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The American Baha’i
Volume 24, No.14
- .knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Baha'u'llah
Mashiyyat B.E. 150 / September 27, 1993
PARLIAMENT OF Wor.p's RELIGIONS Calls for unity, brotherhood set tone at opening session
By Tom MeENNILLO
World religious leaders prepared the table for a nine-day banquet of interfaith understanding and cooperation in ceremonies August 28 opening the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
Counselor Wilma Ellis, administratorgeneral of the Bahd'f International Community, helped set the tone in an afternoon invocation and an evening address in which — she, along with many of the speakers, ringingly proclaimed the oneness of humanity and the common foundation of all religions.
The initial weekend of the Parliament included a program of music and prayer during Sunday devotions at the Bahd’i House of Worship in Wilmette. And Baha’ is prepared to take part on a large scale in the presentations, performances and workshops of the convocation’s remaining days (for complete coverage of
the Parliament, see the next issue of The American Bahd't).
The Parliament, held 100 years after a similar event in Chicago that afforded the Baha’f Faith its first public mention in the West, began with a colorful procession of delegates.
Twenty Baha’fs in native dress were among those who marched into the hall to the accompaniment of Buddhist chants, choral singing, brass flourishes and an American Indian drum beat.
An overflow audience jammed the ornate State and Grand ballrooms and three satellite meeting rooms at the downtown Palmer House Hilton hotel to witness the ceremony.
The assemblage was welcomed by Chicago Mayor Richard M.
i
Daley, who declared that “today’s problems are big, but they are not bigger than our spirit.”
Mr. Daley invoked the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.’s stirring “I have a dream” speech, delivered on the same date 30 years ago and commemorated this year with another March on Washington.
David Ramage, chairman of the Parliament board and president of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, also alluded to Dr. King’s dream in urging
Wisdom should be hallmark of campaign to eliminate racism
To all local Spiritual Assemblies Dear Bahd't Friends:
The oneness of humanity is the pivotal principle of Bahé’u'll4h's teachings. It is the foundation on which world peace will be constructed and the future civilization will be established. ‘Abdu’ IBahé, during His visit to America, emphasized the importance of race unity and the urgent need for the American Baha'is to achieve it. He explained the global benefits of success and the disastrous consequences of failure. The elimination of racism and the establishment of race unity is the imperative of our time: the most challenging issue.
Out of a deep sense of spiritual obligation, the National Spiritual Assembly launched a campaign to promote racial unity, which is now a central goal of the Three Year Plan. The Universal House of Justice expressed the hope that “the entire Community of the Greatest Name in the United States will arise with single-minded purpose to carry it forward with courage, consistency and confidence.”
The friends already have risen to proclaim the unifying teachings of Bahd'u'lléh and to serve their communities through the promotion of racial harmony. The Baha'f community has demonstrated a consistent pattern of leadership in areas of race relations which will surely result in progress for our nation and the advancement of the Cause of God.
Some projects, including a number of the Institutes for the Healing of Racism, have relied on theories and methods that are not entirely consistent with Baha'i teachings and principles. This has led to disunity, contention and even paralysis of Baha'{ community life in some localities. Moreover, when attempts were made to accuse, to fix blame or to shame individuals into confessing their alleged racism, conflict and estrangement have arisen among the friends. These problems indicate the need for careful guidance of such efforts by Spiritual Assemblies.
Secular methods, even powerful social forces, cannot by themselves achieve the unity that God has ordained for humanity. Transformation of character will occur as individuals deepen their love for Bahd'u'll4h, their knowledge and practice of His
teachings, and make wise and systematic efforts to rid themselves and their communities of racial prejudice. For a Baha’,
racial prejudice is a negation of faith. Freedom from prejudice is
the supreme injunction of Baha'u'llah and the “hallmark of a true
Baha'i character.”
The race unity campaign must adyance. We will continue to search for and develop effective ways to combat racism and promote unity. Spiritual Assemblies must assess the methods and consider the effects of such efforts in their localities. For exam ~ , those Institutes for the Healing of Racism which are unde. ihe sponsorship or jurisdiction of a local Spiritual Asser ly should be lovingly helped to apply the principles and inculcate the spirit of Baha'u'lléh's Faith as their operating force. In those cases where difficulties persist, consideration should be given to disbandment of the institute.
Where an Institute for the Healing of Racism has been organized and operates outside the orbit of the Baha'f administration, a different situation exists. Baha'is may participate as individuals in the activities of such an tute. In many cases this participation will present opportunities for teaching, for demonstrating Bah@'{ principles and will not compromise the unity of the community. However, if an Assembly perceives that the participation of a Baha'f in an Institute for the Healing of Racism is contributing, in the slightest degree, to his or her estrangement from the local Spiritual Assembly or from other Bahd'fs, or is causing disunity within the community, the Assembly is free to advise the individual to sever connections with the institute. No remedy can be effective if it vitiates unity or promotes contention.
As the Baha'i Writings clearly state, the fundamental solution to racial conflict rests ultimately in recognition of Baha'u'llah, obedience to His commandments and acceptance of the principle of the oneness of humankind. Our prayers for the guidance of Baha'u'llah in behalf of your devoted efforts in implementing this divine solution to humanity's ills are never-ending.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States August 9, 1993
Counselor Wilma Ellis, administrator-general of the Baha'i International Community in New York, addresses the opening session of the Parliament of the World's Religions in the Grand Ballroom at Chicago's Palmer House Hilton hotel.
Parliament conferees “not to serve our own interests but humankind’s.”
Invocations and blessings were given by 18 religious leaders representing original sponsors of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, which organized the Parliament.
One of the presenters, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago, proved most popular with photographers. That, in turn, benefitted the Baha’is: Counselor Ellis, who was seated next to the Roman Catholic prelate, was seen in several newspaper photographs the next day.
In her invocation, Counselor Ellis read from The Promulgation of Universal Peace:
“He [God] is kind and just to all. Why should we be unkind and unjust to each other? He provides for all. Why should we deprive one another? He protects and preserves all. Why should we kill our fellow creatures? ...All the divine manifestations have proclaimed the oneness of God and the unity of humankind. They have taught that we should love and mutually help each other in order that we might progress.”
The invocation ended with a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha:
“O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Though our bodies be gathered here together, yet our spellbound hearts are carried away by Thy love, and yet are we transported by
See PARLIAMENT page 15
Coordinators help traveling teachers 2 Have we ‘cracked’ development code? 5
1994: UN ‘Year of the Family’ 10
Horace Holley teaching campaign 12
Isolation a problem for some Baha'fs ° 13
Charlottesville's summer project 14
[Page 2]
2 Tre American BanA'l
HMM ERE Mee TT
TRAVELING TEACHERS
See TR a Tae
Coordinators stand ready to help friends win Plan's goal of 3,000
The goal for traveling teachers in the United States during the Three Year Plan is 3,000. Like the other numerical goals, it is expected that this goal will be won by the end of the first 19 months of the Plan (November 1994).
Believers can easily contribute toward this goal. Traveling teachers are individuals who travel outside their own community and help with teaching activities in another locality. Even if Baha’ fs go to a neighboring community to speak at a fireside, they can be counted as traveling teachers!
For those who wish to travel long distances within the United States or go to communities that are unfamiliar to them, the regional traveling teaching coordinators can help develop itineraries and channel the teachers to areas where they are needed. The coordinators serve as liaisons between the traveling teachers and the communities needing support in their activities.
Ifatraveling teaching coordinator knows that a traveling teacher will be passing through an area and can stop ina particular community, the coordinator will call that Assembly or Baha’f Group to ascertain whether the traveling teacher’s services are needed and help make arrangements
for the visit. Traveling teachers are expected to pay their own expenses including transportation, food and accommodations, but occasionally a community will offer hospitality.
Sometimes, traveling teachers will pass through an area and call the local Baha’ is without having set up a visit through the traveling teacher coordinator. The Baha’f community is not obligated to host or sponsor the activities of a traveling teacher, but it may choose to do so. If acommunity is contacted directly by a traveling teacher who is unknown to members of the community, the Assembly should call the National Traveling Teaching Coordinator to verify that person’s status as a Baha’.
Traveling teachers are under the guid
ance of the Spiritual Assembly in whichever commu they are visiting. No teaching activities, such as conducting a
public meeting, should be carried out without the knowledge and approval of the Assembly.
In areas where there are not Assemblies, teaching efforts should be carried out either in collaboration with Baha’f groups or isolated believers, if there are any, or with nearby Assemblies. Thus, the local believers will be able to advise the traveling teachers about effective teaching meth
Niaz Khadem, a fourth-grade student at
Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur,
Louisiana, stands in front of his exhibit,
‘What Is the Baha'i Faith?’ which was
entered this year in the school's Social
Studies fair. Niaz researched and put
together the exhibit himself. At the end of
the day, the judges announced that his
WHAT IS THE BAHA'L FAITH ?
work had won first place in the ‘anthropology’ category and Best of Show in all categories for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. A month later, the exhibit was entered in a district-wide competition where it was seen by about 2,000 people.
ods and establish relationships with the non-Baha’f contacts that are made. Baha’{ communities that would like to request the visit of a traveling teacher as well as those who would like to travel to teach may contact the traveling teaching coordinator in their region or the National Traveling Teaching Coordinator. National Traveling Teaching Coordinator: Mead Simon, NTC Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Ph. 708/869-9039. Region 1 (ID, MT, OR, WA, WY): Jack Hansen, 99360. Ph. 509/525-3978 Region 2 (CA, NV): Sandra Huit, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. Ph. 916/961-0807 Region 3 (AZ, CO, NM, UT): Terri Agahi, AZ 85027. Ph. 602/582-7979 Region 4 (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD): Janet Haworth, Springfield, MO 65803. Ph. 417/8629218 Region 5, #1 (AR, OK): Will Sutter, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Ph. 405/235-2802 Region 5, #2 (LA, MS, TX): Riaz Haghpajuh, Addison, TX 75244. Ph. 214/243-1540 Region 6 (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WD: Rose Wendel, . OH 45459. Ph. 513/433-1120 Region 7 (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT): Nancy Duggan, Malden, MA 02148. Ph. 617/324-7915, Region 8 (DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WY): Bruce and Lisa Barker, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Ph. 919/ 789-7878 Region 9 (AL, FL, GA): Dale Sollars,
FL 33411. Ph. 407/791-3755
Outside the Continental United States: Alex Blakeson, Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Ph. 708/869-9039.
So far, less than 600 individuals have reported to the National Teaching Committee that they have traveled to teach the Faith since Ridvan. Please remember to send a note to tell the National Teaching Committee or Office of Pioneering where and when you went or return the traveling teaching report form in this issue of The American Bahd’i so that you may be
Teaching Plans the NTC has Received from Assemblies as of 08/18/93 CENTRAL REGION st LSAS SENT %LSAs IA 12 2 17% 1 49 8 16% IN 12 4 33% KS 10 2} 20% MI 26 2 8% MN 15 1 1% MO 16 2 13% ND 3 0 0% NE 6 0 0% OH 7 2 12% sD 20 I 5% wi 23 6 26% SUB 209 30 14% Touchet, WA NORTHEAST REGION st LSAS SENT %LSAs cr 13 8 62% MA 20 9 45% ME 5 3 60% NH 12 6 50% Phoenix, NJ 14 1 1% NY 21 12 44% PA 9 0 0% RI 2 1 50% vr 4 1 25% SUB 106 41 39% SOUTHERN REGION st LSAS SENT %LSAs AL 10 1 10% AR 5 0 0% * pc 1 1 100% DE 6 0 0% FL 82 12 15% GA 63 4 6% Dayton, KY 5 1 20% LA 9 2 22% MD 28 5 18% Ms 4 0 0% NC 33 4 12% OK 13 2 15% sc 205 2 1% TN 12 2 11% 1x B 21 21% VA 32 4 13% wv 3 0 0% Royal Palm Beach, SUB ce cs 10 WESTERN REGION sT LSAS SENT %LSAs AZ 44 6 14% CA 244 33 14% co 28 1 4% ID 9 0 0% MT 12 3 25% NM 19 5 26% NV 10 1 10% OR 43 6 14% ur 8 1 13% WA 72 19 26% wy 3 0 0% SUB 492 15 15% TOT 1391 207 15%
counted as one of the 3,000 traveling teachers of the Three Year Plan!
Baha'i radio representatives confer in Quito, Ecuador
The American Bahd't is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'ts of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo. The American Bahd't welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'{ Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahd't, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahd't National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1993 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'fs of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed inthe U.S.A.
About 50 representatives of Bahd'f radio stations and institutes from six countries in North and South America gathered June 30-July 8 in Quito, Ecuador, for a nine-day conference.
The event was blessed by the presence of a number of special guests: Counselors Ruth Pringle and Isabel Sanchez; Donald Witzel and Stephen Kozlow of the International Bahé'f Audio-Visual Center (IBAVC)-Radio Bah4'f Division; and four members of the Latin America Radio Advisory Committee (LARAC).
Consultation on the Three Year Plan was guided by the Counselors. Other topics included social and economic development, translation of
elevation of indigenous cultures, tapping human resources, radio drama, programming for women, using commercial radio, and preparing for entry by troops.
Sessions were comprised of lectures, small-group discussions, and workshops.
It was noted that Baha’f radio is simply a teaching tool to which some areas have access, while other areas may rely on other means for teaching such as commercial radio. audio-visual productions, translations, etc.
A significant feature of the conference was the active role taken by many indigenous people from Baha'i staffs including Quechua, Mapuche, Aymara and Guaymi.
the Baha'f Writings into in digenous languages, self- RESERVE NOVEMBER 14 ffici fe dit oc adaeag progranim OUR DESTINY HAS ARRIVED
ideas, the preservation and
Masuivyar B.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 3]
3
THE American Ban:
MISSION 19 ‘<::;""
U.S. Baha’i Community Current Goals and Status - Mashiyyat 150 - September 27, 1993
1993 - 1996
6 TEACHING ) CatTcH THE HEAT Wave 4
whe NATIONAL FiresipDE TEACHING CAMPAIGN Ne
TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS A Se eres SS Ix ors-926 | Ne J \R 1s 18 Ao he e aoe ‘Im SS sas eed ae 10/16-11/3 a i eas 12/31-1/18 aes Pe Ly - pn2-1230. 9? # Ae Kamél Mashfyyat I ee ey ee oF 8/1-8/1 9/27-10/15 L x : yay upae Z sT gis \ ie 13 2 Quirat Hen : aaa Kalimat 11/4-11/22 qs me is ae 27-2 u Sen ee 12 I Kes re Rahmat~ 65-6 /23 10 lagi ape “ G247/12) | eammat 4728-516 a x 5/17-6/4 HB 0a! for the 3 Year Plan 4 Wee i ae iso! Needed as of this report aN nar LN aah . 7 HE Completed as of this report x t
In just a few weeks, beginning with the Feast of Qudrat (November 4, 1993), the HEAT Giatd Everything And Teach) Wave fireside teaching campaign will sweep around the country in a tremendous circle that will come to a close in November 1994,
r I . F coinciding with the ending of Mission 19 (the time by which all the numerical goals of the Three Year Plan are to be fulfilled). HE UND This HEAT wave will begin in the Chicago area, since, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha said in Tablets of the Divine Plan, with “every (Preliminary as of Aug. 31, 1993) movement initiated in Chicago, its effect was spread to all parts and to all directions, just as everything that appears in and
manifests from the heart influences all the organs and limbs of the body.” It will then spread from Baha’{ month to Baha’f month (except for the month of the Fast) to all other areas of the country. During the campaign, believers throughout the
Four Major Funps country are asked to concentrate prayers for teaching on the area of intensive HEAT and begin regularly holding firesides if they are not yet doing so. And when the wave reaches your area, Hold Everything And Teach! eee Firesipe AREAS 10 ‘Azamat 5/17-6/4 Oklahoma, Texas 1 Qudrat — 11/4-11/22 Illinois, lowa, Missouri 11 Nor 6/5-6/23 Arizona, New Mexico ey Goal for 150 B.E. 2 Qawl 11/23-12/11 Indiana, Ohio 12Rahmat 6/24-7/12 California: Electoral Units 025, 026, Rc 3 Masd’il 12/12-12/30 Michigan, Wisconsin 027, 029, 030, 031
- BB] Contributions to Date 4 Sharaf 12/31-1/18 Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 13Kalimat 7/13-7/31 California: Electoral Units 015, 019,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 028 Vermont 14Kamél = 8/1-8/19 California: Electoral Units 008, 009, 5 Sultén — 1/19-2/6 New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018 NATIONAL FuND 6 Mulk = 2/7-2/25 Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 15 Asma’ —8/20-9/7 Oregon —— Washington (DC), West Virginia 16 ‘Izzat 9/8-9/26 Washington 7 Bahé 3/21-4/8 Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina 17 Mashfyyat9/27-10/15 Colorado, Idaho, Montana, 8 Jalal 419-4/27 Florida Nevada, Utah, Wyoming INTERNATIONAL FUND 9 Jamél 4/28-5/16 Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, 18‘Ilm __10/16-11/3 Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee N. Dakota, S. Dakota Y, nopeonetiadte sina toe Aaa akbar ie! ie ail Arc Projects FUND 3000 Traveling Teachers Sought for Three Year Plan
|
| Traveling teachers are Baha’ {fs who travel to localities other than their own and | participate in teaching activities in those communities. Are you a traveling | teacher? The National Spiritual Assembly would like to count your efforts toward | its goals! If you have travelled to teach internationally, please return this form to: | Office of Pioneering, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. If you have | travelled to teach within the United States, please return this form to: National I Traveling Teaching Coordinator, Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
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|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
CONTINENTAL FUND ENROLLMENTS BB $0,000
$55,129
HR 995,129
HS From Nat’ Baha’ Fund (QM) Earmarked Dollars
Name: ID #:
Street: City/State/Zip:
Year to date...
Date: from to Where did you go?
HERB) Total contributions
What did you do?
Masuivyar 8.€. 150 / SepremBer 27, 1993
[Page 4]
4 THe AMERICAN RAHA!
The following traveling teaching report was received from Sadat and Ghodsieh Ostovar of Colorado, who traveled to Ukraine in February and March,
We spent most of our time in Yalta where we were assigned to go by the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.
Yalta radio interviewed us and broadcast the interview for two days straight. We also had an interview with a Crimean newspaper. We visited with the vice-mayor of Yalta and spoke to him about the Faith. He was very pleased to hear about it and was surprised to learn that Bahd’fs live in Yalta.
We visited the local library to contribute Baha’f books. At first the librarian didn’t want to accept the books because she misunderstood the Faith to be a cult. After we explained its principles to her, she joyfully accepted the books and asked for more.
When we first arrived in Yalta we rented a completely furnished apartment very inexpensively. This enabled
us to serve guests immediately ina proper manner. We held “firesides” every night. The meetings served the purpose of both introducing seekers to the Faith and deepening the new declarants. We hired a young translator for the duration of our visit.
Deepened pioneers are desperately needed to assist in the teaching and deepening. Traveling teachers are especially useful if they have enough time to know the believers and also become involved in the deepening. In Ukraine, there are only eight pioneer families ina population of over 50 million! Jobs are not easy to find, but living costs are still very low.
In Ukraine there are so many opportunities for those who sincerely want to teach the Faith. The people are not yet immersed in the materialism that exists in the western countries and they are very receptive to the teachings of Baha’u’llah,
We interviewed a new Baha’f of six months on video, and he said, “Now is the
Bahd'ts gathered in Yalta last February Hae the District National Convention for the Crimea and Ukraine.
time to teach the Baha’{ Faith in Ukraine. If we wait too long I am afraid we will lose our best opportunity.”
We are now studying Russian and are anxious to return as soon as possible.
Ongoing traveling teaching opportunities in many areas during the next Baha'i year
Your support is urgently needed for the following short-term and long-term international teaching projects:
AFRICA: Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Transkei, Uganda, West Africa (for Benin, Céte D’ Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo), Zambia, Zimbabwe.
ASIA: Bangladesh, India, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.
AUSTRALASIA: Cook Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
CARIBBEAN: Bahamas, Barbados, East Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe, Haiti,
GOING ABROAD? MAKE YOUR TRIP COUNT!
Beloved friends, the international travels of the followers of Bahé’u’ll4h from the United States form a significant part of the history of the development of the Faith. The Universal House of Justice has asked us to keep detailed records of our international trips of any nature. It is important to remember that your mere presence as a Bahé’{ in another country can potentially bring the spirit of the Faith of Baha’u’llah to that land. To record your international travels as a U.S. Bahd’i, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247, Attn. Office of Pioneering.
Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, West Leeward Islands.
EASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Yugoslavia.
LATIN AMERICA: Bolivia, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico.
NORTH AMERICA: Alaska.
WESTERN EUROPE: France, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland.
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAYELING TEACHING PROJECTS
BOLIVIA: “A.Q. Faizi Teaching Project” in Santa Cruz, began August 6, initial phase to last one year, with the goal of establishing permanent teaching teams operating in the area. Some knowledge of Spanish needed.
FRANCE: Conferences, meeting members of local organizations, teaching, proclamation; Started mid-July.
HUNGARY: All Bahd’ fs of Hungarian origin urgently needed in the Three Year Plan teaching work, starting immediately.
MACAU: Chinese-speakers needed for initiation of campaign to “carry the healing message of Bah4’u’ Il4h to the generality of mankind”; October 20, 1993-January 23, 1994.
TURKEY: “Jinab-i-Munib”+Teaching and Consolidation Project, July 15-October 15. Short pilgrimage to the House of Bah4’u’lléh in Edirne, teacher training course, teaching & consolidation work.
For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247.
Canary Islands, Ireland, Italy, Spain,
Successful Holy Year teaching campaign continues as part of Three Year Plan
More than one hundred Baha’f youth, including a significant number from the United States, traveled throughout Europe in 14 groups to bring the healing Message of Baha’u’llah to nearly 40 countries last year. As a result of the
success of the “Routes Project,”
the European Baha’f Youth Council will
continue this strategy during the Three Year Plan. The first phase of the project was launched this month and will end in August 1994. The Council notes that “The American and Canadian Baha’f youth have always participated with great
devotion and endeavor in the teaching act
ies in Europe, and many of the
successes of last year’s Routes Project are due to their selfless response to the call...to participate in this unique venture.” If you would like to take part, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahd’{ National Center immediately for
more information.
Connecticut Baha'i commended on his ‘day in court’
Illness kept Thomas Jerige from his day in court. But that didn’t stop the Litchfield (Connecticut) Superior Court from “convicting” Mr. Jerige of being a “very, very dedicated teacher.”
Mr. Jerige, a Baha’ f from New Hartford, was honored during the Law Day program May 3 for his work as coach of the mock trial team at Northwest Regional School No. 7 in Winsted.
Kevin F. Nelligan, chairman of the event, lauded Mr. Jerige’s team for the “amount of time and effort they do put in—four or five hours a night, three or four times a week.”
He then recognized the efforts of Mr. Jerige.
“T think that if we ever see any of these students back here as lawyers several years down the road, I think they’ll be able to look back and say they got their start from Mr. Jerige,” said Mr. Nelligan. “He de
Reminder to overseas pioneers
who may be traveling to other countries or returning to the States fora
short visit or permanently.
Please get a membership card or a letter from your National Spiritual Assembly stating that you area Bahd’t in good standing. Your U.S. membership card is no longer valid once you have been transferred to another country.
serves congratulations for the amount of work that he doe: Judge Charles Gill, from the Judicial District of Bantam, also spoke in tribute. He contrasted Mr. Jerige with the socalled “beautiful people” who have “the yachts and all the furs and all the money— and, unfortunately, the lifestyles that we don’t quite approve of in many ways.”
Said Judge Gill, “These ‘beautiful people’ were never the beautiful people to me. The beautiful people to me were always the people like Tom Jerige and his wife, Sally (Arango Renata).
“They’re beautiful people because they’re two people with very, very strong religious convictions,“ he said, “and it’s not the type of rel us conviction that they’re interested in saving themselves, but rather the one type of religious conviction where they are concerned about others. Particularly children.”
Judge Gill noted that Mr. Jerige, in addition to being mock trial coach, is a sports coach and an educator. He recalled Mr. Jerige taking Judge AnneC. Dranginis and him and some students to the United Nations for a special children’s program on children’s rights.
“So, I think northwest Connecticut and the Regional School are fortunate indeed to have a person such as Tom Jerige,” the judge said.
Masuivyar 8.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 5]
THe American BaHA'l 5
APRN ee
THAT
E Funps
In October 1983 the Universal House of Justice called the Baha’f world to a new field of endeavor: social and economic development. This call has produced more than a thousand formalized programs and projects around the world: clinics, literacy programs and schools, women’s institutes, and so forth.
These programs all have important social dimensions, but what do they do for the economic life of peoples? And are they sustainable in the long term?
Of course, better education will have a long-term effect on the student, which generally results in an improved standard of living. It is also true that education along spiritual lines should enable the student to make better use of material resources during her or his life, so that the vicious circle of materialism may finally be broken.
But what will sustain the school itself? Or the hospital? Or the women’s institute? Once the program has grown beyond its limited early needs, where will capital come from to provide for its further growth?
To date, the answer has been from either the Baha’{ Funds or such outside sources as government development ministries, USAID, some of the great philanthropic foundations, and individual donors.
There is no large program in the Baha’{ world today, however, that meets all its needs by itself. Even in the case of the excellent schools, tuition does not and cannot cover fully their costs of providing education; hence, they are constantly searching for short- and long-term funding.
What does this mean?
One implication is that all these projects are vulnerable to calamity. If funding is cut off because the Faith becomes unpopular someplace or because a govern— ment’s budget is reduced, some of our most excellent programs could be forced to shut down.
Philosophically, there is another problem. One primary purpose of Baha’{ development is to promote human dignity, honor and self-reliance. By creating programs that rely on outside funding or even ones that, in the words of one project manager, “will always rely on the Fund,” are we not in fact simply creating a new set of dependencies?
What answers can we find, then?
The first is a clearer recognition that money is not the engine that makes Baha’{ development run; grass-roots commitment is, and this in turn is the result of unity.
That seems to be one reason the Universal House of Justice so emphatically indicates the need to start modest programs that can be supported by the existing community. When the people and the money available are enough to make a start, then we can go ahead; the starting point is not a grant from some foun
dation that causes us to
make up a program that
will fit.
Asecond, complementary approach is more challenging, but probably more fruitful over the long term. It consists in designing programs that from their outset produce money to be reinvested in further program growth,
An old English tale
Once upon a time (about 500 years ago, in fact) an English architect was commissioned toconstructa large building for a new university.
Monthly Patterns Monthly Goal
International Fund National Fund Arc Projects Fund Continental Fund
Monthly Contributions
Have we ‘cracked the code’ on de NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES
Contribution Update - July 30, 1993
National Goal for BE 150 $25,000,000
How are we doing this year?
velopment?
AE) Jui Jul ee $2,083,333 $2,083,333 $2,083,333 $6,250,000 $795,877 $935,589 $1,170,258 $2,901,724 $27,646 $33,245 $56,867 $117,758 $692,055 $766,359 $1,036,217 $2,494,631 $62,771 $122,250 $61,978 $246,999 $13,405 $13,735 $15,196 $42,336
The structural frame and the interior design both called for a special kind of English oak tree. The resulting structure welcomed thousands of young, eager students for five centuries.
In 1990, the governors of this university had a problem: The structural frame and the beautiful old oak paneling in their fine old building were rot Monthly Goals and Contributions
Jun-93
—*— Monthly Goal
= =8 = Monthly Contributions
Jul-93
ten; the building was set to fall down on their heads. The $20 million price tag for replacing all that wood, though, was just too much for their budget.
They met and they talked, but they were getting nowhere until one bright lad said, “What
National Fund Arc Projects Fund Continental Fund
International Fund
toca oma rd
How does this year compare with previous years?
Jul-91 it ees $361,255 $122,200 $117,758 $2,384,161 $2,850,898 $2,494,631 $235,069 $216,403 $246,999 $48,818 $72,040 $42,336
CERISE $3,
Ena yee
about that beautiful stand
of old trees down the $3,500,000 Well, off they went to $3,000,000
meet with the wardens of
this forest. To their $2,500,000
amazement, the wardens $2,000,000
replied to the scholars’
story by saying, “We $1,500,000
wondered when you 000
would come looking for 8001
these trees; they’re $500,000
yours!” $0
It seems that old-time architect had specified in
Jul-91 Jul-92
Continental Fund
Arc Projects Fund
National Fund
International Fund
Jul-93
his original plans that those trees should be planted at the same time the building was built.
He knew that it would take 500 years, the useful life of the wood, for the new trees to grow to sufficient size to replace the wood that would inevitably rot. When the building required it, the replacement wood was ready.
Lesson for today
There is much to be learned from this example. In the context of Baha’f social and economic development, it would seem to mean that we should design our programs in such a way that the means for their continued evolution will be provided as a part of the program itself.
How might this be done?
One way may be to have practical training programs that will enable participants to earn a wage, out of which a portion can be set aside for future development needs in the area.
Indeed, improving the earning capacity of a
group of people, particularly those who are eager to build and serve a community, is in itself a powerful development tool that makes all kinds of things possible.
Another way might be for groups of individuals to form businesses with the goal of supporting the Baha’{ Funds, out of which more money would then become available for community deyelopment.
Baha’{ institutions might create entiti that would operate under their auspices and produce revenues.
One model might well be the Mashriqu’IAdhkar itself: Certain of its dependencies, such as the travelers’ hospice, might well be revenue-producing organizations that would produce their own support as well as resources to in the strictly humanitarian programs also associated with this extraordinary institution.
The point is, we do not yet know what
forms these things might take. We do
know two things, however.
First, consultation among the local and national institutions is essential before taking any step in this field.
And second, we have the mission of revolutionizing every aspect of society, not just the social services, until finally we witness “a society unified in all the essential aspects of its life.”
Chinese guests at Tigard picnic
More than 45 Chinese were among the 75 or more Bahd'fs and guests who enjoyed a picnic June 28 sponsored by the Baha't community of Tigard, Oregon.
The weather was lovely, and those at the event enjoyed kayak rides, basketball, soccer, croquet, and deli ood prepared by a Chinese Baha'i, Ed Lee.
Masuivyar 8.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 6]
6 The American Baha’i
New From the U.S.
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The Baha’ Publishing Trust has released the first pocket-size edition of The Kitab-i-Aqdas. This edition has been painstakingly typeset to ensure high readability. As part of the “Master
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The Holy Year: 1992-1993 is a compilation of major messages of the Universal House of Justice referring to the Holy Year commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the ascension of Baha'u'llah and the inauguration of His Covenant. The book is divided into three parts. The first contains preliminary messages about the Holy Year; the second, letters of the Universal House of Justice from Ridvan 1992 to Ridvan 1993; and the third, readings from the commemorative service held at Bahjf on May 29, 1992, and in communities worldwide. The messages include the tribute of the Universal House of Justice to Baha’u’llah, the message to the Second Baha’i World Congress, and the message delivered by worldwide satellite broadcast. 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 68pp.
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Baha'i Publishing Trust - UK
Baha'i Distribution Service ¢ 1-800-999-9019
Masuivyat 8.£. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 7]
ate
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Vivir! by Paul and Lourdes Gonzdlez
A recording of songs, in Spanish, consisting of quotations from the Baha’f English translations, and a summary of the history
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Este cassette esta disefiado para ser usado en la ens canciones nuevas y otras concidas y queridas en toda Am
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7
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40 minutes / Susquehanna Baha'i Institute / CS $8.95
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45 minutes Produced by Jack Lenz and Tom Price
WRITTEN BY Bahlyyih Nakhjavant DIRECTED BY Martine Caillard PRODUCED BY Fourth Epoch Productions
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A challenging new video that sets Baha’u’llah’s life and teachings against the backdrop of the transformation in humanity’s fortunes during the twentieth century.
@ Part 1 concentrates on the life of Baha’u’llah from 1852—when He was first banished from His native Persia—to His Ascension in 1892
Part 2 profiles the present-day Baha’i community, attempting to put Baha’u’llah’s teachings into practice all over the world.
Suir To
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Masnivvat B.£. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 8]
8 THe American BaHA'l
Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Bahd't 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 GREEN ACREBahd'f School is seeking a program coordinator. This is a full-time, year-round position primarily responsible for planning and coordinating educational programs and activities at Green Acre. Qualifications include an in-depth knowledge of the Baha'f writings and Administrative Order; experience in planning and coordinating instructional services; ability to communicate effectively to large groups and to interact with a wide range of people; proven success in organizing and coordinating multiple tasks over an extended period of time. The position requires a personable, creative, highly motivated person who is a strong self-starter; experience in teaching or direct involvement with Bah4'f educational programs for adults, youth and children is highly desirable. Please send letter of introduction and résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bahé'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking a general manager for the Baha'f Publishing Trust. This position requires a strong general manager capable of managing large numbers of people, preparing and managing significant budgets, developing plans and strategies for producing desired results. Publishing experience a plus. Please send résumé to the Bah4'f National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE BOSCH Bahi't School wishes to extend its Youth Service Corps program to include three-month, six-month and one-year terms. If you would be interested in an opportunity ,to serve the Faith in this capacity, please phone the Bosch school, 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. These positions are for 40-hour weeks as volunteers in the many areas of service required at a permanent school. A small stipend for food is provided if needed. Past experience has shown that a car is helpful due to the school’s remoteness from town. This is a truly unique opportunity not only to be of service but also to develop and grow within a Bahd'f family setting.
PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT
THE BAHA'f community of Lomita, California, warmly invites two or three dedicated Bahd'fs to relocate there and help re-form the Assembly. Lomita is at the foot of the lovely Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California, 10 minutes from the beach and an hour from the mountains or desert. The climate is generally comfortable the year round. Jobs currently being advertised are in accounting, computers, dental and health care, engineering, banking and sales, among others. We would be happy to help you locate employment and housing. If interested, please contact our secretary, Heidi, at 310-544-8337, or leave a message.
GUADALUPE, Arizona, 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix or the Arizona State University campus, has an Hispanic population that includes a large number of Yaqui Indians. Nearby industries and companies range from manufacturing electronic components to bank credit and processing centers. The Spiritual
150 / SeptemsBer 27, 1993
Assembly of Tempe will help anyone who is interested in relocating to this impoverished Hispanic community. Must speak fluent Spanish, have reliable transportation, and feel comfortable with being an “outsider.” For more information, write to Barbara Clements, secretary, P.O. Box 504, Tempe, AZ 85280, or phone 602-897-7987.
NEEDED: in Minot, North Dakota—physicians, all specialties. If you enjoy clean living in the great outdoors with good schools
for your children, this is the place you've been looking for. Please contact Frank or Shahnaz Damasio, Minot, ND
58701, or phone 701-839-7870.
ACTIVE TEACHING project (TaylorRubino) sponsored by a strong Assembly in western Michigan needs a self-sustaining homefront pioneer couple as soon as possible. Excellent opportunity for an interracial family or returning pioneers from overseas to live in a receptive, integrated rural community. ‘There are four new Bahd'fs and 20 seekers who are studying the Faith regularly through a systematic home-study course. We also offer weekly Bahd’f classes to about 25 non-Bahé'f children and have an exciting Three Year Plan for the project. Help us keep the momentum going! Traveling teachers are also welcome. Contact the Spiritual Assembly of White River Township, c/o June Martinez,
Montague, MI 49437 (phone 616-894-6485).
THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Buena Park, California, is in jeopardy and desperately needs homefront pioneers to help maintain its status at Ridv4n 1994. Seeking those who are active and willing to support the community. Buena Park, in northern Orange County, is a clean and desirable place to live; only 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles with two major freeways running through the city. Cypress College, Cal State-Fullerton and Cal State-Long Beach are only minutes away. The Buena Park Assembly is quite active, has held many successful teaching and fund-raising events, and is a regular contributor to the Baha'f Funds. Its loss would be greatly felt in the city and district. For information about how you can help, please phone Mr. and Mrs. Riazati, 714994-3131; Mr. and Mrs. Meshkin, 714-5227978; or Mr. and Mrs. Ghalili, 714-522-6641.
THE BAHA'f community of Cumberland, Maryland (15 minutes from Frostburg University) needs two more Bahd’fs to achieve Assembly status. Scenic western Maryland is a lovely place to live and work. An opening exists for a skilled carpet installer. For more information, please phone 800-356-6748.
COME TO THE VALLEY that has everything: a great multicultural mix, near-perfect climate at high altitude, near a university, colleges, major hospitals and research labs. Opportunity to teach the Faith to about 60,000 people. You are needed to help strengthen this small but determined Baha'f community bordering Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Native American Isleta Pueblo. Our goal: two pioneer-oriented families and/or individuals before Ridvan. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Pajarito,
Albuquerque, NM 87121, or phone 505-873-4768.
RUSHVILLE, Illinois, a lovely, friendly and quiet small town (pop. 3,500) has only two Bahd'fs living there who would like to invite others to relocate. Good schools; Western Illinois University is only 25 minutes away. Rushville is a great location for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, contractors, retired persons, artists, writers, dress shop owners, or those willing to commute a short way to work in nearby cities. For information, phone Richard or Sara Hatch, 217-322-4540.
THESPIRITUAL Assembly of Brookfield, Wisconsin, invites you to consider relocating to that area to help strengthen its community of nine adults. For more information about the locality, please write to the Baha'fs of Brookfield,
Brookfield, WI 53005, or phone 414-786gigas
BAHA'f COLLEGE prospects: consider Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, for furthering your studies.
STR eae
BHSU offers bachelor's degrees in 57 major fields and pre-professional programs including outdoor education and Indian studies, and accepts students from high school graduates to grandparents. The local Bah4'f community is fired up to spread the Faith in the beautiful Black Hills area. For a catalog and information about the area, please write to Joseph Howell, _ Spearfish, SD 57783, or phone 605-642-4391.
ARCHIVES
THE NATIONAL Baha’ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Marion Rhodes, A.L. Rhoton, Loulie Rice, Edris Rice-Wray, Louise C. Rich (died Chicago, 1950), Adrieine Richardson, John Boyd Richardson (died Chicago, 1949), Marion Richmond, Anise Rideout (died Brookline, MA, 1949), and Florence A. Riedle (died Chicago, 1943). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahd'f Archives, Bahd'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-8699039).
THE NATIONAL Bahé'f Archives is seeking photographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities, especially early pictures. Please identify the photographs if possible with the name of locality and date. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha'i Archives, Bah4'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
ai
THE BAHA'f Publishing Trust is seeking a copy of a record album, “Angels of Fire and Snow,” featuring Joany Lincoln. It was published in the late 1960s or early 1970s. If you have a copy and would be willing to donate it to the Baha’f Publishing Trust, please contact Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Baha'f Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-251-1854; fax 708-251-3652). If you have a copy of the album but are not willing to part with it, we would appreciate your sending us information about what is printed on the album's label.
WANTED: a copy of an old “World Bible” (not sure of title, author or publisher). It has passages about all the major religions recognized by Baha'fs including Zoroastrian. A new issue by an English author or publisher was good but omitted Zoroaster. Please send (collect) to: Anna L.B. Hall,
Nantucket, MA 02554 (phone 508-228-2904). Please call first, as I need only one!
WANTED: Bah4‘ artists and craftspersons to display and sell their wares at the Baha'f Family Reunion, April 29-May 2, 1994, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Limited space is available. All items must be approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.
DO YOU KNOW professional Baha'fs in the U.S. or elsewhere who are trained or interested in NLP (the “science of intuition” developed as a modern methodology for internal and interpersonal communication)? Since NLP is an extremely effective tool for change, it needs high ethical standards that can only provide a spiritual approach. Who else but we Bahd'fs should show a way to use NLP with responsibility. In Europe there are about 30 practitioners, master-practitioners and highly interested friends. I would like to establish contact with those in other countries including the U.S. prior to the IANLP Conference next April 22-24. Please contact Annegret Meyer,
Ger
many (fax 49-89-6135764).
WANTED: memories of favorite Baha'f holiday celebrations for a handbook for Baha'f families about creating memorable Baha'f holiday observances. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experiences in this area. I am especially interested in cross-cul
tural stories and those with high sensory appeal. Please indicate the source of your material. Send to Diane Petit,
Lansing, IL 60438.
WANTED: copies of the “Star Study” program (series of nine booklets), copyright by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly around 1976, for teaching youth and new believers in our community. Would be happy to accept on loan, or pay for materials and mailing. Please contact Teri Anderson,
Helena, MT 59601.
STAMP COLLECTORS: | am looking for the following Bahd't postage stamps and covers—(1) Sri Lanka, “World Religion Day,” 1985, Jan. 20, Scott A287; (2) India, “New Delhi 60th Anniversary” (shows Temple), 1991, Scott 1364a; (3) Panama, “Freedom of Worship” (shows Temple), 1983, Oct. 21, Scott A209; (4) Panama, commemorative cover, “Conmemoracién de la Fe Bahd'f en 1992”; (5) Brazil, commemorative cover, “Centenary of the Ascension of Bah4'u'll4h.” Also interested in keeping in touch with Baha'fs who collect stamps. William Collins,
Alexandria, VA 22306 (telephone 703-765-9115; e-mail 4705541 @mcimail.com).
MISCELLANEOUS
ARE YOUSINGLE and interested in meeting other single Bahd'fs? I am trying to start a newsletter for single Bahd'fs. If you are interested, please send information you would like published to Lisa M. Iezzi, P.O. Box 414, West Union, OH 45693. .
THE AMERICAN branch of the international Bah4'f Esperanto League (BEL-Usono) invites anyone who is studying Esperanto, or who may be interested in the language, to contact Charles Donoghue,
Boone, NC 28607 (phone or fax 704-2645580). Information about BEL and a membership application will be mailed to you.
INFORMATION about the study of Esperanto through correspondence courses can be requested from the Esperanto League for North America, P.O. Box 1129, El Cerrito, CA 94530. ELNA can also refer you to universities at which Esperanto courses are offered for credit. To receive a packet of information about ELNA and Esperanto, send your name, address, city, state and zip code to the above address.
SCHOOLS, CONFERENCE:
THE LOUHELEN Bahi'f School invites applications for its “Pathways to Service” program which offers a one- or two-year period of service at Louhelen during which participants serve as resident staff and are engaged in a regular program of deepening and spiritualization. Volunteer service staff with similar commitments are needed to help in winning Louhelen’s Three Year Plan goals. While a wide variety of interests and skills will be considered, the school is especially seeking applicants who can serve as full-time staff in the following areas: cooking and food service, vegetable gardening and grounds maintenance, and office/library. Board and room are provided; however, no stipends or salaries are available. Personal health insurance is required. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services manager, Louhelen Baha'f School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).
Se N= 8
AVAILABLE from the Spiritual Assembly of Wilton Manors, Florida, for the cost of shipping: 3/4-inch video tapes of a 13-part television series, “The New World,” produced in 1973 by Robert Quigley for the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii, hosted by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears with music composed and arranged by Russ Garcia. Potentially a powerful teaching tool. If interested, phone Heidi Melius, 305-565-9143.
Eighteen Bahd'fs and their friends attended a spiritual training institute May 29-30 in Luanda, Angola. The gathering, it was reported, was characterized by “a spirit of love and unity,” and by the end of the institute five people had declared their faith in Bahé‘u'll4h.
Following a teaching conference last February, five members of the small Baha'i community of Tanga, Tanzania, resolved that they would try to give at least one hour a day to the Faith for the remaining 75 days of the Holy Year. The results of that ion include six enrollments; the reactivation of two long-time Bahd'fs; the formation of one new local Spiritual Assembly; presentation of the Statement on Bah4'u'll4h to 403 prominent people; proclamation of the Faith and distribution of pamphlets to more than 1,060 others; and a Naw-Ruz celebration attended by 30 non-Bahé'fs.
On the first day of Ridvan, a video tape of the second Baha'i World Congress was broadcast nationwide on Seychelles Television.
A Seminar for Moral Education was
, held April 9-11 in Brasilia, Brazil. The minar, which drew 52 participants from
18 Brazilian communities, was co-sponsored by the Continental Board of Counselors, the National Spiritual Assembly of
THe American BaHA'T 9
Brazil, and the School of the Nations. Two people from Paraguay and one from Uruguay also took part. The seminar's goal was to develop a new concept of moral education.
On April 16, a new Baha'i Center was inaugurated in Tapat, Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the presence of 40 adult Baha'fs and 12 children. After a welcoming speech by the vice-chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly, prayers were offered in Adi, Hindi, English and Manipuri. The life of Bahd‘u'llah was recounted, and the two arms of Baha'f administration were discussed. The ceremony was of special importance because the opening of Arunachal Pradesh has been a long-cherished goal of the National Spiritual Assembly of India.
More than 100 Baha'is from Cyprus, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Turkey attended the second European Conference for Turkishspeaking Bahd'fs and their friends held April 9-12 at De Poort, the Netherlands. Workshop sessions were interspersed with talks on “The Station of Baha'u'llah and the Holy Year” (Dr. Ferzad Kuchani); “Baha'f History and the Covenant” (Dr. Ilhan Sezgin); and “The Role of Women in Establishing Universal Peace” (Dr. Susan Merter).
The hour-long “Baha'f Newsreel” video of the second Baha'i World Congress was broadcast April 3 without commercial inter
Nine Baha'is take part in first conference
for women ever held in Russian Far-East
The first International Women's Conference to be held in the Russian FarEast took place August 6-15 in Petro— pavioysk-Kamachatskiy.
The conference was a collaborative project between Innovations Inc. and a Russian women's group. Innovations Inc., a United Nations non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by a Bahd'f in Juneau, Alaska, works to develop closer ties between the people of the U.S. and Russia.
During the past four years Innovations Inc. has organized a number of people-topeople exchanges between the two countries, with the women's conference representing the most recent of these exchanges. The U.S. delegation of approximately 90 women included nine Baha'fs, four adults and-five youth.
Among the Bahd'fs taking part was Rebequa Getahoun Murphy, the United Nations representative of the Bahd'fs of the United States, who delivered the keynote address at the opening session on “The Growing International Community of Women.”
The conference agenda, which was the result of consultation among women in the U.S. and Russia, addressed issues of critical importance to the women of Petropavlovsk. These included “Mental and Physical Health,” “Birth Control,” “Balancing Family and Professional Life,” and “Connecting the Women of Petropavlovsk to the 4th World Congress
on Women, in Beijing, China, in 1995.” In her opening remarks, Ms. Murphy stressed the importance of having Russian women become an integral part of the international women's movement.
As a follow-up to the conference, the Baha'is of the United States' UN Office plans to help establish links between the women of Petropaviovsk and women's organizations in New York who are involved in planning activities for the Beijing conference.
To accomplish this, the U.S./UN Office will work closely with the Bahé'f International Community's Office for the Advancement of Women (OAW). Mary Power, director of OAW, in her capacity as chairman of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (New York), is intimately involved in planning NGO activities for the 4th World Conference on Women.
The women of Petropavlovsk showed a keen interest in knowing what women are doing at the international level, asking questions about how to organize women's NGOs and how to network with women around the world. Many of the Russian women made commitments to attend the 1995 conference in Beijing.
The Bahd'fs of the region, several of whom attended the conference, can play a crucial role in facilitating contacts between the women of the Russian Far-East and international women's organizations.
ENN eT
ruption on Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT). The response from the public is reported as having been quite favorable.
A total of 280 Bahda'fs attended one or more of the six spiritual institutes held during the Holy Year in Vientiane, Laos. Most of the institutes were nine days long, and trainees were happy to be able to refresh their knowledge of the teachings of the Faith.
In connection with the Holy Year, each of the 51 members of the Parliament of Suriname was given a copy of the Statement on Baha'u'llah.
Representatives of the Baha'i, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities spoke last January during a World Religion Day commemoration at Baha'f House in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event received coverage on All India Radio as well as in the local press.
A law recently passed in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil recognizes March 21 as the Baha'f New Year and exempts Baha'f municipal employees from work and students in public schools from attending classes on that day. The law is signed by the mayor and 14 of his municipal secretaries.
On March 21, 56 Baha'i communities from the Northwest Territories and Yukon to the Atlantic Provinces of Canada supported the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Day was called for by the Federal Ministry of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, and was endorsed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.
Staff and students from the Rabbani Bah4'f School near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India helped this year with the re-election of 17 local Spiritual Assemblies in the vicinity of the school. In
ae. TT ae
Congress held at the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro. About 1,000 Baha'i pamphlets were given out during the five-day Congress.
addition, they hosted a special conference May 12-13 to deepen and inspire the newly elected Assembly members. More than 60 members of 10 Assemblies took part in the conference. As a result of their consultation, a plan is being prepared to conduct classes for children on morals and to teach and deepen youth.
Three Baha'fs from Canada traveled to New Zealand in February and March, giving firesides and public meetings, radio and newspaper interviews, and visiting schools. The traveling teachers also attended the 1993 International Indigenous Peoples Conference at Taumaranui, on New Zealand's North Island. The three visitors were Hazel Lovelace, a fullblooded Tlingit Indian of the Eagle tribe; Rita Blumenstein, the first Yupik Indian Bahd'f; and Rita's husband, Bernie.
In June, a one-day seminar on the Faith was given to 26 members of the Philosophy Club at the National Open University in Taiwan. The session began with an introduction of the three Central Figures, followed by talks on Baha'i History and teachings. After lunch, the “Baha'f Newsreel” video about significant events of the Holy Year was shown. After talks on the Covenant and Baha'i administration, the program ended with a question-and-answer session that was to last for 40 minutes but was extended to 80 before the caretaker of the meeting hall had to lock the doors. Afterward, 10 people stayed behind to ask more questions.
A press release about the seventh Baha'f International Convention was published in May in the Weekly Echo newspaper i Sierra Leone. Also published was an interview with and photograph of Abdul Magona, the only member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sierra Leone who was able to attend the Convention inHaifa, Israel.
RESERVE NOVEMBER 14 THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY IS ABOUT TO TAKE US TO OUR DESTINY
MasuivyaT 8.£. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 10]
10 THe American BanA't
aT TTT TERY
SESS Lag ETT
TE aR SITE PONENT on TE
TRADES EC
SERNA Fa SL a A ETO
In South Sacramento, support efforts lead to growth
The U.S. Baha'f Refugee Office reports that the Spiritual Assembly of South Sacramento, California, has seen formidable growth in its community in the past year.
Shortly before the World Congress last November, there were about a dozen adults in the community; today there are more than 70 adults, youth and children.
The increase has come about largely as a result of Assembly consultation on teaching and the decision to support efforts to teach those in the Asian community.
Specifically, the Assembly decided to support the Hmong Teaching Institute as fully and as often as possible with funds, prayer and, whenever possible, manpower. Three years later, the fruits of that decision can be seen in the steady growth of the community.
Besides increasing the number of enrolled Baha'is, three Southeast Asians presently serve on the Assembly: two Hmong and one Cambodian.
Assembly meetings and Feasts have become truly “international,” with prayers and business matters translated into a multitude of languages including
Spanish, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer and Hmong.
The Assembly has encountered some unique challenges with respect to deepening and consolidation, but is working to deal with them.
For the members of the community it has been a growing and learning experience, one that has deepened their love for Baha'u'll4h and the Faith and their commitment to the Teachings.
If you would like to help in teaching and
consolidating Southeast Asians, please contact the U.S. Baha'f Refugee Office, 708-869-9039.
United Nations declares 1994 ‘International Year of the Family’
In December 1989 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family (IYF).
The theme of the year is “Family: Resources and Responsibilities in a Changing World.” The primary goals are to increase awareness of family issues and to improve the institutional capability of nations to tackle serious family-related issues with comprehensive policies.
During the course of the year, the UN hopes that activities which are expected to take place at the local, national and regional level will raise consciousness of the universal need for sustaining and supporting families so that they can carry out their vital functions in society.
According to ‘Abdu’|-Baha, “A family is a nation in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household, and you have the nation. Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity. The conditions surrounding the family surround the nation. The happenings in the family are the happenings in the life of the nation.”
As more and more countries undergo severe social, political and economic upheavals, their ability to meet the basic needs of their citizens is severely hampered. For many, the family may be the only reliable source of support.
Activities for LY F will be launched by a World Non-Government Organization (NGO) Forum, scheduled to take place November 28-December 2, 1993, in Valletta, Malta. The conference theme is “Promoting Families for the Well-Being of Individuals and Societies.”
During the conference, the Baha'i International Community (BIC) will present a workshop on “The Role of Men in the Family.” In addition, sometime during the course of the year, the BIC plans to present several symposia on “Creating Violence-Free Families.”
The Baha'f community throughout the world has historically given strong support to similar UN activities. The UN
The American BanA'i
Subscription rates Outside continental U.S. only
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Decade for Women, the Year of the Child, and the Year of Youth all received regular support from the Baha'f community. These activi provide opportunities for Bahd'fs to share the teachings of the Faith on a wide range of related topics. Baha'fcommunities in the U.S.
school), and date when work was completed.
The deadline for mailing materials is October 15. Submissions should be sent to the International Museum of Children's Art, Lilles Froens Vel 4, N-0369, Oslo,
Norway.
We ask that copies of reports of Bahd'f activities be sent to United Nations Office, Baha'is of the United States, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1811.
are encouraged to plan activities related to [YF; communities may either plan their own activities or collaborate with other community groups including United Nations Associations.
Baha'i classes for children and youth may also wish to take part in a project to be coordinated by the International Museum of Children's Art in Oslo, Norway. The museum is asking children and youth ages 2-18 to take part ina global art expression in recognition of IYF 1994.
There is no set theme for the art work, and all kinds of techniques and materials can be used. Submissions can be large or small, done by viduals or groups—drawings, illustrations, essays, poems, plays or songs.
The following information must appear on the reverse side of all submitted materi- 1 als: title(s), name(s), nationality, age(s), date(s) of birth, address (both home and
Platte.
A children's class discusses the environment
b
during the Great Plains Bahd't School held June }-20 at Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska. The theme of this year's session was ‘The Kitdbqdas: Charter of the Future World Civilization,’ with classes on the Aqdas for 35 adults taught by Cliff Mason of Omaha and a class on empathetic listening moderated by Colin Taylor of North
Plano, Texas, event honors persecuted Bahai'is, minorities
The third annual memorial meeting in honor of persecuted Bahd'fs and other minorities was held June 19 at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.
More than 75 people took part in the event including representatives of Amnesty International and the NAACP.
Jon Orchard, president of Amnesty International-North Texas chapter, presented an overview of recent human rights violations in North and South America, the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East, India and China.
Leala Green, president of the NAACP. chapter in Garland, shared her views and concerns about violations of the civil rights of minority groups in the U.S., pointing to several recent racial incidents in north Texas, and acknowledged the efforts of Baha'fs in the Dallas Metroplex to promote racial harmony.
Payam Maveddat, a Baha'i from Plano,
spoke about the persecution of Baha'fs in Iran including that of his parents who were arrested and his father executed for his beliefs.
Mr. Maveddat analyzed the root causes of persecution, compared it to civil rights violations in this country, and presented the Bahé'f agenda for eliminating racism.
The meeting ended with a performance by Mike Ard and the Dallas Baha'f Choir.
UPCOMING Baha't Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institutes:
January 11-18, Bosch Baha’{ School, Santa Cruz, California.
If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.
—
National Assembly reminds friends that there are no ‘Baha'i’ education models
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that none of the current models of education and community development including Montessori, Waldorf, ANISA, the Four Worlds Development Project, Optimalearning, or the Balanced Life Values Program constitute in any way a Baha’ { “model” of education or community development.
The Universal House of Justice has been careful to ask the friends not to make statements that give the impression that there is a “Baha’i model” of education or community development.
Education and other human development activities are commendable areas of service for Baha’ fs, but the fact that Baha’f professionals are working on a particular project in no way means that it is to be labeled a “Bah4’f enterprise.”
Unwise actions in this regard can undermine the efforts that Baha’{ professionals may be making in their fields, and can do serious harm to the Cause.
munipeeenmmemammmmnies
[Page 11]
Individual Initiative
The McComb family of Eugene, Oregon, saw the American West this summer. Along the way, they taught the Baha’{ Faith to 81 people in one-on-one encounters.
Three generations of McCombs went on the car trip July 18-30 through parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon.
They traversed parts of three historical trails—Lewis & Clark, Oregon and Santa Fe—and several Indian Reservations.
The entourage consisted of Lucien and Ayned McComb; son Jeffrey; and son Gordon, his wife, Lauren, and their three children, Ross, Lindsay and Glenn (sixthgeneration Baha’ fs!).
‘The trip was spurred by the Ridvan 150 message of the Universal House of Justice:
“Our appeal for immediate, redoubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan is addressed primarily to the individual believer of every locality, who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Baha’f enterprise and ‘on whom, in the last resort,’ as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, ‘depends the fate of the entire community.’ ”
The family also noted the call for the U.S. Baha’i community to raise at least 3,000 traveling teachers during the Three Year Plan, and the National Teaching Committee’s emphasis on “the formulation of personal goals by individuals and families.”
How could the call be answered? The answer for the McCombs was to use vacation time as traveling teaching time, too.
With two cars crammed full of camping gear, the family left Eugene on July 18. The first stop was Touchet, Washington, at the home of Jack Hansen, coordinator for traveling teaching in their region, and his wife, Jan.
After touring Walla Walla the next day, the McCombs were off on their 10-state odyssey, during which they met many residents, especially American Indians; fellow vacationers from around the United States; and tourists from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, India, Korea and China.
According to Ayned McComb, the newfound friends from other countries “all said that they would look into the Faith further upon their return home. Intense interest was shown by all with whom. we spoke, and literature was received by many.”
Among the people contacted were:
- The director of an Indian trading post
whose husband is a well-known artist. She lauded the Baha’{ belief in the oneness of humanity and work in bringing about unity.
- A group of five French-Canadians
from Montreal “who were captivated by the principles.” Lucien’s father had become a Baha’f in the Maxwell home in Montreal.
- A family of four from Lausanne, Switzerland, with whom the family spoke at
length in French. They were “intensely interested” in the Faith and the literature and promised to contact the Baha’fs in
THe AMERICAN BaHA' 11
Three generations of McCombs travel and teach
Lausanne upon returning.
¢ An African-American couple from Tennessee “who promised to write us after they reached home and contacted the Faith there.”
- Five Navajo Indians they met in a store
and ina restaurant. In a long conversation, the Navajos indicated they liked the Faith’s recognition of one human family.
+ A family of four from the same city in New Jersey as Lucien’s brother. They promised to get in touch.
- Four women from Newport News,
Virginia, where Ayned’s mother and
grandmother, both Baha’ fs, had lived.
+ A family of nine from India, now living in Chicago, who said they visit the Baha’{ House of Worship in Wilmette regularly. (It was in Chicago that Lucien’s motherand grandmother and AuntRouhieh became Baha’fs in the days of ‘Abdu’lBaha’s visit in 1912.)
+ Nineteen mainland Chinese encountered at a highway rest stop. The Baha’f message was new to them, and they had kind words for Baha’u’Ilah’s Teachings.
As the McCombs traveled, they thought of the thousands of immigrants who
“pressed forward over these trails” with “courage, perseverance and dedication to achieving their goals.”
“Today, we are called upon to exhibit a similar spirit,” reflects Ayned Mc— Comb, “but we are different kinds of pioneers who are dedicated to winning spiritual goals.
“Our courage and perseverance in pursuing the plans we set for ourselves will produce victory in spite of seeming difficulties. We Baha’ fs won’t be charting any new physical trails, but our trails will be equally celebrated by future generations.”
Making Plans for Teaching: An Important Element in Community Growth and Development
The Baha’{ community, as a body of believers, has a distinct role to play in teaching the Cause of God. A group has a different dynamic than individuals and can accomplish greater and more diverse tasks than individuals who are working alone. When systematic plans are carried out by community members in a spirit of unified action, efforts are frequently more effective than random initiatives.
The potential of Baha’i community activity, which is dependent on the cooperative efforts of individuals, is described by the Universal House of Justice in its Ridvan 1984 message to the Baha’ fs of the United States:
“A Bahd’i community which is consistent in its fundamental life-giving, life-sustaining activities will at its heart be serene and confident; it will resonate with spiritual dynamism, will exert irresistible influence, will set a new course in social evolution, enabling it to win the respect and eventually the allegiance of admirers and critics alike. These profound possibilities reside in the will of the individual to take initiative, to actin accordance with the guidance offered by Bahé’t institutions, and to maintain such action regardless of the myriad distractions posed by the disintegration of a society adrift in a sea of materialism.” i
The Local Spiritual Assembly can ensure the consistent, unified action of its Bah4’f community by creating and implementing a systematic plan for teaching. To facilitate this important prerequisite for successful community growth and development, the National Teaching Committee has sent to each Local Spiritual Assembly and Registered Bahd’{ Group a booklet entitled “The Three Year Plan” which contains guidance suggestions for making plans.
The National Teaching Committee requested that each community develop a local plan for teaching and share with the Committee a copy of their plan. So far, the communities listed below have sent in their plans. The National Teaching Committee asks all Assemblies and Groups that have not yet developed and sent in a plan to do so as soon as possible. The guidance and focused direction it will provide your community may have remarkable results!
Communities from which Local Plans have been Received as of August 18, 1993
CENTRALSTATES LSA Stamford, CT. SOUTHERNSTATES LSA. Grand Prairie, TX RGP San Luis Obispo Co S, CA LSA Bettendorf, IA LSA Torrington, CT LSA Mobile, AL LSA LSA. San Rafael, CA LSA Des Moines, IA RGP Vernon Town, CT LSA Washington, DC LSA LSA Santa Clara, CA
RGP Mount Vernon, IA LSA W Hartford Town, CT. LSA Altamonte Springs, FL LSA LSA Santa Clarita, CA LSA Chicago, IL LSA Amherst Town, MA LSA Brevard Co, FL LSA LSA. Santa Monica, CA LSA Edwardsville, IL LSA Bamstable Town, MA LSA Broward Co S, FL. LSA Mc Kinney, TX LSA. Santa Rosa, CA
LSA Evanston, IL. LSA Belchertown Town, MA LSA Citrus Co, FL LSA Plano, TX LSA Seal Beach, CA
LSA Glencoe, IL LSA Cambridge, MA LSA Deerfield Beach, FL LSA Richardson, TX LSA Temple City, CA LSA Joliet, IL LSA Chelmsford Town, MA LSA Greater Gainesville, FL LSA The Colony, TX LSA Torrance, CA
LSA Peoria, IL. RGP_ Holyoke, MA LSA Lakeland, FL LSA Waco, TX LSA Vallejo, CA
LSA Springfield, IL LSA Newton, MA LSA Miami, FL LSA Wichita Falls, TX LSA Ventura Co, CA
LSA Urbana, IL LSA Northampton, MA LSA Orlando, FL. LSA Fairfax CoN LSA Glenwood Springs, CO LSA Crawfordsville, IN LSA Somerville, MA LSA Palm Beach Co S, FL (Great Falls), VA. LSA Billings, MT
LSA Gary, IN RGP S Hadley Town, MA LSA Pompano Beach, FL LSA Hampton, VA LSA. Lewis & Clark Co, MT
LSA Indianapolis, IN LSA Worcester, MA LSA Wilton Manors, FL LSA. Norfolk, VA LSA Missoula Co, MT.
LSA Lafayette, IN LSA Augusta, ME LSA Glynn Co, GA LSA Reston, VA LSA Albuquerque, NM RGP Marion, IN RGP Kingfield, ME LSA Peach Co, GA LSA Belen, NM RGP Vincennes, IN LSA Portland, ME LSA Richmond Co, GA WESTERNSTATES: LSA Pajarito, NM
LSA Hutchinson, KS LSA Manhattan, KS
LSA Roswell, GA LSA Louisville, KY
RGP South Berwick, ME LSA Standish Town, ME
LSA. Clarkdale, AZ RGP Holbrook, AZ
LSA. Paradise Hills, NM LSA Santa Fe, NM
RGP Femdalo, MI LSA Hudson Town, NH LSA LaPlace, LA LSA Mesa, AZ LSA Reno, NV LSA Holland, MI LSA Keene, NH LSA New Orleans, LA LSA Oro Valley, AZ LSA Beaverton, OR LSA Marquette, MI RGP Sulphur, LA ss
LSA Lebanon, NH o LSA Paradise Valley, AZ LSA Bend, OR eh arate LSA. Lee Town, NH sea ney LSA Tempe, AZ LSA. Benton Co, OR RGP Aitkin Co, MN LSA College Park, MD RGP Grand Rapids, MN See erent LSA Laurel, MD Ee LSA. Deschutes Co, OR
7 mt LSA Portsmouth, NH me RGP Arroyo Grande, CA LSA. Lane Co Central, OR
LSA Minneapolis, MN LSA Montgomery CoE, MD
LSA Montclair Township, NJ LSA Beverly Hills, CA LSA Medford, OR
ea Tareas tae 90 LSA. Amherst Towa, NY ren Gael Tem MP ISA Chico, CA LSA Sandy, U LSA. Brookhaven Town, NY LSA Dana Point, CA LSA. Auburn, WA RGP Akron, LSA Durham, NC LSA. Buffalo, NY LSA Downey, CA LSA Everett, WA
LSA Orange Co, NC LSA Raleigh, NC LSA Broken Arrow, OK LSA Edmond, OK
LSA El Cajon, CA LSA. Encinitas, CA LSA Fresno, CA LSA Irvine, CA
RGP Fredonia, NY RGP Grand Island Town, NY LSA Hamburg Town, NY
LSA Federal Way, WA LSA Franklin CCD 3, WA LSA Juanita, WA
LSA Westerville, OH LSA Pierre, SD
RGP Adams Co, WI LSA Hempstead Town, NY LSA Greenwood Co N, SC LSA Kent, WA LSA Brookfield, WI LSA Islip Town, NY LSA Richland CoN, SC on Pee en C8 LSA. King Co NE, WA LSA Madison, WI LSA. New York City, NY LSA Memphis, TN rea TY cA LSA King Co SE, WA LSA Milwaukee, WI RGP N Hempstead Town, NY LSA Wilson Co, TN LSA Los Angeles, CA LSA Kirkland, WA
LSA New Berlin, WI LSA Olean, NY RGP Allen, TX LSA. Los Gatos, CA LSA Klickitat CCD 1, WA LSA Oshkosh, WI RGP Orchard Park Town, NY LSA Arlington, TX LSA Marin Co, CA LSA Lakewood, WA LSA Waukesha, WI LSA Oyster Bay Town, NY LSA. Austin, TX LSA Mercer Island, WA
LSA Milpitas, CA
LSA Mission Viejo, CA LSA Mountain View, CA LSA. Mt San Jacinto JD, CA LSA Newark, CA
LSA Orange, CA
LSA Pleasant Hill, CA LSA Redwood City, CA LSA San Francisco, CA LSA San Leandro, CA
RGP Phelps Town, NY LSA Pittsford Town, NY
LSA. Smithtown Town, NY LSA Tonawanda Town, NY RGP Huntingdon Borough, PA RGP Swarthmore, PA
RGP Tredyffrin Township, PA LSA Warwick, RI
LSA Montpelier, VT
LSA Mountlake Terrace, WA RGP Normandy Park, WA LSA Redmond, WA
LSA Richland, WA
RGP_ San Juan Island, WA LSA Snohomish Co SE, WA LSA Spokane CCD 2, WA LSA University Place, WA LSA Walla Walla, WA
LSA Bedford, TX RGP Benbrook, TX LSA Cedar Hill, TX LSA College Station, TX LSA Coppell, TX
LSA Corpus Christi, TX LSA Denison, TX
LSA Flower Mound, TX LSA Fort Worth, TX
NORTHEASTERNSTATES LSA Hartford, CT
RGP Ledyard Town, CT LSA Manchester, CT
RGP New Britain, CT
LSA New Canaan, CT
LSA New Haven, CT
LSA Southington, CT
Masuivyar B.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
[Page 12]
12 THe American BanA'l
a a aol
Torrington, Connecticut, teaching campaign honors Horace Holley
About 90 years ago, a slightly built young man rode his bicycle through the streets of Torrington, Connecticut, delivering the daily newspaper and copies of The Saturday Evening Post, which he sold for a nickel a copy.
At that time, young Horace A. Holley had no idea that he would later devote more than 50 years of his life to the se of Baha'u'llah and that he would become a Hand of the Cause of God.
Nor could he possibly have foreseen that the teaching principles he advocated
for the Cause would be used in Torrington in the summer of 1993 in a project that bears his name.
The Spiritual Assembly of Torrington initiated the Horace A. Holley Teaching Project on July 10 with the opening of a storefront Baha’f information center at 264 Main St.
Baha’is from around the state and traveling teachers from Arizona and South Carolina have served at the cen
Project director Ludi Stritt Johnson is
there for more than 10 hours every day
disseminating Bahd’{ literature, giving
impromptu firesides, befriending many of
the neighborhood people, and orchestrating a full roster of teaching activities.
There have been Friday night coffee hours, a public pizza party, a Sunday School open to children of all faiths, and Wednesday night deepenings for Baha’ fs.
Feasts have been held at the information
ter, which has been open 10 hours a day ce its beginning.
every day
center. There also have been many roundtable discussions about ways in
Hep srlirl Sustainab Hae NTaNy
AAT
HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION
Special Baha'i group discount rates: Hotel rooms at Buena Vista Palace Hotel at the Disney World Complex in Orlando, Florida: $99 per night double occupancy (no additional charge for children) LIMITED AVAILABILITY CALL PROMPTLY Hotel reservations: 1-800-327-2990 Airfare discounts from Delta Airlines Airline reservations: 1-800-241-6760 (In Canada, call local Delta Office) ; (For discounts, refer to File No. XT0195)
Please print Name. Address,
City
1993 North American Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development
WO evil mlipatat te
arava (omens
Lote
December 16 - 19, 1993
Disney Wor
Orlando, Florid
Ie Dee ew ECO
Registration fee per person Before October 1: $129
After October 1: $149
(No conference registration fee for youth or children)
Make checks payable to:
The Rabbani Charitable Trust 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue Suite 200
Winter Park, FL 32789
For information call:
(407) 647-7777
"The oneness of mankind...implies the achievement of a
dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical
requirements of life on earth...The concept of social and
economic development is enshrined in the sacred
Teachings of our Faith.”
‘The Universal House of Justice
The Rabbani Charitable Trust in association with the Mottahedeh Development Servi an affiliate of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the United States, warmly invites you to attend the 1993 North American Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development.
This conference presents a unique opportunity for Bahd'ts
of all backgrounds and experiences to gather together....
..To gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of Baha'i social and economic development as they relate to our role within our communities, our nations, and our world.
..To forge action plans to achieve develepmental goals of the Three Year Plan.
.To network, to share experiences and success stories, and to integrate our efforts for change.
Featured at the conference will be: Speakers: from the National Spiritual Assemblies. in North America, the Continental Board of Counsellors, and many others intimately involved in development efforts.
Displays and videotapes of current projects. Special programs for youth and children Workshops in the areas of:
Race Unity, Enhancement of the Status of Women, The Environment, Education, Health, Baha't
Institutions in Social and Economic Development, and Development with Special Populations.
Registration
Names and ages of youth and children attending,
North American Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development
Phone ( )
State. Zip.
Amount enclosed
Masuiyvat B.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
which to teach the Faith.
One of the bounties of being at the center has been having the time and the opportunity for prayer. Whenever Baha'is visit the center, there are prayers. A Persian Baha’{ stops by each day to chant, often accompanied by her young daughter, who reads prayers in both her native tongue and English.
Spare moments have been used by some Baha’ fs to memorize passages from the Writings, “so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation.” (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, pp. 199-200)
The teaching going on at the center validates these words of Horace Holley: “The Sacred Literature of the Baha’f Faith conveys enlightenment. It inspires life. It frees the mind. It disciplines the heart. For believers, the Word is not a philosophy to be learned, but the sustenance of being throughout the span of mortal existence.”
Those serving at the center have employed these other words of Mr. Holley, from his book Religion for Mankind:
“You and I are members of a World Faith, and from day to day that World Faith is growing more and more potent and decisive in the destiny of the human race. O, if we could but increase our service, do things, dare things!
“I wonder if it would not be a good teaching technique for the individual Baha’ to begin to figure two or three very simple questions about world conditions, or about certain spiritual attitudes reflected by the present, with a view to testing the response from the individual we meet for the first time? Try such questions out. We are making an effort to contact the inner man. If we do that and fail nine or 99 times, do not let us be discouraged, because our one task is to learn how to meet the inner spirit of the people and not just revolve around and around their outer personality.
“The person who may feel the least qualified may prove to be, in the actual field of service, the most brilliant and successful exponent of the power of the Covenant. Remember, the dividing line is not how much we know, not how many books we have studied, but whether we passed from inaction to action, because we are pledged to serve and ‘Abdu’l-Baha has pledged to serve us if we serve Him.”
Fair Oaks/Orangevale community hosts interfaith meetings to introduce Faith
The Baha'f community of Fair Oaks/ Orangevale, California, recently completed a series of monthly meetings designed to bring together people of diverse faiths and to introduce them at the final meeting to the Baha'i Faith.
The tenets of a number of religions were explained to the audiences by adherents of each, or by a speaker whose background was of a certain faith. Among the speakers were a Hindu, a student of Buddhism, a rabbi, and a Christian minister. Also included were talks about Zoroastrianism and Islam.
The Baha'is broadened their knowledge
of other faiths while their guests were able
to see the unifying elements in all religions.
[Page 13]
Isolated believers
Estrangement from community a problem for some Baha'is
By Tom MENNILLO
There are isolated believers, and there are isolated believers.
One refers to geography. The other, alienation from an individual’s own Baha’f community.
Two recent communications to The American Bahd’t bring into sharper focus the world of the latter.
“Since becoming a Baha’f almost seven years ago,” a letter writer lamented, “I’ve noticed my life has undergone a strange transformation.
“Upon declaring my faith in Baha'u'llah, I found myself entering into a community where I felt alone and unaccepted. The closeness and love in sharing our wonderful Faith was never extended to me.
“Over the years I have grown stronger in my love for Baha’u’ll4h because of this trial. I call to mind His words, ‘Remember My days during thy days,’ and the comfort I receive from this loving admonition inspires me to continue in the face of feelings of inadequacy as a Baha’ and loneliness.”
The letter concluded: “I wonder sometimes if there are other lonely Baha’ fs out there who feel alienated from their communities. Knowing that there are others who share this same experience would go a long way in helping me to accept with gracious resignation the situation in which I find myself.”
A few days later, a caller to the newspaper voiced frustration because the local Spiritual Assembly would not agree to sponsor an activity the person believes is needed ‘in that Baha’f community.
That individual was sufficiently dissatisfied to consider withholding financial support from the institution.
Some might dismiss the letter writer’s situation as an aberration. After all, if we strive to “live the life,”
EE RECESS IUIR TL
won't such cases of complete estrangement be rare— despite differences in people’s background, culture, language and personality?
But the phone call concerned a situation that could be more common. Many times, when requests to Spiritual Assemblies are turned down because other needs are perceived to be more pressing, the requesting party has difficulty accepting the decision.
In any case, the triple theme of the Three Year Plan—enhancing the vitality of the faith of individual believers, greatly developing the human resources of the Cause, and fostering the proper functioning of local and national Baha’{ institutions—speaks so pointedly to the issues raised in the two communications that close attention is warranted.
The Universal House of Justice, in its Ridvan 150 message, stated, “Depth of belief is assured by the inner transformation, that salutary acquisition of spiritual and moral character, which is the outcome of obedience to the divine laws and principles.”
Noting that release of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas in English will “provide a mighty infusion of divine guidance for realizing the vitality of faith which is essential to the spiritual well-being and happiness of individuals and the strengthening of the fabric of the community,” the Ridv4n message went on to say:
“No less essential to nourishing this vitality is the cultivation of a sense of spirituality, that mystic feeling which unites the individual with God and is achieved through meditation and prayer.”
The responsibility for this transformation, then, would appear to rest with the individual. Indeed, much emphasis is placed in the Three Year Plan on individual initiative:
“Our appeal for immediate, redoubled and sustained action on all aspects of the Plan is addressed primarily to the individual believer of every locality, who possesses within himself or herself the measures of initiative that ensure the success of any global Baha’{ enterprise, and ‘on whom, in the last resort,’ as our beloved Guardian plainly stated, ‘depends the fate of the entire community.” ”
Moreover, the Ridvan message challenges communities and individuals alike:
“Training of the friends and their striving, through serious individual study, to acquire knowledge of the Faith, to apply its principles and administer its affairs, are indispensable to developing the human resources necessary to the progress of the Cause.
“But knowledge alone is not adequate; it is vital that training be given in a manner that inspires love and devotion, fosters firmness in the Covenant, prompts the individual to active participation in the work of the Cause and to taking sound initiatives in the promotion of its interests.”
These endeavors, the Universal House of Justice
13
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THE AMERICAN BaHA'l
promised, “will stimulate and strengthen the ability of Spiritual Assemblies to meet their weighty responsibilities.”
As the message stated, “Of relevant importance...are their resolve to remove all traces of estrangement and sectarian tendencies from their midst, their ability to win the affection and support of the friends under their care and to involve as many individuals as possible in the work of the Cause.
“By their constantly aiming at improving their performance, the communities they guide will reflect a pattern of life that will be a credit to the Faith and will, as a welcome consequence, rekindle hope among the increasingly disillusioned members of society.”
The same theme of shared individual and community responsibility is sounded in a letter dated December 24, 1990, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual American believer:
“You express a longing for greater openness and deeper ties among the believers, for more tolerance of authentic diversity and for greater discipline on the part of the individual and the community.
“You draw attention to the need for greater sensitivity and cite the importance of cultivating the art of listening, and for enhanced attention to the practical applications of our Faith in all arenas, and to the objectives of the Six Year Plan.
“These concerns are indeed urgent and compelling, but depend for their successful prosecution upon individual grassroots initiative, forbearance and resolve, perhaps even more than upon administration, vital as that is.”
The letter went on to quote from a letter dated February 27, 1943, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer:
“The friends must be patient with each other and must realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the believers show toward each other and their shortcomings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Baha’f community at large.”
Moreover, in a letter dated September 30, 1949, written on his behalf to an individual believer, the Guardian urged us to “study deeply the teachings, teach others, study with those Baha’ is who are anxious to do so, the deeper teachings of our Faith and, through example, effort and prayer, bring about a change.”
As the Universal House of Justice's letter concluded: “It is only as individuals and their communities realize a profound transformation that that dynamic unity foreshadowed in the Teachings will gradually evolve: what will catalyze this change is a more comprehensive and systematic attention to the Covenant and its requirements.”
As a part of its year-long 25th anniversary celebration, the Spiritual Assembly of New Berlin, Wisconsin, presented its first ‘Community Service Award’ to New Berlin's Lincoln State Bank for the hospitality it has shown to all groups and organizations using its community room for meetings and special events. Accepting the award for Lincoln State Bank was Branch Manager Michael Krawczyk (center). Pictured with Mr. Krawezyk are Bahd'ts (left to right) Elinor Kolehouse, Mary Jo Mineau, Woodrow Locust and Lyn Locust.
registered Grou
If you or any of your members have access to a personal computer with a 300, 1200 or 2400 baud modem and a communications software package, the National Spiritual Assembly encourages you to join the growing network of users on the Baha’ National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS).
This electronic communications system offers immediate and efficient access to offices and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The BNCBBS can be reached 24 hours a day at 708-869-0389. Software parameter settings should be N/8/1 (no parity, 8 databits, 1 stop bit).
aa
Friends are invited to join Bulletin Board System
Notice to local Spiritual Assemblies, District Teaching Committees, and individual Baha’ fs:
For more information or help, please contact Management Information Systems, 708-869-9039, ext. 295.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This autumn the Office of Public Information will be moving from the Baha’{ National Center in Wilmette to the Baha’f Offices in New York City.
The Office of Public Information will join its sister office, the U.S. UN Representative, as the National Spiritual Assembly’s External Affairs offices in New York.
As of September 3, 1993, the office in Wilmette will no longer be able to serve the Bahé’{ community in the same manner.
Until the office is established in New York, correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the National Spiritual Assembly’s External Affairs office in Washington, D.C: 1320 19th St. N.W., Suite 701, Washington, DC 20036. Phone 202-833-8990; fax 202-833-8988.
We regret that because of the move and change of personnel, all orders for public information materials received after September 3 will be filled only after the office is set up in New York.
The transition from Wilmette to New York may take as long as two months.
AE ean ELE EOEREeeeEO
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Baha'is in Los Angeles see performance of drama based on oppression, execution of Baha'is in Iran
On June 26, the public was invited to the Baha'i Center in Los Angeles for a performance of “When the Moment Comes,” a play by Ann Boyles about the oppression and execution of Baha'is in Iran.
The presentation by the Baha'i Arts Council of Los Angeles coincided with the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of 10 young Bahé'f women in Shiraz, on which the play is based.
The play was first presented to a Baha'f audience at the second World Congress last November in New York City. Afterward, members of the cast resolved to repeat the production after their return to
Los Angeles.
The performance was publicized on Persian-language radio, and more than half of the audience was Iranian (both Bahd'fs and non-Baha’f guests). The play was translated simultaneously from English to Persian on FM headphones.
The audience was visibly moved by the play. Some wept openly, and all gave the cast a standing ovation at its completion.
Members of the cast and crew were interviewed by representatives of the Voice of America, and the interviews were broadcast the following week in Iran.
EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS...
Teo Royce, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Brookhaven, New York, won three medals in swimming events at the National Veterans Golden Age Games held in July at East Tennessee State University. The Games are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 and older who receive medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Mr. Royce, 68, won a gold medal in the 25-meter backstroke, a silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke, and a bronze medal in the 25-meter freestyle.
Anorew Brook, a young Bahd'f from Harvard, Illinois, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship and Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding high school academic performance. He was graduated this year from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, the state's public residential high school for talented math and science students, and plans to attend the University of Illinois where he will major in computer science.
Sarat Nos-e, a 17-year-old Bahd'f from Flagstaff, Arizona, won 72 games as a four-year starting pitcher on the Coconino High School girls’ sotball team. Last year (1992-93) she compiled a 27-3 record with five no-hit games including one in state competition for the Grand Canyon Conference champions and was named the conference's most valuable player. Academically, she was graduated with a 3.8 grade-point average, was the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Association scholar/athlete for 1992-93, received an Arizona high school scholar award, was a finalist in the National History Day competition for seniors, a member of the National Honor Society and of her school's winning team.in the Testing Engineering and Mathematical Skills competition at Northern Arizona University, was named to Who's Who in American High Schools, and received an athletic scholarship to play softball at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where she plans to pursue studies toward a medical degree.
NaTHAN ASHELMAN, a 23-year-old Bahd'f from Iowa, was the valedictorian of this year's graduating class at Maharishi International University in Fairfield where he earned a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering. He ended his valedictory address with a quotation from the Writings of Baha'u'llah.
Micuaet Fitzcerato, a Baha'i from Winchester, inia, had two non-fiction books published this spring by Rainbow's End Books, and a tape of jazz and poetry by Falling Mountain Music. Mr. Fitzgerald also had poems published in Israel, India and New Zealand during the past yeat
AiLeen Masomian, a six-year-old Baha’f from Wil nson County, Texas, won first prize in the PTA-sponsored Reflections contest for the visual arts in Round Rock District. The contest theme was ‘Imagine that ..’ and the winning entries were displayed at the school for two months.
Sheena Yavrom, a Bahd'{ who attends pre-med school at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, has been placed on the National Dean's List, an honor accorded only one-half one one percent of the country's college students. Although still undecided between medical practice and research, Sheena leans toward becoming a family physician in a rural area or developing country.
Topp Meese, a 17-year-old Bahd'f who is a senior at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park, California, has been inducted into the National Honor Society and earned Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He is also active in a school youth group whose focus is on promoting race unity at his and other schools in the area.
Niki Ziai, a 14-year-old Bahd'f from Mercer Island, Washington, is one of two students in her eighth-grade class to qualify for the Presidential Academic Fitness Award and to carry a perfect 4.0 grade average for seven consecutive quarters. She also received the PTA Council Scholarship Award for individual effort, positive attitude and over-all accomplishment.
Saran Noste
Young Bahd'ts from Charlottesville, Virginia, are pictured with summer employee: of the Monticello Area Community Action Agency during a service/teaching project in July. The Baha'is helped clean and renovate a newly purchased property to be used
education center for the disadvantaged.
by the community service agency as an administrative headquarters and community
Young Baha'is in Charlottesville, Virginia, reach out to community with summer service/teaching project
To reach out to the community while giving its active younger members something productive to do during their summer vacation, the Baha'i community of Charlottesville, Virginia, decided to sponsor a Youth Service Corps teaching/service project.
Planning began in the spring with approaches to several local service groups for a volunteer service project.
The one chosen was in response to a request from the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) forhelp in cleaning and renovating a newly purchased property that had suffered from neglect for several years.
The agency intends to use the property to consolidate its administrative functions in one location and to build a community education center for use with its antipoverty programs.
Before the week-long project began on July 10, the Charlottesville Baha'is designed T-shirts with the Three Year Plan logo surrounded by the words “Char— lottesville Youth Service Corps Project” and the word “Bahd'f” below. On the back of each shirt was a rising sun and the words of the Universal House of Justice: “Press on to meet the dawn.”
Posters and small flyers with the theme “We Will Be One in 21” (the 21st century) announcing a si of firesides at the University of Virginia were prepared, and invitations announcing the teaching project were sent to all the Baha'f communities in Virginia.
On July 10, 22 traveling teachers including four youth arrived in Charlottesville. After prayers and a deepening on teaching, they went with local Bahd'fs to the university to emblazon the Name of Bahda'u'll4h on campus. That evening the first in a daily series of fire
sides was held.
On Sunday the service volunteers arrived, and after breakfast Monday morning they went to the project site with local Baha'is and members of the Youth Club at the university, who had returned to take part in the project.
The volunteers, said Ken Ackerman, executive director of MACAA, “worked alongside a crew of high school students enrolled in our Summer Youth Works program. I was pleased to observe the teamwork that evolved and the good spirits that were in evidence at all times.”
On the second day of the project, MACAA had scheduled a public ceremony acknowledging transfer of the property and its intentions in using it. The presence and activities of the Bahd'fs were mentioned.
Newspaper article profiles Dorothy Hansen, recipient of Hayden Poetry Fellowship Dorothy Lee Hansen of Mineral Wells, Texas, the 1993-94 recipient of the Robert Hayden Fellowship in Poetry at the Louhelen Baha'i School, was profiled July 4 inan article in the “Lifestyles” section of the Mineral Wells Index.
The article explains the purpose of the Hayden Fellowship and provides background information about Baha'f poet Robert Hayden, in whose memory the Fellowship was established in 1986, and the Louhelen Baha'i School.
Ms. Hansen, who returned recently from a year's residency in Zamosc, Poland, is working on her third book of poetry, tentatively titled Pioneer Posts, which includes poems based on her experiences while living and traveling in more than 50 countries.
RESERVE NOVEMBER 14 AMERICA’S DESTINY MAY DEPEND ON IT
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TRE ARNT STATI EW TE
Parliament Srom page I
the rays of Thy resplendent face.
“Weak though we be, we await the revelations of Thy might and power. Poor though we be, with neither goods nor means, still take we riches from the treasures of Thy Kingdom. Drops though we be, still do we draw from out Thy ocean deeps. Motes though we be, still do we gleam in the glory of Thy splendid Sun.
“O Thou our Provider! Send down Thine aid, that each one gathered here may become a lighted candle, each one a center of attraction, each one a summoner to Thy heavenly realms, till at last we make their nether world the mirror image of Thy Paradise.”
The Saturday evening plenary session, on interfaith understanding, centered on the question of “Interfaith Harmony and Understanding: Why the Parliament?”
The premise of the Parliament’s importance was laid out by Robert Miiller, former deputy secretary general of the United Nations. Representatives of a dozen faith traditions were then given time to respond.
Dr. Miiller, who grew up in war-torn and divided Belgium, asserted that unless there is a spiritual renaissance, there will be no lasting peace.
“We are on the verge of a new, spiritual age,” he said, and it comes at “just the right time.”
He noted the approaching new millennium, plus critical events of the next few years such as the 50th birthday of the United Nations in 1995 and the centenary in 1999 of The Hague peace conference.
The political leaders who meet in such conferences to chart the world’s course will need the vision that only the religions, with their similar concepts of faith, justice and charity, can provide, he said.
Dr. Miiller challenged delegates to the Parliament to forge a definition of a “new spiritual world order for the new millennium,” and urged them to propose the creation of a “world spiritual institute” in which people of all nations, backgrounds and faiths can meet on a daily basis to help bring about “a planet of God.”
Counselor Ellis, honored as one of the session’s three presidents, launched the
Baha’f response with an observation of Parliament attendees:
“I wish you could see yourselves. I see...what the future holds for us when I look at the oneness in this room. If we were not people of faith, we would not be here.”
She told the the Parliament
particularly for the Baha’
A hundred years ago, noted, there were no Baha’ fs inthe United States or Canada. But a year after the Faith was mentioned at the first Parliament a Baha’f group was formed in Chicago, and “17 years later the cornerstone of the first Baha’ f House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere was laid just north of the city, on the shore of Lake Michigan.”
Counselor Ellis painted a picture of the 19th century as a time of paradox:
“Tt was a century of unrestrained nationalism, ...of triumphant imperialism, of racism elevated to the status of scientific and philosophical theory.
“Yet it was also the century that witnessed the birth of world-mindedness and of internationalism, of the collapse of the institution of slavery and the proclamation of the ideals of racial equality.
“Tt was a century that continued to exploit women, and a century in which women raised their voices for emancipation and equality.
“It was a century of wars and conquest and, at the same time, the century of bold proclamation of the forthcoming establishment of universal peace.”
She called the first Parliament “an expression of a yearning for brotherhood, peace, mutual understanding and mutual appreciation for the various faiths.”
The ideals behind that first convocation “have not yet achieved universal acceptance,” Counselor Ellis said, adding that “the task of bringing people together, of inviting them to community on the deepest level, the religious level of their consciousness, must continue.”
The fundamental problems of our age
ks
The Bahd'ts of Yorba Linda, California, observed Race Unity Day this year with a month-long display at the public library of UNICEF plates featuring children of the world and a collection of dolls from many countries. The mayor signed a proclamation declaring June 13 Race Unity Day. Pictured at the display are (left to right) Elina Khassian, Faeqeh Khassian, Jeanie Halstead, Mary Ellen Bowmen (the library's Adult Services supervisor), Azita Orooji and Ezzat Orooji.
The Bahd't House of Wo:
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“cannot be solved without the spirit of faith,” she said. “For it is spiritual faith that endows human efforts with constancy, makes possible sacrifice, and offers the possessors inner rewards that nothing else in this world can match.”
Counselor Ellis drew prolonged applause when she remarked, “The thoughts that have been shared with us by Dr. Miiller are music to our ears. ...His concepts first thrilled me years ago at the United Nations when I heard him speak, and I knew that he was what I call a ‘new world order man.’ And at the United Nations that’s not easy to find sometimes.”
She also elicited strong support when she echoed Dr. Miiller’s emphasis on women’s role on addressing society’s ills.
She noted that “it should not be lost upon us that there are so many women here today. ...And we are the educators of every generation—we are the first educators of every generation.”
And she issued a challenge: “If there is
ip Choir, augmented by World Congress Choir members from around the country, performs during a special Parliament of Religions worship service August 29 at the House of Worship in Wilmette.
to be universal peace and if we are to learn unity without uniformity, it will be upon the shoulders of the mothers to teach our children that there is one God and His Kingdom will be built on this earth, and the time is now.”
Sunday’s program at the House of Worship began with a continental breakfast in the Visitors’ Center and continued with a devotional service in the Auditorium.
The service featured a Baha’ {choir made up of the House of Worship choir and singers from states including Tennessee, California and Texas. Under the direction of Tom Price, the choir sang many of the selections that stirred the souls at the second Baha’i World Congress last November.
A film crew from Today Productions took footage of the House of Worship and parts of the service for a documentary on the Parliament. The documentary’s focus will be the commonality of religions.
Some basic truths for rational human beings .. . those who have as much sense as a goose
The following article appeared in the Alaska Bahd'f News, July 1993. It was adapted from an article by Todd H. Fast Sr. in the Seattle Rotary Invocation, January 13, 1988.
This spring when you see geese heading back north for the summer flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested to know what scientists have discovered about why they fly this way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.
By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least seven percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
- Basic Truth No. 1: People who share
a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
+ Basic Truth No. 2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies point.
+ Basic Truth No. 3: It pays to take turns doing hard jobs—with people, or with geese flying north.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
- Basic Truth No. 4: We need to be
careful what we say when we honk from behind.
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by a gunshot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to provide help and protection. They stay with it until it is either able to fly or until it is dead, then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.
+ Final Truth: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by one another like that.
The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Baha'is that it is necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Baha'i Holy Places.
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[Page 18]
18 THe American BanA'l
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Masuivyar B.£. 150 / SepremBer 27, 1993
[Page 19]
Pictured (left photo) with their plaques are eight of 11 young people honored at the
fifth annual Honor Luncheon held April 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the Baha't
Marian Steffes Council, which is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of New Berlin. This year's program honored youth in the Indian community, and children from the
THE AMERICAN BanA't
19
—————
a te * Indian Community School (right photo) performed the Honor Song with Mitch Walking Elk (seated at right). One hundred people attended the luncheon (90 from
the Indian community) with 13 local Indian organizations taking part.
LETTERS
‘The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.” —‘Abdu’|-Baha
The American Baha'i welcomes
letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate an— other's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.
Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Baha’, Bahd'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Kids should teach too
To the Editor:
I am 10 years old, going on 11 in three months.
I think kids should do some heavy-duty teaching. Maybe kids can relate to adults more than adults can.
We should leave pamphlets around. Or hand out books like “Baha’u’Ilah.” I think maybe we should go to parks and have firesides in parks, bring pamphlets and books.
We have to teach everybody to become Baha’i so the world will be a better place. Baha’ fs are wonderful. Sometimes I think Baha’ u’llah gives us a message to go out and teach for Baha’u’ll4h.
You'll feel so good, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha will feel so good, too. After I teach my
Interested in helping to fulfill our goal of 3,000 traveling teachers or 500 homefront pioneers?
Contact:
Mead Simon, National Traveling Teaching/ Homefront Pioneering Coordinator Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091
(708) 869-9039
friends about Baha'u'llah, sometimes I look at ‘Abdu’ 1-Bahd’s picture and I think He is smiling at me as if I have done something good.
I think, or should I say I know, that Bah’u’lléh loves every person on earth. So go out and teach.
Peace on earth to everyone.
Anissa Galata Reno, Nevada
Suggestions for change
To the Editor:
It was gratifying to read the article on “community guidelines” in The American Bahd't (Jalal 150/April 9, 1993), as I was coming to the conclusion as a fairly new Baha'i that when local Baha'i communities are settled and comfortable, they resist considering new ideas or change, and instead fight to support the status quo.
Although the Nineteen Day Feast is the administrative forum for discussing ideas and making observations, it does not allow for the proper discussion of contemporaneous issues such as those that follow:
1. New members. Perhaps there could be a standard package sent to every new Bahd'{ containing basic information about rights, responsibilities, administrative structure, and a recommended list of books for further study. Also, perhaps each new member could be assigned to a “family” as a way of getting to know other members of the community.
2. Social isolation. An organization like the “recovery” groups is needed for people who have no families or spouses but do not have significant dysfunctional problems. Sometimes some of us have considered going to other groups or to churches to find people with similar social and economic interests. Getting to know other Baha'is is often a difficult task.
3. Spiritual counselors/a “concern” person. We don't have paid ministers, but perhaps some credible person could volunteer to be a good “listener.”
4. Communications media. Something is needed to overcome the difficulty of communicating ideas or
quickly sharing interests and needs without a written medium such as a local or regional newsletter.
5. Resource pooling. Some communities that do not have their own Assemblies are not allowed to pool resources to develop a joint community. Some who live on the edge of one community have to drive long distances to some other community.
6. Music. There is a noticeable absence of music at Feasts and other gatherings. Why is this?
7. Ethnic outreach. How creative can we be in making contact (without proselytizing) with non-white groups in our communities?
Perhaps quarterly regional conferenci could be arranged to accommodate di cussion of some of these ideas and concerns.
Considering that the Bahd'fs have no centralized leadership in the form of a minister, I think we do quite well with our organization, and as a new believer have found people to be supportive, racially tolerant, kind and loving.
Basil Gray Del Mar, California
A ‘pilgrimage’ to Wilmette
To the Editor:
Several months ago we began planning. a July “pilgrimage” to the Baha'f House of Worship in Wilmette. “We” are four Baha’fs from south Louisiana, only two of whom had previously visited the Mother Temple. What a blessed opportunity to commemorate the martyrdom of the Bab on July 9!
As we neared our destination, the excitement grew. Having expected to see the building from afar, the “first-timers” were surprised to turn onto Sheridan Road and
Taher H. Banan Orange, CA August 6, 1993 Duncan R. Brown Wapato, WA August 8, 1993 Ben Eagleman Sr.
St. Francis, SD 1993
Dozier Graham Florence, SC June 26, 1993
Irene Green Jacksonville, IL Spring 1993 Todd Heaton Arlington, VA August 7, 1993
suddenly come upon the towering edifice. Hearts swelled with love and gratitude as we walked through an aisle of breathtaking flowers and ascended the massive steps.
The newcomers were awed by’ the vastness of the Temple. No photograph could depict accurately its expansiveness, nor could any camera capture the brilliant colors and cool greens of its formal gardens. Everyone agreed that a deep peace permeated this wondrous blend of architecture, plants and pools.
The following four days were a divine mélange of dawn prayers, noon devotions, teaching, and service to the Blessed Beauty. For the two friends who had come before, it was a joyous homecoming; the others eagerly sought out Foundation Hall, the research library, the bookstore, and the room where the Master laid the cornerstone in 1912.
Our group spent its last night “garden teaching.” The House of Worship was lighted inside and out. Baha'is and visitors strolled among the mystic gardens. Looking back as we left, against this magnificent backdrop, there stood a Baha'i named Olga, her arms outstretched to the starstudded sky. Her voice rang out as she gave us a spiritual farewell— “Alléh'u'Abha, Alléh'u'Abha, Allah'— u'Abha!”
Marilyn Jennison Martha Short Kate Simmons Sherry Michelli South Louisiana
Telephone number forthe Baha'i National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS): 708-8690389.
Michael Sasso Miramar, FL August 4, 1993
Viola M. Tuttle Prunedale, CA July 29, 1993
Esther Hilgert Lima, OH July 16, 1993
Lester H. Keys Sierra Vista, AZ June 20, 1993
Inge Rollins Aurora, CO July 1993
Sine T ~~ a nina
Masuivyar 8.€. 150 / Septemper 27, 1993
[Page 20]
20 THe American BauA't
The Bahda'ts of Altamonte Springs, Florida, mounted this display in August at the local public library. Entitled ‘Sharing the Word,’ it lists the Golden Rule as expressed in eight major religions and includes brief summaries of the tenets of each of them. The poster was produced for the Bahd'ts by a non-Bahdé't company, and the library approved its use on the condition that all major independent world religions would be represented.
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BAHA'f NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER
2: Bah'f drama, “When the Moment Comes,” 8 p.m., Los Angeles Bah4'f Center. For information, phone 213-933-8291; fax 213-933-1820.
& Commemoration of the 81st anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to Stanford, California. For information, please phone Hamid Samandari, 415-327-6758.
8-10: Oklahoma Regional Bah4'f School, Dwight Mission, near Vian.
8-11: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bahé'{ School, co-sponsored by El Ruisefior magazine and the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose. Fees: $60 for ages 11 and older, $25 for ages 1-10. Classes for children included. Participants must register and mail in fees by September 24 to assure their space. To register, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387 (credit card only) or write to the Bosch Baha'{ School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
9-10: Persian-American Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.
15-17: Western States Urban Assemblies Conference No. 3 for members of local Assemblies and the Auxiliary Boards, Bosch Bahd'f School. For information, phone 408423-3387.
16-17: Lehigh Valley Parliament of Religions, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Keynote speaker: Dr. David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registrar: Laura Lawrence, 215-868-5604.
22-24: Youth Research Weekend for ages 12 and up (sponsors required for those under 15), Bosch Baha'f School. Cost: $40. Registration deadline: October 9. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
28-November 1: Annual meeting of the Landegg Music Forum, Landegg Academy, Switzerland.
29-31: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahé't School. Selfl-directed study after opening program. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
NOVEMBER
5-7: Race Unity Institute II: plans for action, Bosch Baha’f School. For information gr to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
14: World premiere of “Out of the Darkness,” a drama about race unity sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County (Va.) Central South, 2 p.m., Lake Braddock Secondary School, Burke, Virginia. Tickets: $10. For information, write to P.O. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22015, or phone Steve/Tressa Reisetter, 703-425-8863.
19-21: Kitdb-i-Aqdas: Intensive Study (Derek Cockshut, facilitator), Bosch Bahd'f School. For information or to register with credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408 423-7564.
DECEMBER
4-5: International Cultural Celebration/Deepening, Jacksonville, Florida. For information, phone Joy Allchin, 904-249-4520, or Elham Nadji, 904-221-1081.
16-19: 1993 North American Bahd'f Conference on Social and Economic Development, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “The Bahd'f Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World.” Sponsored by the Rabbani Charitable Trust. For information, phone 407-647-7777. To register, see Registration Form on page 20.
22-26: Winter Session I, Bosch Baha'f School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see the Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.
24-27: Ninth annual Grand Canyon Bah4'f Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Keep this date in mind. More information to follow.
26-31: Annual mid-winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins,
Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-8526.
29-31: Regional Winter Youth Conference, Wilder Forest, north of St. Paul, Minnesota. Theme: “Preparing for a Life of Service to the Cause.” Bahd'fs and non-Bahd'fs ages 11-20 are welcome to attend. For information, write to Ken McNamara,
Marine On St. Croix, MN 55047, or phone 612-433-5089.
29-January 2: Winter Session II, Bosch Baha'{ School. Study and contemplation with special guest David Hofman. Registration at 5 p.m. Wednesday, dinner at 7, orientation at 8. For full program see Fall/Winter Brochure. To register, write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564.
30-January 2: South Carolina Bah4'f Winter School, Louis Gregory Bahd'f Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.
JANUARY
11-18: Baha'f Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institute, Bosch Baha'f School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039, or the
Bosch Baha'f School, 408-423-3387.
APRIL
10-11: International Conference, “Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace,” University of Maryland, College Park. Sponsored by the Bahé'f Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the Department of History.
29-May 2: Bahd'f Family Reunion, Pompano Beach, Florida. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.
RESERVE EL DIA 14 DE NOVIEMBRE EL DESTINO DE AMERICA PUEDE DEPENDER DE ESTO
Masuivyar 8.€. 150 / SeptemBer 27, 1993
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