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[Page 1]‘Izzat B.E. 151 SEPTEMBER 8, 1994 VOLUME 25, NUMBER 13

Letters urge U.S. lead in defense of Bahá’ís

On July 21, President Clinton received a letter from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urging him to continue U.S. leadership in the effort to emancipate the Iranian Bahá’í community by promoting “the cause of human freedom and civil liberties in Iran.”

The letter was signed by Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and by Sens. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas and John McCain of Arizona.

The appeal followed a letter of June 24 addressed to Secretary of State Warren Christopher by Reps. Lee Hamilton of Indiana, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Benjamin Gilman of New York, the committee’s ranking minority leader; and John Porter of Illinois and Tom Lantos of California.

See CONGRESS page 19

Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

June 24, 1994

Honorable Warren Christopher Secretary of State Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

We respectfully call to your attention the enclosed congressional resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution #31, which condemns the Iranian government’s continuing persecution of Bahá’ís and calls for the extension of religious rights to the Bahá’í community of Iran. This legislation, which won broad bipartisan sponsorship, was adopted unanimously by the Senate on November 17, 1993 and was enacted by the House of Representatives on April 19 by a recorded vote of 414-0.

Americans care deeply about religious liberty. Reflecting this conviction, Congress urges the Government of Iran to “emancipate the Bahá’í community” by granting religious rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Recognizing that the Iranian government’s repressive actions against Bahá’ís are based solely upon religious grounds, Congress also calls upon our own government to continue its efforts to protect the rights of Bahá’ís and other religious minorities.

As the enclosed legislation states, “the United States regards the human rights practices of the Government of Iran, particularly its treatment of the Bahá’í community and other religious minorities, as a significant factor in the development of the United States Government’s relations with Iran.” To this end, we urge the Department of the State, the Voice of America, and other U.S. government agencies and departments to pursue all possible opportunities, through diplomacy and through broadcasts and other public appeals, to emphasize our concern for the Iranian Bahá’í community.

We welcome your leadership in this important effort.

Sincerely,

John Edward Porter Member of Congress

Tom Lantos Member of Congress

Lee Hamilton Member of Congress

Benjamin Gilman Member of Congress

United States Senate WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0702

July 21, 1994

The President The White House Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The purpose of this letter is to commend to your attention recent legislative action on Senate Concurrent Resolution 31, a measure we introduced last year that calls on Iran to end its persecution of the Bahá’í community. This legislation, which gained 52 Senate cosponsors and passed the Senate by a unanimous vote in November, was adopted by the House of Representatives by a 414-0 vote on April 19th.

We are pleased that the Congress has chosen, for the sixth time since 1982, to convey its deep sense of concern over the officially-sponsored repression that has been directed against Bahá’ís since the Iranian Revolution. While this repression has been less violent in recent years, we remain concerned that the Bahá’ís — Iran’s largest religious minority — continue to be singled out for persecution based on their religious beliefs. Indeed, this policy was made explicit in an official Iranian Government document that was revealed last year.

We know that you are committed to the cause of human freedom and civil liberties in Iran and that you are determined to take actions which serve to promote these important goals. To this end we urge the administration to continue its leadership and diplomatic efforts on the issue of the Bahá’ís and to continue to speak out in support of the cause of tolerance and freedom in Iran through the Voice of America and other appropriate public channels.

We welcome all you have done on behalf of the Bahá’í community of Iran and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future on this very important issue.

Sincerely,

JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN United States Senator

CHRISTOPHER J. DODD United States Senator

NANCY LANDON KASSEBAUM United States Senator

JOHN MCCAIN United States Senator

CLAIBORNE PELL United States Senator

Seychelles president visits World Center to consult

His Excellency France Albert Rene, President of the Republic of the Seychelles, visited the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, on July 22-23.

President Rene was welcomed by the members of the Universal House of Justice for consultations in the Council Chamber. These discussions, which he had requested, lasted just under two hours and dealt with issues affecting global peace and important development challenges facing the Seychelles. They were marked by a spirit of candor and great cordiality.

The President was accompanied by his wife, Sarah; their young daughter, Ella; and Mrs. Rene’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abdul Rahman Zarqani. The First Lady and her parents are Bahá’ís, and Mr. Zarqani is a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for the Seychelles Islands.

During the course of their two-day visit the presidential party was able to visit the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb as well as several other Bahá’í Holy Places.

On the first evening, a formal dinner was offered in His Excellency’s honor in the banquet hall of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. In addition to the other guests, who included the mayor of Haifa and his wife, the dinner was graced by the presence of the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and ’Ali-Akbar Furútan.

On this occasion, as throughout the visit, President Rene expressed an appreciation for the relevance of the Bahá’í teachings and for the contribution that the Seychellois Bahá’í community is making to that country.

The historic event brings perceptibly closer that future age envisioned by Shoghi Effendi when the “embodiments of kingly power” from every part of the world will eagerly visit the World Center of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 2]

Army of Light ‘Boot Camp’ to be held in Phoenix

Start preparing now for the biggest gathering for Bahá’í youth in North America since the 1988 International Youth Conference in Bloomington, Indiana.

The National Youth Task Force invites you to attend the youth conference of the decade: the Army of Light Boot Camp-A National Youth Conference for Preparing the Soldiers, to be held December 23-26 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Youth Task Force has organized the Army of Light Boot Camp solely for youth—to inspire, uplift and motivate them to serve humanity through this great Cause. However, the conference will be held at the same time and place as the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, so bring your family and encourage them to take part in those activities.

To prepare, there are several things that one must do. First, fill out and send the registration form on page 3. The conference registration fee is $30, which covers all events from Friday morning through Monday afternoon. Remember that it is necessary to start saving money and planning for transportation to and from the conference.

Second, arrange as soon as possible for accommodations. Please remember not to wait too long to make reservations, as hotel space is limited. Information about accommodations is included on the registration form.

Third, get excited about the conference! Youth from all over the world will be attending; we’ve not only invited youth from the U.S. but also from Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. This gathering promises to be a true example of diverse youth uniting for the same purpose and illuminating the skies!

The program promises to be uplifting and inspiring, moving us all to arise and serve humanity in any way that we can, using our special talents and abilities. As an example of this, the conference will include dramatic presentations, music and art, all put forth by the youth themselves.

There will be a "coffee house" comprised of booths and exhibits. You’ll be able to obtain information there about teaching and service projects all over the world while seeing many youth exhibiting their arts and crafts. You will also be able to purchase books and conference souvenirs there.

The Task Force has invited a number of dynamic speakers to add to the spirit of the conference, speakers who can motivate and inspire us. Besides the main programs, you will be able to choose from among several workshops with topics centered around youth and their unique role in the world today.

Our hope is that you will be able to join us and contribute your efforts toward establishing a new World Order and uniting humankind. Let’s unite at the Army of Light Boot Camp and then spread Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause all over the planet!

Small community in Charleston, WV, raises $1,201 for Arc

Responding to the letter dated October 31, 1993, from the Universal House of Justice, the Bahá’í community of Charleston, West Virginia, held a fund-raiser for the Arc on February 27.

The small community (14 adults, three youth and seven children) sent invitations to Bahá’ís throughout the state. Contributions were placed in a large plastic bag, from which two were drawn at random to receive either a gift of calligraphy from the World Center or a photographic portrait by Sam Dadian of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Everyone, regardless of the size of his or her contribution, had an equal chance to win.

Two separate drawings were held, so everyone had an opportunity to contribute twice. The first drawing netted $654.50, the second $547, for a total of $1,201.50. After the drawings, participants shared a potluck lunch and saw a video tape from the World Center depicting progress in building the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Gregory Institute’s summer Youth Academy serves community, gathers plaudits for Cause

Editor’s note: The Bahá’í Academy is a summer program created by the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in the mid-1980s. This summer a total of 90 children, pre-youth and youth took part in the various Academy projects.

Wonderful things large and small happened when the Bahá’í Academy came to Conway, South Carolina, this summer.

Nine youth and two Academy counselors spent three weeks serving the people of Conway. They helped out at the Darden Terrace Community Center, taught classes at the Sunday morning Bahá’í School, and got out their paint brushes for a service project.

One session of the Bahá’í Children’s Academy also spent a morning in Conway picking up bagsful of litter that had been left after Fourth of July festivities at the Smith-Jones Community Center.

At Darden Terrace, the youth served three to four days a week as much-needed assistants in the summer program of the community center.

Each day of the program began with tutoring in the basic skills. After completion of all assignments came free time.

That’s when the Academy youth really stepped up.

They performed their unity step dance, to the delight of the children, who were eager to learn the various rhythmic steps. In addition, a mural project gave the artistic abilities of every child a chance to flower.

Most important, the Academy’s services to the Darden Terrace community was one of simply being there for the children: listening to stories that many times go unnoticed, demonstrating to them that they do indeed matter, and, in turn, making new friends along the way.

At the Conway Bahá’í School, the youth prepared and taught classes on three Sundays for the children, who ranged in age from preschoolers through pre-youth.

The children learned songs, stories about the Faith, and quotations from the Bahá’í Writings.

A bonus was that the adult members of the community who are usually teaching the children’s classes were able to attend the adult class on those Sundays.

One major service project undertaken by the Bahá’í Academy members was a paint job.

Conway Bahá’í representatives asked city officials whether the young Bahá’ís could serve the community in any way. Yes, they replied, a utility building at the ball fields behind Conway Elementary School needed a fresh coat of paint.

So, early on an already steamy morning, the 11 Academy members and counselors arrived ready for work. Several pre-youth and children from the Conway Bahá’í community also volunteered to help.

A number of songs, raps, dances, and hours later, the building had a new coat of light blue paint with white trim.

The painting project did not go unnoticed by the public.

A reporter/photographer team from the Myrtle Beach Sun News was on hand and produced a front-page feature. The newspaper also printed an editorial praising the Bahá’í youth for their service to the community and for putting their faith into action.

Likewise, the youths’ time in Conway did not go unrewarded by the Bahá’í community.

A culminating program for the Bahá’í Academy at Horry-Georgetown Technical College consisted of prayers, readings from the Bahá’í Writings, songs, raps, and a step dance.

Many parents were present as the youth "roasted" each other and told heart-warming stories about the Academy’s time together. Out of all the stories and fun, however, one impression was outstanding: the love that bound these youth and their counselors together as a family.

The Bahá’ís of Conway demonstrated their appreciation and gratitude by serving the young people and their families. The program ended with a presentation to the youth by the Academy coordinator from the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

Mesa meets HEAT Wave goal with 19 firesides

The Spiritual Assembly of Mesa, Arizona, met its HEAT Wave goal with 19 firesides in the month of Nur. Eighty Bahá’ís including a newly enrolled Hispanic family—and 40 non-Bahá’ís took part, resulting in one declaration.

The Assembly also held a memorable, if impromptu, fireside.

One evening as the body was meeting, it was discovered that no one had signed up to host a fireside that day. So two members were asked to go out and give a fireside while the other members continued the meeting.

Several prayers were said and the two members set out. They decided to go to a cafe.

As soon as they entered the cafe they struck up a conversation with one of the cashiers, who said she had been waiting to hear about the Faith for one year.

Mesa reports joyfully that the HEAT Wave project has given the community greater unity and spirit. [Page 3]

MISSION 19 (2 MONTHS TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status · ‘Izzat 151 · September 8, 1994

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS OF NEW BELIEVERS

July ................ 163

Year to date .... 648

THE FUND

(Preliminary, July 31, 1994)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

• Goal for 151 B.E.: $25,000,000
• Contributions to Date: $3,577,277

NATIONAL FUND

• Total Contributions: $3,067,435

INTERNATIONAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $54,484
• Earmarked Dollars: $58,207
• Total Contributions: $112,691

ARC PROJECTS FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $757,765
• Earmarked Dollars: $424,618
• Total Contributions: $1,182,383

CONTINENTAL FUND

• From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $30,000
• Earmarked Dollars: $27,017
• Total Contributions: $57,017

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Army Of Light Boot Camp: National Youth Conference For Preparing the Soldiers December 23 - 26, 1994

Personal Information:

Name _________________________________________________

Street Address ________________________________________

City ______________________ State _______ Zip _________

Phone ________________________ Age ________

Bahá’í ID Number ______________ Sex _______

Race/Ethnic Background ________________________________

Special Assistance Required (i.e. - Wheelchair access, Walking Assistance, Blind Access): ____________________________________________________________________

VOLUNTEERS:

We need volunteers. Please check your area of preference: Ushering ______________ Security ______________ Registration __________ As assigned ___________

ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS:

If you have any musical, dramatic, or artistic talents to share, please let us know. Enclose a separate sheet or an audition tape, either audio or video.

If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the following: I, ______________________, parent of ______________________, a minor, authorize the Bahá’í National Youth Task Force to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act effective while my child is attending this event.

Date ________ Signature of parent ______________________

Insurance Company ___________________ Policy # ________

If you are under 15, and attending without a parent, please fill out the following: I, ______________________, parent of ______________________, appoint ______________________, to be my child’s sponsor at the Bahá’í National Youth Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindly parent to my child and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference.

Date ________ Signature of parent ______________________

Date ________ Signature of sponsor _____________________

Conference Information

• Pre-registration deadline - December 10.
• Be sure to include payment with your registration form.
• Use only one form per person. Photocopies are acceptable.

BOOTH SPACE: Any individuals or Spiritual Assemblies who would like to be considered for a booth or display area for a teaching or service effort at the Conference should contact the National Youth Task Force in writing. Space for booths is limited. Applications should be received no later than November 1. Please be sure to include your telephone number. For more information, call 1-800-DWN-BRKR.

FEE for Registration: $30. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Phoenix Fund Youth Conference.

HOTELS: Those wishing to stay in area hotels must make their own reservations. Mention the Bahá’í Conference when making all reservations to ensure discounted rates.

Hyatt Regency	1-800-233-1234
	$50 a night for up to 4 people upon availability
‎Holiday Inn Crown Plaza Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza‎	1-800-HOLIDAY
	$42 a night for up to four people upon availability

Please note: December 10 is the final day for these rates. These rates are available for December 21 - 27.

FOOD: We have been notified that there will be no outside food allowed in the hotels. There are restaurant and fast food facilities available in the hotel areas. At the Holiday Inn:

Breakfast	$3.50
Lunch	$5.50
Dinner	$8.00

On-Site Registration: On-site registration begins on Thursday afternoon December 22.

Medical Release for those under 18: Everyone under the age of 18 must have a parent fill out the medical release section on the registration form. You must submit a copy of your insurance card proving medical coverage and policy number. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Age Limit: Please note that this is a Youth Conference. It is for people between the ages of 12 and 25. Everyone under the age 15 must have an adult sponsor if not accompanied by a parent. Sponsors who plan to share a room with a youth must be of the same gender. If you are outside this age bracket, please consider attending the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference.

Send to: PO Box 9961 Phoenix, AZ 85068-9961

PLEASE NOTE: This form is for the National Youth Conference ONLY. If your family is planning on attending the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, please be sure they register with the GCBC Committee. [Page 4]

Teaching in Lithuania: a memorable experience

The following is an account of a three-week teaching trip to Lithuania undertaken by a Bahá’í from California.

Going to Lithuania for a short teaching trip (three weeks) was the most memorable experience of my life.

A friend who had recently taken part in a teaching trip to Russia encouraged me to take advantage of an upcoming vacation to serve the Cause. I didn’t realize how deeply this trip would affect me.

I made connections with the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baltics via fax, and without even having talked to a person on the phone I set out on my journey.

I felt unprepared and a bit scared to travel alone to a foreign country, but I knew that I would be helped in my teaching endeavors and so I put my whole trust in God.

Not until arriving in Estonia, another of the Baltic countries, did I know where or what I was to do. It was decided that I could best serve by helping the teaching work of a pioneer to Lithuania. As I later found out, she was the only pioneer in the entire country!

The evening of my arrival [in Lithuania], I accompanied that pioneer on a 12-hour train ride. For the next three weeks I had the great privilege of accompanying a true pioneer as she taught the Faith.

Although I was unfamiliar with the language or culture, or how best to reach the most influential people, I felt that God had led me to work with her.

This brave, staunch Bahá’í, Helen Smith, had been pioneering in Lithuania for five years. She came there alone from ‎Gurnsey Guernsey‎, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy, where she once lived a happy and comfortable life.

One day, encouraged by a Counselor, she decided to sell her belongings and go to Lithuania to teach. At first it was difficult because she didn’t know the language, the culture, or even a single person.

When she moved there, Lithuania was still a Republic of the Soviet Union, and there were no other Bahá’ís in the country. She experienced many hardships and witnessed the civil war that led to Lithuania’s independence.

A group of young seekers in Ukmerge, Lithuania, with traveling teacher Firozeh Gruber from California (seated at left in second row) and Bahá’í pioneer to Lithuania Helen Smith (standing to her left).

Although new declarants are few and far between in Lithuania, those who embrace the Faith do so after becoming thoroughly deepened and knowledgeable about the Faith; they then become splendid teachers who can better attract their fellow-citizens. One of Helen’s first seekers is now a Counselor for Europe.

The young people who have declared as a result of her efforts are among the most deepened and active members of the community. They bring enthusiasm, energy and vitality, and have attracted many other youth to the Faith. This summer the handful of youth are engaged in a large teaching project involving young Bahá’ís from other countries including the U.S.

I believe that Helen’s success in teaching is due to her continued and long-term teaching method. She doesn’t believe in one-time proclamations but prefers to concentrate on consistently teaching one individual or group over a period of time.

The weekly firesides at her home in Kaunas are attended by four to 10 seekers, many of whom come regularly. She also visits regularly a city named Kleipeda, where there are no Bahá’ís, traveling 8-10 hours on rickety buses or dirty trains to get there.

She checks into the same hotel each time, and frequents the same restaurants. Gradually, she befriends the owners and workers, and after winning their confidence, slowly and wisely introduces them to the Faith.

She has made several friends in Kleipeda who are close to accepting the Faith.

It was a strange feeling for me to be on teaching trips to cities where no one had ever heard the message of Bahá’u’lláh. It made such trips seem even more urgent and serious.

I could also see the same sense of urgency in Helen and the Bahá’í youth. Lithuania has many problems, and it is not an easy place for pioneers. Alcoholism is rampant, and it is reportedly one of the most crime-ridden places in the world.

Helen risks her life while traveling to tell the people about Bahá’u’lláh, as she knows that it is only through the Bahá’í teachings that the country can be transformed. She has had to deal with many tests and difficulties, but in doing so has become a stronger and more deepened Bahá’í.

I learned more from this trip than I could ever have imagined. I think that we in the West tend to surround ourselves in large Bahá’í meetings where we get a false sense of security in our numbers. We then become too comfortable and forget that our most important and urgent duty is to teach the Faith here!

In Lithuania, being a Bahá’í and living every day with the thought of teaching the Faith is a priority. We sometimes forget this in the West.

I have realized more clearly than ever how important it is for us to teach in our own community because the people here are also in great need of the message of Bahá’u’lláh, and teaching the Faith is as difficult here as it is in Lithuania.

Firozeh Gruber
Tustin, California

Foreign Service exam to be given in November at 200 locations in U.S.

The U.S. government will administer the 1994 Foreign Service Written Examination on November 19, at over 200 locations in the United States and at all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The registration deadline for those wishing to take the test in the United States is October 14; the deadline ‎foro for‎ those wishing to take it overseas is October 7.

To sign up for the Foreign Service exam, get an application booklet from your college or university career placement center or at your local Federal Job Information Center. Applications can also be obtained by writing to: FSO Exam, U.S. Department of State, P.O. Box 12226, Arlington, VA ‎2219 {{{2}}}‎.

Overseas

Upcoming opportunities and events

In progress—Sept. 15—CROATIA AND SLOVENIA’s “Istria Sunshine Project” under the auspices of the regional teaching committee for Croatia and Slovenia.

Sept. 21-24—Sixth International Research Conference on Housing in 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” in Moscow, RUSSIA. Sponsored by 10 Russian institutions including the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Russia in recognition of the United Nations Year of the Family. The symposium is depending on the international participation of “Bahá’í family experts.” Summaries of papers for short presentations on various subjects needed immediately. Traveling teaching before and/or after the symposium encouraged.

Sept. 29-Oct. 3—First International Women’s Conference in Kishinev, MOLDOVA. Theme: “Women, Spirituality and Family.” Conference languages: English, Romanian, Russian, French.

Oct. 10-15—Seminar entitled “International Year of the Family: Families, Women and Children” in Tianjin, CHINA.

Oct. 16-19—International Symposium on Miao (Hmong) Culture, Economy, Trade, Communication and Cooperation, Jishou, CHINA.

Oct. 13-15—International Conference on “Violence in the Family,” Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS. Organized by the Task Force on Violence in the Family of the Free University of Amsterdam in collaboration with the International Council of Women (ICW) during the International Year of the Family.

Sept. 4-15, 1995—United Nations fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development, Peace. Beijing, CHINA.

Reno Bahá’ís take part in ‘Juneteenth’ observance

The Spiritual Assembly of Reno, Nevada, was invited this year by the Black Cultural Awareness Society of Reno to host a Bahá’í display booth at the annual Juneteenth festival celebrating the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Bahá’ís from several communities in northern Nevada and from Sacramento, California, distributed hundreds of copies of the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on race unity and the Universal House of Justice’s peace statement, as well as prayer cards, pamphlets and Bahá’í T-shirts. [Page 5]

Children make art work toward ending racism

Imagine a roomful of children’s art work, each piece a part of a heart-felt message that racism in New York City must be stopped.

Some people in Brooklyn didn’t have to imagine. They saw it for themselves.

The first stop of the second annual “Racism Just Undo It Show of Solutions” was at Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Restoration Plaza during June and into July.

More than 100 school children from all over the City of the Covenant sent in posters, essays and videos for the show. Each entry featured that student’s perspective of the best way to end racism.

“I was really proud of them,” Fran Sweeney, a teacher at St. Mary’s Recreation Center in the south Bronx, said about the group of 20 children and young adults who worked together on ‎a an‎ eight- by eight-foot mural, the theme of which was “The Food of Diverse Cultures.”

She explained that the project involved the children learning about the foods of other cultures.

“They were showing me their various types of food—Japanese, Chinese, Jamaican, African-American, European-American, Dominican and Puerto Rican—and featured them all in the mural they made,” she said. “It’s just another way of getting to know people. And we found out that many foods are common to all people.”

The art work presented in the show ran the gamut in terms of quality. But all of the pieces were displayed side by side without categorization and regardless of the ability of the artist.

RJUI Task Force members said they chose to do it that way because “no solution toward ending racism is better than any other. The main thing is to end it now,” said Michael Shetler, the show’s assistant coordinator, “and kids have the answer because they naturally love each other, regardless of race.”

RJUI’s Show of Solutions is an annual event open to any New York City school-age child or youth as living proof that children hold the key to unlocking the chains of racism.

“Our non-profit sponsoring organization, United Endeavors Inc., is dedicated to raising the first generation of prejudice-free New Yorkers,” said Behrooz Shahidi, chairman of the RJUI Task Force. “The Show of Solutions is our way of showing the city that children really don’t want to be racist, and the exhibit gives them a chance to take a stand against it in a peaceful and creative way.”

The Show of Solutions is expanding into a curriculum program for children grades K-12 that will run all year and will culminate with a traveling exhibit beginning each June.

RJUI can be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 1103, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276, or by phone at 212-465-3150.

New York City children view race unity artwork at Brooklyn’s Restoration Plaza.

The play’s the way workshop helps resolve conflict

By Krista Behi-Lucas

The provocative subject of racism fueled a series of four dramatic presentations at the New York City Bahá’í Center in June, drawing four full-house audiences of people committed to finding its cure.

The One People Conflict Resolution Theater Workshop, which offered well-written and stimulating scripts delivered skillfully by professional actors, succeeded on many levels.

Attendance alone, about 100 at each show, would have ranked it among the more notable public events at the Bahá’í Center in recent years.

But its true value was measured less by the resounding applause than by its effect on the thinking of those who took part.

Even before the opening some of the actors, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, found themselves considering the issue of how peacefully to resolve the day-to-day tensions that arise in a city as diverse as New York.

“One of the actors told me that the show really got him thinking,” related Shidan Majidi, a Bahá’í who directed two of the four plays and initiated the concept of using open-ended drama to stimulate discussion about conflict resolution.

“He told me about being in a traffic jam on a bridge,” said Mr. Majidi. “The driver behind him wouldn’t stop blowing his horn.

“Ordinarily, this actor has a pretty quick temper and would have gotten out of his car to confront the guy. But because he’d been working on this project, he caught himself and stayed in his car,” he said.

One of the actors told me that the show really got him thinking. He told me about being in a traffic jam on a bridge. The driver behind him wouldn’t stop blowing his horn. Ordinarily, this actor has a pretty quick temper and would have gotten out of his car to confront the guy. But because he’d been working on this project, he caught himself and stayed in his car.

— SHIDAN MAJIDI, director

About 120 actors auditioned for the Workshop roles in response to an ad in the trade publication BackStage.

Casting was based on the actors’ interest in the healing of racism as well as on their ability. All of those chosen worked without pay.

Most of the actors had never before heard of the Bahá’í Faith. But because the auditions were held at the Center, they picked up some free literature and asked questions. One actor who was not even cast for a role was interested enough to attend a fireside.

Audiences watched a racially charged incident escalate. The scene was stopped right before violence broke out, and the audience dispersed into discussion groups of six to 15 participants.

Under the guidance of trained facilitators, each discussion group had an hour to analyze the sources of conflict, identify options for resolving it, and write their own ending to the play.

Groups then proposed their endings to the whole audience, which voted for the one it liked best. The actors improvised the last scene from the chosen ending.

Discussion groups were lively and constructive. They were also small enough to allow everyone to participate using the Bahá’í concept of consultation.

Some group members commented that it was easier to talk about such sensitive issues using the characters and incidents from the play as a reason. Though the play provided a detached focus, some participants shared personal experiences to explain their point of view.

Perhaps the most profound effect was felt by the 36 actors and facilitators themselves. They received three-hour training sessions and had the most time to work with, absorb, and internalize the conflict resolution material.

The plays presented realistic incidents believable to their racially diverse audiences.

In “Full Court Press,” written by Stephanie Smith, a Bahá’í from Long Island, and directed by Mr. Majidi, a basketball court is the scene of a territorial struggle between two black and two white lawyers.

“Blackenization,” written by Ms. Smith and directed by Nancy Nelson Ewing, explored reactions to a white middle-class college student who adopts an Afrocentric identity.

“Between the Lines” was written by Ms. Smith based on an actual incident told to her. In this play, directed by Mr. Majidi, the audience plays community members at a meeting where a predominantly white school board confronts racial tensions in an ethnically changing district.

The last in the series, “See Me,” written and directed by Ms. Ewing, presented the most physically threatening situation of the four plays. The scene freezes at gunpoint as a black youth in the emergency room of a city hospital struggles with issues of acceptance, respect and manhood.

Since the performances, many of the actors have been back to the Bahá’í Center for various reasons, and have commented that they “feel at home” there. One expressed the feeling of being “drawn to it.”

The Workshop was a project of the Symposium for the Healing of Racism, formed by interfaith minister Laura Gabriel and New York Bahá’í Jan Smith. The Symposium received funding for the project from the NYC Community Assistance Unit’s “Stop the Violence” fund.

One People has only begun what promises to be an ongoing project. Potential uses include a tour of schools and youth organizations, with the goal of expanding discussions and action against racism. [Page 6]

New Edition/Design The Bahá’í World

The Bahá’í World 1992–93 An International Record HC $19.00 / Code—BW93H SC $10.00 / Code—BW93S

The appearance of this volume inaugurates a new series of The Bahá’í World, the publication that was conceived almost seventy years ago as the principal public record of the activities around the globe of the emerging Bahá’í community. Although eighteen volumes of the initial series have been published (volume nineteen will be available soon, volume twenty is in preparation), the redesign of the series is undertaken primarily in recognition of a growing public interest in the Bahá’í Faith and a desire to respond better to the needs of serious researchers.

The Bahá’í World volumes reproduce major documents and provide statistical data and other detailed information on the Bahá’í Faith’s wide-ranging program of activities, which are illustrated by many photographs, maps, and charts. In-depth articles focus on major areas of Bahá’í concern.

For the serious researcher and the general student alike, the dramatic growth of the Bahá’í Faith raises new and interesting issues about the role of religion in social development. The Bahá’í World series has been redesigned primarily to meet these needs.

6" x 9", 316pp., contents, preface, introduction, statistics, directory World Centre Publications

Bahá’í Education Curriculum Guide for Parents and Teachers, Volume II SC $16.95 / Code—BE2

Bahá’í Education, Volume II, is the second in a highly praised series of Bahá’í children’s education curriculum guides that facilitate teaching classes of children of mixed ages from early childhood to junior youth. Concepts are explained at different levels for each age group through a structured series of lesson plans. The book has been designed so that the activity pages can easily be photocopied. This volume contains units on the Love of God and Progressive Revelation.

8-1/2" x 11", 200pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

The Proofs of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission SC $3.50 / Code—PBMS

A wonderful new introductory compilation for seekers. Compiled from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, this book is divided into easy-to-read sections. Sure to be a favorite.

4-1/2" x 7", 256pp., contents, introduction, preface, references, bibliography Palabra Publications

New From U.S. BPT

LIFE DEATH AND IMMORTALITY The Journey of the Soul SC $10.95 / Code—LDI

A comprehensive collection of Bahá’í 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—Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United States [Page 7]

E-MAIL

We are now accepting orders and answering correspondence via E-Mail. To contact us, please use the following Internet address

The Psychology of Spirituality

by H.B. Danesh, M.D. SC $14.95 / Code—PS

What is Love? What is the Secret of Human Happiness? Do We Have a Free Will? What is the Purpose of Human Life? These questions and many more are addressed in The Psychology of Spirituality, a new book by Dr. Hossain Danesh. Through case histories, in-depth analysis, and practical examples, Dr. Danesh offers new ways of addressing these important questions. Dr. Danesh helps us look at ourselves, our relationships, our problems, and our world in a totally new way. Life can in fact be good, happy, and fruitful.

6" x 9", 270pp., ‎tabel table‎ of contents, preface, notes, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, index, about the author Nine Pines Publishing

The Secret

by Jennifer Lemon illustrated by Mariya Daliri Beale SC $5.00 / Code—S

Through this children’s story about seven little kangaroos and their difficulty in keeping a secret, parents and teachers are provided with an opportunity to introduce such concepts as confidentiality, secrecy, the dangers of gossiping and backbiting, and merits of independent investigation and truth. Suitable for ages 3–7 years.

10" x 8-1/4", 11pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

Calling All Colors

VT $14.95 / Code—CAC

A thought provoking look at the efforts of children and youth to address the challenge of racial unity. Calling All Colors features highlights of the national award-winning race unity conferences of the same name, including frank discussions with students. It has proven highly effective for sparking discussions about racism and cultural sensitivity with all ages, and is also useful for those who wish to plan similar conferences. In the words of Calling All Colors founder, Anisa Kintz, age 10 “We are the next generation and soon we will be leading the world, and we have to respect everyone’s ideas and not worry about racial differences.”

30 minutes The Center for Education and Community of Coastal Carolina University

BACK IN STOCK

The Advent of Divine Justice, PS	$3.00#
The Bahá’ís (magazine), SC	$1.25#
The Covenant (study book)	$3.00#
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, PS	$3.00#
The Hidden Words, HC	$11.00#
The Hidden Words, SC	$3.00#
The Secret of Divine Civilizations, PS	$3.00#
The ‎Significane Significance‎ of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, SC	$3.00#
Some Answered Questions, PS	$3.00#
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, HC	$11.00#
The Vision of Race Unity (10 and 100 packs), PA	$3.50 / $25.00
The Word of God, SC	$3.00#
Youth Can Move the World, SC	$3.00#

The Vision of Shoghi Effendi

Proceedings of the Association for Bahá’í Studies 9th Annual Conference SC $22.50 / Code—VSES

A collection of proceedings from the Ninth Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies. The volume contains nineteen articles by esteemed international scholars, including Hands of the Cause of God A. A. Furútan, Dhikru’lláh Khádem, John A. Robarts, and A. M. Varqá and former member of the Universal House of Justice David Hofman.

5-7/8" x 9", 234pp., contents, preface, ‎blbliography bibliography‎, ‎blbliographical bibliographical‎ notes ‎Assoclation Association‎ for Bahá’í Studies

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Classifieds

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í 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 have a good working knowledge of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, preventive maintenance, basic carpentry and small engines. Three or more years experience in a similar position is required. Please send a letter of interest and résumé to the administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 or phone 207-439-7200.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School has an immediate opening for a morning cook. The position is part-time (averaging 20-30 hours/week) except when the school is in session; it then becomes full-time (40 hours/week). Duties include working under the supervision of the Food Services Manager, preparing breakfasts for groups as large as 130, and helping to prepare desserts and lunches. Salary is commensurate with experience and adjusted if one lives on campus. If you are interested, please phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564 right away and we will send an application.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Tanzania—secondary school English teacher, volunteer librarian/secretary. Zambia—urgent need for math, physics, chemistry, French and geography teachers. ASIA: Macau—urgent need for teachers. Mongolia—English language teachers. EUROPE: Czech Republic—teachers of science, math, English, history and social sciences, foreign languages, Bahá’í studies. Latvia—secretary, manager of the office of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baltic States. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (telephone 708-733-3512 or fax 708-733-3509).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

IF YOU’RE READY to serve, why not consider helping to establish the Faith in Fairhope, Alabama, a lovely town only 40 minutes from the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Fairhope, revered as holy ground by American Indians, is rich in Bahá’í history, with some of the earliest teaching in the U.S. having taken place here in 1898 (resulting in 31 believers). Fairhope’s lovely tree-lined streets lead to Mobile Bay, christened the “Bay of the Holy Spirit” by the Spanish explorers. We’re a mostly white Bahá’í community seeking greater diversity. With only seven Bahá’ís in the county, our Group of three is asking you to join us. We will help in every way we can from your first contact to your “settling in.” Please write to the Bahá’ís of Fairhope (Henson), 8540 Garden Circle, Apt. 1, Fairhope, AL 36532-3047, or phone 205-928-7808.

THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Evansville, Indiana, a city of 130,000 in the southwestern corner of the state on the Ohio River, are seeking homefront pioneers. Evansville is a goal city of the National Spiritual Assembly for the Three Year Plan. Families are most needed, but individuals are welcome. Evansville has a major airport, light and heavy manufacturing, banking and financial markets, excellent educational facilities, an arts center, two universities, a museum, philharmonic, and all types of recreation. A strong German-Catholic influence dominates the religious community. The challenge is formidable, and the need for pioneers is great. For information, please write to Patricia Boatman, Evansville, IN 47711, or phone 812-423-7394.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are wanted on the Pottawatami Indian Reservation in Kansas, 17 miles northeast of Topeka. Many forms of employment in the area: health services, nursing, mechanics, construction and food services. Also good for a retired couple (preferably Persian). For more information, contact Mike Moss, Topeka, KS 66604 (phone 913-232-2653).

COME to sunny Sierra Vista, Arizona (about 75 miles southeast of Tucson), and help us rebuild the Assembly. Sierra Vista, a mile high and surrounded by mountains, has average temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees. Fort Huachuca, an Army post, is a part of the city and is the largest employer in southern Arizona. Sierra Vista isn’t the county seat but is the city’s economic and shopping center. The Bahá’í community is small but active, having sponsored public meetings for the past two years on topics important to family and community life, and hosting an annual Race Unity Day picnic for the past 20 years. Come and enjoy our good weather and many activities.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: artists, craftsmen, photographers, writers, weavers, potters—anyone in the arts—come help us start an artists’ colony in the lovely rolling farmlands of central Illinois. Housing in Rushville is extremely reasonable, schools are excellent, a university is only 30 minutes away, and there are many recreational facilities, a little theatre group, a community band and choir, an arts club, galleries, and community playhouse—remarkable for a town of 3,200—and there are only two Bahá’ís. We are willing to help you settle here. Call us! Dick or Sara Hatch, 800-840-4540.

YOUTH

YOUTH: dance for the Faith full-time! A new full-time Bahá’í workshop is starting this September in western Michigan. The workshop will perform daily at schools, community centers, etc. We’re looking for young people with performing experience to travel to Michigan and dedicate a significant amount of time to service with this workshop. Room and board provided. Please call for more information: Sean Wolfe, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-5359 (phone 616-452-5324).

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Phyllis Thorpe, Juanita C. Threadgill, Roberta Balfour Thudichum, Jean Hunter Thurber, Archie G. Tichenor (died Dumont, NJ, 1981), Electa Timmerman (died Springfield, MA, 1942), Emma Tolzmann and Wanda J. Tracy. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives would like to hear from librarians who have experience with library computer software for small libraries. The Archives is evaluating software for the National Bahá’í Reference Library. Please write to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

HELP WANTED 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:

National Projects Administrator

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 Bahá’í administration.

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 Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í Writings; proven ability in research and data analysis; ability to coordinate the work of volunteer task forces; excellent interpersonal skills.

For more information or to apply, please write to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3427).

WANTED

SINGERS and musicians are needed for what might be the largest-scale Bahá’í musical program since the second World Congress. The Rabbani Charitable Trust is planning a significant role for music at its second annual North American Bahá’í Conference, to be held December 8-11 in Orlando, Florida. The theme of this year’s conference is “Bahá’í Family: For the Time of the Lesser Peace.” Tom Price, who conducted the World Congress choir and orchestra, will organize and lead the Orlando groups. Anyone who took part in the music at World Congress is automatically eligible. Others are encouraged to audition. Choir and orchestra members will receive a discounted rate on conference registration. They will be responsible for their own travel and accommodations, but a conference rate is available at the host hotel, the Buena Vista Palace adjacent to Disney World. For information on musical participation, write to North American Bahá’í Conference Music, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

WANTED: poetry for inclusion in the second annual Purple Rose anthology. Optional topic: martyrs and heroes. Deadline for inclusion: December 1994. Please send works to S.K. Dapoz, Greenfield, IN 46140.

HELP! The lights are going out in Honduras. Bahá’í pioneer needs help in acquiring up-to-date information and materials for constructing solar- and wind-generated energy systems. Please write: Mike Kavanaugh, Honduras, ‎Cental Central‎ America.

WANTED: papers, correspondence, recollections, stories, photographs, tapes, newspaper clippings, notes of talks, programs, compilations etc., relating to the Hand of the Cause of God Roy C. Wilhelm for use in producing a biography. Any expenses you incur will be reimbursed. Please send to Diane Iverson, Eliot, ME 03903-1825 (phone 207-439-8532).

MISCELLANEOUS

THE BAHÁ’Í HOME in Wilmette (near the Bahá’í House of Worship) has vacancies for elderly persons who are ambulatory (walkers/canes are accepted) and who can administer their own medications. Private living quarters (furnished or unfurnished), home-cooked meals (and two snacks daily), nursing assistants on duty 24 hours, personal laundry, all necessary personal care, a full schedule of activities, single-floor design and lovely residential area are some of the many amenities provided in the low rent of $1,400 a month. For details, contact the administrator, 708-251-7000. Open to all.

A GOAL of the Association for Bahá’í Studies Agriculture Seminar is to print directories of Bahá’ís who have interest/experience in agriculture and sustainable development. The process of finding those who wish to be included in a directory has begun not only in Canada and the U.S. but also in Ireland, Scotland and the southern countries of Africa. If you would like to be included in such a directory, or would like more information, please contact one of the following individuals: Billy Rogers, Snow Camp, NC 27349 (phone 919-376-6749); Donald Grenier, N. Delta, BC V4C 4B5 (phone 604-590-5585); Nancy McIntyre, Floyd, VA 24091 (phone 703-745-2918).

ITEMS AVAILABLE

SOFTWARE available. I have brand new, still in shrink wrap copies of the word processing programs WORDSTAR Professional 5.0 and WORDSTAR 6.0 and the database program REFLEX 2.0 which I am offering free to any Bahá’í institution or to any individual in return for a contribution to any Bahá’í Fund. If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact Marilyn Boesch, Medford, OR 97501, or phone 503-772-5502. [Page 9]

New Bahá’ís fan teaching fires in Nigeria

The recently formed Bahá’í community of Alimosh in the state of Lagos, Nigeria, has embarked on teaching campaigns to spread the Message of Bahá’u’lláh among the people. The first of these, held in March, drew 46 seekers and led to the declarations of two people. According to a report, one of these new believers has become quite active and has helped in teaching and consolidation activities. In April, a second teaching event drew 65 inquirers and again resulted in two declarations. Two traditional kings—the Onidimu and the Oba of Isheri—were visited, and both expressed their satisfaction with the principles of the Faith.

Two traditional leaders of the Cook Islands were among the recent visitors to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Apia, Samoa. From May 29-June 5, the Queen of the island of Mangaia visited Samoa and was given a traditional welcoming ceremony by Bahá’í chiefs. After touring the House of Worship, the Queen discussed with the friends its significance and the development of the Bahá’í community in the Pacific area. Before leaving, she and the Bahá’í community exchanged gifts. On June 5, the Queen of Maori Ariki Nui ‎Dama Dame‎ Te Atairangi Kahu of the Cook Islands and seven members of her entourage visited the House of Worship. Afterward, the Queen had tea in the Ancillary Building with Counselor Afemata Molli Chang, members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa, and several Bahá’í chiefs. In response, she presented gifts to her Highness Tooa Tosi Malietoa and the Bahá’í community, and expressed her appreciation for the work of the Faith throughout the world with all strata of society.

The Bahá’í community of Bermuda has been greatly encouraged by public reaction to the contributions made by the National Spiritual Assembly to legislative developments in the areas of race unity and justice. Less than a year ago, the government created a new Ministry of Human Affairs and Information, which was charged with the responsibility of leading the war against institutional racism. In response to a call from the Ministry for submissions from the community to help plan strategies to improve race relations, the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Bahá’í International Community, developed a statement calling for the establishment of a Council for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE). The government has adopted this recommendation.

On June 5, representatives of the Bahá’í community of Hawaii had a luncheon meeting with President Amata Kabua of the Marshall Islands during His Excellency’s visit to the Hawaiian Islands. “It was a warm and amicable occasion,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported. “President Kabua spoke highly of his hopes for the Bahá’í involvement in the educational systems of the Marshall Islands, urged the Bahá’ís to develop a regular radio program in [the islands], and paid tribute to the Bahá’í teachings and to Bahá’u’lláh, noting that he is not yet a Bahá’í but identifies with the Faith.”

The European Bahá’í Youth Council was one of 35 groups represented May 12-15 at the International Youth Forum, “Interweek,” in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, Siberia. About 250 young people from 26 countries examined and discussed the theme “The Choice of the Future: New Tasks for Individual and Collective Responsibility.” The aim of the event was to draw global problems to the attention of European youth and to identify strategies for their resolution. The Bahá’í Youth Council’s representative, Dr. Kishan Manocha, addressed a large working group on the topics “What Can Youth Do to Create a New System of Values” and “From Spirit into Action: Implementing Agenda 21.”

On May 22, a number of prominent people in the Solomon Islands attended an observance of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb at the Bahá’í Center in Honiara. Among them were the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Education and Human Resources. The Bahá’í speaker was Auxiliary Board member Tebano Boak.

On May 18, 30 Bahá’ís gathered at the Vancouver International Airport to welcome back a Maori teaching team which had visited Canada after the World Congress in 1992. During this second trip, the four-member Maori team, joined by a Bahá’í woman from Guyana, visited the First Nation Community in ‎Spencer’s Spences‎ Bridge and traveled to Williams Lake.

The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, India, continued to receive large numbers of visitors in February, March and April. Among those visitors were engineers, architects, students of Islam, farmers, business executives, bishops, school teachers and students, and participants in various conferences and meetings.

The National Library of Singapore has shown an interest in Bahá’í literature and has requested donations to its main library and branches throughout the country. “This is a wonderful breakthrough for the Faith in Singapore,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported after its representatives had met with the Chief Librarian to establish further rapport.

In India, two Bahá’í dentists, Dr. P. Daoust from Belgium and Dr. A. Farid from Hungary, and a hygienic assistant, H. Streubel from Austria, recently treated more than 700 patients in remote villages of Madhya Pradesh.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees: Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481). Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449). Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506). Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, 21300 Avalon Drive, Rocky River, OH 44116.

Mayor of Edwardsville, Illinois, asks Bahá’ís to lead community’s campaign for race unity

The mayor of Edwardsville, Illinois, has asked the Bahá’ís to spearhead a race unity campaign in the community.

Mayor Gary Niebur approached the Bahá’ís in the wake of a Ku Klux Klan rally that raised emotions in the area and cost the city dearly in bad publicity and funds devoted to police protection for the rally.

The mayor had been informed by a predecessor that the Bahá’ís are focused on peace and unity and have something to offer.

So, in a meeting at City Hall with six representatives of the Bahá’í community, the mayor asked that the Bahá’ís lead sensitivity workshops for city employees, including the police force.

The mayor also said the local YMCA, of which he is director, could benefit from similar workshops, and he solicited Bahá’í speakers for the Edwardsville Rotary Club, high school, and other groups.

In the meeting, the mayor talked as well about a continuing plan for educating the people of Edwardsville about the area’s cultural diversity. A yearly Multicultural Day is being planned.

In return, Mayor Niebur volunteered himself and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville President Nancy Belck as speakers for Bahá’í public meetings. At the Bahá’ís’ request, he also agreed to help arrange renewed cable television coverage of the public meetings.

Finally, the mayor announced that there is an opening on the human relations panel at City Hall. Would any of the Bahá’ís be willing to serve? Everyone nodded “yes.” He asked for names and addresses of those interested.

The meeting closed with the mayor pledging his help. “Just let me know,” he said.

Ironically, the Spiritual Assembly of Edwardsville had tried for a year to obtain a meeting with the mayor. In the end, he called the Bahá’ís and asked for their help! [Page 10]

Like Two Wings of a Bird

by Meg Anderson and Pepper P. Oldziey © 1994

Match the verses to help the bird fly. The first half is on the left wing, and the second half is on the right.

“The world of humanity has two wings — one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.”

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 302

Left Wing	Right Wing
"...men and women alike..."	"...are the revealers of His names and attributes"
"in the sight of Bahá, women..."	"...are accounted the same as men"
"full equality between the sexes,..."	"...is one of the most important... prerequisites of peace."
"Whosoever draws nearer to God,..."	"...that one is the most favored, whether man or woman."
"The happiness of mankind will be realized..."	"...when women and men coordinate and advance equally"
"The Lord, peerless is He, hath made woman and man..."	"...to abide with each other in the closest companionship"
"when perfect equality shall be established between men and women,..."	"...peace may be realized"
"As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities,..."	"...so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs."

“This is a broken-winged bird and his flight is very slow — assist him so that he may fly toward the apex of prosperity and... raise his melody in Thy Supreme Name in all the regions...”

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 89

Illustrated by Suzanne Maloney-Lebensold © 1994

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, From Gnats to Eagles, Special Edition 1994

What Are Your Hidden Talents?

Find the hidden message to see how easy it can be to find hidden talents inside yourself. Cross out all the words that appear 5 or more times, are longer than 11 letters, are negative answers or excuses.

Make a Family Action Plan

Set out a bowl and pencil for each family member. Cut out green paper leaves, enough for each person to have one for every member of the family. Ask your family to make a plan.

Ask each person to think of a talent on a leaf for each member of the family. Write the talent on a leaf and put it in that person’s bowl. Consult about how each person could use those talents to serve the Faith.

When you are done, paste your leaves on a family tree drawing. Write goals on the branches. Put it up as a reminder.

NOT	REGARD	SHOULDN’T	MAN
BUT	DON’T	AS	A
MINE	RICH	IN	BUT
GEMS	DIFFICULTIES	OF	WOULDN’T
INESTIMABLE	DIDN’T	NOT	BUT
VALUE	NOT	EDUCATION	BUT
CAN	WON’T	NOTHING	BUT
ALONE	NEVER	CAUSE	IT
CAN’T	NOT	TO	HAVEN’T
BUT	REVEAL	ITS	COULDN’T
NOT	TREASURES	NO	CONFUSIBILITY

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, My Part of the Plan, Nov-Dec 1993

Order Now!

Special Edition 1994

From Gnats to Eagles

This special issue on America’s Spiritual Destiny, developed for use by Bahá’í summer schools, is now available for purchase by everyone through the Bahá’í Distribution Service!

Purchase Single Issues, Back Issues, Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Bahá’í Distribution Service:

Five or more copies of any issue cost $2.00 each. One to four copies cost $3.00 each. Back issues available in limited quantities.

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You may add your single or bulk issue order to the BDS order form on another page in this newspaper.

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Mail to: Bahá’í Subscriber Service Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, IL 60091 1-708-733-3453 [Page 11]

1994 District Convention site listing

"It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. ..."—Shoghi Effendi (Bahá’í Administration, pp. 39-40).

"...the principle, set forth in my letter of March 12th, 1923, has been established requiring the believers (the beloved of God) in every country to elect a certain number of delegates who in turn will elect their national representatives (Secondary House of Justice or National Spiritual Assembly), whose sacred obligation and privilege will be to elect in time God’s Universal House of Justice.—Shoghi Effendi (Bahá’í Administration, p. 84).

"The strength and progress of the Bahá’í community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls. ..."—Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi (published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 317).

"The electors ... must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership. ..."—Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi (published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 317).

In October, Bahá’í communities around the country will be taking part in the District Conventions, to elect the delegates who will, in turn, travel to Wilmette, Illinois, next April to elect the next National Spiritual Assembly. Please plan now to attend the District Convention in your area. The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which absentee ballots may be sent, and a telephone number to call for more information. If you do not know your electoral unit number, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or call the Office of the Secretary at the Bahá’í National Center (708-733-3529).

Unit 1. Alabama, Northern Tom Bevill Conference Ctr., Univ. of Alabama, 1100 N. Loop Rd., Huntsville; Oct. 2; 9am (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Huntsville, P.O. Box 1783, Huntsville, AL 35807-0783. Phone: 205/880-3083.

Unit 2. Alabama, S/Florida, NW Univ. of South Alabama, Brookley Centre, Mobile; Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Mobile, Mobile, AL 36609. Phone: 205/344-8205.

Unit 3. Arkansas Mail ballots: LSA of North Little Rock, c/o J. Chmielewski, North Little Rock, AR 72118-3037. Phone: 501/753-9776.

Unit 4. Arizona, Northern-A Mail ballots: LSA of Glendale, c/o B. Johnston, Glendale, AZ 85301. Phone: 602/934-6417.

Unit 5. Arizona, Northern-B Mail ballots: LSA of Scottsdale, P.O. Box 5441, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5441. Phone: 602/897-1540.

Unit 6. Arizona, Northern-C Goodyear Community Center, 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd., Goodyear; Oct. 2; 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Avondale, P.O. Box 507, Avondale, AZ 85323. Phone: 602/877-8357.

Unit 7. Arizona, Southern Holiday Inn City Center, 181 W. Broadway, Tucson; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Oro Valley, c/o J. Bennette, P.O. Box 36771, Tucson, AZ 85740. Phone: 602/742-4656.

Unit 8. California, Central No. 1-A San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco; Oct. 2; 9:45am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Redwood City, c/o J. Anderholm, Redwood City, CA 94062. Phone: 415/369-9809.

Unit 9. California, Central No. 1-B Bancroft Elementary School, 2200 Parish Drive, Walnut Creek; Oct. 2; 9:30am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Concord, P.O. Box 42, Concord, CA 94522. Phone: 510/682-2465.

Unit 10. California, Central No. 1-C Mail ballots: LSA of Fremont, P.O. Box 3531, Fremont, CA 94539-0353. Phone: 510/683-8919.

Unit 11. California, Central No. 1-D Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz; Oct. 2; 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of La Selva Beach, c/o A. Miller, La Selva Beach, CA 95076. Phone: 408/688-0221.

Unit 12. California, Central No. 1-E Strawberry Park School, Camina Escuela, San Jose; Oct. 2; 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cupertino, P.O. Box 1258, Cupertino, CA 95015. Phone: 408/252-2333.

Unit 13. California, Central No. 1-F York School, 9501 York Rd. (off Hwy 68), Monterey; Oct. 2; 10am-1pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Monterey-Carmel J.D., P.O. Box 429, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-0429. Phone: 408/659-2843.

Unit 14. California, Central No. 1-G For information, call the Bahá’í National Center, Office of the Secretary, 708/733-3529.

Unit 15. California, Central No. 2 (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates) Modesto Community Center, 800 E. Morris Ave., Modesto; Saturday, Oct. 1; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Modesto, P.O. Box 1893, Modesto, CA 95353. Phone: 209/579-0158.

Unit 16. California, Northern No. 1-A Loma Vista School, 2404 Marigold Ave., Chico; Oct. 2; 10:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Chico, P.O. Box 236, Chico, CA 95927. Phone: 916/892-1013.

Unit 17. California, Northern No. 1-B Sacramento Waldorf School, 3750 Bannister Rd., Fair Oaks; Oct. 2; 10am-4:15pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Fair Oaks/Orangevale, P.O. Box 621345, Orangevale, CA 95662. Phone: 916/989-6749.

Unit 18. California, Northern No. 2 Pickleweed Park Community Ctr, 50 Canal St., San Rafael; Oct. 2; 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Rafael, P.O. Box 2266, San Rafael, CA 94912-2266. Phone: 415/472-4616.

Unit 19. California, Southern No. 1-A La Canada Youth House, 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Canada; Oct. 2; 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of La Canada, P.O. Box 293, La Canada, CA 91011. Phone: 818/790-4838.

Unit 20. California, Southern No. 1-B Bay Laurel Elementary School, 24740 Paseo Primario, Calabasas; Oct. 2; 2pm-5pm (Reg.: 11am). Mail ballots: LSA of Calabasas, P.O. Box 8771, Calabasas, CA 91372. Phone: 818/591-8507.

Unit 21. California, Southern No. 1-C (NOTE: Unit elects 4 delegates.) Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles; Oct. 2; 5:15pm-8:30pm (Reg.: 5pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Los Angeles, c/o L.A. Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90732. Phone: 310/519-1811.

Unit 22. California, Southern No. 1-D Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Dr., Arcadia; Oct. 2; 9:30am (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pasadena, P.O. Box 91668, Pasadena, CA 91109. Phone: 818/797-1720.

Unit 23. California, Southern No. 1-E Fred Hesse Community Park, Multipurpose Room, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes; Oct. 2; 10am-1pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rancho Palos Verdes, P.O. Box 3801, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274-9531. Phone: 310/373-8097.

Unit 24. California, Southern No. 1-F Whaley Park Community Center, 5620 Atherton, Long Beach; Oct. 2; 1:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Long Beach, P.O. Box 4150, Long Beach, CA 90804-0150. Phone: 310/431-1141.

Unit 25. California, Southern No. 2-A Ontario City Hall, Multi-Purpose Bldg., 303 E. B St., Ontario; Oct. 2; 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ontario, P.O. Box 607, Ontario, CA 91762. Phone: 909/984-4727.

Unit 26. California, Southern No. 2-B Tustin Area Senior Ctr., 200 S. C St., Tustin; Oct. 2; 10:30am-4pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Anaheim, P.O. Box 17671, Anaheim, CA 92807. Phone: 714/974-5426.

Unit 27. California, Southern No. 2-C Univ. of Calif. Irvine, Crystal Cove Auditorium, Irvine; Oct. 9; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Laguna Niguel, P.O. Box 7776, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607. Phone: 714/643-8562.

Unit 28. California, Southern No. 3 Ventura College Cafeteria, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ventura, P.O. Box 3126, Ventura, CA 93006. Phone: 805/643-8376.

Unit 29. California, Southern No. 4-A Mail ballots: LSA of Carlsbad, P.O. Box 217, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Phone: 619/942-2440.

Unit 30. California, Southern No. 4-B Lemon Grove Senior Ctr., 8235 Mt. Vernon St., Lemon Grove; Saturday, Oct. 1; 3pm-10pm (Reg.: 3pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Spring Valley, P.O. Box 2582, Spring Valley, CA 91979-2582. Phone: 619/461-8479.

Unit 31. California, Southern No. 4-C San Diego Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego; Oct. 2; 1pm-5pm. Mail ballots: LSA of San Diego, c/o San Diego Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA 92111-6933. Phone: 619/268-3999.

Unit 32. Colorado, Northeast Metro Bahá’í Center, 225 E. Bayaud Ave., Denver; Sat., Oct. 1; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Aurora, P.O. Box 32178, Aurora, CO 80041. Phone: 303/766-4167.

Unit 33. Colorado, Southeast Fountain/Ft. Carson High School, 515 N. Santa Fe, Fountain; Oct. 2; 9:30am (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Paso County East, c/o R. Stamats, Colorado Springs, CO 80911-2606. Phone: 719/392-6472.

Unit 34. Colorado, Western La Plata Cnty. Extension Bldg., La Plata Cnty. Fairgrounds, 2500 N. Main Ave., Durango; Oct. 9; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Durango, P.O. Box 256, Durango, CO 81302-0256. Phone: 303/259-3625.

Unit 35. Connecticut Mail ballots: LSA of Manchester, c/o W. T. Robinson, Manchester, CT 06040-6217. Phone: 203/644-5309.

Unit 36. DelMarVa Mail ballots: Bahá’ís of Cambridge, c/o V. Hailey, Cambridge, MD 21613-1708. Phone: 410/228-6130.

Unit 37. Florida, Central Mail ballots: LSA of Orlando, Grtr. Orlando Bahá’í Center, 1229 Hillcrest St., Orlando, FL 32803. Phone: 407/381-4272.

Unit 38. Florida, Northern Florida State University, Student Union, Tallahassee; Oct. 2; 10am (Reg.: 9am).

(Pre-convention activities: Sat., Oct. 1, 7:30pm, Potluck, fireside & teaching activities) Mail ballots: LSA of Leon County, c/o S. Dixon, [Page 12]

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Tallahassee, FL 32303. Phone: 904/562-9166.

Unit 39. Florida, Southeast-A (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates) Holiday Inn, 1301 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach; Oct. 2; 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Palm Beach Cnty. South, c/o Hamed Rafiee, Boca Raton, FL 33434. Phone: 407/488-1949.

Unit 40. Florida, Southeast-B Heritage Park Mtg. Rm., 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation; Oct. 2; 10am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Plantation, c/o K. Pritchard, Plantation, FL 33317. Phone: 305/583-3309.

Unit 41. Florida, Southeast-C Howard Johnson Hotel, 7330 NW 36th St., Miami; Oct. 2; 9am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dade Cnty. Central, P.O. Box 560554, Miami, FL 33256-0554. Phone: 305/665-4693.

Unit 42. Florida, Southwest ‎Coloney Colony‎ Hotel & Conference Ctr., 820 E. Busch Blvd. (Busch Blvd. & I-275), Tampa; Oct. 2; 9:45am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hillsborough County NW, c/o Brangman, Tampa, FL 33624-1220. Phone: 813/933-9329.

Unit 43. Georgia, Northeast Ramada Inn, I-20 & U.S. 441, Madison; Oct. 2; 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Richmond Cnty., P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919. Phone: 706/738-3104.

Unit 44. Georgia, Northwest-A W. P. Jones Bldg., 3770 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth; Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Gwinnett Cnty. North, 6050 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 340-125, Norcross, GA 30092. Phone: 404/447-6976.

Unit 45. Georgia, Northwest-B Mail ballots: LSA of Marietta, P.O. Box 1531, Marietta, GA 30061-1531. Phone: 404/425-1128.

Unit 46. Georgia, Northwest-C Emory Univ., White Hall, Rm. 208, Atlanta; Oct. 2; 10am-5pm (tentative). Mail ballots: LSA of DeKalb County Central, c/o D. Erdman, Stone Mountain, GA 30084. Phone: 404/493-9183.

Unit 47. Georgia, Southern-A Peach Cnty. Community Ctr., 307 Peachtree St., Fort Valley; Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Peach County, c/o B. Rogers, Fort Valley, GA 31030-9003. Phone: 912/825-1465.

Unit 48. Georgia, Southern-B Mail ballots: LSA of Savannah, c/o J. Goldstein, Savannah, GA 31419. Phone: 912/921-0446.

Unit 49. Georgia, Southern-C Home of Almaee, 1806 Greenvalley Lane, Albany; Oct. 2. Mail ballots: LSA of Albany, c/o Almaee, Albany, GA 31707-3116. Phone: 912/888-0878.

Unit 50. Iowa Ambroz Rec. Center, 2000 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids; Oct. 2; (Times tentative) 9am (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cedar Rapids, P.O. Box 2298, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406. Phone: 319/377-0023.

Unit 51. Idaho, N/Washington, E Heritage Cultural Ctr., Hwy. 97, Toppenish; Saturday, Oct. 8; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Toppenish, Top-penish, WA 98948. Phone: 509/865-7979.

Unit 52. Idaho, Southern Holiday Inn, Vista Ave., Boise; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Boise, P.O. Box 585, Boise, ID 83701-0585. Phone: 208/344-1886.

Unit 53. Illinois, Northern No. 1 Mail ballots: LSA of Joliet, P.O. Box 2662, Joliet, IL 60434-2662. Phone: 815/744-2378.

Unit 54. Illinois, Northern No. 2-A Mail ballots: LSA of Buffalo Grove, c/o Sharon Skipton, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Phone: 708/465-1703.

Unit 55. Illinois, Northern No. 2-B Bahá’í House of Worship, Sheridan & Linden, Wilmette; Sat., Oct. 1; 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Wilmette, P.O. Box 775, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 708/733-7440.

Unit 56. Illinois, Northern No. 2-C Mail ballots: LSA of Chicago, c/o Chicago Bahá’í Center, Chicago, IL 60616-3933. Phone: 312/225-1919.

Unit 57. Illinois, Southern-A Levis Faculty Ctr., 919 W. Illinois St., Urbana; Oct. 2; 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:45am). Mail bal-lots: LSA of Champaign, c/o Amelia Felty, Champaign, IL 61821. Phone: 217/356-9654.

Unit 58. Illinois, Southern-B Holiday Inn, 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr., Collinsville; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Edwardsville, P.O. Box 545, Edwardsville, IL 62025-0545. Phone: 618/656-3570.

Unit 59. Indiana Martinsville High School, 1360 E. Gray, Martinsville; Sat., Oct. 1; 9:30am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bloomington, P.O. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402-1004. Phone: 812/336-1172.

Unit 60. Kansas Emporia State Univ., Kanza Rm., Memorial Union, 1200 Commercial, Emporia; Oct. 2; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Emporia, P.O. Box 683, Emporia, KS 66801. Phone: 316/342-6795.

Unit 61. Kentucky White Hall Classroom Bldg., Rm. 106, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington; Oct. 2; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lexington, P.O. Box 22102, Lexington, KY 40522. Phone: 606/263-1820.

Unit 62. Louisiana Day’s End-Monroe, 2102 Louisville Ave., Monroe; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Shreveport, P.O. Box 4854, Shreveport, LA 71134-0854. Phone: 318/222-7111.

Unit 63. Massachusetts-A Saturday, Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Spring-field, P.O. Box 104, Springfield, MA 01101-0104. Phone: 413/567-7566.

Unit 64. Massachusetts-B Bemis Hall, Bedford Rd., Lincoln; Oct. 2; 8:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lowell, P.O. Box 8133, Lowell, MA 01853-8133. Phone: 508/459-1604.

Unit 65. Massachusetts-C Boston Bahá’í Center, 595 Albany St., Boston; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Brookline Twp., P.O. Box 800, Brookline Village, MA 02147. Phone: 617/232-1339.

Unit 66. Maryland, W/D.C. Upper County Community Center, 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Gaithersburg, P.O. Box 3453, Gaithersburg, MD 20885-3453. Phone: 301/963-5753.

Unit 67. Maryland, Central Catonsville Comm. College, 800 S. Rolling Rd., Catonsville; Oct. 2; 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Baltimore Cnty. West, P.O. Box 514, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Phone: 410/521-5011 or 410/337-7072.

Unit 68. Maine Univ. of Southern Maine-Gorham, 37 College Avenue, Gorham; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Augusta, c/o C. Cline, Augusta, ME 04330. Phone: 207/622-2406.

Unit 69. Michigan, Mainland-A Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison; Oct. 2; 9:30am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail bal-lots: LSA of Ann Arbor, P.O. Box 6021, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-6021. For more info concerning District Convention: 313/665-0964 or 313/930-0477. (To make room reservations at Louhelen, call 810/653-5033).

Unit 70. Michigan, Mainland-B St. Cecilia Music Society, 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids; Oct. 2; 9:30am (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grand Rapids, Attn: M. Hyde, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Phone: 616/361-5377.

Unit 71. Michigan, Mainland-C Tollgate Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi; Saturday, Oct. 1; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Southfield, c/o Gunasekaran, Southfield, MI 48075. Phone: 810/353-2939.

Unit 72. Minnesota, Northern Hobson Student Union, Bemidji State Univ., Bemidji; Oct. 2; 12noon-4pm (Reg.: 11:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Beltrami Cnty., Bemidji, MN 56601. Phone: 218/751-0317.

Unit 73. Minnesota, Southern 4-H Bldg. (Olmsted Cnty. Fairgrounds), 3rd Ave. SE between 12th & 16th Streets, Rochester; Oct. 2; 12:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 11am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rochester, Rochester, MN 55904-7470. Phone: 507/289-4682.

Unit 74. Missouri-A St. Paul’s School of Theology, Don Holter Center for Renewal, Cafeteria (Dining Hall), 5123 E. Truman Rd., Kansas City, Mo.; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Kansas City, c/o C. Fanska, Kansas City, MO 64127-2859. Phone: 816/734-5570.

Unit 75. Missouri-B Holiday Inn Southwest, 10709 Watson Rd. (Watson & Lindbergh), St. Louis; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of University City, P.O. Box 3121, St. Louis, MO 63130-0521. Phone: 314/997-5864.

Unit 76. Mississippi Handsboro Fine Art Centre, 1028 Cowan Rd., Gulfport; Oct. 2; 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Gulfport, c/o J. Nicholson, Gulfport, MS 39507. Phone: 601/896-6047.

Unit 77. Montana McLaughlin Center, College of Great Falls, 20th St. S. & 15th Ave, Great Falls; Oct. 2; 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8am). (Pre-convention social, Sat. Oct. 1.) Mail ballots: LSA of Great Falls, c/o Kay Maloney, Great Falls, MT 59401. Phone: 406/727-1120.

Unit 78. Navajo-Hopi Native American Bahá’í Institute, 830 Burntwater Rd., Houck; Oct. 9; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Houck c/o NABI, P.O. Box 417, Houck, AZ 86506-0417. Phone: 602/521-1064.

Unit 79. North Carolina, Central-A Greensboro Bahá’í Center, 3905 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro; Saturday, Oct. 1; 9am-2pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Greensboro, 3905 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455-1607. Phone: 910/282-3294.

Unit 80. North Carolina, Central-B American Legion, Hair-Matthews Post 32, Legion Rd., Fayetteville; Oct. 2; 9:30am-1:30pm-Potluck lunch (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cumberland County c/o C. McKinley, Fayetteville, NC 28311. Phone: 910/488-2552.

Unit 81. North Carolina, Eastern-A Glen Eden Community Ctr., 1500 Glen Eden Dr., Raleigh; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Raleigh, P.O. Box 58111, Raleigh, NC 27658. Phone: 919/233-0237.

Unit 82. North Carolina, Eastern-B Courtney Square Apts., Club House, 8H Courtney Square, Greenville; Saturday, Oct. 1; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: North Carolina State Teaching Comm., c/o N. Hendershot, P.O. Box 217, Aurora, NC 27806. Phone: 919/322-5074.

Unit 83. North Carolina, Western-A Bahá’í Center, 5 Ravenscroft, Asheville; Oct. 2; 9:30am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9am-Potluck lunch, 11:30-1:00). Mail ballots: LSA of Asheville, P.O. Box 882, Asheville, NC 28802. Phone: 704/254-6439.

Unit 84. North Carolina, Western-B ‎Ardin Arden‎ Park Elem. School, 361 Jefferson Rd., [Page 13]

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Boone; Oct. 2; 10am (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Watauga Cnty, P.O. Box 1406, Boone, NC 28607. Phone: 704/297-6222.

Unit 85. North Dakota Unitarian Fellowship Bldg., 818 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck; Saturday, Oct. 8; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bismarck, c/o W. A. Schulte, Bismarck, ND 58501-2601. Phone: 701/222-8158.

Unit 86. Nebraska Notre Dame Center, 3501 State St., Omaha; Oct. 2; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Omaha, P.O. Box 4597, Omaha, NE 68104. Phone: 402/573-6517.

Unit 87. New Hampshire New England College, 7 Main St., Henniker; Oct. 2; 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Portsmouth, P.O. Box 4062, Portsmouth, NH 03802. Phone: 603/431-2278.

Unit 88. New Jersey-A Wilhelm Bahá’í Property, 126 Evergreen Place, Teaneck; Oct. 2; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Jersey City, c/o P. Pearsall, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Phone: 201/432-8020.

Unit 89. New Jersey-B Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse Hamilton Square Rd., Hamilton Twp.; Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Trenton, c/o K. Harris, Trenton, NJ 08611-3343. Phone: 609/586-2931.

Unit 90. New Mexico, Northern Paradise Hills Comm. Ctr., 5901 Paradise Hills Blvd., Albuquerque; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rio Rancho, P.O. Box 15101, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Phone: 505/892-6261.

Unit 91. New Mexico, S/Texas, West-A Mail ballots: LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004-1491. Phone: 505/522-5976.

Unit 92. New Mexico, S/Texas, West-B Space Center Planetarium, Top of Hwy 2001, Alamogordo; Sat., Oct. 8; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Alamogordo, P.O. Box 1461, Alamogordo, NM 88311. Phone: 505/434-3508.

Unit 93. New Mexico, S/Texas, West-C El Paso Bahá’í Center, 9931 McCombs St., El Paso; Oct. 2; 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Paso, El Paso, TX 79936. Phone: 915/751-6388.

Unit 94. Nevada, Northern Aspen Grove, Lakeshore Dr. (1/2 block west of Hyatt Hotel), Incline Village; Oct. 2; 9:30 am-3:30 pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Washoe Cnty. S., c/o C. Hoeppner, P.O. Box 7704, Incline Village, NV 89452. Phone: 702/329-2112.

Unit 95. Nevada, Southern Multi-Use Bldg., 1204 Sixth St., Boulder City; Oct. 16; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Boulder City, Boulder City, NV 89005-3610. Phone: 702/293-6663.

Unit 96. New York, Eastern-A SUNY, Lecture 100, New Paltz; Oct. 2; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Beacon, c/o C. Ruhe, Beacon, NY 12508. Phone: 914/831-7567.

Unit 97. New York, Eastern-B (Note: Unit elects 2 delegates) NYC Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York City; Sat., Oct. 1; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of New York City, c/o Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003-4601. Phone: 212/674-8998.

Unit 98. New York, Eastern-C Long Island Bahá’í Center, 669 Lanson St., Bohemia; Oct. 2; 9:30am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hempstead Twp., c/o J. Graves, Westbury, NY 11590. Phone: 516/334-4886.

Unit 99. New York, Western-A Mail ballots: LSA of Amherst Twp. c/o P. McMahon, Amherst, NY 14226. Phone: 716/835-8243.

Unit 100. New York, Western-B American Legion, 454 N. Main St., Canandaigua; Oct. 9; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Victor Twp., 7690 Victor-Mendon Rd., Victor, NY 14564. Phone: 716/924-3345.

Unit 101. Ohio, Northern-A Mail ballots: LSA of Toledo, c/o C.A. Bush, Toledo, OH 43609. Phone: 419/244-9142.

Unit 102. Ohio, Northern-B Newton D. Baker Memorial Bldg. of Case Western Reserve Univ., 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; Saturday, Oct. 1; 9am-4:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44109-1363. Phone: 216/741-0459.

Unit 103. Ohio, Southern Live Oaks Center, 5956 Buckwheat Rd., Mt. Repose; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cincinnati, c/o L. R. Ferrell, Cincinnati, OH 45220-1774. Phone: 513/592-6084.

Unit 104. Oklahoma, Eastern Keplinger Hall, Univ. of Tulsa, 3302 E. 4th Pl., Tulsa; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Tulsa, P.O. Box 251, Tulsa, OK 74101-0251. Phone: 918/749-2859.

Unit 105. Oklahoma, Western Metropolitan Oklahoma City Bahá’í Center, 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Yukon, c/o OKC Bahá’í Center, 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73108. Phone: 405/354-9424.

Unit 106. Oregon, Eastern Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate, Pendleton; Sat., Oct. 8; 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 11am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pendleton, c/o K. Young, Pendleton, OR 97801-3035. Phone: 503/276-1868.

Unit 107. Oregon, Western-A Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave., Portland; Saturday, Oct. 1; 1pm-6pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Washington Cnty. South, P.O. Box 231214, Portland, OR 97281-1214. Phone: 503/591-9999.

Unit 108. Oregon, Western-B Portland Bahá’í Center, 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland. Mail ballots: LSA of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208. Phone: 503/281-2955.

Unit 109. Oregon, Western-C Security First Infant Center, 1295 W. 18th, Eugene; Oct. 2; 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lane Cnty. Central, Eugene, OR 97404. Phone: 503/689-8915.

Unit 110. Oregon, Western-D 4-H Bldg., Josephine Cnty. Fairgrounds, 215 Ringuette, Grants Pass; Oct. 2. Mail ballots: LSA of Jackson Cnty., c/o M. Boesch, Medford, OR 97501-4538. Phone: 503/772-5502.

Unit 111. Pennsylvania, Eastern West Chester Univ., Main Hall on High St.; Oct. 2; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lower Merion Twp., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Phone: 610/527-1928.

Unit 112. Pennsylvania, Western Days Inn, U.S. Route 22 & South Fourth St., Huntingdon; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pittsburgh, c/o G. Mark, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Phone: 814/643-3317.

Unit 113. Rhode Island North Kingstown Community Ctr., Beach St., North Kingstown; Oct. 9; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Warwick, c/o V. McDevitt, Warwick, RI 02886-5650. Phone: 401/737-3128.

Unit 114/115. South Carolina, Central-AB (Note: Unit elects 2 delegates) Columbia Jr. College, 3810 Main St., Columbia; Oct. 2; 9am-2pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Columbia, P.O. Box 5973, Columbia, SC 29250-5973. Phone: 803/732-5630.

Unit 116/117. South Carolina, Central-CD (Note: Unit elects 2 delegates) Home of A. Reynolds, Branchville; Oct. 2; 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grtr. Orangeburg, Branchville, SC 29432. Phone: 803/533-1289.

Unit 118-121. South Carolina, East No. 1A-D (Note: Unit elects 3 delegates) Canterbury Convention Center, 1749 Wildwood Ct., Hartsville; Oct. 9; 1pm-6pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Society Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550. Phone: 803/332-6436.

Unit 122-125. South Carolina, East No. 1E-H (Note: Unit elects 3 delegates) Florence Bahá’í Center, 541 W. Evans St., Florence; Oct. 2; 4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Florence, Florence, SC 29501. Phone: 803/667-1540.

Unit 126-129. South Carolina, East No. 2A-D (Note: Unit elects 3 delegates) Home of H. Kintz, Conway; Oct. 2; 1pm (Potluck lunch). Mail ballots: LSA of Horry County, c/o Kintz, Conway, SC 29526. Phone: 803/293-1928.

Unit 130. South Carolina, East No. 2E Home of N. Jones, Kingstree; Oct. 2; 2:30pm-6pm (Reg.: 2pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Kingstree, c/o L. Schell, Kingstree, SC 29556. Phone: 803/354-5229.

Unit 131. South Carolina, East No. 2F Home of J. Jackson, Hemingway; Oct. 2; 1:30pm-6pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Donnelly, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803/558-9230.

Unit 132. South Carolina, East No. 2G Louis Gregory Bahá’í Inst., Hemingway; Sat. Oct. 1; 10am (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Williams Hill, c/o L. Newman at Louis Gregory Bahá’í Inst., Rt. 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803/558-5093.

Unit 133. South Carolina, North-A (Joint Convention with #134) Spartanburg Arts Ctr., 385 S. Spring St., Spartanburg; Oct. 2; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Spartanburg, P.O. Box 2893, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Phone: 803/583-3123.

Unit 134. South Carolina, North-B Joint Convention with #133—see Unit 133 above for location.

Unit 135. South Carolina, South No. 1A Home of H. Brown, Moncks Corner; Oct. 2; 10am-2pm (Potluck dinner). Mail ballots: LSA of Cross, c/o D. Beckham, P.O. Box 157, Cross, SC 29436. Phone: 803/753-3456.

Unit 136. South Carolina, South No. 1B James Island Cnty. Park, The Boardroom at the Conference Ctr., Riverland Drive, James Island; Oct. 2; 10am (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413-1887. Phone: 803/571-2912.

Unit 137/138. South Carolina, South No. 1-C/D Beaufort County Library, 311 Scott St., Beaufort; Oct. 2; 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of St. Helena Is., P.O. Box 977, St. Helena Is., SC 29920. Phone: 803/838-4754.

Unit 139. South Carolina, Western West End Elementary School, 314 Pelzer Hwy. (corner of Hwy 8 & Hwy 135), Easley; Oct. 2; 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pickens Cnty., c/o M. McKie, Easley, SC 29640. Phone: 803/859-9082.

Unit 140. South Dakota-A Oct. 9. Mail ballots: LSA of Rapid City, P.O. Box 565, Rapid City, SD 57709-0565. Phone: 605/343-2929.

Unit 141. South Dakota-B King’s Inn, The Crown Room, 220 S. Pierre, Pierre; Oct. 2; ‎10am-4pm) 10am-4pm‎. Mail ballots: LSA of Pierre, P.O. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501. Phone: 605/224-1273.

Unit 142. Tennessee, Eastern Comfort Hotel River Plaza, 407 Chestnut, Chattanooga; Oct. 2; 9am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hamilton Cnty., Chattanooga, TN 37416. Phone: 615/892-6699.

Unit 143. Tennessee, Western Mail ballots: LSA of Brentwood, P.O. Box 2366, Brentwood, TN 37024-2366. Phone: 615/371-9011.

Unit 144. Texas, Central-A Mail ballots: LSA of Williamson Cnty., c/o R. Ricklefs, Georgetown, TX 78628. [Page 14]

District Conventions

Phone: 512/990-5868.

Unit 145. Texas, Central-B Holiday Inn Express, 6023 IH 10 & Jackson Rd., San Antonio; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Antonio, c/o L. Magee, San Antonio, TX 78232. Phone: 210/521-1973.

Unit 146. Texas, Eastern No. 1-A Denton Sr. Center, 509 N. Bell Ave., Denton; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Flower Mound, Flower Mound, TX 75028. For more info: 214/539-4604.

Unit 147. Texas, Eastern No. 1-B Kilgore Community Inn, 801 N. Henderson Blvd., Kilgore; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Tyler, c/o D. Morris, Tyler, TX 75702. For more info: 903/593-3667.

Unit 148. Texas, Eastern No. 1-C Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave., Waco; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Waco, P.O. Box 8995, Waco, TX 76714. For more info: 817/751-7673.

Unit 149. Texas, Eastern No. 1-D Radisson Hotel Central, 6060 N. Central Exp., Dallas; Oct. 2; 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dallas, Dallas Bahá’í Center, 4235 W. NW Hwy., Dallas, TX 75220. For more info: 214/495-2362.

Unit 150. Texas, Eastern No. 2-A Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church, Main Mtg. Rm., 1370 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands; Oct. 1; 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of The Woodlands, c/o Huenings, The Woodlands, TX 77381. For more info: 713/363-1417.

Unit 151. Texas, Eastern No. 2-B Houston Bahá’í Center, 2121 Oakdale, Houston; Oct. 2; 8am-3pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Bellaire, c/o E. O’Dear, Bellaire, TX 77401-2821. For more info: 713/665-7838.

Unit 152. Texas, Northern/Central Mahon Party House, 29th St. & Chicago Ave., Lubbock; Oct. 2; 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lubbock, P.O. Box 10602, Lubbock, TX 79408-3602. For more info: 806/799-7033.

Unit 153. Texas, Southern South Texas High School, 151 Helen Moore Rd., San Benito; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551. For more info: 210/425-7675.

Unit 154. Utah Weber State Univ., Student Union Bldg., Room 347-348, 3750 Harrison Blvd., Ogden; Saturday, Oct. 1; 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ogden, c/o G. Ndousse-Fetter, Ogden, UT 84403. For more info: 801/399-4921.

Unit 155. Virginia, Northern-A Fairfax County Govt. Ctr., 12011 Govt. Ctr. Pkwy., Fairfax; Oct. 2; (Times tentative) 9:30am (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Fairfax Cnty. West, P.O. Box 2057, Centreville, VA 22020. For more info: 703/815-0911.

Unit 156. Virginia, Northern-B Hollin Hall Sr. Ctr., 1500 Shenandoah Rd., Alexandria; Saturday, Oct. 1; 1:30pm-4:30pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Arlington Cnty., P.O. Box 3344, Arlington, VA 22203-0344. For more info: 703/527-6133.

Unit 157. Virginia, Southeast South Cafeteria, Webb Ctr./Student Union, Old Dominion Univ. (off Hampton Blvd.), Norfolk; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Norfolk, P.O. Box, 6100, Norfolk, VA 23508-0100. For more info: 804/440-9410.

Unit 158. Virginia, Southwest Salem Senior Citizen’s Center, 110 Union St., Salem; Oct. 2; 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Roanoke Cnty., c/o S. Tubman, Roanoke, VA 24018. For more info: 703/772-4734.

Unit 159. Vermont Hartford High School, Highland Ave., White River Junction; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Brattleboro, P.O. Box 221, Brattleboro, VT 05302. For more info: 802/254-2115.

Unit 160. Washington, Northwest-A Everett Community College, JCR & Multipurpose Rm., 801 Wetmore Ave., Everett; Saturday, Oct. 8; 9:30am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Everett, P.O. Box 2001, Everett, WA 98203. For more info: 206/259-0993.

Unit 161. Washington, Northwest-B Visitation Retreat Ctr., 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way; Oct. 2; 9am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Federal Way, P.O. Box 3935, Federal Way, WA 98063. For more info: 206/661-3862.

Unit 162. Washington, Northwest-C Mail ballots: LSA of Bellevue, P.O. Box 1310, Bellevue, WA 98009-1310. For more info: 206/641-8971.

Unit 163. Washington, Southwest Brighton Creek Conf. Ctr., 4516 State Hwy. #702, McKenna; Oct. 2. Mail ballots: LSA of Bremerton, 6109 Elaine Court, Bremerton, WA 98312-2147. For more info: 206/377-1977.

Unit 164. Wisconsin, N/Michigan, Peninsula Senior Ctr. Lakeland Community, 2nd St., Woodruff, ‎Wi. WI.‎; Oct. 2; 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Eau Claire, P.O. Box 462, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0462. For more info: 715/834-9792.

Unit 165. Wisconsin, Southern-A De Forest Area Community Ctr., 505 N. Main, Deforest; Oct. 2; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Middleton, c/o C. Bahr, Middleton, WI 53562-3808. For more info: 608/831-3795.

Unit 166. Wisconsin, Southern-B Sheraton Mayfair Inn, 2303 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa; Oct. 2; 12:30pm-4:30pm (Reg.: noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Wauwatosa, c/o Wauwatosa, WI 53213. For more info: 414/774-6643.

Unit 167. West Virginia West Virginia Univ. Mt. Lair, The Blackwater Rm., University Ave., Morgantown; Oct. 2; 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Morgantown, c/o R. Shaw, Morgantown, WV 26505. For more info: 304/296-5943.

Unit 168. Wyoming Univ. of Wyoming, Cooperative Extension Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd., Casper; Oct. 2; 9am-2pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cheyenne, P.O. Box 2063, Cheyenne, WY 82003-2063. For more info: 307/635-0943.

Bahá’ís in Detroit, Grosse Pointe host interfaith dialogues

Bahá’ís from Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, recently co-sponsored talks to promote greater understanding of two other religious faiths.

On January 29, about 30 people, most of whom were not Bahá’ís, heard a talk by Prof. Sidney Bolkosky of the history department of the University of Michigan-Dearborn whose topic was “Implications of the Holocaust for Our Time.”

On February 26, about 40 people attended a talk by Dr. Kul Gauri, associate dean of Macomb Community College, titled “We Are the World: A Hindu View.”

Among those attending at least one of these events were the Consul General in Detroit for the government of Japan and his wife; members of the boards of directors of the International Institute of Detroit and the Racial Justice Center of Grosse Pointe; the retired director of the International Institute; several physicians, and a school principal.

80 L.A.-area Bahá’ís perform in Youth Workshop summer project as part of Teaching Committee’s ‘Army of Light’ campaign

Eighty youth from the Los Angeles, California, area took part in an intense flurry of performances during the Bahá’í Youth Workshop’s summer teaching project in July, a part of the National Teaching Committee’s “Army of Light” campaign.

First, two smaller groups of youth piled into two vans for separate tours of Northern California and Arizona. They performed for large crowds at Boys and Girls Clubs and at the Native American Bahá’í Institute, in addition to numerous other locations.

“They brought a lot of energy and performed to busloads of spectators in some cases,” said Aaron Gilbert, a participant in Arizona’s own Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

Upon their return, the Workshop launched a series of performances in greater Los Angeles, including the San Fernando Valley and South Bay, camping out in the homes of Bahá’ís in those communities.

They accepted invitations to present their musical message at malls, YMCAs, beaches, parks and schools.

Marisol Thurman described their goal in a news release, saying:

“Instead of ‘hanging out’ at the mall, these youth will be ‘getting down’ at the mall, using rap, step dancing, drama and interpretive dance to send a message to other youth.”

The message: help end racism, stay in school, get off drugs and promote gender equality.

In sending this message, the Workshop went a long way toward infusing the spirit of transformation into the communities it visited and a long way toward initiating the processes of growth called for in the Three Year Plan.

The project culminated in a week-long conference at Occidental College, with youth workshops from throughout the western United States participating.

Five Bahá’ís take part in North American Esperanto Congress

Five Bahá’ís took part July 15-19 in the Esperanto League for North America Congress in Sacramento, California.

Greetings and best wishes from the Bahá’í Esperanto League were conveyed to 60 assembled participants at the banquet ceremony.

Two Bahá’ís, June Fritz from Nebraska and John Dale from Virginia, accepted awards for their work their local clubs performed on behalf of Esperanto in the past year.

The Bahá’í program at the Congress, “Unueca Festivalo” (Unity Feast) consisted of readings from the sacred writings, mostly in Esperanto, consultation, and refreshments. Nine people attended, and Bahá’í literature in English and Esperanto was available.

In July 1995, the Universal Esperanto Congress in Tampere, Finland, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, as will the ELNA Congress. Bahá’í participation in these events is encouraged.

Those who want to learn Esperanto can receive a free 10-lesson course by mail simply by calling ELNA at 800-828-5944 (fax 510-653-1468).

For information on the Bahá’í Esperanto League, write to June Fritz, Wilber, NE 68465. [Page 15]

Nine Oaks Institute introduces exciting programs

In response to messages from the Continental Counselors and International Teaching Center encouraging Bahá’ís to deepen children and youth, especially those from 10-16 years of age, so that they may become informed and dedicated teachers of the Faith, the Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute in Arroyo Grande, California, has established Children’s Academies based on the National Spiritual Assembly’s core curriculum.

The academies are taught in concentrated weekend classes about four times a year. The themes for 1993-94 are the life of Bahá’u’lláh, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and the Covenant.

In addition, regular children’s classes take place on the second Sunday of each month in conjunction with the adult sessions. Topics include the maturation of the local Assembly, the Covenant, Bible prophecy, methods of studying the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the core curriculum and more.

A new spirit of excitement was generated July 16-17 in the wake of a visit to the Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute by two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, James and Dorothy Nelson.

On Saturday, July 16, more than 150 people from all walks of life attended a public meeting at which Judge Dorothy Nelson addressed the topic, “The Peaceful Resolution of Conflict in Society.”

Her talk was preceded by music by the Central Coast Bahá’í Choir and followed by a lengthy question-and-answer session.

On Sunday, Judge Nelson was joined by her husband, James F. Nelson, to present a deepening at the Institute on “The Destiny of America.”

More than 70 adults, youth and children attended the day-long event. Children gathered for a separate session in the Youth Center to study the history of the Faith.

Those who met with the Nelsons in the main building were given a first-hand overview of the National Spiritual Assembly’s historic meeting last March with the Universal House of Justice.

The Nelsons gave new hope and encouragement to their audience, increasing their desire to impart the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to all those with whom they come in contact.

Pictured (top photo) are many of those who gathered July 17 at the Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute in Arroyo Grande, California, for a day-long deepening on ‘The Destiny of America’ conducted by two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, James and Dorothy Nelson. Bottom photo: children who attended the Children’s Academy session May 7 at the Nine Oaks Institute.

Bahá’ís meet in Santa Fe to discuss strategies for reaching Christians

On June 6-7, a group of 18 Bahá’ís including three Auxiliary Board members gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to discuss “Strategies for Reaching Christian Populations” with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

The diverse group was comprised of new and older believers from Christian and Islamic backgrounds, and came from as far away as Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver and Durango, Colorado, and as near as Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Hobbs, New Mexico.

The group acknowledged that Christians are as diverse as any other “group,” and that a variety of approaches to them is essential.

The importance of Bahá’ís being acquainted with the life and teachings of Christ was emphasized.

Suggestions were made to develop a book especially written for Bahá’ís to help them understand the relationship between the Bahá’í teachings and those of Christianity, and to form a Bahá’í group to act as a clearing-house for research and dissemination of materials for teaching Christians.

As for teaching approaches, it was suggested that we pattern our methods after those used by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when teaching those of other faiths: extreme kindness coupled with the effort to find a common ground among religions on which to base one’s discussions.

Also emphasized was the use of Bahá’u’lláh’s “Tablet to the Christians” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, pp. 9-19), a document participants said every Bahá’í should study deeply and use when teaching Christians.

For 20 years the Bahá’ís of Jersey City, New Jersey, have sponsored a booth at the city’s Ethnic Festival in Liberty State Park. Pictured at the booth on June 12 is Soad Bushrui of the Bahá’í community of Jersey City. [Page 16]

Community Honor Roll 150 B.E.

The following is a list of 773 local Spiritual Assemblies and 205 registered Groups and localities that have exhibited a regular pattern of giving to the National Bahá’í Fund during 150 B.E. These exemplary communities have contributed a minimum of 15 times and have spread these contributions out over at least 12 Bahá’í months. Communities that were on the Automatic Contribution System (ACS) for at least 10 Gregorian months have also been included on the list.

The Office of the Treasurer would like to acknowledge especially the Groups and localities that have made it to this list. Since our intention never was to hold them to the same standards as those of Assemblies, their achievement of this excellent pattern of giving is exemplary and indicates a level of dedication that can be a model for other Groups.

Please note that this year’s criteria for inclusion have been changed slightly to acknowledge communities that send in the requisite number of contributions but whose offerings, for a variety of reasons, may not arrive exactly within the reporting deadlines. Whereas contributions had to arrive in our office in at least 15 different months under previous criteria, we have lowered that to 12 Bahá’í months for communities contributing at least 15 times. The Honor Roll still does not take into account achievement of financial goals in that it is purely a measure of regularity. Personal letters have been sent to local Assemblies acknowledging achievement of their National Fund goals.

Please join us in congratulating the following communities for their regular patterns of giving.

ALABAMA Unit 1—Birmingham, Florence, Hoover, Huntsville, Jasper, Jefferson County, Madison, Tuscaloosa Unit 2—Mobile, Montgomery, Tuskegee

ARIZONA Unit 4—Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Coconino East, Flagstaff, Glendale, Peoria, Prescott, Rural Verde Valley, Sedona Unit 5—Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Holbrook, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe Unit 6—Avondale, Phoenix Unit 7—Cochise County SW, Oro Valley, Pima County North Central, Pima County East, Pima County South, Sierra Vista, Tucson

ARKANSAS Unit 3—Fayetteville, Little Rock, Rogers

CALIFORNIA Unit 8—Belmont, Burlingame, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Mateo County South JD Unit 9—Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Martinez, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, Walnut Creek Unit 10—Dublin, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City Unit 11—Santa Cruz County North, Santa Cruz County South Unit 12—Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale Unit 13—Monterey, Pacific Grove, Prunedale, Toro & Laguna Seca Unit 15—Bakersfield, Clovis, Hanford, Manteca, Manteca JD, Modesto, North Fork, Ridgecrest, Stockton, Tracy, Tuolumne Central JD, Yosemite-El Portal Unit 16—Chico, Fairfield, Grass Valley, Grass Valley JD, Nevada City JD, Red Bluff JD, Redding, Suisun City, Vallejo Unit 17—Carmichael, Citrus Heights, El Dorado County NW, El Dorado County SE, Fair Oak-Orangevale, Folsom, Placerville, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento County SE, Sacramento County NW Unit 18—Arcata, Eureka, Greater Santa Rosa, Greater Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Marin County, North Humboldt JD, Novato, Petaluma, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County North, Sonoma County South, Tiburon Unit 19—Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, Lancaster, Newhall JD, Palmdale, San Fernando, Santa Clarita Unit 20—Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Culver City, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Westlake Village Unit 21—Los Angeles Unit 22—Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Temple City Unit 23—Gardena, Lomita, Manhattan Beach Unit 24—Diamond Bar, Downey, Lakewood, Long Beach, Walnut Unit 25—Apple Valley, Chino Hills, Corona, Hesperia, Moreno Valley, Mt. San Jacinto JD, Murrieta, Norco, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino MCD-Chino, Temecula, Three Lakes JD, Upland, Victorville Unit 26—Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Los Alamitos, Orange, Orange County West JD, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Tustin, Westminster Unit 27—Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange County South JD, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano Unit 28—Arroyo Grande, Baywood Park-Los Osos, Camarillo, Cambria, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oak Park, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County South, Santa Maria, Santa Maria JD, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Ventura County Unit 29—Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook-San Diego, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, San Diego County North JD, Vista Unit 30—Chula Vista, El Cajon, El Cajon JD, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley Unit 31—San Diego

COLORADO Unit 32—Arapahoe County, Boulder, Douglas County, Englewood, Fort Collins, Lafayette, Lakewood, Larimer County, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Northglenn, Westminster, Wheat Ridge Unit 33—Colorado Springs, El Paso County East, Manitou Springs Unit 34—Cortez, Durango, Glenwood Springs, La Plata County, Montezuma County

CONNECTICUT Unit 35—Greenwich Town, Hartford, Ledyard Town, Manchester, New Canaan, New Haven, Ridgefield Town, Roxbury Town, Southington, Woodbridge

DELAWARE Unit 36—Dover, New Castle County North, New Castle County West, Sussex County, Wilmington

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Unit 66—Washington DC

FLORIDA Unit 2—Okaloosa County Unit 37—Altamonte Springs, Brevard County, Deland, Orange County East, Orange County West, Orlando, Osceola County, Seminole County West Unit 38—Atlantic Beach, Gainesville, Greater Gainesville, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Marion County, Tallahassee Unit 39—Palm Beach County Central, Palm Beach County South Unit 40—Broward County South, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Dade County Central, Dade County North, Dade County South, Key West Unit 42—Bradenton, Citrus County, Hillsborough County East, Hillsborough County NW, Lakeland, Largo, Lee County, Manatee County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Sarasota County North, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Beach, Tampa

GEORGIA Unit 43—Oakwood, Richmond County Unit 44—Dalton, Gwinnett County North, Gwinnett County South Unit 45—Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cobb County SW, Cobb County East, Cobb County South, Cobb County West, Roswell, Smyrna Unit 46—Clayton County, DeKalb County Central, DeKalb County North Unit 47—Peach County Unit 48—Glynn County, Savannah Unit 49—Valdosta

IDAHO Unit 51—Lewiston, Moscow Unit 52—Boise, Idaho Falls, Power County, Valley County

ILLINOIS Unit 53—Aurora, Bolingbrook, Chemung Twp, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elgin, Joliet, Libertyville Twp, Rock Island, Rockford, St. Charles, Wheaton, Woodstock Unit 54—Arlington Heights, La Grange, Park Forest Unit 55—Evanston, Glencoe, Maine Twp, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Skokie Unit 56—Chicago Unit 57—Champaign, Decatur, East Peoria, Mahomet Twp, Melrose Twp, Urbana Unit 58—Belleville, Edwardsville, Springfield

INDIANA Unit 59—Bloomington, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Mishawaka, Mt. Vernon, South Bend, Speedway, Vincennes

IOWA Unit 50—Ames, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Iowa City, Manchester, Marshalltown, Mt. Vernon, Sioux City, Warren County, Waterloo

KANSAS Unit 60—Butler County, Cowley County, Derby, Dodge City, Emporia, Hutchinson, Lawrence, Newton, Wichita, Winfield

KENTUCKY Unit 61—Boyle County, Frankfort, Jefferson County, Lexington, Louisville

LOUISIANA Unit 62—Avondale, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, East Baton Rouge Parish, La Place, Lafourche Parish, Metairie, New Orleans, Ouachita Parish, Shreveport

MAINE Unit 68—Auburn, Augusta, Dexter Town, Eliot Town, Kingfield, South Berwick, Standish Town

MARYLAND Unit 66—Frederick, Montgomery County NW, Montgomery County South, Montgomery County SE, Montgomery County SW Unit 67—Anne Arundel County East, Baltimore County Central, Baltimore County West, Bel Air, Calvert County, Carroll County, Greenbelt, Howard County, Laurel, Prince Georges County North, Prince Georges County South

MASSACHUSETTS Unit 63—Adams Town, Amherst Town, Belchertown Town, Easthampton Town, Holyoke, Longmeadow Town, Montague Town, Northampton, South Hadley Town, Springfield, Warren Town, Westfield, Wilbraham Town Unit 64—Chelmsford Town, Ipswich, Milford Town, Worcester [Page 17]

Community Honor Roll 150 B.E.

Unit 65—Barnstable Town, Boston, Bourne Town, Dartmouth Town, Foxboro Town, Lexington Town, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Wareham Town, Watertown Town

MICHIGAN

Unit 69—Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Flint, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Meridian Twp, Niles Twp, St. Joseph, Ypsilanti Twp

Unit 70—Grand Rapids, Midland, Saginaw, Saginaw Twp, Scottville, Vassar, White River Twp

Unit 71—Bloomfield Twp, Canton Twp, Detroit, Highland Park, Huntington Woods, St. Clair Shores, Salem Twp, Southfield, Troy, Washington Twp

Unit 164—Cornell Twp, Marquette, Stanton Twp

MINNESOTA

Unit 72—Aitkin County, Baudette, Beltrami County, Bemidji, Duluth, Embarrass, Grand Rapids, Moorhead, Onamia, Sartell, St. Cloud

Unit 73—Anoka, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, Greenwood, May Twp, Little Canada, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Rochester, Roseville, St. Paul, Stillwater, West St. Paul, Woodbury, Worthington

MISSISSIPPI

Unit 76—Gulfport, Jackson, Vicksburg

MISSOURI

Unit 74—Kansas City, Phelps County, Rolla, Springfield

Unit 75—St. Charles County, University City, Webster Groves

MONTANA

Unit 77—Billings, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Flathead County, Great Falls, Lewis & Clark County, Missoula County, Yellowstone County

NEBRASKA

Unit 86—Aurora, Bellevue, Cass County, Gering, Grand Island, Lincoln, Nebraska City, North Platte, Omaha, Saline County, Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff County

NEVADA

Unit 94—Carson City, Churchill County, Reno, Sparks, Washoe County South

Unit 95—Boulder City, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Paradise Town, Sunrise Manor

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Unit 87—Concord, Exeter Town, Hinsdale Town, Lebanon, Lee Town, Manchester, Nashua, Peterborough, Portsmouth

NEW JERSEY

Unit 88—Bloomfield, Dumont, Montclair Twp, Ridgewood, Teaneck, Wyckoff

Unit 89—Ewing Twp, Franklin Twp, Glassboro, Hamilton Twp, Hopewell Twp, Lakewood Twp, Lawrence Twp, Trenton

NEW MEXICO

Unit 78—Gallup

Unit 90—Albuquerque, Belen, Farmington, Los Lunas, Pajarito, Paradise Hills, Sandoval County North, Santa Fe, Santa Fe County

Unit 91—Las Cruces

Unit 92—Alamogordo

NEW YORK

Unit 96—Albany, Beacon, Fishkill Town, Hoosick Falls, Poughkeepsie Town

Unit 97—Cortlandt Town, Greenburgh Town, White Plains

Unit 98—Brookhaven Town, Flower Hill, Garden City, Huntington Town, Islip Town, North Hempstead Town, Oyster Bay Town, Smithtown Town

Unit 99—Amherst Town, Brighton Town, Buffalo, Grand Island Town, Greece Town, Olean, Orchard Park Town, Pittsford Town, Rochester, Tonawanda Town, Webster Town

Unit 100—Canandaigua Town, Geneva, Ithaca, Utica, Victor Town

NORTH CAROLINA

Unit 79—Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Durham County, Greensboro, Orange County, Winston-Salem, Yadkinville

Unit 80—Cumberland County, Hamlet, Wilmington

Unit 81—Cary, Garner, Wake County

Unit 83—Asheville, Buncombe County, Henderson County

Unit 84—Charlotte

NORTH DAKOTA

Unit 85—Jamestown, Minot

OHIO

Unit 101—Bucyrus, Mansfield, Napoleon, Springfield Twp, Sylvania, Weller Twp

Unit 102—Bath Twp, Cleveland Heights, Jackson Twp, Kent, Mentor

Unit 103—Bexley, Centerville, Columbus, Dayton, Delaware, Kettering, Upper Arlington, Urbana, Westerville, Yellow Springs

OKLAHOMA

Unit 104—Broken Arrow, Ponca City, Sapulpa, Stillwater, Tulsa

Unit 105—Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Oklahoma City, The Village, Yukon

OREGON

Unit 106—Deschutes County, Hood River, Pendleton, Wallowa County

Unit 107—Beaverton, Clackamas County NW, Clackamas County South, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Tigard, Washington County South, West Linn

Unit 109—Benton County, Corvallis, Eugene, Lane County Central, Linn County, Springfield, Woodburn

Unit 110—Ashland, Coos County, Douglas County, Greater Grants Pass, Jackson County, Medford

PENNSYLVANIA

Unit 111—Bethlehem, Cheltenham Twp, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lower ‎Merian Merion‎ Twp, Philadelphia, Springfield Twp, Susquehanna Twp, Swarthmore, ‎Tredyfrin Tredyffrin‎ Twp

Unit 112—Monroeville Borough, Pittsburgh

RHODE ISLAND

Unit 113—Hopkinton Town, North Smithfield Town, Warwick

SOUTH CAROLINA

Unit 114—Aiken, Lexington County North, North Augusta

Unit 119—Lydia

Unit 124—Florence

Unit 129—Conway, Horry County

Unit 133—Spartanburg, Spartanburg County

Unit 134—Ft. Mill, Rock Hill

Unit 135—Summerville

Unit 136—North Charleston

Unit 137—St. Helena Island

Unit 139—Clemson, Greenville, Greenville County, Greenwood County North, Pickens County

SOUTH DAKOTA

Unit 140—Custer, Rapid City

TENNESSEE

Unit 142—Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Knoxville, Maryville

Unit 143—Brentwood, Hendersonville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Rutherford County, Smyrna, Wilson County

TEXAS

Unit 93—El Paso

Unit 144—Austin, Round Rock, Travis County, Williamson County

Unit 145—Bexar County, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, San Antonio

Unit 146—Allen, Denison, Denton, Flower Mound, Lewisville, McKinney, Plano, The Colony

Unit 147—Tyler

Unit 148—Bedford, Benbrook, Colleyville, Ft. Worth, Grapevine, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Waco

Unit 149—Carrollton, Dallas, Duncanville, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Richardson

Unit 150—College Station, Galveston, League City, Missouri City, Texas City, The Woodlands

Unit 151—Baytown, Bellaire, Harris County NW, Harris County SW, Houston, La Porte, Pasadena, West University Place

Unit 152—Graham, Odessa

Unit 153—Corpus Christi, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, Victoria

UTAH

Unit 154—Bountiful, Logan, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Sandy

VERMONT

Unit 159—Bennington Town, Brattleboro, Fairfax Town, Hartford Town, Montpelier, Norwich, Rochester Town, Shoreham Town

VIRGINIA

Unit 155—Fairfax County Central South, Fairfax County NW, Fairfax County West, ‎Fauqier Fauquier‎ County, Great Falls, Greater Vienna, Herndon, Loudoun County, Reston, Vienna

Unit 156—Arlington County, Fairfax County East, Falls Church, McLean, Mt. Vernon, Stafford County

Unit 157—Chesterfield County, James City County, Newport News, Portsmouth, Richmond, Virginia Beach

Unit 158—Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Nelson County, Roanoke County, Scottsville, Staunton

WASHINGTON

Unit 51—Greater Walla Walla, Kennewick, Moses Lake, Pasco, Pullman, Richland, Spokane, Spokane County CD No. 1, Spokane County CD No. 2, Wenatchee, West Richland, Yakima, Yakima County CD No. 1

Unit 160—Arlington, Bellingham, Everett, Lynnwood, Mt. Baker, Mukilteo, San Juan Island, Snohomish County SC, Snohomish County SE, Snohomish County SW, Whatcom County CD No. 3

Unit 161—Des Moines, Federal Way, Seattle, Shoreline

Unit 162—Auburn, Bellevue, Issaquah, Juanita, King County Central, King County NC, King County NE, Mercer Island, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville

Unit 163—Cowlitz County CD No. 3, Kitsap County Central, Kitsap County South, Klickitat County CD No. 1, Lakewood, Pierce County CD No. 1, Pierce County CD No. 2, Pierce County CD No. 3, Port Angeles, Raymond, Shelton, Tacoma, Thurston County East, Thurston County West, Tumwater, Vancouver

WEST VIRGINIA

Unit 167—Charleston, Morgantown, Princeton

WISCONSIN

Unit 164—Algoma, Appleton, De Pere, Eau Claire, Egg Harbor Twp, Green Bay, Knox Twp, Stevens Point, Wausau

Unit 165—Janesville, Madison, Middleton, Oshkosh, Sun Prairie

Unit 166—Brookfield, Cedarburg, Cudahy, Delafield, Glendale, Meeme Twp, Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Muskego, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Waukesha Twp, Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay

WYOMING

Unit 168—Cheyenne, Lander, Laramie [Page 18]

‘Retired’ Florida couple hardly ‘retiring’ when it comes to mentioning the Faith

Edna Marie Fechtner didn’t know what to expect when she placed an item in her mobile home park’s monthly newsletter inviting people to her home to study comparative religion.

To the delight of the Ellenton, Florida, Bahá’í, 13 people immediately responded.

What resulted was a 12-week series that covered eight religions and such topics as “The Soul,” “Role of Women,” and “Heaven and Hell.”

Those classes in early 1993 were followed by sessions this past November.

Mrs. Fechtner’s niece, Gail Meyer Selcuk, a recently returned pioneer, spoke on “Living in Turkey” and on Islam, and Gail’s husband spoke on his pilgrimage and the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

This time, attendance averaged 16 or 17 residents of the mobile home park.

Mrs. Fechtner hopes to continue the classes this fall when people return from their summer trips north.

Meanwhile, she and her husband responded to a recent request from the local Unitarian Fellowship for a presentation on the Faith.

Edna Marie and Ray Fechtner, Bahá’ís who live in retirement in Manatee County, Florida, but are hardly ‘retiring’ when it comes to teaching the Faith.

Mrs. Fechtner spoke for more than an hour, despite the fact that she was recovering from chemotherapy for bladder cancer.

Asked later if she was tired after such a challenging morning, Mrs. Fechtner replied, “Oh, no. I’m flying high! After a chance to talk about the Cause, it takes me a while to get back to earth.”

Readings in World Federalism includes five pages on life, work of Bahá’u’lláh, cites His call for a world government

The January-March issue of One Country, a quarterly publication of the Bahá’í International Community, included a review of the book Uniting Peoples and Nations—Readings in World Federalism, compiled by Barbara Walker.

The 364-page book is divided into three sections, the second of which contains passages not only from the best-known proponents of world ‎pece peace‎ and unity throughout history—such as Dante Alighieri, William Penn and Immanuel Kant—but also from those whose contributions are only now beginning to be acknowledged.

Included are five pages on the life and writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Ms. Walker notes that “as the founder and central figure of the Bahá’í Faith... his practical and ethical religious teachings have gained followers from all over the world.”

The readings that follow provide a concise overview of Bahá’u’lláh’s dramatic call, made more than 100 years ago, for the rulers of the world to recognize the essential oneness of humanity and to come together to establish the institutions of a united world that could enforce the collective security and pave the way for a new era of peace and prosperity for all.

A number of other early proponents of world federalism are profiled including nearly six pages devoted to the work of Chinese scholar K’ang Yu-Wei (1858-1927), who Ms. Walker notes “may have been the first person to set out such a comprehensive world government plan.”

Reno Bahá’í reads Council prayer

In July, the city council of Reno, Nevada, invited the Spiritual Assembly of Reno to recite the opening prayer at a city council meeting.

The secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Reno recited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for America and presented city council members with copies of the peace statement from The Universal House of Justice.

El Ruiseñor / The Nightingale

El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale is a bilingual (Spanish-English) Bahá’í publication sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and is distributed quarterly worldwide. It began in 1987 as a newsletter for the friends in the United States and today it is circulated throughout the many countries.

The editorial content is varied and includes items of interest to Bahá’ís such as current developments and goals of the Cause throughout the world, articles aimed at deepening our understanding of the Teachings, reports of victories in teaching in Hispanic and North American communities as well as articles and essays from individual believers.

The publication is distributed in the United States and abroad through subscriptions and donations. Subscriptions within the United States and Canada are $17.00 per year, and $20.00 per year internationally. El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale welcomes donations and subscriptions from Bahá’í institutions as well as from individual Bahá’ís.

Please send your subscription request to: El Ruiseñor/The Nightingale, P.O. Box 512, San Fernando, CA 91340

NAME:__________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________ STATE: ___________ ZIP: __________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

SAMAH SOHRAB, a Bahá’í who attends St. Francis High School in La Canada-Flintridge, California, has become the first junior in the school’s history to pass the BC (second year) Advanced Placement exam in Calculus. In 1993, Samah was the school’s first sophomore to pass the AB (first year) calculus exam. A National Honor Society member, he will be taking second year college courses in differential equations and linear algebra while completing his senior year at St. Francis.

JOSEPH WHITE, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Gresham, Oregon, has received the prestigious McCoy Award at Centennial Middle School. The award, accompanied by a $200 prize, is given to the student who exhibits both leadership and academic qualities that might otherwise be overlooked.

JENNIFER WELBORN, a Bahá’í from Amherst, Massachusetts, who teaches seventh grade at Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow, was honored in May as co-recipient of a Teacher Incentive Award presented in Boston by A World of Difference Institute “in recognition of New England teachers who [have] developed exemplary programs to heighten awareness and appreciation of diversity.” Jennifer and a co-worker, Martha Jenkins, developed and are teaching an elective course, “Beneath the Surface,” that addresses and debunks stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination and the various “isms” that divide our society. The two teachers have also established a Diversity Committee at the school composed of students, teachers, faculty, parents and community representatives.

AMBER LOUISE HARRIS, a 15-year-old Bahá’í who attends Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, is included in the 1992-93 edition of Who’s Who Among American High School Students and has been nominated for this year’s edition. An honor roll student, she serves as a hospital aide, sings in the school chorus, has earned the President’s Academy Fitness Award, and does volunteer work with the University of Montana’s wildlife management program.

KATHRYN JALAL SMITH, a 13-year-old Bahá’í who was recently graduated from Bloomington (Illinois) Junior High School, received the Ray A. Kroc Youth Achievement Award, given to a student for “all-around excellence in citizenship, leadership, scholarship and extracurricular activities.” An honor roll student, she is a member of the National Honor Society and an active member of the Central Illinois Bahá’í Youth Workshop, “The Candles of the Covenant.”

SAMAN SHARIFAIE-ARABI, a young Bahá’í from Wichita, Kansas, who maintained a 4.0 grade-point average as a fifth-grade student at Funston Elementary School, received the President’s Academic Fitness Award, was in the school orchestra and rocket club, and was a school representative for the DARE program. [Page 19]

Children have role in achieving entry by troops

To the Editor:

At a recent Core Curriculum teacher-training workshop at the Louhelen school, a number of ideas were shared about how children could help win the goals of the Three Year Plan concerning entry by troops by proclaiming the Faith in their schools and neighborhoods.

As a participant, I was asked to send the list for possible inclusion in The American Bahá’í. Children could:

• Wear Bahá’í buttons. An activity could involve their actually making their own buttons.
• Wear Bahá’í T-shirts, caps and/or jewelry. This will often lead to questions and give Bahá’í children opportunities to teach.
• Offer gifts to their teachers during Ayyám-i-Há (such as a Bahá’í music tape).
• Place Bahá’í stickers on their bicycles, lunch boxes, book bags, etc.
• Form a “Peacemakers’ Club,” meet in a public place and wear Bahá’í T-shirts.
• Sponsor dance and drama presentations, and invite their friends to take part.
• Go on nature hikes with friends and point out the Kingdoms of God.
• Give firesides for their friends and/or teachers.
• Set personal teaching goals.
• Become “assistant teachers” for younger children.
• Donate Bahá’í books to the school library.
• Invite a non-Bahá’í friend to help decorate their home for a Bahá’í Holy Day.

And if children are absent from school on a Holy Day, a parent should write a letter to the school explaining the reason for the absence.

Carolyn Stalcup Brentwood, Tennessee

Bahá’ís succeed in having Holy Day absences excused

To the Editor:

California law states that local School Boards can authorize Bahá’í Holy Days as excused absences for Bahá’í students. The Boards may choose to deny such a request, but they seldom do.

Representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Prunedale met recently with the North Monterey County School Board and asked that their children be given excused absences for Bahá’í Holy Days.

After a discussion that centered around the fact that the local district is not reimbursed by the state for such absences, the Board voted to approve the Assembly’s request. The Board did ask that we write to the state Superintendent of Schools to ask that religious holidays be reimbursed as any other excused absence.

Not only was the meeting successful in establishing an official school policy with respect to all religious holidays, but all of the School Board members, principals and teachers have heard of the Faith in a positive manner.

I would encourage all Bahá’í Groups and Assemblies to ask that their local School Board enact a similar policy.

Richard Martin Prunedale, California

DJ finds choirs ‘heavenly’

To the Editor:

I enjoyed reading the two letters (April 9) about the Bahá’í Gospel Choir’s compact disc, “We Have Come to Sing Praises.”

As a recent convert to the Faith who works as a country, gospel and inspirational music disc jockey at radio station WHOW in Clinton, Illinois, it is a pleasure to report that we have that CD in our music library, and that I use it frequently on my programs.

We also have the Bahá’í Chorale’s cassette tape, “Songs of the Ancient Beauty,” and I am putting it to good use here at WHOW. I have received some very favorable comments from listeners about the above-mentioned materials; some of my listeners have started asking me questions about the Faith as a result of my playing them, and several have even told me that the Bahá’í Chorale is what they would envision a heavenly choir to sound like.

We also have Dan Seals’ compact disc, “Walking the Wire,” which includes the song “We Are One,” written by Dan himself with some of the lyrics taken from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. For those who haven’t yet heard it, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking number.

Jon R. Whitrock Clinton, Illinois

Science association?

To the Editor:

I was wondering if there is an association for Bahá’ís involved in science and for those interested in understanding the mysteries of the universe.

If not, I think it is important that we establish one. This would at least give us a boost to get closer to the “holy grail” of “true understanding,” the harmony between science and religion.

Safa Sadeghpour Santa Monica, California

LETTERS POLICY

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

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

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Congress keeps heat on Iran

Continued from page 1

The letters to the President and Secretary of State follow passage of the most recent Congressional resolution by the House of Representatives on April 19, which condemns the Iranian government’s continuing persecution of the Bahá’ís.

The Senate adopted unanimously an identical resolution last November 17.

The 1993-94 resolutions are the sixth since 1982 passed by the U.S. Congress protesting the treatment of the Bahá’í community in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for External Affairs, said, “The National Assembly is grateful for the action taken by members of both Houses of Congress.

“These appeals demonstrate the abiding concern of the U.S. government for the plight of the Iranian Bahá’ís, who seek only to practice their religion freely.”

The question: why isn’t U.S. Bahá’í community growing faster?

To the Editor:

The question: What will best remedy our budget deficit? The answer: More American Bahá’ís.

Our National Assembly correctly perceives greater numbers of American Bahá’ís as the remedy for our projected worldwide budget deficit. But slow numerical growth is a long-standing problem in this country with an apparently elusive solution.

For 20 years or more the American Bahá’í community has grown so slowly as not even to keep up with the rate of increase in the country’s over-all population.

If exhorting us to teach were the answer, would the problem still exist?

No. If the solution were so obvious, we’d have solved the problem long ago.

In school, teachers and textbooks stated problems clearly and left no doubt as to what the answers were.

Real-life problems can be vastly more mysterious and complicated. Seeing a difficulty we need to address is not always the same as knowing what the real problem is. In a real-life situation, the tricky part can sometimes be to find the right question.

Why has the American Bahá’í community been experiencing nearly arrested growth for so long?

Isn’t this the question?

Until we can answer it, what happens to our budget?

Carl Harrison Spokane, Washington [Page 20]

نشریات مؤسسه معارف بهائی به لسان فارسی

معرفی کتاب

مجموعهٔ مقالات

در ضمن آثار واصله به مؤسسه معارف بهائی مقالات، رسائل و جزواتی مفید، به ظاهر مختصر و به باطن پرمحتوی واصل گردیده است. مؤسسه بر آن شد که رسائل و مقالات مزبور را در مجموعه‌ای گرد آورده و برای یاران عزیز فارسی‌زبان چاپ و منتشر نماید.

اولین مجموعه از چنین آثار که جزء سری جزوات مطالعه معارف بهائی منتشر گردیده در یکصد و نود صفحه متضمن هشت اثر از نویسندگان بهائی: دکتر بهروز ثابت، دکتر پرویز روحانی، دکتر سیروس علائی، دکتر عبدالمیثاق قدیریان، الهام افنان، دکتر هوشنگ رأفت و دکتر وحید رأفتی می‌باشد که در مواضیع روشن و شرایط روحانی در تحقیقات بهائی و بزرگداشت صدمین سال صعود جمال اقدس ابهی و مطالعه کتاب اقدس و الواح وصایای حضرت عبدالبهآء در ارتباط با نظم اداری بهائی و شداید و بلایا و جنبه‌های روانی و روحانی آن و آینده جهان و مبانی مشترک ادیان و چند ضرب‌المثل در آثار مبارکه می‌باشد.

البته مقالات و آثاری که در این مجموعه عرضه می‌شود چه از نظر موضوع و چه از نظر سبک نگارش یک‌دست نیست، ولی هر یک در حد خود جالب و قابل استفاده می‌باشد و جمع آنها در یک مجموعه تنوعی دلپذیر به آن می‌بخشد که یقین است مورد توجه خوانندگان قرار خواهد گرفت. مؤسسه معارف بهائی امیدوار است که از این پس نیز هر ساله به چاپ و انتشار چنین مجموعه‌ای موفق گردد.

پیروزی یک عقیده

داستانی که در صفحات محدود این کتاب به نظر خوانندگان می‌رسد نخستین اثر سرکیس مبانجیان، نویسنده مشهور ارمنی است که به فارسی ترجمه شده است.

آن طور که نویسنده داستان اظهار می‌دارد این حکایت ماجرائی واقعی است که در دوران انقلاب مشروطیت ایران در شهر تبریز به وقوع پیوسته ولی به علت وقایع جاری انقلاب ناشناخته باقی مانده است.

قهرمان این داستان بهائی گمنام و بی‌گناهی است که به خاطر اعتقادات دیانتی خود به فتوای مجتهد وقت به طرز فجیعی به شهادت رسیده و جان خود را فدای عقاید بشردوستانه خود نموده است.

داستانی که در صفحات کتاب بازگو شده فقط یکی از هزارها واقعه مشابه دیگر است که یکصد و پنجاه سال در ایران تکرار شده و لابد باز هم تکرار خواهد شد و بخش مهمی از تاریخ اجتماعی و دینی ایران یعنی ظهور دیانت بهائی را که با تعالیم نو و اصلاح‌گرای خود مفهوم تازه‌ای از دین ارائه داشته و شیوه نوی در تفکر دینی ثمره تشکیل می‌دهد.

در بخش دیگری از این کتاب چند شخصیت از ملیت‌های مختلف که دیانت بهائی را با آرمان‌های خود موافق یافته و نسبت به آن اظهار نظر نموده و یا به آن گرویده‌اند، به صورت مختصر و بعنوان نمونه معرفی شده‌اند.

این کتاب در بیش از یکصد صفحه به کوشش ف. بهگرا و توسط مؤسسه معارف بهائی طبع و در دسترس دوستان گذاشته شده است.

تلفن مؤسسه معارف بهائی: ۳۰۴۰-۶۲۸ (۹۰۵)

حقوق‌الله

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

Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402	Dr. Elsie Austin 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, #612 Silver Spring, MD. 20901
Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116

آثار مبارکه حضرت نقطه اولی

WRITINGS OF THE BAB

نوشته دکتر آهنگ ربانی

(ادامه از شماره قبل)

دیگر از آثار قیمه نازله در قلعهٔ ماکو کتاب دلائل السبع است که از مهم‌ترین آثار استدلالی حضرت شمرده شده و دارای بیانی فصیح و تبیانی بلیغ و مضامینی بدیع و براهینی متقن و متین است.

این سفر جلیل بوسیلهٔ مسیو نیکلا به زبان فرانسوی ترجمه و به سال ۱۹۰۲ میلادی طبع و انتشار یافته است.

دلایل سبعه از نظر استدلال بسیار شبیه به کتاب مستطاب ایقان است که اصول استدلال در این دو اثر امنع اعلی احتجاج به آیات الهی و تشریح دلائل متقنه مظاهر قدس رحمانی است. دلائل مبارکه که مفصلاً بیان گشته‌اند درباره حجیت و دلیلیت آیات رحمانی است و به ترتیب عبارتند از:

۱- هیچ کس غیر از خداوند قادر نیست که آیات الهیه را نازل فرماید.

۲- در قرآن دلیلی غیر از نزول وحی و صدور آیات بر حقانیت رسول‌الله اقامه نگردیده که مردمان در مقابل آیات الهی ناتوان مانده به عجز خود و قدرت خداوند معترف گشتند.

۳- آیات الهی بزرگ‌رین دلیل بر حقانیت انبیای رحمانی است که آثار پیام‌آور متأخر از آیات نبی متقدم اعظم است: "اگر آیات قرآنی اعظم از آیات کل انبیاء نبوده، چگونه به آن نسخ شده کتب آنها؟"

۴- آیات الهی دلیل کافی و قطعی بر صحت رسالت انبیاء است.

۵- هیچ دلیل به جز آیات الهی قابل قبول نیست که معجزات هرگز مورد تحدی مظاهر امرالله نبودند: "نفس قرآن بنفسه کفایت می‌کند از کل معجزات دیگر."

۶- همه مردمان از نازل کردن آیات الهی عاجز و ناتوان هستند که در مدت ۱۲۶۰ سال کسی مدعی وحی و نزول آیات رحمانی نشد.

۷- قدرت و عظمت آیات الهی به بقا و نفوذ آنها در دل و جان مقبلان ثابت و مبرهن است و هدایت مردمان بغیر از نزول و تلاوت آثار رحمانیه معقول و متصور نگردد.

در ضمن تشریح این دلائل هفتگانه حقایق و نکات و لطائفی روحانی و معنوی تبیین یافته است.

حضرت ولی امرالله جل سلطانه می‌فرمایند:

٤- کتاب الروح

حضرت نقطهٔ اولی در نفس آن کتاب مستطاب آن را اعظم‌الکتب نامیده‌اند، بقوله تبارک و تقدس: "و اعلم کتاب الروح فأنه اعظم الکتب."

این کتاب مجید در مراجعت از سفر مکه و در سفر کشتی و ما بین مسقط و بوشهر نازل گردیده است. این کتاب کریم مشتمل بر ۷۰۰ سوره بوده و گویا هر سوره‌ای ۱۰ آیه و یا آنکه مجموعاً حاوی ۷ هزار آیه بوده است.

فاضل جلیل و شهید مجید جناب بدیع‌الله فرید نسخه‌ای از این سفر قویم را در اختیار داشته که با مرکب قرمز نوشته شده و شامل ۱۰۰ سوره بوده. همچنین نسخهٔ دیگری که مشتمل بر ۴۱۲ سوره بوده مورد مطالعه و تحقیق قرار داده است که مرقوم فرموده "از آیات نقطهٔ اولی جل ذکره الاعظم در سوره‌های کوچک متعدد می‌باشد، ولی متأسفانه تعداد آیات را در هر سوره معلوم ننموده‌اند."

نیکلا در کتاب تاریخ خود آورده است که "این کتاب را در موقع توقیف حضرت باب در شیراز گرفته و در چاهی انداخته‌اند. بعدها که بیرون آمد متن آن خراب و بعضی از قسمت‌های آن خوانده نمی‌شد."

اینک آیاتی چند از کتاب مستطاب زیارت می‌کنیم، قوله المتعالی الاحلی:

"ان ادخلوا البيت من شطر الباب على صراط عزيز حميد و لقد انزلنا من قبل آيات في ذكر يوسف من لوح لعل الناس بآياتنا يهتدون."

"انما الدين في ايام ذكر اسم ربك حكم الذكر من لدنا و كان الله ربك لقوى حكيم."

"الحمدلله الذى قد نزل الروح على من يشاء من عباده و انه لا اله الا هو العزيز الحكيم."

٥- صحیفه عدلیه یا رساله عدلیه

به احتمال زیاد این کتاب مستطاب اولین اثر مقدسی است که بعد از اظهار امر مبارک به زبان فارسی نازل گردیده است. این مصحف جلیل بعد از مراجعت حضرت نقطهٔ اولی جل ثنائه از سفر مکه و ورودشان به شیراز نازل گردیده است و در آن به سال ۱۲۶۲ اشاره می‌فرمایند که تاریخ تقریبی نزول آن را معلوم می‌دارد.

این سفر کریم با این آیات مبارکات آغاز می‌گردد:

"باب الاول في ذكر الله عز و جل

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم، حمد و سپاس وصف جمال ذاتى است که لم یزل بوده یگانه فرد بدون وجود شیئی با او" [Page 21]می‌خواهیم که از همة فرصت‌های ممکن اعم از پخش برنامه‌هائی از طریق رسانه‌ها و دیپلماسی و درخواست‌های عمومی برای اظهار نگرانی ما برای جامعة بهائی ایران استفاده کنند.

از رهبری شما در این کوشش مهم سپاسگزاری می‌نمائیم.

با تقدیم احترام اعضای کنگره: تام لنتوس، جان ادوارد پورتر، لی همیلتن، بنجامین گیلمن

برنامه مطالعاتی به یادبود حاج مهدی ارجمند

HAJ MEHDI ARJMAND SCRIPTURE CONFERENCE

مجامع مطالعه در آثار مقدسه مجمع عرفان

با همکاری دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/ایرانی

نخستین مجمع مطالعه آثار مقدسه به زبان فارسی (سومین سمینار از مجامع مطالعه آثار مقدسه) از ۱۴ تا ۱۶ اکتبر ۱۹۹۴ در مدرسه بهائی گرین ایکر Green Acre در ایالت Maine منعقد خواهد شد.

این مجمع فرصتی به دست خواهد داد که نتیجه تحقیقات مربوط به آثار مقدسه امر بهائی یا اطلاعات مربوط به کتب مقدسه سایر ادیان در ارتباط با امر بهائی در جمع پژوهشگران مطرح گردد.

دوستانی که مایلند در این مجمع حضور یابند باید تا آخر ماه سپتامبر برای ثبت نام با دفتر مدرسه گرین ایکر تماس حاصل نمایند.

شماره تلفن مدرسه ۷۲۰۰-۴۳۹ (۲۰۷) و شماره فکس آن ۷۲۰۲-۴۳۹ (۲۰۷) است.

برنامه با شام روز جمعه ۱۴ اکتبر شروع خواهد شد و بعد از ناهار روز یکشنبه ۱۶ اکتبر خاتمه خواهد یافت.

مدرسه گرین ایکر در قسمت جنوبی ایالت مین کنار جادة I-95 واقع و نشانی آن به قرار زیر است: Green Acre Bahá’í School 188 Main Street Eliot, ME. 03903

دوستانی که با هواپیما سفر کنند می‌توانند با اتوبوس‌های C & J Trailways که تقریباً هر ساعت از فرودگاه لوگان (Logan) در شهر بوستن در ایالت ماساچوست) حرکت می‌کند، به شهر پورتس‌ماوت Portsmouth (در ایالت نیوهمشر New Hampshire) بروند و از آنجا با دفتر مدرسه تماس بگیرند تا وسیله نقلیه‌ای برای بردنشان به محل مدرسه فرستاده شود. اگر وسیله نقلیه مدرسه موجود نباشد باید با تاکسی به محل مدرسه رفت.

قیمت بلیط اتوبوس ۱۶ دلار و مزد تاکسی از پورتس ماوت تا محل مدرسه ۱۰ دلار است.

ترتیب سفر باید چنان باشد که حتی‌المقدور تا ساعت ۶ بعد از ظهر به مدرسه وارد شد. بدین ترتیب لازم است پرواز کسانی که با هواپیما سفر می‌کنند، تا ساعت ۳ بعد از ظهر به فرودگاه بوستون رسیده باشد.

در هر حال بهتر است دوستان ساعت ورود خود را به دفتر مدرسه اطلاع دهند زیرا در تمام ساعات کسی برای پذیرائی از تازه‌واردان و راهنمائی آنان به محل اقامت آماده نخواهد بود.

مخارج ثبت نام و اتاق و خوراک برای ۲ روز ۱۴۰ دلار است و هنگام ثبت نام لازم است ۵۰ دلار پیش‌پرداخت شود.

احباء و وحدت نژادی

RACE UNITY

آقای گری نیبور Gary Neibur شهردار ادواردزویل Edwardsville در ایالت ایلینوی از احباء درخواست کرده است که طرحی برای وحدت نژادی برای شهر تهیه کنند.

آقای شهردار به دنبال یک راهپیمائی که توسط اعضای کوکلاکس کلن Ku Klux Klan (که با دادن حقوق مدنی به ‎سیاهنان سیاهان‎ مخالفند) صورت گرفت و احساسات بسیاری را برانگیخت و مخارج هنگفتی به بار آورد، دست استمداد به سوی احباء دراز کرد.

شهردار قبلی ادواردزویل به اطلاع آقای نیبور رسانده بود که بهائیان بر مسائلی چون صلح و وحدت تاکید می‌کنند و راه حل‌هایی دارند.

بدین ترتیب آقای شهردار در یکی از جلسات شهر که با حضور ۶ نماینده بهائی تشکیل می‌شد، از احباء درخواست کرد که کارگاههائی workshops برای آگاه ساختن کارمندان شهرداری و نیروی پلیس تشکیل دهند.

همچنین آقای شهردار اظهار داشت که سازمان جوانان مسیحی شهر YMCA نیز که خود او ریاست آن را بر عهده دارد خواهد توانست از کارگاه‌های مشابهی بهره برگیرد. آقای نیبور همچنین از احباء درخواست کرد که در کلوب روتاری Rotary و دبیرستان و در میان دیگر گروه‌ها نیز سخنرانی‌هائی ترتیب دهند.

در عوض شهردار تعهد کرد که خود و رئیس دانشگاه ادواردزویل بعنوان ناطق در جلسات عمومی احباء سخنرانی کنند و به درخواست احباء موافقت کرد که جلسات عمومی از تلویزیون پخش شود.

در خاتمه آقای نیبور پرسید آیا کسی از احباء هست که بخواهد در گروه روابط انسانی شهرداری کار کند؟ همه احباء جواب مثبت دادند و اسامی و نشانی کسانی که اظهار علاقه کرده بودند به شهردار داده شد.

در پایان جلسه آقای نیبور گفت هر کاری از دستش بر بیاید انجام خواهد داد.

جالب اینجاست که محفل ادواردزویل به مدت یک سال سعی کرده بود که با شهردار ملاقات کند و دست آخر او بود که با احباء تماس گرفت و درخواست کمک کرد!

در ماه جون سال جاری ۴ نمایش درباره تعصبات نژادی در حظیرة‌القدس نیویورک توسط گروهی بازیگر به اجرا در آمد.

تماشاگران در هر یک از این نمایشنامه‌ها با وضعی روبرو می‌شدند که در آن یک اختلاف نژادی شدت بیشتری به خود می‌گرفت و درست قبل از اینکه خشونتی ظاهر شود نمایش متوقف می‌شد و تماشاگران در گروه‌های ۶ تا ۱۲ نفری به بحث می‌پرداختند.

سپس با کمک کسانی که اداره گروه را بر عهده داشتند از هر گروه خواسته می‌شد که علت اختلاف را پی‌جوئی کنند و راه‌حلهائی را که داشتند ارائه دهند و پایان نمایش را خودشان بنویسند.

سپس پایان نمایشنامه‌ها به همه تماشاگران ارائه می‌شد و آن یک را که اکثر می‌پسندیدند به بازیگران می‌دادند که فی‌البداهه به نمایش بگذارند.

در هر یک از این نمایش‌ها حدود ۱۰۰ نفر شرکت داشتند که برای برنامه‌های حظیرة‌القدس تعداد قابل ملاحظه‌ای است.

اما ارزش اصلی این نمایش‌ها در تعداد شرکت‌کنندگان نبود، بلکه در تأثیری بود که در آنها می‌گذاشت.

حتی بعضی از بازیگران که بیشترشان غیربهائی بودند، به صرافت افتاده بودند که چگونه با مشکلات نژادی موجود در شهری مثل نیویورک روبرو شوند و به چه نحوی آن را در زندگی خود حل و فصل کنند.

انتخاب بازیگران بر اساس علاقه آنها به رفع مشکلات نژادی بود و تمام کسانی که انتخاب شدند بدون دریافت پول کار می‌کردند.

بسیاری از بازیگران نام امر مبارک را نشنیده بودند اما چون مراسم انتخاب در حظیرة‌القدس اجرا می‌شد از جزواتی که مجاناً در اختیارشان گذاشته شده بود استفاده کردند. یکی از بازیگران که جزو انتخاب شدگان هم نبود، آنقدر علاقه‌مند شد که در یک جلسه تبلیغی شرکت کرد.

بسیاری از بازیگران پس از پایان نمایش‌ها به حظیرة‌القدس باز گشته‌اند و گفته‌اند که احساس می‌کنند در خانه خود هستند.

برنامه تغییر کارت‌های سبز

RENEWAL OF “GREEN CARDS”

جهت تبعیت از احکام صادره از اداره مهاجرت ایالات متحده همه کسانی که اجازه اقامت دائم (کارت سبز green card) خود را پیش از سال ۱۹۷۸ گرفته باشند باید آن را تا قبل از ۲۰ سپتامبر سال جاری تجدید کنند و کارت جدید را دریافت دارند.

متقاضیان باید فرم I-90 را تکمیل کنند و آن را همراه با عکس و ۷۵ دلار تسلیم اداره مهاجرت کنند.

توصیه می‌شود دوستانی که پیش از سال ۱۹۷۸ کارت اقامت دائم گرفته باشند جهت کسب اطلاعات بیشتر با دفاتر اداره مهاجرت در محل سکونت خود تماس حاصل نمایند.

ضمناً اطلاع حاصل شده است که در قانون جدیدی که در دست تهیه و تصویب است، فقط کسانی که تابعیت امریکا را داشته باشند خواهند توانست از بیمه‌های اجتماعی و بهداشتی استفاده کنند و افرادی که تنها اقامت دائم (گرین کارت) دارند از این مزایا محروم خواهند بود.

دفاتر محفل روحانی ملی خواهند کوشید که اطلاعات دقیق‌تری به دست آورند و در صفحات این نشریه آن را به آگاهی یاران گرامی برسانند. [Page 22]ترجمه

پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۶ جولای ۱۹۹۴

یاران عزیز الهی،

با کمال خوشوقتی خبر دیدار عالیجناب فرانس آلبرت رنه، رئیس جمهور مجمع‌الجزایر سی‌شلّز را از مرکز جهانی بهائی در ۲۲ و ۲۳ جولای به اطلاع آن عزیزان می‌رسانیم.

معظّم‌له در تالار اجلاس بیت‌العدل اعظم مورد استقبال اعضای محترم قرار گرفت و حسب تقاضای ایشان مشاوراتی با روح و صفا و مودت درباره ‎مواضیع موضوعات‎ مربوط به صلح جهانی و مقابله با مشکلات توسعه و عمران در جزایر سی‌شلّز صورت گرفت که نزدیک دو ساعت ادامه یافت.

حضور همسر رئیس جمهور بانو سارا، و الا، دختر خردسال ایشان و نیز والدین بانو سارا، سرکار خانم و جناب عبدالرحمن زرقانی مایه خوشنودی فراوان گردید. همسر رئیس جمهور و والدین ایشان بهائی هستند و جناب زرقانی از فارسان امر حضرت بهاءالله در مجمع‌الجزایر سی‌شلّز محسوب می‌گردند.

طی دو روز اقامت در مرکز جهانی رئیس جمهور و همراهانشان به زیارت روضهٔ مبارکه و مقام اعلی و بعضی از اماکن متبرکه در ارض اقدس توفیق یافتند و در اولین شب اقامتشان در ضیافت شامی که به افتخار ایشان در تالار پذیرائی مقر بیت‌العدل اعظم ترتیب یافت، شرکت نمودند. در این مهمانی که به حضور حضرات ایادی امرالله، امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم و جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن مزین بود، شهردار حیفا و همسر مشارٌالیه نیز حضور داشتند. در تمام مدت دیدار، رئیس جمهور سی‌شلّز از انطباق تعالیم بهائی با مقتضیات زمان و همچنین کمک‌های جامعهٔ بهائی در سی‌شلّز با کمال حرارت یادآوری و قدردانی کردند.

این رویداد تاریخی دوران آینده‌ای را که حضرت ولی امرالله پیش‌بینی فرموده بودند، به نحوی محسوس نزدیک‌تر می‌سازد، یعنی زمانی که "تاجداران عظام" از اطراف و اکناف جهان با شور و شوق از مرکز جهانی امر حضرت بهاءالله بازدید خواهند کرد.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

نامهٔ اعضای کنگره امریکا به رئیس جمهور

درباره تضییقات احبای ایران US CONGRESS DEFENDS THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF IRAN

روز ۲۱ جولای سال جاری اعضای کمیتهٔ روابط خارجی مجلس سنای امریکا در طی نامه‌ای خطاب به رئیس جمهور امریکا به مشارٌالیه توصیه کردند که ایالات متحده همچنان به رهبری کوشش‌هایی که برای رهائی جامعهٔ بهائی ایران از بند تضییقات به عمل می‌آید، ادامه دهد.

سناتورهائی که نامهٔ مذکور را امضاء کرده بودند عبارتند از: آقای کلیبورن پل Claiborne Pell از ایالت رُدآیلند Rhode Island، رئیس کمیتهٔ روابط خارجی و آقای کرستوفر داد Christopher Dodd و آقای جوزف لیبرمن Joseph Lieberman هر دو از ایالت کنتیکت Connecticut و خانم ننسی کسه بام Nancy Kassebaum از ایالت کانزاس Kansas و آقای جان مک‌کین McCain از ایالت آریزونا.

پیش از این نامه نیز اعضای کمیتهٔ روابط خارجی مجلس نمایندگان نامه‌ای به تاریخ ۲۴ جون سال جاری خطاب به وزیر امور خارجه ایالات متحده آقای وارن کریستوفر Warren Christopher ارسال داشته بودند. اسامی نمایندگانی که نامه به امضایشان رسیده بود عبارت است از: آقای لی همیلتن Lee Hamilton رئیس کمیتهٔ روابط خارجی مجلس نمایندگان و آقای بنجامین گیلمن Benjamin Gilman هر دو از ایالت نیویورک و آقای جان پورتر Porter از ایالت ایلینوی و آقای تام لنتوس Tom Lantos (از کالیفرنیا) رؤسای مشترک گروه حقوق بشر مجلس نمایندگان.

دو نامهٔ مذکور به دنبال تصویب قطعنامه‌ای که مجلس نمایندگان به تاریخ ۱۹ آپریل سال جاری تصویب نمود، ارسال گردید. در قطعنامهٔ مجلس تضییقاتی که دولت ایران برای احباء ایجاد کرده، مورد اعتراض قرار گرفته است.

مجلس سنا نیز در ۱۷ نوامبر سال گذشته قطعنامهٔ مشابهی به اتفاق آراء تصویب نمود. از سال ۱۹۸۲ کنگره امریکا ۶ قطعنامه مبنی بر اعتراض به رفتار دولت ایران نسبت به بهائیان آن کشور تصویب کرده است.

دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده منشی روابط خارجی محفل روحانی ملی اظهار داشت که محفل ملی از اقدامات اعضای کنگره امریکا صمیمانه سپاسگزار است. ایشان گفت این قطعنامه‌ها نمایانگر نگرانی دولت امریکا از وخامت اوضاع بهائیان ایران است که فقط خواستار آنند که بتوانند آزادانه به اقتضای احکام دینشان عمل کنند.

ترجمه نامهٔ سناتورها

رئیس جمهور کاخ سفید واشنگتن دی‌سی

جناب رئیس جمهور گرامی،

غرض از نگارش این نامه آن است که توجه شما را به اقدامات قانونی اخیر مربوط به قطعنامه مشترک شماره ۳۱ مجلس سنا و مجلس نمایندگان که سال پیش آن را ارائه کردیم، معطوف نمائیم. بر مبنای آن قطعنامه از ایران خواسته شد که به تضییقات علیه جامعهٔ بهائی خاتمه دهد. این قطعنامه که با حمایت ۵۲ سناتور تهیه شده و مجلس سنا آن را در ماه نوامبر به اتفاق آراء تصویب کرده بود، روز ۱۹ آپریل با رأی ۴۱۴ به صفر توسط مجلس نمایندگان به تصویب رسید.

خوشوقتیم که کنگره از سال ۱۹۸۲ برای ششمین بار صلاح دیده است که نگرانی عمیق خود را در مورد فشارها و تضییقات رسمی که از زمان انقلاب ایران علیه بهائیان اعمال شده است، اظهار دارد. هر چند که شدت و خشونت تضییقات در سال‌های اخیر کاهش یافته است، نگرانیم که بهائیان -- بزرگترین اقلیت دینی ایران -- به علت اعتقادات دینیشان همچنان مورد ایذاء قرار می‌گیرند. در واقع این سیاست مطابق یک مدرک رسمی دولت ایران که سال گذشته آشکار شد، صریحاً بیان شده است.

می‌دانیم که شما نسبت به امر آزادی انسانی و حقوق مدنی در ایران علاقه و تعهدی دارید و مصمم بر آنید که اقداماتی به عمل آورید که این اهداف مهم حاصل شود. بدین جهت از شما تقاضا می‌کنیم که مساعی سیاسی خود را دربارهٔ بهائیان ادامه دهید و از طریق رادیوی "صدای امریکا" و دیگر طرق عمومی در حمایت از امر مدارای دینی و آزادی در ایران همچنان پایداری کنید.

از هر آنچه در خصوص جامعهٔ بهائی ایران انجام داده‌اید سپاسگزاری می‌کنیم و امید و انتظار داریم که در آینده نیز همچنان در خصوص این موضوع مهم با شما همکاری کنیم.

با تقدیم احترام سناتورهای ایالات متحده: کریستوفر داد، جوزف لیبرمن، ننسی لندن کسه بام، جان مک‌کین، کلیبورن پل

ترجمه نامهٔ اعضای مجلس نمایندگان

عالیجناب وارن کریستوفر وزیر امور خارجه وزارت امور خارجه واشنگتن دی‌سی

جناب وزیر محترم،

محترمانه خاطر شما را به قطعنامهٔ کنگره، قطعنامه مشترک مجلس سنا و مجلس نمایندگان شماره ۳۱ که در جوف این نامه است معطوف می‌داریم. مفاد قطعنامه مذکور دولت ایران را جهت تضییقات بهائیان مورد اعتراض قرار می‌دهد و از آن می‌خواهد که به جامعهٔ بهائی ایران حقوق دینی اعطاء نماید. این قطعنامه که از حمایت گستردهٔ هر دو حزب برخوردار بود روز ۱۷ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ در مجلس سنا با اتفاق آراء به تصویب رسید و روز ۱۷ آپریل نیز توسط مجلس نمایندگان با رأی ۴۱۴ به صفر تصویب شد.

امریکائیان توجه و علاقهٔ عمیقی نسبت به آزادی دینی نشان می‌دهند. بنابراین کنگره از دولت ایران می‌خواهد که با اعطاء حقوق دینی که در منشور عمومی حقوق بشر تضمین شده است، جامعهٔ بهائی ایران را از بند تضییقات رها سازد. نظر به اینکه فشارهای دولت ایران علیه بهائیان فقط به علل دینی است، کنگره از دولت می‌خواهد که به کوشش‌های خود جهت حمایت از حقوق بهائیان و دیگر اقلیت‌های دینی ادامه دهد.

چنانکه در قطعنامه آمده است "ایالات متحده رفتار دولت ایران را در زمینه حقوق بشر، به ویژه رفتار با جامعهٔ بهائی و دیگر اقلیت‌های دینی را عامل مهمی برای برقراری روابط بین ایالات متحده و ایران به شمار می‌آورد". بدین منظور از وزارت امور خارجه و رادیوی "صدای امریکا" و دیگر دوائر دولت ایالات متحده ... [Page 23]

In memoriam

In May, the Bahá’ís of Amador County, California (with help from the friends in Elk Grove and South Sacramento), made their first public proclamation of the Faith in the town of Ione (pop. 2,800) by taking part in the town’s annual Home-coming events which include a parade, rodeo, picnic, barbecue and art shows. The Bahá’í float in the parade proclaimed the themes ‘Flowers of One Garden’ and ‘Uniting the World—Bahá’í Faith.’ On board were children (including Hmong and Persian) singing ‘God Is One, Man Is One.’ The Bahá’ís also sponsored a booth at which literature was handed out and questions about the Faith were answered.

Need a fresh approach to teaching American Indians? Listen to talk in 1953 by the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker

By Michael Bigler

When daily cares and responsibilities bog us down and we find it difficult to teach, we need something that will bring home to us the reason for our teaching work.

One such revitalizing agent for me is a tape recording of a talk given by the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker shortly after she returned from pilgrimage and a visit with Shoghi Effendi in 1953.

It especially works when I feel that my teaching has become too “intellectual” and I want to put the fire back into my heart.

When I hear it, the first thing that grabs me—remember, it was recorded in 1953—is when she tells her listeners:

“For America, for the United States of America, he [the Guardian] said one driving thing over and over, that if we did not meet the challenging requirement of raising to a vast number the believers of the Negro race, disasters would result. And second, that it was now for us to arise and reach the Indians of this country. In fact, he went so far as to say on two occasions that this dual task is the most important teaching work on American shores today.”

Now, more than 40 years later, although we can’t say that we have done all that we could in either area of teaching, the number of Bahá’ís actively engaged in this pursuit is at last rapidly growing. This activity is bringing honor to those who take part in it and to those who make it possible for others to do so.

“Honor” is a term that sometimes has a larger meaning to many native people than it does to others, but definition is sometimes best accomplished by example. So what teaching work are we participating in that would bring this honor?

The Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker explained:

“Now, the dark-skinned people, he [the Guardian] said, would have an upsurge that is both spiritual and social. The spiritual upsurge will rapidly bring them great gifts because this is an act of God and it was so intended. And all the world’s prejudiced forces will not hold it back one hair’s breadth.

“The Bahá’í will glorify it and understand it. The social repercussions of race suppression around the world will increase at the same time, and, frightened, the world’s forces will see that the dark-skinned peoples are really rising to the top—a cream that has latent gifts only to be brought out by divine bounties.”

We can watch this come about and know that we have helped in it, or we can stand back and lose “this chance, this favorable juncture that is limitless grace” (Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, page 267) and know that we have done nothing to help bring about the spiritual and social upsurge of the dark-skinned races of America.

In fact, the Hand of the Cause Baker said this very thing when she reported that the Guardian asked, “Where do the Bahá’ís stand in this?”

Then she said, “Again and again he pointed out that the Bahá’ís must be in the vanguard of finding them and giving them the base. For the social repercussions will at times become dreadful if we do not, and we shall be judged by God.”

Have the social repercussions not already become dreadful enough? What more do we want to see happen to our brethren?

The social repercussions already are so dreadful that even non-Bahá’ís are becoming aware of the truth of what the Guardian said of the situation of the African-American people.

However, the Indian-American people might as well be the Invisible-American people, even to many Bahá’ís. Few people know much about real Indians: who they are, what their lives and values are like, or where they live.

How can we teach a people whom we don’t know? Certainly the schools in this country don’t teach us any reality about Indian people. “Indian” books on shamanism or secret knowledge or ancient sorcerers who talk to people in trances don’t, either.

The Master and the Guardian both gave advice on how to learn about the people we are to teach. (Read Tablets of the Divine Plan or A Special Measure of Love.) And there are certainly ample resource materials and resource people available through the agencies and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly.

What the Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker said about teaching the African- and Indian-Americans is summed up in this statement:

“I sat there judged by my Guardian, and I knew it. My sights were lifted immeasurably and I saw the vistas of these social repercussions, coming because of our spiritual negligence through the years. And I saw the Indian tribes dotted about this continent redeemed, waiting—waiting for an ‘Alí Nakhjavání [a present member of the Universal House of Justice who spearheaded mass teaching efforts in Africa while pioneering there in the 1950s]. Are the African friends going to have to come and awaken us for the dark-skinned races in our midst? God forbid, that even this coming year we fail in this.”

Legal residents must replace ‘green cards’ by September 20

To meet Immigration and Naturalization Service requirements, all legal permanent residents in the U.S. holding alien registration cards (“green cards”) issued before 1978 must replace them before September 20, 1994.

Applicants must submit a completed form I-90, photographs and a $75 fee (personal check or money order) in person. Fee waiver requests are available for those who cannot afford the fee.

The dates, locations and times of replacement programs can be determined by contacting the nearest INS office, refugee organizations, or volunteer agencies.

40 Bahá’ís consult in El Paso with Counselor Serrano, Auxiliary Board members, pledge $10,000-plus for Arc

Forty adult Bahá’ís who gathered June 12 at the Bahá’í Center in El Paso, Texas, for consultation with Counselor Arturo Serrano and Auxiliary Board members Carl Ewing and Jose Martinez arose as one and contributed or pledged, with great enthusiasm, more than $10,000 for the Arc Fund.

One “unit” for the Arc ($9,000) was raised in less than 15 minutes by Bahá’ís who are not well-to-do but have shown their willingness to sacrifice even more than they themselves had imagined they could.

Their act of love ended a spiritually uplifting weekend of dialogue between the friends and Counselor Serrano, the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.

Consultation was centered around the Universal House of Justice’s message on entry by troops and its soul-stirring letter of May 19 concerning its recent meeting with the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

On Sunday, the Counselor and others heard reports of several ongoing teaching projects as well as the important work being done by the Border Task Force and the loving cooperation of Bahá’ís on both sides of the border.

After raising more than one unit for the Arc, the friends pledged to increase the amount to at least five units ($45,000) by next Ridván.

IN MEMORIAM

Darrell Bradshaw Pasadena, TX July 23, 1994	Muriel Ramsey East China, MI June 27, 1994
Helen Hinzo Elfrida, AZ June 22, 1994	Lillian Rutstein Amherst, MA July 10, 1994
Tina Johnson Menominee Res. June 1994	Vertis Spigner Menlo Park, CA July 17, 1994
Ruby Lewis Hollywood, FL March 1994	Bruce Wessel Sr. Scottsdale, AZ July 9, 1994

[Page 24]

Calendar of events

Bahá’ís in Cortez, Colorado, marched behind this banner in the annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Parade held June 10-11. Holding the banner are (left to right) Carol Hitti, Donna Hartman, Ron Anitabile and Mike McGeichie.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

16-18: Chinese Weekend and Conference with Auxiliary Board members under Stephen Birkland, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information or to register, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

16-18: “Take Wings and Fly,” annual commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’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 Bahá’í Choir, singer/songwriter Yvonne Varis. Special program for youth conducted by Oscar DeGruy. Children’s classes, nursery available. For information, phone 303-928-0543.

16-18: Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í 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).

16-18: Annual meeting of the European Bahá’í Business Forum, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

22-25: The Creative Resolution of Conflict: A Conference for European Youth Organizations, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

23-25: LSA Team Building Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

25-October 1: Elderhostel, Bosch Bahá’í School. Phone 408-423-3387.

30-October 5: Annual meeting of the Association for Bahá’í Studies (German-Speaking), Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

OCTOBER

2: Conference to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mohandas K. Gandhi, University of Maryland, College Park. Co-sponsored by the university’s Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, Center for International Development and Conflict Management. For information about the conference, contact the Gandhi Institute in Memphis, Tennessee (phone 901-725-0815; fax 901-725-0846).

7-9: National Latino Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

9: Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of South Bend, Indiana, and the centenary of the establishment of the Faith in North America, Marriott Hotel, South Bend. Everyone interested in the history of the Faith in South Bend is invited to attend; in particular, former residents. For information, contact Dr. Mana Derakhshani, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of South Bend, South Bend, IN 46616 (phone 219-289-4467; fax 219-289-4673; e-mail

14-16: Annual meeting of the Bahá’í Justice Society, Tempe, Arizona.

14-16: Third Haj Mehdi Arjmand Scripture Conference (conducted in Persian), Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. For information, phone Robert H. Stockman, 708-733-3425.

14-16: Urban LSA Conference IV, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

20-23: Training program for Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA), Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL. Attendance by invitation.

20-23: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Training Institute, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, Illinois. Attendance by invitation.

21-23: Annual Campout, Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation near Houston, Texas. Guest speaker Mike Biegler, music by INKA. For information, contact Nazy Khadivian, Houston, TX 77099 (713-530-8663).

21-23: Kansas Bahá’í School, White Memorial Camp, Council Grove. Contact: Joyce Stohr, Topeka, KS 66601.

22: International Year of the Family Conference, Bahá’í Center, San Diego, California. Open forum panel, workshops with experts in the fields of family counseling, consulting, and education. Co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of San Diego County/UN Association/Interfaith Peacemakers. For information, phone Sharrie Miller, 619-656-1051.

28-November 2: Annual meeting of the International Society of Agriculture and Rural Development, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

NOVEMBER

4-6: Wisconsin Family Weekend, Byron Center. Contact Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

4-6: Fourth Haj Mehdi Arjmand Scripture Conference, De Poort, the Netherlands, with focus on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. For information, phone Robert H. Stockman, 708-733-3425.

18-22: Music Forum, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. Theme: “The Role of Music in a Changing World.” ‎Worskhops Workshops‎ conducted in English and German. For information, please contact Landegg Academy, CH-9405, Wienacht/AR, Switzerland.

24-27: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Ramada Inn, Tucson, Arizona. Speakers: Dr. Khalil and Sue Williston Khavari, Keyvan Geula, Dr. Nat Rutstein. Entertainment by Dan Seals and the Soul Folk Trio.

DECEMBER

8-11: Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

23-26: 10th annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. Guest speakers, entertainment, workshops, special classes for pre-youth. For hotel reservations, phone 800-233-1234 before December 10. For conference information, phone the GCBC hotline, 602-375-8082, from 7-9 p.m. Mountain time. Pre-registration is advised, as seating is limited during the main sessions and workshops.

‘Izzat B.E. 151 / SEPTEMBER 8, 1994