The American Bahá’í/Volume 24/Issue 16/Text

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[Page 1]...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man....—Bahá’u’lláh

PEACE FEST 93

Qudrat B.E. 150/November 4, 1993

Eighth annual event brings people together in South Carolina

BY TOM MENNILLO

Take a lot of hard work and spiritual purpose, add a "Dash" of celebrity, and you have the makings of a very successful event.

That’s the story of Peace Fest ’93, the eighth annual weekend of love and unity sponsored by the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute and WLGI Radio Bahá’í in Hemingway, South Carolina.

Peace Fest was organized in the wake of the 1986 Bahá’í International Peace Conference in San Francisco as a way to bring together people of all races and all ages in the Hemingway area.

This year’s Peace Fest, September 24-26, did just that.

A Gospel Jubilee kicked off the festivities Friday night at the J.J. Mitcheom Community Center in Hemingway.

The Jubilee lived up to its 1993 theme, "Youth Can Move the World," as five local children’s and youth choirs brought the audience to its feet repeatedly with rousing and heartfelt expressions of their commitment to God.

All this, remarked one person, took place on a night on which young people normally are in the stands cheering on their football team.

Bahá’í singer Dash Crofts—half of the world-renowned duo Seals & Crofts—launched the evening with a soaring rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. Radio Bahá’í air personalities were introduced, and Truitt White, administrator of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, explained the purpose of Peace Fest.

Plaques were awarded to a representative of two gospel choirs that have supported the event from its beginnings.

The excitement reached an even higher pitch Saturday night with the Peace Fest Jazz Concert at Poyner Auditorium in Florence.

The Peace Fest Orchestra’s 17 members had arrived two days earlier from all parts of the country to choose music and rehearse. They took time out to hold a clinic for young musicians at a local high school, and Mr. Crofts was interviewed on a Florence radio station.

The stage thus set, the Jazz Orchestra proceeded to wow the crowd.

Highlights of the first set included "Thank You, Mr. Sears," a tribute to the late Hand of the Cause of God, and "Unity in Diversity," a celebration of Bahá’í principles. Pianist Reuben Malan and alto saxophonist Ernest Hensley took solos on the former piece, and trumpeters Warren Kime and Gray Bishop on the latter.

The sweet but powerful trumpet of George Graham was showcased in two pieces, the themes from the motion pictures "Beauty and the Beast" and "Superman." Trombonist Charlie Lee also soloed on "The Theme."

As the group went off for a well-deserved breather, Mr. White noted that the evening’s theme was "Racial Harmony," as evidenced, he said, by the unity in diversity being shared through voice, instruments and dance.

The audience had experienced the instrumental part of that equation. The voice and dance were yet to come.

But first, the annual Ambassador Award was presented to Sally Z. Hare, dean of continuing education at Coastal Carolina University.

Presenter Ginny Kintz said the award recognizes the commitment to achieving peace through personal service.

District-wide meetings slated to impart National Assembly’s ‘vision’ for America’s destiny

There is a crisis in American society. There is also a Bahá’í vision of the glorious destiny ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured us is ours: "The continent of America is, in the eyes of the One True God, the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be unveiled, where the righteous will abide, and the free assemble."

The National Spiritual Assembly, as part of its response to the crisis, has called a nationwide series of meetings focused on how the American Bahá’í community can translate vision into action and turn crisis into victory.

A meeting will be held in each Bahá’í electoral district between November 14 and December 12.

At this meeting, the National Assembly will communicate to the friends an in-depth message it believes is important and urgent. Every believer is encouraged to take part.

Nearly 350 Bahá’ís—roughly two per district from all over the United States attended orientation sessions in Wilmette during the second half of October. The sessions briefed them to present the National Assembly’s message at the upcoming district-level meetings.

New videos also have been produced for the meetings to help the presenters communicate this message.

Patricia Locke elected to National Assembly

On September 27, the National Spiritual Assembly reported that Patricia Locke of Mobridge, South Dakota, was chosen in a by-election to serve on the National Assembly.

Ms. Locke replaces Tod Ewing who resigned from the National Spiritual Assembly to accept an appointment from the Board of Counselors in the Americas as Auxiliary Board member for propagation in South Carolina.

Ms. Locke, a teacher and public administrator of Lakota-Chippewa background, has long been concerned with the special educational needs of American Indians, and worked for eight years to establish 17 tribally controlled colleges, mainly in the Plains states.

In 1991 Ms. Locke received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship recognizing her work in preserving American Indian tribal languages and culture. As a MacArthur Fellow, she received a five-year $369,000 grant to continue her work.

As a Bahá’í, she has served on the board of directors of the Mottahedeh Development Corporation, which is devoted to the establishment and support of social and economic development projects around the world.

The Bahá’í Peace Fest Orchestra performs during Peace Fest ’93 September 24-26 at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Tenor saxophonist Roger Hogan helped coordinate the orchestra’s appearance this year with trumpeter Warren Kime. Soloing behind Mr. Hogan is trombonist Charlie Lee. The orchestra’s guest vocalist, Dash Crofts, performs at the annual Peace Fest Jazz Concert at Poyner Auditorium in Florence. Mr. Crofts also appeared at the Gospel Fest in Hemingway and was interviewed on radio in Florence. The Ambassador Award for community service was presented to Sally Z. Hare, dean of continuing education at Coastal Carolina University. [Page 2]

Children in Astoria form 'Black Rose Theatre' to teach Faith

BY LUCIA V. CARUSO

They say they're kids who got together to promote unity. Now they use drama, dance, song and fun to reach out with the unifying Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Eight Bahá’í children from Astoria, Oregon, formed the Black Rose Theatre in May 1992, naming themselves in honor of the young child who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York's Bowery district in 1912.

Stirred by a visit to Astoria by the youth traveling teaching team, Citadel, the children wanted to travel and teach too. As they were too young to accompany Citadel on its lengthy tours, they approached the Spiritual Assembly of Astoria to help them form their own traveling teaching team.

After informing the Western Oregon District Teaching Committee about the children's proposed teaching effort, the Assembly set a goal to help the children build a troupe to perform skits and songs.

A few months after the troupe was formed the children gave their first performance, presenting a skit, "Flowers of One Garden," in Astoria's Tapiola Park.

The skit opens with four flower friends playing together and sharing information. Each has a certain skill or talent. One day they fight. Violet cuts herself on Rose's thorns. The flowers are frightened by their differences. Not knowing what to do, they run home to their families.

Each of the parents gives warnings about the differences among the flower friends. The children hear messages like "Roses are rude; stay away from those thorns," "Violets are clumsy," and "Daffodils think they are the prettiest."

When the young flowers meet again they begin a "hate dance," glaring at one another as they circle menacingly, then depart to play by themselves.

They soon grow bored playing alone with no differences to share among one another. Only when they return to the group do they discover the joy of unity in diversity.

The skit was composed for Black Rose by several youth from a District Teaching Committee-sponsored teaching team: Katayoon Moavenzadeh and Jason Alexander from Oregon, Erica Delgado from Colombia, Mary Cleere and Shayla Dennis from Washington state, Levi Boyle from British Columbia, and Taraneh Tashakor, who was en route to a year of service at the World Center.

The Black Rose Children's Theatre of Astoria, Oregon, demonstrates life behind the walls of prejudice during a performance August 15 at an International Festival in Longview, Washington.

Before their opening performance, the children marched in the Kiddie Parade of the 1992 Astoria Regatta and were interviewed that same day on the local community radio station.

At the end of August 1992, Black Rose performed "Flowers" for an audience of 400 at the Lobstock Youth Conference in Alsea, Oregon, and received a standing ovation.

Since then they have traveled around the Northwest, performing at the Woodburn (Oregon) Project; in Longview, Washington; and at area firesides.

This year, they performed a new skit, "The Wall.", August 14-15 at Lower Columbia College in Longview, and presented two more performances at an International Festival sponsored by the Committee for Ethnic Equality, a non-Bahá’í organization.

The new skit's name refers to the hurtful, isolating walls people build between each other with prejudice and fear. The children show how the walls go up, and how to tear them down.

They tell the audience that walls can be turned io bridges to cross into the world God has promised to all peoples. Bahá’í songs are included in the skit which closes with two Bahá’í prayers, the "Remover of Difficulties" and "O God, educate these children...."

Black Rose must have raised the interest of festival-goers. The Bahá’í booth at the festival saw four times more requests for materials than at previous performances, according to adult adviser Carrie Bartoldus.

Help from adults and youth has contributed to the kids' success. Katy Shannon, a songwriter and performer from Astoria, coaches singing at rehearsals; Doug Duncan, another local Bahá’í, records their background music and sound effects; Beatrice Rose Woods, a Bahá’í youth from Astoria, arranges their choreography and rehearses the dance steps with them.

The kids not only teach others the principles of the Faith, they teach themselves too. They bought new T-shirts with the Black Rose logo with funds they raised, and run their own business meetings, held twice each month, using the principles of Bahá’í consultation and administration.

"They use the troupe as a learning tool," says Ms. Bartoldus, who is also the Assembly liaison to Black Rose. "Their meetings emulate Assembly meetings. They consult, elect officers, and keep a budget."

More can be expected from Black Rose. The kids plan other fund-raisers and look forward to expanding their repertoire and number of appearances.

The members of Black Rose are Patrick Adriatico, age 15; Steffani Sheppard, 13; Mark Bowers, 12; Julie Bowers, 11; Aimee Bowers, 11; Alex Valencia, 11; Katrina Morrell, 11; Matthew Morrell, 10; and Lance Rochester, 9.

Indian teaching conference

More than 60 adults, youth and children from seven states attended the "Unity of Hearts" Indian Teaching Conference July 23-25 in Fountain, Michigan, sponsored by the Regional American Indian Teaching Committee, Central States East.

The goal of the event, organized with help from Bea Castro, an American Indian from Michigan, was to learn and understand Indian culture, deepen in the Writings to realize more fully the significance of teaching American Indians as emphasized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and to address goals of the Three Year Plan with respect to teaching American Indians.

Included were presentations by Native Americans and others, workshops, discussions, and a video presentation. A separate program was held for children and youth.

Guardian's writings pave path to truth

BY TOM MENNILLO

"I cherish the hope that, from now on, the Beloved may bestow upon me all the strength and vigor that will enable me to pursue over a long and unbroken period of strenuous labor the supreme task of achieving, in collaboration with the friends in every land, the speedy triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh." (Shoghi Effendi, in Bahá’í Administration, pp. 51-52)

Shoghi Effendi's writings provide an ideal path for the individual Bahá’í to access the truths that Bahá’u’lláh revealed, says Sandra Hutchison, a member of the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Center.

But how do we approach the daunting volume of letters and commentaries penned by Shoghi Effendi or written on his behalf during the Guardianship?

Dr. Hutchison, in a recent discussion at the Bahá’í National Center, said it helps first to understand the station of Shoghi Effendi's writings.

She noted that a non-Bahá’í author once called Shoghi Effendi "the major modern theologian of the Bahá’í movement who has brought the Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith into a coherent philosophy."

While we don't often think of Shoghi Effendi in those terms because we recognize his station as the Guardian, there is truth in that observation, she said.

Lest there be any misunderstanding, though, the Universal House of Justice provides definitive guidance on how to view Shoghi Effendi's works:

"As for the writings of the beloved Guardian and the pronouncements of the Universal House of Justice, although they are not regarded as sacred text, nor are they of the same station as the Writings of the Central Figures of the Faith, nevertheless they are authoritative statements of guidance and direction for the friends."

"And, of course, that's us, isn't it?" she said. "It's not just Martha Root or Juliet Thompson in whatever decade of the 20th century. It's us today, as well."

Dr. Hutchison said it also is important to understand the form Shoghi Effendi's writings took.

They are "unlike most other religious commentaries in that they're addressed to individuals," she noted.

"Of course, there's a precedent for this in the Christian tradition: the letters of Paul to the Corinthians, etc.," she said. "But unlike the treatises of so many modern theologians, Shoghi Effendi's guidance is very personal and directed at individuals."

In fact, she said, the only book Shoghi Effendi ever wrote was God Passes By. The other works we have are letters or collections of letters—"epistles that are brought together in book form."

Those letters often were written to individuals or communities in response to issues or questions, she said.

Sometimes, though, the Guardian wrote on his own initiative and through inspiration to address needs he saw. The letters that compose The Advent of Divine Justice deal with moral rectitude and the spiritual prerequisites to achieving success in the teaching plans.

And when we're dealing with letters, said Dr. Hutchison, remember that "we're dealing with a specific historical and social situation."

For example, there's the historical context surrounding the writing of Shoghi Effendi's book-length message to the Western believers, The Promised Day Is Come. The Guardian penned that "completely apocalyptic vision of the end times" in the midst of the raging inferno of World War II, she said.

Now we're ready to dive into the vast [Page 3]

TEACHING

TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS: 3,000 MISSION 19 (11 MONTHS TO GO!) U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status. Qudrat 150 November 4, 1993

• • TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS**
• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 3,000
• Completed as of this report: 738
• Needed as of this report: 2,262

• • HOMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS**
• Goal for the 3 Year Plan: 500
• Completed as of this report: 91
• Needed as of this report: 409

THE HEAT IS ON! FIRESIDE TEACHING CAMPAIGN

With this month, the month of Qudrat, the HEAT (Hold Everything And Teach) Wave fireside teaching campaign has begun. This Wave will gather momentum as it sweeps around the nation in a tremendous circle and will culminate in November of next year, coinciding with the conclusion of Mission 19 (the time by which all the numerical goals of the Three Year Plan will be fulfilled). Now is the time to kindle fireside teaching in your area, to concentrate your prayers for teaching on the area of intensive HEAT, and be ready when the Wave moves through. And remember, when the Wave reaches your area, Hold Everything And Teach!

FIRESIDE AREAS

• 1 Qudrat (11/4-11/22): ILLINOIS, IOWA, MISSOURI
• 2 Qawl (11/23-12/11): Indiana, Ohio
• 3 Masá’il (12/12-12/30): Michigan, Wisconsin
• 4 Sharaf (12/31-1/18): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
• 5 Sultán (1/19-2/6): New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
• 6 Mulk (2/7-2/25): Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington (DC), West Virginia
• 7 Bahá (3/21-4/8): Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina
• 8 Jalál (4/9-4/27): Florida
• 9 Jamál (4/28-5/16): Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
• 10 ‘Azamat (5/17-6/4): Oklahoma, Texas
• 11 Núr (6/5-6/23): Arizona, New Mexico
• 12 Rahmat (6/24-7/12): California: Electoral Units 025, 026, 027, 029, 030, 031
• 13 Kalimát (7/13-7/31): California: Electoral Units 015, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 028
• 14 Kamál (8/1-8/19): California: Electoral Units 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018
• 15 Asmá’ (8/20-9/7): Oregon
• 16 ‘Izzat (9/8-9/26): Washington
• 17 Mashíyyat (9/27-10/15): Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
• 18 ‘Ilm (10/16-11/3): Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, N. Dakota, S. Dakota

THE FUND

(As of September 30, 1993)

• • FOUR MAJOR FUNDS**
• Goal for 150 B.E.: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $4,937,961

• • NATIONAL FUND**
• From Nat'l Bahá’í Fund: $4,309,554

• • INTERNATIONAL FUND**
• Earmarked Dollars: $196,923
• Total Contributions: $416,666
• Total: $613,589

• • ARC PROJECTS FUND**
• Earmarked Dollars: $362,114
• Total Contributions: $416,666
• Total: $778,780

• • CONTINENTAL FUND**
• Earmarked Dollars: $69,370
• Total Contributions: $50,000
• Total: $119,370

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

• Sept. 1993: 51
• Year to date: 650

Help fulfill our goal of 3,000 traveling teachers and 500 homefront pioneers!

REPORT YOUR ACTIVITIES TO: Mead Simon, National Traveling Teaching/ Homefront Pioneering Coordinator Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (708) 869-9039 [Page 4]

Albania sends thanks for U.S. help on 'Open Letter Project'

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Albania would like to thank you for the inestimable help you have been giving to the Open Letter Project by encouraging the friends from your country to take part. (For a complete report of the project, see The American Bahá’í, October 16, p. 4.-Ed.)

The effects of this momentous enterprise will be felt for years to come; this is a victory for which we have to thank each one of the believers who have been so generously giving time, energy and substance for its support.

To give a numerical idea of the results, we are happy to inform you that up to now (we have not yet received all the reports) we have had 3,140 declarations, and the friends have visited a total of 450 villages where the Faith has been brought for the first time.

The victories must be consolidated; that is why the National Assembly is planning to have 20 areas of the country with the consistent presence of at least one pioneer (short- or long-term) for the coming three years. This means we need hundreds of valiant pioneers who can dedicate at least a month to serve the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in Albania.

Everyone was skeptical about the possibility of having 100 traveling teachers come to Albania, but as you know, we end up having nearly twice as many. Now we are certain that hundreds of devoted Bahá’ís will arise to come to Albania to help sustain the impetus for growth in the Old Continent and to reap the spiritual bounty of being a channel through which the power of Bahá’u’lláh can work.

In Albania we now have believers in more than 600 localities, all of whom need help to increase their understanding of and love for the Faith.

We appeal to your national community to encourage as many of the friends as possible to dedicate at least one month to helping the development of the Faith in Albania.

Also, we would like to underline the fact that due to the particular culture of the Albanians, it would be more effective if pioneers who come here were mature Bahá’ís (over 30 years old), even if youth are warmly welcomed.

Once more we convey our heartfelt thanks for your precious help, and pray that the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh may always guide you in the path of His service.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Albania September 18, 1993

(This is one among many expressions of appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the friends in the U.S. in all the countries of Eastern Europe. The need exists everywhere. For details, please contact the Office of Pioneering.)

Selected opportunities overseas and at home for Youth Year of Service

EASTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Eastern Caroline Islands would like four Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers for a minimum of six months each.

HAWAII: The University of Hawaii an Manoa (Honolulu) has a strong China Studies Program. The University reaches out to many areas of the far east through their East West Center. The Bahá’í community of Hawaii has a strong Chinese teaching program since the beginning of the six-year plan.

HONG KONG: There are three universities in Hong Kong needing Bahá’í students to introduce the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. There is a Bahá’í family on the staff of one university, but the others have no Bahá’í contacts. It has been reported that these universities even pay for tuition and living costs at the graduate level.

LATVIA: The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Baltic States has asked for a youth pioneer in Liepaja, Latvia who could serve as an au pair assistant to a new pioneer family from the Netherlands.

SAMOA: The National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa requests Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers who can assist with guiding at the Temple.

TUVALU: The National Spiritual Assembly of Tuvalu needs short-term pioneers able to work with Bahá’í youth in developing and implementing teaching and consolidation activities. Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers are short-term pioneers.

U.S.A.: Immediate, urgent need for two domestic Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers in Renton, Washington, to serve as full-time teachers in a project focused on bringing large numbers of people into the Faith.

UPCOMING Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institutes: January 11-18, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California.

If you are interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

TEACHING

Ongoing traveling teaching opportunities

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, Côte D'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo), Zambia, Zimbabwe.

ASIA: Bangladesh, China, 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, 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: Canary Islands, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.

SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELING PROJECTS and EVENTS

HUNGARY: All Bahá’ís of Hungarian origin urgently needed in the Three Year Plan teaching work, starting immediately.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHING INDIA: Bahá’í academy of Panchgani: Dec. 14-23: three-year course for higher study of the Bahá’í Teachings. Part I; Intensive study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Mar. 25-Apr. 9, 1994: Second course for International Traveling Teaching and short-term pioneering to the New Independent States and other Asian countries.

MACAU: Chinese-speakers needed for initiation of campaign to "carry the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to the generality of mankind"; October 20, 1993-January 23, 1994

MALTA: International Year of the Family world forum for Non-Governmental Organizations, entitled "Promoting Families for the Well-being of Individuals and Societies", Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 1993.

SWITZERLAND: Landegg Academy, Third Annual Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, Nov. 22-28, 1993

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-3342.

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

Consulting for the Inter-American Development Bank

(Excerpts from the "International Employment Hotline," October 1993)

Consultants needed for international development bank projects include specialists in education, health, water and sanitization, urban development, agriculture, and industry. Consultants are used for pre-investment activities, project executions, improving environmental protection and conservation and other areas.

There are two ways to get overseas consulting work with the banks. The most common way is through an international consulting firm; the other is as an independent consultant.

You can hook into the world of international consulting firms either by forming a firm of your own with other experts, by joining an established entity that bids on international work in your field as a full-time employee or partner, or by submitting your résumé to one of these entities to be kept on hand in its data base of experts. These firms generally can be identified through networking with professional colleagues and teachers in your field, in trade or professional journals, through business contacts, and membership in professional, business and international societies.

For a copy of the complete article, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-3342.

Application deadlines near for 1994 international internships and summer programs overseas

(From the "International Employment Hotline," October 1993)

Deadlines to apply for several 1994 international internships and summer programs are coming up. Some of them are:

•United States Agency for International Development (with internships in public health, political science, international relations, business management, agriculture, environmental science and other areas. Application deadline: January 31. Contact: USAID, Office of Human Resources Development and Management, 2401 E St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20523-0105.

International Monetary Fund Summer Internship Program. Application deadline: January 31. Contact: Summer Internship Program, IMF, Recruitment Division, Room IS-4100, 700 19th St., NW, Washington, DC 20431.

World Bank, Summer Internships. Application deadline: February 28. Contact: The World Bank Summer Employment Program, Room O-5079, 1818 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20433.

•International Schools Internship Program. Application deadline: January 15, for 1994/95 school year. Contact: ISIP, P.O. Box 103, West Bridgewater, MA 02379. Telephone 508-580-1880; fax 508-580-2992.

Paul Alexander Memorial Overseas Fellowship in Management Sciences for Health. Application deadline: December 30. Contact: Paul Alexander Memorial Fellowship, 1666 Coffman, #220, St. Paul, MN 55108. Telephone 612-647-1251.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-3342.

THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING NOW HAS ITS OWN FAX!

In a hurry? Fax us at (708) 869-3342. [Page 5]

'Rock Dusters' of the world, unite and arise!

An open letter to a special group of people, from one of their own

You know who you are.

You are the pilgrims who pick up the stray gravel on the steps of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice so it will look perfect, or who straighten the fringes of the rugs in this special building where God and man meet.

You're the ones who touch the pillar of the Shrine of the Báb just to feel a bit closer to Him. Who weep at the mere thought of leaving these sacred Places. Who offer to serve at the World Center "even if it's just to dust the rocks along the pathways."

You know that these physical buildings house an Essence that is too precious for words, but which touches the heart in its core. You know that the guidance and power and consolation that flow from these places every day represent mankind's last, best hope.

Some of you have attained the privilege of being in Haifa and Akka, whether as pilgrims or visitors, or as workers. Some of you have not yet visited these hallowed spots, except perhaps in your dreams. But each one of you resonates with the beauty and sacredness of this "Metropolis of the Kingdom of God."

There are among you people of great material wealth, of exceptional accomplishment, of great sophistication. Others of you are "nothing more" than the devoted souls who to outward seeming have none of these credentials, but without whose love and dedication nothing is possible, no great movement can last; without whom no change in history can take place; whose right to belong to an aristocracy of the spirit is above question.

You are all needed now. Your prayers, your work and your material means are essential for the World Center of our Faith to be able to fulfill its mission and to grow. Without neglecting the pressing opportunities in your local or national community, won't you arise and do what must be done?

CONTRIBUTION UPDATE - AUGUST 31, 1993

How are we doing this year?

MONTHLY PATTERNS	May '93	June '93	July '93	August '93	TOTAL
Monthly Goal *	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$,2083,333	$6,250,000
Monthly Contributions	795,877	935,589	1,170,258	941,181	3,842,905
International Fund	27,646	33,245	56,867	61,188	178,946
National Fund	692,055	766,359	1,036,217	815,818	3,310,449
Arc Projects Fund	62,771	122,250	61,978	51,382	298,381
Continental Fund	13,405	13,735	15,196	12,793	55,129

• National goal for B.E. 150 is $25,000,000

Summer doldrums reverse earlier upturn in giving

Contribution revenues for the four major Funds for August were down almost 20 percent from the July total, reversing an upward trend that began in June (see chart on this page). Total offerings of $941,000, down from $1.2 million in July, were just 45 percent of the monthly amount necessary to reach this year's national goal of $25 million.

The good news is that the August '93 total was 9.6 percent higher than last year's figure. Contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund, however, were down 8 percent from a year earlier, while giving to the International, Arc and Continental Funds rose slightly.

The National Spiritual Assembly's operating budget remains at a break-even level, thanks to careful cost control and a continuing program of austerity. The new budget planning and control procedures are producing the kind of results the National Assembly had hoped for and expected when the measures were implemented in early February.

The National Assembly's cash condition, however, is tight. When contributions drop, the amount of money on hand to pay needed expenses also drops, and that is a serious matter. This is especially important in light of the key role this National Assembly plays in the financial structure of the International Fund and, indeed, the activities of sister Assemblies around the world.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to "The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust" and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, Silver Spring MD 20901 (Tel. 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Tel. 310-394-5449).

Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (Tel. 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

DEVELOPMENT

Responses to survey uncover some confusion

Responses to the Office of the Treasurer's survey on social and economic development have begun to arrive, revealing some interesting findings.

The definition of development in the Bahá’í context seems not to be very clear. Communities the National Spiritual Assembly knows to be actively engaged in literacy or race uity programs, or in helping inner-city youth, for example, are responding "None" to questions about the number and kind of development programs under way.

"We suspect," said one of the Treasury's staff members, "that if you asked these Assemblies what these projects are, they would call them teaching or proclamation efforts, but their implications for the social development of those involved cannot be overestimated."

That is true, but it is also true that they represent Bahá’í development. The Universal House of Justice defined social and economic development as an "enlarged dimension of the consolidation process." This means that the whole body of guidance we have about development is open to us, and applies to many of the activities we are already carrying out.

Further news will be shared as the responses keep coming in, and of course the Conference on Social and Economic Development, to be held in December in Orlando, Florida, will provide a timely forum in which to pursue these discussions in depth.

Two Bahá’ís are recognized at King Awards Ceremony in San Leandro, California

Two Bahá’ís—Jil Davis and Cathy Yavrom—were given awards May 20 when the Affirmative Action committee of the San Leandro, California, school district's Board of Education held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. awards ceremony.

The awards are presented to students, teachers and community members who have exemplified the characteristics of Dr. King's "dream" of eliminating racism and bigotry from American society.

The Bahá’í Faith was mentioned at least five times during the ceremony whose audience of more than 150 included members of the city government, the Board of Education, school principals, teachers, members of the press, and parents and students from all schools in the district.

An original poem was written for the event and read by Robert Barnes, who was introduced as a Bahá’í. [Page 6]

An Earthly Paradise

Bahá’í Houses of Worship Bahá’í Houses of Worship Around the World by Julie Badiee HC $29.95

Thousands of people visit Bahá’í Houses of Worship each year. Some come to pray and meditate; others as tourists; many simply to enjoy the tranquillity and spirituality of these buildings. Yet not much information is available about them.

Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world express the unity of the human experience in their restatement of architectural forms and symbols common to sacred buildings. In this book Julie Badiee shows how gardens, hills, water, stone, circles, and other geometric forms have always been used as metaphors for the spiritual message of sacred spaces, whether temple, mosque, or church. In Bahá’í Houses of Worship these elements take on additional meaning as an affirmation of the oneness of the world's great religious traditions and the unity of the human race.

8-15/16" x 10-3/4", 144pp., preface and acknowledgments, contents, introduction, appendices, notes, bibliography

George Ronald, Publisher

AN EARTHLY PARADISE Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the World JULIE BADIEE

O Thou Kind Lord!

Prayers and Readings for Children from the Bahá’í Writings

O Thou Kind Lord! Prayers and Readings for Children from the Bahá’í Writings HC $8.95/SC $5.50

A new selection of prayers and readings from the Bahá’í writings on the themes of family, protection, healing, help from God, and the Feast, which will be welcomed by children and parents alike.

The simple and attractive style makes this book easy for children to read with their families, by themselves, or in meetings. It will also help children memorize their favorite prayers and readings.

4-11/16" x 6-1/4", 57pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust UK

Transition to a Global Society

edited by Suheil Bushrui, Iraj Ayman, & Ervin Laszlo SC $12.95

What will be the structure of a united world? Can we achieve global unity in the 21st century out of the chaos of conflict that we still face, and what will happen to cultural diversity as the peoples of the world become more integrated everyday? The First International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, hosted by the Landegg Academy, explores these vital issues of multicultural relations. This thought-provoking collection of essays drawn from the conference proceedings is introduced by the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Frederico Mayor, and the contributors, representing a wide range of backgrounds, include author John Huddleston of the IMF, Nobel Laureate Professor Ilya Prigigint, Professor Volodymyr Vassilenko of Kiev State University and many more.

5-3/4" x 8-1/2", 176pp., contents, foreword, Introduction, summary of proceedings

Oneworld Publications

New From Oneworld Publications transition to a Global Society edited by SUHEIL BUSHRUI, IRAJ AYMAN & ERVIN LASZLO introduction by FEDERICO MAYOR DIRECTOR GENERAL OP UNESCO

The Holy Year: 1992-1993

SC $5.00

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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Ridván 1992 to Ridván 1993; and the third, readings from the commemorative service held at Bahjí on May 29, 1992, and in communities worldwide. The messages include the tribute of the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’u’lláh, the message to the Second Bahá’í World Congress, and the message delivered by worldwide satellite broadcast.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 68pp. Palabra Publications

Order now through the Bahá’í Distribution Service 1-800-999-9019 [Page 7]

Mountain of the Lord

compiled by the Universal House of Justice SC $2.95

A generously illustrated full-color booklet bringing together excerpts from the Bahá’í writings and statements made by the Universal House of Justice about the great undertaking facing the present-day followers of Bahá’u’lláh—the completion of the buildings on the Arc and of the terraces on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

8-1/4" x 5-13/16", 16pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust - UK

The Big Idea

by Matthew Levine CS $9.95

Matthew Levine, co-producer of the Artists for the Arc album and composer/singer of Sushi in the Kremlin has released his first full-length cassette consisting of ten pop songs whose styles have jazz, rock, and island influences. His lyrics speak of the human condition in a fresh and personal way.

35 minutes Self Published by Matthew Levine

The Bahá’í Newsreel

Vol. 4, No. 2 VT $16.95

This edition of the Bahá’í Newsreel highlights the Spread of the Faith in Ciskei; the Spiritual Assembly elections in Gambia; the Seventh Bahá’í International Convention; Iran: Continuing Persecution of Bahá’ís; Report From Mount Carmel; the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mount Carmel Projects; The International Teaching Center.

30 minutes Bahá’í Media Services

Olya’s Story

Olya Roohizadegan A Survivor's Dramatic Account of the Persecution of Bahá’ís in Revolutionary Iran SC $12.95

House burnings, mob violence, mass arrests, kidnapping, torture, summary execution, and secret burials. This was Iran in the early 80s, an everyday reality for the Bahá’ís, Iran's largest religious minority. The world's press ran harrowing stories, the U.S. Congress and parliaments around the world passed urgent motions, President Reagan appealed directly to Iran to stop the persecution. But it went on.

Now we have a detailed eye-witness account of these dramatic events. This is the moving story of one woman's experiences at the hands of Iranian revolutionaries. Amid the escalating violence, Olya Roohizadegan saw friends, neighbors, and relatives imprisoned, tortured, and executed. For months she visited prisoners, supported their relatives, organized clothing and shelter for the homeless, and smuggled news and photographs out of Iran to the outside world. Then it was her turn.

Soon to be the subject of a new Hollywood film, Olya's Story culminates in her dramatic escape from the hangman's rope and in a hazardous overland journey to Pakistan and the West. It is a story of the triumph of Faith, humor, and love in the face of the most severe trials that could confront the human spirit.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 236pp., contents, acknowledgments, prologue, epilogue, postscript Oneworld Publications [Page 8]

Research

array of Shoghi Effendi’s writings. Or are we?

“Before we begin the process of investigating the truth, in a sense we have to know what is the goal of our search,” said Dr. Hutchison.

“And I think the goal of our search is clearly indicated by the writings of Shoghi Effendi. He says, ‘We have to explain and analyze the elements that help in raising this divine World Order in the light of present-day events and conditions.’”

We need to view the writings of Shoghi Effendi, then, in terms of the larger issues, she said.

“We have to look for the knowledge that we are seeking to find or the reasons that we need to seek and find it,” she said, “which is to deepen our own faith and to convey the whole social philosophy of Shoghi Effendi and the whole moving drama of Bahá’í history and what it proves.

“Because what does it prove?” she asked. “It proves that this Cause is triumphant, and that is ultimately what we ourselves need to know and what we need to convey and prove to others.”

Before sitting down to read, we also need to “in a sense change our whole ways of thinking, our whole spiritual attitude, and we have to divest ourselves of so many scholarly attitudes...of approaching the investigation of truth that we have learned in our societies,” said Dr. Hutchison.

She quoted from a letter written on behalf of the Guadian to an individual believer:

“One might liken Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to a sphere with points poles apart, and in between the thoughts and doctrines that unite them. We believe in balance in all things. We believe in moderation in all things. We must not be too emotional nor cut-and-dried or lacking in feelings. We must not be too liberal as to cease to preserve the character and unity of our Bahá’í system nor fanatical about that.”

A critical relationship to the writings is important, she said. “But I don’t mean in the sense of criticizing them. I mean of criticizing our own kinds of thinking and the patterns of thinking we bring to them.

“What we have to learn to do is understand stylistic matters, learn the language of metaphor and symbolism,” she said.

Shoghi Effendi wrote with rhetorical passion, she noted. He was trying to persuade, awaken, even strike fear and awe in his readers.

That said, one must “plow through the detail and find the central thread” of Shoghi Effendi’s “so dense and so condensed” style of writing, she said.

“If we look at The Advent of Divine Justice, we can identify perhaps 10 themes,” she said. “What we have to do is crystallize what the book is all about—essential themes and patterns.”

It is inevitable, though, that in all of our sifting and comparing of Shoghi Effendi’s letters we will find passages that seem to contradict one another. How do we deal with that?

Remember the allusion to a sphere, she said. We need to try to bring the writings into that circle.

“We have to believe, first of all, that there’s a coherent program here and we have to discover it,” she said. “So that’s our job and our mandate. Our mandate isn’t to read The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and say, gee, that doesn’t fit with this. Our mandate is to bring it all together.”

To do that we have to “compile” writings in the same way the researchers do, said Dr. Hutchison.

“If you have trouble understanding a text, go to another text,” she said. “Continue to assemble. Imagine the writings as a mosaic that must be brought together.”

She quoted from another letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a believer:

“We must take the Teachings as a great balanced whole, not stake out and oppose to each other two strong statements that have two different meanings. Somewhere in there are links uniting the two. That is what makes our faith so flexible and well-balanced.”

Happy deepening.

1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

“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

Featured Speakers and Workshop Leaders: Mr. Peter Adriance Mr. Techeste Ahderom Dr. Dwight Allen Mr. William G. Allmart Dr. Elizabeth L. Bowen Dr. Gustavo Correa Mr. William E. Davis Mr. Yvon VanDriessche Dr. Wilma Ellis Mrs. Mona Grieser Mr. Jack Guillebeaux Ms. Holly Hanson Dr. Robert C. Henderson Mr. John Huddleston Ms. Barbara J. Rodey Dr. David S. Ruhe Mrs. Margaret K. Ruhe

The Bahá’í Faith in Action... Sustainable Development for a New World December 16 - 19, 1993 Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION Special Bahá’í 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)

REGISTRATION Registration fee per person Before November 1: $129 After November 1: $149 (No conference registration fee for youth or children)

Make checks payable/mail to: The Rabbani Charitable Trust 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue Suite 200 Winter Park, FL 32789 For information call: (407) 647-7777

The Rabbani Charitable Trust in association with the Mottahedeh Development Services, an affiliate of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, warmly invites you to attend the 1993 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development.

This conference presents a unique opportunity for Bahá’ís of all backgrounds and experiences to gather together....

...To gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of Bahá’í social and economic development as they relate to our role within our communities, our nations, and our world.

...To forge action plans to achieve developmental 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, Bahá’í Institutions in Social and Economic Development, and Development with Special Populations.

Conference begins with 8:00 pm reception, Thursday, December 16, and concludes 12:30 pm, Sunday, December 19, 1993.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í Subscription rates

Outside continental U.S. only: 1 Year: $24 (First class/Surface), $32 (Air Mail) 2 Years: $45 (First class/Surface), $60 (Air Mail)

Please make check payable to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, c/o Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. All orders must be pre-paid in U.S. currency. VISA/MasterCard accepted. [Page 9]Peace Fest wasn't for adults only. At far left, young singers dutifully for the most part watch their conductor during the Gospel Jubilee. At left, members of the Conway (South Carolina) Bahá’í Children's Choir enthusiastically 'sing praises.'

Below, Dash Crofts pounds away at an improvised drum set, complete with cymbal fashioned from a garbage can lid, during a break in rehearsals.

Peace Fest

sonal service. She then detailed the contributions of Dr. Hare, a former Kellogg Fellowship winner, in fostering cross-cultural ties and racial unity.

After a brief intermission, Mr. White and Peace Fest founder Roy Jones were brought onto the stage to receive the audience's appreciation. Mr. Jones is the former administrator of the Gregory Institute.

Next it was the turn of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Youth Workshop to shine as six members of the troupe performed the dramatic "Unity Dance."

Then the Jazz Orchestra re-emerged with tenor saxophone solos by Jay Corre on "When You're Smiling" and "In a Sentimental Mood" and another George Graham trumpet solo, "The Wind Beneath My Wings," before Mr. Crofts came on to the tune of "Route 66."

Mr. Crofts' expressive tenor voice blended smoothly with the Jazz Orchestra on such tunes as "My Funny Valentine," "The Light," "Pale Moon," Nat King Cole's unforgettable "Nature Boy," and the Seals & Crofts hit, "We May Never Pass This Way Again."

The vocalist closed the program by reading a quotation from "When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education, and when the equality of men and women will be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality, this will be impossible." the Bahá’í Writings:

"The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music, where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord."

A reception was hosted after the concert at the Florence Bahá’í Center so audience members could meet the Jazz Orchestra members and learn more about the Bahá’í Faith.

Back in Hemingway the next morning, a Unity Worship Service was held at the Gregory Institute on the theme of "Women: The Key to Peace."

Keynote speaker for the occasion was Bahá’í Edda Erroll, a native of Finland who is now a lawyer in private practice in Charleston, South Carolina.

What is the connection between women and peace?

Miss Erroll quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:

"When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education, and when the equality of men and women will be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality, this will be impossible."

Equality, then, is a prerequisite to world peace, she said.

In fact, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote, "The woman has greater moral courage than the man. She also has special gifts which enable her to govern in moments of danger and crisis."

In past ages, though, women were robbed of the opportunity to use these gifts, she said. Inequality was encoded in the law and perpetuated by a male-dominated religious leadership.

Only during the Bahá’í Dispensation, she said, has it been clearly enunciated that "women and men have been, and will REMP always be, equal in the sight of God."

She said the Bahá’í Writings state that women and men must complement each other in marriage and family life.

By extension, women are encouraged to enter professions, such as law and politics, that will give them the means to foster peace, she said.

The nurturing role of motherhood also holds a special key to peace, she said, as a counter to the traditional male role of dominance.

But Miss Erroll warned, quoting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that "so long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs."

And she quoted from the Universal House of Justice's statement, "The Promise of World Peace":

"The denial of equality to women...promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the workplace to political life and ultimately to international relations."

Above, Ginny Kintz (left) presents the Ambassador Award to Sally Z. Hare.

At left, Edda Erroll speaks on 'Women: The Key to Peace.'

QUDRAT B.E. 150/ NOVEMBER 4, 1993. [Page 10]

Report of Recommendations and Suggestions: 84th Bahá’í National Convention

May 20-23, 1993

Recommendations from the Convention floor

That an entire edition of The American Bahá’í be dedicated to a discussion of the significance, importance and meaning of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas along with a study guide. RESPONSE: The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a task force to undertake the development of a study aid for the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider the media of The American Bahá’í and video productions analogous to the Newsreels as methods of communicating the important practical suggestions for such fundamental practices as prayer, meditation, study of the Writings, application of Bahá’í law, improvement of Feasts, etc. RESPONSE: A Questions & Answers column in The American Bahá’í will be produced.

That the National Spiritual Assembly produce a cassette by Firuz Kazemzadeh on giving a deepening on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. RESPONSE: This is in process.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider publishing a clear statement identifying what constitutes sacred and primary Bahá’í literature and its importance and that this statement appear prominently in any publication, flyer, catalog, etc., where Bahá’í literature is offered for sale, in as many languages as possible. RESPONSE: A statement is being drafted for publication in The American Bahá’í clarifying what constitutes the Sacred Writings and the status to be given to the letters of Shoghi Effendi.

That a teaching booklet or pamphlet be made, to include African Americans, Hispanic women, and other native people, with pictures of the first Native American believer, native groups and tribal elders, native Auxiliary Board members and short sentences about those people to convey that native people are active in the Administrative Order. RESPONSE: The matter is being considered.

That the instructions received from the Universal House of Justice concerning the review of music and art be distributed as widely and quickly as possible throughout the community. RESPONSE: The guidelines received from the Universal House of Justice for the review of music and art will be compiled for publication in The American Bahá’í.

That the National Spiritual Assembly encourage the Bahá’ís to name the Bahá’í National Fund as a partial beneficiary of their life insurance and to educate the believers on how to do so through regular articles on the subject in The American Bahá’í after consultation with life insurance professionals and that a line item of life insurance proceeds be included in the annual report. RESPONSE: Various such activities have been done in the past and are included topics of further discussion as part of the National Spiritual Assembly's Planned Giving program being developed by the Office of the Treasurer.

That the National Spiritual Assembly publish in The American Bahá’í reminders about United Nations-designated international days and years (such as the 1994 International Year of the Family) to spark commemoration of those events and teaching ideas. RESPONSE: Such articles do appear in The American Bahá’í, and a calendar of events that includes those special days appears each month on the last page of The American Bahá’í.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider making an "800" number available to the friends, especially for the friends in rural areas who may not have the luxury of having other Bahá’ís around. RESPONSE: The matter is under consideration.

That the delegates at the Convention send greetings to Charles Ioas and Burrell Bullock to acknowledge our absent brothers and our concerns for them. RESPONSE: This was completed during National Convention.

Suggestions from the Convention floor

That support be provided to Bahá’ís who are music artists in their efforts to produce music for youth and children. RESPONSE: The National Teaching Plan emphasizes the support and encouragement of Bahá’í artists to spur the teaching work.

That the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee include the use of music in teaching and in vitalizing the community. RESPONSE: This is a component of the goals of the Six Year Plan whose goals are carried over into the Three Year Plan and is being considered.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consult on redoubling the effort to foster Bahá’í scholarship by producing World Order magazine on a more timely schedule and to support the Association for Bahá’í Studies in the United States. RESPONSE: A plan for publishing World Order on a more timely schedule is currently under way.

That a goal be set for local Bahá’í schools that they become accredited as are public schools. RESPONSE: This is a matter for local consideration.

That a national youth institute be held in the Temple with the members of the National Spiritual Assembly present to run the institute and either a youth from each state or one youth from each district in attendance. RESPONSE: This will be considered in the future.

That a course be developed at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for young people (perhaps to become a college-level credit course) in which aspects of preparing for marriage and the training and disciplining of children are explored so people learn how to resolve conflicts. RESPONSE: The national schools and institutes are developing a plan to accomplish the goal of preparing youth for marriage and for the training of children.

That statements be provided to the American Bahá’í community with regard to the Bahá’í position on homosexuality. RESPONSE: Consideration is being given to this suggestion.

That the National Spiritual Assembly inspire us through The American Bahá’í and the Feast letters. RESPONSE: The National Spiritual Assembly will send letters to the Nineteen Day Feasts during the Three Year Plan.

That consideration be given to reprinting basic and simple study guides for the primary sacred works. RESPONSE: Study guides have appeared in issues of The American Bahá’í.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider compiling passages from the Writings on the subject of child education as a curriculum for the education of parents and others, especially on the rearing of children without prejudice. RESPONSE: The National Teacher Training Task Force has made such a compilation which is part of the Core Curriculum for children ages 6-12. Plans are under way to publish and make it available to the community.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider re-releasing "The Individual and Teaching" and other compilations from the Universal House of Justice. RESPONSE: Compilations from the Universal House of Justice are available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

That a simplified study guide for the Kitáb-i-Aqdas be published in The American Bahá’í. RESPONSE: Such a guide has been published.

That the National Assembly consult with the Bahá’í Distribution Service to create a package of primary texts for local communities, at a reduced rate, for presentation to their local libraries. RESPONSE: The suggestion is being considered. Currently, The Master Key, produced by the Bahá’í Distribution Service, is available and designed to aid book selections.

That the Feast letters promote a greater intimacy between the National Assembly and the community, providing specific updates on the progress of the community toward achieving its goals, including the fund. RESPONSE: This is being considered.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider forming a special task force aimed directly at leaders in the African American community. RESPONSE: This is under consideration.

That Bahá’ís start setting up day care centers for the generality of the community, under the guidance of local Spiritual Assemblies, so that the first generation of non-prejudiced children can be realized sooner. RESPONSE: This is a matter requiring local action.

That in specifically targeted communities pilot projects be addressed to the social concerns of a certain population (i.e. single parents, retired people, working mothers, etc.). RESPONSE: This is a matter of local concern.

That Bahá’ís become more involved in organizations that work with neglected and abused children. RESPONSE: This is a matter of local concern.

That the National Spiritual Assembly encourage local Spiritual Assemblies to recruit and train youth as assistants to Assembly officers so skills are passed along to prepare the future generation of Assembly administrators. RESPONSE: Assembly Development Program coordinators will encourage local Spiritual Assemblies in this direction to the extent possible.

That in the future the National Assembly consider a health care program for the Bahá’í community. RESPONSE: This is a matter for future discussion.

That a task force be created to consider arranging and promoting Bahá’í singing groups who can travel throughout the country as a means of teaching the Faith. RESPONSE: The National Teaching Committee has appointed a National Arts Task Force to consider such matters.

That the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee encourage Bahá’ís to meet with their local political leadership such as county commissioners, etc. RESPONSE: Such action is being undertaken by local Spiritual Assemblies.

That the National Teaching Committee train homefront pioneers since many of the changes such as climate, customs, etc. are the same as international pioneering. RESPONSE: Homefront pioneering training institutes, facilitated by the Office of Pioneering and the National Teaching Committee, are held at the Native American Bahá’í Institute.

That the National Teaching Committee place homefront pioneers in strategic areas. RESPONSE: The National Teaching Committee is actively pursuing this task.

That a committee or institute be set up to manage the Gospel Choir so the choir can travel around the country with their travel to be paid for through local teaching/ proclamation budgets. RESPONSE: This is in process. The Choir has begun to travel and recordings are being produced.

That photographs showing the diversity of delegates at National Convention be made available for sale after Convention. RESPONSE: Convention photographs are available for sale every year.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider [Page 11]establishing a contingency fund for use by teaching projects. RESPONSE: Such funds currently are available in the National Teaching Committee budget.

That the National Spiritual Assembly set up a separate fund for the Arc project for next year within the regular national budget. RESPONSE: This has been done.

That money be allocated to subsidize and support teachers in the field. RESPONSE: While the National Teaching Committee includes in its budget monies to assist traveling teachers, local initiatives to support such efforts are encouraged.

That the National Spiritual Assembly, in collaboration with the Auxiliary Board members, look into the possibility of expanding the way modules for the local Spiritual Assembly Development Program are administered to the community so modules reach more local Spiritual Assemblies. RESPONSE: This is in process.

Suggestions from the Suggestion Box

That some sort of consideration be given to American Bahá’ís who are pioneers and who have no provisions for retirement since they must change jobs and countries too frequently to save and plan for their old age. RESPONSE: A task force will be appointed to propose strategies for assisting returning pioneers, especially those of retirement age without adequate funds.

That the National Spiritual Assembly place responsibility on local Spiritual Assemblies in all conceivable ways to allow the National Spiritual Assembly to lead by deep consultation and information sharing. RESPONSE: The National Spiritual Assembly encourages local Spiritual Assemblies to give guidance to their communities, leaving the National Assembly open to address national matters.

That, in the light of fostering the proper functioning of local and national institutions, local Spiritual Assemblies be helped to enroll new believers through establishing a protocol or process that welcomes new believers, educates them in the Covenant and the basic responsibilities of belonging to the Faith, and to help local Spiritual Assemblies know what responsibilities they have toward youth who attain the age of maturity in a similar fashion. RESPONSE: This will be considered.

That the National Spiritual Assembly review #5, Page 7 of the compilation entitled National Convention concerning "Visitors" at the National Convention. RESPONSE: This has been referred to the Executive Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly for review.

1. That a group be chosen to provide input on how to consult at Convention as opposed to a series of recommendations and suggestions; 2. That the National Spiritual Assembly encourage the local Spiritual Assemblies planning the District Conventions to hold deepenings and study sessions on the institutions of the District Convention and National Convention and that consideration be given to creating an LSA Development module about District Convention; and 3. That the National Spiritual Assembly consider more effective use of its pre-District Convention mailings, District Convention recommendations, and pre-National Convention mailings to enhance the consultative process at the local level, through the District level, to culminate in more focused and informed consultation at the National Convention. RESPONSE: These suggestions about conventions have been considered. An article is being prepared for The American Bahá’í dealing with such topics.

That a program to educate the friends on Islam be launched. RESPONSE: Such programs are offered at the Bahá’í schools.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider instituting a structured program of pilgrimages to the National Center and House of Worship. RESPONSE: The House of Worship Special Visit programs, and the Weekend Visit programs hosted by the Office of the Treasurer, have been in effect and will continue.

That the National Spiritual Assembly initiate a collaborative effort, at least between the National Assemblies of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, to initiate race unity statements and convention before the United Nations; to challenge the congresses and representative bodies within their countries to address the issue; to call for an acknowledgement of the tragic injustice perpetrated by the dominant colonial governments; and to call for an intercontinental commitment to address the most challenging issue. RESPONSE: Very different situations exist in each country, making it impossible to implement a collective action on the issue.

That consideration be given to protecting the sacred symbols of the Faith from commercialization (i.e. the proliferation of Greatest Name and ring stone symbols and photos of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá being merchandised.) RESPONSE: The friends are encouraged to review the existing guidelines on this subject. Ultimately, however, protection of the Faith must start in the wisdom and firmness in the Covenant of the individual believer.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consult about the second condition from the Tablets of the Divine Plan (fellowship and union among the believers) and then produce a pamphlet emphasizing the love of humankind, particularly among the friends. RESPONSE: The National Spiritual Assembly's letter to the Feast of Mashíyyat (September 27, 1993) discusses conditions from the Tablets of the Divine Plan in the light of the needs of the Three Year Plan.

That we systematically come up with teams of spiritually and administratively competent Bahá’ís, strategically placed in permanent locations around the country, who provide ongoing training to the local Assemblies and whose areas are rotated on an ongoing basis so all have the chance to be part of the training process. RESPONSE: This is an aspect of the National Spiritual Assembly's local Spiritual Assembly development strategy.

That the American Bahá’í community return to the process of identifying large receptive populations for mass teaching, develop methods to reach them, and develop the resources within them. RESPONSE: This is an aspect of the National Teaching Committee's current strategy.

That the Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, William Davis, head up a task force to reach the Hispanic community in this country. RESPONSE: Mr. Davis has met with a group of believers interested in Hispanic teaching in the United States. Since then, proclamation events have been held in seven Texas cities and border area teaching has been done.

That beginning this year the National Spiritual Assembly begin to develop a concerted, systematic Bahá’í Center development plan (to parallel the financial development plan) which, during the Three Year Plan, would achieve progressive growth (i.e. doubling the number of Bahá’í Centers in the U.S.). RESPONSE: The long-term plans for Bahá’í Centers are under consideration.

That the National Spiritual Assembly immediately implement intensive training of local Spiritual Assemblies and their communities to prepare them for diversity and for the training to be ongoing until the Lesser Peace. The training should include participation by all community members and an evaluation of the process three times per year. RESPONSE: This is included as part of LSA Development and Race Unity training plans.

After deliberation, implementations of the following recommendations and suggestions were declined:

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider stating that "for example" by reading 10 pages per day from the sacred texts you can finish reading them in two years.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider inviting some of the pioneers from this and other countries who already serve in China and in Eastern Europe to tour the U.S. Bahá’í districts with a member of the Continental Board of Counselors to appeal for pioneers and to share the scope and significance of this kind of pioneering. This project would be financed through the local communities.

That a committee of the National Spiritual Assembly set up centers of hope, places where people who feel hopeless can come to talk to Bahá’ís when no one else will listen, as a teaching effort and as a means to help alleviate the suffering of the people in the community, especially in the inner cities.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consider pursuing relentlessly emphasis on promoting primary literature throughout the Three Year Plan.

That the "Lawh-i-Aqdas" be published in a booklet and made as accessible to the Bahá’ís as the Peace Statement has been, and that it be one of our tools during the Three Year Plan.

That the National Spiritual Assembly set a goal of enrolling 9,000 children into the American Bahá’í community, to be implemented by the National Teaching Committee over the first three Bahá’í months.

That 300 teams of Bahá’í youth be trained to consolidate the 9,000 children.

That youth be given a specific percentage of the goals for the Three Year Plan.

That the National Spiritual Assembly ask the Universal House of Justice to consider during the Three Year Plan lowering the administrative age of maturity so our youth can serve on the Administrative Order.

That Bahá’í schools such as the Maxwell International School be established in the United States.

That the National Spiritual Assembly consult with the Counselors about establishing a Ruhi training program to train trainers in this country with a long-term goal of adapting Ruhi methods and training to the U.S. population.

That 20 of the 200 visitors' seats at Convention be reserved for Native Americans; that the Regional Indian Committees assign two or three seats to districts in their region; that the districts assist with the details of arrangements for getting Native Americans to Convention; and that special deepenings and tours be arranged for times during Convention when visitors cannot attend the proceedings.

That the chairs for the delegates at National Convention be arranged in a circle next year.

That the District Teaching Committees be reactivated to get the teaching going at an accelerated rate.

That the National Spiritual Assembly encourage emphasis in the teaching institutes on reaching minorities with the same kind of cross-cultural sensitivity we have begun to develop toward African Americans.

That WLGI be given responsibility to review/screen all music produced by Bahá’í artists, instead of the current review committee, so that a variety of music, especially ethnic music, is released into the community.

That the National Assembly find a way to emphasize and develop or create a mandate to have Bahá’í books available through some of the major bookstores.

That the seats at National Convention be arranged so that the delegates can face each other.

That consideration be given, in developing strategies and implementation plans for Models of Unity Inc., to encouraging local Spiritual Assemblies and communities to form local incorporated organizations, possibly called "Bahá’í Association for the Advancement of Minorities," to promote unity in diversity and provide moral defense of the downtrodden from among all local minorities and ethnic groups, drawing membership from Bahá’ís and the public at large.

That the delegates be seated in a semi-circle with the Convention chairman in the center and with visitors in rows behind the semi-circle.

That at the next National Convention three separate delegate lists be provided by (1) state order, (2) numeric order, and (3) alphabetical order.

That a well-organized booking agent be established for Bahá’í talent to facilitate teaching. [Page 12]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREEN ACREBahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í educational programs for adults, youth and children is highly desirable. Please send letter of introduction and résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking a general manager for the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School has a full-time position open for a Food Services Manager. The job entails cooking two of the three daily meals during school sessions; supervising other kitchen workers; ordering; inventorying; menu planning (including vegetarian needs); supervising, and taking part in keeping the kitchen facilities clean and orderly. Must be able to maintain kitchen equipment. Knowledge of sanitation and health rules regarding food is necessary. There may be other maintenance tasks as assigned by the school administrator. Cooking/supervisory experience (3-4 years) preferred. Knowledge of nutrition desirable. If interested, please phone the Bosch Bahá’í School, 408-423-3387 (fax 408-423-7564), sending résumé to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School is seeking an individual or retired couple to serve as resident caretaker(s). This is a year-round volunteer position primarily responsible for building and grounds security at designated times, opening and closing buildings as needed for functions, helping with light-duty maintenance, responding to emergencies, and greeting visitors to the school. Requires a mature person or couple with proven experience in carrying out these responsibilities. On-campus residence (two-bedroom apartment) will be provided. Applicants may also apply for other openings at the school. Please submit a letter of introduction and résumé with detailed description of your qualifications and background to: Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

NEEDED urgently to serve in the Office of Properties at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel: (1) property development specialist to negotiate the acquisition and disposal of real property, and (2) technical specialist to provide technical services regarding the structural integrity and repair of buildings, and to monitor repairs, improvements and encroachments. The property development specialist should have real estate experience, preferably commercial; business and negotiating experience; and willingness to learn Hebrew. The technical specialist should have construction and drafting experience and good clerical skills. Please send résumé and other relevant information to the Office of Personnel, Bahá’í World Center, Box 150, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

THE BAHÁ’Í Youth Workshop for Southeastern Florida is recruiting a director and youth coordinator to help the youth achieve their goals for teaching and spiritual development. The position of director requires a mature adult with demonstrated ability to manage and supervise long-range programs; the position of youth coordinator requires "hands-on" leadership with emphasis on supervision and creative program development. Ability to travel state-wide with the youth group is also important. Interested candidates should contact the Spiritual Assembly of Plantation, c/o Karen Pritchard, Plantation, FL 33317, or telephone 305-587-1863.

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

NEWARK, New Jersey, a goal area of the National Spiritual Assembly, needs homefront pioneers. Will help you find housing and employment. For more information, please phone Azar Kennedy, 201-338-0830.

KINGSTREE, South Carolina, needs homefront pioneers to help in the teaching and consolidation work. There were 60 enrollments this summer, mostly youth, and Bahá’ís are needed to work with them and to help build the Assembly. Kingstree, a rural town of about 5,000, is 35 minutes from the Louis Gregory Institute. There are many activities for children and youth. Housing is reasonably priced. Come teach those youth who will be the destiny of the world.

SIERRA MADRE, a southern California city at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, is seeking two homefront pioneers to help its jeopardized Assembly. Sierra Madre (pop. 11,000), readily accessible to Los Angeles, is safe, quiet and active, with a friendly, hard-working Assembly. Please check us out; we'll help you relocate. Write to the Bahá’ís of Sierra Madre, P.O. Box 563, Sierra Madre, CA 90125 (phone 818-355-8095 or 818-355-6683).

HOMEFRONT pioneers and traveling teachers are needed to help restore the jeopardized Assembly in Quincy, Illinois, a lovely community of 45,000 high and dry on bluffs two hours north of St. Louis. Home to Quincy University with affordable housing, excellent medical facilities and city services. Retired couples, students, or independent business or professional people may find it easiest to relocate here. For more information, contact the Assembly secretary, Quincy, IL 62301.

PATERSON, New Jersey, needs a few homefront pioneers to help form its Assembly. Will help you find housing and employment. For more information, please phone Azar Kennedy, 201-338-0830.

HOMEFRONT pioneer(s) needed to rent the former home of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, and to serve as host/hostess at this Bahá’í landmark. The five-room house is furnished, but if prospective tenants wish to use their own furniture they may sell the pieces and place the money in a Martha Root Fund, maintained by the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsburgh, for repairs. If you have questions about the house, or wish to inquire about moving there, please phone 814-398-4687.

BAHÁ’Í college applicants: come and serve the Cause for four years while pursuing an undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Geneseo. SUNY Geneseo is listed as No. 10 on Money magazine's list of most selective institutions, and the No. 5 best buy among all colleges. In this, the first full year after the formation of the Bahá’í Unity Club of Geneseo, the Faith is being recognized as a leader in the race unity movement. Help spread the Teachings in the heart of upstate New York's lovely Genesee Valley. For more information about the college, write to Emil Lou, Geneseo, NY 14454, or phone 716-245-7354 or 716-243-5993.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Lomita, California, warmly invites two or three dedicated Bahá’ís 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.

THE BAHÁ’Í community of Smyrna, Tennessee, warmly welcomes homefront pioneers. Smyrna, less than 30 minutes by car from Nashville or Murfreesboro, both of which have many fine educational institutions, has eight active adult Bahá’ís, one youth and four children. There is a Nissan Motors plant and other industries. Smyrna lost its Assembly at Ridván and is establishing a teaching institute to begin large-scale expansion and regain Assembly status by Ridván 1994. For information, please write to Susan Hakiman, Smyrna, TN 37167, or phone 615-355-4981.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Mrs. W.W. Robinson, Cora Rockwell, Carolyn L. Rodgers, Constance Martha Rodman (died Batavia, NY, 1942), Josehina Rodriguez, Carol Rogers, E.A. Rogers, Leah Rogers, Alice Rohrback and Annie B. Romer (died Manchester, CT, 1955). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking materials documenting teaching activities on Indian Reservations and among Hispanic and Asian populations including tape recordings, letters, reports, personal recollections and photographs. Anyone having materials they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

WANTED for inclusion in a Bahá’í library in the newly established Bahá’í Academy in Bangladesh: books (old or new), audio-visual materials, and equipment that is useful in a library. If you are able to donate materials, please send them to Bahá’í Academy Bangladesh, c/o National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bangladesh, G.P.O. Box No. 878, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

WANTED: photocopies of correspondence, poetry, music, tributes, essays or other materials by, about or inspired by Roger White for a book about his life and influence. A brief personal statement about your relationship with him/his influence on your life or art would be helpful. Please send to Anne Gordon Perry, Dallas, TX 75206 (fax 214-824-4794).

WANTED: any books by Stanwood Cobb in good condition. Please write to Mabel S. Olson, Anchorage, AK 99517.

ARE YOU, or your Bahá’í community, involved in interfaith activities or interfaith dialogue? The Research Office of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í representative to NAIN (the North American Interfaith Network) need to know how many Bahá’ís and Bahá’í communities are active in interfaith efforts, how many Bahá’ís are officers of interfaith groups, and what efforts Bahá’ís have been making in this area. The information is also needed for the National Spiritual Assembly to assess Bahá’í involvement in interfaith efforts, and it is sought for possible inclusion in future issues of The American Bahá’í. Please write to Dr. Robert H. Stockman, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039 (voice); 708-869-0247 (fax); 72203.623-@COMPUSERVE.COM (E-mail; INTERNET).

WANTED: Bahá’í artists and craftspersons to display and sell their wares at the Bahá’í 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.

SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033).

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly must fill two positions in the Office of Public Information that is soon to open in New York City. Needed are a National Public Information Officer to manage public information activities, and an administrative assistant to support the National Public Information Officer by preparing public information materials, analyzing news clippings, and helping on other projects as needed. Candidates for the position of National Public Information Officer should have a degree in public relations or English (master's preferred), at least five years' experience in marketing and/or public relations, some supervisory or managerial experience, ability to work within a large diverse organization, and be well-versed in the principles of Bahá’í administration. Those applying for the position of administrative assistant should have experience working in an office and some familiarity with personal computers including word processing and telecommunications (must know WordPerfect 5.1), and a firm knowledge and understanding of the Bahá’í Faith and its administrative order. Please send a résumé and other relevant information to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039; fax 708-869-0247).

The following positions are presently open at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette: general manager and production department coordinator, Bahá’í Publishing Trust; and program assistant, Persian/American Affairs Office.

The Bosch Bahá’í School is seeking an assistant director and program coordinator. To apply for any of these positions or to obtain more information about them, please write or phone the Office of Human Resources at the address or number given above. [Page 13]

World News

As a part of her extensive tour of the Republics of the former Soviet Union, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum traveled to the Buryat Republic for a week in July, accompanied by Violette Nakhjavání. The Hand of the Cause was met at the airport in Ulan-Ude by the deputy Minister of Culture, a woman representing the chairman of the Parliament, and television interviewers. The next day, she met with the chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Buryat Republic and five members of Parliament, speaking to them about the history of the Faith, and its relationship with Russia including the first Bahá’í House of Worship in Ashkabad which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. The meeting was later aired on State Television news.

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum also met with the Republic’s Chairman of the Environment and the deputy head of the Ministry of Education, Women and Social Affairs, and attended a teaching conference July 16-18 in Ulan-Ude with more than 250 Bahá’ís from 15 countries and 18 localities in Asiatic Russia. After the conference, she toured a model paper mill, accompanied by three members of Parliament, and a Buddhist Temple, accompanied by the Minister of Religious Affairs. During that same week, the Hand of the Cause spoke about the Faith to 15 senior scientists at the Academy of Science, and was the guest speaker at a well-attended public meeting in Ulan-Ude, after which she traveled to Novosibirsk, in the heart of Siberian Russia, where she met with members of the Marion Jack teaching team and with the deputy chairmen of the Departments of Religious Affairs, Environment, and Education, and gave a talk to more than 35 scientists and professors at Novosibirsk’s Center of Science.

From Novosibirsk, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum returned to Moscow for a week, during which time she met with the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia, and with about 150 Bahá’ís who were in Moscow at the time. After interviews with a cable TV station and a weekly business magazine, she flew on August 5 to St. Petersburg where she was received in the municipal office by eight of the city’s Councillors and representatives of the press. She was cordially received by the deputy Rector of the University of St. Petersburg, who was especially interested to hear about the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. At the local library, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum was shown materials from the archives including Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and the first translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas into Russian, all of which were printed in 1899. The Hand of the Cause left St. Petersburg on August 11 to travel by train to Tallin, Estonia.

A "highly successful" Bahá’í summer school was held July 10-17 in Lapta/Girne, Cyprus, with more than 70 adults, youth and children from Austria, Bulgaria, North and South Cyprus, Luxembourg and Turkey taking part. "Presence of Counselor Ilhan Sezgin, chairmen of the Turkish and Bulgarian National Assemblies, all members of the Cyprus NSA, three Auxiliary Board members...blessed the school and enhanced the enthusiasm of the friends," the School Committee reported, "providing extra impetus for vigorous teaching practice in the neighborhood which resulted in the enrollment of 30 new believers." The mayor of Lapta spent several hours at the school, praising the friends for the universal principles of Bahá’u’lláh. More than 500 people heard about the Faith during an open-air musical program presented in connection with the school.

Fifteen declarations were made during a summer school held in August at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in Central Asia. More than 250 Bahá’ís from 17 countries studied topics including Bahá’í administration, the history of the Faith, and family life. Also, the Bahá’í electoral process was demonstrated through a mock election of a National Spiritual Assembly. Slides of Bahá’í Holy Places were shown, and evenings were devoted to programs in which the friends displayed their talents in poetry, music and folk dancing.

More than 500 Bahá’í books in various languages were displayed June 14-20 at the National Library in Tirana, Albania. The center of interest were the seven books translated by Refo Capari in the 1930s which were found in the library’s archives. One of these had been donated on June 20, 1933, by the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root, and was signed by her. A number of prominent people including the Vice-Minister of Culture attended the exhibit, news of which was broadcast twice on television.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board conducted 19 conferences in 11 regions of Guyana between May 30-July 4 to help the friends study and understand the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice. Total attendance at the conferences was more than 350.

On August 6-8, a special conference was held on the Island of Upolu, Samoa, to help deepen a number of village chiefs who have recently become Bahá’ís. Their enrollments were the result of efforts by teams of Bahá’ís who are village chiefs in their own right. Inspired by the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice, the chiefs have made special efforts to teach their peers; as a result, 21 people accepted the Faith during May, June and July—most of whom are chiefs in their area.

A free medical camp, organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Panganon, Maharashtra, India, with help from the New Era Development Institute (NEDI) and its Community Development facilitator, was held last April 7. About 500 people were seen by six doctors, each of whom had a different area of specialization. An article about the clinic was published on April 9 in a local newspaper.

During the last month of the Holy Year, Bahá’ís in the Tanga region of northeastern Tanzania made a special effort to teach the Faith. In one village, four women accepted the Cause in April, and three of them were elected at Ridván to serve on the local Spiritual Assembly.

Dr. Keith Munro, a Bahá’í who is a family doctor in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was the subject of a half-hour program produced by Ulster Television and seen July 29 throughout Northern Ireland. The program was part of a series about the daily lives of individuals and how they are influenced by their religious beliefs. Dr. Munro was able to speak directly about Bahá’u’lláh, His mission, and some other aspects of the Faith.

Top photo: This photograph, taken August 22, shows a carpet of green being laid at the foot of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. The underground piping work has been completed on Terrace No. 8, and now sod is being placed over the area. Bottom photo: The International Archives Building, construction of which was mostly undertaken in the days of Shoghi Effendi, is being extended as part of the current Arc Project. The machinery shown here is preparing the area for final excavation of the site.

New English translations of Gibran books planned

New English translations by Bahá’ís of two works in Arabic by Kahlil Gibran will soon be available from White Cloud Press. The Storm, which brings together 14 short stories and poems on characteristic Gibran themes, was translated by John Walbridge, professor of Middle Eastern history and philosophy at Indiana University; Spirit Brides, an early work (published in 1906), which tells three stories set in northern Lebanon in the late 19th century, has been translated by Juan R. Cole, professor of Middle Eastern and North African studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Mr. Gibran, who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Boston and New York City during the Master’s visit to North America in 1912, and painted His portrait while in New York, told Bahá’í Juliet Thompson that he was influenced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when writing the book Jesus: The Son of Man. Much of Mr. Gibran’s writing is on spiritual themes that reflect the high moral, ethical and social values embodied in the Bahá’í Faith.

The new translations of his works will be available in bookstores in November and from the publisher, White Cloud Press, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (phone/fax 408-427-1031). [Page 14]

Guidance from House of Justice on joining activist groups

The following letter dated October 24, 1990, was written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly that was seeking guidance about the advisability of local Spiritual Assemblies or individual Bahá’ís associating with activist groups such as the Greenpeace organization.

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Universal House of Justice has received your letter of November 27, 1989. It regrets that the pressure of work has prevented it from responding earlier. We have been directed to convey the following on its behalf.

The several issues raised in your letter are best considered in light of the insights conveyed in the Bahá’í teachings about the manner in which the innumerable problems of an ailing society can best be resolved and its distressing condition ameliorated.

Bahá’u’lláh has stated in His Tablet to Queen Victoria:

"That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error."

The well-being of humanity is a reflection of its spiritual state, and any enduring change for the better in its material affairs requires a change in its spiritual condition. For this reason the principal concern and contribution of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh is the spiritual transformation of human society, with full confidence that by this means they are making a most valuable and most fundamental contribution to the betterment of the world and the rectification of its many problems.

It is the responsibility of the institutions of the Faith to assist the believers in their endeavors to acquire an accurate and profound understanding of the indissoluble connection between their efforts to propagate the Faith and consolidate its institutions and their commendable desire to contribute to improvement in the quality of human life. They should realize also that their approach to the solution of the world's problems will not be understood, and may even be disparaged by the idealistic materialists whose labors are directed so assiduously to improvement in the material welfare of humanity, and to whom material good is the only standard by which the condition of society is assessed. The Universal House of Justice has stated on an earlier occasion that

"most people have no clear concept of the sort of world they wish to build, nor how to go about building it. Even those who are concerned to improve conditions are therefore reduced to combating every apparent evil that takes their attention. Willingness to fight against evils, whether in the form of conditions or embodied in evil men, has thus become for most people the touchstone by which they judge a person's moral worth. Bahá’ís, on the other hand, know the goal they are working toward and know what they must do, step by step, to attain it. Their whole energy is directed toward the building of the good, a good which has such a positive strength that in the face of it the multitude of evils—which are in essence negative—will fade away and be no more. To enter into the quixotic tournament of demolishing one by one the evils in the world is, to a Bahá’í, a vain waste of time and effort. His whole life is directed toward proclaiming the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, reviving the spiritual life of his fellow-men, uniting them in a divinely created World Order, and then, as that Order grows in strength and influence, he will see the power of that Message transforming the whole of human society and progressively solving the problems and removing the injustices which have so long bedeviled the world."

Such a perspective does not mean that Bahá’ís should avoid doing whatever they can to help others and alleviate human distress, or that they should not associate with and support suitable like-minded organizations. On the contrary, the believers should, at all times, be alert to opportunities to do whatever is within their power to make the conditions of human life better; by this means they will manifest that commitment to action exemplified by the Master, will demonstrate the relevance of Bahá’í principles to the issues of contemporary society, and will attract the receptive and discerning to the Bahá’í teachings. In so doing they should keep clearly in mind that the ultimate purpose is to hasten the establishment and triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh within which resides the power to heal the ills of the world and to establish a world civilization.

Not only is the Bahá’í perspective unique, so too are the methods used by the believers to achieve their objectives. Unity and cooperation are important values which should be the watchwords for activities in which the believers engage. As a consequence, Bahá’ís eschew the adversarial approach of dispute and confrontation, and seek rather the methods of consultation, with its commitment to informed discussion and mutual respect, and with its goal the achievement of consensus in the pursuit of truth. Bahá’ís aim to persuade others of the correctness of their views through their example and the use of reason, and shun the techniques of pressure, condemnation and abuse which are a deplorable feature of much of the present-day quest for social justice.

The injunction to avoid participation in political controversies, identification with political pursuits, or involvement in partisan political affairs is binding on all believers, whether they act as individuals or as representatives of the Bahá’í community. Within those bounds, there is a wide range of possible activities open to them in participating with other groups which aim to promote measures entirely in accord with the Bahá’í principles, such as improvement in race relations, the emancipation of women, conservation of the earth's resources, the promotion of world peace, and so on. The institutions of the Faith are generally subject to a greater restriction in the issues with which they would choose to identify themselves, since their involvement will necessarily have a direct implication for the reputation of the Faith and for its possible misrepresentation by its adversaries.

These considerations may be used to clarify the specific issues raised in your letter. For example, in light of the Bahá’í approach to the search for truth, it would not be proper for a Bahá’í to become involved in environmental activities which are confrontationist. The concern of the ... Bahá’ís for conservation is highly commendable, but they should be aided to find other, more productive means to express this concern; a study of the recently prepared compilation on conservation of the earth's resources may well be of benefit to them in this regard.

In considering whether they should participate in coordinated campaigns such as letter writing, or signing petitions, Bahá’ís should be guided by their Spiritual Assemblies, and are encouraged to accept this guidance in a spirit of radiant acquiescence. The Assemblies should give careful consideration to the motives of the originators of the activity and the methods which are being used. Bahá’ís should avoid contention and strife, and are to be distinguished by their honesty and fair-mindedness, and their respect for the rule of law. They should carefully avoid being involved in partisan activities which are sponsored by a political organization, and are warned to "beware lest they allow themselves to become the tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be entrapped by the treacherous devices of the plotters and the perfidious among their countrymen."

As your letter points out, there are instances where the Guardian endorsed Bahá’ís identifying themselves with protest activities on vital issues which the Bahá’í teachings illuminate. It must be remembered that there is an important distinction between protest against attitudes and practices prevalent in some quarters of society and protest antagonistic to the government. The Bahá’í Faith directs its attention principally to the promotion of attitudinal change consequent to acceptance of the claim of Bahá’u’lláh, confident that the transformation of attitudes and values will, in due course, yield its fruit in measures which will resolve the problems with which humanity is now burdened.

The Universal House of Justice appreciates the serious attention you are giving to providing appropriate guidance to the believers as they seek to steer their course around the many hazards and pitfalls associated with this transitional stage in human affairs. Understanding the Bahá’í approach is facilitated by a deep appreciation of the implications of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, destined to evolve from the present-day Administrative Order; this divinely ordained system is an expression of the social reorganization of humanity far beyond the conception of present-day political and social movements whose aim is no more than to repair a lamentably defective order which is fundamentally incapable of meeting the needs of the new age into which humanity is being irresistibly propelled.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat October 24, 1990 [Page 15]

Fresno conference held for S.E. Asians, members of 'helpers' network

On September 12, a conference was held in Fresno, California, for Southeast Asian Bahá’ís and members of the "Helpers" network who are working to help them deepen in the Faith and become an integral part of their respective Bahá’í communities.

A principal concern was that everyone understand that social and economic development means more than simply finding jobs for people—that it addresses the development of individuals and their Bahá’í communities, and that community members need one another, regardless of the difference in their cultural backgrounds.

To help the American Bahá’ís learn more about the Southeast Asian cultures, Kou Yang, a Hmong social worker in Fresno, spoke about the history of Southeast Asians, especially the Hmong, and what led them down a road to dependency.

Mr. Yang told how, for many years, the Southeast Asians were systematically robbed of their independence, first through wars which forced them to rely on the reigning government for survival; through the refugee camps where their survival depended upon outside agencies; and finally through their arrival in the U.S. where they were immediately placed in the welfare system.

Everyone at the conference was reminded that Southeast Asians need help in developing and using their skills and talents to sharpen their sense of self-worth and to be empowered to help not only themselves but their community as well.

The Bahá’ís attending the conference felt that as their communities are becoming stronger by overcoming cultural differences, the time has come to enlarge their social and economic development plans by joining with other communities to strengthen bonds and help one another in any way possible.

In an effort to establish friendships and foster mutual love, respect and support between American and Southeast Asian Bahá’ís, commitments were made for various communities to help others conduct children's classes, visit each other's community, and get together for consultation on teaching and consolidation.

Because it was felt that this kind of gathering should be held at least twice a year, February 21-24, 1994, was tentatively set as the date for the next meeting of the Southeast Asian "Helpers" on the West Coast.

Radio Bahá’í broadcasts love, unity

This trailer (left photo) is simple on the outside, high-tech on the inside. An example is the studio (right photo), where Daniel 'The Real' McCoy fields a listener request during his weekday afternoon show.

BY TOM MENNILLO

There are smiles all around as people exit the small but ultramodern Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) Jetport and immediately are bathed in the sunshine of a warm September day.

Most of the grins are displayed by vacationers heading for the beaches and golf links of this popular Atlantic Coast resort.

I smile for a different reason. I'm about to hop into a rental car and tune in for the first time to 90.9 on the FM dial—WLGI Radio Bahá’í.

WLGI is the 50,000-watt voice of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in nearby Hemingway, South Carolina.

Radio Bahá’í's offices as they look from the street. WLGI is located adjacent to the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute on a rural road outside Hemingway.

The station serves the mostly African-American, mostly rural population of five North and South Carolina counties with "positive music for positive people" and community service programming. In everything WLGI does, it proclaims the Bahá’í Message of love and unity.

OK, I've fastened the seat belt and fired up the Buick. It's Radio Bahá’í time.

"You've made a good choice," says a youthful voice over the airwaves. I knew that.

Then I hear the mellow tones of Dan "The Real" McCoy, afternoon disc jockey.

He's playing a block of songs by Bahá’í artists, and I'm struck at once by the variety of styles: hip-hop, jazz, rhythm & blues, folk, reggae.

Bahá’í music once was nearly all folk, Mr. McCoy tells me the next day, but the station has worked with the artists to develop tunes in genres the station's young listeners like.

Before, the station had 12 to 15 tapes by Bahá’í artists. Now the library is up to 30 to 40 tapes and growing all the time, according to a recent article in AV News, the newsletter of the International Bahá’í Audio/Visual Center.

That exposure on WLGI, in turn, helps the artists gain a following and recording contracts.

Examples of the new wave of artists are Swan, Integrity, Gary Sterling, the Atlanta Bahá’í Jazz Quartet, the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Perspective, Phil Sisson, Fred Johnson, Jeffrey Barnes and Nelson "Rockefeller" Scott.

This wave of "danceable" Bahá’í music also has allowed the station to mix in folk and some country, such as Dan Seals.

The result is a healthy and attention-riveting alternative to the "gangster" music—filled with cursing, glorification of violence and denigration of women—the youth might otherwise be hearing on the radio.

"As Bahá’í DJs, we have to be detached from worldly, popular music," Mr. McCoy told AV News. "We don't care if it's number one. We're teaching it up to the record companies, telling them that the music is bombarding kids with poor messages.

"We teach the record companies and the artists about peace, love and unity, (and we) ask them if they can think about something better than what they've been doing," he said.

Then there is WLGI's gospel music programming, as spun by Laurie Cohen, known as "CJ the DJ."

Just as the station screens popular music to weed out destructive messages, WLGI selects only those gospel tunes that reflect devotion to God instead of a particular Manifestation.

And as in popular music, many artists are "getting with the program."

Ms. Cohen recently told AV News that the non-Bahá’í gospel artists now "know there's a spirit out there. It sounds as if their lyrics are coming from the (Bahá’í) Writings."

"When we get music like this," she said, "you can build a whole program segment around it. We keep Bahá’í books in the studio and just do a mini-fireside on the air."

I'm back in Wilmette now and the radio airwaves are as unimpressive as always. It makes me appreciate the treat that is WLGI even more.

UN Department of Public Information holds 46th annual meeting

The United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) held its 46th annual meeting September 8-10 at the UN headquarters in New York City.

DPI is the UN department through which the National Spiritual Assembly is accredited.

Representatives of the Bahá’í International Community and the Bahá’ís of the United States' UN Office attended the conference and shared Bahá’í materials.

From a Bahá’í perspective, what made this conference stand out from others is the extent to which the consultation at the UN has matured and is much more unifying than divisive. The Bahá’ís who took part in its sessions noted how rapidly the world is moving toward the Lesser Peace which is addressed in the Bahá’í Writings.

The keynote address at the conference was given by UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who focused his remarks on the need for redefining security in light of the end of the Cold War.

The secretary-general added that social and economic development is emerging as one of the most practical and vital ingredients for peace and as an instrument for eliminating poverty, discrimination and marginalization. He identified human rights as the core of social development.

By the end of the conference, there was consensus that humanity has indeed entered a new phase in its evolution. As we look into the 21st century, several speakers noted, we must redefine national security less in military and more in social terms.

Beginning with the secretary-general, every speaker pointed out the importance of the work done by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and exhorted them to keep up the pressure on governments to address the needs of the peoples of the world.

Even as presenter after presenter applauded the changes that have swept over the world during the past few years, they sounded a call for NGOs not to relax their vigilance in pressing world leaders to introduce even more substantive reforms until the world is truly a better place for all peoples.

Paper profiles Bahá’í who teaches English to Hispanics

Claudia McDermott, a Bahá’í from Talent, Oregon, is one of a number of teachers from Rogue Community College who have been teaching English to Hispanic migrant workers in the Jackson County area.

A front-page article about the classes appeared last May in the Medford Mail Tribune, which serves a population of several hundred thousand in southern Oregon and northern California.

Also, as a result of Ms. McDermott's teaching efforts, two Hispanic workers have been enrolled as Bahá’ís while a number of others have carried knowledge of the Faith and its principles to their families and friends in Mexico and the States. [Page 16]

گزارشی درباره ایستگاه رادیوئی WLGI

گزارشگر تام منیلو

ایستگاه رادیونی WLGI با نیروی ۵۰ هزار واتی و خود صدای مؤسسه بهائی لوئیس گرگوری در همینگوی واقع در ایالت کارولاینای جنوبی است.

خدمات این ایستگاه بیشتر متوجه روستائیان و سیاهپوست ۵ منطقه از مناطق آن ایالت است برنامه های موسیقی و خدمات اجتماعی متنوعی از آن پخش می شود اما جدا از اینکه چه برنامه ای پخش شود، رادیوی بهانی پیام محبت و وحدت را که اصل امر مبارك است به گوش شنوندگانش می رساند.

اتوموبیلی کرایه کرده ام و مشتاقم که صدای رادیوی بهائی را بشنوم کمربند حفاظتی را میبندم و ماشین را روشن میکنم؛ الآن وقت گوش دادن به رادیو است.

صدای جوانی را میشنوم که اعلان میکند ایستگاه خوبی را انتخاب کرده اید صداى دن مك كوى Dan McCoy است که وظیفۀ اعلان برنامه ها و پخش موسیقی را بر عهده دارد چند قطعه از آهنگهائی را که هنرمندان بهائی ساخته و نواختهاند پخش می کند.

تنوع آهنگها باعث شگفتی میشود موسیقی روز موسیقی بلوز Blues و رگه Reggae، موسیقی جاز و چه و چه.

روز بعد آقای مک کوی را ملاقات میکنم به من میگوید که زمانی بود که همه موسیقی بهائی ها منحصر به موسیقی فولکلور بود اما ایستگاه رادیونی با هنرمندان بهائی ترتیبی داده است که انواع گوناگونی آهنگ که بیشتر مطابق ذوق جوانان است بسازند.

پیشتر از این ایستگاه رادیوئی ۱۲ تا ۱۵ نوار از هنرمندان بهائی داشت در حال حاضر ۳۰ تا ۴۰ نوار هست و این رقم در حال افزایش است. این افزایش باعث میشود که هنرمندان بهائی طرفداران بیشتری داشته باشند و قراردادهای بیشتری برای ضبط آثارشان امضاء کنند.

انواع گوناگون موسیقی که از ایستگاه WLGI پخش میشود امکانات جدیدی حاصل می آورد که شنوندگان جوان تنها به شنیدن بعضی از آثار منحط موسیقی که درباره خشونت و کشتار و سوء رفتار با زنان ساخته میشود اکتفا نکنند.

آقای مک کوی میگوید برای ما مهم نیست که آهنگی که پخش میکنیم از لحاظ طرفداران و دیگر ایستگاه های رادیونی شماره يك باشد. می خواهیم شرکتهای ضبط آثار موسیقی بدانند که آن نوع موسیقی پیامهای نامطلوبی به نوجوانان می دهد. دیگر شرکتهای مذکور و هنرمندان را درباره صلح و وحدت و محبت آموزش میدهیم و از آنها می خواهیم که کاری بهتر از آنچه قبلا کرده اند انجام دهند.

موسیقی دینی سیاهپوستان Gospel نیز از رادیوی بهانی پخش میشود. همان طور که ایستگاه موسیقی روز را می سنجد و غث و ثمین آن را جدا میکند در مورد موسیقی دینی نیز آهنگهائی را انتخاب میکند که درباره خدا باشد تا درباره فقط یکی از مظاهر امر.

خانم لوری کوهن Laurie Cohen که مسؤول موسیقی دینی است میگوید هنرمندان غیر بهائی حالا می دانند که روح امر الهی وجود دارد و برای همین هم شعر آثارشان بیشتر شباهت به آثار امری پیدا کرده است وقتی چنین موسیقی داشته باشیم میتوانیم برنامه ای را در حول و حوش آن بسازیم و اجراء کنیم چندین کتاب بهائی در استودیو داریم و جلسه تبلیغی مختصری هم تشکیل می دهیم.

جشنواره صلح PEACE FEST ’93

هشتمین جشنواره صلح تحت اشراف مؤسسة لوئیس گرگوری و ایستگاه رادیونی بهائی WLGI در همینگوی Hemingway در ایالت کارولاینای جنوبی تشکیل شد.

جشنواره مذکور پس از برگزاری کنفرانس بین المللی صلح در سن فرنسیسکو جهت گرد هم آوردن مردم از هر نژاد و سن از سال ۱۹۸۶ تشکیل شده است جشنواره امسال از ۲۴ تا ۲۶ سپتامبر برگزار گردید.

جشنواره با برنامه موسیقی مسیحی سیاهپوستان آغاز شد. ۵ خردسال و نوجوان بهائی که گروه گر را تشکیل میدادند حاضران را با آوازهائی که مشحون از ذکر الهی بود، به تشویق خود واداشتند.

ظریفی میگفت تمامی این اذکار الهی در شبی رخ می دهد که جوانان دیگر در استادیوم فوتبال به ستایش بازیگران تیمشان مشغولند.

خواننده بهائی دَش کرافتس Dash Crofts یکی از دو عضو گروه موسیقی سیلز اند کرافتس Seals & Crofts - که به ویژه در دهه ۷۰ از شهرت خاصی برخوردار بودند با خواندن یکی از معروفترین دعاها مسیحی برنامه های جشنواره را ادامه داد.

سپس گویندگان رادیوی بهائی معرفی شدند و مدير مؤسسة لوئیس گرگوری اهداف جشنواره را باز شمرد و نشان افتخاری به دو گروه گر مسیحی که اقدامات جشنواره را از ابتدای ایجاد آن مدد بخشیده اند اهدا شد.

هیجان و شور جشنواره با کنسرت موسیقی جاز افزایش بیشتری یافت گروه نوازندگان که مرکب از ۱۷ نفر بود، ۲ روز پیش از شروع جشنواره از سراسر کشور جهت انتخاب برنامه و تمرین رسیده بودند. در ضمن در کارگاهی به خردسالان نوازنده آلات موسیقی که از دانش آموزان یکی از دبیرستانهای محل بودند كمك های آموزشی کردند آقای کرافتس هم در يك مصاحبه رادیونی شرکت کرد.

ارکستر جاز برنامههای گوناگونی اجرا کرد که یکی از آنها جناب سیرز، سپاسگزاریم نام داشت و قطعه ای با عنوان وحدت در کثرت بود.

مدت تنفس یکی از دست اندرکاران برنامه اظهار داشت که موضوع کنسرت ائتلاف "نژادی" بوده چنانکه همخوانی و هماهنگی صداها همه حاکی از آن است.

سپس جایزه ای به خانم سلی هر Sally Hare رئیس یکی از بخشهای دانشگاه کوستال كارولينا Coastal Carolina در جهت خدماتی که او در راه تحقق صلح از طریق فعالیتهای فردی انجام داده است، اهدا شد.

بعد اعضای کارگاه جوانان بهائی مؤسسه لوئيس گرگوری برنامه رقصی با عنوان رقص وحدت اجرا کردند. پس از این برنامه گروه جاز دوباره به اجرای برنامه با همراهی خواننده پرداخت و خوانندگان گوناگون با آواز خود حاضران را به شور آوردند.

۱۲ نوامبر زادروز حضرت بهاء الله ایستگاه رادیونی WLG با نیروی ۵۰ هزار واتی با آواز خود حاضران را به شور آوردند. در خاتمه برنامه فقره ای از آثار حضرت بهاء الله تلاوت شد. پس از برنامه ساز و آواز جلسه ای در مرکز بهانی شهر فلورنس تشکیل شد غرض از تشکیل این جلسه آن بود که حاضران با اعضاء گروه جاز آشنا شوند و دیدار کنند و درباره امر مبارك اطلاعاتی کسب نمایند.

روز بعد برنامه هائی اجرا شد که موضوع آن زنان و سهم مهمشان در برقراری صلح بود سخنران اصلی خانم ادا ارول Edda Erroll اصلا فنلاندی است و در حال حاضر در ایالت کارولاینای جنوبی به وکالت اشتغال دارد.

خانم ارول درباره ارتباط زنان و صلح گفت هنگامی که همه مردم فرصت تعلیم و تربیت یکسان داشته باشند و وقتی تساوی حقوق زن و مرد رعایت شود اساس جنگ به کلی بر چیده خواهد شد و این بدون تحقق تساوی غیر ممکن خواهد بود.

خانم ارول اظهار داشت که بدین ترتیب تساوی شرط لازم صلح جهانی است در عصرهای پیشین زنان امکان استفاده از استعدادهای خود را نداشتند عدم تساوی در قوانین درج بود و رهبری دینی که تحت سلطه مردان بود آن را تداوم می داد. امر بهائی چنین می آموزد که مرد و زن باید در زندگی زناشوئی و خانوادگی مکمل یکدیگر باشند.

وی چنین ادامه داد که زنان تشویق شده اند که در حرفه های گوناگون مانند سیاست و وکالت داخل شوند و این امر باعث خواهد شد که به تأسیس صلح توفیق یابند. همچنین پرورشی که مادران در خلاف جهت سلطه جوئی مردان به کودکان می دهند كمك بسیاری به برقراری صلح خواهد کرد. اما چنانکه حضرت عبدالبهاء هشدار دادهاند مادامی که زنان از تحصیل امکانات ممنوع شوند مردان نیز به مقام والای خود نخواهند رسید. سپس خانم ارول بخشی از بیانیه صلح بيت العدل اعظم را درباره زنان و مقام و موقعیت ایشان برای حاضران قرائت نمود.

خدمات جوانان بهائی ایرانی در آمریکا

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUTH ACTIVITIES

دفتر امور احبای ایرانی امریکائی برای تهیه گزارشی به محفل روحانی ملی نیازمند است که اطلاعاتی درباره میزان خدمات جوانان بهائی ایرانی در زمینه های زیر به دست آورد:

• گروههای هنری و نمایشی جوانان • سازمانها و تشکیلات دانشگاهی جوانان • برنامه های خدمات تبلیغی • برنامه های تزیید معلومات امری • شرکت در خدمات بین المللی

از یاران عزیز تقاضا میشود چنانکه در خدمات فوق شرکت نموده و یا در حال شرکت باشند شرح کوتاهی از آن را به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی امریکائی ارسال فرمایند. همچنین یاران میتوانند برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با این دفتر تماس حاصل کنند: تلفن: ۹۰۳۹-۸۶۹ (۷۰). [Page 17]خوشوقتیم که به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز برسانیم که چهارمین کنفرانس انجمن از پنجشنبه ۲۶ تا دوشنبه ۳۰ ماه می سال ۱۹۹۴ در شیکاگو تشکیل خواهد شد. این کنفرانس شامل شرکت در جلسه صعود حضرت بهاءالله در ساعت ۴ صبح روز ۲۹ می در محل مشرق‌الاذکار نیز خواهد بود.

از علاقه‌مندان به فرهنگ ایران تقاضا می‌شود در صورتی که سخنرانی یا مقاله‌ای در ارتباط با اهداف انجمن تهیه کنند یا کرده باشند، اصل مقالات یا خلاصه‌ای از آن را به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی ارسال فرمایند تا هیئت اجرائی تعدادی از آنها را جهت ایراد در کنفرانس انتخاب نماید.

توضیحی درباره اشتراک نشریات بهائی

PERSIAN BAHÁ’Í PERIODICALS

ماهنامه "پیام بهائی" در شماره مخصوص ماه سپتامبر سال جاری ورقه‌ای برای پرداخت حق اشتراک مجله ضمیمه کرده است. ناگفته پیداست که این ورقه محض یادآوری مشترکان عزیزی است که حق اشتراک سالانه خود را برای سال ۱۹۹۳ تا کنون نپرداخته‌اند. یاران عزیز می‌توانند با رجوع به سوابق پرداخت حق اشتراک خود معلوم نمایند که آن را پرداخته‌اند یا نه و مراتب را به دفتر نشریه "پیام بهائی" اطلاع دهند.

حق اشتراک سالانه (۱۲ شماره) ۴۴ دلار است که باید در آغاز هر سال مسیحی پرداخت شود.

از آنجا که تنها منبع درآمد مجله "پیام بهائی" حق اشتراک و تبرعات خوانندگان آن است، ادامه این خدمت مهم فقط با حمایت احبای الهی ممکن خواهد بود. حق اشتراک "پیام بهائی" را در آمریکا می‌توان به وجه National Bahá’í Fund و به نشانی زیر ارسال داشت:

Persian/American Affairs Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL. 60091

از مشترکان عزیز ماهنامه "پیام بدیع" تقاضا می‌شود که ۲۵ دلار حق اشتراک سالانه را در وجه Payam-i Badi’ و به نشانی زیر ارسال فرمایند:

Payam-i Badi’ P.O.Box 698 Clifton, NJ. 07012

کنز اسرار

NEW PUBLICATION

لجنه ملی نشر آثار امری به لسان فارسی و عربی در لانگنهاین آلمان جلد اول کتاب کنز اسرار تألیف دکتر داریوش معانی را منتشر ساخته است.

کتاب کنز اسرار در تشریح کلمات مکنونه نگارش یافته و جلد اول آن "در هویت انسان و مقام معنوی او" است.

جلد اول "کنز اسرار" در مجموع ۲۹۳ صفحه و شامل فهرست الفبائی مطالب و اصطلاحات و اعلام است.

تعویض شناسنامه‌های ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور

EXCHANGING IRANIAN BIRTH CERTIFICATES

هفته نامه ایران تایمز (۳ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۳) گزارشی درباره تعویض شناسنامه‌ها تهیه نموده است که به علت اهمیت آن در زیر درج می‌شود:

سازمان ثبت احوال:

- شناسنامه‌های ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور توسط "منسوبین" آنها در ایران، انجام پذیر است

- مهلت تعویض شناسنامه‌ها تا پایان دیماه سال جاری تمدید شد.

واشنگتن- سرویس خبری ایران تایمز: سازمان ثبت احوال با صدور اطلاعیه‌ای اعلام کرد "منسوبین درجه يك" ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور که در ایران زندگی می‌کنند، می‌توانند نسبت به تنظیم درخواست تعویض شناسنامه بستگان خود اقدام کنند.

روابط عمومی سازمان ثبت احوال هفته گذشته در اطلاعیه‌ای که صادر کرد اعلام داشت "منسوبین درجه يك" ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور می‌توانند به ادارات ثبت احوال سراسر کشور مراجعه کنند و با ارائه مدارک لازم نسبت به تنظیم درخواست شناسنامه منسوبین خود اقدام کنند.

روابط عمومی سازمان ثبت احوال از توضیح بیشتر درباره "مدارک لازم" خودداری کرد.

در اطلاعیه سازمان ثبت احوال "منسوبین درجه يك" پدر، مادر، فرزند و همسر، اعلام شده است. سازمان ثبت احوال آخرین مهلت استفاده از این "تسهیلات" را تا پایان دیماه سال جاری تمدید کرد.

بر اساس گزارش‌های قبلی، سازمان ثبت احوال اعلام کرده بود ایرانیان مقیم خارج از کشور تا پایان شهریورماه می‌توانند به دفاتر نمایندگی جمهوری اسلامی در کشورهای خارجی مراجعه و نسبت به تعویض شناسنامه خود اقدام کنند.

در اطلاعیه اخیر سازمان ثبت احوال همچنین گفته شده است: "پس از پایان مهلت تعیین شده با کسانی که نسبت به تعویض شناسنامه خود اقدام نکرده‌اند مطابق مقررات تصریح شده در قانون تخلفات و جرایم شناسنامه مصوب مجمع تشخیص مصلحت نظام رفتار خواهد شد."

گل سیاه

THE BLACK ROSE

در ماه می سال گذشته ۸ خردسال و نوجوان بهائی از آستوریا Astoria در ایالت اورگان گروهی برای گسترش وحدت و رفع تعصبات نژادی به نام "تئاتر گل سیاه" The Black Rose Theater تشکیل دادند. نام این گروه به افتخار خردسال سیاهپوستی که در سال ۱۹۱۲ در نیوجرزی به حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء راه یافته و به گل سیاه تشبیه شده بود، انتخاب شده است.

این نونهالان می‌خواستند به سفرهای تبلیغی بروند. با محفل روحانی آستوریا تماس گرفتند و درخواست كمك کردند. محفل روحانی پس از تماس با لجنه ناحیه‌ای نشر نفحات تصمیم گرفت که آن خردسالان پرشور به اجرای برنامه‌های نمایشی و موسیقی بپردازند و از این طریق خدمت کنند. اولین برنامه چند ماه بعد در یکی از پارک‌های استوریا اجرا شد.

شرح نمایش این عزیزان خردسال بدین قرار است که ۴ شاخه گل که با هم دوست هستند با هم به بازی مشغولند. هر کدام استعداد و کار متفاوتی دارد. يك روز دعوایشان می‌شود. خار گل سرخ به گل بنفشه صدمه می‌زند و گل‌ها از تفاوت‌های خود به وحشت می‌افتند. چون نمی‌دانند چه باید بکنند به خانه‌هایشان باز می‌گردند.

هر يك از والدین فرزندانشان را در مورد تفاوت‌هایشان هشدار می‌دهد. کودکان حرف‌هایی از این قبیل می‌شنوند که "گل‌های سرخ بی‌ادبند، از خارشان بترس!" یا "بنفشه‌ها تنبلند" یا "گل‌های نرگس فکر می‌کنند از همه خوشگل‌ترند."

هنگامی که گل‌های کوچک دوباره یکدیگر را می‌بینند "رقص نفرت" می‌کنند و به همدیگر خیره و با بیزاری نگاه می‌کنند و سپس به تنهائی به بازی می‌پردازند. اما پس از مدتی تنها بودن حوصله‌شان سر می‌رود چون تفاوتی نمی‌بینند که با هم در میان بگذارند. اما وقتی دوباره دور هم جمع می‌شوند شادی وحدت در کثرت را در می‌یابند.

موضوع این نمایش توسط چندین نفر طرح شده است. در آخر ماه آگست سال گذشته ۴۰۰ نفر که در کنفرانس جوانان اورگان شرکت داشتند این نمایش را دیدند. گروه "گل سیاه" از آن زمان تا کنون در مناطق شمال غربی ایالات متحده به اجرای برنامه پرداخته است.

گروه "گل سیاه" نمایش دیگری به نام "دیوار" آماده و اجرا کرد که موضوع آن درباره دیوارهائی از تعصب و ترس است که مردمان در میان خود و دیگران می‌سازند. کودکان نشان می‌دهند که چگونه این دیوارها ساخته می‌شود و چگونه می‌توان آنها را از میان برد.

به بینندگان نشان می‌دهند که می‌توان دیوارها را تبدیل به پل‌هائی کرد که از آن بتوان به جهانی رسید که در آثار الهی بدان اشاره شده است. در این نمایش سرودهای بهائی نیز خوانده می‌شود و در آخر برنامه دو فقره از دعاهای بهائی تلاوت می‌شود.

گروه "گل سیاه" از چنان موفقیتی برخوردار بوده که سبب شده که تعداد کسانی که از غرفه بهائی در يك فستیوال دیدن می‌کردند، ۴ برابر گذشته باشد. البته ناگفته نباید گذاشت که كمك دیگر احبا از جوان و بزرگسال نیز در موفقیت این گروه دخیل بوده است.

اعضای گروه تعالیم امری را تنها به دیگران ارائه نمی‌دهند بلکه خود نیز به معلومات امری خود می‌افزایند و امور خود را مانند دیگر تشکیلات امری اداره می‌کنند. جلساتشان را مانند جلسات محفل ترتیب می‌دهند. مشورت می‌کنند و هیئت عامل انتخاب می‌کنند و بودجه‌ای به کارهایشان اختصاص می‌دهند.

قرار است گروه "گل سیاه" دامنه برنامه‌هایش را گسترش دهد و جلسات جمع‌آوری تبرعات نیز تشکیل دهد. موفقیت روزافزون نورسیدگان گرامی را آرزو می‌کنیم.

تمدید گذرنامه

RENEWAL OF IRANIAN PASSPORTS

محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده از بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی کسب تکلیف نموده است که احباء در تقاضانامه مربوط به تمدید گذرنامه در ستون دین چه باید بنویسند. معهد اعلی در جواب فرموده‌اند که هیچ اشکالی ندارد که بهائیان ایرانی هر ۴ موردی را که در ستون مذهب آمده خط بزنند، به نحوی که معلوم شود تابع هیچیک از آن ادیان نیستند.

هو الله

نونهالان گلشن توحید که درس اخلاق می‌خوانند منظور نظر عنایتند و در ظل فضل و موهبت حضرت احدیت. عبدالبهاء با نهایت تضرع و ابتهال آن اطفال را ترقی خواهد و تدرج در درجات عالم انسانی طلبد. امید است که چنین گردد. ع ع [Page 18]

عضو جدید محفل روحانی ملی

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY BY-ELECTION

محفل روحانی ملی روز ۲۷ سپتامبر سال جاری گزارش داد که خانم پتریشیا لاك Patricia Locke ساکن موبریج Mobridge در ایالت داکوتای جنوبی به عضویت محفل روحانی ملی انتخاب شده است.

خانم لاك به جای جناب تاد پوتینگ Tod Ewing به عضویت محفل روحانی ملی انتخاب شده است، زیرا جناب پوتینگ از محفل ملی استعفا کرده بود که بتواند در سمت یکی از اعضای هیئت معاونت در ایالت کارولینای جنوبی به خدمت تبلیغ امر الهی کمر بندد.

خانم لاك از سرخپوستان آمریکاست و از دیر باز علاقهٔ خاصی به آموزش و پرورش بومیان آمریکا داشته و حدود ۸ سال به تأسیس کالج‌های تحت نظر قبیله‌های سرخپوستی پرداخته است.

در سال ۱۹۹۱ بنیاد مك آرتور McArthur Foundation جهت خدماتی که خانم لاك در راه حفظ زبان‌ها و فرهنگ‌های سرخپوستی انجام داده است، جایزه‌ای به مبلغ ۳۶۹ هزار دلار به او تقدیم کرد تا بتواند خدمات مذکور را ادامه دهد.

خانم لاك یکی از اعضای هیئت مدیرهٔ "شرکت توسعهٔ متحده" بوده است. خدمات شرکت مذکور عبارت از ایجاد برنامه‌های توسعهٔ عمرانی و اقتصادی در سراسر جهان است.

سفر امة‌البهاء به شوروی سابق

AMATU’L-BAHÁ’ IN RUSSIA

در شمارهٔ پیشین این نشریه شرحی از سفرهای ایادی عزیز امرالله امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم به جمهوری‌های شوروی سابق درج شد. شرح ادامهٔ آن در زیر نقل می‌شود.

در جولای سال جاری حضرت حرم به همراه همدم دیرینشان خانم ویولت نخجوانی سفری به جمهوری بوریات Buryat کردند. در فرودگاه اولان اود Ulan-Ude نمایندهٔ وزیر فرهنگ و نمایندهٔ رئیس پارلمان و خبرنگاران تلویزیون با ایشان دیدار کردند.

امة‌البهاء، روز بعد با رئیس شورای عالی جمهوری بوریات و ۵ نفر از اعضای پارلمان دیدار فرمودند و با آنان راجع به تاریخ امر مبارک و ارتباط آن با روسیه و اولین مشرق‌الاذکار بهائی در عشق‌آباد که در زلزلهٔ سال ۱۹۴۸ خراب شد، سخن گفتند. گزارش دیدار مذکور بعداً در برنامهٔ اخبار پخش شد.

روحیه خانم همچنین با رئیس ادارهٔ حفاظت محیط زیست و نمایندهٔ رئیس وزارت آموزش و پرورش و ۱۸ جولای در کنفرانس تبلیغی که در اولان اود تشکیل شد شرکت کردند و با بیش از ۲۵۰ نفر از احباء که از ۱۵ کشور و ۱۸ منطقه از بخش آسیائی روسیه در کنفرانس حاضر بودند دیدار نمودند.

پس از کنفرانس به همراه سه تن از اعضای پارلمان از يك کارخانهٔ کاغذسازی دیدن کردند و به همراه وزیر امور دینی به يك معبد بودائی رفتند. در طی همان هفته در آکادمی علوم در حضور ۱۵ نفر از سالمندان دربارهٔ امر مبارک سخنرانی اظهار داشتند و در يك جلسهٔ عمومی نیز سخنرانی فرمودند.

سپس حضرت حرم به نویوسیبیرسک Novosibirsk قلب سیبری روسیه تشریف بردند و با اعضای يك گروه تبلیغی بهائی و نیز با نمایندهٔ رئیس ادارهٔ حفاظت محیط زیست و ادارهٔ امور دینی و ادارهٔ آموزش و پرورش ملاقات کردند و در حضور ۳۵ نفر از دانشمندان و استادان دانشگاه در مرکز علمی نویوسیبیرسک سخنانی ایراد فرمودند.

امة‌البهاء، سپس عازم مسکو شدند و يك هفته در آنجا ماندند و در طی آن با محفل منطقه‌ای روسیه و گرجستان و ارمنستان و حدود ۱۵۰ نفر از احباء که در آن زمان در مسکو بودند، دیدار فرمودند.

روحیه خانم روز ۵ آگست پس از چند مصاحبهٔ مطبوعاتی با يك شبکهٔ تلویزیونی و يك مجلهٔ هفتگی بازرگانی رهسپار سن پیتزبورگ شدند و در دفتر شهرداری آنجا با ۸ نفر از اعضای شورای شهر و نمایندگان مطبوعات ملاقات کردند. نمایندهٔ رئیس دانشگاه سن پیتزبورگ که علاقه مند بود اطلاعاتی دربارهٔ آکادمی لندبرگ کسب نماید، با احترام شایان به استقبال ایشان آمد.

در کتابخانهٔ محل موادی از آرشیو کتابخانه را که حاوی الواح حضرت بهاء‌الله و اولین ترجمهٔ کتاب مستطاب اقدس به زبان روسی بود و همگی در سال ۱۸۹۹ به چاپ رسیده بود، به حضرت حرم نشان دادند. ایشان روز ۱۱ آگست با قطار رهسپار تالین Tallin در استونیا Estonia شدند.

یاران، برخیزید!

“ROCK DUSTERS” ARISE!

شما خود می‌دانید که از کدامین مردمانید. همان زانوانید که سنگ‌ریزه‌هایی را که روی پله‌های دارالتشریع افتاده، برمی‌دارید تا کمال زیبائی ظاهرش را خدشه‌دار نکند. همان‌هائید که در آن بنا که ملتقای خدا و انسان است، ریشه فرش‌ها را صاف می‌کنید تا جمالش همچنان تمام بماند.

شمائید که ستون مقام حضرت اعلی را به دست می‌سانید تا خود را اندکی نزديك‌تر به "او" بیابید. شمائید که تا اندیشهٔ ترك آن مقام‌های مقدس را در سر می‌پرورید، اشك به چشم می‌آورید. شمائید که داوطلب خدمت در مرکز جهانی می‌شوید تا اگر شده حتی خاك بروبید و گرد از سنگ بپیرايید.

خود می‌دانید که آن بناهای جسیم جسمانی جایگاه جوهری است چنان والا که در واژگان نمی‌گنجد اما به دل دریافته می‌شود. می‌دانید که هدایت و قدرت و قوای تسلا و تسلیتی که هر روزه از آن مکان مایه می‌گیرد نمودار آخرین و بهترین امید آیندهٔ بشریت است.

برخی از شما این افتخار را داشته‌اید که بعنوان زائر یا مسافر یا خادم در حیفا و عکا حضور یابید. اما برخی دیگر هنوز در این اماکن مقدس نبوده‌اید. با این حال هر يك از شما با رنه جمال و تقدس این "مدینهٔ ملك الهی" به نوا رسیده‌اید.

در میان شما هستند کسانی که از ثروت بهرهٔ بسیار برده‌اند، کسانی که استعلا و توفیق فراوان یافته‌اند. همچنان در ‎میانتا‌ن میان‌تان‎ دیگرانی نیز هستند که فداکاری پیشه کرده و به ظاهر بهره‌ای از مال و موقعیت نداشته‌اند، اما بدون عشق و ایثارشان هیچ امری ممکن نمی‌شود و هیچ جنبش و جهشی دوام نمی‌یابد؛ کسانی که بدونشان هیچ تغییری در تاریخ صورت نمی‌گیرد؛ کسانی که شایسته است که نامشان بر سرلوحهٔ هستی رقم پذیرد.

به همهٔ شما عزیزان نیاز است. ادعیه و خدمات و تبرعات مالی شما لازم است تا مرکز جهانی بهائی بتواند گسترش یابد و هدفش را متحقق سازد. بدون اینکه امکانات فعلی محلی و ملی به مخاطره افتد، آیا بر نخواهید خاست و آنچه را که می‌باید انجام پذیرد، انجام نخواهید داد؟

جلساتی ناحیه‌ای برای اعلان نظر محفل روحانی ملی درباره سرنوشت آمریکا تشکیل می‌شود

DISTRICT-WIDE MEETINGS TO IMPART NSA’S “VISION” FOR AMERICA’S DESTINY

جامعهٔ آمریکا را بحرانی فراگرفته است. ولكن دیانت بهائی سرنوشتی درخشان برای خود مقدر می‌داند زیرا حضرت مولی‌الوری می‌فرمایند: "قطعهٔ امريك در نزد حق میدان اشراق انوار است و کشور ظهور اسرار و منشاء ابرار و مجمع احرار."

از جمله اقدامات محفل روحانی ملی در قبال بحرانی که اجتماع را در بر گرفته است تشکیل جلساتی است در سراسر کشور که محور مذاکرات آن بررسی این نکته است که جامعهٔ بهائی آمریکا چگونه می‌تواند تصوری را که از سرنوشت خود دارد به مرحلهٔ عمل برساند و بحران را به پیروزی بدل کند.

بین ۱۴ نوامبر و ۱۲ دسامبر در هر ناحیهٔ انتخاباتی بهائی جلسه‌ای تشکیل خواهد شد که در طی آن محفل روحانی ملی پیامی را به یاران ابلاغ خواهد نمود که معتقد است مهم و فوری است. از فرد فرد احباء تقاضا می‌شود که در جلسهٔ ناحیهٔ خود شرکت نمایند.

در نیمهٔ دوم ماه اکتبر در حدود ۳۵۰ نفر از یاران--تقریباً دو نفر از هر ناحیه--از سراسر آمریکا به ویلمت آمدند و در جلساتی که مخصوص آشنائی با پیام محفل ملی ترتیب داده شده بود شرکت نمودند تا بتوانند آن پیام را در جلسات ناحیه‌ای ابلاغ نمایند. بمنظور تسهیل کار آنان در ابلاغ پیام، نوارهای ویدیوئی جدیدی نیز تهیه شده است.

انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

THE FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE

در سال ۱۹۹۱ انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی که از این پس "انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی" نامیده خواهد شد، با اجازهٔ محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده تشکیل گردید. از جمله اهداف اصلی انجمن عبارت است از:

۱- تشویق اعضاء جامعهٔ بهائی به آموختن و مهارت یافتن در زبان نزولی آثار بهائی و آشنائی با تحولات اخیر فرهنگی در ایران،

۲- کمک به خردسالان و جوانان بهائی ایرانی جهت حفظ ارتباطشان با فرهنگ ایران،

۳- آشنا ساختن بهائیان غیرایرانی با پیشینهٔ فرهنگی زادگاه آئین بهائی.

برای تحقق بخشیدن به این اهداف فعالیت‌های گوناگونی در نظر گرفته شده است که یکی از آن‌ها تشکیل کنفرانس‌های سالانه است. تاکنون سه کنفرانس تشکیل شده است: یکی در مدرسهٔ بهائی لولن در ماه جولای سال ۱۹۹۱، دیگری در حظیرة‌القدس لوس آنجلس در ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۲ و دیگری در مانت ایگل در ایالت تنسی در ماه سپتامبر ۱۹۹۳. [Page 19]

News of activities at Native American Bahá’í Institute

News briefs from the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) Newsletter:

Four years ago, NABI began a number of programs for the Navajo Bahá’ís and pioneers on the Navajo Reservation. Among the more successful were the classes for children and the Navajo translation sessions on the Sacred Writings. A core group of 16 children, half of whom were not Bahá’ís, regularly attended the classes. During the past year NABI began "Nobility Classes" in which children and youth are given learning sessions for seven hours one evening each week. They come to NABI by school bus in the evening and return to school the next morning. Emphasis is placed on prayer and the Holy Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. The NABI staff strive to treat these young people as future teachers for the Navajo-Hopi District.

On June 7-11, a special deepening session took place at NABI with four Navajo Bahá’ís from Tonalea in the Red Lake, Arizona, area: Victoria Yazzie and her nieces, Jeraldina, Jobina and Joanna Shaw. Lessons were conducted mostly in English but Navajo was used for clarification. Topics ranged from becoming a Bahá’í to becoming a Bahá’í teacher. This was an historic occasion because Victoria and her nieces were the first ever to ask for a deepening on their own and to come to NABI through their own efforts. In August, the group went to a religious gathering in Utah where they taught the Faith and handed out pamphlets from an information booth.

From September 30-October 3, Bahá’í school directors and staff from the Bahá’í National Center gathered at NABI to discuss the business of directing Bahá’í schools and institutes. Besides NABI itself, directors came from the Bosch, Green Acre and Louhelen schools and from the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

To show their commitment to NABI, the school directors devoted a full day during their meeting to performing service projects at the Institute including painting a building, digging ditches, and excavating for a new street.

Within the Navajo-Hopi District, the following local Spiritual Assemblies were formed at Ridván: Gallup, Newlands, Houck, Red Lake, Navajo, Rock Point, Aneth, Tuba City, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Chinle, Dennebito, Pine Springs, and Kayenta.

Friends should not sign petitions about Iran

From time to time various Iranian political organizations circulate letters and petitions relative to Iran and ask for signatures and endorsements from both Americans and Iranians resident in the United States. The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends, whether American or Iranian, that they should under no circumstances sign such petitions or get involved in word or deed with any activity, no matter what the source, when such activity is related to Iran.

Horace Holley Teaching Project brings Faith to many residents of Torrington, Connecticut

One declaration and many expressions of interest in the Faith have resulted thus far from the recently completed Horace A. Holley Teaching Project in Torrington, Connecticut. The storefront Bahá’í information center, once a narrow, shabby room next to an old bus depot, took on a luster that attracted visitors throughout the two months of the project.

AMERICA BEAUTIFUL OF ALL ELIMINATION PREJUDICE BAHAULLAH

Pictured with their float in the annual Fourth of July parade are Bahá’ís from Bel Air, Maryland, who recently established a Spiritual Assembly in that city, welcomed two new believers, and carried out a teaching project at Harford Community College with special guest speaker Dr. Soheil Bushrui, director of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Dr. Roberts Fuller, 90, former pioneer to Switzerland, Western Samoa, dies

Dr. Roberts Fuller of Bradenton, Florida, died September 24.

Dr. Fuller embraced the Faith in 1932 in Englewood, New Jersey, and was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of that community. He later served on several local Assemblies in New York and was appointed to the Regional Teaching Committee for that area. Dr. Fuller also served for many years as a delegate to the National Convention from New York.

In 1960, during the Ten Year Crusade, he and his wife Irma pioneered to Switzerland and remained there three years. Then in 1977 the Fullers pioneered again, this time to Western Samoa. Although their stay there was cut short after two years, they are still lovingly remembered by the friends there.

Government regulations in Samoa prevented their being able to return there to retire, as they had hoped. The Fullers continued to serve the Cause with great devotion, including making an extensive traveling teaching trip into Canada and Alaska in 1987 when Roberts was 84 years old.

Dr. Fuller was a member of his local Spiritual Assembly until his death at age 90. Hearing of Dr. Fuller's passing, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Samoa sent the following message:

"Our hearts were saddened to receive news of the passing away of Dr. Roberts Fuller, much loved and respected pioneer to Samoa. His loving services to the Samoan community, his affectionate attitude to all friends, his gentle and loving manners will always be remembered. May his soul be richly blessed...."

Neighbors found a nurturing atmosphere there, and several requested that Bahá’ís recite prayers for them.

People who stood waiting to get into a popular restaurant next door were able to examine the window display of Bahá’í posters or help themselves to some of the many brochures on a table at the open door. Many engaged in conversation with the Bahá’ís.

Regular, well-promoted firesides at the center also attracted a crowd. Bahá’í video tapes were shown at various times each day. Kent and Lori Johnson presented musical firesides. The Connecticut Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed—with one day's notice—a program on "Race Unity: What the World Neeeds Now."

Traveling teachers from throughout the state and from Arizona, New York City, South Carolina and Texas came and lent their energies to the project.

Among visitors from Connecticut was a 90-year-old woman who is the sole active Bahá’í in her community. She asked for help in finding seekers in that area, and a concentrated effort has begun to extend teaching activities in that direction.

Teachers at the weekly Bahá’í school took the children to the old cemetery in back of Torrington Town Hall, where they saw the Horace A. Holley marker—his remains are buried in Haifa—and said prayers.

The children learned about the significance of the work of the late Hand of the Cause of God, who served as secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly for 33 years and was a prominent scholar, writer and teacher of the Faith.

A volunteer from the local historical society also came to learn more about Mr. Holley. She had read a newspaper article on the Bahá’í information center that told about Mr. Holley and was surprised to learn that some of the research for a biography-in-progress about him came from materials found at the historical society. The author of the biography talked at length with the volunteer, and in telling her about Mr. Holley gave her much information about the Bahá’í Faith.

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board System (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

IN MEMORIAM

Victoria Abas Suffern, NY August 23, 1993

Robert Addison Hartsville, SC March 16, 1993

Gerry H. Bailey Edmonds, WA September 10, 1993

Dasha Bartho South Africa April 10, 1993

Charlie Brown Pineview, GA Date Unknown

John Brownell Deming, NM January 19, 1993

Ellen Christensen Seattle, WA June 19, 1993

Mitzi D'Arnelle New York, NY April 28, 1993

Theodore Dyer Lompoc, CA May 1993

Erik Saiid Fallahi Colorado Springs, CO June 20, 1993

Roberts E. Fuller Bradenton, FL September 24, 1993

Jason A. Gandolf Madison, WI August 22, 1993

Leyda Gonzales Lithonia, GA Date Unknown

Thomas J. Hanson San Diego, CA August 18, 1993

Jerome Holmes Georgetown, SC Date Unknown

Scott Howard Walnut Creek, CA Date Unknown

Frankie Lee Mead Riverton, WY August 9, 1993

Tobby Membrare Bainbridge Is., WA September 10, 1993

Esther Morris Montezuma Creek, UT September 17, 1993

Fritz Lee Morris Montezuma Creek, UT September 17, 1993

Alan Nusbaum Norwalk, CA June 18, 1993

Kay Outland Birmingham, AL July 26, 1993

Roosevelt Pinckney Round O, SC May 1993

Betty L. Redling Nordland, WA September 16, 1993

James LeRoy Smith Stoughton, WI February 5, 1993

Joseph J. Varga Laramie, WY October 4, 1990

Susan M. Wilson Butler, OH September 12, 1993

Mildred A. Zahl San Mateo, CA February 5, 1993 [Page 20]On July 30-August 1, the Spiritual Assembly of Astoria, Oregon, sponsored a summer school, its first after a lapse of several years. Classes for pre-youth, youth and adults focused on the nature of unconditional love, consultation, and fostering Bahá’í communication. Taking part in the event at the Astoria Yacht Club on Youngs Bay were 40 adults, 21 youth and a number of pre-youth and children. (Photo by Lucia V. Caruso)

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

A. NAME(S):

1. __________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________

2. __________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________

3. __________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________

4. __________________________________________________ I.D. # ____________________ Title ____________________

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

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

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):

Area code __________ Phone number ____________________ Name __________________________________________________

Area code __________ Phone number ____________________ Name __________________________________________________

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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER

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: Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Intensive Study (Derek Cockshut, facilitator), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register with credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

22-28: ISARD ’93, third annual Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, Landegg Academy, Switzerland. Theme: "Nutrition, Diet and Health." For information, contact Tagungszentrum Landegg, CH-9405, Wienacht, Switzerland.

25-27: Eastern Regional Bahá’í Youth Thanksgiving Conference, Howard Johnson Lodge, Cheverly, Maryland. Theme: "Creating a Prejudice-Free Generation: Taking a Leading Role in the Three Year Plan." Sponsored by the Bahá’í Institute for Race Unity of the Spiritual Assembly of Montgomery County West. For information, phone Barbara Talley, 301-428-4831.

25-28: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Tucson, Arizona. Speakers: Marguerite Sears, Hoda Mahmoudi, Duane Troxel, David Hadden. For information, write to Larry Gustafson, 5400 N. Sun River Circle, Tucson, AZ 85749, or phone 602-297-3106 or 602-742-4656.

25-28: Florida Winter School, Leesburg (40 minutes from Disney World). Theme: "Living the Vision of Unity." Speakers: Jack McCants, Aziz Yazdi, Ahang Rabbani. Registrar: Christina Lowcock, 2221 Kings Point Dr., Lakeland, FL 33805 (phone 813-688-8162).

25-28: Oregon West 20th Winter School, Menucha (30 miles east of Portland). Theme: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas." Beautiful lodge, dormitory, semi-private and private rooms. Registrar: Norman Ives, 1420 S. 15th St., Coos Bay, OR (phone 503-267-3157).

25-28: Louisiana School, Mandeville (Fontainebleau State Park). Theme: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas." Introductory classes on the Faith will be offered. Family discounts available. Registrar: Nat West, 102 Gardenia Dr., Avondale, LA 70094 (phone 504-436-4958).

26-28: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. Self-directed study after opening program. For information or to register with a credit card, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

DECEMBER

3-5: Conference on Revelation and Scripture, Newcastle (England) Bahá’í Center, sponsored by the Association for Bahá’í Studies. For information, phone Stephen Lambden, 091-281-8597.

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 Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Theme: "The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

24-27: Ninth annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Speakers: Robert Ahdieh, Tahereh Ahdieh, Riaz Ghadimi, Lame ‎Fanana-pazur Fananapazir‎, Jeffrey Mondschein, Rebequa Murphy, James F. Nelson, Habib Riazati, Sylvester Scott. Workshops, special programs for youth and classes for pre-youth. Registration starts on the afternoon of December 23. For more information, contact the GCBC hotline, 602-375-8082. Pre-registration is advised, as seating is limited for the main sessions and workshops.

26-31: Annual mid-winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, 3543 Traynham Rd., 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." Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís ages 11-20 are welcome to attend. For information, write to Ken McNamara, 13735 St. Croix Trl. N., Marine On St. Croix, MN 55047, or phone 612-433-5089.

29-January 2: Winter Session II, Bosch Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Winter School, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. For information, phone 803-558-5093.

31-January 2: North Carolina Winter School, Brown Summit Conference Center (30 minutes north of Greensboro). Theme: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas in Action: Weaving the Kitáb-i-Aqdas into the Fabric of Our Lives to Transform Us into Champion Builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh." Registrar: Maria Hillis, 1502 Queen St., Wilson, NC 27893 (phone 919-291-1187).

JANUARY

7-9: Wisconsin Winter School (for adults), Byron Center. Contact Lisa Reimer, 4118 W. Fond du Lac Rd., West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

10-17: King Week, Atlanta, Georgia. For information, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

11-18: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039, or the Bosch Bahá’í School, 408-423-3387.

14-16: Colorado (East) Winter School. Sandra Bolz, 345 London Avenue, Lafayette, CO 80026 (phone 303-666-9275).

15-17: Illinois (Heartland) School, Springfield. Theme: "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas." Contact Pej Clark, 1188 W. Sunset, Decatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-423-9788).

FEBRUARY

18-21: North Dakota Winter School, Mayville State University. "The New Jerusalem: A Study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas." Contact Rosalyn Thingelstad, P.O. Box 1913, Minot, ND 58702 (phone 701-839-1015).