The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 6/Text

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[Page 1]

Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice

"At this Ridván season, with its inherent splendors and its initiation of unusual, eventful days, our hearts throb in wonderment, we kneel in homage to the King of Glory by Whose grace we have arrived at an auspicious juncture in the history of His Cause...."

—The complete message in a special pull-out section

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

AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY AGENDA FOR THE HOLY YEAR

1. Orient our Feasts, Bahá’í schools, our gatherings large and small, arts and music, and our study of the Bahá’í Writings to a deeper appreciation of the Station and Person of Bahá’u’lláh and the meaning of His Revelation.

2. Direct our proclamation and teaching activities toward helping people understand Who Bahá’u’lláh is and what He teaches.

3. Arrange activities to celebrate and reflect on the Covenant, focusing on the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Its embodiment.

4. Intensify individual and community efforts for spiritual growth, paying particular attention to heightening the qualities of joy and love in the Nineteen Day Feast.

THE HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD WILLIAM SEARS: 1911-1992

OUR HEARTS DEEPLY SADDENED, BAHÁ’Í WORLD GREATLY DEPRIVED, BY PASSING HAND CAUSE GOD WILLIAM SEARS, VIBRANT, CONSECRATED, STOUT-HEARTED STANDARD-BEARER FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. HIS MORE THAN HALF CENTURY UNBROKEN SERVICE MARKED BY UNFLINCHING DEVOTION TO BELOVED GUARDIAN, INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM FOR TEACHING, GALVANIZING SENSE DRAMA, DISARMING HUMOR, SPECIAL LOVE FOR CHILDREN, UNFLAGGING DETERMINATION IN FACE DIFFICULTIES. HE WILL EVER BE REMEMBERED FOR DEDICATING FULL RANGE HIS CREATIVE AND ENERGETIC CAPACITIES AS WRITER, EDITOR, LECTURER, RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAM DIRECTOR, TO HIS VARIED SERVICES AS TRAVELING TEACHER TO NUMEROUS COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE AMERICAS, AND AS PIONEER TO AFRICA WHERE HE WAS MEMBER OF AUXILIARY BOARD AND OF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA WHEN IN 1957 HE WAS ELEVATED RANK HAND CAUSE. HE LATER SERVED AS MEMBER BODY HANDS HOLY LAND. HIS LOSS ACUTELY FELT IN NORTH AMERICA WHERE HE EXPENDED LAST MEASURE HIS EBBING STRENGTH PROMOTION TEACHING ACTIVITIES. DYNAMIC EFFECTS HIS WORK WILL ENDURE THROUGH HIS MANY BOOKS AND RECORDINGS. GENERATIONS TO COME WILL REJOICE IN RICH LEGACY LEFT THEM THROUGH HIS HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS ILLUSTRIOUS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.

ADVISE FRIENDS THROUGHOUT WORLD COMMEMORATE HIS PASSING. REQUEST BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICES IN HIS HONOR ALL HOUSES OF WORSHIP.

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

"He will, erelong, out of the Bosom of Power, draw forth the Hands of Ascendancy and Might—Hands who will arise to win victory for this Youth, and who will purge mankind from the defilement of the outcast and the ungodly. These Hands will gird up their loins to champion the Faith of God, and will, in My name, the Self-Subsistent, the Mighty, subdue the peoples and kindreds of the earth."—Bahá’u’lláh, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 85

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, a "lion" of the Cause whose thunderous roar in "the forest of knowledge and wisdom" summoned the lovers of Bahá’u’lláh to perform deeds of unsurpassed heroism, died March 25 at his home in Tucson, Arizona, three days before his 81st birthday.

AT THE TIME of his passing, despite his advanced age, numerous health problems and several recent operations, Mr. Sears had completed two-thirds of an arduous nine-city tour of the U.S. to rally the friends to bring at least 9,000 new believers into the Faith by Ridván as a fitting prelude to the upcoming Holy Year.

He made his last public appearances the weekend of March 13-14 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, and was to have spoken to the friends on March 27-28 in Denver, Colorado.

A memorial service for Mr. Sears was held in Denver, and services were planned in Dallas and Los Angeles, the other two cities he was to have visited.

For more than half a century, through Plan after Plan announced by the beloved Guardian and, later, by the Universal House of Justice, Mr. Sears and his wife, Marguerite, labored valiantly and tirelessly on behalf of the Blessed Beauty, Bahá’u’lláh, and His Administrative Order, proclaiming His sublime Message of peace and unity throughout the world and championing His Covenant with fervor and eloquence, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind about the inevitability of its triumph.

Whenever the American Bahá’í community faced a challenge, Mr. Sears immediately "mounted his steed" to lead them into battle and, eventually, to victory. Whether it was raising funds for the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel, for WLGI Radio Bahá’í in South Carolina, or exhorting the friends to arise and play their part in winning the goals given to them by the Supreme Body of the Faith, Mr. Sears could always be counted on for inspiration liberally sprinkled with wisdom and humor.

Last July the National Spiritual Assembly expressed its love and gratitude for his many years of unflagging service to the community by presenting him with a scroll listing the names of more than 10,000 Bahá’ís who had contributed to the Arc Fund in response to a challenge issued by Mr. Sears at the 1990 National Convention. It was there that he had donated his precious copy of The Dawn-breakers, autographed by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to be used in furthering that fund-raising effort.

IN 1953, when the Guardian announced the Ten Year World Crusade and asked for pioneers to open new countries and territories to the Faith, Mr. Sears left a high-profile and...

Traveling Teaching

Regional coordinators to help plan teaching trips during Holy Year

The Six Year Plan

A summary by National Assembly of Plan's activities, achievements

Spirit of giving

Young Bahá’í observes Ayyám-i-Há by organizing food drives for needy [Page 2]“O that I could travel, even on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of Yá Bahá’u’-Abhá’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 39

• • TRAVELING TEACHING**

Teaching Committee urges friends to arise during Holy Year

The Holy Year, beginning at Ridván 1992, is a year to which the Universal House of Justice has referred as “a period charged with untold significance and pregnant with possibilities for major advances of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh” (November 26, 1991). All of our activities will take on special importance during this time, including travel teaching. The National Teaching Committee encourages the friends to consider traveling teaching during the coming Holy Year.

One of the two major events of the Holy Year, the second Bahá’í World Congress, to be held in New York City in November, will offer unique opportunities for traveling teachers. Many believers will be driving across the country to attend this centenary commemoration of the inauguration of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant and could help with teaching efforts in communities along the way. Also, many of the friends who are coming to the World Congress from other countries will be available to travel and teach in the U.S. either before or after they attend the Congress.

In addition to travelers from around the world, many American believers will be available for traveling teaching throughout the Holy Year. Arrangements may be made and schedules coordinated with Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups so that the traveling teachers can effectively contribute to the teaching work in communities through which they pass by conducting deepenings, speaking at firesides or public meetings, visiting isolated believers, or through a variety of other services and activities.

The National Teaching Committee has established a network of regional traveling teaching coordinators to help arrange the itineraries of traveling teachers and to channel them to areas where they are most needed. Each coordinator serves as a liaison between the traveling teachers and the communities needing support in their activities and helps recruit traveling teachers from their region.

Bahá’í communities who wish to request visits from traveling teachers may contact the traveling teaching coordinator in their region, as listed below. Those who are interested in traveling to teach may contact the coordinator in the area to which they would like to travel. Potential traveling teachers who are interested in traveling through more than one region should contact Laura Cessna, National Traveling Teaching Coordinator, who will work with the regional coordinators in setting up an itinerary.

National Traveling Teaching Coordinator: Laura Cessna, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 232).

Region 1 (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming): Bob and Brooke Record, Pullman, WA 99163 (509-332-8881).

Region 2 (California, Nevada): Sandra Huit, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916-961-0807).

Region 3 (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah): Terri Agahi, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602-863-1919).

Region 4 (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota): No regional coordinator; contact national coordinator.

Region 5, No. 1 (Arkansas, Oklahoma): Will Sutter, 632 N.E. 15th, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (405-235-2802).

Region 5, No. 2 (Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas): Riaz Haghpajuh, 3800 Spring Valley, Apt. 129, Addison, TX 75244 (214-243-1540).

Region 6 (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin): Rose Wendel, 46 Tranquil Trail, Dayton, OH 45459 (513-433-1120).

Region 7 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont): Nancy Duggan, 61 Beachview Drive, Malden, MA 02148 (617-324-7915).

Region 8 (District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia): Bruce Barker, 410 Circle Drive, Mount Airy, NC 27030 (919-789-7878).

Region 9 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia): Elizabeth Anderson, P.O. Box 131, Cedar Key, FL 32625 (904-543-6530).

San Jose Bahá’ís honor four citizens for outstanding community service

On February 1, four prominent citizens from the San Francisco Bay area were honored at the 11th annual San Jose Bahá’í Community Service Awards banquet.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, who addressed the audience of more than 280 on the banquet theme, “A Vision of Race Unity.”

Recipients of this year’s awards were Robert Maynard, publisher of the Oakland Tribune; community activist Inez Jackson; Ms. T.T. Nhu, columnist for the San Jose Mercury News; and elementary school principal Lillian Negron-Tokumoto. Each was honored for persistent and selfless contributions to cultural and racial understanding in his/her respective communities, and each received a glass sculpture created by a noted artist, Bahá’í Vern Allie.

Among the dignitaries attending the banquet were David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice; Nate Neuman, president of the local chapter of the NAACP; Lurleen Bush, past NAACP president; Robyn Fisher, representative of Mayor Susan Hammer of San Jose; Bill Lansdowne, deputy chief of the San Jose Police Department; and local radio and television personality Jan Hutchinson.

Dr. Ron Gilpatrick, administrator of the Bosch Bahá’í School, served as master of ceremonies. Gwendolyn Watson, a world-acclaimed cellist, provided the musical entertainment.

About 130 of those attending were friends and guests of the Bahá’ís.

In March, the Bahá’ís of the Town of North Hempstead, Long Island, held a week-long teaching project in the New Canaan section of Westbury, Long Island. The project was supported by a dedicated group of young Bahá’ís from New York City and New Hampshire who helped with street teaching, took part in firesides, and performed community service at a local day-care center. The project ended March 22 with a public forum entitled ‘Overcoming Racism.’ Pictured (left to right) are some of the young people who took part in the project: Kalim Armstrong of Lee, New Hampshire; Jibri Raspberry of Staten Island, New York; Deirdre Imagire Duquette of Madbury, New Hampshire; Jennifer Goldberg of Roslyn, New York; and Tahirih Ekpe of Staten Island.

Gregory Institute recognized for community service

The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute was one of two groups recognized for outstanding community service at a recent program sponsored by the Black History-Cultural Arts Association of Horry County, South Carolina.

The Institute, founded in 1972, was recognized for its annual Peace Fest program which pays tribute to individuals who provide services to the community and the state; the “Calling All Colors” race unity conference planned by and for young people; the “Youth and Children of the Dream” program honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and the invaluable community resources provided by WLGI Radio Bahá’í.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Gregory Institute by its director, Truitt White. Among those helping with the presentation was nine-year-old Anisa Kinz, a Bahá’í who organized the “Calling All Colors” conference. [Page 3]

‘Time of challenge’ heightens urgency of Fund support

The Universal House of Justice, in its message of November 18, 1991, to the ‎Bahá’í s Bahá’ís‎ of the world, wrote: “A time of challenge for the stalwart upholders of the Cause of God has now come upon us at the very moment when the world is grappling with tremendous problems, moral, social, economic and ecological.”

THE House of Justice, surveying the challenges the Cause of God is facing on the national and international levels, outlining the plans and projects under way to meet them, and reminding the friends of both the immediate and long-term need for funds to carry out those activities, urged the ‎Bahá’í s Bahá’ís‎ to “give deep thought to the importance of supporting the Cause financially and to the effect that Bahá’í activities have on the condition of the entire human race.”

Contribution Comparison - Totals at January 31 (est.)

(000’s)	Jan ’90	Jan ’91	Jan ’92 (est.)	Pct Change ’90 to ’92	Pct Change ’91 to ’92
National Bahá’í Fund	$6,152	$7,490	$7,542	23%	1%
Bahá’í International Fund	$411	$556	$956	133%	72%
Arc Projects Fund	$1,145	$2,640	$743	-35%	-72%
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$236	$219	$128	-46%	-42%
Estate Bequests	$209	$523	$627	N/A	20%
Total Contributions	$8,153	$11,428	$9,996	23%	-13%

The House of Justice continued that “In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh more than once refers to the necessity of combining spiritual and material means in achieving the purposes of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi, for his part, referred to the Fund as the life-blood of the Cause.”

These words, from the Body ordained by Bahá’u’lláh as the Supreme Institution of the Faith and the unerring source of His guidance, call for serious reflection on the part of all of His followers in every region of the globe. And when considered in light of what we know about the role America is destined to play in the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, they must provoke in the hearts of the believers in this country a fresh awareness of the responsibilities with which we have been entrusted.

The beloved Guardian, in The Advent of Divine Justice, repeated many of the prophecies of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá concerning the future of the American Bahá’í community. Among them was this well-known passage, first addressed to the believers in the United States and Canada in the Tablets of the Divine Plan:

“The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance still unapprehended. Erelong, ye will, with your own eyes, witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate, in the firmament of your country, the light of Divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of an everlasting life. ... The range of your future achievements still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements.” (p. 73)

IN A message to America dated June 5, 1947, the Guardian, again echoing the words of the Master, wrote that the community of the Most Great Name in the North American continent will “‘find itself securely established on the throne of an everlasting dominion,’ when ‘the whole earth’ will be stirred and shaken by the results of its ‘achievements’ and ‘resound with the praises of majesty and greatness,’ when America will ‘evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.’” (Citadel of Faith, p. 31)

An important basis for these future achievements, the Guardian explained on another occasion, was America’s championship of Bahá’í administration as outlined and instituted in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. As early as 1933 the Guardian declared that the “illustrious deeds” of the American believers had already “established beyond the shadow of a doubt their preponderating share in shaping the destinies of their Faith.” He continued: “In a world writhing with pain and declining into chaos this community—the vanguard of the liberating forces of Bahá’u’lláh—succeeded in the years following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing in raising high above the institutions established by its sister communities in East and West what may well constitute the chief pillar of that future House—a house which posterity will regard as the last refuge of a tottering civilization.” (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 89)

FINALLY, let us remember the words of Bahá’u’lláh Himself, Who declared:

“This is the day to make mention of God, to celebrate His praise, and to serve Him; deprive not yourselves thereof. Ye are the letters of the words, and the words of the Book. Ye are the saplings which the Hand of Loving-kindness hath planted in the soil of mercy, and which the showers of bounty have made to flourish. He hath protected you from the mighty winds of misbelief, and the tempestuous gales of impiety, and nurtured you with the hands of His loving providence. Now is the time for you to put forth your leaves, and yield your fruit.”

Distribution Service has two openings

The National Spiritual Assembly is seeking a marketing manager and a buyer to serve the new Bahá’í Distribution Service. If you have the requisite skills and are willing to serve, please phone the Department of Human Resources, 708-869-9039, as soon as possible. Marketing manager: Plans and manages all activities concerned with promoting and marketing authoritative Bahá’í texts, literature and allied materials to the Bahá’í community and the general public; recruits, develops and supervises marketing staff in implementing strategies for promotion and marketing; represents marketing functions of the Bahá’í Distribution Service (BDS) to the public. Requires a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in marketing; a broad vision of the Faith gained through a knowledge of its authoritative texts, literature and national and international plans; writing, or two years experience in lieu of training, in developing marketing plans, writing copy, evaluating layouts; expertise in preparing promotional materials; two years supervisory experience in a particular management style with the goal being to build and maintain team unity and spirit; good command of English; ability to use computer for word processing and for such tasks as sales and cost analysis, correspondence, preparing and monitoring a budget, projecting and ‎anaylzing analyzing‎ sales goals. Buyer: Plans and manages all activities concerned with purchasing the authoritative Bahá’í texts, literature and allied materials to ensure their availability for timely distribution to the Bahá’í community; fosters the financial growth of the organization by maximizing margin, reducing the cost of goods, and maintaining minimum inventory levels consistent with adequate supplies for timely order fulfillment; represents buying functions of the Bahá’í Distribution Service to the public. Requires two years experience as a buyer or purchasing agent or two years retail sales experience including ordering and stocking; knowledge of authoritative texts of the Faith and other Bahá’í literature and products; ability to use a calculator, word processor and computer to perform such tasks as preparing purchase orders and calculating currency conversion; must have a demonstrated expertise in a broad range of communication skills such as letter writing, negotiating, resolving problems related to importing; ability to analyze usefulness of Bahá’í literature and other products in comparison to national and international goals supporting the expansion and consolidation of the Bahá’í community.

On February 19, Bahá’í children who attend Isaac Dickson Elementary School in Asheville, North Carolina, presented copies of the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on race unity to the school administrators and staff. The children shared what Bahá’ís often call the ‘three onenesses’: the oneness of God, of religion, and of humanity. Pictured at the presentation are (left to right, back row) Christine Lee; assistant Principal Elaine Poovy; Multicultural Coordinator Sherrill Lawrence; and Principal Bob McGratten. Front row (left to right) are Emily Mitchell, Bonnie Davis, Tschu Tschu Mpofu, Leah Michael, Chelsea Lee and Fiki Mpofu.

Photographer uses Bahá’í prayer in book promotion

When Canadian photojournalist Courtenay Milne went to Golden, British Columbia, for a show to promote his new book, The Sacred Earth, a photo essay of past and present spiritual places, reporter Glenn Fiebig covered the event for the Golden Star newspaper.

As Mr. Fiebig, a Bahá’í, researched the article, he found that two of the places photographed by Mr. Milne for his book were the Bahá’í gardens in Haifa and the House of Worship in India.

As he worked, Mr. Fiebig found himself thinking of the prayer that begins “Blessed Is the Spot...,” so on the evening of the presentation he wrote the prayer on a piece of paper and handed it to the photographer.

To his surprise, Mr. Milne carried the paper to the stage and announced: “A few minutes ago, a Bahá’í in the audience gave me a poem, and the words are so appropriate to the presentation tonight that I would like to open the show with it.” He then read the prayer and dedicated the evening’s presentation to “Bahá’ís around the world who are working toward unity and world peace.”

After the program, Mr. Milne told Mr. Fiebig that he would use the prayer to open all his shows. [Page 4]

THE SIX YEAR PLAN

A summary by the National Spiritual Assembly

The Six Year Plan has ended; the Holy Year has begun. The Bahá’í world arises to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and of the inception of His Covenant. The achievements of the Six Year Plan and the lessons learned from it must now serve as the foundation of our efforts to emblazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh throughout our land during the yearlong interlude before the start of the Three Year Plan.

DURING the Six Year Plan our community made progress in many areas, the one exception being the enrollment of new believers. In external affairs, Spiritual Assembly development, the Bahá’í Funds, Bahá’í education, and social and economic development our community made great strides. Although the quality, variety and intensity of our teaching efforts grew markedly over the past six years, enrollments did not. Nevertheless, the increasing number and growing momentum of full-time teaching teams and projects, augmented by countless teaching institutes and firesides, encourages our confidence that our growth rate will soon quicken.

The start of the Plan coincided with the beginning of the Faith’s emergence from obscurity, propelled by the sacrifices of the martyrs in Iran. Since then the fast-growing recognition of the Bahá’í Faith in America is largely due to our external affairs work and to the widespread involvement of Bahá’ís in the life of society. In our nation’s capital Congress adopted, in 1988 and 1990, bipartisan resolutions condemning the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’ís by the government of Iran. The Senate has passed yet another resolution committing the U.S. government to the emancipation of the Bahá’í Faith in Iran; it is expected to pass in the House of Representatives this spring. The National Spiritual Assembly led efforts to ratify legislation on children’s and women’s rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Genocide Convention. The Assembly also mounted a successful campaign to support Congressional legislation for teaching American Indian languages in public schools. The National Assembly, in close collaboration with the Bahá’í International Community’s New York office, expanded its work for the environment. The Assembly’s representative serves as secretary of the U.S. Citizens Network for the United Nations Conference on Environmental Development and as co-chairman of the working group on ethics that is drafting the Earth Charter. The Assembly’s representative to the UN has chaired important UN Non-Governmental Organization committees, including the UN Association (USA) Conference of UN Representatives, the UN Non-Governmental Organization, Department of Public Information, executive committee. She also served as a delegate to the International Plenary of the World Federation of UN ‎Association Associations‎.

Public information about the Faith was disseminated through some 22,000 articles in newspapers throughout the country. More than 60 editorials and articles appeared in nationally prominent newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The Los Angeles Times. Radio and television programs on the Faith continued to increase. One half-hour interview program on the Faith was conducted on “The Shalom Show” and broadcast on 592 television stations nationwide.

Involvement in the life of society is becoming a common part of American Bahá’í life. At local, state and national levels Bahá’ís frequently are taking leading roles in a wide range of efforts to promote such Bahá’í principles as race unity, equality of the sexes, religious unity, literacy, and freedom from substance abuse. Among the most notable achievements is the Elbow Learning Lab in Griffin, Georgia, a Bahá’í-initiated literacy service for children and adults, which was cited for excellence by the state and later incorporated into a local community college.

The statement “The Vision of Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue” reinforced our community’s far-reaching efforts to combat racism and foster unity. More than 200,000 copies of the statement were distributed. Across the country Bahá’ís are working with schools and colleges, state and city governments, local and national organizations. To further their work Bahá’ís in a number of communities established and incorporated organizations and institutes such as the Institute for the Creation of Patterns of Unity, the North Shore Race Unity Task Force, the Institute for Race Unity, and the Institute for the Healing of Racism. An increasing number of Bahá’ís have been asked by local government officials to assist their efforts to combat racial division. The National Spiritual Assembly, in collaboration with the Chicago Human Relations Commissioner, conducted the first survey of models of unity entitled “Models of Unity: Racial, Ethnic and Religious.”

‘Involvement in the life of society is becoming a common part of American Bahá’í life. At local, state and national levels Bahá’ís frequently are taking leading roles in a wide range of efforts to promote such Bahá’í principles as race unity, equality of the sexes, religious unity, literacy, and freedom from substance abuse.’

A sign of the growing public regard for the Bahá’í Faith’s commitment to race unity was the appointment of the secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly as Co-Grand Marshal of the Martin Luther King Day national parade in Atlanta, which culminated with the secretary’s speech to 100,000 people proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of race unity: the oneness of humanity.

PROGRAMS to promote the maturation of Spiritual Assemblies also advanced. In collaboration with the Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards, the Spiritual Assembly Development Program was initiated with 536 Assemblies and will be systematically expanded during the coming year.

The strong growth of the National Bahá’í Fund was one of the most significant and encouraging achievements of the Six Year Plan. The positive response to the Spiritual Assembly Fund Goal Program also demonstrated the increasing maturity of local Spiritual Assemblies. More than 1,200 Assemblies now take part in the program. Their contributions, along with those of individual believers, enabled the National Bahá’í Fund to achieve almost 50 percent growth during the Six Year Plan. Equally gratifying is the educational support being given by Bahá’í communities to the Huqúqu’lláh, which has resulted in a rapid increase in the number of voluntary participants in advance of the activation of this holy law at Ridván 1992.

The quality and variety of Bahá’í educational programs and services grew impressively at the three permanent schools and institutes, the 38 regional Bahá’í schools, and more than 450 weekend schools around the country. Attendance at the schools also grew, helping the permanent schools progress toward financial self-sufficiency. Achievements of particular note include the creation of youth and children’s academies at the schools and institutes, the production of excellent Bahá’í programming on WLGI, and the radio station’s growing influence in its broadcast region.

Work to refine and develop the national administrative apparatus proceeded in many areas. The goal of such work is to increase the national administration’s capacity to meet the growing needs of the community while reducing or limiting the growth of operating costs. Specific projects included work on the finance management system, the properties organization, the management systems of the Bahá’í schools, the management information systems, human resources, and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Distribution Service.

WORK to repair and restore the House of Worship made significant headway. Extensive cleaning and repair were done to the exterior ornamental concrete, the Temple steps, and the dome, while the Visitors’ Center was completely remodeled. Extensive repair and development work was done on almost all Bahá’í properties including the Green Acre Bahá’í School, which is currently in the midst of complete restoration. A major part of the planned repairs is scheduled for this year.

Additional highlights of the Six Year Plan include:

• The establishment of a Bahá’í Chair for World Peace Studies at the University of Maryland and the selection of the first holder of the Chair, Dr. Suheil Bushrui.
• The increased involvement of youth in teaching and Bahá’í service activities including the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, the Bahá’í youth workshops, and scores of youth teaching projects and institutes.
• The publication of a wide range of new curricula including The Word of God, The Covenant, The Significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Effective Teaching, and the study guides to The Kitáb-i-Íqán, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and The Power of Unity, and the recently completed core curriculum for the Bahá’í education of children.
• The recruitment, training and dispersal of 689 pioneers to 243 goal countries and 429 non-goal areas including 17 that fulfilled goals for other national communities. Assistance with the election of Spiritual Assemblies in Ukraine.
• The international collaboration traveling teaching goals have been completed or are in the process of being completed. The collaboration goals for the Bahá’í education of children have been fulfilled with the distribution of the Catalog of Bahá’í Education Materials and other items including the draft of the core curriculum, and with meetings of our representatives and those of the other national communities assigned. Dialogue continues among the representatives. The only collaboration goal that cannot be met for the present is sending public relations materials to Liberia because of the current situation in that country.
• The settlement of 86 pioneers and the completion of 608 traveling teaching trips, exceeding goals for the Two Year Plan for the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Mongolia and China.
• The provision of financial and technical assistance to the National Spiritual Assemblies of Belize, Costa Rica, the West Leeward Islands and Samoa for the acquisition and/or repair of National Hazírat’ul-Quds.
• THE DISPATCH of several delegations to China, led by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, to help formulate the Five Year Plan for the Women of China and the United States; to discuss adult and youth education with the All China Women’s Federation; and to consult about the administration of law with the China University of Political Science and Law, the China Law Society, and various mediation councils and law firms. Participation by a member of the National Spiritual Assembly in the steering committee for the first Sino-American Conference on Women’s issues and in discussions with the director of the People’s Republic of China Bureau of Religious Affairs and other high officials about the principles and goals of the Faith. The work of these delegations helped establish lasting relationships and advance the teaching work in the People’s Republic of China.
• The production of seven Bahá’í video newsreels, now being distributed worldwide in several languages. The production of award-winning videos including Jewel in the Lotus, The Seat of God’s Throne, Like an

JAMÁL B.E. 149/APRIL 28, 1992 [Page 5]Eagle in the Sky, and From Haitian Roots. The production of video messages from the National Spiritual Assembly.

• The publication of 100 new titles by the National Assembly and its Publishing Trust, and the distribution of 800 new titles by the Distribution Service.
• The publication of Brilliant Star magazine and its special issues on Bahá’u’lláh, race unity, and one soon to be released on the Covenant.
• The development of Bahá’í professional service organizations including the Bahá’í Justice Society and the recently formed Health for Humanity organization.
• The planning and management of World Congress logistics, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, including obtaining the use of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, securing designs for its stage and exhibit rooms, and planning hotel and travel arrangements, security, satellite broadcasting, registration and venue management.

CHALLENGES WE FACE

The incongruity of our performance in the Six Year Plan concerns us deeply. As the summary of the highlights of our achievements testifies, our activities and accomplishments were unprecedented, with the principal exception of the enrollment of new believers. Yet, in many respects the quality and variety of teaching efforts have also achieved new heights. The challenges that face us now require us to examine how we transform the wide range of our activities into the growth of the Faith. We ask that the friends, individually, in groups and in Spiritual Assemblies give prayerful consideration to the following questions:

1. What current activities are most likely to result in the growth of the Faith? What additional steps are needed to accelerate the rate of growth?

2. Bahá’u’lláh is the Lord of the Age and the Redeemer of Mankind. To what extent do our proclamation and teaching activities convey His Station and mission?

3. What qualities of spirit and patterns of Bahá’í community life will exert the strongest magnetic attraction to the Faith in your surrounding community?

SPECIAL MENTION

Special mention must be made of the invaluable contributions during the Six Year Plan of the Continental Board of Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards. Their ceaseless encouragement, wise counsel and tireless support have been lavished upon the National Spiritual Assembly, its agencies, and the entire Bahá’í community. Those qualities were epitomized by International Counselor Magdalene Carney over years of service as a leader in the teaching field, as assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and as a member of the International Teaching Center. Her premature death robbed us of the physical presence of one of our dearest friends and most ardent supporters.

We must also convey our deepest gratitude to David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. His traveling teaching throughout the United States, for more than two years, has contributed immeasurably to the progress of the teaching work and to the American Bahá’í community’s collective understanding of the mission of Bahá’u’lláh.

While we were drafting this report, we received the news of the passing of our dearly loved Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. We were stunned. Words cannot express the depth of our love for him or the extent of our appreciation for his heroic service to the Cause and to the American Bahá’í community.

His life was a model of consecration. He turned away from fame and material comfort for a life of hardship and deprivation in the path of service to his Beloved. He spent his life as an international pioneer and traveling teacher, as an author of books promoting the Faith, as a "spiritual grandfather" to generations of Bahá’í children, and, most important, as a Hand of the Cause of God tirelessly championing the Faith and encouraging the believers.

Despite great physical pain caused by a chronic illness, he labored through the last months of his life traveling to a different city almost every week to meet with the Bahá’ís. His theme was "The Majesty and Greatness of You." In those meetings he called us to remember the special mission that we, as American Bahá’ís, are privileged to carry forward, and reminded us of God’s promised guidance and assistance when we arise and exert ourselves in the path of God. He asked us to hurry because time is running out, and we have serious commitments to keep.

The sterling example of William Sears’ life should be taken as a lesson by every Bahá’í. We may not remember the material distinctions he achieved, but we will always be moved to tears and laughter, our hearts swelling with love, at the mention of his name. Let us honor him by answering his repeated calls for us to ARISE: "Arise, Reach Individual Souls Everywhere."

On the east side of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel, drilling for geophysical tests has begun adjacent to the site for the planning building for the International Teaching Center.

About 200 S.E. Asians attend Stockton Ayyám-i-Há celebration

About 200 Southeast Asians (most of Cambodian background) including many children and youth took part in an Ayyám-i-Há celebration in Stockton, California.

The large turnout of Cambodians was a result of effective advertising. Oenn Oeum, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Stockton, produced a flyer in Cambodian that was disseminated in the local Cambodian community. Mr. Oeum, a Cambodian, has taught the Faith to many of his countrymen for a number of years.

The Ayyám-i-Há program was geared toward the interests of the Cambodians, as they were by far the largest group represented (a few American and Vietnamese Bahá’ís also participated in the festivities).

Included was singing by the children, traditional Cambodian dancing, and lipsyncing to modern Cambodian music. There was also a piñata for the children.

One of the Americans present was Jocelyn Baral, a Bahá’í youth from Stockton who is a full-time teacher of Southeast Asians. With the help of Zanaida Ligan, a Stockton Bahá’í of Filipino background, Miss Baral recently set up a small office in one of the largest Cambodian neighborhoods in the area.

Miss Baral and Miss Ligan began by helping three young women Bahá’ís of Southeast Asian background in carrying out their teaching activities, an effort that has grown to include a core group of six teachers.

The young women get together for prayers and are trying to model their lives on the Bahá’í teachings. They also work with Miss Baral and Miss Ligan in consolidating the community by bringing the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh home to their families and helping them deepen their knowledge and understanding of the sacred texts.

A child does his utmost to break a piñata during an Ayyám-i-Há celebration in Stockton, California, as other children, youth and adults look on. About 200 people, most of whom were of Cambodian background, took part in the festive event.

Reno Bahá’í recites prayer at Governor’s Breakfast sponsored by the NCCJ

As a result of Bahá’í support over the past five years for activities of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) in the Reno, Nevada, area, a Bahá’í was asked this year to say a prayer at the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the NCCJ.

More than 500 people representing a variety of businesses and religious groups attended the event at which Gov. Bob Miller of Nevada was the featured speaker. Bahá’í participation was noted in the program given to each attendee.

Florida banquet co-sponsored by Committee on Women

In January, the National Committee on Women and the District Teaching Committee of Southeast Central Florida presented a conference and awards banquet whose theme was "Sexual Equality."

The keynote speaker was Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and member of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Honored were four prominent Broward County women: Mildred Keeve, a poetess, writer and social worker; Betty Mae Jumper, the first female Seminole Indian Chief; Judith Lai, businesswoman, nurse, insurance company owner and interpreter for Chinese refugees; and Judge Estella Moriarty of the Broward County Circuit, Juvenile Division.

Conference participants attended a number of workshops conducted by members of the National Committee on Women including "Internalized Oppression in Women," "Sexism in the Media," and "The Effects of Sexism on Men."

The awards banquet featured multi-cultural entertainment from an African dance troupe, a 12-year-old ballet dancer, a Seminole Indian singer, and a blues singer/guitarist.

Other weekend highlights included a panel discussion by the National Committee on Women and a two-hour radio interview of Judge Nelson during which a number of callers asked about the tenets and practicality of the Faith. [Page 6]

Bahá’u’lláh

prepared by the Bahá’í World Centre Office of Public Information HC $8.95 SC $1.50

An introduction to the life and work of Bahá’u’lláh, conveying His vision of the oneness of humanity and offering a perspective on “the feeling of confidence” with which Bahá’ís view “the future of our planet and our race.” Published in preparation for the centenary anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s passing and the inauguration of His Covenant, the book is “intended primarily for wide distribution to the public.” It is also “a source of study and inspiration for the Bahá’ís themselves” and will provide “substance for various presentations on the Faith.” This book will aid Bahá’ís in their efforts to achieve the “widest possible proclamation of the Name of Bahá’u’lláh” and to “blazon” it “across the globe, to make it a known eminence in the consciousness of peoples everywhere.” This edition features a foreword, maps, table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index, making it more accessible to a general audience. The hardcover edition is designed for use in public libraries and is suitable for presentation.

4-¼" x 7", 104 pp., ‎forward foreword‎, maps, table of contents, introduction, notes, glossary, index Bahá’í Publications Australia

SPN: Bahá’u’lláh

preparado por la Oficina del Centro Mundial Bahá’í de Información Pública SC $2.25

Una introducción a la vida y trabajo de Bahá’u’lláh, transmitiendo Su visión de la unidad de la humanidad y ofreciendo una perspectiva de “el sentimiento de confianza” con el cual los Bahá’ís ven “el futuro de nuestro planeta y nuestra raza”. Publicado en preparación del centenario del aniversario del ascenso de Bahá’u’lláh y la inauguración de Su Convenio, el libro es “un intento principal de una amplia distribución al público”. Es también “una fuente de estudio e inspiración para los Bahá’ís mismos” y proveerá “material para varias presentaciones de la Fe”. Este libro ayudará a los Bahá’ís en sus esfuerzos de alcanzar la “‎mas más‎ amplia ‎proclamacion proclamación‎ posible del Nombre de Bahá’u’lláh” y “emblazonar” su nombre “alrededor del mundo, haciendo de ‎El Él‎ una eminencia conocida en la conciencia de los pueblos del mundo”.

Nota: Para hacer los pedidos de este libro o cualquier libro en español favor utilizar el formato de pedidos adjunto.

5-5/16" x 7-3/4" EBILA

Bahá’u’lláh: A Glimpse of His Life and Teachings

by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada VT $25.00

As the Holy Year approaches, new ways of teaching the world about the life of Bahá’u’lláh are being developed. This new introductory video is an example of this new approach in which the person of Bahá’u’lláh is featured and the history of His Faith is secondary. Seekers are presented with a glimpse of Bahá’u’lláh’s life as an exile and prisoner and only then offered a look at His community.

27:40 minutes Images International for IBAVC

Reflections on the Significance of the Holy Year

by Glenford Mitchell CS $9.95

In Bahá’í history there has only been one Holy Year—proclaimed by Shoghi Effendi, November 30, 1951, to commemorate the centenary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Mitchell reads from the historic cable announcing the first Holy Year and outlines some activities of the forthcoming Holy Year. Among these is an activity that will link the two Holy Years by completing an unfinished goal of the first Holy Year—the depositing of the Scroll of Honor at the entrance of the inner sanctuary of the tomb of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí on May 28, 1992.

approximately 120 minutes Bahá’í Media Services

SOCIAL ISSUES

International Legislation for Environment and Development

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

This statement summarizes the inadequacies that nation states have in addressing worldwide legislative and environmental issues. Rather than a “piecemeal approach (to international legislation) conceived in response to the needs of the nation states, it seems clearly preferable to adopt . . . long term solutions (which) will require (a) new and comprehensive vision of a global society.”

3-½" x 8-½", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

The Bahá’í writings clearly establish the equality of the sexes as a necessary link to world unity. This statement reflects on the continued participation of women in the social and economic lives of their nations and focuses on the progressive transformation of ‎womens’ women’s‎ roles in society. An excellent teaching and deepening tool for women’s groups, Future Studies Groups, and individuals.

3-½" x 8-½", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

Earth Charter

by the Bahá’í International Community PA 10pk $2.50 PA 50pk $11.00

This statement, presented at the 1992 UNCED Earth Summit, concludes that any type of global-environmental reform must be based upon “universally accepted values and principles” that go beyond “technical-utilitarian proposals and address the underlying cause of the crisis.” The Earth Charter suggests the formation of a worldwide Federal system to regulate environmental standards and enforce environmental violations.

3-½" x 8-½", 4-panel Bahá’í International Community

RACE UNITY DAY JUNE 14, 1992

The following materials are especially suited for Race Unity Day observances.

Power of Unity

Beyond Prejudice and Racism SC $6.50

A compilation created to help American Bahá’ís examine “the most vital and challenging issue,” free themselves from racial prejudice, and fulfill the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith by achieving unity in diversity.

Creating Patterns of Unity, Study Guide

SC $6.95

A guide for studying The Power of Unity that helps strengthen the ‎readers reader’s‎ understanding of the most vital and challenging issue, stimulates discussion and consultation on the principles of the oneness of humanity, and helps readers plan and carry out courses of action that will eliminate prejudice and establish unity. The guide provides an organized, consistent, and intensive tool for individual or group study that can also be used for weekend institutes, workshops, or schools.

The Vision of Race Unity

America’s Most Challenging Issue General Edition 100/pk $25.00, 50/pk $15.00, 10/pk $3.50 Presentation Edition 25/pk $40.00, 10/pk $3.50, $2.00 each

Over 200,000 copies of this popular statement have been sold since its publication in June 1991. The Vision of Race Unity introduces the oneness of humanity; presents some of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings about unity; urges us to change our social structure to promote the unity of humanity; and asserts that America’s peace, prosperity, and standing in the international community depends on the eradication of racism.

To Be One

Nathan Rutstein SC $11.75

Nathan Rutstein’s personal story, To Be One, is a penetrating, insightful illustration of what the black poet, Robert Hayden, meant when he said “racism is alive; it flows through the arteries of America.” Rutstein’s story carries readers from witnessing his immigrant parents’ prejudice, through learning to live with a black housemate, to interviewing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., several times for New York television. The book emphasizes how subtle and pervasive racism can be, explaining that overcoming racism is like overcoming alcoholism: it requires a prescription of daily, active effort to promote unity among all peoples.

To Move the World

Louis G. Gregory and the Advancement of Racial Unity in America Gayle Morrison SC $11.95

A biography of Louis G. Gregory, “the most outstanding black Bahá’í in America in the first half of the twentieth century” and the first African-American Hand of the Cause of God. The book recounts Gregory’s forty-two years of service (1909-51) to the Bahá’í Faith. His life story bears witness to his unshakable conviction that whoever stands on the “exalted principle of the oneness of God and the oneness of the entire human race . . . will move the world.”

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service • 1-800-999-9019

JAMAL 149 B.E. / APRIL 28, 1992 [Page 7]Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U. S. PA 50/pk $5.75

This introductory pamphlet presents a basic description of the Bahá’í Faith and outlines its fundamental teachings in an easy-to-read format. It discusses humanity’s need for world order and highlights the principle of the oneness of humankind, and other Bahá’í principles conveying Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of a united world. A brief history of the Faith is also given. The pamphlet ends with an invitation to “investigate this Faith and share in this spiritual adventure.” A wonderful teaching tool for seekers and new believers.

6-3/8" x 3-1/2", 6-panel Erich Reich Enterprises

Bahá’í DayBook Passages for Deepening and Meditation SC $6.95

A book of daily devotions compiled from the Bahá’í writings and other scriptures for each date of the Bahá’í year, beginning with Naw-Rúz (March 21). Daily use of this book will help to foster the habit of reading daily from the Bahá’í writings, and strengthen one’s attachment to the Covenant. Suitable for gift-giving.

4-1/8" x 6", 374 pp., foreword, illustrations, references Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

FOR CHILDREN

O God, Guide Me! Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Illustrated by Gordon Laite SC $4.00

A prayer book for children from birth and up. It contains ten prayers or portions of prayers on divine guidance, purity of heart, spiritual education, protection, spiritual happiness, dawn, obedience to God, healing, the light of God, and assistance from God. The book is illustrated with twenty-two drawings that capture children’s attention, reinforce the meanings of the prayers with concrete images, and facilitate memorization by association with visual images.

4-1/4" x 6-1/4", 41 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U. S.

Morning Stars A Profile of Kevin Locke VT $29.95

Mr. Locke discusses his personal view of the Bahá’í Faith as a fulfillment of many of the traditional Lakota Sioux religious prophesies regarding the unification of the peoples of the Four Directions (the People of the East, West, North, and South) in a society that welcomes the contributions of all cultures. Morning Stars features cultural aspects of traditional Lakota’s as expressed through dance, music, and storytelling. The video stars Native American hoop dancer/flutist Kevin Locke, with drumming and singing by Chester Mahooty.

approximately 29 minutes Images International for I.B.A. V.C.

A for Effort: And Other Stories for Today’s Young Heroes by Susan J. Allen SC $7.95

A new book of young adult fiction that presents Bahá’í teachings as spiritual guidance for everyday situations. In this book we meet Lucy, Ralph, Carrie, Nick and many other young people who are trying to understand what being a Bahá’í is all about. We read how these characters deal with the feeling of being just a little “different” and alone, because they try to be good Bahá’ís and their non-Bahá’í friends don’t understand. This book will interest young readers from approximately ten years old through later teens.

5-1/8" x 7-3/4", 149 pp. Oneworld Publications

The Pinckelhoffer Mice by Shirin Sabri illustrated by Sue Podger SC $7.95

A delightful story casting animals in the role of acquiring spiritual attributes. There is an island without any name in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. The kitchen of the deserted Old House has been a safe home to generations of Pinckelhoffer Mice. Now danger looms, for wild rats have invaded the Other Room and one of them has a plan. . . . Will the plan succeed, or can Brown, Dark, Jump and the other young mice save the island from the rats? Appropriate for children and youth from approximately six years old through eleven.

5" x 7-3/4", 156 pp. Oneworld Publications

BACK IN STOCK

Per: Amr va Khalaq Vol. 3 & 4 HC $37.95

Per: Muntakhhabati (Messages from the U.H.J.) SC $9.50

Per: Nar va Nur (Fire and Light) HC $17.95

Per: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith edited by M. K. Rohani SC $3.50

Spn: Huqúqu’lláh y Fondos Bahá’ís edited by M. K. Rohani SC $4.50

RECENT NEW TITLES

Accents of God edited by M. K. Rohani SC $12.95

Bahá’í Datebook (Australia) 149-50 B.E. (1992-93) SC $3.25 3-3/4" x 6-3/4", 80 pp. Century Press Pty. Ltd.

Emergence: Dimensions of a New World Order edited by Charles Lerche SC $14.95

Enlighten Curriculum Fifth Grade; Sixth Grade by Lea Iverson SC $19.95 per volume $140.00 eight volume set

Spn: La Fe Bahá’í y su Comunidad Mundial by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States PA 10pk/$3.50 PA 50pk/$15.50

Spn: La Fe Bahá’í Teaching Booklet by Dr. Hidáyatu’lláh Ahmadiyyih SC $1.00

Unrestrained As the Wind: A Life Dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh compiled from the Bahá’í writings by the National Youth Committee and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust SC $9.95

INVENTORY REDUCTION

The Bahá’í World Vol. I-XII $200.00 net

A readable, comprehensive, and authoritative record of the Bahá’í Faith’s expansion and activity between 1925-1954. These volumes were prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States under Shoghi Effendi’s supervision. He predicted The Bahá’í World would “arouse unprecedented interest” in the Faith and urged its “prompt and widespread circulation.” A must for all teachers, administrators, and historians. An excellent gift for local, university, and theological libraries.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States

Due to an overstock of The Bahá’í World, the Bahá’í Distribution Service has decided to reduce the price of both complete sets (volumes 1-12) and of individual volumes (volumes 1-12) by 50%. Volumes 1, 3 and 7 are currently out of print and are only available if the entire set is purchased. The reduced prices are net (no further discounts offered). The reduced prices are effective while the existing supplies last.

Bahá’í Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019

5397 Wilbanks Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37343 FAX 1-615-843-0836

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JAMAL 149 B.E. / APRIL 28, 1992 [Page 8]

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears:

lucrative position as sportscaster and children’s show host at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia to pioneer with Marguerite and their sons, William Jr. and Michael, to South Africa.

Soon afterward, Mr. Sears was elected chairman of the first National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa, and in October 1957 was among the last contingent of the Hands of the Cause of God appointed by Shoghi Effendi before his passing the following month.

LAYING ASIDE the great anguish and suffering caused by that unexpected loss, Mr. Sears served at the World Center in Haifa from 1957-61 and was among those Hands of the Cause whose guidance and wisdom kept the Cause of God on a steady course during the turbulent years between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the first Universal House of Justice in 1963.

Once back in the States, Mr. Sears began a 30-year crusade to remind the friends in this country of the promises of victory given by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice to those who would arise in this day to serve the Cause and promote its principles among the masses of humankind.

In his service to the Cause Mr. Sears used every talent at his command, from his marvelous speaking voice and unrivaled sense of humor to his remarkable ability to put a good story on paper, producing a series of well-received books including God Loves Laughter, Thief in the Night, Release the Sun, All Flags Flying, A Cry from the Heart, The Flame, and The Prisoner and the Kings.

God Loves Laughter, an autobiographical account of his early years and how he became a Bahá’í, was a particular favorite among those to whom Mr. Sears always felt closest, children and young adults.

Many of those young people regarded Mr. Sears as a surrogate “grandfather,” a warm and loving man who always had time to share a smile, an embrace, a word of comfort or advice. Wherever he went, Mr. Sears showered his love on the children, making sure they were as much a part of any event as others in his audience. They reciprocated with a devotion whose presence could be felt whenever Mr. Sears made an appearance.

William Sears was born March 28, 1911, in a section of Duluth, Minnesota, known as Pumpkin Row because houses there were painted the color of pumpkins.

He recalled in God Loves Laughter that his first word was not “daddy” but “God,” obviously a portent of things to come.

Mr. Sears’ first paid work as a writer was $7.50 for a poem he submitted at age seven to Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang. He kept writing while attending the University of Wisconsin, winning the school’s playwriting award in 1933.

In all, he had nine one-act plays published, two of which won awards and one of which appeared in the 1936 Yearbook of Best Plays.

Mr. Sears directed a Little Theatre group for five years, worked for two years as a correspondent for United Press International, was a news editor for several radio stations, and was radio director for the Knox Reeves Agency for two years before starting a long association with WCAU-TV in Philadelphia.

AS A sportscaster, Mr. Sears was the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles professional football team and handled TV play-by-play for the University of Pennsylvania. His nationwide football roundup on CBS won an award as outstanding sports program of the year.

Turning his attention to children’s programming, Mr. Sears originated and starred in a coast-to-coast program, “Kid Gloves,” on CBS, and later served as host of the award-winning program “In the Park,” in which he played a gentle old philosopher who talked to animals in a park. It was that program which led to two highly-acclaimed guest appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

In 1940 Mr. Sears had married Marguerite Reimer, a Bahá’í from Wisconsin, and together they embarked on a life of devoted service to the Faith. While his career in radio and television moved steadily forward, Mr. Sears served the Cause in a number of capacities including chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of New York City and chairman of the National Bahá’í Radio Committee.

When the Guardian sent out the call for pioneers at the outset of the Ten Year World Crusade, his response, and that of Marguerite, was instant, complete and exact obedience.

Throughout his long and productive life, Mr. Sears’ example was the embodiment of these words of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as set forth in His Will and Testament:

“The obligations of the Hands of the Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, to promote learning, to improve the character of all men, and to be, at all times and under all conditions, sanctified and detached from earthly things. They must manifest the fear of God by their conduct, their manners, their deeds and their words.”

Greeting the friends with Marguerite during his last public appearances March 13-14 in Minneapolis/St. Paul...

Telling the friends about the St. Louis Conference...

Above: Teaching the Faith in Kenya, Naw-Rúz, 1967. Left: Relaxing on a park bench with Rouhieh McComb, a long-time Bahá’í who had the bounty of meeting the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during His visit to North America in 1912. [Page 9]

A life of service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh

The Hand of the Cause of God William Sears with some of his ‘favorite people,’ Los Angeles, 1980...

With Marguerite shortly after their marriage

...and in front of one of his very favorite places, the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.

Taking a close look at one of his animal friends ‘In the Park.’

With young friends at the Bahá’í Youth Conference in Oklahoma City...

...and reminding us once again that we have goals to win for the Cause. [Page 10]

Ridván message from Universal House of Justice

To the Bahá’ís of the World

Dearly loved Friends,

At this Ridván season, with its inherent splendors and its initiation of unusual, eventful days, our hearts throb in wonderment, we kneel in homage to the King of Glory by Whose grace we have arrived at an auspicious juncture in the history of His Cause.

From the peak of triumph of the Six Year Plan now ended, we come to the threshold of the Holy Year, now begun, awestruck at the very thought of the unique significances associated with the commemoration of that sanctified occasion one hundred years ago when Bahá’u’lláh, the Promised One of all ages, took His leave of this earthly life. The Sun of Truth, however, was to set only to shine everlastingly from the "Kingdom of fadeless glory," thenceforward to shed the radiance of its regenerative power on the entire world. Gone from this plane was He Who is the Author of a Revelation of "inconceivable greatness" in which "all the Dispensations of the past have attained their highest, their final consummation"; the Originator of a new Universal Cycle "that must extend over a period of at least five hundred thousand years"; the Founder of a World Order, a "System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed." Moreover, He was the Dawning Point of the Day of God, the "Day in which God's most excellent favors have been poured out upon men." Such are the superlative realities upon which our contemplations are focused during this special anniversary occurring at this crucial moment in the affairs of humankind.

'So imbued are we by the sacred remembrances evoked by this Holy Year, that we can do no less than invite you all to take pause to enter into this period of reflection, this time of reconsecration, this stage of preparation for the tasks yet to be done, heights yet to be attained, splendors yet to be unveiled.'

SO IMBUED are we by the sacred remembrances evoked by this Holy Year, that we can do no less than invite you all to take pause to enter into this period of reflection, this time of reconsecration, this stage of preparation for tasks yet to be done, heights yet to be attained, splendors yet to be unveiled. For if we look back at one hundred years of an unexampled history of unremitting progress, we also look forward to many centuries of unfolding fulfillment of divine purpose—fulfillment which, as experience has shown, is incrementally realized through the systematic advances of Plans and the wondrous leaps and thrusts of epochs.

Indeed, the immediate portal to this propitious Holy Year is the vista of new horizons opened by the triumph of the Six Year Plan, which coincided with the initial phase of the fourth epoch of the Formative Age of our Faith. Over-all it is not so much a triumph in numerical achievements, though in many places and at particular moments the scope of expansion was extraordinary. It is a triumph that has been manifested in a new variety of victories, in new beginnings, fresh initiatives and mature institutional developments, such as to stamp the seal of success on the Plan's seven major objectives. Impossible as it is to enumerate in these few pages the results of the Plan, the main aspects of the developments in this remarkably dynamic period deserve, nonetheless, to be highlighted. The Bahá’í community changed markedly over the last six years. The major indicators are, no doubt, discernible to the friends everywhere and may be summed up thus:

One: The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is represented in every country on earth. The sudden change in the political climate, no doubt by intervention of God's Major Plan, opened vast regions to the penetration of the divine teachings, primarily in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries. The opportunities created by this change made possible the settlement of Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in the last virgin territories that remained from Shoghi Effendi's Ten Year World Crusade. They also impelled the launching at Ridván 1990 of the subsidiary Two Year Plan for those regions. This supplementary Plan was a spectacular success, not only in terms of expansion in the many countries involved, but also in the diversity of the strata represented by the new believers in these countries, in the volume and variety of Bahá’í literature published and in the array of Bahá’í institutions established during that short time.

The Bahá’í world was highly stimulated by these developments, and a number of countries elsewhere recorded significant successes in the teaching work. Figures already available to the World Center indicate that more than one and a half million souls entered the Cause during the Six Year Plan. Of particular interest was the three-year special teaching project in Guyana which resulted in an increase of the size of the Bahá’í community to some six percent of the country's population.

Two: The proclamation of the Faith throughout the world attained an entirely new stage. The campaign of proclamation launched in 1967 through the inspiration of the centennial anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh's Proclamation to the kings and rulers of mankind, and which gathered added momentum in 1979 with the surge of the persecution of the Iranian Bahá’í community, now covered a greatly expanded range with the distribution of "The Promise of World Peace." Kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, legislators, jurists, academics, diverse institutions and organizations became aware of Bahá’u’lláh's Message.

The creative energies by which communities everywhere were exercised in broadcasting the Cause became one of the driving forces of the Plan, and in no small way of these developments. Furthermore, the formal relationship which the Bahá’í International Community established with the Conservation and Religion Network of the World Wide Fund for Nature and with the World Conference on Religion and Peace, in conjunction with the numerous such relationships established by National and local Spiritual Assemblies in their respective jurisdictions, reflects a trend in the Faith's emergence as an entity to be reckoned with. Altogether, the drive of the ramified proclamation campaign has produced a public resonance about the Faith, which can be said to be known to the most significant public institutions and prominent persons on earth.

Inspired by the impact of the measures they adopted for proclamation of the Faith, and also by that of their continuing efforts to defend the sorely persecuted Iranian Bahá’í community, National and local Spiritual Assemblies displayed and continue to display a striking audacity and originality in dealing with the public. This is evident in their innumerable contacts with officials at all levels of government, in their association with a widening spectrum of organizations, and in the increasing facility of their contacts with the media. The influence of its success in these respects has contributed immeasurably to the widespread public awareness of the Faith.

Three: The dedication in December 1986 of the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent to public worship introduced a new force to the teaching and proclamation activities of the Faith. As an edifice of rare beauty and excellence, the "Lotus Temple" has won wide acclaim, while at the same time exerting an extraordinary appeal to great numbers of visitors. Its fame as an architectural wonder spread with speed as did its spiritual influence. It is no exaggeration to say that of all the Bahá’í Houses of Worship, this Temple is today the single most effective silent teacher of the Faith, annually attracting more visitors, at the average rate of 20,000 daily, than all the other Bahá’í Temples combined. Among its visitors from many lands are some of the most prominent persons in the world. A source of great interest to the media, the Temple has been featured in television programs, even in Russia and China.

Four: The further emergence of the Faith from obscurity is reflected in distinctive ways. In learned circles, in reference works and in the media, the Faith is increasingly being referred to as a "principal" or "major" world religion. Media coverage of the Faith's activities has been increased voluminously by the intensified efforts of the friends in proclamation activities, but more important is the fact that the media are showing an independent interest in the Bahá’í community and are initiating contacts with it in various parts of the world. The exposure of influential segments of the public to Bahá’í ideas in such areas as peace, the environment, status of women, education and literacy, has induced a response which increasingly calls upon the Bahá’ís to participate with others in a range of projects associated with governments or with non-governmental organizations.

MOREOVER, such exposure is creating in the public mind the realization that the Faith has answers to current problems and thus the expectation that the Bahá’í community should take a more active part in public affairs. The notable success of the activities of the Bahá’í International Community's Office of the Environment, established during the Plan, amply illustrates the nature of these developments. stimulated the interest of organizations, leaders of thought and the media in the solutions which the Faith has to offer to a strangely disordered world.

FIVE: Bahá’í projects of social and economic development have greatly multiplied and brought much credit to the community in the examples of the power of group initiative and voluntary consultative action that have been set in numerous places. Activities in this respect involved more than one thousand projects in the areas of education, agriculture, health, literacy, the environment and improvement of the status of women. In a number of instances the projects benefited from collaboration with or assistance from governments and international non-governmental organizations, as, for example, the projects for the improvement of the status of women undertaken by five National Spiritual Assemblies with the financial assistance of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), and those projects in other fields receiving assistance from the Canadian, Indian, German and Norwegian governments. Some projects have been so distinguished in their achievements as to be given public notice through the citations and awards of governments and international non-governmental agencies.

Six: Youth activities took on a special character shaped by the idea of a youth year of service. The involvement of the youth in the Six Year Plan as short-term pioneers, travelling teachers and projecteers had a profound effect on the teaching work overall and in bolstering the efforts at social and economic development attempted by growing numbers of national and local communities. They had much to do with the many victories in the former communist countries. Their work in social and economic development projects attracted, in some cases, the attention of governments and development organizations. Creation of the European Bahá’í Youth Council galvanized the activities of the youth which powerfully reinforced the teaching thrust on that continent during the final years of the Plan. A significant feature of the youth's activities has been their involvement, as short-term volunteers from all parts of the planet, in the work of the World Center where their services have been of inestimable value.

Seven: The advances in the consolidation of the Bahá’í administrative system are evident from the marked improvement in the internal development and collaborative efforts of its two arms. The cherished and intrepid Hands of the Cause of God, true to the allegiance they bear to their beloved Guardian, persevere in their unique services, astonishing the community with their resilient powers. The growth in confidence and strength of the Boards of Counselors and their auxiliaries, backed by a reinforced and vigorous International Teaching Center, assured to the Spiritual Assemblies, whom they are charged to stimulate and advise, a buttressing indispensable to the welfare of the entire system; while the extension of the span of activities of the National and local Spiritual Assemblies, themselves charged with guiding the destinies of their communities, significantly broadened the base of that system. Collaterally, the work of these institutions has facilitated and boosted the evolution of the Administrative Order. Even more: they have demonstrated a creative energy that bodes well for their continued maturation.

Eight: The great building projects on the Mountain of God, anticipated by Bahá’u’lláh in the Tablet of Carmel, inaugurated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with the construction of the Tomb of the Báb and carried forward in the plans of Shoghi Effendi, entered a new stage. Work commenced in May 1990 on reinforcing and extending the main terrace of the Shrine of the Báb as the initial step toward realizing the architectural concept for fulfilling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's vision of the Terraces that will extend from the foot to the ridge of the mountain. By September of the [Page 11]

Riḍván 1992

To the Bahá’ís of the World

The burgeoning influence of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation seemed, with the imminence of the Holy Year, to have assumed the character of an onrushing wind blowing through the archaic structures of the old order, felling mighty pillars and clearing the ground for new conceptions of social organization. The call for unity, for a new world order, is audible from many directions. The change in world society is characterized by a phenomenal speed. A feature of this change is a suddenness, or precipitateness, which appears to be the consequence of some mysterious, rampant force. The positive aspects of this change reveal an unaccustomed openness to global concepts, movement toward international and regional collaboration, an inclination of warring parties to opt for peaceful solutions, a search for spiritual values. Even the Community of the Most Great Name itself is experiencing the rigorous effects of this quickening wind as it ventilates the modes of thought of us all, renewing, clarifying and amplifying our perspectives as to the purpose of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh in the wake of humanity’s suffering and turmoil.

The situation in the world, while presenting us with an acute challenge of the utmost urgency, calls to mind the encouraging global vision of Shoghi Effendi for the prospects of the Administrative Order during the second century of the Bahá’í Era, whose midpoint we are rapidly approaching. In 1946, he wrote: “The second century is destined to witness a tremendous deployment and a notable consolidation of the forces working toward the world-wide development of that Order, as well as the first stirrings of that World Order, of which the present Administrative System is at once the precursor, the nucleus and pattern—an Order which, as it slowly crystallizes and radiates its benign influence over the entire planet, will proclaim at once the coming of age of the whole human race, as well as the maturity of the Faith itself, the progenitor of that Order.”

next year, ground was broken for the construction of the Center for the Study of the Texts and for the extension to the International Archives Building, to be followed by the construction of other edifices on the Arc, namely: the buildings for the International Teaching Center and, in due course, the International Bahá’í Library.

All these developments have made it evident that the accumulated potential for further progress of the Bahá’í community is incalculable. The changed situation within and among nations and the many problems afflicting society amplify this potential. The impression produced by such change is of the near approach of the Lesser Peace. But there has been a simultaneous recrudescence of countervailing forces. With the fresh tide of political freedom resulting from the collapse of the strongholds of communism has come an explosion of nationalism. The concomitant rise of racism in many regions has become a matter of serious global concern. These are compounded by an upsurge in religious fundamentalism which is poisoning the wells of tolerance. Terrorism is rife. Widespread uncertainty about the condition of the economy indicates a deep disorder in the management of the material affairs of the planet, a condition which can only exacerbate the sense of frustration and futility affecting the political realm. The worsening state of the environment and of the health of huge populations is a source of alarm. And yet an element of this change is the amazing advances in communications technology making possible the rapid transmission of information and ideas from one part of the world to the other. It is against such “simultaneous processes of rise and fall, of integration and of disintegration, of order and chaos, with their continuous and reciprocal reactions on each other,” that a myriad new opportunities for the next stage in the unfoldment of the beloved Master’s Divine Plan present themselves.

ATTENTION to the special occasions of the Holy Year will surely equip us to undertake the urgent tasks of the next stage in the evolution of the Divine Plan. This commemorative period provides a befitting demarcation between the glories and triumphs of the last one hundred years and the lustrous prizes yet to be garnered. At the outset, we welcome with joyous and grateful hearts the further expansion and consolidation of the Administrative Order which will accrue from the formation this Riḍván of 12 National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies. How striking it is that the number of these Assemblies is the same as the total number of National Spiritual Assemblies which existed at the launching of the Ten Year World Crusade in 1953! This is gratifying evidence of the rapidity of the expansion of the Administrative Order in less than 40 years. With these new Assemblies, and making allowance for the absorption of Sikkim into India and the disruption of the Bahá’í administration by the unsettled situation in Liberia, the number of National Spiritual Assemblies which will take part in the seventh International Bahá’í Convention next Riḍván will reach 165.

We are pleased to announce that the following Hands of the Cause of God will attend, as our representatives, six of the founding Conventions. Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum will attend the Conventions of Bulgaria and of Poland; Mr. ‘Ali Akbar Furútan will attend those of the Baltic States and of Hungary; and Dr. Ali-Muhammad Varqá will attend those of Greenland and of the Ukraine, Bielarus and Moldova. At the remaining Conventions our representatives will be Counselors: Mr. George Allen, the Congo Republic; Dr. Farzam Arbáb, Central Asia; Mr. Rolf von Czekus, Angola; Mrs. Parvin Djoneidi, Niger; Mr. Hartmut Grossmann, Albania; and Mr. Mas’ud Khamsi, Azerbaijan.

Only a few weeks from now, in the sacred precincts of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, a gathering of solemn purpose will take place to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the Ascension of the Desire of the Nations. The scroll bearing the Roll of Honor of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh will, on the previous morning, May 28, have been deposited, as indicated by our beloved Guardian, at the entrance door of the inner Sanctuary of the Most Holy Shrine, there to remain a symbol of the historic victory that rewarded the unswerving determination of the lovers of the Blessed Beauty who, in response to the call of the mighty Ten Year Crusade, planted the banner of His Faith in virgin territories throughout the world.

SUBSEQUENTLY, in November, at the second Bahá’í World Congress, the hosts of Bahá will gather in New York in their thousands to register, in a highly symbolic gesture on behalf of their brethren throughout the world, their regard for the Covenant which Bahá’u’lláh bequeathed, and to evoke the memory of Him Who was appointed its Center and Who exalted that metropolis by bestowing upon it the designation “City of the Covenant.” There they will also demonstrate the power of the unity that the Covenant is meant to ensure to all the peoples of the world. It will be a moment of capital importance to the Bahá’í community in the gaze of the world at large.

These two international events are pivotal to the gatherings of similar intent in which the friends in every corner of the world will take part. The spiritual character and dignified manner of their participation will surely draw down confirmations from on high and profoundly influence the constructive forces at work throughout the earth.

Another source of blessings to which we have long directed our hopes will also become manifest. Bahá’u’lláh has written: “While in prison We have revealed a Book which we have entitled ‘The Most Holy Book.’ We have enacted laws therein and adorned it with the commandments of thy Lord, Who exerciseth authority over all that are in the heavens and on the earth.” Hence, it is with full cognizance of its world-shaking significance that we inform you of the forthcoming publication during the course of this year of the annotated English translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Charter of the future world civilization which Bahá’u’lláh revealed in the House of ‘Údí Khammar in ‘Akká some six score years ago.

And now, amid the eager anticipations occasioned by the two major commemorative events and by the imminent publication of the Mother Book of the Bahá’í Revelation, the Law of Huqúqu’lláh takes effect as part of the constant practice of the members of our entire world community. May the promised divine bounties associated with the activation of this holy law be showered upon the beloved of the Lord in every land.

A year charged with happenings of such sacred import is bound to yield consequences of unimaginable potency. The immediate outcome is, however, impossible to predict, nor can it be fruitfully speculated about. Rather should we direct our thoughts to the meaning of the solemn occasions which this year is set apart to memorialize. For the purpose of the Holy Year is not fulfilled by public memorials alone, befitting as they will be. Essential to its purpose is the opportunity it offers for inner reflection on the part of every Bahá’í individual.

INDEED, this is a special time for a rendezvous of the soul with the Source of its light and guidance, a time to turn to Bahá’u’lláh, to seek to obtain a deeper appreciation of His purpose, to renew allegiance to Him. This is a time of retreat to one’s innermost being, to the dwelling-place of the Spirit of Bahá, that interior to which He summons us when He says: “Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.” This is a time for recommitment to the Covenant, for rededication to duty, for revitalizing the energy for teaching, the “most meritorious of all deeds.”

As the foremost aid to your reflections and actions, you will doubtless draw upon the insight and inspiration of such of His words as these: “I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light that illumineth the way.” “By My Life! Not of Mine own volition have I revealed Myself, but God, of His own choosing, hath manifested Me.” “I have come in the shadows of the clouds of glory, and am invested by God with invincible sovereignty.” “He that hath Me not is bereft of all things. Turn ye away from all that is on earth and seek none else but Me.” “Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.” “The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness.”

Whatever our private reflections or response to duty may lead us to do, of one thing we must be sure: that the Name of Him Who is the Lifegiver of the World becomes known throughout the earth among high and low alike. Considering that it is already a whole century since the Blessed Beauty ascended, and given the crushing weight of the ills burdening the peoples of the world, and seeing that a veritable cry of anguish is issuing more loudly from the hearts of those who long for some hope of relief, we, His avowed servants, can neither falter nor fail in this primary and urgent duty. For He, Bahá’u’lláh, is the Supreme Manifestation, the Unifier and Redeemer of all mankind, the Fountainhead of Justice, the immortal Beloved; for, according to His own unerring proclamation, “He Who is the Unconditioned is come, in the clouds of light, that He may quicken all created things with the breezes of His Name, the Most Merciful, and unify the world, and gather all men around this Table which hath been sent down from heaven.” Let 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.

HOW LAUDABLE it would be if, imbued by this desire to blazon abroad His Name, and as a demonstration of our special love for the Abhá Beauty, we could each of us mount a personal campaign of teaching, such that the collective force and results of it throughout the world would bring to a resounding conclusion the sacred exercises of this Holy Year and set the stage for the launching of the impending Three Year Plan at Riḍván 1993!

Finally, it is highly fitting at this time to recall Bahá’u’lláh’s expression in the Most Holy Book of His will for us with regard to the nature of our reactions to His passing: “Be not dismayed, O peoples of the world,” He wrote, “when the day-star of My beauty is set, and the heaven of My tabernacle is concealed from your eyes. Arise to further My Cause, and to exalt My Word amongst men. We are with you at all times, and shall strengthen you through the power of truth. We are truly almighty. Whoso hath recognized Me, will arise and serve Me with such determination that the powers of earth and heaven shall be unable to defeat his purpose.”

Beloved friends, we shall not forget to supplicate at the Holy Threshold that from His retreat of deathless splendor the Blessed Beauty may fill the souls of each and all of you with the revivifying breath of His celestial power.

The Universal House of Justice

Riḍván 1992

JAMÁL B.E. 149/APRIL 28, 1992 [Page 12]

Time is now for those who wish to teach, study in China

"China is the country of the future. I hope the right kind of teacher will be inspired to go to that vast empire to lay the foundation of the Kingdom of God.... (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. XIII, p. 186.)

To pioneer to China was the desire of the Master but He was not able to go. His wish then was that others could.

It is URGENT that you act now if you would like to teach or study in China. The academic year begins in September and applications MUST be received by the end of April.

"Two types of foreigners teach in China—the Foreign Expert and the Foreign Teacher. Experts are required to hold a Ph.D. (although sometimes a Master's degree is acceptable) and have several years of teaching experience. They teach specific subjects to graduate students, teachers, and other professionals. Foreign Teachers are hired to teach English in China's educational institutions. In most cases, English teachers need a B.A. but do not need teaching experience or teaching certificates." ("Transitions Abroad" Jan/Feb 1992)

The Office of Pioneering has a directory of the schools in China that accept foreign teachers and/or students, a directory of "sending organizations" and additional materials to help fulfill your desire to teach or study in China. We encourage you to consult the following employment directories, as well:

"International Jobs Bulletin" (bi-weekly), Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Woody Hall, B208, Carbondale, IL 62901 (618-453-2391).

"International Employment Hotline" (monthly), World Wise Books, P.O. Box 3030, Oakton, VA 22124.

"Overseas Academic Opportunities" (monthly), Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718-706-4898).

Please contact the Office of Pioneering right away, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091, or better yet—phone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247.

SPEND THE HOLY YEAR IN CHINA

"The Universal House of Justice is moved to call upon your Assemblies to encourage Bahá’ís in your respective communities to give special consideration to pioneering to the Chinese mainland or to visiting there during the Holy Year."—The Universal House of Justice, letter dated December 29, 1991.

HOW CAN I STAY IN CHINA?

The easiest way is to enroll in a course to study Chinese or to teach English or your native language. Start with either of these. You are more likely to be able to get another posting related to your profession once you are in China.

WHAT IS MY ROLE IN CHINA?

"Pioneers can serve an invaluable role... through their contacts with the Chinese, and by especially nurturing individuals who are disposed to become active teachers of the Cause"

WHAT SPECIFICALLY CAN I DO FOR THE FAITH IN CHINA?

• Learn how to communicate and relate to the people
• Understand the culture, customs, traditions
• Live the life—teach through your actions and deeds
• Make lots of friends and develop contacts
• In response to the natural opportunities and inquiries, one-to-one sharing of the essential teachings of the Faith

I AM INTERESTED, WHOM DO I CONTACT?

Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 (marked "for Office of Pioneering")

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE?

• After you contact the Office of Pioneering, begin to read up about China! Read tour books, handbooks, novels, history books, etc. An excellent book is the Lonely Planet Series book on China. Go to the library and ask the reference librarian for help.
• Plan to attend a Pioneer Institute here and/or in Macau prior to entering China. The next institute in Macau is scheduled for August 21-27, 1992, followed by a conference August 28-30.

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS

AFRICA	Goals (months)	Completed
Ciskei	24	9
Guinea-Bissau	12	0
Liberia	12	0
Nigeria	12	20
Tanzania	36	21
Uganda	24	0
Zambia	24	42
Totals	enim/14492
AMERICAS
Argentina	24	0
Bahamas	12	14
Barbados	12	6
Brazil	24	16
British V.I.	12	14
Colombia	24	0
Dominica	12	0
Ecuador	12	18
Guyana	24	39
Honduras	24	20
Jamaica	24	16
Leeward Islands	12	36
Martinique	12	0
Mexico	36	64
Nicaragua	24	2
Panama	36	22
Paraguay	24	0
Puerto Rico	12	3
Uruguay	24	2
Venezuela	12	17
Totals	396	381
ASIA
India	24	25
Japan	24	21
Pakistan	12	0
Taiwan	36	27
Totals	96	73
AUSTRALASIA
Mariana Islands	24	5
Marshall Islands	12	9
W. Caroline Islands	12	0
Totals	48	14
EUROPE
Portugal	24	1

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Albania; Barbados; Belize; Bophuthatswana; Brazil; Burundi; Cambodia; Canada, Native and Chinese Teaching, and Yukon Bahá’í Institute; Chad; Ciskei; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Eastern Caroline Islands; East Leeward Islands; Fiji; French Polynesia; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Hong Kong; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Malaysia; Malta; Martinique; Mauritius; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Panama; Republic of Benin; Sierra Leone; Singapore; South Africa; Taiwan; Tonga; Uganda; United Kingdom; Venezuela; West Leeward Islands; Yucatan; Yugoslavia.

For more information, contact: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, (708) 869-9039.

SUMMER 1992 TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

BULGARIA: April 13-30; June 20-July 20 FRANCE: 2 weeks in July—dates not planned EAST GERMANY: July 4-October 4 GRENADA: June (dates will be set later) HONG KONG: March 22-April 21 SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: May and October 1992

Some thoughts and observations on life in China from a family of Bahá’í pioneers living in Kunming

Thoughts and observations shared by the Streiff family on living in China. Both Jeff and Sarah Streiff are working in a university where they live.

"The pace is much slower than in the U.S. and Macau, and the benefits far outweigh any of the relative 'deprivations' we might experience. The boys are learning Mandarin—mostly through osmosis in their Chinese schools—and the novelty of life in China seems to compensate, or at least distract them, from the things they miss most (mostly family & friends). As far as advice for families considering China for pioneering, we must say that the children require special consideration and preparation because of the amount of attention they will receive. And of course their educational considerations depend on age, Micah, at age 5, is adapting easier than Jordan, who is expected, as a first grader, to learn characters and the phonetic system in order to keep up with the class. The difficulties might be much greater for a primary-age child who is less secure or who doesn't have plenty of the right emotional support. Macau was a nice transition for going into China. ...All in all, we would heartily recommend pioneering in China to other healthy families with young children."

The Streiff family—Jeff, Sarah, Jordan (7), Micah (5) and Cory (2)—at their home in Kunming, China.

Cortlandt, New York, Bahá’ís secure air time on CATV

The Spiritual Assembly of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, has secured regular air time on cable television for broadcasting Bahá’í video tapes.

"Jewel in the Lotus," a video about the House of Worship in India, was aired on four Thursdays in November at 7:30 p.m. "Peace: The Promise" was shown at that same time in December, to be followed by "Haitian Roots."

The video tapes are offered as a public service with a brief introduction explaining the fundamental principles and goals of the Faith. At the end of each program, free literature is offered to the public. [Page 13]

Young Bahá’í exemplifies spirit of giving with Ayyám-i-Há food drives in Philadelphia

Two years ago, in an effort to impress on their six and one-half year old son, Collin, the proper spirit of Intercalary Days, Cathy and Chris Darrell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, asked him what he would like to give for Ayyám-i-Há rather than what he would like to receive.

Collin, who had recently encountered his first homeless people on a trip to Philadelphia’s inner city, was concerned about how, where and what they would eat. He decided he would give his time to organize a food drive.

THAT YEAR and the next, Collin sent a note home to parents in the small school he attended, and provided a box at the front door of the school to collect the food that was donated. Each year he received enough food for about 30 meals.

This year he moved to a larger school, one that already does much for the needy, and decided to collect food in his neighborhood.

Collin worked with his father to compose a letter explaining what he was doing, and stapled copies to grocery bags which he dropped off at 40 homes in the area. Those who donated food received a second letter:

“Thank you for donating food.

“You’re probably wondering why I did this. I’m a Bahá’í—that’s my religion. We believe in one God and that all religions really believe in the same God.

“In the Bahá’í year there are 19 months with 19 days in each. That leaves four days left over, five in leap years. We call these days Ayyám-i-Há. ...We exchange presents and my present is to collect food for the needy. Next week I will take all the food I’ve collected to the Philadelphia Food Bank. Thank you. Collin Darrell.”

This year’s food drive was the best yet. Almost every family on Collin’s list donated something.

Each year the food has been taken to the Philadelphia Food Bank. They have always been thankful for Collin’s concern and initiative, and this year told his parents he is the only individual in the Philadelphia area to organize and run his own food drive.

BESIDES helping the homeless and needy, the food drives have introduced the Faith to Collin’s neighbors in a positive way; in fact, the Food Bank interviewed Collin this year and plans to publish an article about his efforts, along with copies of his letters to neighbors, in an upcoming newsletter.

Perhaps most important, the experience has given Collin the knowledge and the confidence that one person can make a difference. Today, eight and one-half year old Collin Darrell is well on his way to becoming an involved, caring and productive member of his community.

Young Collin Darrell of Philadelphia (leaning forward) gets some help loading food for the city’s homeless and needy into the family station wagon. This year’s food drive was the third and largest organized by Collin, who is now eight and one-half years old, as an Ayyám-i-Há community service project.

Brilliant Star to feature special games, stories, articles for Holy Year

How will your family celebrate the Holy Year? Follow the lead of Brilliant Star magazine with special games, stories, articles and Holy Day activities.

Forthcoming issues will feature the Life of Bahá’u’lláh, how to make a Bahá’í history tree, the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, and articles about how Bahá’í children teach their faith with eloquent speeches and music.

Future themes include Gardens (May/June), Choices (July/August), the City of the Covenant/World Congress (September/October), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant (November/December), and My Bahá’í Community (January/February).

Order Brilliant Star for your family; $15 for one year, $28 for two years. To order, write to Subscriber Service, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

Faith firm supporter of goals, programs of UNA-USA

The United Nations Association of the United States of America is a national organization dedicated to strengthening the UN system and to enhancing U.S. participation in international bodies.

IN ADDITION to its local chapters and divisions, the UNA-USA has a Council of Organizations to which more than 130 organizations in the U.S. belong including the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

The National Assembly’s representatives are actively involved in the Washington, D.C., and New York City arms of the Council, which are known as the Conferences of UN Representatives.

Peter Adriance of the National Assembly’s office in Washington is a member of the executive committee of the Washington Conference, and Shirley Lee, the National Assembly’s representative to the UN, is chairman of the executive committee of the New York Conference.

As chairman of the Conference, the Bahá’í representative is also a member of the board of governors of the UNA-USA. The membership of these two executive committees is made up of representatives of organizations that are members of the Council.

Many Bahá’ís in the U.S. are members of local UNA chapters, and local Spiritual Assemblies often work closely with local UNA chapters and other organizations belonging to the Council, especially in commemorating UN Day.

The most recent publication available from UNA-USA is a briefing book, “The Common Defense: Peace and Security in a Changing World.” It can be ordered for $7.20 from the Publications Department, UNA-USA, 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017 (phone 212-697-3232, ext. 330). Please mention that you are a member of the Bahá’í Faith, which is a member of the Council of Organizations.

Portland Assembly gives seventh Peace Award to late television producer

On January 19, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, presented its seventh annual Peace Award posthumously to Jon Tuttle, late producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting television, for his production, “Local Color,” a history of racial discrimination in Oregon. The award was accepted on Mr. Tuttle’s behalf by his children.

The presentation ceremony was followed by consultation on racial unity between members of the Spiritual Assembly and invited community leaders from political, social, business, educational and religious groups.

To further the consultation, members of the Assembly made brief statements referring to the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on race unity.

Following entertainment by Persian musician Dariush Dolat-Shahi, a reception was held that included a showing of the program “Local Color.”

A major report of the event with photos appeared the next day in the state’s largest newspaper, the Portland Oregonian. Several community leaders said they ‎wer were‎ grateful to have learned about the Faith through the award ceremony.

Bahá’í House of Worship Special Visit Program Registration Form

Housing Rates per night at Skokie Howard Johnson (shuttle provided to and from the House of Worship)

Single or Double $62.13 Up to four persons $73.03 (tax included)

We can make your reservations; however, you will handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. For those who select to choose their own accommodations, we will give you a list of hotels. All registrants will be sent information regarding transportation and a general schedule of programs.

There will be a $7.00 per person registration fee to help defray expenses of the programs. Please make checks payable to the Bahá’í Services Fund.

For further information you may contact the Activities Office at (708) 256-4400.

Please check program desired: Regular Special Visit: [ ] June 25-28, 1992 (no separate children’s program) Family Special Visit: [ ] August 20-23, 1992

Name & Bahá’í ID#: ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State: ______________ ZIP: __________________________

Telephone (Area Code): (______) _______________________________________________________

List additional names and Bahá’í ID#’s here: (Give ages of children). The August Special Visit will be a family program. You will be responsible for your children. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

Make registration fee payable to Bahá’í Services Fund. Check or money order please, no cash. Return with this form to:

Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office, Special Visit Program Wilmette, Illinois 60091 [Page 14]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1992 employment. Positions available include children’s teachers (3), recreation director, lifeguard, music director, kitchen assistants (2) and maintenance assistants (3). All positions require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from July through August (9-10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief résumé of your experience or ask for an application for employment from the Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1992 employment. Positions include children’s teachers, food service, housekeeping and maintenance help, recreation director, assistant registrar, librarian, and program assistant. Applicants should be available from mid-June through the end of August. Room and board are provided with a small stipend. Please send a brief résumé to the Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for more information.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Murray, Utah, would welcome homefront pioneers to help move the community forward and return it to Assembly status. The community is made up mostly of Persian believers who feel that opportunities for teaching and growth would be enhanced by adding some diversity in the form of deepened believers who are fluent in English. Murray City, nestled in the center of Salt Lake Valley, has many educational, employment and business opportunities as well as resources for retired persons. Four nearby local Assemblies provide a wide array of Bahá’í activities including children’s classes and Holy Day observances. For information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 57775, Salt Lake City, UT 84157, or the Bahá’ís of Murray, c/o A.M.T. Printing, 850 E. 5600 South, Murray, UT 84107, or phone (leave message) 801-582-2026 or 801-261-0567.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Lakeport, California, need your help to re-establish their Assembly. Lakeport is in a lovely rural area of Northern California on the state’s largest natural lake, Clear Lake, about 125 miles north of San Francisco/Sacramento. There is an immediate opening for a physical therapist in a Bahá’í-owned outpatient clinic. The county also needs more physicians and nurses; the friends will help in your job search. Or you may find that perfect place to retire. Excellent outdoor recreation; great place to raise one’s family. Please contact Rick Green, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone 707-263-1295 or (evenings) 707-263-1005.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Benbrook, Texas, invite anyone who is planning to become a homefront pioneer to consider moving there. Benbrook, on the southwest border of Fort Worth, has a population of about 25,000. It is within commuting distance of all communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and has all the facilities of a large city including schools, police and fire departments, etc. All kinds of housing available from custom homes, apartments, duplexes and quads to town houses with lower real estate taxes than in most surrounding communities. There is a large park on the shores of Benbrook Lake with facilities for swimming, boating and fishing, and a large picnic grounds and 27-hole public golf course nearby. For more information, please write to P.O. Box 26734, Benbrook, TX 76126, or phone 817-249-2781.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: a position is available for a family practitioner or doctor of osteopathy in American Falls, Idaho. One Bahá’í living in Power County needs another to keep the Group registered. Family practitioner needed for rural health clinics; must be board certified. Knowledge of Spanish a plus. Low-pressure, low-volume practice for the medically underserved. Salary $60,000/year plus $20,000/$30,000 for call at local hospital; excellent compensation package including malpractice/health insurance. All relocation expenses paid to live in rural area near university town, three hours from Sun Valley, Yellowstone Park and the Grand Teton mountains. Excellent outdoor recreation area; low cost of living; splendid place to raise a family. Please contact Karen Pease, 208-232-7862, or write to Health West Inc., P.O. Box 2377, Pocatello, ID 83206.

WOODBURN, Oregon, is poised for entry by troops. Those charged with the responsibility of coordinating the teaching in that community have established an audacious goal: 50 full-time teachers in the field by April. Spanish-speakers are especially useful, as most of those who have enrolled there so far speak Spanish. However, 4,000 Russian-speaking people and some 10,000 who speak English also need to hear of Bahá’u’lláh. There is work for all. Pioneers are most welcome, as are those who can come on vacation whatever the time of year. Most people will need to be self-supporting, but there are jobs in the area, and housing is relatively inexpensive. The friends are planning to extend and strengthen a diverse and complex effort, which has included social and economic development and service projects, both short- and long-term. For example, there are ongoing nightly classes in English as a second language which need more teachers. Musicians have been of great help, and there are many possibilities for using music in the teaching work. If you are interested, whether you intend to come or not, please write for more information to the Spiritual Assembly of Clackamas County Northwest, Jan House, P.O. Box 167, Aurora, OR 97002, or phone 503-678-5162 (home) or 503-678-1085 (business).

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Harlingen, Texas, is poised for unprecedented growth. The special significance of the U.S.-Mexico border has been outlined by the Universal House of Justice. The Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Mexico will be a great impetus for growth here. There are four Spiritual Assemblies in the Valley: Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville and Harlingen. If you would like to be a homefront pioneer or help bolster our communities, you would be most welcome. Employment in medicine is immediately available, especially for internists and family practitioners, but also in the sub-specialties. Teaching positions in primary and secondary education also available. One need not be bilingual. Write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551, or phone 512-421-2233 or 512-425-6385.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA—Benin: primary school teachers. Cape Verde: educator/administrator. AMERICAS—Brazil: primary school teachers. Honduras: elementary school teachers. Venezuela: accountant; manager of computer store. ASIA—Macau: ESL teacher. Thailand: volunteers to conduct English classes in Bahá’í communities. AUSTRALASIA—Marshall Islands: primary school teachers. Taiwan: manager for Bahá’í Office of the Environment; volunteer with expertise in computer programming and general office systems to serve in the National Office. EUROPE—Sakhalin: teachers. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland invites applications from married couples or individuals who would be interested in serving as caretakers of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in Dublin. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia: English Language International School, based on Bahá’í principles, opening September 1992, needs teachers. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 Attn: Office of Pioneering).

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: George Winthrop Lee, F.D. Leete, Virginia Leffingwell, Julia H. Lehman, John A. Leiser, Esla Tudor Leland, Margaret Lentz, Agnes Leo (died Watertown, SD, 1948), Myra Leslie and Elias A. Lessem. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has available several free information sheets on local archives and records. Any local Spiritual Assembly wanting a copy should write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

NEW YORK State Summer School Committee is seeking volunteer children’s teachers for ages nursery-10 years for any of two weekend or one five-day session August 14-23 in Poughkeepsie. Scholarships are available if needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please phone Karen Tomanio, 914-831-6348.

WANTED: puppet show scripts suitable for presenting Bahá’í themes or subject matter to children ages 12 and under. The closer to screenplays the better. Will reimburse for photocopying and mailing expenses. Please contact the Bahá’ís of San Diego North County JD, Escondido, CA 92029.

WANTED: Five enthusiastic and dedicated Bahá’ís to round out a teaching team that is going to bicycle down the California coast (from Crescent City to San Diego) this June and teach in communities along the way. Ability to sing or play a musical instrument would be helpful. We will be biking 75-100 miles per day, proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on race unity in honor of the Holy Year and sharing the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on America’s most challenging issue. For information, phone Kayvan Farahmand, 408-484-2357 or 408-425-9257.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Barnstable, Massachusetts, seeks information about Gospel singers who would be interested and able to perform at a Race Unity Conference next June 14 on Cape Cod. Please send information to the Spiritual Assembly of Barnstable, P.O. Box 1275, Hyannis, MA 02601.

THE MARTIN LUTHER King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission would like to thank members of the Bahá’í Faith who made an effort to observe the “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony at noon on the federal holiday (January 20). The bell-ringing ceremony, sometimes accompanied by a reading of Dr. King’s words, was supported by the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and was publicized around the world by the news media. The Commission would like to hear from those who were able to take part, so that we might judge the effectiveness of our appeal. Please send details to Denny Townsend, public affairs director, Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission, 451 7th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20410.

WANTED: Photocopies of correspondence to and from Roger White for a book about how the poet has influenced and inspired Bahá’ís all over the world. Reminiscences are welcome too. Also needed: information about Alma Knobloch, Thomas Breakwell and Juliet Thompson. Please write to Anne G. Atkinson, Chicago, IL 60641.

INFORMATION on Mark Tobey is sought for a biography and catalog of his works. Anyone, individuals or institutions, with information about the works of Mark Tobey or his life is asked to write to Paul Cummings, New York, NY 10021.

FOR SALE

TO RAISE MONEY for the National Fund, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, has silk-screened T-shirts with the logo of the second Bahá’í World Congress on a navy blue background and is offering them for sale with all proceeds going directly to the National Fund. Sweatshirts sell for $22.50 each, short-sleeve T-shirts for $13.95. Discounts for orders of five or more. Sizes range from medium to extra-large for sweatshirts and xx-large for T-shirts. To order or obtain more information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208, or phone 503-281-3775.

FOR SALE: sets of four audio cassettes containing the talks given by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears during his visit last November 16-17 to Portland, Oregon. The price is $25, a large part of which is a fundraiser for the Woodburn Project. For more details and quantity prices, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Clackamas County Northwest, c/o Erich Reich, P.O. Box 68235, Milwaukie, OR 97268.

EL RUISEÑOR (The Nightingale), a quarterly bi-lingual (Spanish-English) magazine sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, is available to Bahá’ís on a subscription basis. The magazine’s editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to the Bahá’í community around the world: current developments and goals of the Cause, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Bahá’í teachings, reports of victories in the Hispanic community worldwide, ideas from the friends, a cultural page, letters to the editor, a calendar of national and international events, and other items of special interest to Bahá’ís everywhere. The subscription price is $12 a year (U.S. and Canada) and $15 a year overseas. Donations from Bahá’í institutions and individual Bahá’ís are welcomed. To subscribe, write to El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340.

MISCELLANEOUS

POETS! POETS! Would you like ‎to time time‎ to work on your writing without interruption? Would you like to give public poetry readings of your work? Would you like to be supported for your creativity? If so, contact the Louhelen Bahá’í School for information about the Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship. Write to 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

THE DISTRICT Teaching Committee of Nebraska is developing a full-time teaching campaign, “The Trail of Light Peace Caravan,” to cover the state from June-September 1992. Its purpose is to bring the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind. The caravan will travel through the smaller communities, setting up camp for 1-2 days at a time. Campers will have large banners addressing peace themes. Copies of “The Promise of World Peace,” the National Assembly’s statement on race unity, and the compilation on Bahá’u’lláh will be available for distribution. Anyone with ability in the performing arts is especially encouraged to take part. Anyone with the desire to teach, or otherwise help us reach our goals, may write to the District Teaching Committee of Nebraska, North Platte, NE 69101, or phone Ernie Dumas, 308-534-3367. [Page 15]

World News

The task of providing a new irrigation system for the existing gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa, and for the new gardens to be planted on the terraces being built above and below the Shrine of the Báb, was started three years ago. It involved serious negotiations between the manager of the Mount Carmel Projects and the municipality of Haifa about the amount of water supplied to the Bahá’í properties and the location of the pipe connections. Consequently, the municipality agreed to increase the water supply and to provide new pipe connections.

Once the water supply was assured, the task of developing a reliable network for irrigating the gardens, as well as providing adequate water for the new buildings being constructed on the Arc, was begun. After receipt and analysis of competitive offers from four large Israeli irrigation companies for preparing a master network design and irrigation system for the entire Mount Carmel Bahá’í properties, Metzerplas Ltd. was chosen.

The estimated cost of the water project is $5,000,000, with the job divided into 11 phases. The design work was started late in 1991, and the system is scheduled to be finished in 1997. Existing pipes will be replaced gradually and incorporated into the new network. The future irrigation systems will be managed through a central computer that will allow state-of-the-art water management.

• * *

Bulgaria’s ninth local Spiritual Assembly was elected in early February in Varna. As a result of a recent teaching campaign, there are now some 40 Bahá’ís in that city. Teaching activities are continuing, and deepening classes are well attended.

• * *

December 1991 marked the fifth anniversary of the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi, India. During that month 280,950 people visited the Temple, with 19,246 as the maximum number of visitors recorded in one day. Among them were the Foreign Minister of China, accompanied by a high-level delegation and Embassy staff; the General Chief of Staff of the Slovak Army, accompanied by Czech Army officials; the Ambassador of Venezuela to France, and the Ambassadors of Poland and Finland to India. Two high-level delegations from Romania, consisting of the Under Secretary of State, the Secretary-General of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Secretary of State were escorted to the House of Worship by the Romanian Ambassador in Delhi.

In Uganda, the dome of the Bahá’í House of Worship is being cleaned by young volunteers. The dome is covered with ceramic tiles, in four shades of green, that have become dirty over the years. Now their beauty is being restored.

• * *

By copy of a letter dated January 31 from the Attorney General of the Republic of Malta, the Faith has received official recognition in that country.

• * *

One hundred forty-four young people from 26 localities in Kenya attended this year’s National Bahá’í Youth Conference at the Bahá’í Center in Nakuru. The conference, which was graced by the presence of Counselor Mehraz Ehsani as the main speaker, was planned purposely to take place exactly one year before the World Congress in New York City to prepare the youth to arise and take part in emblazoning the Name of Bahá’u’lláh to 24 million Kenyans. The Universal House of Justice cabled: “Assure loving prayers Holy Shrines for divine confirmation to surround National Youth Conference. May participants be inspired arise devotedly resolutely win outstanding victories.”

• * *

“Planeta Paz” (Peace Planet), a nine-member musical group composed of Bahá’í youth from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, traveled around Argentina in December and January giving 12 performances of well-known folk songs and songs written by Bahá’ís accompanied by slide programs. A group of traveling youth preceded them in each location to help the local Bahá’í communities prepare for the programs. As a result, there was extensive media coverage including three articles in major newspapers, 15 radio interviews and four television reports. Average attendance at each performance was 200.

• * *

More than 7,000 people visited the Bahá’í book and poster exhibit at the recent Wood Industry Fair in Accra, Ghana. The display was organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Accra “on the bright initiative of the Youth Committee.” Four Bahá’ís staffed the well-positioned booth for 12 hours each day.

• * *

A banner competition/exhibition was organized recently by the National Bahá’í Ladies Committee under the guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Quetta, Pakistan. Twenty schools and organizations took part in the competition, whose theme was “Elimination of Prejudice.” The exhibit of the banners took place at the Pardah Club in Quetta. The Commissioner of Quetta Division was the guest of honor, and the four judges were from the Art Department of the University of Balochistan. About 125 guests attended including 53 Bahá’ís.

• * *

The New Era newspaper in Windhoek, Namibia, recently published a long interview about the Faith with Shahin Azadeh. The history of the Cause was highlighted, as were Bahá’í views on popular religious questions such as heaven and hell and the return of Christ. The article was accompanied by photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the House of Worship in India.

• * *

Audrey Aumua, a Bahá’í from Auckland, New Zealand, was named recently as a Fellow of the Commonwealth Foundation. This scholarship is given annually to 12 individuals to promote understanding among Commonwealth countries and to help the recipients in furthering studies in their professional fields. Mrs. Aumua’s award came as a result of her work on behalf of the Bahá’í International Community’s United Nations office in establishing literacy programs and developing small businesses for women.

• * *

More than 40 Bahá’ís representing 12 nationalities gathered in January for the first Teaching Conference of southern Yugoslavia. Among them were Auxiliary Board member ‎Hooshidar Balazedeh Hooshidar Balazadeh‎; Parvin Baziar, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria; and F.N. Nickbeen of the European Pioneer Committee. Three people were enrolled in the Faith during the conference.

• * *

The first phase of a youth project launched on January 26 in Malaysia is aimed at mobilizing youth to the forefront of the development of 1,000 local Bahá’í communities by Ridván 1992. Meetings and workshops are being held with parents to determine how they can support the children in their work on the new project.

The Bahá’ís of Bamenda, Cameroon, helped organize a number of activities to celebrate African Day of the Child including a conference, two radio programs, and a panel discussion. A number of Bahá’í children visited the local hospital with gifts for children who were patients there.

World Congress scholarship fund

In the November 1992 special issue of The American Bahá’í on the Bahá’í World Congress, it was announced that the National Spiritual Assembly had established a scholarship fund to help the friends to attend this historic event.

Individuals and Assemblies were invited to contribute to the Fund, which would provide partial or full scholarships for Bahá’ís in the U.S. community, as well as submitting names of possible recipients.

At this time, the scholarship fund has been depleted. Letters have been mailed from the Office of the Treasurer to those persons granted a scholarship. All others not receiving a grant were also notified. [Page 16]کتاب «خدا خنده را دوست می‌دارد» در واقع شرح حال جناب سیرز است. ایشان در این کتاب شرحی از دوره جوانی خود به دست می‌دهند و چگونگی اقبالشان به امر الهی را ذکر می‌نمایند. سال‌هاست که کتاب مذکور مورد علاقه خاص کودکان و جوانان بهائی بوده است و البته جای تعجب نیست زیرا این دو گروه همواره مورد علاقه خاص جناب سیرز بودند.

بسیاری از کودکان و نوجوانان بهائی جناب سیرز را پدر بزرگ روحانی خود می‌دانستند، انسانی خونگرم و مهربان که همیشه وقت آن را داشت که نونهالان بهائی را در آغوش گیرد و بر رویشان لبخندی بزند و با کلماتی مهرآمیز با آنان سخن بگوید. جناب سیرز به هر جا که می‌رفتند نوباوگان بهائی را با محبت سرشار خود می‌نواختند و می‌کوشیدند رفتاری یکسان با آنان و بزرگسالان داشته باشند. نوجوانان بهائی نیز قدر ایشان را می‌دانستند و با شرکت در جلسات جناب سیرز محبتشان را پاسخ می‌گفتند.

جناب ویلیام سیرز روز ۲۸ ماه مارچ سال ۱۹۱۱ در ایالت مینه‌سوتا چشم به جهان گشودند. در کتاب «خدا خنده را دوست می‌دارد» آمده است که اولین کلمه‌ای که جناب سیرز به زبان آوردند "God" بود و گویا این رمزی بود از آنچه در آینده ایشان نقش می‌گرفت.

اولین درآمد ایشان مزد شعری بود که در هفت سالگی سروده و آن را برای چاپ به یکی از مجلات فرستاده بودند. جناب سیرز زمانی که دانشجوی دانشگاه ویسکانسین بودند به نویسندگی نیز ادامه می‌دادند و در سال ۱۹۳۳ جایزه بهترین نمایشنامه را دریافت نمودند. ایشان در مجموع ۹ نمایشنامه نوشته‌اند که دو نمایشنامه‌ برنده جایزه شد و یکی نیز در سالنامه بهترین نمایشنامه سال ۱۹۳۶ به چاپ رسید.

سپس به مدت ۵ سال کارگردان یک گروه تئاتر بودند و دو سال بعنوان خبرنگار در یونایتد پرس اینترنشنال United Press International به کار اشتغال داشتند. همچنین تصدی چندین برنامه اخبار رادیویی را بر عهده داشتند و سپس به مدت دو سال مدیر بخش رادیویی یک آژانس بودند.

جناب سیرز بعنوان یک خبرنگار ورزشی خبرنگار تیم ایگلز Eagles فیلادلفیا و گوینده مسابقات ورزشی دانشگاه پنسیلوانیا بودند. خلاصه اخبار ورزشی که در شبکه سی‌بی‌اس توسط جناب سیرز تهیه و پخش می‌شد، برنده جایزه برنامه‌ برجسته سال شد.

جناب سیرز سپس توجه و علاقه خود را به برنامه‌های کودکان معطوف داشتند و برنامه مخصوصی ابداع نمودند که خودشان هم بازیگر آن بودند. این برنامه توسط شبکه سی‌بی‌اس در سراسر آمریکا پخش می‌شد. همچنین سرپرست برنامه تلویزیونی دیگری به نام "در پارک" In the Park بودند که در آن نقش فیلسوف سالخورده‌ای را بازی می‌کردند که با حیواناتی که در پارک بودند سخن می‌گفتند این برنامه به خاطر کیفیت عالیش برنده یک جایزه شد.

جناب سیرز در سال ۱۹۴۰ با مارگریت که خانمی بهائی از ایالت ویسکانسین بود، ازدواج کردند و در این زندگی مشترک خدمت به امر را در صدر فعالیت‌های خود قرار دادند. با آنکه کار جناب سیرز در رادیو و تلویزیون روز به روز پیش می‌رفت و وقت بیشتری می‌طلبید، معذلک ایشان در تشکیلات امری نیز خدمت مستمر داشتند و رئیس محفل روحانی نیویورک و رئیس لجنه رادیویی بهائی بودند.

جناب سیرز در سراسر زندگانی خود این بیان حضرت عبدالبهاء را که در وصف وظائف ایادی امرالله در الواح وصایا نازل شده است در عمل به ظهور می‌رساند: "...وظیفه ایادی امرالله نشر نفحات‌الله و تربیت نفوس در تعلیم علوم و تحسین اخلاق عموم و تقدیس و تنزیه در جمیع شوون است. از اطوار و احوال و کردار و گفتار باید تقوای الهی ظاهر و آشکار باشد."

EXEMPLARY SERVICE

در طی ایام ماه گذشته به همت خانم گلی عطائی ساکن آناهایم هیلز Anaheim Hills در کالیفرنیا حدود ۳۰۰ نفر از افراد فقیر و سالمند در مرکز اجتماعات آن شهر اطعام گردیدند.

خانم عطائی صاحب یک رستوران ایتالیائی است. غذاها را یکی از شرکت‌هائی که با رستوران مذکور کار می‌کند، تقدیم کرده بود. یکی دیگر از احبای آن شهر، خانم دنیس توحیدی مسؤول کسب اجازه برای استفاده از مرکز اجتماعات بود که توسط یک خانم راهبه کاتولیک اداره می‌شود.

احبای سراسر اورنج کانتی در این خدمت بشردوستانه که سه روز به طول انجامید، شرکت کردند. تعدادی جزوه تبلیغی بین شرکت‌کنندگانی که اظهار علاقه نموده بودند، توزیع شد. چندین نفر از اینان نیز اظهار داشتند که مایلند اطلاعات بیشتری درباره امر مبارک حاصل نمایند.

عکس و خبر این جلسات خیریه در یکی از نشریه‌های محلی به نام آناهایم بولتن Anaheim Bulletin درج شد، و مقاله‌ای نیز درباره آن در یکی دیگر از نشریات به نام اورنج کانتی رجیستر Orange County Register به چاپ رسید.

AMERIFLORA 92

حدود ۴ میلیون نفر از یک نمایشگاه گل به نام "امری‌فلورا ۹۲" AmeriFlora 92 که در شهر کلمبوس در ایالت اوهایو تشکیل خواهد شد دیدار خواهند کرد و به هنرمندی فرنوش و فرشاد یزدان‌پور لنجانی آفرین خواهند گفت.

امری‌فلورا یک نمایشگاه بین‌المللی است که از ۲۰ آوریل تا ۱۲ اکتبر سال جاری در فرانکلین پارک در شهر کلمبوس برقرار خواهد بود. این نمایشگاه مجموعه‌ای خواهد بود از باغ‌های رنگارنگ به همراه برنامه‌های هنری و همچنین غذاهای مختلف از فرهنگ‌های گوناگون.

در اواسط سال گذشته یک کمیته بهائی از کلمبوس و دیگر جوامع امری اوهایو با سازمان مسؤول تشکیل نمایشگاه مذکور تماس حاصل نمودند و راه شرکت احباء را در آن هموار ساختند. پس از مذاکرات طولانی طرح‌های هماهنگی برای باغ ارائه شد که عبارت بود از دو مجسمه، یکی به نام "فرشتهٔ صلح" و دیگری "وحدت در کثرت". قرار است این دو مجسمه در بیرون یک راهروی مدور که دور طرح "کبوتر صلح" واقع است، نهاده شود.

برادران لنجانی به همراه یکی دیگر از احباء آقای راس مولر Rus Mohler ماهها صرف ساختن این دو مجسمه کردند و آن را از نوعی ماده اکرلیک سبک — برای سهولت حمل و نقل — تراشیدند. محل کار این هنرمندان انبار یک شرکت ساختمانی بود که آن نیز به یکی از احباء تعلق داشت.

این دو مجسمه پس از خاتمه نمایشگاه در باغ "صلح و داد" خواهد ماند و بعنوان هدیه‌ای به ساکنان شهر کلمبوس اهداء خواهد شد.

فرنوش و فرشاد لنجانی در طهران زاده شدند و در سال ۱۹۷۱ به همراه خانواده به هندوستان مهاجرت کردند و ۱۳ سال بعد به ایالات متحده نقل مکان نمودند. هر دو به دانشگاه رفتند و از کالج هنری کلمبوس به دریافت لیسانس موفق شدند. موفقیتشان بیشتر و بیشتر باد!

Bahá’í NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

حیفا — سه سال پیش تهیهٔ یک سیستم جدید آبیاری برای باغ‌های موجود در کوه کرمل و نیز باغ‌های جدیدی که قرار است در طبقات مقام اعلی احداث شود، آغاز گردید. این طرح مشتمل بر مذاکرات جدی مدیر مشروعات کوه کرمل با شهرداری حیفا راجع به مقدار آب و محل اتصال لوله‌ها بود. سرانجام شهرداری حیفا موافقت کرد که مقدار آب را افزایش دهد و لوله‌های اتصالی را نیز فراهم نماید.

سپس کار احداث یک شبکهٔ قابل اعتماد برای آبیاری باغ‌ها آغاز گردید. پروژهٔ مذکور به مناقصه گذاشته شد و سرانجام به یکی از ۴ شرکتی که در مناقصه شرکت داشتند واگذار گردید.

هزینه سیستم جدید آبیاری ۵ میلیون دلار تخمین زده شده است و طرح جدید در ۱۱ مرحله اجراء خواهد شد. طرح این سیستم در اواخر سال ۱۹۹۱ آغاز شده و قرار است تا سال ۱۹۹۷ پایان پذیرد.

بلغارستان — نهمین محفل روحانی بلغارستان در اوایل فوریهٔ سال جاری در وارنا Varna تشکیل گردید. در نتیجه فعالیت‌های تبلیغی تعداد احبای آن شهر در حال حاضر بالغ بر ۴۰ نفر شده است. برنامه‌های تبلیغی همچنان ادامه دارد و جلسات تنزیه معلومات با استقبال یاران روبرو شده است.

هندوستان — دسامبر سال گذشته مصادف با پنجمین سالگرد افتتاح مشرق‌الاذکار هندوستان بود. در آن ماه بیش از ۲۸۰ هزار نفر از معبد بهائی دیدار کردند. در یکی از روزهای ماه فوریه تعداد کسانی که از مشرق‌الاذکار دیدار نمودند، بالغ بر ۱۹۲۴۶ نفر گردید.

جمهوری مالتا — دادستان کل جمهوری مالتا در نامه‌ای به تاریخ ۳۱ ژانویهٔ سال جاری اعلان کرد که امر بهائی در آن کشور رسمیت یافته است.

File:Huququ'llah emblem.png	حقوق الله HUQUQU’LLAH
از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند.
Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116 Dr. Elsie Austin P.O. Box 927 Silver Spring, MD. 20910

[Page 17]

پیام‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمهٔ متحدالمال دارالإنشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۱۵ مارچ ۱۹۹۲

یاران عزیز الهی،

از آنجا که وقت غروب خورشید در نقاط مختلف عالم متفاوت است و در بعضی از کشورها ساعات تابستانه و زمستانه تغییر می‌کند، در مورد تعیین زمان دقیقی که در صورت امکان باید جلسات ایام متبرکه برگزار شود پرسش‌هایی مطرح شده است. چون این مطلب در سال مقدس برای یاران الهی حائز اهمیت خاص خواهد بود، بیت‌العدل اعظم مقرر فرمودند مراتب ذیل به استحضار عموم یاران برسد.

همانطور که حضرت ولی امرالله بیان فرموده‌اند مراسم برگزاری صعود جمال اقدس ابهی در صورت امکان باید در ساعت ۳ بامداد روز ۲۹ می و محفل صعود حضرت عبدالبهاء در ساعت ۱ بامداد روز ۲۸ نوامبر ترتیب داده شود. این اوقات در هر نقطه باید بر حسب ساعت رسمی تعیین گردد و اگر رعایت ساعات تابستانه و زمستانه مرسوم است، تشکیل جلسات را باید طبق ساعت رسمی (نه ساعات تابستانه و زمستانه) ترتیب داد.

بنا بر این مراسم برگزاری هر یک از ایام متبرکه در اطراف عالم به ترتیب یکی بعد از دیگری در مدت بیست و چهار ساعت که زمین یک بار به دور محور خود می‌چرخد، معمول خواهد شد.

با تقدیم تحیات ابدع ابهی از طرف دارالإنشاء بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمهٔ پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۶ مارچ ۱۹۹۲

صعود علمدار دلیر و پرشور و مخلص امر حضرت بهاءالله، ایادی امرالله جناب ویلیام سیرز، که فقدانی عظیم برای عالم بهائی محسوب می‌گردد، مایه حزن و اندوه شدید گردید. خدمات مستمر آن نفس جلیل که متجاوز از نیم قرن ادامه داشت، سرشار از تعلق خاطری خلل‌ناپذیر به حضرت ولی محبوب امرالله و ذوق و شوقی شورانگیز برای نشر نفحات‌الله و شم خاصی برای تجسم مطالب به نحوی تشویق‌آمیز و ظرافت طبعی دلپذیر و عشق و علاقه‌ای خاص به نونهالان و عزمی جزم در مقابله با مشکلات بود. استعداد خلاق و شورانگیز ایشان در نویسندگی، تألیف کتب، ایراد سخنرانی و اداره برنامه‌های رادیو و تلویزیون، یاد خدمات گوناگون آن جناب به‌عنوان مبلغ سیار در بسیاری ممالک مخصوصاً در قارهٔ امریکا و مهاجرتشان به آفریقا و عضویت هیئت معاونت و محفل ملی جنوب و غرب آفریقا که بالاخره در سال ۱۹۵۷ با ارتقاء به مقام ایادی امرالله و ‎متعاقبآً متعاقباً‎ عضویت هیئت مجلّهٔ ایادی مقیم ارض اقدس به سرمنزل کمال رسید، همواره در خاطره‌ها خواهد ماند. فقدان این نفس عزیز در آمریکای شمالی که باقیماندهٔ قوای رو به تحلیل خود را در آن منطقه صرف ترویج خدمات تبلیغی نمود، شدیداً محسوس است. ثمرات شورانگیز اقداماتش در کتاب‌های متعدد و نوارهای صوتی و تصویری که از وی به یادگار مانده، همچنان پایدار خواهد ماند. نسل‌های آینده از میراث مرغوب اقدامات تاریخی ایشان محظوظ و مستبشر خواهند شد. در اعتاب مقدسه برای عُلوّ درجات روح پرفتوحش صمیمانه دعا می‌کنیم.

به یاران الهی در سراسر عالم توصیه می‌شود که به تجلیل خدمات آن نفس نفیس بپردازند و به اعزاز ایشان در کلیهٔ مشارق اذکار محافل تذکر شایسته منعقد نمایند.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

یادی از جناب ویلیام سیرز

جناب ویلیام سیرز ایادی محبوب امر الهی از ایالات متحده روز ۲۵ مارچ سال جاری، درست سه روز پیش از سالگرد ۸۱ سالگی، در منزل خود در توسان آریزونا جهان را به درود گفتند. ایشان شیری در بیشهٔ امرالله بودند. کمتر می‌شد که کسی با ایشان دیدار کند و تحت تأثیر منش و کلامشان واقع نشود.

جناب سیرز قبل از صعود، به رغم سالمندی و بیماری‌های گوناگون و عوارض ناشی از عمل‌های جرّاحی، دو سوم از سفرهائی را که عهده‌دار شده بودند به پایان رساندند. ایشان تعهد کرده بودند که به ۹ شهر از شهرهای ایالات متحده سفر کنند و احباء را بر انگیزاند که به پا خیزند و تا رضوان امسال به تبلیغ و تسجیل حد اقل ۹۰۰۰ نفر توفیق یابند و این خود سرآغاز شایسته‌ای برای سال مقدس باشد.

آخرین جلساتی که جناب سیرز در آن شرکت کردند در روزهای ۱۳ و ۱۴ مارچ در مینیاپولیس مینه‌سوتا بود. قرار بود در روزهای ۲۷ و ۲۸ مارچ نیز در جلساتی در شهر دنور کلورادو حضور یابند و به تشویق یاران بپردازند.

جناب سیرز و همسرشان مارگریت خانم بیش از نیم قرن در طی نقشه‌های طرح شده توسط حضرت ولی امرالله و پس از آن نقشه‌های بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی تلاشی عاشقانه نمودند و به نحوی خستگی‌ناپذیر به اعلان و انتشار امر حضرت بهاءالله پرداختند و پیام وحدت و صلح را به گوش هزاران نفر رساندند و پیمان الهی را در دل و جان اهل ایمان تحکم بخشیدند و پیروزی نهائی امر مبارک را بدانان خاطرنشان ساختند.

هر گاه جامعهٔ امری این دیار به مبارزات روحانی فرا خوانده می‌شد، جناب سیرز فوراً بر مرکب خدمت می‌نشستند و در میدان مجاهده به لشگر یاران می‌پیوستند و آنان را یاری می‌دادند که به پیروزی دست یابند. فرقی نمی‌کرد که در چه میدانی لازم بود خدمتی تقدیم شود، خواه غرض جمع‌آوری تبرعات برای ساختمان‌های قوس بود یا ایستگاه رادیوئی WLGI در کارولینای جنوبی یا تشویق یاران برای انجام اهداف معهد اعلی، جناب سیرز همواره در صف اول خدمات قرار داشتند و احباء را با محبت و شوق و حکمت و ظرافت الهام می‌بخشیدند و آنان را به خدمت بر می‌انگیختند.

در ماه جولای سال گذشته محفل روحانی ملی طوماری از اسامی بیش از ۱۰ هزار نفر از یاران را که به صندوق مخصوص ساختمان‌های قوس تبرع نموده بودند به جناب سیرز تقدیم نمود و بدین ترتیب محبت و سپاسگزاری خود را جهت خدمات شایان آن ایادی محبوب امر الهی در راه پیشرفت جامعهٔ امری ابراز داشت. در کانونشن ملی سال ۱۹۹۰ جناب سیرز از جامعهٔ بهائی دعوت کرده بودند که به صندوق مخصوص بناهای قوس تبرع نمایند و بعنوان حسن آغاز نسخه‌ای از کتاب "مطالع‌الانوار" را که حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله امضاء و بدیشان تقدیم فرموده بودند، تقدیم نمودند که مبلغ فروش آن صرف تبرع به صندوق مخصوص قوس گردد. بدین ترتیب جناب سیرز با تقدیم یکی از باارزش‌ترین دارائی‌های خود یاران را درس فداکاری و ایثار آموختند.

در سال ۱۹۵۳ هنگامی که حضرت ولی امرالله نقشهٔ جهاد کبیر اکبر را به جهانیان ارائه فرمودند و در ضمن آن یاران را به مهاجرت به نقاط غیرمفتوح دعوت نمودند، جناب سیرز بعنوان یک خبرنگار ورزشی و نیز دست‌اندر کار یک برنامهٔ ویژهٔ کودکان در یکی از ایستگاه‌های تلویزیونی فیلادلفیا مشغول به کار بودند. اما به محض شنیدن صدای ولایت امر ترک مقام و موقعیت گفتند و به همراه همسر و دو پسرشان به آفریقای جنوبی مهاجرت کردند.

دیری نگذشت که جناب سیرز به عضویت محفل روحانی ملی جنوب و غرب آفریقا درآمدند و در سمت رئیس آن محفل به خدمت مشغول شدند. حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله در ماه اکتبر سال ۱۹۵۷، یک ماه پیش از صعود مبارک، جناب سیرز را به مقام ایادی امرالله انتصاب فرمودند. جناب سیرز از جمله آخرین افرادی بودند که به این مقام ارتقاء یافتند.

از سال ۱۹۵۷ تا ۱۹۶۱ جناب سیرز در مرکز جهانی امر مبارک در حیفا اقامت داشتند و از جمله افرادی از ایادی امر بودند که تحت هدایت و حکمشان امر الهی بدون وقفه سال‌های بحرانی بین صعود حضرت ولی امرالله و تشکیل بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی را سپری نمود.

سپس جناب سیرز به ایالات متحده بازگشتند و در طی ۳۰ سال یاران این دیار را با وعده‌های محتوم حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء و حضرت ولی امرالله و معهد اعلی راجع به پیروزی نهائی لشکر حیات شادمان و امیدوار ساختند و یارانی را که به پا خیزند و به خدمت امر مبارک و نشر تعالیم وحدت و صلح پردازند، نوید نصرت دادند.

جناب سیرز در راه خدمت به امر الهی تمامی استعدادهای خود را به کار می‌گرفتند. ایشان صدائی غرا و طبعی شوخ و مزاح داشتند. در ضمن سخنرانی‌های خود از این عناصر کمک می‌گرفتند و با نقل داستان‌هائی سرشار از صفا و فداکاری، یاران را بر می‌انگیختند که زندگی خود را وقف خدمت به امر جمال قدم نمایند. همچنین کتاب‌هائی که جناب سیرز نگاشته‌اند مورد استقبال خوانندگان قرار می‌گرفت و برخی از آن کتاب‌ها از جمله پرفروش‌ترین کتب امری به زبان انگلیسی بود. آثار قلمی جناب سیرز عبارت است از: "خدا خنده را دوست می‌دارد" God Loves Laughter؛ "چون دزدی در شب" Thief in the Night؛ "خورشید را رها کن" Release the Sun؛ "همه پرچم‌های برافراشته" All Flags Flying؛ "نعره‌ای از دل" A Cry from the Heart؛ "شعله" The Flame؛ و "زندانی و پادشاهان" The Prisoner and the Kings. [Page 18]

Edificando el Nuevo Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh

“Ayudarme es enseñar Mi Causa”—Bahá’u’lláh

Edificando el Nuevo Orden de Bahá’u’lláh

¿Por qué enseñamos? Enseñamos para que “este mundo se convierta en otro mundo y su gente en otra gente” (traducción no oficial). Enseñamos para asistir a Bahá’u’lláh en la edificación del Nuevo Orden Mundial. Para que la tarea de construir el Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh, que acompañará la Más Grande Paz, sea completada ha sido dada a Sus seguidores:

SHOGHI Effendi nos aseguró que dos procesos grandes están en marcha en el mundo: el gran Plan de Dios, tumultuoso en su progreso, trabajando a través de la humanidad en conjunto, derrumbando barreras para la unidad mundial y llevando a la humanidad hacia un cuerpo unificado a través del fuego del sufrimiento y la experiencia. Este proceso producirá, en el Día de Dios, la Paz Menor, la unificación política del mundo. ...El segundo proceso, la tarea de transmitir vida en este cuerpo unificado—de crear verdadera unidad y espiritualidad culminante en la Más Grande Paz—es de los Bahá’ís, que están conscientemente trabajando, con instrucciones detalladas y guía Divina continua, para establecer los fundamentos del Reino de Dios en la Tierra, en donde llaman a su prójimo, entonces confiriéndoles vida eterna.

La solución del Plan Mayor de Dios procede misteriosamente en maneras dirigidas por El únicamente, pero el Plan Menor que El nos ha dado para ejecutar, como nuestra parte en su gran diseño para la redención de la humanidad, está claramente delineado. Es a este trabajo que debemos dedicar todas nuestras energías, pues no hay nadie más para hacerlo.—La Casa Universal de Justicia, Wellspring of Guidance 133-34 (traducción no oficial).

La construcción del Nuevo Orden Mundial es nuestra tarea. Como todas las estructuras fuertes y perdurables, tiene que levantarse en un cimiento firme. El Orden Mundial de Bahá’u’lláh tiene que estar firmemente establecido en cada una de nuestras comunidades. ¿Cómo podemos entender cómo hacer esto posible? Bahá’u’lláh nos ha dicho que “la agudeza del entendimiento es debida a la agudeza de la visión” (traducción no oficial). Debemos desarrollar una visión del futuro acerca de nuestras comunidades para comprender cómo poder transformarlas. Recurriendo a los escritos Bahá’ís, como The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (La Meta de un Nuevo Orden Mundial, La Dispensación de Bahá’u’lláh y El Desenvolvimiento de la Civilización Mundial, disponibles en español) por Shoghi Effendi, podemos ayudarnos a desarrollar esta visión. Una vez que podamos visualizar el poder transformador de Bahá’u’lláh trabajando en nuestras comunidades, podremos ver las metas específicas hacia donde luchamos. Entonces podremos empezar a enfocarnos sobre cómo alcanzarlas desde aquí hacia allá.

‎Cualquiera Cualquier‎ visión de la transformación del viejo orden mundial al nuevo necesariamente será una visión de crecimiento en gran escala. Todavía, en muchas comunidades Bahá’ís, no hay una visión formada de crecimiento a gran escala, por lo tanto no existen planes sistemáticos de ejecución. A menudo, estas comunidades tienen dificultades sirviendo a sus miembros de una manera que les anime a la unidad y al crecimiento. Esta situación crea una ansiedad no reconocida acerca de cómo alcanzar una expansión sin precedentes de la membresía de la comunidad Bahá’í. La falta de visión del crecimiento sostenido resulta en una apariencia de la comunidad Bahá’í como un ente estático que no tiene como característica principal una afluencia constante y continua de “recursos nuevos.” Cuando los creyentes nuevos estén habilitados de tomar responsabilidad como miembros maduros de la Causa, seremos capaces de profundizar y consolidar continuamente una comunidad en crecimiento y verdaderamente formaremos el Nuevo Orden Mundial. Cuando lleguemos a una visión de crecimiento a gran escala en nuestras comunidades, crearemos una variedad de oportunidades para transformarlas cada vez más en comunidades Bahá’ís maduras.

SI CONSTANTEMENTE recordamos nuestra visión con claridad y dirigimos la expectación de que nuestras comunidades Bahá’ís continuarán creciendo y madurando, estaremos preparados y habilitados para tomar las oportunidades que dejarán a nuestras comunidades crecer. Pero si siempre pensamos en términos de las comunidades pequeñas que tenemos ahora, este modo de pensar puede impedir el progreso del crecimiento de la Causa. El Nuevo Orden Mundial no será establecido de repente, sin la participación directa y activa de todos aquellos que son firmes en el Convenio de Bahá’u’lláh. En la mayoría de nuestras comunidades, el proceso de crecimiento a gran escala requerido para acompañar al Nuevo Orden Mundial probablemente empezará con una oleada continua de creyentes nuevos. De nuestra parte esto requiere una acción sistemática y persistente. Este tipo de acción requiere preparación espiritual, planificación prudente, un ciclo constante de implementación y profundización, requiere una evaluación de nuestros esfuerzos, y flexibilidad porque nuestras acciones pueden traer resultados inesperados.

LA EDIFICACIÓN de un Nuevo Orden Mundial también requiere que imaginemos cómo todos nuestros esfuerzos tienen importancia en el Plan Mayor. No sólo debemos cooperar unos con otros, también debemos entender que nuestros esfuerzos no están desconectados (o peor, en conflicto) unos con otros. Todas las actividades en ‎la que las que‎ participamos, sea para promover la unidad racial, fomentar el desarrollo social y económico, o mejorar el nivel de la educación de los niños, son parte del proceso civilizador. Nosotros, al igual que nuestras actividades, ‎son somos‎ partes individuales en el Plan Menor de Dios.

El Guardián nos dice en The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh que nos ha sido “asignada una tarea cuyo alto privilegio jamás podremos apreciar suficientemente, y lo arduo de esto hasta ahora sólo lo podremos reconocer” (pág. 168-69) (traducción no oficial). Hoy, tenemos una oportunidad verdaderamente única para “convertir lo que se ha escrito en realidad y acción” (traducción no oficial). Mientras que la tarea manual a veces pueda parecer ardua, podemos tomar fuerza recordando el gran privilegio otorgado a nosotros de ser servidores de Bahá’u’lláh en este día. Las generaciones del pasado han añorado este día, y las generaciones del futuro se admirarán de nuestra fortuna.

Con Respecto a los Padres de los Nuevos Creyentes Jóvenes que No Son Bahá’ís

Un enfoque mayor del Plan de Enseñanza Nacional es sobre los niños y los jóvenes como maestros de la Causa. Mientras más se entrenen, habiliten, y utilicen los creyentes jóvenes como maestros, podremos esperar un aumento en el número de jóvenes y niños entrando a la Fe a través de sus conocidos Bahá’ís jóvenes. Si ellos no están familiarizados con la Fe, los padres de los creyentes nuevos que no son ‎Bahá’í es Bahá’ís‎ probablemente tendrán preocupaciones tocante al enrolamiento de sus niños en una organización religiosa no conocida.

Es importante que nos ‎dirigimos dirijamos‎ a las preocupaciones de estos padres y que tratemos de aliviar sus dudas y aprehensiones lo más pronto posible. Hay varias maneras en que podemos hacer esto, pero probablemente sería mejor si los Bahá’ís que son padres se reúnen con los padres de los creyentes jóvenes nuevos en una atmósfera confortable e informal para explicarles los principios de la Fe y asegurarlos que sus niños no se han desviado en un camino falso. Tal vez podemos encontrar, como resultado de estas acciones, que los padres son tan receptivos a la Fe como sus hijos.

El folleto titulado “From One Parent To Another” (disponible en inglés) es útil para explicar las características de la Fe a los padres que no son Bahá’ís cuyos niños se han hecho Bahá’ís. Está disponible en el Servicio de Distribución Bahá’í (Bahá’í Distribution Service) a $2 por paquetes de a 10.

¿Podemos alcanzar todos los estados si nos enfocamos en los grupos?

A primera vista, puede parecer que se nos ha presentado un dilema. Sabemos que el Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh es para todos. También sabemos que nuestros esfuerzos de enseñanza serán más efectivos si colectamos y unimos nuestras energías y nos enfocamos en un grupo de gente determinada. La Asamblea Espiritual Nacional y su Comité Nacional de Enseñanza nos han estimulado repetidamente a dirigir nuestros esfuerzos de enseñanza a poblaciones específicas para el cumplimiento de nuestros planes de enseñanza locales. ¿Pero cómo podemos concentrar nuestros esfuerzos en una sola población sin excluir a las demás?

PODEMOS enfocar nuestros esfuerzos en un grupo y al mismo tiempo alcanzar a gentes de varias razas, etnias, y religiones en todos los niveles de la sociedad. En realidad, si nos enfocamos en grupos esto nos ayudará a alcanzar a todo el mundo con el Mensaje curativo de Bahá’u’lláh. Hay varias razones por esto. En primer lugar, cualquier actividad en unidad atraerá las bendiciones Divinas y nos ayudará a encontrar los individuos receptivos de todas las clases. Por ejemplo, por el tiempo del Simposio Internacional Chino en 1990, las Asambleas en el área de San Francisco dirigieron su atención al alcance de la población China con el Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh. Aquel año, había un aumento de actividades de enseñanza en esa área que resultó en un aumento de inscripciones. Mientras que muchos de los creyentes nuevos eran Chinos, ¡habían muchos que no eran Chinos! Otras almas receptivas también respondieron al espíritu del ambiente. En esas situaciones, algunas personas no se excluyen sólo porque otras están recibiendo atención más enfocada.

Como segundo punto, las comunidades que tienen abundantes recursos humanos disponibles y están listas para movilizarse a apoyar los esfuerzos de enseñanza en su comunidad pueden escoger y efectivamente enfocar sus esfuerzos sobre más de una población. Pero, el objetivo para muchas comunidades es alcanzar primero este nivel. Lamentablemente, en su preocupación amorosa de tratar de alcanzar a todo el mundo con el Mensaje curativo de Bahá’u’lláh, algunas comunidades pequeñas disipan sus esfuerzos al azar y se dedican a tantas actividades que su trabajo de enseñanza es ineficaz y la comunidad no experimenta un aumento significativo de creyentes nuevos. Una vez que hay un aumento constante de creyentes nuevos a través de los esfuerzos concentrados, las comunidades pueden enfocarse en alcanzar varias poblaciones simultáneamente. Entonces tendrán los recursos humanos para lograr esto efectivamente.

Como tercer punto, el grupo en el cual enfocamos nuestros esfuerzos puede representar a muchos niveles de la sociedad. Pueden ser parte de la clase alta, la clase media o la clase baja, en posiciones sociales prominentes o de menos importancia, y pueden incluir todos los grupos étnicos. También es importante notar que no es necesario que siempre nuestra atención sea concentrada en las minorías raciales o étnicas. Mientras que es verdad que ciertas poblaciones minoritarias se han encontrado particularmente receptivas a la Fe, y han sido identificadas en el Plan de Seis Años como grupos que debemos enseñar, el grupo en que decidimos enfocar nuestros esfuerzos puede ser cualquier grupo. Por ejemplo, el grupo puede ser de los residentes de un barrio específico, los miembros de una organización, los estudiantes de una escuela, o gente de la misma edad.

COMO cuarto punto, los individuos dentro de una comunidad pueden, como parte de un plan de enseñanza individual, escoger un grupo para enfocar sus esfuerzos que puede ser diferente de la población escogida por la Asamblea Espiritual Local para lograr su plan. Además de lo que un individuo haga para ayudar con los esfuerzos de la comunidad, cada creyente aun debe cumplir con ciertas responsabilidades que como individuo tiene, como son el patrocinar reuniones públicas en su casa por lo menos una vez cada diecinueve días, o tratar de alcanzar las almas receptivas fuera de aquellas que la comunidad está tratando de enseñar. Tales creyentes pueden juntarse con otros miembros de la comunidad para formar un instituto de enseñanza con el propósito de ayudar a otro grupo receptivo. Los individuos pueden con esto contribuir más hacia la meta final de enrolar a todo tipo de gente bajo el estandarte de Bahá’u’lláh.

El objetivo de dirigir nuestra atención a

Vea ESTRATOS de página 19 [Page 19]

Louhelen Fellowship honors memory of poet Robert Hayden

In 1985 Erma Hayden, a Bahá’í from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is an active supporter of the arts, initiated steps in collaboration with the Louhelen Bahá’í School to establish a Poetry Fellowship to honor the memory of her husband, Robert Hayden, who died in 1980.

MR. HAYDEN, one of America’s leading 20th century poets, served two terms as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, the first African-American to hold that position. He won many honors during his lifetime including first prize for poetry at the first World Festival of Negro Arts, and was the 1975 Fellow of the Academy of American Poets.

Mrs. Hayden, a talented musician who studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and earned a master’s degree from George Peabody College, taught music and dance in elementary and high schools in New York, Nashville, Detroit and other cities in which she and Mr. Hayden lived during their marriage.

She applied some of the royalties from a book of music she had written to begin funding the Hayden Fellowship which provides poets with the means to concentrate on their writing for an extended period of time at the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

When asked recently what criteria she felt Mr. Hayden would have wanted of Bahá’ís awarded the Fellowship, Mrs. Hayden replied, “I think he would have wanted them to be serious about the art form and have an understanding of it. They should feel within themselves a deep love for poetry.”

HER husband, she said, read extensively from the works of poets living in America and ‎elesewhere elsewhere‎. Through that devotion, she said, he perfected his craft and gained national respect for the beauty of his poetry and his technical grasp of the form.

Since its inception, those who have been awarded the Robert Hayden Poetry Fellowship have spent from three to six weeks at Louhelen to concentrate on their writing.

One of them, Rick Johnson, now serves as director of the Louhelen Bahá’í School.

“The students who were at Louhelen during my stay,” he says, “encouraged the hope that art may live in the hearts of all races and classes as a unifying force.”

THE TIME spent at Louhelen, says Duane Herrmann, another Fellowship winner, was extremely productive.

“People would pass my room, hear me typing, and say, ‘He really is writing,’” says Mr. Herrmann.

While Mrs. Hayden is delighted by the successes of the Robert Hayden Fellowship program, she has a vision that other programs to support other forms of art will evolve at Louhelen and in the larger worldwide Bahá’í community.

The deadline for applying for this year’s Robert Hayden Fellowship has been extended to May 31. The Fellowship is designed to help serious poets in the early stages of their career.

For information, write to the Robert Hayden Fellowship Steering Committee, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 313-653-5033.

The wife, daughter and grandson of the late poet Robert Hayden—Erma Hayden, Maia Patillo and Michael Tedla—in a photograph taken in 1981.

Monroe Ioas, Bahá’í who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912, dies in Virginia at age 91

Monroe Ioas, one of the few remaining American Bahá’ís to have met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit to North America in 1912, died March 7 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was 91 years old.

Mr. Ioas, whose parents, Charles and Maria Ioas, had become Bahá’ís in 1898, when he met the Master in Chicago, and vividly remembered having been kissed on the forehead by Him.

Mr. Ioas served for many years on the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago, and was also a member of the National Teaching Committee. He served often as a speaker at the House of Worship in Wilmette and in communities throughout the Midwest.

He was proud to be a member of a large Bahá’í family whose members included his brother, Leroy, a Hand of the Cause of God; many pioneers; and three Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, one of whom is his son, Charles.

Mr. Ioas was buried in Alexandria next to his good friend, Mohammad Furútan, brother of the Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan.

On learning of Mr. Ioas’ death, the Universal House of Justice cabled:

“Deeply saddened passing longstanding faithful servant Bahá’u’lláh Monroe Ioas. Kindly extend our loving sympathy to his distinguished family. Assure ardent prayers Holy Shrines progress his soul throughout divine worlds.”

World Congress Youth Movement

Young people have unique role to play in Congress

What does it mean to be a “Bahá’í youth”? What is it all about, and exactly what is it that Bahá’í youth do?

Many things come to mind—teaching institutes, traveling teaching, workshops and college clubs, conferences and retreats. We must see all of these things that we do as critical to the progress of the Faith.

There is something about the time of life called “youth” that makes it important that we be very involved.

We are an important part of our religion. In fact, the Universal House of Justice has said that the effect that the Faith has on our lives demonstrates its power.

A few years ago we were told by the Universal House of Justice: “How is His healing Message to be acknowledged by a skeptical humanity if it produces no noticeable effect upon the young who are seen to be among the most energetic, the most pliable and promising elements in any society?”

We have a unique responsibility. What a time to be a Bahá’í, and what a time to be a Bahá’í youth!

It is because each of us is special that we want all of us to be a part of the Bahá’í World Congress to be held next November. It will be an opportunity for all of us to come together to commemorate the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh and to celebrate the Faith of which we are a part.

You may not have thought that you had an important role to play in this historic event, but you do. Your presence is essential and it will be felt.

Since this is the first World Congress since 1963 and the first Holy Year in 40 years, none of today’s Bahá’í youth have ever before been involved in such historic events. If we want to experience fully their implications, we must start preparing ourselves now.

You see, preparing for the Holy Year and World Congress involves more than packing one’s belongings and getting on an airplane. What we are called upon to do is to prepare ourselves spiritually during the Holy Year which started at Ridván. As individual youth and as groups, now is the time to be getting ready.

The Universal House of Justice has asked that we pause and reflect during the Holy Year. Who is Bahá’u’lláh in my life, what is His Mission and Station, what service can I render to Bahá’u’lláh during this youthful time in my life and at this critical time in human history? What does being a Bahá’í mean to me?

These are questions we can ask ourselves during the Holy Year so that in our prayers, in our conversations, and in our experiences during the Holy Year we will be ready to receive answers and guidance on what steps to take in our lives. If this sounds dramatic, that’s because it is.

Being a Bahá’í is not only the greatest thing in the world, it is also the most serious. Opportunities to read the Writings and to teach our friends during this Holy Year will never again happen. Attending the World Congress is not something that can be replayed. It will happen only once, and it will be all the more transforming if you are a part of it.

Information about the World Congress and Bahá’í youth will appear regularly in The American Bahá’í. If you have any comments you would like to share or questions you would like answered, please write to the Bahá’í World Congress Youth Movement Forum, Bahá’í International Community, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017, or phone 212-486-0560.

Estratos

de página 18

un grupo particular es para ser más capaces de alcanzar a la humanidad con el Mensaje curativo de Bahá’u’lláh. Cuando hacemos esto, nuestras energías están unidas en una fuerza colectiva y nuestros esfuerzos en la enseñanza son más efectivos porque nuestro método de enseñar y presentar la Fe a la gente puede ser adaptado a las necesidades y capacidades de un grupo en particular.

IN MEMORIAM

Edna Andrews Albuquerque, NM February 12, 1992	Theodore Jones W. Columbia, SC September 19, 1990	William Sears Tucson, AZ March 25, 1992
Helen Bakum Springfield, NJ February 18, 1992	Sinan Lieu Dallas, TX December 27, 1991	Naomi R. Slaughter Chico, CA December 13, 1991
Helen N. Bonaby Los Angeles, CA March 6, 1992	Nosratullah Maghzi Encino, CA March 8, 1992	Marilyn Smith ‎Chassel Chassell‎, MI February 29, 1992
Horace Brown Spartanburg, SC August 8, 1991	Aziz Mansourian Riverside, CA February 7, 1992	Elizabeth Toomer Birmingham, AL February 1992
Vincent Chamberlin El Monte, CA March 11, 1992	Leslie Nott Cottonwood, AZ February 6, 1992	Kathleen Versalles Muskegon, MI September 22, 1991

[Page 20]Pictured are Bahá’ís and their friends from central Georgia at a recent study session on the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, ‘The Vision of Race Unity.’

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

This form may be used for one person or your entire family. Please be sure to list FULL NAMES AND I.D. NUMBERS for all individuals, ages 15 years or older, who will be affected by this change.

A. NAME(S): 1. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ I.D. #                     Title                 Full name - No nicknames please!

2. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ I.D. #                     Title                 Full name

3. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ I.D. #                     Title                 Full name

4. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ I.D. #                     Title                 Full name

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Street address	\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ P.O. Box or Other mailing address
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Apartment # (If applicable)	\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Apartment # (If applicable)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ City	\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ City
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ State                                     Zip code	\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ State                                     Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY:	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Name of new Bahá’í Community            Moving date	\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Area code       Phone number                 Name

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Area code       Phone number                 Name                           Area code       Phone number                 Name

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the correc- ‎ll to‎ receive only one copy.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

3-4: “Brilliant Stars in the Holy Year,” conference for young Bahá’ís, Brighton Creek Conference Campgrounds, McKenna, Washington. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pierce Southeast. For information, phone Becky Cleere, 206-423-6250.

9: Bahá’í Conference, “Let’s Celebrate Our Diversity,” Cal State University-Fullerton, sponsored by the CSU-F Bahá’í Club and Daystar International Learning Associates. For information, write to Cherri Veazey, c/o DILA, Fullerton, CA 92631 (phone 714-879-3427).

17: Victory Chorus returns to the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles, California, with a new music director, Sergio Minervini, and guest conductor Russ Garcia, who created and directed the original Victory Chorus. Tickets $10 each, with all proceeds to be donated to the Arc Fund. For information, phone 213-933-8291.

22: Observance of the Declaration of the Báb, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

22-25: Bahá’í Pacific West Coast Youth Conference, Red Lion Inn, Bellevue, Washington. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle. To register, please write to Bahá’í Pacific West Coast Conference, c/o Babak Tashakkor, Bellevue, WA 98006.

22-25: A Spiritual Renewal Retreat for Couples, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Theme: “Love, Marriage, Parenting.” This weekend is for couples committed to working on their relationship. It is not designed to meet the needs of those in a Year of Patience. This is a session for adults, but infants in arms can be accommodated. Group I, Newer Married. Group leaders Terry and Carrie Kneisler will lead the newer married or younger couples as they build strong relationships in the marriage and with their children. Group II, Seasoned Couples. Group leaders Jack and Farzaneh Guillebeaux will guide seasoned couples to focus on obstacles, issues and joys of relating as a couple and as parents to older children. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

23: Intensive Study session, “Morality and Personal Conduct,” with Auxiliary Board member Curt Russell, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

28-29: Commemorative of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Special classes by Dr. Nas Rassekh, Dr. Vida Bertrand and the Gilpatricks, new administrators at the school. The commemorative program itself (2:30-3:30 a.m. May 29) will include special readings from the program in Haifa/Bahjí. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

JUNE

5-7: 19th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Theme: “Dawn of the New Age: To Blazon the Name of Bahá’u’lláh Across the Globe.” Pre-registration is required by Friday, May 15. No walk-ins. For more information and/or registration forms, write to Behzad Zandieh, registrar, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or phone 717-232-9163.

12-14: Bahá’í Justice Society, Conference and Annual Meeting, Houston, Texas. Theme: “Equity in Education.” For more information, please contact Linda Khadem, 404-487-1035, or write to the Bahá’í Justice Society, P.O. Box 43142, Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243. The conference is open to everyone.

13: Prayer vigil for Race Unity Day, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.

18-21: Pioneering Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

25-28: Special Visit Program, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.

27: 80th annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Teaneck, New Jersey. Picnic at noon, program at 3 p.m., evening devotions at 6 o’clock. For more information, phone 201-652-6385.

29-30: Unity Gathering, Jackson Lake Bahá’í Property, Yukon Territory. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Teaching Committee—Yukon. For information or to register, phone Margo Styan, 403-667-6276.

JULY

4-9: “This Is the Day—Bahá’u’lláh, His Life and Covenant,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

4-16: Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen, Bosch Institute Director, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 (phone 619-944-6441).

11-16: “The Covenant of God with Humankind: A Study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-23: “Challenges of the Holy Year—Proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

25-30: “The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh/Celebration of the Covenant,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-30: Youth Institute and Graduate Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information or to register, contact Angelina Allen at the address or phone number given above.

31-August 3: Dayspring Bahá’í School, Frostburg (Maryland) State University. Theme: “Bahá’u’lláh—The Glory of God: The Significance of the Holy Year.” For information, phone Pam Rogers, 703-444-1512.

AUGUST

1-6: Junior Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Because of the high demand for this week, we can register only those who have reached their 12th birthday by August 1. For an application packet, send a $100 deposit to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

8-13: Adult Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Conducted by Auxiliary Board member Miguel Osborne. For information, write to the Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

15-20: In addition to the regular Youth and Graduate Institutes, a new program, “Advanced Research Institute on the Theory and Method of Bahá’í Scholarship,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Directed by Habib Riazati. For information and interview for admission, phone Mr. Riazati, 714-994-3131.

SEPTEMBER

4-7: Pioneering Institute, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone 708-869-9039.

JAMÁL B.E. 149/APRIL 28, 1992