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The American Baha’i

Volume 24, No. 3

‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Baha'u'llah

‘Ala B.E. 149/ March 2, 1993

Several hundred attend private funeral service in New York City for jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie

On January 9, several hundred friends and relatives gathered at St. Peter's Lutheran Church at 54th St. and Lexington Avenue in New York City to bid a private farewell to jazz great John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie who died three days earlier. The Rev. John Garcia Gensel, pastor to the jazz community, presided at the non-denominational service.

Invited to take part were representatives of the Bah4'f International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Spiritual Assembly of New York City.

Mr. Gillespie, a Bah4'fsince 1968, was a worldwide ambassador for the promotion of the cardinal Baha'f principle of the essential unity of humankind. His warmth, humor and charismatic personality attracted the hearts of high and low alike.

Tributes in words and music were delivered at the service by a number of Mr. Gillespie's fellow musicians: trumpeters Wynton Marsalis and Clark Terry, trombonist Slide Hampton, saxophonist Jimmy Heath, pianists Mike Longo and Hank Jones, and vibraphonist Milt Jackson.

Clear from their remarks was that they considered Mr. Gillespie to be a musical genius—a true innovator, one who could discover chords and progressions never before heard, and, above all, a teacher and friend to beginners in the music business. Beyond words was the tribute of their music that soared and reverberated throughout the spacious chapel.

After a Bahd'{ prayer for the departed was read by Trish Swanson, information officer for the BIC office in New York, Techeste Ahderom, representative to the United Nations for the Baha'{ International Community, spoke on behalf of the Baha'is of the world, mentioning that it was as recently as last November, during the second Bah4'f World Congress, that Mr. Gillespie was honored with a “75th birthday party” consisting of an evening of jazz at Carnegie Hall, an event that he was unfortunately too ill to attend.

Mr. Ahderom read messages of praise and condolence from Baha'f communities in Jamaica, France and Austria, then read the cable sentto the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly by the Universal House of Justice:

“We share your great sorrow at the passing of dearly loved, highly cherished John Birks Gillespie whose steadfastness in the Cause of Bahd'u'll4h and constant promotion of its teachings added a luminous quality and enviable dimension to the far

See FUNERAL page 4 Success in Teaching: Part 7 2 Baha'u'llah's ordeals in ‘Akka 3 Teaching victories in Sacramento 5 Parliament of World's Religions u 8th Grand Canyon Conference 12

The appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Baha 13

KING WEEK

Teaching takes center stage as Baha'is in Atlanta area emblazon Name of Baha'u'llah, promote race unity

By Foro Bowers

On Monday, January 18, more than 700 Baha'is from around the country took part in the national March of Celebration honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The march through downtown Atlanta, Georgia, was, seen by many thousands of people who lined the route as the procession made its way through the city streets to its destination at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for NonViolent Social Change.

Holding aloft a banner that read “The Vision of Race Unity: America's Most Challenging Issue,” the large and diverse group of Bahd'fs once again made their presence and their message known to those who watched the march.

As the march came to an end, participants and onlookers gathered to hear the guest speakers at an afternoon rally at the King Center. Several dignitaries including Dr. King's widow, Coretta Scott King, and co-Grand Marshal Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, addressed the estimated 150,000 people at the rally.

In his remarks, Dr. Henderson stressed the need to promote race unity and made clear the Bahd'f teachings on the oneness of humankind.

The event marked the close of a week

io a hoy

Robert C. Henderson (center, in light-colored coat) marches in Atlanta's King Week parade in January honoring the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 700 Baha'is took part in King Week events. (Photo by Joe Ferguson)

long series of events in Atlanta encompassing what is known as King Week. During the past eight years the Baha'fs in that area have steadily increased their participation in King Week, leading to remarkable opportunities in recent years to proclaim the Message of Bahd'u'll4h and to emblazon His Name literally around the world.

This year in particular was crowned withsuccess for the Baha'is. Not only were there further opportunities for widescale

A

proclamation during King Week, but an unprecedented number of seekers were present at the many firesides and Bahé'fsponsored events in and around Atlanta. King Week activities began 10 days before the March of Celebation with the annual Interfaith Clergy Conference at the King Center. Nine Bahd'fs joined more than 40 members of the clergy in an open forum designed to promote understanding and cooperation among the various reli See ATLANTA page 10

Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco's SEARS campaign aims to initiate ‘entry by troops’ throughout Bay area

By ULARAN BLANN

Last August, the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco launched the William SEARS (Spiritually Energizing and Attracting Ready Souls) teaching campaign designed to initiate entry by troops in the Bay area.

With a goal of 900 new believers by Ridvan, the Assembly had its work cut out for it, but as in any plan that aims to further the Cause of Baha'u'llah, assistance from the Concourse on high has been forthcoming.

Before the campaign started, spiritual preparation was begun. ‘Abdu’l-Baha's instructions to those in the Western states in the Tablets of the Divine Plan were studied, the prayer for the Western states was chosen to be recited daily by as many of the friends as possible, and a series of deepenings about the nature, obligation and blessings of teaching was held for 4070 friends from about 20 communities.

It was decided to focus specifically various groups such as Hispanics, American Indians, African-Americans and visiting

Chinese students.

The Assembly appointed an Entry By Troops task force to focus attention on developing the campaign. A decision to eniphasize fireside teaching resulted in more than double the usual number of weekly firesides in October compared to any previous month.

From the end of September through January, there were more than 30 enrollments in the Faith and several more declarations that were not yet processed.

The campaign began at dawn last October 3 with prayers, music and planning at Lloyd's Lake (where ‘Abdu’l-Bahd had

See SEARS page 5

and ends at sunset on March 21.

of Justice.

The proper time to commemorate Naw-Raz

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to clarify for the friends the proper time at which to observe Naw-Raz, the Baha'i New Year.

Atpresent the Baha 'fs in the West observe Naw-Raz on March 21. Since the Baha'{ day begins at sunset, Naw-Riz actually begins at sunset on March 20

Because March 21 is also the first day of the month of Bah4, a Nineteen Day Feast should also be held on that date, but the two events are separate and distinct. As the Guardian pointed out in a letter of July 5, 1950, the Nineteen Day Feast is administrative whereas the Feast of Naw-Raz commemorates the New Year and is a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing.

Although Naw-Riz is currently celebrated on March 21, it should correspond to the vernal equinox. Since this can take place on March.20, 21 or 22, Naw-Riz will not necessarily be observed on March 21 every year in the future, but this is a matter to be decided in due course by the Universal House

[Page 2](2 che BMEIOCAN] Bana’

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PITTS sora

Prerequisites of success in teaching: A study guide (part 7)

INTRODUCTION

This is the seventh in a series of articles, the intention of which is to delve into a statement, made by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice, which outlines prerequisites of success in teaching the Faith.

Shoghi Effendi drew attention to the importance of deepening our knowledge of the Faith as a preparation for delivering Bahd’u’lldh’s Message. In this passage, the Guardian comments on various facets of deepening. The focus of this article is to discuss the direction to “master the essentials of its [the Faith’s] administration.” Text

“Those who participate in such a [teaching] campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must, as an essential preliminary to the discharge of their duties, thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith. In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, cientiously and painstakingly, the | ture of their Faith, delve into its teachings, a: laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 49)

Action

aster the essentials of its adminis

tration...”

The Administrative Order of the Baha'i Faith is divinely conceived and divinely guided. The “essentials” of the admi tion can be thought of as those ba: and indispensable elements that are nece: carrying out the affairs of the com

y The Baha’{ community looks both in ward and outward. The institutions of the Faith must both nurture the growth of the and the community and serve as achannel for the greater propagation of the Faith to others. The basis for all of the “administrative machinery” is the love of God. Its form and presence is a sign of His love; its Divine purpose is to serve as an instrument for His love to reach humanity.

The laws of God protect us, guide us, and shape our lives. Our obedience to the laws, in both our intent and in our actions, is crucial to our spiritual development and to the development of the Baha’ community. SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES

“Nowhere doth your true and abiding glory reside except in your firm adherence unto the precepts of God, your whole

hearted observance of His laws, your resolution to see that they do not remain unenforced, and to pursue steadfastly the right course.” (Baha’u’llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, pp. 10-11)

“Praise be to Him, ye are acquainted with the various laws, institutions and principles of the world; today nothing short of these divine teachings can asSure peace and tranquillity to mankind. But for these teachings, this darkness shall never vanish, these chronic diseases shall never be healed; nay, they shall grow fiercer from day to day.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p.249)

“As the administrative work of the Cause steadily expands, as its various branches grow in importance and number, it is absolutely necessary that we bear in mind this fundamental fact that all these administrative activities, however harmoniously and efficiently conducted, are but means to an end, and should be regarded as direct instruments for the propagation of the Baha’ . Let us take heed lest in our great concern for the perfection of the administrative machinery of the Cause, we lose sight of the Divine Purpose for which ithas been created.” (Shoghi Effendi, Baha’ Administration, p. 103)

“T grieve to learn of the situation which the disharmony of the believers has created. Emphi hould be laid by all members, and with increasing force and determination, upon the essentials of the Administrative Order as explained in the book entitled Bahd'f Administration. Whatever is not provided, should be referred to your national mbly. The decision of the majority must, under all circumstances be upheld and enforced. Persevere and never lose heart and courage.” (Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening, p. 23, No. 81)

“These sources of disagreement and of difference are all due to the lack of thorough understanding, on the part of many of the believers, of the basic laws and principles of Baha’i Administration. Despite our Gua '$ repeated and emphatic instructions and recommendations that the friends should deepen their knowledge, through both study and practice, of all the administrative teachings of the Faith, yet some have, for some reason or another, neglected to do so. The result has been that they are working in the dark, not knowing where to look for guidance in all such matters.” (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, The Importance of Deepening, p. 37, No. 118)

“Your emphasis on the study of the Administration, he feels, is most timely and of a vital practical importance, inasmuch as it serves to consolidate and direct toward a definite objective your general teaching

work. Without the study and

“Regarding ....’s appeal: the Guardian feels the best course of action in this matter is to ask both of the believers concerned to forgive and forget the entire matter. He does not want the friends to form the habit of taking up a kind of Bahd’f litigation against each other. Their duties to humanity are too sacred and urgent in these days, when the Cause is struggling to spread and assert its independence, for them to spend their precious time, and his precious time, in this way. Ask them, therefore, to unite, forget the past, and serve as never before.” (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Living the Life, p. 18)

“The greatest need it seems everywhere inside the Cause is to impress upon the friends the need for love among them. There is a tendency to mix up the functions

of the Administration and try to apply it in individual relationships, which is abortive, because the Assembly is a nascent House of Justice and is supposed to administer, according to the Teachings, the affairs of the community. But individuals toward each other are governed by love, unity, forgiveness and a sin-covering eye. Once the friends grasp this they will get along much better, but they keep playing Spiritual Assembly to each other and expect the Assembly to behave like an individual. ...” (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Living the Life, p. 33) Questions

• How is the purpose of the Administrative Order linked to teaching?

• How can I “master” the essentials of

the administration?

on Oatchen 3, the Baha’ a'is of Moorpark, California, took part in the annual Moorpark Country Days parade and fair. The Moorpark community invited the Los Angeles Baha'i Youth Workshop to walk in the parade and perform during the street fair. The Workshop was greeted with enthusiasm and won a firstplace trophy for ‘most original entry’ in the parade. Local cable television carried the parade and featured a performance by the Youth Workshop. A record number of people stopped at the Baha'i booth, and more than 50 picked

up invitations to follow-up firesides.

Help Save Jeopardized Assemblies

Below are Baha’ { communities that are in danger of losing their Assembly at Ridvn because their community membership has fallen below the nine adult believers necessary to form an Assembly. Baha’ fs in surrounding communities are asked to assist with teaching efforts in these areas, traveling teachers are encouraged to arrange itineraries that include these Bah4’{ communities, and prospective homefront pioneers are urged to consider them as pioneering posts. Spiritual Assemblies in danger of being lost which have not yet reported their jeopardized status should contact the National Teaching Committee Office.

application of the Administration the teaching of the | CALIFORNIA Minnesota (Cont.) OHIO TENNESSEE

The American Bahd't is published 19 times a year by the Cause becomes not only Danville West St. Paul East Cleveland Smyrna National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United meaningless, but loses in orn Euclid States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class ” PPE, MISSOURI ae TEXAS Se eee ae eee oC termeeia ta Slog! | -COLORABO letra) daa Biden

S S 3 = Executive ws fe, a independence invie ers. Associate Editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. Effendi, The Importance of La Plata County Ra OREGON Plainview The American Bahé't welcomes news, letters and other | Deepening,p.39,No.124) | yy inots St. Louis Co. W Aloha STROINT items of interest from individuals and the various institu- “They [young Baha’fs] Bolingbrook 3 Jott Coos Bay SINIA tions of the Baha'f Faith. Articles should be clear and iis gasp the”Adini : MONTANA Gladstone Fauquier Co. concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should Due eesP, Ruffalo Grove Butte-Silver B Hillsb Herndon

7 . r so that they can wisely Glendal eee, Croaese be included whenever possible. Please address all materials tion, so that they can v lendale Rava coual Tees Churn Hisar and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahd't, and efficiently ad Glen Ellyn y eos WASHINGTON Wilmette, 1L 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to the ever-growing a! Moline NEBRASKA McMinnville Gr. Walla Walla Management Information Systems, Bahd't National Center, the Cause. ...” (on behalf of Roscoe Townshi North Platte SO. DAKOTA Moses Lake 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1993 by Shoghi Effendi, The Impor- P Fisnat Toppenish the National 1 Assembly of the Baha'fs of the United Wine bP DI i 45. MINNESOTA NEW MEXICO

ice of Deepening, p. 45, » 8 LOTS}

States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. No. 139) Hopkins Taos * Top priority: State capital cities

‘ALA B.E. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993,

[Page 3]THE AMERICAN BAHAY 3)

BAHA'U'LLAH IN ‘AKKA ‘That which can harm Me is the conduct of those who love Me...’

By Ken Bowers

In the course of Baha’u’ llah’s long and eventful Ministry few trials caused Him greater anguish than those instigated by the people who were closest to His Person, whether they were faithful followers or among those who had rebelled against the Cause of God.

There is no more dramatic example of such ordeals than that which resulted from an incident which took place during Baha’u’lléh’s years in ‘Akkd, and which added immeasurably to the already staggering cares under which He labored. The Blessed Beauty’s own observations about the episode and its aftermath provide a touching glimpse into a world of love and suffering such as only a Manifestation of God can experience or fully comprehend.

The period of Baha’u’llah’s imprisonmentin ‘Akké began underextremely harsh conditions. He and His family and companions, condemned to perpetual imprisonment and forbidden association with the outside world, were subjected to dangerously severe material deprivation and the strictest possible confinement. Moreover, they were, especially in the earliest months, the objects of the nearly universal hatred, derision and abuse of the officials and inhabitants of the city.

The hostility of the authorities and the populace was due to government warnings issued at about the time of Baha’u’lléh’s arrival in ‘Akké. In messages read publicly, those responsible for His banishment had characterized the Blessed Beauty and His fellow exiles as dangerous and impious mischief-makers.

It was only after the passage of some time that certain people began to realize the true character of the exiled community. Their rigorous confinement notwithstanding, the believers eventually succeeded in establishing a small but steadily growing circle of friends and admirers who knew Baha’ u'lidh and the Baha’ fs for the upright people they were.

The entire city might have been won over in short order had it not been for the activities of a few of the exiles, among whom were Siyyid Muhammad-i-Isfahani and Aq Jan Big. They were avowed followers of Baha'u'llah's half-brother, Mirza Yahy4, the Covenant-breaker who had claimed for himself the title of the Promised One, and who was at that time imprisoned on the island of Cyprus.

These two, together with a small group of sympathizers, waged a campaign of abuse against Baha’ u’Il4h and His faithful followers, charging them, among other things, with the most horrendous crimes against Islam. In order to undermine Bahd’u’Iléh’s reputation they also brought to the authorities charges of other misdeeds that were either fabricated or that they themselves had committed.

Siyyid Muhammad and his minions did not stop at that. They turned in any people whom they observed attempting to visit Baha’u’llah from outside the prison, harassed the exiles and encouraged others to do so, spread stories amongst the populace of ‘Akké—in short, they did everything in their power to make life unbearable for the Blessed beauty and His companions.

This program of hate served to reinforce what the citizens of ‘Akkd had already heard from their leaders. Some, whose

prejudices were played upon by the Coyenant-breakers, came to loathe the exiles, and a great many more viewed them with suspicion and fear.

Through all of these hardships, which threatened the very life of the Blessed Beauty, He remained calm and patient, making no move against the evil-doers. On the contrary, He continued to show to them the same courtesy and fairness He always had. Moreover, He repeatedly and emphatically commanded His followers to do likewise.

Needless to say, it was extremely difficult for Baha’u'llah’s devoted followers to tient whi He was vilified by that insufferable band of schemers. Yet most of them managed, through their love for Him, to be obedient to His wishes. These believers, trusting Baha’u’ll4h’s wisdom, realized that His sufferings could be

mitigated only insofar as they refused to »

become involved in intrigue or any other activity unbecoming the high standards set by their Lord.

There were a few, however, who could not bring themselves to allow the wrongs committed by Siyyid Muhammad to go unavenged. Shoghi Effendi, in God Passes By, describes their actions and what resulted:

“[The] strict confinement [of Baha’u’ lah and His companions] had hardly been mitigated, and the guards who had kept watch over them dismissed, when an internal crisis, which had been brewing in the midst of the community, was brought toa sudden and catastrophic climax. Such had been the conduct of two of the exiles, who had been included in the party that accompanied Baha'u'llah to ‘Akké, that He was eventually forced to expel them, an act of which Siyyid Muhammad did not hesitate to take the fullest advantage.

“Reinforced by these recruits, he, together with his old ass es, acting as spies, embarked on a campaign of abuse, calumny and intrigue, even more pernicious than that which had been launched by him in Constantinople, calculated to arouse an already prejudiced and suspicious populace to a new pitch of animosity and excitement.

“A fresh danger now clearly threatened the life of Bahé’u’ll4h. Though He Himself had stringently forbidden His followers, on several occasions, both verbally and in writing, any retaliatory acts against their tormentors, and had even sent back to Beirut an irresponsible Arab convert, who had meditated avenging the wrongs suffered by his beloved Leader, seven of the companions clandestinely sought out and slew three of their persecutors, among whom were Siyyid Muhammad and Aga Jan.” ~

The Guardian goes on to describe the incarceration and interrogation of Baha’u’lléh by the authorities; the treatment accorded to ‘Abdu’l-Baha and 25 others, who were all chained and imprisoned; and the punishments meted out to the guilty and the innocent. He also describes the impact of this episode on the citizens of *Akka:

“A population, already ill-disposed to

ward the exiles, was, after such an incident, fired with uncontrollable animosity forall those who bore the name of the Faith which those exiles professed. The charges of impiety, atheism, terrorism and heresy were openly and without restraint flung into their faces. ‘Abbud, who lived next door to Baha'u'llah, reinforced the partition that separated his house from the dwelling of his now much-feared and suspected

‘We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish.’

Neighbor. Even the children of the imprisoned exiles, whenever they ventured to show themselves in the streets during those days, would be pursued, vilified and pelted with stones.

“The cup of Baha’u’llah’s tribulations was now filled to overflowing. ...”

The Blessed Beauty, Whose “indignation knew no bounds,” revealed these words. shortly after the incident:

“Were we to make mention of what befell Us, the heavens would be rent asunder and the mountains would crumble.”

On another occasion He wrote these lines, among the most poignant of His entire life, and which will forever remain associated with this dark period in the history of the Faith: >

“My captivity cannot harm Me. That which can harm Me is the conduct of those who love Me, who claim to be related to Me, and yet perpetrate what causeth My heart and My pen to groan.”

This short passage sheds worlds of light upon the spiritual nature of Baha’ u’lléh’s tribulations. At first glance it may seem remarkable that He should say “My captivity cannot harm Me,” since it is plain that, physically, itcould and did. When He made that statement He had suffered all manner of physical abuses, including torture, imprisonment in the Siy4h-Chél under heavy chains, exposure and poisoning. Already He was weighed down with scars and infirmities that He would be doomed toendure for the rest of His life. Moreover, He had lost His sizeable fortune, His considerable feputation in the Persian court, the respect normally due to one of His class, and had forever forfeited all prospects for material comfort. Why, then, would He make such a statement?

The answer to that question shows the extent of Baha’u’lléh’s love and magnanimity, for He willingly endured these hardships out of His love for humankind. Time and again He emphasized this in His own Writings:

“The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto

abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

“We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities!”

Bahd’u’llah was the supreme lover of humanity. His sole interest was the spiritual regeneration of the world. For Him there was no price too high to pay to achieve it; indeed, He gloried in any sacrifice He could make, especially for the sake of His beloved followers, upon whom He depended to show to the world the transforming power of His Revelation.

The Blessed Beauty endured unimaginable tribulations to bring the knowledge of God to those who would believe in Him. In return, He expected His followers to obey His teachings, so that not only they, but the rest of the peoples of the planet, wouldone day be enlisted under the banner of the Cause of God.

Little wonder, then, that One Who loved humanity with such infinite love could be harmed by only one thing—the misbehavior of the very people who claimed to have accepted Him, yet failed to appreciate His teachings, which alone could bring happiness to themselves and to the rest of the world.

In this incident there are many lessons for the Baha’ fs of today. To understand its importance we must remember that those responsible for the death of the Covenantbreakers were not insincere people. On the contrary, they were devoted lovers of Baha'u'llah, who were unable to bear the thought of His sufferings and were ready to do anything in their power, even at the risk of their lives, to alleviate them. Although they were aware of Baha’u’llah’s admonitions, in the end the activities of Siyyid Muhammad and the others pushed them beyond the limits of their endurance.

Their mistake, of course, was to trust their own judgment over their Lord’s. They had hoped to bring Him relief—instead, they brought Him untold sorrow. They had intended to protect the Faith—as it turned out, they inflicted great harm upon it, and upon the Baha’f community.

Fortunately, the story does not end here. In time Bahd’u’lléh, aided chiefly by ‘Abdu’ l-Bahd, succeeded in winning the respect and admiration of the people of “‘Akké and, ultimately, of all Syria, to an extent surpassing even the considerable esteem the Cause of God had enjoyed during Bahdé’u’lldh’s final years in Baghdad. His misguided followers, too, were eventually reconciled with Him, and, having demonstrated true remorse and penitence, received the bounty of His forgiveness.

BOSCH BAHA'f SCHOOL 1993 Spring/Summer Program

To request a catalog, write to the Bosch Bahd'f School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 4]4 THe AMERICAN BaHA'l

First in a series of articles addresses employment market overseas for prospective pioneers from the United States

As the American Baha’f Community responds to the call to pioneer, there is always the concern for how to earn one’s living while serving our beloved Cause abroad. The following is the first of a series of articles addressi

national arena. Today, we will be inves gating the market for positions in finance/ business-related fields, the environment, and telecommunications.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the number of individuals filing tax returns from overseas is expected to rise from the one million filed in 1992 to 1.2 million in 1993 and, eventually, to 1.3 million by 1999. Although all those filing tax returns are not wage earners, the trend shows an expected increase of one-third in the next seven years. Here are some specifics in major sectors of international work.

ENVIRONMENT: The single industry likely to create the most new jobs overseas, as well as in the United States, is

Environmental specialists looking for overseas work should look first at Southeast Asia,” says Dr. George Allen, director of the Coalition for International Environmental Research and Assistance (CIERA). “That’s where the most opportunities are right now, because that’s where the money’s at, and because these countries are enacting new environmental regulations.”

Dr. Allen’s organization also is heading, up the new Eastern Europe Environmental Business Consortium (EEBC), a membership organization of private companies, which is coordinating U.S. efforts in Eastern Europe. Most environmental opportunities there, he says, will be for nationals of those countries, due to the language problems and a lack of hard currency in that part of the world, but Americans are and will be needed primarily for short-term assessments and training consultancies funded by organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and international banks.

Regarding the situation in Mexico, Dr. Allen mentioned that there are opportunities there but it will take at least another year or two for things to work out in accordance with the new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Dr. Allen feels that opportunities in South America will follow in another five years.

ECONOMICS: This has been one of the best fields for those targeting the international job market, and itis growing even more important with the economic integration of the world. Openings abound

UPCOMING PIONEERING INSTITUTES

April 1-4—Green Acre Baha’{ ot, Maine. May 6-9— National Center, Evanston, June 17- 2 oulielen Bahai School, Davi: Labor Day weekend—| gory Baha’{ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

Ifyouare interested in pioneering, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 for more information.

‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993

around the world for economists in international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and regional development banks; most U.S. governn gencies speciali ing in international affairs and comme private banks and other enterprises with international operations; and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) involved in international development.

Changes throughout former communist countries both in Europe and Asia have opened and will continue to provi merable opportuni ies for U.S. economists This is one field in which you have great flexibility to choose the area you would like to serve, the organization you would work for and the field you wish to devote your energies to.

FINANCIAL SERVICES: TI other exploding field. Opportunities are expected to burgeon as a result of the ratification of NAFTA, opening the financial services market in Mexico.

Again, the need for banking reform in the former Soviet Bloc countries is providing an ever-increasing number of po bilities in all areas of financial planning. Most of the opportunities at this time are consulting positions; however, the major private international banks and credit card companies already have plans to eventually introduce Western-style financial services in this region.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: This is another of the fields that has always had a healthy international job market. Like economics and financial services, the new agreements, NAFTA and that of the EE/NIS are offering many opportunities for Americans in business consulting and will offer even more pos: ies for U.S. companies to set up operations internationally. In addition, the future opening of Vietnam will provide similar opportunities in all financial arenas.

With the advent of the “global market” the number of good senior business managers is dwindling. This b6des those plannin; areer in that field, as well as some already in it.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that there is a dearth of senior “ managers to fill the needs of mult firms, particularly those with operations in Europe. Although these companies look to have a mix of “mobile” EC nationals in their senior management positions, not many of them are willing to move with their jobs to other EC countries. “Euromanagers” or senior managers who can move from country to country are in short supply.

A challenging development for many already in or eyeing this field is the fact that languages are becoming even more important for international business managers. Proficiency in more than one other language is becoming a necessity, particularly inthe EC, as well as in Mexico, where other nations such as Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan are and will be locating operations to gain tariff-free access to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: The entire world needs advanced telecommunimarket, is in the s of networking it population; Southeast Asia is shopping for upgrading; and Vietnam is about to enter an entirely new market.

Opportunities in EE/NIS are “gargan

tuan,” says Oliver Dziggel, spokesman for the new Telecommunications and Electronic Consortium (TEC) for Eastern Europe, which is coordin r businesses there. Dziggel says the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have invested billions of dollars in the last three years for projects in these Eastern European countries and there are great numbers of opportunities available. “If you have an entrepreneurial spirit,” Dziggel says, “you can do wonders there right now with just $10,000, and you'll do 10 times better than you would in the U.S.”

OTHER INFRASTRUCTURES: Infrastructures in general provide myriad opportunities, especially in the technical fields. The employment of consulting engineers and other technicians such as computer experts will expand enormously in the next years. Many projects are yeton the drawing board, especially in eastern Europe, southern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Far East, China, and soon in Vietnam.

Other areas, such as Mexico, will see a vast increase in construction as the border becomes a distribution center requiring air, rail and road facilities, along with warehouses and related infrastructures. All transportation-related work will gain as well.

The expansion of the oil industry promises to provide another arena for increased opportunities abroad. NIS, Albania and Vietnam play most pror ntly in the development of projects in this field.

In the next issue of The American Bahd't we will cover the topics of development, humanitarian relief, and teaching. If you are interested in receiving more detailed information, names and addresses of organizations, and having the opportunity to discuss the pioneering needs, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Telephone 708-869-9039 or Fax 708-869-0247. We look forward to hearing from you.

Funeral

FROM PAGE 1

reaching influence of his distinguished life. Our grateful memory of his Baha'i services is ineradicable. We ardently pray at the Holy Threshold for the progress of his radiant soul throughout the divine worlds. Kindly convey our loving sympathy to his dear wife, Lorraine.”

The Rev. Gensel spoke of the Faith, of its beginnings in Iran and the subsequent persecution of its followers. He referred to the Faith as being one that is tolerant of other religions, and said that while others lofty ideals, the Bahd'fs live their s.

Following the service, the funeral cortege wended its way past many of Mr. Gillespie's favorite haunts in Manhattan and continued to the Flushing cemetery where the final prayers and interment took place.

Atthe grave site, Shirley Lee, representing the National Spiritual Assembly, read a Baha‘f prayer for the departed, and the Rev. Gensel offered the final prayer of the service. It was then that the seven Baha'is in attendance formed a circle and recited the obligatory Baha'i prayer for the departed. :

SHORT-TERM PIONEER GOALS Goals Months AFRICA (months) Completed Ciskei 24 u Guinea-Bissau 12 6 Liberia 12 0 Nigeria 12 17 Tanzania 36 24 Uganda 24 0 Zambia 24 _60_ Totals 144 114 AMERICAS Argentina 24 0 Bahamas 12 23 Barbados 12 12 Brazil 24 24 British V.1. 12 14 Colombia 24 10 Dominica 12 0 Ecuador 12 24 Guyana AS te AG) Honduras 24 30 Jamaica 24 30 Leeward Islands 12 53 Martinique 12 0 Mexico 36 88 Nicaragua 24 5 Panama 36 32 Paraguay 24 0 Puerto Rico 12 3 Uruguay 24 23 Venezuela AR? 22. Totals 396 439 ASIA India 24 25 Japan 24 oO Pakistan 12 0 Taiwan 36 pallies Totals 96 42 AUSTRALASIA Mariana Islands 24 0 Marshall Islands 12 6 W. Caroline Islands 12 als Totals 48 23 EUROPE Portugal 24 4 ONGOING TRAVELING

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO,. CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI;, COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EASTERN GERMANY; EAST LEEWARD ISLANDS; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; THE GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA, HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY, MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAM-— BIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN, PANAMA, THE PHILIPPINES; PORTUGAL; PUERTO RICO; ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES; SAMOA; SIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE; SWEDEN; TAIWAN; THAILAND; TONGA; TRANSKEI; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO; TUVALU; UGANDA; UNITED KINGDOM; VANUATU; WEST LEEWARD ISLANDS; YUGOSLAVIA; ZAMBIA.

[Page 5]THe AMERICAN BaHAl 5

The Hmong teaching institut continues to report suc

community.

be able to welcome a their arrival in the U

newcomer's wedding.

home they found a man who wa

in Sacramento, Calincon Southeast Asian newcomers into its Bahd'f

A member of the institute said he “felt ble: new family within three da 5. in March 1992.” members of the institute traveled 50 miles to attend this

While teaching the Faith on the way to Bah. arrived in the States in 1988 and hadn't known how to

S.E. Asians brighten, enlarge Sacramento Baha'i community

inst welcome him to the!

Onarriving at the brid ed to related tc of while ing thet man who said he

cting and

In Ja

‘The man provided pho bride's _ tives who were also Bah:

He had

contact the American Baha'f community. Members of the ute were overjoyed to meet their new brother and

home, they found that she was

many of Sacrament

, they were a Bahé

e numbers of friends and Te

tute members had located 10 adul had waited for as long as five years to be welcomed into

the American Baha'f community.

One institute member said, “We found that many of the newly found Hmong Bahé'fs live only about eight blocks from our home, but to find them we had to travel to a wedding 50 miles away.”

imong Baha'is. And proached by another nin the U.S.

. He

mento Hmong teaching institute attributes Southeast Asian Baha'is to its all people in love and har. “We try to follow ‘Abdu’

and within three and 18 children who

SEARS campaign

FROM PAGE 1 _

walked 80 years ay idicontiawed the following week with a day of street teaching and an evening program of music by the Oregon youth group, Citadel

Plans have also included at least one Unity Feast each month, the first of which, on October 18, commemorated the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab. Some 250500 people have attended each of these Feasts which consist of prayers, talks, music and a reception.

A youth on his year of service has moved to the community and established excellent relationships with parents and children’in a nearby housing development.

The Assembly addressed letters to all the local Assemblies in the Western states

again at the end of its cross-country trip to the World Congress and back.

In fact, so much has been happening that the mbly has had to hire a fulltime coordinator and several full-time teachers. The campaign seems to be snowballing beyond what anyone had imagined as as loc: 1 Baha'fs, traveling teachers and the

mpaign moving forward on a very fast lai

“The ei [Center},” the Assembly reports, “has not stopped radiating the overflow of itual energy created by the

amount of love and loving people freqenting the Center.

“The feeling is apparent from the moment before opening the door and actually stepping inside. It is so energizing [that] even the most tired, most drained people benefit from it.”

ational Bal

Baha'f Intern: $489; 18 19 $884,812 $284,484 i $2,412,011 $549,546 $478,661 $187,398 $120,165 $140,560

$494,463 $605,344 $1,793,838

Bahd'f International Fund Are Projects Fund Continental Baha’ Fund E

Manual and Automa

informing them of the campaign and inviting their prayers and support. Many of them replied, and all replies were positive

More than 100 Baha'is

and supportive.

An 800 number was set up at the Baha'i Center in San Francisco and publicized on billboards throughout the Bay area. As a result, the number of calls received has been steadily increasing. Callers are mailed copies of “The Vision of Race Unity,” a pamphlet, a letter witha local contact number included, and an invitation to an upcoming Unity Feast.

Thanks to the help of volunteers, the Center is being kept open all day and often late into the night with firesides held almost continually.

A new system for receiving and enrolling new believers has been developed along with special deepening classes for the newest members of the Bahd'f family.

Traveling teachers have come from as far away as South Carolina to help with the campaign. Citadel returned to perform

jather at Nine Oaks Institute or post-Congress meeting On December 6, more than 100 Baha'is gathered at the Nine Oaks Baha'f Institute in Arroyo Grande, California, for a district-wide post-World Congress meeting.

Following a barbecue, video tapes of the Congress were shown and personal reports shared, giving a renewed impetus to the teaching work ahead.

The Nine Oaks facility, which serves Southern California strict 3 (Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties), is celebrating its 10th year of operation with programs for children, youth and adults, weekend academies every 6-8 weeks, intercommunity deepening sessions on various topics, fund-raising events and social gatherings.

Baha'i Summer School staff

Fill your summer with devotion, study and recreation while serving at one of the Baha’i Schools or Institutes. Write, fax or call for more volunteer or employment information.

Green Acre Baha’i School 188 Main Street

Eliot, ME 03903 207/439-7200

Fax: 207/439-7202

Bosch Baha’i School 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060 408/423-3387

Fax: 408/423-3387

Louhelen Baha’i School 3208 South State Road Davison, MI 48423 313/653-5033

Fax: 313/653-7181

Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute Route 2, Box 71

Hemingway, SC 29554 803/558-5093

Fax: 803/558-2921

Native American Baha’i Institute Box 3167 Houck, AZ 86506 602/367-5126 Fax: 602/755-3432

Aggregate Total Commitments $8,876,597 Aggregate Total Contributions $2,336,023 Number of LSAs Contributing 1,062 Portion of Year Elapsed 63% Average Percent of Goal Met 26% Fn } On } i 4 | ANCE oF 54-8368

i AND LET THE RAG)

BANAL

fh

SET YOUR FACES TOWARDS ITS LIGHT SHINE UPON YOU

For the first two weeks in November, this banner proclaiming the name of Baha'u'llah was stretched across one of the busiest intersections in Riverside,

California. More than a thousand cars a day pass through the intersection, and the Baha'i message, easily read from both sides of the banner, led to questions and discussions from many quarters. Lettering was black with the words

‘Baha'u'llah’ and ‘unity’ in red.

Payments for Huqiqu'lléh should be made to “The Baha'{ Huqdiqu'll4h 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 Huqdqu'll4h should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huqtqu'll4h Trust,

HUQUQU’LLAH

Rocky River, OH 44116.

Video tapes of talks by the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Hugdqu'll4h Dr. Ali-Muhammad Vargd, and by Ali Nakhjavani, a member of the Universal House of Justice, are available from the Office of the Secretariat for $6 each (postage included).

Copies of the compilation “Huqtqu'll4h, Extracts from the Writings of Baha'u'll4h, ‘Abdu’lBaha, Shoghi Effendi and the Uniyersal House of Justice” can be obtained from the Baha'f Distribution Service at 85 cents per copy.

semesitninmineen

‘ALA B.E. 149 7 Rane 2, 1993 [Page 6]6 THE AMERICAN BAHAi

CAH Qa”

Bahai Wall Calendar CA $2.95

A fifteen-month (January-March) wall calendar featuring a fullcolor photograph of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, Feasts, holy days, Ridvan, and the Fast are clearly marked. The back of the calendar lists Baha’i holy days, specifying on which of them work should be suspended; days of fasting; and special event days. It also lists the Nineteen Day Feasts and contains information from the writings of Shoghi Effendi about Baha’i anniversaries, as well as an essay about the significance of the Mother Temple of the Weston the fortieth anniversary ofits public dedication.

Ne elec

U.S. Baha'i Publishing Trust

Baha’ History Calendar 149-150 B.E.

CA $6.95

“‘Abdu’l-Baha: The Centre of the Covenant” is the focus of this year’s history calendar. It features photographs of the Pilgrim House near the Shrine of the Bab, where ‘Abdu’l-Baha met with Baha’i pilgrams; the interior and pulpit of the City Temple in London where ‘Abdu’!-Baha made his first public address in the West; the Clifton Guest house, where ‘Abdu’lBaha stayed while in Bristol, England; a library at Manchester College where ‘Abdu’l-Bahé addressed a meeting on December31, 1912; and many more photos of places ‘Abdu’l-Baha visited. Also included is a map depicting ‘Abdu’I-Baha’s travels from May 1844 until His Ascension on November 28, 1921, in Haifa.

11" x 17", map

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahda’is of the Hawaiian Islands

Fortieth Anniversary of the Dedication of the

Mother

Temple of the West

|

Bahda’i Pocket Calendar—10/pk. CA $2.00

A credit-card-size calendar in a year-at-aglance format including twelve Gregorian months from March through February. Nineteen Day Feasts, holy days, Naw-Riz, and the Fast are clearly indicated. The back of the card lists Baha’i holy days on which work should be suspended, other Baha’i holy days, Intercalary Days, and days of fasting.

3-5/8" x 2-3/8"

U.S. Bahd’i Publishing Trust

A Wider Horizon

Selected Messages of the Universal House

of Justice, 1983-1992

SC $10.00

In its Ridvan message of 1983 the Universal House of Justice explained that “A wider horizon is opening before us, illumined by a growing and universal manifestation of the inherent potentialities of the Cause for ordering human affairs.” Since that time the Faith has seen dramatic changes in its growth, development, and involvement with society. A Wider Horizon charts the course of these changes through messages from the Universal House of Justice.

The book is divided into two parts. The first contains twenty-three complete messages from the Universal House of Justice written between 1983 and 1992, including all the Ridvan messages and other major messages. Part two is a compilation, based on the letters in part one and other messages, that addresses seventeen major themes such as the processes of integration and disintegration, the urgency of the teaching work, the Holy Year, and the Person and Mission of Baha’u’llah. The book also contains an appendix with suggested activities and questions to assist individual and group study.

A Wider Horizon provides an opportunity to examine thoroughly the messages of the Universal House of Justice that are essential to understanding the significance of the past decade in the Faith’s evolution and the major challenges the Faith faces in the years ahead. The book offers a view of the messages as much more than a series of disconnected letters and gives a sense of the vision of the Universal House of Justice guiding the Baha’ world through new stages of growth.

5-3/8" x 8-3/8", 257pp., contents, preface, appendix, index Palabra Publications

Persian/English Will and Testament of ‘Abdw'l-Baha

by ‘Abdu'l-Baha

HC $10.00

This special edition of Will and Testament is printed in both Persian and English. Each page of text is set within a two-color border especially designed to enhance the text. Both the Persian and English texts include a photograph of ‘Abdu’ l- | Baha. Among the many topics discussed in the Will and Testament are: basic beliefs of the Baha’i Faith, the two-fold character of the Bab’s mission, Baha’u’llah’s station, the importance of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Guardianship and the appointment of Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause and the Interpreter of the Baha’i sacred texts, the Hands of the Cause of God and the Universal House of Justice, the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly, virtues of Baha’u’llah’s significance and the purpose of the Huqiiqu’Ilah. : 6" x 8-1/2", 68pp.

Baha'i Publications Australia

‘is The Bahd’is, Magazine

Baha'i International Community

Office of Public Information

Each—$2.25

10/pk.—$20.00

100/pk.—$175.00

Like nothing ever produced on the Faith, The Bahd’is is an inexpensive but comprehensive and highly readable 80-page magazine-style booklet conveying the teachings, history, and present-day activities of the worldwide Baha’i community. The Baha'is is written in an informative, non-proselytizing style, and makes extensive use of color photographs, graphic charts, time-lines and maps to give a panoramic overview of the Faith’s dramatic progress and its relevance to today’s major global issues. It is ideal for almost any kind of teaching work, and is especially suitable for presentation to local officials, journalists, and other prominent people who need complete but concise information about the Faith.

8-1/2" x 11", 80pp., color photos, charts, maps

Produced by the Bahd’i Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Bridges

CS $9.95

This versatile vocal group’s first recording offers a wide range of musical traditions from acapella jazz to blue grass. The songs speak to many Baha’i themes: the openness of the human family, world peace, detachment. The tape includes a haunting yet triumphant story of the trial of Zarrin Maqimi, a martyr in 1983, a tender love song inspired by the Tablet of ‘Abdu’I-Baha to the Greatest Holy Leaf, and a beautiful musical setting for the writings of the Bab. A joyous blue grass piece talks about progressive revelation inaclose harmony, country gospel style. Something for everyone!

32 minutes

Gulban-i Ma’ani Akhtardan-i Taban, Vuthiqu lah Bulbi-i-Ma’éni Volume 2

HC $6.95 — Forugh Arbab

is a collection of poems by Mr. HC $19.95

Vuthiqu’ lah Bulbi-i-Ma’ani whose poetry has been published often in Baha’i periodicals. This prolific poet was born in Iran and has been pioneering for over thirty years in the Arab world. The bulk of his poetry deals with Baha’i topics: praise of the Blessed Beauty and Central Figures of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice, commemoration of the Baha’i Holy Days, and memorializing the recent Martyrs in Iran.

Mir’ét Publications

The first volume of Mrs. Forugh Arbab’s book, a collection of biographies of prominent Babi and Baha’i women, is well known to the friends familiar with Persian. In this long-awaited second volume, the author has brought together short biographies of close to 100 other Baha’i women, who have served the Baha’i Faith in various capacities. The list includes early heroines and recent martyrs from Iran and around the world.

Mir’at Publications

Cooperative Peace Strategies

edited by John Davison and Marjorie Tidman HC $19.95

6" x 8-1,

The twentieth century has witnessed a degree of social change and technological progress which has no adequate precedentin recorded history. These changes continue, running an apparently unpredictable course and testing all aspects of the political, economic, social and moral order.

Cooperative Peace Strategies examines the interlocked problems of communication and the mass media, fostering skills in social interaction, social and economic development and the environment, developing global political and economic structures, and involving the people in the peace process.

", 244pp., contents, introduction Bahda’i Publications Australia

Order now through the Baha’ Distribution Service ¢ 1-800-999-9019

"ALA B.e. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 7]Bana’

Call to Remembrance: Connecting the Heart to Bah@uliah

compiled by Geoffry W. Marks

HC $20.00

A compilation of extracts primarily from Baha’u’lléh’s writings telling the story of many major events in His life and ministry, from His extraordinary childhood and youth to His ascension and the inauguration of His Covenant. Brief explanatory passages provide context for the extracts. By bringing together passages not found together elsewhere and telling the story of His life mostly in His words, the book gives a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity not found in traditional biographies and histories.

308 pp., preface, contents, chronology, references, glossary, bibliography

U.S. Bahd’i Publishing Trust

Transform My Spirit

by Baha'u'llah

SC $7.00

A selection of twenty prayers of Baha’u’llah in English, Spanish, and French compiled

especially for the Holy Year to help Baha’is recommit themselves to Bahd’u’lléh’s Covenant, rededicate themselves to duty, and revitalize their energy for teaching. The prayer book is organized around an entire day devoted to prayer and meditation on Baha’u’llah and His Covenant. Published to commemorate the centenary of Bahd’u’llah’s ascension and the inauguration of His Covenant, Transform My Spirit was one of the commemorative items soldat the World Congress. It is an excellent resource for personal devotions and can

help Baha’is fulfill their pledge to the Covenant by reciting the verses of God in the

morning and evening.

9-1/4" x 7-1/4", 73pp., contents

U.S. Bahd’i Publishing Trust

Lasting Remembrances

The complete proceedings of the 2nd Baha’i World Congress VT $60.00 (net)

This special ten-hour video set features the following: complete coverage of each of the four plenary sessions, complete live transmission from the Baha’i World Centre, music featuring 400 voice choir and 70 piece orchestra, dramatic presentations about the heroes and heroines of the Faith, talk by the Hand of the Cause of God Rthiyyih Khanum and participants’ stories.

10 hours

Baha’ Newsreel Vol. 3 No. 3

VT $16.00 (net)

This special one-hour edition of the Baha’i Newsreel highlights events of the World Congress. The events include: The Formal Opening of the World Congress, Theme Pavilion: ‘Abdu’l-Baha in New York City, Highlights of Ancillary Events, andthe Youth Movement Forum.

60 minutes

Qf

Bah@’u'lléh, CS

Bahd'i International Community's Office of Public Information

CS $19.95

This sound edition of the statement on Baha’u’llah is the first books-on-tape production the Baha’i Distribution Service has offered. This brief introduction to Baha’u’llah’s life and work conveys His vision of the oneness of humanity and offers a perspective on the feelings of confidence with which Baha’is the worldovercontemplate | the future of our planet and our race. This moving production features readings by Phillip Hinton, Tim Elliot, and Heather Christie, and original music by Colin Weber. This twin cassette edition is handsomely packaged in a dual-cassette box matching the general edition printed by Baha’i Publications Australia.

120 minutes

Baha’i Publications Australia

PCr linet |

Healing Racism in America

by Nathan Rutstein SC $12.95

A powerful new book on racism in the United States, which takes a penetrating look at America’s historical ‘vaccine’ against the disease of racism. In Healing Racism in America, Nathan Rutstein says that all Americans are infected or affected by the disease of racism and, ‘‘like a virus, a preventative measure, a vaccine against the disease exists. I am convinced the preventative measures discussed in Healing Racism in America, if adopted, would begin to eradicate the disease in one or two

racial tensions and offers a

generations.”

Unlike most books on the subject, Healing Racism offers a solution to America's most challenging

Per: Naghmeha 1-3 Mrs. Irandocht Enayati $9.00 each

Mrs. Irandocht Enyati and her group “Naghmeha” (Celestial Melody) have set to | music words of Baha’u’ll4h in a multicultural ethnojazz style. The group consists of Mrs. Enayati, who sings and chants and has set more ff than thirty poems and © % prayers to music, and her three accompanists: Peter Held on piano and flute; Kamal Mazloumi on violine, santour, and tonback (Persian drums); and Thomas Gerhard on saxophone, costa contos, guitar, and busouki. The group performs four songs: “Chashm-i-Hamih Rawshan,” a song of delightful tidings by martyred Varga, an Apostle of Baha’u’ lah; “Rashii-Amé,” a soul-stirring poem revealed by Baha’u’ll4h in the Siydh Chal, “In Halq Baha,” amoving poem of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in devotion to Baha’u’ lah, and “Two Hidden Words,” Persian No. 38 and 40.

approx. 35 minutes each

produced by Irandocht Enayati

issue—a blueprint for change. Rutstein cites powerful scientific data as evidence that all human beings are of the same family. He introduces the Institutes for the Healing of Racism and tells us how this grass-roots movement is

spreading across the United States.

The positive response to his 1989 account of his own racism, To Be One: A Battle Against Racism, led Rutstein to study the root cause of racism in America and to search for a cure. Healing Racism is Rutstein's tenth book. 6-1/8" x 9-1/4", 184pp., foreword, preface, appendix, index

Whitcomb Publishing

Please detach and mail

Baha'i Distribution Service / 1-800-999-9019

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

Ordered by: (Please print or type)

Name

Address.

City, State Zip.

Circle one: AMEX MasterCard VISA Check — Money Order on Account

Expiration Date:_ __ Account Number:

Daytime Phone:_

TITLE

cost AMOUNT

|

(Please add 15% for shipping to address outside the U.S.)

TOTAL

‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 8]8 THEAMERICANBAHAT _, ~

TR

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AS THE MAXWELL International Baha'{ School continues to strive to meet the growing demands of an international residential school, there are a number of new and replacement positions that arise each year. The school has been privileged to have a number of talented, qualified volunteers in such areas as the health center, buildings and grounds, food services, administrative and academic support. While it would be a great asset to find qualified, selfsupporting volunteers for service in these areas, the school may be interested in individuals who have the expertise and desire to serve the Faith at this residential school but who may require a small level of financial support. Positions for which we are currently seeking employees or volunteers are (1) a nurse to augment the health center staff. The center consists of a 12-bed medical unit and an emergency room. It provides a variety of healthrelated services to students and staff. Hours include shift work and on-call duty in the evenings, nights and on weekends. (2) A secretary/administrative assistant for the academic section fora period of 1-2 years. (3) Academic staff: qualified secondary level teachers, eligible for certification in B.C., in all fields are és. Those who are interested should write to The Principal, Maxwell International Baha'i School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada VOR 2W0.

LANDEGG ACADEMY is accepting applications for the position of administrative assistanUsecretary for the Director of the Academy. Fluency in English, good knowledge of German, and experience in word processing are essential. Please send application and résumé to the Director, Landegg Academy,

St. G n, Switzerland. Phone (41-71) 286022; fax (41-71) 282132.

THE GREEN ACRE Baha’ School is seeking applicants for the 1993 summer program. Help is needed in a variety of areas. Persons with little or no experience as well a: Hed professionals are encouraged to apply. Skilled and unskilled: Food service istant cooks, dining room coordinator, dishwashing, general help. Maintenan housekeeping, groundskeeping, general cleaning, gardening. Skilled and experie c librarian, children’ sistant, program a:

ters, gardeners. Help is needed from mid-June through August with the duration of service varying in some instances. Opportunities for service are in great supply—volunteers are eagerly sought. Compensation, including room and board, is available. For more information, please contact the Green Acre office by phone, 207-439-7200, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. p.m. Eastern time, or send a letter of intent to: Ad rator, Green Acre Baha’ School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

THE LOUHELEN Baha'i School has a regular and continuing need for short-term and long-term volunteers in a variety of areas. Applications to serve are especially invited from individuals and/or couples interested in one-year or longer periods of service. The school is seeking help from professionally skilled Baha'fs able to serve the school for a few days or weeks at regular intervals throughout the year. Esra needed are mechanics; build

tually convenient times during the year and to help with preventive maintenance programs, seasonally-urgent projects, and special property-enhancement projects. Also needed talented gardener or small-scale agriculturalist who can offer long-term full-time service to the school. Room and board and full participation in Louhelen's active Baha'i conference schedule and community life are available for the person or couple invited to serve in this extremely important role. Those who are interested in any of these positions are asked to write to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Baha'f School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-6537181).

ASSISTANT cook: a full-time position during the summer program (10-12) weeks and part-time the rest of the year (20-30 hours per week depending on the session) at the Bosch Baha'f School. Should have experience in food preparation for large groups—up to 150— breakfast, lunch and dinner. Knowledge of meal planning, menu preparation, nutrition and use of restaurant-type kitchen equipment would be helpful. Housing at Bosch may be available. Please send a letter of intent to the Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387 or fax mate to 408-423-7564. Bosch will send application forms on receipt of letters of intent or phone/fax calls. A car is necessary, as the school is some distance from major shopping and population centers

DOCTORS and nurse pi ioners are urgently needed to serve two Indian Reservasnear Yuma, Arizona. Position for internal ine, family practice (both should be Board certified or Board eligible within two years of completing residency), anda family nurse practitioner, Please phone Dr. Jeane Washington at 602-343-0320 or 619-572-0217.

PIONEERING: OVERSEAS |

EI T opportunities overseas: AFRICA—Angola: nurse health worke:

Kenya: health coordinator, accountant, construction coordinator, nurses. Lesotho: retired couple to serve as caretakers at the National Center. Malawi: physician to work with Ministry of Health project. Senegal: retired couple

plus; must have demonstrated abi

sources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The Native American Bahda'f Institute (NABI) in Houck, Arizona, has created a new position of program coordinator and is seeking applications. This is a key position responsible for the enti: focused on attracting and teaching the Faith to the Navajo community. Special emphasis will be on training children and parents as well as selected social and economic development programs that will provide needed services to the community as well as emblazon the Name of Baha'u'llah throughout Navajoland. Especially needed to apply are Navajo or other American Indians with the following qualifications: experience in education, curriculum development, and/or program planning; experience in working with children and parents; background in social and economic development a ility to work with Native American communities. Filling this position will be instrumental in the success of NABI to fulfill its mission as a teaching institute. Please send details of your background and qualifications to the Bah4é'f National Center, Department of Human Re

programming at the Institute

“ALA B.E. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993

STATO or single male to serve as caretakers at the National Center. Somalia: project director for primary health services program, medical doctor, health worker trainer, mental health worker, nurse practitioner, engineer. AMERICAS— Brazil: elementary school teachers, kindergarten teacher. Guadeloupe: electro-mechanical technicians. Honduras: elementary school and junior high school teachers. Paraguay: chiropractic practice for sale. ASIA— Bangladesh: project coordinator and management adviser for United Nations Population Fund project. Macau: primary school teachers. Sakhalin: teachers. Thai-Burmese be

vide emergency clinical care velop primary health care and-clinical tra curriculum for Burmese border program. AUSTRALASIA—Saipan: OB/GYN managers, operating room supervisor, psychiatric care coordinator, infection control coordinator, staff nurses. EUROPE—Croatia: accountant, emergency response coordinator. MULTI-REGIONAL—attorneys needed for positions with the U.S. Commerce Department's Commercial Law Development Program to serve as resident advi: in Albania, Lithuania, Poland and Bulgaria. Health management ads chief of party fora family health service delivery/institutional development project in Central America. For more information on any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Baha’ National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247 Attn: Office of Pioneering).

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

THE BAHA'IS of Benicia, California, would welcome homefront pioneers to help form the first local Assembly there. Last year when the San Francisco Chronicle ranked every city in the Bay area in terms of family living, Benicia was rated No. 1. Despite its quiet small-town charm, Benicia is close to major Bay area work centers, regional shopping malls, recreation sites, and adjacent to major Interstate freeways. Geographically, Benicia is 32 miles from San Francisco, 15 minutes from Walnut Creek, an hour from Sacramento, ahalf-hour from the Napa Valley, and only two and one-half hours from Lake Tahoe. Benicia's deep-water port is 24 nautical miles from the Golden Gate bridge. Benicia enjoys a mild climate and scenic views. In 1991 its population was 24,437. The median age is 33.5 years, and the average income is $45,700. There is a plentiful supply of rental housing including studios, apartments and townhouses. Benicia is near Highway 680, publicized as a favorable growth area now and in the future. Benicia has seven public schools, and the Benecia Unified School District is coment rants the top district in Solano Please direct correspondence to the Bahi's of Benicia, P.O. Box 344, Benicia,CA 94510, or phone 707-745-8808 or 707-7476507.

to help form an Assembly in Greater Walla Walla, Washington, an agricultural community in the eastern part of the state that offers two universities and one community college. Two other community e within commuting distance. Also, three le hospitals, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Western Division. Those who speak Spanish would be especially teaching efforts within our Hispanic population of 5,000. Walla Walla is 70 miles from the world-famous Sheltering Branch Baha'i Summer School and only 20 miles from the Eastern Oregon Bah4'i Summer areas close as the Snake and Columbia rivers and the beautiful Blue Mountains. We are in the lovely fruit-growing center of eastern Washington and Oregon. For more information, please write to David Hiatt, secretary, P.O. Box 247, Walla Walla, WA 99362, phone 509-529-1863, or fax 509-529-4445.

BAHA'IS are needed to ensure co Assembly status in the ac diverse Baha'i community of Glenwood Springs, Colorado (population 6,500), which was blessed by ‘Abdu'l-Bahd's only rest stop during His visit to the West Coastin September

1912. Glenwood Springs is 160 miles west of Denver between Vail and Aspen amidst mountains and rivers with clean air; home of the world's largest hot springs pool with yearround seasonal sports, many job opportunities

in the tourist industry, support services, retail, light industry, Colorado Mountain College, and an 80-bed hospital. For information, write tothe Spiritual Assembly of Glenwood Springs, P.O. Box 491, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602, or phone Jean at 303-945-6955.

WHEN you are thinking of moving to Oregon, try our lovely coastal city of Florence, midway between Coos Bay and Newport, 60 miles west (on Route 126) of Eugene. A friendly city with anew public library and hospital. We are a small Group, and need Bahd'fs to help us. Weneed diversity, and it would be good for our city. For information, write to the Baha'fs of Florence, P.O. Box 1845, Florence, OR 97439, or phone 503-997-8011.

THE NATIONAL Baha’ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Hayden Nichols, Edwinna Powell Nicholson, Rhoda Nickols (died Troy, NY, 1935), Anders Nielsen (died Salt Lake City, UT, 1958), Alene Niemann, Pilar Madrigal Nieto, Alice C. Nissen, Elsa Nordquist, and Charles G. Norris. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha'f Archives, Bahd'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039). >

THE NATIONAL Baha’ Archives is seeking copies of the following books by ‘Abdu’lBaha in good or excellent condition: Paris Talks (cloth, 1969), The Promulgation of Universal Peace (cloth, 1943), Memorials of the Faithful (cloth, 1975), America’s Spiritual Mission (paper, 1948), and Christ's Promise Fulfilled (paper, 2nd and Sth printings). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha'f Archives, Bahda'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

A VAN is desperately needed in Kingstree, South Carolina, which has 25 active children and youth and only one car.The Kingstree Bahd'f Children’s Choir needs a van for transportation to sing in churches and distribute of “The Vision of Race Unity.” Also, a position for an English teacher is open at a local high school whose students are 90 percent African-American and whose principal supportive of the Faith. Other teaching positions are open in the county. For information, phone Sandra Heather Lally, 803-354-5339.

BAHA'I filmstrips are needed for deepening institutes in Africa. Donated or will purchase if necessary. Contact Chris Stevenson,

Ithaca, NY 14850 (phone 607-257-9076).

SINCE about 1985, work has been proceeding on the publication of a cyclopedia under the auspices of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and U.S. Baha’ Publishing Trust, with the encouragement and support of the Universal House of Justice. It is hoped that within the next two years it will be possible to publish A Short Encyclopedia of the Bahd't Faith. At present we are looking for a small number of volunteers to help with one aspect of the project. We need volunteers with computers who are able to type articles onto computer disks and thus make them available to the editors on disk for editing. The computer will need to be MS-DOS or Apple Macintosh. Most ‘of the common word processing formats can be accommodated. If you are able to offer your services to the Short Encyclopedia of the Bahd'f Faith, please contact Dr. Betty J. Fisher, Baha‘ Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone her at 708-2511854 (fax 708-251-3652).

[Page 9]

The European Baha'i Youth Council reports news of the Youth Year of Service “Routes” teaching campaign now taking place in 14 areas of Europe. The youth were organized last August during a Teachers’ Training Conference in Brno, Czechoslovakia, and since then have spread across the continent. The progress report as of December 1992:

Route 1: Faroe Islands, Iceland. This group has visited the Faroes where they have, among other things, established good contacts with local youth. Due to the strength of Christianity in the Faroes, the members of the group decided to study the Bible; one of their activities is to visit priests and present them with copies of Baha'u'lléh's Tablet to the Chri:

Route 2: Denmark, Norway Three youth are teaching along this “route.” They first went to Denmark where local Baha'is were very supportive, working hard to make arrangements for them. The team visited schools and gave radio and television interviews. One youth from Copenhagen has joined the group, which is now in Sweden.

Route 3: Finland, Baltic States. The team consists of only two people, but, says the Youth Council, “they have achieved many wonderful things.” For example, in Helsinki they created public exhibits and taught on the streets, in cafes, and even on trains. The result was two enrollments. They have also given interviews on radio and television on themes of the new World Order and how the Faith can solve global problems. They have had excellent support from local believers.

Route 4: Russia, Georgia, Armenia. The young Bahé'fs on Route 4 have visited four cities—Kazan, Egesk, Kirov and Nobavigni Chelni—and have had at least 10 enrollments. Team members found that the Media and Arts sessions given at the conference in Brno in August were very useful to them.

Route 5: Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain. The team began with 10 members. In the Canary Islands they had several radio and television interviews and visited a poorer area of Telde where they taught children Baha'i songs, and women how to begin to read and write. The local Baha'is have helped whenever possible. Since their arrival about 25 people have enrolled in the Faith.

Route 6: Greece, Southern Cyprus. Five team members traveled to Greece where fewer than 10 Baha'i youth live, according to the report. Several radio stations have given the team programs up to an hour long, and a major FM radio station has given them 15 minutes every morning. The local Baha'i communities have been supportive, two Baha'f youth have joined the group, and at least five people have embraced the Faith.

Route 7: Bulgaria, Northern Cyprus, Turkey. Since the six-member team arrived in Bulgaria, 171 people have embraced the Cause of God. The youth have given public meetings, visited schools, and given interviews to newspapers and radio stations.

REST

THE Pusahicnn PBAHA M ee

casa

Route 8: Romania, Hungary. The five young Baha'is on this team went to BaiaMare, Romania, where they focused their efforts on deepening and consolidating the local community. They contacted the town's newspaper, and visited an orphanage. About 20 people embraced the Faith in Romania before the group moved on to Hungary.

Route 9: Italy, Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia. The four youth on this team started their campaign in Slovenia, teaching in parks and holding nightly firesides in the homes of local Baha'is. They also contacted the news media and worked to deepen newer believers. In Croatia, they supported the area's first Baha'i summer school and helped mana booth at the town center in Pula. Some 23 people have so far been enrolled in the Faith.

Route 10: France, Luxembourg, Belgium. The threemember team has seen five declarations of faith in France and 12 in Germany. Their efforts have been supported by youth from many areas of France including three young Baha'is from Strasbourg who were sent by an Auxiliary Board member to learn and observe “direct teaching.” The group is presently in Luxembourg.

Route 11: Poland, Eastern Germany. The five participants on this team have seen eight people enroll in the Faith so far. Their activities in Poznan included showing slides about the environment on television, distributing 1,500 leaflets to people at a train station, giving radio interviews, setting up a Baha'{ booth in the main square every day, and hosting firesides every evening. Local Baha'is enthusiastically supported their activities.

Route 12: Czechoslovakia, Austria, Switzerland. Six young Baha'is are committed to traveling in Route 12. In Bratislava, Slovakia, the group presented an international culture concert with quotations from the Writings read between each performance. They have given five newspaper interviews, visited four radio stations, and attended the opening of the Townshend International Baha'{ School in Hluboka. As a result, many people have embraced the Faith.

Route 13: United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland. The six-member team has seen two enrollments in the Shetland Islands. Their firesides have been announced on the radio free of charge, and ads have been carried in a weekly newspaper. The participation of local Baha'is has been good, with many activities organized that the team can join.

Route 14: Western Germany, the Netherlands. This six-member group reports three enrollments. They began in Germany where their teaching activities in Bad Soden included visits to schools and an interview with the local newspaper. Local Bahd'fs took part enthusiastically, with one of the new Baha'is from Essen given up his job to join the “routes” team.

(For more information about the European Baha'i Youth Council's teaching campaign, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039; fax 708869-0247, attn: Office of Pioneering.)

Council.

pamemanarina sacar seososs

In Cameroon, 18 Baha'is sicelabrated World Environment Day last year by planting 200 trees on Station Hill in Bamenda. The friends used seedlings provided by the Urban

Martha Root Award presented in Hawaii; 230 embrace Faith in India campaign i

On November 14, more than 100 Baha'is and guests attended the first Martha Root Award Banquet sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands. The community service award was presented to the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii for its many contributions to helping buiid bridges of understanding among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and the U.S. Principal speaker at the award ceremony was Judge Richard Benson, a Baha'i since 1956 who is Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia. His topic was “The Pacific Century.” The award was presented to Kenji Sumida, executive vice-president of the East-West Center, by Counselor Ben Ayala and Mollie Sperry, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii. Among those at the banquet was Mayor Frank F. Fasi of Honolulu who paid tribute to the Faith on the 175th anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. Messages of greeting were received from 15 National Spiritual Assemblies and two U.S. Senators.

In India, 12 villages and towns near Jhalawar city were visited during a recent teaching campaign undertaken by the State Baha'f Council of Rajasthan. As a result. 230 people embraced the Faith and local Spiritual Assemblies were formed. Meanwhile, about 2,000 people visited a book stall sponsored by the local Spiritual Assembly of Nagpur at the Durga Pooja Exhibition, and more than 700 inquired about the Faith. As a follow-up, weekly firesides have been held with as many as 74 seekers, six of whom had accepted the Faith as of December.

.

“The Baha'f community experienced a spiritual springtime,” the National Spiritual Assembly of Bangladesh reported, when the Board of Counselors in Asia held its meeting at the Haziratu'l-Quds in Dhaka last September. Counselor Sabir Afaqi arrived eight days before the meeting, met with the friends each evening, and visited a number of prominent people including the national poet Kabi Shamsur Rahman,

professors and department heads at universities, a noted classical singer, and the chief of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. He also visited Baha'is in the Khulna area, inspiring the friends with talks and presence. Asa result of his visit, one entire family declared their faith in Baha'u'llah. The National Teaching Committee had arranged a visit to a village near Dhaka; five Counselors went to Bhitipara in the Ghazipur district, spent two hours with local Baha'fs and “a host of non-Baha't men and women,” which led to declarations of faith by a dozen people there. The National Teaching Committee had also called for a three-day teaching conference in Dhaka at which nine Counselors spoke to the friends. Counselor Vicente Samaniego remained in Bangladesh for five days after the conference to visit Khulna. A press conference was arranged, attended by 24 journalists from all of the major national newspapers and well covered in the press the following day.

In Windhoek, Namibia, a group of young Bahda’fs took part recently in a peaceful demonstration against alcohol ani abuse. After a talk by the national Mi for Health and Social Seryices, various groups presented performances including the Baha'fs who sang songs like “Come Into the Unity House” and read from the Writings on the topic. The event was fully covered by the National Broadcasting Corporation.

Staff writer is sought for The American Baha'i

WANTED: A talented, capable writer for The American Bahd't. If interested, please send a résumé and other relevant information including writing samples to Jack Bowers, editor, The American Bahd't, Wilmette, IL 60091 (if sending via UPS or other private carrier, send to 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201).

“ALA B.€. 149 / March 2, 1993 [Page 10]10 THe American BaHA'

mS r ERT

RST eT

Atlanta Baha'is use King Week as springboard to teach Cause

FROM PAGE 1

gious communities in metropolitan AtJanta.

On Sunday, January 10, the 17th annual Interfaith Service was held at Bethel AME Church. A local Baha'f walked in the opening procession, and another Baha'i read a part of the invocation.

The following day saw a dozen Baha'is take part in the annual King Holiday Comion Recognition Award luncheon in Washington, D.C. One of the Baha'f representatives was Dr. Carole Miller of Atlanta, a recently appointed member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.

Also attending the luncheon were Jack Kemp, the Bush administration's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly of Washington,

.C.; and FBI Director William S

with Mrs. King on the local CBS-TV evening news program. The National Spiritual Assembly was given special thanks for providing the printed programs used at the luncheon.

rday, January 16, the King Week Parade of Celebration was held along the same route that the n s to follow two days later. A| the Baha'is had a float in the par which telecast in the U. ountries by the Turner Broadcasting System over Atlanta super-station WTBS. Country music star Dan Seals and the Atlanta-area performing duo, Swan, were d the float, and backgrounds

Also taking part in the parade were Dr. Henderson and David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice.

During the telecast the Baha'i flo: S displayed prominently, and aclip was later picked up by Cable News Network (CNN) and used in its around-the-world coverage of the parade.

The World Prayer and Multicultural Day program, an event sponsored by the Baha'is as part of King Week, was held on Sunday. Its program and theme of “Prayers Around the World” was enjoyed by the more than 200 who attended.

The program included music by the Baha'i Gospel Choir and a talk by Robert Ahdieh, a Baha'i who attends Princeton University.

Noteworthy were the messages from more than 100 Baha'i communities around the world advising the gathering of their support and prayers. Scriptures of various faiths were read during the program which ended with the reading of a “roll call of nations,” reminiscent of what was done at the second Baha'f World Congress in New York City.

Among other activities in which Bal took part:

+A Service of Rededication to Peace and Justice in which Baha'is lit a candle for rededication.

• A “Blueprint for Non-Violence and

Celebrating Our Differences” program where nearly 300 local school children saw presentations on various cultures around the world.

+ A Presidential Reception at which several Baha’ pants and at which Mr. Hofman presented Mrs. King with a copy of Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah.

• An Interfaith Youth Program at which

the Baha'is were represented by two youth

ee sania

‘AtA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993

from the Atlanta area.

• The 25th annual Ecumenical Service

attended by Mr. Hofman and Dr. Henderson. A Baha'f youth participated in the litany.

The events associated with King Week, however, were only part of a much larger picture. This year, teaching was at the forefront of Bahd'f activity with a concerted effort made by local communities to take advantage of the presence of several noted speakers. and celebri ,

For the nd year in a row the mostin-demand speaker by far was Mr. Hofman who rarely had more than a few moments’ rest as he spoke to hundreds of seekers at no less than a dozen firesides during his brief stay in the Atlanta area

Seekers attended every given by Mr. Hofman; in fact, i was not uncommon for the Baha who attended to find themselves outnumbered by at le: one.

Mr. Hofm from many

oke to groups rounds including inese, East Indian, an Indian and Afri in on a scale ranging from one-to-one to an audience of more than 50,000 in the case of an interview on local television.

On January 12, Mr. Hofman spoke to a group at the Chamblee Chinese Community Center. An article was printed in the local Chinese-language newspaperand flyers in Chinese were distributed on college campuses around the city.

At the Bahd'f-sponsored Business and Professional Luncheon on January 15, Mr. Hofman spoke on one of his favorite topics, “The Renewal of Civilization,” to an audience of 50 including 15 non-Baha'fs.

That evening, he spoke to more than 100 Baha'is on the topic “Into the Future: Where Do We Go from Here? A post-World Con

16, Mr. Hofman spoke to a graduate divinity class of 46 at the Interdenominational Theological Center. In the audience were a number of ordained ministers.

The following day, Sunday, Mr. Hofman, Dr. Miller and Auxiliary Board member Soo Fouts met with the Ambassador to the U.S. from Somalia, Omar Mohallins.

The ambassador agreed to attend a fireside that evening hosted by the Baha’ Club at Spelman College whose standingroom-only audience of more than 300 enjoyed an evening of music by the Bahd'f Gospel Choir.

On Wednesday, January 20, Mr. Hofman was interviewed on the popular “Community Bulletin” program on local cable TV with a weekly audience of about 500,000.

Later that day, Mr. Hofman spoke at the Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church in Jonesboro. Of the 110 people in the audience, only 20 were Bal

Wherever Mr. Hofman spoke, the message that “Christ has returned and His Name is Baha’u'lléh” was made abundantly clear.

Baha'f communities elsewhere in Georgiaalso played an active role in King Week events:

In Cornelia, Baha'is took part in the annual Unity Walk and in an Ecumenical Service at which parts of the Bahd'f statement on race unity were read.

In Dalton, Baha'is marched in the King

Pa

David Hofman chats with a young parade marchei

Day parade, carrying banners proclaiming “Mankind Is One” and “Prejudice Is a Handicap.” At the King Day service at Dalton High School, a Baha'f presented the message of welcome, while another was the only white member of a community choir that sang at two programs.

In Griffin, the Spiritual Assembly of

Spalding County gave a public reception for recording artist Dan Seals. About 35 people attended. Mr. Seals was interviewed on local radio and television. The Baha'fs of Griffin marched in the local King Day parade, using the float from the Atlanta parade, and supported a prayer service at the New Hope Baptist Church.

Holiday Commission.

rating Dr. King's birthday.

nate 23 additional comm outits presidential mandate. Dr. nation as one of the 23 comm

1992.

m seemingly boundless energy.

Bahd'fs of this Holy Year.

Congressional Record:

kno civil

zation.

there.”

Center and the commission.

Dr. Carole Miller, Baha'i from Atlanta, named to M.L. King Federal Holiday Commission

Dr. Carole Miller of Atlanta, a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, was recently nominated to serve as a commissioner for the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal

The commission, established by an act of Congress in 1984, oversees and encourages appropriate observations of the holiday and provides help to organizations, public and private, that have an interest in commemo The membership consists of 17 commissioners appointed by Congress who in turn nomioners to help carry

unanimously confirmed, and she was sworn into office for a one-year term on October 20,

During the swearing-in ceremony Mrs. Coretta Scott King, chairman of the Federal Holiday Commission, commented positively on Dr. Miller's consistency in attending comission-related events and remarked on her

Dr. Miller thanked Mrs King for the opportunity to contribute on behalf of the Baha'fs of the U.S. to the King Holiday Commission, and explained a little about the significance to the

The following statements made during the ceremony are excerpted from the

Dr. Miller: “I would like to express that this is the Holy Year of the 100th anniversary of the passing of Bah4'u'llah. The purpose of the Baha'f Faith, as you he unity of the entire human race and the establishment of a world

“So we pledge our allegiance to you to assist with the transformation of the society and the creation of a beloved community. Chairperson King: “Thank you. Thank you very much. The Baha'i community has been very, very supportive. We call on them all the time—and they are right

Since the swearing-in ceremony, an article has appeared in “Living the Dream,” the newsletter of the King Federal Holiday Commission, summarizing the National Spiritual Assembly's position regarding racism as America's most challenging issue and acknowledging the Baha'i community's contributions to the King

Mrs. King has asked that Dr. Miller be reappointed as chairman of the Religious Involvement Committee of the Federal Holiday Commission. The committee organizes religious support for the annual King holiday.—Ford Bowers

Dr. Caroce MiLLer

mahisieenienal

SD a A PE EE [Page 11]

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Left: The Baha'i float in the King Week parade in Atlanta. Above: Robert Henderson, secretary-general of the

National Spiritual Assembly, speaks at the ‘Prayers Around the World’ event. (Photos by Joe Ferguson)

PARLIAMENT OF RELIGIONS

Marking centenary of historic Chicago gathering —

Parliament materials

The nine days devoted to the Parliament

offer insight into its vision, mission, focus

In the most recent issue of The American Bahd't (February 7) we published an article from “Conscious Choice” magazi and reviewed the histo significance of the World Parliament of Religions held in 1893.

The Parliament was a watershed event that introduced many little known or unknown religions and faiths to America and initiated religious pluralism in the Westem world.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions, to he held in Chicago from August 28-September 5, 1993, serves as the centenary commemoration of the original Parliament as well as an opportunity for faith traditions to address “ways for the world’s communities to live peacefully and sus— tainably, communicating and understanding, respecting one another’s diversity, and protecting the common ground which nourishes all life.”

The following excerpts from the Parliament materials explain its vision, mission,

VISION AND MISSION

There are many ways to learn, many approaches to change, many visions for collaboration. The Parliament welcomes all—whatever their paths may be—who want new experiences and understanding of the world’s faiths and the critical issues facing the global community

The 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions will bring together a great variety of people. ... The Parliament will be a forum where people can speak and easily, free from fear. It will stand for collaboration and respect. At the same time, it will challenge all to think more broadly, whatever their starting point. It will be a place where inspiration can happen. It will be well-publicized and so it will take place in full view of the world.

The entire program will support reflection, ogue and understanding, wi and among persons and within and among i ions. Every part of the Pat ment will be designed to prepare people to make choi d to act from wii a spiritual framework. The 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions extends an extraordinary dialogue which occurred one hundred years ago. ...It coincides with a growing awareness of the limitations of our technological and political ingenuity. Itresponds to a growing confidence in the power of spiritual understanding and the desire for wisdom.

THE CHALLENGES

What shall we do? How can we change the world for the better?

The questions that need to be answered are reflected directly in the program. Through our relationship with the Institute for 21st Century studies, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions has considered those issues which impact directly in the quality of life and its sustainability in the future. Questions are being posed regarding the common future of humankind.

What do you or what does your faith tradition offer us as a vision for the future?

itself will include large gatherings in plesessions, workshops, seminars, disons and dialogues, common meals, worship, devotional programs, art, dance and music. Related events will take place throughout the greater Chicago area,hosted by all the participating faith traditions. The National Spiritual Assembly and the Baha’f International Community are arranging for speakers and workshop presenters with Baha’f perspectives on the es being addressed at the Parliament. Those wishing to attend the Parliament should contact the office of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, P.O. Box 1630, Chicago IL 60690. Telephone 312-629-2990 or Fax: 312-629-2991.

Tyler, Texas, friends propose Racial Harmony Commission

On November 9, the Spiritual Assembly of Tyler, Texas, proposed to the City Council the creation of the country's first City Commission for Racial Harmony.

Following a number of questions by the mayor and city manager, the council passed a motion to respond to the proposal at a

and the focus of the program materials.

later date.

N.Y. conference launches Year of Inter-Religious Understanding and Cooperation

On Monday, January 25, more than 40 representatives of religions and interfaith organizations gathered at a news conference held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

The conference, sponsored by the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, was held to launch 1993 as the Year of Inter-Religious Understanding and Cooperation.

The Council was formed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Parliament, held from the end of August through September 1893 in Chicago at a fair called the World's Columbian Exposition of American Culture. The 1893 Parliament is recognized as marking the beginning of interfaith dialogue in the modern world.

The Bahd'{ International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago are among the more than 90 co-sponsors of the Council. r

Religions represented at the news conference included Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous and Zoroastrian. Representatives of several jand

interfaith groups, among them the Temple of Unde: ing and the World Conference on Religion and Peace, took part.

Anexcellent video on the 1993 celebration, prepared by Charles Nolley, director of media production for the National Spiritual Assembly, was shown to the assembled group, after which a representative of each religion spoke in support of the 1993 Parliament.

Techeste Ahderom and Trish Swanson represented the Bahd'f International Community; Shirley Lee represented the National Spiritual Assembly; and Carl Murrell, the Spiritual Assembly of New York City. Ms. Swanson, conveying the Baha'f statement, said:

“At the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chi

sconaannaeuepaaaese mean emer

cago the name of Bahd'u'lléh, prophet-founder of the Baha'f Faith, was first mentioned on the continent of North America.

“The Baha'{ International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, and the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Chicago look forward to their participation in the Parliament of the World's Religions in August 1993.

“The Baha'i Faith has as its central tenets the oneness of humanity and the essential unity of all religions. Baha'is support ardently the Year of Inter-Religious Understanding and Cooperation. ‘So bright is the light of unity,’ wrote Baha'u'llah, ‘that it can illuminate the whole earth.’”

Reinforcing the Bah4'{ belief in the spiritual unity of the major religions were the speakers' remarks about working together, achieving peace, relating to one another with love and respect, and the oneness of the human race.

soamamanman cea ‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 12]

12. THE'AMERICAN BAuatl

GRAND CANYON 8th annual conference draws 2,200 Baha'is to Phoenix

Visitors to the Civic Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, during the Christmas holidays were greeted by a 40-foot n proclaiming “Baha'u'llah, the King of Glory: 8th Annual Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference.”

Coming together for what began as a regional youth conference and has now become the largest annual gathering of Baha'is in the U.S. were 2,200 Baha’is from all over the U.S. and from several other countries.

Over the past eight years a total of almost 20,000 have attended the conference, at which an estimated $1 million has been raised for the Arc and other Baha'f Funds.

During the four-day event (December 25-28) the friends heard inspiring talks by Counselor William Roberts, Dr. Suheil Bushrui, Dr. Lameh Fananapazir and Dr. Jena Khadem Khodadad, and enjoyed musical presentations and workshops on various topics related to the Faith.

More than 100 youth under 21 attended special sessions. A silent auction and sepaer netted close to $100,000 for the Arc Fund. On Saturday evening, the friends were treated to a delightful concert whose performers were Houshmand Aghili, Ahdieh Badee and K.C. Porter. The following evening, Dr. Roberts spoke at a large public gathering.

Visiting the conference was Vadim Nomokamoy, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia, who shared his hope that the worldwide Baha'i community will uphold the high standards of conduct and behavior set at the World Congress in New York City.

“The answer to world problems,” he said, “lies in global spiritual unification. No man-made doctrine can achieve this. It must be the divine solution.”

Dr. Roberts spoke about the importance of the Holy Year, reminding the friends that intended to bea primarily spiri tual celebration—an occasion for reflection on the power of the Covenant.

“We are asked to think deeply about and to celebrate the wonders of the Blessed Perfection,” he said. “And to pay homage to Baha'u'llah and tribute to “Abdu’l-Baha.

e purpose of the Holy

‘rendezvous of the soul’ referred to by al House of Justice s Ridvan 1992 message—

nd for recommitment, rededication and revitalization of our souls and the ‘world Baha'i

community. Drs. Bushrui and Fananapazir shared the podium

for a presentation on the significance of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas and why we should appreciate and study it.

The Kitd

‘Aqdas is medicine for an

times bitter, sometimes sweet, but medicine that will inevitably lead us to the Kingdom of God on earth.”

Dr. Bushrui also spoke on “Baha'u'llah: His Station” and “Capturing the Vision,”

in addition to cond shops, while Dr. Fa plenary session on the topic “Bahé The Divine Physician” and presented a number of workshops.

ing several work

You are the cradle of the Admini pattern for the entire Bah

become

tive Order,” De he National Spiritual A:

ssembly

• Must be well-versed in Bal

+ Must be skilled in word proc

Other opportunities include:

• Baha'i Pub!

• Baha'i Schools and Institute:

positions are available (see ad on

+ NSA Properties In

tice tuckpointer

Service/employment opportunities at the Baha'i National Center, Baha'i Schools and Institutes

“The administration of the Cause in the United new phase, of high promise, challenging proble ation, and in this development you can f world. al House of Justice to the “Believers in the Cradle of the mber 29, 1970). mbly is seeking qualified people for the following

nt functioning and quality of service provided by the

principles and administration ing

• Must have strong self-management and organizational skills

jons require ability to read and write in Englis ions require strong written communic:

g Trust: editorial a Publications Board, marketing manager, production services coordinator variety of volunteer and paid summer age 5)

+ Native American Baha'i Institute: program coordinator (see ad on page 8) maintenance team leader

• The American Baha'i: writer/reporter

+ U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office: assistant refugee program coordinator

• Teaching: Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators

• Temple Restoration: engineering technician, master tuckpointer, appren

If you are available to serve the National Spiritual Assembly at this time, please write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahd't National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please include a résumé, if available.

es is entering acompletely

\d golden opportunities.

(Excerpt from a letter by the Baha'i

and Persian ion skills

‘tant, executive secretary to the

The Grand Canyon Bahi December 25-28 at the Civic Center in Phoenix, Arizona. About 2,200 Baha’ and several other countries attended the eighth annual event. (Photo by William H. Sharp)

‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993

On Saturday morning, Dr. Kehodads spoke on “Baha'u'llah: The Worl counter with His Revelation,” w! chs expects to be much more overt following publication of the Aqdas.

The world's perception of the Message of Baha'u'llah, she said, will be encompassed in twin processes: destructive with the death of the old world order, and constructive in the birth of the new World

‘hoir entertains during the Grand Canyon Conference held last

fromthe U.S.

Order. “We must immerse ourselves in His Writings 0 that we fully understand these processes,” she said.

As human beings and Bahd‘is, said Dr. Khodadad, we must help alleviate suffering not only by temporary means through compassion and good works, but more permanently through providing the cure— the Message of Baha'u'llah.

in the Mobile, Alabama, area won second prize of $175 for

their display at the Greater Gulf State Fair. The display presented the writings of the Faith as they relate to current issues and proclaimed Baha'u'llah as the Source of God’s Revelation for this age. Literature and interest cards were available, and several contacts were made.

Gainesville Baha'is present Human Rights Award

More than 100 people were present December 16 in Gainesville, Florida, at the annual presentation ceremony forthe Baha'i Human Rights Award.

Honored this year was Bob Tanciq, a community volunteer and director of the local soup kitchen and shelter forthe homeless. [

Since the award was first given some 15 years ago attendance has steadily grown while publicity for the event has increased

from an announcement on a newspaper religion page to feature articles and radio and television interviews.

The award is given to persons who demonstrate outstanding voluntary service in the cause of human rights. Not only has it drawn attention to the Faith among the media and community organizations, it has helped the Baha'is work more closely together by fostering love and unity within the community. [Page 13]

Tana

OT

Baha’ u Mah’ s : Appointiient of ‘Abdu’ I- Baha

By Ros Stockman

The Holy Year marks not only the centenary of Bahd@’u' Iléh’s ascension but also commemorates the commencement of Bahé’u’ll4h’s mighty Covenant and the inauguration of ‘Abdu’I-Baha’ iti fitting to devote some of our study this year to Baha’u’llah’s appointment of His Son as His Successor and the Exemplar of His teachings.

Baha’u’Ilah first hinted that ‘Abdu’l-Baha would be His Successor in the Stiriy-i-Ghusn (“The Tablet of the Branch”), revealed in Adrianople between 1864-68. At the time, ‘Abdu’ l-Baha was no more than twentyfour years of age. The tablet speaks of a “sacred and glorious being” who “hath branched from the Sadratu’l-Muntahd” (Baha'u'llah) and states that “well is it with him that hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath His shadow.” (The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 135).

In even stronger language, Baha’ u’Ilah adds:

“Render thanks unto God, O people, for His appearance; for verily He is the most great Favor unto you, the most perfect bounty upon you; and through Him every mouldering bone is quickened. Whoso turneth toward Him hath turned toward God, and whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from My Beauty, hath repudiated My Proof, and transgressed against Me. He is the Trust of God amongst you, His charge within you, His manifestation unto you and His appearance among His favored servants. .. . Those who deprive themselves of the shadow of the Branch, are lost in the wilderness of error, are consumed by the heat of worldly desires, and are of those who will assuredly perish.” (The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 135)

One is struck by the fact that this passage was revealed no later than 1868. As such it constitutes a prophecy of ‘Abdu’I-Baha’s greatness as well as a definition of His future authority as head of the Faith and exemplar. Yet the tablet did not refer specifically to “Abdu’I-Bah4; Baha'u'llah left that detail to the future. Here we have a clear example of Baha’ u’llah’s gradual unveiling of revealed truth.

In early 1873 Baha'u'llah revealed the Kitdb-iAqdas. In one passage He stated that “when the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of my Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.” (Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-iAqdas, p. 24)

In this passage Baha’u’Ildh is plainly referring to His own death and is commanding the Baha’ fs to turn to one of His decendants after He has passed away; He does not specify which descendant, but the phrase “Whom God hath purposed” indicates that God had already chosen the One, and perhaps suggests that God’s will would be revealed in time.

Later in the Agdas Bahé’u’llah added that “when the mystic dove will have winged its flight from the Sanctuary of Praise and sought its far-off goal, its hidden habitation, refer ye whatsoever ye understand not in the Book to Him Who hath branched from this mighty Stock.” (Synopsis and Codification, p. 27) This passage specifies the obligation to accept the Successor as the authorized interpreter of the Book.

In another passage, Baha'u'llah states that after His own passing the expenditure of the huqtiqu’ [lah monies is to be decided by the Branches (Aghsdn) or male descendants of Baha’u'llah; after them by the House of Justice, which implies that the line of Branches would come to an end; and if the line comes to an end before the establishment of the House of Justice, by “the people of Bahd,” apparently in this case an allusion to the Hands of the Cause of God. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah, vol. 3, p. 372)

This, of course, is precisely what happened when Shoghi Effendi, a member of the Aghsdn, died and there was no Guardian to succeed him. More important for the study of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s station, Baha’u’ lah makes ‘Abdu’l-Bahd financial head of the Faith in this passage.

In 1879 ‘Abdu’l-Baha trayeled to Beirut on business and Baha’u'llah, missing His eldest Son, revealed a tablet to Him. The Lawh-i-Ard-i-Bd or

“Tablet of the Land of Ba [Beirut]” refers specifically

to “the Most Mighty Branch,” a title that was commonly understood by Baha’u’llah’s family and close associates to refer specifically to ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

The tablet (published in Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, pp. 227-28) refers to ‘Abdu’ l-Bah4 as “His ancient and immutable Mystery” and praises Him in these terms:

“Blessed, doubly blessed, is the ground which His footsteps have trodden, the eye that hath been cheered by the beauty of His countenance, the ear that hath been honored by hearkening to His call, the heart that hath tasted the sweetness of His love, the breast that hath dilated through His remembrance, the pen that hath voiced His praise, the scroll that hath borne the testimony of His writings.” (Tablets of Bahd’u'lldh, p. 228)

Such exalted language about His eldest Son would have implied that the praise in the earlier tablets applied to ‘Abdu’ l-Baha as well. Thus the tablet would have made it fairly clear that ‘Abdu’|-Baha was to be Baha’u’Ilah’s successor.

Successorship was made unambiguously clear in Baha’u'llah’s Kitdb-i-‘Ahd or “Book of the Covenant.” This short tablet by Baha’ u’llah—five pages long—is published in Tablets of Bahd’u'lldh Revealed after the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, pp. 219-23. It is occasionally referred to by Baha'u'llah as His “Crimson Book.”

In many ways it resembles the Agdas in that it refers to numerous weighty topics such as the importance of kings, the loftiness of the human station, and the blessedness of the learned and rulers among the people of Baha. Baha’u’Ildh states that “a mighty force, a consummate power lieth concealed in the world of being” and calls on all to “fix your gaze upon it and upon its unifying influence” (Tablets, p. 221), possibly a reference to the Covenant or the Administrative Order.

God Passes By, pp. 242-43 for a description of them), but the above passages by Baha’u’llah Himself enunciate the essential elements of ‘Abdu’ I-Baha’s station.

On these essentials ‘Abdu’l-Baha elaborated as necessary, and Shoghi Effendi delineated a precise and thorough account of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s station in his essay, “The Dispensation of Baha’u’ lah.” It will be the topic of the next article in this series on the Holy Year.

David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice (seated second from left) rep— resented the Faith at a Race Unity Forum held last December 5 at the Baha'i Center in Youngstown, Ohio. The event was sponsored by the Baha'iGroup of Poland and supported by Baha'is in surrounding communities. The Baha'i Choir of Cleveland provided music. Standing is one of the featured speakers, Dr. Victor Wan Tatah, professor of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University.

Bahd’u' lléh then explains the meaning of the verses He had revealed in the Agdas and makes His plan for succession clear. In all the passages the common title for “Abdu’l-Bah4, “the Most Mighty Branch” (Ghusn-i-A ‘zam) is used:

“The Will of the Divine Testator is this: It is incumbent upon the Aghsdn (Baha’u'llah’s male descendants], the Afndn [the male descendants of the uncles of the Bab] and My kindred to turn, one and all, their faces toward the Most Mighty Branch.

ider that which we have

revealed in Our Most Holy Book: ‘When the ocean of My presence hath been ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.’ The object of this sacred Verse is none other except the Most Mighty Branch. ... Verily God hath ordained the station of of the Greater Branch [Muhammad ‘Alf (Baha? u’ Iléh’s second oldest son)] to be beneath that of the Most Great Branch [‘Abdu’l-Bah].” (Tablets, p. 222)

In this passage Baha’u’ll4h made it clear that all His previous passages referred to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Thus His will was clear: ‘Abdu’ lBaha was to be the Head of the Faith, obedience to Him was obligatory, He was to be the final Interpreter of Baha’u’!l4h’s revelation, and He was to handle the financial matters of the Cause. “Abdu’l-Baha’s spiritual station as the “mystery of God” was also stated clearly.

Baha'u'llah referred to “Abdu’lBaha in several other tablets (see

Excavation acolearenrt is being moved in, construction fences have been erected around the site, and Phase 3 of construction of the International Teaching Center at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel, has begun as announced recently by the Universal House of Justice. (Photo by Ruhi Vargha)

‘ALA B.E. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993

[Page 14]14 THe American BaHAt

Time has come for family to consult on Holy Year teaching goals

“Mom, Dad, what’s your plan for teaching during the Holy Year?” Choking on your dinner, your mind races. The memory, of reading the 1992 Ridvan message of the Universal House of Justice together almost a year ago zooms back. You are astonished by the clarity with which your young child remembers that each and every Baha’f was encouraged to “mount an

individual campaign for teaching” during the Holy Year.

As you politely defer to your spouse to answer first, the ideas that had been slowly

stating in your mind since last April quickly begin to take on the form of concrete goa

Soon the family is engaged in a lively consultation about teaching. New friends

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS...

The Golden Days, a novel by Ga! Rapuey, a Baha'i from Deland, Florida, has won the highest honor in language arts elementary novels for 1991 from the Society of School Lil ans International (SSLI). The novel tells of an 1 1-yearold foster child who learns to trust relationships through his friendship with a ‘sing home resident. In her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony in New Orleans, Ms. Radley mentioned the Faith

Joun Danesh, a 24-year-old Baha'f, finished first in his class of 171 at Otago University Medical School in Dunedin, New Zealand, in December, having recorded the highest academic marks in the 120-year history of the school. Mr. Danesh will study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 1994.

Dustin Marantino, a Bahé ifle, Colorado, was one of 12 high school

imp at Denver University to cheer in the Lord Westminster New in England. From 60 camps held nationwide in the U. ‘a de. Dustin is the only male

on Rife High School’s 12-member cheerleading squad.

Kusata Wasnatko Arcuitects Inc. (owned by Baha'fs Tom KuBata and ALLEN Wasnartko of Cedarburg, Wi in) has received two rds from the Institute of Store Planne al Merchandising & Store Design Mag: their 1992 International Store Interior Design Competiti fi “Specialty Store for Hard Goods’ Concept” award.

In November, KeLuE Greetey Wuite, a Bahd’f from Waldorf, Maryland, received a Soci 3xcellence Award at the Social Studies Teachers Conference in Columbia for a book, The Buffalo Soldiers, written entirely by her fourth-grade students. The book explains the role of black soldiers in settling the Western United States. Ms. White hopes to have it published for sroom use.

Navy Cmdr. KeNNeTH A. Conrap, a Bal ationed at Newport, Rhode Island, received the U.S. Armed Forces Joint Service Commendation Medal for “meritorious achievement” while serving as Chief of Medical Services in Guantanamo. Bay, Cuba, during the Haitian humanitarian relief effort from March-June 1992. Among other things, the citation lists Cmdr. Conrad’s “unfailing leadership” that resulted in “a superbly functioning medical team composed of 16 physicians, 14 independent duty corp: nd 40 staff members providing 1,200 outpatient visits per day,” and his “organizational skills” in responding as treatment officer for 116 migrants injured during a tropical storm.

Anisa Cott, a Baha’i youth from College Park, Maryland, was given a Student of the Year award and scholarship at the eighth annual Youth Recognition Awards Banquet sponsored by the Washington, D.C., chapter of Concerned Black Men Inc. About 900 guests, many of whom were given copies of “The Vision of Race Unity,” attended the banquet, at which Anisa was the only non-African American youth to be recognized. Concerned Black Men is an international organization committed to instilling in young people the qualities of cultural awareness, economic independence, and emotional, intellectu; al and spiritual strength.

Etisa Brown, a Ba cond-year mes udent tern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, is one of 35 students from med schools across the country—and the first from her school—to be named 1992 Fellows in Academic Medicine in a program sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and the Commonwealth Fund. Her work is being done under the auspices of the EVMS Head and Neck Tumor Biology Program, renowned for its work in investigating the causes and treatments of head and neck cance! Dawn Gaser, a 17-y: f from Overland Park, Kansas, has been inducted into the National Honor Society, the fourth Baha'i woman so honored at Shawnee Mi: n West High School. Dawn has an A average, lettered in swimming in cross country, m ed the men's swim team, served on the editorial staff of the school library m as counseled troubled young people.

Ronato A. Berry, a Baha'i from Lander, Wyoming, who works for the Indian Health Service (IHS) on the Wind River Indian Reservation, has received the Billings IHS Area Director's Award for Exceptional Performance and the Wind River Service Unit 1992 Employee of the Year Award. Mr. Berry is a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Public Health Service.

About 300 people attended a retirement party last November for Dk. WALLACE Byap, a Baha'i who served as a family physician for more than 42 years in Coal County, one of the poorest counties in Oklahoma, and is known throughout southeastern Oklahoma for his many years of dedicated service to the people there. Dr. Byrd also served for many years on the Coalgate board of education, and earlier this year the board voted to name the community's middle school in his honor.

®

22 8 2 2

3 3 B

at school, at work and in other circles are scheduled to hear of Baha’u’llah. At that point another child asks, “can we go somewhere to teach this summer too?”

Well, chances are...yes! Everyone's teaching plan can come together for a few precious weeks through traveling teaching.

Out come road maps, atlas and globe, ulators and notepads all over the living room floor. Children and parents huddle around, and soon a dozen parts of the world will be visited in one long intercontinental “Indiana Jones”-type adventure.

The fun of teaching together has already begun. In fact you had been thinking about ways to spend more “quality time” together, to bring yourselves closer to each other and to Baha’ u’ lah, and to respond to the loving promise of the Master in Tablets. of the Divine Plan that “Now is the time that you may divest yourselves from the garment of attachment to this phenomenal realm, be wholly severed from the physical world, become angels of heaven and travel and teach through all these regions.”

Maybe you really could all go somewhere to teach during those weeks of summer vacation. Sleep on it. he problem is, you can’t sleep at all! You are just as excited about the idea as everyone else, and vacation time is fast approaching.

A few days later, after dinner, Mom and Dad have consulted, pored through back copies of The American Bahd’t for inforion, and consulted the teaching coordit the National Center. A reali affordable and fun few weeks of service together is presented to the family. Despite

ca

some objections to the elimination of the Sahara desert, the North Pole and the pyramids of Egypt, all are in favor.

Though the route may take the family by land to the goal areas in the U.S. or Canada, or by air to other parts of the world, the purpose will be to bring the glad tidings of the coming of Baha'u'llah to the thirsty souls of the world, who stand ready to accept Him.

Children are cata

hem s a of culture, language, With just one Baha’ cl ing the loving spirit of the F:

children learnith for the first time often return home so excited that their

entire family wants to know what the Faith is and ultimately to become Baha’ fs. Children who learn to teach early in life often become the youth and adults who will always yearn to teach, and to be surrounded by diverse peoples.

ing balance the call to sacrifice and stretch your limits for the Cause, with a real affordable and flexible itinerar

arise, teach, and feel the ‘divine bles come to you and your family as you Baha'u'llah together.

Now, with your mind fixed on the variety of opportun fo teach, call or write the Office of Pioneering (international teaching) or the National Teaching Office (domestic teaching) at the Baha’ f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, Telephone 708-869-9039, fax 708-869-0247. We look forward to helping you!

a rem

John B. Anderson, president of the World Federalist Association, Mapenield a copy of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ from Nina A. Rhodes on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, Arizona, which co-sponsored a lecture by Dr. Anderson last December 7 entitled ‘How Shall We Win the Peace?’ More than 60 people attended a dinner in Dr. Anderson's honor that preceded his talk. The former 10-term U.S. congressman from Illinois and presidential candidate (1980) said he was happy to receive the peace statement and looked forward to learning more about the Baha'i teachings, as they are so in tune with the goals and mission of the World Federalists.

‘ALA B.E. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 15]THe AMERICAN BAHAT 15.

RoYA DARAB

Roya Darab was born March 9, 1966, in Isfahan, Iran. She lived there with her family until 1984 when they escaped from the country on foot through the wilderness. Part of the time the family was huddled together in the back of a rickety pick-up truck that drove at breakneck speed without lights on a moonless night.

Roya and her family spent two years in Pakistan before immigrating to the U.S. They settled in Washington state, and Roya was enrolled at Edmonds Community College. Later she attended the University of Washington in Seattle where she had one quarter left before obtaining at bachelor of science degree in biology.

Roya did not live long enough to complete her college work. On January 5 she died at age 26 apparently from a virus that went to her heart. She is survived by her parents, Feridoon and Parvin Darab, and sisters, Pooya and Mahsa.

In Iran, Pakistan and the U.S., Roya was an active member of the Baha'f community, teaching with enthusiasm and serving on the Spiritual Assemblies of Edmonds and Snohomish County South Central. Education was of great importance to her, and became her priority. Here is Roya's account, as told to Judy Maddox and first published in From the Hearts of the Handmaidens, a Baha'i news bulletin for western Washington, of how she and her friends were able to complete high school in Iran.

“In 1983 I was to enter the 1 1th grade in the city of Isfahan. It was very bad for Baha'fs throughout Iran, but it hadn't been that bad for us yet. We were still going to school, whereas in other cities the

From Iran to States, she and her friends remained steadfast in Cause while pursuing an education

friends were not being allowed to attend school anymore.

“My friends and I continued to attend classes, but one day we were called to the principal's office. We were told that we were good students and smart too. We were also told that we should deny our Faith and become good Muslims so that we could continue our lives under the protection of the government. If we chose to remain Baha'fs, we were told, we would no longer be able to attend school.

“Every one of us said, ‘No! We are Baha'is not because of our parents but because we believe in Bahé‘u'lléh.”

“They told us to gather our books and personal items and leave the school immediately—and never to come back.

“Our non-Baha't friends were leaning out doors and windows, demanding to know why we, their friends and good people, were being thrown out as if we were criminals.

“They were told to go to their classrooms and shut the doors. The teachers locked the doors and shut the windows so the students couldn't see us leaving.

“We were told, ‘See what you are doing to our good students? You are causing much trouble. Leave. Leave right now! Hurry!”

“We tried to find a school that would take us in, but no school would have us. Then we heard that a nearby night school would take Baha'f children, so we went there.

“They had said, ‘Sure, come on.’ But when we arrived the first day, we were sent to the principal's office. He told us, ‘I'm sorry, but I cannot let you come to our school. I've been told that you may not attend.”

“Again we searched for a school and found another night school, only to have the same thing happen again.

“Meanwhile, the Baha'{ teachers were being fired from their jobs. Thus we decided to start our own Baha'i school in our homes.

“So the Bahd’f teachers began our studies with us, and for a while it was wonderful. We could learn again, and we loved the Bahd'f environment. But then the government began to arrest our teachers. They were all either arrested or fled the city. Once again, we were without instructors.

“We students got together, consulted, and decided that we would study together and help each other. Our parents agreed with us. We studied hard, helping each other until every one of us had passed our college exams.

“That summer, on July 10, the 10 beautiful young women in Shiraz were hanged. One of them, Mona, was my own age.

“Tam now going to nursing school in the United States. Other school friends also left Iran and have continued their education.

“Before we left Iran, my youngest sister was not even allowed to begin school. Because it was so important to my family that we be educated, and , because of the persecutions of 1983, we finally decided to leave Iran.

“I thank.God that I am able to continue my education, and that my friends and I declared our belief in Baha'u'llah, in spite of the pressure from the Iranian government to deny our Faith.”

LETTERS

“The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.” —*Abdu’|-Baha

The American Baha'i welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack any-one personally. Opinions ex-pressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Baha'i, Bahd't National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Second World Congress

To the Editor:

The members of our community, all of whom attended the Baha'i World Congress in New York City, and all of whom are still reverberating with the joy and meaning of that historic occasion, would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the World Congress Committee and the many, many individuals who worked so hard to make the Congress a reality.

Most of us will never know the exhaustion, frustration and exhilaration of those devoted workers, mi ans, technicians, organizers, phone answerers, coordinators, translators, etc., but we do know that the

st weeks before November 21 were especially hectic for all of you, that many of

you slept very little, and that individuals. did the work of whole crews.

Our gratitude for your efforts is beyond words. Baha'u'llah will surely shower His blessings upon you. With loving appreciation,

The Bahd'ts of Morris Township, New Jersey

To the Editor:

The use of music and dramatic presentations at the World Congress was aweinspiring and promises great things for the future.

Tattended a dramatic presentation at the Youth Movement Forum and felt that drama can be most effective in reaching the hearts of the youth and inspiring them to rededicate themselves to the Cause of Baha'u'lléh. I would like to congratulate those who were involved in those productions.

The Congress choir was soul-entrancing and took us all to new heights. The Gospel music so uplifted my heart and soul. It really let the light shine in. And from the way it energized the representatives of many peoples of the earth, I believe it can move the heart and soul of the whole world.

I hope we will feel ericouriged to put great effort toward using all such artistic methods to spur on the teaching work.

Tanja Sargent San Jose, California

“Awe and wonderment’ To the Editor:

May a little old lady from Oregon express her awe and wondermentat our Baha'i Cause?

There were few books in those early

days of the '20s when my awareness of being a Baha'i began; my father (Charles Q. rset who became a Bahd'f in Denver

in 1917) read everything over and over again. Letters and Tablets were shared with everyone.

I remember my father calling me to the big round oak table where he studied, saying, “Sister, just listen to this!” There I

. would sit because I loved him, listening to

my friends playing outside and trying my best to understand his enthusiasm.

Now, some 70 years later, yes, | am in awe and wonderment more and more as the years go by. I have witnessed history. Itis like watching an animation or a graph on a screen weaving all the threads together into a form and doing it faster and faster as I was told would happen. Yes, Dad, I heard you!

R. Virginia Jensen Tigard, Oregon

Marshall Blake memorial To the Editor: «

Six years ago, while my husband and I were here at our pioneering post in the West Indies, our oldestson, Marshall Blake, died at the age of 22. He had been secretary of the University of Massachusetts Baha'i Club and a member of the Spiritual Ae sembly of South Hadley during his college years.

Since then we have been trying, through our sadness, to think of a meaningful, ongoing memorial worthy of this gentle and dedicated Baha'f whom we love deeply. We think we have now settled on what this is to be.

Several years ago we helped start a private elementary school in St. Vincent known as the Windsor School. Although it is not directly a Bahd'f project, it is the first alternative private school for young children in the country, and so contributes directly to national development.

We have blished in Marshall's name an annual music award to be given to the

Windsor student showing the most progress insome musical endeavor during the school year. The fund has been set up with an initial grant, but the amount is not large.

We wanted any Baha'is who may have known Marshall to be aware of the existence of this award in case they would like to contribute to it in his name.

Our National Spiritual Assembly has agreed to serve as the channel for this fund, so anyone wishing to contribute may send their gift to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, P.O. Box 1043, St. Vincent, West Indies. The National Assembly will acknowledge the contribution and forward the funds to the account established for the award.

Jim and Lisa Blake St. Vincent, West Indies

Covenant and race unity

To the Editor:

When I hear or read about Bah'fs working onrace unity, the topic seems limited to interracial marriage between blacks and some other group, or a list of potluck dinners, prayer meetings or picnics.

I know these things are not wrong, but it seems that we are placing limitations on what God has given us. We place such false limitations on each other with terms like “people of color.” Is it so difficult to comprehend that using a term such as “people of color” means we are separating ourselves from one part of the family—a part that also has “color,” but the color is white?

When we change our discourse on race unity to focus on the Covenant, we may begin to think and act in completely different terms. The Covenant is the bond that holds all Baha’fs around the world together. In God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi writes: “At is indubitably clear...that the pivot o

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[Page 19]THe AMERICAN BAHAT 19

LLL eT

Letters

FROM PAGE 15

the oneness of mankind is nothing else but the power of the Covenant. The power of the Covenantis as the heat of the sun which quickeneth and promoteth the development of all created things on earth. The light of the Covenant, in like manner, is the educator of the minds, the spirits, the hearts and souls of men.”

The power of the Covenant “is as the heat of the sun,” the sun that “promoteth the development of all created things on earth.” The Covenant is also the source of unconditional and unlimited love.

This heat, this love will bring about a transformation that will allow oppressed groups to heal and to contribute their share to the advancement of God's plan. “...and yet, is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind.”

The transformation of a people is an organic process that must take place in a loving environment, not a vacuum. This change (transformation) must occur in the light of Bahé'u'll4h's Revelation. Who will afford A: n-Americans, American Indians, Latinos ‘Americans an opportunity to rediscover themselves and their cultures in such a loving light? I have read

Emilie Moore Kalantar, former pioneer to Costa Rica, dies at age 85 in Puerto Rico

Emilie Moore Kalantar and her husband, Allah-Kuli Kalantar, first responded to the Guardi | for pioneering when they moved to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1939.

During the Ten Year Crusade, they responded to the call for international pioneering and left Englewood, New Jersey, for Costa Rica in February 1956. In May 1958 they moved on to Mexico, then to Colombia in April 1960. After serving the Colombian community for five years, they returned to the U.S. in 1965 and settled in Connecticut. Again, they served as homefront pioneers by settling in Middletown, Connecticut, where Mr. Kalantar died in 1979.

Following a short stay in Palm Coast, Florida, Mrs. Kalantar joined her son Kenneth and his pioneering family in Puerto Rico in August 1990. She died January 11 at age 85 in San German, Puerto Rico, and is buried there.

TAF NP AST ae ETAT TTT

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in the Writings of our Faith that the Baha'is were to provide such an opportunity.

Our white Bahd'f brothers and sisters must allow those of us who are of a darker hue to bring forth the very best of ourselves, not only what feels “safe.” W.E.B. DuBois wrote about the African-American vision, saying in part, “...Work, culture, liberty, all these we need not singly but together, not successively but together, each growing and aiding each and all striving toward that vaster ideal that swims before the Negro people, the ideal of human brotherhood.”

Let us bring our part of the vision that it may be added to the greater vision of oneness. We can transform ourselves. We can change human history for the better.

Human (race) unity must not be limited to the idea of simply eliminating prejudice and racial stereotypes. It must mean that people do not live in fear of one another, especially when they have never even met. It must mean feeling safe within oneself knowing that you have a place in society.

Thave been a Bahda'f for 22 yeai tw was a very personal choice at a very time in our nation’s also an African-American. I am a Baha'i because of my love for Bahd'u'lléh. My heritage and skin color are simply a matter of birth, but F am grateful to God for the honor He bestowed upon me.

I am no longer a victim of the hate, the lies, the ¢ called racism. I am in the healing state, the growth stat add my one voice to the c: standing. lam human, created in

he good..out of the dawn of one

Andrinea M. King Orange, T

Mark Hopkins, who pioneered with wife to Italy, dead at 63

Mark Hopkins, 63, died in Portland, Oregon on January 9. Mark and his wife, Barbara, left Portland in March 1971 to pioneer to Corsica, Italy, where they served with much devotion under difficult physical conditions for two years, returning to the U.S. in May 1973.

A gifted artist, Mark studied for a time with Mark Tobey. His love for Baha’ u’llah motivated him and was reflected in all his work throughout his life.

Mr. Hopkins had recently served on the Spiritual Assembly of Portland and was involved in planning the renovation of that city’s new Baha’{ Center.

in serving on adi

availability to travel exten: The skills and qu: Teaching Committee membership.

ly.

Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators sought

As part of the reorganization of the national administration, the National Spiritual Assembly is recruiting for four Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators for new Regional Teaching Offices.

The Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators (RTOCs) are ful employees who report to Regional Teaching Committees and who assist implementation of directives/plans of the Regional Teaching Committee, manage the regional offices, and provide adm to the regional teaching work. Skills and qu: knowledge of the Baha'i writings and Ad

accomplishments in teaching as it pertains to the Faith; (4) knowledge of Baha'{ communities and activities in the region; (5) profici ciency in consultation, ability to inspire and empower others, experience in problem-solvin;

strategic analysis, and developing short- and long-term plans; (6) al implement and manage change; (7) experience in managing 3-7 direct reports; (8) proven success in interacting with a wide range of people; and (9)

ications listed in 1-5 above also pertain to Regional

To apply for the Regional Teaching Operations Coordinators positions or to express interest in serving on your Regional Teaching Committee, please send your résumé to the Office of Human Resources, Bah4'{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone Human Resources at 708-869-9039.

the

jistrative/operations support ions include: (1) In-depth

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aan OT OT

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New Baha'i Youth Service Corp posts open in countries around the world

A number of new Baha'f Youth Service Corps posts have recently opened up in a number of countries around the world. The following post descriptions are based on letters received from National Spiritual Assemblies during the last few months. AFRICA

EQUATORIAL GUINEA, the “only Spanish-speaking country in sub-saharan Africa, with a population of 400,000...urgently needs pioneers and volunteers for some months to one year of service.”

SENEGAL has “a van with no driver and an urgent need of one, say a youth doing a year of service” who could travel and teach with a bilingual person (English/ Senegalese). French helpful. AMERICAS

GUATEMALA’s Ahmadiyyih Teaching Project through the Shiraz Teaching Institute in El Tejar, Chimaltenango, in the middle of a highly populated Mayan Cakchiquel Indian area in the central highlands needs 1-3 youth to work alongside a local youth team.

JAMAICA lists no less than 19 oppor tunities for English-speaking youth to serve the Faith on this West Indian island, including media work, rural teaching and consolidation, National Center office work, gathering oral histories from older believers, stimulating youth activities, and more! ASIA

MACAU/CHINA: “The Baha’f Committee for China is in need of two youth volunteers...to work in the committee office, each for a three-month period of time. One English-speaking and one Chinesespeaking youth is needed to help develop materials, mobilize youth from overseas, assist in the placement of pioneers and other duties. After this three-month period they may be asked to go into Chinato study at cost.” Several new opportunities also are open in Hong Kong and Taiwan. EUROPE

Contact the Office of Pioneering for posts in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and more.

Kurt Fenolio, 37, former pioneer to Burkina Faso

Kurt Fenolio, 37, died May 31, 1992, in

Mr. Fenolio enrolled in the Faith in 1985 and immediately pioneered with his new wife, Deborah Bryant Fenolio, to Burkina where the two of them coordinated a Baha’{ health and nutritional project in rural areas for two years.

In December 1987 they returned to San Francisco, where Mr. Fenolio served on the Spiritual Assembly and was an assis

tant to the Auxiliary Board.

He was well-respected in his field of genetics counseling, and a professional publication announced at his death, “In recognition of Kurt Fenolio’s interest in cultural diversity and his desire to learn about and from other cultures, donations made in his memory will be designated to support cross-cultural genetic counseling projects and under-represented populations.”

IN MEMORIAM

John Bailey Mable Lee Green

Jefferson County, OR

Date Unknown Spring 1992 Katharine Benjamin Canary Hamilton Onamia, MN Louisville, KY Date Unknown 1992

Yvill Black Lesley Harriss McLean, VA Gunnison, CO 1989 December 13, 1992 Lewis J. Caudill C. Ruby Hartwell Ft. Myers, FL Wauconda, IL 1990 December 30, 1992

Kathryn Coleman Portland, OR September 25, 1992

Ethel Corder Glendale, AZ. December 25, 1992

Paul De Fay Bonny Doon, CA January 6, 1993

Muhammad-Ali Faizi San Diego, CA December 28, 1992

Adeline R. Finley New Haven, CT January 6, 1993

Emily Gerling

Raymond Helmick Phoenix, AZ September 1992

Louise Henri North Chicago, IL June 2, 1992

Jose Hernandez Las Cruces, NM Date Unknown Demis Lee Hicks New York, NY September 19, 1992 Edward Hockaday Wake Forest, NC January 4, 1993

Mark C. Hopkins

Portland, OR Portland, OR January 7, 1993 January 9, 1993 John B. Gillespie Henry Hopper Englewood, NJ Canon City, CO January 6, 1993 July 1, 1992

Ronald Gilpatrick Santa Cruz, CA January 20, 1993

Willa M. Gordon Alexandria, VA April 1992

George C. Hutchinson Wilmington, DE November 3, 1992

Lillie Jordan Clinton, OK Date Unknown

Emilie M. Kalantar San German, PR January 11, 1993

Florence Knapton

Godfrey Nisbett Minneapolis, MN December 27, 1992

Jean V. Rankin

Nashville, TN Evanston, IL Date Unknown January 5, 1993 Ida E. Lace Behdad Rashidi

Willoughby, OH December 5, 1992 Richard McFarlin Rochester, MN

October 17, 1992

Bessie Mote Roseburg, OR Date Unknown

Cedar Grove, NJ December 1992

Abdolvahab Rezvani Scottsdale, AZ December 29, 1992

Carl A. Rhodes Suffolk, VA December 10, 1992

Laura Nuckles Sean E. Rowley

Roswell, GA. San Jose, CA 1991 November 1992 David Lightfoot Jr. Larry Sherrill Amarillo, TX Roseburg, OR November 15, 1992 Date Unknown.

Karl Macek Dawson Shot with Two Arrows

Southampton, NJ May 20, 1992

Berniece McGee

Parmele, SD December 1992

Miriam Sobin

Rohnert Park, CA San Jose, CA January 1992 1989 Robert Mendez Diane Varga

Clinton, OK Date Unknown

Los Angeles, CA December 9, 1992

Lena Watson Missouri City, TX December 20, 1992 Johnnie Yates Norfolk, VA

1992

Victor Mendez Clinton, OK December 5, 1992

Bahman Mahabaty McKinney, TX December 31, 1992

Ralph W. Nestler Lake Wales, FL Date Unknown

Russell J. Zerbe San Rafael, CA January 8, 1993

‘ALA B.£. 149 / Marcu 2, 1993 [Page 20]20 THE AMERICAN BaHA’

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 12-14: “The Kitab-i-Aqdas: Baha'u'llah's Most Holy Book,” Eagle Institute Youth Series, Louhelen Baha'f School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

o on a ” 20: “Bahd'u'llah's Writings: The Kitdb-i-Aqdas” (Dr. Juan Cole), Louhelen Baha'f B. AH A I FAI I H School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. 20-21: Third annual Naw-Rtiz/Race Unity Celebration, Brighton Creek, Washington. THE VISION OF R ACE UNITY: For information or reservations, phone Becky Cleere, 206-425-4342. 9 26-28: Oklahoma Spring Baha’ School. For information, contact Liz Wakeham, AMERICA'S mo: 1G ISSUE Oklahoma City, OK 73122 (phone 405-787-0734). eal s ST CHALLENGIN 28: Second Regional Women's Conference, “Equal Partnership: The Foundation for x Peace,” Lakewood, New Jersey. $25 fee includes lunch. For registration information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood, P.O. Box 811, Lakewood, NJ 08701, or phone 908-905-5737. \ 30-April 4: Youth Service Corps training session, Green Acre Bahd'f School, Eliot,

• Maine. For information, phone 207-493-7200; fax 207-439-7202.

Baha'is march behind their banner proclaiming the Faith's ‘Vision of Race APRIL Unity: America's Most Challenging Issue’ in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. 1-4: Pi ‘Training Institute, Green Acre Bahd'{ School, Eliot Maine. For informa: birthday parade in Atlanta, Georgia, January 16. More than 700 Bahd'is from | tion, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-439-102. across the country took part in the annual King Week events, enabling the 2-4: “Power and Empowerment: A Bahd't Vision of Professional Development,” friends in the Atlanta area to teach the Cause to a large number of seekers Louhelen Baha'f School. For information, phone 3131-653-5033. while emblazoning Baha‘u'llah's Name literally around the world. Complete 9-11: “Fruit of the Holy Year: Strategies for Bah4’f Youth Workshops,” Louhelen

eee of King Week begins on page 1. (Photo by Charles Muhammad) Baha’f School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. 16-18: Wisconsin Youth Retreat Weekend, Central Wisconsi

ironmental Station,

| To avoid unecessary delays in receiving your This formmay be used for ane person of your eire | Stevens Point. Bahé'f Youth (ages 13-20) are encouraged to bring friends who are close MOVING? copy of The American Bas, sedd your new family, Pleasetbe sore tolist FULL NAMES AND to the Faith. Dormitory lodging; bring own sleeping bag for bunk beds. Meals provided. | | reLL us your Se ee Tee NE LTE enn | Rate: $25. Registrar: Lisa Reimer, 703 1 Trenton Road, West Bend, W153095 (phone 414| | NEWADDRESS. | National Ceotr, Wilmete, 1 60091, as s000 as a es I 338-3023). | you know what your new addess willbe. | 23-25: Race Unity Institute I, general session, all ages: “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning,” a unique multi-cultural project combining youth and adult resources for those [ee | interested in positive, effective action, Bosch Baha’ School, Santa Cruz, California. jh | Separate classes for ages 11 and under. This inaugural program of an ongoing project D4 Tite based on Models of Unity will include speakers, workshops, multi-cultural entertainment i ee | and cuisine. Participants will examine the issue of race unity; commit their own potential | roe ae I to addressing the issue; and share their individual and group talents to celebrate this bold 3. new step in furthering the Cause of Bahé'u'll4h. Tuition: $50. VISA and MasterCard ac— | DE ae | cepted. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564. I+ _ | 24: “Love and Law” (speaker to be announced), Louhelen Bahd'f School. For informar 4 : j tion, phone 313-653-5033. I). NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: i 24-25: Observance of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Spiritual Assembly I | of Reno, Nevada. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, c/o Candy | | Fife, P.O. Box 6447, Reno, NV 89513, or phone 702-747-2854. P.O. Box or Other mailing address MAY lags 6-9: Pioneer Training Institute, Bahd'{ National Center, Wilmette, IL. For information, “Apartment # (applicable) ‘Apartment # (If applicable) phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039. | | 7-9: “World Order and Inner Oneness: Creating a Civilization That Makes Sense,” | ow iy | Louhelen Bahd'{ School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. 15: “Making a New World Order in Our Backyard,” Accepting the Challenge of a oe a ee Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Baha'{ School. For information, phone 313-653-5033. I D, NEW COMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: | 28-31: Baha'f Marriage Enrichment Weekend, Bosch Baha'f School. A special time to | | new and rnc your: rlatonete, Center ee pants lee rom the ioe of marriage. Register (MasterCard/V nin, -3387; for information, Eee aan eee et = {| write to the school at 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or fax 408-423-7564, F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): JUNE 13: International Bahé'{ Picnic, Queenstown Heights Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario, | _Aescole Phone namter Naa imacoks PSs ha i sponsored ae ie Spinal Assembly of Niagara Falls, P.O. Box 145, Niagara Falls, | G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: BC OUD ke ACO 17-20: Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Bah4'{ School, Davison, Michigan. For | [1 wetonothavethesamelasiname. We [—] the last names and addresses on our | [—] Ourhousehold receives only one copy information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039. : do ot want extra copies, so please —T acres labels donot match. We have of The American Baht 1 wish to 24-27: Bahd't Youth Service Corps training session, Louhelen Baha'f School, Davison, Pom ea ach gages hep =. acoelpmyregsenen | scaihedaplpe °c ea Michigan, For information, phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

| records, their LD. numbers, and the correc- I JULY 1 eae rR RRe ys: Senet pela eee eal eats <a 21-25: Hungry Mother Youth Retreat, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Clint Dye, 703-873-6754.

23-25: Third annual Hemlock Haven Bah4'f Conference, Hungry Mother State Park,

Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Maggie Hewitt, 703-783-7884. AUGUST p

26-29: Sixth annual “I Have a Dream” Youth Assembly, Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. For information or to take part, phone Cornelia Rutledge, 202-966-2356.

28-September 4: 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, Palmer House Hotel, Chi— cago, Illinois.

SEPTEMBER 4-7: Pioneer Training Institute and Bah4'f Youth Service Corps training session, Louis G. Gregory Bahé'{ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039. 17-19: Green Lake Bah4'f Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8890.

Chinese newsletter

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

BAHA'I NATIONAL CENTER

112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, IL 60091

‘ALA BLE. ! 1993 �