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The American Baha’i

Volume 24, No. 6

‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...

’—Baha'u'llah

Jamal B.E. 150 / April 28, 1993

Baha'i community responds to tragic fire that leaves four dead

On March 4, the Baha'f community of Modesto, California, responded to a cry for help from the survivors of a tragic apartment fire that took the lives of four members of a Cambodian family who were staying with Baha'fs after having moved recently to Modesto from Rhode Island.

The survivors were members of the Kouch family, all Bahd'fs, who were not at home when the fire broke out, and a sixyear-old boy, Bunrurd Van, who was at school when his parents and two younger sisters perished in the blaze.

Although barriers were set up to restrict crowds at the scene of the fire, Baha'fs with blankets, pillows, towels, clothing, foam mattresses, pots and pans, and other items were able to move past them to help the Red Cross, police and fire depart Mopbesto

ments, child protective services and insurance investigators take care of the survivors.

Bahd'fs remained on the scene until the bodies were removed from the premises, the apartment was boarded up, and the homeless Kouch family was relocated to another apartment for the ni

In the days that followed, Bahai ‘fs worked around the clock to help the orphaned child and the surviving Bahd’f family.

The Red Cross worked with the Baha'fs in making funeral arrangements, and vouchers for food and clothing were given to the Baha'is who handled them on behalf of the Kouch family. After consulting with Cambodian families in the neighborhood, the Baha'is were asked to conduct the funeral service, even though the deceased family were Buddhists.

The Spiritual Assembly of Modesto opened trust ac

counts for Bunrurd Van and the Kouch family while working with other agencies to take care of the many other details that inevitably arise in the wake of such events.

On March 7, members of the Baha'i community gathered at the Buddhist Temple in Modesto to pray for the boy and his deceased family, and were warmly praised by the Temple president for their help.

On March 8, Bahd'is conferred with Bunrurd Van's grandfather and uncle, who had flown to California from Rhode Island, and it was decided that the boy should return there with

Members ofthe Baha icommunity of Mod and other mourners at the fun Cambodian family who died ina fire March 4. A six-year-old boy, Bunrurd Van, was the only member of the fa home of a Cambodian Baha'i

fo, Cal ‘nia, gather with Buddhists I service March 11 for four members of a

ly to survive the blaze, which destroyed the i family with whom the victims were living.

them, as this would provide the most loving and stable environment for him.

Baha'is helped Bunrurd’s grandfather pack the child's belongings and take them to Stockton where the grandfather and uncle were staying with relatives. Afterward, the Bahd'fs met with the principal of Bunrurd's school and obtained his records for transfer to Rhode Island.

Susan Baral, a Baha'{ from Stockton, called to express her sympathy, and was asked to visit the grandfather and uncle in Stockton. She and another Baha'i, Mr. Oeum

See MODESTO page 8

Eleven recipients—seven individuals and four organizations—were honored for their unification efforts before

More than 300 attend ‘Models of Unity’ ceremony in Ahaheim honoring 11 for their commitment to unifying the community

rational music by the group “2-Che,” certificates were presented to the recipients with an explanation of their contributions toward unifying the community. Receiving the awards were:

World-renowned contralto Marian Anderson, ah died April 8, is pictured during a visit in March 1965 to the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, during the Chicago World Flower and Garden Show at which she was a guest of the National Spiritual Assembly. While in Wilmette, Miss Anderson and Wyatt Cooper, then superintendent of buildings and grounds at the House of Worship, planted the ‘Marian Anderson Rose’ in one of its gardens. The rose was featured in the Baha’ exhibit at the World Flower and Garden Show. (Photo by Ken Jennrich)

an audience of more than 300 at the Models of Unity Awards night held January 23 at California State University, Fullerton.

The awards night was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Anaheim, which distributed widely copies of the race unity and peace statements and Models of Unity booklets in advance and solicited nominations for the awards from all Baha'f communities in Orange County.

Following an address by Auxiliary Board member Ed Diliberto and inspi + Alma Buis, minority affairs officer for the Fullerton Police Department, for her commitment to building bridges of understanding and unity among Fullerton residents and increasing communication between the police department and the commu nity. INSID

• City Councilman

Ho Chung of Garden Grove for his dedica

tion to improving the A letter to PI Representatives 2 quality of life for all San Jose service awards 3 residents, regardless | New Youth Service posts 4 of origin, by develop- Race unity in Olean, New York = 5 ing programs that NewCenterinGreensboro,NC 9 See AWARDS page 2 Thai banner proclaims Faith fut

is related to Iran.

Friends should not sign petitions related to Iran

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

[Page 2]2 THEAMERICANBAHAT

In March, the following letter was sent by the Office of Public Information to all local Spiritual Assemblies and Baha’i Groups:

Dear Baha’i friends,

The Holy Year has witnessed unprecedented coverage of the Faith in the news media. The name and teachings of Baha’u’ lah have been blazoned across the country in thousands of articles, interviews and broadcasts. Media coverage in local communities on the Baha’i World Congress reinforced extensive publicity nationally and internationally.

Such success was achieved because of the outstanding efforts of Public Information Representatives, who demonstrated a new level of knowledge and understanding in their relations with the media.

The National Spiritual Assembly encourages Spiritual Assemblies and Groups to consult about their plans and goals for the Three Year Plan and about the appointment of their Public Information Representatives. The Office of Public Information asks that each local Spiritual Assembly and Group

Public Information Network: vital link to news media

appoint its Public Information Representative for the year, as soon as possible after the Ridvan election. Public Information Representatives must be appointed or reappointed each year. An isolated believer may serve as a Public Information Representative if he is sponsored by a nearby Spiritual Assembly. Local Spiritual Assemblies and groups should notify the Office of Public Information of the appointment as soon as possible, to ensure that communication about the external affairs of the Faith is maintained between the National Spiritual Assembly and local Baha’i communities. The Office of Public Information does not send copies of correspondence to PI Reps to local Spiritual Assembly or Baha’i Group secretaries. Public Information Representatives and committees are resources for the local Spiritual Assembly and the Baha’i community. The representative should provide the information he or she receives from the National Spiritual Assembly and its Office of Public Information to his or her sponsoring Assembly or Group as soon as possible. The PI Rep also is responsible for providing news about the external affairs of the Cause to the local Baha’i community and for disseminating

appropriate material to local media.

The National Spiritual Assembly depends on the Baha’i Public Information Network to send originals of newspaper articles which mention the Faith to the Office of Public Information. There are instances when the National Assembly may want to take action based on a local activity. Such communication is especially important as the Faith becomes even more well-known to the American public.

The National Spiritual Assembly encourages PI representatives or others designated by the local Assembly to access regularly the NEWSWIRE and the Public Information section of the Baha’i National Center electronic bulletin board for news which can be given to local media and shared with the Baha’i community. The NEWSWIRE, which also is accessible to non-Baha’i journalists, is the beginning of what will eventually become a Baha’i wire service.

Please be assured of our prayers for your efforts to educate the public about the Faith of Baha’u’ lah.

Los Angeles Baha'is play key role in implementing city's new ‘vision’

On February 5, human rights leaders in Los Angeles met with Mayor Tom Bradley to discuss ways in which to implement the “Vision of a New Los Angeles: A Community United.” The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Los Angeles played a key role in presenting the document, constructed during six months of intensive consultation.

Informal discussions are under way about opening a full-time school in Los Angeles, owned and operated by Bahd'fs but open to the public. The school would offer a full academic curriculum while encouraging unity in diversity and other Baha’ ideals.

The Vision of a New Los Angeles project, conceived after a meeting with

60 attend UN Day picnic in Dallas

An estimated 60 people, several of whom were not Baha'is, attended a Bah4'f-sponsored picnic last December in Dallas, Texas, commemorating United Nations Day.

Children at the picnic painted amural which was afterward cut up and pieces given to those who wished to take part of it home.

The diverse group included African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Persians.

the mayor in August 1991 and accelerated by tensions that followed the riots last April and May, is sponsored by the Baha'is of Los Angeles, the Human Relations Commission, and the Mayor's Office.

The steering committee, whic! cludes members of all three entities, foresees use of the document as a barometer for government agencies and mayoral candidates as well as civic and human rights groups.

The document's 14 pages of text are followed by a directory of the city's 300-400 human rights agencies to promote collaboration and networking among socio-ethnic and community groups. All participants have agreed on nine major premises:

• We envision a city where every

citizen has access to the level of participation that creates a sense of belonging.

• We envision a city where community involvement is a way of life.

• We envision a city whose policies

and programs enable diversity, a city which values each diverse group as a source of energy and creativi

• We envision a city where children

are a priority.

• We envision a city that not only

encourages but teaches non-violent conflict resolution.

¢ We envision a city which actively promotes economic justice, a city where every citizen has access to quality of life.

• We envision a

The American Bahd't is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'ts of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Jack Bowers. Associate Editor: Ken Bowers. Art director: Scot Corrie. The American Bahd't welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'f Faith, Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Bahd't, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahd't National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1993 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahéfs of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

city whose inhabitants work together to reduce urban stress.

• We envision a

city where government leaders commit to the collective vision.

• We envision a

city where organizations unite to actualize the collective vision.

Pictured are recipients of the Models of Unity Awards presented January 23 by the

State University in Fullerton.

Awards FROM PAGE 1

strive to create unity and harmony ina diverse community.

• Sister Armida Deck for her steadfast commitment and dedicated service to the Hispanic

community of Orange County.

• Ethel Hanna, a marriage, family and child

counselor in Huntington Beach, for serving as an example of unity by giving generously and unselfishly to a minority family in need.

+ Nampet Panichpant-M, health services advocate of Santa Ana, for promoting intergroup relations among Asian-Pacific rim cultures and for contributing time and energy to ensure community-wide services for all residents.

+ Ann Rose, an elementary school teacher in Fullerton, for incorporating peace studies into the school curriculum.

• Michael O'Shea, retired senior citizen of

La Habra, for his longtime commitment to providing essential goods and services to the needy in his community without regard to race or religion.

+ A Place for Us, Gardena, for providing a supportive environment in which interracial couples and their families can come together to foster a sense of community.

• The City of Costa Mesa Human Relations

Committee for celebrating diversity through programs that build bridges between cultural

Spiritual Assembly of Anaheim, California, during an awards night event at California

groups to benefit all residents of Costa Mesa.

¢ The Interfaith Peace Ministry of Orange County for taking a spiritual approach to greater understanding and appreciation of the county's diverse religions and races.

• The UCI Cross-Cultural Center, Irvine, for

providing a place, opportunities and activities forindividuals of diverse backgrounds to meet, study and socialize.

The Los Angeles Times ran an article in its Orange County edition on the day of the event, and several newspapers planned to carry postevent articles with photographs.

University president speaker as Detroit's monthly series of race unity programs continues

Dr. Sandra Packard, president of Oakland (Michigan) University, was the speaker February 27 in the most recent in a monthly series of programs on racism sponsored by the Baha'is of Detroit and Grosse Pointe.

Dr. Packard's topic was “The Role of Education in Overcoming Prejudice.”

About 50 people, the majority of whom were not Baha'is, attended the meeting. Among them were a public school administrator; several teachers, physicians and lawyers; a college professor; the fund development director of Wayne State University; a Lutheran minister and his wife, and an executive of a Japanese auto firm and his wife.

JAMAL B.£. 150 / Apri 28, 1993 [Page 3]

San Jose

‘Law and Justice’ is theme as Baha'is present 12th Community Service Awards

“Law and Justice” was the theme of the 12th annual Community Service Awards banque! ry 30 sponsored by the Baha'f community of San Jose, California.

Receiving this year's awards were two Superior Court judges, LaDoris Hazzard Cordell and Leonard P. Edwards, and Louis A. Cobarruviaz, the police chief of San Jose.

Judge Cordell is the first Afric can woman judge i Judge Edward: the Superior Court for Santa Clara County.

The keynote speaker was James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly and retired judge of the Municipal Court of Los Angeles County.

Among the 220 persons attending the banquet were four delegates from the Chinese consulate; a reporter from Spanishlanguage KSTS-TV, which covered the event on its news programs; representatives from the NAACP, the Martin Luther King Jr. board of directors, and Santa Clara Human Rights Commission; and

several past recipients of the awards

“Judges are in a unique position to help bring about positive social change in society,” Judge Cordell said in accepting her award, “just as the Bahd'fs work for positive change and...demonstrate a commitment to work for the common good.

“For the Bah: an organization for which I have tremendous respect, to show appreciation for my work is, indeed, an honor for which I am grateful.”

“The law is not the parent of justice; it is its child,” said Judge Nelson. “We spend an awful lot of time making believe that the law makes people good, when in fact, what ought to happen is that good people make the law.”

This year's ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Ronald S. Gilpatrick, ad

ministrator of the Bosch Baha'i School, who died January 20. Mr. Gilpatrick had

THE AMERICAN BaHA 3

California Superior Court Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell accepts her award from sculptor Vern Allié (left) on behalf of the Baha'is of San Jose, California, at the 12th annual community service awards banquet January 30. At right is master of ceremonies Dennis Best. Also honored were Judge Leonard P. Edwards and San Jose Chief of Police Louis A. Cobarruviaz.

served as master of ceremonies at the 11 previous awards ceremonies in San Jose.

Pictured are the members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Clayton Cait, Georgia, formed January 3 by joint declaration. Front row (left to right) Robin Wright, Sadie Hughes, Merle DuBois; middle row (left to right) Jacinta Parsons, Helen Pond; back row (left to right) Thomas Varner, Clarence DuBois, Bruce Pond, Leran Parsons.

Clayton County, Georgia, forms first Assembly, hits ground running with public meeting for King Week

On January 3, the Spiritual Assembly of Clayton County, Georgia, was formed by joint declaration.

The Baha'is of Clayton County are especially proud of three things about their Assembly: (1) itis the first Assembly ever formed in Clayton County; (2) one of its members, Sadie Hughes, is a niece of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory; and (3) another member, Robin Wright, heard about the Faith and met the Baha'f who taught her through a computer talk line, Prodigy, on her personal computer at home.

The community consists of nine adults,

cee eet rere rete steerer

10 children and two youth with an age range of two years to 80 years.

Shortly after its formation, the Assembly co-sponsored a Martin Luther King Week public event with Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church at which David Hofman, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, spoke on “Peace, Unity and Equality for All Mankind.”

One hundred-ten people attended the meeting, at which one of the Baha'f youth from Clayton County, Kathy Johnson, performed an original song, “All God's Children.”

Bei

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

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

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

‘Disabled’ have much to give

To the Editor:

This letter concerns the disabled, differently-abled, or handicapped, but is addressed to everyone else.

In applying the principle of the oneness of humanity to our lives, we should be conscious of the disabled as well as those of different races. To my understanding, unity requires interdependence, not the independence this culture teaches.

Try to understand the needs of others that are common to everyone even though some cannot do some things considered “normal.”

The “disabled” have much to give and many talents. Most of the Writings of the Faith that apply to racial unity also apply to the unity of everyone including the disabled. I’ll cite one example:

“O children of men! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul,

siineatiebtmaiaes

sai sees

to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by yourdeeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory. (Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words, No. 68 from the Arabic) Philip H. Dawson Xenia, Ohio

Response to Feast letter

To the Editor:

In response to the National Spiritual Assembly's Feast letter of February 7, the Baha'i community of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, voted to send the enclosed special contribution in the amount of ... to the National Fund.

In addition to responding to the need expressed in the Feast letter, we wish to express our thanks for the outstanding effort that made the World Congress such a memorable, exciting and significant event.

Those who attended, of course, were thrilled. More important, all Bah4'fs were able to share it through the special edition of The American Baha'f, the newsreel video, your correspondence, and special materials that attendees brought back.

Thank you from all of us for the unseen love and sacrifice that the staff and volunteers gave to help make the World Congress possible. We are proud of the part the American Baha'f community was able to play in such an historic event in Baha'i history.

The Bahd'f community of Dartmouth, Massachusetts

‘The essence of wealth’ To the Editor:

The Cause of God is so great, and we are so fortunate to be made truly wealthy by our devotion to it. Economic difficulties we may have, but “the essence of wealth” is love for Bahé'u'll4h.

Now the Kitdb-i-Aqdas is dawning upon us with a brighter measure of its potential,

See LETTERS page 15

DRAKE B.E. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993 [Page 4]4 THRAMSTIOANEAHAT

TERT

New Baha'i Youth Service Corps posts announced

AFRICA

Gabon: The National Spiritual Assembly is looking for youth to help local youth with teaching, consolidation, children’ sclass teacher training, organizing institutes and managing exhibitions in less deleloped parts of Gabon.

Zambia: Ongoing need for volunteers and trainees at the William Masehla Baha’ { Institute and Banani International Secondary School for girls. Youth have served at the institute and school, and/or been trained as teachers for other southern African countries. Very low living costs.

AMERICAS

Chile: “Moral leadership” work at Colegio Nur (Baha’f school); teaching and consolidation in northern “desert” region,

UPCOMING PIONEERING INSTITUTES

May 6-9—Bahd'i National Center, Evanston, Illinois. June 17-20— Louhelen Baha’i School, Davison, Michigan. Labor Day weekend— Louis Gregory Baha’{ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina.

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

Time is now to plan for traveling teaching this summer

Every spring the Office of Pioneering surveys most National Spiritual Assemblies regarding their needs for traveling teachers for the next Baha’ f year. We have so far received replies telling of a wide gamut of teaching projects and activities for which your help is urgently needed from:

AFRICA: Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, West Africa (for Bein, Cote D’Ivoir, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo). ASIA: China, Korea, India. AUSTRALASIA: Cook Islands, Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. CARIBBEAN: Barbados, Belize, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, West Leeward IsEASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Ukraine, Yugoslavia. LATIN AMERICA: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico. WESTERN EUROPE: Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Switzerland.

Watch the next editions of The American Bahd’t for more!

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Area / Country Goal Filled Ukraine .. 100 185 Kazakhstan 6 10 CIS (Other 150 247 Bulgaria .. 5 14 Czechoslovakia 30 47 DDR/East Germany . 10 4 ‘Hungary 35. 21 Poland 15 23 Romania 10 16 Yugoslavia 40 9 Mongolia 4 2 China ..... 35 91 Totals 440 669

rural indigenous region south of Santiago; work with the Labranza Institute, Radio Baha’ f; and National Secretariat assistant.

East Leeward Islands: Opportunity for teaching in villages, helping with children’s classes, and animating youth classes on the islands of Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat.

Guyana: Ongoing Resident Teachers Project involving enrollment and nurturing of new believers, training children’s class teachers, assisting youth groups and being of service to local communities.

Virgin Islands: The National Spiritual Assembly would like to see a Baha’ f presence established at the University of the Virgin Islands; campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

United States: The William Sears teaching project in San Francisco needs dedicated full-time youth teachers comfortable with diverse seekers and hing situations for periods of nine months or more. Los Angeles needs an outreach teacher/coordinator and a special projects coordinator for a variety of teaching ii es. Sioux City, Iowa, needs an i vidual to work closely with the local Spiritual Assembly to develop and implement ateaching program to reach Native Americans living in the city.

AUSTRALASIA

Western Caroline Islands and the Republic of Belau: The National Spiritual Assembly needs young males ages 19 or older to help deepen the youth of the islands in all aspects of the Teachings.

ASIA

India: The Baha’i Vocational Institute for Rural Women endeavors to integrate the application of spiritual and moral values into training programs aimed at the transformation of rural communities. Two female volunteers needed for 3 months to one year. Very low living costs.

Taiwan: Any number of female or male youth needed to work in mass teaching.

EUROPE

Bulgaria: Assisting with the expansion and consolidation of Baha’ f communi’ translating oral presentations and publications for Bulgarian Baha’ { children, helping with Baha’ { administration, and more.

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BE-LIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA, FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAM-— BIA; GERMANY;GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BIS— SAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAM— BIQUE; NEPAL; NEW CALEDONIA; PAKISTAN; PANAMA; 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.

JAMAL B.E. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993

Low living costs.

Canary Islands: Opportunities for volunteers over the age of 21 to work toward the goal of forming local Spiritual Assemblies in several key areas.

Italy: Assist the Baha’ { Publishing Trust; serve as a traveling teacher; be a caretaker for the Baha’f Center in Rome or other cities; act as office assistant at the Secretariat of the National Assembly.

Germany: Serve at the House of Worship in gardening, guiding, bookstore and secretarial duties. Assist the distribution service of the Publishing Trust, at the National Center, or in the functions of the National Office.

Sakhalin Island—Russia: Volunteers

needed for “Baha’i youth” classes and teaching English as a second language for Ist to 3rd grade elementary students at the English-speaking Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk International School, owned and partially directed by Baha’fs.

Switzerland: If you have office skills such as word processing, typing and filing, your services are needed at the Baha’ f International Community office inGeneva. Low living cost.

For information about any of the above posts, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039; fax 708869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering.

Seven hundred-fifty people, about 40 of whom were Baha'is, gathered January 27 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh for a musical tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter and Baha'i John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie, who died

January 6. Thirty musicians took part in the program at the university's Stewart Theatre, planned and presented by the NCSU Baha'i Club.

Landegg Academy, Switzerland—1993 program

April 11-17—Symposium ‘93: The Academy’s annual symposium for youth. Theme: Health. (English/German)

July 4-31—World Order Studies Program, years I, II, III, Graduating Class. Now entering its fifth year, the Certificate Program in World Order Studies is an intensive three-year program giving students an overview of the Baha’f Faith while making correlations with current world affairs.

August 3-17—Education for Peace, years I and II. A two-year program for junior youth. Program goals include assisting the participants to understand themselves and to deal with the challenges of adolescence, helping them develop a strong Bahd’i identity, and training them to be promoters of peace. (English/German)

August 3-17—Teacher-Educator Course, YearI. A new intensive two-year program aimed at the preparation of resource persons for training teachers of Baha’{ children and junior youth.

August 20-26—Summer Festival ‘93. The first in what will be a series of annual summer festivals focusing on a variety of themes. Visual arts with an emphasis on slide, film, audio and video productions will be the focus in 1993.

September 5-11—Advanced Studies in the Bah4’i Faith. A new program designed to help participants gain deeper

seummamrarmaeass

knowledge of the Revelation of Baha’ u’ll4h and how it can be presented and defended. Part I: The Book of Laws: Point and Counterpoint. (Persian/English)

September 17-19—Annual Meeting of the European Baha’{ Business Forum.

September 24-27—Annual Meeting of the Association of Baha’i Studies in German-speaking Europe. Theme: The Book of Aqdas. (German/English)

Oct. 28-Nov. 1—Annual Meeting of the Landegg Music Forum. A rich program of lectures, workshops and concerts will provide musicians and music lovers of all persuasions a unique opportunity to consult, network and learn.

November 22-28—Annual Meeting of the International Society of Agriculture and Rural Development. Theme: Agriculture: Nutrition, Diet and Health—A Baha’ Approach.*

Dec. 27-Jan.2 ‘94—Forum ‘93. The fourth in an annual series of forums for young professionals. Theme: Critical and Creative Thinking for a Global Society. (English/German)

• A special program will be offered for

children 4-12 years of age accompanying their parents. Please contact the Office of Pioneering for information on presenting a paper or participating in a panel discussion for this event.

[Page 5]

During the World Congress, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Rihfyyih Khénum pointed out to the Baha’ fs the need to exercise our imaginations, to see ourselves and our service to the Faith in new ways. The way we choose to see ourselves will affect every aspect of our lives as individuals and communities: success in teaching, victory with Fund goals—in short, every aspect of the community’s development.

But how shall we see ourselves? One indication comes from the beloved Guardian, who wrote:

“The friends must, at all times, bear in mind that they are, in a way, like soldiers under attack. The world is at present in an exceedingly dark condition spiritually; hatred and prejudice of every sort are literally tearing it to pieces. We, on the other hand, are the custodians of the opposite forces, the forces of love, of unity, of peace and integration, and we must con

DS tr a a

THe Funps The language of war in the service of peace

tinually be on our guard, whether as individuals or as an Assembly or community, lest through us these destructive, negative forces enter into our midst.

“In other words, we must beware lest the darkness of society become reflected in our acts and attitudes, perhaps all unconsciously. Love for each other, the deep sense that we are a new organism, the dawn-breakers of a new World Order, must constantly animate our Baha’f lives, and we must pray to be protected from the contamination of society which is so diseased with prejudice.” (Directives of the Guardian, p. 40)

The metaphor of war and the military is repeated often enough by all the Central Figures that it merits some deep consideration. How often do we read that we are the “Army of Life”? “Mount your steeds, O heroes of God,” was the rallying cry at Fort Tabarsi.

The Master speaks of the great privilege

60 Baha’is take part in 8th annual ‘Good Neighbor’ Award Breakfast honoring Dr. King in San Jose, CA

On January 18, more than 600 people including about 60 Baha'fs attended the 8th annual “Good Neighbor Award Breakfast” in San Jose, California, commemo Springfield, Illinois, Baha'is host tribute to Dizzy Gillespie

More than 100 people including a number of seekers attended a tribute to the life and music of jazz trumpeter John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespie presented February 21 by the Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, Illinois.

The program included music by local jazz groups, a video presentation of clips from Mr. Gillespie's career, refreshments, and fellowship. Members of the Baha'i community were among the performers.

News reports of the event were carried on local radio and television.

rating the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Two young Bahda'fs from the San Jose Baha'i Speech Club, ages seven and 12, spoke at the event during which 28 people were given awards for community service in the spirit of Dr. King's legacy. The program ended with a Baha'f prayer recited by Nancy Portillo, after which attendees were invited on a “freedom train” ride from San Jose to San Francisco with a march in downtown San Francisco.

The breakfast was sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Santa Clara, a support group affiliated with the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Four Baha'is from the San Jose area are board members of the Association.

Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389.

Telephone number for the Baha'i National Center Bulletin Board

we enjoy: “Thank God thou didst become a soldier of life; subdued the domain of hearts with the arms of the love of God and the sword of concord and peace; didst go after the army of the Kingdom of Abhd; followed the Supreme Concourse and by the aid of the Spirit made many conquests.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, p. 148)

The youth are not overlooked in these statements: “Many times,” Shoghi Effendi writes, “the young Baha’ fs these days seem to be living the lives of soldiers, and in a way the pioneers are the soldiers of Baha’ u’Ilah, going out to plant the banner of His dominion in far corners of the earth!” (Unfolding Destiny, p. 460)

What are the characteristics of an army? One obvious one is that an army is raised at a time of great need or crisis.

There can be little doubt that we are engaged in a struggle when the cities, our families, even the physical world itself seem to be in constant turmoil. In the first passage above, the Guardian speaks of the “contamination” we can suffer by the “destructive, negative forces” loose in the world.

Another characteristic of an army is discipline. With the release of the English translation of the Most Holy Book, the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, our knowledge will grow. Now that we know Baha‘u'llah’s full will for us, the level of expectation must rise.

Each individual will have the opportunity to rise to this new level; the institutions will also pursue their evolutionary development, quite probably in some startling new ways. Indeed, these institutions are the generals and leaders who will guide us and protect us, if we allow them to do so. Yet another characteristic of an army is that it depends upon sacrifice. Dwight Eisenhower, commander during one of the most extraordinary military efforts in history, was quite clear on this point. As he wrote to his son in 1942, “The only unforgivable in war is not doing your duty.” The crisis which calls for armies

THE AMERICAN BAHAT 5 RATT

NT

also demands the all-out effort of every soldier. Nothing, whether spiritual or material, can be held back.

Contributions to the Funds of the Faith are one aspect of this sacrifice. They are a measure of our understanding of the urgency of the moment. Numbers and budgets have no importance in and of themselves. As indicators of our strength and as the outline of our plans of spiritual conquest, however, they are very important.

While it is not the only vision we might choose, and certainly not the most comfortable one, we might do well to imagine ourselves as locked in this struggle, “under attack” as the Guardian warned us.

If the urgency of the time is so great, then a rededication of effort is vital. Gen. Eisenhower said: “In war there is no substitute for victory.” Our beloved Shoghi Effendi left us these words to pray about:

“Its (the World Crusade’s) Marshal is none other than the Author of the Divine Plan. Its standard-bearers are the Hands of the Cause of God appointed in every continent of the globe. Its generals are the twelve national spiritual assemblies participating in the execution of its design. Its vanguard is the chief executors of ‘Abdu’ lBaha’s master plan, their allies and associates. Its legions are the rank and file of believers standing behind these same twelve national assemblies and sharing in the global task embracing the American, the European, the African, the Asiatic and Australian fronts.

“The charter directing its course is the immortal Tablets that have flowed from the pen of the Center of the Covenant Himself. The armor with which its onrushing hosts have been invested is the glad tidings of God’s own message in this day, the principles underlying the order proclaimed by His Messenger, and the laws and ordinances governing His Dispensation. The battle cry animating its heroes and heroines is the cry of YéBaha’u’l-Abha, Y4 Aliyyu’I-A’14.” (Messages to the Baha’ World, p. 153)

Race unity activities draw positive community response in Olean, New York

Ongoing efforts over the past year by the Baha'is of Olean, New York, in the area of race relations have drawn an excellent response from local news media and the public.

Last summer, following the community's annual Race Unity Day picnic and some controversial publicity about Ku Klux Klan activities in the Olean area, the local Spiritual Assembly created an interfaith Race Relations Advisory Council (RRAC) to generate ideas forhealing racism in Olean.

The RRAC helped sponsor UN International Day of Peace last September with the theme “Education, World Peace and Global Unity.” But the local newspaper, the Olean Times-Herald, responding to Klan activities and the riots in Los Angeles, decided to focus on the issue of racism.

In a series of articles, the paper pointed out how the RRAC hoped to “heal old racial wounds,” and in an editorial quoted a Catholic priest who had been given the Baha'f statement on race unity as saying, “Racism is an affront to human dignity.”

The editorial added that the goal of the RRAC “is to play an active role in bridg

ing the gaps between races and cultures in the area. But a handful of people [the Olean Baha'f community numbers 24] can only doso much. They need our help, from the media to the churches to the schools.”

In January, the RRAC observed the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth with a week-long poster-essay contest. More than 70 entries were displayed at a local mall with four winners in each category given $50 prizes at the MLK observance and 10 honorable mentions receiving $15 prizes. Prize money was donated by local industries and banks.

Four articles about the events appeared in the two local newspapers; each mentioned that they were sponsored by the Baha'is of Olean and the RRAC.

After a dozen members of the community attended the World Congress last November, a local paper published a halfpage article headlined “Keeping the Faith: Local Baha'is come away from Congress with hope for us all.” Included with the article was a color photograph of a banner by Barb DeFiore of Olean that was displayed with others from around the world at New York's Jacob Javits Center.

Baha'is from Olean, New York, display the banner made by Barb DeFiore of Olean that was hung with others from around the world last November at the second Baha'i World Congress in New York City.

JAMAL B.£. 150 / Apri 28, 1993 [Page 6]6 THE AMERICAN BAHA’/ 2

Meditations 9 of the isa Blessed Beauty

Bach oh Srinane

in ine embracing the mystery a sone of f ia wonderful book for gi ving to friends, contacts, and shale Ng ede healt Gad Bea Yh ES time to dwell on its words and images. Each book contains a commemorative stamp on special manuscript paper as a life-long souvenir of the Holy Year. 8” x 9-1/4", 96pp., introduction, references Bahd’t Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Tablet of Carmel

Ts noving and pone Tablet

the snip mye of Gor's holy

mountain. We are pleased to offer this beautiful gift edition a splendid collection of

Tablet of Carmel

, ial P raphs _ Of Mount Carmel, especially shale npaconl superb item for presentation to friends, si i and dignitaries, and for wse in public displays and exhibitions. ae % I" x 6-1/4", Trt ofthe Unb

Ridvan Message for Children (1992)

prepared by the Australian Baha'i Children Education

Task Force

SC $2.25

This special adaptation of the 1992 Ridvan message is suitable for children. However, many adults will also find this publication useful. The bookletis full ofhelpful graphics and study questions. Ridvdn Message for Children was designed for families, teachers of children’s classes, youth at colleges and campuses, and Feasts in your community.

5-7/8" x 8-1/8", 14pp.

Bahd’i Publications Australia

The Role of the Mirroring Principle and the Word of God in Recovering from Child Abuse

by Phyllis K. Peterson SC $1.50

of reality. A fine introduction to an often misunderstood condition. 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 16pp., bibliography Phyllis K. Peterson

A glimpse at childhood sexual abuse and the undeserved shame of the victims. Using excerpts from the writings of Baha’u’llah, the author argues that the survivors of sexual abuse were not born evil, as the doctrine of original sin states, but that the survivor’s potential to mirror both good and evil was unjustly taken advantage of before there was an opportunity to develop the power of choice. This booklet illustrates how the victim’s childhood environment often limits their ability to trust their own feelings and leaves them with a distorted view

A Wider Horizon

Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992

SC $10.00

Inits 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.

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’i world through new stages of growth,

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

Peace on Earth

A Book of Prayers from Around the World Bijou Le Tord

HC $18.00

Bijou Le Tord celebrates all of God’s creation—the creatures of land and sea, the children of many nations, the trees and mountains that surround us, the moon and the stars in the sky—in this splendid collection of expressions of faith the world over. An Inuit magic prayer to greet the dawn, a Shaker hymn in praise of simplicity, an African child’s thanks for peanuts, as well as joyous songs and prayers from many religious traditions are all gathered here. Also included are poems by such authors as Marc Chagall; e.e. cummings, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Langston Hughes, Madeleine L’Engle, and Leslie Marmon Silko. On each page Bijou Le Tord’s exquisite watercolor illustrations capture the spiritual qualities of everything around us and the mysteries of faith.

9-1/2" x 8-3/4", 80pp.

Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

PEACE ON EARTH

Ministry of the Custodians

by Amatu'l-Bahd Ruhiyyih Khanum

HC $23.95

In a letter dated September 24, 1992, to all National Spiritual Assemblies from the department of the secretariat of the Universal House of Justice, the secretariat states that “the Universal House of Justice rejoices to inform all the friends that at its request the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Baha Rihiyyih Khanum has compiled the major communications of the body of the Hands of the Cause of God, and of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, during the years from 1957 to 1963, and has written an introduction placing in perspective the events of those critical years. The House of Justice is particularly gratified that this precious record of the years when the Hands of the Cause preserved the unity of the Faith following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, and piloted the Baha’i world to victory in the Ten Year Crusade, will appear during the Holy Year.” 6" x 9", 485pp., table of contents, reference sources, index

World Centre Publications

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 racial tensions and offers a ‘‘vaccine’’ against the disease of racism.

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

Order now through the Baha’ Distribution Service ¢ 1 -800-999-901 9 JamAL B.£. 150/ Apri. 28, 1993 A, P 7 7

aR os [Page 7]THE AMERICAN BaHA’i ld

he Kitdb-i-Aqdas, termed by Shoghi Effendi the “brightest emanation of the mind of Bahéulllah,” has been officially released to the Bahd’t world community. This long-awaited English translation will, the Universal House of Justice says, “usher in a new stage in the evolution of the Bahd?t world.” 25,000 copies of this limited Ist edition have been purchased for the U.S. Bahat community. At the time of this printing, all but 10,000 copies have been sold.

Supplies are limited, so we urge you to place your order now Jor the “Mother Book’ of Bahd'ulléhs Dispensation. =

aya ume

Blessed those who peruse it! Blessed those who apprehend it! Blessed those who meditate upon it! Blessed those who ponder its meaning! So vast is its range that it hath encompassed all men ere their recognition of it. Erelong will its sovereign power, its pervasive influence and the greatness of its might be manifested on Earth. f

—BAHA’U’LLAH

a a a a

ou

St" x 8%! 4 preface, ints supplementary texts, questions and answers, synopsis and codific— ation, notes, glossary, key to t

TOTAL Payment METHOD Please add 15% (min. $3.00) for orders shipped outside the U.S. —CasH —CHECK —Cuarce (Visa, Master, AMEX) DAYTIME UBLEBHONE gs

Baha’ Distribution Service. 5397 Wilbanks Drive, Chattanooga TN 37343 1-800-999-9019 FAX 615-843-0836

JAMAL B.E. 150 / Apri. 28, 1993 [Page 8]8 ‘THEAMERICANBAHAT

..9abemos de la importancia que en los escritos de la Fe

...Sabemos de la importancia que en los escritos de la Fe se daal respecto, citando de Bah4’u’ Ilah lo sig..”Cuiddos, no sea que incurr4is en aquello que entristezca los corazones de vuestros padres y madres. Seguid el sendero de la Verdad, el cual, ciertamente, es el sendero recto. Si alguien os diese la oportunidad de elegir entre rendir un servicio a Mfo un servicio a ellos, elegid servirles a ellos, y haced que tal servicio sea un sendero que os gufe hacia Mi. Esta es me exhortacién y mandamiento para ti. Observa, por tanto, aquello que tu Sefior, el Poderoso, el Generoso, te ha ordenado”.

La unidad que debe manifestar la familia baha’f, es un pilar que sostiene y fortalece nuestro desarrollo espiritual; cierto es que nusetra relacién con Dios es individual, pero, si existen desavenencias en la familia, ésto nos afecta igualmente.

Aparentemente, no se conecta la buena relacién familiar con las actividades de ensefianza de la Causa, sin embargo, el experimentar la unidad en el hogar, tendr4 mayor efecto al participar a otros las buenas nuevas de la Fe.

No debemos descuidar el esfuerzo por mejorar la unidad de la familia, no obstante que, en muchos casos, no todos. sus integrantes profesan la misma creencia, y es, en estos casos, en donde las ensefianzas de Baha'u'llah, nos dan la gufa necesaria para que nuestro propésito se pueda cumplir.

En ocasiones los prejuicios hacia los familiares, nos impiden el acercamiento para iniciar, con ellos, conversaciones que nos hagan conocer, cuales son los velos que los alejan de la verdad, y esperamos que ellos se acerquen a nosotros, cuando la iniciativa depende de nuestro desprendimiento.

Una vez escuché de un amigo baha’{ que nuestro amado Guardian, cuando tenfa alguna leve discordiasiendo nifio, nose ibaa dormir sin antes haber subsanado su diferencias con el amiguito. Aunque es un ejemplo, tal vez in— substancial, nos muestra claramente la trascendencia en la preservaci6n de la unidad con todos los que nos rodean.

Para finalizar citamos de la Bendita Belleza, los padres deben esforzarse al mAximo en criar a sus hijos para que sean devotos, pues se los nifios no logran éste, el més grande de los ornamentos, no obedecerdn a sus padres, lo que en cierto sentido significa que no obedecerén aDios. En verdad, tales nifios no mostraran consideraci6n hacia nadie y haran exactamente lo que les plazca.”

(De la “Llamado Bahd’,i” el Boletin de la Asamblea Nacional de los Baha’ ts de Mexico, No. 73. Ene-Feb '93)

n \

Uniting td world. . . One heart at a time ©

Thousands of people had an opportunity to learn about the Faith when the Baha'is of San Jose, California, took part January 21-23 in the TET Festival (Vietnamese New Year celebration). The Baha'i booth focused on unity in diversity and attracted considerable attention from Vietnamese including five who had become Baha'is while in Vietnam. Pamphlets were available in Vietnamese, Hmong, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Non-literature items represen’

Faith

must be reviewed before production

Allnon-literature items representing the Faith must be reviewed by the National Spiritual Assembly's Special Materials Reviewing Committee if the friends wish to offer the materials for sale outside of their local community. Otherwise, items may be reviewed for local use by the local Spiritual Assembly.

Following are some general guidelines to help guide the friends in the production of such material

The friends are encouraged to submit their projects in the idea stage before investing money in their production.

• Baha'f membership lists and directories are not to be used by Baha'fs as source

lists for mailing advertising materials.

• Only photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

are to be reproduced for sale, as Shoghi Effendi has said that these represent the best likeness of the Master. The friends are, however, free to produce paintings, sketches or busts of ‘Abdu’ I-Bahé for their own use or as gifts if they wish to do so.

The reviewing committee has available copies of the proper render

REGISTRATION FORM

Print Name Baha'i I.D.

BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPECIAL VISIT PROGRAM JULY 15 - 18, 1993

List additional names as applicable, Baha'i ID#'s, ages of children). Attach extra sheet as needed.

ings of the Greatest Name and ringstone symbols. Anyone wishing to reproduce these on jewelry or wall hangings should contact the committee for a copy to ensure that these sacred symbols are reproduced

as accurately as possible.

• The review process will be

Address

City State Zip. (FS),

Coe)

Do not send any other payment to us.

Hore InroRMATION

alist of hotels. All registrants. Please circle your hotel choice and indicate the number in your party.

(1) Skokie Howard Johnson

• Buffet breakfast included
• 2 miles from the House of Worship
• 1bd. rm. is $57.00/ 2bd. rm. is $67.00

(2) Marriott Courtyard

• Breakfast Additional

• Flat rate is $49.00

listing

Retum this form to: Baha'i House of Worship Activities Office Special Visit Program

Wilmette, IL 60091

Telephone/Work/Home/Area code:

Acchildren’s program will be conducted each day for ages 4 - 11. No other child care will be available.

The registration fee is $7.00 per person. Please make checks available to the Baha'i Services Fund.

Based on our two hotel selections, we can make your reservations. However, you will handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. For those who wish to select their own accommodations, we will send you ill be sent transportation information and an itinerary of program activities.

• 10 miles north of the House of Worship

Both hotels will provide full day shuttle service. Please indicate yes or no for an alternative hotel

expedited if the friends submit printed lyrics for music, and also send lists of references for any quotations from the Writings used in music or on wall hangings, cards, etc.

• The sacred text and the

Greatest Name and ringstone symbols are not to be used on items that have a functional purpose such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, etc.

If the sacred text is used, once the reviewing committee has completed its review and given permission for distribution of an item carrying the sacred text, the Baha'{ Publishing Trust should be contacted forthe proper copyright permission line.

• The reviewing committee

is not in a position to help the friends produce or market materials.

The review process takes from six to eight weeks.

Correspondence from the

Special Materials Reviewing Committee should be presented to the relevant Bahda'f agencies or individuals by producers of Baha'i materials who wish to offer them for sale.

If you wish to submit materials for review or have other questions about the review process, please write to the committee c/o the Baha'i National Genter, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Modesto

FROM PAGE 1

Oeun, did so, and offered whatever help they were able to give.

Mr. Oeun was contacted by the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in Stockton and asked to deliver a $500 gift on its behalf to Bunrurd's family.

On March 9, the Assembly arranged a meeting between the Buddhist high priest, Srey Ven, funeral directors, the Red Cross, the Kouch family, and Baha'is from Modesto to plan funeral arrangements and discuss other matters.

The Red Cross agreed to pay all costs of the funeral. The high priest was so grateful that he offered a $500 gift to the Red Cross on behalf of the Temple. A Red Cross spokesman declined the offer, saying, “This is a gift from the American people.”

The funeral, held March 11, was a Buddhist/Baha'f service with the monks chanting prayers while Bahd'f prayers and writings were read in English, Persian, Cambodian and Lao. Bah4'fs arranged for flowers and handled all the logistics including leading the procession to the grave site.

Baha'is obtained the help of free legal counsel to help Bunrurd Van leave the state, and on March 16 the boy flew with his grandfather and uncle to his new home in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Baha'is in Modesto continue to handle the trust fund and have contacted the Spiritual Assembly of Providence to provide details of all that has happened. Meanwhile, they continue to work with the various social service agencies to help the Kouch family recover both physically and emotionally from the devastating fire.

While offering a helping hand, the Baha'fs in Modesto found a new friend, Cambodian Saroun On, who worked with them every day to help the victims of the fire, traveling to Stockton several times and serving as an interpreter in dealings with city officials, funeral directors and other agencies. Asa result, a strong friendship has developed between Mr. On and several members of the Bahd'f community.

JAMAL B.£. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993 [Page 9]

THe AMERICAN BanA'

‘Race Unity Solutions’ sought at meeting sponsored by Baha'is of Mesa, Arizona

One hundred-twenty people including 33 guests attended a recent meeting on “Race Unity Solutions” sponsored by the Baha'f community of Mesa, Arizona.

The program at the Mesa Community Center included dinner and musical entertainment followed by presentations by the mayor of Mesa and the president of its school board.

As a result of the meeting, the mayor directed his office to establish a committee to develop a week-long multi-cultural celebration to demonstrate the city's commitment to unity and diversity.

The Bah4'f community rented six billboards to promote the event. In addition to the billboards, which stood for two consecutive months, the Bahd'fs sent special invitations to a number of individuals prominent in government, education and business, to religious and social groups, and to the media.

Inspired by the program's success, the Baha'is of Mesa are planning future public meetings along similar lines.

CORRECTION

In the preface to an article on Roya Darab (The American Bahd't, ‘Ala 149, March, 2, 1993), “From the Hearts of the Handmaidens” is described as “a Bah4'f news bulletin for western Washington.” Actually, itis aprivately owned and published international newsletter for women, not sponsored by any institution of the Faith but reviewed by the National Spiritual Assembly and Auxiliary Board. For information about “From the Hearts of the Handmaid— ens,” write to Lynnwood, WA 98037 (phone 206716-4844).

On February 7, 48 children from three states gathered in New Jersey, for a “mini-World Congress” for children from kindergarten through sixth grade.

The event was held in conjunction with a fund-raiser for adults sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Hamilton and Lawrence Townships.

After opening prayers in three languages, the children saw excerpts from the World Congres newsreel. One of the major acti ties was making banners representing the nine countries where satellite hookups took place. Groups prepared banners that were shown later to the adults.

The children donned costumes from around the world and entered the fund-raiser to a roll call of nations and lovely music.

of the more than 100 in the ence were moved to tears.

After singing the theme song of the World Congress, the children joined Kevin Locke in an American Indian dance.

Mr. Locke then led the children back to theirroom where he taught them the prayer “OGod, guide me, protect me...” in Indian sign language.

Throughout the day, the children were helped by 10 pre-youth and youth volunteers.

National Assembly seeks Dr. Derakshan's whereabouts Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Dr. Iraj Derakhshan, previously of Westlake, Ohio, is asked to contact the National Spiritual Assembly (Office of Community Administration), 708-8699039.

Pictured is the recently constructed Baha'i Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

More than 100 attend gala dedication ceremony for new Baha'i Center in Greensboro, N. Carolina

On January 30, more than 100 Baha'fs and their guests from North and South Carolina and other states took part in the dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Baha'f Center in Greensboro.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Adrienne Reeves, who was a member of the first local Spiritual Assembly of Greensboro. Two other members of that Assembly, Eva Bishop Flagler and Louise Sawyer, also attended the ceremony, as did Tod Ewing, amember of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Many of the Bahd'fs in Greensboro of

fered their professional skills in helping to make the Center a reality including an architect, contractor, carpenter, mason, plumber, electrician, decorator, paper hanger, landscape designer and groundskeeper, tree surgeon, and painter.

The property includes a two-bedroom house that is now used as the office and residence of the Assembly's corresponding secretary and is connected to the Center by a covered walkway.

The Baha'{ property includes approximately 1.5 acres of land bordered on two sides by 450 acres of city parks.

Kevin Locke, a Lakota Indian from Mobridge, South Dakota, performs on the courting flute for children at a ‘mini-World Congress’ February 7 in Princeton, New Jersey.

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

Commemorating UN special event days

Commemorating United Nations special days provides excellent opportunities for individual Baha'is and Baha'f communities to work with like-minded groups and institutions as suggested by Shoghi Effendi in The Advent of Divine Justice.

The following is a list of these UN special days, weeks, international years, decades and conferences:

UN CALENDAR OF SPECIAL DAYS AND WEEKS

May 17—World Telecommunications Day

June 5—World Environment Day

June 26—International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

July 11—World Population Day

September 8—International Literacy Day

Third Tuesday in September—International Day of Peace

October 1—International Day for the Elderly

October 3—World Habitat Day/Universal Children's Day

October 14—International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

October 16—World Food Day

October 24—United Nations Day

October 24-30—Disarmament Week

November 11-17—International Week of Science and Peace

December 5—International Volunteer Day for Development

December 10—Human Rights Day

UN INTERNATIONAL YEARS 1992—International Space Year 1992—Tenth Anniversary of the World Assembly on Aging 1993—International Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples 1994—International Year of the Family 1995—Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations 1995—Tenth Anniversary of the International Youth Year

UN INTERNATIONAL DECADES 1983-1992—UN Decade of Disabled Persons 1983-1993—Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination 1988-1997—W orld Decade for Cultural Development 1990-1999—International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990-1999—Third Disarmanent Decade 1990-2000—UN Decade of International Law 1991-2000—UN Decade Against Drug Abuse 1991-2000—Fourth Development Decade

UN CONFERENCES

1993—W orld Conference on Human Rights

1994—UN Conference on Population and Development

1995—Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace

To help in preparing for these activities, the National Spiritual Assembly's United Nations Office is offering a packet that includes recent statements issued by the Baha'f International Community on a number of issues, as well as a list of organizations that have local chapters and suggestions for interaction with them. To order the packet, simply send $5 payable to The Bahd'ts of the U.S. to UN Bahd'f Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017.

JAMAL B.E. 150 / Apri 28, 1993

[Page 10]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

1A le eld te) sae)

is)

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly is seeking a General Manager for the Baha'f Publishing Trust. This position requires a strong general manager capable of managing large numbers of people, preparing and managing significant budgets, developing plans and strategies for producing desired results. Publishing experience a plus. Please send résumé to the Bahd'f National Center, Department of Human Resources, Wilmette, IL 60091.

AS THE MAXWELL International Baha'i 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. Whi 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 nt for the academic section for a period of 1-2 years. (3) Academic staff: qualified secondary level teachers, eligible for certification in B.C., in all fields are invited to submit résumés. Those who are interested should write to The Prin well International Baha'f School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada VOR 2W0.

THE BOSCH Bahd'f School is accepting ions for summer 1993 employment. ons available include children's teachers kitchen assistants (3), registration/library book sales assistant, and maintenance assistants (3). All positions require a willingness to serve and interact with children, youth and adults. Those chosen will serve from June 21August 27 (10 weeks) and receive a small stipend plus room and board. To apply, send a brief résumé or ask for an application for employment from the Bosch Baha'{ School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE LOUHELEN Bahd'f School invites individuals or couples who would like to serve the Cause this summer to volunteer for Louhelen’s 1993 summer staff. The period of service would be from late June until late August (although we would also be pleased to consider applications for youth and adult yearof-service). The most importantattributes necessary are a strong desire to serve the friends, a firm commitment to high moral standards, flexibility and willingness to contribute in several areas of school operations, and a desire to work with other Baha'is to make the school a friendly, hospitable and loving place for those who come there. Diverse specific skills can be used, as can a general willingness to learn and work hard. Those providing service

would receive hospitality at the school (room and board) and take part in a dynamic Baha'f environment. Those accepted to serve at Louhelen must have personal health insurance and be at least 18 years old. Apply to Dr. Rick Johnson, director, Louhelen Baha'f School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Telephone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

‘THE GREEN ACRE Bah4'f 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 as skilled professionals are encouraged to apply. Skilled and unskilled: Food service—assistant cooks, dining room coordinator, dishwashing, general help. Maintenance—housekeeping, groundskeeping, general cleaning, gardening. Skilled and experienced: Recreational leader, librarian, children’s class teachers, office assistant, program assistant, painters, carpenters, 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.-5 p.m. Eastern time, or send a letter of intent to: Administrator, Green Acre Baha'f School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

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 Bahd'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'{ School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Phone 408-423-3387 or fax materials 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.

PIONEERING: OVERSEAS

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AFRICA—Lesotho: retired couple to serve as caretakers at National Center. Senegal: retired caretakers couple or single male. Tanzania: biology, chemistry and math teachers. AMERICAS—Brazil: elementary school teachers, kindergarten teacher. Honduras: elementary and junior high school teachers. Paraguay: chiropractic practice for sale. ASIA—Korea: English language instructors. Macau: primary school teachers. Sakhalin: teachers. RUAHA SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TANZANIA URGENTLY NEEDS BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND MATH TEACHERS. For more information about any of the above, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahd’{ National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneer ing).

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

DUBUQUE, Iowa's first Spiritual Assembly needs bolsterin; of 60,000-plus actively seeking minority-group families with experience in such professions as attorneys, police, and others. Dubuque is in the tri-state area (Illinois, lowa, Wisconsin) and home to several college, universities and seminaries. For information, write to McDowell,

Dubuque, IA 52001, or phone 319556-1982.

MEDICAL STAFF needed immediately: family practitioner, internist, pediatrician (Board-certified or eligible), physician's assistant, and family nurse practitioner on Navajo Reservation in Ganado, Arizona. The Sage Hospital, a small but progressive and active inpatient, emergency and clinical facility with 16 MD and PA/ENP staff, some of whom must be replaced as soon as possible, serves 18,000 Navajos. Ganado has an active Assembly that works closely with the nearby

Native American Bahd'f Insti mation, contact Dr. Hannah Rishel (a Baha'f), or medical director Dr. Anthony Valdini, 602755-3411 (Dr. Rishel's number at home is 602755-3432), or the Sage Hospital, Box 457, Ganado, AZ 86505. For nursing positions, contact Christine Nicholson, RN, at the same phone number or address.

CONSIDER moving to one of the most ethnically mixed ci in Massachusetts while helping a jeopardized local Spiritual Assembly maintaii status. Holyoke is in the Pioneer Valley on the west side of the Connecticut River, about 10 miles north of Springfield. There are 10 colleges within a 20-mile radius, and a community college in Holyoke. There is a good ski area within the city, whose population is more than 30 percent Hispanic. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Holyoke, P.O. Box 905, Holyoke, MA 01041, or phone 413-532-4348.

ATTRACT the divine bounties by pioneering to beautiful Malibu, Califor coming the ninth member of its Commit your energy to serving this medi oriented area with the Bahd'f Message. We need youth as well as families to exemplify the power of our Cause. Commute to univer sf studios. For more information, write to RR,

- Malibu, CA 90265, or phone Ruth at 310-457-5336.

THE BAHA'f community of Smyrna, Tennessee, warmly welcomes homefront pioneers. We have seven fairly active adult Bahé’fs in this community, which is less than 30 minutes by car from Nashville or Murfreesboro, both of which have many fine educational institutions. Smyrna has a plant of the Nissan Motor Co. and other industries. For more information, please phone Susan Hakiman, 615-3554981.

SPEEDWAY, Indiana, has had an Assembly for many years but needs homefront pioneers to maintain it. A devoted group of Baha'fs is making great plans for this small town. Great opportunity for auto racing buffs, as Speedway is the home of the Indianapolis 500. Close to the House of Worship and Louhelen Bah4'f School. Good schools, Hoosier hospitality. For more information, write to Rosalyn Gurnell, Speedway, IN, or phone 317-487-9959.

COME to beautiful Florence, South Carolina, home of the newly acquired first Baha'f Center in the state, and help us begin entry by troops. Only an hour away from the Louis Gregory Institute and within listening range of WLGI Radio Baha'f. Many children and activities for youth. Don't delay! For information, phone 803-664-9766.

THE BAHA'IS of Tillamook County, Oregon, invite and encourage urban Bahd's to consider moving to the country, described by “Abdu’l-Baha as the place “of the soul,” to help form our first local Spiritual Assembly. Tillamook County, on the Oregon coast, is a wholesome place in which to retire, raise a family, or offer a Youth Year of Service. Portland is only one and one-half hours away. Dairy farming and tourism form the economic base with employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, teachers and psychotherapi: There is a community college and hos and a small Latino community of 500 adds to the diversity. The Baha'f community of six adults is eager to answer questions about relocating. For information and help, please contact Peggy Evans, 503-368-7001.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha‘ Archives still has available seven sets of unbound issues of World Order magazine, 1966-83, vols. sets are complete except for m The sets will be given to any Baha'i who could use them for their library or to give to a local orcollege library. The Archives also has available additional copies of several individual issues from these years. Please contact the National Bah4'f Archives, Baha'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

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 persons: Katherine Page (died Roseville, MI, 1959), Mildred A. Page, Grace M. Palmatier (died Binghamton, NY, 1964), Charlotte R. Palmer, Grace L. Pape, J. Herve Paquin, Mamie Pardo (died Cleveland Heights, OH, 1969), and Laura Parker. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the is asked to contact the National Bahd'f Archives, Baha'f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

WANTED

1 AM WRITING a book about my father, Kamran Samimi, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran who was martyred on December 27, 1981, and would appreciate it if those who worked with him during the critical years 1978-81 would send me any remembrances of that experience. Please send to Soosan Samimi Malek,

Willowdale, Ontario M2J

1L3, Canada.

BAHA'IS in the Pikes Peak, Colorado, area are seeking to expand their collection of Baha’ songs. If you have any music you can send, please send it to Richard Stamats,

Colorado Springs, CO 80911.

THE NATIVE American Bahé'f Institute needs a four-wheel drive wagon-style vehicle for a mobile teaching institute to reach the Navajo and Hopi peoples. Please contact NABI, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506, or phone 602-367-5126, ext. 8595.

CARTOONS on Bahd'f themes are needed for the upcoming publication of a collection of Baha'f cartoons. All formats (single panel, multi-panel, strip) accepted. Submit up to 25 photocopies of your original black and white artwork to Arman Danesh,

Ontario L7N 2C3, Canada. The deadline is August 31, 1993. Only accepted submissions will receive a response unless the submission is accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and International Reply Coupon (IRC).

Ola may. V el

A DISTINGUISHED Bahf’fartist, Hushang Sayhoon, has produced 52 high-quality drawings of the Holy Places in ‘Akké and Haifa. It is his intention that proceeds from the sale of these works be donated to building the Arc on Mount Carmel. This proposal has been accepted by the Universal House of Justice. A limited number of copies of the first edition of this book of photographs, Whispering Stones, placed in an exquisite case, is available for $1,000 each, and lithographs (posters) are for sale at $100 each. Those who are interested in ordering the book or posters or who would like more information are invited to write to this address: Persian Institute for Bahd'f Studies, P.O. Box 65600, Dundas, Ontario L9H 6Y6, Canada. Phone or fax 416-628-3040.

MISCELLANEOUS

AN ALBANIAN Baha’f youth, Arthur Adham, was recently chosen by the U.S. Embassy to visit America for one year on the condition that he has an offer of a job in this country. He is a mechanic, but would be happy to do anything as long as he can live ina Baha’ community and have a chance to deepen his knowledge of the Faith. If you can help, please phone Rouhi Huddleston, 703-790-0870, or fax the National Spiritual Assembly of Albania, 011-355-42-22039.

DO YOU REMEMBER Brattleboro, Vermont? This year we'll be celebrating 50 years since the first Assembly was formed here. All former residents of Brattleboro, Windham County, and anyone who was ever a student at area colleges are urged to contact the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, c/o Martha Schmi Newfane, VT 05345, and send a letter, photos, or any information about dates you lived here, where you lived, and any reminiscences you may have to help us prepare for this event. We need to hear from you by June 15, if at all possible. Thank you.

JAMAL B.E. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993 [Page 11]

Eight Baha'fs took part in the Essimbi Teaching Campaign in North West Proyince, Cameroon. As a result of their efforts, 36 people embraced the Cause of Baha'u'llah. Later, two of the friends went to Modelle where 15 people were en

rolled. In Ako Su ision, 18 Baha'is took part in a campaign planned by the Provincial Teaching Committee, welcoming 109 people into the Faith, opening eight new localities, andestablishing three children's classes.

From December 7-19, Baha'is Thelma Khelghati and Jeanne Samari traveled around Togo with their four children. On December 11, about 60 people attended a public talk by Mrs. Khelghati at the Bahd'f National Center in Lomé. Her theme was “The Invisible Hand of God.” She also spoke at two firesides in Lomé, attended by 60 and 45 people, respectively. The traditional chief of Kodjoviakopé was present at one of the firesides, and asked many questions. As a result of the efforts of these visitors, two people were enrolled in the Faith.

.

In Albai the local Spiritual Assemblies of Erséke, Kogove and Permét were formed during November with the help of traveling teachers, while the Spiritual Assembly of Viashuk was formed as a result of work carried on by the local Spiritual Assembly of Berat, bringing the total number of Assemblies in Albania to 26.

About 40 traveling teachers have visited Turkmenistan, Central Asia, in recent months, under the guidance of the Continental Board of Counselors. As a result, new local Spiritual Assemblies have been established in Bayram-Ali, Chardzhou, Firuza and Turkmen Qal'ih.

The District Youth Committee of North Vancouver, Canada, sponsored a recent

two-week teaching trip in British Columbia and Alberta. Thirty young people took part, calling themselves “Peace by Piece” and presenting a program of music, dance and drama designed especially for their peers. As a result of their efforts, 10 people were enrolled in the Faith.

Seventeen Baha'fs, some of whom had joined the Faith only a few days before, attended a special deepening for women at the Baha'f Center in Khulna, Bangladesh, whose purpose was to help women learn about their spiritual heritage. Auxiliary Board member Mozghan Bahar spoke about the life of Baha'u'llah, and about principles of the Faith that pertain especially to women. Other talks were about Téhirih, and stories from the lives of recent women martyrs in Iran.

One hundred-seventy Bahd'fs from Japan attended the World Congress in New York City—the single largest gathering of Japanese believers anywhere, ever, for one event. Many of them responded to the experience by saying they realized the role of Japanese Bahd'fs and the importance of teaching the Faith. Many also felt the necessity of further deepening, and of taking positive action to promote the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

Sixty-five young Bahd'fs from Sweden and Denmark attended a National Youth Conference last October 30-November 1 in Malmé, Sweden. Also attending were members of the “Routes” teaching team sent to Scandinavia by the European Baha'i Youth Council; Maj Torstensson, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden; and Auxiliary Board member Hans Ohman. One of the highlights was a trip to town where the youth tried a variety of teaching and proclamation methods. Anevening program was attended by about 10 non-Bahd'f guests. There was one enrollment during the conference, and several young people decided to join the “Routes” teaching team during their winter holiday.

.

The first Baha'i Summer School for Croatia and Slovenia was held in Pula, Croatia, with about 110 Bahd'fs taking part. Topics studied included the Holy Year, Bahd'u'lléh's vision for uniting the world, and the nature and power of the

About 300 attend fifth annual Martin Luther King Day Conference sponsored by Baha'is of Carrollton, Texas

On January 16, about 300 people attended the fifth annual Martin Luther King Day Conference sponsored by the Baha'is of Carrollton, Texas. About half of those attending were not Baha'fs.

Tue American BaHA'i Subscription rates

1Year 2 Years First class/ $24 $45 Surface Air Mail $32 $60

Please make check payable to: Baha'i Subscriber Service, c/o Baha'{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

All orders must be pre-paid in U.S. currency. VISA/MasterCard accepted; please include full account number and expiration date.

The program's four speakers included the president of the local junior college, a high school principal, a local radio personality, and a Bahd'f, Carrie Smith. Serving as moderator was another Baha'f, Dorothy Gilstrap.

A Baha'i musical group, “Words of Paradise,” opened the event, which included music by the 30-member gospel choir from the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church of Carrollton.

The Dallas Morning News published an article about the event with a large color photograph of Ms. Smith captioned “In His Footsteps” (referring to Dr. King).

Since the Baha'fs began sponsoring the event in 1989 they have been invited to serve on the local school district's Multicultural Advisory Board and been asked by members of the city council and local civic groups to take part in their activities.

Covenant. Daily teaching was a part of the school's program, and proclamation activities included a visit to the mayor's office, and a press conference that resulted in newspaper and radio publicity.

As a follow-up to the World Congress, 75 Baha'is from Belize took part in a conference December 6 in Belize City whose purpose was to celebrate the Covenant of Bahd'u'll4h. The main speakers were 15 Baha'fs who had attended the Congress in New York City. Also on the program were several short talks about the Covenant, and presentations by children. Several of those at the conference said it was the most inspiring meeting they had ever attended in B .

At the invitation of the Holy Year Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Fiji, Dr. William Maxwell traveled from the U.S. to Suva last September 12 to speak at a public meeting about the life and influence of Bahd'u'lléh. More than

THe AMERICAN BaHA’ = 11

ing the Israeli Ambassador and his wife, the British Deputy Head of Mission and his wife, university lecturers, and representatives of several religious groups. The mayor of Suva gave a speech in which he applauded the work of the Bahd'fs and welcomed Dr. Maxwell, whose talk stated clearly Baha'u'llah's place in religious history and challenged Fiji to consider its role in establishing world peace. As a result of the meeting, one person was enrolled in the Faith and two newspaper articles about the event were published.

As a special Holy Year endeavor, the National Spiritual Assembly of Japan had the Statement on Baha'u'llah translated into Japanese and printed in book form for distribution through retail book shops across the country. The National Assembly reports that the Statement was placed in 500 book shops and advertised on the front pages of three nationwide newspapers. The response has been good, as many people feel this book is easier to read than any previously translated Baha'f book.

400 people attended the meeting includ LUC Da tC

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BAHA'IS FROM THAI

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WORLD CONGRESS NEWYORK 23-26 NOV 19 | .

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Baha'is pose for a picture behind the fou friends from Thailand to the second Baha'i World Congress last November in

eter banner carried by six of the

Baha'is from Thailand en route to Congress proclaim Faith with large, colorful banner

Maliheh Jafari, one of six Bahd'ts from northern Thailand who attended the second Bahd't World Congress last November in New York City, wrote the following report about their trip.

When six of us from Chiangmai in northern Thailand decided to attend the World Congress in New York, we started to think about what we could do on our way to proclaim the Faith.

We made a four-meter banner, writing on it in English and Thai, “Baha'is from Thailand attending Baha'f World Congress New York 23-26 Nov. 1992.”

We started from the train station in Chiangmai on November 17. Several Baha'f friends came to see us off at the station. Posing for pictures gave us the first chance to open the banner and keep it up forall to see. Several people on the train asked us about the Congress.

At Bangkok airport on November 19 we had another chance to do the same thing, and at Narita airport in Japan, while waiting in the transit hall, we met Bahd'fs from Taiwan and opened the banner while 54 Baha'fs from Taiwan and Thailand posed behind it for pictures.

Several people asked us what it was all about, and some said they knew Baha'is.

We had pamphlets in several languages that we gave away on this and other occasions.

On the plane we consulted on how to proclaim the Faith to the more than 400 passengers. We thought of Martha Root, who on her travels by ship would contact the captain and have him arrange a meeting for her.

So we wrote a nice note to the captain, explaining that we were 54 Baha'is from Thailand and Taiwan and were on our way to the second Baha'f World Congress. We thanked him for taking us there and would like to hear his response. We sent the note with a box of chocolates contributed by one of the Baha'is from Taiwan.

Within a few moments we heard the captain's voice. He told the passengers about our group going to the World Congress and wished us and the Congress great success.

As we had a stop-over in Chicago, we got another chance to pose for a picture at the airport, this time joined by Baha'is from Norway. And at the Javits Center, of course, we did not lose our chance as many friends from around the world joined us behind the banner as we took even more pictures!

JAMAL B.E. 150 / Apri 28, 1993 [Page 12]12 THEAMERICANBAHA

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JAMAL B.£. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993, [Page 15]

Letters FROM PAGE 3

and we should organize study groups to deepen ourselves in it, and prepare ourselves to explain it to the world at large.

One way of beginning to look at it in context is to read the 119th Psalm. Where the word “law” appears, read “Kitdb-iAqdas.” Then count how many times the Lord uses the word “sweetness” when reading the Most Holy Book. In other words, dive deeply in this ocean, take an extra oxygen tank, and plan to explore it thoroughly.

Ionce handed a copy of the Codification of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas to an elderly Persian visitor, and he touched it to his brow and kissed it. I was humbled, as a Western teen should have been. Since then I have thought about it some more, and hope to dedicate my remaining days to the exaltation of this Book.

Scientists tell us that most of the matter in the universe is hydrogen—perhaps even 99 percent! In the remaining one percent are all the heavier elements including those that constitute rocky planets like ours. Anda fraction of that matter makes up the living plants and animals.

But only in the consciousness of human beings can God's Word be heard. Of all the humans there ever were, the most noble are the Manifestations of God, and of all the Manifestations, Bahd'u'll4h is supreme.

Ofall the books ever written, and “of the making of books, there is no end,” of all the libraries and stores in the world, none ranks anywhere near the precious Kitdb-iAqdas. It will guide the future of the human race and probably prevent us from foolishly extinguishing ourselves.

Each one of us who dares to be a warrior for the Cause of God should look to this Most Holy Book as our mandate in the war between good and evil; and make no mistake about it, Baha'u'llah has declared that

Kathryn Harris, former pioneer to San Blas Islands, Belize, dies in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Former pioneer Kathryn C. (Kay) Harris died last September 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after an extended illness.

Mrs. Harris was enrolled in the Faith in October 1964. She set off with her husband, Jim Harris, to pioneer to the San Blas Islands of Panama in December 1969, taking on a challenging and important assignmentto reach the indigenous peoples of these islands. The Harrises traveled among the 40 islands by boat, bringing the Revelation of Baha’u’llah to many of the islanders. Due to ill health, they returned to the States in late 1970 and settled in Columbia, South Carolina.

Longing to return to the pioneering field, Kay left for Belize in 1984 and served that community with loving enthusiasm for four years, returning to the States in 1988. Described by her friends in Fort Lauderdale as “intense, energetic, strongwilled and a wonderful teacher, bringing many into the Faith,” Kay Harris touched many lives.

“war shall be waged in the path of God, with the armies of wisdom and utterance, and ofa goodly character and praiseworthy deeds.“ (Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 24) Consider the relationship of these and other concepts, and let us avail ourselves of the transforming power of Bah@'u'llh, turn our copperto gold, andenable the Assayers of Humankind to be pleased with us in these tumultuous, tremendous years ahead. Mark Townsend Tualatin, Oregon

Thanks for ‘reunion’ To the Editor:

The Baha'is of Manteca, California, and the Judicial District would like to thank all of the many people who helped make the second Baha'i World Congress such a joyful “family reunion.”

We who were able to attend have shared this wonderful experience with everyone at home. At last Friday's fireside, a lovely soul declared her belief in Bahd'u'lldh. We are very happy.

The Bahd'ts of Manteca and Manteca J.D., California

Calculating Huququ'llah To the Editor:

Now that the law of Huqiiqu'llah is binding on the Baha’fs of the United States, would be useful if the current value, in U.S. dollars, of one mithgal of gold were to be published on a regular basis in The American Bahd't.

Itmightalso help the friends in calculating a basis (baseline) for the value of their assets if you could also publish the value that one mithqal of gold had on the day the law of Huqtqu'lléh became binding. The friends would then have a basis from which to calculate whether or not they have had a change in status of their assets. If their assets have increased in value, then they have a means of calculating the Huququ'lléh.

Tony Faustini

Fountain Hills, AZ

(The value of a troy ounce of gold is published in most major newspapers in the business section under “commodities” or “precious metals.” Hugitqu'lldh is pay

Ruth Wenstrom, oldest Baha'i in Oregon, dead at age 95

Ruth Wenstrom, 95, of Tigard, the oldest Baha'f in Oregon, died January 25 in Portland.

Before moving to Oregon in 1944, Mrs. Wenstrom and her husband, Charles Q. Adams, helped form the first Spiritual Assembly in Helena, Montana.

Over the years they welcomed many distinguished Baha'fs to their home including Martha Root, Louis Gregory and Ali-Kuli Khan.

In 1980 they helped form the first Spiritual Assembly of Tigard.

‘Dearly loved, widely admired’ Katherine McLaughlin

We share deep sense loss to American Bahd'f community in passing dearly loved, widely admired Katherine McLaughlin. Her devoted, unflagging, distinguished services over period several decades in teaching and administrative fields western hemisphere, particularly as member Auxiliary Board, unforgettable. Ardently praying in Holy Shrines for progress her radiant soul throughout divine worlds. Kindly convey our loving sympathy members her bereaved family.

Universal House of Justice March 8, 1993

able as soon as a person's assessable possessions reach or exceed the value of 19 mithgals of gold, which is approximately 2.2 troy ounces (about 69.2 grams). As of September 1992, when the special Hu-ququ'llah issue of The American Baha'{ was published, the value of 19 mithqals of gold was roughly equivalent to $790. To find the present value of 19 mithqals of gold, simply multiply the value of a troy ounce as published in the newspaper by 2.2.—Ed.)

Time to dispense ‘remedy’ To the Editor:

It seems we can't pick up a newspaper or turn on the news these days without learning about another senseless act of violence. Worse yet is the news of teenagers or children as young as 10 committing rapes or murders.

And as if that weren't enough, TV and the movies dramatize the crimes and receive top ratings from the viewing public who can't seem to get enough of it. It's a worldwide addiction to violence.

Children and adults who attend the One World Baha'i School stand in front of the Wapato (Washington) Baha’i Center on the Yakima Indian Reservation. Classes meet twice a month with six communities from the Yakima Valley area of southeastern Washington state represented.

The world is sick, and only the Baha'fs have the remedy.

Tam ashamed of myself and my American Baha'i family because we seem to be doing so little to teach the Faith. I've been in Alpine for more than a year, and not one declaration!

India, Asia, Latin America and Africa report thousands declaring their belief in Bahd'u'lléh while here in the U.S we barely achieve 10 percent of these numbers.

Please God, when are we going to become motivated to take action and teach the Faith to everyone we meet; not just mention the Faith, but really teach it!

How much longer are we going to refuse to do Baha'u'llah's bidding and teach?

Why are we keeping such important news to ourselves?

What are we afraid of?

What damage are we doing to our souls by not reaching out to other souls with the Message?

If not now, when?

Antoinette Isaac Alpine, Texas

IN MEMORIAM

Lawrence Bennett. Mary E. Davis Williams, SC Milwaukee, WI Date Unknown July 1990

Eric Arden Ehlert Johnson Creek, WI February 28, 1993 Rosa Mae Eugene Seabrook, SC Date Unknown

June P. Goble

Mamie Bennett Williams, SC Date Unknown

Marshall Beyekan Milwaukee, WI February 28, 1993

James Brown

Dale, SC Finn Rock, OR Date Unknown August 2, 1992 Victoria Coakley Raymond Goble Dale, SC Vida, OR

Date Unknown Date Unknown Mary Crawford Phil Godard Jacksonboro, SC Aledo, IL

Date Unknown March 6, 1993 Gladys Cunningham — Mary Dee Hubler Cottageville, SC Boise, ID

Date Unknown February 21, 1993

Alma Iceman Ponemah, MN

Date Unknown Luella Jakes Williams, SC

Date Unknown Doris Kirkham

El Cerrito, CA September 19, 1992

Francis Czerniejewski Altamonte Springs, FL. February 11, 1993

Eva Daniels Cottageville, SC Date Unknown

Roya Darab Bothell, WA January 5, 1993

Odessa L. Penn Pasadena, CA Date Unknown

Urban Pollard

Joseph Mannas Goleta, CA February 12, 1993

Dr. Andrew Maxwell

Del Mar, CA San Diego, CA 1992 Date Unknown Elizabeth Mays David Powell Ruffin, SC Cottageville, SC Date Unknown Date Unknown Edward McElwain —_Kathryn Raxter Westminster, MD Wilsonville, OR March 1, 1993 Date Unknown Faye Mingo Ruth Robinson Lodge, SC Ruffin, SC

Date Unknown Date Unknown

Mose Mingo Minnie Slaughter Lodge, SC Ideal, GA

Date Unknown July 1992

Rossie Mingo Rebecca Taylor Williams, SC Dale, SC

Date Unknown

Lenore Washington Seabrook, SC

Date Unknown

Nathan North Cottageville, SC

Date Unknown Date Unknown Ralph Novoa Irene Wilder Newport News, VA _Cottageville, SC

February 16, 1992 Date Unknown

Wisdom Owens Albany, GA Date Unknown

RR I i Ra

JAMAL B.E. 150 / ApriL 28, 1993 [Page 16]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

eC aya

DIALOGUE ON RACE UNITY LOU ae

309 Am DP CONFERENCE CENTER

SPONSORED BY THE BAHAI CLUB

On February 26 about 60 people, most of whom were not Baha'is, attended a “Wake-Up Call: Dialogue on Race Unity’ Conference sponsored by the Baha'i Club at the University of Texas-Dallas. On hand to welcome the guests was Dr. Hobson Widenthal, vice-president of UTD. He and all others attending were given copies of ‘The Promise of World Peace’ and ‘The Vision of Race Unity.’ The keynote speaker was lawyer Valerie Watts, a Baha'i who lives in Delaware. Morning workshops were followed by an afternoon panel discussion by UTD faculty and community leaders titled ‘A Starting Place for Change: The

Community.”

‘cancel the copy for the person(s) and ILD. listed above the full names ofall family mem ‘number(s) listed above. bers as they should appear on the national

| records, their ILD. numbers, and the correc tions so that we will receive only one copy.

LD. number and address above,

BAHA'{ NATIONAL CENTER

112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, IL 60091

receive my own copy. Ihave listed my name,

I To avoid uonecessry delay in eciving your Tisformmaybewsedfocone perionoryourntire | MOVING? copy of The American Bahé', send your new family. Please be sure olist FULL NAMES AND. | | TELLUS your | ssi aod your malig Intel w MANAGE: —LD.NUMBERS foralindviials ages 3year) | NEW! DDRESS. MENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bahs{ or older, who will be affected by this change, | | Newa Naseal Cc, Witte I 091, oan | I you know what your new address will be. | | A: NAMECS): | ge | 1D. Title Ia | | DF Tile | 3. | Ta \ fe | 1D Title I H | B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: | | ‘Street address aS P.O. Box or Other mailing address Paty | Tact pate Tato ¥ OF app | | Gi | es me —| aa! | D. NEW COMMUNITY: E, HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: | P| ere | F, WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | |e ci es a ld | &_ WERECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. | WOULD LIKE A COPY: | [EZ wedonothavetnesametasiname, We [—] the last names and adresses on our | [] Our household reeeivesonly one copy | do not want extra copies, s0 please address labels do not match, We have of The American Bahd' 1 wish to |

MAY

15: “Making a New World Order in Our Backyard,” Accepting the Challenge of Leadership: Center for Interracial Unity Series, Louhelen Bah4'f School. For information, phone 313-653-5033.

21-23: National Chinese Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Main sessions in Mandarin. For information, contact Jenny Lerner, Milwaukee, WI 53211 (phone 414-332-6365).

23: Health for Humanity, first national conference, Bah4'{ National Center, Evanston, Illinois. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the membership to meet and consult about issues of concern. Every interested person is invited to take part. Please send your name, address, phone number and a $20 registration fee to Health for Humanity,

Glencoe, IL 60022.

28-30: 20th annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College, sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Lancaster and Harrisburg. Theme: “The Kitdb-iAqdas: The Most Holy Book.” For a registration form and/or information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Lancaster, P.O. Box 17608-2453, Lancaster, PA 17608, or phone 717-299-1041. Registration deadline: May 10.

28-31: Bah'f Marriage Enrichment Weekend, Bosch Bahd'f School. A special time to renew and enrich your relationship and to explore the Bahd'f guidance about the institution of marriage. Register (MasterCard/VISA) by phoning 408-423-3387; for information, write to the school at 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or fax 408423-7564.

28-31: Bahd'f Pacific West Coast Youth Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bellevue, Washington. Theme: “Mass Enrollment in the West.” For information, contact Ala Moshiri, Bellevue, WA 98004 (phone 206-453-9779).

JUNE

3-6: Bah’ Justice Society Conference and Annual Meeting, Stouffer Concourse Hotel, Arlington, a. Theme: “The Global Legal Framework for a New World Order.” Open to Bahd'fs and non-Baha'fs. Workshops on the environment, social and ecanomic development, education, dispute resolution, and elimination of prejudices. To register or to receive further information, please phone Sovaida Ma‘ani, 202-244-8218.

4-6: Youth Research Weekend, Bosch Bah4'f School. Participants under age 18 must bring a medical release, and those under 15 must have a sponsor age 21 or older of the same sex. For information, phone Tasha Peck, 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

5-6: Conference on Women, Louis Gregory Bahé'f Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Theme: “Baha'f Women's Role: From Internalized Sexism and Racism Toward Empowerment and Equity.” For information, phone 803-558-5093.

13: International Baha'f Picnic, Queenstown Heights Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Niagara Falls, P.O. Box 145, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6S8.

17-20: Pioneer Training Institute, Louhelen Bah4'{ School, Davison, Michigan. For in— fi » phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

Gra International Conference of the Association for Bah4’{ Studies, Montreal, Can—

ada-Theme: “Spirituality: The Key to Personal and Social Transformation.” A one-day

conference on the Kitdb-i-Aqdas will be held June 17. For information, write to ABS, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada, or phone 613-233-1903.

24-27: Baha'i Youth Service Corps training session, Louhelen Bah4'f School, Davison, Michigan, For information, phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

26: 81st annual Souvenir Picnic of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, Wilhelm Property, Teaneck, New Jersey. Picnic, afternoon and evening programs. Keynote speaker: Counselor William Roberts. For information, phone 201-652-6385.

JULY

1-4: New Jersey Bah4'f Summer School, Georgian Court College, Lakewood. Theme: “Connecting Our Hearts to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah.” For information or to register, phone 908-367-7155.

23-25: Third annual Hemlock Haven Baha'f Conference, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Maggie Hewitt, 703-783-7884.

AUGUST

7-9: Southern California Bah4'f School, Highland Springs Resort Center, Cherry Valley. Theme: “Kitéb-i-Aqdas: Source of All Blessings.” For information, phone 708869-9039.

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, pho Rutledge, 202-966-2356. tember: )3 Parliament of the World's Religions, Palmer House Hotel, Chi cago, Ill SEPTEMBER 3-6: Tennessee Bahd'f Institute, DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Theme: “Rendezvous of the Souls.” Contact: Kaihan Strain, Hixson,TN 37343 (phone 615-842-1750).

4-7: Pioneer Training Institute and Baha'f Youth Service Corps training session, Louis G. Gregory Bahd't Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

10-12: “Faith, Family and the Future,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Confirmed presenters: Counselor Wilma Ellis, Marguerite Sears, Louise Matthias, Sharon and Carl Ewing. Special program for youth; children’s classes, nursery. For information, phone 303-928-0543.

17-19: Green Lake Baha'f Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

26: 81st memorial service for Thonrton Chase, Inglewood Park (California) Cemetery.

OCTOBER

8-11: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bah4'f School, Santa Cruz, California, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose and El Ruisefior magazine. Fees: $60 for ages 11 and older, $25 for ages 1-10. Classes for children included. Participants must register and mail in fees by September 24 to assure their space. To register, phone the Bosch School, 408-423-3387 (credit card only) or write to the Bosch Bahd'f School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

JAMAL B.£. 150 / Aprit 28, 1993,

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