de todo poder espiritual.

Ahora bien, para lograr lo mencionado anteriormente cada individuo Baha’ itiene esta gran responsabilidad. Pero como obtener estas victorias espirituales?, es la pregunta que muchas personas hacen. Qué debo hacer para emblazonar el nombre de Baha’u'llah?. Innumerables son las actividades que podemos hacer. Pero hay que parir de un principio que es el de una preparacion individual y por otroel de una participacién universal en todos los eventos que se lleven a cabo. Para el primero, es decir preparacién individual, algunos objetivos que se pueden proponer son:

Preparacién individual por medio de laoraci6n y el estudio de las ensehanzas

La Casa Universal de Justicia escribe en uno de sus mensajes:

“Los amigos deben prepararse espiritualmente por medio de la oracion y el estudio de las ensefianzas para obtener una apreciacioén mas profunda de la estacion y del propésito de Baha’u'llah y del significado basico de su poderoso

convenio. Tal preparacion se encuentra en el corazén mismo de su esfuerzo por efectuar una transformacién en su vida individual y colectiva. Que todo hombre, toda mujer y todo joven demuestren por medio de la alta calidad de su vida interior y cardcter privado, que ellos pertenecen a una comunidad verdaderamente iluminada y ejemplar; que su Bienamado cuya ascensién conmemoran, no habia sufrido su vida terrenal en vano.

“Que estos requisitos sean la norma de sus esfuerzos por ensefiar Su Causa, el sello desu homenaje al Rey de los Reyes.”

Es decir que este estudio y profundizacion debe llevar a transformar nuestras vidas tal como la confirma la Casa Universal de Justicia: “La transformacién es el propdsito esencial de la Causa de Baha‘u'llah, pero el lograrlo en obediencia al Convenio depende de la voluntad y del esfuerzo del individuo. Para el progreso de esta transformacién, el propésito de nuestras vidas, es necesario el conocimiento de la voluntad y el propésito de Dios a través de la lectura y estudio regular de la Palabra Sagrada.”

PERO ESTA preparacion espiritual de las ensefianzas Baha’ is tiene un limite? Llegara el dia en que tengamos conocimiento de todos los Escritos Sagrados? Realmente como menciona Baha‘u'llah, “el océano de las palabras de Dios es ilimitado,” y por lo tanto toda nuestra vida debe ser dedicada al estudio y profundizacién. Este estudio de las ensefianzas debe tener un fruto, y el fruto es que lleguemos a convertirnos en “instruidos espiritualmente,” tal como lo describe “Abdu’l-Baha:

“Los instruidos espiritualmente son lémparas de guia entre las naciones y estrellas de buena fortuna resplan— deciendo desde los horizontes de la humanidad. Son las fuentes de vida para aquellos que yacen en la muerte de la ignorancia y la inconsciencia, los claros manantiales de las perfecciones para aquellos sedientos que vagan en el yermo de sus defectos y errores. Son los habiles médicos para el doliente cuerpo del mundo, son el seguro antidoto contra el veneno que ha corrompido a la sociedad humana. Son la fuerte ciudadela protectora de la humanidad, y el inexpugnable santuario para los penosamente afligidos y atormentadas victimas de la ignorancia. El conocimiento es una luz la cual Dios vierte en el corazon de quienquiera El desea.”

Por tanto cada uno de nosotros debemos llegar a convertirnos en “Instruidos Espiritualmente,” el cual segtin “Abdu'lBaha debe caracterizarse por: “Las per— fecciones, interiores como por las exteriores; debe poseer un buen cardcter, una naturaleza iluminada, una intencién pura, ast como poderito intelectual, genio y discernimiento, intuicion, discrecién y perspicacia, templanza, reverencia y un sincero temor de Dios.” Estos Instruidos Espiritualmente se pueden tomar como eruditos, los cuales en el mundo los califican con otras cualidades y atributos, pero “Abdu’l-Baha prosigue: “Quien— quiera que no posea estas calificaciones divinas y no demuestre estos ineludibles requisitos en su propia vida, no debe ser considerado como erudito, ni digno de servir como modelo para los creyentes.”

Levantarnos con completa sinceridad y pureza de intenciéna enseharla Causa

“Si alguien se levantara para promover la Palabra de Dios con corazén puro,

Masuivyat B.E. 149 / Septemper 27, 1992

desbordandose con el amor de Dios y apartado del mundo, el Sefior de las Huestes lo asistira con tal poder como para penetrar el nticleo de los seres existentes.”

EN EL MENSAJE de Ridvan de este afio, Ia Casa Universal de Justicia nos exhorta a que “Ilevemos Su nombre con dignidad a aquellos que lo deban escuchar, ofrez-camoslo como un tesoro a aquellos que lo deban recibir, mencionémoslo con amor a aquellos que lo deban abrazar.”

Luego nos invita amorosamente a todos los Baha*isa lanzar una campaiia personal de ensefianza.

Una de las maneras de ensefiar la Fe es por medio de la participacion en las camPafias y proyectos de ensefianza que afio tras afio las comunidades realizan. Podemos recordar muchas actividades de profundo significado que hemos realizado en estas campaiias y proyectos. La labor intensa, la disciplina espiritual, el amor desprendido, el aprendizaje espiritual; el enriquecimiento que obtenemos al participar de las campafias y proyectos organizados por nuestras instituciones es de beneficio no solo individual sino también colectivo.

Pero para ensefiar la Fe hay inmensidad de cosas en las cuales como Baha'is podemos involucrarnos. Algunas sugerencias que se pueden dar para difundir el mensaje de Baha’u'Ilah e involucrar a todos los niveles de la sociedad son:

Contactar los medios masivos de

comunicacién: radio, prensa, TV, anunciando los eventos que a nivel nacional e internacional se llevan a cabo durante este afio. Los periodistas y reporteros en todo el mundo se dirigen a reportar eventos, no ideas; a reportar sobre tendencias actuales, no sobre historia. Seguin el grupo de trabajo de Medios Masivos del Congreso Mundial, creen que la manera de estimular un interés tal es de concentrarse en superlativos de la Fe Baha’i. La primera tendencia para la mayoria de las noticias presentadas en los medios masivos surge de alguna estadistica o tendencia que gire en torno a algun tipo de superlativo. Algunos de los aspectos que podrian plantearse al contactar un medio de comunicacién son:

LA FE Baha’i esta creciendo rapidamente. Es la segunda religion de mayor dispersion en el mundo después del cristianismo. La Fe Baha’i es la religion mundial independiente mas nueva del mundo y tiene varias facetas tnicas. Sobresalen las siguientes: su administracion Unica, su historia de unidad y su integracion caracteristica de principios sociales y espirituales. En su naturaleza distintiva refleja varias de las tendencias positivas que vemos en el mundo, desde el nuevo énfasis sobre “multiculturalismo” hasta la descentralizacion de la toma de decisiones; desde un compromiso renovado ala vida familiar hasta el “Nuevo Orden Mundial.”

Realizacién de foros con temas de

interés al publico, contactando a institugiones que tengan que ver con el tema escogido. Se sugiere la consulta con comunidades que hayan realizado esta clase de eventos fin de conocer en detalle la preparacion que se requiere para llevar a cabo un foro.

Eventos ptiblicos en parques, plazas,

etc. que permitan proclamar el nombre de Baha'u'llah, en una forma digna.

Baha‘u'llah. Conociendo las capacidades artisticas que hay en el Pais animamos a todas aquellas personas que posean estas aptitudes de encaminar sus esfuerzos a la utilizacion de diferentes medios que permitan llegar a las personas dandoles a conocer el mensaje que proclama Baha’u'llah.

Estas son algunas sugerencias que se pueden tener en cuenta al realizar los planes en las comunidades bajo la carifiosa guia de las Asambleas Locales y DTC's. Lo importante es levantarnos y con todas nuestras fuerzas dedicadas al servicio y proclamacién de nuestra Amada Causa, hacer un compromiso que transcienda todo. limite, las intenciones buenas no son en si suficientes para lograr éxitos.

Para terminar recordemos estas palabras del Amado Maestro: “Trabajad!Trabajad con todas vuestras fuerzas; difundid la Causa del Reino entre los hombres. ..Amad y obedeced a vuestro Padre Celestial, y descansad seguros de que la ayuda divina es vuestra. Verdaderamente os digo que vosotros conquistaréis el mundo! Tan solo tened fe, paciencia y valor; este es solo el comienzo, pero seguramente triunfaréis, pues Dios esta con vosotros.”

Baha'i Nathan Rutstein appears on radio show in Louisville; to repeat appearance in October

Nathan Rutstein, a Baha‘i who is the author of To Be One and other books, was the guest on a recent three-hour radio talk show while visiting the Baha'i communities of Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky.

The main topic of the program was race relations, with Mr. Rutstéin expressing Baha'i viewpoints on the topic and answering questions from listeners who phoned in.

Mr. Rutstein has been invited by the University of Louisville to return to the city in October to establish an institute for the healing of racism, and while there may appear again on the same radio talk show.

Since the station is clear-channel (unobstructed by other frequencies), it can be heard it most areas of the country. The time to listen is between 9 p.m. and midnight Eastern time on either October 15 or 16. The frequency is 840 on one's AM dial.

Stories Wanted: : Race Unity Activities

The National Teaching Office _ wants information on various effortsin which Baha'is are engaged to promote race unity. We would ce to be able to share more news and information in upcomin; sues of The American Bahda’i and create a network that will enable the friends throughout the country to replicate successful initiatives. Please send a summary of your efforts with photographs, whenavailable, to: National Teach‘ ing Office, Baha’iNational Center, | Wilmette, IL, 60091. Phone 708869-9039; Fax 708-869-0247.

[Page 11]

A Southeast Asian Helpers Conference was held July 24-26 at the Louhelen Baha’i School. The theme was “Connecting the Hearts of the Southeast Asians to Bahd‘u'llah.”

Its purpose was to discover the cultural similarities that can help local Baha‘icommunities consolidate Southeast Asian Bahd‘is in the Holy Year and empower their leaders to feel a part of that process.

The conference underscored the importance of finding, befriending and deepening Southeast Asian Baha'is as soon as they arrive in the U.S.

Also, the Buddhist background of many Southeast Asians leaves them ready to accept Baha‘u'llah as the newest Buddha and to pattern their lives after His teachings.

Cultures represented included Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, German, Persian, Canadian and American. This fostered a unique atmosphere of loving care and commitment toward bringing Southeast Asians closer to the life and work of the Faith

Anumber of Southeast Asians addressed the conference, among them Chue Chang, a Hmong leader from San Diego, California, whospoke about Baha'u'llah, His Revelation and working with the Southeast Asian people; and Soeun Soeurn, a Cambodian leader from Lowell, Massachusetts, who presented a talk on Buddhism and the Baha’i Faith.

Bijan Bayzaee, a former pioneer to Laos, spoke about the importance of the Holy Year, and Dr. Marian Davis Lawyer, a current pioneer to Laos and former pioneer to Thailand, spoke about the Baha‘is as one family and shared arts, crafts and

stories from Laos.

On Saturday evening those at the conference took part in a multicultural celebration that included songs, cultural dances, story-telling and calligraphy in a joyful and family-like atmosphere.

At the closing session the next morning, Mr. Chang led a discussion of how to reach and teach Southeast Asians. This led to a number of insights and plans of action from the Southeast Asian leaders, clarifying the perceptions and expectations of Southeast Asians that are so crucial to bringing them closer to Baha‘u'llah:

finding and befriending Southeast Asian Baha’is in local communities;

encouraging homefront pioneers and youth giving four months

to a year of service to consider doing so in areas where Southeast Asians are located, to teach and. deepen them;

inviting Southeast Asians who

are deepened in the Faith to travel and teach among Southeast Asians in communities across the country;

¢ forming Southeast Asian teaching institutes of 2-3 people that can promote the Baha'i education and social/economic development of Southeast Asians in their respective localities;

icipants in a Southeast Asian Helpers Conference held July 24-26 at the Louhelen Baha'i School.

identifying and using key helpers of

Southeast Asian Baha‘is;

inviting Southeast Asian Baha'i youth

and children to Baha'i classes, picnics, parties and recreational activities so they can mingle with and befriend other young

Bahda‘is;

Pictured are Baha'is and their guests from all over Ohio who gathered July 25 at the recently opened Baha'i Center in Columbus to hear a talk by Lakota Indian Kevin Locke on ‘Baha‘u'llah: Prophet of the Four Winds.’ (Photo by Farshad Lanjani)

ABS Mid-Atlantic Committee offers George Townshend Prize for Scholarship

Students who live in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia are eligible for the George Townshend Prize for Baha'i Scholarship sponsored by the Association for Baha'i Studies Mid-Atlantic Regional Committee.

Nine prizes will be awarded in three categories for papers that “intelligently and enticingly” investigate and illumine an aspect of the Baha‘i teachings in the arts, sciences, humanities or social sci ences.

Categories are elementary school (grades 6-8), secondary (grades 9-12) and university (undergraduate). First prize in each is a $25 savings bond and ABS student membership. Second prize is an ABS student membership; third prize, an ABS Journal subscription.

Requirements: (1) Papers must be neatly typed or written (or computer printed) on 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper. (2) Cover page should include your name, address, phone number and social security number, grade

in school, and title of your paper. Your name should not appear anywhere else. (3) Quoted material and referenced ideas should be noted at the end of the paper. (4) Papers cannot be returned, so keep a copy for yourself and mail two copies to:

The George Townshend Prize, c/o David Gould, Levittown, PA 19057. Entries must be postmarked no later than March 21, 1993.

If you have any questions, please telephone 215-949-1157,

More than 200 boat in Columbus, Ohio, to hear Kevin Locke speak

On July 25, more than 200 Baha'is and invited guests gathered at the Baha'i Center in Columbus, Ohio, to hear Kevin Locke speak on “Baha‘u'llah: Prophet of the Four Winds.”

The event was an inaugural for the recently opened Columbus-area Center, the first permanent Center in central Ohio.

The former home, on more than five acres of land in a racially diverse neighborhood between Port Columbus International Airport and the downtown area of the city, was donated to the Spiritual Assembly of Columbus by a Baha’i couple.

Bahd‘is in central Ohio now use the Center for Feasts, Holy Day observances, and classes at the Olivia Kelsey Baha'i School. Extensive community outreach is planned including meetings of the newly formed Columbus Institute for the Healing of Racism.

Mr. Locke's appearance at the Bahd’i Center was carved from a busy weekend during which the Lakota Indian flautist and hoop dancer spoke in The Plains, Ohio, met with American Indians in the Columbus area, and performed at the Lancaster Festival and at a fund-raiser for the upcoming Pataskala pow-wow.

His public meeting followed dawn prayers outside the new Center anda deepening in which he and a Baha‘i youth spoke about their experiences at the recent Earth Summit and Global Forum in Riode Janeiro, Brazil.

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MasuiyyaT b.€. 149 / September 27, 1992 [Page 14]14 The American BanA'i

contribution should not be seen as a gift for some pet project; every check signed should be for the love of Baha‘u'llah, and only for that love.

After consulting, we hada feeling not of despair or lack of confidence for the plight of the National Fund, but a renewed sense of energy to “just do it” and for each person to arise and do his/her part in giving and in prayer to meet the goal suggested to us and pledged for this year.

Suzanne Chippindale, secretary Spiritual Assembly of Stamford, Connecticut

Cultivating ‘new race of men’ To the Editor:

I took part this year ina Memorial Day weekend conference in Griffin, Georgia, held for members of Baha'i teaching institutes involved in teaching African-Americans.

As one of nine white American Baha‘is at this gathering of about 50 participants from Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City and New York, I was honored and humbled to be included in the “family business” of my

Front-page newspaper article follows community outreach by Sylmar, California, Baha'is Bahd’is in Sylmar, California, have been reaching out to the community ina variety of ways with good results including a front-page article inthe Sylmar Daily News that mentions the Faith prominently. The article concerns an:interfaith di:

members of the Christian and Jewish faiths. . The Sylmar Baha'is have begun holding monthly “unity fiestas” with food, entertainment and fellowship. The first, in August, was attended by nine people. Also, a “Peace Garden” is to be created by the Baha'is in a park in San Fernando once final approval is secured from the mayor.

fellow Baha'is of African ancestry.

Conducted in a forest clearing on the property of Suzanne and Kingsley Swan, the weekend began, ended and was punctuated throughout with music of a kind and intensity I have seldom experienced at Baha‘i gatherings.

The long healing prayer was chanted in tich tones to an impassioned conga beat. Other prayers were soulfully offered to memorable rhythms and melodies. (Two young children with whom I was traveling memorized the “Remover of Difficulties” after hearing it presented only once in this way.)

We praised the Name of God in an unbroken chant for more than an hour as individuals stepped forward to voice their joy, gratitude, wisdom and pain, encouraged and sustained by the musical circle they entered. It was a powerful, prayerful experience, rooted in African tradition and enhanced by Baha’i vision. It was poignant beyond words.

Equally moving was the love, respect and acknowledgment offered by the group to those present. I have no doubt that each one left the conference with a new understanding of his or her special nobility, having seen it demonstrated so clearly in the way each was listened to and valued.

It was obvious to me that there is a great need for more of this kind of gathering of African-American Baha‘is. Asa person of German- and Italian-American background, I had never been exposed to the type of worship and communication I experienced that weekend.

Although I have the bounty of living in a large and ethnically diverse community, the unique contributions of our African American Baha'is have not yet presented themselves there as powerfully as at the conference in Georgia.

Gatherings such as this, where AfricanAmericans are allowed the full expression of their cultural traditions, unhampered by what is often an unconscious resistance on the part of non-blacks to an unfamiliar mode of worship, can only serve to benefit the entire American Baha'i community. The larger community stands desperately in need of the grace, wisdom, creativity and courage of the African-American people.

If we are, as Baha'u'llah asserts, “the flowers of one garden,” let us cultivate the lovely black roses with which this American garden, through whatever painful transplanting occurred, has been graced.

It is my hope that other suclrefforts to promote African-American cultural identity will be encouraged, and that the special strengths emerging from such endeavors will become an integral part of the “new race of men” envisioned by Baha'u'llah.

Veronica A. Shoffstall New York, New York

An idea for local Assemblies To the Editor:

Today we can clearly see the wrapping up of the old world order and the unfolding of the Baha'i new World Order. Without question, it has become all too obvious.

I would like to encourage local Spiritual Assemblies to be prepared. If preparation mixed with love and compassion are not laid now as the foundation, it is possible that an Assembly could do great harm to

those seeking its help.

When one turns to an Assembly for help, he or she could be feeling very vulnerable. Great care and love, mixed with the wisdom of the Baha’i teachings and not tainted with individual agendas or views, are needed.

Name and address withheld

of Un.

...We can’t help being sick, but we are obliged to find a cure.”

Some of the major supporters of the Day of Unity were the Salvation Army, the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, and the Chicago Park District.

Others taking part included the Chicago Public Library, Catholic Charities, Urban Gateways: The Center for Arts in Education, and several Chicago-area Baha’icommunities. Advance publicity for the event was spearheaded by public service announcements on radio and television featuring Chicago Bulls basketball star Michael Jordan and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, among others.

A special feature of the Day of Unity was the large number of young people present. Ruben Kyle, a Baha'i youth from Chicago, summed up the day’s activities:

“This was a wonderful example of the application of the Baha’i principle of the oneness of humankind. This was unity in diversity in effect.”

Research Department of House of Justice comments

logue in which: Bahd’is took: part-with ”

on authenticity of some well-known prayers and ‘Tablets’

From time to time the National Spiritual Assembly receives letters from Baha’is or local Spiritual Assemblies about the authenticity of certain prayers or “tablets” that are circulated in typed form.

The Research Department of the Universal House of Justice is asked to check

Mayor Terence Zaleski of Yonkers, New York (right) accepts copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ and the National Spiritual Assembly's statement, ‘The Vision of Race Unity,’ from Baha'i representative Solomon Hilton. The four member Baha'i delegation met with the mayor and his aides at Yonkers

on July 23.

‘ity Hall

these writings for authenticity. The following works that commonly circulate in the Baha’i community are not authentic:

“Fourth Dimensional Consciousness” and other instructions to Marie Watson. This so-called tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha is erroneous; Shoghi Effendi has stated that it is not a work by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

“O God! Give me knowledge, faith and love. : This prayer was written by Tbral Kheiralla, a Covenant-breaker; he attributed it, however, to Baha’u'[l4h.

“Hold Thou my right arm, O God! and dwell continually with me. Guide me to the fountain of Thy knowledge and encircle me with Thy glory. ...” Another prayer written by Ibrahim Kheiralla and attributed by him to Baha’u'llah.

The Significance of the Greatest Name, beginning “Ya Baha'u’l-Abha! The cry that renovates the soul...on that cry are ail the cries of the Universe sounded.” The Research Department has not been able to find, either in English or Persian, such statements attributed to ‘Abdu’ l-Baha.

The Marriage Tablet, beginning “The bond that unite hearts most perfectly is loyalty...” This is not a tablet at all, but is an unauthenticated record by Ahmad Sohrab of a talk by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. The friends may use it, but it should be made clear that this is not Baha’i scripture.

“There is a power in this Cause, a mysterious power, far, far beyond the ken of men and angels. This passage is from Ahmad Sohrab’s diary and should be considered as interesting material, but not as scripture.

“O Lord! Open Thou the door, provide the means...” This is a free translation of part of a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the friends in Tehran, incomplete and,

unfortunately, even erroneous.

“O God! Make me a teacher in Thy Cause...” This prayer cannot be confirmed as authentic as no original has been found.

“Oour God! We beg of Thee...that Thou wilt guide us always...and that we may ever be strong and fully prepared to render instant, exact and complete obedience.” This prayer cannot be confirmed as authentic as no original has been found.

“O God! For the sake of Thy love I will leave everything and wander in the deserts and over the mountains...” This prayer cannot be confirmed as authentic as no original has been found.

“My strength is the assistance of the Blessed Perfection. ...” From the pilgrim’s notes of Julia Grundy, Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akké, p.63.

“Fill Thou, O God, our home with harmony and happiness, with laughter and delight...” Attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, but in fact it is three short supplications that appear on pages 147 and 148 of The Mission of Baha'u'llah by the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend.

There are other statements that are informally copied by the friends that may not be authentic. if you have any questions, please contact the Research Office at the Baha'i National Center.

“Freedom from racial prejudice, in any of its forms, should, at such a time when an increasingly large section of the human race is falling victim to its devastating ferocity, be adopted as the watchword of the entire body of the American believers. ..."—Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 30

MasuivyaT B.€. 149 / SepremBer 27, 1992 [Page 15]

National Assembly's UN membership follows Guardian's mandate to associate with groups

The beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, urged individual Baha'is and local communities to take advantage of the many opportunities to work with like-minded organizations.

FOR EXAMPLE, in The Advent of Divine Justice, he says each of the friends should “...attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the teachings and ideals of His Cause such as temperance, morality, social welfare, religious and racial tolerance, economic cooperation, Islam, and comparative religion, or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and education organizations and enterprises which, while safeguarding the integrity of His Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, the support, and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact. ...” (1984 ed., p. 51)

The National Spiritual Assembly and 131 other organizations belong to the Council of Organizations of the United Nations Association (UNA).

Many of these groups, suchas the League of Women Voters, the Red Cross, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the American Association of University Women have members in communities across the country.

There are special UN events days and years for which the combined efforts of organizations at the local level have proven tobe mosteffective. Especially well-suited toco-sponsorship are United Nations Day (October 24) and UNICEF Day (October 31, Halloween).

Similar opportunities for cooperation include International Day of Peace (third Tuesday in September), Human Rights Day (December 10), and World Environment Day (June 5).

The UN hasalso designated certain years during which special goals are to be achieved. Among these are 1993 (International Year for the World’s Indigenous People), 1994 (International Year of the Family), and 1995 (the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UN).

To foster closer relationships, a local Assembly can invite the presidents of local UNA chapters to a get-acquainted luncheon. A community need that can be filled by joint action on a public service project can be the focus of consultation. There are many creative ways to effect cooperation.

TO HELP in these activities, the National Spiritual Assembly's UN Office offers a packet of statements issued by the Baha'i International Community on issues before the UN.

Included is a list of UN days, weeks and specially designated years. There is alsoa list of organizations belonging to the UNA’s Council of Organizations that have local chapters along with suggestions for interaction.

To order the packet, send a check for $5 payable to the Baha'is of the U.S. to: U.S. Baha'i UN Office, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

If you are traveling outside the United States for any reason, please contact the Office of Pioneering (708-869-9039) for infor- _ mation. can

ictured are many of the more than 160 you:

we

HS ONES Ae

ing Baha'is from across the country who gathered August 7-9 at the Baha'i Center Dallas, Texas, for the third annual ‘Get Up and Do Something’ Baha'i Youth Conference.

Blazoning the Name of Baha’u’llah and teaching about His life and mission

(Reprinted from The DirectLine, June/ July 1992)

.

The rallying call of the Universal House of Justice is to “blazon the Name of Baha’u'llah” to all corners of the earth. At the onset of the Holy Year, the Universal House of Justice appealed to the Baha’ is, in its Ridvan 1992 message, “Let us bear His Name with dignity to those who must hear It, offer It as a treasure to those who must receive It, speak It with love to those who must embrace It.”

IN OUR efforts to promote race unity and Baha‘u’llah’s other spiritual and social teachings, it is imperative that people be given the opportunity to learn about the Author of such wonderful principles.

Inthis day when many groups recognize and promote principles that will help bring peace and unity to the world, when the phrases “unity in diversity” and “the New World Order” are in common usage by politicians and leaders of thought, it is important to point out that the Source of Baha'i principles is Baha’u'llah. This is what makes the Baha’i Faith stand out as unique. If the people with whom we interact are told about the Source of our beliefs, it is possible that their hearts may also become connected with Baha’ull4h and His Revelation, and they may join us in our beloved Cause.

Sometimes, due to limiting circumstances, our efforts to teach will not continue beyond the initial stage of mentioning a few basic facts about the Faith to an individual. Yet, if it is considered wise and appropriate to mention the name of Baha'u'llah in these brief moments we should try to do so. As Abdu’l-Baha explained, “This blessed Name hath an effect onthe reality of things. If these teachings are spread without identifying them with this holy Name, they will fail to exert an abiding influence in the world. The teachings are like the body, and this holy Name is like the spirit. It imparteth life to the body. It causeth the people of the world to be aroused from their slumber.” (quoted in The Individual and Teaching, p.12)

For some Baha'is, teaching about Baha'u'llah may require different approaches. Suppose, for example, we are asked what motivates us to participate ina “race unity walk” we have helped to organize. Instead of beginning our response by saying that, as Baha’is, we believe in the oneness of humanity, and then going on to. explain this principle or others in more depth, we might begin our response by saying that the Founder of our Faith, Baha'u'llah, taught that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens,” and then explain the meaning of this statement in the context of our belief in Baha’u’llah’s Station as a Manifestation of God.

Many Baha'is who are proficient in teaching through Baha’i principles are reorienting themselves about how they present His Message. The challenge now is to teach, in a direct way, about Baha‘u'llah Himself, the Lord of the Age—to make a conscious effort to put Baha'u'llah at the forefront of our explanations about the Faith.

LIKE ALL TEACHING about the Faith, teaching about Baha'u'llah requires us first to teach ourselves. Many excellent materials are available about the life, Station and Mission of Baha’u' lah. The statement entitled Bahd’u’lldh, produced by the Office of Public Information at the Baha'i World Center, is highly recommended. Other suggested reading is The World Order of Bahd’u'lléh, God Passes By, The Significance of Bahd'u'lléh's Revelation, Bahé'u'lldh The King ofGlory,

The Revelation of Baha'u'llah (Volumes 1-4), and Bahd’u'llah, The Prince of Peace: A Portrait.

Whenever possible, we should offer the Message of Baha’u'Ilah in its purest form, from the Holy Writings. Like the Name of Baha'u'llah, His Words are imbued witha special potency and power:

As advised by Baha'u'llah, “From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation.” (Tablets of Bahd’u'lléh, p.200)

Baha’i World Congress

Video for Youth

The Bah4’{ World Congress Youth Movement Forum Task Force has prepared a video to assist youth to prepare for the World Congress. It is accompanied by an insert which should be used for discussion after the video is shown. If you would like a copy of this video send a check for $10.00, made payable to Bahd’i Services Fund, to Laura Cessna, National Teaching Office, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WSO AM

William Archibald El Cajon JD, CA

Marilyn Greene Alta Loma, CA

1984 August 6, 1992 William C. Cooley Nancy Hancey Marion, SC Salt Lake City, UT July 1986 August 7, 1992 Robert Diehl Josephine Lasoff Bellefontaine, OH Lydia, SC

August 8, 1992 July 27, 1992 Chelsea Espinoza Sarah Martin Victorville, CA Shelby, NC

March 29, 1992 Date Unknown

Jerry McLendon Jr. Nouraddin Oskoui-Roomi

Asheville, NC Chicago, IL

July 25, 1992 May 2, 1992

Peter M.Morozs _ Victoria Dadressan Sabeti Albany, NY Glendale Heights, IL January 1987 August 14, 1992

Lynn O'Neal Roxanne Steen-Zibahalat Riverside, CA Montrose, CA

May 6, 1992 August 2, 1992

Masnivyat B.£. 149/ SeptemBer 27, 1992 [Page 16]46 THe American BaHA'i

The second annual Memorial Meeting in honor of persecuted Baha’is and other religious minorities in Iran was held June 20 at the Civic Center in Plano, Texas. More than 100 Baha'is and their guests took part in the event which included

prayers for the recent martyrdom of Mr. Bahman Samandari and present:

on the status of human rights in Iran including one by Margaret Dew (standing in photograph), a volunteer leader with the Dallas chapter of Amnesty International. Also pictured (left to right) are Baha'is Paul Pettit of Richardson, Texas; Walter Palmer of Plano, who served as master of ceremonies; and Mehracen Mavaddat, an Iranian Baha’i whose husband, Farhang, was martyred in 1981. Mrs. Mavaddat

is now serving at the World Center in Haifa.

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [LJ wedonothavethosametastname We [—] the last names and addresses on our

H. | WOULD LIKE A COPY:

do mot want extra copies, 80 ‘addres labels do not match. We have ‘cancel the copy for the person(s) and LD. listedabove the full names of all family memsmumber(s) listed above. bers as they should appear on the national

| records, their LD. numbers, and the correc “ tions s0 that we will receive only one copy.

LD. number and address above,

BAHA'i NATIONAL CENTER

112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, IL 60091

Masuivyat 8.£. 149 / SeptemBer 27, 1992

[C7 Ormhosehiotd receives only one copy of The American Bahé'. 1 wish to receive my owncopy. Thave listed my name,

|

OCTOBER a National Hispanic Bahd’i Conference, Bosch Bahi’i School, Santa Cruz, Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Gilroy, California, and El Ruisefior] ‘ingale. Registration $35 per person; children 3-12, $25; under 3, free. For information, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387; Los Angeles, 818-836-7967; San Jose, 408-842-7531.

18: Founders Day (20th anniversary of Gregory Institute, 10th anniversary of WLGI licensing), Louis G. Gregory Baha‘ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093. ;

22-25: “The Role of Music in a Changing World,” Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

28-31: Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. For information, phone 41-71-91 91 31; fax 41-71-91 43 O1.

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.

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).

23-26: Second Baha'i World Congress, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York City.

26-December 1: Radio Baha'i International Conference (sponsored by IBAVC, the Louis Gregory Institute, and WLGI), Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

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.

23-27: Winter I (General Session, all ages), Bosch Baha'i School. David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, “A Provocative Study of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu'l-Baha”; Ron Gilpatrick, “The World Congress: Reflections and Opportunities”; Marsha Gilpatrick and Sheila Banani, “A Fundamentally Different Order.” For children: “A Covenant Is a Promise.” International folk dancing, winter holiday activities. To register, send $80 deposit for each person to Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; MasterCard/VISA, phone 408-423-3387.

25-28: Eighth annual Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona, Rooms from only $40. Youth workshops, entertainment, top speakers (Dr. William Roberts, Dr Suheil Bushrui, others). For more information please phone the GCBC hotline (24 hours a day), 602-375-9951.

30-January 3: Winter II (General Session, all ages), Bosch Baha'i School. For program details, see Winter I Session (December 23-27). To register, send $80 deposit for each person to Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; MasterCard/ VISA, phone 408-423-3387.

31-January 2: South Carolina Bahd’i Winter School, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

JANUARY

7-10: Pioneer Training Institute, Bosch Baha'i School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

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

“i FEBRUARY

26-28: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” a special Holy Year program for personal reflection, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

26-28: Baha'i Health and Human Services Conference, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

SPRING

Pioneer Training Institutes, Green Acre Baha'i School, Eliot, Maine, and Baha'i

National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

the Bahai Faith

oon

of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah with a program that included music, prayers in five languages, a talk by Dr. Jean Scales, and the presentation of the statement on Baha'u'llah to Mayor Abbie Covington (pictured at right). The presentation was

made by Dr. John Flannery, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamlet. Each guest was given a printed program and Baha'i pamphlets.

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