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The American Bahá’í

‘...knowledge is a veritable treasure for man. ...’—Bahá’u’lláh

MODESTO

Bahá’í community responds to tragic fire that leaves four dead

On March 4, the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís after having moved recently to Modesto from Rhode Island.

The survivors were members of the Kouch family, all Bahá’ís, who were not at home when the fire broke out, and a six-year-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, Bahá’ís 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 departments, child protective services and insurance investigators take care of the survivors.

Bahá’ís 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 night.

In the days that followed, Bahá’ís worked around the clock to help the orphaned child and the surviving Bahá’í family.

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

Members of the Bahá’í community of Modesto, California, gather with Buddhists and other mourners at the funeral service March 11 for four members of a Cambodian family who died in a fire March 4. A six-year-old boy, Bunrurd Van, was the only member of the family to survive the blaze, which destroyed the home of a Cambodian Bahá’í family with whom the victims were living.

The Spiritual Assembly of Modesto opened trust accounts 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 Bahá’í 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, Bahá’ís 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 them, as this would provide the most loving and stable environment for him.

Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís met with the principal of Bunrurd’s school and obtained his records for transfer to Rhode Island.

Susan Baral, a Bahá’í from Stockton, called to express her sympathy, and was asked to visit the grandfather and uncle in Stockton. She and another Bahá’í, Mr. Oeum

See MODESTO page 8

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

Eleven recipients—seven individuals and four organizations—were honored for their unification efforts before 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 Bahá’í communities in Orange County.

Following an address by Auxiliary Board member Ed Diliberto and inspirational 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:

• 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 community.

• City Councilman Ho Chung of Garden Grove for his dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents, regardless of origin, by developing programs that

See AWARDS page 2

INSIDE
A letter to PI Representatives	2
San Jose service awards	3
New Youth Service posts	4
Race unity in Olean, New York	5
New Center in Greensboro, NC	9
Thai banner proclaims Faith	11

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 is related to Iran.

World-renowned contralto Marian Anderson, who died April 8, is pictured during a visit in March 1965 to the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í exhibit at the World Flower and Garden Show. (Photo by Ken Jennrich) [Page 2]

Public Information Network: vital link to news media

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

Dear Bahá’í friends,

The Holy Year has witnessed unprecedented coverage of the Faith in the news media. The name and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh have been blazoned across the country in thousands of articles, interviews and broadcasts. Media coverage in local communities on the Bahá’í 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 appoint its Public Information Representative for the year, as soon as possible after the Ridván 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 Bahá’í communities. The Office of Public Information does not send copies of correspondence to PI Reps to local Spiritual Assembly or Bahá’í Group secretaries.

Public Information Representatives and committees are resources for the local Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community and for disseminating appropriate material to local media.

The National Spiritual Assembly depends on the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í National Center electronic bulletin board for news which can be given to local media and shared with the Bahá’í community. The NEWSWIRE, which also is accessible to non-Bahá’í journalists, is the beginning of what will eventually become a Bahá’í wire service.

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

Los Angeles Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís but open to the public. The school would offer a full academic curriculum while encouraging unity in diversity and other Bahá’í ideals.

The Vision of a New Los Angeles project, conceived after a meeting with the mayor in August 1991 and accelerated by tensions that followed the riots last April and May, is sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Los Angeles, the Human Relations Commission, and the Mayor's Office.

The steering committee, which includes 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 creativity.
• 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 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.

60 attend UN Day picnic in Dallas

An estimated 60 people, several of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a Bahá’í-sponsored picnic last December in Dallas, Texas, commemorating United Nations Day.

Children at the picnic painted a mural 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.

Awards

Pictured are recipients of the Models of Unity Awards presented January 23 by the Spiritual Assembly of Anaheim, California, during an awards night event at California State University in Fullerton.

• The City of Costa Mesa Human Relations Committee for celebrating diversity through programs that build bridges between cultural 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, striving to create unity and harmony in a 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 UCI Cross-Cultural Center, Irvine, for providing a place, opportunities and activities for individuals 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 post-event 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís, 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.

The American Bahá’í is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í 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 BAHÁ’Í, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Management Information Systems, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1993 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

'Law and Justice' is theme as Bahá’ís present 12th Community Service Awards

"Law and Justice" was the theme of the 12th annual Community Service Awards banquet January 30 sponsored by the Bahá’í 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 African-American woman judge in northern California; Judge Edwards is the presiding judge of 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 Spanish-language 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 Bahá’ís work for positive change and...demonstrate a commitment to work for the common good.

"For the Bahá’ís, 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."

California Superior Court Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell accepts her award from sculptor Vern Allié (left) on behalf of the Bahá’ís 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.

This year's ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Ronald S. Gilpatrick, administrator of the Bosch Bahá’í School, who died January 20. Mr. Gilpatrick had served as master of ceremonies at the 11 previous awards ceremonies in San Jose.

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

Pictured are the members of the first Spiritual Assembly of Clayton County, 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.

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

The Bahá’ís of Clayton County are especially proud of three things about their Assembly: (1) it is 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 Bahá’í who taught her through a computer talk line, Prodigy, on her personal computer at home.

The community consists of nine adults, 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 Bahá’í youth from Clayton County, Kathy Johnson, performed an original song, "All God's Children."

LETTERS

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the "letters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack 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 Bahá’í, Bahá’í 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, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds 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. (Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís were able to share it through the special edition of The American Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’í community was able to play in such an historic event in Bahá’í history.

The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

Now the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is dawning upon us with a brighter measure of its potential, see LETTERS page 15 [Page 4]

AFRICA

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

Zambia: Ongoing need for volunteers and trainees at the William Masehla Bahá’í 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 (Bahá’í school); teaching and consolidation in northern "desert" region, rural indigenous region south of Santiago; work with the Labranza Institute, Radio Bahá’í; 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 Bahá’í 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 teaching 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 initiatives. Sioux City, Iowa, needs an individual to work closely with the local Spiritual Assembly to develop and implement a teaching program to reach Native Americans living in the city.

UPCOMING PIONEERING INSTITUTES

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

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

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í communities; translating oral presentations and publications for Bulgarian Bahá’í children, helping with Bahá’í administration, and more. 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 Bahá’í Publishing Trust; serve as a traveling teacher; be a caretaker for the Bahá’í 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 "Bahá’í youth" classes and teaching English as a second language for 1st to 3rd grade elementary students at the English-speaking Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk International School, owned and partially directed by Bahá’ís.

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

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

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 Bahá’í 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 Benin, 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 Islands. EASTERN EUROPE: Albania, Croatia, 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 Bahá’í for more!

TRAVELING TEACHERS

Area/Country	Goal	Filled
Ukraine	150	185
Kazakhstan	6	10
CIS (Other Republics)	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

Seven hundred-fifty people, about 40 of whom were Bahá’ís, gathered January 27 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh for a musical tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter and Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Club.

ONGOING TRAVELING TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

AUSTRALIA; ALBANIA; BAHAMAS; BANGLADESH; BELIZE; BULGARIA; BURKINA FASO; CAMBODIA; CHINA; CISKEI; COLOMBIA; COOK ISLANDS; COSTA RICA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; EAST GERMANY; EQUATORIAL GUINEA; FIJI; FRENCH POLYNESIA; GAMBIA; GERMANY; GUATEMALA; GUADELOUPE; GUINEA BISSAU; GUYANA; HAITI; HONG KONG; HUNGARY; ICELAND; INDIA; IRELAND; ITALY; MALAYSIA; MALTA; MOZAMBIQUE; 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.

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í identity, and training them to be promoters of peace. (English/German)

August 3-17—Teacher-Educator Course, Year I. A new intensive two-year program aimed at the preparation of resource persons for training teachers of Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Faith. A new program designed to help participants gain deeper knowledge of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í Business Forum.

September 24-27—Annual Meeting of the Association of Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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.

JAMÁL B.E. 150/ APRIL 28, 1993 [Page 5]

THE FUNDS: The language of war in the service of peace

During the World Congress, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum pointed out to the Bahá’ís 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 continually 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 Bahá’í 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 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 Abhá; followed the Supreme Concourse and by the aid of the Spirit made many conquests.” (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 148)

The youth are not overlooked in these statements: “Many times,” Shoghi Effendi writes, “the young Bahá’ís these days seem to be living the lives of soldiers, and in a way the pioneers are the soldiers of Bahá’u’lláh, 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 Kitáb-i-Aqdas, our knowledge will grow. Now that we know Bahá’u’lláh’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 sin in war is not doing your duty.” The crisis which calls for armies 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’l-Bahá’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 Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá, Yá ‘Aliyyu’l-A’lá.” (Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 153)

60 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís attended the 8th annual “Good Neighbor Award Breakfast” in San Jose, California, commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Two young Bahá’ís from the San Jose Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís from the San Jose area are board members of the Association.

Springfield, Illinois, Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í community were among the performers. News reports of the event were carried on local radio and television.

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

Ongoing efforts over the past year by the Bahá’ís 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 for healing 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 Bahá’í 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 bridging the gaps between races and cultures in the area. But a handful of people [the Olean Bahá’í community numbers 24] can only do so 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 Bahá’ís of Olean and the RRAC.

After a dozen members of the community attended the World Congress last November, a local paper published a half-page article headlined “Keeping the Faith: Local Bahá’ís 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.

Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í World Congress in New York City. [Page 6]

Nightingale Books

is a series of quality editions of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, launched to commemorate the centenary of His passing. Each volume features original illustrations, which complement the power and beauty of the text.

Meditations of the Blessed Beauty

Meditations of the Blessed Beauty HC $29.95 SC $16.95

A new selection of extracts from Bahá’u’lláh’s writings on themes of creation and spiritual regeneration. His profound and powerful words are complemented by a beautiful set of specially commissioned photographs.

The wild and dramatic landscapes of Norway and Iceland provide a visual backdrop of icebergs and volcanoes, mountains and pebbles, flowers and forests. Each photograph is a meditation in itself, embracing the mystery and wonder of creation.

A wonderful book for giving to friends, contacts, and prominent people. It will affect the heart and soul of all who take 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 Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Tablet of Carmel

Tablet of Carmel HC $16.95 SC $9.95

This moving and powerful Tablet brings to life the ancient spiritual mysteries of God's holy mountain. We are pleased to offer this beautiful gift edition featuring a splendid collection of original photographs of Mount Carmel, especially commissioned for this publication. A superb item for presentation to friends, contacts, and dignitaries, and for use in public displays and exhibitions.

7" x 6-1/4", 66pp., introduction, key to photographs Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United Kingdom

Ridván Message for Children (1992)

prepared by the Australian Bahá’í Children Education Task Force SC $2.25

This special adaptation of the 1992 Ridván message is suitable for children. However, many adults will also find this publication useful. The booklet is full of helpful graphics and study questions. Ridván 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. Bahá’í Publications Australia

A Wider Horizon

Selected Messages of the Universal House of Justice, 1983-1992 SC $10.00

In its Ridván 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 Bahá’í 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.

Ministry of the Custodians

by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum 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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum 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 Bahá’í 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

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

by Phyllis K. Peterson SC $1.50

A glimpse at childhood sexual abuse and the undeserved shame of the victims. Using excerpts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, 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 of reality. A fine introduction to an often misunderstood condition.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 16pp., bibliography Phyllis K. Peterson

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 [Page 7]

THE KITÁB-I-AQDAS

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, termed by Shoghi Effendi the "brightest emanation of the mind of Bahá’u’lláh," has been officially released to the Bahá’í world community.

This long-awaited English translation will, the Universal House of Justice says, "usher in a new stage in the evolution of the Bahá’í world."

25,000 copies of this limited 1st edition have been purchased for the U.S. Bahá’í 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 for the "Mother Book" of Bahá’u’lláh's Dispensation.

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. —BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

52" x 8", 296 pp., contents, preface, introduction, supplementary texts, questions and answers, synopsis and codification, notes, glossary, key to passages translated by Shoghi Effendi, index

$12.50

SHIP TO PAYMENT METHOD -CASH -CHECK -CHARGE (VISA, MASTER, AMEX)

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ITEM ATF QUANTITY COST TOTAL

Please add 15% (min. $3.00) for orders shipped outside the U.S.

DAYTIME TELEPHONE

Bahá’í Distribution Service. 5397 Wilbanks Drive, Chattanooga TN 37343 1-800-999-9019 FAX 615-843-0836 [Page 8]Sabemos de la importancia que en los escritos de la Fe se da al respecto, citando de Bahá’u’lláh lo sig.."Cuidãos, no sea que incurráis 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 Mí o un servicio a ellos, elegid servirles a ellos, y haced que tal servicio sea un sendero que os guíe hacia Mí. Esta es me exhortación y mandamiento para ti. Observa, por tanto, aquello que tu Señor, el Poderoso, el Generoso, te ha ordenado".

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

Umiy TOWN GAU the

Aparentemente, no se conecta la buena relación famil- iar con las actividades de enseñanza de la Causa, sin embargo, el experimentar la unidad en el hogar, tendrá 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 enseñanzas de Bahá’u’lláh, nos dan la guía necesaria para que nuestro propósito 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.

Bahá’í Faith Uniting the world. One heart at a time EDD Serving the fepe

TET Festival

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

Una vez escuché de un amigo bahá’í que nuestro amado Guardián, cuando tenía alguna leve discordiasiendo niño, no se iba a 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 preservación de la unidad con todos los que nos rodean.

Para finalizar citamos de la Bendita Belleza, lo sig.:"Los padres deben esforzarce al máximo en criar a sus hijos para que sean devotos, pues se los niños no logran éste, el más grande de los ornamentos, no obedecerán a sus padres, lo que en cierto sentido significa que no obedecerán a Dios. En verdad, tales niños no mostrarán consideración hacia nadie y harán exactamente lo que les plazca."

(De la "Llamado Bahá’í" el Boletin de la Asamblea Nacional de los Bahá’ís de Mexico, No. 73. Ene-Feb '93)

Non-literature items representing Faith must be reviewed before production

All non-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 materials:

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

• Bahá’í membership lists and directo- ries are not to be used by Bahá’ís as source lists for mailing advertising materials.

Only photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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’l-Bahá for their own use or as gifts if they wish to do so.

The reviewing committee has available copies of the proper render- 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 expedited if the friends sub- mit printed lyrics for music, and also send lists of refer- ences 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, cof- fee mugs, pens, etc.

If the sacred text is used, once the reviewing committee has completed its review and given permission for distribu- tion of an item carrying the sacred text, the Bahá’í Pub- lishing Trust should be con- tacted for the 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 Bahá’í agencies or individuals by producers of Bahá’í materials who wish to offer them for sale.

If you wish to submit materials for re- view or have other questions about the review process, please write to the com- mittee c/o the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

BAHA’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPECIAL VISIT PROGRAM JULY 15-18, 1993 REGISTRATION FORM

Print Name Bahá’í I.D. List additional names as applicable, Bahá’í ID#'s, ages of children). Attach extra sheet as needed. Address City State Zip. Telephone/Work/Home/Area code

A children'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 Bahá’í Services Fund. Do not send any other payment to us.

HOTEL INFORMATION 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 a list of hotels. All registrants will be sent transportation information and an itinerary of program activities. 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 10 miles north of the House of Worship Flat rate is $49.00

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

Return this form to: Bahá’í House of Worship Activities Office Special Visit Program Wilmette, IL 60091

Modesto

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

Mr. Oeun was contacted by the Cambo- dian 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bud- dhist/Bahá’í service with the monks chant- ing prayers while Bahá’í prayers and writ- ings were read in English, Persian, Cam- bodian and Lao. Bahá’ís arranged for flow- ers and handled all the logistics including leading the procession to the grave site.

Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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. As a result, a strong friend- ship has developed between Mr. On and several members of the Bahá’í commu- nity. [Page 9]

'Race Unity Solutions' sought at meeting sponsored by Bahá’ís of Mesa, Arizona

One hundred-twenty people including 33 guests attended a recent meeting on "Race Unity Solutions" sponsored by the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í community rented six billboards to promote the event. In addition to the billboards, which stood for two consecutive months, the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís of Mesa are planning future public meetings along similar lines.

CORRECTION

In the preface to an article on Roya Darab (The American Bahá’í, 'Alá 149, March, 2, 1993), "From the Hearts of the Handmaidens" is described as "a Bahá’í news bulletin for western Washington." Actually, it is a privately 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 Handmaidens," write to Lynnwood, WA 98037 (phone 206-776-4844).

48 children attend 'mini-World Congress' in Princeton, NJ

On February 7,48 children from three states gathered in Princeton, 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 Congress newsreel. One of the major activities 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. Many of the more than 100 in the audience were moved to tears.

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.

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 their room where he taught them the prayer "O God, 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), 708-869-9039.

Pictured is the recently constructed Bahá’í Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

More than 100 attend gala dedication ceremony for new Bahá’í Center in Greensboro, N. Carolina

On January 30, more than 100 Bahá’ís and their guests from North and South Carolina and other states took part in the dedication ceremony for the newly constructed Bahá’í 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, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly.

Many of the Bahá’ís in Greensboro offered 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 Bahá’í property includes approximately 1.5 acres of land bordered on two sides by 450 acres of city parks.

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 Bahá’ís and Bahá’í 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-World 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 World 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís of the U.S. to UN Bahá’í Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017. [Page 10]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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

AS THE MAXWELL International Bahá’í School continues to strive to meet the growing demands of an international residential school, there are a number of new and replacement positions that arise each year. The school has been privileged to have a number of talented, qualified volunteers in such areas as the health center, buildings and grounds, food services, administrative and academic support. While it would be a great asset to find qualified, self-supporting 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 health-related services to students and staff. Hours include shift work and on-call duty in the evenings, nights and on weekends. (2) A secretary/administrative assistant for the academic section 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 Principal, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, Bag 1000, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada VOR 2W0.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is accepting applications for summer 1993 employment. Positions available include children's teachers (4), 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 21-August 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 Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387).

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í 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 year-of-service). The most important attributes 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Telephone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-869-9039 or fax 708-869-0247, Attn: Office of Pioneering).

PIONEERING: HOMEFRONT

DUBUQUE, Iowa's first Spiritual Assembly needs bolstering. City of 60,000-plus is actively seeking minority-group families with experience in such professions as attorneys, police, and others. Dubuque is in the tri-state area (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin) and home to several college, universities and seminaries. For information, write to McDowell, Dubuque, IA 52001, or phone 319-556-1982.

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/FNP 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 Bahá’í Institute. For information, contact Dr. Hannah Rishel (a Bahá’í), or medical director Dr. Anthony Valdini, 602-755-3411 (Dr. Rishel's number at home is 602-755-3432), 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 cities in Massachusetts while helping a jeopardized local Spiritual Assembly maintain its 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, California, and becoming the ninth member of its Assembly.. Commit your energy to serving this media-oriented area with the Bahá’í Message. We need youth as well as families to exemplify the power of our Cause. Commute to universities/ studios. For more information, write to RR, Malibu, CA 90265, or phone Ruth at 310-457-5336.

THE Bahá’í community of Smyrna, Tennessee, warmly welcomes homefront pioneers. We have seven fairly active adult Bahá’ís 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, 615-355-4981.

SPEEDWAY, Indiana, has had an Assembly for many years but needs homefront pioneers to maintain it. A devoted group of Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í. Many children and activities for youth. Don't delay! For information, phone 803-664-9766.

THE Bahá’ís of Tillamook County, Oregon, invite and encourage urban Bahá’ís to consider moving to the country, described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 psychotherapists. There is a community college and hospital, and a small Latino community of 500 adds to the diversity. The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Archives still has available seven sets of unbound issues of World Order magazine, 1966-83, vols. 1-6, 8-17. The sets are complete except for missing vol. 7. The sets will be given to any Bahá’í who could use them for their library or to give to a local or college library. The Archives also has available additional copies of several individual issues from these years. Please contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following 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 Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

WANTED

I 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 IL3, Canada.

Bahá’ís in the Pikes Peak, Colorado, area are seeking to expand their collection of Bahá’í songs. If you have any music you can send, please send it to Richard Stamats, Colorado Springs, CO 80911.

THE NATIVE American Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í themes are needed for the upcoming publication of a collection of Bahá’í 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).

FOR SALE

A DISTINGUISHED Bahá’í artist, Hushang Sayhoon, has produced 52 high-quality drawings of the Holy Places in ‘Akká 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 Bahá’í Studies, P.O. Box 65600, Dundas, Ontario L9H 6Y6, Canada. Phone or fax 416-628-3040.

MISCELLANEOUS

AN ALBANIAN Bahá’í 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 in a Bahá’í 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 Schmidt, 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. [Page 11]

World News

Eight Bahá’ís took part in the Essimbi Teaching Campaign in North West Province, Cameroon. As a result of their efforts, 36 people embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Later, two of the friends went to Modelle where 15 people were enrolled. In Ako Subdivision, 18 Bahá’ís took part in a campaign planned by the Provincial Teaching Committee, welcoming 109 people into the Faith, opening eight new localities, and establishing three children's classes.

From December 7-19, Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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 Albania, the local Spiritual Assemblies of Erseke, Koçove and Permët were formed during November with the help of traveling teachers, while the Spiritual Assembly of Vlashuk 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 Bahá’ís, some of whom had joined the Faith only a few days before, attended a special deepening for women at the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh, and about principles of the Faith that pertain especially to women. Other talks were about Táhirih, and stories from the lives of recent women martyrs in Iran.

One hundred-seventy Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’u’lláh.

Sixty-five young Bahá’ís from Sweden and Denmark attended a National Youth Conference last October 30-November 1 in Malmö, Sweden. Also attending were members of the "Routes" teaching team sent to Scandinavia by the European Bahá’í Youth Council; Maj Torstensson, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden; and Auxiliary Board member Hans Öhman. One of the highlights was a trip to town where the youth tried a variety of teaching and proclamation methods. An evening program was attended by about 10 non-Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Summer School for Croatia and Slovenia was held in Pula, Croatia, with about 110 Bahá’ís taking part. Topics studied included the Holy Year, Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for uniting the world, and the nature and power of the 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 Bahá’ís from Belize took part in a conference December 6 in Belize City whose purpose was to celebrate the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh. The main speakers were 15 Bahá’ís 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 Belize.

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 Bahá’u’lláh. More than 400 people attended the meeting including 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 Bahá’ís and welcomed Dr. Maxwell, whose talk stated clearly Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’í book.

About 300 attend fifth annual Martin Luther King Day Conference sponsored by Bahá’ís of Carrollton, Texas

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

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

A Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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.

Bahá’ís from Thailand en route to Congress proclaim Faith with large, colorful banner

Bahá’ís pose for a picture behind the four-meter banner carried by six of the friends from Thailand to the second Bahá’í World Congress last November in New York City.

Maliheh Jafari, one of six Bahá’ís from northern Thailand who attended the second Bahá’í 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, “Bahá’ís from Thailand attending Bahá’í World Congress New York 23-26 Nov. 1992.”

We started from the train station in Chiangmai on November 17. Several Bahá’í 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 for all 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 Bahá’ís from Taiwan and opened the banner while 54 Bahá’ís from Taiwan and Thailand posed behind it for pictures.

Several people asked us what it was all about, and some said they knew Bahá’ís. 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 Bahá’ís from Thailand and Taiwan and were on our way to the second Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís 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! [Page 12]

موضوع خودکشی / SUICIDE

بر این اساس حفظ وجود انسان (۲۴۴) تمسک و به عملی نمودند. صفاتی و اسمائی کتاب مبين، ص (۲۹) مضمون بیان اتکاء معنوی بوده است در حالی که مؤمنین بهائی که مبارک اینکه اگر انسان وجود نداشت، چه وجودی مرا در اغلب طائفين حول مظهر امر کبریا بوده اند تا حد آنجا که در کتاب اقدس حضرت بها الله قانون زمين من ذکر مینمود و چگونه صفات و اسماء من شهادت و ریختن خون خود در راه محبت مولای خود منع و تحريم قتل را تصریح میفرمایند نکتهای مطرح جلوه و بروز می کرد؟ آمادگی داشتند و در آخر نیت خود را با خودکشی می‌سازند که ذهن ما را نسبت به موضوع زندگی و مرگ انسانها روشن مینماید متن آیه مبارکه چنین آنچه که بقای او را تضمین نماید در این بیان حضرت تلقی بهائیان از خودکشی بها الله تصریح گردیده است حضرت ولی امر الله بیانی به این مضمون لا يعترض احد على احد و لا يقتل نفس نفساً. حفظ انسان لدى الله از هر امری اعظم تر است. فرموده اند که گر چه خودکشی در امر مبارک اکیداً هذا ما نهيتم عنه فى كتاب كان في سرادق العز مستوراً. أ حق جل جلاله علم ابدان را مقدم داشته چه که در وجود نهی گردیده ولکن این به معنای آن نیست که شخص به تقتلون من احياه الله بروح من عنده أن هذا خطاء قد و سلامتی آن اجرای احکام بر او لازم و واجب در این علت خودکشی از بهائی بودن محروم گردد. بنابراین كان لدى العرش كبيراً اتقوا الله و لا تخربوا ما بناه الله صورت سلامتی مقدم بوده و خواهد بود. گنجینه حدود و باید از او مانند سایر بهائیان یاد گردد. اصول نظم احکام، ص (۱۴) اداری بهائی ص (۱۸)

با توجه به این بیان مبارک نگاهی به موضوع خودکشی در تعالیم شریعت بهائی مینمائیم و به جستجوی زمینه های آن میپردازیم و در این نوشته به چند نکته مربوط به خود کشی اشاره میکنیم.

بعلاوه در بیانات حضرت ولی امرالله که توسط منشی ایشان به یاران ابلاغ گردیده است، تصریح شده که انگیزه خودکشی و اقدام به آن که بی گمان عوامل روانی و اجتماعی دارد در آثار بهائی با همدردی و دلسوزی شناخته شده و تعالیم بهائی در صدد ایجاد شرایطی است که این پدیدۀ مخرب از میان برود. حضرت عبدالبهاء می فرمایند: این خاکدان فانی چنین است مخزن آلام و محن است غفلت است که انسان را نگه میدارد و الا هیچ نفسی در این عالم راحت نیست از ملوک گرفته تا به مملوک برسد. اگر یک جام شیرین دهد در عقب صد جام تلخ دارد این است شأن این دنیا لهذا انسان عاقل به حیات دنیویه تعلقی ندارد و اعتمادی ننماید بلکه در اوقات بینهایت آرزوی وفات کند تا از این اکدار و احزان نجات یابد، چنانچه بعضی از شدت اکدار انتحار نمایند (منتخباتی از مکاتیب حضرت عبدالبهاء)

۱ حفاظت از بدن

حفظ بدن و کوشش برای تقویت و لطافت آن در امر بهائی تأکید و تصریح شده است. برای نمونه به این بیان حضرت عبدالبهاء توجه فرمائید که می فرمایند: در جميع مراتب تنزیه و تقدیس و پاکی و لطافت سبب علویت عالم انسانی و ترقی حقائق امکانی است حتی در عالم جسمانی نیز لطافت سبب حصول روحانیت است چنانکه صریح کتب الهی است و نظافت ظاهره هر چند امری است جسمانی ولکن تأثیر شدید در روحانیات دارد. گنجینه حدود و احکام ص (۷۹)

در بیانی از جمال اقدس ابهی اشاره گردیده که مطمح نظر مؤمنین باید این باشد که همۀ اوقات خویش را وقف خدمت امر الله نمایند و ابداً موضوع فنایشان نباید ذهن آنان را مشغول نماید: "از برای احدی سزاوار نیست که طلب خروج از این عالم در ایام ظهور مالک قدم نماید، بلکه باید فی کل الاحیان ناظراً الى افق الرحمن از خدا بخواهد که خدمتی از او در این امر ابدع امنع ظاهر شود و او به ذکر کلمه ای از کلمات او باشد. ان هذا لفضل عظیم و خیر عظیم و امر عظیم" (مائده آسمانی، ج ۴، ص ۱۳)

از مجموع تعالیم شرایع گذشته این مفهوم به دست می‌آید که انسان حامل امانت خداوند و قائم مقام او بر کره خاک است حضرت عبدالبهاء در کتاب مفاوضات میفرمایند: انسان عضو اعظم این عالم است و اگر عضو اعظم در این هیکل نباشد البته هیکل ناقص است و انسان را عضو اعظم شماریم زیرا در بین کائنات انسان جامع کمالات وجود است و مقصد از انسان فرد کامل است یعنی اول شخص عالم که جامع کمالات معنویه و صوریه است که در بین کائنات مثل آفتاب است. مفاوضات ص (۱۲۵)

این معنی را جمال قدم در بیان زیر تصریح فرموده اند: لو لا الانسان من يذكرني في ارضی و کیف تظهر صفاتی و اسمائی مضمون بیان مبارک اینکه اگر انسان وجود نداشت، چه وجودی مرا در زمین من ذکر مینمود و چگونه صفات و اسماء من جلوه و بروز می کرد؟

۲ اشارات به خودکشی در بیانات حضرت عبدالبهاء

حضرت مولی الوری با این مشاهده که از وضع زندگی انسان فرموده اند اکیداً توصیه میفرمایند که شخص باید در مصائب صبور باشد و بعنوان نجات از بلا نباید دست به خودکشی بزند. أما مسألة تعدی به صعود از این عالم محض نجات از ما لايطاق ابداً جائز نه انسان باید تحمل هر مشقت و بلا نماید و صابر و شاکر باشد امر و خلق به دست اوست و او به هر نحوی که اراده فرماید با روح صادر از خود زندگانی بخشیده؟ به راستی که این خطانی است که در پیشگاه پروردگار گناهش بزرگ است. از خدا بترسید و آنچه را که او ساخته به دست سرکشی و بیداد خراب منمائید و به سوی خداوند راه یابید. بایادی الظلم والطغيان ثم اتخذوا الى الحق سبيلاً.

۳ خودکشی در تاریخ امر بهائی

این موضوعی است که سزاوار است در فرصتی بیشتر و با در نظر گرفتن مطالعاتی که در این مورد شده است با تفصیل بیشتری بررسی گردد. اما در اینجا به اختصار گفته میشود که در طول تاریخ امر افرادی از مؤمنان دست به خودکشی زدند و مورد لطف و رحمت خداوند نیز قرار گرفتند برخی از آنان عبارت بودند از جناب حسین افندی تبریزی، جناب نبیل زرندی، حاجی جعفر تبریزی، حاجی تقی تبریزی، جناب ذبیح زوارهای، ذبیح کاشانی، جناب عبدالغفار و نبیل ابن نبيل.

گر چه دلائل خودکشی هر یک از این یاران میتواند متفاوت باشد ولی نکته مشترک در بیشتر آنها شیفتگی بی حدی بوده که به شخص مظهر ظهور الهي جمال قدم داشتند و دوری حضرتش را بهیچ وجه تحمل نمی کردند به همین دلیل خودکشی این افراد را نباید در ردیف خودکشیهای متداول در اجتماعات مختلف بشری چه در غرب و چه در جهان سوم قرار داد زیرا که خودکشیهای متداول مخصوصاً از ۲۰۰ سال پیش تا کنون بیشتر به علت شرایط ناهنجار مادی و صنعتی اجتماع و فقدان روحانیت و نداشتن نقطه بهائیان مختارند برای کسانی که از این جهان به جهان دیگر صعود میکنند بدون نظر به اینکه چگونه صعود نموده اند دعا و طلب تأیید برای ترقیات روحانی آنان نمایند اینکه خداوند چگونه با این نفوس و ارواح رفتار می نماید سری است که بر بشر در این جهان خاک ناشناخته است. رجوع شود به مجموعه Lights of Guidance فقرة (۶۷۶)

عاقبت حال شخصی که خودکشی کرده است

حضرت ولی امر الله توسط منشی خویش به بعضی یکی از مؤمنین که دربارۀ اقدام به خودکشی پرسش نموده بود بیانی به این مضمون میفرمایند که خودکشی در امر بهائی تحریم شده زیرا فقط خداوند که خالق روح و حیات یک فرد است میتواند آن را بگیرد و با آن رفتار کند بنابراین کسانی که دست به خودکشی می زنند روح خویش را به خطر می اندازند و در سایر عوالم الهی از نظر روحانی رنج خواهند برد.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی در تأکید این بیان به شخصی که به فکر خودکشی افتاده بوده، می فرمایند که هر گونه فکری را در خصوص مرگ و خودکشی از ذهن خود دور سازد و بیشتر به دعا و توجه و سعی در خدمت به امر جمال قدم تمرکز دهد. (رجوع شود به مرجع سابق، فقرة (۶۷۷)

آنچه در بالا درج شد صرفاً اشاراتی است در مورد خودکشی سزاوار است که در فرصتهای بهتر مقالاتی مشروح تهیه و خدمت یاران الهی تقدیم شود.

LANDEGG ACADEMY 1993 PROGRAM / برنامه آکادمی لندگ در سال ۱۹۹۳

آکادمی لندگ در سوئیس برنامه فعالیتهای خود را در سال جاری منتشر کرده است. برنامه مذکور در صفحات انگلیسی شماره کنونی درج شده است. علاقه مندان را به رجوع به آن صفحات ارجاع می نمائیم.

ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSA SECRATARIATE / اطلاعیه دفتر محفل ملی

دفتر امور اداری جامعه امری Office of Community Administeration واقع در دفتر محفل ملی از دوستان عزیز تقاضا دارد چنانچه از دکتر ایرج درخشان که سابقاً ساکن ایالت اوهایو بوده است و محل کنونی ایشان اطلاعی داشته باشند با آن دفتر تماس حاصل نمایند: تلفن ۱۹۹۰۳۹ (۲۰۸) [Page 13]عید مبارک رضوان را به دوستان عزیز تبریک می‌گوئیم.

مقدماتی کتاب مستطاب اقدس درج شده است، تاریخ نزول آیات آن کتاب مستطاب با توجه به اشراق هشتم از اشراقات مبارکه اول ورود به عکا و با عنایت به خطاباتی که به ملوک شده (الواح) با اشاره به سفر وی به بیت‌المقدس صورت گرفته، در ۱۷ نوامبر ۱۸۶۹ میلادی و با توجه به آیات نازله خطاب به قیصر آلمان در ارتباط با سرنوشت ناپلئون سوم در اول سپتامبر ۱۸۷۰ میلادی و معطوفاً به خطابات صادره به یحیی ازل مرتبط با قتل سید محمد اصفهانی ژانویه ۱۸۷۲ میلادی و بالاخره به استناد مندرجات کتاب مبارک قرن بدیع سال ۱۸۷۳ میلادی برای این بیت ‎عودیختار عودی خمار‎ تعیین گردیده است.

نظر به اینکه تاریخ ورود جمال مبارک بنا به مندرجات فرهنگ لغات منتخبه ۳۱ آگست ۱۸۶۸ بوده، می‌توان به این نتیجه رسید که نزول آیات کتاب مستطاب اقدس از بدو ورود جمال قدم به عکا یعنی از ۳۱ آگست ۱۸۶۸ میلادی آغاز و به سال ۱۸۷۳ میلادی در بیت ‎عودیختار عودی خمار‎ در عکا پایان یافته است.

اطلاعیه محفل روحانی چارلستون

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE LSA OF CHARLESTON

خانه ایادی امرالله: مبلغ صامت

از حدود ۴ سال قبل ساختمان مخروبه‌ای که بقایای منزل ایادی امرالله جناب لئونس کریگوری واقع در شهر چارلستون در کارولینای جنوبی است، بوسیله محفل روحانی چارلستون و ادعیه بیت العدل اعظم الهی خریداری و شروع به نوسازی گردیده است.

این ساختمان که در محله تاریخی شهر واقع است بر طبق تصویب هیأت مهندسی شهرداری از جمله اماکن تاریخی به حساب آمده و بعنوان موزه شناخته شده است. تعمیرات کریمانه احباء در سراسر آمریکا و دیگر ممالک سبب شده است که این نوسازی تا مراحل نهائی ادامه یابد.

خاطر نشان می‌سازد که این ساختمان یک حظیرة‌القدس محلی نیست بلکه اولین موزه بهائی در بهائیان آمریکا است و در نظر است که اطاق‌هائی از آن به نمایش آثار امری و مطالب مربوط به بزرگ خدمات نژادی که مورد توجه آن ایادی عزیز امرالله بوده است، اختصاص داده شود.

از آنجا که چارلستون یکی از مراکز جلب سیاحان و به علت قدمت و داشتن آثار تاریخی سالانه شاهد جلب میلیون‌ها سیاح است، این مبلغ صامت می‌تواند جالب و جاذب قلوب به سوی اهداف عالیه امرالله باشد.

محفل روحانی چارلستون از محافل روحانی محلی و احبای عزیز و اطفال گرامی که تا کنون با ارسال کمک‌های مالی این محفل را یاری داده‌اند تشکر می‌نماید. شک نیست که روح پر فتوح آن ایادی عزیز از عالم بالا ناظر مجاهدات آن عزیزان خواهد بود.

از یاران که مایل باشند جهت کمک به این صندوق محفل چارلستون تبرع نمایند، تقاضا می‌شود با آن محفل به نشانی زیر تماس حاصل نمایند.

The Spiritual Assembly of Charleston P.O. Box 21887 Charleston, SC 29413 تلفن: ۷۵۵۹-۷۹۵ (۸۰۳)

معرفی مقدماتی کتاب اقدس

نوشته دکتر آهنگ ربانی KITAB-I-AQDAS

محتویات کتاب اقدس در آغاز این سفر مجید شناسائی مظهر مقدس امرالله مهم‌ترین و اولین وظیفه هر انسانی مقرر گردیده: "آن اول ما کتب الله علی العباد عرفان مشرق وحیه و مطلع امره..." مضمون بیان مبارک آنکه اولین وظیفه‌ای را که خداوند بر بندگان فرض فرموده، شناسائی مشرق وحی و مطلع امر است. و پس از آن: "اذا فزتم بهذا المقام الاسنی والافق الاعلی ینبغی لکل نفس ان یتبع ما امر به من لدی المقصود." لازمه هما لایغفل مقام روشن و افق بلندتر فائز شدید، شایسته است که هر نفری پیرو آئین آنچه را که حضرت پروردگار امر فرموده زیرا این دو وظیفه با هم هستند، یکی بدون دیگری پذیرفته نمی‌شود. به عبارت دیگر، شناسائی مظهر امرالله و اجرای احکام الهی توأمند و لازم و ملزوم یکدیگر.

بعد از فوز و ارتقاء به سرحد خوش و عرفان و عمل به حدود و احکام الهیه شرط است که "اعملوا حدودی حباً لجمالی" مضمون آنکه احکام مرا به خاطر دوستی جمالم به جا آورید که اجرای احکام و حدود به خاطر دوستی و عشق به جمال ذوالجلال است.

پس از این مقدمه مختصر احکام و دستورات این سفر کریم به طور کلی و عموم شامل موارد زیر است:

اول — نصایح و مواعظ الهیه: محبت، رأفت، مهربانی، خوشخوئی و ادب و بخشندگی، اجتناب از انتقام‌جوئی و فتنه و فساد و غیبت و بدگوئی و کینه ورزی.

دوم — احکام عبادیه که از وظائف فردی و روحانی افراد جامعه اسم اعظم اند و شامل: وضو، نماز، ذکر قبله و پنج مرتبه الله‌ابهی در هر روز، توجه به نزد قبله اهل بهاء، حقوق‌الله، نظافت و پاکیزگی و حدود مربوط به آنها. این فرایض عبادیه به جان و دل افراد جامعه بهائی مربوط است و هر فردی موظف است برای تزکیه روح و تقرب به آستان الهی طبق آنها رفتار نماید.

سوم — احکام اجتماعی شامل احکام نامزدی، ازدواج، مهریه، حقوق متقابل زوج و زوجه، طلاق، حدود و شرایط و واجبات آنها، تعلیم و تربیت فرزندان، نوشتن وصیت‌نامه، کفن و دفن میت و انگشتری مخصوص آنها، تقسیم ارث، اشتغال به کسب و کار، تعلیم بهائی، اعیاد و روزهای متبرک، ایام هاء، ضیافت نوزده‌روزه، تعیین سن بلوغ، اطاعت از حکومت و ...

چهارم — احکام حقوقی و جزائی مانند جزای سارق، جزای قتل عمد و غیرعمد، جزای کسی که خانه دیگری را به عمد بسوزاند و غیرهم. بررسی و تحقیق و تبیین و بالاخره تنظیم قوانین حقوقی و جزائی بهائی از اختصاصات ممتازه و انحصاری بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی است.

پنجم — احکام مربوط به تأسیس نظم بدیع جهان‌آرای الهی. در کتاب مستطاب اقدس نازل گردیده: "قد کتب الله علی کل مدینة ان یعلوا فیها بیت العدل و یجتمع فیه النفوس علی عدد البهاء و ان ازداد لا بأس و یرون کأنهم یدخلون فی محضر الله العلی الاعلی و یرون من لایری و ینبغی لهم ان یکونوا امناء الرحمن بین الامکان و وکلاء الله لمن علی الارض کلها و یشاوروا فی مصالح العباد لوجه الله کما یشاورون فی امورهم و یختاروا ما هو المختار." کذلک حکم ربکم العزیز الغفار. ایاکم ان تدعوا ما هو المنصوص فی اللوح. اتقوا الله یا اولی الانظار.

اساس و شالوده بیت‌العدل یا محافل محلی در کتاب اقدس نازل گردیده و در الواح مبارکه وصایای حضرت ‘Abdu’l-Bahá، اساس و فرائض محافل محلیه و محافل ملیه و بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی و تبیین تشکیلات اداری Bahá’í مفصلاً و دقیقاً تشریح و تبیین شدند که این تشکیلات عظیم اداری بالمال جامعه عزیز امرالله را در سراسر گیتی رهبری و اداره خواهند کرد.

ششم — علاوه بر مطالب متعدده که اختصاراً ذکر شد، به بسیاری از موضوعات دیگر نیز اشاره شده است که بعضی از سرزمین‌ها مورد خطاباتی واقع شده‌اند.

الف: اشخاص ۱- شیخ محمد حسن نجفی، پیشوای شیعیان که تفسیرهایش به نام "جواهر الکلام" معروف بود و همچنین ۲- حاج محمد کریم خان شیخی به خطابات انذارآمیزی مخاطب گشتند. ۳- اهل بیان را نصیحت و دلالت فرمودند که به ظهور "من یظهره الله" مؤمن گردند: "ایاکم ان یمنعکم ما فی البیان عن ربکم الرحمن..." ۴- یحیای ازل به خطاب یا مطلع الاعراض مخاطب گردید. ۵- قیصر آلمان که نصایح الهی را نپذیرفت، انذارات سخت امری در حقش نازل شد. ۶- سلطان عبدالعزیز، خلیفه عثمانی، مورد انذارات ‎قهريهای قهریه‌ای‎ واقع گشت. ۷- جناب شیخ احمد احسائی مورد تقدیر و تمجید قرار گرفته است. ۸- رؤسای جمهور آمریکا مورد هدایت و عنایت واقع گشته‌اند. ۹- از همه احبای مخلص و جانفشان فداکار درگاه الهی در این سفر مجید یاد شده، از آن قربانی اقل الی الله من یبقی الفتح و التشهیر.

ب: اماکن ۱- طهران یا "ارض الطاء" مورد مرحمت گشته که "سوف یأخذک الاضطراب بعد الاطمینان". ۲- عکا که در زمان‌های مورد تغییر واقع شده. ۳- کرمان یا "ارض الکاف و الراء" به بشارت "سوف یظهر الله فیک اولی بأس شدید" مستبشر گردیده.

از نامه‌های یاران

LETTERS

یکی از خوانندگان عزیز، ما، دکتر کیو خاوری نامه‌ای در ارتباط با مقاله دکتر آهنگ ربانی درباره کتاب اقدس نگاشته و به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال داشته‌اند. بخش‌هائی از نامه ایشان در زیر درج می‌شود:

"... ترتیباً به اطلاع می‌رساند که در مقاله ‎ناهنوز ناجزه‎ و لاحقه جناب دکتر آهنگ ربانی که در شماره ۲۱ مارچ ۱۹۹۳ آمریکن Bahá’í زیر عنوان "معرفی" [Page 14]

پیام محفل روحانی ملی

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ترجمهٔ نامهٔ محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده خطاب به محافل روحانی محلی و جمعیت‌های بهائی مورخ ۲۴ مارچ ۱۹۹۳

دوستان عزیز بهائی،

از آن عزیزان تقاضا می‌شود اطلاعات زیر را در اسرع وقت با جامعهٔ محلی خود در میان نهند.

هر از گاهی برخی از سازمان‌های سیاسی ایرانی نامه‌ها یا عرض‌حال‌هایی را دربارهٔ ایران بین آمریکائیان و ایرانیان ساکن ایالات متحده پخش نموده از آنان درخواست می‌کنند که اوراق مذکور را امضاء کنند. محفل روحانی ملی عموم یاران رحمانی را، اعم از آمریکائی و ایرانی، یادآور می‌شود که به هیچ وجهی چنان اوراقی را امضاء نمایند و در آن نوع فعالیت‌های مربوط به ایران، از هر مرجع و منشائی که باشد، چه در رفتار و چه در گفتار درگیر نگردند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده منشی: رابرت سی هندرسن

چین و آیندهٔ مبینش در ظل آئین رب العالمین

TEACHING OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA

نوشتهٔ آقای فرزام کمال‌آبادی

شود در ملک چین ارزان بهای مشک تاتاری بزد گر در ختن تاری صبا از زلف مشکینش جناب عندلیب

"چین سرزمینی با گذشته‌ای چنین پرشکوه و جلال و آینده‌ای چنین پروعده و بی‌مثال، کشوری است که مولای عزیزمان بدان امید فراوان داشت. ایشان مکرر با لحنی پرشور و هیجان از آینده درخشانش و از استعداد روحانیه مردمانش صحبت می‌فرمودند. چه مقدار احساس شعف و سرور باید به شما دست دهد که منتخب شدید ندای الهی را در آن دیار و ایالات شرق اقصی بلند کنید." (ترجمه از توقیع حضرت ولی امرالله، مورخ ۲۶ ژانویه ۱۹۲۳)

"و مملکت چینیان را که فی‌الحقیقه دارای عالمی و تمدنی مخصوص است و از حیث عدهٔ نفوس ربع مسکون عالم است و از جهت ثروت داخله و قوای مکنونه مادیه و ادبیه و روحانیه تفوق بر هر مملکتی از ممالک عالم دارد، و دارای مستقبلی محتوم و لامع، همچه قطعهٔ جسیمهٔ پرقوه‌ای را بیدار نمایند و به اهتزاز آرند و در ظل کلمةالله درآورده با اقالیم سائره عالم محشور و مألوف سازند و وحدت حقیقی نوع بشر را به قوهٔ حضرت بهاءالله ثابت نمایند و تأسیس کنند." (توقیعات مبارکه، ج ۱، ص ۱۰۴)

چین بزرگ‌ترین خزینهٔ عالم روحانی و عظیم‌ترین معدن گنجینه و گوهرهای الطف آبدار نورانی است که سالیان متمادی در اثر غفلت عالم انسانی از ظهور این آئین آسمانی در پس پردهٔ خمودت و عزلت خفته و نهفته و پنهان بود. حال به عنایت ربانی و به مقتضیات مشیت و حکمت بالغهٔ سبحانی وقت آن فرا رسیده است که از گوشهٔ عزلت و محدودیت رهائی جسته، در ظل آئین حضرت یزدانی، بنیانگذار فرهنگ و تمدن جاودانی نظم جهانی عصر طلائی دین بهائی گردد، چنانچه در این سنهٔ مقدس به نص قاطع بیت‌العدل اعظم، در نقشهٔ مخصوصی که به جهت نهضت تبلیغ و مهاجرت در داخل سرزمین چین کمونیست" اعلان شده، احتیاج است به جم غفیری مهاجر از جوامع بهائی اروپا و آمریکا و کانادا و استرالیا و تایوان و مالزی و هنگ‌کنگ و ماکائو و غیره که لازم است در حد اقل صد شهر مختلف چین مستقر شوند و با حکمت به تبلیغ انفرادی مشغول گردند و سبب تأسیس و استحکام جوامع بالغهٔ محلی بهائی و باعث تشویق و تعمیق بهائیان چین شوند.

بدین جهت لازم آمد که در زمینهٔ اهمیت تبلیغ چینیان و وسعت آن مملکت افسانه‌ای و قوت‌های نهفتهٔ بی‌نظیرش و موقعیت بسیار خطیرش سخنی رانده شود که به علت زبان قاصر و قلم ناتوان فقط به ذکر مقداری آمار و معرفی کشور به نحوه‌ای اجمالی و مختصر کفایت می‌شود:

چینیان که به روایت و عبارتی افسانه‌ای خود را زادگان و نوادگان اژدها می‌نامند، دارای فرهنگی حد اقل ۵ هزار ساله و مستمر و زبانی متشکل و متحد و به همان قدمت و یا حتی بیشتر می‌باشند.

مساحت کنونی این کشور ۹۵۷۱۳۰۰ کیلومتر مربع و پس از انقراض اتحاد جماهیر شوروی از لحاظ مساحت زمینی همراه با کانادا — مساحت کانادا ۹۲۱۵۴۳۰ کیلومتر مربع — وسیع‌ترین کشور دنیا محسوب و با جمعیتی بالغ بر یک میلیارد و دویست میلیون، یعنی حدوداً ربع مسکون عالم فی‌الواقع و بدون اغراق عجیب‌ترین و عظیم‌ترین مملکت دنیای معاصر است.

دربارهٔ واقعیت جمعیت چین بایستی مقداری تعمق و تفکر نمود تا روشنگر مطالبی جالب باشد. اولاً اگر جمعیت عمدهٔ یک میلیارد را به کنار بگذاریم و نادیده انگاریم و فقط این بخش ناچیز باقی مانده را در نظر داشته باشیم، این رقم اضافی یعنی دویست میلیون نفر تقریباً هم اندازهٔ جمعیت کل آمریکاست و ۴ برابر جمعیت ایران محسوب.

نکتهٔ دوم اینکه حتی تعداد و شمارهٔ دهات و شهرک‌ها و آبادی‌های چین روی هم رفته از جمعیت عدهٔ نفوس بعضی از کشورها هم بیشتر است، در حینی که اکثر جمعیت این قری و روستاها و حتی اغلب ساکنین شهرهای چین، یعنی حدوداً ۹۵ درصد تمام این یک میلیارد و دویست میلیون هیچوقت در طی عمرشان خارجی و غیرچینی ندیده‌اند و حتی در سراسر چین هنوز هزاران دهات و شهرستان‌ها است که هرگز در طول تاریخ هیچ انسان غربی و یا خارجی پا بدانجا نگذاشته است.

نکتهٔ سوم این است که به اضافهٔ بر این جمعیت شگفت‌آور چینیان در داخل سرزمین چین کمونیست، چینیان تنها نژادی هستند که به صورت جامعه‌هائی متشکل و مستقل و با جمعیت فراوان پراکنده در سراسر جهانند و در بیشتر از ۴۰ کشور عالم شهرها و محله‌های چینی‌نشین تأسیس نموده‌اند که هر یک مانند مملکت مستقلی در قلب مملکت میزبان و فرهنگ و زبان و آداب و رسوم و مدارس و روابط اقتصادی و اجتماعی و حقوقی و بهداشتی و علمی و تربیتی خود را مطابق سیستم مخصوص خودشان حفظ و برقرار نموده‌اند. بغیر از داخل چین کمونیست در تایوان یعنی چین ملی بیش از ۲۰ میلیون چینی، در هنگ‌کنگ هفت میلیون چینی، در ماکائو نیم میلیون چینی، در آمریکا بیش از یک میلیون چینی (پراکنده در سراسر آمریکا ولی متمرکز در کالیفرنیا و نیویورک و تگزاس و سیاتل و بوستن و واشنگتن و فلوریدا و آتلانتا و اکثر شهرهای بزرگ دیگر)، در تایلند ۷ میلیون چینی، در مالزی ۴ الی ۵ میلیون چینی، در اندونزی ۴ میلیون، سنگاپور ۳ میلیون، فیلیپین ۲ الی ۳ میلیون، ویتنام بیشتر از ۳ میلیون، کامبوج نیم میلیون، برمه بیش از نیم میلیون، کانادا نیم میلیون، استرالیا نزدیک نیم میلیون، اروپا نیم میلیون (پخش شده در سراسر فرانسه، انگلستان، آلمان و غیره)، در پاناما و پرو و ژاپن و هندوستان نیز هر یک ۱۰۰ الی ۲۰۰ هزار نفر چینی‌نشین و در سایر کشورهای مختلف مثل لائوس و کره و جامائیکا و جزیرهٔ موریس و برخی دیگر از کشورهای آفریقائی و عربی و اقالیمی چون برونی و سورینام و حتی جزائری مانند فیجی و گینه و ترینیداد و غیرهم جمعیت کثیری هر یک بالغ بر ده‌ها هزار چینی مقیم و مستقرند.

جمیع این جوامع چینی خارج از چین متشکل و با همدیگر همچون یک شبکهٔ عظیم بین‌المللی مرتبطند و اکثراً دارای ایستگاه‌های رادیو و تلویزیون و روزنامه‌های چینی زبان محلی مخصوص به خود می‌باشند. به طور مثال بزرگ‌ترین نشریهٔ روزانهٔ بین‌المللی چینی زبان صادره از هونگ‌کنگ به نام "سینگ تائو" حدوداً در ۳۰۰ شهر در ۵۰ کشور مختلف جهان شعبه ساخته و روزانه توسط ماهواره اخبار چین و جهان را به چینیان سراسر عالم ارسال می‌دارد.

(ادامه در شمارهٔ بعد)

کتاب "زمزمه سنگ‌ها"

MR. SAYHOON’S DRAWINGS

به تازگی هنرمند نامدار بهائی مهندس هوشنگ سیحون ۵۲ طرح از اماکن مقدسه امر مبارک در عکا و حیفا تهیه کرده که در کتابی با عنوان "زمزمه سنگ‌ها" "Whispering Stones" جمع آوری شده است. قصد مهندس سیحون آن بوده است که وجوه حاصل از فروش کتاب مذکور تقدیم صندوق ساختمان‌های قوس در حیفا شود. قیمت این کتاب ۱۰۰۰ دلار است. همچنین پوسترهای لیتوگرافی شده‌ای از طرح‌های مذکور به قیمت ۱۰۰ دلار برای هر پوستر آمادهٔ فروش است.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای خرید مواد فوق و یا کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با مؤسسه معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی در کانادا تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۴۱۶).

اطلاعات دربارهٔ شرح احوال جناب کامران صمیمی

INFORMATION ‎ABOUTONE ABOUT ONE‎ OF THE MARTYRS

یاران عزیز آگاهی دارند که شهید فداکار بهائی جناب کامران صمیمی در ۲۷ دسامبر سال ۱۹۸۱ در ایران به شهادت رسید. دختر ایشان، خانم سوسن صمیمی در حال حاضر دست اندر کار نگارش شرح حال ایشان است. خانم صمیمی از دوستان عزیز تقاضا کرده‌اند که در صورتی که اطلاعات و یا خاطراتی دربارهٔ جناب کامران صمیمی در سال‌های ۱۹۷۸-۱۹۸۱ داشته باشند، با ایشان تماس حاصل نمایند. نشانی:

Soosan Samimi Malek Ontario. M2J 1L3, CANADA

JAMÁL B.E. 150 / APRIL 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 “Kitáb-i-Aqdas.” 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.

I once handed a copy of the Codification of the Kitáb-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. And a 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, Bahá’u’lláh is supreme.

Of all 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 Kitáb-i-Aqdas. 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, Bahá’u’lláh has declared that “war shall be waged in the path of God, with the armies of wisdom and utterance, and of a 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 Bahá’u’lláh, turn our copper to gold, and enable 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 Bahá’ís of Manteca, California, and the Judicial District would like to thank all of the many people who helped make the second Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh. We are very happy.

The Bahá’ís of Manteca and Manteca J.D., California

Calculating Huqúqu’lláh

To the Editor:

Now that the law of Huqúqu’lláh is binding on the Bahá’ís of the United States, it would be useful if the current value, in U.S. dollars, of one mithqál of gold were to be published on a regular basis in The American Bahá’í.

It might also help the friends in calculating a basis (baseline) for the value of their assets if you could also publish the value that one mithqál of gold had on the day the law of Huqúqu’lláh 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 Huqúqu’lláh.

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.” Huqúqu’lláh is payable as soon as a person’s assessable possessions reach or exceed the value of 19 mithqáls of gold, which is approximately 2.2 troy ounces (about 69.2 grams). As of September 1992, when the special Huqúqu’lláh issue of The American Bahá’í was published, the value of 19 mithqáls of gold was roughly equivalent to $790. To find the present value of 19 mithqáls of gold, simply multiply the value of a troy ounce as published in the newspaper by 2.2.—Ed.)

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 assignment to reach the indigenous peoples of these islands. The Harrises traveled among the 40 islands by boat, bringing the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh 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, strong-willed and a wonderful teacher, bringing many into the Faith,” Kay Harris touched many lives.

Ruth Wenstrom, oldest Bahá’í in Oregon, dead at age 95

Ruth Wenstrom, 95, of Tigard, the oldest Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’í 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

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.

The world is sick, and only the Bahá’ís have the remedy.

I am ashamed of myself and my American Bahá’í 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 Bahá’u’lláh while here in the ‎U.S 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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

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

IN MEMORIAM

Lawrence Bennett Williams, SC Date Unknown	Mary E. Davis Milwaukee, WI July 1990	Joseph Mannas Goleta, CA February 12, 1993	Odessa L. Penn Pasadena, CA Date Unknown
Mamie Bennett Williams, SC Date Unknown	Eric Arden Ehlert Johnson Creek, WI February 28, 1993	Dr. Andrew Maxwell Del Mar, CA 1992	Urban Pollard San Diego, CA Date Unknown
Marshall Beyeckan Milwaukee, WI February 28, 1993	Rosa Mae Eugene Seabrook, SC Date Unknown	Elizabeth Mays Ruffin, SC Date Unknown	David Powell Cottageville, SC Date Unknown
James Brown Dale, SC Date Unknown	June P. Goble Finn Rock, OR August 2, 1992	Edward McElwain Westminster, MD March 1, 1993	Kathryn Raxter Wilsonville, OR Date Unknown
Victoria Coakley Dale, SC Date Unknown	Raymond Goble Vida, OR Date Unknown	Faye Mingo Lodge, SC Date Unknown	Ruth Robinson Ruffin, SC Date Unknown
Mary Crawford Jacksonboro, SC Date Unknown	Phil Godard Aledo, IL March 6, 1993	Mose Mingo Lodge, SC Date Unknown	Minnie Slaughter Ideal, GA July 1992
Gladys Cunningham Cottageville, SC Date Unknown	Mary Dee Hubler Boise, ID February 21, 1993	Rossie Mingo Williams, SC Date Unknown	Rebecca Taylor Dale, SC Date Unknown
Francis Czerniejewski Altamonte Springs, FL February 11, 1993	Alma Iceman Ponemah, MN Date Unknown	Nathan North Cottageville, SC Date Unknown	Lenore Washington Seabrook, SC Date Unknown
Eva Daniels Cottageville, SC Date Unknown	Luella Jakes Williams, SC Date Unknown	Ralph Novoa Newport News, VA February 16, 1992	Irene Wilder Cottageville, SC Date Unknown
Roya Darab Bothell, WA January 5, 1993	Doris Kirkham El Cerrito, CA September 19, 1992	Wisdom Owens Albany, GA Date Unknown

[Page 16]On February 26 about 60 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended a ‘Wake-Up Call: Dialogue on Race Unity’ Conference sponsored by the Bahá’í Club at the University of Texas-Dallas. On hand to welcome the guests was Dr. Hobson ‎Widenthal Wildenthal‎, 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 Bahá’í 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.’

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

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

21-23: National Chinese Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Main sessions in Mandarin. For information, contact Jenny Lerner, 3302 N. Stowell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211 (phone 414-332-6365).

23: Health for Humanity, first national conference, Bahá’í 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 Kitáb-i-Aqdas: 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: Bahá’í Marriage Enrichment Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. A special time to renew and enrich your relationship and to explore the Bahá’í 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 408-423-7564.

28-31: Bahá’í Pacific West Coast Youth Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bellevue, Washington. Theme: “Mass Enrollment in the West.” For information, contact Ala Moshiri, 16428 N.E. 28th St., Bellevue, WA 98004 (phone 206-453-9779).

JUNE

3-6: Bahá’í Justice Society Conference and Annual Meeting, Stouffer Concourse Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. Theme: “The Global Legal Framework for a New World Order.” Open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Workshops on the environment, social and economic 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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Theme: “Bahá’í Women’s Role: From Internalized Sexism and Racism Toward Empowerment and Equity.” For information, phone 803-558-5093.

13: International Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, 708-869-9039.

17-20: International Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Montreal, Canada. Theme: “Spirituality: The Key to Personal and Social Transformation.” A one-day conference on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas will be held June 17. For information, write to ABS, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada, or phone 613-233-1903.

24-27: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps training session, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 313-653-5033; fax 313-653-7181.

26: 81st annual Souvenir Picnic of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 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 Bahá’í Summer School, Georgian Court College, Lakewood. Theme: “Connecting Our Hearts to the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh.” For information or to register, phone 908-367-7155.

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

AUGUST

7-9: Southern California Bahá’í School, Highland Springs Resort Center, Cherry Valley. Theme: “Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Source of All Blessings.” For information, phone 708-869-9039.

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, phone Cornelia Rutledge, 202-966-2356.

28-September 4: 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions, Palmer House Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.

SEPTEMBER

3-6: Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Theme: “Rendezvous of the Souls.” Contact: Kaihan Strain, 1007 Windswept Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 615-842-1750).

4-7: Pioneer Training Institute and Bahá’í Youth Service Corps training session, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í 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-Bahá’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 Bahá’í Conference, American Baptist Assembly Conference Grounds, Green Lake, Wisconsin. To make housing reservations, phone 1-800-558-8898.

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

OCTOBER

8-11: National Hispanic Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose and El Ruiseñor 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 Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.