The American Bahá’í/Volume 23/Issue 9/Text

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A ‘TRAGEDY RELENTLESSLY UNFOLDING...’

An open letter to President Bush on racism in America

Dear Mr. President:

No American can look with indifference upon the tragedy relentlessly unfolding in our cities. Its causes lie beyond a particular verdict or a particular act of oppression. The fires and deaths in Los Angeles are only symptoms of an old congenital disease eating at the vitals of American society, a disease that has plagued our country ever since slaves were brought from Africa to these shores by their early settlers.

The Abolitionist movement, the Civil War, the Reconstruction, the various legislative acts dealing with civil rights, are so many milestones on the path of progress, but they have fallen far short of society's needs and have not eliminated the ingrained racism that blights our existence as a nation. America's history is a history of advance and retreat, efforts toward improvement and the abandonment of such efforts before they had borne fruit.

The solution to the problem of racism is not simple. Its material requirements are well known. They include the provision of economic security and elimination of poverty, the education of the young and the care of the old. But the spiritual requirements have been persistently neglected. America has not done enough to demonstrate her commitment to the equality and unity of races, to the dignity of all human beings whatever their color, and to the moral imperative of extending love and respect to the entire human family.

Ever since its inception a century ago the American Bahá’í community, inspired by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, has made the elimination of racism one of its principal goals. Bahá’ís have ceaselessly warned that discrimination and oppression would lead to strife, that "enmity will increase day by day, and the final result will be hardship and...bloodshed." They have worked, and pledge to continue to strive, for the eradication of all forms of prejudice, hatred, and injustice and for the fulfillment of the noble dream of peace and unity of all peoples, races and creeds.

We appeal to you, Mr. President, and to all our fellow citizens, not to turn away from this "most vital and challenging issue." We plead for a supreme effort on the part of public and private institutions, schools and the media, business and the arts, and most of all to individual Americans to join hands, accept the sacrifices this issue must impose, show forth the "care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates" so that true and irreversible progress may be made and the promise of this great country may not be buried under the rubble of our cities.

Bahá’u’lláh: His acceptance of the Báb an example to humankind

BY KEN BOWERS

This article begins a series on the life of Bahá’u’lláh that will run for the remaining months of the Holy Year. Each installment will present an episode in the life of the Blessed Beauty which sheds light on His station and on the importance and power of the Covenant, themes that are the focus of our reflections at this sacred time.

Bahá’u’lláh, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, states: "The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation."

The Blessed Beauty continues in the same passage that "It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration."

THIS injunction, of course, is not new to the history of religion, for in every age God has, through His Messengers, made unmistakably clear that humanity's duty is to recognize and obey the "Source of Divine inspiration." Indeed, all of His Messengers have entered into a covenant with Their followers to accept the succeeding Revelation as soon as the next Prophet should make Himself known to the world. On this point the Báb had written:

"The Lord of the universe hath never raised up a prophet nor hath He sent down a book unless he hath established His covenant with all men, calling for their acceptance of the next Revelation and of the next Book; inasmuch as the outpourings of His bounty are ceaseless and without limit."

On the importance of these Messengers Bahá’u’lláh wrote voluminously. "God's purpose," He revealed on one occasion, "in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established."

IN THIS and many other utterances Bahá’u’lláh established the sovereignty that God has ordained for the Prophets over human affairs, going so far as to equate recognition of Them with attaining the Presence of God:

"Whoso hath recognized the Day Spring of Divine guidance and entered His holy court hath drawn nigh unto God and attained His Presence, a Presence which is the real Paradise, and of which the loftiest mansions of heaven are but a symbol. ...Whoso hath failed to recognize Him will have condemned himself to the misery of remoteness, a remoteness which is naught but utter nothingness and the essence of the nethermost fire. Such will be his fate..."

House panel urges ‘emancipation’ of Iran’s Bahá’ís

On June 2, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a strongly-worded resolution urging the government of Iran to "emancipate" the Bahá’í community in that country.

At the same time, members of Congress condemned the recent execution of a Bahá’í who was summarily put to death in Tehran's Evin Prison shortly before the recent parliamentary elections in Iran.

ALTHOUGH the Islamic regime has executed more than 200 Bahá’ís and imprisoned thousands more solely on account of their religious beliefs since coming to power in 1979, this was the first execution in more than three years.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, welcomed congressional support for the Iranian Bahá’í community which, he said, "continues to be vulnerable despite seeming relaxation of pressure and the reported ascendancy of 'moderates' in Iran.

"The murder of one of Iran's most prominent Bahá’ís on the day after his arrest, without even the pretense of formal charges or a trial," said Dr. Kazemzadeh, "shows the hypocrisy of the Iranian authorities' repeated claims that no Bahá’ís are persecuted for their religious beliefs."

Even as Iran seeks to improve its ties to the west, the congressional resolution emphasizes that "the United States regards Iran's human rights practices, particularly its treatment of the Bahá’í community and other religious minorities, as a significant element" in any developing relations with Iran.

More than 80 members of Congress co-sponsored the resolution, which was introduced by Reps. Wayne Owens of Utah and Ben Gilman of New York. A similar appeal was adopted by the Senate earlier this year.

National Assembly convenes historic meeting to discuss Bahá’í response to rioting

Indicating that two conditions are of critical importance to the advancement of the Cause of God in America and to achieving victory in carrying out the world-transforming mission foreshadowed in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Universal House of Justice last year applauded the U.S. Bahá’í community's bold initiatives to eliminate racism in America.

In that message, the Supreme Body stated that the determination of the National Spiritual Assembly and the ready acceptance of the Bahá’ís to pursue a campaign to promote race unity would lead to ultimate success. The Bahá’ís, the House of Justice wrote, should arise "with single-minded purpose" to carry forward the campaign "with courage, consistency and confidence."

AFTER the riots took place in Los Angeles and other cities in late April and early May, the House of Justice wrote again to the U.S. Bahá’í community, calling on the believers to "sally forth in a mighty effort to rally the forces which will in His Name" eradicate the blight of racism from our country.

When the riots and disturbances began in cities around the country, the National Spiritual Assembly took immediate action. Messages of support and encouragement streamed from the National Center in Wilmette to local Spiritual Assemblies in the affected cities.

On May 17, the National Assembly convened an historic meeting in Atlanta to discuss the recent events and Bahá’í responses to the riots.

Attending were representatives from 14 local Spiritual Assemblies: Atlanta; Buffalo, New York; Chicago; Detroit; Houston; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles; Miami; New Orleans; New York City; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Also taking part were Counselor Wilma Ellis, five members of the National Spiritual Assembly, two Auxiliary Board members. [Page 2]

HEALTH FOR HUMANITY

Guyana's Prime Minister praises Chicago-based Bahá’í group

In our issue for the Feast of Núr (June 5) we reported on the visit to the U.S. of Hamilton Green, Prime Minister of Guyana. One of his reasons for coming here was to meet with representatives of Health for Humanity, which has been helpful in offering medical supplies and services in Guyana. The following article offers a further elaboration on Mr. Green's visit.

Health for Humanity, a Chicago-based organization operating under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, received the Hon. Hamilton Green, Prime Minister of Guyana, on April 23-24 for two eventful days of meetings and consultation.

THE PRIME Minister and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Basdeo-Green, came to this country specifically to discuss ways in which Health for Humanity can help with various proposed projects for public health in Guyana, and to take the opportunity to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Their conference with Health for Humanity officials resulted in a mutual commitment to a three-phase plan that includes a proposal developed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana for developing a remote Amerindian region.

Assistance from Health for Humanity will come in the form of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, as well as expertise in health education and other areas as needed. Members of the organization plan to make regular trips to Guyana beginning later this year.

Consultation was complemented by a dinner reception held in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Green, sponsored by Health for Humanity and attended by 64 Bahá’ís and 46 distinguished guests from the Chicago area. The Prime Minister gave a warm and eloquent talk that evening, using many quotations from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. He also praised the efforts of the Bahá’ís in Guyana and shared his hopes for future Bahá’í collaboration in the development efforts of his country.

Another memorable event was his interview on a popular Chicago radio talk show, in which Mr. Green freely expressed his high opinion of the Faith. Mr. and Mrs. Green also toured the Bahá’í House of Worship and attended a session of the 83rd Bahá’í National Convention, at which the Prime Minister delivered a stirring and historic address (see article on national Convention, Nur/June 5, 1992).

The meeting with the Prime Minister and his wife was Health for Humanity's first official act since its incorporation as a not-for-profit entity in March of this year. Prior to its official establishment it had already helped medical projects in Guyana, Honduras and Albania. Members of the group, though thrilled with their recent successes, realize that the real work is just beginning.

"THERE ARE no words to describe our gratitude for these gifts that Bahá’u’lláh has showered on us," said Dr. May Czerniejewski, secretary of the organization. "Everything has moved forward with amazing speed....So far we have had a wonderful time obtaining legal staus, having meetings, and hosting parties and receptions. Now the serious efforts to assist the Bahá’í Medical Project in Guyana and other work in Honduras and Albania must begin in earnest."

Dr. Czerniejewski added that operating expenses, borne by individual members so far, are now being sought from private, corporate and other charitable sources.

Health for Humanity was founded on two major teachings of the Bahá’í Faith: the oneness of mankind and its inherent nobility. Its goal is to promote world health through institutions and ideals "in harmony with mankind's social evolution toward a new stage of maturity."

To release the capacity to work in harmony, the organization employs the Bahá’í principle of problem-solving through group consultation, involving both the providers and the recipients of health care. The care itself is envisioned by Health for Humanity members to be the result of multi-disciplinary services that are unified in spirit and purpose, involving emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical aspects.

Membership is open to all professionals in health care and related fields. Those interested should contact Health for Humanity at Glencoe, Illinois 60022 (phone 708-835-5088).

BIC takes part in UN Commission on Status of Women

On March 11-20, in Vienna, Austria, the United Nations held its 36th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

The delegation from the Bahá’í International Community (BIC), headed by Mary Power, included Giovanni Ballerio and Liesbeth Bos of the BIC office in Geneva, Bahia Ettehadieh from Vienna, and Ala-sebu Gebre Selassie, consultant to the BIC in New York City.

ALL OF THE Bahá’í delegation attended the two-day NGO Consultation that preceded the (non-governmental organization) Commission.

Although the Com-mission's main interest this year was to discuss and make decisions about the fourth World Conference on Women to be held in 1995, intensive debate took place and resolutions were passed on a number of other issues including women in decision-making, violence against women, the integration of elderly women into the development process, and the advancement of women and human rights.

The Bahá’í International Community (BIC) delegation to the meeting in March of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women consisted of (left to right) Mary Power, head of the BIC delegation; Liesbeth Bos and Giovanni Ballerio, representatives of BIC-Geneva; and Alesebu Gebre Selassie, BIC representative from New York.

The BIC was one of only two NGOs to speak on the status of female children. The chairman of the Commission stated that the importance of that issue merited an office on the status of female children at the Division for the Advancement of Women.

At the NGO Consultation preceding the Commission session, the BIC was the only organization whose delegation included a man (Mr. Ballerio) and a third-world woman (Mrs. Gebre Selassie).

The main agenda item at the Consultation was preparation for meetings leading up to the World Conference on Women in 1995 and the NGO parallel forum that will accompany it. Ms. Power, the BIC representative, is on the NGO Forum planning committee.

One of her goals, as chairman of the New York NGO Committee on the Status of Women, was to establish a core group of international NGOs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, headquarters for the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

PRECEDING Ms. Power to Addis Ababa, Mrs. Gebre Selassie arranged meetings at the ECA African Training and Research Center for Women (ATRCW) and the Department of Social Development, and made contact with more than 30 NGOs and UN agencies there.

She also facilitated a meeting held to share information on the Advocates for African Food Security: Lessening the Burden for Women.

While in Ethiopia, the two BIC representatives consulted with the chairman of the Social Development Division and the acting secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa.

"The few days spent in Addis Ababa," said Ms. Power, "were well worth the time and effort.

"Besides strengthening long-standing friendly relations with organizations and institutions, the network striving to achieve the advancement of women has been noticeably expanded.

"Bahá’í representation in these efforts is growing, and bodes well for Bahá’í participation at regional conferences that may be held there."

According to Ms. Power, "The potential for cooperation is excellent, especially in the areas of women and youth."

Nine educators cited

by the Bahá’ís of Polk County, Florida

Nine educators from Polk County, Florida, were honored April 2 at the third annual Bahá’í Excellence in Education Awards Banquet at the Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club.

The event is sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Polk County to recognize those who are making outstanding contributions to education.

The awardees were nominated by school administrators for their special qualities including love of humanity and lack of prejudice, recognizing each student's unique abilities and talents, and encouraging high standards of conduct.

Each recipient was given a Certificate of Recognition, a copy of "The Vision of Race Unity," and an original drawing with the inscribed legend "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.—Bahá’u’lláh" [Page 3]

International traveling teaching-on the homefront

If it is not practical for you to take part in the teaching work in Eastern Europe, the Far East, Latin America or the Caribbean, consider the possibilities that may be right at your very doorstep. You can help with and prepare for international traveling teaching without even going abroad!

IN MANY localities, especially urban areas, there are populations from countries around the world including those of Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and China. By focusing your teaching efforts on these populations, you open the door for these people to partake of the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh, and enhance the teaching work of the Faith in their native lands as these people correspond with, visit, and/or return to their families overseas.

Many of you are actively engaged in teaching among these populations already. For those of you who would like to, but are not sure how to make contact, we offer the following information.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, city or village hall and ask about areas of your community which may have concentrations of ethnic populations. Check your local phone book for cultural centers, community centers or other social organizations which may be sponsored by one of these populations. Oftentimes, the yellow pages telephone directory under "churches" will give information regarding religious communities that may assist in your finding key people from an ethnic group with whom you can initiate contact.

If you live near a college or university, there may be foreign students who would be open if not eager for fellowship or friendship while they are here. Well, now that you’ve found your target population, what can you do?

Offer your services in a neighborhood community center, join a social center, help establish a friendship club at your college/university, find out what services the community may need and assist them in finding these services, babysit the children, get to know the grandparents, in other words, make an effort to be friends with members of the community.

ALSO, YOU can gain entrance into the community by taking advantage of existing opportunities or creating opportunities to interact with the professionals of the community who may have interests in common with you and find ways for the principles of the Faith to be applied to those interests.

Another concern that is often unresolved among immigrant and refugee populations, is how to balance integration into our culture with maintenance of one’s own traditions and beliefs. Helping in cross-cultural activities, workshops, seminars may offer guidance in this adaptation process.

Most importantly, your friendships should be free of any ulterior motives. As you establish a positive relationship with individuals, organizations, and/or religious communities, you will be better prepared to consider the appropriate manner in which to present the station of Bahá’u’lláh, His Revelation, and His Covenant.

Take advantage of this tremendous potential for bringing Bahá’u’lláh to the people in your community or plan through the National Teaching Committee to visit other communities where you may be able to help this type of teaching effort. Please let us know about your activities and ideas.

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Area / Country | Goal | Filled Ukraine: 8 | 6 Kazakhstan: 6 | 0 CIS (Other Republics): 150 | 242 Bulgaria: 5 | 11 Czechoslovakia: 30 | 39 DDR/East Germany: 10 | 4 Hungary: 35 | 16 Poland: 15 | 18 Romania: 10 | 13 Yugoslavia: 40 | 9 Mongolia: 4 | 2 Ciskei: 24 | 7 China: 35 | 86 Guinea-Bissau: 12 | 0 Liberia: 12 | 0 Nigeria: 12 | 21 Tanzania: 36 | 22 Uganda: 24 | 0 Zambia: 24 | 44 Totals: 440 | 627

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS

Goals (months) | Months Completed

AFRICA Totals: 144 | 94

AMERICAS Argentina: 24 | 0 Bahamas: 12 | 15 Barbados: 12 | 6 Brazil: 24 | 17 British V.I.: 12 | 14 Colombia: 24 | 0 Dominica: 12 | 0 Ecuador: 12 | 18 Guyana: 24 | 40 Honduras: 24 | 21 Jamaica: 24 | 19 Leeward Islands: 12 | 38 Martinique: 12 | 0 Mexico: 36 | 67 Nicaragua: 24 | 2 Panama: 36 | 23 Paraguay: 24 | 0 Puerto Rico: 12 | 3 Uruguay: 24 | 3 Venezuela: 12 | 18 Totals: 396 | 304

ASIA India: 24 | 26 Japan: 24 | 22 Pakistan: 12 | 0 Taiwan: 36 | 28 Totals: 96 | 76

AUSTRALASIA Mariana Islands: 12 | 6 Marshall Islands: 6 | 0 W. Caroline Islands: 12 | 9 Totals: 30 | 15

EUROPE Portugal: 48 | 24

Townshend School to open this year in Czechoslovakia

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

In close collaboration with other Bahá’í schools and experienced Bahá’í educators, a university preparatory curriculum is offered, enhanced by global consciousness and self-actualization in an atmosphere of loving care and high moral standards. The goal of the school is to bring forth mature individuals prepared to contribute to a dynamic world community.

In the first year the school will start with the 7th, 8th and 9th grades, and in successive years expand to offer an international baccalaureate diploma.

Tuition and board for the academic year have been set at DM 9800 (appr. U.S. $6,000.); financial circumstances will be taken into consideration and a certain number of scholarships will be available.

If you have any questions about student placement please contact: Tamara Kirilcuk (Fax: 0042-7-211056) or Ramona Reyhani (Tel: 0042-2-3115151) before the end of June when they move to the school offices.

SUMMER WATCH!

Look for the upcoming listing of summer teaching projects in The American Bahá’í. Opportunities are being received daily from National Spiritual Assemblies around the world. Participate in the global traveling teaching arenas. Bear in mind, some of these opportunities have never been available before and some may not be available again!

SUMMER 1992 TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

FRANCE: 2 weeks in July-dates not planned EASTERN GERMANY: July 4-October 11 GUYANA: International Visual Arts Conference September 16-18, 1992 SWEDEN: July 5-11 SWITZERLAND: Summer 1992 TURKEY: October 1992

TRAVELING TEACHING CALENDAR

BRAZIL: Rio de Janeiro-June 1-12, Global Forum (UNCED-Earth Summit '92).

HUNGARY: Present-August 1992, non-stop proclamation; teaching-deepening projects. July 1-15-International Summer Projects I; July 16-31-International Summer Project II; August 1-8-Hungarian Summer School; August 11-24-International Summer Project III.

UNITED KINGDOM: Clifton, York August 10-15, Music and Arts Festival to celebrate the Centenary of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.

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

PIONEERING INSTITUTE

Louhelen Bahá’í School June 18-21, 1992 REMINDER: Registration deadline is June 5 For complete details, phone Office of Pioneering (708)869-9039 x222

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

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Australia; Albania; Bangladesh; Belize; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Cambodia; China; Ciskei; Colombia; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Dominican Republic; Eastern Germany; The Gambia; Germany; Guatemala; Guadeloupe; Guinea Bissau; Guyana; Hong Kong; Hungary; Iceland; India; Ireland; Italy; Malaysia; Malta; Nepal; New Caledonia; Pakistan; Panama; Philippines; Portugal; Puerto Rico; St. Vincent & The Grenadines; Samoa; Siberia; Sierra Leone; Sweden; Taiwan; Thailand; Tonga; Transkei; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; Uganda; United Kingdom; Vanuatu; West Leeward Islands; Yugoslavia. For more information, contact: Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

TWO-YEAR PLAN U.S. GOALS

SHORT-TERM PIONEERS (Goal 5000+)

LONG-TERM PIONEERS Country | Goal | Goals Filled Bulgaria: 1 | 0 Czechoslovakia: 4 | 0 DDR/East Germany: 2 | 2 Hungary: 2 | 0 Poland: 1 | 0 Romania: 1 | 1

CIS (formerly the USSR) Ukraine: 2 | 0 Kazakhstan: 2 | 0 Other Republics: 2 | 0 Yugoslavia: 2 | 0 China: 2 | 0 Totals: 21 | 3

SHORT-TERM PIONEERS Country | Goal | Goals Filled Bulgaria: 2 | 0 Czechoslovakia: 4 | 2 DDR/East Germany: 2 | 2 Hungary: 2 | 1 Poland: 2 | 0 Romania: 1 | 0

CIS (formerly the USSR) Ukraine: 4 | 0 Kazakhstan: 2 | 1 Other Republics: 4 | 2 Yugoslavia: 4 | 1 Mongolia: 1 | 0 China: 4 | 0 Totals: 32 | 9

Pioneers Sent: 93 [Page 4]though to outward seeming he may occupy the earth's loftiest seats and be established upon its most exalted throne."

ELSEWHERE He says that the attainment of man to the Presence of God was the very purpose for which humanity, and the universe, were created.

References abound in the Holy Books of all religions concerning the high degree of spiritual vigilance required on the part of each person to be able to recognize a new Revelation. A unique feature of the Bahá’í Dispensation, however, is that its Founder Himself set the example for instant acceptance of, and complete obedience to, a newly announced Manifestation of God.

Mullá Husayn’s Mission

The Bábí Dispensation began on May 23, 1844, when a young merchant from the city of Shíráz revealed to a single individual that He was the Báb, the "Gate" of God and the Revealer of His Word.

The one honored to hear this declaration was Mullá Husayn, for whom the announcement marked the consummation of years of study and search. For it was widely believed that the Promised One would appear in that age, and Mullá Husayn had devoted his life to finding Him.

Mullá Husayn accepted the words of the Báb, and was thereupon enrolled by Him as the first of the "Letters of the Living," of whom there were to be a total of 18, each finding and accepting the Báb of his own accord and without the guidance of others.

FROM the very beginning the Báb made clear to Mullá Husayn that He was the Herald of a still greater Revelation than His own, and that the sole purpose of His appearance was to prepare the way for "Him Whom God would make manifest." This principle He made the central teaching of His Faith, dedicating His entire Ministry to its promulgation.

Within a short time the first 18 individuals, holy and pure-hearted souls, came to know and believe in the Báb, completing the number of the Letters of the Living under the very conditions He had foretold. Then He, addressing them as "the bearers of the name of God in this Day," dispatched each one to his own native province, there to carry His Message to others.

The Báb told his disciples that He planned to travel with one of them to Mecca to make the pilgrimage and there publicly declare His Mission to the people, thereby fulfilling an ancient prophecy of Islam. Mullá Husayn, the first to believe in Him, hoped that this honor would be his. The Báb, however, chose Quddus, the last person, and the youngest, to become a Letter of the Living.

Aware of Mullá Husayn’s disappointment, the Báb consoled him with the news that he had been entrusted by God with a special mission. "Grieve not," He said, "that you have not been chosen to accompany me on My pilgrimage to Hijáz. I shall, instead, direct your steps to that city which enshrines a Mystery of such transcendent holiness as neither Hijáz nor Shiráz can hope to rival."

Thus did Mullá Husayn set out on an adventure destined to be remembered forever for its consequences; a mission inconceivable in its greatness and of incalculable benefit to the Cause of the Báb.

He first went to Isfáhán and Káshán, where he succeeded in winning the allegiance of a small number of people to the new Faith. He proceeded to Qum and then to Tehran, where he took up residence in a religious college. One of the instructors there, Hájí Mírzá Muhammad-i-Khurásání, knew of Mullá Husayn from earlier days, yet in spite of his respect for him, failed to respond to the Message when it was offered. A student of his, however, became quite interested, and approached Mullá Husayn one evening.

The ‘Mystery’ of Tehrán

The historian Nabil recorded the student's account of what happened next, as told to him by Mirzá Músá, the brother of Bahá’u’lláh:

"I was in those days recognized as one of the favored disciples of Hájí Mírzá Muhammad, and lived in the same school in which he taught. My room adjoined his room, and we were closely associated together. On the day that he was engaged in discussion with Mullá Husayn, I overheard their conversation from beginning to end, and was deeply affected by the ardor, the fluency and learning of that youthful stranger.

"I WAS surprised at the evasive answers, the arrogance and contemptuous behavior of Hájí Mírzá Muhammad. That day I felt strongly attracted to the charm of that youth, and deeply resented the unseemly conduct of my teacher towards him. I concealed my feelings, however, and pretended to ignore his dicussions with Mullá Husayn. I was seized with a passionate desire to meet the latter, and ventured, at the hour of midnight, to visit him.

"He did not expect me, but I knocked at his door, and found him awake seated beside his lamp. He received me affectionately, and spoke to me with extreme courtesy and tenderness. I unburdened my heart to him, and as I was addressing him, tears, which I could not repress, flowed from my eyes. 'I can now see,' he said, 'the reason why I have chosen to dwell in this place. Your teacher has contemptuously rejected this Message and despised its Author. My hope is that his pupil may, unlike his master, recognize its truth. What is your name, and which city is your home?'

"My name,' I replied, 'is Mullá Muhammad, and my surname Mu'allim. My home is Núr, in the province of Mázindarán.'

"Tell me,' further enquired Mullá Husayn, 'is there to-day among the family of the late Mirzá Buzurg-i-Núri, who was so renowned for his character, his charm, and artistic and intellectual attainments, anyone who has proved himself capable of maintaining the high traditions of that illustrious house?"

"Yea,' I replied, 'among his sons now living, one has distinguished Himself by the very traits which characterized His father. By His virtuous life, His high attainments, His loving-kindness and liberality, He has proved Himself a noble descendant of a noble father."

"What is His occupation?' he asked me.

"HE CHEERS the disconsolate and feeds the hungry," I replied.

"What of His rank and position?'

"He has none,' I said, 'apart from befriending the poor and the stranger.'

"What is His name?"

"Husayn-Ali.'

"In which of the scripts of His father does He excel?'

"His favorite script is shikastih-nasta'liq."

"How does He spend His time?'

"He roams the woods and delights in the beauties of the countryside.'

"What is His age?'

"Eight and twenty.'

"The eagerness with which Mullá Husayn questioned me, and the sense of delight with which he welcomed every particular I gave him, greatly surprised me. Turning to me, with his face beaming with satisfaction and joy, he once more enquired: 'I presume you often meet Him?"

"Most assuredly,' was my reply. He then gave me a scroll wrapped in a piece of cloth, and requested me to hand it to Him the next day at the hour of dawn.

"Should He deign to answer me,' he added, 'will you be kind enough to acquaint me with His reply?' I received the scroll from Him and, at break of day, arose to carry out his desire.

"As I approached the house of Bahá’u’lláh, I recognized His brother Mírzá Músá, who was standing at the gate, and to whom I communicated the object of my visit. He went into the house and soon reappeared bearing a message of welcome.

"I WAS ushered into His presence, and presented the scroll to Mírzá Músá, who laid it before Bahá’u’lláh. Unfolding the scroll, He glanced at its contents and began to read aloud to us certain of its passages. I sat enraptured as I listened to the sound of His voice and the sweetness of its melody. He had read a page of the scroll when, turning to His brother, He said: 'Músá, what have you to say? Verily I say, whoso believes in the Qur'an and recognizes its Divine origin, and yet hesitates, though it be for a moment, to admit that these soul-stirring words are endowed with the same regenerating power, has most assuredly erred in His judgment and has strayed far from the path of justice."

"He spoke no more. Dismissing me from His presence, He charged me to take to Mullá Husayn, as a gift from Him, a loaf of Russian sugar and a package of tea [tea and that variety of sugar being extremely rare in Persia at that time, both were used as gifts among the higher classes of the population], and to convey to him the expression of His appreciation and love."

Bahá’u’lláh Arises to Teach

The news of Bahá’u’lláh’s reaction brought unbounded joy to the hearts of both Mullá Husayn and the Báb. The latter, upon hearing of Bahá’u’lláh’s acceptance, decided that the time was right for Him to begin at once His planned pilgrimage to the Arabian peninsula.

A photograph of the home of Bahá’u’lláh in Tákur, Iran, in the province of Mázindarán. The house was destroyed in 1981.

Mullá Husayn proceeded on the next leg of his travels, going to his home in Khurásán. And Bahá’u’lláh, after instantly accepting the Cause of the Báb, arose immediately to champion it in Tehrán and in His ancestral province of Mázindarán.

BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, once aware of the new Revelation from God, proclaimed it with such courage and selflessness as brought imperishable glory to the Bábí Cause. In advancing its interests; in communicating its principles to friend and foe; in defending and inspiring its persecuted adherents; in short, in every aspect of His endeavors in promotion of the Faith, He spared no effort, knew no rest, and sacrificed His all.

"He it was," wrote the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, "Who, in the hey-day of His life, flinging aside every consideration of earthly fame, wealth and position, careless of danger, and risking the obloquy of His caste, arose to identify Himself, first in Tehrán and later in His native province of Mázindarán, with the cause of an obscure and proscribed sect...."

He was, the Guardian continued, "Afire from the very beginning with an uncon- [Page 5]...trollable enthusiasm for the Cause He had espoused; conspicuously fearless in His advocacy of the rights of the downtrodden; in the full bloom of youth; immensely resourceful; matchless in His eloquence; endowed with inexhaustible energy and penetrating judgment; possessed of the riches, and enjoying, in full measure, the esteem, power, and prestige associated with an enviably high and noble position, and yet contemptuous of all earthly pomp, rewards, vanities and possessions; ...at all times vigilant, ready and indefatigable in His exertions to preserve the integrity of that Faith, to resolve its problems, to plead its cause, to galvanize its followers, and to confound its antagonists...."

FOR THE SAKE of the Cause of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh suffered beatings, imprisonments, the plundering of His possessions, all manner of physical and verbal abuse from high and low, the loss of His worldly prestige, and, ultimately, banishment from His native land under humiliating circumstances. And when the time came for Bahá’u’lláh, in His own Dispensation, to call the faithful to arise to serve Him, His followers had a pattern of service to emulate that had been established by their Lord, and a path to follow that He Himself had blazed.

How well had He lived up to the exhortations of the Báb, Who, as He sent the Letters of the Living on their respective missions, addressed them in these words: "It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion.

"...You are the witnesses of the Dawn of the promised Day of God....The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him....Beseech the Lord your God to grant that no earthly entanglements, no worldly affections, no ephemeral pursuits, may tarnish the purity, or embitter the sweetness, of that grace which flows through you....Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory.

The House of the Báb in Shíráz, Iran. Pictured is the second-floor room in which the Báb declared His Mission to Mullá Husayn on the evening of May 22, 1844. It was in this house that all of the Letters of the Living except Táhirih met with the Báb before being sent by Him on their respective missions to proclaim His new Faith. The house was destroyed by Iranian authorities following the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Atlanta

The Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles distributed a copy of an advertisement it had placed in several newspapers including the African-American, Hispanic and Korean press.

Each Assembly representative spoke of the Bahá’í race unity activities in his or her city. The representative from Los Angeles told a rapt audience of plans to provide counseling for local citizens, of arranging transportation for those who had no means of travel, and of how the Bahá’í Center was going to be a center for distribution of food and clothing to those in the neighborhood.

The group spent the balance of the day consulting on the mission of the U.S. Bahá’í community in the context of the historic moment and by making recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Ideas put forward for the National Assembly’s consideration included Bahá’ís taking a position of leadership in voicing a spiritual and social agenda for America; carrying out acts of service in the Name of Bahá’u’lláh; encouraging Bahá’ís to move back into the larger cities to help bring about racial diversity; and fostering more deliberately friendships with people of diverse backgrounds.

Pictured are many of those who attended an historic meeting April 17 in Atlanta called by the National Spiritual Assembly to discuss recent riots in cities across the country and Bahá’í responses to those events. Among those taking part were representatives of 14 local Spiritual Assemblies in cities affected by the riots. Also attending were Counselor Wilma Ellis, five members of the National Spiritual Assembly, two Auxiliary Board members, a member of the National Teaching Committee, four members of the National Race Unity Committee, and a staff member from the External Affairs secretariat in Washington, D.C.

Chinese newsletter

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

TIMELINE: U.S. Bahá’ís and race unity

1894: Thornton Chase, later recognized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the first American believer, embraces the Faith. Mr. Chase, a white man, commanded a company of black infantry during the Civil War.

1898: Robert Turner becomes the first African-American believer.

1905: African-Americans begin to enroll in the Faith in increasing numbers, especially in Washington, D.C., where by 1908 they number 15 of the approximately 75 believers.

1909: Louis G. Gregory, an African-American lawyer in Washington, D.C., accepts the Baha’i Faith. In 1911 he is elected to Washington's "Working Committee," making him the first African-American to serve on a Baha’i administrative body. In 1912 he is elected to the Baha’i Temple Unity Executive Committee, which coordinates Baha’i activities throughout the country. Later, he serves for many years on the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada.

1912: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visits North America, making race unity a major theme of His formal and informal talks. Among the highlights is His address to the fourth annual convention of the NAACP. Before leaving the country He presides at the wedding of Louis Gregory and Louisa Matthews, a white believer, the first interracial marriage in the Baha’i community.

1921: The National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada sponsors a series of race amity conferences around the country.

1938: Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, writes The Advent of Divine Justice, which revolutionizes the American Baha’i community's understanding of the race issue, and guides and inspires its activities even today.

1957: The National Spiritual Assembly establishes Race Unity Day as a time for celebrating diversity and promoting racial harmony in America.

1967: The National Spiritual Assemblies of the U.S., Canada, Alaska and Hawaii issue the statement "Human Rights Are God-Given Rights," in which it is announced that an office is to be established to promote International Human Rights Year and to disseminate information to combat misconceptions and superstitions about race.

1968: The North American Baha’i Office for Human Rights (NABOHR) is founded, and serves for several years as a vehicle for furthering the cause of human rights.

1955-68: During the Civil Rights Era, Baha’i involvement in the cause of equality is stepped up even further. Individual believers become involved in the major events of the time; meanwhile, the administrative institutions of the Faith as well as individuals promote the Baha’i concept of racial equality.

1985: The Universal House of Justice releases "The Promise of World Peace," its statement on peace to the peoples of the world, in which it cites racial prejudice as one of the most significant impediments to world peace.

1991: The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly publishes "The Vision of Race Unity: America's Most Challenging Issue," its own statement on race prejudice.

1992: "Models of Unity: Racial, Ethnic and Religious" is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and the Chicago Human Relations Commission. The result of a year-long study, the report draws on real life examples of intergroup cooperation to present factors that lead to harmony.

TODAY: About one-third of the Baha’is in the U.S. are African-American; in the last three decades or so two or three of the nine seats on the National Assembly have consistently been occupied by blacks; and two of the National Assembly's executive secretaries have been black. The National Spiritual Assembly has become involved with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, as well as with other organizations; and communities across the country have increasingly supported Baha’i events promoting the oneness of mankind, such as Race Unity Day. [Page 6]

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

translated by Habib Taherzadeh with the assistance of a committee at the Bahá’í World Center

PS $3.00

Sixteen of Bahá’u’lláh’s most significant and well-loved Tablets. Included is Bahá’u’lláh’s “Book of the Covenant,” which, along with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament, constitutes the “bedrock” of Bahá’u’lláh’s “entire administrative system” and the “stronghold of the faith of every Bahá’í.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has instructed us to read a number of the Tablets in this compilation “with close attention” so that we will “have a model of how to be and how to live” and may become “the center of attraction wherever people come together.” The Book of the Covenant, Shoghi Effendi says, will enable Bahá’ís to “withstand every test and the attacks of enemies outside the Faith.”

4-¼" x 7", 299 pp., table of contents, notes, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U.S.

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.” 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", 104pp., ‎forward foreword‎, maps, table of contents, introduction, notes, glossary, index Bahá’í Publications Australia

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

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.

4-¾" x 6-¼", 41 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the U.S.

Songs of The Ancient Beauty

Conducted by Tom Price, Produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price

Cassette $10.95 Compact Disc $16.00

(Specify which version when ordering)

A brilliantly produced, devotional and/or recreational cassette tape of unaccompanied vocal music by the Bahá’í Chorale. Songs of the Ancient Beauty showcases some of the best-known choral pieces associated with Bahá’í worship from various parts of the world. Lush harmonies and fresh arrangements are brought to life with superior soloistic performances by Dash Crofts and Narges Nouhnejad (Fani). The excellent ensemble singing of the Bahá’í Chorale makes this cassette one of the finest the Distribution Service has offered. The production of this unique recording was sponsored by the Universal House of Justice and the International Teaching Centre, to encourage the development of Bahá’í choral music throughout the world.

60 minutes Water music

The Master Key

By now, you have all received a copy of The Master Key: A Guide to Unlocking the Hearts of Humankind. If you have not received your copy, please contact the Bahá’í Distribution Service at the address printed on the order coupon.

What is the purpose of this new program?

• Getting the Bahá’í writings into the hands of every person who wishes to read them by removing as many obstacles as possible.
• Providing another tool for deepening our knowledge and understanding of the station and person of Bahá’u’lláh and of the meaning and purpose of His revelation.
• Supporting Bahá’ís’ efforts to focus proclamation and teaching activities on helping others understand who Bahá’u’lláh is and what He teaches.

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.

6-⅜" x 3-½", 6-panel Erich Reich Enterprises

We Have Moved

The Bahá’í Distribution Service has successfully completed its relocation to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We would like to thank you for your patience during this transition. Please use the following addresses to communicate with us most effectively:

ORDERS / PAYMENTS	MARKETING / PROMOTION	EDITORIAL / PERMISSIONS
Bahá’í Distribution Service 5397 Wilbanks Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37343	Bahá’í Publications Marketing Department 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091	Bahá’í Publications Editorial Department 415 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091
1-800-999-9019 1-615-843-1333 FAX: 1-615-843-0836	1-708-251-1854 FAX: 1-708-251-3652	1-708-251-1854 FAX: 1-708-251-3652

Bahá’í Newsreel Vol. 3 No. 1

by Bahá’í Media Services

VT $15.95

This edition of the Bahá’í Newsreel features:

• Europe: Teachings spread throughout Albania and Bulgaria; 1,200 New Bahá’ís in one week.
• Asia: Conferences and visits to mainland China; activities in Laos; Khmer Bahá’í Refugees in China.
• Africa: Liberian Bahá’í refugee community; International Women’s Conference in Nigeria.
• North America: The Maxwell Project and visit by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum to Canada “Calling all Colors” and Race Unity activities in the United States.
• South America: Dizzy Gillespie and his United Nations Band visit Chile.
• Holy Land: Akka: Restoration of a Medieval City.
• The Holy Year: Reflections of Bahá’í Youth.
• In Memoriam: Hand of the Cause of God William Sears

45 minutes Bahá’í Media Services

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

RAHMÁT B.E. 149 / JUNE 24, 1992 [Page 7]

The Invisible Hand

Shaping the New World Order Nathan Rutstein SC $9.95

We live in a rapidly changing world—one that has seen the collapse of the Berlin Wall . . . the end of the Cold War . . . the decline of communism . . . and a movement to abolish apartheid. There’s growing uncertainty about the direction this “New World Order” will take us. Nathan Rutstein says that these historical events are the work of “The Invisible Hand,” that we are on the verge of an even greater global reform. World leaders, politicians, scientists, and philosophers are beginning to examine the worldwide Bahá’í community as a working model of unified cooperation. Close consideration of this hopeful perspective is vital to anyone interested in exploring the full range and implications of today’s social, economic, and spiritual processes at work in the world. 5-3/8" x 8-1/4", 110 pp., table of contents, introduction, bibliography Whitcomb Publishing, Inc.

Nathan Rutstein has seen the dramatic changes in our world up close-in covering the Cold War as a news editor at both NBC and ABC news, as an independent television documentary producer, and as a teacher of telecommunications for twenty years at the collegiate level. He is the author of To Be One: A Battle against Racism.

Education on Trial

Nathan Rutstein SC $14.95 Education on Trial attempts to bridge the gap between Bahá’í teachings and current educational practice. In a highly readable book designed to interest both the Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í reader, the author explains in convincing terms what is wrong with modern education:

• the lack of moral training in standard curricula
• an emphasis on competition rather than cooperation
• an emphasis on exam skills rather than research and communication skills
• the presence of sexism and racism in the classroom

The book illuminates the problems of education and offers innovative solutions based on the author’s experience both as a Bahá’í and as an educator. Essential reading for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. 5-3/4" x 8-13/16", 217 pp., table of contents, acknowledgements, introduction, bibliography Oneworld Publications, Ltd.

Journal of Bahá’í Studies, Vol. 3, No. 4

SC $6.00 Mishkin-Qalam, the greatest of the calligraphers who served Bahá’u’lláh, was not only master of the various styles of Islamic calligraphy, but also the creator of a new genre he designed for the new Revelation. Julie and Heshmatollah Badiee explore his long and eventful life of service, and through numerous illustrations, explain the symbolism and significance of his beautiful calligraphic depictions of birds and human faces. Much work remains to be done to bring Western readers into contact with the Islamic perspective on the Bahá’í revelation. In this well-researched, extended essay, Christopher Buck considers the Kitáb-i-Íqán as a reformist document from historical, intellectual, and ideological points of view and places Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation in the context of modern Islam. The originality of Bahá’u’lláh’s station as a “world reformer”—and the total independence of his teachings from Western influences—becomes clearly apparent. In a short, yet comprehensive, essay the late Nasser Sabet outlines the background and spiritual significance of the Kitáb-i-Íqán. 84 pages Association for Bahá’í Studies

Back in Stock

Per: Amr va Khalaq Vol. 3 & 4 HC $37.95	Per: Nar va Nur (Fire and Light) HC $17.95
Per: Muntakhabati (Messages from the U.H.J.) SC $9.50	Per: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith edited by M. K. Rohani SC $3.50

Bahá’í Holy Days

The Declaration of the Báb

HC $12.95 “Behold, all these signs are manifest in Me!” Hear again the words of the Báb on the night of His declaration. Read eyewitness accounts of the events surrounding that memorable evening when the Báb fulfilled ‎prophesies prophecies‎ of the Adamic Cycle and opened a new era in religious history. This book is the fourth in a series of books published by Kalimát Press on the Bahá’í Holy Days. Other books in this series include: The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Days of Ridván. 5-1/2" x 7-1/4", 82 pp., table of contents, preface, appendix, sources Kalimát Press

Recent New Titles

Morning Stars, VT A Profile of Kevin Locke VT $29.95	SPN: Bahá’u’lláh, SC preparado por la Oficina del Centro Mundial Bahá’í de Información Pública SC $2.25
Reflections on the Significance of the Holy Year, CS by Glenford Mitchell CS $9.95	SPN: Oraciones Bahá’ís-pequeño, Rúhíyyih Rabbání, compiladora SC $3.00
William Sears, VT by Bahá’í Media Services VT $20.00

Sale!

The Bahá’í World Vol. I-XII $360.00 $200.00 net

Bahá’í Datebook (Australia) 149-50 B.E. (1992-93) SC $3.25 $2.00 net

The Martyrdom of the Báb

HC $14.95 Deepen your understanding of the seemingly miraculous events surrounding the Báb’s last moments on earth. The story of the Báb’s martyrdom is one of the most dramatic and well-documented in Bahá’í history, retold here with eyewitness accounts and passages from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. This book is the fifth in a series of books published by Kalimát Press on the Bahá’í Holy Days. Other books in this series include: The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Days of Ridván, and The Declaration of the Báb. 5-1/2" x 7-1/4" 112pp., table of contents, preface, appendix, sources Kalimát Press

Days of Ridván

HC $14.95 Days of Ridván is a joyous retelling of the Ridván story, marking the holiest days of the Bahá’í year. This compilation of stories, prayers, readings, and the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi explain the significance of the Ridván festival: the first, the ninth, and the twelfth days. Also included are eyewitness accounts of the memorable days of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of His mission. 5-1/4" x 7-1/4", 76 pp., preface, appendix, sources Kalimát Press

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RAHMÁT B.E. 149 / JUNE 24, 1992 [Page 8]

Homefront pioneering goals: 1992-93

Revised May 12, 1992 by the National Teaching Committee

KEY: # = known adults (does not include members whose addresses need verification) * = priority goal

ALABAMA, NORTHERN

• Florence Group 8; *Greene County Group 12; Homewood Group 7; *Jefferson County Group 10; Muscle Shoals Isolated 1; Triana Group 7

Contact: DTC of Alabama, North c/o Marjorie Waddell, secretary, Huntsville, AL 35810 (205-852-0787).

ALABAMA, S/FLORIDA, NW

• Daphne, AL Group 9; *Hunter Station, AL Group 10; Prattville, AL Group 8; Shorter, AL Group 13; Tuskegee, AL Group 7; Union Springs, AL Group 28

Contact: DTC of Alabama, S/FL, NW c/o Daffraneeza Riley, Milton, FL 32570 (904-623-5315)

ARIZONA, NORTHERN

• Winslow Group 8

Contact: DTC of Arizona, Northern c/o Michael Chunowitz, secretary, Avondale, AZ 85323 (602-925-0939)

ARIZONA, SOUTHERN

• Safford Group 9

Contact: DTC of Arizona, Southern c/o Kate Daniel, P.O. Box 1858, Benson, AZ 85602 (602-878-6785)

ARKANSAS

• Conway Group 7; *Cotton Plant Group 24; England Group 15; Fort Smith Group 10; Hot Springs Group 9; *Pulaski County Group 28; Stuttgart Group 12; Sweethome Group 18; *Washington County Group 11

Contact: DTC of Arkansas c/o Maria Talebi, secretary, Rogers, AR 72756 (501-631-2797)

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL #1 Albany Group 7; Boulder Creek Group 8; Castroville Group 21; *Chualar Group 13; Daly City Group 8; Delta Group 9; Greenfield Group 84; Hollister Group 10; ‎Milbrae Millbrae‎ Group 10; North Gonzales Group 10; *Pajaro Valley Southern Group 11; Pleasant Hill Group 18; *Salinas Group 16; San Ardo Group 9; San Carlos Group 7; Santa Clara County SW Group 7; Walnut Creek/Danville JD Group 7; *Watsonville Group 24 Contact: NTC office c/o Sylvia Gonzales, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 235)

CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL #2 Mariposa County Group 8; *Merced Group 14; Tulare Group 11; *Visalia Group 22; Yosemite-El Portal Group 8 Contact: DTC of California, C#2 c/o Barbara Bodine, Sanger, CA 93657 (209-875-7714)

CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN #1 Auburn Group 9; Placerville Group 13; *Rancho Cordova Group 15; Red Bluff Group Contact: DTC of California, N. #1 c/o Jerry Johnson, Redding, CA 96003 (916-272-1974)

CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN #2 Del Norte County Group 8; Healdsburg Group 7; *Napa Group 10; Petaluma Group 8; *Rohnert Park Group 12 Contact: DTC of California, N. #2 c/o Carol Noah, secretary, P.O. Box 2065, Petaluma, CA 94953 (707-769-1591)

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN #1 Antelope JD Group 11; Azusa Group 8; Cerritos Group 11; *Compton Group 15; Compton JD Group 9; Hacienda Heights Group 10; La Mirada Group 7; *La Puente Group 12; La Verne Group 8; Lawndale Group 7; Paramount Group 7; *Redondo Beach Group 14; San Fernando Group 9; Valinda Citrus JD Group 7; Walnut Group 7; West Covina Group 9; Westlake Village Group 12 Contact: DTC of California, S. #1 c/o Robert Allen, secretary, Monrovia, CA 91016 (818-359-7251)

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN #2 Cathedral City Group 9; *Cypress Group 9; *Norco Group 9 Contact: DTC of California, S. #2 c/o Ruhanguiz Ataii, Riverside, CA 92507 (714-788-6493)

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN #3 Arroyo Grande Group 6; *Atascadero Group 9; Cambria Group 6; Carpinteria Group 8; *Guadalupe Group 9; San Luis Obispo Co. South Group 11 Contact: DTC of California, S. #3 c/o John Edwards, secretary, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805-481-6921)

CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN #4

• Brawley Group 7; El Centro Group 8; National City Group 7; Ramona Group 7; *Solana Beach Group 8

Contact: DTC of California, S. #4 c/o Janis Baltgalvis, secretary, La Mesa, CA 92041 (619-589-5239)

COLORADO, NORTHEAST

• Englewood Group 7; Greeley Group 7; Lafayette Group 8; Northglenn Group 8; *Thornton Group 7

Contact: DTC of Colorado, NE c/o Stephanie Troxel, secretary, Golden, CO 80401 (303-278-8687)

COLORADO, SOUTHEAST

• Florence Group 7

Contact: NTC office c/o Sylvia Gonzales, Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

COLORADO, WESTERN

• Center Group 9; *La Jara Group 9; Rifle Group 7

Contact: NTC office c/o Sylvia Gonzales, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

CONNECTICUT

• Danbury Group 8; *Ledyard Town Group 8; New Britain Town Group 6; Ridgefield Town Group 5; *South Windsor Town Group 8; Vernon Town Group 7; Westport Town Group 7; Windham Town Group 9

Contact: DTC of Connecticut c/o Eileen Maddocks, secretary, Middletown, CT 06457 (203-632-1005)

DELMARVA Pocomoke City, MD Group 7; *Somerset County, MD Group 16; Salisbury, MD Group 7; *Wicomico County, MD Group 30 (For more listings in MD and VA see: Maryland, Western & DC; Virginia, Northern; Virginia, Southeast; and Virginia, Southwest.) Contact: DTC of Delmarva c/o Helen Hope, secretary, Wilmington, DE 19802 (302-764-0371)

FLORIDA, CENTRAL Daytona Beach Group 12; *Deland Group 11; Eatonville Group 9; *Ormond Beach Group 7; Port Orange Group 7; Titusville Group 7; Winter Garden Group 15 Contact: DTC of Florida, Central c/o Sheila Mohajer, secretary, Orlando, FL 32707 (407-282-4093)

FLORIDA, SOUTHEAST-CENTRAL

• Davie Group 6; Lauderdale Lakes Group 7; *Lauderhill Group 8; Oakland Park Group 7

Contact: DTC of Florida, SE-Central c/o Fern McBride, secretary, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (305-561-2965)

FLORIDA, SOUTHEAST-NORTH

• Boca Raton Group 14; Boynton Beach Group 13; Bryant Group 8; *Martin County Group 8; Runyon Village Group 10; St. Lucie County Group 7

Contact: NTC office c/o Annette McKissick, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 234)

FLORIDA, SOUTHWEST Bradenton Group 8; Charlotte County Group 8; *Clearwater Group 11; *Greater Wauchula Group 13; Pasco County West Group 8; Temple Terrace Group 7 Contact: DTC of Florida, SW c/o Kathryn Hurley, secretary, Gulfport, FL 33707 (813-585-8719)

GEORGIA, NORTHEAST

• Crawford Group 10; Gainesville Group 12; *Oglethorpe County Group 8; Thomson Group 7

Contact: DTC of Georgia, Northeastern c/o Jan Perry, secretary, Harlem, GA 30814 (404-556-6716)

GEORGIA, NORTHWEST Barnesville Group 7; Carroll County Group 7; Chamblee Group 7; Clayton County Group 10; *College Park Group 10; *Covington Assembly 25; Doraville Group 8; Douglasville Group 7; East Point Group 10; *Fulton County North Group 8; *Fulton County South Group 8; Lawrenceville Group 9; Lithonia Group 10; Meriwether County Group 11; Newton County Group 11; Norcross Group 37; Senoia Group 11; Villa Rica Group 8; *Zebulon Group 11 Contact: Atlanta Task Force c/o Massih Kharazmi, secretary, Marietta, GA 30064 (404-427-7921)

GEORGIA, SOUTHERN Albany Assembly 45; Americus Assembly 44; *Byromville Group 8; *Byron Group 7; *Lilly Group 8; Macon Assembly 30; Peach County Assembly 32; Roberta Group 8; Schley County Group 7; Warner Robins Assembly 25 Contact: DTC of Georgia, Southern c/o Bruce Whitmore, secretary, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (912-634-0658)

IDAHO, N/WASHINGTON, E Latah County, ID Group 8; Millwood, WA Group 7; *Moses Lake, WA Group 10; Post Falls, ID Group 7; *Richland, WA Group 8; *Nez Perce Ind. Res. Group 9 Contact: DTC of Idaho, N./Wash., E c/o Vicky Brons, Wapato, WA 98951 (phone number not available); Reg. American Indian Teaching Committee, c/o Roberta Charles, Port Angeles, WA 98362 (206-457-8217)

IDAHO, SOUTHERN Nampa Group 8; *Blackfoot Group 10; *Fort Hall Reservation Assembly 10 Contact: DTC of Idaho, Southern c/o Judith Silcock, Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208-734-4988)

ILLINOIS, NORTHERN #1

• Batavia Group 8; Lombard Group 9; *Rockford Township Group 9

Contact: DTC of Illinois, N #1 c/o Ellen Frew, secretary, Waukegan, IL 60085 (708-623-0240)

ILLINOIS, NORTHERN #2 Des Plaines Group 10; Palatine Twp. Group 7; *Northfield Township Group 7; Winnetka Group 8 Contact: NTC office c/o Ada James, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

ILLINOIS, SOUTHERN Alorton Group 9; Cairo Group 9; *East St. Louis Group 12; Jacksonville Group 24; *Limestone Township Group 9 Contact: DTC of Illinois, Southern c/o Mike Truskey, Bloomington, IL 61761 (309-828-8317)

INDIANA Elkhart Group 7; Richmond Group 15; Warsaw Group 14 Contact: DTC of Indiana c/o Cathy Russell, Tipton, IN 46072 (317-675-6915)

IOWA Boone Group 8; *Council Bluffs Group 8; Dubuque Group 6; *Grinnell Group 6; *Oskaloosa Group 6; Waterloo Group 8; West Des Moines Group 8 Contact: DTC of Iowa c/o Mary Lou De La Cerda, Manchester, IA 52057 (319-927-5706)

KANSAS Bel Aire Group 10; *Dodge City Group 7; Garden City Group 11; *Kickapoo Reservation Group 7; Newton Group 9; *Wellington Group 11 Contact: NTC office c/o Ada James, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

KENTUCKY

• Lancaster Group 9

Contact: DTC of Kentucky c/o Suzanne Zivari, secretary, Lexington, KY 40508 (606-233-4896)

LOUISIANA Kenner Group 7; Lake Charles Group 18; Metairie Group 8; St. Martinville Group 11; *‎St. Tammy St. Tammany‎ Parish SE Group 9 Contact: DTC of Louisiana c/o Davis Jones, secretary, Slidell, LA 70460 (504-649-1507)

MAINE

• Brunswick Group 8; *Skowhegan Group 8; *Yarmouth Town Group 8

Contact: DTC of Maine c/o Mary Savignano, secretary, Bangor, ME 04401 (207-945-6305)

MARYLAND, WESTERN & DC Annapolis Assembly 9; *Anne Arundel County, West Group 11; *Harford County Group 8; Takoma Park Group 8; *Westminster Group 8 (note: For more MD listings, see DELMARVA) Contact: DTC of Maryland, W. and D.C. c/o Van Gilmer, secretary, Washington, MD 20744 (301-839-4832)

MASSACHUSETTS Brockton Group 9; Chelmsford Town Group 8; Falmouth Town Group 7; *Framingham Group 11; *Milford Town Group 8; Milton Town Group 8; *Nantucket Group 8; Salem Group 10; ‎Shelbourne Shelburne‎ Town Group 8; *South Hadley Town Group 12; Upton Town Group 7; *Waltham Group 12; *Wellesley Town Group 8; Westborough Town Group 10; Wilbraham Town Group 7 Contact: DTC of Massachusetts c/o Christine Pratt, secretary, Belchertown, MA 01007 (413-323-5232)

MICHIGAN, LOWER PENINSULA Adrian Group 13; Allen Park Group 9; Alpena Group 7; *Holland Group 13; Huntington Woods Group 8; Lincoln Park Group 8; Saginaw Group 8; *Troy Group 8; West Bloomfield Twp. Group 8; Wyandotte Group 8 Contact: DTC of Michigan, Lower Pen c/o Gwendolyn Taylor, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517-351-0227)

MINNESOTA, NORTHERN

• Douglas County Group 9; *Mille Lacs Reservation Group 8; Ponemah Group 10

Contact: DTC of ‎Michigan Minnesota‎, Northern c/o Tim Crawford, secretary, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218-525-5995)

MINNESOTA, SOUTHERN

• Arden Hills Group 7; Bloomington Group 7; Minnetonka Group 8; *Richfield Group 8; St. Louis Park Group 8; Woodbury Group 7

Contact: DTC of Minnesota, Southern c/o Joanne Burke, [Page 9]secretary, Rosemount, MN 55068 (612-431-1674)

MISSISSIPPI

Jefferson Davis County Group 9; Madison County Group 7

Contact: DTC of Mississippi c/o Wanda Blue Manuel, Jackson, MS 39205 (601-355-6341)

MISSOURI

Chesterfield Group 7; Rock Hill Group 7; St. Louis County North Group 10

Contact: DTC of Missouri c/o Jeanne Engle, secretary, Jefferson City, MO 65101 (314-635-9899)

MONTANA

• Crow Agency Group 17; *Fort Peck Reservation Group 9; Helena Assembly 9; Kalispell Group 5; *Northern Cheyenne Res. Group 13; Sidney Group 4

Contact: DTC of Montana c/o Terry Dumont, secretary, Kalispell, MT 59901 (406-257-0090)

NAVAJO/HOPI

• Aneth Chapter, UT Assembly 21; *Kaibito Chapter, AZ Group 13; *Kayenta Chapter, AZ Assembly 9; *Red Lake Chapter, AZ Assembly 30; *Red Lake Chapter, NM Assembly 15; *Shiprock Chapter, NM Group 13; *Tohatchi Chapter, NM Group 8; *Tuba City Chapter, AZ Assembly 13; *White Cone Chapter, AZ Group 10

Contact: DTC of Navajo/Hopi c/o Norman Hodge, secretary, Chinle, AZ 86503 (602-674-5904)

NEBRASKA

• Grand Island Group 7; Kearney Group 7; *Sarpy County Group 9

Contact: DTC of Nebraska c/o Gary Weddel, secretary, Kearney, NE 68847 (308-236-9661)

NEVADA, NORTHERN

• Greater Lovelock Group 9

Contact: DTC of Nevada, Northern c/o Dale Snyder, P.O. Box 1722, Winnemucca, NV 89445 (702-623-2001)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

• Alton Town Group 10; Derby Town Group 7; *Durham Town Group 7; Laconia Group 9; *Lincoln Town Group 7

Contact: DTC of New Hampshire c/o Carelle Dwyer, secretary, Keene, NH 03431 (603-537-1508)

NEW JERSEY

Aberdeen Township Group 8; Bergenfield Group 9; *Camden Group 8; Cherry Hill Twp. Group 9; East Windsor Group 6; Englewood Group 15; Nutley Group 7; *Paterson Group 8; Wyckoff Group 8

Contact: DTC of New Jersey c/o David Harwood, secretary, Woodstown, NJ 08098 (609-769-1963)

NEW MEXICO, NORTHERN

Aztec Group 7; *San Juan County Group 7; *Jemez Pueblo Group 8

Contact: DTC of New Mexico, N. c/o Rebecca Bodine, P.O. Box 86, Cuba, NM 87013 (505-289-3762); NTC office c/o Ada James, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

NEW MEXICO, SOUTH/TEXAS, WEST

Artesia, NM Group 10; Clovis, NM Group 7; *Deming, NM Group 32; Greater Hobbs, NM Group 7; La Union, NM Group 9; Lovington, NM Group 15; Placitas, NM Group 14; Portales, NM Group 12; *Rincon, NM Group 8; Ruidoso, NM Group 12; Van Horn, TX Group 12; Mescalero Reservation, NM Group 17

Contact: NTC office c/o Sylvia Gonzales, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 235)

NEW YORK, EASTERN

Albany Assembly 12; *Beacon Group 9 *Mount Vernon Group 8; New Castle Town Group 8; Peekskill Group 7; *St. Regis Reservation Group 7

Contact: DTC of New York, Eastern c/o Vallioliah Varga, chairman, Schenevus, NY 12155 (607-638-9016)

NEW YORK, LONG ISLAND

• Rockville Centre Group 10

Contact: DTC of New York, Long Island c/o Gary Dunn, Bellport, NY 11713 (516-286-8343)

NEW YORK, WESTERN

• Orchard Park Town Group 7; *Sodus Point Group 8; Syracuse Group 11

Contact: DTC of New York, Western c/o Sandra Schwagler, Oneida, NY 13421 (315-363-9959)

NORTH CAROLINA, CENTRAL

Chatham County Group 8; *Elrod Group 8; Fayetteville Group 9; *Pembroke Group 13; Thomasville Group 11; Yadkinville Group 7

Contact: DTC of North Carolina, C. c/o Janis Holden, secretary, Spring Lake, NC 28390 (919-867-2155)

NORTH CAROLINA, EASTERN

Ayden Group 9; Clayton Group 7; Farmville Group 11; Greenville Group 10; *Henderson Group 22; Mount Olive Group 13; Roper Group 35; Wake Forest Group 8; Washington Group 12; *Zebulon Group 11

Contact: DTC of North Carolina, E. c/o Mary Spires, secretary, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 (919-446-5889)

NORTH CAROLINA, WESTERN

• Boone Group 8; Cornelius Group 10; Hickory Group 15; *Kings Mountain Group 8; Marion Group 12; Shelby Group 87; *Cherokee Reservation Assembly 9

Contact: DTC of North Carolina, W. c/o Peggy Speer Cerchione, Deep Gap, NC 28618 (704-264-7839); NTC office c/o Ada James, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

NORTH DAKOTA

• Bismarck Assembly 10; *Dunseith Group 10; *Ft. Totten Reservation Group 11; *Ft. Yates Assembly 11; *Mandaree Group 18; Minot Group 7

Contact: DTC of North Dakota c/o Vernon Longie, Bismarck, ND 58504 (701-223-3475)

OHIO, NORTHERN

Lakewood Group 7; Lima Group 11; Stow Group 7; Warren Group 10; Weller Township Group 7; Willoughby Group 7; *Youngstown Group 9

Contact: DTC of Ohio, Northern

OHIO, SOUTHERN

• Beavercreek Group 7; Fairborn Group 8; *Green Twp., Ham. County Group 8; Worthington Group 7

Contact: DTC of Ohio, Southern c/o Rose Wendel, secretary, Dayton, OH 45459 (513-433-1120)

OKLAHOMA

Enid Group 8; Guthrie Group 7; Lawton Group 9; Mayes County Group 10; *Pottawatomie County Group 7; Seminole County Group 10; Wagoner Group 9

Contact: DTC of Oklahoma c/o Mary Watson, secretary, Ada, OK 74820 (405-332-2000)

OREGON, EASTERN

Enterprise Group 7; Island City Group 7; Jefferson County Group 5; *Madras Group 5; Malheur County Group 6; *Warm Springs Res. Group 8

Contact: DTC of Oregon, Eastern c/o Carol Ann Edwards, 700 Mt. Everest, Boardman, OR 97818 (503-481-3263); Reg. American Indian Teaching Committee c/o Roberta Charles, Port Angeles, WA 98362 (206-457-8217)

OREGON, WESTERN

Marion County South Group 7; North Bend Group 7; *Polk County Group 9; *Tualatin Group 7; Wilsonville Group 5

Contact: DTC of Oregon, Western c/o Lydia McCarter, secretary, P.O. Box 1065, Portland, OR 97207 (503-245-4385)

PENNSYLVANIA, EASTERN

Abington Township Group 10; *Elizabeth-town Borough Group 8; *White Westland Twp. Group 8

Contact: DTC of Pennsylvania, E. c/o Homa Sabet Tavangar, Exton, PA 19341 (215-594-0392)

PENNSYLVANIA, WESTERN

• Erie Group 8; *Monroeville Borough Group 7

Contact: DTC of Pennsylvania, ‎E. W.‎ c/o Mary Ann Rood, Indiana, PA 15701 (412-465-7706)

RHODE ISLAND

• Newport Group 7

Contact: DTC of Rhode Island c/o Gerhard Muller, secretary, Kingston, RI 02881

SOUTH CAROLINA

Aiken Group 10; Andrews Group 60; ‎Anyor Aynor‎ Group 9; *Bay Boro Group 10; Blacksburg Group 10; Boggy Swamp Group 8; Bucksport Group 7; Cameron Group 8; Easley Group 7; Ellerbe Heights Group 12; Gadsden Group 7; Gaffney Group 8; Georgetown Group 68; *Greater Lexington Group 18; Greater Ridgeville Group 9; *Greater Swansea Group 16; Irmo Group 9; Jacksonboro Group 14; *Lone Star Group 8; Morrisville Group 17; Mount Pleasant Group 22; Oatland Group 11; Pageland Group 7; Poston Group 13; Swansea Group 9; Turkey Hill Group 13; Vance Group 7; Varnville Group 15; Walterboro Group 45

Contact: S.C. Coordinating Committee c/o Betsy Haynes, secretary, N. Charleston, SC 29418 (803-767-8755)

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Cherry Creek Group 8; *Crow Creek Reservation Assembly 15; *Little Eagle District Group 15; *Lower Brule Reservation Assembly 10; *Martin Group 9; *Parmalee Group 44; *Pierre Assembly 9; *Pine Ridge District Assembly 12; *Soldier Creek District Group 10; *Wakpala District Group 7; *White Clay District Assembly 22; *White River Assembly 9

Contact: DTC of South Dakota c/o Robert Haugen, Rapid City, SD 57702 (605-343-2929)

TENNESSEE, EASTERN

Knoxville Assembly 17; Johnson City Group 4; *Maryville Group 6

Contact: DTC of Tennessee, Eastern c/o Carla Abbott, secretary, Morristown, TN 37814 (615-581-7540 after 3 p.m.)

TENNESSEE, WESTERN

• Somerville Group 9

Contact: DTC of Tennessee, Western c/o Elizabeth Beall, secretary, Germantown, TN 38138 (901-755-7499)

TEXAS, CENTRAL

Bell County Group 9; Cedar Park Group 8; *Georgetown Group 8; Kerrville Group 8; Killeen Group 7; Luling Group 8; *Maverick County Group 8; Taylor Group 17

Contact: DTC of Texas, Central c/o Carol Roberts, Belton, TX 76513 (817-939-1578)

TEXAS, EASTERN #1

• Alvarado Group 12; Coppell Group 8; Corsicana Group 13; Denison Group 11; Italy Group 14; Kaufman Group 11; Mansfield Group 9; Terrell Group 17; Texarkana Group 12; *Tyler Group 12; Waskom Group 8; Waxahachie Group 20

Contact: DTC of Texas, Eastern #1 c/o Gerald Collier, Greenville, TX 75401 (903-455-4836)

TEXAS, EASTERN #2

Harris Co. North-Central Group 10; Lufkin Group 9; Sugar Land Group 8; West University Place Group 7

Contact: NTC office c/o Annette McKissick, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 234)

TEXAS, NORTHCENTRAL

Olney Group 11; *Plainview Group 13; Vernon Group 11

Contact: DTC of Texas, Northcentral c/o Patricia Klem, P.O. Box 50214, Amarillo, TX 79159 (806-359-6505)

TEXAS, SOUTHERN

Laredo Group 8

Contact: NTC office c/o Annette McKissick, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 234)

UTAH

Murray Group 7; *Uintah-Ouray Reservation Group 9

Contact: DTC of Utah c/o Karen Webb, Bountiful, UT 84010 (801-298-4507); NTC office c/o Ada James, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 361)

VERMONT

• Burlington Group 7; Montpelier Assembly 9

Contact: DTC of Vermont c/o Marie Procter, secretary, Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802-254-2115)

VIRGINIA, NORTHERN

• Fairfax City Group 11; *Fairfax County SW Group 9; ‎Fredrick Frederick‎ County Group 7

Contact: DTC of Virginia, Northern c/o Roxanne Brooks, secretary, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703-591-3252)

VIRGINIA, SOUTHEAST

• Farmville Group 18; *Fredericksburg Group 8; *Hampton Group 7; Newsoms Group 27; Petersburg Group 7; South Hill Group 8

Contact: DTC of Virginia, SE c/o Karen Schifrin, secretary, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (804-221-3634)

VIRGINIA, SOUTHWEST

• Augusta County Group 8; *Blacksburg Group 8

Contact: NTC office c/o Annette McKissick, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708-869-9039, ext. 234)

WASHINGTON, NORTHWEST

King County NC Group 8; *Marysville Group 9; *Vashon-Maury Island Group 12; *Lummi Reservation Group 9

Contact: DTC of Washington, NW c/o Nicole Negar Saedi, secretary, Issaquah, WA 98027 (206-643-9594); Reg. American Indian Teaching Committee c/o Roberta Charles, 1680-A Charles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362 (206-457-8217)

WASHINGTON, SOUTHWEST

Kitsap County North Group 9; Mason CCD #1 Group 9; Raymond Group 7; Shelton Group 9; *Vancouver Group 13

Contact: DTC of Washington, SW c/o Gary Ellison, secretary, Centralia, WA 98531 (206-736-4648)

WEST VIRGINIA

• Charleston Assembly 9; Huntington Assembly 12; *Wetzel County Group 8; Monongalia County Group 6

Contact: DTC of West Virginia c/o Richard Taylor, secretary, Gassaway, WV 26624 (304-364-2477)

WISCONSIN, N./MICHIGAN, UPPER

Upper Wausau Group 8

Contact: DTC of Wisc., N./ Mich. c/o Tomas May, Oneida, WI 54155 (414-869-2045)

WISCONSIN, SOUTHERN

• Kenosha Group 9; ‎Mequin Mequon‎ Group 8; Oconomowoc Group 9; *Stoughton Group 7; West Allis Group 11

Contact: DTC of Wisconsin, Southern c/o Kamiar Saefian, secretary, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 (414-332-0632)

WYOMING

Casper Group 4; Gillette Group 4; *New Castle Group 5; Riverton Group 3

Contact: DTC of Wyoming c/o Dru Hanich, secretary, Thayne, WY 83127 (307-883-2277) [Page 10]

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 not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE ESCUELA Bilingue Bahá’í Raúl Pavón in Otavalo, Ecuador, has been functioning for nine years. We have kindergarten through sixth grade and are known in the area for having the highest academic standards. We greatly need someone to take care of our youth library. It is not necessary to have a degree in library science, just a working knowledge. It’s an ideal situation for a retired person: mild year-round climate, low cost of living, and gentle mannered local people. If interested, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HOMEFRONT pioneering opportunity in Presidio, Texas, the fastest-growing community in the area of Big Bend. Employment is most readily obtained in education. Certification is not immediately required if one has a college degree. Amazing receptivity to the Faith characterizes this border town which has never had a homefront pioneer and continues to elect an Assembly 10 years after being mass-taught. Five hours driving time from El Paso. Ability to speak Spanish is helpful but not necessary. For more information, please phone Ken Smith, Marfa, Texas, 915-729-4855.

COME be a homefront pioneer in Kayenta on the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona where the local Assembly needs help with expansion and consolidation. The local public school district (one of the top-rated in the state) needs teachers for grades K-12; urgent need for special education director/teachers, physical therapist, speech therapists, school nurses. Jobs also available in the government boarding school and public health services. Housing available. Opportunity for non-working spouse to operate a day-care center. Great area for children. Community college branch on school district campus with possible jobs for part-time associate instructors. Two and one-half hours from the Grand Canyon and 23 miles from Monument Valley (remember those John Wayne movies?). Stark terrain is offset by the beauty of those who live here. Hospitality extended to believers who wish to visit and interview for jobs. Write to Carri Almeida, P.O. Box 1161, Kayenta, AZ 86033, phone her at 602-697-3278, or phone Chris Merriam, 602-697-3249.

THE DISTRICT Teaching Committee of Eastern Oregon would like to invite Bahá’ís of independent means and pioneering spirit to consider settling in the wonderfully secluded areas of eastern Oregon. Many of these areas are ripe for harvesting during the Holy Year, lacking only a few dedicated souls to help establish or maintain Assemblies. Please send inquiries to the District Teaching Committee of Eastern Oregon, Boardman, OR 97818.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Sanford, Maine, needs you to replace outgoing Bahá’ís. Teaching efforts are beginning to attract seekers, but we need deepened Bahá’ís to host firesides and teach. Sanford, a community of about 25,000 (town and rural), is about 45 minutes from the Green Acre Bahá’í School and 40 miles from Portland. The area has many lakes, and ocean beaches are as close as a 30-minute drive. We have been hit by the recession, as has most of New England, so self-supporting or retired people may find relocating here easier, but we will send sample employment and housing ads to anyone who is interested. We have a fairly large Cambodian population, but no one who is familiar with the language or culture. Please help us continue the work of the Faith in New England. Phone Heather, 207-324-8952.

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

TO THE BELIEVERS in the major population centers: have you been thinking about a move and/or change in your life? Consider Mason County, a rural area on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with a variety of population centers ranging from a few hundred to 7,000. The county’s total population is less than 40,000, with a projected growth to 50,000 in the next decade. Choose from modest mobile homes, family homes, or custom-designed waterfront houses with spectacular views of the mountains. Imagine living in an area replete with mountains, fresh-water lakes, and salt-water coastlines while bringing the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to its residents. There are Assemblies to be restored, American Indian teaching to be launched, and localities to be opened in the Name of Bahá’u’lláh. For information, write to Janice Wildman, Allyn, WA 98524, or phone 206-275-4546.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Dubuque, Iowa (all four of us) need you! Especially if you are looking for a position as superintendent of public schools. Salary range, $80,000/yr plus. Good opportunity to instill a vision of multi-racial harmony in a town recently beset by cross burnings. Résumés can be sent to Dr. Pigg, Superintendent, Dubuque Area Public Schools Administration Building, 2300 Chaney Road, Dubuque, IA 52001. Inquiries to the Bahá’ís can be made to M. McDowell, 1539 Washington St., Dubuque, IA 52001 (phone 319-556-1982). Dubuque, a city of 53,000 on the Mississippi River, is an hour from Davenport and within two hours of Madison, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. Dubuque has three major colleges and universities and a nearby community college. Employment opportunities are increasing, especially in high-tech and professional areas.

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. AMERICAS—Brazil: primary school teachers. Honduras: elementary school teachers. Venezuela: Accountant, manager of computer store. ASIA—Macau: ESL teacher. Pakistan: physicians. Vietnam: Teachers. EUROPE—Sakhalin: teachers. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Fiji Islands is seeking a self-supporting couple with experience in the fields of publishing and/or office management to take charge of their Bahá’í Publishing Trust. 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: Gene Lovere, Marie L. Lowell (died Santa Barbara, CA, 1965), William F. Lucus (died Los Angeles, CA, 1944), Pauline Ludwig (died Huntington Woods, MI, 1963), Daisy Lundstrom, Alfred E. Lunt, Betty Lunt, and Elizabeth Lunt. Anyone who knows family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, American Indian, Hispanic and Asian Bahá’ís for the use of local communities in Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special observances. Any local Spiritual Assembly that would like to have copies of these sketches, or more information about them, is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

WANTED

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

DO YOU or your Assembly have any or all of the nine booklets comprising the Star Study Program, copyright 1974? I am interested in acquiring these booklets to use in my personal teaching efforts. If you have extras, or are not using your booklets, please consider sending them my way. I can afford to pay original cost, or would accept donations. Please write to Keven Powers, Phoenix, AZ 85006.

WANTED: Stories about the annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Teaneck, New Jersey. If possible, labeled photographs with names and the year. An extensive history of the event is being compiled for publication. Please contact Dr. Joel Nizin, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

AM GATHERING “Bahá’í” stories for a collection to be shared, perhaps, at Bahá’í schools and in book form. The working title is “Stories of Everyday Miracles.” The four categories I am most interested in are: 1. teaching stories/triumphs; 2. how you became a Bahá’í; 3. stories that confirm “there are no accidents or coincidences”; and 4. your most meaningful “Bahá’í” dream (what it was and how it has affected your life choices since). Please enclose written permission (release), signed and dated, for me to use these stories at a Bahá’í school and/or in a collection of stories. Please send to Anne R. Jennison, Lee, NH 03042.

I AM SEEKING biographical information, photographs and/or personal anecdotes about Mary Tucker Hatcher to augment some notebooks and audio taped interviews given into my keeping by Phyllis Ring. The information will be organized into book form with emphasis on Mary’s career as a Bahá’í teacher and homefront pioneer in New Hampshire. Please send information to Anne R. Jennison, Lee, NH 03042.

WANTED: A complete bound set of Star of the West from 1910 through the 1930s. A complete set of the annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly and National Committees’ reports. Please contact Dr. Joel Nizin, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

WANTED: a few helping hands at the Bahá’í World Congress in November. If you are an experienced writer and/or photographer who plans to attend the Congress and would like to spend some time helping us produce the special issue of The American Bahá’í that reports news of this historic event to the friends around the world, please drop a note to the editor, The American Bahá’í, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Jack Bowers, 708-869-9039, ext. 293. Thanks.

PERIODICALS

SPIRITUAL Mothering Journal, a parenting publication founded by Bahá’ís in 1980, has recently changed hands. The new publisher and editor are Mike and Pat Harvey of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Spiritual Mothering Journal enters the Holy Year with a commitment to teach the Faith by uniting families of all religions; recognizing the significant influence of spiritual principles in marriage, family and community life. For writers’ guidelines or more information, write to Spiritual Mothering Journal, P.O. Box 82503, Albuquerque, NM 87198.

MISCELLANEOUS

YOUTH and those of all ages! Come teach the Faith this summer in northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with the Northcoast Necklace of Lights, lovingly dedicated to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Youth with two weeks to give as well as traveling teachers are welcome. For information, contact the Bahá’í Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526), or Lynn Farnsworth, 216-247-2135.

NOTICE to vendors at the Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference, September 18-20: The National Spiritual Assembly has a policy that requires review and approval of all materials to be sold at Bahá’í conferences. All materials must be specifically Bahá’í in nature. Please contact the National Assembly for such review and approval. To sign up for space in the Exhibit Hall at the Green Lake Conference, write to M. Naysmith, Exhibit Hall coordinator, South La Crosse, WI 54601 (phone 608-782-5793).

POETS! POETS! Would you like 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 BAHÁ’Í World Congress Youth Movement Forum needs Bahá’ís who are actors, singers and/or dancers to take part in two special dramatic presentations planned in connection with the Congress in November. Those who are interested should submit (1) a letter explaining why they wish to be considered as a performer; (2) a 3-to 5-minute VHS format video taped monologue on any classical or contemporary figure; (3) resumés listing relevant experience; and (4) one 8x10 photograph. If you are not a professional performer, please outline your experience and/or interest in the arts. Non-professionals are encouraged to apply. Please note: 1. roles vary to include males, females, adults and youth of at least 12 years of age; 2. travel, accommodations and other expenses will not be covered by the World Congress—applicants must be self-supporting; 3. performers must be available for rehearsals in New York City by early November, three weeks before the Congress; and 4. the deadline for submissions is July 15. Please forward submissions to: Bahá’í World Congress, Youth Movement Forum, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017. [Page 11]

World News

The Tim Reed/Ondo State Teaching Campaign, held in February and March, resulted in 142 enrollments and the formation of five new local Spiritual Assemblies in Nigeria. Two of the new communities have started regular children’s classes and another two have established Bahá’í Centers in which to hold meetings.

With the declaration in March of five young women in the District of Ganyesa, a long-standing goal of the Bahá’í community of Bophuthatswana to open all districts of the country to the Faith was achieved. The victory came as a result of the John Robarts Teaching Campaign that called for a “supreme effort” to complete the goals of the Six Year Plan.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Cyprus reports the formation of four new local Spiritual Assemblies in the northern area of that country, made possible by the enrollments of 20 people since the beginning of 1992. There are now at least 100 local believers in the country, fulfilling the dream of the late Hand of the Cause of God Ugo Giachery, who said when attending the formation in 1978 of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Cyprus that the next stage in the transformation of the country would take place when 100 local people had embraced the Faith.

The first two local Spiritual Assemblies in eastern Germany were established in March, with the Spiritual Assembly of Erfurt elected March 7 and the Spiritual Assembly of Dresden established on March 18. In other news, the German Bahá’í community now has 701 localities opened to the Faith throughout the country, surpassing its Six Year Plan goal of 700.

Local Bahá’ís and about 22 visitors including some friends from Germany took part January 30-February 2 in the first Bahá’í Teaching Conference ever held in Kazan, Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly Soviet Union). As part of the conference, deepenings were held on topics ranging from Bahá’í administration to fasting and obligatory prayers. The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys was also a topic of consultation.

Catherine Freeman, a 19-year-old Bahá’í youth, has been named a member of the Australian Olympic team for the summer Games to be held this year in Barcelona, Spain. Miss Freeman, the first Aboriginal ever chosen to compete in the Olympics, qualified by running the 400-meters in 51.5 seconds. A gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 1990, she was named that year as “Young Australian of the Year.”

The largest private television station in western Poland broadcast information about the Faith last December to an estimated audience of 10 million viewers. Besides an interview with Bahá’ís, the station televised each page of a teaching booklet containing the name of Bahá’u’lláh, an explanation of progressive revelation, and pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Also shown were photographs of the Houses of Worship and of Bahá’í communities around the world.

“Only One World,” a radio series on the environment funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and produced by the country’s Bahá’í Office of Environment, was broadcast for 10 weeks beginning March 5 to 2,400 elementary schools across the country. The programs are infused with the spiritual principles of the Faith, and the name “Bahá’í” is mentioned twice in each program. Other national communities helped in making the series, the music for which was provided by American entertainer Red Grammer.

The director of public libraries in Madras, India, has authorized the State Bahá’í Council of Tamil Nadu to place 1,500 Bahá’í books in public libraries throughout the state. The books to be sent to the libraries are God, Religion, Mankind and The New Garden.

About 60 young Bahá’ís from 20 communities took part last February in a nine-day National Youth Conference at the Bahá’í permanent school near Talca, Chile. Topics for consultation included “The Concept of Prosperity and Faith,” “The Purpose of Life (The Concept of Man),” “The Power of Unity,” and “The Power of Knowledge.” Six youth offered to give a period of service during the Holy Year.

On February 17, Counselor Mas’ud Khamsi of the International Teaching Center laid the foundation stone for the Bahá’í Academy building in Panchgani, India. Also present were Counselors Burháni’d-Din Afshin, Fadil Ardikáni and Jabbar Eidelkhani; 20 Auxiliary Board members from 12 countries; and a number of local believers. The Bahá’í Academy, which was established in 1982, was asked by the National Spiritual Assembly to “actively promote true Bahá’í scholarship, encouraging all Bahá’ís to immerse themselves in focused study of the Writings and their application to the major issues of this age, as well as to assist other Bahá’í institutions to infuse the spirit of the Faith into their educational activities.”

An estimated 3.6 million people saw the video “Jewel in the Lotus,” about the House of Worship in India, when it was shown last January 22 and 29 in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China. The program was screened in two parts, with the narration dubbed in Mandarin.

On São Miguel in the Azores Islands, Bahá’í children meet in Ponta Delgada to practice with their musical group, which they call ‘Os Batatas,’ or ‘The Potatoes.’ They meet while their parents are taking part in deepening classes on the Covenant.

Bahá’í in Anaheim Hills, California, coordinates effort to feed almost 300 poor and elderly people

During Ayyám-i-Há, Goli Ataii of Anaheim Hills, California, coordinated an effort to feed almost 300 poor and elderly people at a community center in Anaheim.

The food was donated by a supplier to Mrs. Ataii’s Italian restaurant. Another member of the Bahá’í community, Denise Tohidi, was instrumental in securing use of the community center which is operated by a Catholic nun.

Bahá’ís from all over Orange County helped in the three-day effort. Many pamphlets were given out and a number of people expressed an interest in learning more about the Faith.

An article and photograph about the event were published in the Anaheim Bulletin, and a second article appeared in the Orange County Register.

On March 14, the Bahá’í community of Frederick County, Maryland, held a program to honor a number of prominent citizens of Frederick for their contributions to the welfare of area communities and their commitment to human rights.

Jim Sturdivant, a Bahá’í from Greenbelt, opened the program with a talk on “The Vision of Race Unity—America’s Most Challenging Issue.” Each of the recipients was given a copy of the statement from the National Spiritual Assembly and a certificate of recognition.

In Switzerland, Bahá’ís took part in the annual clean-up of the marshland formed where the Rhone River flows into Lake Geneva. Pictured with two other volunteers are Bahá’ís Robert Locatelli (left) and Bernadette Castricone (right).

Journalists must have credentials to cover World Congress in NYC

Bahá’í journalists who wish to write articles or otherwise cover the second Bahá’í World Congress as professionals must obtain credentials in advance. Send your journalistic credentials or résumé, including professional references, to the Bahá’í World Congress Media Task Force, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 119, New York, NY 10017.

The Task Force will refer each such request to the appropriate Spiritual Assembly for its recommendations. Only those Bahá’ís who submit their credentials for review and are subsequently approved will be invited to cover the World Congress. [Page 12]

حضرت بهاءالله ظهور کلی الهی

BAHA’U’LLAH: THE ‎SUPEME SUPREME‎ MANIFESTATION OF GOD

چنانکه خوانندگان عزیز آگاهی دارند، سال مقدس آغاز شده است، صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله و اعلان پیمان ایزدی. به علت بزرگی این سال مبارک کوشش خواهد شد در هر یک از شماره‌های این نشریه مطالبی درباره حضرت بهاءالله نگاشته شود. اولین حلقه از سلسلهٔ این مطالب در این شماره به استحضار دوستان عزیز می‌رسد. ناگفته پیداست که در تنظیم این مطالب از آثار مبارکه و کتابهائی که توسط نویسندگان بهائی نوشته شده، استفاده شده است.

مقام مظهر امر الهی

بنا به اعتقاد اهل بهاء، در پهنهٔ گیتی، در میان موجودات این جهان انسان برترین مقام را داراست و به اصطلاح نسبت به دیگر موجودات "امتیاز و تفوق ذاتی" دارد. به همین ترتیب مظاهر امر الهی نسبت به انسان‌ها امتیاز و برتری ذاتی دارند. این برتری در ذات آنان نهفته است. همانگونه که انسان به روح انسانی از جماد و نبات و حیوان امتیاز یافته است، مظاهر امر الهی به روح قدسی از انسان‌ها ممتازند.

روح قدسی به ارادهٔ الهی به شخصی از نوع انسان تعلق می‌گیرد و بر روح انسانی او مؤید می‌شود و آن را در خود فانی و مستهلک می‌کند و بدین ترتیب مظهر امر الهی در جهان هستی می‌یابد. مقامش بالاترین مقام در پهنهٔ هستی است و هستیش حکایت از صفات الهی می‌کند. به فرمودهٔ حضرت بهاءالله: «اکمل انسان و افضل و الطف او مظاهر شمسهٔ حقیقتند، بلکه ماسوای ایشان موجودند به ارادهٔ ایشان...منزه است ذکر ایشان از ذکر غیب.» (کتاب ایقان، ص ۷۸)

و حضرت عبدالبهاء در وصف مظاهر امرالله فرموده‌اند: «آن نور حقیقت [خدا] در آن فرد کامل در نهایت تلالو و لمعان، بلکه شمس حقیقت به صورت و مثال و حرارت و ضیاء در آن جلوه کرده.» (خطابات، ج ۱، ص ۵۹)

همچنین در "مفاوضات" مبارک می‌فرمایند: "در مظاهر ظهور سه مقام است: اول حقیقت جسمانیّه... ثانی حقیقت شخصیّه، یعنی نفس ناطقه... ثالث ظهور ربانی... مقام ثالث ظهور کلی الهی... است... بدایتی نداشته و نهایتی ندارد ولی اشراقش متفاوت."

حضرت بهاءالله در کتاب "ایقان" بیان فرموده‌اند که مظاهر امر الهی دو مقام دارند: یکی مقام توحید که در آن همه "حکم یک نفس و یک ذات را دارند" و دیگری مقام تحدید که در آن "هر کدام را هیکلی معین و امری مقرر و ظهوری مقدر و حدودی مخصوص است چنانکه هر کدام به اسمی موسوم و به وصفی موصوف و به امری بدیع و شرعی جدید مأمورند."

بنابراین می‌توان گفت که مظاهر امر از آن لحاظ که در عالم امر به سر می‌برند در مقامی یکسان قرار دارند، اما از آن لحاظ که در عالم خلق ظاهر می‌شوند، مقامشان، به علت شرایط زمانی و مکانی، با یکدیگر تفاوت می‌یابد. به بیان دیگر، نور الهی که از عالم امر در مظاهر الهی ظاهر می‌شود، بنا به شرایط و اوضاع این جهان، در هر یک از مظاهر امر به نسبت مظهر قبل شدت بیشتری به خود می‌گیرد و فروغ بیشتری پدید می‌آورد.

از آنجا که ظهور حضرت بهاءالله آخرین حلقهٔ سلسلهٔ ظهورات الهی تا زمان حاضر است، مقام و امر و شریعتشان بالاترین و والاترین مقام و امر و شریعت است. شاید بدین جهت باشد که مطالبی از این دست در آثار مبارکهٔ بهائی نازل گردیده است: "در کتب الهی از قبل و بعد به یاد این یوم مبارک عیش اعظم برپا" و همچنین "امروز یوم‌الله است و حق وحده در او ناطق" و نیز "آفتاب و ماه شبه این یوم را ندیده... شکی نبوده و نیست که ایام مظاهر حق جل جلاله به حق منسوب و در مقامی به یوم‌الله مذکور ولکن این یوم غیر ایام است." و همچنین "این ظهور در جمیع کتب به طراز تخصیص اعظم مزین." (همه این فقرات از آثار حضرت بهاءالله است)

حضرت عبدالبهاء در خصوص اهمیت ظهور حضرت بهاءالله چنین می‌فرمایند: "جمیع اولیاء در اعصار و قرون ماضیه، گریان و سوزان، آرزوی آنی از ایام‌الله را می‌نمودند و در این حسرت از این عالم فانی به جهان باقی شتافتند." و همچنین "جمیع ادله و براهین معقوله و منقوله مرجع و مرکزش جمال مبارک و حضرت اعلی بود و منتهی شد. دیگر من بعد انتظاری جائز نه مگر بعد از پانصدهزار سال."

زندگی انسانی

روح قدسی الهی که در این دوره به نام بهاءالله شناخته می‌شود، در شخص میرزا حسینعلی نوری جلوه کرد و روح انسانی او را در خود مستهلک نمود و از او حضرت بهاءالله ساخت و بنیان دیانتی نوین را پی افکند. حضرت بهاءالله در دوم محرم سال ۱۲۳۳ هجری قمری برابر با ۱۲ نوامبر سال ۱۸۱۷ میلادی در طهران به جهان آمد. نسب خاندان حضرت بهاءالله به یزدگرد سوم، آخرین پادشاه سلسله ساسانی می‌رسد. پدرشان میرزا عباس نوری نام داشت و از خوش‌نویسان دوره خود بود. گفته شده است که روزی یکی از دستخط‌های میرعماد، خطاط مشهور به دست فتحعلی شاه قاجار افتاد و تحسین او را برانگیخت. یکی از پسرانش نام میرزا عباس را به میان آورد. بدین ترتیب به دنبال میرزا فرستادند و او دستخطی از خود نوشت و آن را تذهیب کرد و نزد شاه فرستاد. دیدن این دستخط موجب تحسین شاه شد و به فرمان سلطنتی میرزا عباس را به میرزا بزرگ ملقب کرد. چند سال بعد میرزا بزرگ به سمت امام وردی میرزا منصوب شد و به دربار شاه راه یافت.

مادر حضرت بهاءالله خدیجه خانم نام داشت. فرزندان او به ترتیب ولادت عبارتند از: ساره خانم که در آثار حضرت بهاءالله "اخت" نامیده شده است؛ فرزند بعدی میرزا مهدی بود؛ سپس میرزا حسینعلی (حضرت بهاءالله)؛ فرزند بعدی میرزا موسی بود که به نام آقای کلیم معروف شد؛ و فرزند بعدی نساء خانم بود که بعدها به عقد میرزا مجید آهی، دبیر سفارت روس درآمد.

حضرت بهاءالله در سال ۱۲۵۱ قمری برابر با ۱۸۳۵ میلادی با آسیه خانم که دختری خوشرو و با نشاط و زیبا بود، وصلت کردند که حاصل آن چند فرزند بود: عباس (حضرت عبدالبهاء)، بهائیه خانم (حضرت ورقه علیا) و مهدی (غصن اطهر).

جلد دوم آثار دکتر داودی

NEW PUBLICATIONS

چنانکه علاقه‌مندان به مطالعات امری آگاهی دارند، در تابستان سال ۱۹۸۷ به همت دکتر وحید رأفتی جلد اول آثار دکتر علیمراد داودی که حاوی مقالات مربوط به فلسفه و عرفان بود، تحت عنوان "انسان در آئین بهائی" منتشر گردید.

اینک با کمال خوشوقتی به استحضار عزیزان فارسی زبان می‌رساند که جلد دوم آثار فلسفی و عرفانی آن شهید دانا و حکیم تحت عنوان "الوهیت و مظهریت" چاپ شده و در دسترس یاران قرار گرفته است.

صورتی از مطالب این مجموعه بدین قرار است:

• الوهیت و توحید.
• مظهریت.
• عالم انسانی محتاج استفاضه از نفثات روح قدسی است.
• توافق علم و دین.
• دین باید سبب الفت و محبت باشد.
• خلاقیت کلمة‌الله.
• خلق جدید.
• بحث درباره مقام حضرت بهاءالله.

قرار است مجلد سوم آثار جناب دکتر داودی که حاوی مقالات مختلف درباره موضوع‌های گوناگون است، در آینده نزدیک طبع و انتشار یابد. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند کتاب مذکور را از طریق مؤسسه معارف بهائی خریداری فرمایند:

P.O. BOX 65600 DUNDAS, ONTARIO, L9H 6Y6 CANADA

جلسات تزئید معلومات

DR. GHADIMI’S DEEPENING CLASSES

از ۴ تا ۶ جولای سال جاری (شنبه تا دوشنبه) جلسات تزئید معلوماتی به استادی آقای دکتر ریاض قدیمی در حظیرةالقدس نیویورک تشکیل خواهد شد.

این جلسات شامل "دوره فشرده تاریخ ادیان و اعظمیت شریعت ابهی" خواهد بود. موضوعات جلسات دنباله هم و مرتبط با یکدیگر و همه پایه‌هایی برای نتیجه‌گیری در ساعات آخر خواهد بود. بنابراین حضور مرتب در تمام جلسات مؤکداً توصیه می‌شود. از علاقه‌مندان به شرکت در این جلسات تقاضا می‌شود نکات زیر را در نظر بگیرند و مراعات فرمایند:

• تمام جلسات رأس ساعت مقرر شروع خواهد شد.
• جلسات صبح ساعت ۹ و ۵۰ دقیقه شروع خواهد شد و تا ساعت ۱۲/۳۰ دقیقه ادامه خواهد داشت. جلسات بعد از ظهر ساعت ۴ آغاز خواهد شد و تا ساعت ۶/۳۰ دقیقه ادامه خواهد یافت.

به یاران الهی توصیه می‌شود که فرصت را مغتنم شمرند و از این جلسات استفاده شایان نمایند. علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر درباره محل و غیره با شماره‌های زیر تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن برای اطلاعات مربوط به هتل: ۸۶۶۴-۴۷۵ (۲۱۲) تلفن برای اطلاعات مربوط به برنامه: ۹۳۱۵-۴۷۷ (۲۰۱) یا ۶۶۵-۵۹۶۱ (۵۱۶).

نشریه پیام بدیع

PAYAM-I BADI’

چنانکه یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند نشریه "پیام بدیع" تنها مجلهٔ ماهانهٔ امری است که در ایالات متحده چاپ می‌شود. این نشریه که دهمین سال انتشارش را می‌گذراند، از یک سال قبل با اشراف محفل روحانی ملی منتشر شده و دفتر آن در نیویورک واقع است.

"پیام بدیع" در شرف تهیهٔ شمارهٔ مخصوص سال مقدس است. این شماره در ماه نوامبر و مقارن با تشکیل کنگره جهانی بهائی در نیویورک، منتشر خواهد شد.

از نویسندگان عزیز بهائی دعوت می‌شود که در صورتی که مقالاتی مربوط به موضوع‌های اصلی سال مقدس نگاشته‌اند یا خواهند نگاشت، برای درج آنها در "پیام بهائی" با خانم دکتر طلعت بصاری تماس حاصل نمایند.

از دوستان عزیز دعوت می‌شود که با اشتراک این مجله به تزئید معلومات امری خود و نیز تقویت بنیه روحانی و مادی آن کمک فرمایند. نشانی:

DR. TALAT BASSARI P.O. BOX 698 CLIFTON, NJ. 07012 [Page 13]

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده مورخ ۱۱ می ۱۹۹۲

اغتشاشات اخیر شهر لوس آنجلس و سایر شهرها یادآور دیگری از اخطارهائی است که حضرت عبدالبهاء به تکرار در ضمن اسفار مبارک در امریکای شمالی اظهار می‌فرمودند و حضرت ولی امرالله اغلب در آثار خود راجع به نتایج هولناک تعصبات نژادی بیان می‌داشتند. همچنین این اغتشاشات اهمیت بیانیه‌ای را که در کانونشن ملی سال ۱۹۹۱ صادر شد، در شرایط کنونی نمودار می‌سازد.

در رابطه با این بحران‌ها که بیم آن می‌رفت که سایر نواحی را نیز در بر گیرد، پشتیبانی این مشتاقان از برنامه‌های آن محفل جهت مبارزه با تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی در ایالات متحده باید بیش از پیش مورد تأیید اکید واقع شود. بسیار شایسته است که در خلال این سال مقدس که مصادف با صدمین سال صعود مظهر امر الهی است — نفس مقدسی که وحدت نوع بشر را اس اساس و مقصد شریعت خود قرار داده — با تلاشی پایدار بکوشید و قوائی جمع آورید که به نام مقدس او و محض اطاعت از اوامرش لکه این شر را از صفحه نام نیک آن کشور محو نماید.

مطمئن باشید که در اعتاب مقدسه دعا می‌کنیم که مساعی آن جمع مشمول تأییدات الهی گردد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ترجمه نامهٔ سرگشاده محفل روحانی ملی خطاب به ریاست جمهوری ایالات متحده مورخ ۱ جون ۱۹۹۲

جناب رئیس جمهور،

هیچ فرد امریکائی نمی‌تواند نسبت به فجایعی که در برابر دیدگانش رخ می‌دهد، بی‌اعتنا بماند. علل این فجایع در ورای حکم یک دادگاه یا عملی ستمگرانه نهفته است. تلفات و آتش‌سوزی‌های شهر لوس آنجلس تنها علائم بیماری مادرزادی است که روح جامعه امریکا را می‌رانده است، مرضی که از همان دم که مهاجران اولیه افریقائیان را به سواحل این دیار آوردند، اهالی این کشور را فرا گرفته است.

نهضت الغای برده‌داری و جنگ‌های داخلی و تلاش‌هائی که برای بازسازی این کشور صورت گرفته و قوانین گوناگون مربوط به حقوق اجتماعی هر یک اقدامات سهمی در راه پیشرفت بوده اما در رابطه با نیازهای جامعه بسیار نارسا بوده و تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی را که در جان این ملت رخنه کرده از میان نبرده است. تاریخ این قوم حکایت پیشرفت و عقب‌نشینی است، حکایت است از تلاش برای بهبود اوضاع و ترک آن تلاش پیش از این که ثمری حاصل شود.

حل مشکلات نژادی ساده نیست. مقتضیات مادی آن معلوم و شامل ایجاد تأمین اقتصادی و از میان بردن فقر و آموزش و پرورش خردسالان و نگهداری از سالخوردگان است. اما مقتضیات روحانی پیوسته مورد غفلت قرار گرفته است. اقدامات کافی صورت نگرفته است که تعهدات این ملت نسبت به تساوی و وحدت نژادی و حفظ شرافت همه انسان‌ها بدون در نظر گرفتن نژاد و رنگ، و اصول اخلاقی چون محبت و احترام به جمیع اعضای خانواده بشری مراعات شود.

جامعه بهائی امریکا از آغاز پیدایشش، با بهره بردن از تعالیم حضرت بهاءالله، رفع تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی را از جمله اهداف اساسی خود قرار داده است. بهائیان بدون هیچ وقفه‌ای اخطار کرده‌اند که تبعیضات و ستم ناچار به اختلاف خواهد کشید و "عناد روز به روز افزایش خواهد یافت و حاصل مشکلات و خونریزی خواهد بود" (ترجمه). بهائیان برای رفع تعصب و نفرت و بیداد تحقق آرزوی صلح و وحدت همه مردمان از هر نژاد و پیشینه که باشند، کوشیده‌اند و تعهد می‌کنند که از این پس نیز به قصد حصول همین مقصود بکوشند.

جناب رئیس جمهور، از جنابعالی و از تمامی هموطنانمان درخواست می‌کنیم که از این مهم‌ترین مسئله حیاتی روی نگردانید. تقاضا می‌کنیم که سازمان‌های عمومی و خصوصی و مدارس و رسانه‌های همگانی و مؤسسات بازرگانی و ارباب هنر، و مهم‌تر از همه، جمیع افراد ملت امریکا دست به دست هم دهند و فداکاری‌هائی را که این موضوع اقتضاء می‌کند بپذیرند و هوشیاری و مراقبت و شکیبائی و شجاعت و همدری و کیاستی را که می‌طلبد به ظهور رسانند، باشد که پیشرفت واقعی و بی‌بازگشت به دست آید و آینده این کشور بلند اختر زیر آوار شهرهایش مدفون نگردد.

کنگره امریکا خواستار آزادی بهائیان ایران شد

‎GONRESS CONGRESS‎ CONDEMNS MURDER OF IRANIAN BAHA’I

دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی اعلام کرد که روز ۲ جون سال جاری کنگره ایالات متحده از دولت ایران خواستار آزادی بهائیان آن کشور شد و اظهار داشت که ایالات متحده نحوه رفتار دولت ایران را با بهائیان "رکن مهمی" از تحولات مربوط به ایجاد روابط با ایران می‌داند. همچنین اعضای کنگره امریکا در اجلاسیه خود قتل جناب سمندری را محکوم کردند.

دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده به نمایندگی جامعه بهائی از اقدام کنگره امریکا اظهار خوشوقتی کرد و گفت "قتل یکی از اعضای برجسته جامعه بهائی آنهم بدون محاکمه و ذکر اتهام نشان می‌دهد که بهائیان ایران همچنان در معرض خطرند."

گزارشی دربارهٔ جامعه امری

SURVEY OF THE AMERICAN BAHA’I COMMUNITY

دفتر محفل ملی بررسی و مطالعه‌ای دربارهٔ جامعه بهائی امریکا صورت داده و بر اساس آن گزارشی تهیه نموده است که خلاصه‌ای از آن در زیر درج می‌شود.

هدف از این بررسی کسب اطلاعات دربارهٔ جامعه امری این دیار بوده است تا در صورت نیاز مورد استفاده محفل روحانی ملی جهت تصمیم‌گیری و طرح برنامه‌های گوناگون قرار گیرد. هدف دیگر از این بررسی تهیه اطلاعات برای استفاده افراد احباء و جوامع امری به منظور گسترش و بلوغ روحانی آنان بوده است.

در این بررسی ۳ هزار نفر به نحو قرعه انتخاب شده بودند و گزارش این بررسی مبنی بر اطلاعاتی است که افراد مذکور در اختیار نهاده‌اند. خلاصه این گزارش به شرح زیر است:

• احباء از پیشینه‌های گوناگون و به طور کلی افرادی تحصیل‌کرده‌اند،
• ترکیب جامعه بهائی امریکا بازتابی از ترکیب جمعیت کشور است با این تفاوت که درصد ایرانیان آن بیشتر و درصد اسپانیولی‌زبان و سیاهپوست آن کمتر از درصد این گروه‌ها در جمعیت کشور است،
• تحصیلات و درآمد بهائیان بالاتر از معدل درآمد کشور است،
• بیشتر احباء از طریق خویشان و دوستان با امر مبارک آشنا شده‌اند و دلیل اقبالشان بیشتر اصول روحانی و اجتماعی امر الهی بوده تا صرف محبت به هیاکل مقدسه امر مبارک،
• برای احباء دعا و مناجات مهم‌ترین منبع روحانی است و اکثر آنها اقلاً روزی یکبار دعا می‌خوانند و یک سوم احباء روزی دو بار یا بیشتر به دعا می‌پردازند،
• احباء تعداد زیادی کتاب امری در خانه دارند (میانگین آن ۶۰ کتاب است) ولی کمتر به مطالعه می‌پردازند و بیشتر احباء از آثار حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء استفاده می‌کنند تا آثار حضرت اعلی و حضرت ولی امرالله،
• سه چهارم گروهی که مورد بررسی قرار گرفته بود در ضیافات نوزده روزه شرکت می‌کنند و حدود نیمی از افراد شرکت در فعالیت‌های جامعه امری را یکی از بهترین نتائج بهائی بودن خود می‌دانند،
• ۴۱ درصد سیاهپوستان و ۳۲ درصد سفیدپوستان و ۲۶ درصد ایرانیان در یکی از تشکیلات محلی امری عضویت دارند. تعداد احباء در جوامع امری رابطهٔ مستقیمی با فعالیت‌های امری دارد: درصد بیشتری از کسانی که در جوامع کوچکتر زندگی می‌کنند، در ضیافات شرکت می‌نمایند و تبرع می‌کنند و به دعا می‌پردازند،
• هر چند فعالیت‌های تبلیغی زیادی صورت می‌گیرد اما مهم‌ترین مشغله ذهنی بسیاری از احباء تبلیغ نیست. تنها یک چهارم احباء تبلیغ امرالله را بزرگترین راه کسب رضایت روحانی خود می‌دانند. بیش از نیمی از بزرگسالان و ۷۰ درصد جوانان لااقل هفته‌ای یکبار تبلیغ می‌کنند. حدود یک چهارم احباء جلسه تبلیغی در منازل خود تشکیل می‌دهند. کمتر از ۱۰ درصد در تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی شرکت می‌کنند.
• درصد تبرعات کسانی که به صندوق‌های امری تبرع می‌کنند بالاتر از تبرعات کسانی است که در سطح کشور به مؤسسات خیریه منجمله مؤسسات دینی تبرع می‌کنند. بیشترین درصد تبرعات تقدیم صندوق محلی و سپس ملی می‌شود. درصد کمتری از تازه‌تصدیقان به صندوق‌های امری تبرع می‌کنند،
• بهائیان ایرانی منبع سهمی از جامعه امری را تشکیل می‌دهند. آنان هم فعالیت بیشتری دارند (شرکت در ضیافات نوزده روزه و کانونشن‌های محلی) و هم درصد بالاتری از درآمدشان را به صندوق‌های امری تبرع می‌نمایند. هر کوششی که برای ترغیب بهائیان ایرانی به شرکت بیشتر در امور جامعه شود اهمیت اساسی دارد. دفتر امور احبای ایرانی و امریکائی می‌تواند سهم سهمی در این خصوص ایفاء نماید.

از یاران عزیز دعوت می‌شود برای آگاهی از مفاد کامل این گزارش به صفحات انگلیسی رجوع نمایند.

صعود آقای یوسف ویژه

PASSING OF MR. VIZHEH

جناب یوسف ویژه از خادمان صمیمی امر مبارک در ایران، روز ۲۱ می سال جاری در شهر تایلر در ایالت تکزاس به ملکوت ابهی صعود نمود. ایشان چندین سال عضو لجنهٔ امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی در تکزاس بود.

همچنین در اوائل دههٔ ۸۰ جناب ویژه و همسر گرامی مدتی بعنوان داوطلب در دفتر لجنهٔ امور احبای ایرانی و نیز در مشرق‌الاذکار به خدمت مشغول بودند.

بدینوسیله از ایشان یاد می‌کنیم و از آستان مبارک ترقی درجات آن روح پاک را در ملکوت ابهی می‌طلبیم. [Page 14]

¿Cómo sabemos si nuestros esfuerzos son efectivos?

Es importante reflejarnos en nuestros esfuerzos de enseñanza para poder evaluar si son válidos y hacer los arreglos necesarios. Es especialmente importante evaluar correctamente nuestros esfuerzos junto con la guía de la Casa Universal de Justicia sobre las inscripciones, que dice que la declaración de fe de una persona no es un fin en sí mismo, sino sólo un acontecimiento en el camino. Debemos medir nuestra eficacia no sólo con las inscripciones, sino también de otras maneras también.

PODEMOS medir nuestros esfuerzos de enseñanza con la guía dada en los escritos Bahá’ís. Si seguimos esta guía, estamos seguros de que tendremos éxito en nuestros esfuerzos. Se dice, por ejemplo, que para enseñar efectivamente, un individuo debe profundizarse en los escritos para expresar adecuadamente quién es Bahá’u’lláh y explicar el significado de Su Revelación; entonces, con la ayuda de la oración, puede encontrar y tener amistad con un alma receptiva, puede presentar el Mensaje de Bahá’u’lláh con sabiduría, humildad y sinceridad de una manera oportuna y de una manera que sea adecuada para aquel individuo; puede amorosamente educar a aquel individuo para que acepte a Bahá’u’lláh; y luego ayudar a confirmar al creyente nuevo para que sea un Bahá’í activo y firme a través de la acción continua. Aunque no veamos inmediatamente los resultados de tales esfuerzos, podemos evaluar cómo estamos enseñando la Causa de acuerdo a cómo estemos siguiendo la guía de los escritos.

También se nos asegura que los esfuerzos de enseñanza en una comunidad serán efectivos si desarrollamos dentro de la comunidad Bahá’í, a través del estudio de los escritos, una visión del propósito y progreso de la Causa en aquella localidad; si buscamos ayuda Divina y conscientemente dependemos de esa ayuda; si desarrollamos un plan de acción enfocado, basado en los varios recursos de la comunidad Bahá’í y las varias oportunidades y necesidades que existen en la comunidad en general; y si movilizamos la comunidad Bahá’í para sistemática y persistentemente pero con flexibilidad, llevar a cabo aquel plan de acción.

Sabemos que la enseñanza es un proceso. Sabemos que se completa cuando aquellos a quienes hemos enseñado están activamente involucrados en la vida Bahá’í de la comunidad y están enseñando a otros sobre la Fe. Debemos usar el poder de Bahá’u’lláh y tener fe en que podemos firmemente adherirnos a este proceso. Si enseñamos de la manera en que los Escritos nos guían, podemos tener confianza de que el Espíritu Santo causará que nuestra enseñanza sea efectiva y tenga éxito.

Discurso de la Mano de la Causa de Dios William Sears

En 1962, la Mano de la Causa de Dios, William Sears, visitó la Reserva Poorman en Saskatchewan, Canadá, y dio un discurso a la gente allí reunida. En su charla, discutió sobre las enseñanzas espirituales básicas de los Indios Americanos, como está descrito en el libro The Gospel of the Redman, por Ernest Thompson ‎Seaton Seton‎, y comparó estas enseñanzas con las de Bahá’u’lláh. Como muestra el Sr. Sears, señaló que mientras las enseñanzas descritas por el Sr. ‎Seaton Seton‎ no se aplican en cada detalle a todas las tribus indígenas de las Américas y no se da énfasis igual, sus descripciones son generalmente pertinentes y proveen un buen punto de partida para la discusión del Sr. Sears sobre las enseñanzas espirituales.

Las notas que usó el Sr. Sears en su discurso están disponibles a los Bahá’ís y a sus amigos. Estudiar estas notas ayudará a crear un entendimiento de las enseñanzas espirituales tradicionales de los Indios Americanos y cómo se aplican a las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh. Cualquiera persona que quisiera recibir una copia puede ponerse en contacto con: Ada James, la Coordinadora para la Enseñanza de Indios Americanos, American Indian Teaching, National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, tel. (708) 869-9039, extensión 361.

Extractos de The American Indian and the Bahá’í Faith (El Indio Americano y la Fe Bahá’í). Por la Mano de la Causa de Dios William Sears

"Bahá’u’lláh señala que hay una verdad fundamental que es la base de cada una de las Costumbres Antiguas en cada parte del mundo. Bahá’u’lláh dice que cada parte de la humanidad está ligada por una Ley común de Justicia, y juntos adoran al Único Gran Espíritu, Dios. Las enseñanzas de la Fe Bahá’í exhortan a cada familia, tribu, ciudad, estado, y nación, para orar y meditar sobre las verdades fundamentales de estas fiestas, danzas, tabús, costumbres, y ritos; Bahá’u’lláh les exhorta para preservar la pureza básica de cada uno de éstos, pero les implora seguir la verdad espiritual íntima que los une, en vez de la forma exterior que es diferente de nación a nación, isla a isla, continente a continente...

"Bahá’u’lláh nos exhorta a construir sobre la sabiduría del pasado de los Antiguos y de nuestro Padre de mucho antes, reteniendo el espíritu verdadero de todo lo que nos han enseñado. También nos exhorta ser como la mariposa que ha emergido del capullo. Debemos usar nuestras alas para volar, honrando y respetando el capullo de donde brotamos, pero ahora volando como un pájaro gigante en el cielo del futuro, y no tratar de volver a la concha de donde hemos nacido, como el niño que no volverá al útero de su madre. Estos días, Bahá’u’lláh nos dice, son los días de cumplimiento, cuando las Fiestas Antiguas están ahora estableciéndose como la Fiesta de la raza humana entera bajo un Dios...

"El gran Indio Americano ha sido llamado por algunos pueblos sin visión, ‘la Raza que Desaparece,’ pero esta no es la verdad. Ellos son una raza ‘que Regresa’. Ascenderán en los años del futuro a su verdadera gloria y diseminarán lustre eterno sobre la historia y los asuntos de la humanidad, aun más grande que la gloria de su orgulloso pasado...

"Esta es una promesa hecha en los Escritos... de Bahá’u’lláh. Las contribuciones más grandes que esta maravillosa raza de seres humanos harán no está en el pasado, ni en el presente, sino en el futuro: brillará al mundo. Los Escritos de la Fe Bahá’í profetizan que los Indios Americanos serán los grandes abanderados de la Fe de Dios...

"Es la esperanza de cada Bahá’í que Uds. quisieran buscar con todo el ardor de su corazón y alma en este mar de las Enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh. Sentimos que estas Verdades de la Fe Bahá’í son como una nueva Primavera Espiritual que puede derretir las nieves frías del pasado invierno, y traer nueva vida a cada parte del mundo; revivir las esperanzas paralizadas de la humanidad, dándole calor, restableciendo su vitalidad, y haciendo el mundo verde de nuevo con el amor de Dios y el amor de sus semejantes." (traducciones no oficiales).

En 1962, la Mano de la Causa de Dios, William Sears, visitó la Reserva Poorman en Saskatchewan, Canadá, y dio un discurso a la gente allí reunida. En su charla, discutió sobre las enseñanzas espirituales básicas de los Indios Americanos, como está descrito en el libro The Gospel of the Redman, por Ernest Thompson ‎Seaton Seton‎, y comparó estas enseñanzas con las de Bahá’u’lláh. Como muestra el Sr. Sears, señaló que mientras las enseñanzas descritas por el Sr. ‎Seaton Seton‎ no se aplican en cada detalle a todas las tribus indígenas de las Américas y no se da énfasis igual, sus descripciones son generalmente pertinentes y proveen un buen punto de partida para la discusión del Sr. Sears sobre las enseñanzas espirituales. Las notas que usó el Sr. Sears en su discurso...

Vea MR. SEARS pág. 15

Los comités y agencias del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza

El Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, como la "institución auxiliar principal de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional," tiene la responsabilidad de dirigir y guiar el trabajo de enseñanza en los Estados Unidos. Este Comité sirve a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional como su asesor y brazo ejecutivo en el área de la enseñanza. La Casa Universal de Justicia declaró en una carta del 12 de noviembre de 1971, "La función de un Comité Nacional de Enseñanza es encargarse, bajo la dirección de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, del programa general de enseñanza del país."

BAJO la dirección del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza están: el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza China; siete Comités Regionales de Enseñanza de los Indios Americanos; 89 Comités Distritales de Enseñanza; 35 Comités Regionales Escolares (Verano/Invierno); una red de ocho Coordinadores Regionales de Maestros Viajeros; y el Instituto Bahá’í de Americanos Nativos. Para ayudar a llevar a cabo las decisiones del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, coordinar el trabajo de sus comités y agencias, y reunir información que ayude al Comité a proveer guía oportuna y ayuda apropiada a la comunidad Bahá’í americana con respecto a la enseñanza, el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza también tiene un personal de diez miembros en el Centro Nacional Bahá’í, que informan al Secretario del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza.

A los amigos que les interese recibir información o guía sobre la enseñanza, deben ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza en el Centro Nacional Bahá’í y hablar con uno de los coordinadores del personal. Es importante entender, sin embargo, que los coordinadores del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza no tienen la misma función que el mismo Comité. Ellos llevan a cabo las tareas asignadas por el Comité y hacen recomendaciones al comité, pero no están involucrados en el proceso de hacer la toma de decisiones. Si se les pide proveer guía sobre un asunto que no se haya decidido previamente, los coordinadores del personal referirán el tema al Comité Nacional de Enseñanza.

Para información o ayuda, los amigos también pueden dirigirse al Comité Distrital de Enseñanza de su área o a otros comités o agencias que estén bajo la responsabilidad del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, pero deben entender que, como los coordinadores del personal, estas agencias no hacen decisiones que no estén autorizados de hacer y no patrocinan o implementan actividades que no estén explitamente asignadas en los mandatos proveídos por el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza. Por ejemplo, un Comité Distrital de Enseñanza puede pedir que algunos individuos les representen para llevar a cabo tareas específicas, pero no están autorizados para nombrar sus propios miembros o formar comités menores.

Los comités y agencias del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza tienen un papel de colaboración con otros comités y agencias tanto como con las Asambleas Espirituales Locales y miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar. Ninguno de estos comités o instituciones dirigen el trabajo de otro; trabajan juntos en un espíritu de cooperación y acción unificada. Mientras que los comités y agencias distritales y regionales del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza pueden actuar recíproca y directamente con miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar y sus ayudantes, con las Asambleas Espirituales Locales, y con otras agencias del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, ellos no se comunican directamente con la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional o la Casa Universal de Justicia. Como son ayudantes del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, presentan su información a este Comité, y el Comité Nacional de Enseñanza presenta su información a la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional.

PARA MÁS información con respecto a los papeles específicos de los comités y agencias del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza, nos referimos a las ediciones pasadas del Direct Line. Se discute el propósito, el papel en el trabajo de la enseñanza, y el tema corriente de los Comités Regionales Escolares en la pág. 5 de la edición de agosto/septiembre 1991, pág. 5 de la de dic. 1989/enero 1990, y en la pág. 5 de la edición de oct./nov. 1991. Se discute el papel de los Comités de Enseñanza de los Indios Americanos en la pág. 4 de la edición de aug/sept. 1991. Copias de estas ediciones están disponibles a petición. Se puede obtener información actual sobre otros comités y agencias de la oficina del Comité Nacional de Enseñanza.

RAHMÁT B.E. 149 / June 24, 1992 [Page 15]

Mary Lou Martin, 80, who pioneered to Ireland during Nine Year Plan, dies in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Mary Lou Martin declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh in 1952 at the age of 41. With a family of four young children, she was not able to realize her desire during the Ten Year Crusade to pioneer for the Faith.

In the meantime, Mrs. Martin served the National Teaching Committee as a traveling teacher from 1955 to 1969. In addition, she spent four months in the Falkland Islands in 1976 in response to a request for a traveling teacher to that community.

When her four children were grown and gone, Mrs. Martin realized her dream to pioneer internationally when she volunteered to fill a two-year goal to Ireland in the Nine Year Plan. Leaving her home and supportive husband in Geneva, Illinois, in January 1970, Mrs. Martin served the Irish community with exemplary devotion for two years, returning to the States in December 1971.

Mrs. Martin died in April in Bloomingdale, Illinois. She was 80 years old.

Bahá’í Studies

More than 200 at Regional Conference in Maryland

More than 200 Bahá’ís gathered April 3-5 at Western Maryland College in Westminster for a regional Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies.

The theme was “Global Renaissance: The Significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation.”

Robert Harris set the tone for the weekend with his address Friday evening on “The Station of Bahá’u’lláh.” Prior to his talk, Robin Chandler’s exhibit of paintings, “Miracles and Blessings,” was opened.

Saturday morning began with prayers and music, followed by a panel discussion on the conference theme. The panel discussed how the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh have and will continue to effect changes in economics (Augusto Lopez-Carlos), science (Dr. Kouroosh Mehanian), politics and administration (Anita Chapman) and the arts (Don Camp).

Lunch was followed by keynote addresses by Dr. Soheil Bushrui, director of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Louis Hammann, a professor at Gettysburg College who teaches a course on the Faith.

Also on Saturday, Dr. Julie Badiee conducted a slide presentation on “Spiritual Renaissance in Architecture,” Robin Chandler discussed “The Artist on Her Work,” and a coffeehouse was held with medieval and Renaissance music, Argentinian folk songs, and presentations by Bahá’í entertainers Van Gilmer, Anne Atkinson, Marvin (Doc) Holladay and Michael Fitzgerald.

On Sunday, Mary K. Radpour’s talk on “The Role of the Individual in Transforming Society” was followed by workshops led by panel participants. After lunch, the closing talk, “The Role of the Individual in Transforming One’s Profession,” was presented by Dr. Beth Bowen.

Mr. Sears

de pág. 14

discurso están disponibles a los Bahá’ís y a sus amigos. Estudiar estas notas ayudará a crear un entendimiento de las enseñanzas espirituales tradicionales de los Indios Americanos y cómo se aplican a las enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh. Cualquiera persona que quisiera recibir una copia puede ponerse en contacto con: Ada James, la Coordinadora para la Enseñanza de Indios Americanos, American Indian Teaching, National Teaching Committee, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, tel. (708) 869-9039, extensión 361.

Extractos de The American Indian and the Bahá’í Faith (El Indio Americano y la Fe Bahá’í). Por la Mano de la Causa de Dios William Sears

“Bahá’u’lláh señala que hay una verdad fundamental que es la base de cada una de las Costumbres Antiguas en cada parte del mundo. Bahá’u’lláh dice que cada parte de la humanidad está ligada por una Ley común de Justicia, y juntos adoran al Único Gran Espíritu, Dios. Las enseñanzas de la Fe Bahá’í exhortan a cada familia, tribu, ciudad, estado, y nación, para orar y meditar sobre las verdades fundamentales de estas fiestas, danzas, tabús, costumbres, y ritos; Bahá’u’lláh les exhorta para preservar la pureza básica de cada uno de éstos, pero les implora seguir la verdad espiritual íntima que los une, en vez de la forma exterior que es diferente de nación a nación, isla a isla, continente a continente...

“Bahá’u’lláh nos exhorta a construir sobre la sabiduría del pasado de los Antiguos y de nuestro Padre de mucho antes, reteniendo el espíritu verdadero de todo lo que nos han enseñado. También nos exhorta ser como la mariposa que ha emergido del capullo. Debemos usar nuestras alas para volar, honrando y respetando el capullo de donde brotamos, pero ahora volando como un pájaro gigante en el cielo del futuro, y no tratar de volver a la concha de donde hemos nacido, como el niño que no volverá al útero de su madre. Estos días, Bahá’u’lláh nos dice, son los días de cumplimiento, cuando las Fiestas Antiguas están ahora estableciéndose como la Fiesta de la raza humana entera bajo un Dios...

“El gran Indio Americano ha sido llamado por algunos pueblos sin visión, ‘la Raza que Desaparece,’ pero esta no es la verdad. Ellos son una raza que Regresa. Ascenderán en los años del futuro a su verdadera gloria y diseminarán lustre eterno sobre la historia y los asuntos de la humanidad, aun más grande que la gloria de su orgulloso pasado...

“Esta es una promesa hecha en los Escritos... de Bahá’u’lláh. Las contribuciones más grandes que esta maravillosa raza de seres humanos harán no está en el pasado, ni en el presente, sino en el futuro: brillará al mundo. Los Escritos de la Fe Bahá’í profetizan que los Indios Americanos ‘serán los grandes abanderados’ de la Fe de Dios...

“Es la esperanza de cada Bahá’í que Uds. quisieran buscar con todo el ardor de su corazón y alma en este mar de las Enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh. Sentimos que estas Verdades de la Fe Bahá’í son como una nueva Primavera Espiritual que puede derretir las nieves frías del pasado invierno, y traer nueva vida a cada parte del mundo; revivir las esperanzas paralizadas de la humanidad, dándole calor, restableciendo su vitalidad, y haciendo el mundo verde de nuevo con el amor de Dios y el amor de sus semejantes.” (traducciones no oficiales).

El Ruiseñor / The Nightingale

El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale is a bi-lingual (Spanish-English) Bahá’í publication sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and is distributed quarterly worldwide. It began in 1987 as a newsletter for the friends in the United States and today it is circulated throughout the many countries.

The editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to Bahá’ís such as current developments and goals of the Cause throughout the world, articles aimed at deepening an understanding of the Teachings, reports of victories in teaching in Hispanic and North American communities as well as articles and essays from individual believers.

The publication is distributed in the United States and abroad through subscriptions and donations. Subscriptions within the United States and Canada are $12.00 per year, and $15.00 per year internationally. El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale welcomes donations and subscriptions from Bahá’í institutions as well as from individual Bahá’ís.

Please send your subscription request to: El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340

NAME: _________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________

CITY: ____________________________ STATE: ________ ZIP: ____________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________________

Mac McCord, former pioneer to Jamaica

L.R. (Mac) McCord enrolled in the Bahá’í Faith in August 1954 at the age of 47 and served the Faith in several areas of the country before pioneering from Webster Groves, Missouri, to Jamaica with his wife, Naomi, and son Kerry in 1972.

The McCord family served that community as caretakers of the National Center for three years. After returning to St. Louis, the McCords served as traveling teachers to Jamaica, the Bahamas and Anguilla.

Mac McCord died April 19 at the age of 84.

David H. Jurney, architect, author

David H. Jurney, who helped form the first Spiritual Assemblies in Florence, South Carolina, and High Point, North Carolina, died April 7 at his home in High Point.

Mr. Jurney, an architect by profession, is the author of the book Gems of Guidance, to be published in October by George Ronald Publishers, and architect for the Bahá’í Center of Greensboro, North Carolina, now under construction.

Mr. Jurney and his wife, Vedad, were homefront pioneers to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and after moving to High Point Mr. Jurney taught the Faith through service to many local civic groups including the Human Relations Commission, on which he served for six years.

“O Friends! Abandon not the everlasting beauty for a beauty that must die, and set not your affections on this mortal world of dust.” —Bahá’u’lláh

IN MEMORIAM

Hendrik Ammeraal Jr. New Port Richey, FL January 27, 1992	Katherine Garland Windham, CT April 15, 1992	Prudencio Mori The Philippines Date Unknown
Nina Andrews Detroit, MI August 10, 1991	Vernon Gaslin Augusta, ME August 23, 1991	Lotus Nielsen Greenland October 1991
Touba F. Arbab Orlando, FL April 10, 1992	Thelma Gorham Tallahassee, FL January 1, 1992	Pearl Phillips Scranton, SC January 1991
Clifford Sharp Butte White River, SD 1992	Loretta Grove Ramona, CA April 13, 1992	Judy Schraub Hempstead, NY January 27, 1991
Ruth E. Dasher Dayton, OH April 4, 1992	Phillip Ides Neah Bay, WA March 1992	Mary Smith Lockport, LA September 1991
Pennie Davis Bellingham, WA August 1991	David H. Jurney High Point, NC April 7, 1992	Richard Walks Nice Lame Deer, MT Date Unknown
Leonard Dorsey Lockport, LA November 1991	Ziaiyeh Kiani Palo Alto, CA April 14, 1992	Charles Woodruff Winter Park, FL March 1992
Helen Fogel Boca Raton, FL Date Unknown	Daniel Martin Cambridge, MN January 15, 1991	Homa Zaeri Dallas, TX March 12, 1992
Ruth P. Ford Arlington, VA November 18, 1992	Nourullah Moayyed Arlington, TX April 22, 1992

[Page 16]Bahá’ís in Atlanta, Georgia, have begun to have monthly picnic/firesides at a downtown park that have attracted many seekers. Pictured are those who attended the event in April.

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 ____________________ 2. ____________________________________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________ 3. ____________________________________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________ 4. ____________________________________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: ________________________________________ Street address ________________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable) ________________________________________ City ____________________ ____________________ State Zip code	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: ________________________________________ P.O. Box or Other mailing address ________________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable) ________________________________________ City ____________________ ____________________ State Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY: ____________________ ____________________ Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving date	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: __________ ____________________ __________ 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: [ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.		H. I WOULD LIKE A 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

JULY

3-6: Persian/American Bahá’í Studies, Louhelen Bahá’í School (313-653-5033).

3-12: Seventh annual Lakota Bahá’í Conference, Pine Ridge Reservation, Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Theme: “The Center of the Covenant.” For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Wounded Knee, Wounded Knee, SD 57794, or phone 605-867-2469.

4-9: “Camp Bosch” for Family and Friends, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Full program for adults, young Bahá’ís, children, junior youth and youth. Presentations on “Work and Family Life” (Mark and Linda Bedford) and “Shaping Bahá’í Institutions” (Ron and Marsha Gilpatrick). 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.

12-18: Camp Louhelen, Louhelen Bahá’í School (313-653-5033).

18-23: “Challenges of the Holy Year—Proclaiming Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Also, special course for young students ages 11 and older. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

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

19-24: Junior Youth Week, Louhelen Bahá’í School (313-653-5033).

24-26: Third annual Southeast Asian Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Theme: “Connecting the Hearts of Southeast Asians to Bahá’u’lláh.” For program information, please contact the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office (phone 708-869-9039; FAX 708-869-0247). For registration information, please phone the Louhelen Bahá’í School, 313-653-5033.

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

25-August 2: Irish Bahá’í Summer School, Newtown School, Waterford. Contact the Registrar, National Bahá’í Center, Burlington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.

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.

31-August 5: Family Week I, “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

AUGUST

1-6: Junior Youth Institute (ages 12-15), 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.

7-12: Family Week II, “Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets and His Mighty Covenant,” Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

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).

14-23: Project 92: A Workshop for Bahá’í Youth Workshops, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

15-20: In addition to the regular Youth and Graduate Institutes, a new program, “Advanced Research Institute on the Theory and Method of 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.

22-27: “Positive Personal Transformation,” “Understanding Our Transcultural Society,” “The Holy Year: Its Challenges and Opportunities,” Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Full program for children/youth directed by staff teachers. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

28-30: 10th Bahá’í Conference at Massanetta, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Staunton. Theme: “Bahá’u’lláh, His Revelation and His Covenant.” Please register by July 15. For registration/information, Jim Lamb, Staunton, VA 24401 (phone 703-885-6996).

SEPTEMBER

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

4-7: Homecoming 1992, Louhelen Bahá’í School. Phone 313-653-5033.

11-13: “Expanding Our Horizons,” the annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. For people of all ages. For information, please phone Cyndi Hogan, 303-625-3932.

18-20: 33rd annual Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Theme: “Know Thou the Value of These Days.” Confirmed speakers: Javidukht Khadem, Jenna Khodadad, Kevin Locke, Robert Malouf, Robert Harris, Ernestine Berkey. For accommodations and meal reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

OCTOBER

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

28-31: Conference on the Role of Women in a United Europe, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.

NOVEMBER

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

“Every individual believer--man, woman, youth and child--is summoned to the field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends.”--The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988