The American Bahá’í/Volume 25/Issue 11/Text
| ←Previous | The American Bahá’í Volume 25, Issue 11 |
Next→ |
| Return to PDF view |
 | The text below this notice was generated by a computer, it still needs to be checked for errors and corrected. If you would like to help, view the original document by clicking the PDF scans along the right side of the page. Click the edit button at the top of this page (notepad and pencil icon) or press Alt+Shift+E to begin making changes. When you are done press "Save changes" at the bottom of the page. |
KAMAL B.€. 1517
August 1, 1994
Vo.iumeE 25, Numeser 11
Celebrating the centenary
i
Scott Bivans of Topton, Pennsylvania, enjoying his first visit to C
the newly rededicated Sarah Farmer Inn in the American Impre:
— a en Acre Baha’i School, paints a likeness of ionist style. Photos by John McNair.
Green Acre triple ceremony draws 800; restoration of historic Inn is a ‘triumph’
By Marie McNair
“We wanted this to be a memorable occasion,” Ray LaBelle, director of the Green Acre Baha’i School, told the nearly 800 Baha'is and their guests who had gathered at the school over the July 4 weekend to take part in an historic “triple celebration”:
- The grand reopening and dedication of
the newly remodeled Sarah Farmer Inn;
- the 100th anniversary of the founding of
Green Acre by Miss Farmer;
¢ the 100th anniversary of the raising of the world’s first known Peace Flag.
But “memorable” is too mild a word to describe the profound feelings of love, joy and gratitude for Bahda’u’lldh’s blessings felt by everyone whose privilege it was to be at Green Acre for this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.
The occasion was blessed by the presence of Counselors Wilma Ellis and William Roberts— both of whom have given constant and unwavering support to the Green Acre restoration program since its inception eight years ago—and the
sembly, and National Assembly member Alberta Deas hold aloft the peace flag as the choir sings in praise.
members of the National Spiritual Assembly under whose guidance the program has been carried out.
Others taking part included Baha'is from across the country and from such far-away places as Alaska, Australia, Ghana and Haiti, and a number of dignitaries and residents from Eliot, Maine, the city in which the school is located.
Formal sessions and evening concerts were held beneath a large tent erected on the Green Acre campus in which more than 700 chairs were placed. The flag-raising ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon, with the Farmer Inn formally dedicated the following day.
Saturday evening’s public concert included music by popular vocalist Red Grammer and the 12-member Baha’i Gospel Choir.
On Sunday evening, vocalist Gordi Munro performed for Baha'is and their guests, as did the jazz quintet Iridescence.
See GREEN ACRE page 10
Chicago banquet an opportunity to look back, forward
By Tom Mennillo
They came to celebrate the 100th anniversa of the Baha‘i Faith in North America. They left rededicated to a vision of human nobility and to the service of humanity.
The occasion was a gala banquet June 26 in the dramatic setting of Navy Pier, jutting from midtown Chicago into the waters of Lake Michigan.
The location was appropriate.
It was in Chicago that the Baha’i Faith was first publicly mentioned in the West, at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions.
Chicago is where the first Americans to become Baha'is began to study the Faith in June 1894, and where the first Baha'i community later was organized.
And it was the Baha Chicago who petitioned ‘Abdu’I-Baha in 1903 for permission to fund and build the Mother Temple of the West. Land just north of the city in Wilmette eventually was purchased for the holiest House of Worship, which was dedicated in 1953.
With all that in mind, more than 550 people gathered at Navy Pier for an evening of glowing tributes, stirring performances, fond reminiscences, and clear-eyed looks forward.
Among them were Counselors Steven Birkland and Wilma Ellis, who greeted the assemblage on behalf of believers “from Greenland to the tip of South America” in the hundreds of Baha’j localities the American community was so instrumental in raising up.
Six members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly and members of the National Assemblies of Canada and Alaska also were present, as were dozens of friends of the Faith from the worlds of politics, religion and business.
These Peoples many of whom have worked closely alongside the Cause, included the consul general of India to Chicago; the village president of Wilmette, Illinois, and the mayors of Evanston and Wheeling; Lakota medicine man Pete Catches Jr.; and several members of the board of directors of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, held last fall in Chicago.
15-year-old Carlos Slater presents a look into the future at the Chicago banquet.
See BANQUET page 5
[Page 2]
So you have a seeker who is eager to attend a fireside and the regular monthly community fireside is three weeks away. She has already read Thief in the Night in two days and is asking all the right questions. What will you do?
You rush to call the next nearest community and learn that the host family of their bi-weekly com-munity fireside is away on vacation. Wait! Before you contact your cousin who lives more than two hours away, this may be a new beginning.
a would you like to see your home transformed into a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness?
‘Abdu’l-Baha writes, “Blessed art thou for having opened the door of thy home unto the people to come and hear of the Kingdom; know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness.”
So how can you have a fireside in your small apartment, get a speaker and prepare all those refreshments like the one you are accustomed to attending?
Good news! Ina letter written on behalf of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, he writes, “One of the best ways to teach is what the Americans
Letter from the National Teaching Committee You can transform your home into a ‘garden of God’
call a ‘fireside,’ in other words a little group of your friends in your own home, to whom you can introduce a few believers whom you feel would be congenial and help confirm them.”
He further writes, “The fireside method of teaching seems to produce the greatest results; when each one invites friends into their homes once in 19 days and introduces them to the Faith. Close association and loving services affect the hearts and when the heart is affected, then the spirit can enter. It is the Holy Spirit that quickens and the friends must become channels for its diffusion.” So you see, the more intimate the atmosphere, the more likely the Holy Spirit will affect the heart.
Now you don’t have to wait for the next community fireside. It may be a bit too large anyway for a new seeker to ask those personal questions, and you will have the wonderful opportunity to exer— cise your individual responsibility for teaching.
The Guardian again writes the following, “The friends must realize their individual responsibility. Each must hold a fireside in his or her home once in 19 days, where new people are invited and where some phase of the Faith is mentioned and discussed. If this is done with the intent of showing Baha’i hospitality and love, then there will be
results.”
This doesn’t sound like the fireside you are accustomed to supporting? Well, perhaps now is the perfect time to make a change.
You may even want to suggest at the next Feast that instead of having one community fireside every 19 days, every family or individual may want to host their own fireside and plant several gardens of God all over the community.
Each one may be different from the other. One may just be you or your family and a seeker over for dinner. It could be a neighbor over for a cup of coffee or a relative for a social evening. You could team up with another Baha’i who may not be al-lowed to host a fireside in their home or a child who would welcome the opportunity to help in the arrangements.
Whatever the case, the Guardian states, if you have “the intent of showing Baha'i hospitality and love then there will be results.”
So what are you waiting for? Call your friend. Try to do this once in 19 days for a while and watch your home become transformed. And don’t forget to let us know the results!
The National Teaching Committee July 1994
Baha'i high school senior quotes from Writings at
HEAT Wave fireside campaign warms San Antonio
interfaith baccalaureate
On April 24, Jared Hallock, a grad— uating high school senior, quoted from the Writings of Baha'u'llah before an audience of 200 at an interfaith baccalaureate service at the Cloverdale Seventh Day Adventist Church in Boise, Idaho.
The service was the second annual celebration of religious freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Last year, another Baha'i youth, Chris Ragland, presented a talk.
Jared Hallock spoke during a candle-lighting ceremony that began with several talks on “what the light of religious freedom means to me,” ending with these words of Baha'u'llah: “O Lord! Make all mankind as stars shining from the same height of glory, as perfect fruits growing upon Thy tree of love.”
The event was sponsored by Boise's Religious Freedom Committee, on which a representative of the Spiritual Assembly of Boise has serv— ed for several years.
To prepare for the HEAT Wave fireside campaign in their area, the Baha'is of San Antonio, Texas, drafted an open letter to the people of that city containing a message about the Faith and an invitation to attend any of the special informational meetings to be held each evening during the 19-day HEAT Wave period.
An ad was placed in a weekly newspaper announcing regularly scheduled activities at the Baha'i Center.
The HEAT Wave began in San An— tonio with 19 continuous hours of prove and nine separate firesides the
irst day. Firesides were held at the Baha'f Center every evening during the month.
To acquaint those who live nearby with the Faith and the new Baha'i Center, the Spiritual Assembly decided to deliver the “open letter” with its invitation to every resident within a one-mile radius of the Center.
In addition, each Baha’ in the city was asked to present a copy of the open letter to a friend or acquaintance on each of the 19 days of that Baha'i
month.
During the first week of the HEAT Wave, five six- by 12-foot billboard signs were posted in various locations with the message “Baha'u'llh—The Promised One—Has Come.”
On the evening of May 22, the commemoration of the 150th anniversa: of the Declaration of the Bab was held
Pictured is one of five billboards posted in May by the Baha'is of San Antonio, Texas.
at the Baha'f Center following an after— noon performance of the Texas Bach Choir, two of whose members are Bahda‘is.
The enthusiasm has carried over into fund-raising, with a “unit” of $9,000 for the Arc raised in only three months.
The community eagerly awaits other results of the unified efforts put forth during the HEAT Wave period.
Conference explores dynamics of religion and politics
The American Bahé't is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé'is 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: Tom Mennillo. The American Bahd’f welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various ins! . Articles should be clear and co: black-and-white glossy photographs should whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Baha’, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Man-agement Information Systems, Baha’ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1994 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Scholars and public figures from around the world gathered April 9-11 at the University of Maryland in College Park to explore the nature and dynamics of religion and politics.
The conference, entitled “Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace,” was co-sponsored by the Baha'i Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the university's Department of History.
It formed a part of the University of Maryland's Focus on Diversity, a three-week climax of the university's year-long initiative,
“Moving Toward Community.”
Among those taking part were Dr. Suheil Bushrui, a professor in the university's Center for International Development and Conflict Management and first holder of the Baha'i Chair for World Peace; Ernest Gellner of Cambridge University, director of the European Center for the Study of Nationalism; Paul-Marc Henry, an ambassador of France (the highest status a diplomat can achieve in the French Foreign Service) and a member of the Institute International Geopolitique; and more than 15 other speakers from around the world who shared diverse experiences and perspectives.
151 / Auaust 1, 1994
TOT =
Three Year Pian
fANG?
MISSION 19
2QYSAR PLAN J 1993 - 1996
U.S. Baha’i Community Current Goals and Status - Kamal 151 - August 1, 1994
7
‘TARGETING THE CITIES
TOTAL ENROLLMENTS OF 50,000-PLUs POPULATION OF NEw WiTH No Locat SpirITUAL ASSEMBLY BELIEVERS Among the goals for the establishment of 150 new local Spiritual Assemblies during the Three Year Plan is cities with
populations of 50,000 or more. The maps below of six major population centers pinpoint several of cities of this size that do not have Assemblies. They’re just waiting for you to help in raising Assemblies through traveling teaching or
JUNE vw iiiiastass 200)
THE FUND
(Preliminary, June 30, 1994)
NATIONAL FuND
at 708-733
DETROIT AREA CITIES CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS Year to date.... 462 ee ee ee & RHODE ISLAND CITIES —!— | WARREN HAVERHILL PONTIAC, LAWRENCE LYNN TROY_ ROSEVILLE Quincy ROVAL OAK ST CLAIR SHORES BROCKTON
DEARBORN HEIGHTS
WESTLAND TAYLOR
MERIDEN Four Major Funps WEST HAVEN EAST PROVIDENCE NORWALK SENS C (BD) 82,462,945 CHICAGO AREA CITIES HB Goal for 151 BE. MOUNT PROSPECT NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY CITIES [2] Contributions to Date SCHAUMBURG DES PLAINES
CICERO OAK LAWN
HAMMOND \ NEWARK
a eo a ps ELIZABETH BAYONNE
INTERNATIONAL FUND
EE 5260
23 $39,767 kal es
Arc Projects FunD
LOS ANGELES AREA CITIES
NORTHEAST OHIO CITIES
nose
nF aS MONTEREY PARK ALHAMBRA/ EL MONTE
CONTINENTAL FuND MONTEBELLO BALDWIN PARK LAKEWOOD
PICO RIVERA onan raul
HUNTINGTON PARK DESL COMI
SOUTH GATE SR EONTANA WARREN
Lynwoop— Sau ELYRIA
COMPTON N\
WR From Nar Bahai Fund SABE WESTMINSTER YOUNGSTOWN
AS) PARMA
Earmarked Dollars BELLFLOWER
HBR) Total Contributions A CERRITOS. AKRON ‘CANTON
homefront pioneering! So, please, choose a target area and contact the National Teaching Office '-3494 for the name of a Baha’{ contact in or near that locality.
CHICOPEE S PAWTUCKET es
BRISTOL. WATERBURY, DANBURY.
NEW BRITAIN ect
NEW BEDFORD Cae) ba FALL RIVER
PATERSON
EAST ORANGE _ IRVINGTON UNION CITY
THE AMERICAN BAHA 4 raat Fs
Reprising the call for pioneers for the Three Year Plan
(The following letter from the Universal House of. Justice, which first appeared in the August 20, 1993, issue of The American Baha’s, is of such continuing importance as we near the midway point of the Three Year Plan that it is being reprinted here with the list of goals for pioneers that accompanied it.)
°
To the Baha'is of the world Dear Baha'i friends,
Integral to the success and development of the Cause of God is the continual deployment of pio— neers and traveling teachers throughout the world. During the course of the Six Year Plan more than 4,000 Baha'is left their homes to serve as either short-term or long-term pioneers in other lands. This is an indication of the increased mobility that the modern world provides, and of the believers’ eagerness to advance the Cause wherever the need is greatest. It suggests that new methods must be adopted to make the best use of this massive flow of Baha'is.
We have therefore decided, in consultation with the International Teaching Center, to adopt a new pattern for the pioneer call for the Three Year Plan. The essence of this method is that friends may arise from anywhere in the world to pioneer to any other part of the world. There are few places where long-term and short-term pioneers and traveling teachers are not needed. But the needs vary in nature, intensity and urgency. To help each volunteer to choose his or her goal, a list of four categories has been prepared to indicate the particular needs. These four categories comprise countries and territories where:
1. there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be ur— gently met;
2. the Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers;
3. the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic de— velopment;
4. pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Baha’f activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.
The list is attached to this letter for the information of every Baha'i. More detailed information about many of the countries is being supplied to National Spiritual Assemblies and also to the Continental Boards of Counselors and Continental Pioneer Committees. Both the list and detailed information will be periodically updated as the outflow of pioneers and traveling teachers begins to
meet current needs. Notification of areas of es— pecially urgent concern will also be supplied from time to time.
Many National Assemblies have offered, among their international collaboration goals, to raise up a given number of pioneers and traveling teachers during the Three Year Plan. But, as indicated above, even from those countries which have specified no such goal, the friends should feel free to offer their services.
Any Baha'i who has the urge to serve as a trav— eling teacher, or as a pioneer for a short or long, term, should immediately contact his (or her) National Spiritual Assembly or appropriate national committee to obtain advice and additional information. He can also consult a Counselor or Auxiliary Board member, and write to a Continental Pioneer Committee. Through prayer and consultation, and after considering his own particular ex— perience, inclinations and possibilities, he can choose his goal area and, confidently relying on the confirming power of Baha'u'llah, set out to serve the Cause of his Lord in distant lands.
There are still vast areas of the world where no Baha'is have set foot. There are millions desperately thirsting for this Water of Life. There are countries where believers are laboring day and night to foster the growth of the tree of the Cause, and are in urgent need of reinforcements. It is our fervent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that stal— wart, self-sacrificing friends will arise and that a wave of pioneers and traveling teachers will surge forth to raise the banner of the Cause and reinforce the cohorts of God in every land.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
The Universal House of Justice June 27, 1993
CATEGORY 1: The following are countries and territories where there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met.
Africa—Benin, Congo Republic, Djibouti (Ethiopia), Equatorial Guinea*+, Guinea, Guinea Bissau. Americas—Nicaragua. Asia—Asiatic Russia including Sakhalin, Azerbaijan, Cambodia)*, Georgia, Kazakhstan* Kirgystan*, Mongolia, Turkmenistan*, Uzbekistan.* Europe—Albania*, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hun— gary, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland+, Russia*, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine.
CATEGORY 2: The following are countries and territories where the Faith is established, but pio— neers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to assist in the opening of new centers.
Africa—Bophuthatswana, Botswana+, Burkina, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Ciskei, Gabon, The Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi*+, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Réunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal+, Sey chelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena*, Tanzania, Transkei, Uganda, Venda. Americas—Argentina, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Bahamas, Bermuda, Chile, Dominica*, East Leeward Islands, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe+, Guatemala*, Jamaica including the Cayman Islands, Martinique+, Mexico, Paraguay+, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St, Vincent and the Grenadines, West Leeward Islands.+ Asia—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Korea+, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Australasia—Cook Islands+, Eastern Caroline Islands*+, Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands+, Nauru, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands+, Solomon Is— lands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands. Europe—Andorra, Azores, Belgium+, Channel Islands, Corsica, Cyprus, Denmark, Elba, Estonia* Faroe Islands, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece*+, Latvia*, Liechtenstein, Lithuania*, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, Portugal+, Sardinia, Spitzbergen.
CATEGORY 3: The following are countries and territories where the process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development.
Africa—Cameroon, Chad", Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland+, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Americas—Barbados, Belize+, Bolivia+, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica+, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti+, Honduras, Panama+, Peru, Suriname’, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela. Asia—Bangladesh, Hong Kong+, In— dia*, Japan*, Macaw+, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan. Australasia—Papua New Guinea+, Samoa. Europe—Canary Islands+, Iceland, Romania.*
CATEGORY 4: The following are countries and territories where pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult because of restrictions on Baha'i activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering.
Africa—Angola, Comoros, Liberia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Somalia, Togo+, Zaire. Americas— Cuba. Asia—Afghanistan, Armenia, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, North Korea, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Tadzhikistan*, Vietnam. Australasia—French Polynesia*, Wallis and For— tuna.
- Need for traveling teachers specified, to date
+ Opportunities for youth
Information on the specific needs of many of these countries is available from the Office of Pioneering at the Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Telephone 708-733-3508; fax 708-733-3509.
International opportunities and events this summer
Now through Sept. 15: CROATIA AND SLOVENIA’s “Istria Sunshine Project” under the auspices of the regional teaching committee for Croatia and Slovenia, which writes that “It seems that many of our Baha’i friends in other countries have been reluctant to serve in Croatia in the past few years due to their concern about the [political] conditions. ...The area of Croatia that the project will be in is very safe. It is also beautiful and most importantly, the population is receptive.”
July 28-Aug 13: The “Jolly Viking Project: Conquering the FAROE ISLANDS.” Work with the friends. from the United Kingdom, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and other countries to increase the human resources of the Faith in this beautiful land, and move toward the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly for the Faroe Islands.
August: Follow-up teaching campaign in ALBANIA, where thousands became Baha’fs last summer as a result of the “Open
others who are waiting.
and adults.
Letter” project. Pioneers and traveling teachers are urgently needed for two to four weeks during August to deepen these new believers and
continue enrolling the thousands of
Aug. 6-14: Baha'f Summer School of IRELAND. Theme: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations in its exigencies and requirements.” Programs for children, youth
Aug. 9-15: 1994 summer school of
HUNGARY. Topics to include: The Revelation of Baha‘u’llah, Spiritual Transformation, Entry by Troops. Guest speakers to include Counselor Louis Hénuzet. “Beautifully located on lake Balaton, some 150 km from Budapest, offering a wide variety of free-time activities and sports.” Cost: $200/person/week.
Aug. 13-20: Second annual Performing Arts Summer Academy, ENGLAND. Intensive professional workshops in drama, dance, vocal
See SUMMER EVENTS page 19
Kamat B.£. 151 / Aucust 1, 1994 5
Continued from page |
In the evening’s keynote address, they heard Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly, trace how interwined are the ideals of the Faith and of the nation as a whole.
Thornton Chase, Corinne True and the other early believers undertook the construction of the Temple as an expression of such shared longings as unity, peace, and spiritual solutions to economic problems, Mr. Kazemzadeh explained.
In that, he said, they echoed the mission of America that Baha‘u’llah Himself proclaimed and ‘Abdu’l-Baha amplified: to combat oppression and proclaim justice at home and abroad.
Notice, said Mr. Kazemzadeh, that in Bahd’— u'llah’s vision the people of various races are not merely to be tolerated but are the channels through which God manifests Himself in the world.
Obedient to that vision, the Baha‘is have produced something unique in the world today: a truly integrated society.
But that dedication to unity must be redoubled as the Faith enters its second century in America, he said. The United States is in the midst of a tragedy encompassing a loss of moral purpose and a spir-itual breakdown. Our diversity is beginning to turn into divisiveness.
Out of this must come a unifying vision, said Mr. Kazem— zadeh, and it can come only from agreement on the nature of humankind and the nature of human souls.
One short phrase, he said, expresses Baha’u’llah’s vision for the human race: “Noble have I created thee.” Until we recover our nobility, he said,
The Grand Ballroom (above) at Navy Pier proved a magnificent setting. Magnificent as well were Carla Baker and the Baha’i choir (left).
As the audience's attention was drawn to a huge screen on the stage, the album's “pages” were turned to reveal images from the formation of the Baha'i Faith on this continent.
First shown were the earliest believers, the precious few whose lifeline to the Center of the Cause was occasional letters but whose faith propelled them to the monumental undertaking of financing and constructing the Mother Temple of the West.
They were represented by Thornton Chase, a Civil War commander of black soldiers who prospered as a Chicago insurance executive and was designated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd as the first we will not solve the problems American Bahd4’i, and such stalwarts as Phoebe that beset us. r Hearst, Robert Turner, Lua Getsinger, May
The Baha‘i Faith brings to Maxwell and Sarah Farmer. the world a revival of that ideal, Mr. Kazemzadeh Next were such trailblazers as Martha Root, who said, and as its second century here begins, the association between Bahd’is and the United States of __ circled the globe three times for the Faith; George
Faith marches in the vanguard of history—toward — America.” and Coralie Franklin Cook, tireless workers for the a future of unity and peace. Proclamations signed by Gov. Jim Edgar of education of black Americans; Corinne True,
Tributes from well-known Americans who were _ Illinois and Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago instrumental in building the Temple; entertainunable to attend the banquet echoed that theme. were read, declaring June 26 to be Baha’i Cente- ment figures such as Carole Lombard, Charles
U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois sent a nary Day in the state and the city. Wolcott and William Sears whose contributions to letter commending “all the members of the Baha’i For those fortunate enough to attend the ban- the Cause transcended all boundaries; and Elsie Faith in Chicago and across the country on your uet, the evening’s special spirit was evident from Austin, one of five members of the National many achievements and contributions. The Na- the opening strains of “See the Light of His Glory,” Spiritual Assembly whose resignations in 1953 to tional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs is not only _ written by Jack Lenz, Jimmy Seals and Tom Price pioneer overseas galvanized a World Crusade that a pillar of leadership in the community, but asym- and sung by a Baha’f choir directed by Mr. Price. saw the opening of 100 countries to the Faith in a bol of strength for future generations.” Carlos Slater, a 15-year-old Baha'i from Downers _ matter of months.
USS. Rep. John Edward Porter of Illinois sent his Grove, Illinois, continued the theme, describing The family album also told the stories in photogreetings. Banquet emcee Dorothy W. Nelson, the historical progression of civilization from unity _ graphs of Baha'i involvement in the race unity vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, _ of the family to that of the tribe, city/state, and movement in this country; the first and second noted Rep. Porter's unwavering support in bring- _ nation, and declaring that with the remarkable Baha'i World Congresses; the election in 1963 of the ing the plight of the Bahd’is in Iran to the attention _ inventions of this age of instant communication first Universal House of Justice; mass teaching in the of Congress. the world truly is becoming “like one home.” South in the 1960s and ’70s; and recent break U.S. Rep. Benjamin Gilman of New York, an- Of course, what better demonstration of the throughs in the arenas of peace, education, and other stalwart in the struggle to obtain human diversity of peoples inhabiting that globalcommu- _ social and economic development. rights for the Baha'is in Iran, also wrote to ex— nity than the Parade of Nations at the second Baha’i Following a performance of “Blessed Is the
press his continued friendshi, World Congress in New York City? To their delight, Spot,” the prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahé that was set to “I salute those who have maintained their faith banquet attendees were treated to a video presenta- | music by Charles Wolcott for the dedication of the
in the face of repression, who have too often paid _ tion of that soul-stirring event. Mother Temple of the West, it was left to Mr.
the supreme price for their belief. | am also proud The prayer for unity and peace revealed by Kazemzadeh to put the first century in perspective
that this country, whose shores throughout our ‘Abdu'l-Bahé in Chicago on May 12, 1912, then and point toward the future.
history have provided a haven for those fleeing was read by a representative of the Spiritual Patricia Locke, a member of the National Spiri religious intolerance elsewhere in the world, has Assembly of Chicago. tual Assembly, followed Mr. Kazemzadeh's
been able to provide a place where the Baha’fs can The scene was thus set for a recollection of address, reading the prayer for America revealed
worship and practice the tenets of their faith in people and events that shaped the first century by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Chicago on April 30, 1912.
peace and harmony with other Americans. of the Faith in North America. Fittingly, the evening ended with vocalist Carla a eeriaud. the many lasting contributions made It was offered in the form of a wonderful “family Baker, a Baha’ from New Orleans, and the choir
by Baha’fs to our prosperity, tolerance and mutual album” video presentation narrated by Sylvia B.P. _ bringing the Baha'is and guests out of their seats
understanding. I wish every success to you and your _ Parmelee of Wilmette, who has richly experienced __ with “Stand Up and Say Yes,” a lively gospelmembers as you embark upon the second century of _ 84 of those 100 years. flavored composition by Allen Toussaint.
[Page 6]
THe American BaHA'i 6
‘Distribution
THE PURP ICAL REALITY Il
The Arc of Ascent
The Purpose of Physical Reality II
by John S. Hatcher
SC $21.95 / Cope—AAS
The long-awaited sequel to The Purpose of Physical Reality: The Kingdom of Names. The book is “a masterly exposition on the evolution of the human spirit, employing literature, philosophy, theology, psychology and history to demonstrate the ultimate purpose of an all-loving Creator,” says Dr. Duane Troxel, Associate Professor, University of Colorado at Denver. It is also “an enlightening book for a seeker of truth whether it be from the standpoint of theology, art, history or just a hunger to ‘see the light at the end of the tunnel,” says Jack B. McCants, Ph.D.
8-1/4" x 5-1/2", 385pp., acknowledgments, table of contents,
E OF PH
New From U.S. BPT
LIFE DEATH AND IMMORTALITY
preface, bibliography, references
George Ronald, Publisher
On the Shoulders of
Giants
by Craig Loehle
SC $9.95 / Cope—OSG Isaac Newton is famous for his statement that if he saw farther than others it was because he stood on the shoulders of giants. The theme of this book is the same: what we can see when our perspective is elevated. If we combine science and religion in a genuine partnership, we will be able to solve problems that have bedeviled humanity for thousands of years. Mr. Loehle’s essays explore how the partnership of science and religion canbe used to address real problems and ~ issues such as racism.
T° x 4-1/2", 201pp., contents, acknowledgments, Introduction, bibliography,
references George Ronald, Publisher
Det ero ed eet]
Becoming Your True Self
by Daniel C. Jordan
SC $6.00 / Cope—BYTS
Becoming Your True Self offers a concise and challenging analysis of human nature and reveals how each of us can achieve both fulfillment and happiness in life. It explores the search for truth and meaning in a secular world and presents the worldwide Baha’f community as a successful model of personal and social transformation. Daniel Jordan explains how the followers of Baha'u'llah are inspired to realize their true potential and to contribute to the healing and development of the wider community in which they live.
5-3/4" x 8-1/4", 61pp., contents, introduction, references Baha'i Publishing Trust - United Kingdom
Robe of Light
The Persian Years of the Supreme Prophet Baha’u’llah
1817-1853 by David S. Ruhe HC $24.95 / Conr—ROL
In this study of the life of Baha’u’ll4h, Dr. David Ruhe focuses on the early years of Baha’u’llah’s life from His birth in 1817 to His banishment to Iraq in 1853. The book discusses that most mysterious time when, in the underground prison, Bahd’u'llsh became aware of His station as the Manifestation of God for this age and embarked on His world-embracing, world-healing mission.
9-1/2" x 6-1/4", 230pp., contents, list of illustrations, preface and acknowledgments, Introduction, appendices, glossary, bibliography, references, index
George Ronald, Publisher
The Journey of the Soul SC $10.95 / Cope—LDI
A comprehensive collection of Baha’f sacred writings that examines the nature of the soul and its development. Chapters 1 through 5 explore fascinating questions such as What is the purpose of earthly existence? Is there life after death? What is true happiness? How do I develop myself spiritually? How will my actions in this earthly life affect me in the life hereafter? What will happen to my soul after I die? What will it be like after I die? Chapter 6 contains a helpful selection of prayers and meditations for spiritual awakening and development. More than a discussion of life after death, Life, Death, and Immortality explains the purpose of material and spiritual existence and encourages living in spiritually nurturing ways now and forever. An excellent book for anyone—Bahé’t and seeker alike—who is searching for meaning in life or interested in spiritual growth and development.
5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 193pp., table of contents, foreword, bibliography, notes,
appendices, list of references Baha'i Publishing Trust - United States
[Page 7]
Distribution
The Proofs of Baha’u’llah’s Mission SC $3.50 / Cope—PBMS
A wonderful new introductory compilation for seekers. Compiled r'llah, ‘Abdu'l-Bahé, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, this book is divided into easy
from the writings of Bal
to-read sections. Sure to be a favorite.
4-1/2" x 7", 256pp., contents, introduction, preface, references, bibliography
Palabra Publications
Ssaedteianeies fares
Melodies From the City
of the Covenant
CD $16.95 CS $10.95 / Copes—MFCCCD/MFCCCS
This unique album includes a special introduction in Persian by ‘Amatu'l-Bah4 Ruhtyyih Khénum, with chants by Hands of the Cause of God Dr. A. M. Varqé and Mr. A. A. Furtitan. This collection of Persian music and chanting was recorded at the World Congress in New York, featuring Dr. Manoochehr Sadeghi on santour, accompanied by Behruz Sana’i on the zarb. A selection of prayers and poems is chanted and sung by Shokouh Rezai and Narges Nouhnejad.
78 minutes
Live Unity Productions
BACK IN STOCK
The Advent of Divine Justic The Bahd’ts (magazine) 5 gs from the Writings of Bahd’u'lléh, PS The Hidden Words, HC The Hidden Words, SC
$3.00# $1.25# $3.00# $11.00% $3.00 $3.00% $3.00# $11.00% $3.50 / $25.00 $3.00# $3.00#
The Secret of Divine Civilizations, PS
Some Answered Questions, PS
Tablets of Baha'u'llah, HC
The Vision of Race Unity (10 and 100 packs), PA The Word of God, SC
Youth Can Move the World, SC
The Secret
by Jennifer Lemon
illustrated by Mariya Daliri Beale SC $5.00 / Cove—S Through this children’s story about seven little kangaroos and their difficulty in keeping a secrét, parents and teachers are provided with an opportu nity to introduce such con
cepts as confidentiality, secrecy, the dangers of gossiping
and backbiting, and merits of
tionand
truth. Suitable for ages 3-7
independent investi;
years. 10° x 8-1/4", {{pp. Baha'i Publications Australla
KamAt 8.€. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994 7
The Vision of Shoghi Effendi
Proceedings of the Association for Baha’i Studies 9th Annual Conference
SC $22.50 / Copr—vses
A collection of proceedings from the Ninth Annual Conference of the Association for Baha’t Studi nineteen articles by esteemed international scholars, including Hands of the Cause of God A. A. Furdtan, Dhikru’ll4h Khédem, John A. Robarts, and A. M. Varq4 and former member of the Universal House of Justice David Hofman.
5-7/8" x 9", 234pp., contents, preface, bibliography, bi graphical notes
Association for Baha'i Studies
. The volume contains
Baha'i Education
Curriculum Guide for Parents and Teachers, Volume II
SC $16.95 / Cope—BE2 Baha’t Education, Volume II, is
praised series of Baha’f children’s education curriculum guides that facilitate teaching classes of children of mixed ages from early childhood to junior youth. Concepts are ined at different levels for each age group through a structured series of lesson plans. The book has been designed
exe
so that th
volume contains units on the Love of God and Progressive
Revelation. 8-1/2" X 11", 200pp. Baha'i Publications Australia
tivity pages can easily be photocopied. This
Education
VOLUME TWO
the second in a highly
a
Daytime TELEPHONE (
eae
Payment METHOD —Casu —Cnrck —Cuarce ($10.00 minimum—Visa, Master, AmEx)
SS Sa ee
For onpirs suirrip oursiot Tur U.S., pLeast Avo 15% (min. $3.00) TOTAL ‘Tennasste Reswoenrs Putast Avo 7.75% Satts TAX
ExpiRATION DATE
Baha’ Distribution Service - 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 + 1-800-999-9019 - Fax 1-615-843-0836
[Page 8]
THe AMERICAN BAHA'!
by
Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i 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 LOUHELEN Baha’‘f School is seeking applicants to fill an anticipated vacancy for coordinator of property im— provement. This is a regular, full-time permanent staff position, with salary and benefits appropriate to the core supervisory role it offers. The coordinator of property improvement oversees Louhelen's maintenance and grounds de— partment and is responsible for coordinating and pouring the maintenance, upkeep and over-all physical improvement of the school's equipment, facilities and grounds. It is anticipated that the position will be available beginning December 1, 1994. Interest persons may ask for more information and application materials from Dr. Rick Johnson, ad— ministrator, Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 810-653-5033 (fax 810-6537181).
THE GREEN ACRE Baha’‘f School has an immediate opening for a full-time maintenance person. This person will be responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds on a year round basis. Candidates should
ave a good working knowledge of
plumbing, electrical and mechanical sys— tems. preventive maintenance, basic car~ pentry and small engines. Three or more years experience in a similar position is
juired. Please send a letter of interest and résumé to the administrator, Green Acre Baha'i School, 188 Main St.., Eliot, ME 03903 or phone 207-439-7200.
PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)
EMPLOYMENT oprertunitics over— seas. AFRICA: Angola—nurse health workers. Ghana—fledgling hospital fa— cility seeks 0B/GYN volunteers to provide care to low-income population. Eritrea—ophthalmologists. Mozam— bique—public health nurse. Tanzania— English/ESL teacher, arts/music teacher. Zambia—urgent need for math, physics, chemistry, French and Beography teach ers. AMERICAS: Nevis, West Indies— anesthetist/CRNA. ASIA: Macau—urgent need for teachers. Bangladesh—coordinator, training unit needed by CARE in-country proerarns Cambodia—health educators. Mongolia—English language teachers, computer software instructor. Philippines—program social scientist to act as senior program officer for USAIDfunded Biodiversity Conservation Network at regional office. Sri Lanka—area director responsible for managing over— all programmatic, administration and financial responsibility of managing CARE activities. EUROPE: Czech Republic—teachers of science, math, English, history and social sciences, foreign lan— guages, Baha‘f studies. Latvia—project irector/clinic administrator to set up community-based maternal /child health facility; health educator. Romania— Small Business Association adviser. MULTI-REGIONAL: The Peace Corps is recruiting 1,000 volunteers. The following professions are those most requested
by host countries: agriculturalists, educators, nurses and other health professionals, skilled trade professionals and vocational educators, natural resources workers, engineers, business people, En glish teachers and fishery specialists. For more information, please contact the Of— fice of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette II 60091. Telephone 708733-3512 or fax 708-733-3509.
PIONEERING (HOMEFRON
LOMITA, a small, quiet suburb in the South Bay area of Southern California at the foot of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, has lost three members of its active Baha'f community to relocation and lost its fecembly status as well. Lomita, only 10 minutes from the beach, enjoys mod— erate weather year-round, and boasts such nearby attractions as Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, skiing and ocean fishing. Three major universities— UCLA, USC and Cal State-Long Beach— are within commuting distance. The community is eager to re-form its As— sembly with active Baha'is who are willing to become involved in teaching, and intercommunity social and deepening activities. For more information,
lease phone Lauree DiPalma, 310-8311760, or write to the Baha'is of Lomita, Lo
mita, CA 90717.
WESTLAND, Michigan, a goal city of the Three Year Plan, needs homefront pioneers, to help form an Assembly.
ere are three adult Baha'is in Westland, so your help is needed. Westland is in west suburban Detroit, midway between its downtown area and Ann Ar— bor. Several major universities are near— by including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. In West— land, you won't be far from your job or from all of the cultural attractions of southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario, Canada. Westland is 20 miles from the Baha'f Center in Detroit, and 80 miles from the Louhelen Baha'f School. To help proclaim and teach the Faith in cota, write to the Baha'is of Westland,
Westland, MI 48185, or phone 313-4676662 or 313-728-1509, or send an e-mail to rreini@delphi.com.
BOZEMAN, Montana: the last best PIESE A cultural center in a rural state.
ie Baha'is there would like to increase their diversity and ask that you consider what you can do to help. For college students and teachers, there is Montana State University with diverse programs such as engineering, liberal arts, music, nursing and more. For businessmen and women, there are the growing resources of the Gallatin Valley, the interstate highway system, the state's second busiest airport, and an active financial com— munity. For families, there are an exceptional school system, safe neighborhoods, many parks and recreational programs. For fun-lovers, there are ora class facilities for skiing and easy access to Yellowstone, the world's first national park. For those in the arts, there are five theatre groups, the Intermountain Opera Company, a symphony orchestra and choir, a multi-purpose arts center and more. If you can bring ethnic diversity to the Baha'i community, you are especial: welcome. Please phone 406-587-1739 and ask for Mr. or Mrs. Drong, or write to
Bozeman, MT 59715. ARCHIVES
THE NATIONAL Baha’ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Catherine M. Sullivan, Kathleen Sullivan, Bernice Summers, Valeska Suratt, Fay Swain (died Portland, OR, 1935), Mrs. F.H. Symms, Joan Lear Talley, William M. Tanzer, Myrtle Tatum
HELP WANTED
National Projects Administrator
Baha'i administration.
skills.
3427).
in the NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE
The office of the National Teaching Committee has undergone a recent restructuring in light of the present needs of the Faith. As a result, applications are being accepted for the following full-time positions:
Responsible for executing projects sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include:
© Manages national support of teaching throughout the U.S.
- Monitors nationally appointed task forces and national initiatives.
- Coordinates special activities and events.
Experience: Proven project management skills; excellent verbal ability; strong analytical and management capacity; superior interpersonal skills; experience in teaching and familiarity with the principles of
Communications and Development Administrator
Responsible for the communications and development agenda of the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include:
- Develops news and messages to the American Baha'i community for
use in print and audio/visual media.
¢ Facilitates the production of teaching and deepening materials.
- Gathers and analyzes information related to the teaching work.
Experience: Professional background in writing and production for the media; superior writing skills; comprehensive knowledge of the Baha'i Writings; proven ability in research and data analysis; ability to coordinate the work of volunteer task forces; excellent interpersonal
For more information or to apply, please write to the Office of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733
and Ethel Mortensen Taylor. Anyone
knowing family members or relatives
who might have these letters from the
Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha'f Archives, Baha'i National
Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708869-9039).
THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is seeking photographs of the Baha'i com— munity of Montreal, Canada, for its photograph collection. Please identify the photos if possible with names of individuals and dates. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha'i Ar— chives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, TL 60091.
ITEMS AVAILABLE
NEED to complete your sets of Baha'i News and National Baha'i Review? We have some duplicates that you may have for the cost of postage. Includes a few issues of Baha'i News dating back to 1961, most issues of the U.S. Supplement to Baha'i News, 1960-63, and some more recent ones, and many issues of the Na— tional Bahd'f Review, 1968-70. For more information, please contact Lethia Draves, ————_—CDeecatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-429-9341).
WANTED
WE ARE a Baha'i family who live and teach in the inner city of a major urban center and would like to form a network of support and communication with others like ourselves. Are there friends out there who feel as we sometimes do— that we struggle alone, that the teachin; challenges seem insurmountable, that the bittersweet bounty of serving here is little understood? Please write to us! The Powers family,
Phoenix, AZ 85006-3338.
VIDEO TAPE footage of Baha'{ classes for children and youth or related activ— ities is wanted by the Baha’{ Education Resource Center of Australia. Don't be concerned if the video is not of the high— est quality, as much editing is anticipated. Footage should be about 15-30 minutes on a two-hour tape. Please send to P.O. Box 923, Leeton, NSW 2705, Aus—
tralia. Phone (069) 556322. i
WE ARE collecting articles for an ex— perimental “seekers” newsletter. Articles can be of any length and should explore the deeper implications of Baha’t , principles. Previous! Me published articles are most welcome. If you have tried such an experiment already, please share your experiences with us. For more information, phone Chad Jones, 907-874-2013, or send submissions to: Impact Fireside Project, Wrangell, AK 99929 (fax 907-874-2250).
MISCELLANEOUS
1 AM WORKING on a proposal to the National Spiritual Assembly for the development of “attachment parenting” curricula, specifically targeting infants to three-year-olds. If you practice attachment parenting or would like to know more about it, please write to Lysa Par— ker, Madison, AL 35758, or phone 205-772-8161.
PICTURE postcard people: I am a Bahai from Australia working in Singapore as an English teacher. I am also a mem— ber of a loosely organized group in which people from all over the world exchange photographs, postcards, draw— ings, doodles, short poems, pictures, stamps, unsophisticated art—in fact, almost anything of postcard-size or less. I would like to exchange such things with Baha'is who are interested in art for fun's sake, especially children who like to invent, draw, scribble, write, paste, etc. Please send me something—anything— and I will send you a postcard from Singapore, as well as the names and addresses of other Baha'is who are taking
rt in this exchange. Send to “Postcard
eople” c/o Colin Quin,
- Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 1027. I look forward to hearing from you.
SEVERAL young Bahd‘{ men from Uganda, Ghana and Togo (all countries in Africa) have written to the Baha’i Na— tional Center asking for American Baha’{ pen pals. If anyone is interested in corresponding with one or more of these believers, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wil— mette IL 60091, or phone 708-733-3508.
Hands of Cause present at National Conventions
The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Baha'is of Cambodia, held April 22-24 in Phnom Penh, and cabled the following: “Visit Cambodia great success. Convention attended by over 200 believers comprising 16 nationalities; 8 out of 9 delegates present as well as two Counselors from Malaysia, Lee Lee Ludher and Shantha Sundram; in joyous spirit new National Spiritual Assembly elected; good press conference on our arrival with four reporters present covering events in English and Khmer and also television coverage which was shown on the national television.
“T feel now is the time to concentrate on not only encouraging and supporting newly formed National Baha'i Assembly, but to concentrate on traveling teachers throughout that historic, vast and promising land. ...”
°
Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum also represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Baha'is of Mongolia tast April’29-May 1.'More than 70 Baiia'is took part including friends from Ulaan Baatar, Darkhan, Erde— net, Sainshand, Bulgan and Olziit and Baha'is from 15 other countries. The Hand of the Cause reported: “Two Counselors attended the Convention, Rose Ong and Bijan Farid,
‘ also the sponsoring National Spiri tual Assembly of Singapore was represented by its secretary-general. The Convention was a singularly joyous one. ...
“We were met at the airport by national television and spot coverage of the new National Spiritual Assembly, eight of whom are Mongolian and the ninth the Knight of Baha'u'llah for Mongolia. ... The Convention cov— erage was shown in some detail on national television on the 12th Day of Ridvan when all the Baha'is had
gathered for the Feast in their newly rented Baha'i Center. I had a wellattended press conference that lasted almost two hours with many interesting and perceptive questions. The new National Assembly gave a reception [that was] well attended by notables and officials including a number of ministers and the Chief Justice. ...During this period a number of Mongolians have embraced the Faith, among them one of Mongolia's most famous traditional singers.”
.
The Universal House of Justice was represented at the first Regional Convention of the Baha'is of Slovenia and Croatia, held April 30May 1 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Ali-Muhammad VarqA. Also taking part were Counselor Sohrab Youssefian, four members of the National Spir— itual Assembly of Austria, and Ba— ha'fs from Slovenia, Croatia and 14 other countries. In honor of the first Regional Convention, the director of the Office of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia stated in a letter
dated April 26: “Our
and sent to one of the Trustees: 20901 (telephone 301-589-8481). Dr. Amin Banani,
394-5449), Dr. Daryush Haghighi,
216-333-1506).
Hugtiqu'llah Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.
HUQUQU’LLAH
Payments for Huqtqu'llah should be made to “The Baha'i Huqtqu'llah Trust”
Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring MD
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (telephone 310 Rocky River, OH 44116 (telephone
Inquiries regarding Huqdqu'llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i
hope is that your as— pirations for world peace, the abolition of racial, religious, class and national prejudices, the establishment of the equality of men and women, and the devel— opment of high standards of character will be realized. All people of good will who suffer injustice in the world share these dreams with the Baha'is; therefore a collective effort is needed to achieve your desires.”
°
The first National Convention of the
Pictured are many of the more than 30 children who attended a Baha'i Children's Conference held June 26 at the Baha'i Center in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Besides prayer, song and refreshments, the conference consisted of talks on such topics as ‘Baha'u'llah Has Come,’ ‘Respect and Obedience to Parents,’ ‘Teliing the Truth and Being Trustworthy,’ and ‘The
Importance of Religion in All Things.’
Baha'is of Kazakhstan was held in Alma Ata with 120 Baha'is including, 10 delegates from 12 towns taking part. The Universal House of Justice was represented by Counselor Lauretta King, a member of the International Teaching Center. Also present were Counselor Abbas Katirai, representing the Counselors in Asia, and Shamsi Sedaghat, a representative of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central Asia. “The high spirit of the Convention,” it was reported, “inspired 27 local participants to volunteer for travel-teaching and pioneering in various parts of Kazakhstan.”
On April 23-24, Counselor King represented the Universal House of Justice at the first National Convention of the Baha'is of Kyrgyzstan, held at the National Library in Bishkek with more than 150 adults, youth and children from many parts of the country taking part. Also pres— ent were Counselor Katirai and Dr. Ezzatullah Safapour, “who commenced emblazoning the name of Baha'u'llah in our homeland.”
.
Another member of the International Teaching Center, Counselor Shapoor Monadjem, was the Universal House of Justice's representative in late April and early May at the first National Convention of the Baha'is of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. Also present were Counselor Bur— hani'd-Din Afshin and two Auxiliary Board members. “In a most spiritual attitude and a heavenly atmosphere,” the friends reported, “while beseeching His Holy Threshold for confirmation through prayers and supplications, we engaged ourselves in electing the National Spiritual Assembly.”
Counselor Monadjem, again representing the Universal House of Justice, and Counselor Afshin were
present April 22-24 at the first Na-tional Convention of the Baha'is of Uzbekistan, held in Tash-kent. “This momentous occasion,” it was reported, “reached its highlight when, in an atmo-sphere of prayer and contemplation, the first National Spir-itual Assembly of the Baha'is of Uzbekistan was elected by the delegates; thus yet another pillar of the Administrative Order of Baha'u'llah was es-tablished.”
.
On March 8, the Baha'i Vocational Institute for Rural Women in Indore, India, in collaboration with the Indore branch of the All-India Wom— en's Conference, observed International Women's Day with a workshop entitled “Preparation for the Fourth World Conference on Women— 1995.” More than 100 women. and a few men attended the event. The workshop had two main goals: to contribute to preparations for the fourth World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China, in September 1995; and to identify the role of the woman as an agent of social change within the family and community. Presentations and consultations were focused on the themes of the World Conference—equality, development, and peace.
A successful training seminar for Baha'i youth from England and Wales was held April 15-17 in Liv— erpool, England. Organized by the European Baha'i Youth Council and the National Baha'i Youth Committee, the seminar was attended by 33 youth and conducted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, members of the Auxiliary Board, and a member of the Baha'i Youth Council. The seminar served to introduce the young people to the vision of “a new movement among a new generation of Baha'i youth in Europe” and challenged them to extend their new vision to their contemporaries both within and without the Baha'i com— munity. It also emphasized the important mission of Baha'i youth in these crucial years leading to the establishment of the Lesser Peace.
A model of the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel, as well as drawings of it and other works by the late Hand of the Cause of God and ar— chitect William Sutherland Maxwell, was recently seen by an estimated 70,000 people during the course of its exhibition in Montreal, Quebec City, St. John and other major cities in Canada. The work was part of a traveling display entitled “The Ar— chitecture of Edward and W.S. Max— well,” sponsored by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
The big-tent rededication ceremony (right) on July 3 for the Sarah Farmer Inn was a peaceful scene (above) for all ages involved.
THE AMERICAN Bana'l é 10
Green Acre spirit ‘reflection of’ Arc projects
Continued from page |
After the concerts, the paths along which the audience walked when leaving the tent were lit by 120 candles held within paper lanterns, much like those that were used during ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to Green Acre in 1912.
It was during that historic visit that the Master said that one day a great Baha’i university would be established at Green Acre.
At Saturday morning's session, Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Assembly’s secretary for External Affairs, recounted the history of Green Acre and how Sarah Farmer established it as a part of her search for spiritual truth before she had
heard of the Faith and its teachings.
“This place had a mission from the outset,” he said. “That mission is enlightenment in the broadest possible sense. From its inception Green Acre was a spreader of knowledge, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha said it would continue to do so.”
After introducing the other members of the National Assembly who. were present, Judge James Nelson, chairman of the National Assembly, said the restoration of Green Acre “is a spiritual and material triumph. If ever pride were appropriate, we may be quite proud of what has been done here.”
“When I walked into that building [the Sarah Farmer Inn],” said Counselor Roberts, “I was in shock. It is
Children and youth
(above) take time
out for a pickup
game of soccer.
The youth group Agents of Change (right) performs at
the Sarah Farmer
Inn rededication.
extraordinary, beautiful, majestic, calming, peaceful and precious. The spirit that is here is a reflection of that which is going on at the World Center [building the Arc on Mount Carmel].”
More than 700 people attended Saturday afternoon’s flag-raising ceremony which honored the hope for world peace expressed by Sarah Farmer at a similar event a century ago.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” said Counselor Ellis. “This place is far more historic than anyone here can imagine. In the history of Green Acre, you can see God's divine Hand.
“What I love most about Sarah Farmer,” the Counselor continued,
“is that she kept going. This day should be devoted to her. There is something wonderful about her being a woman working for peace.”
After music by the Baha’i Gospel Choir, the audience left the tent and proceeded to a flag pole next to Baha‘i Hall (also newly renovated) where the flag was hoisted for all to see.
Both Counselors spoke at Sunday morning's program in the tent, which ended with a “town meeting” at which the Counselors and members of the National Spiritual Assembly invited the audience to share their thoughts, experiences and successes, and to ask whatever questions they wished.
Speaking of the imperative need to
(From left) Liz and Ray LeBelle and Manny and Janet Reimer pose under the newly
rehung portrait of Sarah Farmer in the Inn.
[Page 11]
teach the Cause to everyone on earth,
Counselor Roberts said that “we
must open the gates to involve more
and more people in the Revelation of
Baha’u’Ilh.
“There is nothing more important in this day than mentioning His Name and teaching the Cause of God.”
Counselor Ellis spoke of unity in diversity, especially with respect to diversity in music. “We should get ourselves around people who are different from us,” she said, “so that we'll be able to handle and appreciate those differences.”
As for teaching, she said, “we need to understand that we only open our mouths and Baha’u’llah does the rest. Once we get this in our minds we will be effective teachers.”
Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, shared news of recent teaching victories around the country, calling attention to the importance of teaching activities by youth, such as the “Army of Light” campaign, in helping the Baha‘icommunity to reach its goal of entry by troops.
“The spirit released at the World Congress,” he observed, “has been released into the generality of humankind.”
The Sunday morning session also included a performance by the Boston Baha’i Youth Workshop.
The dedication ceremony that afternoon for the Sarah Farmer Inn included music by the group Agents of Change and by Mr. Grammer; talks by Counselor Roberts, National Assembly member Patricia Locke, and Mr. LaBelle; and reminiscences of Green Acre by Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh, Eugene Andrews and Sally Foo.
The Sarah Farmer Inn, built in 1890, has been completely restored, retaining the distinctive character and styling of its turn-of-thecentury architecture.
All the guest rooms have been enhanced and upgraded to offer comfortable accommodations. Many have been furnished with period pieces to capture the essence of the historic Inn.
The room in which ‘Abdu’l-Baha stayed in 1912 has been lovingly restored and is reserved for prayer and meditation.
During the dedication ceremony, long-time Baha'is Janet and Manny Reimer were given the honor of replacing the portrait of Sarah Farmer above the fireplace in the Sarah Farmer room as it had been before the renovation was begun.
Throughout the weekend, tours of the Inn were conducted by Baha’is who were not residing on campus.
To accommodate the needs of those who were not staying at the school for the ceremonies, a large food tent was set up with proceeds from food and book sales used to defray the costs incurred during the weekend.
The glorious three-day event was capped by the news that two of the visitors to Green Acre had declared their belief in Baha’u’ll4h.
This beautifully carved sign greets visitors to Green Acre Baha’i School.
One visitor who will never forget her weekend at Green Acre is Michelle Burke of Charlemont, Massachusetts, shown moments after she signed her declaration card.
Kamat 8.€. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994 11 ULES z 7 4
(Left) What is a Baha’i event if it isn’t a reunion?
(Above) The Baha'i Gospel Choir was a stalwart group, contributing its talents on many occasions during the gala weekend.
A visitor to Green Acre adds his name to the many on the guest register.
LG
12
THe AMERICAN BAHA'T
Media and the Faith
—
A public meeting during the conference gave participants an opportunity to perform. (Top photo) Gwendolyn Marie Watson plucks on her cello during devotions. (Second from top) Vytas Reid involves the audience in a rap. (Third from top) Mary Davis sings a selection from her latest tape. (Bottom) Billie Crofts and Thomas Kavelin tell what the Faith means to them.
Conference explores art of attracting masses
By Tom Mennillo
The sky’s the limit for proclaiming the Cause through media, say Baha’i communicators.
With satellites ever-circling the globe, the sky might also be the next place to look for delivery of teaching and deepening materials to Baha’i individuals and commun’
A Satellite Initiative Task Force was one of several ideas to come out of a Baha'i Media/Arts/ Teaching Conference held July 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The conference, sponsored by Pavén International and the Spiritual Assembly of Nashv: drew more than 50 participants to the Nashville Baha’i Center.
Over four days, they discussed strategies for spreading the Faith through traditional media of communication including radio, television and print.
They also explored such exciting avenues as CDROM and the “information highway” of online computer services.
Content wasn’t ignored, though.
Live singing, dancing and poetry—even improvisational cello—emotionally demonstrated the power of the arts as a teacher.
And videos suchas'the new “Spiritual Revolution II” series gave proof that high-quality materials exist that Baha’is would be proud to show any seeker.
Conference organizer Marcia Day of Beverly Hills, California, set the expectations for the weekend.
About 15 years ago she had attended a conference in Peru on media, she said. It opened with a short film of Counselor Raul Pavén raising the antenna in Ecuador for the planet's first Baha’i radio station.
What was most significant, she said, was not the inauguration of Radio Baha'i but the two years Counselor Pav6n and his family spent preparing broadcast materials to air once that day arrived.
Those of us in the media today must now be preparing materials for all strata of society, she said, in anticipation that regular outlets will be found to deliver those materials.
If we do that, we might experience the kind of grateful reception she got in South America when an Amerindian woman embraced a radio and exclaimed, “My Lord Bahd‘u'llah speaks to me each day through Radio Baha’t.”
Counselor Isabel de Sanchez of Lima, Peru, echoed Ms. Day.
Noting that through technology we can reach so many people so easily, she called those in the media and arts “pioneers in the fullest sense.”
“Art is of the human spirit,” Counselor de Sarichez said through interpreter Thomas Kavelin of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. “You will show this human spirit to the world.”
Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour of Chattanooga, Tennessee, extended the theme to all Baha'is, indicating there is room for everyone to help in proclaiming the Cause through media.
Some are creative, she said, while others can be involved in recording and still others can help raise funds. And everyone can find ways to become “instruments of God” by using the materials to further the Faith.
Mrs. Radpour challenged attendees to listen to
people’s needs, then develop materials that address even the questions they haven't voiced.
In that way, she said, hearts will be opened to the transforming message of Bahd’u’llah.
That is what Baha’fs in south Florida are attempting to do with their “attraction” approach to entry by troops.
The project, as reported to the conference by Ed Price of Boca Raton, Lee Brocius of Miami and Dennis Godsey of Pompano Beach, aims to shift the paradigm of how we use our teaching energy and resources.
In most communities, they pointed out, about 90 percent of time is spent on “prospecting” for seekers and only 10 percent on actual teaching.
But if the media are used effectively, they said, people will “come to us” and we can devote our main energies to “loving them” into the Faith.
The Floridians identified several qualities a successful media project must have: a spiritual foundation for teaching, effective listening and communications skills, confidence in core Baha‘ knowledge, a welcoming of diversity, and sup— port for the Funds.
Money is especially important if paid advertising is chosen to anchor a media campaign, they noted. Many Baha’i communities in an area.must share the financial—as well as the human resources—burdens of the project.
Any campaign must also be sustainable, they said.
Money raised for it must be “new money” so that the project does not cause a hardship to those who have already sacrificed to support the Funds and does not take away from those Funds.
Mechanisms for individual teaching and for consolidation of those who come into the Faith also must be in place.
The medium on which the Floridians have chosen to focus is paid television adverti: They mapped out for attendees how a television campaign might work.
First, they said, the community must position elf by forging an identity in the public mind that is positive and consistent. TV ads typically consist of a theme, a tag line, and a logo. The proposed tag line for the south Florida spots is “Say: All things are of God,” from Tablets of Baha’u'llah, p. 222.
The ads then must be reinforced for maximum impact, they said. Radio and print ads might promote the campaign, and local materials can be developed for handout to those who express interest in the Faith.
Other avenues for reaching the public were touted throughout the conference:
- Radio.
Proclamation through radio is quite similar in strategy, according to Mark St. Clair of Tallahassee, Florida.
A community, he said, first must identify the particular audience it wants to reach and define that group in demographic and lifestyle terms.
Then a station or stations that will reach that audience and has affordable air time available must be found.
In negotiating with a station general manager, the community must keep in mind that contracts typically are for 13 weeks, billing is monthly, and the more time you buy the less expensive it is per
13
Kamat B.€. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994
PASSER
(Left photo) Participants in the first Baha’i Media/Arts Conference gather outside the Nashville Baha’i Center.
(Below) Counselor Isabel de Sanchez makes a point during a small-group discussion.
hour. Ask, he said, whether the show will be
promoted on the air.
Of course, the show can be promoted in other ways, Mr. St. Clair said, including formal advertising and informal “getting the word out” through friends and seekers.
He suggested assembling a feedback file so the community can regularly evaluate the program and its impact.
What kind of program can a community air?
Mr. St. Clair listed such sources of material as live call-ins; interviews; commentaries/editorials; letters from listeners or questions from listeners via phone; person-on-street interviews; speeches, talks, or lectures; reports of an event; music; magazine-style features; documentaries, and dramas.
The program does not have to be a full half-hour, he said. Spots up to a minute long or modules of three to four minutes might be purchased.
In any format, he added, the community must be careful to tailor the show to its audience.
The voices heard, language used, music played, length of program, and pace of editing all must be appropriate, he said, for the group that will be listening.
Public access cable television.
This medium also is well within reach of Baha'is, said Mark Vaccaro of Speedway, Indiana.
Cable access is mandated by law, he said, with the only stipulations that programs be of interest to the community and be sponsored by a group in the community.
Many cable companies offer free training on their video cameras and editing machines, he said. Then Baha’fs rent the equipment to film a program.
Mr. Vaccaro said many Baha’f communities choose, however, to run already recorded programs. These they borrow from other communities or purchase from an outlet such as the Visual Services Office of the International Baha’f Audio Visual Center. A local contact number can be appended to these tapes when shown.
¢ Radio and television spots that do not specifically mention the Faith but address issues from a Baha‘ perspective.
These have been used successfully by Greg Ives of Portland, Oregon. An example is an advertisement for an adoption service that he played for the audience.
- CD-ROM and the “information superhighway.”
Jim Cheal of Satellite Beach, Florida, told the
(Right photo) Conference organizer Marcia Day (right) talks with some conference participants about regional follow-up sessions planned for the coming year.
conference that the mathematical language of “ones” and “zeroes” used in computers represents a universal language that the Faith can use right now to reach out with the message of Baha’u’llah.
Bahd’fs, he said, can network with each other and communicate with seekers instantaneously through services such as America Online and the Internet.
For media people, the possibilities are endless, he said. Professionals working in various media can collaborate on projects no matter where they live, to produce materials with much greater impact than any one medium could achieve.
Mr. Cheal termed CD-ROM an ideal way to distribute such teaching and deepening materials because compact disc drives hold thousands of images or words of information in a fully interactive form.
In fact, some Baha'is already are working on instructional materials that take advantage of that capability, he said.
¢ Satellite transmission.
The biggest stir at the conference was caused by a proposal designed to deliver Baha’i materials to individuals and communities via satellites.
Doug Ruhe of Newburgh, New York, explained that time can be purchased on satellites either to beam programs directly to a target audience or to make programs available for Baha’is to record for use in their teaching and deepening.
Marcia Day and several other participants
consulted long hours during the conference to organize a Satellite Initiative Task Force that will offer to the National Spiritual Assembly “our skills, resources, and dedication to put into place a vehicle that will emblazon the name of Baha’u’lléh to the masses.”
Excitement also was generated by a presentation on raising up local media task forces.
Parks Scott of Birmingham, Alabama, noted that the human resources and technology to “change the course of the world” was present in the room but hasn’t been harnessed.
The “pucker in the pickle” for doing that, he said, is a structure that will equip the Baha’is to handle any opportunity while ensuring institutional oversight by the institutions.
In Birmingham, he said, a media task force is evolving that consists of a steering committee and several “action teams.”
He said the steering committee is made up of representatives of area Spiritual Assemblies op— erating under a written, approved mandate. This, he said, protects the Assemblies and saves them from having to consult on everything the task force does.
The action teams, by contrast, are made up of volunteers who coordinate such functions as materials production, finances, speakers, bookings, distribution, and hospitality.
When a media opportunity arises, these coordinators swing into action and oversee planning, he said.
Skokie Baha'is take part for second year in city's gala Festival of Cultures
For the second year in a row, the Baha'i community of Skokie, Illinois, took part May 20-22 in the Skokie Festival of Cultures.
The Festival, begun as an offshoot of the VOICES program (Valuing Our Image Concerning Ethnicity in Skokie), seeks to address the city's growing multiculturalism and to foster communication among its various racial and ethnic grour
Susan Fox, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Skokie, served on the executive board of the Festival's planning committee and was chairman of the recruiting and volunteers committee.
Because of the significant Baha'f presence, the Skokie Park District decided this year to expand the Festival by including an “interfaith” tent.
Soil from 11 nat
In June, soil from 11 nations— including samples taken from the source of the Nile River—was deposited into a distinctive “Peace Monument” to mark World Environment Day and the second anniversary of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The five-meter, hourglass-shaped concrete and ceramic monument was created by the Baha’f International Community in collaboration with the Baha'i community of Brazil as a lasting symbol of the new spirit of cooperation that characterized the
Skokie Baha'i Community
Although three other religious groups were represented, the colorful and well-designed Baha'i display drew the most attention from the estimated 10,000 Festival-goers, while more than 600 children came to
the Baha'f button-making table to design their own buttons with the words “One Planet, One People...Please” printed across the top.
The Baha'{ display generated many
Pictured is the Baha'i table in the ‘Interfaith Tent’ at the Skokie, Illinois, Festival of Cultures. Manning the table are Melinda Weaver (seated) and Linda Elarde, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Skokie.
questions and expressions of admiration. Many people accepted Baha'i literature, and some signed up for tours of the House of Worship or expressed an interest in attending a fireside.
ions placed in Brazil's ‘Peace Monument’
Earth Summit. In 1992, on the last day of the Earth Summit, soil from 40 nations was deposited in the monument, with soil from another 15 added in 1993.
The 11 countries who added soil this year were Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Kiribati, Liberia, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, Suriname and Uganda.
As with the deposits made in 1992 during the Summit and again for World Environment Day in 1993, many of the samples came this year from historically significant sites.
SRREARAREARAXKERAXAAKRARRAARRARAARRARKRARRREAEARRARERRAKARRAKARARARERRERKRERRAXKARRRERRRARERRAARERRRRARR
An Open Invitation
On Sunday September 25, 1994 the Baha’is of Inglewood California will host the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the declaration of Thornton Chase, the first American Baha’i.
This centennial celebration comes one year after the unveiling of the new Thornton Chase monument made possible by the contributions of hundreds of Baha’is throughout the United States.
We invite you to attend this years centennial celebration, the 82nd annual memorial service. The 2 O’clock service will be held in Inglewood at Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 East Florence Avenue, site of the Thornton Chase Monument. The committee is adding some new quotations on the back of the monument (quotations chosen from dozens sent in from around the country), and there will be several notable speakers to highlight this memorable event as well as refreshments to soothe the palates of all attendees.
For further information call 310/519-1811 or 310/419-0643
RARMUXXARAXKEAAXEXRUXEEEEHAKEKEAAKKEEREXEEEERRRXEEREXEERXEEE EEK EEEEXE EEE ER EXEEERE LEER LE REX EEE REXERERER!
eee
The soil from Uganda is from the village of Jinja, which is at the headwaters of the Nile. The soil from Liberia was taken from the grounds of the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, an important historic site where all of the country's presidents take their oath of office.
The soil from Denmark was collected from the Grenen (Branch), the tongue land of Skagen where the Baltic Sea meets with the waters of the North Sea and continuously alters the form of the continent with moving sand.
ed
Jerome Wright conducts the Seattle Girls’ Choir in a rehearsal of Matthew Levine’s
piece taken from The Hidden Words.
In previous years, soil has come from near the Great Wall in China; from the slopes of Swayambhu Hill in Kathmandu, Nepal, which has both an important Buddhist shrine and Hindu temple at its peak; and from Iceland's most sacred and historic spot, the site of the first parliament, founded 1,100 years ago.
The inauguration of the Peace Monument was part of the closing ceremonies for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known
See MONUMENT page 19
Om
A cappella composition from Hidden Words premiered at Seattle, Washington, concert
Ana cappella piece composed by Matthew Levine, a Baha’ from Redmond, Washington, was premiered May 15 by the Seattle Girls’ Choir.
The song, taken from The Hidden Words No.3 (Arabic), was performed before 900 people at the non-Baha’i choir’s spring concert.
Mr. Levine also recorded the choir for his latest album.
After the recording session, he gave copies of The Hidden Words and The Seven Valleys to Jerome Wright, founder and artistic director of the choir.
And he passed out booklets on the Baha‘i Faith to all the choir members. One girl exclaimed, “Oh, neat! The Baha'i Faith. They believe in peace and stuff.”
[Page 15]
e
ise
Portland, Oregon, Assembly addresses goal of Plan by upgrading its operations
After more than a year of consultation, the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, Oregon, acted recently to make its operations more efficient.
The Assembly created offices of the secretary and of the treasurer, and an office of community development is taking shape.
The new structure will involve more Baha‘is in the affairs of their community, especially since the As— sembly’s workload has grown to re— quire more time than the members themselves can offer. The Assembly also wished to decentralize as many of its activities as possible.
The office of the secretary will in— itially include four positions serving under the direction of General Sec— retary Loie Mead: membership and records secretary; community rela— tions secretary; filing secretary; and corresponding secretary. The Assem— bly’s recording secretary is Michael Sears.
The office of the treasurer will consist of Treasurer Skye Lininger and an assistant, Koroush Ghaemma— ghami.
In looking to create an office of community development, the As— sembly is responding to the Three Year Plan goal of developing human resources within the Baha’i community.
ort rapa
ction
gene
4
ps HH
Kamat 8.£. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994
15
Starting point for teaching Cause to American Indians is found in ‘Abdu’]-Baha's Tablets of the Divine Plan
By Michael Bigler
The National Spiritual Assembly's Three Year Plan states as one of its goals: “Settle at least 500 homefront pioneers on Indian Reservations, in the South and in other areas of greatest need.”
While success in meeting any teaching goal comes more easily when it is placed within the framework of the Writings, the starting point for understanding any teaching goal related to American Indians is within the Tablets of the Divine Plan:
“You must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America. For these souls may be likened unto the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, who, prior to the Revelation of Muhammad, were like savages. When the Muhammadan Light shone forth in their midst, they became so enkindled that they shed illumination upon the world. Likewise, should these Indians be educated and properly guided, there can be no doubt that through the Divine Teachings they will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.”
This paragraph, found within a Tablet that ‘Abdu’l-Baha addressed to the believers in the U.S. and Canada, is very rarely accurately remembered.
Yet it may be the single most
important statement for Indian people, inside or outside the Faith. Not only does the paragraph confer a divine responsibility on the American believers to undertake Indian teaching, but it is within the set of Tablets that has given the reason for, structure of, and goals to
..the friends should study this extract carefully to understand what it requires as well as promises in the area of Indian teaching.
the teaching plans of the American believers.
Indeed, these Tablets have shaped the American Baha'i community, and the friends should study this extract carefully to understand what it requires as well as promises in the area of Indian teaching.
‘Abdu'l-Bahd‘s statement offers a vision of the glory that awaits the Indian people of the American continents. This is remarkable be— cause almost nowhere else can In— dian people turn for the promise of a glorious future in which their yetto-be-developed qualities will serve all of humankind.
This promise, which is conditioned upon education and guidance from.
the Divine Teachings, is not exclusive. It does not say that spiritual leadership will be given to the American Indians, or that there is any sort of superior quality of spirituality on the part of the native peoples.
Those two notions would be removed from the unific concepts of the Faith brought by Baha’u’llah and would be offensive to the Indians themselves.
Instead, the promise that is actually held out for the native people of America is far greater, as explained by Shoghi Effendi.
The Guardian gave both an objective and an intent to the work when he wrote that it would lead to the Indians realizing “that they are equals and partners in the affairs of the Cause of God, and that Baha‘u’llah is the Manifestation of God for them.”
This small statement, found in A Special Measure of Love, offers a powerful remedy for the pain that the Indian people suffer.
When ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s promise is studied with the elaboration of the Guardian’s statements, the way in which the rest of the Writings speak to the Indian people starts to clear, and the road to accomplishing the teaching work opens up.
service.
Whether you are traveling or moving to a new home, a student or retired, a Baha'i for many years or recently declared, call the National Teaching Office to find out where you can be of the most 708/733-3494
"Know thou the value of these day Beg thou God to make thee a lighted candle..."
The Baha'i Faith is on the move, and we need ever increasing numbers of Baha'is to carry it forward.
Help light unlit candles
ss! aad eyo 45 jlo OT WRITINGS OF THE BAB ik, Kal pro 4393
(tg BLAS GI aa)
yt [Syl th Opa] 1S cio oy a Ole Olon & Are & oe 9 ole
ses yo cthle Cle dill 556 dy Spar IEW IF bys ge ee Ge yl
AION 9 MIL) 1) pibowT Lirwae cpl” gah g Slog! Tp 9 IjLty 9 O96 5! Claud PUR 9 rgd AT GolSot 9 Cp 4 Comifd ogc 90 SO Jud Sly Y 0919 JKT 1) drpity Arol> poimo ods pylon Golo sLacl 9 4979 39 Gilat AT 9 PLOT 9 del9d 9 Sql cpoiaio spitio Gif kil edd Bld g yd god & Marto 4S Can ct 9G dice Glamis plagit of if sptiie 4 ons0,5 9 cola AB, Gf ILE LUST 9 Guo Glad, SLAF 9 ead gl 39 Wm Jord 9 UME! Olu 9 Crdged “scut 0999 Gd 399 s968 Sly? Law caged
why aes EF ab 9 Ole rp 39 rayle’ gt eggs Cpr
Geb 9 dar si yoqead 39 «ile bole Cf PES 0d 4 4S 29> 90 ly 39 oll gly OES Sb yoqed GNSS 1; QLile 9 otro yS Gand Gust G9 S9 td gly GES SH JO cul wit WES BLS GS Gl ytt Jal Gam dniot Ye 095 aor 5 29 OAS > ydin PLEO! GF GLile GIS ubal 45 PES ab pad 4) AST flo g cut Gly GES ee Seal Tomlin 9 Tymio gly plSol yf «wit 0h 99 nt GET jit Gf ae 1) Gly GET WE AF Sildy Ody GC Old yt5 IE pI! 9 V2)! Ole Mey 9 cont Tomiie 9 Tomio orn plSt of HOLS Spats g ders g Quit GES sList "EE el g Goal pS gd Fl gly GUS ts
(oagt 4% 52 alsl) SeoF gtd Auto ST NANCY CAMPBELL COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
apak 4 4 Nancy Campbell LaF (oni Leyte 2 dasialiel p42 99 SS ga pile le: N59 any eg BL Gael (DLT) gy bigh CILI
Ja) GI ed okey CS 4 LUT rape 9 Hysl CEE Ly 25% parse G eg GO AIS WT wk Cit & 9 Ge syb & UT Nb lek 9 02S soy daly pS Lp SF ee gl Greeti I Ge cole BS SI hae Cai 9 pl Ll ly S Sys ed legs 9 DE! geree 9 Ge 9 ils Rule jo Gye 9 Gol GLAS jar Lily, G he Cb SF GLy ily gs olew? yl ol GALS 5 Fe Lye (40) WARYPNS 3485
‘Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute 12 Hatt St. Dundas, ON. L9H 2E8
deyds Abyor 39 0S ue Vo GUS & Sp rAd ge ASA oy 04d Lily espa clon) TUNA y ee algae = cope Ss jay Sy SF sels bl 9 i990 5 slau SI gd wad aalys Ga LT 2 ile Sy, (Kits ire ede ay (pte wal pb 55 25> SI oud days ALG Caly Ge » Qe Gow wctls surge ai SUT I dow oT 6S lo Yb Rape eel ony GT BF ine wy NEI ya ol 9 ona aayaps aEaiesy aD UR Ele lee WCHL aly anlal Coy yle gal lgdine oe len dee ons ort Re le 4S cts Uhl Grade Jane oT Glael im iI Sil 9 5 SN gf bee pad 9 GILL oly dashes gpl & I Gel © 9 Hl DL Sey VF sbeil Ole & pre OS 32 Stoy SI andl iE oF dill GES & EL 2% SUL, 2 Geer 9 sl GS RB ST ot tL WSS pal, LL coo Gihe Spar Bbl e L opl Lb 9 eus& ALE sli oltle ptil> oS gl oo ne 3» BLS gh Read (gts Ken Bowers jt oF UT Ly Amy of Light “yg5 ol” alee SI Gt ds OLY Ly olilys Glas » CAF ole 2 ole & Aa ae ae een bil Sly Ake el Sy wily (o@ll Bo ss) heel peo ee rf SH Sle wl eo pV awl atl Gjlee danigo est Oly NEW PUBLICATIONS he SF alah Jy Spar Sai! 31 lle Jat a 105 ler SF ders Clie 9 Guat GA | pbel ed tatye Ws 4 Sjpet > ante Wo AT St (a7 tee Milire Coke 39 Sle, 9 OVLio 2 Ac S2glo abperde 25> ler eg Gyld 9 plee ol toy So ples Clyde ale 9 WY2 VO Sjent tbe ante fo jl gle wy> YY 9 (EF tle, SL Calg okt orien Ss Sian BI Gud 14 22 dba OE abe » AF 9 lols Sy sl dans wo ViSjent dle antes WW SS BY Spo OLS als pre Obl 4 eee Gg als Wht le GL 95 LT BLS wails CaLy> 9 oaks lie Sly, tyler Lage (AO) WAVY 5-55 Sled (40) WARNY fe igils Slogleo Agi 69555 Ur SU» Sb Gus Ho Gilbey dow Bin de IE 92 wh ge Sye> 5252 OL II ASG OEY NS cad oly > he lige ays LSS SALT tle 5S we Ge Ie Als CFS 290
Spb! ILI Gl aSe bays oF Gla, 3» 2? ley bt Sar Oly Og TV jay oy ont clan iF Ol Seb
Rpt 22 Sle wt dsl Je tee Cal ej BLS gpd 7252 Le ile Ende ILS ae ce ie dew uk oyl
S255 Siege I oli bY 355 WS ie Sal oh Gol 9 le 4! GoluT 431 Get 5X2 5 Thomton Cahse oer FL Chee O97 GR oLT Yb! alee Lb ISM G > Gy yl Cl 2 9 BS gt gl tem ad 9 he 9 Orry 4S dy, athlg Spar Glyyrs CUjL gltLel ol 9 dij, pie SF ad ge Nel dle Spar Leas eS Ady CSI
BS 9S ag wh OF oli LIS 25s DNS pepe GS Sans ol LB My, pce Siler Sea Shy oF le wh eth oS F clarlys easily 99 US OLS aye OT AS ue og eld Gee
DN Sle toe 6S tho UI Ue os! BIZ Sire ayy 99 Ly billy pee gyre AF ul shel 92S gal 2 Glaule Gud ails dy do & pe & Ol 29 Gals slat 9 LEH ely WS A cle: (22 a5 2 cle AAS Se lb rst wy icles wh Cary abel GL»
AU pa JE p oF oj MS 25s Ua dhe jt 5S F GU GILS Ayre ore BIS 9 E93 9 Sl ey ir Gt 9 Soy GU ed os uns WS & ayo agry Ge ul yo WS ol ate Ae Ory Gillet ab ole ol cee gy Gt Leal aye 9 SF arr egs Gy GtKe yt del> IS als
Gilg, pee 4F 29581 yore orl BIT GL yt Ly 93) Toye Sade sthorged ory Gul > BSS Get pS eal bb HL gl & [plo sT OT ot Sle 2S pals de pub Lb IS witoe ge EG ale
I! AF duro GREEN ACRE
ube yo lillie 9 lot GI i Ae age le tee > Ge JL GUy> fF Obs 1 SF ESE Abe ge SES Sl
99S de Lunjts pots Ray LaBelle LY Gy GUT Be Kyo Whee Ss SF es. GL be CAs oT LES I Gan SF sth Sb se Le sah Gjlugk Llailge ste Cll toy, ohugy a» eS Raye Gael SILL gente Sarah Farmer p2,U Lie SI gate 9 ub LL pile Lugs SI ler 2 che per ods!
pe Glee gual eT» Galle gl dime Glatl 9 Girl poly ole » QI Gly 9 UF 4 het sy OT I tL » QL Giby, sath CSpo tle
At Wp Slt GOOF 4 lel LL
voy aalys QUT bi, 9 cubly dos
Baad pyre Gl pir 31 46S gtlel -4
wd walss aby oj 6 Cub) Gly
he SuK GUI 4 Ab oS slot
Sze by 959% GLA YL le, ul U4)1 & Ub)
ASR Oasys gal abla) Je oly
OSs leaS Sb} GIB GU5s Gynt Uuya yes
Saye ilar 25% Bly oles OUT Gyb5 cays
ste WT Ge bj Gly S Sa cr!
AS Lala Ly cglde Gl GG Cul YS 955 +
29 32 pyre GL 29 S Mes -N
tem Jed LS 4 odd (gale tir 53
od pail G2y) 4) GS pie ly ST Slot ill
oul oF 92 JE doe SF aly 99 (ge uath
Gabe ony S gaplli 0nF 42 ails gai Atl aye ys
muy
wle 0j9) 6 SHLj Gly Gy GHalicyes
ee ee als
is Sse Ok) Gly G ath
rt Ot NS od plist Jalon Gabi BL ie
an © BS lel Glals SF tls walyss IKI
Oe dey 5 539) BS Coly at Ys
OS NB cly 9 Suey oy wig
SI pte Ele GL Gilby die tif » 2
Bled AS oblye 5 aS Gly He WE clay ¥
Lil aed Sah aye he dilbw 9 waS ge Subj
VAFAWNAY SL ead clad JI tay gl tidy, 09,
weed ot (ile biel Jal Hb I
om UE 2 Syl) Gly Syed pte Gels 0
[So ois 4a
059) dn pie Sled jl ASI ge EL ae GU 9
wl oll
pl skis! oSls Core Clr yy
he clay! 59 Sle
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAHA'I FAITH IN NORTH AMERICA
DP pH OW dpte Ge Sy Oye TV One SAW ay Shy S gale 9G al gr oF SLs HE IR 2» Sle At ssl SIL ge BES Sic, ce ene SB
dl Lbs pile Sle gunlts jl g5 99 4 V4 Steven Birkland 135 yy» Gl 5 Wilma Ellis SF LS 9 oe GU le Gilby, dine chat! jl kenge BI Gloae 55 9 AT 4 WUT CLs dilbewr 5 pels cal 22 Cres 4 Gp 9 Cal pile 5 ely al TASS te
DP Ady eI AF lt» asl ale SI aS agile gilt SS ES Spt oUF, Le 4S Shak gb 32 4S 29, Carol Mosely-Braun Gy by IHS gl ply 52 lg, al Glaryglena SI a5, odlen 5 EES alee Gh ew dew jy oF glo GL Jo hy SF HI GIy SL aul Gk JI 2S 3k “oat
Sane pens uate
Me cards Glosel, Sly jie 9 te be 0399 B S35 AesG 9 393 om (NAME Zylo Sol stot 5D
Se Gye 5 T 6 251 57 GN Ls eed -\ 0597 yk) salle 9 CFT Glee yo el ty Hh yp Jade Low GUI oF oF gs pl sy daly clot Sl jai
GLAS dJyoy GE GLI » CL) casi -¥ Ot On polis a Cb)
GLAS 4 by Olbu 5 OLIG US -1 esl Sle ilar 55 9 pals abl ge Cubs dF CLAW Gh heyy dibu Gab sy Fy tle Slut tle ler 5S 4 GS 5 Lee Lb GES 352 5 ind gab Gob ers lols
PAS © eb IS Loge Post Office Box 155 31 001 Haifa ISRAEL.
ey eee 5s) SINC esate eatin ileal Ole Cos Kai SH Coy L Lg (AVIEY-YOA-2V) vASLs opr
GL Jy5 G25 4a S39 6 OL) ge -f wth ale Je ay LL 9,5 gles jl ou nb; SLs & Gye WN GL St ae Me A aly GWG onl 5! ay Le Ge 5! jig) ULI lord oj9) wink dbyl lar 55 4G ae OL; cles PG Fl dle wy SF lal Gly SF Seal cyes aly SL 99% Sb Col ont SL! LS jl slog Bs.
GL 29% Cs Says US os og OLL des & Lage GEL 9 2S aye Sp al il cay eb age Ub Sges Ly tals iFly So plyil & wile Jae 6 Sao
abil (caer de Cyl} Coys Ga Gly -71 Ls Glas oF w5L antl {bi 4 ub oly G 3 ottlesya, L) gall) LS ails ge Salil 22 ttl GUT JL, W jh eS Glug s 9 Cotilys yal. salgls Coby Gly dljne QUE 9 Cay Cope ol SG VS Oke Wye SS ae als Ss 2th LES glk ahs Lb oe Gl, LL GL Wb igh Bye Cob) | orgie otal pL Glsl GLAS L lyre sy ES 53 LL 994 SL) ays bye WK Cope 32 G aijls JLo! a5 gually 4 29% Ey) 29h Geant OUT Lee CHLj Gly Gary (3 bal
JULI goyst 51 LL seri o> guully -V tly SF Saye 29 Auld Glory Le 0d Jl 58 SF sly wh ath artls las JLo oo jl uaF ylaij,s JG gts aU jl S ue » bw sy Jlabi mals G5 1) JLb wisp wb ent pls BS ge ae Siler GT 2 SF Galil HI als Gully Cbs ssa, SIL HS ot, seul gall 298 Citlby jt lab! cll
Bel oye» LB JL W jl ja abil -A SF wth SLT y 2,5 olan oF ctl als onb;
ol p SF ath atl be 2
2 Geb AIS LS js GF oe 2b Lol vito UDI iler 354 29 Outlay!
ot GIL 955 S933 LS Cay cy “1
Lo Cob) CLAS OF ay5 salys Cilby> Chee gl »
oy wale JL OG F
ed IF IS oye 2094 Cubs GE ot Gly LEI SF Gly 5 Chol te, UL of ole eet aly SL! Cal pyjS aug 4S john 2G 49F sale SUI LE & Splice Ay gue SEG Corel O55 ok AS HI te ily Uel ALS Ges Lb 29% bi oy
PAS a> LL Lb SUG UL A, -f SWAG Corel gad & 02505 JSS ole a Our wad 29 GUIS ayl pho 4 Jb oy hy SaSy GUI 4 azee LL WS Sle tapas SF cok ge she Aah Sylee ail Gay) Obj BE Gly 295 UU pay 3 LR cor! O55 rls lal Ob i bs dl 4) wali 53 ob) WG PE» Ls QU 9 Cy Ge CL P35 SF AES gmp oy alse Leal den dyes NW ad arable yes 529) car Soye Ly ol ro, Sy! LE Gly FL Gla rns 955 dey wAAD 29h 02505 JaeSS 4309} 4p ye Ad aly
CI) Ve pare UGS 69 Oil) ay! > -0 ew sale Lo Cl»
Als gt aye UE Sy62 Spey JI ne “1 eAdls oy L dyd Lb ot Ged Gl
Ok oped S sole L Citllys oye 52 -V & 0390 BOG Gly sy GU 2» AIS BET Ly 95% Cykj 299 9 odgei Gyles pail G4)! washes
Gilet sbej) dill Capty Sal a 5bi Ig Say Ge bss UL) Glas 6 scan Se 9 ode he Gl G5 wk Gr Gel HIS aileryas gyi plicl Jalon pits 059) GB O5L5 QUE ond Clr Gy GELS 129 dalyss SF Sub & Ble G ash; a5 C255 jel 1
a ole
abblin iy 99 ul gale bl dea
S69 Lj Gly Cul ot holy GUT Gals Cel SF part Sle 9 BY> 51 pliel Jado SI & U cee ily Coat 2905 ge SLE! BL! Glas als (gs S62 ObL US 5) Gand 155 5a ws Gls ail byt ay sales Cand caper SS ot IS ale Cayh Sle Cy) Gly olet syne b ST CS il bs bys © olsli 9 stig Claes Sle tle 5S Obi cl ces, Cyl 9 or) Sle 25 Fass 2 rade OF 5 I LS dee FI gel GUL et els pele Okeebl aig ol gl sly 9 auls en ea Salt bie 9 ahd gl gol Oe ae C55 Os Gl 9 as Ged dee 9 Wb i as ct! cal oles & O25 oyl {59
Ad daly QT
WS 426 SL Ugh 39 cl OLE Led 9 pre 9 pals lS ot GSB lente eS gs pli we O55
dire 4 SF slaply JI Vos! SF sybils lel dalle ladle ott eplir gle ley rue lel B30) obj CULE 4 Say oly Ge CSS hedges Ged Gate dp Ll eis pe de dyed Gal ll 2 55 QE » ay bp 55 Gly IT gw be ct il UI a ed ot eS ee Uy wp OL) GALS pbs NAS ST thes ge S69 Ly je vley? 4 hae Ghal Clie oj) 6 UL) Gly 25> vals ante 25>
eat ob eb Ghal gil 2 6S Shas wowed 0j9) 45 Oyj GLAS 4 bye La Hee 5S 059) ee Syl & bye GUL als Gb wb Lele CS Cris E55 oak tle we Lee & GL thy dim Sub I GL ty 09 Shes! ler 35
0397 6 Oks Glas 35 MF Gl dol Sl tay daly Jb god & pile pL Glo! Gly
Al & 0397 6 HL) Gly ab Lai ot \ 2 agF oF GLAS Hh lS GL sil SS ol wl dlol Sle ler 55 2? out hy dim 6 ya GLA ASS gyi LL $e slat JL Sle lee 5S ME GL sl I OS sleablals 219) ESS aes Daye tie OS Gills oF Lely le Giles 5S Jpeg Geli apt a Is CbF lye 5 Fay ly Fs te ts pitch cul gy elas OF GG SF ylastl diy! Gaull Ga) & Glaublels
Wages
fotos 4S Cod Grape ody, WAF GL dyl 5! LS lle ster 5S & Guild apt 3h Clas Cope til glye a: ae G3 Gb G ayb dy! Badlas AS Ly yd HEAL! yl age Ullal 50
AIK JAS sls il
CSE oye GLAS 49 4S oalyil> cLacl pL (lee GUE W) Gils (UE yadt pL 2 dad sai kj sll Gbyde Vaal Gillen) Faigle (bs Mail G21
2» DEG 6S Galil I Se ys QU ge sce od {53 allals
») ayye ail SIS 5a Gly Cyl dem BLS MASE ayrye Clot gare SF Srye
ave 2) Stdbsls & clbsls GLI LULA GU .* hy Gath odget Lalo oj) 6 ob) Gly WS ST yj Sag Gay 9 Ghd GLAS fy gitls rylin ay GS AE lo TY LS Cle ub 2p abs ABI esl 211 99 gets
CAB ge kt ole LE LULA yey HF
5 IL) Sly tte Ope CoS ey aly Lt
ALAS Spey 51 ay AS gilj Ore G52 Gad oj)
AS ails yer 9 GG Gad Cols Gly peli JI agae 32 abel gpl Gy Sasol ae LI cn syste Wd
Shire ttle sel abl GAbl @ OU! El > hed el eae 9 ty MUS are Spe gy Ulin Jin gt pho 4 SF SLs 9 CYT} 4 ST OT eS ty ge gh IIT ay 03h lye Lge bess iE Gly ails ie clot LiL Gras dow 5S Y dete Olel Cybj ae O53 DL ty
als SIS 5 Sle Slee ot TL Ld cry ope Lele ae |
ails plains Oly pie 29 hyd 9 ott Syes Sylj Gly F Galil 1 saibools gAbl Ly Spe Ul asloats Syes CyLj Gly af wolil -¥ (Mail ont ed GE» Lily US shoots ee we bal Oo 4 dire gh tule 1S hh Ll cg Oke SF ye 9) shord ye Cub} Gly rae sel dee (EL Cg 22 grt 9 0th Slat QlT Gly Uboye. 6S Gil S cy 9 ©) Be & slactl Mel L aye Syd G atactls lel Lb apt CIpd jpa Ll ord Syso al glags Led gil Gly tiles Garr () > Slave 59 F SLES 5! nd SF 245 rls od UT ag 5g es BY OUT Gly ont ee Dy Syd wy od UGT jt aS (Syed 4S age Glnbl sal Ly oy dyed dey GAS cay ct GL 4S ens EAI GH aya so yd Hl silo SS G Sod yd ange ott ged GUL Gly SF ot ch 2 UT LN OS cyt ge SW eet UG Gly! ULF GS tl Gls oat 45 ee 4 3999 Gly SS gt ge Gh LL pie Sy Sar cess dal 49 wl wd Ie & JS SSL BG 5 UL 295 pie Hye & HUT Cleat Se ls oS sale yytS (Ug sbeel Sar 9 spre sles 554 4 OF alse Ley GLA LT 32 6 a> oul Big Sle QL gl LAT Gly oF ucla OF Sle 9 Stree gal 52 SF Ger Oly be 2% aalys Glad JLT Coys Cte tals Ugls on 55 ny) cst! gal les & eLGYLI> dex 2° oAslh sg0! 39 Slollroeie cle ctle 350 jN2 Ly Gil Gosl Oyhy ad ar Silol pyoe 4) Gib NAME wile So! Zi90 st! sue abl Vy Garde 5 sileryed syle plicl aslo Gr % sil G2) bs Qs Coy} ges GL ST ple: Ge OLE GMb cot oat ti ao Oe byr5 etd 9 OS orl syle Go tur 55 PG Sed SaeS 5 oslied & WL Gul 9 Cay! on i rel Jahon cet ott SLUI ote oe
ders bel Jodi LIfe Jlsluccie
MESSAGES FROM THE WORLD CENTER
wale ileyy lee jf ean 4 vib VAAL gylo Sol co90 st! jue abl bay gb ie ibe © clbt Ke ib Gly SF Sol Ge C55 & ree oS os tle Gye 22 4S aciily pliel Jair AUS SEL! JL! GL, ah ibe JI gay GL ayke Ni) el ago ye gels OAS clot ob JI Sl dle cl, S pailey, QUylarinl 4; silorya,s ab die 48 gu3 Ub yp gad ber 55 JI Lol Ene Ae ules pail aly, (gattiia 9 Che WS Gps & be gly dibe Gly LB 1 CLA yt CI SUS cud ghar Lusi dul pole hu dale Bs AF 95% orl oul del a SF sly IT ional ops) Sead eyylsy splot GLalar celys) Gunte
soe ol UE»
Vl & LG Gly adh atl 1 oo lly tll 4 CLA EI GL, wh als CyiL ail
yl Mele Ql ily die so & SY DAG BS ASS + abode 4S shila Ly oye GlalB al clot obit oS Cul gl wae C53 2) & Le obs GG Gad 9 ojlel LI Gly OSdd gk Glew Jibe Gyb 516 ails Jul sil G5 GE gawd 9 eile! HE Gly lle © slot Si wb dew of jbo aul wel Qe giley, di & wls Soul le Giles 55 © by Lb oye Gol ATT Us GUS dyad HI Let iI GLY SSH aly ge GgKe Fase gai lids by aes Aas phil Jalon agls onl » A ile S let © be hy, dibue alys uy! 29 «S ssyl> vty Cusler 9 Gob BUI ail YL geal gy
st! Gal oles &
- LESYI I>
dor poe! Judion Lilo fll wate sila Solow 4 olla NAME eylo Sel Ego
test! Sue OLk
CBS Sraid SF siloryed 5d qe! Jado GI ob Sal SI Gas HU ed Che ST Gare OW Lared apt igs HUF shel ie GWE lil 2 lel tg Gare ole Gils 5 9 pen Jk gt UU, oils G35 2 dby GS pds Gul 9 oe yS 9 sect SL9 Gl 22 4 ailodyes eles thal OV gab Gel 9 CARE we » des Ail 02S plaid
thal pyae 4, lee GSU) al cho Slice W SL) CLAS & by CLES 4 OL» LU 9 Dillane gl SF apt igs Lal .23,F Qs SLI AD gt pte SF pd 8 oye Shy Cope
[Page 19]
In memoriam
KAMAL 8.€. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994
Monument
Continued from Page 14
as the Earth Summit, and the '92 Global Forum, the parallel conference for the independent sector, and is the only lasting symbol of those historic events.
A quotation from Bahé'u'llah— “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”—is etched in four languages on the four sides of
19
the upper pyramid; on its lower half, the words “world peace” are engraved in more than 35 languages. A glass strip at its midpoint displays multi-colored soils taken from the contributing nations.
In ceremonies on June 5, diplomats from many of the 11 countries contributing soil attended with mayors from around Latin America who were attending a conference in Rio at the time. Children ascended steps to the monument to deposit the soil.
INKA (Intertribal Native-American Kit of Artists), a mostly Baha'i performing group based in Chicago, has been proclaiming the Faith through Native American music and dance for the past year with performances throughout the Chicago area including the Parliament of the World's Religions, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Chicago Children's Museum, the AT&T Theatre, and a number of schools, colleges and cultural centers. The six:member group includes the fourmember Orona family of Wilmette (all of whom are Baha'is of American Indian background) supported by two non-Baha'is of Zuni and Choctaw heritage. Pictured performing a traditional Deer Dance is Roman Orona, accompanied by his father, Joel, on flute.
Summer events
Continued from Page 4
and instrumental music supplemented by seminars on arts-related topics. All ages from 12 years.
Aug. 15: International conference for educators, Shenzhen, CHINA.
Aug. 20-27: Third Baha'i Summer School of CROATIA and SLOVENIA. Join members of the new Regional Spiritual Assembly and participants from many countries for talks, workshops and afternoon teaching activitie:
Sept. 21-24: Sixth International Research Conference on Housing, Beijing, CHINA. Sponsored by the Urban Studies Institute of China. Themes: Housing and Public Policies, Housing and Quality of Life, Sociology of Housing, and more. Papers requested.
Sept. 19-21: International Symposium on “Family Beyond the Year 2000,” Moscow, RUSSIA. Sponsored by 10 Russian institutions including the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of Russia in recognition of the United Nations Year of the Family. The symposium is depending on the international participation of “Bahd’{ family experts.” Summaries of papers for short presentations on various subjects needed immediately. Traveling teaching
In an effort to make the Faith better known to the community while providing a
needed service, the Spiritual Assembly of Yuma, Arizona, agreed this year to cosponsor a city baseball league, Country Boys Baseball. Jim Rhodes, a member of
the Baha'i community, agreed to coach one of the teams, the Padres, who compiled a 16-1 record, won the league championship and set a number of league
records including highest team batting average, best stolen base percentage and
most strikeouts by a pitching staff. Mr. Rhodes is standing far left; the only Baha'i
team member, his son, third baseman David Rhodes, is seated far left. In June, the
team was honored by American Legion Post 56 at a dinner and awards ceremony.
The Baha'is presented the Legion post with a plaque for its community involvement, and Mr. Rhodes was asked to say a few words about the Faith and its principles
Baha'is in Idaho Falls take part in Earth Day observance
On April 23, Baha'is in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, area took part for the first time in the annual Earth Day celebration at Tauphus Park.
The friends provided about 200
On May 7-8, the Baha'is proclaimed the Faith during the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Using the theme “We are flowers of one garden,” the friends invited children to make flowers
before and/or after the symposium is encouraged.
Oct. 10-15: Seminar on the International Year of the Family: Families, Women and Children, Tianjin, CHINA. Presentations of related papers
encouraged.
Director of Maryland's Center for Conflict Management speaks in Poland on human rights, conflict resolution
Responding to an invitation by Dr. Stanislaw Zyborowicz, a professor at the Institute of Political Science and Journalism, Adam Minkiewicz University, Dr. Edy Kaufman, director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM) at the University of Maryland in College Park, traveled to Poland from April 19-22 to speak on human rights and conflict resolution issues.
The trip was co-sponsored by the university in Poznan, the Baha'i Chair for World Peace, and Landegg Academy.
On his return to the University of Maryland, Dr. Kaufman said his purpose in visiting Poland was to inform faculty and students about the principles and methodology of conflict resolution and the CIDCM's efforts to promote their application in areas of existing or potential conflict.
During his contacts with the media, Dr. Kaufman emphasized the important role that the Baha'i community of Poland had played in arranging his visit. He also took part in special activities planned by the university's Baha'i Club.
spruce seedlings for those attending, set up a coloring table for children, and mounted a display that included pamphlets and an information sheet with Baha'i telephone numbers for the Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Pocatello areas.
from various colors of tissue paper, and gave out Baha‘ literature in English and Spanish.
Follow-up firesides were held, and plans were made to take part in both events again next year.
Carlton Christiansen _ Irene E. Kob Jefferson, OR Yucaipa, CA June 13, 1994 June 8, 1994 Ruth Edmondson June W. Kraus Lexington, KY Rapid City, SD June 21, 1994 May 28, 1994 Habibullah Eshtehar Doris Kurzius Tuatin, CA Seattle, WA
October 30, 1993
Solomon Hilton Yonkers, NY April 10, 1994
May 27, 1994
Andre Midgette Hartford, VT May 12, 1994
Ata'ullah Mohajerin Nellie Terry
Tempe, AZ Fort Defiance, AZ May 15, 1994 May 18, 1994 Ollie Provancial_ Thomas Walking Eagle
Mission, SD Rosebud, SD May 1994 June 7, 1994
Jack K. Saunders Merlin Young
Victor, MT Pendleton, OR May 16, 1994 May 21, 1994 Vera Shaw
Beverly Hills, CA April 22, 1994
THe American BaHA’t 20 es REG
Members of the Baha'i Public Presentations Workshop of Yakima, Washington, present a copy of the Spanish-language Baha'i book El Regalo (The Gift) to the children's librarian at the Yakima Public Library. The workshop is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Yakima. The children are (left to right) Jonathan Gottlieb, Jordan Gottlieb and Eva Lohrasabi.
To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your This formmay be used for one person of youre | copy of The American Bai cad your new family. PeawbesuretolstFULLNASIESAND | address and your mailing label to MANAGE- LD. NUMBERS forall individoals, ages 15 years | | TELLUS YOUR | Stent inronaTION Mail owes vis chiteueadwenaner 5] 3 ES National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as I Fea kay shal Poliad iadeen be | VAL NAME(S): 1 I. aa | | iD Tite | 2. |* 7 Tie ae al 1335 Title | PSO SN Lge ne i | | 1D Tie | [. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: l | | | ~Sueeradtiess ~ | “POBox or Other mating adress | | | | “Apartment # (applicable) ‘Apartment # (If applicable) Sern err: | oy ae —— ! — Zip code State Zip code | [. New CoMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: | | | [Name of new Baht Community ~~ Moving date ‘Area code Phone number ‘Name | | F WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | | | | See Fe Tonacots Poa Tame | |G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY: 1 wwe do not have the same last name. the last names and addresses on our Ourhouschold receives only one | Cytori) Ses Stee stirs | Cl Saranac sarc | cancel the copy forthe person(s) and 1D. listedabove the full names ofallfamily mem- | _receivemy own copy. Ihave listed my name, number(s) listed above ters as they should appear on the national | LD. number and address above. | records, tei LD. nambers, and the core |
- tions 80 that we wil receive only one copy.
& Fy ae Ses nae Vddeclibs Ml bssclbsdbadbabsbalbadbal ge San g“8 Ga ae. Boe ao waD {a0 ¥ 8 qa ag aak
Kamat 8.€. 151 / Auaust 1, 1994
AUGUST 10-14: Iowa Baha'i School, Briar Cliff College, Sioux City. Registrar: Don Calkins, Des Moines, [A 50312 (phone 515 282-7763).
11: Meeting of the Baha’{ Institute for Built Environment, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Those interested in the work of the Institute are asked to contact Mahdad Saniee, Guilford, CT 06437 (phone 203-457-9102).
11: Meeting of the Agricultural Seminar, Association for Baha'i Studies, Cam— bridge, Massachusetts. For information, write to ABS Agricultural Committee, Route 3, Box 51-D, Floyd, VA 24091.
11-14: 18th annual Conference, Association for Baha'{ Studies, Boston Marriott Cambridge Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Theme: “Anarchy into Order: Understanding Humanity's Role and Destiny.” For information, contact the Association for Baha'i Studies, 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4, Canada (phone 613-233-1903).
12-15: Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” Youth Assembly, Little Rock, Arkansas. For a registration form, please phone Cornelia Rutledge, 800-5276243, ext. 84614, or 202-966-2356, and leave your name and ad-dress. Registration deadline: July 11.
12-17: Youth Eagle Institute, Louhelen Baha'{ School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.
12-21: New York Baha'i School, Poughkeepsie. Registrar: Mrs. Kiz Johnston, P.O. Box 146, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 (518-686-9082).
13-18: Junior Youth Institute (ages 11-14), Bosch Bahd'f School. For in— formation, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.
16-21: Oregon (East) School, Meadowood Speech Camp (near Pendle-ton). Registrar: Melissa Young, Hood River, OR 97031 (phone 503-3862249).
17-21: Minnesota School, Onamia. Registrar: Steve Grams,
Willmar, MN 56201 (612-235-6530).
19-21: Race Unity Conference, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.
19-21: Southern California Baha’i summer school, Highland Springs Resort, Cherry Valley. Theme: “The Destiny of America.” For information, please phone 909-983-1022 or 909-929-2163.
20-25: General Session, “The Destiny of America: Race Unity and Partnership,” “Family Financial Planning,” “Daughters of the Kingdom,” Bosch Baha’ ‘hool. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.
21-28: World Unity Festival, Flagstaff and Coconino County, Afizona. For information, phone Joan Harrington, 602-526-3192 (fax 602-774-0433).
23-29: Annual meeting of the Society of Persian Arts and Letters, Landegg, Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland
26-28: Massanetta Springs (Virginia) Baha'i Conference. Theme: “The Destiny of America.” Speakers to include Auxiliary Board members Tahereh Ahdieh and Jim Sturdivant. Registrar: Brenner Pugh, Richmond, VA 23221 (phone 804-353-0873).
27-September 1: General Session, “The Destiny of America,” Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.
30-September 5: Summer Institute, “The Family in Perspective,” Landegg, Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.
SEPTEMBER
1-4: Program for Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA), Lou Baha't Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Attendance is by invitation.
1-6: Baha'i Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Training Institute, Louis G. Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. Attendance is by invitation.
2-5: Homecoming, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810-6535033.
2-5: Appreciation of the Arts with presentations and workshops by Jack Lenz, Christa Schanda, Taraz Toosky, others, Bosch Baha'i School. ly registration ad— vised. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.
2-5: Tennessee Baha'i Institute, Monteagle. Theme: “The Destiny of Amer-ica: Critical Moment in Evolution.” Registrar: Kaihan Strain,
Hixson, TN 37343 (phone 615-842-1720).
3-4: Conference of the Central Texas Association for Baha'i Studies, Austin. Sponsored by the Tsavo West Baha‘ Institute / Deepen magazine. For information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Austin, c/o Bijan Ma'sumian,
Austin, TX 78758. 3-5: Kentucky Baha'i School, Lake Cumberland. Registrar: Chris Hamil-ton, Bowling Green, KY 42101 (502-782-9060).
9-11: Second annual conference, “Marriage: The Second Most Challenging Issue,” Hilton Hotel, Great Valley, Pennsylvania (just outside Philadelphia). For information, phone Melanie Etemad, 215-527-1928.
16-18: Chinese Weekend and Conference with Auxiliary Board members under Stephen Birkland, Bosch Baha'i School. For information or to register, phone 408423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.
16-18: “Take Wings and Fly,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Baha's visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Program includes Dr. and Mrs. David Ruhe, Marguerite Sears, Louise Matthias, variety of workshops, performances by the Metro Denver Baha'i Choir, singer/songwriter Yvonne Varis. Special pee for youth conducted by Oscar DeGruy. Children's classes, nursery available. For information, phone 303-928-0543.
16-18: Green Lake (Wisconsin) Baha'i Conference. For housing and meal registration, contact the Green Lake Conference Center, American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake, WI 54941 (800-558-8898 or 414-294-3323). For program-related information, contact Salma Mughrabi-Howard, secretary, Green Lake Committee,
DePere, WI 54115 (414-337-1844).
�
