The American Bahá’í/Volume 25/Issue 17/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 25, Issue 17

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

‘At this mid-point in the Three Year Plan . . .’

To the Bahá’ís of the World

At this mid-point in the Three Year Plan, we feel moved to offer thanksgiving to Bahá’u’lláh on behalf of His followers in every land for the abundant, unfailing signs of His life-giving confirmations. We rejoice particularly at the significant response to the call for pioneers and traveling teachers and are heartened by the sacrificial outpourings in support of the majestic projects on the Mountain of the Lord.

The time now remaining is short indeed. Swift, concentrated action is imperative if crucial national goals are to be achieved in fulfillment of the vital over-all objectives of the Plan. We especially appeal to our fellow Bahá’ís everywhere to mount a mightier effort than ever before in offering the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to increasing numbers of their compatriots, and in inviting them to investigate and embrace His Cause. Growing suffering and turmoil of humankind call for a commensurate acceleration in the operation of the healing and unifying energies of God’s holy Cause.

The Universal House of Justice

October 20, 1994

QAWL B.E. 151 / NOVEMBER 23, 1994 VOLUME 25, NUMBER 17

‘Arc-raisers’ momentum is building

By Tom Mennillo

The level of commitment and talent in the American Bahá’í community continues to impress Mel Thomason. With good reason.

Results from the first of many Arc fund-raisers to be held across the South demonstrate anew the believers’ determination to help transform God’s Holy Mountain.

In Lakeland, Florida, Bahá’ís raised $46,000 in contributions and pledges for the Arc. The goal they had set was $27,000.

That same weekend, October 22-23, participants in the Alabama Fall Bahá’í School raised $274,399, topping their goal of $200,000.

Similar fund-raisers are scheduled for dozens of southern communities through spring.

They are being organized by Bahá’ís whom Mr. Thomason trained at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The training was modeled after Mr. Thomason’s own initiative in Asheville, North Carolina. It gave attendees the knowledge needed for consultation in their communities on how to turn the promise of the Arc into a reality.

“We’re doing something totally without precedence,” he said. “It requires us to think what it means to be a Bahá’í. We are told that if we but arise, confirmations will be there.”

In fact, the confirmations are proving to be so many that even Mr. Thomason is amazed: “When we started, I’m not sure we could have predicted this.”

He pointed to the heightened confidence in many communities. Goal amounts visualized during training are being bumped up—as much as $9 million, in one area—as communities recognize their capacity to sacrifice.

He noted as well the increased

See COMMUNITIES page 5

Above: Members of the Italian Bahá’í music group ‘Light in the Darkness’ give an impromptu performance on a street in Liepaja, Latvia. Left: Young Bahá’ís in the ‘Martha Root Project’ in Kraslava, Latvia. See articles on pages 12-13, 15.

Detroit-area Bahá’ís set goal of first metro entry by troops

On October 20, the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area declared their goal to become the first major metro area in the country to witness entry by troops.

The commitment was made, they stated in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly, “from a profound sense of duty and commitment and from the concerned realization that time is running out for our community in particular and for the American Bahá’í community in general to rise to meet the opportunities and needs before us.”

Each such area, they continue, “has the capacity to be the first major American metropolitan area to witness entry by troops.

The question, they say, “is not whether a metropolitan area can be the first...area for entry by troops. The question is will it be?”

The Bahá’í Writings, the statement concludes, “assure [us] that the American nation’s destiny is to ‘lead all nations spiritually.’ The Bahá’í world is waiting for this to occur. With the ardent desire of hastening this day, we commit ourselves to this goal.”

The statement is signed by the Spiritual Assemblies of Detroit, Southfield, Farmington, Oak Park, Canton Township and Ann Arbor, and by the Bahá’ís of Clinton Township, Mt. Clemens, Bloomfield Township, St. Clair Shores, Harper Woods, Addison Township, Washington Township, Troy, Wyandotte, Riverview, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Shores.

Homeless, poor aided by Odyssey

By Joyce Jackson

What began for Dave Labelle as a way to get to know people in his adopted hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, has mushroomed into the Odyssey Project, a significant grassroots effort to aid the working poor and homeless.

Labelle, originally from Montreal, Canada, moved to Nashville in August 1992 when his wife, Wendy, accepted a nursing position there.

He wanted to become involved with people in Nashville, and learned that volunteers were needed at Community Care Fellowship, an outreach program sponsored by the city’s United Methodist Urban Ministries. The group offers a variety of services to East Nashville, populated for the most part by housing projects and low-income families.

It was at CCF that Mr. Labelle met Don Stevens, who was employed by the Fellowship to manage a facility that offered meals and hot showers to homeless and/or transient men.

As Labelle volunteered his time at the Fellowship he and Mr. Stevens became close friends, talking often of the needs of the “working poor” and homeless: what kinds of services they needed to bridge the gap between what they were able and willing to do but lacked in basic necessities to acquire and keep jobs and housing.

As their friendship deepened Mr. Labelle introduced his friend to the Faith, and Mr. Stevens was subsequently enrolled as a Bahá’í.

Mr. Stevens knew from personal experience how the various social service agencies are scattered and do not network to give complete aid to those in transition; after losing his business when disabled by a back injury, he turned to the Community Care Fellowship for help.

When later he took a position with

See ODYSSEY page 13 [Page 2]

Woodburn campaign continues to evolve, expand

The highly successful Woodburn Teaching Project in Oregon continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the area and the changing resources available.

This past summer, teams of Bahá’ís went to several migrant labor camps to teach classes in English as a Second Language and to offer firesides. Through this satellite program, about 50 people had a fairly intensive exposure to the Faith.

Another new direction is a focus on the Ruhi teaching method. In September, many Bahá’ís were trained using this proven approach, which centers on intensive study and memorization of the Writings.

An advertising campaign focusing on the principles of the Faith is being planned for the local newspaper. Each ad will include an invitation to attend the many activities held at the Bahá’í Center.

Future teaching will concentrate more on the town of Woodburn itself through efforts to reach women, children and youth.

Ambitious plans for next summer are under way. Altogether, nine teams of at least three people each are proposed to carry out the plans for spring and summer 1995.

If the plans are approved by the sponsoring Assembly, five of these teams would be needed to visit the "campos," temporary rural camps in which the migrant workers live. These camp teams would be composed of Spanish-speaking Bahá’ís only.

The other teams could be a mixture of Spanish and English speakers. They would remain in Woodburn to offer children's classes and to staff the Bahá’í Center.

The Center is open six days a week from 1 to 9 p.m. More than 10,000 hot meals have been served to anyone who visits and needs food. ESL classes are offered on a nightly basis.

In all, 31 people and at least four vans and five or more cars would be needed to carry out the proposed plans. Since the agricultural workers begin arriving at the end of winter, at least 10 teachers would be required in early spring.

Youth and adults who are interested in serving in Woodburn in this exciting ongoing project are asked to contact Jan House, P.O. Box 136, Aurora, OR 97002 (home phone 503-678-5162; office phone 503-678-1085).

Woodburn Bahá’í Center soup kitchen serves 10,000th hot meal to needy; area newspapers take note of occasion

When the soup kitchen at the Woodburn, Oregon, Bahá’í Center served its 10,000th hot meal September 29, area newspapers took notice.

Articles in the Woodburn Independent and the Salem Statesman Journal noted that the meals have been served six days a week from 3 to 4:30 p.m. since June 1993.

The newspapers quoted Jan House, director of the Center, on how the kitchen grew out of a need in the community for a place where families, adults and children could enjoy a hot meal and take refuge from the elements.

On an average day, Mrs. House told the newspapers, 26 meals are served by Center volunteers. Tortillas are a favorite, as are chili and soup.

Some of the food is donated by area farmers and the Marion-Polk Food Share. Other operating funds come from the Woodburn and surrounding Bahá’í communities and from local residents.

As stated in the articles, those who receive food are not required to be Bahá’ís or even attend informational meetings on the Faith.

Likewise, the Center holds children's classes, literacy classes, nightly deepenings, firesides and conferences.

Bahá’ís of Lynchburg

In September, the Bahá’ís of Lynchburg, Virginia, had a booth at the city's Day in the Park celebration, a community gathering at which groups offer programs for children and adults. The Bahá’ís celebrated diversity by letting children color pictures of other children from around the world, and also had an action game to give other children something to do. The following week, the friends took part in a Religion Day program at Lynchburg College, offering literature and answering questions about the Faith.

Area meetings with Public Information Representatives set through February

If you are a local Public Information Representative, a member of a local Spiritual Assembly, or interested in public information/media work, you are encouraged to attend one of the regional Public Information Meetings that are continuing through February in a number of cities.

All meetings begin Saturday morning and end early Sunday afternoon. For more information, please contact the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of Public Information in New York City, 212-756-3500.

December 10-11: Atlanta, Georgia. Student Center Theatre, Georgia Institute of Technology. Contact Walter Canady, 404-758-2524.

December 17-18: Wichita, Kansas. Black Historical Society, 601 N. Water St. Contact David Freeman, 316-683-8851, or Liz Owens, 316-686-0151.

January 7-8: Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Road. Contact Shamil or Susan, 213-933-8291.

January 14-15: Seattle, Washington. Bahá’í Book and Information Center, 5049 Brooklyn Avenue N.E. Contact Cindy Roat, 206-632-7645.

January 28-29: Dallas, Texas. Dallas Bahá’í Center, 4235 W. Northwest Highway. Contact Kambiz Rafraf, 214-248-8178.

February 4-5: Washington, D.C. Location to be announced.

Also, Boston, Massachusetts. Date and location to be announced.

Grosse Pointe Men's Club hears presentation on Faith

On October 7, about 100 members of the Grosse Pointe (Michigan) Men's Ecumenical Breakfast Club heard a 20-minute presentation on the Faith entitled "The Journey of the Soul."

Included were Bahá’í prayers, introductory information about the Faith, and a description of Bahá’í teachings on the nature of the soul in this life and the next.

At the end of the talk, Bahá’u’lláh’s Station as the return of Christ and fulfillment of the promises of all the world's religions about the One Who would establish the Kingdom of God on earth was made clear to everyone present.

About a dozen people later approached the speaker to express their appreciation for the talk. [Page 3]

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS OF NEW BELIEVERS

October .......... 184

Year to date ... 1120

THE FUND

(Preliminary, September 30, 1994)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS

Goal for 151 B.E.: $25,000,000 Contributions to Date: $6,319,816

NATIONAL FUND

$5,399,494

INTERNATIONAL FUND

From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $96,206 Earmarked Dollars: $103,669 Total Contributions: $199,875

ARC PROJECTS FUND

From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $1,246,920 Earmarked Dollars: $770,719 Total Contributions: $2,017,639

CONTINENTAL FUND

From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $50,000 Earmarked Dollars: $45,934 Total Contributions: $95,934

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Army Of Light National Youth Conference 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 \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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 Co. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 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 \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

• Be sure to include payment with your registration form.
• Use only one form per person. Photocopies are acceptable.

FEE for Registration: $30. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Phoenix.

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. You are encouraged to make room reservations immediately.

Holiday Inn ‎Crown Crowne‎ Plaza 1-800-359-7253 $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.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Southwest Airlines is offering a discount on all fares for flights going to Phoenix between December 20-29. To make reservations, call Southwest Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-433-5368 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time. Mention the Bahá’í Conference and refer to I.D. number J39. Reservations must be made by December 14 to receive the discount.

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. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Age Limit: Please note that this is a Youth Conference. It is for people between the ages of 12 and 25. If you are older than 25, please consider attending the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference. Questions about any other details of the Youth Conference can be directed to 1-800-DWN-BRKR

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

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

Pioneering

Part I: Early life, introduction to the Faith

Marion Jack, ‘immortal heroine’ of Cause

As we seek to understand the Tablets of the Divine Plan, the charter for the worldwide growth and development of the Faith given to us by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we would like to share with you stories of early pioneers who responded to the call to bring this precious Cause to an ailing humanity.

PART I March 29, 1954:

“Mourn loss immortal heroine Marion Jack greatly loved and deeply admired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shining example pioneers present future generations East and West surpassed constancy dedication self-abnegation fearlessness by none except incomparable Martha Root, her unremitting highly meritorious activities course almost half century both North America South-east Europe attaining climax darkest most dangerous phase second World War shed imperishable lustre contemporary Bahá’í history. Triumphant soul now gathered distinguished band co-workers Abhá Kingdom Martha Root, Lua Getsinger, May Maxwell, Hyde Dunn, Susan Moody, Keith Ransom-Kehler, Ella Bailey, Dorothy Baker whose remains lying in such widely scattered areas globe as Honolulu, Cairo, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Tehran, Isfahan, ‎Tripola Tripoli‎, depth Mediterranean attest magnificence pioneer services rendered North American Bahá’í community Apostolic Formative ages Bahá’í Dispensation. ...”—Shoghi

Born in St. John, New Brunswick, December 1, 1866, Marion Elizabeth Jack was the third of six children of Henry Jack, who worked in a law office, a bank, as an insurance agent and also served as Vice-Consul for Spain, and Annie Jack, a frail woman who was from a prominent family and spent much of her time in public service.

Her parents were happy in their marriage and devoted to their children. They were able to give them a comfortable home and made great efforts with their spiritual upbringing. However, all the comfort and care provided could not spare the family the grief of losing three of their six children in infancy when Marion was between the ages of seven and nine.

When Marion was 11, the family home was burned to the ground in a disastrous fire that swept through St. John while they were out of town. Also while Marion was still a child, her mother’s health deteriorated rapidly and she died in 1882, when Marion was 16. Henry Jack was so stricken with grief that he lived only two years past Annie’s death and died in 1884.

In the years between 1880 and 1884, Marion began to paint. She took private lessons, attended classes at the Women’s Art Institute and, in 1885, left New Brunswick to study at the Lambeth School of Art in South London and under Charles Lazar in Paris. She lived sparingly, saving her money to travel and paint throughout Europe.

Early in the 1900s, while studying in Paris, Marion first heard of the Bahá’í Faith from Charles Mason Remey. He describes the encounter:

“My first remembrance of Marion Jack was when we were students in the Latin Quarter in Paris. She was studying painting, and I architecture. I used to see her in the ‘Quarter’ along the boulevard on Mont Parnasse.

“In the ‘Quarter’ lived a Mme. Philippe who kept a pension [boarding house] where a number of girl students lived. Mme. Philippe gave dancing parties in infrequent intervals. It was at one of these affairs that I met Marion. She was dressed in a fiery red costume that she had made herself of crinkled tissue paper topped off by an enormous ‘Merry Widow’ hat decorated with large yellow paper flowers. ... It was as we danced and sat out between dances that I told Marion of the Bahá’í Faith.”

In the 1890s and 1900s Marion Jack spent summers in America and winters in Europe. In 1908, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invited her to spend several months in ‘Akká. While there, she painted and taught English to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandchildren.

In the same year, she helped found the St. John Art Club and her paintings were shown in several exhibitions in Canada. She visited Green Acre in 1910. There, she bought a cottage and began to spend her summers painting and teaching.

In 1911, Marion was in London at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s first visit there. During this time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave her the nickname “General Jack.” His accounts of Marion reveal her to be a warm-hearted, cheerful individual, full of fun and sparkle. However, even as early as 1912, when Marion was only 48 years old, she was already plagued by the health problems that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

Between 1914, when Marion returned from Europe to Canada, and 1919, when she and Emogene Hoagg sailed to Alaska to teach the Faith, Marion attended both the 1914 and 1918 Bahá’í Temple Unity Conventions, had many major exhibitions of her work, and while living in Montreal, became a close friend of Sutherland and May Maxwell.

In 1919, Marion left from the Bahá’í Temple Unity Convention to go to San Francisco, where she met with Emogene Hoagg and they set out for Nome, Alaska, in response to the Tablets of the Divine Plan, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá singled out Alaska for special attention.

In 1919, Marion left from the Bahá’í Temple Unity Convention to go to San Francisco, where she met with Emogene Hoagg and they set out for Nome, Alaska, in response to the Tablets of the Divine Plan, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá singled out Alaska for special attention.

Between 1920 and 1931, Marion continued her service to the Faith, living in Vancouver, New Brunswick, on the east coast of the United States, especially Green Acre and in Florida, always with the purpose of teaching the Faith and helping to develop communities.

In March 1931, at the age of 65, Marion made her second visit to Haifa at the invitation of Shoghi Effendi. During this visit, Shoghi Effendi asked her to travel to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. She went there directly from Haifa with only a few suitcases, expecting to spend a few months, and remained until her death, 23 years later.

Next Issue: Marion Jack in Bulgaria

Service Corps volunteers, youth pioneers are needed Veteran Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers, youth pioneers, and Army of Light participants are urgently needed to help raise up and prepare increasing numbers of youth pioneers and traveling teachers. If you have served in one of the ways mentioned above during the last 10 years, would you be willing to help: __ tell youth about service opportunities at a booth during the “Army of Light Boot Camp: National Conference for Preparing the Soldiers” in December? __ draft articles on a variety of topics related to youth service for The Banner, The American Bahá’í, or Be Magazine? __ co-facilitate a training institute for Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers in your area or at one of the Bahá’í schools? __ serve as a regional contact person for youth interested in service in the U.S. or abroad? __ speak about the urgency for and rewards of youth service, teaching or pioneering? __ help the Office of Pioneering and the National Teaching Office in other ways to raise and prepare youth for service? __ think of other ways to raise up or prepare youth for service. Some ideas I have are ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please check off one or more items above and mail or fax this form to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Fax 708-733-3509 or phone 708-733-3511.

Upcoming events, activities

IMMEDIATE need for at least 24 traveling teachers and several short- and long-term pioneers (including Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers) in TANZANIA to help with all aspects of the teaching work. The National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania notes that “entry by troops has started in one area of Tanzania and is on the verge of starting in many other areas. We are working on...bringing in whole groups of people...”

Nov. 25, 1994-Feb. 26, 1995: Collis Featherstone Teaching Project, designed to initiate the process of entry by troops in AUSTRALIA.

Dec. 25, 1994-Jan. 1, 1995: Bahá’í summer school including special event, the “National Festival of the Bahá’í Song,” Luanda, ANGOLA.

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

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, Rocky River, OH 44116.

[Page 5]

Is an auction really the best fund-raiser?

The goals are increasing. The number of auctions is growing. But are they the best way to raise money for the Cause?

There have been a growing number of questions about auctions. What is "appropriate"? Can we take goods or items on consignment? Can we have a "Chinese" auction (which prompted one Bahá’í from Taiwan to say, "I never heard of this kind of thing in China!")? Three or four stories of confusion and misunderstanding arrive weekly at the national offices.

There is no question about the friends' motives or their sincere desire to see the Faith advance. As the financial challenge has grown, believers across the country are trying to think of creative new ways to raise money, and auctions have "caught on."

In many cases, a lot of money is raised; that leads more communities to try the technique. But what is really best for the Faith and the community?

Where did auctions come from?

"The Persians do this a lot," goes one refrain, but not all Persians agree that auctions were so widely used in Iran. Many charitable institutions in America use them, too; maybe we've borrowed them without thinking too much about what values they really promote.

We used to have public bidding. That was a good way for people to show off and get a reputation as a big giver. It is interesting to note that quite often the largest bids were not actually paid off; the auction had been used for self-promotion. Then the Universal House of Justice instructed that there should be no "public display" of giving, and it wasn't long before auction proceeds dropped.

So we had silent auctions and the famous "Chinese" auction, and all the endless variations. After a year or two, though, all the "good stuff" had been auctioned off or recycled through the community, so proceeds again dropped off.

Then someone had the idea of getting nice things from stores, or from artists, both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. This has raised a whole new set of issues. Who is really giving to the Fund when a non-Bahá’í storekeeper has given a Persian carpet on consignment? What is the value of the donor's tax deduction, especially if some money must be paid the item's owner out of the buyer's check?

Sometimes the friends aren't advised that an item is on consignment; what does this do to the sponsoring body's credibility? Is the artist interested in supporting the Fund or in building a business? And how was the value of that painting set, anyway?

What principles are involved?

Our best safeguard is to look at the spiritual principles involved in giving. What are some of them?

"Nothing that existeth in the world of being hath ever been, or ever will be worthy of mention. However, if a person be graciously favored to offer a pennyworth—nay even less—in the path of God, this would in His sight be preferable and superior to all the treasures of the earth."—Bahá’u’lláh, Huqúqu’lláh

"When the love of God is established, everything else will be realized."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace

"Divine confirmations redound upon those who offer a portion of their material resources in a spirit of sacrifice, motivated by their love of the Faith and their desire to assist in its progress."—The Universal House of Justice, September 17, 1992

"Real growth of your material resources will come about through two primary means: increase in the number of believers, and increase in the effectiveness of the education of the believers concerning their spiritual obligations, among which is financial support of Bahá’í institutions."—The Universal House of Justice, April 26, 1993

"The corrosive influence of an overbearing and rampant secularization is infecting the style of administration of the Faith in your community and threatening to undermine its efficacy."—The Universal House of Justice, May 19, 1994

"...our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the System of Bahá’u’lláh—Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated. Non-Bahá’ís cannot contribute to our work or do it for us; so really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work, as this will lead to the healing of the nations."—From a letter dated December 8, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, published in Bahá’í News, No. 210, August 1948, p. 3

"Contributing to the Bahá’í Fund constitutes an act of spiritual discipline which is an intrinsic element of the devotional life of the individual. No believer should be unaware of the privilege of contributing to the advancement of the Cause of God, irrespective of his material circumstances. The practice of giving to the Fund strengthens the connection between the believer and the Cause and enhances his sense of identification with it. In the midst of selfishness, the feverish pursuit of narrow self-interest, as well as distrust and corruption in all matters pertaining to money, the Bahá’ís are laboring to create a new world which is distinguished by sacrificial commitment to high ideals, concern for the welfare of all humanity, integrity and economy in the use of funds, and unified support for great endeavors."—The Universal House of Justice, September 17, 1992

"Such an effort (the Arc Projects) will call for sacrifice on the part of individual believers and also for the diversion of funds from those local and national projects which are not essential."—The Universal House of Justice, November 18, 1991

These are a few of the passages that relate to this theme. One conclusion the thoughtful reader might reach is that we have only begun to scratch the surface in understanding and applying the majesty, dignity, sacredness and sheer power of the institution of the Bahá’í Fund to the life of our communities.

The Fund is part of our social mission; it is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and progress; and it cultivates a sense of the sacred. Do auctions fit in this panorama?

If not auctions, then what?

Right about now, that same thoughtful reader may be saying, "All right, you've given me an impossible situation: we need more money, but you're telling me that the best tool we've found so far is probably not spiritual enough." So what are some alternatives?

• Spend time thinking about universal participation; try to find out why the inactive believers, or those who don't give, aren't, and make changes.
• Find ways to involve all of the friends in the community's affairs, and especially in teaching; in other words, draw on their talents and interests. Giving reinforces one's sense of identity, but a greater sense of identity also reinforces giving.
• The local Treasurer can become a resource person, a visionary, instead of a "bean counter." Does everyone have a will, and is the Faith mentioned in it? If not, the Treasurer can bring in trust officers, attorneys, financial planners to show how to give to the Faith in this life and after it.
• Change the perception that "sacrifice" is a painful word; it means "to make holy or sacred." A payment of Huqúqu’lláh is acceptable only when given in a spirit of joy and radiance; is not a Fund contribution the same?
• Change perceptions about the size of the task and its importance. Americans in general give about 2 percent of their income to charity, while the Bahá’ís give about 3 percent. There are some Christian groups, though, that give upwards of 10 percent.

Are we distinctive enough? Why or why not? How prevalent is the "offering plate" syndrome in your community (you know, $20 in the Fund box, rain or shine, year in and year out, without change)?

What can the Assembly say to those for whom $20 is a lot of money? To those for whom it is pocket change? How can we confirm believers to give to the utmost of their capacity, whether of time, talent or money?

Whatever the answers to these and other questions, the consultation will be an adventure, won't it?

Communities find unique ways to express Arc significance

Cooperation among communities is bound to reap bounties in teaching and other efforts. Communities also are finding unique ways to express the significance of the Arc Projects.

"There's a commonality of purpose, but each one looks very different," said Mr. Thomason.

The Destination Mt. Carmel fund-raiser in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will take the friends on a "journey" from New York through London, Paris and Constantinople before reaching Haifa.

Bahá’ís in the Washington, D.C., area are looking to recreate the spiritual atmosphere of the second Bahá’í World Congress in their fund-raiser.

The Lakeland fund-raiser was a day-long celebration including lunch, music, a speaker and video presentations. Individuals also told in their own words what the Arc means for them and for humankind.

At the Alabama Fall School, children carried in 10 vases of roses representing the 10 Bahá’í women executed at Shiraz in a dramatization of the difference between the sacrifice of the believers in Iran and the sacrifice American believers are being called upon to make.

A non-Bahá’í woman attending the school declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh, saying she had dreamt about the Arc.

A tremendous standing ovation greeted the announcement of how much money was raised, and, according to Mr. Thomason, not a dry eye was seen in the house. [Page 6]

SALE

Bahá’í Faith In America Vol. 1 A candid, detailed study of the introduction of the Bahá’í Faith to the Occident in 1892 and its development during its first eight years in North America. Appropriate for non-Bahá’ís as well as Bahá’ís, the book helps to provide sound knowledge of religious history, which Shoghi Effendi says is of great help in teaching the Cause to intelligent people. HARDCOVER ONLY—$2.50#

From Strength to Strength A concise account of the worldwide spread of the Bahá’í Faith and the development of its Administrative Order. The Universal House of Justice has encouraged Bahá’ís to study this important period in the history of the Cause to prepare for opposition to the Faith. It will inspire greater zeal in contributing to the current teaching plans. SOFTCOVER ONLY—$.50#

Youth In The Vanguard The story of the first Bahá’í student at the University of California at Berkeley (1920) and at Stanford University (1923), and of the Bahá’ís in the San Francisco Bay area. The narrative includes accounts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s 1912 visits to those universities and shares stories of the work of some early Bahá’ís. The book provides inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice for Bahá’ís involved in teaching the Faith to academics. HARDCOVER ONLY— $1.50#

Bahá’u’lláh Statement An introduction to the life and work of Bahá’u’lláh, conveying His vision of the oneness of humanity and offering a perspective on the feeling of confidence with which Bahá’ís view the future of our planet and our race. Published in preparation for the centenary anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s passing and the inauguration of His Covenant, the book will aid Bahá’ís in their efforts to achieve the widest possible proclamation of the Name of Bahá’u’lláh. HARDCOVER ONLY— $2.25#

Peace: More Than an End to War This is a comprehensive compilation of the Bahá’í writings on peace. Prepared to make widely known the Bahá’í texts on which the peace statement is based, it provides a resource for deepening on the peace statement, for preparing talks on Bahá’u’lláh’s plan for achieving peace and reordering society, and for conveying the contents of The Promise of World Peace to all people. SOFTCOVER ONLY—$2.25#

The Power of Unity A work created to help American Bahá’ís free themselves from racial prejudice and to fulfill the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith by achieving unity in diversity. The book calls for the protection, cultivation, and assimilation of all minorities in the Faith, as well as the unification of all humanity, which Shoghi Effendi called the most vital and challenging issue facing American Bahá’ís. SOFTCOVER ONLY—$1.50#

Transform My Spirit A selection of 20 of the prayers of Bahá’u’lláh in English, Spanish, and French. The book was compiled especially for the Holy Year to help Bahá’ís recommit themselves to Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, rededicate themselves to duty, and revitalize their energy for teaching. An excellent resource for personal devotions and an appropriate gift for seekers. SOFTCOVER ONLY—$3.50

Centers of Bahá’í Learning This booklet sets out the objectives and principles underlying Bahá’í schools and teaching institutes. Shoghi Effendi has stressed that Bahá’í schools are an inseparable part of any teaching campaign and that attending them is the best preparation for all prospective Bahá’í teachers. The compilation contains information that will deepen one’s understanding of and motivation to attend Bahá’í schools and institutes. SOFTCOVER ONLY—$.50#

Special World Congress Commemorative Item!

Call to Remembrance A compilation of extracts primarily from Bahá’u’lláh’s writings telling the story of major events in His life and ministry, from His extraordinary childhood and youth to His ascension and the inauguration of His Covenant. Brief explanatory passages provide context for the extracts. The book was published to commemorate the centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. Appropriate for both seekers and Bahá’ís.

6-1/4" x 9-1/4", 308pp., contents, preface, references, events in the life of Bahá’u’lláh, glossary, bibliography Bahá’í Publishing Trust - United States HARDCOVER ONLY—$10.00#

Order Now by Calling 1-800-999-9019

[Page 7]

And the Trees Clapped Their Hands

Stories of Bahá’í Pioneers compiled by Claire Vreeland SC $19.95 / CODE—ATTCH

In Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá directs Bahá’ís to take the message of Bahá’u’lláh around the world. Here are 38 stories of some of the Bahá’í pioneers who did just that.

They all had difficulties—many of them the same problems, no matter in what part of the world they found themselves—language, accommodations, money, schools, jobs, bugs, water supply—but these stories depict “valiant, inspired and determined ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ rendering sterling service to the Cause.” Essential reading for anyone who would like to be a pioneer.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 393pp., contents, introduction, acknowledgments, George Ronald, Publisher

Life, Death, and Immortality

Is there life after death? What is the purpose of earthly existence? What is true happiness? How will my actions in this life affect me in the next life?

What will it be like after I die?

These and many other fascinating questions are explored in Life, Death, and Immortality, a collection of Bahá’í sacred writings that examines the nature of the soul and its development.

$10.95

Over 4,000 Copies Sold!

Marrying Smart

A Practical Guide for Attracting Your Mate by Kalyn Wolf Gibbens SC $10.95

Singles want happy, healthy marriages. Divorced people are afraid of trying marriage again for fear of making the same mistakes. Unhappy couples just feel stuck. All of these people have one thing in common—they just want to be happy. In Marrying Smart, the author asks readers to investigate and take action on various aspects of the mating game. Readers will ask themselves why they want to get married, declare their wedding date, begin to create their future by taking responsibility for their past, discover the qualities they bring to a relationship, find the trust it takes to have faith in the universe, and marry smart. Marrying Smart is a handbook outlining the author’s personal strategy for attracting a marriage partner and her experience in putting it to work in her own life. Intended primarily for an adult, non-Bahá’í audience, the book offers frank, no-nonsense advice about preparing for marriage. Not recommended for youth.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 117pp., contents, foreword, suggested reading, index Just Your Type Publishing & Marketing

AUG_

SHIP TO __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

DAYTIME TELEPHONE ( ) _______________________________________

ITEM	QUANTITY	COST
FOR ORDERS SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE U.S., PLEASE ADD 15% (MIN. $3.00) TOTAL
TENNESSEE RESIDENTS PLEASE ADD 7.75% SALES TAX

PAYMENT METHOD —CASH —CHECK —CHARGE ($10.00 MINIMUM—VISA, MASTER, AMEX)

EXPIRATION DATE ________________

Bahá’í Distribution Service · 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 · 1-800-999-9019 · Fax: 1-615-843-0836 · Internet: [Page 8]

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 BOSCH Bahá’í School has an immediate opening for a Youth Service Corps worker. We will accept applicants who wish to serve from three months up to a year or more for their room and board. Applicants must have their own medical coverage, if possible. Work at the school includes maintenance, food services, work in the Bookshop/Café or training to conduct children’s classes. Please contact the school by phone (408-423-3387) or fax (408-423-7564).

THE LOUHELEN Bookstore Cafe and Twin Oaks Dining Room are new additions to the operation of the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Both offer improved service to those attending sessions at the school as well as to members of the general public. More volunteer staff are needed for these two operations. In particular, mature youth or adults are sought who are pursuing training or have career experience in the restaurant or hotel industries or other food service/hospitality-related professions. The possibility of internships exists for students who would wish to explore such options. While no cash stipends are available, full room and board are offered for those accepted to serve. Length of service is flexible, with service opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. For an application, contact Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services manager, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-8850; INTERNET

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES overseas. Africa: Cameroon—doctor. Swaziland—general practitioner. Tanzania—English/ESL teacher. AMERICAS: Belize—assistant manager/operations manager/comptroller at resort lodge; tutor. Chile—elementary school teachers. Venezuela—computer industry. EUROPE: Czech Republic—teachers; short-term research assistant. Business opportunity in IRELAND. An opportunity exists to pioneer and for self-employment through purchase of a small, long-established health food shop. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091. Phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

INTERESTED in moving to Seattle? Although there is a good concentration of Bahá’ís in western Washington State, more are needed in many areas to help form Assemblies or contribute to community growth. In the last few years, Washington has been considered one of the best places to live in the U.S. based on quality of life, employment and climate. There are many Southeast Asians in western Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, affording many opportunities to teach. If you are considering moving to western Washington State, here are some of the areas that need Bahá’ís with their relative distance from the Seattle area: Marysville (50 miles), ‎Lacy Lacey‎ (70 miles), ‎Sedro Wooley Sedro-Woolley‎ (80 miles), Woodinville (10 miles), Burlington (80 miles), Monroe (15 miles), Raymond (120 miles), Kelso (130 miles), Shelton (100 miles), Poulsbo (1 hour, 30 minutes by ferry), Port Orchard (40 minutes by ferry), King County CCD 5 (10 miles), King County CCD 7 (12 miles), Normandy Park (40 miles). For more information, please contact the Teaching Committee of Bellevue, c/o Farzin Hamraee, BELLEVUE, WA 98006 (phone 206-255-8631).

CONSIDER moving to the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area where an active Bahá’í community is working to increase its diversity and to help several surrounding Groups reach Assembly status. If you would like to help a small Group grow, or if you are interested in teaching people from a variety of ethnic and social backgrounds, the Scenic City of the South may be the place for you. The Chattanooga area has a number of employment opportunities and offers recreational activities from white-water rafting and hang-gliding to little theatre and a great aquarium, and we’re only about two hours from Atlanta, Nashville or Knoxville. For more information, contact the Bahá’ís of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 23651, Chattanooga, TN 37422.

COME to the Gulf Coast of Texas and help rebuild an Assembly in Galveston, an historic community 50 miles south of Houston with a large population of artists, a year-round temperate climate and employment opportunities in health-related occupations at a regional medical center. For educational needs, three colleges and a medical university are nearby. The Bahá’í community is small but active, with Houston offering a framework of Bahá’í events and gatherings. For information, write to Dr. Houshmand Tirandaz, Galveston, TX 77554, or phone him at 409-744-5665.

PIONEER to an isolated community within the forests of northern Wisconsin with several small Bahá’í Groups and individuals within a 30-mile radius and the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation nearby. The Lac du Flambeau school system needs teachers, while a Bahá’í-owned bakery in another community is seeking a baker. They are willing to train someone who has interest and enthusiasm. For information, contact the Bahá’í Group of Land O’ Lakes Township, 6095 County S, Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540, or phone 715-547-3550.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: consider the incorporated but threatened Spiritual Assembly of Pajarito in Bernalillo County outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With a mild, dry climate, surrounded by mountains and situated beside the Rio Grande River, near many Pueblo Indian Reservations, the South Valley offers rural living and affordable housing. We’re only a 20-minute drive from the thriving economy of the city where jobs are available in a wide range of areas from high-tech, medical, educational and human services to agriculture, service and tourist industries. A large university is complemented by numerous technical schools and small colleges. Friendly people, a great cultural mix, gorgeous Southwestern scenery and historic sites and festivals are included. For information, please contact Emily Phillips, secretary, P.O. Box 12926, Albuquerque, NM 87195, or phone 505-873-5372.

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE to help meet the goals of the Three Year Plan by teaching the Faith on the Navajo Reservation. Piñon, Arizona, in the heart of the Navajo Nation, is building a high school that will open its doors in August 1995. If you are an educator, counselor, nurse or clerical worker, consider coming to this small but growing area whose elementary school also needs teachers and a counselor. Non-educator spouses often serve as substitutes, for which there is a great need. Piñon is home to a Bahá’í Group of seven adults and four children, has a supermarket (unusual in the heart of the Reservation), a video store, two laundromats and even a pizza restaurant. Two hours from either Flagstaff, Arizona, or Gallup, New Mexico; an hour and a half from the Native American Bahá’í Institute and a mere 40 minutes by car from Canyon de Chelly and Chinle. Come help with the teaching and deepening work, and let’s form an Assembly by Ridván! If interested, please write to Lynn Peña, P.O. Box 345, Piñon, AZ 86510 for an application or other information.

HERITAGE COLLEGE in Toppenish, Washington (near Yakima), is seeking applicants for the newly created position of vice-president for administrative affairs, a splendid opportunity for a prospective homefront pioneer to a goal area. For information about the position and the area, phone Randie Gottlieb, 509-454-3662.

WANTED: one dedicated Bahá’í family to contribute to the support, creativity, enthusiasm, unity and diversity of a small, struggling Group in north Florida. Nassau County is a largely rural area of 649 square miles including great beauty and variety—but only three of its 49,000 residents are Bahá’ís! The area has potential for growth with the major elements being tourism, trade, services, manufacturing, education and government. There is a hospital, community college, civic groups and culture...and we’re also a short drive from Jacksonville which has many amenities and a Bahá’í Center. If you would consider becoming a homefront pioneer with us, please write to the Bahá’ís of Nassau County, P.O. Box 6029, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-6029, or phone 904-277-2880.

HELP WANTED in the NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE

The office of the National Teaching Committee has been restructured 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).

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: Kathryn L. Vernon, Mabel R. Vicary (died Detroit, MI, 1955), Berta Justina von Greiffenstein, Gale Marsolais von Rathje, Ralph Voost, Henrietta C. Wagner (died Santa Barbara, CA, 1933), Shahnaz Waite (died Los Angeles, CA, 1938) and Else Norden Waldman. 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 is seeking photographs of the following Hands of the Cause of God to add to its photographic collection: Hermann Grossmann, Jalal Khazeh, Sutherland Maxwell, Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir, Enoch Olinga, Keith Ransom-Kehler, John Robarts, Tarazu’lláh Samandarí, Siegfried Schopflocher, Ali-Muhammad Varqá, Valiyu’lláh Varqá. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please identify the photographs if possible with names, date and place.

WANTED

WANTED: by Rebecca Wideman, librarian at the Louhelen Bahá’í School: a copy of the book Sunburst by Lorel Schopflocher; also, copies of the July 1936 and January 1937 issues of Bahá’í News. If anyone knows where they can be found, or is able to supply copies, please contact Mrs. Wideman at 890-653-5033, or write to her at Davison, MI 48423.

YOUTH

YOUTH: dance for the Faith full-time! A new full-time Bahá’í Workshop started in 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 the workshop. Room and board are provided. For more information, please contact Sean Wolfe, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-5359 (phone 616-452-5324). [Page 9]

A warrior’s ‘daughter’ returns home to teach the Cause

Lynda Berdin Habermann, a descendant of the Filipino warrior Lapu-lapu, who braved the cannons and swords of Ferdinand Magellan and defeated the Spanish explorer nearly 500 years ago, returned recently to the island home of her celebrated ancestor to champion the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

While married to a Bahá’í for 15 years, Lynda remained a devout Roman Catholic until the first day of Ridván last April. Since becoming a Bahá’í in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she and her husband, David, have hosted many firesides and a backyard barbecue that drew more than 150 Bahá’ís and seekers.

It was during these teaching activities that Lynda’s younger brother, Felix Berdin, became the second member of the family to embrace the Cause.

Lynda’s passion since declaring her belief in Bahá’u’lláh was to share her new-found Faith with her mother and sisters some 10,000 miles away in Lapu-lapu City, near Cebu City, in the Visayan Islands of the Philippines.

In September a visit was arranged, and Lynda arrived in Cebu on September 7. The friends there were willing to change existing plans and schedules to accommodate her desire for a large proclamation event at her mother’s home on September 18.

Lynda shared with them her vision of an event far more ambitious than "punch and cookies" for a handful of seekers; her goal was to host a "unity Feast" complete with traditional Filipino favorite lechon (pig slow-roasted over an open pit) and all the trimmings for upward of 100 neighbors, relatives and Bahá’í friends.

Accompanying Lynda to the Bahá’í Center in Cebu City was her sister, Susan Magdadaro, who was so impressed by the noticeable spiritual change in her sister’s life and attitude that she became the first victory of the teaching trip, declaring her belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Having secured the support of the Bahá’ís in Cebu, Lynda then sought to spread the word in the Canjulao barrio where her family has lived since 1965.

On morning walks, Lynda often attracted groups of barrio children who were curious about this balik bayan (one who returns home).

One morning she chose an unusual route down an overgrown side road she thought led away from the homes and toward the seashore. There she met a group of young boys who were curious about the "walkman" recorder on which she was listening to the tape, Songs of the Ancient Beauty.

One by one, the boys listened to the chanting and prayers on the headset. Finally the smallest one, a 10-year-old named Benji Albar, took his turn and, smiling broadly, said to Lynda, "Ah, you are listening to the songs of God!"

As a result of the "chance" meeting, Benji’s mother, Edwarda Albar, learned of the proclamation, attended the feast, and became the second to embrace the Cause.

It is her belief that Lynda was guided to their out-of-the-way road by the spirit of her husband, who died suddenly last March, a few weeks before Lynda became a Bahá’í.

On another walk, Lynda was following a group of barefoot children, wondering what she might do to help them, when she saw a five-peso note lying on the ground. She stopped, retrieved it, and gave it to the children, who could hardly believe their good fortune.

Lynda accompanied them to a small grocery store where their "miracle" was soon converted to ice candy and other treats. A number of the parents of these children became curious about who this "lady Santa Claus in September" was and ended up coming to the proclamation to find out.

As Sunday, September 18, dawned, the Berdin household became a well-orchestrated beehive of activity: a lechon-pit was dug for the five-plus hours of roasting two pigs; huge pots of rice and vegetables were prepared, fish steamed and pancit noodles laid out.

In the yard, jungle weeds were chopped and cleared, and the lone narrow, muddy trail leading from Canjulao Road was filled in by wheelbarrows of crushed rocks. Along with countless deeds of service, many prayers for victory were recited.

First to arrive were truckloads and motorcabs bearing Bahá’ís from Cebu City including Gil Tabucanon, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Humaida Jumalon; and several members of the Spiritual Assembly of Cebu.

Soon guests and friends mingled, feasted and filled the Berdin household to overflowing. A sudden downpour further crowded the house, signaling an excellent time to begin teaching in earnest.

After a talk by Mr. Jumalon, who used a banner on progressive revelation that had been hung in the Berdins’ living room to illustrate his remarks, Edwarda Albar and Oliver Casul embraced the Faith.

The following week, at a special deepening for the three new believers, two more seekers, Jovelyn and William Nunez, who had been too shy to attend the larger proclamation, also declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, while Lynda’s older sister, Margarita Ng, pledged to first meet the Bahá’ís in her home city of General Santos on Mindanao Island before embracing the Cause.

While there is a small but growing community of about 40 Bahá’ís among Cebu City’s million residents, there were no known Bahá’ís in neighboring Lapu-lapu City—but that began to change when a distant daughter of the great warrior for whom the city is named returned home not to fend off hostile invaders, but to conquer other hearts through love, sharing her belief in God’s new Messenger for humankind. —David Habermann

Lynda Berdin Habermann

Week-long campaign in Bolivia sees more than 350 enrollments

A week-long teaching campaign in Bolivia that included visits to the rural areas of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba and Potosí has led to exhilarating proclamation and teaching successes. The teaching teams consisted of about 100 believers whose efforts led to the declarations of more than 350 people. "All of the people," says a report from Bolivia, "are most grateful to the Blessed Beauty for the bounty of participating in this inspiring campaign."

Two hundred thirty-nine people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the Diglipur Teaching Campaign, held June 3-July 13 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Seventeen Bahá’ís from nine communities spearheaded the teaching endeavor, whose highlights included making arrangements to establish lending libraries in five localities, holding deepening classes in six towns, and identifying nine areas in which to form new local Spiritual Assemblies.

About 180 people took part in a nine-day summer gathering held from August 18-26 outside the city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, which was jointly organized by the National Spiritual Assemblies of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, was dedicated to raising the individuals’ understanding of the Faith’s reality, promoting fellowship among the believers, developing human resources, and strengthening Bahá’í institutions. A three-day summer school was followed by a two-day institute on the local Spiritual Assembly, teacher training classes, a day-long teaching conference, and another day devoted to studying the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, and a graduation ceremony and music festival. A youth camp was held simultaneously. Among the results of these events was the enrollment of 26 people into the Faith.

On July 24, the mayor of Barnet, Ellis Hillman, visited the resting place of the Guardian near London, England. Mr. Hillman was the first mayor to visit the sacred spot. The visit was arranged at the newly elected mayor’s request following a visit to his office earlier this year by representatives of the Spiritual Assembly of Barnet. "Shortly before the mayor arrived," reads the report of his visit, "Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum paid a visit to the shrine. When the mayor arrived, he was introduced to her." Mayor Hillman also was given a photograph of the resting place.

A group of Bahá’ís in Alaska recently used a unique method to proclaim the message of Bahá’u’lláh, sailing aboard their 42-foot ‎gilnet gillnet‎ boat Wind Dancer to the small southeastern Alaska communities of Petersburg, Angoon, Excursion Inlet, Gustavus, Hoonah and Tenakee Inlet. "Everywhere we went," their report says, "we were able to mention the Faith. Sometimes we were able to give away [copies of] the magazine The Bahá’ís; we were able to give several people copies of prayers; we were invited to visit with many Bahá’ís in their homes. ...We kept a copy of The Bahá’ís and our prayer book visible to all who came on board; and the Faith was mentioned either directly or indirectly to everyone. The firesides and the visiting continued for several days after returning home. ..."

On July 22, the Bahá’í Association of Women hosted a reception at the Bahá’í National Center in Paris, France, to honor the Triennial [Page 10]

Lafayette, Indiana, Bahá’ís lead way toward unity

The Bahá’ís of Lafayette, Indiana, have become known as community leaders in uniting the races, thanks to years of patient work and a series of remarkable events in the past half-year.

The ball really got rolling in mid-April when more than 200 people countered a Ku Klux Klan rally in nearby Crawfordsville by gathering across town in a celebration of unity.

Bahá’ís from Lafayette brought 50 copies of the pamphlet, “The Vision of Race Unity,” to the celebration and asked the executive director of the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality if they could be placed on the ‎IITCHE IICHE‎ table.

Because of Indianapolis Bahá’í Hamilton Niss’s work with the organization, the director was happy to comply. The pamphlets were snapped up by attendees.

Returning with the spirit of this celebration and its positive energy, the Bahá’ís suggested to the Spiritual Assembly of Lafayette that a similar unity celebration be held in that city for Race Unity Day. The Assembly’s decision: go for it.

The first group contacted was the local NAACP chapter. Al Black, a Bahá’í who serves as vice-president of the chapter, conveyed the Assembly’s plan, and the response was an instantaneous “yes.”

Together they pressed forward, contacting churches, the mayors of Lafayette and West Lafayette, faculty and student organizations at Purdue University, all media outlets, and several civic groups.

In short, they contacted almost everyone of influence in town, and in doing so they touched a nerve. Forty people representing 20-25 groups showed up in early May for the first planning session of the new Race Unity Coalition.

When Race Unity Day arrived, the tone was set by a 7:30 a.m. interfaith service with Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews and Bahá’ís taking part.

At 2 p.m. the celebration got under way with a variety of musical activities: a children’s choir, the Sisters of Strength gospel group, Scottish bagpipes, a folk singer, and many others.

The two mayors then joined in reading a proclamation statement, with state legislators looking on.

Activities for children were provided including games from various countries and an opportunity to have their names written in several languages.

More than 300 people took part in the day-long event.

Leading up to Race Unity Day were ongoing public announcements and interviews on radio and television. This was easy with all of the major outlets co-sponsoring the event.

On the day itself, there were on-site interviews, and the evening news programs in Lafayette and Indianapolis carried reports. Dimension Cable televised program excerpts.

Since then, the movement has been growing. Ninety-five people representing 75 groups gathered in August for a Race Unity Coalition meeting to plan fall activities.

Over Labor Day, there was a Global Fest celebration with ethnic food, crafts and dancing. The Bahá’ís of Lafayette played a prominent role in creating activities for the children.

In anticipation of a Klan rally planned for October 1, the Coalition also put together a Walk for Unity.

Global Fest attendees had been invited to sign a statement of common purpose that read: “We recognize and affirm that the United States is a blend of various cultures. ...We pledge ourselves wholeheartedly to the overriding principle of unity in diversity. We are unified in our common struggle against divisive forces of hatred, bigotry, racism, prejudice, and discrimination. ...We will tear down the barriers that divide us, building a community in which everyone is respected.”

More than 2,000 complied, with the Rotary chapter vying to be first in line.

As Coalition director, Mr. Black has been asked to speak to the Purdue President’s Leadership Council, the Women’s Studies program, and the Purdue Campus Forum.

Alan Manifold and Mr. Black are also active on Purdue faculty task forces to promote diversity training. They participate as well on faculty and staff councils that advise the university president.

Mr. Black’s work is so respected on campus that the vice-president/university treasurer approached him to let him know that the university fully supports the Coalition’s efforts and stands ready to help in any way it can.

1994 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

“The oneness of mankind ... implies the achievement of a dynamic coherence between the spiritual and practical requirements of life on earth ... The concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith.”

— The Universal House of Justice

Featured Speakers and Workshop Leaders Mr. Ray Alan Johnson Mrs. Thelma Thomas Khelghati Mrs. Florence V. Mayberry Mr. Jack E. McCants Judge James F. Nelson Judge Dorothy W. Nelson Ms. Barbara Rodey Mrs. Margaret K. Ruhe Dr. David S. Ruhe Plus forty-seven others... Music and Song Narges Mr. Tom Price North American Bahá’í Conference Orchestra and Choir Plus other well-known artists...

The Bahá’í Family for the Time of the Lesser Peace December 8 - 11, 1994 Walt Disney World Village Orlando, Florida

The Rabbani Charitable Trust warmly invites you to attend the 1994 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development - The Bahá’í Family for the Time of the Lesser Peace. This conference presents a unique opportunity for Bahá’ís of all backgrounds and experiences to gather together... ...To gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of Bahá’í social and economic development as they relate to our families, our communities, our nations, and our world. ...To forge action plans to achieve family developmental goals of the Three Year Plan. ...To network, to share experiences and success stories, and to integrate our efforts for change. Featured at the conference will be: Speakers: from the National Spiritual Assemblies in North America, the Continental Board of Counsellors, and many other intimately involved in development efforts of Bahá’í family life. Special Programs for youth and children. Workshops in the areas of: Marriage and Family Life; Character Training and Development-Spiritualizing the Bahá’í Household; Parenting; Education in the Bahá’í Family-Physical, Intellectual, and Spiritual; Developing a Generation of Prejudice-Free Children and Youth; Culture in the Bahá’í Family Displays of books and tapes including “Author Signing” sessions.

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION

REGISTRATION

Special Bahá’í group discount rates: Hotel rooms at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel at Walt Disney World Village: $99 per night double occupancy. LIMITED AVAILABILITY CALL PROMPTLY Hotel reservations: 1-800-327-2990 Airfare discounts from Delta Airlines Call either American Travel Consultants 1-800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-679-6655) or Delta Airlines 1-800-241-6760 (In Canada, call local Delta Office) (For discount, refer to file No. B1688)

Adult Registration fee Before November 10: $129 After November 10: $149 Nominal food & materials charge for youth & children Before November 10: $49 After November 10: $59 Make checks payable to: North American Bahá’í Conference 1477 W. Fairbanks Av., Ste 200 Winter Park, FL 32789 Registration Information call: (407) 740-5415 or 647-7777

Conference begins with 8:00 pm reception, Thursday, December 8, and concludes 12:30 pm, Sunday, December 11, 1994.

Registration

North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

Please print Name __________________________________ Phone ( ____ ) ______________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________ State _________ Zip _________

Names and ages of youth __________________ Amount Enclosed ____________ & children attending __________________________________________________ [Page 11]

Development agency putting focus on family and community

MDS aids transformation

By Tom Mennillo

Bahá’ís from South DeKalb County and others in the Atlanta, Georgia, area gather with staff and interns from Mottahedeh Development Services for a deepening and training weekend focused on social and economic development.

Keep an eye on Mottahedeh Development Services Inc. (MDS).

Chances are you’ll be seeing a lot of this fledgling National Spiritual Assembly agency in coming years as Bahá’í social and economic development initiatives blossom.

“There is tremendous potential in the American Bahá’í community to do at home what pioneers for years have done abroad,” said Barbara Rodey, MDS director.

“The first step is for the friends to deepen themselves in the role of social and economic development in daily Bahá’í life, in strengthening and consolidating the community, and as a demonstration of the Faith in action,” she said.

Ms. Rodey noted that “learning to apply the teachings of the Faith” is the very definition of Bahá’í social and economic development given us in a September 1993 message endorsed by the Universal House of Justice.

“Application of the principles and how we go about the process then becomes the greatest challenge,” she said.

MDS is named for Mildred and Rafi Mottahedeh, two Bahá’í pioneers in social and economic development. It was incorporated in March 1992 and dedicated to their more than 50 years of service to the upliftment of humankind.

Over its first year MDS was shaped by a task force under the direction of the Office of the Treasurer. The board first met in March 1993, and the next month Barbara Rodey became full-time director of the agency.

Ms. Rodey is formerly executive director of the Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA), which provides microenterprise credit to impoverished women in Latin America and Africa.

Falairiva Taafaki serves as director of programs. Dr. Taafaki pioneered to India for 10 years and helped to establish the New Era Development Institute.

MDS has two offices with support staff provided primarily by interns and volunteers.

In New York, it shares offices with the Bahá’í International Community at the United Nations Plaza. An Atlanta office opened in July to better facilitate local development initiatives in the United States.

The agency’s primary focus is on family and community: the basic building blocks of all societies that must transform in order for the world at large to be transformed.

Integral to project with which MDS collaborates is a commitment to the creation of violence-free families and communities, and to raising the first generation of prejudice-free children.

Working with women and youth as change agents in society is key to realization of both these objectives, and a primary focus in most efforts.

“Nothing less than a spiritual shift in how we view life and its meaning is essential,” reads the draft of an MDS brochure.

“Human progress requires the application of basic principles taught by all religions: values of human dignity, of love and respect toward all others, of compassion and fairness,” it reads. “Without these values, no economic, social or political solution will create a safe and peaceful world.”

MDS sees many of the lessons of the Bahá’í experience in development abroad as transferable to U.S. communities. The Office of Social and Economic Development (OSED) at the Bahá’í World Center recently encouraged MDS and the American friends:

“Your decision to focus your primary efforts on the stimulation and support of social and economic development initiatives in the domestic arena is warmly applauded.

“While American pioneers have been outstanding supporters of development-related efforts in many countries, it has long been an area of concern for our Office that the American Bahá’í community has appeared to be relatively slow to turn its attention to this vital area of endeavor at home.

“We are encouraged by indications that Bahá’í individuals and institutions increasingly realize that the Bahá’í concept of social and economic development is a matter which concerns communities everywhere, not merely those situated in the so-called developing world.

“We hope your organization may play a significant role in assisting the American community to rise to the forefront of such endeavors, and look forward to learning more of your plans in this area.” (OSED letter to MDS, August 21, 1994)

Already, several pilot projects in the Southeast are under way or being planned that employ spiritual principles to promote unity.

One project in Georgia demonstrates the growing maturity of Bahá’í communities to focus on their own spiritual, social and economic development as well as that of the community at large.

At a deepening and training weekend in July, the South DeKalb Spiritual Assembly launched its first formal efforts in this direction, inviting other communities as well.

The training drew on inspiration from the Sacred Writings and the directives of the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Center, and OSED.

Consultation involved nearly 30 people from various communities.

Based in the guidance of the Faith, they explored first and foremost the role of social and economic development as an integral part of Bahá’í life: as a key element of strengthening and consolidating the community itself.

Further, they studied the October 1983 letter of the Universal House of Justice, which states that while “technical aspects of development should...not be allowed to supplant the essentials of teaching,” it viewed development activities as “reinforcement of the teaching work, as a greater manifestation of faith in action.”

The Georgia group also examined service as worship and the role of social and economic development in helping the friends to “uplift themselves and thus become self-sufficient and self-reliant...(and) in the process and as a consequence, the friends will undoubtedly extend the benefits of their efforts to society as a whole. ...” (Universal House of Justice, October 1983)

A similar deepening and training weekend recently took place at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, for members of the Conway Bahá’í community.

MDS notes it can work only with a few select communities at first, until both staffing and financial resources develop.

Upon request of the community, MDS then can provide guidance where needed in how to develop, manage, sustain and evaluate efforts.

The organization emphasizes, however, that it is not an endowed agency with money to distribute to projects.

Instead, it can assist communities to raise funds from foundations, corporations, service clubs, and individuals including non-Bahá’ís.

MDS was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code, and, as such, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The National Spiritual Assembly confirms that non-Bahá’í funds can be solicited since social and economic development projects serve the community at large, and monies do not go into the National or International Funds.

“Of major importance,” said Ms. Rodey, “communities can learn to raise their own funds, thus becoming self-sufficient.”

MDS is an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly with a governing Board of Directors appointed by the National Assembly.

The organization is consulting with the National and State Teaching Committees, the Office of Education and Schools at the Bahá’í National Center, and other agencies and institutions as it explores how best to serve the Faith through this important component of Bahá’í community life. [Page 12]

Teaching Back from the Baltics

Martha Root Project returns victorious

"A massive expansion of the Bahá’í community must be achieved far beyond all past records. The task of spreading the Message to the generality of mankind in villages, towns and cities must be rapidly extended. The need for this is critical. ..." (The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 150)

Vision into action, dedication, reconsecration and crisis into victory describe the "Martha Root Project," just returned from its first successful teaching trip in the Baltic States.

Beginning in mid-June and ending in September, the project mobilized 21 youth from the U.S. and three from Canada and Europe to help lay the framework of the Administrative Order in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The region of its endeavors has been described by Shoghi Effendi as destined "to play a memorable part in the establishment of the Faith in North-East Europe."

The successes of the project can be seen in, among other things, the 20 percent increase in enrollments in Lithuania, which was the most challenging teaching area due to the fanaticism that was encountered, and the consolidation victories in both Latvia and Estonia. One young couple from California decided to stay on as pioneers in Estonia to continue this work at least until May 1995.

These victories can be attributed to the project’s focus on emblazoning the name of Bahá’u’lláh as well as the principles of the Faith in every area visited; helping and encouraging local believers in their efforts to understand the Covenant and their sacred privilege of teaching the Cause to their fellow citizens; and encouraging the establishment and development of new local Spiritual Assemblies. This clear set of goals helped greatly to channel the vital personal volition of each participant.

The project began with an intensive deepening institute in Latvia that covered spiritual principles and practical knowledge of the environment and culture of the Baltic region. The participants had the great privilege to be under the guidance and direction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Baltic States in all plans.

Proclamation activities included firesides, community services such as English classes, and assistance to various social service organizations such as orphanages.

Firesides proved to be the most effective means of teaching the population, and were consistently well-attended by receptive souls who asked relevant questions about deeper aspects of the Teachings, such as the nature of the soul, God’s love for humanity, and prayer and meditation. These meetings allowed the teachers to develop real friendships with people.

Seekers were also invited to attend the International Youth Unity Festival in Kraslava, Latvia. The festival, held in conjunction with the five Regional European Youth Conferences this summer, provided yet another forum to participate in "shaping Europe" alongside the many youth teaching through the European Bahá’í Youth Council-sponsored project during the same time frame.

The Unity Festival was of great importance because it provided an opportunity for seekers to experience the Bahá’í community, and for the Bahá’ís to learn to translate words into deeds.

For the organizers, the festival was a profound example of victory following crisis. Although originally designed by the Regional Spiritual Assembly to be a mass-proclamation event to attract the citizens of Kraslava to the Faith, political pressures demanded that the Festival show no link whatsoever to the Bahá’í Faith and be only a festival to promote multi-culturalism. Attendees were therefore asked not to mention the Faith until these pressures subsided.

Although appearing at first to be a frustrating test, everyone involved saw the opportunity to let deeds demonstrate the spirit and teachings of the Faith and to teach by the power of example.

Those who attended were set ablaze with the fire of love for the Faith and went directly to the citizens of Kraslava to offer their services in any way needed. The warmth of this fire touched many souls who were attracted to investigate the Faith further.

In the end, the Festival was the first major Bahá’í event to receive extensive media coverage. Evening musical programs were well-attended by the public and telecast, providing significant opportunities for indirect proclamation of the Faith through the arts.

During this time there were more performances by the Italian Bahá’í musical group "Light in the Darkness," gaining further media attention. A member of the Lithuanian parliament attended a

See SERVING page 13

Above: A sign of welcome in Kraslava, Latvia. Below: An Estonian village, one of many visited by young Bahá’í teachers. Right: There's no doubt about the purpose of the Unity Festival. [Page 13]

Willowses feted for long service

By Alan Eyerly

The tribute may have been a surprise to Maury and Lois Willows, but it was no surprise that the Bahá’í Center in Los Angeles was filled with friends and family members August 20 as the community offered the couple its heartfelt thanks for decades of service to the Faith.

Two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, James and Dorothy Nelson, emceed the event. Many other speakers also shared their stories of how the Willowses’ firesides—as well as their loving relationships—had affected them personally.

A highlight of the evening was the screening of a retrospective on Lois Willows’ acting career. Using her maiden name, Lois Hall, she appeared in about 30 films and more than 200 television episodes. She was best known for roles in many Westerns including “Texas City,” “Blazing Bullets,” “Roaring Westward” and “Cherokee Uprising.”

Maury Willows also was an actor. He worked as a stock player at Universal Studios and appeared in the classic film “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

Maury’s life has been as dramatic offstage as on. He achieved the fastest rise in rank in the history of the U.S. Navy, to lieutenant commander on his second day of service. His eclectic career also ‎including included‎ conducting scientific research in the South Pacific, working as an assistant art director at MGM Studios, and being employed as a private detective and a salesman.

Maury and Lois were married in 1953 and became homefront pioneers in Blythe, California, four years later. In 1960, the Willowses pioneered to the Hawaiian Islands, where they were instrumental in forming its National Spiritual Assembly.

They moved to Los Angeles in 1967 and served together for many years on the local Spiritual Assembly. Lois still serves on the Assembly; Maury resigned in 1993 because of health problems.

Many Bahá’ís including Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and Hooper Dunbar, now a member of the Universal House of Justice, have entered the Faith through the longstanding firesides held weekly in the Willows home.

Their service to the Faith was recognized in a cable from the Universal House of Justice that was read at the tribute:

“Loving greetings to the friends gathered to honor dear Maury and Lois Willows after some fifty years of dedicated service to the Cause. May many follow the example of their much-blessed and longstanding fireside.”

Serving on team uplifted all involved

Continued from page 12

performance and thereafter requested a special meeting with a member of the National Teaching Committee. It seems that such encounters must eventually result in the widespread recognition and emancipation of the Faith in this region.

Serving Bahá’u’lláh on the first “Martha Root Project” in the Baltic States profoundly affected all those involved. It was truly uplifting to see the Faith take a step further from relative obscurity toward the forefront of widespread public attention and acceptance among the Baltic peoples, and to help erect the framework of Bahá’u’lláh’s Administrative Order in that region.

The project spiritually revitalized the participants and imbued them with a renewed spirit of action, causing them to rededicate themselves to Bahá’u’lláh and to the urgent work of the Cause on the homefront.

Don’t miss out! Set aside time now to go with “Martha Root Project 1995” next summer! Contact your local Spiritual Assembly or the Office of Pioneering to register your readiness for this or any of the many other international teaching projects that will be announced next spring.

Odyssey

Continued from page 1

the Fellowship, he had a vision of what needed to be done for others who needed such services. With Mr. Labelle’s help, he has been able to put that vision into action.

Mr. Stevens knew that to secure employment, a person needs a permanent address, phone number, and access to showers, clean clothing and food. With an initial contribution from the Spiritual Assembly of Williamson County, Tennessee, he and Mr. Labelle set about establishing a job and housing resource for the homeless, which they named the Odyssey Project.

Mr. Stevens contacted local businesses to encourage them to hire people in transition. To those people he offered a phone number and address that prospective employers could call.

He and Mr. Labelle then began assembling other tangible resources, such as suitable work clothing, transportation, help with job applications, etc.

Meanwhile, the two men were writing down their ideas, which became the basis for a grant application. Last June they were awarded an Emergency Shelters Grant which helps them house five homeless men at a time until the men have saved enough money at their jobs to move into permanent housing.

Mr. Stevens and Mr. Labelle do this with no economic benefit for themselves. Mr. Stevens sees what he is doing as a personal ministry, marveling at what has become “a close network of multi-faith people” working together to solve a problem endemic to most cities in the U.S.

The project, he says, “is about one person giving to another no matter what his station in life...with no expectations.”

As Bahá’ís, he says, “if we’re going to be about equality, we have to take responsibility for one another.”

To date, more than 100 people have been helped by the Odyssey Project. With a stated mission to “provide the homeless and working poor with the basic tools to reclaim their lives,” Mr. Stevens, Mr. Labelle and staff member Amanda Pinkard work tirelessly for those who need help in their own personal “odyssey.”

They have no illusions that Project Odyssey will eradicate homelessness in Nashville; but for them, it is one small effort that can make a difference in some people’s lives.

For information about the project, phone Mr. Stevens or Mr. Labelle at 615-227-1721.

16 young people take part in teaching/deepening retreat in Maryland

Sixteen young people (three of whom were not Bahá’ís) and 11 adults took part August 12-14 in a teaching-deepening retreat at Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County, Maryland.

Participants gathered each day for dawn prayers and deepened on the Ridván 151 message from the Universal House of Justice and the pull-out section titled “Guidance from the Universal House of Justice” that appeared in The American Bahá’í.

Two teaching trips were made to a local beach/recreation area where many people heard the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and were invited to an evening talent show.

One of the three non-Bahá’ís is actively teaching the Faith to many of his peers at college.

Above: Participants in an Intensive Study Institute in Riga, Latvia. Below: Street teaching in Jelgava. [Page 14]

Unity in Unity

from the pages of Brilliant Star. by Mary Wilson and Meg Anderson

‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that “. . . the importance of marriage lieth in the bringing up of a richly blessed family.” He says the key to doing this is UNITY.

“Note ye how easily, where unity existeth in a given family, the affairs of that family are conducted; what progress the members of that family make, how they prosper in the world.” Template:Small

Make A Family Unity Box

Start with 6 pieces of paper measuring 3 inches square. Let them be the members of a family. Use different colors of paper to make your family diverse. Try recycling junk mail or wrapping paper. Follow these directions to make a paper box. Make six of these shapes and then put your box together.

This is your family unity box. The members of a family are like the parts of the box. When united in a single purpose, they become much stronger and more valuable.

Make a Village Unity Box Use 4" pieces of paper.

Make a City Unity Box Use 5" pieces of paper.

Make a National Unity Box Use 6" pieces of paper.

Make a World Unity Box Use 7" pieces of paper.

• Fold paper in half and half again to make creases.
• Fold the bottom up to the center line.
• Fold the top down to the center line.
• Open up and fold the top left corner down.
• Fold the top down to the center line again.
• Do the same to the bottom right corner.
• Fold the top right corner down in a large triangle.
• Fold the bottom left corner on the other side to match.
• Open one corner and tuck the end of the triangle into the fold.
• Tuck the other triangle inside to match.
• Turn it over and fold the triangular ends down.
• Make six of these shapes. Put your box together by sliding the triangular ends inside the pockets of the other shapes.
• Tuck all six pieces into each other to form a finished box.

Spheres of Unity

Put Your Boxes Together to Show the Spheres of Unity Open up one flap of each box to put the next smallest box inside it. You can put all the boxes together from smallest to largest to show how the spheres of unity work.

Each box represents one of the spheres of unity. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explains how unity of the family expands to unity of the world.

• Unity of the World
• Unity of the Nation
• Unity of the City
• Unity of the Village
• Unity of the Family

“And if we widen out the sphere of unity a little to include the inhabitants of a village who seek to be loving and united. . . what great advances they will be seen to make, how secure and protected they will be.”*

“. . . let us take the inhabitants of a city, all of them together: if they establish. . . what the strongest bonds of unity among themselves, how far they will progress, even in a brief period and what power they will exert.”*

“And if the sphere of unity be still further widened out, that is, if the inhabitants of a whole country develop peaceable hearts, and if with all their hearts and souls they yearn to cooperate with one another and to live in unity, . . . that country will achieve undying joy and lasting glory.”*

“Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity.”**

When you use your boxes, remember the sphere of unity of all humanity which begins with the unity of a single family.

“. . . let us join together to hasten forward the Divine Cause of unity, until all humanity knows itself to be one family, joined together in love.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 123 ★

---

* Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 279 ** The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 157 [Page 15]

Young Bahá’ís carry Message around world

"Undoubtedly," the Universal House of Justice affirms in its letter of January 3, 1984, to the Bahá’í Youth of the world, "it is within your power to contribute significantly to the shaping of the societies of the coming century; youth can move the world."

The following is a sampling of the victories being won for Bahá’í youth throughout the world reported to the World Center during the last six months. News has also been received of a variety of new opportunities for U.S. Bahá’í youth to serve the Cause internationally.

Since March we have learned that in Malaysia a total of 50 youth in the Sarawak region attended a week-long training course organized by the state teaching committee. Six youth offered a year of service to the Faith and several others offered the rest of their vacation period for teaching.

A similar regional youth training seminar was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, and attended by 21 youth, two of whom were enrolled in the Faith during the seminar. The report from the participants states that "Studying our relationship to the Blessed Beauty and discovering our love for Him helped us to connect to the great love the martyrs had for Him; and their sacrifices made us feel we have the strength to work for the Cause of God in this ripe day." Personal plans of action were developed after the participants deepened on the Ridván message and the national Three Year Plan goals of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece.

In Bolivia a permanent teaching project composed of international, national and local youth (including two Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers from the United States!) has led to more than 350 enrollments since its initiation. Among the group’s tasks are to deepen new believers, conduct children’s classes, organize public talks, hold meetings for the youth groups, and help with institute deepening courses.

The "Panacea Bahá’í World Center Youth Workshop" reported "with great joy" the completion of its first teaching trip to Cyprus. The participants note that "Our entire experience in Cyprus...and the opportunity to dance about conflict surrounded by soldiers and just yards away from a United Nations buffer zone, served to deepen our dedication, increase our unity, and inspire us to further develop our abilities to teach the Cause through the arts."

A great deal of interest in the Faith has been shown by the youth population of Hungary. One result of a recent teaching project of more than six months’ duration was that "during this period the doors of the high schools have opened up to the Faith." Several classes on the Bahá’í Faith were held in each of the town’s high schools and many students and teachers showed interest. Six people enrolled during the project.

In New Zealand four simultaneous "Spiritual Destiny" youth retreats were held, focusing on the theme "Spiritualization, Maturation, Participation—Whatever the Sacrifice."

In the Philippines the University of the Philippines Bahá’í Youth Club held a symposium entitled "World Religions—Sources of Moral Values for Peace and Development in Society" to celebrate World Religion Day. Both faculty and students attended.

Approximately 20 youth attended a three-day youth camp in Singapore to study the statement on entry by troops and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Four youth volunteered to serve as traveling teachers. One participant commented that "at the end of the camp, the atmosphere and spirit generated by the camp left us with one message...Arise!"

In the United Kingdom a training seminar organized by the European Bahá’í Youth Council introduced 33 youth to the vision of "a new movement among a new generation of Bahá’í youth in Europe" and challenged them to extend this vision to youth both within and without the Bahá’í community. It also emphasized the important mission of the Bahá’í youth in these crucial years leading to the establishment of the Lesser Peace.

More than 55 youth from all over India gathered for a week-long orientation program and month-long teaching project near the Rabbani Bahá’í School. According to the report, "This is the first time in India that youth, on their own initiative, are launching a systematic and well-planned youth movement aimed at intensifying mass teaching and strengthening Bahá’í communities in concerned areas."

The Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Majuro, Marshall Islands, recently held its debut performances. The performances included dances about the search for the soul, the equality of men and women, and the glorification of Bahá’u’lláh. Each performance was explained and various passages were read to the 300 or so spectators who came each night.

The first Bahá’í Children and Youth Conference was held in Martinique. Participants planned a youth teaching project that was successfully carried out later in the summer. A youth pioneer from the U.S. was serving in Martinique at the time, and two more Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers have replaced him during the last month.

Bahá’í performers receive a standing ovation during a concert at the Kraslava Unity Festival in Latvia.

Youth in Barbados were instrumental in the recent non-governmental workshop called "Ecofest ’94" held in conjunction with the UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

"Youth and the United Nations—a Vital Connection" was the theme of a conference co-sponsored by the Bahá’í Youth Movement, UNICEF and the Children of the Earth, and held at the Charles Wolcott Youth Institute in Costa Rica.

In the Seychelles the National Youth Committee helped organize three successful youth institutes and a deepening program to study the theme of entry by troops.

A national youth camp was held in Mongolia (which elected its first National Spiritual Assembly at Ridván!) and was attended by 34 youth from all over the country. One participant reported that "the youth gave talks with such confidence and love for the Faith, and consulted together with such maturity" that "to be amongst our youth is to understand that the transformation of Mongolia is well under way."

The European Bahá’í Youth Council was represented at a Youth Forum entitled "The Contribution of Youth to Lasting Peace" attended by many non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental agencies and youth organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, and a similar international forum in Siberia, Russia.

The first regional Youth Conference held in the Mariana Islands was attended by 55 youth from there as well as the Eastern Caroline Islands, Western Caroline Islands, Australia and China.

An equally successful international youth conference in Brazil was attended by 200 youth from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and the United States. At least three main teaching activities in Bolivia and Brazil followed.

Youth workshops were formed in Ghana and Cameroon after a three-week training session. The report states that "After the training, the group performed at the national convention and then embarked on a two-week tour which resulted in 130 declarations, the formation of three new local Spiritual Assemblies and the re-formation of two more. The Spirit of the Bahá’í youth was absolutely inspiring! They were truly like warriors."

During the last year and a half, 19 weekend youth camps have been held in the Guajira region of Venezuela, involving 300-400 youth and resulting in a "youth movement" that hopes to "bring youth together from all over...and unite them with bonds of friendship and service to the Cause. ..." More recently, a youth teaching project helped by a traveling teacher from the United States resulted in 40 new enrollments.

In Haiti a team of dedicated youth headed by Counselor Linda ‎Nuefeld Neufeld‎ helped make all the people of the town of Camp Perrin aware of the Faith.

Bahá’í youth from the United States, numbering in the hundreds, arose for several large-scale teaching projects at home and abroad over the summer, including the "Martha Root Project" in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia; the "Marion Jack VI" project to Siberia, Russia; the "Shaping Europe: The Mission of This Generation" project (including five regional youth conferences) in Romania, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova; the "Call of the Hands" project in Russia, Ukraine and Moldova; a special week-long orientation session for youth going to Asia in Macau; the "Army of Light: American Routes Project," the "Heat Wave" and more.

In addition, an increasing number of longer-term Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers and youth pioneers were dispatched to several homefront posts as well as to Cameroon, Mali, Togo and Zambia in Africa; Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela in the Americas; India, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, Siberia (Russia) and other points in Asia; Belarus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, (Eastern) Russia and Spain in Europe, and more!

Look for a listing of new international service opportunities for youth in the next edition of The American Bahá’í. To register your readiness to serve through the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps now, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center. [Page 16]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

STEPHEN KING, a Bahá’í from Renton, Washington, won the first place trophy September 15 at the 1994 National Finger-Picking Guitar Championship at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas. The competition is the most prestigious of its kind in the country for finger-style guitarists. This year’s field was the largest ever, with 40 players from all areas of the U.S. competing. Mr. King earned the finals with renditions of the Benny Goodman classic, “Sing, Sing, Sing” and Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk,” and won top honors with performances of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Jimmy Giuffre’s “Four Brothers.”

DR. HAYWOOD MARTIN, vice-chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of El Cajon (California) Judicial District, has been selected to receive the 1994 “Civil Rights Leadership Award” from the California Association of Human Rights Organizations (CAHRO). Dr. Martin has also been chosen by LEAD, a community improvement group in San Diego, to join its 1994/95 class of current and potential community leaders. Dr. Martin is vice-president of Organizational Improvement Systems.

An article September 28 in the Streamwood (Illinois) Daily Herald noted the many civic activities and accomplishments of H.H. HORMOZI, a Bahá’í from Streamwood who retired that month from Quantum Performance Films. The feature article by Linda Best praised Mr. Hormozi for his efforts on behalf of the Environmental Concerns Commission, the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce, Elgin Community College, Streamwood High School, and local paramedic and fire safety programs, among others.

ZAKIAH MODESTE, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Mt. Vernon, New York, won the girls’ long jump competition August 5 at this year’s Empire State Games in Syracuse with a leap of 17 feet, 10.25 inches. Zakiah is a senior at Mt. Vernon High School.

NABIL MAHBOUBI, a 10-year-old Bahá’í from Muncie, Indiana, was named a finalist this summer by the Committee for Integrity Enhancement in the second annual Integrity Essay Contest. Nabil’s essay discussed the importance of being honest and fair in one’s dealings with others. He and his family were invited to a reception honoring those whose essays were judged to be most outstanding.

JANET KAYE, a Bahá’í who is a homefront pioneer in Franklin, Tennessee, has had three of her poems accepted for inclusion in The Purple Rose, an anthology of poetry by Bahá’ís (whose first volume is dedicated to the memory of poet Roger White).

EMMA L. JACKSON, a Bahá’í from Macedonia, Ohio, was recently named manager of the Cranwood Station of the U.S. Postal Service. Among those present at her installation ceremony was Ms. JET ANDREWS, a Bahá’í from Cleveland who was secretary to the postmaster in Chicago before her retirement.

MICHAEL FITZGERALD, a Bahá’í from Winchester, Virginia, has recorded his sixth tape of jazz and poetry for Falling Mountain Music. Mr. Fitzgerald has also worked on recent projects for the National Center for the Blind, Cabletalk, and Defenders of Wildlife.

NABIL ISAAC WAYNE GUFFEY, a Bahá’í from Mechanicsville, Maryland, won a lion’s share of honors at his high school’s awards ceremony in June. He was noted in the program seven times and recognized for having earned a 4.0 grade-point average and being nominated for five academic awards of excellence including advanced mathematics, foreign languages, and engineering technology. He is also known for his leadership and participation in school sports. An active Bahá’í, Nabil made the declaration party after his 15th birthday a proclamation with many present and former teachers, friends and relatives attending.

DARIUS ABDOLLAH LOGHMANEE, a Bahá’í from Amherst Township, New York, was presented the Headmaster’s Award during graduation ceremonies June 3 at Nichols School in Buffalo. The award was given “in recognition of [his] humanity and imprint on [the school].” Mr. Loghmanee is now attending Columbia University in New York City.

DAVID LONNING, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Hopkins, Minnesota, has received an award for academic excellence from Northwestern University’s “Midwest Talent Search” program. He maintained a 4.0 grade-point average in seventh grade last year and was recognized by his school by being named one of the top five students in his grade.

NORMA HISSONG, a Bahá’í from Olympia, Washington, was recently named “Volunteer of the Week” by the local newspaper for her work with the hospice, SoundHomeCare, to which she has contributed more than 1,000 hours in the past two years since moving to Olympia from Maine.

It’s been a busy year for Belen Bahá’ís

The Belen community’s float in the 1994 Memorial Day parade.

The Bahá’ís of Belen, New Mexico, a small community about 35 miles south of Albuquerque, report a busy year. Among the highlights:

• One family left Belen to pioneer, and was replaced by four homefront pioneers who helped form the Spiritual Assembly of Belen.
• Bahá’ís from Belen are serving on the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, providing signs and banners and entering a float in the annual Memorial Day parade honoring Dr. King’s memory.
• Another Bahá’í float won third place in the Valencia County Fair parade. It included a sign that read “CommUNITY Is Diversity,” created by Jerome Jones, a Bahá’í from a neighboring community.
• A state Wayside Park, to be called “Placitas de Familia,” was designed by a Bahá’í from Belen who is a volunteer with Mainstreet USA and the Chamber of Commerce.
• For the King Commission, the Bahá’ís have taken part in the high school homecoming ceremonies and arranged for speakers to address the students on a number of issues of concern to young people.

SUPPORT ENTRY BY TROOPS

1-800-SEEKERNET

Toll-free anywhere in the U.S. Is YOUR name in SEEKERNET?

To join the team of volunteer Bahá’ís who make up SEEKERNET, all you have to do is call and leave your name, Bahá’í I.D. number, address and telephone number. It’s easy, takes less than a minute, and is absolutely free. Simply phone 1-800-SEEKERNET

As a member of SEEKERNET, you will be asked to contact seekers in your area (who have said they would like to be contacted with information on the Faith). You receive the bounty of guiding a soul to its beloved. But you have to phone 1-800-SEEKERNET

SEEKERNET is a nationwide data base of ordinary Bahá’ís like yourself who are taking this extra step to arise and avert the possible financial crisis facing the Faith due to our simple lack of numbers. SEEKERNET maximizes our teaching efforts. The concept is simple: SEEKERNET “CATCHES” SEEKERS

It keeps seekers from “falling through the cracks.” Say you are traveling or at work when you introduce someone to the Faith—but you don’t know anything about the Bahá’í community in their area. Ask them if they would like to be contacted about the Faith by someone in their area. Then get their phone number, name and address; find a phone, and CALL 1-800-SEEKERNET

SEEKERNET connects Bahá’ís with seekers. We pass the information on your seeker to the Assembly, Group or isolated believer nearest your seeker. We follow up. We’ll let you know who is handling your seeker and inform you when he or she declares. We’ll check periodically to make sure your seeker has been contacted. We’ll keep informed, and keep you informed.

CALL FOR A SEEKER: CALL TO JOIN 1-800-SEEKERNET Do it while it’s on your mind.

(SEEKERNET is a project begun on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb by the Spiritual Assembly of the City of the Covenant, in response to the National Spiritual Assembly’s call to arise. Volunteers handle the administrative end. The only expenses are for telephone and postage. For information about SEEKERNET, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of New York City, Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003.) [Page 17]

Deeds will set Bahá’í apart as we enter the next century

To the Editor:

What are the distinguishing traits Bahá’ís must have as we enter the coming century?

What factors will clearly set Bahá’ís apart from other religious groups?

What will cause the world to turn its attention to the Faith?

What will help usher in the Lesser Peace and entry by troops throughout the world?

It is apparent that spreading the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is our most important privilege and responsibility as we near the next century, and the teaching the Cause will ultimately bring about a cure for the world’s ills.

It is also clear to every Bahá’í that the Arc is of the utmost importance; its placement on Mount Carmel symbolizes the culmination and fulfillment of ancient prophecies, while physically it heralds the beginning of an era of universality—a joining of the peoples of the world in peace, respect and love for one another.

As the turn of the century and completion of the Arc near, we may reasonably wonder what our specific goals as Bahá’ís will be at that time. What is going to happen? How can we teach more effectively? Is there something more we can do to help fuel the greatly accelerated progress required of us in the next century?

In the Tablet of Carmel, Bahá’u’lláh states: “Ere long will God sail His Ark upon thee, and will manifest the people of Bahá who have been mentioned in the Book of Names.”

Clearly, God is using Bahá’ís to “sail His Ark” on Mount Carmel. As to the second part of the passage, does God intend to “manifest the people of Bahá” without using us, “the people of Bahá”? It is more reasonable to believe that God fully intends to use His servants to help manifest themselves.

How can we, as Bahá’ís, manifest ourselves most effectively to the world at large? Guided by the Writings, we can discern some practical and timely answers: “We must be like a fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source.” “Be ye the Trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of generosity amidst His people.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá describes the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as “one of the most vital institutions in the world,” while Shoghi Effendi indicates that it exemplifies, in tangible form, the integration of “Bahá’í worship and service.”

Anticipating the future development of this institution, the Guardian envisages that the House of Worship and its dependencies “shall afford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the bereaved, and education to the ignorant.”

We may thus ascertain that the most effective way we have to teach the Faith is through the obedient example of goodly deeds: “The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his death is better than his life. ...”

With the turn of the century, Bahá’ís will face new, seemingly impossible challenges and requirements. We have no choice but to be obedient to Bahá’u’lláh, to advance unhesitatingly to fulfill the goals of the Cause, and to begin a new era of service to mankind.

Individually, we must have deeds! Locally, we must have deeds! Nationally, we must have deeds! The American Bahá’í community must, in this coming new era, become a major humanitarian force in the world if we expect to see the brisk and expansive growth promised in our sacred texts.

Bahá’u’lláh says: “Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge.”

We are deeply saddened by the troubles of the world, of which we are informed daily in newspapers and on television. Surely, nothing can be more heartbreaking than to see the suffering of starving children all over the world. As we sit in our comfortable living rooms, watching another malnourished child breathing its last innocent breath of life, perhaps we should get on our knees and recite with all sincerity this prayer by Bahá’u’lláh: “Say: O God, my God! Attire mine head with the crown of justice, and my temple with the ornament of equity. Thou, verily, art the Possessor of all gifts and bounties.”

Perhaps then we will know in our hearts what we should do and what our God-given responsibility will be as we enter this new era. Deeds! Deeds! Deeds!

Kevin L. Anglin Brenham, Texas

Let’s set example for others wherever we go

To the Editor:

The annual Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference (September 16-18) was great. The weather was ideal, the music wonderful, and the program thought-provoking and helpful. It is such a pleasure to greet old friends and make new ones.

However, dear friends, it was distressing to find the washroom trashed with water on the floor, paper soaking in the water, and dirty diapers left on the changing table.

I am offended because such carelessness reflects on every Bahá’í who attended the conference. We are to set the example; this is not the example for which any of us should be remembered! Please be more considerate.

Ellen Frew Waukegan, Illinois

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.

We have to live the Writings before we can teach others

To the Editor:

In response to Michael Bigler’s article on teaching American Indians (The American Bahá’í, September 8, p. 23):

I agree with his comment, “How can we teach a people whom we don’t know?” This is a lesson we learned 20 years ago in New York, and it is a common experience for Bahá’ís associated with American Indians.

Most Bahá’ís, however, aren’t interested in learning about other cultures. Furthermore, Indians who follow their traditional religions aren’t motivated to become Bahá’í, even when they know about the Faith, and many do know.

Indian leaders we have met told us they know that Bahá’u’lláh is the Messenger of God for our time. They are satisfied to acknowledge this fact; it does not occur to them to join the Faith. One reason is that Indian religions are the closest to the Bahá’í Revelation, but in a way that other Bahá’ís do not understand; consequently, Indians who become Bahá’ís are lost in a Bahá’í community that does not reflect the Writings.

Concerning the non-growth of the Faith (letter from Carl Harrison, p. 19):

Since many Bahá’ís are active teachers, perhaps non-growth has other causes. In my 32 years in the Faith I have given the message to thousands and never knew how many became Bahá’ís, but once I had the good fortune to meet a Bahá’í family in Europe who first learned of the Faith from our booth at a New York City street fair.

On the other hand, I’ve met many Bahá’ís who “dropped out,” thus contributing to non-growth. I think this is due to the fact that our communities don’t reflect the Writings which say they must be based on “love, unity and humility.” In my experience, these words from the Universal House of Justice to our National Assembly apply to all Bahá’í communities. Think about it.

Safa Sadeghpour’s letter asking for an association of Bahá’í’s involved in science and a “true understanding” of the harmony of science/religion is an important suggestion because Bahá’í’s, including the existing association for intellectuals, do not seem to be aware of all the scientific knowledge contained in the Bahá’í Writings.

When I say, for example, that the essence of the Bahá’í Revelation is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s scientific knowledge of love and the Bahá’í’s knowledge of eternity, I may as well have come from another planet. European Bahá’í’s tell me I am “a pioneer in this field,” but I feel lonely there.

Yet this is the knowledge that puts the Bahá’í Revelation well ahead of both religion and science, as scientific knowledge of the eternity of the universe is only now dawning in the minds of most scientists.

I am convinced that as long as Bahá’ís ignore this, they are depriving themselves of the full spiritual power of this Revelation, and consequently the Faith cannot grow, as the friends could not fully understand the meaning of “love, unity and humility.”

Eliane Lacroix-Hopson New York, New York [Page 18]

Augusta joins Bahá’ís in remembering an early believer

Last May the Bahá’í community of Augusta, Georgia, held one of the most successful and well-attended proclamation events in its 80-year history with a gathering inspired by the memory of a woman who had embraced the Cause there half a century ago.

Ruby Key Bentley, a native of nearby Keysville, declared her belief in 1944, becoming one of the earliest African-American Bahá’ís in Georgia.

She was an active and devoted teacher, serving the Faith in Augusta while raising seven children on her salary as a nurse’s aide. In 1961 Mrs. Bentley became suddenly ill and died, leaving her children to the care of relatives.

“It was a tragic moment,” says Patricia Steele, one of Mrs. Bentley’s children who now lives near Atlanta. “At the time, her death was noted only by her family and friends and the local Bahá’í community.

“From a worldly standpoint it would appear that she had lived and died in obscurity, another poor African-American woman. But with her there was a difference.”

The difference, of course, was ‎the that‎ Mrs. Bentley had recognized Bahá’u’lláh, and had spent her remaining years as a devoted servant of the Cause.

“It’s amazing to think what an impact she had on the lives of so many people, simply by becoming a Bahá’í,” says Mrs. Steele, who is herself a member of the National Teaching Committee and works for the National Spiritual Assembly’s Secretariat for External Affairs.

“When some of my sisters and I realized what had happened [in Augusta] in the last 50 years as a result of her declaration, we were astonished by the importance one soul can have in influencing the lives of others. We then hit upon the idea of holding [a meeting] to commemorate her declaration.”

The idea soon blossomed into a full-fledged public event at which her children, together with the Bahá’ís of Augusta and Richmond County, openly proclaimed the significance of Ruby Bentley’s acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh half a century before.

The event was preceded by a family reunion May 28 in Keysville, Mrs. Bentley’s ancestral home, with about 100 of her relatives gathering to reminisce, many catching up with family members they hadn’t seen in more than 30 years.

Members of the family were present for the tribute the following day at the newly refurbished Old Medical College in Augusta. The same building had been used for Bahá’í meetings during Mrs. Bentley’s lifetime, as it was the only public place where integrated meetings could be held.

More than 300 people, all but 50 of whom were not Bahá’ís, attended the program which included tributes to Mrs. Bentley from her children, music and devotions, and talks by various friends of the family including two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Firuz Kazemzadeh and Jack McCants.

Although Dr. Kazemzadeh never met Mrs. Bentley, he had known most of her children for many years. After her death six of the children went to live with relatives in New Haven, Connecticut, where Dr. Kazemzadeh also was living.

He said that one can know the greatness of a soul through its influence on others, remarking about how successfully Mrs. Bentley had instilled special virtues in her children, especially the belief that all races are equal before God.

Mr. McCants emphasized that the value of a person’s life is unrelated to worldly standards such as wealth or social position. Rather, he said, it lies in the degree of one’s service to God and humanity.

Mrs. Bentley, he said, had served so well that her influence would continue to be felt for generations, as the commemoration itself proved.

The Bahá’ís made it clear that Mrs. Bentley was special for another reason—she was one of the first people in Georgia to recognize Bahá’u’lláh, the return of the Spirit of Christ.

Ashburn Searcy, a physician in Atlanta, remembered Mrs. Bentley from his days as a student at the Medical College, where he learned about and accepted the Faith, and read a letter from Nell Golden, a former Augusta resident who now serves at the World Center in Haifa, written especially for the occasion. The letter explains in a vivid and loving manner the significance of Mrs. Bentley’s acceptance of Bahá’u’lláh.

Later, Dr. Searcy commented on the noticeable impact the meeting had on the guests.

“Ruby’s family and friends were clearly surprised and delighted to see so many people honoring her memory in such a beautiful manner,” he said. “They were especially affected by the presence of white people, some of whom also paid tribute to her during the program.

“It would be hard to imagine a more sincere way of demonstrating the oneness of humanity than through an event of this kind. The result was that quite a few people sought out the Bahá’ís afterward to learn more about the Faith.

“It was a magical occasion, proving again the power of the Faith to unify people of various backgrounds and races.”

This is one of the best ways Bahá’ís have to create pride in their achievements, says Mrs. Steele, and to make others aware of them.

“A dear Bahá’í friend once told me we should ‘celebrate our own,’” she says. “There have been many ‘Ruby Bentleys’ in the Faith; that is, people whose lives have been of great value to the Cause and to humanity.

“It would be wonderful if more Bahá’í communities would take the time to remember them, and to let others know how important they were.”—submitted by Ken Bowers

‘From a worldly standpoint it would appear that she had lived and died in obscurity, another poor African-American woman. But with her there was a difference.’—Patricia Steele

Tenth Annual Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference

December 23-26, Phoenix, Arizona

Registration form for adults and children under age 11

Last Name	First Name	Middle Initial	Age	Bahá’í I.D.
Mailing address
Street
City	State	Zip	Phone

Registration Fee:

$30 per person/$35 on-site (includes 1 concert ticket) x \_\_\_\_ = $ \_\_\_\_

$60 per family / $65 on-site (includes 2 concert tickets) x \_\_\_\_ = $ \_\_\_\_

A family is one or two parents and children under 11 years

Total Amount Due $ \_\_\_\_

Please make checks payable to Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference

Mail forms to: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-9961

Please contact the hotel directly for reservations (1-800-233-1234)

Registration fees will be waived in lieu of 8 or more hours of volunteer service

For more information, please contact the GCBC hotline, 602-375-8082, during business hours

Prayer revealed by Master found in Lincoln, Nebraska, ending a 30-year search

A 30-year search for a prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His visit in 1912 to Lincoln, Nebraska, has ended with its discovery in the guest book at Fairview, the home of William Jennings Bryan.

Although it was known for many years that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had written a prayer during His stay in Lincoln, its whereabouts remained unknown until the recent restoration of Fairview led Bob Waddell, a Bahá’í from Lincoln, to resume a search he had begun in the early 1960s and abandoned about a decade later.

Picking up the trail, Mr. Waddell was led to Paul Eisloeffel, curator of manuscripts at the Museum of Nebraska History in Lincoln, who found the guest book and located the prayer.

The faint Arabic letters, probably written with a quill pen, form four equally long lines, at the end of which is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s signature.

Beneath the Master’s writing is an English translation by His interpreter.

After a display in Lincoln by the local Historical Society, the prayer will be sent to the Bahá’í Archives at the World Center in Haifa, Israel. [Page 19]

A home for the Faith awaits

Steward needed to keep Martha Root’s dream alive

There are occasions when, as much as it might like to do so, the National Spiritual Assembly is simply not financially able to support worthy and important activities. At such times, there are sometimes individuals who step forward and assume stewardship. The Pennsylvania home of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root is one such case.

Martha Root (1872–1939), that unparalleled teacher of the Bahá’í Faith, named the foremost Hand of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, had prayed always that the Faith would catch fire in her hometown of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. In the years 1818–1824, Martha’s ancestors settled the town and Martha’s grandfather, Sylvester Root, went on to organize the church where he became deacon and where all the Root families worshiped.

Over the years, the Root family continued to be responsible for the basic services and commercial aspects of the town, and later as a source of its pleasures, such as the Riverdale Inn and Golf Course, spearheaded by T.T. Root, Martha’s father.

Two family homes figured in Martha’s life.

The first was the large, white Root homestead at the top of Sitler Hill (later Main Street) where T.T. Root was born in 1837 and where Martha grew up and went off to school.

The second home, built by Martha’s father in 1913 at the foot of the hill, was a handsome edifice of light brick with a graceful curved front porch and large windows looking out into the town. T.T. Root wanted the best for his family and the many friends who would visit.

Martha Root became a Bahá’í in 1909, and it was to this second home that Martha brought her Bahá’í friends, some of the earliest and strongest servants of the Cause. It was here that Martha’s mother passed away on Thanksgiving morning, 1916. It was in this home that Martha wept, not for herself but for the blow felt by her father when she was called a “blasphemer” in the Baptist Church, where she tried to talk of Bahá’u’lláh and the succession of Messengers inherent in religion.

In 1983, when the biography Martha Root—Lioness at the Threshold appeared, many eyes were focused on Cambridge Springs as a source of Bahá’í history and inspiration. Now, surely, the town would respond to Martha’s Faith.

Two or three years later, a weekend commemoration was held to coincide with Martha’s August 10 birthday. Guests, having been denied accommodations as a Bahá’í group at Riverdale Inn, were housed at Alliance College. A walking tour was planned that would take in the Root Homestead, the second Root home, and the Baptist Church.

It was not possible to enter either of the homes—the Homestead, which had been made into apartments, was in disrepair, an untidy and disorderly vestige of the past; the second home was occupied. It was still a handsome structure, well cared for and a pleasure to observe.

The Baptist Church, which Martha and her family had supported, was also not to be seen; the group was refused entry. It was an embarrassment to those members of the Historic Society who had planned the walking tour and were guiding the Bahá’ís.

At a similar commemoration two years later, the situation remained the same, except that the Baptist Church attendant handed the Bahá’ís pamphlets when they reached the door. The pamphlet was a condemnation of the Faith, casting aspersions on Martha Root and on her biography. The homes were not available for viewing.

This was the atmosphere in Cambridge Springs when a Norwegian Bahá’í sculptor bought the dilapidated Homestead and began renovating the structure from top to bottom. His vicissitudes were many as he faced hostile attitudes and actions; he responded with firmness and Bahá’í love. He brought his American wife and children to start life in Martha’s town, and so began a new chapter in Cambridge Springs.

In 1991 the commemoration for Martha Root was vastly different. It was held at the Homestead, now in Bahá’í hands, and there were overnight guests from many areas, all absorbing the wonder of being in Cambridge Springs and in the rooms and halls where Martha had spent her days.

On Saturday, rows of chairs were set out on the lawn. The speaker was faced with smiling, elated Bahá’í faces; present were many townspeople who wanted to hear more about their famous resident of yore, among them two of Martha’s relatives.

The walking tour went past the Baptist Church to the Bartlett Hotel where Martha was grandly honored in December 1931; to various other sites, then on to the second Root home, still occupied, still worthy of admiration. A sign said “for sale.” One of those making the tour felt strongly that the house should be in Bahá’í hands.

After inquiries as to whether the present tenants would stay on, and being assured that they loved the house and would, no doubt, not want to leave, an offer was made and accepted. The tenants, however, had themselves made a lower offer, which was not accepted by the home’s owners, and so the tenants promptly moved. Constraints on the National Bahá’í Fund prevented the National Assembly from assuming ownership at this time.

An individual believer then arose. The second Root house was now in Bahá’í hands, but alas, so was the cost of maintaining the mortgage and utilities without tenants and with limited funds. After carrying the house through winter and spring, a newly retired Bahá’í couple moved in during May 1992. This helped somewhat with the financial side of things.

The Root home quickly became a center for Bahá’í activities. A reading room was opened; volunteers came from Ohio and New York to do painting and repairing. Bahá’í youth also did volunteer work in the town for seniors, which was a factor in strengthening the admiration which had begun with the Bahá’í family in the Homestead.

A dramatic reversal of attitude soon became evident. The demonstration of Bahá’í love and kindness, of forbearance and warmth despite barbs and barriers, turned ill-wishers to well-wishers, negative gossip changed to positive responses. Apologies were formally tendered to the resident Bahá’ís, even from the minister who had led the antagonistic actions.

Activities flourished. The District Convention was held for the first time in Cambridge Springs, headquartered at the now friendly Riverdale House, where meeting rooms were donated and the Bahá’ís were treated with warmth and dignity.

This splendid progress in Martha’s town was unhappily short-lived. The health of this effective couple demanded a warmer climate and, in November 1993, they joined family members in California. This precipitated a serious financial situation.

Until now the present owner has carried the house, bearing the monthly costs while searching for new Bahá’í tenants or a new owner. The National Spiritual Assembly has stepped in with limited, temporary financial assistance. The priority of the Arc, however, precludes more substantive steps at present. The need at the moment is for an individual or group to assume stewardship of this important property.

Martha Root was the first Bahá’í ambassador. She traveled the world ceaselessly to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all. The recent phenomenal growth of the Faith, with many local and National Spiritual Assemblies in Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hong Kong, Rumania and so many other countries, is due to the seeds sown by Martha decades ago, as she gave her life to teach, even in Iran.

Perhaps some member or members of the Bahá’í family, wherever they reside, can help Martha Root realize her goal: to have a Spiritual Assembly in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. The spiritual paths have been cleared, and the house awaits.

(For information about the Martha Root home, please phone the National Spiritual Assembly’s Development Department, 708-733-3472.)

Views of the Martha Root house in her hometown of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. [Page 20]

طرح اودیسه

ODYSSEY PROJECT

آقای دیو لابل Dave Labelle از احبای شهر مونترآل در کانادا است که در ماه آگست سال ۱۹۹۲ با همسرش وندی Wendy به شهر نشویل در ایالت تنسی نقل مکان کرده است.

آقای لابل برای آشنائی با مردم نشویل با یکی از سازمان‌های خدمات اجتماعی شهر که تحت اشراف رهبران دینی متدیست United Methodist Urban Ministries عمل می‌کند، تماس گرفت. آقای لابل داوطلب خدمت شد و با آقائی به نام استیونس Stevens دوستی نزدیک برقرار کرد. این دو اغلب دربارهٔ نیازهای شاغلان کم‌درآمد و مردم بی‌خانمان و چگونگی کمک به آنان برای یافتن کار و محل زیست صحبت می‌کردند. رفاقت این دو سبب شد که آقای استیونس به امر مبارک اقبال کند.

با توجه به اینکه سازمان‌های خدمات اجتماعی پراکنده اند و شبکه‌ای برای وحدت بخشیدن به خدماتشان وجود ندارد، و اینکه بیکاران جهت گرفتن کار باید محل اقامت دائمی و خط تلفن و دیگر نیازهای اولیه را داشته باشند، با کمک محفل روحانی ویلیامسن کانتی Williamson County سازمانی برای کاریابی برای افراد بی‌خانمان تأسیس کردند که "طرح اودیسه" نام گرفته است.

با شرکت‌های تجاری و اهل حرفه تماس گرفتند و آنان را به استخدام افرادی بیکار تشویق کردند و ضمناً برای این افراد محل اقامت و خط تلفنی فراهم نمودند تا کارفرمایان بتوانند با آنان تماس حاصل کنند.

سپس آقایان لابل و استیونس به گردآوری مایحتاج و منابع لازم مانند پوشاک مناسب کار و وسائل نقلیه و کمک برای تکمیل اوراق تقاضای کار و غیره پرداختند.

تا کنون این برنامه به بیش از ۱۰۰ نفر کمک کرده است. آقایان لابل و استیونس آگاهند که برنامه‌ای که به وجود آورده اند مشکل بی‌خانمانی را در نشویل حل نخواهد کرد، بلکه باید آن را گام نخستین برای حل این مشکل و کمک به برخی از مردم که در سختی به سر می‌برند به حساب آورد.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر دربارهٔ این برنامه با آقای لابل یا آقای استیونس تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن: ۱۷۲۱-۲۲۷ (۶۱۵)

پنجمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

پس از موفقیت‌های چهار کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از جولای ۱۹۹۱ تا جون ۱۹۹۴ که مورد توجه و تحسین عموم شرکت کنندگان واقع شده است، هیأت مدیره انجمن خوشوقت است اعلام نماید که پنجمین کنفرانس از ۲۶ تا ۲۹ ماه می ۱۹۹۵ در شمال کالیفرنیا تشکیل خواهد گردید. از دوستان و اساتید گرامی، خصوصاً محققین جوان، که تحقیقاتی در مورد فرهنگ ایران انجام داده اند و علاقه مند به ارائه نتایج پژوهش خود در کنفرانس می باشند تقاضا می‌شود خلاصه سخنرانی یا رئوس مطالب آن را تا آخر فوریه ۱۹۹۵ به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال دارند. این سخنرانی‌ها می‌تواند به فارسی یا انگلیسی باشد. برای هر سخنرانی ۴۵ دقیقه وقت در نظر گرفته می‌شود. هیأت مدیره انجمن خلاصه سخنرانی‌ها را بررسی خواهد نمود و از بین آنها تعداد لازم را برای کنفرانس پنجم اختیار می‌نماید.

ترجمه دستخط ۱۹ می ۱۹۹۴ معهد اعلی به فارسی

PERSIAN TRANSLATION OF MAY 19, 1994 LETTER OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

به این وسیله به اطلاع یاران الهی می‌رساند که ترجمه فارسی دستخط معهد اعلی بتاریخ ۱۹ می ۱۹۹۴ خطاب به محفل مقدس روحانی ملی آمریکا تهیه شده و آماده توزیع است. افراد و جوامع امری که علاقه مند به دریافت نسخه‌ای از آن هستند می‌توانند با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی در دارالانشاء محفل روحانی ملی تماس بگیرند: تلفن های ۳۵۲۶-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸) و ۳۵۳۱-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸). برای استفاده بیشتر از این پیام، یاران عزیز مختارند آن را در جوامع خود تکثیر نمایند.

خط تلفن فارسی

PERSIAN LANGUAGE PHONE MAIL

یاران فارسی زبان می‌توانند به وسیله تلفن شماره ۳۵۵۴-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸) در تمام ساعات شبانه روز با دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس بگیرند. پس از گرفتن شماره مذکور، صدای ضبط شده روی نوار را خواهید شنید که می‌گوید:

"Hello! This is the phone mail system."

پس از شنیدن این پیام شماره ۵۰۰۱ را بگیرید و سپس دکمه # را فشار دهید. صدای ضبط شده روی نوار را خواهید شنید که می‌گوید: "دفتر محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده، خط مخصوص مراجعین فارسی زبان" یک بار دیگر دکمه # را فشار دهید. صدای ضبط شده را خواهید شنید که می‌گوید: "اینجا دفتر محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده در ویلمت است. لطفاً پس از شنیدن صدای سوت، پیام خود را بیان فرمائید. پیام شما با توجه به موضوع به دائره مسؤول ارجاع می‌شود. نام، نشانی، شماره تلفن یا فکس خود را شمرده و رسا بیان کنید تا پس از رسیدگی، نتیجه به شما ابلاغ گردد." به این ترتیب پیام خود را ضبط و سپس تلفن را قطع کنید.

اخبار بین‌المللی

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

بولیوی فعالیت‌های تبلیغی در بولیوی که شامل دیدار از نقاط روستایی نیز بود منجر به موفقیت‌های شایانی گردیده است. گروه‌های تبلیغی مرکب از ۱۰۰ نفر از احباء بود و باعث شد که ۳۵۰ نفر به امر مبارک اقبال نمایند.

جزائر اندامان و نیکوبار طی یک برنامه تبلیغی از ۳ جون تا ۱۳ جولای سال جاری ۲۳۹ نفر در جزائر اندامان و نیکوبار Andaman and Nicobar تصدیق امر مبارک کردند. ۱۷ نفر از احباء از ۹ جامعه امری دست اندرکار این برنامه تبلیغی بودند. در ضمن این برنامه ترتیب تأسیس کتابخانه در ۵ نقطه داده شد و در ۶ شهر جلسات تزیید معلومات تشکیل گردید.

انگلستان روز ۲۴ جولای سال جاری شهردار بارنت Barnet آقای الیس هیلان Ellis Hillan از مرقد حضرت ولی امرالله دیدار کرد. او نخستین شهرداری است که از آن مقام مقدس دیدار کرده است. پیش از این دیدار حضرت حرم روحیه خانم در محل مرقد مبارک حضور یافتند و شهردار در حین دیدار با ایشان ملاقات کرد.

جزیره بالی در ماه جون گروهی از احبای مدینا ویلیج Medina Village به دعوت محفل روحانی پاپوآ نیوگینی Papua New Guinea به جزیره بالی Bali جهت اعلان امر مبارک سفر کردند. جزیره بالی ۱۵ روستا دارد. اهالی ۶ روستای آن جزیره مسیحی‌اند و ساکنان ۹ روستای دیگر به یک فرقه مذهبی تعلق دارند که رئیس آن مرد سالمندی به نام داکوآ Dakua است. هنگامی که گروه تبلیغی به خانه داکوآ جهت کسب اجازه برای صحبت با اهالی آن ۹ روستا نزدیک شد، مشارالیه مذکور داشت که در انتظار آنان بوده زیرا آمدن آنان را در خواب دیده است. وقتی اعضای گروه از تاریخ امر با داکوآ صحبت کردند، شدیداً تحت تأثیر قرار گرفت و اجازه داد احباء با ساکنان ۹ روستای مذکور صحبت کنند. بدین ترتیب ۴ جلسه تشکیل شد و در نتیجه یک محفل روحانی محلی تأسیس شد. در ماه جولای ۲ تن از تازه تصدیقان در مدرسه تابستانه مدینا شرکت کردند. داکوآ پیغام داده بود که گروه تبلیغی باز گردد و راجع به امر مبارک و مناسبت آن با فرهنگ و مردم بالی صحبت کند.

فیلیپین روز ۳۱ آگست امسال جامعه بهائی فیلیپین جلسه‌ای به افتخار نایب وزیر آموزش و پرورش ویتنام و همراهانش ترتیب داد. چند تن از مشاورین قاره ای و ۵ تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی فیلیپین در این جلسه شرکت داشتند. آقای نایب وزیر اظهار داشت که مایل است از حظیرةالقدس ملی دیداری به عمل آورد. پس از صرف شام نسخه‌ای از آخرین مجلد "عالم بهائی" به ایشان تقدیم شد. همچنین به هر یک از ۴ نفر همراهان ایشان نیز نسخه‌ای از بیانیه بیت العدل اعظم درباره حضرت بهاءالله اهداء گردید.

تقاضای کمک

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

در نظر است یادبودی از دانشمند بلند پایه دکتر محمد باقر هوشیار (۱۹۰۵-۱۹۵۷) ترتیب داده شود. از یاران عزیزی که آشنائی دور یا نزدیک با آن متصاعد الی الله داشته اند تقاضا می‌شود اطلاعات و خاطرات خود را درباره حیات و خدمات علمی و فرهنگی و امری ایشان به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی ارسال فرمایند. همچنین چنانچه از متن خطابه‌ها یا آثار چاپی و ترجمه‌ها و یا عکس‌های ایشان در اختیار یاران باشد، متمنی است اصل یا نسخه‌ای از آن را به این دفتر ارسال فرمایند. پس از نسخه برداری اصل مدارک به فرستنده عودت داده خواهد شد. [Page 21]

Persian

حضرت بهاءالله می‌فرمایند: "از حقّ جلّ جلاله بخواهید که به لذّت اعمال در سبیل او و خشوع و خضوع در حبّ او مرزوق شوید. از خود بگذرید و در سایرین ننگرید."

کشف یکی از مناجات‌های حضرت عبدالبهاء

DISCOVERING A PRAYER OF ABDUL BAHA

هنگامی که حضرت عبدالبهاء، در سال ۱۹۱۲ در شهر لینکلن Lincoln در ایالت نبراسکا Nebraska حضور داشتند، مناجاتی از قلم مبارک صادر شد که تا چندی پیش کسی از چند و چون آن خبر نداشت.

یکی از احبای شهر لینکلن به نام باب وادل Bob Waddell در اوائل دههٔ ۶۰ در صدد یافتن این مناجات شد اما ۱۰ سال بعد پس از عدم موفقیت ترک جستجو کرد.

اما چندی پیش آقای وادل به مسؤول نُسخ خطی موزهٔ تاریخی نبراسکا Museum of Nebraska History معرفی شد و ایشان توانست دفتر مخصوص میهمانان را که حضرت عبدالبهاء، مناجات مذکور را در آن مرقوم فرموده بودند، پیدا کند.

مناجات مبارک به زبان عربی است و در ۴ خط مرقوم شده و در آخر آن امضای مبارک قرار دارد. در زیر مناجات ترجمهٔ انگلیسی آن که توسط مترجم مبارک صورت گرفته درج گردیده است.

مناجات مذکور مدت کوتاهی در جامعهٔ تاریخی نبراسکا Historical Society به نمایش گذاشته خواهد شد و سپس به مرکز جهانی بهائی ارسال خواهد گردید.

بزرگداشت خدمات یک بهائی سیاهپوست

‎COMMEMORATIONG COMMEMORATING‎ RUBY KEY BENTLEY

در ماه می سال جاری جامعهٔ بهائی آگوستا Augusta در ایالت جورجیا جلسه‌ای برای اعلان عمومی امرالله ترتیب داد که در تاریخ ۸۰ سالهٔ آن جامعه کم‌نظیر بود.

جلسهٔ مذکور به یادبود خانم روبی کی بنتلی Ruby Key Bentley تشکیل شد. خانم بنتلی که در سال ۱۹۴۴ به امر مبارک اقبال کرد، نخستین بهائی سیاهپوست ایالت جورجیا بود.

ایشان زنی فعّال و مبلّغی فداکار بود و با حقوق اندکی که بعنوان کمک پرستار دریافت می‌کرد، ۷ فرزند به بار آورد. در سال ۱۹۶۱ ناگهان بیمار شد و درگذشت و فرزندان خود را به خویشانش سپرد.

پتریشیا ستیل Patricia Steele یکی از دختران خانم بنتلی که در حال حاضر در آتلانتا زندگی می‌کند خاطرات آن زمان را چنین باز می‌شمارد:

"زمان رقت‌باری بود. مرگ او در آن زمان فقط برای اعضای خانواده و دوستان و جامعهٔ امری محل اهمیت داشت. از دید این جهان گونی زن سیاهپوست فقیری مانند هزاران نفر دیگر بود که جهان را به درود گفته بود. اما او با دیگران فرق داشت." البته فرق او با دیگران این بود که مظهر امر الهی را در این دوره شناخته و به امرش گرویده و ایام حیاتش را در راه خدمت به امر الهی صرف کرده بود.

خانم ستیل که اکنون یکی از اعضای لجنهٔ ملّی نشر نفحات است در ادامهٔ سخنانش می‌گفت حیرت‌انگیز است که مادرش چه تأثیری در حیات بسیاری از مردمان داشته است. "وقتی من و خواهرانم دریافتیم که در ۵۰ سال گذشته در اثر اقبال او به امر بهائی چه اتفاقاتی در آگوستا رخ داده است، از تأثیری که یک شخص می‌تواند در افراد داشته باشد به شگفتی افتادیم. به همین جهت تصمیم گرفتیم که جلسه‌ای به یادبود او تشکیل دهیم."

جلسهٔ یادبود به یک جلسهٔ اعلان عمومی امر مبارک تبدیل شد. بیش از ۳۰۰ نفر که ۵۰ نفرشان غیربهائی بودند، در این جلسه شرکت کردند.

در جلسهٔ مذکور برنامه‌های موسیقی و سخنرانی اجرا شد و دو تن از اعضای محفل روحانی ملّی، دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده و جناب جک مک‌کنتس Jack McCants نیز در آن شرکت داشتند.

هر چند دکتر کاظم‌زاده خانم بنتلی را ملاقات نکرده بود، اما فرزندانش را به خوبی می‌شناخت زیرا شش تن از آنان پس از وفات مادر به نیوهیون New Haven در ایالت کنتیکت Connecticut رفته و مقیم آن شده بودند که همچنین محل اقامت دکتر کاظم‌زاده بوده است.

دکتر کاظم‌زاده گفت عظمت افراد را می‌توان از تأثیری که بر دیگران می‌گذارند دریافت و خانم بنتلی فرزندانش را با فضائل انسانی بزرگ کرده بود از جمله اعتقاد به یگانگی مردم همهٔ نژادها در برابر آستان الهی.

جناب مک‌کنتس اظهار داشت که ارزش زندگی یک فرد ربطی به معیارهای این جهان مانند ثروت و موقعیت اجتماعی ندارد بلکه بسته به خدمات او نسبت به دیگران است.

ایشان گفت خانم بنتلی چنان خدماتی انجام داده که تأثیرش در نسل‌های بعدی دیده می‌شود و این جلسهٔ یادبود خود شاهد این ادّعا است.

یکی دیگر از احباء که در حال حاضر به طبابت اشتغال دارد نامه‌ای از یکی از یاران که در ارض اقدس خدمت می‌کند، خواند که در آن اهمیت اقبال خانم بنتلی تأکید شده بود.

خانم ستیل اظهار می‌داشت که برگزاری اینگونه جلسات برای بزرگداشت اهل ایمان موجب احساس افتخار در افراد جامعه می‌شود و دیگران را نیز از آن آگاه می‌سازد.

خدمات احبای ایرانی و تبلیغ مردم هندوچینی

PERSIAN BAHA’IS TEACH THE INDOCHINESE

از آغاز دههٔ ۸۰ که جامعهٔ بهائی امریکا با ورود احبای هندوچینی (از لائوس و ویتنام و کامبوج) تنوع بیشتری یافت بعضی از احبای ایرانی با خواهران و برادران روحانی خود در این دیار همگام شدند و به ملاقات و همنشینی با آن عزیزان هندوچینی مألوف شدند.

احبای ایرانی و آمریکایی در ایالات تگزاس و کالیفرنیا و اورگان و مینه سوتا و میشیگان و ویسکانسین با ترتیب دادن برنامه‌های ضیافت و دیگر جلسات چه در خانه‌های افراد و چه در پارک‌های عمومی باعث شده‌اند که شور و نشوری در اینگونه خدمات حاصل شود.

عکسهائی که از این جلسات در دست است و گهگاه در صفحات نشریهٔ "آمریکن بهائی" درج شده، حاکی از تحقق آمال حضرت عبدالبهاء، در خصوص تجمّع همهٔ نژادهای سفید و سیاه و زرد و سرخ در جلسات بهائی است.

این ملاقات‌ها مایهٔ جلب عدّهٔ زیادی از مردم جنوب شرقی آسیا که اکنون در آمریکا سکونت دارند، گردیده است تا جائی که چند سالی است که هر ماه ده‌ها تازه تصدیق از میان آنان به جمع اهل بهاء در این سرزمین می‌پیوندند.

از جمله نقاطی که اخیراً یاران الهی موفقیت‌های شایانی در تبلیغ مردم کامبوجی داشته‌اند، اطراف شهر بوستن در ایالت ماساچوست است.

احبای ایرانی و آمریکایی موفق شده‌اند که در شهرهای لوول Lowell و چلمزفورد تاون Chelmsford Town و نورت دارتموث North ‎Darmouth Dartmouth‎ با افرادی از کشور کامبوج تماس برقرار نمایند و حقائق اساسی امر مبارک را با آنان در میان نهند.

در اثر رفت و آمدهائی که به همت خانوادهٔ هوشمند و زرین تاج افشار و نیز دکتر ایرج و خانم فریدهٔ متحد با همراهی چند نفر از یاران آمریکایی صورت گرفته است، نزدیک به ۲۰ نفر از افراد کامبوجی امر مبارک را تصدیق کرده‌اند. در حال حاضر ملاقات‌های احباء با آن تازه‌تصدیقان جهت تزیید معلومات امری آنان صورت می‌گیرد.

شواهد اینگونه فعالیت‌ها را در شهر سکرمنتو در ایالت کالیفرنیا و اطراف آن نیز می‌توان دید. بدین ترتیب که هر گاه احبای ایرانی و آمریکایی به صورت گروه‌های الفت به ملاقات دوستان و پناهندگان جنوب شرقی آسیا می‌روند، عدّه‌ای از آنان مجذوب تعالیم الهی می‌شوند و به امر مبارک اقبال می‌کنند.

در بعضی موارد یاران با احبای جنوب شرقی آسیا که در اردوهای پناهندگان در تایلند تصدیق کرده‌اند، روبرو می‌شوند و به تزیید معلومات آنان می‌پردازند و گاهی نیز با کمک آنان به ترجمهٔ آثار مبارکه به زبان‌های محلی موفق می‌شوند.

با توجه به این خدمات دفتر امور پناهندگان از همهٔ احبای ایرانی دعوت می‌کند که همگام با دوستانی که در این راه کمر به خدمت بسته‌اند، در ایجاد ارتباط با مردم هندوچین و آشنا ساختن آنان با تعالیم امر بهائی پیشقدم گردند تا نتایجی چشمگیرتر از آنچه تا کنون حاصل شده است به دست آید.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور پناهندگان تماس حاصل نمایند.

تلفن: ۳۵۲۵-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸) [Page 22]

Persian

هوالله همدان جناب آقا مهدی رفیعا علیه بهاءالله الابهی هوالله ای مروّج دین الله. هر چند سفر بدیع تا به حال نرسیده ولی چون آن کتاب مستطاب گلشن حقائق و معانی است و محتوی بر بشارات انبیاء ربّانی، لهذا رائحهء طیّبه‌اش قبل الوصول به مشام رسیده. این تألیف تأیید است و این سفر توفیق ربّ جلیل. شکر کن خدا را که در یوم ظهور اورشلیم جدید به خدمت بنیان قصر مشید موفق گشتی. این اورشلیم بنیان آسمانی است و این اورشلیم مدینهء ربّ رحیم. انشآءالله در قطب این اورشلیم يك بنیانی بلند نمائی که نمایان بر جمیع اقالیم باشد. والبهاء علیک ع ع

ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم

MESSAGE OF THE ‎UINVERSAL UNIVERSAL‎ HOUSE OF JUSTICE

خطاب به بهائیان عالم مورخ ۲۰ اکتبر ۱۹۹۴

دوستان عزیز بهائی،

در این هنگام که نقشه سه ساله به نیمه رسیده، نشانه‌های شمول تأییدات مستمرّه حیات‌بخش حضرت بهاءالله این مشتاقان را بر آن می‌دارد که از جانب پیروانش در هر مرز و بوم به تقدیم شکر و امتنان به ساحت حضرتش پردازیم. به ویژه ملاحظه پاسخ شایسته به دعوت این هیئت برای قیام مهاجرین و مبلغین سیار سبب شعف و سرور، و تبرعاتی که با فداکاری برای کمک به مشروعات عظمیه جبل ربّ تقدیم می‌شود، موجب دلگرمی است.

فرصتی که باقی مانده به راستی کوتاه است. برای تکمیل اهداف مهمّه ملّی که بالمال اهداف کلی نقشه سه ساله را تحقق خواهد بخشید اقدامی سریع و متمرکز ضروری است. مخصوصاً از یاران عزیز در سراسر جهان تقاضا می‌شود که در ابلاغ پیام حضرت بهاءالله به تعداد روزافزونی از هموطنان خود و دعوت آنان به تحرّی و تحقیق و پذیرفتن امر مبارکش کوششی بیش از پیش مبذول دارند. افزایش مصائب و اضطرابات جامعه انسانی به همان نسبت تزئید تأثیرات شفادهنده و وحدت‌بخش قوای مودوعه در امر مقدس الهی را ایجاب می‌نماید.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

آغاز فعالیت‌های مجمع عرفان

THE FIRST ACTIVITY OF IRFAN COLLOQUIUM

تشکیل مجامع مطالعه آثار مقدسه یکی از اقدامات بنیادی است که به یادبود مبلّغ مشهور و مبرّز امر الهی، حاج مهدی ارجمند همدانی و به منظور تحقق بخشیدن به نیت مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء، که می‌فرمایند "انشآءالله... بنیانی بلند نمائی که نمایان بر جمیع اقالیم باشد" و استمرار مطالعات تاریخی ایشان در آثار مقدسه، با کمک مالی خاندان آن مروّج دلیر امر الهی و همکاری دفتر پژوهش و بررسی و نیز دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی ترتیب داده می‌شود.

هدف این برنامه که از سال ۱۹۹۳ آغاز شده است، تشویق و ترویج مطالعات امری و تحقیق در کتب و آثار مقدسه ادیان الهی از طریق تشکیل مجامع مطالعاتی و اهداء جوائز علمی و ترتیب دادن دوره‌های آموزشی و انتشار نشریات تحقیقی است. "مجمع عرفان" بخشی از این برنامه است که به بررسی پژوهش‌هائی که به زبان فارسی ارائه می‌گردد اختصاص دارد.

نخستین جلسات "مجمع عرفان" از ۱۴ تا ۱۶ اکتبر سال جاری در مدرسه بهائی گرین اِیکر (Green Acre) با حضور ۹۰ نفر از محققان و پژوهش دوستان فارسی زبان آمریکا و کانادا برگزار گردید.

پس از افتتاح برنامه توسط دکتر منوچهر درخشانی، مدیر دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی، و قرائت بعضی از الواح حضرت عبدالبهاء به اعزاز خدمات تبلیغی حاج مهدی ارجمند توسط جناب هوشنگ ارجمند و بیان مقصد و مرام "مجمع عرفان" توسط دکتر ایرج ایمن، تحقیقات ذیل توسط محققان گرامی ارائه شد:

• شمه‌ای از احوال و آثار و خدمات حاج مهدی ارجمند توسط جناب موسی امانت،
• احکام بیان و خطاباتی بر اهل بیان در کتاب مستطاب اقدس توسط دکتر محمد افنان،
• حکومت جهانی از دیدگاه امر بهائی توسط دکتر روح‌الله خوشبین،
• استعارات کتب مقدسه و وحدت انبیاء توسط دکتر علی توانگر،
• نکاتی درباره یکتائی مقام و اهمیت کتاب مستطاب اقدس و شرحی در اطراف بعضی از احکام و تعالیم بهائی توسط مهندس حبیب ریاضتی،
• مقاله رموز عرفانی کتاب مستطاب اقدس به قلم دکتر داریوش معانی،
• ملاحظاتی پیرامون نخستین وحی محمدی توسط دکتر گیو خاوری،
• تحلیل محتوائی مناجات‌های حضرت عبدالبهاء توسط دکتر ایرج ایمن،
• نکاتی درباره رساله سیاسیه توسط دکتر طلعت بصاری،
• مقایسه اشعاری که شعرای بهائی و غیربهائی برای سنگ مزار خود سروده‌اند توسط مهندس بهروز جباری،
• جزاء در دیانت بهائی و مقایسه آن با نظریات کنونی توسط دکتر نادر سعیدی،
• مقایسه هفت وادی و منطق‌الطیر توسط مهندس موژان خادم،
• منتخباتی از اشعار شعرای بهائی تحت عنوان "نفحات عرفان" توسط مهندس بهروز جباری.

مقالات تحقیقی که در مجمع عرفان ارائه می‌گردد یا برای مجمع مزبور ارسال می‌شود به تدریج در مجلات مخصوص طبع و نشر خواهد شد.

از دانشمندان و محققان و دانش‌دوستان عزیز صمیمانه دعوت می‌شود که با مشارکت در مجمع عرفان و ارسال مقالات تحقیقی بیش از پیش در توسعه و ترویج مطالعه کتب و آثار مقدسه همکاری فرمایند.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر درباره مجمع عرفان با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکایی تماس حاصل نمایند.

حقوق‌الله از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق‌الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق‌الله ارسال فرمایند. Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA. 90402 Dr. Daryush Haghighi Rocky River, OH. 44116 Dr. Elsie Austin 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, #612 Silver Spring, MD. 20901

[Page 23]

Naomi and Edwin Darby, pioneers to N. Zealand, die in two-month span

Naomi and Edwin Darby, pioneers for 24 years in New Zealand and Australia, died within two months of each other this year.

The Darbys, both born in Iowa, lived in Waterloo until 1970 when they chose to pioneer to Australia to help their son, Donald, and his family establish an Assembly in Wangaratta. However, when it was suggested that they settle in New Zealand, which was a goal of the Nine Year Plan, they promptly changed their plans and set out for that country after an extended visit with their son, arriving at their post in July 1970.

Within a year of their arrival as the first Bahá’ís of Blenheim, there was a thriving community of six adults and five children. Unable to extend their visitors’ visas any longer, the Darbys then continued on to Australia in July 1972 and settled in New South Wales.

Known affectionately to the Australian community for years as “Mom and Pop Darby,” they continued to serve the Faith in that country with great devotion and love until their deaths, Edwin at age 93 on July 20 and Naomi at age 88 on September 10.

Col. John McHenry, pioneer to France in Ten Year Crusade, and to Korea, dies in N. Mexico

Col. John H. McHenry, who died in September in New Mexico, found that his service in the U.S. Air Force enabled him to serve the needs of the Faith in many ways including international pioneering.

Besides spending several years in France with his wife, Elizabeth, during the Ten Year Crusade, Col. and Mrs. McHenry also pioneered to Korea in 1964, serving that community for six years.

Canada’s Nancy Campbell Institute opens, receives warm welcome from city officials

The Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute (NCCI) in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, opened its doors September 6 to 17 students. The Institute offers a full academic curriculum including the sciences, social studies, humanities and the arts.

By following guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training and teaching all courses at an advanced level, NCCI seeks to promote excellence in learning while integrating Bahá’í themes and topics into relevant courses.

The Institute has begun to offer a series of courses that focus on moral leadership through character development and a thorough study of world order issues.

It has been found that those students who are not Bahá’ís look forward to taking part in discussions about the tenets and principles of the Faith.

The response from those in Stratford has been heartwarming. The local Member of Parliament, the mayor and town council have been most encouraging, and have helped the school obtain a parking amendment, which was of great importance since 75 students can now be accommodated instead of 17, as was the case under the previous arrangement.

The Institute has given faculty and staff an opportunity to speak freely to Stratfordians about the Faith’s philosophy and principles and about religion as a civilizing force in society.

All NCCI students are preparing dramatic performances on Bahá’í themes for the spring semester. When those students in grade 9 reach grade 11 in 1997, they will perform in a tour of Canada.

For information about the Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute, write to

Ontario N5A 4A8, Canada, phone 519-273-6435, or fax 905-628-0525.

Attention, Bahá’í youth

A new, dynamic and exciting teaching instrument is being created to help the “Army of Light” movement. It will enlist the services of ‎collegel-age college-age‎ youth (18-25) who will join summer activities and teaching projects across the country. This new initiative will be coordinated by the National Bahá’í Youth Workshop Office.

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the following questionnaire and mail it to: Bahá’í Youth Workshop Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Name ____________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

Name of school ____________________________________________

Telephone # where you can be reached __________________________

Will you be attending the Youth Conference in Phoenix, Arizona? ___ Yes ___ No

Peggy Morris Ma’sumi, pioneer to Venezuela, dies at 47 in Los Angeles

Margaret (Peggy) Morris Ma’sumi pioneered to Venezuela in December 1976. Two years after her arrival she was married to pioneer Bahman Ma’sumi and their daughter, Lua, was born there in 1984.

Among her many services in Venezuela, Mrs. Ma’sumi served on national committees, helped train the National Youth Corps, and helped produce the national bulletin.

In 1988 the Ma’sumis returned to the United States to seek medical treatment for Peggy, who had become seriously ill. They settled in Los Angeles with her parents. During a period of improvement in Mrs. Ma’sumi’s health, the family worked toward pioneering again, this time to the former Soviet Union where there was great need.

In the fall of 1993 Peggy’s health deteriorated and she died October 15 in Carmel Valley, California, at the age of 47.

Waterford Bahá’ís attend 10th African-American Festival in Pontiac, Michigan

The Bahá’ís of Waterford, Michigan, were very much in evidence July 15-17 at the 10th annual African-American Festival in Pontiac.

More than 150 invitations were handed out at the Bahá’í booth for a follow-up public meeting attended by the president of the Pontiac Area Urban League. The Bahá’ís also gave away 450 “Racism Just Undo It” buttons in only a day and a half.

Most of all, the Bahá’ís enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many people of various cultures including two men from Africa and a woman from India.

Bahá’í elders proclaim Message in Papua New Guinea

Continued from page 9

Conference of the International Council of Women. About 47 people took part including members of the Council from many countries. The Council chairman, Dr. Lily Boeykens, presented an opening speech, “entirely in favor of the Bahá’í around the world.” Olga Lorne, a French Bahá’í musician, played the harpsichord for the assembled guests.

• * *

In June, at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of Papua New Guinea, a team of Bahá’í elders from Medina Village, New Ireland Province, traveled to Bali Island, West New Britain Province, to proclaim the Message of Bahá’u’lláh using traditional methods. Bali Island has 15 villages, six of which are Christian and nine of which follow a traditional belief known as the “Cargo Cult” and are controlled by an elderly man called Dakua. When the Bahá’í team approached Dakua’s house to seek his permission to teach the Faith in his villages, he said he anticipated their visit because he had dreamed about it. When team members told Dakua the history of the Faith, says a report, he “glowed with happiness and was highly impressed. ...He readily consented for the team to give the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the nine villages.”

The team conducted four meetings, as a result of which a local Spiritual Assembly was formed. In July, two of the new Bahá’ís from Bali attended the summer school in Medina, bearing a message from Dakua asking the team to return to speak more about the Faith and its relevance to the culture of the people on Bali.

• * *

On August 31, the Bahá’í community of the Philippines held a reception for the vice-minister of education for the Republic of Vietnam, Prof. Tran Xuan Nhi, and his delegation. Among those taking part were Counselors Burháni’d-Din Afshín, Vicente Samaniego and Zena Sorabjee and five members of the National Spiritual Assembly. The vice-minister, who was in the Philippines to attend a World Health Organization conference on AIDS, accepted an invitation to dine with the National Spiritual Assembly and said he would like very much to see the Bahá’í National Center. Following the dinner, he was given a copy of the most recent edition of The Bahá’í World, while his four companions each received a copy of the Statement on Bahá’u’lláh.

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Bahá’ís that it is necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Bahá’í Holy Places.

IN MEMORIAM
Allison, Mark Ann Arbor, MI September 12, 1994	Roland Kolter Goleta, CA September 27, 1994
William F. Betts Indianapolis, IN October 15, 1994	Margaret Ma’sumi Carmel Valley, CA October 15, 1994
Reatha Bridges Opa-Locka, FL October 3, 1994	Peggie Rhoten Flint, MI October 15, 1994
Twyla Mae Bright Ignacio, CO September 13, 1994	Ethel Rider Riverside, CA May 12, 1994
Mark S. Brown Joshua Tree, CA September 3, 1994	Oscar W. Tilman Fordland, MO September 20, 1994
Zola Cage Vicksburg, MS September 9, 1994	Mary Anne Tracy Hemet, CA September 1994
Roger W. Clapper Dolan Springs, AZ October 3, 1994	J.W. Warren Summerville, SC August 23, 1994
Arthur Heumann Casselberry, FL September 23, 1994	Adeline Willson Nekoosa, WI August 22, 1994
Nourollah Jananpour Millbrae, CA September 4, 1994

[Page 24]Pictured are the members of the junior youth committee of Bryan/College Station, Texas. While practicing consultation, their responsibilities include preparing a yearbook of community events, hosting at least one Feast per year, and keeping track of the community’s progress toward winning the goals of the Three Year Plan. The members are (left to right) Evan Ahsani, Aneece Yazdani, Jessa Busch, Robert Waniska and Bree Busch.

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow 3 weeks for processing. (This also updates National’s data base.)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER

2-4: San Francisco Bahá’í Community Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For registration information, phone the Bahá’í Center of San Francisco, 415-432-9990. Registration deadline: November 25.

2-4: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Workshop, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

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

9-11: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

10-11: Regional Public Information Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia. Contact Walter Canady, 404-758-2524.

17-18: Regional Public Information Meeting, Wichita, Kansas. Contact David Freeman, 316-683-8851, or Liz Owens, 316-686-0151.

21-25: Classes by Dr. Riaz Ghadimi (in Persian) on Bahá’í Life/Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, plus Level II Core Curriculum Training, and class on the practical application of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets (in English) by Keith Christian Jenson, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

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 800-359-7253 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.

27-January 1: “Challenges of the Present Hour,” Dr. Soheil Bushrui, who occupies the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, Bosch Bahá’í School, plus social scientist Fred White on “Changing the American Character.” For information, write to the school at 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387.

27-January 1: Winter School Session, “The Life of Bahá’u’lláh” and “Milestones to the Millennium,” Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

27-January 1: Annual mid-winter Regional Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. Theme: “...in the love of God a shining torch.” For information, contact the Youth Board of Greater Cleveland, c/o Jenkins, Cleveland, OH 44122, or phone 216-283-8526.

27-January 2: Forum ’94 (fifth annual Forum for Young Professionals), Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland. Theme: “The Role of the Aesthetic in a Global Society.” For more information: Landegg Academy, CH-9405 Wienacht/AR, Switzerland.

28-30: Second annual May Township Youth Conference, Wilder Forest Conference Center near St. Paul, Minnesota. Theme: “Living a Life of Service.” Youth ages 11-20 welcome. For information, write to Ken or Peggy McNamara, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047, or phone 612-433-5089.

29-January 1: South Carolina Bahá’í Winter School, Louis Gregory Institute, Hemingway. To register, phone 803-558-5093.

29-January 1: Louisiana Bahá’í Winter School, ‎Fontainbleau Fontainebleau‎ State Park, Mandeville. Registrar: Nat West, 504-436-4958.

27-January 2: Forum ’94, “Art, the Artist, and Unity,” Landegg Academy, Switzerland. For information, write to Landegg Academy, CH-9405, Wienacht/AR, Switzerland.

JANUARY

5-8: College Club Weekend, organized by the Stanford College Club, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

7-8: Regional Public Information Meeting, Los Angeles, California. Contact Shamil or Susan, 213-933-8291.

12-15: Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Training Institute and Program for Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA), Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. Attendance is by invitation. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-733-3508.

13-15: Colorado East Winter School, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park. Contact John Bolz, Lafayette, CO 80026 (phone 303-666-9275).

14-15: Regional Public Information Meeting, Seattle, Washington. Contact Cindy Roat, 206-632-7645.

14-16: Illinois Bahá’í School, Best Western Hotel, Springfield. Contact Pej Clark, 1188 W. Sunset, Decatur, IL 62522 (phone 217-423-9788).

20-22: Rendezvous of the Soul Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

27-29: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

28-29: Regional Public Information Meeting, Dallas, Texas. Contact Kambiz Rafraf, 214-248-8178.

FEBRUARY

3-5: Seekers’ Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. Special price for the weekend: $50 for each seeker, the same for Bahá’ís who bring seekers. For Bahá’ís who come without seekers, the cost is $100. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

3-5: Junior Youth Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

4-5: Regional Public Information Meeting, Washington, D.C.

10-12: Black History Celebration, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

17-19: Marriage Enrichment Conference, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

17-20: Adult Three-Day Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

QAWL B.E. 151 / NOVEMBER 23, 1994