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[Page 1]The American Bahá’í MASÁ’IL B.E. 150 / DECEMBER 12, 1993 VOLUME 24, NUMBER 18

Bahá’ís arise: Accept challenge to fulfill role

By Tom Mennillo

Evidence is pouring in that the American Bahá’í community has “gotten” the Vision in Action message and is acting on it.

In meeting after meeting across the United States, the believers have responded to the National Spiritual Assembly’s call.

They are pledging an unprecedented level of sustained, long-term service that will achieve the goals of the Three Year Plan and lead to the spiritual conquest of the planet.

The following examples barely scratch the surface of this gratifying commitment:

• On Monday, November 15, the day after many of the Vision in Action meetings were held, the National Teaching Office received more inquiries about homefront pioneering than in the previous six weeks combined.
• ‎An A‎ believer from Oregon wrote to the Bahá’í National Center, “... I sat and watched the tapes, and heard your message. I cried and cried—for hours. Thus I feel myself change from a gnat into an eagle! I have gone berserk—spiritually—and decided to change my life in full dedication to Bahá’u’lláh in teaching, in service, ... in funds, and more service and teaching.”
• Another individual believer wrote that she and her husband were inspired by the National Spiritual Assembly’s message to “get off our complacent duffs. I can easily name six friends who are seeking and I have not invited them to come to firesides. I feel that Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith have saved my life, quite literally. I am ashamed at how I repay my eternal debt, so here is the first of many regular checks and I look for entry by troops for those lives I touch with the Faith.”
• A Nevada believer wrote, “... I was so moved by the tone and impact of this Sunday’s ... meeting in Las Vegas that I concluded I could empty my savings account by this amount.” A check was enclosed.
• From Kansas, a believer wrote, “I was impressed by the way you eloquently and powerfully informed us all of the seriousness of the issues before the

Continued on page 6

VISION IN ACTION

3 YEAR PLAN 1993 - 1996

Bahá’ís in Columbus, Ohio, join hands in an affirmation of unity and commitment while listening to a tape of the World Congress Choir at the ‘Vision in Action’ meeting on November 14.

National Assembly sets ‘Pioneer Emphasis Days’

In a letter dated August 25, 1993, to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, the Universal House of Justice expresses a hope about the conduct of believers living in this country:

“At this indescribably critical stage in humanity’s transition to the peaceful world envisioned by the Lord of the Age, may they undertake their sacred tasks with due urgency and undiminished confidence as to their triumphal outcome.”

And in a letter of June 27, 1993, to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Supreme Body states: “There are still vast areas of the world where no Bahá’ís have set foot. There are still millions desperately thirsting for this water of life. ...It is our fervent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that stalwart, self-sacrificing friends will arise and that a wave of pioneers and traveling teachers will surge forth to raise the banner of the Cause and reinforce the cohorts of God in every land.”

Movement has begun

The movement has begun! From May 1 to November 1 this year, the U.S. sent 251 pioneers including 31 Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers. Bahá’ís from this country have also undertaken 378 international traveling teaching trips.

Within the same period of time, 115 of the friends were settled in homefront pioneering posts, about one-fifth of whom have been Bahá’ís for less than a year, and 808 traveling teaching trips were completed within the U.S.

To facilitate the swift and effective movement of the friends, the National Spiritual Assembly is hosting a series of meetings throughout the country to disseminate information including the most recent guidance from the Universal House of Justice about this urgent call for pioneers and traveling teachers.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly or its representatives as well as members of the Auxiliary Board will be present at each of these meetings. Everyone is urged to attend. Check the schedule and make plans now to attend the meeting that is most convenient for you.

Flood of volunteers

The National Spiritual Assembly eagerly anticipates a flood of volunteers worthy of the confidence placed in our community by the Universal House of Justice. We have great expectations for the heroic services the friends in the U.S. will render in their unrelenting response to the glorious prospects inherent in the potent, irreversible mandate bestowed upon us by the beloved Master in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

PIONEER EMPHASIS DAYS
December 18-19 Indianapolis, IN (317-547-3691)
January 8-9 Chicago, IL (312-588-7329)
January 22-23 Dallas, TX (214-821-3455) Rolla, MO (314-364-6303)
January 29-30 Gainesville, FL (904-372-8147) Seattle, WA (206-632-7645)
February 5-6 Miami, FL (305-633-1793) Raleigh, NC (919-872-6023)
February 19-20 Denver, CO

Ewing, Reynolds named to Auxiliary Board

As noted in The American Bahá’í (November 4, p. 1), Tod Ewing recently resigned from the National Spiritual Assembly to accept an appointment by the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas to serve as an Auxiliary Board member for propagation in South Carolina. Also appointed to the Auxiliary Board was Josie Reynolds of Marietta, Georgia. Mrs. Reynolds will serve as a Board member for propagation in Georgia and Alabama.

[Page 2]

Columbus, Ohio, Bahá’ís play key role in ‘Unity Day’

It was a fitting climax to the first-ever Unity Day celebration in Columbus, Ohio.

As a crowd of about 1,000 looked on, anchors from the three local network television affiliates came forward to read quotations from “The Vision of Race Unity” statement of the National Spiritual Assembly.

One of the anchors was wearing a “Racism. Just Undo It®” button.

Unity Day, held October 31 at French Fieldhouse on the Ohio State University campus, was organized by Columbus’s recently formed Community Relations Commission.

The idea was to shift attention away from a Ku Klux Klan rally being staged outside the Statehouse in downtown Columbus and to demonstrate the community’s commitment to racial equality.

Bahá’í involvement in Unity Day went beyond the readings from the race unity statement.

A Bahá’í youth workshop made up of 27 young people from Cleveland and Columbus performed the “Black & White” dance and a rap.

Many chances to teach

Also, Bahá’ís dressed in “Racism. Just Undo It” and other T-shirts found many opportunities to teach and hand out literature.

Media coverage of the Bahá’ís was heavy, as well.

The youth workshop was filmed by one TV station during a rehearsal, and the footage was used as a promotion to the Unity Day telecast.

Another station filmed a rehearsal and then used a shot of black and white hands clasped aloft as a logo for its coverage.

Several Bahá’ís—youth and adult—were interviewed by the media.

All this came about as the result of an interesting chain of events.

Jamal Bookwalter, the local Spiritual Assembly’s public information officer, had presented “The Promise of World Peace” and “The Vision of Race Unity” to an aide to Mayor Gregory Lashutka.

Afterward, the aide told the Community Relations Commission of the Bahá’ís’ commitment to race unity.

That led to an invitation on two weeks’ notice for the Bahá’í youth to perform.

Youth are praised

They were so impressive that Karen Schwarzwalder, executive director of the Columbus YWCA and a member of the Community Relations Commission, wrote a letter praising the youth and their conduct.

In fact, Unity Day as a whole was such a success that sponsors plan to make it an annual event.

And the KKK? The Statehouse rally was held behind an eight-foot fence erected for their own protection, with little incident or media attention.

St. Petersburg, Florida, sees 50 declarations since Ridván

The Bahá’ís of St. Petersburg, Florida, have arisen as one to achieve large-scale growth, and the result has been more than 50 declarations since April.

The community has been helped in its intensive proclamation, teaching and consolidation by the bounty of a newly purchased Bahá’í Center and the fervent performances of the Florida Bahá’í Gospel Choir.

The rapid increase in enrollments is attributed to a number of factors:

• A systematic structure is in place of weekly firesides, public meetings and new-believer deepenings.
• St. Petersburg has many dedicated individual teachers.
• Community members are performing whatever tasks need to be done.
• New believers are pitching in immediately. One has taken a well-designed Bahá’í booth to a park and taught. Another has started a multicultural reading hour on Saturdays for children of the diverse, “fringe innercity” neighborhood.
• An excellent relationship has been established with nearby Eckerd College. The college purchased hundreds of “Color Me Human” buttons for use in anti-racism programs, and the Bahá’ís will be participating in two upcoming events at the request of the school.
• Several Bahá’ís who own businesses are interacting and teaching through them.

St. Petersburg’s Bahá’í Center is a building that the community leased for three years before buying it through the gracious donation of a Canadian Bahá’í in memory of her sister and parents.

The facility, previously an engraver’s shop and “well worn,” has received help from many believers in its continuing transformation.

The first of four stages of renovation has been completed, resulting in use of about one-third of the building. Much more work is under way, with the goal of a beautiful, fully functioning Center by Ridván 153.

A dedication was held in May, and over the summer weekly classes were conducted there for seekers and new believers.

Also held in the new building are weekly Assembly meetings, weekly deepening classes and Saturday night public meetings.

The believers also have repeatedly ventured in ever-increasing circles through the neighborhoods around the Center, with invitations to come and listen to the Gospel Choir, sit in on “coffeehouse” gatherings or listen to a presentation on one of many aspects of the Bahá’í perspective.

During this time, members of the Assembly each have spent at least 25 hours on the development of local goals for the Three Year Plan.

The Assembly also hosted the Southwest Florida district town meeting, which was attended by about 80 of the friends, and held the first quarterly meeting designed to assist individual believers to design and implement their own goals in response to the Three Year Plan.

Exciting aspects of the past few months include the wonderful response the Gospel Choir has received from the greater community, the consistency of the weekly events, recognition of interfaith efforts, support for several traveling teachers, and the development of resources within the Center such as the relatively extensive lending and sale libraries.

The Florida Bahá’í Gospel Choir presents one of many recent concerts with the gracious assistance of Ernestine Atkins (front center) of the St. Louis area. Choir leaders include Karen McCord (left), Kerry McCord (right) and Sharon McCord (not pictured).

Spiritual Assembly of Houck, AZ, sponsors Pioneer Institute at NABI

On the weekend of September 17-19, the first Pioneer Institute ever sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Houck, Arizona, was held at the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI).

The main purpose of the Institute was to provide deepening on the station of pioneering and an orientation to Native American cultures for current and prospective pioneers.

Among the speakers were Auxiliary Board member Steven Gonzales, who spoke on the spirit of pioneering, and Chester Kahn, one of the earliest Navajo Bahá’ís, who elaborated on adapting the message of Bahá’u’lláh to the Navajo people.

Mr. Kahn also blessed the gathering with a talk on the history of the Faith in Navajo land, beginning with the first homefront pioneer, Jim Stone, who came to Gallup, New Mexico, in 1954.

The Institute closed with a “talking circle” in the prayer hogan, a special healing place. As each participant held the traditional eagle feather, hearts were opened as everyone wept, laughed and shared experiences.

Attendees then departed with a prayer that this historic event would be another step toward the fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s promise: “...should these Indians and aborigines [the original inhabitants of America] be educated and obtain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings, they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions.” (Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 10) [Page 3]

MISSION 19 (11 MONTHS TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status · Masá’il 150 · December 12, 1993

TEACHING

Traveling Teaching Goals

• Goal: 3,000
• Completed as of this report: 888
• Needed as of this report: 2,112

Homefront Pioneer Goals

• Goal: 500
• Completed as of this report: 130
• Needed as of this report: 370

THE FUND

(As of October 31, 1993)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

• Goal: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $5,948,961

NATIONAL FUND

• $5,167,201

INTERNATIONAL FUND

• Goal for 150 B.E.: $500,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $246,971
• Total Contributions: $746,971

ARC PROJECTS FUND

• Goal for 150 B.E.: $500,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $450,603
• Total Contributions: $950,603

CONTINENTAL FUND

• Goal for 150 B.E.: $60,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $84,186
• Total Contributions: $144,321

THE HEAT IS ON!

FIRESIDE TEACHING CAMPAIGN

The HEAT Wave is awakening communities across the nation! Interest in the Faith has accelerated nationwide. The number of firesides has significantly increased in the HEAT Wave regions, augmenting the already existing teaching opportunities. Awareness of success stories is spreading throughout the community: seven new believers in Rolla, Missouri; whole communities with firesides every day; 24-hour prayer vigils. And this is just the beginning. Let us all continue to say teaching prayers for the area of the Wave; and remember, Hold Everything And Teach!

FIRESIDE AREAS
Qudrat	11/4-11/22	Illinois, Iowa, Missouri
Qawl	11/23-12/11	Indiana, Ohio
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

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

• October ............ 103
• Year to date ....... 961

Regional Traveling Teaching Coordinators

REGION 1 (ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) Jack Hansen, Touchet, WA 99360; 509-525-3978

REGION 2 (CA, NV) Sandra Huit, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; 916-961-0807

REGION 3 (AZ, CO, NM, UT) Terri Agahi, Phoenix, AZ 85027; 602-582-7979

REGION 4 (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD) Janet Haworth, Springfield, MO 65803; 417-862-9218

REGION 5 (AR, OK) Will Sutter, Oklahoma City, OK 73118; 405-557-1107; (LA, MS, TX) Riaz Haghpa-juh, Addison, TX 75244; 214-243-1540

REGION 6 (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI) Rose Wendel, Dayton, OH 45459; 513-433-1120

REGION 7 (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) Nancy Duggan, Malden, MA 02148; 617-324-7915

REGION 8 (DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) Bruce and Lisa Barker, Mt. Airy, NC 27030; 919-789-7878

REGION 9 (AL, FL, GA) Dale Sollars, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411; 407-791-3755

[Page 4]

Bahá’í youth answer call to pioneer service

Youth everywhere are considering their role in fulfilling the Divine mandate to pioneer revealed by the Central Figures and continuously tailored to the rapidly-changing needs of the day by the Universal House of Justice. Youth numbered significantly among the 4,000 Bahá’ís who left their homes to serve internationally as long- and short-term pioneers during the Six Year Plan.

At the outset of this intense Three Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice has opened the door ‎to for for‎ the friends to pioneer everywhere, urging the U.S. Bahá’í community: “At this indescribably critical stage in humanity’s transition to the peaceful world envisioned by the Lord of the Age, to... ‘undertake their sacred tasks with due urgency and undiminished confidence as to their triumphal outcome.’”

The youthful figure of the Báb was the first to direct the believers to pioneer. “Issue forth from your cities, O peoples of the West, and aid God ere the day when the Lord of mercy shall come down unto you in the shadow of the clouds with the angels circling around Him...” were His revealed words.

‘Teachers must continually travel...’

Bahá’u’lláh told us when to begin, saying, “Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love.” In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did no less than to state that “the third condition” for the fulfillment of the Divinely-ordained responsibilities of the North American believers is that “teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather to all parts of the world, ...”

Shoghi Effendi later explained that “this Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem people of all ages, has a special message and mission for the youth of your generation. It is their charter for their future, their hope, their guarantee of better days to come. Therefore the Guardian is especially happy that the young Bahá’ís are active in the pioneer work.”

In 1984 the Universal House of Justice lovingly expressed to the Bahá’í youth of the world its firm confidence in their power to “contribute significantly to shaping the societies of the coming century”; to “move the world.”

In the same letter the Supreme Institution called for “a mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in the pattern of service rendered by young Bahá’ís.” They noted the characteristic “abounding zeal” of the youth, and outlined ways in which this could be channeled into urgently needed acts of service.

The goal of the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps is to foster this Bahá’í pattern of action in service to the Cause and humankind, thereby proving the power of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to transform human society.

‘Fertile opportunities’

In June of this year the global needs for pioneers during the Three Year Plan were presented in a letter addressed to the Bahá’ís of the world by the Universal House of Justice (see The American Bahá’í, Aug. 20). More than 30 National Spiritual Assemblies have identified opportunities for youth to serve in various capacities. Significantly, some of these are “where there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met.”

In preparing to answer the call, attention must be given to balancing our various responsibilities, spiritual preparation, and practical consideration for youth, families and communities. Watch ‎for for for‎ articles covering topics such as “responses of youth to the pioneer call,” “pioneering and education,” “financing pioneering,” “study abroad as preparation for a life of pioneering,” “reflections of veteran youth pioneers and their families” and others in upcoming editions of The American Bahá’í.

To begin working toward service abroad NOW, contact the Office of Pioneering (Telephone 708-733-3508; fax 708-733-3509). For service within the U.S., contact the National Teaching Office (telephone 708-733-3492). Write to either office c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

U.S. Bahá’í youth were among participants from 16 countries at the Bahá’í International Youth Conference in Brest, Belarus on August 1-6, 1993.

Traveling teaching projects slated in several countries

News of the following special international traveling teaching projects and events have been received this month.

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

India: 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”; ongoing through January 23, 1994

For more information on these and other continuing programs, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Tel: (708) 869-9039, Fax: (708) 869-3342.

Recruitment of teachers for overseas employment has begun; here is a schedule of recruitment fairs in coming months

Recruitment of teachers for overseas jobs has begun. Following is a schedule of recruitment fairs and the deadlines for registering:

Search Associates

January 30-February 2, 1994—Cambridge, MA. Contact: John Magagna, Search Associates, P.O. Box 363, Dallas, PA 18612. Telephone 717-696-5400; fax 717-696-9500.

February 11-13, 1994—Carmel, CA; June 18-22, 1994—Bethesda, MD. Contact: Dawn Lewis, Search Associates, P.O. Box 1622, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Telephone 914-463-0148; fax 914-463-0149.

International Schools Service (ISS)

February 3-6, 1994—San Francisco, CA; February 17-20, 1994—Orlando, FL;

June 24-26, 1994—Philadelphia, PA. Registration deadline for the February fairs is December 15, 1993. Contact: ISS, Educational Staffing Program, P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543. Telephone 609-452-0990; fax 609-452-2690.

Ohio State University

February 4-6, 1994—Columbus, OH. Deadline to sign up is January 21; however, on-site registrations are accepted. Contact: OSU, Educational Career Services, 110 Arps Hall, 1945 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210-1172. Telephone 614-292-2741; fax 614-292-8052.

University of Northern Iowa

Contact Don Wood, Overseas Placement Center, 152 Gilchrist Hall, U. of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Telephone 319-273-2083.

U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools, (DoDDS)

For an application, contact Department of Defense, Office of Dependent Schools, Hoffman Building 1, 2461 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22331. Telephone 703-696-3065.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette 60091 (telephone 708-733-3512 or fax 708-733-3509).

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
Subscription rates

Outside continental U.S. only
	1 Year	2 Years
First class/Surface	$24	$45
Air Mail	$32	$60
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 5]

‘Vision in Action’ meetings send a ‘wake-up call’

“It just kind of woke me up!”

That was the sentiment voiced by the treasurer of one Southwestern Assembly. She had been to the “Vision in Action” meeting in her district and, as she sat and listened to the message of the National Spiritual Assembly, said to herself, “I’ve got to pay attention to what I’m doing here!”

The results: notification to the National Spiritual Assembly of their Assembly’s local goal commitment for the National Bahá’í Fund and the remittance of several checks that had been “sitting in the checkbook.”

Mysterious power

Indeed, there seems to be a mysterious power afoot here. No sooner had the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly begun to consult about the critical needs of the Funds than the pattern of giving began to change. This change seems to be reaching a peak in the “Vision” meetings: from Los Angeles to South Florida the believers are saying “I didn’t know that!” and are beginning to change their actions accordingly.

One meeting in the Northeast “set the friends on fire; they felt the National Assembly was now telling them that it’s okay to do the things they have wanted and needed to do” in their lives and for the Cause.

A telling moment came when one of the friends suggested that there would be no crisis if the National Spiritual Assembly would just “handle things right.”

“No one seemed to have any time for that kind of thinking,” said the friend who called to report on the meeting. “The message that we are all in this together was too clear for there to be any further questions.”

Here are some other statements made by the friends in the notes accompanying their offerings to the Funds of the Faith:

Nevada: “(The National Spiritual Assembly) and the needs of the Faith are constantly in my prayers.”

Arizona: “I am now 83 and have been a Bahá’í since 1954. The growth has been good in comparison to other revelations but not nearly enough to make us a Cause to be investigated by everyone.”

Illinois: “We just saw the presentation from the NSA at our meeting on Sunday, and it really opened some people’s eyes. ...”

Arizona (again): “Thank you for your very realistic video presentation. Yes, we must be mature enough to know when we are not doing well and take quick action!”

Kansas: “I wish to commend and thank you for the leadership and guidance you are providing. ...I was impressed by the way you eloquently and powerfully informed us all of the seriousness of the issues before the American Bahá’í community and the urgency to arise in the service of Bahá’u’lláh.”

And finally: “Well, no doubt about it, the presentation from National I witnessed...certainly kicked this treasurer into gear! Thank you for the kick. I’m sorry it was necessary.”

CONTRIBUTION UPDATE — OCTOBER 31, 1993

How are we doing this year?

PATTERN	May ’93	June ’93	July ’93	Aug. ’93	Sept. ’93	Oct. ’93	TOTAL
Goal *	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$2,083,333	$12,500,000
Contributions	795,877	935,589	1,170,258	941,181	1,106,757	1,006,654	5,956,316
International	27,646	33,245	56,867	61,188	34,234	38,165	251,345
National	692,055	766,359	1,036,217	815,818	995,049	864,518	5,170,016
Arc Projects	62,771	122,250	61,978	51,382	63,233	89,180	450,794
Continental	13,405	13,735	15,196	12,793	14,241	14,791	84,161

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

HUQUQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huququ’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees:

Dr. Elsie Austin, 1001 Spring St., Apt. 1017, Silver Spring MD 20901 (telephone 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, 221 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90402 (telephone 310-394-5449).

Dr. Daryush Haghighi, 19321 Frazier Dr., Rocky River, OH 44116 (telephone 216-333-1506).

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

‘LAPD’ brings faiths together in Ohio

Instead of trying to revive Antioch College’s dormant Bahá’í club when he returned from a cooperative education program in Los Angeles, William Stephan Brashear tried a new approach.

With some other students in a psychology of management class, he organized an open religious forum on the Yellow Springs, Ohio, campus.

The group, known as LAPD (Living Artists of Progressive Detachment) in light of Mr. Brashear’s co-op experience, brought together people of many faiths under a creed of mutual “acceptance without—or with—belief.”

LAPD met regularly during the quarter. Some Yellow Springs Bahá’ís attended sessions, and at the conclusion of an end-of-the-quarter “bash of religious sharings” Mr. Brashear and a Bahá’í friend held a long fireside.

Says Mr. Brashear, “My Bahá’í friend and I grew a great deal from the experience, and so did the many others who listened to us. Not only did we realize how easily you can relate every issue in the world to the unifying principles of the Bahá’í Faith, I also believe that many non-Bahá’ís saw this, too.”

He says many people, all non-Bahá’ís, expressed a desire for a religious unity group to continue past the quarter.

He also is in favor of continuing on that path.

“The name ‘Bahá’í club’ can be intimidating,” he says. “It may make some people feel that their views have less of a place in the group if they are not Bahá’í. It doesn’t seem as if there is an open religious forum for people of other religions and backgrounds if they just see the name Bahá’í club.” [Page 6]

‘Action’ meetings

Continued from page 1

American Bahá’í community and the urgency to arise in the service of Bahá’u’lláh. With this letter, I wish to authorize the National Spiritual Assembly to automatically withdraw ... from my checking account on the first of every Gregorian month as a contribution to the Bahá’í National Fund.”

• From Illinois came this believer’s response, “The thorough and well-presented preparation and the weight of the message hit home in a real sense. I think the friends realized that only they could bring about the much needed increases. ... I can only conclude that if the results in other meetings were anywhere like ours, your efforts succeeded. ...” He reported that the friends in attendance consulted for about an hour, resulting in a specific plan to increase their teaching effort many-fold. Individuals gave their names and addresses to volunteer to be fireside presenters, and a “long list of people offered to return on December 5 to plan a District-wide campaign to attract new believers into the Faith over the remainder of the Three Year Plan.”

• An Arizona believer sent a donation earmarked for the Arc Projects, with a note that “the November 14 program was wonderful.” A new Bahá’í she had taught attended with her, and she reported that she also is teaching a high school teacher who “will be a Bahá’í in time.”

• As in many electoral units, the meeting place in South Dakota was too small to accommodate the turnout. “It was standing room only,” one of the presenters reported. “We had to move to another location to give the meeting.” When asked by an attendee why no time had been allocated for questions, he replied, “What is left to be answered?” The person agreed, saying: “You could see the effect on their faces.”

• Similarly, in Iowa, when the presenters asked whether the friends had any questions, the response was, “What questions? All we need to know is how high [to jump].” Considerable contributions were made to the Funds.

• A Florida believer reported that the spirit at the Ft. Lauderdale meeting “was very positive and the response mature. ... I feel that the long-range benefits will be realized.” The individual said that many of the comments centered around Assemblies working cooperatively to further the aims of the Three Year Plan. “There has been no lack of enthusiasm. ... It is gratifying that the National Spiritual Assembly can within a month’s time call a meeting of the believers, take them into its confidence, and have the representatives convey the key information.”

• From California came this succinct comment, “Vision in Action was very moving. Thank you.”

• An Arizona believer also expressed appreciation. “Thank you for your very realistic video presentation. Yes, we must be mature enough to know when we are not doing well and take quick action!”

• From Louisiana, a believer reported that a teaching project that had requested funds from the National Teaching Committee will now pursue local support in light of the Funds’ condition.

• In Ohio, a Chinese woman requested full registration as a Bahá’í and to receive The American Bahá’í.

• As a result of the message, a Maryland believer has developed a proposal to tie his business more closely to teaching, in cooperation with the local Spiritual Assembly.

• An Iowa believer brought a seeker to the site of the Vision in Action meeting, then went out for refreshments for the Bahá’ís and taught the Faith to someone at the store. After the meeting, the Bahá’ís held a fireside for their guests.

• A Washington state presenter reported that “the friends were touched and understood the call of the National Spiritual Assembly. ... A lot of people took the message to heart and the spirit was very good.”

• From Kentucky, a presenter said the Bahá’ís were “totally energized by the weekend and were dedicated to a 100 percent turnout for the meeting.”

• A California presenter remarked that the meeting “was great. A lot of people came—more than expected.” And she added, “People want the video.”

• A New Jersey believer wrote a proposal for teaching in response to the Vision in Action message.

• In La Jolla, California, nearly the entire area Bahá’í community of 300 attended the meeting. “Everybody left crying,” it was reported.

• In the Rochester, New York, area, as in many other areas, the Bahá’í communities have requested follow-up meetings to consult on a unified response to achieve the goals of the Three Year Plan.

• Bahá’ís using Internet have burned up the electronic airwaves since the meetings with commitments and ideas for teaching the Faith.

Friends in Atlanta give ‘Vision in Action’ message enthusiastic reception

Extra chairs had to be brought into the 200-seat auditorium to accommodate an overflow audience at the Vision in Action meeting held November 21 in Atlanta.

Throughout the course of the five-hour presentation, audience reaction grew more enthusiastic and heartfelt as the message unfolded.

Although consultative time was short, the comments made reflected a positive response and a renewed sense of commitment to achieving the higher levels of action called for by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Pat Steele, a member of the National Teaching Committee and resident Atlantan, in unveiling plans for a conference on large-scale growth to be held in Atlanta in January, challenged the district to have as many new declarants by conference time as there were Bahá’ís present in the room. This, she said, would be a tangible measure of our response that we have taken the message to heart.—Ford Bowers

9th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Parade and March of Celebration Atlanta, Georgia

Once again, the Bahá’ís of Atlanta will be participating in the many events of King Week. Please JOIN US to proclaim the glorious name of Bahá’u’lláh to Atlanta and around the world.

Parade: Saturday, January 15th, there will be a Bahá’í float, TBS will broadcast nationally and world wide.

Multi-Cultural Prayers Around the World: Sunday, January 16th, is planned by the Bahá’ís and held in Freedom Hall at The King Center to commemorate World Religion Day.

March of Celebration: Monday, January 17th, Dr. Robert C. Henderson, will be one of the Co-Grand Marshals, and we will march with hundreds of fellow Bahá’ís to demonstrate on a massive scale our commitment to the oneness of humanity.

The Atlanta Bahá’ís are planning many additional teaching and proclamation events for the middle of January. For more information, please call/write: Paulette Trail, (404) 426-7713, Powder Springs, GA 30073.

Reports from New York and Los Angeles

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Vision in Action message came through loud and clear to an overflow audience November 14 at the New York City Bahá’í Center.

One Bahá’í attendee summarized it as follows: “There are as yet innumerable untapped resources both material and spiritual in the community and the best solution in the final analysis is to teach the Faith.”

Another remarked, “I was grateful to the National Spiritual Assembly for treating all of us straightforwardly and as adults.”

An attendee expressed the sentiment that the National Spiritual Assembly had freed her. She said the message “brought me back to my individual relationship with Bahá’u’lláh. When [Secretary-General] Robert Henderson talked about finger pointing at the institutions, it brought the finger right back to me. I can take responsibility for my own actions. When I’m pointing the finger at someone else, I can’t be free.”

Everyone seemed particularly animated and confirmed by Mr. Henderson’s remarks and by the video from the second Bahá’í World Congress. The friends spontaneously rose to their feet, held hands and sang along with the video.

One of the Bahá’ís said, “The friends went away with a lot on their minds, but grateful to the leaders of our national community for their choice to communicate so directly and well with each Bahá’í in the United States.”—Trish Swanson

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Vision in Action call for individual believers to arise was well received by the 400 Bahá’ís in attendance November 14 at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.

The consensus seemed to be that the program was highly inspirational and a timely reminder of how Bahá’ís should live their lives.

“We need to hear messages like that every week,” one Bahá’í said. Another praised the emphasis on the need to “be more diligent about teaching the Faith.”—Alan Eyerly [Page 7]

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.

THE LANDEGG Academy Fellowship Program announces two international seminars on revelation and scripture from a Bahá’í perspective, sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Fellowship Trust Fund, and is seeking papers on Bahá’í scripture and on the Bible, Qur’án and other scriptures as they relate to the Bahá’í revelation. The first of these seminars was held December 4-5 at the Bahá’í Center in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom; the second will be held March 26-27, 1994, at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette, Illinois. The focus is on inviting Bahá’í scholars to attend and speak. The Arjmand Trust intends to publish a selection of the best papers as a proceedings of both conferences. The deadline for applying to speak at the seminar in Wilmette is February 1. Those who are interested should send a one-page abstract to Robert Stockman, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-733-3425 (direct voice line); 708-869-0247 (fax); 72203.623@COMPUSERVE.-COM (INTERNET). For more details and information, contact Robert Stockman.

THE BAHÁ’Í Association for Arts (BAFA) has learned that a large-scale exhibit of children’s art work (paintings, drawings, photographs, original handmade items, etc.) is being organized by the International Museum of Peace and Solidarity to be displayed in the Central Children’s Palace of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The motto is “The world through the eyes of children of...[country].” Children under age 17 may send their works to Anatoly Ionesov, P.O. Box 76, 703000 Samarkand, Uzbekistan (C.I.S.). Please indicate in block letters on the back of the art work(s) or on a separate page the theme, age, sex, address and photo of the author (if possible). All participants will receive picture postcards of Samarkand, and the best works will receive prizes.

ONE-YEAR GRANTS are available for Bahá’í scholars from the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Fellowship, administered by the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. Priority is given to work on Bahá’í scripture or scriptures of other religions from a Bahá’í perspective. Work quality is assumed to be at the post-graduate level. Grant money is awarded to cover such out-of-pocket expenses as purchasing books and supplies, photocopying, the costs of communication (postage, faxes, telephone calls) and travel. Multi-year grants will be considered. The deadline for applying for a fellowship grant is March 21. Applications received after that date may be considered for the following year. Inquiries about the application process and applications themselves are to be addressed to: Landegg Academy Secretariat, Dietlistrasse 8, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland. Telephone (+) (41-71) 28 60 22; fax (+) (41-71) 28 21 32.

Columbus hears message loud and clear

Bahá’ís around the United States have gathered in the past month to hear the National Spiritual Assembly’s important and urgent Vision in Action message. Associate Editor Tom Mennillo traveled to Columbus, Ohio, and filed this report on one electoral unit’s meeting.

An air of expectancy and a “standing room only” crowd of 200 filled the room as Bahá’ís of Southern Ohio gathered on the afternoon of November 14.

From Belpre and The Plains in the southeast to Cincinnati and Yellow Springs in the southwest, they had driven through the rain to this hotel just off Columbus’s Interstate 270.

This was no reunion of scattered friends. They came seeking answers to the two questions on their lips:

What is the nature of the crisis that spurred the National Spiritual Assembly to call such an unprecedented heart-to-heart meeting? What will we be called to do in response to this crisis?

They soon found out.

In welcoming remarks on behalf of the Continental Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards, Houshang Ma’ani of Berkshire Township, Delaware County, told the friends that the meeting “is significant on two counts.”

First, he said, it demonstrates the maturity of individual Bahá’ís and a recognition that each Bahá’í is responsible for the progress of the Faith and achievement of the goals of the Three Year Plan.

Critical message

Second, it conveys the critical nature of the message, not only for the American Bahá’í community but for the entire world community.

Dr. Ma’ani noted that, in essence, this gathering was being conducted “in the presence of National Spiritual Assembly,” which had invited more than 300 of the believers to Wilmette for a weekend of briefings so they, in turn, could relate the message to the friends.

“How can we commit ourselves to Bahá’u’lláh and increase our service to the Faith?” he asked the friends.

We must recognize, he told them, that no matter what we have done so far, it is not enough. We must challenge ourselves to unprecedented levels of service.

The meeting’s emphasis on individual responsibility and service continued in the prayers and readings.

Particularly inspiring were the Báb’s parting words to the Letters of the Living, as related in The Dawn-breakers:

“O My beloved friends! You are the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You have been chosen as the repositories of His mystery. It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. ...

“Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by ‘turning back,’ He may ‘change you for another people,’ who ‘shall not be your like,’ and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. ...

“Exert your utmost endeavor that, in the world to come, I, who am now instructing you, may, before the mercy-seat of God, rejoice in your deeds and glory in your achievements. ...

“Scatter throughout the length and breadth of this land, and, with steadfast feet and sanctified hearts, prepare the way for His coming. Heed not your weaknesses and frailty; fix your gaze upon the invincible power of the Lord, your God, the Almighty. ...

“Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory.”

Spiritually prepared

Thus spiritually prepared, the Bahá’ís in attendance received the message of the National Spiritual Assembly, as conveyed in a series of video ‎taped tapes taped tapes‎.

They sat hushed for the most part, but gasps were heard when Secretary-General Robert C. Henderson painted a vivid picture of the environmental racism rife in the land and asked, “Who is going to make it right, but the Bahá’ís?”

Major points reviewed

Between segments, presenters Julie Brown of Westerville and Louis Ma’ani of Upper Arlington reviewed the major points, aided by informational graphics projected onto a screen.

Finally, the house lights came back up and the friends excitedly began to ask questions.

“How can we obtain the materials shown?” Copies would be made of the overhead slides, they were told.

“Will there be other meetings for those who weren’t here today?” Mr. Ma’ani and Mrs. Brown indicated they would be sharing the message in communities around Southern Ohio through February.

Then came the initial responses of the believers to the National Assembly’s message.

Miami Valley Human Rights Day was held up as an example of how the Bahá’í Faith can make its mark on the direction of American society. The 16th annual conference and awards banquet, with a theme of “Unity in Cultural Diversity,” was held December 4-5 in Dayton.

A singer told how her longtime efforts to teach the Faith to a friend paid off when the friend was instrumental in bringing Bahá’í country music star Dan Seals to Southern Ohio and West Virginia to perform.

Someone else pointed out how our everyday actions are, in essence, teaching. She told of a woman whose heart was opened to the Bahá’í message when a co-worker, who is a Bahá’í, reacted with love and patience to a boss who treated them unfairly.

Suddenly, the room filled with the strains of the Bahá’í Gospel Choir singing “In This Day” at the second Bahá’í World Congress. As one, 200 Bahá’ís rose to their feet, linked arms and started swaying to the music of love and devotion.

The time had come to return home and reflect on the National Assembly’s message. And to act on it.

The Fund box was an important part of many ‘Vision in Action’ meetings although the emphasis was always on one’s long-term commitment to the Cause. [Page 8]

موفقیت‌های یاران

A Success Story

یکی از احبای میشیگان، خانم شهین فریدیان ساکن یکی از حومه‌های شهر دیترویت در طی نامه‌ای که به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی ارسال داشته شرحی از چند رویداد تبلیغی خود را بازگفته است. شک نیست که اینگونه تجربیات بسیار داشته‌اند و دارند. سادگی و صمیمیت نامه ما را بر آن داشت که خلاصه‌ای از این شرح را برای دوستان نقل کنیم زیرا در جهت منویات محفل روحانی ملی است:

"... به تازگی به سوت فیلد South Field اسباب کشی کردیم. چند روز گذشته بعد از اینکه کارهای مربوط به اسباب کشی تمام شد، روز آفتابی خوبی بود. تصمیم گرفتم با پسرم که حدود ۳ سال دارد برای شناخت بیشتر منطقه جدید و شناخت همسایگان جدید پیاده‌روی کنیم. بعد از چند دقیقه... به چند همسایه جدید برخورد کردیم و با آنها سلام و آشنائی معمولی داشتیم. همین طور خودمان را که معرفی می‌کردیم در ضمن می‌گفتیم که ما بهائی هستیم.

"به یکی از همسایگان تا گفتم بهائی هستیم خیلی خوشحال شد و گفت چقدر خوب شد که ما همسایه بهائی هم داریم. پرسیدم آیا اطلاعی از دیانت بهائی دارید؟ گفت بله، دوستان بهائی زیادی داریم، همچنین دخترم با یک خانواده بهائی دوست است و برنامه بهائی را هم یکشنبه‌ها از تلویزیون نگاه می‌کنیم و خیلی خوشحال هستیم که شما به این منطقه آمدید.

"واقعه دوم در مدرسه‌ام پیش آمد. در کلاس علوم طبیعی Life Science صحبت از بعضی از مسائل که دانشمندان علوم قبول دارند ولی با دیانت جور نیست به میان آمد.

"یک خانم... مسیحی در کلاسمان هست که فقط می‌گوید هر چه دیانت مسیح می‌گوید درست است. من گفتم که علم و دین باید مطابق هم باشند. معلم کلاس هم چون همسایه بهائی داشته اطلاع کلی از دیانت بهائی داشت و گفت که کدام یک از دیانت‌ها را قبول خواهی کرد چون عقیده‌ها مختلف است. این صحبت تبدیل به یک بحث تبلیغی بزرگ شد.

"فردای آن روز من مجله بهائی که اخیراً در نیویورک چاپ شده و عکس‌های خوبی دارد همراه با توضیحات کامل بردم سر کلاس برای آن خانم. اول یکی دیگر از همکلاسی‌هایم دید. خوشش آمد و گفت می‌توانم آن را ببینم و بخوانم؟ گفتم البته. خیلی خوشش آمد و بعد هم معلم علوم دید و گفت این را برای آن خانم آوردی؟ گفتم بله. گفت که متأسفانه امروز نمی‌آید. آخر کلاس از من پرسید آیا می‌توانم مجله بهائیت را بگیرم و ببرم منزل و بخوانم؟ گفتم بله و خوشحال شد. خلاصه این مسأله کلاس علوم باعث شد که تعدادی از همکلاسی‌هایم در مورد دیانت بهائی آگاهی پیدا کنند.

"واقعه سوم: سنجاق سینه‌های سفید و مشکی مربوط به تعصبات نژادی که روی آن این عبارت حک شده است: Racism: Just undo it... خریداری کردم و به چند تا از دوستان و معلم کلاس هدیه دادم و یکی را هم خودم به سینه زده بودم. قراری با مشاور مدرسه که مردی سفیدپوست است داشتم. قبلاً با ایشان در مورد دیانت بهائی و طریقه خروج از ایران و علت آن تعریف کرده بودم. وقتی آن روز این سنجاق سینه را دید خیلی خوشش آمد. گفت خیلی جالب است، از کجا تهیه کردی؟ گفتم که این عقیده دیانت بهائی است، اگر علاقه مند هستی می‌توانم این را به شما بدهم. خوشحال شد و گفت من به آن خیلی احتیاج دارم چون همه شاگردان اینجا سیاهپوست هستند و این برای من که سفید هستم کمی مشکل است، پس بهتر است این سنجاق سینه را به سینه‌ام بزنم تا مشکل در کارم ایجاد نشود. من هم سنجاق سینه را به ایشان دادم و کلی تشکر کرد و گفت که اگر فرصت کند در مورد دیانت بهائی بیشتر صحبت خواهیم کرد.

این چند رویداد در ۲ هفته قبل برایم پیش آمد. امیدوارم همه احباء هر فرصتی را غنیمت شمرند و صحبت تبلیغی داشته باشند تا همه افراد از دیانت بهائی آگاهی داشته باشند..."

مهاجرت

Pioneering

معهد اعلی در یکی از دستخط‌های اخیر خود خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی خاطر نشان ساخته‌اند که در این برهه از زمان هرگز نمی‌توان در ایفای وظائف روحانی خود سهل انگاری نمود. همچنین در مرقومه مورخ ۲۷ جون سال جاری خطاب به احبای جهان بیانی بدین مضمون دارند که مناطق گسترده‌ای در جهان هست که هنوز هیچ بهائی بدان راه نیافته و میلیون‌ها نفر هنوز در انتظار آب حیاتند. سپس بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی اظهار امیدواری فرموده‌اند که یاران دلیر و فداکار به پا خیزند و به سرزمین‌های مذکور مهاجرت و یا سفر تبلیغی نمایند و بدینوسیله علم امر مبارک را در آن برافرازند.

باعث خوشوقتی است که به آگاهی دوستان برسانیم که جنب و جوشی در میان احباء پدید آمده است. از اول می تا اول نوامبر سال جاری ۲۵۱ نفر از یاران این دیار (که ۳۱ نفر آنان از جوانانند) به امر مهاجرت قیام نموده‌اند. همچنین ۳۷۸ نفر از احباء به سفرهای تبلیغی در سراسر جهان مبادرت کرده‌اند.

در همین مدت ۱۱۵ نفر از احباء به نقاط مهاجرتی در داخل ایالات متحده نقل مکان کردند. نکته قابل اعتناء اینکه یک پنجم این عده مدتی کمتر از یک سال است که در جرگه مؤمنان درآمده‌اند. نیز در همین مدت ۸۰۸ سفر تبلیغی صورت گرفت.

محفل روحانی ملی جهت آسان ساختن خدمات مربوط به مهاجرت و سفرهای تبلیغی مصمم شده است که جلساتی در سراسر ایالات متحده تشکیل دهد.

اعضای محفل روحانی ملی یا نمایندگان آن به همراه اعضای هیئت‌های معاونت در جلسات مذکور شرکت خواهند داشت. توصیه شده است که همه یاران در این جلسات شرکت نمایند. تاریخ و محل فعلی جلسات در زیر درج می‌شود:

۱۸ و ۱۹ دسامبر در شهر ایندیاناپولیس در ایالت ایندیانا،

۸-۹ ژانویه شیکاگو در ایالت ایلینوی،

۲۲-۲۳ ژانویه دالاس در ایالت تکزاس و رولا Rola در ایالت میزوری،

۲۹-۳۰ ژانویه ‎Gainsville Gainesville‎ در فلوریدا و سیاتل در ایالت واشنگتن،

۵-۶ فوریه میامی در فلوریدا و رالی Raleigh در ایالت کارولینای شمالی،

۱۹-۲۰ فوریه دنور در کلورادو.

انتشارات مؤسسه معارف بهائی

New Publications

مؤسسه معارف بهائی بلسان فارسی که به امر و اراده معهد اعلی برای نشر معارف و فرهنگ بهائی به زبان فارسی تشکیل شده کتب و جزوات سودمندی منتشر کرده است. در زیر صورتی از بعض کتاب‌هایی که به زودی منتشر خواهد شد درج می‌گردد.

رساله مدنیه و مسأله تجدد در خاورمیانه دانشمند ارجمند دکتر نادر سعیدی با تحقیق دقیقی که در رساله مدنیه صادر از قلم حضرت عبدالبهاء، و رابطه آن با اوضاع و احوال فرهنگی و سیاسی و اجتماعی ایران در اواخر قرن نوزدهم نموده، اثری بسیار جالب و آموزنده ارائه داده‌اند که مطالعه آن موجب آگاهی بیشتر نسبت به این اثر که در جوانی از قلم مبارک صادر گردیده، خواهد شد. این جزوه حدود ۱۲۰ صفحه است.

کتاب فصل الخطاب کبیر این اثر اولین استدلالیه عمومی جناب میرزا ابوالفضل گلپایگانی، دانشمند یگانه قرن اول بهائی است. مؤلف خود آن را به حق بسیار مهم شمرده و اظهار داشته است که این کتاب دخلی به سایر کتب و رسائل این عبد ندارد و می‌توانم معروض دارم و دروغ نگفته باشم که تا بحال چنین کتابی در اثبات امر مبارک نقطه اولی عز اسمه الاعلی و امر جمال قدم جل اسمه الابهی احدی از اکابر احباب تألیف نفرموده‌اند. این کتاب با مقدمه‌ای به قلم جناب روح‌الله مهربانخانی و فهرست کامل در بیش از ۳۵۰ صفحه منتشر خواهد شد.

جلد سوم آثار دکتر علیمراد داودی جلد سوم آثار نویسنده و متفکر فرزانه بهائی دکتر علیمراد داودی تحت عنوان "مقالات و رسائل در مباحث متنوعه" بوسیله دکتر وحید رأفتی جمع آوری و تهیه و تنظیم شده و تقدیم دوستان خواهد شد. کتاب در ۴۵۰ صفحه شامل مقدمه‌ای در شرح حیات دکتر داودی و مباحثی در مواضیع تعالیم و احکام امر بهائی، عقاید اهل بهاء، مطالعات تحقیقی و بیش از ۳۰ فقره خطابه و مقاله تحقیقی از آثار این استاد یگانه است.

یادگار این کتاب مجموعه‌ای از ۱۳ فقره نطق و خطابه و گفتار شیرین، آموزنده و خواندنی دانشمند شهیر، جناب عبدالحمید اشراق خاوری در مواضیع مختلف است که به دقت از روی نوارهای صوتی پیاده شده و به ضمیمه مقدمه‌ای جالب در شرح حیات این فاضل جلیل و پرکار به قلم دکتر وحید رأفتی در بیش از ۲۵۰ صفحه به زودی چاپ خواهد شد.

حقوق الله

HUQUQU’LLAH

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’llah Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله ارسال فرمایند.

Dr. Amin Banani	Dr. Elsie Austin
Santa Monica, CA. 90402	Silver Spring, MD. 20910
Dr. Daryush Haghighi
Rocky River, OH. 44116

[Page 9]

Bahá’í Community Arises

چنین می‌نماید که جامعه بهائی ایالات متحده پیام محفل روحانی ملی را به گوش هوش شنیده است و شواهد و آثار اول این موضوع در همه جا به چشم می‌خورد. احباء در جلسات "آرمان و عمل" (Vision in Action) که در سراسر ایالات متحده منعقد شده است مساعی روحانی ملی را لبیک گفته‌اند و تعهد نموده‌اند به نحوی بی سابقه به خدمات دراز مدت مبادرت نمایند تا اهداف نقشه سه ساله به انجام رسد و فتح روحانی کره زمین تحقق یابد. آنچه در زیر درج می‌شود مشتی از خروار تعهداتی است که احباء برای تحقق اهداف نقشه ارائه داشته‌اند:

• روز دوشنبه ۱۵ نوامبر که روز بعد از انعقاد بسیاری از جلسات مذکور بود، بسیاری از احباء به دفتر لجنه ملی نشر نفحات National Teaching Committee تماس حاصل نمودند و دربارهٔ مهاجرت داخلی پرسش‌هایی کردند.

• یکی از احبای ایالت اورگان Oregon در ضمن نامه‌ای که به دفتر محفل ملی فرستاده بود، چنین نوشته: "‎تسنیم تصمیم‎ و نداهای ویدئویی را نگاه کردم و پیام‌تان را شنیدم و آنگاه ساعت‌ها گریستم و روحم اکنون احساس می‌کند که تغییر کرده‌ام و از ذیاب به عقاب تبدیل شده‌ام. پنداری مجنون روحانی شده‌ام! تصمیم گرفتم که زندگی‌ام را وقف بهاءالله و خدمت به آن و تقدیم تبرعات به صندوق مالی کنم و سپس باز هم تبلیغ کنم و خدمت کنم و ... ."

• یکی دیگر از احباء نوشت که او و شوهرش از پیام محفل روحانی ملی به شور افتاده‌اند از اینرو هر دو تصمیم گرفته‌اند که اگرچه در جستجوی کار هستند هنوز آنان را به نام پیامبر جلسات تبلیغی دعوت نکرده‌اند. می دانم که حضرت بهاءالله و امر بهائی رسماً زندگی‌ام را نجات داده‌اند. بسیار شرمسارم که این دین الهی را بدرستی تبلیغ نکرده‌ام. بنابراین اولین چک از چک‌هایی را که منطقاً ارسال خواهم داشت به ضمیمه می فرستم و می صبرانه در انتظار ‎نوع نوع نوع‎ فتوح کسانی هستم که قرار است امر مبارک را به آنان تبلیغ کنم.

• یکی از یاران از نوادا Nevada چنین نوشته است: "... حال و هوای جلسه یکشنبه در لاس‌گاس چنان مرا تحت تاثیر قرار داد که تصمیم گرفتم حساب پس‌اندازم را خالی کنم. ناگفته پیداست یک چک در جواب این نامه است."

• یکی از یاران از کانزاس Kansas نوشت: "خیلی تحت تاثیر قرار گرفتم، تحت تاثیر قدری ادای زیبا و پرقدرتی که با آن همه ما را از نظیر وظیفه سنگین‌مان که جامعه بهائی آمریکا با آن روبرو است و اهمیت قیام به خدمت امر حضرت بهاءالله خبردار کردید. با این نامه به محفل روحانی ملی اختیار می دهم که هر ماه مبلغ ... بعنوان تبرع به صندوق ملی از حساب من برداشت نمایند."

• از ایالت ایلینوی Illinois یکی از احبای ایلینوی رسید: "به راستی تمهیدات کاملی که صورت داده بودید و همچنین وزین بودن پیام محفل ملی دست را درست روی نقطه حساس می گذاشت. فکر می کنم احباء دریافتند که..."

شور نبوده است... باعث خرسندی است که محفل روحانی ملی می‌تواند در ظرف یک ماه، احباء را به جلسه‌ای دعوت کند، مشکلات را با صراحت با آنان در میان بگذارد، و نمایندگانش را مأمور کند که اطلاعات لازم را به احباء بدهند.

• از کالیفرنیا این یادداشت مختصر و مفید را دریافت داشتیم: "جلسه آرمان و عمل خیلی الهام بخش بود. از شما سپاسگزاریم."

• یکی از احباء آریزونا نیز اظهار سپاسگزاری کرد: "بناظر نباید بدیواری واقعیت‌ناپذیر سپاسگزاری کنیم. باید به اندازه کافی پختگی و ظرفیت داشته باشیم که وقتی خوب فعالیت نمی‌کنیم واقعیت را بپذیریم و فوراً برای جبرانش اقدام کنیم."

• یکی از احباء از لوئیزیانا Louisiana گزارش داد که با آگاهی از وضع صندوق ملی قرار است وجوهی که برای انجام یک برنامه تبلیغی از بودجه محلی نشر نفحات درخواست شده بود، در محل تامین شود.

• در امایر یک خانم چینی درخواست تسجیل کرد و تقاضا کرد که نشریه آمریکایی بهائی را برایش ارسال دارند.

• یکی از احبای مریلند Maryland در اثر شنیدن پیام محفل ملی چنان طرحی تهیه کرده است که با همکاری محفل روحانی محل کل طرحش را به تشکیلات تسجیل مریلند پیوند بدهد.

• یکی از احبای آیووا یکی از مبتدیان را به محل جلسه "آرمان و عمل" آورد، در وقت تنفس هم که برای تهیه پذیرائی به مغازه‌ای رفت در آنجا به شخص دیگری ابلاغ کلمه نمود. بعد از ختم جلسه، احباء برای دوستان جدید خود بیت تبلیغی تشکیل دادند!

• یکی از اداره کنندگان جلسه در ایالت واشنگتن گزارش داد که احباء تحت تاثیر قرار گرفتند و پیام محفل روحانی ملی را دریافتند... بسیاری از احباء پیام را به گوش جان شنیدند و روحیه بسیار خوبی داشتند.

• اداره کننده دیگری از کنتاکی Kentucky گفت که احباء از جلسه آنقدر هفته کاملاً نیرو یافته اند و صد در صد در جلسه شرکت کردند.

• یکی از احبای کالیفرنیا اظهار داشت که "جلسه عالی بود. خیلی از احباء شرکت کردند، بیشتر از آنچه که انتظار می رفت." وی همچنین افزود که احباء آن ویدیو را می طلبند.

• یکی از احبای نیوجرسی هم در پاسخ به پیام محفل روحانی ملی پیشنهادهای برای ابلاغ امر ارائه داشت.

• در لاهویا La Jolla هم در ایالت کالیفرنیا تقریباً ۳۰۰ نفر احبای ناحیه در جلسه "آرمان و عمل" شرکت کردند. گزارششان این بود که "همگی جلسه را با گریه ترک کردند."

توفیق در تبلیغ مستلزم آنست که

در باره حضرت بهاءالله با مردمان سخن گوئیم نمونه مهر و دوستی باشیم تضاد هائی را که مانع حصول یگانگی ما است از میان برداریم از مردم بخواهیم که به شوقیه الهیه وارد شوند

فقط آنها می‌توانند افزایشی های مورد نیاز را بوجود آورند... فقط این را می توانیم بگویم که اگر نتایجی که از جاهای دیگر گرفته شده مانند نتایجی بوده است که ما به آن رسیده ایم، کوشش های شما ثمر بخش بوده است. این دوست عزیز سپس گزارش داده بود که احبائی که در جلسه مشورتی شرکت کرده بودند به مدت یک ساعت به امر تبلیغ پرداختند و در نتیجه برنامه‌ای طرح ریختند که مساعی تبلیغی خود را چند برابر افزایش دهند. افراد ‎نام و نام نام‎ و نشانی خود را در اختیار جلسات تبلیغی قرار دادند و بسیاری از یاران پیشنهاد کردند که روز ۵ دسامبر دوباره گرد هم بیایند و یک برنامه ناحیه ای تبلیغی طرح کنند که تا آخر نقشه سه ساله مستمراً مردم را به امر مبارک جلب کنند.

• یکی از احبای آریزونا مبلغی برای ساختمان‌های قوس فرستاد و در یادداشتی گفت: "برنامه ۱۲ نوامبر عالی بود. ضمناً مصداق جدید خود را هم به جلسه برده بود و در یادداشت آمده بود که مشغول تبلیغ یک معلم دبیرستان هم هست که ‎ثالثاً غالباً‎ بهائی خواهد شد."

• محل جلسه در داکوتای جنوبی South Dakota مانند محل جلسه در بسیاری دیگر از واحدهای انتخاباتی electoral units ‎تعدادی تعداد تعداد‎ شرکت کنندگان را نمی کرد. یکی از اداره کنندگان گزارش داد که "ما فقط برای ایستادن بود و مجبور شدیم برای انعقاد جلسه به محل دیگری برویم." وقتی برای پرسش و پاسخ معین شده بود، او در جواب به یکی از حاضران از این شخص پرسیده بود "چرا آن بهائی با اظهار مطلبیت چنین مودب ماند؟" آنگاه او در صدد بیان سیمای حاضران دید.

• در همان ایالت آیووا وقتی اداره کنندگان جلسه پرسیده بودند "آیا سوالی هست یا نه پاسخ احباء این بود که 'چه بکنیم؟' آنچه لازم است بدانیم این است که چه باید بکنیم". در این جلسه سهمیه‌های به صندوق‌های گوناگون امری تبرع شد.

• یکی از احبای فلوریدا گزارش داد که "روحیه جمع در جلسه فورت لادردیل Ft. Lauderdale مثبت بود و پاسخ به پیام محفل ملی پاسخی سنجیده. فکر می کنم ‎در در در در‎ دراز مدت نتایج قابل ملاحظه حاصل خواهد شد." بهائی مذکور اظهار داشت که بسیاری از نظریات احباء بر محور همکاری محافل روحانی محلی با اهداف نقشه سه ساله تحقق یابد. پس از تشکیل جلسه کمیته ای از لحاظ شوق و

احبای شهر راچستر Rochester و نواحی آن در ایالت نیویورک مانند سایر بسیاری از نواحی دیگر درخواست جلسات دیگری را کرده اند که درباره پاسخگوئی به پیام محفل روحانی به مشورت بپردازند تا بتوانند اهداف نقشه سه ساله را متحقق سازند.

یارانی که دسترسی به شبکه کامپیوتری اینترنت Internet دارند پیوسته با استفاده از این وسیله مشغول اعلام تعهدات خود و ارائه پیشنهاد به محفل ملی هستند. [Page 10]

New From the U.S. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

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The new pocket-size edition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s fourteen Tablets to the Bahá’ís of the United States, Canada, and Greenland, constituting “the Charter of the Master Plan” for promulgating the Bahá’í Faith throughout the world. New features of this edition include numbering of the Tablets and paragraphs, new translations of one passage and a few words, substitution of a number of translations by Shoghi Effendi for earlier translations, new footnotes, and a revised index. The Tablets summon the North American Bahá’í’s “to diffuse the light, and erect the administrative fabric, of the Faith throughout the globe.” They also discuss means of teaching the Faith, stress the importance of teaching America’s indigenous peoples, advise teachers to learn the language of those they wish to teach, exhort Bahá’í’s to become Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh, and entreat Bahá’í’s to spread the collective center of the sacred religions throughout America. This charter for teaching provides all Bahá’í’s with rich material for enhancing the vitality of their faith, and greatly developing the human resources of the cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

4-1/4" x 7", 107pp., foreword to 1993 edition, publisher’s foreword to 1993 edition, foreword to 1977 edition, Index Bahá’í Publishing Trust U.S.

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An easy-listening cassette with rock rhythms and a popular beat. This album is dedicated to Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and is composed by his son Godwin Olinga. The collection of songs is diverse in style and has catchy tunes and lyrics. The instrumentation includes acoustic guitar, electric and bass guitars, drums, percussion, and keyboard.

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Olya’s Story by Olya Roohizadegan SC $12.95 / CODE—OS

The moving account of one woman’s experiences at the hands of Iranian revolutionaries during the 1980s. It is a story of the triumph of faith, humor, and love in the face of some of the severest trials that can confront the human spirit.

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An Earthly Paradise Bahá’í Houses of Worship Around the World by Julie Badiee HC $29.95 / CODE—AEP

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.

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

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 [Page 11]From August 18-30, a teaching campaign dedicated to Dhabihu’lláh Rahmatyán, a Bahá’í whose life was closely linked to the Romanian Bahá’í community, was held at a summer resort area on the shores of the Black Sea at Costinesti. The campaign was carried out by members of the Italian musical ensemble “Light in the Darkness,” joined by two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, three Auxiliary Board members, and about 40 traveling teachers from Romania, England, France and the United States. During the two weeks of activity, during which large numbers of people were attracted by the music and by three mobile exhibits about the Faith, 95 people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

During a teaching trip June 22-30 to Singida, Tanzania, 500 people were taught about the Faith. Auxiliary Board member Shahnaz Tulsi and other Bahá’ís visited the College for Blind Women, as well as all of the town’s government offices. The Faith was also introduced to 85 people in villages around Singida.

As a successful outcome of summer teaching campaigns held in Hungary since June, 50 people have embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, increasing the number of Bahá’ís in that country by 25 percent. As a result, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Martfű was formed, raising the number of Local Assemblies to five. In another recent development, the Faith was officially recognized as a religion by the government of Hungary.

“Transition to a Global Society” was the theme of this year’s Bahá’í summer school at Kücükkuyu, Turkey. Attending were 145 people including Counselor Ilhan Sezgin, seven members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and two Auxiliary Board members. During the course of the school, teaching teams made daily trips to nearby villages, resulting in the enrollment of six people in the Faith.

About 1,500 people, more than 1,000 of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a recent exhibition in Midland, Western Australia, of works by two Bahá’í artists, Chelinay and Drewfus Gates. The exhibit, entitled “Land of Mystery,” includes paintings of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, the Great Prison of ‘Akká, and other Bahá’í-related works including 93 paintings, 120 silk works, and a 250-page diary. It was inspired by the Gates’ pilgrimage in 1992 during which they visited, in addition to the Holy Land, places of Bahá’í significance in Turkey.

A special service to commemorate Refugee Week was held June 20 at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Mona Vale, Australia. More than 400 people, a good percentage of whom were invited guests, attended the service. Among them were local councilors, academics, state government officials, and members of groups involved with refugee affairs and humanitarian activities, such as AUSTCARE.

The final article in a series on the world’s religions was an excellent essay on the Faith published June 10 in Aftenposten, Norway’s largest newspaper. The full-page article, according to the National Spiritual Assembly, “was written with sincerity and respect, correct in every way...,” as a result of which a number of people have contacted Bahá’ís to ask for more information about the Faith. The series was so popular that the newspaper plans to reprint it and send it to schools to be used as a teaching material.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Cameroon has presented a document of Bahá’í principles and teachings about the purpose and organization of government and law as a contribution to an ongoing nationwide debate on a new constitution. The document was distributed to members of the Technical Committee on Preliminary Draft Constitution, key members of the Parliament, all major political parties, and the nation’s press.

On August 23 Sonia Gandhi, widow of the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, visited the Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi. She attended a brief prayer service and was given a copy of the book Forever in Bloom. In the visitors’ book, she wrote, “The Bahá’í Temple’s imposing yet gentle architectural structure, its inspiring atmosphere, its beautifully sung prayers are a symbol of religious harmony and coexistence.”

On October 4 the main representative of the Bahá’í International Community, Techeste Ahderom, and an aide paid a courtesy visit to Markus Büchel, the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. The work of the Bahá’í community and aspects of the Faith itself were discussed during the 45-minute meeting during which the Prime Minister asked many questions and indicated his approval of the work of the Bahá’í International Community. The Bahá’ís presented him with a package that included copies of The Bahá’ís, The Bahá’í Question, and an assortment of pamphlets.

This photograph of the entrance to the underground storage area, under the terrace of the Shrine of the Báb, shows detail of the stone cladding. The building will provide storage facilities for the World Center Gardens Department as a part of the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel.

The Vancouver (British Columbia) Bahá’í Youth Workshop, which toured Hawaii from July 16-30, was a huge success, playing to enthusiastic crowds of up to 300 at schools, shopping malls, recreational centers and parks. The 22-member group, composed of young people ages 14-24 from many ethnic and racial backgrounds, used music, drama and dance to demonstrate Bahá’í principles. Before leaving Hawaii, the workshop was filmed at Waianae Beach Park for a future television program. The group ended its tour at the Bahá’í summer school at Mauna Kea State Park. A reporter from the local newspaper covered the group’s tour and wrote about it in an article.

More than 100 health professionals from 26 European countries took part in October in the first European Bahá’í Medical Conference, held at De Poort, the Netherlands. The gathering focused on teachings of the Faith related to medicine such as the nature of man, and health and healing as a means of restoring balance to a disordered and sorely afflicted humanity. Tangible results including taking preliminary steps toward forming a European Bahá’í Medical Association, and the commitment of 19 people from nine countries to take part in health-related development programs in Russia.

Valerie Wilson, former pioneer to Liberia, dies

In response to the Guardian’s appeal to the Negro believers in the Ten Year Crusade, Valerie Merriell Wilson set out to pioneer to Liberia in 1952.

She settled in Monrovia and placed her ‎Baha’i Bahá’í‎ services and professional skills as a physiotherapist in the service of that country. She introduced physiotherapy to local medical personnel and had among her private patients President and Mrs. Tubman. She also initiated a program of nutrition classes for girls and women.

Valerie served on the local Spiritual Assembly of Monrovia and helped establish the National Spiritual Assembly of Liberia. She worked regionally in West Africa under the guidance of the Hand of the Cause Mr. Banani, and when the first Regional National Assembly of North and West Africa was established, she was one of its members.

Deeply devoted, she served in many areas of West Africa under conditions of severe physical hardship and health hazards, remaining in that area for 12 years until she returned to the States to undertake family responsibilities.

She continued to serve the Faith on the Spiritual Assemblies of Menlo Park and Palo Alto, California, and in developing and teaching ‎Baha’i Bahá’í‎ courses. Valerie Wilson died October 1.

IN MEMORIAM

Margaret Bailey Edmonds, WA September 25, 1993	Alice T. Evans Miami, FL October 25, 1993	Heydar Heydarian Dallas, TX February 4, 1993	Leon W. Payne Long Beach, CA October 1993
Lillian Blondino Knoxville, TN September 29, 1993	Roberta Frost Newington, NH October 6, 1993	Mona Kollberg Davis Junction, IL September 11, 1993	Carol Potasnik Paxton, IL September 27, 1993
Jean A. Bonn Green Bay, WI October 24, 1993	Marzieh Gail San Francisco, CA October 16, 1993	Esther Linebaugh Albany, CA August 27, 1993	Audrey Few Reis Randallstown, MD October 12, 1993
Allen Burgess Dallas, TX August 13, 1993	Rolland Gulley Oakland, CA October 9, 1993	Gertrude MacPherson Seattle, WA October 1993	Saeed Saedi Los Angeles, CA October 15, 1993
Edward W. Clayton South Beloit, IL August 13, 1993	Tommy Lee Hall Milledgeville, GA October 21, 1993	Alan O. Minsker Ellicottville, NY August 29, 1993	Rhoda Sobhani Reseda, CA 1993
Leah Dagen Englewood, CO August 19, 1993	Robert Hatcher Santa Maria, CA October 22, 1993	Orville Mollohan Barberton, OH August 10, 1993	Sara T. Taylor Wilmington, DE October 18, 1993
Ronald E. Davis Milwaukee, WI August 1993

[Page 12]

Calendar

Bahá’ís from six California communities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties marched in September in the annual Solano Stroll parade and were seen by about 100,000 people along the route.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

A. NAME(S): 1. ____________________ I.D. # ______________ Title __________ 2. ____________________ I.D. # ______________ Title __________ 3. ____________________ I.D. # ______________ Title __________ 4. ____________________ I.D. # ______________ Title __________

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address _________________________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable) ______________________________________ City ________________________________________________________ State __________________ Zip code ____________________________

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box or Other mailing address ________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable) ______________________________________ City ________________________________________________________ State __________________ Zip code ____________________________

D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community ________________ Moving date ______

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code ____ Phone number ______________ Name ______________

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): Area code ____ Phone number ______________ Name ______________ Area code ____ Phone number ______________ Name ______________

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER

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, and class on The Seven Valleys presented by Sheila Banani. 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 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.

25: "Arts of Wonderment," a fine arts exhibit held in conjunction with the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, opens at 11 E. Ashland Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona with works by Bahá’í artists from across the country. For information, phone Darius Hymes, 602-967-5299.

26-31: Annual mid-winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-8526.

27-January 1: Winter School, "The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Light to the World," Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423; phone 313-653-5033.

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, 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 and class on The Seven Valleys presented by Vida Bertrand. 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, Wilson, NC 27893 (phone 919-291-1187).

JANUARY

7-9: Wisconsin Winter School (for adults), Byron Center, Brownsville. "Bahá’u’lláh and the Holy Family" with teacher Morris Taylor. Contact Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

7-9: LSA Bonding Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

8-9: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Chicago, Illinois.

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

11-16: 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, Lafayette, CO 80026 (phone 303-666-9275).

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

21-23: College Club Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School (ages 18 and above). Registration deadline: January 18. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

21-23: Western Washington Bahá’í School, Brighton Creek Campgrounds. "America’s Destiny." Contact Carol Spell, P.O. Box 67, McKenna, WA 98558 (phone 206-458-3910).

22-23: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Dallas, Texas, and Rolla, Missouri.

28-30: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

29-30: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Gainesville, Florida, and Seattle, Washington.

FEBRUARY

5-6: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Miami, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

6-9: Third Global Structures Convocation: Human Rights, Global Governance, and the United Nations, Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia. For information, contact the Global Structures Convocation office, Washington, DC 20003 (phone 202-546-1095; fax 202-546-1156).

12: Jazz concert and fund-raiser with Roger Hogan/Andre St. James Ensemble, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

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

18-21: Adults/Singles Session, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

19-20: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Denver, Colorado.

25-27: Weekend on Family and Child Education with Preview of the CORE Curriculum, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.