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Universal House of Justice sees momentum building for unprecedented growth

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Beloved Friends,

In the message sent last Ridván, we drew the attention of the Bahá’í world to the critical need for a massive expansion of the Bahá’í community in the years immediately ahead. The growing receptivity of the peoples of the world to Bahá’u’lláh’s Message reinforces our conviction that entry by troops will soon become an established pattern for the growth of the Faith in country after country.

To assist the National Spiritual Assemblies and all the friends to understand, welcome, initiate and sustain this process, we are [sending] a compilation entitled "Entry by Troops" and a covering statement prepared by the Research Department. Whoever studies these illuminating passages will perceive that entry by troops is not merely a stage of the progress of the Cause destined to occur in its own good time, dependent on the receptivity of the population as a whole—it is a phenomenon which the Bahá’í communities, by their own activities, can prepare for and help to bring about. It is also a process which, once started, can be sustained. By a wise allocation of resources and the energetic pursuit of simultaneous plans of expansion, deepening and consolidation, the process of entry by troops should bring about a rapidly increasing supply of active believers, soundly based local communities, and steadily evolving local and national Bahá’í institutions.

The Bahá’í world needs to foster a united clarity of vision for the Cause.

Russian woman named Counselor in Europe

For compelling personal reasons, Mrs. Elisabeth Mühlschlegel has resigned from the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe after more than five years of highly valued services. We are sure that she will continue to serve the Cause with great devotion in other ways, and assure her and her family of our loving prayers.

To fill the vacancy thus caused, we announce the appointment of Mrs. Larissa Grigorjevna Tsutskova of Perm, Russia, to the membership of the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe for the remainder of the current term.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice

December 26, 1993

Vision in Action

1 Teaching Committee names National Arts Task Force.

2 The Arc: A great challenge with greater rewards

9 Texas youth to repeat successful teaching trip to central Mexico

11 Whatever the Sacrifice...

19 'Oneness of Humanity' mural unveiled at Los Angeles Center

Bahá’í action for unity is 'Watchword' of new magazine.

The South rises again to teach the masses

By Tom Mennillo

As you read this, a spiritual army is marching across the South.

This force of love and unity has a mission: to engage every soul in a process of individual transformation leading to service in the Cause of God.

It was unleashed January 7-9 in Atlanta at an extraordinary gathering for large-scale growth that drew nearly 1,000 adults, youth and children from the region.

There, the friends were lovingly equipped for battle by three Counselors for the Americas, the entire membership of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Auxiliary Board members for the Southeastern states, and the members of the National Teaching Committee.

They heard the requirement of the day—a "massive expansion" of the Faith to meet the needs of humanity—reiterated in the most striking fashion.

They received a personal invitation to make teaching and growth real goals in their hearts, so every non-Bahá’í will be seen as a potential Bahá’í and every waking moment will be reordered for service to the Cause.

They witnessed an emotional validation of the "so many wonderful teaching efforts" that have "blessed this ground," especially the mass teaching of the early 1970s.

They took possession of a newly [formulated plan].

U.S. condemns Iran; UN resolution passed

In a statement made by Victor Marrero, alternate U.S. Representative to the United Nations, before the UN General Assembly on December 20, the United States accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of human rights violations and religious persecution, citing as evidence death sentences imposed recently against three members of the Bahá’í Faith.

The condemnation came as the 184-nation General Assembly rebuked Iran in a strongly worded resolution passed by a vote of 74 to 23 with 51 abstentions. The resolution expresses concern about "the discriminatory treatment of certain groups of citizens for reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Bahá’ís, whose existence as a viable religious community is threatened."

Before the vote, Ambassador Marrero said, "Mr. President, the United States would like to direct the attention of the General Assembly to the Interim Report prepared by Prof. Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Iran.

"In the report, Prof. Galindo Pohl noted that two Iranian Bahá’ís, Mr. Bihnam Mithaqi and Mr. Kayvan Khalajabadi, who have been held without charge since April 1989, were informed on August [sentences]." [Page 2]

Teaching Committee names National Arts Task Force

The National Teaching Committee has appointed a National Arts Task Force and assigned to its members the task of developing a long-term program aimed at encouraging communities throughout the U.S. to make use of the arts as a means of building the spirit of local communities and of spreading the teachings of the Faith.

The mandate given to the National Arts Task Force (NATF) is "to foster the widespread and varied use of the arts...with a special emphasis on race unity and cultural diversity."

This affirms that artists and the arts have a crucial role to play in achieving the goals of the Three Year Plan. The goal of the NATF is to work with Bahá’í artists to integrate the use of the arts into all Bahá’í community activities.

The plans drawn up by the NATF will be explained more fully in a series of articles to be published in The American Bahá’í and in "Art Matters," the NATF newsletter. In forming its plan of action, the Task Force outlined for itself procedural principles, some of which are:

• To develop and promote grassroots initiatives that use the arts for teaching, deepening, and social and economic development.
• To promote the aspiration to spiritual distinction first, and material accomplishment second.
• To foster a sense of art as service to humanity by encouraging the use of arts for race unity efforts, especially social and economic development-oriented efforts.
• To promote ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's assertion that educating children in the arts should become an integral part of their spiritual and moral development.
• To foster the use and understanding of the "art of consultation" as it applies to implementing artistic activities in Bahá’í communities.

The NATF newsletter will contain essays, substantive articles, lists of funding, information on scholarships and resources, a calendar of events, and a vehicle for networking among artists and the Bahá’í community. Subscription information will be published in the next issue of The American Bahá’í; the first issue will be available early this year.

The NATF will also publish regular articles in The American Bahá’í and, when possible, in the "Bahá’í Newsreel."

The NATF hopes that working closely, at the grassroots level, with those who create, appreciate, administer or educate in the arts will inspire a dynamic for teaching, deepening and service to the Cause.

If you would like to contact the NATF, you may do so through the National Teaching Office at the Bahá’í National Center in Wilmette.

Bahá’í college clubs connect through new e-mail networks

Bahá’í college clubs throughout the world are becoming connected with each other and to the national Bahá’í offices through an electronic mail (e-mail) network.

Called the Bahá’í Campus Forum, it is sponsored by the National Teaching Committee and coordinated by a task force in cooperation with the Bahá’í Computer and Communications Association.

Through it, members of campus clubs can take part—efficiently and inexpensively—in discussions with members of clubs around the world and receive news and information from national offices.

What is e-mail?

Many e-mail services are available. Some are commercial and charge for each message sent. Some are run by individuals out of their homes and are free. A third category of e-mail is available at academic and research institutions.

Internet, upon which the Bahá’í Campus Forum is based, falls into the latter category.

An e-mail forum operates by individuals sending messages to the address of the forum. When they are received by the computer hosting the forum, the messages are automatically distributed to all the members. Depending on the computer hosting the forum, members will receive a copy of the message in a few minutes or hours.

Campus access

Nearly all colleges and universities provide their students, faculty and staff with access to e-mail free of charge.

To obtain an e-mail account, students usually can go to the Office of Academic Computing, Campus Networking or such (not the Computer Science Department) and ask for an account.

Often, individual departments such as math and physics provide e-mail to their students.

Connecting to Campus Forum

Different campuses provide different facilities or software for sending and reading e-mail, so it is not possible here to include exact instructions on how to use it on a particular campus.

But once an e-mail account is established, a brief message should be sent to the Bahá’í Campus Forum at Bahai-Campus-Forum-request@justice.medford.ma.us requesting connection. Anyone not on Internet or BITNET might have to change that address a little. Call Mark Towfiq at 617-488-2818 if any problems are encountered.

People newly added to the Bahá’í Campus Forum will receive a message of welcome and then begin receiving regular postings. E-mail "mailboxes" should be checked at least every few days; members might get one to five messages daily.

Taking part in the discussion

Most of the messages someone receives on the Forum will probably be read and then deleted. If a message contains something the recipient wants to keep, it can be filed for safekeeping or printed out.

Some messages will evoke a response, either to the whole forum or to the person who sent the message. This is an important distinction!

For example, if the national office sends out a message requesting information from college clubs, the reply should be sent only to the national office.

If, however, a member wants to say hello to a friend who just posted a message, the response should go only to the friend. Otherwise, a love letter could inadvertently go to the whole Forum!

If, on the other hand, a member wants to take part in an ongoing discussion, ask a question about teaching on campus, or bring up a new topic, a response can be sent to the whole group. The e-mail address is Bahai-Campus-Forum @justice. med-

Australia's deadly brush fires spare House of Worship, Bahá’ís

The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia reports that the deadly brush fires that destroyed more than a million acres of land in the Sydney area in early January stopped just short of the Bahá’í House of Worship, although fires raged on every side around the Temple property.

"The Temple property and buildings are safe," the National Assembly cabled on January 10, "and have suffered only negligible damage from the fires: the water pump at the edge of the gardens was burnt, and the glass in one of the doors of the Temple was cracked by the heat of the flames.

"The fires came to the very edge of the property, but then jumped across the road and spared the Temple area. The adjacent areas on all sides of the property have been burned and are heavily damaged."

The House of Worship was featured in television reports and newspaper coverage of the fires, depicting it as an oasis in an area of otherwise blackened vegetation. An article in the Sunday Telegraph on January 9 described the situation in these words:

"Amid the smoky ruins of the parklands, the Bahá’í Temple stood like a gleaming white beacon on the hill between Mona Vale and Ingleside."

There were no reports of any Bahá’ís having been injured or losing property during the fires, although several families were evacuated temporarily.

"It is clear that the fire came very close [to the House of Worship]," the National Spiritual Assembly reported, "penetrating into bushland owned by the Faith a few meters from the gardens around the Temple. Four fire-fighting units helped to fight that fire, but had to be withdrawn due to pressing needs arising from nearby burning houses.

"The Temple caretaker...fought the fire alone until 3:30 a.m. (the police having evacuated all other Bahá’ís earlier due to the dangers) until it was extinguished.

"There is now no discernible danger to the Temple. However, there are a lot of smoldering logs close by, and so Bahá’ís will be patrolling the area on a 24-hour basis to deal with any problems which might arise from flying sparks.

"It appears that more than 200 non-Bahá’ís telephoned their Bahá’í friends at various times during the crisis, wanting to come to pray at the Temple." [Page 3]

Three Year Plan

MULK B.E. 150/ FEBRUARY 7, 1994

GROWTH

3 YEAR PLAN 1993-1996

TEACHING

TRAVELING TEACHING GOALS 1,214 Completed as of this report 1,786 Needed as of this report 3,000 Goal for the 3 Year Plan

HOMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS 208 Completed as of this report 292 Needed as of this report 500 Goal for the 3 Year Plan

MISSION 19 (9 MONTHS of TO GO!)

U.S. Bahá’í Community Current Goals and Status Mulk 150 February 7, 1994

THE HEAT IS ON! FIRESIDE TEACHING CAMPAIGN

As the cold of winter has firmly set in around the nation, the HEAT Wave fireside teaching campaign is spreading the warmth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to all corners. Fireside activity has remained at an increased state in the first areas of the HEAT Wave, and continues to grow in intensity as the months pass. Let us all double our efforts and keep those activities sustained. Remember, keep saying those teaching prayers, and Hold Everything And Teach!

THE FUND

(As of December 31, 1993)

FOUR MAJOR FUNDS Goal for 150 B.E. $25,000,000 Contributions to Date $9,217,991

NATIONAL FUND: $8,015,120

INTERNATIONAL FUND: From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $666,666 Earmarked Dollars: $306,201 Total Contributions: $972,867

ARC PROJECTS FUND: From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $666,666 Earmarked Dollars: $775,315 Total Contributions: $1,441,981

CONTINENTAL FUND: From Nat’l Bahá’í Fund: $80,000 Earmarked Dollars: $121,355 Total Contributions: $201,355

FIRESIDE AREAS

2 Qawl 11/23-12/11: Indiana, Ohio 3 Masa'il 12/12-12/30: Michigan, Wisconsin 4 Sharaf 12/31-1/18 5 Sultán 1/19-2/6 6 MULK 2/7-2/25 7 Bahá 3/21-4/8 8 Jalál 4/9-4/27 9 Jamál 4/28-5/16: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts 10 ‘Azamat 5/17-6/4: New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont 11 Núr 6/5-6/23: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania 12 Rahmat 6/24-7/12: DELAWARE, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON (DC), WEST VIRGINIA 13 Kalimát 7/13-7/31: Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina 14 Kamál 8/1-8/19: Florida 15 Asmá’ 8/20-9/7: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee 16 ‘Izzat 9/8-9/26: Oklahoma, Texas 17 Mashíyyat 9/27-10/15: Arizona, New Mexico 18 ‘Ilm 10/16-11/3: California: Electoral Units 025, 026, 027, 029, 030, 031 California: Electoral Units 015, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 028 California: Electoral Units 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018 Oregon Washington Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, N. Dakota, S. Dakota

ENROLLMENTS

December ............. 90 Year to date.... 1,279

REGIONAL TRAVELING TEACHING COORDINATORS

REGION 1 (ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) Jack Hansen, Touchet, WA 99360; 509-525-3978

REGION 2 (CA, NV) Sandra Huit, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; 916-961-0807

REGION 3 (AZ, CO, NM, UT) Terri Agahi, Phoenix, AZ 85027; 602-582-7979

REGION 4 (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD) Janet Haworth, Springfield, MO 65803; 417-862-9218

REGION 5 (AR, OK) Will Sutter, Oklahoma City, OK 73118; 405-557-1107; (LA, MS, TX) Riaz Haghpajuh, # 107, Addison, TX 75244; 214-243-1540

REGION 6 (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI) Rose Wendel, Dayton, OH 45459; 513-433-1120

REGION 7 (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) Nancy Duggan, Drive, Malden, MA 02148; 617-324-7915

REGION 8 (DC, DE, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) Bruce and Lisa Barker, Mt. Airy, NC 27030; 919-789-7878

REGION 9 (AL, FL, GA) Dale Sollars, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411; 407-791-3755 [Page 4]

Vision in Action

Friends start to put growth model to work

unveiled model for large-scale expansion and consolidation that simultaneously guides individual souls and builds a pattern of distinctive community life.

And they immediately set about putting the model to work, through:

• earnest consultation with Auxiliary Board members to develop local strategies;
• a public celebration of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh presented to an overflow audience and including joyous music of nearly every stripe;
• a series of fireside/brunches in private homes at which members of the National Spiritual Assembly spoke;
• a teaching project in south DeKalb County, Georgia; and
• rediscovering the basis of vibrant Bahá’í community life, the spiritual meeting.

Need for massive expansion

Firuz Kazemzadeh, the National Spiritual Assembly secretary for external affairs, echoed the theme of the recent Vision in Action meetings in declaring that Bahá’ís must become the bearers of eternal salvation for today.

No Manifestation of God has been able to directly apply the Divine Remedy to more than a few hundred people in His lifetime, noted Dr. Kazemzadeh.

So, as Bahá’u’lláh was the Messenger of God for this day, we are the messengers of Bahá’u’lláh, he said, and it is up to us to carry the message to all of humanity.

Nothing else we do can compare in importance, he said, especially at this time when the Universal House of Justice has stated that the influence the Faith can exercise is enormous but that there simply aren't enough Bahá’ís.

"The door is open," he pointed out, "but there is no one to walk through it."

Sacrifice for service

Dr. Kazemzadeh estimated that the American Bahá’í community will need to number about one million in 10 years to take its rightful place in directing the course of society.

To earn such a victory will require sacrifice of the same magnitude, Counselor Stephen Birkland told conference attendees.

"Every step of the way, our Creator has required a ransom," he said. The bigger the victory, the bigger the sacrifice that must be made.

Sacrifices we make in following "this great Cause" include comfort, time and the way we think and interact, said Mr. Birkland.

The latter requires that we constantly examine what is not working in our lives, he said. If any of our actions are not unifying, we must change them.

The Challenge of the Divine Plan

Bahá’u’lláh has come to transform the world. Society is in desperate need of His healing Message, but we cannot impact society in the way we should until our membership is vastly increased. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Divine Plan is our Charter for the spiritual conquest of the planet—a conquest of love and hope. Our effort to fulfill the mandate of the Divine Plan requires firmness in the Covenant; love, fellowship, and unity among the believers, and teaching.

The Three Year Plan, the current phase of the Divine Plan, calls for a "massive expansion" of the Cause to meet the needs of humanity. Our aim is to simultaneously guide individuals into the Faith and work with them to build strong communities.

Guiding Individual Souls

Teachers, assemblies, local communities and teaching projects working for massive expansion engage in a number of steps that guide individuals along a path from learning about Bahá’u’lláh to arising independently to serve His Cause. A key element is teaching individuals about the person and mission of Bahá’u’lláh. A second element is inviting the seekers to become Bahá’ís so that they, as their hearts are transformed, can help transform the world. Yet another essential element is providing systematic deepening programs for adults, youth, and children.

Finding & Declaration teaching & receptive Enrollment souls Strengthening bonds of fellowship, Systematic deepening Continued leaming & service

The path of individual transformation is the same for everyone. Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, veteran and new believers, progress along this path at their own rate. Individual learning and transformation continues forever.

Building a Pattern of Community Life

Individual progress is complemented by a regular cycle of community life that confirms the individual's faith, provides fellowship and worship, guides individuals and families in the practise of Bahá’í life, and offers an opportunity for service to the Cause. Such sustained patterns of action strengthen individuals and communities at the same time.

Heart to heart

For example, said Mr. Birkland, it is natural to feel frustration when our ideas are rejected. But consultation requires us to absorb the pain and "offer it all up as a ransom to Bahá’u’lláh for the progress of this great Faith."

The process of detachment, said Counselor Wilma Ellis, extends to "learning how to have Bahá’í communities."

With large-scale growth, she said, we will have in our communities for the first time "Bahá’ís who don't know everyone else and won't know everything about the Faith.

"Are we ready for that?" she asked.

Dr. Ellis said that massive expansion of our ranks requires an entirely different way of looking at Bahá’í community life.

Bahá’ís will have to engage the hearts of their non-Bahá’í relatives, neighbors and co-workers so those souls can walk the same path of spiritual transformation as we are.

That means, she said, creating ongoing events at which Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike deepen in their knowledge of the Faith, feel the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, and work to further the Cause.

Every community has different needs. Hence, the activities will vary from place to place, and will be different at various stages of a community's development.

Social & economic development Social activities Deepenings, schools & institutes Spintual meetings Teaching activities Feasts & LSA meetings Individual & family life Children's classes & activities Youth activities

The important thing is that activities be undertaken with love and unity and that they address the community's spiritual, social, expansion and consolidation needs.

The activities should combine in an ever-evolving pattern that increases the community's membership, sustains individual spiritual development, and leads to the spiritual conquest of the entire town, city, or region.

Putting It All Together

Large scale expansion and consolidation requires:

• Drawing spiritual power. The Faith is not about meetings it is about channeling and directing the tremendous spiritual forces released by Bahá’u’lláh for the transformation of society. Individuals and communities are galvanized through divine power and love.
• Embracing the entire population. If our activities involve only Bahá’ís, we cannot grow. Bahá’u’lláh's teachings are for everyone and are urgently needed by humanity at this time.
• Learning through action and reflection. Every area already has some level of activity; these can evolve to include vital missing elements. Encourage initiative without worrying unduly about mistakes, which are a necessary part of a learning process. Evaluate action and revise it as needed to increase effectiveness.
• Participation by everyone. The Faith grows through individual initiative, direction from assemblies, and leadership from the Auxiliary Board. While "each person cannot do everything and all persons cannot do the same thing," every believer and every community can find some part to play in the urgent work of achieving massive expansion.
• Increasing human resources. Encourage new believers and seekers to take part in activities with the Bahá’ís, then arise to serve on their own. Systematic deepening on the Word of God is the key to spiritual transformation and preparation for greater service.

On big shoulders

It also means "loving people" into the Faith, said National Spiritual Assembly member Alberta Deas.

"Think about when you became a Bahá’í," she implored, "and how you felt."

In her case, Dr. Deas first was [Page 5]

Vision in Action

Worksheet for Reviewing a Local Strategy

Use this worksheet to reflect on your strategy for large-scale expansion and consolidation in your area. How are your current efforts progressing? How might you add to or revise your current activities? Remember-the object is not just to have a lot of activities but to have activities that contribute toward consistent progress. Activities should be suited to local needs and resources.

Guiding Individual Souls

Finding & teaching receptive souls: Interact with and befriend non-Bahá’ís, telling them about Bahá’u’lláh. Proclamation is not a substitute for direct teaching.

Declaration & enrollment: Invite souls to embrace the Faith. Declaration is a milestone that takes place at any point. For some this occurs quickly; place no obstacles in the way of such souls.

Strengthening bonds of fellowship, love&unity: Strengthen bonds of fellowship between teachers and seekers. Strong bonds of friendship are key to enrollment. In areas of large-scale growth, bonds are established through regular, sustained follow-up visits.

Systematic deepening: Offer systematic deepening to strengthen the faith of all believers and guide them in principles such as prayer, teaching, and giving to the Fund. A core deepening program can also prepare them for specific services, such as serving on assemblies.

Continued learning: Study the Writings while striving to transform what is written into action.

Building A Pattern of Community Life

Spiritual meetings: Gather Bahá’ís and seekers regularly for music, worship, fellowship, etc., to enable believers and seekers to feel and be uplifted by the spirit of the Faith.

Teaching activities: Hold firesides and activities using other teaching methods suited to the population. Teaching must include more than simply proclamation.

Feasts & assembly meetings: Hold Feasts and Assembly meetings for Bahá’ís., recognizing that they may take time to develop in some places, but are crucial to the progress of the Cause.

Individual & Family Life: Help individuals and families obey the laws and develop the distinctive pattern and qualities of Bahá’í life, such as obligatory prayer, fasting, Holy Days, etc.

Youth activities: Use youth to spearhead activities for expansion and consolidation.

Children's classes & activities: Guide children to be effective teachers and servants of the Cause. Children do not have to have Bahá’í parents to learn about the Faith.

Deepenings, schools, & institutes: Offer sustained opportunities for interaction with the Word of God and for acquiring skills to better serve the Faith.

Social activities: Plan social events to provide an avenue for strengthening bonds love, fellowship, and unity.

Social & economic development: Apply Bahá’u’lláh's teachings to the problems of humanity, through such activities as literacy classes and race unity efforts.

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

The Universal House of Justice was moved by the enthusiastic spirit of the message it received from the Vision in Action Conference held in Atlanta on January 7-9. It is confident that if the friends will act in accordance with the aspirations they cherish for the teaching work, tremendous victories will be theirs, as it is evident that the receptivity to the divine Message is greatly increasing and that the ground in the Southeastern region of the United States is fertile. The House of Justice hopes that an outcome of this conference will be teaching triumphs of such measure that all other regions throughout your specially blessed country will be set ablaze. It will pray ardently at the Holy Threshold for such a glorious outcome.

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat January 11, 1994

taught the Bahá’í principles. But she said that her heart didn't follow her head into the Cause until she heard about progressive revelation and Bahá’u’lláh.

She said we must stand, then, on the shoulders of love and unity in our teaching. And on the shoulders of all those who have forsaken comfort and braved danger to carry the message to humanity.

Such a group, she said, was the legion of teachers in the Deep South in the early 1970s. They prayed, they studied the Creative Word and, thus unified in purpose, they-and their children-went out into the hamlets and cities.

In a stirring tribute, Dr. Deas called forward from the audience those who taught and those who had joined the Cause in those days of monumental growth.

First a trickle, then a flood moved toward the front of the room amid tearful embraces as the audience exploded in cheers.

A model for growth

Some mistakes were made in those days, as there always will be when we imperfect beings teach the perfect Word of God, said Sylvester Scott, chairman of the National Teaching Committee.

Our task, he said, is to build on what we've done well in the past.

The methods of teaching the masses are valid, added National Teaching Committee member Paul Lample. But a process is needed that each community can adapt to lend its efforts continuity.

That's where the model for large-scale expansion and consolidation comes in, said Mr. Scott.

It ensures that individuals-Bahá’í and not yet Bahá’í-are guided in their spiritual transformation. It ensures a regular cycle of community life that confirms those individuals' faith, provides fellowship and worship, and affords opportunities for all to serve.

All elements of community life except Feast and the local Spiritual Assembly are open, then, to full participation by the locality at large, noted Mr. Lample.

That puts all-Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike on a pathway of learning, he said. "We're not the preachers and our seekers the congregation."

This model for large-scale growth bespeaks a new maturity in the Bahá’í community, he said. At earlier times, we were directed what to do. Through nurturing, though, we have arrived at a point at which we can guide our own individual and community efforts.

Available to help every step of the way as we examine our progress will be the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants "the local Spiritual Assembly's best friend," said Mr. Lample. The National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee also stand ready, in a campaign of unified action, with resources to aid in the effort. [Page 6]Pioneers and children of mass teaching in the early 1970s reunite during the conference on large-scale growth at the invitation of National Spiritual Assembly member Alberta Deas (at top in photo at right).

Events demonstrate love, unity of Bahá’í community

Continued from page 5

To be successful in teaching, though, we personally “must feel it’s a new day,” said Mr. Scott. “Above all, one must be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is catching.”

Dawn Haghighi, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, said the confidence we need can be drawn from the Ridván 150 message of the Universal House of Justice—the latest expression of the Word of God today.

“How precious that we have recognized the Blessed Beauty,” she said, “and that we have the opportunity to shower Bahá’u’lláh’s love on ourselves and all of humanity.”

Demonstrations of love

Love was showered aplenty in weekend activities that brought to life the model for large-scale growth.

The first was a gala public celebration of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh.

Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, set the tone for the evening with an address in which he placed the Blessed Beauty in the firmament of God’s Manifestations.

He told how all the Messengers have foretold a day in which One would come Who leads humanity to the fulfillment of God’s Promise that we be one.

He assured his audience, many of whom were not Bahá’ís, that Bahá’ís honor Christ in their hearts.

And he invited them to investigate the Faith and to join with the Bahá’í community in carrying forward God’s work.

Readings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh were interspersed with artistic reflections of God’s love in many forms, from classical music to opera, modern dance to choral singing.

Carla Baker leads the Atlanta Bahá’í Gospel Choir and the audience in song at a public celebration “In Praise of the Coming of Bahá’u’lláh” during the conference in Atlanta on large-scale growth.

The other major event was the spiritual meeting, a concept about which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had much to say, and which Mr. Lample called the heart and soul of the model for large-scale growth.

The worship service, “In Praise of the Glory of God,” included prayers in English, Spanish and Persian; soul-stirring vocals by Carla Baker, the Florida Bahá’í Gospel Ensemble and the Georgia Bahá’í Choir; and thoughts expressed by Counselors Ellis and Birkland.

Dr. Ellis painted a word picture of a loving, diverse but unified, progressive, safe-giving Bahá’í community that stands with arms open wide to embrace humanity.

She repeated the invitation to join “that glorious family and feed each other with the spiritual teachings for the day in which we live.”

Onto the battlefield

With those words, the precious souls who serve the Faith in this day returned to their communities.

Echoing in many minds, though, had to be the words of James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly.

“This is a spiritual war, and we’re on a battlefield,” he said, calling the Bahá’ís the “best equipped army ever to engage in battle.”

But he cautioned the friends that “we’ve become very good at examining our munitions. We’re very good at ‘ready, aim.’”

“Starting Sunday night, it’s ‘fire!’” he declared.

Those shots are now being heard around the world, and soon the battle will spread to other areas of this country.

Death sentences are hanging over three Bahá’ís in Iran

Continued from page 1

31, 1992, that an Islamic revolutionary court in Karaj had condemned them to death. The Special Representative reported that these sentences were being appealed.

“We were informed on December 17, 1993, that these death sentences were reaffirmed by another court on November 23, 1993. The sentences are reportedly being appealed to the Iranian Supreme Court.

“We have also learned that a third Bahá’í, Ramadan-Ali Dhulfaqari, was recently condemned to death in Rafsanjan for apostasy.

“It is clear from these and other cases that the regime in Tehran continues to flout the human rights of its own citizens, unrelentingly persecuting some simply because of their religious beliefs.

“The United States intends to vote in favor of the resolution introduced here on the subject of the human rights situation in Iran. We urge all nations who oppose racism, intolerance and deliberate abuse of human rights to do the same.”

“ It is clear from these and other cases that the regime ... continues to flout the human rights of its own citizens. ... ” — VICTOR MARRERO

In September 1992 the National Spiritual Assembly learned that Mr. Mithaqi and Mr. Khalajabadi had been sentenced to death by an Islamic court near Tehran for the crime of being active Bahá’ís.

Subsequently, the UN and a number of countries lodged vigorous protests against these death penalties while Messrs. Mithaqi and Khalajabadi appealed their cases to a higher Islamic court.

On November 23, 1993, the very day on which Prof. Galindo Pohl presented his oral comments on the human rights situation in Iran to the UN General Assembly, the two Bahá’ís were again sentenced to death by Islamic courts in Iran.

The verdict by the court charged them with such “crimes” as having been “active and avowed teachers and promoters of Bahá’í agencies” and of having prepared various reports that were sent to the UN and to Bahá’í institutions outside Iran. [Page 7]

How-to guide for info line is available

A Bahá’í who has implemented Bahá’í voice mail systems in New York and Atlanta has compiled a how-to packet for other communities that might be considering such an information line.

Nabil Jurney, a New York-based communications consultant, is offering the packet for $5 and a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope. Send the request to Nabil Jurney, P.O. Box 1103, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276.

With easily available technology and a couple of volunteers, a Bahá’í community can have a complete telephone answering system that will serve the needs of both seekers and Bahá’ís, says Mr. Jurney.

(A similar system in Madison, Wisconsin was noted in the November 23 issue of The American Bahá’í).

Mr. Jurney says New York's dedicated line has nine different choices of information for callers (see accompanying graphic).

When a call comes in to the main Bahá’í office number and is not answered before three rings, the call is directed to a single-channel voice mail number.

That outgoing message reads: "Thank you for calling the New York Bahá’í Center and bookstore. We're away from the phone right now, but your call is important. You may leave a message for our secretary after the tone. Or, to find out more about the Bahá’í Faith, or details of upcoming Bahá’í events, call the New York Bahá’í information line at 212-330-9309."

New York City Bahá’í Center Office 212-674-8998

Racism. Just Undo It. Hotline 212-465-3150

New York Bahá’í Information Line 212-330-9309

Press a keypad number for specific information! (Touch tone phones only)

1 Basic Description of the Bahá’í Faith 2 Free Literature 3 Location & Hours of Bahá’í Center/Bookstore 4 Sunday Activities at the Bahá’í Center 5 Firesides, Deepenings, Events 6 Feasts (All Boroughs) 7 Youth and College Events 8 Information in Spanish

Leave a Message CNIC Bahá’ís 1993

Mr. Jurney reports that the response has been phenomenal. For Bahá’ís, it helps bridge the information gap between local Bahá’í newsletter issues. Visiting Bahá’ís can find out about activities on weekends and after hours. And, most important, first-time seekers can learn a good bit about the Faith from the comfort of their own home.

The technology to set up a system is easy, says Mr. Jurney. Either rent a number from a local voice mail company or use your own telephone line with virtually any dedicated IBM-compatible or Macintosh computer running voice mail software.

Series attracts hundreds to discuss human rights

Bahá’í Club members at the University of Louisville (Kentucky) figure they accomplished several goals at one time by sponsoring a series of Human Rights Symposia last fall.

The highly attended discussion series, held on six Wednesday evenings, contributed toward the fulfillment of national Three Year Plan goals by:

• attracting a variety of distinguished faculty members and other prominent people from the community; • addressing racism, thereby making the Bahá’í Club an advocate of racial justice and its principles a model; • examining critically the status of women and offering solutions for their advancement; and • consulting with local Spiritual Assemblies for institutional support, thus making the Symposia a channel and instrument for further maturation of local institutions.

The Human Rights Symposia were conceived by graduate dental student Mahyar Mofidi as an outgrowth of the United Nations-declared International Year of Human Rights and International Year of Indigenous People.

Mr. Mofidi contacted the Office of the U.S. Bahá’í Representative to the United Nations to obtain statements about human rights. Also, while taking part in the World Order Studies program at Landegg Academy in Switzerland, he spoke with Dr. Iraj Ayman about the proposal.

Then he and other members of the Bahá’í Club went to local Spiritual Assemblies for their blessings and confirmations.

It was recognized early in planning for the Symposia that, to establish credibility, the Bahá’í Club needed to attract people of prominence to the project and secure their commitment as speakers and moderators. As many as 25 to 35 U of L faculty and staff members thus became acquainted with the Symposia.

Over and over, they asked, "Why is the Bahá’í Club doing this?" That gave Mr. Mofidi an opportunity to correlate the Bahá’í teachings to present-day social needs and concerns.

Encouragement and positive comments such as "outstanding work," "major initiative," "noble cause," "great contribution" and "abundant potential" were communicated by most of the faculty.

It was understood also that involving diverse groups would enhance the Symposia and help the Bahá’ís Club avoid the stigma of proselytizing in an environment that is suspicious of religion.

Sixteen organizations signed on as co-sponsors. Many groups on and off campus promoted the Symposia in their newsletters.

University officials, including the Provost's Office, Faculty Development and Student Life, demonstrated keen interest, too. The university assumed all expenses for advertisements, fliers and personal invitations to more than 4,500 faculty and staff, and for refreshments.

Similarly, the Student Government Association covered the costs of publishing a booklet the Bahá’í Club prepared about the nature, purpose and goals of the Symposia. About 400 copies were distributed.

Through the university computer network, several faculty members sent messages to their colleagues asking them to announce the upcoming events in their classrooms.

The six Human Rights Symposia topics were: "Understanding Human Rights: Restorations of Human Dignity"; "Religion: A Needed Force for Unity"; "Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet"; "Racism: America's Most Challenging Issue"; "Global Political Interdependence: Working Toward a New World Order"; and "Indigenous People: Exploring Nobility."

The Bahá’í Club officially opened the Symposia with a statement that focused on the experience of the Bahá’í community in Iran and how its history of suffering provides a contemporary case for the study of human rights violations and abuses.

Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike served as moderators and speakers at all six events. The Bahá’í panelists were able to bring to bear the Faith's approaches to pertinent themes without openly mentioning their affiliation—although this did, as it should, take place in the post-panel, informal discussions.

As a result of the Human Rights Symposia, the Bahá’í Club has been asked to play a greater role on the campus. Expressions of appreciation came from many prominent people, including the assistant vice president of Student Affairs, the executive director of Student Life, the university provost, and the head of the Religious Studies program.

The Symposia also benefited the Bahá’ís by enabling them to deepen on the concerns and immediate needs of a hurting society, and some of the Symposia participants have started attending Bahá’í firesides and gatherings.

Compilation offered to friends in hopes of renewed impetus for spread of Faith

...expansion of the Cause and all its agencies, and a wide range of activities suited to the differing conditions of both the general population and the individual Bahá’ís. We therefore urge the friends, and especially the Assemblies, to study this compilation, to understand the coherence of its statements, and to use its counsels to lend a renewed impetus to the spread of the Faith and the establishment of the institutions of the Cause of God.

Above all, in every aspect of teaching the Message, the friends should have confidence in the regenerative power of the Word of God, seek strength from the hosts of divine assistance, and anticipate the bounties that will continually be showered upon them. To build a new world is no easy task. The road is stony and filled with obstacles, but the journey is infinitely rewarding.

It is our ardent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that the friends throughout the world, with their hearts filled with love for Bahá’u’lláh, will arise to teach His Message to the thirsting multitudes, and will welcome into His Cause all those whose spirits respond to the Divine Summons and who are moved to throw in their lot with the builders of God's Kingdom on this earth.

We are confident that, guided and assisted by the Counselors and their auxiliaries, you will be confirmed in your efforts to direct the energies of the friends toward this momentous undertaking.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice November 9, 1993 [Page 8]

Classifieds

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE BAHÁ’Í World Center urgently needs a lawyer, trained in a common-law country, with at least two to three years experience, preferably in property and contract law. Experience in drafting or negotiating would be advantageous. Ideally, the applicant should be detail-oriented, able to grasp new concepts quickly, and prepared to work as part of a small team. Please reply to the Office of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE LOUHELEN Bahá’í School is seeking applicants to fill an anticipated vacancy for coordinator of property improvement. This is a regular, full-time permanent staff position, with salary and benefits appropriate to the core supervisory role it offers. The coordinator of property improvement oversees Louhelen’s maintenance and grounds department and is responsible for coordinating and assuring the maintenance, upkeep and over-all physical improvement of the school’s equipment, facilities and grounds. It is anticipated that the position will be available beginning December 1, 1994. ‎Interest Interested‎ persons may ask for more information and application materials from Dr. Rick Johnson, administrator, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 810-653-5033 (fax 810-653-7181).

VOLUNTEERS are needed for NABI programs in 1994. In response to the “Vision in Action” plan entrusted to the American Bahá’í community by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI) has initiated programs for 1994 that will help attract more people to the family of Bahá’u’lláh. We are asking for volunteers for the following specific services at NABI: teachers/assistants for adult, youth and children’s classes; cooks/child care workers/drivers (over 23 years of age); Youth Year of Service volunteers (please contact the Youth Desk at the Bahá’í National Center). If interested, please contact Bea Castro, program coordinator, at 602-521-1063/1064.

THE BOSCH Bahá’í School is seeking a morning cook. This is a part-time position for fall, winter and spring but could be full-time during the summers. Working under the direction of the Food Services manager, the morning cook prepares breakfasts and lunches for groups as large as 130. The position should be filled by December 15. If interested, please send a letter of intent and résumé so we can mail you an application. Correspondence should be sent to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387 (fax 408-423-7564).

THE BANANI International Secondary School, a Bahá’í-operated boarding school for girls in Zambia, urgently needs teachers in math, physics, chemistry, French and geography. Candidates should have a university degree in their subject area; teaching experience would be an asset. Please send résumés to the Principal, Lusaka, Zambia (fax 260-1-247166).

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: L.W. Schurgast (died Cincinnati, OH, 1979), Harriett Schwartz, Emma B. Scott, Ralph Scott, Raymond Sculley, William Shepard Seamans, Harriet Seaver, Esther S. Sego, Robert J. Sevier (died Davison, MI, 1958), and Elizabeth Lunt Shamey. 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 local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities, especially pictures taken early in this century. Please identify the photographs if possible with the name of locality and date. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas: AMERICAS—Bolivia: economist to help develop government policies to attract foreign investment. Honduras: attorney to help design, develop and implement the new Bolivian Industrial Property Institute; accountant to organize accounting system in finance department of technical assistance institute; mechanical engineer to train, advise technical instructors at a technical assistance institute. Turks & Caicos: handyman, small-engine-repair mechanic, retired General Practitioner to help in medical clinic. ASIA—Japan: teachers needed for the Japan exchange and teaching program; teachers for English-language school. AUSTRALIA—Kwajalein Atoll: dry cleaner/spotter, appliance electrician, LVN/LPN, RN, PC programmer/analyst. Solomon Islands: single male architect. EUROPE—Belarus: project trainer who can communicate in Russian to provide assistance, training in organizational development to the Belarus Children’s Fund. MULTI-REGIONAL—university faculty for teaching positions on U.S. military bases overseas; development professionals with expertise in health, population or development economics for health and family planning programs. For more information about any of the above positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

HELP ESTABLISH a Spiritual Assembly in Menomonie, Wisconsin, home to a small but active Bahá’í community, several industries and a university. If you are interested in moving to a new community or looking for a college to attend, please contact Pam Haghmanesh, Menomonie, WI 54751.

MONROEVILLE, Pennsylvania, a dynamic, unified community, is seeking a few new members to help preserve its Assembly as it is proudly sacrificing several of its present members for service at the World Center. Monroeville (pop. 30,000) is 10 miles east of Pittsburgh, an area rated in recent years as having the over-all best quality of life in the country. It boasts a good climate and clean air, affordable housing, a good educational system, a rich cultural life, and a relatively safe environment. The University of Pittsburgh and its Medical Center, Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University are nearby, as are the headquarters of Westinghouse and Alcoa. The active Bahá’í community holds Bahá’í family school regularly and produces a monthly TV program. As one of only two Assemblies in western Pennsylvania, it is a stronghold that must be preserved. We have serious commitments to keep! For more information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Monroeville, c/o Rhea Harmsen, Monroeville, PA 15146, or phone 412-373-6909.

FLORENCE, Alabama, is an ideal spot to relocate! We are seven Bahá’ís with an incorporated Assembly in a metro area of about 80,000. The University of North Alabama has a Bahá’í Club (with one present member) and a tuition of only $1,500 a year. Foreign students are welcome, and a new program has been set up for them. Catalogs are available on request. The pleasant climate, stable population, and university activities make Florence an ideal retirement community too. For information on housing, employment possibilities, etc., please phone Jacquie Osborne, 205-764-1766 (evenings).

BUTTE, Montana, needs homefront pioneers to help preserve its jeopardized Assembly, which will be 50 years old at Riḍván ’94. This community of 35,000 in the Big Sky country offers affordable housing for retirees and a highly recommended minerals/engineering college (MT Tech) for students. Employment opportunities are limited. For information, contact the Assembly secretary, P.O. Box 3922, Butte, MT 59702, or phone 406-782-8194.

TEXARKANA, Texas (gateway between the West and South) warmly welcomes Bahá’ís who are willing to relocate to help us re-form our Assembly. Texarkana (pop. 53,000) is a city targeted in the Three Year Plan to raise to Assembly status. It has a growing economy, affordable housing, excellent public schools, and a soon-to-be-completed new hospital. In addition, East Texas State University-Texarkana and Texarkana College offer a variety of degrees. For more information, please write to the Bahá’ís of Texarkana, Texarkana, TX 75501, or phone 903-832-6181.

WANTED

WANTED: Bahá’í artists and craftspersons to display and sell their wares at the Bahá’í Family Reunion, April 29-May 2, 1994, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Limited space is available. All items must be approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.

WANTED: copies of letters and/or tapes from the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizí for possible use in a compilation of excerpts from his letters and talks currently in preparation. If you are willing to share your letters and/or tapes for this project, I would be happy to pay the costs of copying and postage. Please contact Shirley Macias, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (phone 310-553-4740).

LANGUAGE TEACHERS: Join the worldwide network of Bahá’ís who work as teachers of English as a second language and help start our newsletter to communicate about job opportunities and share Bahá’í teaching ideas. To receive the list (and to be included on it), please send your name, address, news and ideas with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Joy Allchin, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

DOES YOUR TALENT lie in drawing angelic Bahá’í children from all over the world? If so, we have an idea for a new Bahá’í children’s book and are seeking an illustrator. If you are interested, please contact us before March 1: Raelee Estes and Robyne Borhanian, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (phone 919-644-1441). Please include an original drawing of a child between the ages of two and seven years.

IF YOU ARE or ever were a pioneer to another country, I am compiling a book of pioneering anecdotes. Please send your stories illustrating the steadfastness, sacrifice, detachment, culture shock, differences of language, or any other aspect of life as an overseas pioneer to Susan Ahmadi Hansen, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela (fax 001-58-86-228126).

BAHÁ’Í filmstrips are needed for deepening institutes in Africa. Donated or will purchase if necessary. Contact Chris Stevenson, Ithaca, NY 14850 (phone 607-257-9076).

ARE YOU, or your Bahá’í community, involved in interfaith activities or interfaith dialogue? The Research Office of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í representative to NAIN (the North American Interfaith Network) need to know how many Bahá’ís and Bahá’í communities are active in interfaith efforts, how many Bahá’ís are officers of interfaith groups, and what efforts Bahá’ís have been making in this area. The information is also needed for the National Spiritual Assembly to assess Bahá’í involvement in interfaith efforts, and it is sought for possible inclusion in future issues of The American Bahá’í. Please write to Dr. Robert H. Stockman, Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone 708-869-9039 (voice); 708-869-0247 (fax); 72203.623@COMPUSERVE.COM (E-mail; INTERNET).

SEEKING original songs for an album. Lyrics with a Bahá’í message or from the Bahá’í writings. Please send tape, lyric sheet, name and address to Susan Lewis Wright, Denver, CO 80209.

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS

ONE-YEAR GRANTS are available for Bahá’í scholars from the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Fellowship, administered by the Landegg Academy in Switzerland. Priority is given to work on Bahá’í scripture or scriptures of other religions from a Bahá’í perspective. Work quality is assumed to be at the post-graduate level. Grant money is awarded to cover such out-of-pocket expenses as purchasing books and supplies, photocopying, the costs of communication (postage, faxes, telephone calls) and travel. Multi-year grants will be considered. The deadline for applying for a fellowship grant is March 21. Applications received after that date may be considered for the following year. Inquiries about the application process and applications themselves are to be addressed to: Landegg Academy Secretariat, Switzerland. Telephone (+) (41-71) 28 60 22; fax (+) (41-71) 28 21 32.

MISCELLANEOUS

WILL THE WOMAN who so kindly offered to make me a gift of her copy of Stanwood Cobb’s poems please write to me again? I answered with a grateful acceptance but the letter was returned to me asking for a better address. Mabel S. Olson, Anchorage, AK. [Page 9]

The Arc: A great challenge with greater rewards

By Tom Mennillo

There is no question that the Arc on God’s Holy Mountain will be built, says Jeffrey Mondschein. The only questions are when, and whether the Bahá’ís of this generation will have a stake in it.

Mr. Mondschein, chief financial officer at the Bahá’í World Center, related that message to individual believers and Bahá’í communities during a whirlwind 15-city American tour December 27 through January 9.

The tour was requested by the National Spiritual Assembly as a follow-up to the Vision in Action meetings being held across the country. In the spirit of those meetings, which stressed individual action and commitment to meeting the Faith’s need for growth in numbers and financial resources, Mr. Mondschein was invited to provide important information about current developments at the World Center, including the Arc Projects on Mt. Carmel.

The National Spiritual Assembly hopes that the friends will use this information in their efforts to find ways in which they can serve the Cause of God in the challenging days ahead.

Mr. Mondschein noted in his talk the ever-lengthening litany of the world’s problems. The Bahá’í answer, he said, is that the completion of the Arc—prophesied since biblical times—will give rise to a spiritual potency that ushers in the Lesser Peace.

Certain events have already given us a sense of what is to come, he said. Recently, the deputy prime minister of Papua New Guinea traveled to the Holy Land to confer with the Universal House of Justice on the future direction of his country.

But in assuming its role as the administrative core of an emerging world commonwealth, the Bahá’í World Center will require greater human and financial resources than ever imagined, said Mr. Mondschein. And the need is urgent—not only to keep down the cost of constructing the Arc, but to keep world events from overtaking the Faith.

That, in turn, hampers the ability of the Universal House of Justice to address humanity’s immediate needs and take advantage of opportunities to spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

At present, the Bahá’í World Center staff is doing more with less to sustain the focus on building the Arc.

At present, he said, the Bahá’í World Center staff of 620 is "doing more with less to sustain the focus on building the Arc."

When the Funds lag, as they have for the past four years, money must be transferred from the International Fund to ensure unbroken progress on the construction projects, he said.

Mr. Mondschein said it will take a "living sacrifice" by the American Bahá’í community akin to the sacrifice in blood by the believers in Iran for the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to come about.

Right now, the need is for $74 million during the Three Year Plan for the Arc Projects.

The amount is daunting, but if the friends visualize it as about 8,000 units of $9,000 each, said Mr. Mondschein, it becomes more manageable. Suddenly, it is within reach of some individuals and many communities.

Certainly, he said, it is within reach of the "cradle" and "stronghold" of the future World Order, as Shoghi Effendi called the American Bahá’í community.

"We’re the only ones who can give this gift to the world," said Mr. Mondschein.

Bahá’í youth from Texas plan to repeat successful teaching trip to central Mexico

A traveling teaching trip to Mexico was so successful in opening hearts to Bahá’u’lláh that it will be repeated during spring break this year.

Last summer, five Bahá’í youth and Auxiliary Board member Mike Pietrzak went by bus to the state of San Luis Potosí in central Mexico for several days of prayer, teaching and fun.

Omeed Molayan, an Oklahoman, and Brinda Runghen of Montreal, Canada, had arrived in Dallas, Texas, to encourage traveling teaching. Andrew Afifian and Rassa Shahidzadeh of Dallas immediately arose to join them.

Andrew and Rassa taught children’s classes at the Bahá’í Summer School in Harlingen and taught the Faith to students at Pan American University in Edinburgh, Texas.

Then Omeed, Brinda and Amelia Ramirez of McAllen joined them on a bus trip to Reynosa, Mexico. There, they were warmly welcomed by Mr. Pietrzak and his family.

Mr. Pietrzak took the youth on a nine-hour bus ride to Ciudad Valles. Traveling on foot from there, the group talked about the Faith to people living in huts in the Huasteta mountains as they made their way to the village of Huichihuayan.

Bahá’í families in Huichihuayan welcomed the youth into their homes for several days.

Children and youth of the village gathered in the square each evening for Bahá’í songs and teaching. Several adults looked on and became interested in the programs.

The first night about 30 children attended, and by the third night more than 50 people were there.

"Some people declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh in just five minutes! Their hearts were so pure," said Andrew. "The people we met were so ready to accept Bahá’u’lláh.

Young Bahá’ís with children in Mexico during a teaching trip last summer. Front row (left to right) Rassa Shahidzadeh, Omeed Molayan. Back row (left to right) Andrew Afifian, Amelia Ramirez, Brinda Runghen.

Dr. Soheil Bushrui one of four speakers at Maryland interfaith peace conference

Dr. Soheil Bushrui, who holds the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, was one of four speakers at a conference last December 11 in Carroll County, Maryland, whose theme was "Religious Perspectives on Peace-Making."

The event, which was sponsored by the "On Earth Peace Assembly," a Christian interdenominational peace organization, included presentations by the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths.

Dr. Bushrui based his talk on the statement by the Universal House of Justice, "The Promise of World Peace."

He spoke about the need for world unity, the equality of men and women, the elimination of racism, a more just distribution of wealth and resources, and the importance of harmony between science and religion.

Many of those in the audience asked for copies of "The Promise of World Peace."

Dr. Bushrui later closed the conference with a prayer for unity by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Seating arrangements for 85th Convention

The 85th Bahá’í National Convention will be held at April 21-24, 1994. in Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

After seating the delegates, less than 200 seats are available for the friends who wish to observe the proceedings. Although the National Assembly would like to accommodate as many people as possible, please understand that because of the space limitations in Foundation Hall, we will only be able to assign visitor seating to a few people.

Seats for visitors are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis by postmark. To request seating reservations, please send your name, address, telephone number and Bahá’í I.D. number to: Convention Seating, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Seating is available by advance registration only.

Information about hotel accommodations will be sent to those who receive seating confirmations. [Page 10]

‘Black Pearls’ explore African heritage

At a two-hour meeting on Sunday, October 17, the Black Pearls of Indiana hosted an exploration of the heritage of black Bahá’ís at which the friends from Indianapolis and Speedway learned about the lives of black Bahá’ís from the time of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh to the present, focusing on black Bahá’ís in America.

Personages such as Ḥájjí Mubárak, Isfandiyár, Fiddih, Louis Gregory, Joy Earl and Alain Locke were featured during the presentations.

The Black Pearls is a teaching institute that exists to teach the Faith to African-Americans and to deepen and support those who already are aflame with love for Bahá’u’lláh. The institute holds monthly meetings.

National Teaching Committee plans to launch ‘American Routes’ summer teaching program

This summer the National Teaching Committee is planning to kick off a national teaching project called “American Routes.”

The project is designed to mobilize large numbers of Bahá’í youth and children to teach their peers about the Faith. Although spearheaded by youth traveling teachers, it will also actively engage entire Bahá’í communities from children to adults.

“American Routes” will support the Teaching Committee’s vision of expansion and consolidation for large-scale growth, and will augment the teaching work already under way throughout the country.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this project, please take a few moments to complete this form and send it to “American Routes Task Force,” National Teaching Committee Youth Desk, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039. E-mail: Bahá’í-Campus-Forum-request@justice.medford.ma.us.

We are a local Spiritual Assembly or Group interested in: [ ] vastly increasing the human resources in our community [ ] engaging our community’s children and youth as teachers [ ] having a traveling teaching team serve in our community [ ] initiating teaching events in which teaching teams can take part [ ] hosting a Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer who will help mobilize area Bahá’í children or youth as teachers of the Faith [ ] deputizing funds for a person or group to teach

I am an adult interested in: [ ] being a resource person for traveling teaching teams [ ] being a resource person for a resident Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer [ ] mobilizing my community’s children and youth as teachers of the Faith [ ] deputizing funds for a person or group to teach

I am a performing artist or group interested in: [ ] teaching the Faith directly through the arts [ ] getting together with other performers to form a Performing Arts Teaching Team [ ] helping to set up, direct or coordinate a Performing Arts Teaching Team for Bahá’í children or youth

I am a youth interested in becoming: [ ] part of a traveling teaching team [ ] a resident Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer who works with Bahá’í children and youth to mobilize them as teachers of the Faith [ ] an active teacher in my local community

I am a child or pre-youth interested in: [ ] teaching the Faith to other children and pre-youth [ ] working with local Bahá’í children and/or pre-youth to start a teaching group in my community

Today’s date _______________ Bahá’í I.D. No. (if known) __________

Name __________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

City/County/State/Zip_____________________________________

Phone ( ) _________ Work ( ) __________ Fax _________

E-mail _________________________________________________

Language(s) in which fluent _______________________________

Language(s) in which conversant ___________________________

Racial/ethnic group(s) ____________________________________

Age ____ Date of birth ________ Gender ____ Hat size ____

Bahá’í Locality Code (if known) _______ Closest LSA ________

Dates I will be available __________________________________

Bahá’ís in Okaloosa County, Florida, charm children with booth at annual County Fair

The Bahá’í community of Okaloosa County, Florida, provided a booth in September at the Okaloosa County Fair.

The booth, at the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds, included informational videos and a children’s give-away coloring event. Each child who visited the booth was given crayons and invited to color a “Passport to the World” on a pre-printed sheet of paper.

The inspiration for the “passport” sheets came from an article in The American Bahá’í (September 8, p. 18) describing a similar activity by Bahá’ís in the Cleveland, Ohio, area at the Middleburg Heights Home Days Fair.

The booth in Okaloosa included information about the Central Figures of the Faith, Bahá’í principles, a statistical overview of the Bahá’í community, and photographs of Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world.

Pictured is the booth sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Okaloosa County, Florida, in September at the annual Okaloosa County Fair.

Bahá’ís in Los Angeles consider opening elementary or secondary school to win goal of Three Year Plan

A group of Bahá’ís in Los Angeles has been meeting to explore the possibility of opening a Bahá’í-run elementary or secondary school.

Operating a school is one of the Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly’s goals for the Three Year Plan.

A survey has been published asking Bahá’í parents in the L.A. area whether they would enroll their children if a Bahá’í school were started.

The survey also asks what grade levels are most needed and how much parents would be willing to pay for tuition.

Among the tasks that an Investigative Committee will perform are locating possible sites with suitable buildings and facilities; researching initial costs and preparing a budget; and exploring possible sources of funding, such as grants and donations.

At present, the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center operates a Children’s Enrichment Program with 19 students.

That program uses a wide array of Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í volunteers to help students with their school homework; offers enrichment activities in art, science and music; and teaches virtues and values.

Mexico

Continued from page 9

Materially they were so poor, yet spiritually they were so rich.”

Rassa concurs: “Having the opportunity to teach the Faith and seeing the results right away was the biggest reward,” he said. “The people are so much more spiritually active in Mexico. It’s a much slower process in the U.S.”

Eleven people declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh while the youth were there. They join a community of 70 Bahá’ís in the village.

Back in Cd. Valles, the youth gave a fireside in a home where three more people declared their faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

Asked what he enjoyed most about the experience, Rassa said, “Teaching is the best way to get people together. It has a great unifying power—not only for the non-Bahá’ís who become Bahá’ís, but also for us who have been Bahá’ís all of our lives.”

Over the Thanksgiving holidays, Mr. Pietrzak, Amelia, her brother Jorge, and 19 other people from Texas returned to Huichihuayan. Seventeen people declared their faith.

The next trip will be held during spring break. Anyone who speaks Spanish and wants to take part should contact Mr. Pietrzak at 011-52-892-25902. [Page 11]

Bahá’ís take part in World NGO Forum for IYF

The Bahá’í International Community's Office for the Advancement of Women coordinated over-all Bahá’í participation November 28-December 2 at the World NGO Forum, launching the United Nations International Year of the Family (IYF), at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Malta.

The Forum itself was organized by the Vienna NGO Committee on the Family, in collaboration with the New York NGO Committee on the Family, the Paris UNESCO/NGO Group on the Family, and the UN IYF Secretariat.

The estimated 1,000 participants at the Forum included 25 Bahá’ís from Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa and the U.S.

The Bahá’í International Community Office of Public Information helped the Office for the Advancement of Women to promote the Bahá’í concept of family by designing a display demonstrating visually the Bahá’í belief that family unity is an essential building block of a prosperous society.

Materials on the Faith, including a pamphlet on the family, were disseminated, and the Bahá’í delegation was host to a reception to which conference organizers and participants were invited.

The Office for the Advancement of Women worked closely with the Bahá’í community of Malta to facilitate Bahá’í participation in the conference. The Bahá’ís of Malta supported the effort by staffing the Bahá’í booth and transporting materials and equipment. In return, the Bahá’í community of Malta benefited from the exposure it received and the opportunity to contact many prominent people in Malta.

Linda Kavelin Popov (left), a Bahá’í from Canada who presented a workshop on 'The Emerging Roles of Men and Women in Families' at the Malta Conference ushering in the International Year of the Family (IYF) chats with Matilda Cuomo, wife of Gov. Mario Cuomo of New York state.

One of the collaborative activities between the BIC and Bahá’ís of Malta was a reception November 30 hosted by the BIC. Among the 80 guests were Henryk J. Sokalski, coordinator for the International Year of the Family; Dennis Callagy, chairman, Vienna NGO Committee on the Family; Alba Zizzamia, chairman, New York Committee on the Family; representatives of the UNESCO delegation, and many other prominent speakers at the Forum.

The following evening, the BIC was one of 100 individuals/groups to receive testimonial awards for taking part in the Forum. Betty Benson, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Australasia, accepted the award on behalf of the BIC.

Jenny Field and Bahia Ettahedieh, representatives of the Bahá’í International Community, were cited for their contributions to the work of the conference, and Sarah Cassar, a Bahá’í from Malta, received an award on behalf of the World Movement of Mothers.

About 50 people at the Forum attended "Breaking the Equality Barrier: Emerging Roles of Men and Women in Families," a BIC-sponsored workshop conducted by Dan Popov, Linda Kavelin Popov and Counselor Benson.

After the conference, Bahá’ís took part in a local event sponsored by the Cana Movement of Malta, a family-oriented Catholic organization. The Popovs held two seminars and shared their work as authors of the "Virtues Guide," a publication widely praised by various religious groups.

Helen Marinello, a Bahá’í since 1921, marks 100th birthday in Maywood, IL

Helen Marinello, a Bahá’í since 1921, celebrated her 100th birthday December 2 at her home in Maywood, Illinois.

Family members friends from the Maywood and Oak Park Bahá’í communities were on hand for the occasion.

Mrs. Marinello came to Maywood in the early 1930s as a homefront pioneer. She traveled with Nettie Tobin and Ruth Moffet throughout the Midwest in the '30s and '40s. She began a regular fireside more than 60 years ago and continues to hold one in her home the second Tuesday of each month.

"I know not as many can come," she said, "but still, the word is out and Bahá’u’lláh will find a way."

Mrs. Marinello was a member of one of the first Chicago Bahá’í youth groups, which included Leroy and Monroe Ioas, Zia Baghdadi, Marjorie McCormick, Marjorie Ullrich, Lillian Dobbins and Sophie Loeding.

HELEN MARINELLO

Her parents, William and Charlotte Barrick, were early American Bahá’ís, having joined the Faith in 1908. They welcomed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on his American tour in 1912.

Many activities to mark UN 'Year of Family'

Bahá’í communities throughout the United States are encouraged to carry out activities marking the International Year of the Family (IYF). The U.S. Bahá’í community's theme for the Year is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's statement, "The family is the nation in miniature." This theme should be tied closely to the spiritual destiny of America and to the Three Year Plan goal of raising the first generation of Americans free from prejudice. All U.S. Bahá’í activities for IYF should be reported to the United Nations Office of the National Spiritual Assembly, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1822.

‘Oneness of Humanity’ mural unveiled at Los Angeles Center

BY ALAN EYERLY

On October 24, a colorful street festival celebrated the unveiling of a new "Oneness of Humanity" mural at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center. The event also honored the United Nations at a time when the international body is assuming an increasingly vital role in the struggle for world peace.

The 8-by 64-foot mural depicts flags of all the world's countries, with a globe and rainbow of faces in the foreground.

Rapidly changing world events complicated the mural project. Artists had to add several flags—including one for the Palestine Liberation Organization—at the last minute.

The Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles and Urban Pride (U.P.) sponsored the event in cooperation with the United Nations Association (UNA). Representatives of Mayor Riordan's office and the City Council presented proclamation certificates. Speakers included representatives from the consulates of Sweden, Mexico and Argentina and others from the UN delegation, the Human Relations Commission and the L.A. Cultural Affairs Department.

The Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed, along with dancers and musicians from China, El Salvador, Zaire and the European Community. The performers and food vendors reflected the cultures of 20 nations in all.

The World Peace Prayer Membership presented flag ceremonies, and the Optimist Boys' Home painted flags on children's faces. Children took part in six other exhibits as well.

The mural project came about as part of the healing process following last year's riots in Los Angeles.

A contest to design the mural was sponsored by the Bahá’ís. Miguel Ramos of L.A. City College won first prize.

Under the direction of urban designer and U.P. co-founder David Greenberg, a diverse group of inner-city children painted the mural.

Los Angeles seems a highly appropriate site for the mural. Its estimated 170 to 180 ethnic populations make it perhaps the most culturally diverse city on the planet.

Bahá’í Center Director Teresa Langness and other event planners believe that Los Angeles is on the cutting edge of a "globalization process" in which people are increasingly regarding themselves as world citizens.

To emphasize that belief, mural planners chose to place the following quotation from Bahá’u’lláh beneath the art work: "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." [Page 12]

Amor con amor se paga

Los bahá’ís en todo el país se están dando cuenta de que los nuevos creyentes que traen a la Fe no solo aumentan la lista de miembros, sino que traen energías nuevas a la comunidad. También se están dando cuenta que acciones llevadas a cabo para adelantar la Causa de Dios producen resultados mas allá de lo imaginado. Cuanto se deciden arrancar, otros siguen su ejemplo, y trabajando así en conjunto, logran más de lo que hubieran podido hacer solos.

Los ejemplos que siguen son típicos:

Rolla, Missouri

Dos comunidades bahá’ís con gran dedicación al Servicio están recogiendo una abundante cosecha. Rolla y la vecina Phelps County tenían cada uno 11 bahá’ís al comienzo del primero de noviembre, 1993. Un mes después la zona tenía siete bahá’ís recién declarados, -seis de ellos en Rolla.

Sería fácil decir que las declaraciones resultaron a raíz de charlas hogareñas en que la comunidad entera estaba involucrada. Pero estas semillas fueron sembradas por medio de actividades de alcance más extensivo.

Los bahá’ís de Rolla y de Phelps County solían invitar a miembros de la Asociación Estudiantil China a sus casas. Con frecuencia, éstas ocasiones eran los primeros eventos netamente sociales en que los estudiantes de la Universidad de Missouri-Rolla, en compañia de sus familias, fueran acogidos por americanos.

Una vez al mes, la Noche de Familias Internacionales reune gentes de muchas culturas, estableciendo amistades y un espíritu de unidad que afecta los corazones de todos los presentes. Muchos de los bahá’ís han comenzado a dar clases de Inglés como segundo idioma en sus hogares. Las clases atraen muchos estudiantes, pero en especial son útiles para las esposas y otros miembros de la familia que luchan por ajustarse a la vida en los Estados Unidos.

Con frecuencia se dan clases de estudio para las damas. Las clases para niños son de especial importancia. Las Asambleas decidieron hace un año preparar a los bahá’ís de la vecindad con un plan de estudios. Ahora, la escuela dominical atrae tantos niños no-bahá’ís que sobrepasan en número a los niños bahá’ís.

Los bahá’ís de Rolla y Phelps County rezan mucho-individualmente y juntos-por el éxito de la Causa en sus comunidades. También han invitado a bahá’ís célebres como Florence Mayberry para esparcir el amor por medio de sus visitas y ejemplos.

Todas estas actividades naturalmente resultan en que la gente quiera saber de la Fe. Preguntan, "¿Que es lo que hace que los bahá’ís sean tan generosos?"

La respuesta, así como enseñan los bahá’ís en sus charlas hogareñas, es el espíritu de Bahá’u’lláh que entrelaza sus vidas. A los buscadores se les enseñan los principios de la Fe, y se les invita a aceptar a Bahá’u’lláh en sus corazones y sentir su presencia dentro de sí.

No es de asombrarse que tantos acuden a alistarse en la Causa, y menos aún que estos creyentes recién declarados salgan inmediatamente a enseñar la Fe no sólo a sus amigos sino a emprender giras fuera de sus alrededores como maestros viajeros.

Este empoderamiento ha sido tal, que de hecho, Rolla, que hace ocho años carecía de un solo bahá’í, ahora tiene una Asamblea que cuenta entre sus miembros cinco creyentes de Taiwan, y tres de la China continental.

Las comunidades forman equipo

Siete comunidades bahá’ís vecinas de Bolingbrook, Illinois, han coordinado sus charlas hogareñas para que no haya redundancia. De este modo pueden apoyarse el uno al otro más efectivamente. A una señora se le preguntó recientemente si creía en Bahá’u’lláh, Sus leyes y Sus enseñanzas. "Si", respondió, y firmó su tarjeta ahi mismo. A nadie se la había ocurrido antes hacerle esa pregunta. Lo primero que quiso hacer fué girar un cheque al Fondo. ¡Ya Bahá’y’l-Abhá!

Proyectos caracteriza dos por devoción

Se adelantan por lo menos nueve campañas de enseñanza en los estados del oeste, cuatro de ellos siendo equipos de enseñanza de tiempo completo. El proyecto "Teresita" de Phoenix adoptó a Sonora, México como meta de enseñanza por extensión, con un instituto de enseñanza en Hermosillo. Varios de estos proyectos, incluyendo Phoenex y El Paso, están pensando en un intercambio de jóvenes voluntarios con México.

El alcance radial aumenta en forma dramática en estas zonas. El sur de California tiene un 'show' semanal que ha resultado en muchas indagaciones acerca de la Fe.

Lo principal en todos estos proyectos es la diversidad de los caminos hacia la enseñanza y la consolidación.

Algunos de los amigos estan involucrados en la radio-difusión, otros se valen de las charlas hogareñas, y otros hacen la enseñanza directa. Hay quienes trabajan con programas de desarrollo socio-económico, algunos dan clases de Inglés, otros laboran en el cuidado de los niños de aquellos quienes están buscando o están enseñando, y aún otros ayudan con sus oraciones y apoyo. Por sobre todo, la clave consiste en que todos están haciendo lo que quieren hacer con amor, y haciéndolo con el amor y la devoción que sienten por Bahá’u’lláh.

Declarante se vuelve maestro

El proyecto de enseñanza William Sears Hearts Afire (Corazones Ardientes) in Renton, Washington, tuvo sies declaraciones en noviembre. Especialmente emocionante es que uno de los nuevos creyentes se ha alistado a las filas de los masestos del proyecto de tiempo completo.

Mike McGill, quien recientemente se trasladó de Mississippi a Renton comparte su riqueza espiritual recién descubierta con cualquiera que se encuentre. En un día corriente el habló con unas cincuenta personas y compartió con ellos su amor por Bahá’u’lláh.

Todo encuentro tiene por objeto dar alguna literatura a sus huéspedes. De esta forma, dice él, aunque no la "oigan", más tarde lo descubrirán por sí mismos. Otro miembro nuevo del equipo de enseñanza es Gary Jones, quién regresó a Renton desde Alaska donde participaba el verano pasado en darle vida nueva a un proyecto de enseñanza y en el entrenamiento de maestros. También participó en esfuerzos de enseñanza en Texas en 1992.

Dulce crece semanalmente

Hace dos años el pueblo de Dulce, Nuevo México en la Reservación de los Apaches Jicarilla había solamente un puñado de bahá’ís sin siquiera un grupo que funcionara. Hoy en día hay 18 creyentes en Dulce, 12 de los cuales se declararon apenas este año -y esperan formar su Asamblea en Ridvan. Este aumento, desconocido hasta el momento en esa región, resultó por un esfuerzo seguido, paso a paso, de Lance y Debrah Hurt, siendo ellos bahá’ís de apenas tres años de declarados. La pareja Hurts vive en Pagosa Springs, Colorado, pero trabajan en Dulce y por consiguiente han podido dedicar tiempo seguido a la tarea de contactar los bahá’ís, y presentar tanto charlas semanales como clases de profundización para los creyentes nuevos. También han sido apoyados en sus esfuerzos por la Asamblea Espiritual de West Sandoval en Nuevo México y por creyentes individuales en la Reservación Ute del Sur y de Durango.

Turtle Mountain está en llamas

Llevan varios años los bahá’ís viajando a la Reservación de Turtle Mountain en Dakota del Norte por invitación de uno de los mayores de la tribu, Francis Cree. Durante una ceremonia de consulta indígena (pow-wow) se distribuyó, en un solo día, una caja entera de literatura. Recientemente, se comenzó un periódico de la Tribu Chippewa de Turtle Mountain. Francis Cree fué entrevistado, resultando un artículo que incluyó dos menciones de la Fe. Aunque no hubo mucha receptividad, no se registaron declaraciones hasta los primeros días de diciembre, cuando dos personas se declararon en un fin de semana. Ahora están con miras de formar la primerísima Asamblea Espiritual de esta Reservación.

El progreso humano es el enfoque de la Conferencia de Desarrollo

Los historiadores Bahá’ís del futuro bien podrian localizar con exacitud el año 1994 como el año en que los creyentes americanos tomaron los temas de desarrollo social y económico seriamente. Si asi es, el agradecimiento se le debe al Fideicomisario de Caridad Eshraghieh y Mahmoud Rabbani.

El Fideicomisario Rabbani patrocinó la conferencia Bahá’í norteamericana en la cual fue reforzado el punto del mensaje de la Casa Universal de Justicia de hace diez años sobre la importancia de la participación de los Bahá’ís en actividades de desarrollo.

La conferencia sostenida del 16 al 19 de Diciembre en Orlando, Florida, reunió a más de 600 adultos, jóvenes y ninos. Durante 3 dias ellos consultaron con muchos esfuerzos sobre como "aplicar las Enseñanzas para adquirir el progreso", tal como la Casa Üniversal de Justicia define el desarrollo.

Asistieron a sesiones plenarias en las cuales los conferencistas fueron: el retirado miembro de la Casa Universal de Justicia David S. Ruhe, los Consejeros continentals Gustavo Correa y Wilma Ellis y el Secretario General de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional Robert C. Henderson y el Tesorero William E. Davis, quienes pusieron el tema de desarrollo en perspectiva.

Todos participaron en talleres sobre la educación, el medio ambiente y la agenda 21; la salud, la familia y los jovenes, la unidad racial; el papel de dinero en el desarrollo Bahá’í y el papel de desarrollo Bahá’í con la gente indígena.

Intercambiaron ideas en cada oportunidad que ellos tuvieron individualmente y colectivamente. También rindieron homenaje a aquellos que han sido guías de de luz con sus propias actividades de desarrollo; El Dr. Ruhe y su esposa Margaret K. Ruhe, los fallecidos Dr. y Sra. Rabbani, quienes establecieron el fideicomisario Rabbani; y Mildred Mottahedeh en cuyo honor se ha nombrado Mottahedeh Development Services, que es una agencia de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional.

The Guardian and the Universal House of Justice have strongly urged the Bahá’ís to treat the Greatest Name with the utmost respect and dignity. The National Spiritual Assembly discourages the use of the Greatest Name in contacts with the media. It is not advisable for Bahá’ís to pose for newspaper photographs holding the Greatest Name or portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. [Page 13]

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum visits England

On October 29, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum traveled to England, accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání. On November 9, she was officially received at Buckingham Palace by His Royal Highness Prince Philip for about three-quarters of an hour. Previous meetings were recalled, associated with Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum’s being a Fellow of the World Wildlife Fund, of which Prince Philip serves as chairman. Bahá’í teachings regarding the planet, and our concept of a positive destiny for mankind, were mentioned. Prince Philip remarked that religious leaders such as the Hand of the Cause are the hope for changing public opinion on these topics, rather than politicians. On other occasions, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum was cordially received and taken around the House of Lords by Lord Anthony St. John of Bletso; was invited to tea at the House of Lords by Baroness Platt of Writtle; and attended the inauguration of a special television program on the environment. About 50 distinguished members of the Bar attended a reception in her honor given by a well-known Bahá’í solicitor from India and held in the private dining room of the Law Society in London. Later, about 1,500 Bahá’ís from England, Ireland and other European countries attended a two-hour meeting held in honor of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum’s visit.

Last September, the National Indigenous Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Peru held a teaching campaign in the Puno region, supported by the Muhájir Institute and Radio Bahá’í. After weeks of planning and arduous work, 250 people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh, and several localities were opened to the Faith.

In October, Auxiliary Board members Shahnaz Tulsi and James Fairley set out on a five-day teaching trip to the area around Mbeya, Tanzania, where members of the Sinai Church had shown an interest in the Faith. On arriving in the village of Ipapa, the friends were greeted by non-Bahá’í villagers with “Alláh-u-Abhá.” The members of the church, they reported, sang songs to welcome the Bahá’ís and to express their love for Bahá’u’lláh. A cross was hung in front of the church, under which was written “Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God” and “Alláh-u-Abhá.” The following day, October 10, groups from three villages arrived to meet the Bahá’ís. At night a slide show about the Faith was presented, followed by dancing and singing until well past midnight. On October 11, the priest of the village’s Sinai Church was the first to declare his faith in Bahá’u’lláh. His declaration was followed by those of 31 others as more than 1,200 were given the Message.

This recent photograph of work on the Arc Projects on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, shows the specially selected stones used for finishing the retaining wall of the Abbas Street bridge, below the Shrine of the Báb.

Last May, seven people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during England’s 1993 Festival for Mind, Body and Spirit, while more than 100 others said they would investigate further and left their names and addresses. About 40,000 people attended the 10-day festival.

Since the arrival last October of four youth year-of-service volunteers in the Mariana Islands, 15 people have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. As a result of the activities of these young believers, who have formed the Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Guam’s capital city, Agana, now has 12 adult believers.

A young Bahá’í mountaineer from Mendoza, Argentina, recently scaled the sixth highest mountain in the Americas, Mount Mercedario, to erect a three-meter (10-foot) high nine-pointed star engraved with “The earth is but one country...” and the Name of Bahá’u’lláh. He climbed for 10 days through snow and temperatures of about -30 degrees Celsius to reach the top of the mountain. The undertaking has attracted the attention of other Bahá’ís, mountaineers, and the press. Other alpinists plan to scale the mountain of Aconcágua to place a glass box with Bahá’í literature and pamphlets on its peak.

The second phase of the Enoch Olinga teaching campaign in Sannois, Val D’oise, France, was completed last July with a total of six declarations of faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Included in the campaign were firesides, public lectures, two local shows with 170 people attending, and shows in neighboring towns whose audiences totaled about 5,000. Bahá’ís from Canada, France, Germany and the U.S. took part in the various activities.

In Olomouc, in the Czech Republic, the faculty of philosophy at Palackého University has decided to offer a one-year optional credit course entitled “The Bahá’í Faith, Its History and Teachings.” This is the second university in the Czech Republic to offer the course (the other is Charles University in Prague).

The founding conference for the Association for Bahá’í Studies in Russia, held last October 29-31 in St. Petersburg, focused on the spiritual foundations of civilization. On October 30, William Hatcher, a Bahá’í educator and author from the U.S., initiated the Isabella Grievskaya Lectures, named for a distinguished writer who lived in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century and wrote two dramas on Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, with a talk on the concept of spirituality.

Last November 20, a 55-minute program dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh was carried on Radio SODRE, the official national station of Uruguay, which is listened to all over the country. The program included Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and Bahá’í music. And last July, a 30-minute program with the theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s new World Order was aired on Portuguese National Television. The program was planned by the Bahá’í community of Portugal in conjunction with the television station.

On November 4, Sunsiri Prasong, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, visited the Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi, India. Among his delegation were the deputy Parliamentary Secretary of Thailand and the Thai Ambassador to India.

Glenview, Illinois, friends find great use for 40 pounds of left-over books

Good things often come in small packages. Especially when they are Bahá’í and they go to someone in need.

About 10 years ago the Spiritual Assembly of Glenview, Illinois, sent a mailing to village residents. Along with a letter explaining some basic information about the Bahá’í Faith, the Assembly included a list of Bahá’í books on various topics and offered one book free to each person who asked.

The response was fairly good, but when all was said and done some 40 pounds of books remained un-asked for. And there the books sat.

Until this year, that is, when the Assembly decided another community might make better use of the materials and called the National Teaching Office for ideas.

By happenstance, Ada James of the Teaching Office had just gotten off the phone with Bahá’ís at the Turtle Mound Reservation in Bismarck, North Dakota. They had lost all of their Bahá’í books in a fire and were seeking replacements.

Soon, Glenview’s 40 pounds of books were on their way to North Dakota.

Since then, the Bahá’ís of Glenview have scrounged in their personal libraries for excess copies of books, pamphlets, Assembly development materials and deepening packages. Some have been sent to the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona. Others are now in the hands of the Bahá’ís in Mission, South Dakota.

The National Teaching Office is hoping that other Bahá’ís can open their hearts and libraries to the fledgling communities on Indian Reservations. Ada James would be happy to help. Call her at 708-869-9039 or write to her at the Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 14]

From Vision to Victory

Thirty Years of the Universal House of Justice by Eunice Braun SC $24.95 / CODE-FVTV

From Vision to Victory charts the growth and development of the Bahá’í Faith from 1963 through the next thirty years. This was a period which saw not only the establishment of the supreme administrative body of the Bahá’í Faith, the Universal House of Justice, but the religion's emergence from the obscurity which had characterized its first century.

From Vision to Victory is not so much a history as it is a story—a true story concerned not only with outward progress and events but also with the spiritual transformation of a people. It recounts the struggles of a world community of believers who endeavored not only to achieve the goals set for it and to overcome the crises encountered along the way, but also to transform their own lives through the process. The protagonists of the story are the Bahá’ís of the world who have served the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh during the first thirty years of the leadership of the Universal House of Justice. Many of them are represented here, those who entered the Bahá’í Faith from all over the world, from every tribe and culture, of every color and language, from all nations east and west, north and south.

11-11/16" x 8-1/4", 147pp., contents, acknowledgments, foreword, preface, references George Ronald, Publisher

Racial Unity

An Imperative for Social Progress by Richard W. Thomas SC $14.95 / CODE-RUISP

The long awaited revised second edition of Richard W. Thomas's book, Racial Unity: An Imperative for Social Progress, offers exciting new information on historical and contemporary race relations for individual Bahá’ís, communities, and groups interested in the changing role of race relations from the ancient world to the modern world and the role that Bahá’í teachings and community practices have played in contributing to racial unity in the United States. The book can help facilitate dialogue between Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís as they join hands in the struggle for racial justice and unity. In addition, this edition can contribute to classes on racism and racial unity at Bahá’í summer and winter schools and help non-Bahá’ís to understand the role that the Bahá’í community in the United States has played and still is playing in the struggle for racial unity and justice.

6" x 9", 201pp., contents, foreword, preface, preface to first edition, acknowledgements, acknowledgements for the first edition, bibliography, Index Association for Bahá’í Studies

A Concordance to The Kitáb-i-Aqdas

compiled by Lee Nelson SC $19.95 / CODE-CKA

A Concordance to The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is an alphabetical list of the significant words that appear in The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. This includes Questions & Answers, the Notes, and other sections of the book. The location of each word is given along with a portion of the sentence in which it appears. An ideal study tool.

Habib Riazati says in the foreword to the book that "using the Concordance may also reveal meaningful new patterns and relationships between verses. In these ways the Concordance uniquely assists each of us to fulfill our sacred duties to an All-Loving Creator."

8-1/2" x 11", 249pp., foreword, a guide to the concordance Diversity Press

Huqúqu’lláh Workbook

A Workbook for Understanding and Applying the Law of Huqúqu’lláh compiled by Dr. Allan Waters SC $6.95 / CODE-HW

Never before has so much information on the Law of Huqúqu’lláh been published in one book. Providing a valuable resource for communities and individuals alike, the book includes a prayer for Huqúqu’lláh and chapters that discuss, among other things, the development of the institution of Huqúqu’lláh, Sháh-Muhammad-Amín, the elements of Huqúqu’lláh, the spiritual significance of Huqúqu’lláh, and the concept of law in the Bahá’í Faith and the Law of Huqúqu’lláh.

8-1/4" x 11-3/4", 110pp., contents, preface, Introduction Bahá’í Publications Australia

’94 Calendars

Bahá’í Wall Calendar ($2.95) / code-BWC Bahá’í Datebook ($2.50) / code-BDB Bahá’í Pocket Calendar-10/pk. ($2.00) / code-BPC Multifaith Calendar ($9.50) / code-MFC94 Bahá’í History Calendar ($6.95) / code-BHC [Page 15]

The New Garden

by Hushmand Fathez'zam SC $4.95 / CODE-NG

An easy-to-read introduction to the Faith. Chapters include "God and His Religion," "Manifestations of God," "The Covenant," "Some of the Teachings and Principles," "Administration," and "Some of the Laws and Obligations." Perfect for seekers and new-believers.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 153pp., acknowledgment, contents, abbreviations Bahá’í Publishing Trust India

Narges

by Narges Nouhnejád Fání CD $16.95#/CODE-NCD CS $10.95#/ CODE-NCS

A collection of Bahá’í songs, nine in Persian and one in English, by Narges Nouhnejád Fání. Narges delighted audiences at the Second Bahá’í World Congress with her rendition of Dastam Begir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and was a featured soloist with the Bahá’í Chorale on the recording Songs of the Ancient Beauty.

44 minutes Global Music

THE NEW GARDEN HUSHMAND FATHEAZAM

NARGES

Marriage: A Fortress for Well-Being

HC $15.00/cODE-MFWBH SC $8.95/ CODE-MFWBS

An examination of the Bahá’í teachings on marriage. Part 1 examines humanity's God-given purpose of carrying forward an ever-advancing civilization, promoting the oneness of humanity, and acquiring virtues; outlines the foundations of a spiritual union; and defines the purpose of marriage.

Part 2 discusses preparation for marriage, including Bahá’í engagement, parental consent, the marriage ceremony, and interracial marriage and includes prayers for marriage. Part 3 covers maintaining unity in the marriage, dealing with immaturity, spiritualizing the union, and preserving the marriage through prayer and study of the Bahá’í writings. Seeking assistance from the spiritual assembly and remarriage are also discussed.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 86pp., table of contents, foreword, bibllography, Index

Reprinted by Erich Reich Enterprises with the permission of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust - U.S.

Sultan-i-Rusul

(King of the Messengers, The Báb, The Lord, The Most Exalted) by Dr. Riaz Ghadimi SC $10.00/CODE-PSR

This book provides an historical account of the life and ministry of the Báb, the herald of the Bahá’í Faith, as well as a descriptive narrative of the great station of the Bábí Dispensation.

6" x 9", 80pp. University of Toronto Press

Brilliant Star

The Magazine for Bahá’í Children Published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

"My Part of the Plan"D93 ND is a Personal Workbook for the Three Year Plan, for Kids! Order it Now!

A 36-page action-packed magazine filled with goal-setting activities, games, articles and stories. 1-4 copies $3.00 each, 5 or more $2.00 each

Other issues available: Bahá’u’lláh Special Edition 1991 The Covenant Special Edition 1992 The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993 Being Leaders SO 93 The Role of Women JA 93 Life's Journey: Purpose of Life MJ 93 From Racism to Unity MA 93 The Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ND 92 The 1992 World Congress Commemorative Issue SO 92

SINGLE COPIES BULK ORDERS BACK ISSUES

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Bahá’í Distribution Service 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 1-800-999-9019 Fax 1-615-843-0836 [Page 16]

سفر امة البهاء به انگلستان / AMATUL-BAHÁ’ IN ENGLAND

ایادی امر الله امة البهاء روحیه خانم به همراهی خانم ویولت نخجوانی روز ۲۹ اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۳ به انگلستان سفر کردند.

حضرت حرم روز ۹ نوامبر به دربار انگلستان رفتند و حدود ۴۵ دقیقه با عالیجناب فیلیپ همسر ملکه الیزابت دیدار کردند. خاطره دیدار قبلی حضرت حرم با عالیجناب فیلیپ تازه شد. در آن زمان روحیه خانم بعنوان یکی از اعضای صندوق جهانی حمایت از حیوانات که شاهزاده فیلیپ ریاست آن را به عهده دارد با ایشان دیدار کردند.

در دیدار اخیر تعالیم امری درباره محیط زیست و کره زمین و نیز چشم انداز روشن آینده بشری به میان آمد شاهزاده فیلیپ اظهار داشت که رهبران دینی مانند حضرت حرم، نه سیاستمداران امید تغییر آراء مردم در اینگونه مسائلند.

یکی از اعضای مجلس اشراف در بازدید از ساختمان مجلس حضرت حرم را همراهی کرد و ایشان را برای صرف چای دعوت نمود. همچنین حضرت حرم در مراسم افتتاح یک برنامه ویژه تلویزیونی درباره محیط زیست شرکت جستند.

حدود ۱۵۰۰ نفر از احبای انگلستان و ایرلند و دیگر کشورهای اروپائی در جلسه دو ساعته ای که به افتخار حضور حضرت خانم تشکیل شده بود، شرکت کردند و از حضور ایشان فیض بردند.

ترجمه مرقومه هیئت مشاورین قاره ای در استرالیا / FIRE SPARES THE TEMPLE IN AUSTRALIA

خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده راجع به آتش سوزی در نیو ساوت ویلز در استرالیا مورخ ۱۱ ژانویه ۱۹۹۴

همکاران عزیز و محبوب

از جانب منشی محفل روحانی ملی استرالیا خانم ارینی جونز Arini Jones این یادداشت را حضورتان ارسال می‌دارم.

محفل روحانی ملی استرالیا سپاس پر مهر خود را جهت ادعیه ای که جوامع امری آن دیار در رابطه با حادثه ناگوار اخیر به درگاه الهی تقدیم نموده اند ابراز می‌دارد به راستی معجزه آساست که تمامی املاک ملی امری از آتش سوزی در امان بوده است هر چند که شعله آتش تا کنار یکی از منازل و املاک زبانه می‌کشید وضع ساختمان مشرق الاذکار عالی است کارکنان شبانه روز با فداکاری به نبرد با آتش در نقاط گوناگون املاک که به آسانی می‌توانست کاملاً بسوزد، مشغول بوده اند.

در گزارشهای تلویزیونی و روزنامه ها از مشرق الاذکار بعنوان واحه ای در میان سبزه های سوخته یاد شده است عبارات زیر که روزنامه ساندی تلگراف Sunday Telegraph مورخ ۹ ژانویه ۱۹۹۴ درج شده گویاترین شرح واقعه است:

معبد بهائی در میان خرابیهای دود آلود زمینهای پارک همچون مشعل نورانی سپیدی بر تپه میان مونا ویل Mona Vale و اینگل ساید Ingleside بر پا ایستاده بود اما آرامش درونش به غیر مؤمنان نمی رسید.

تا کنون خبری مبنی بر مجروح شدن احباء یا از دست دادن املاک در این دورۀ هولناک واصل نشده است، هر چند که چند خانواده موقتاً از منازلشان تخلیه شده اند. تقاضا می‌شود که این پیام را به دوستان فوری برسانید و آنان را از سلامت احباء و املاک امری باخبر سازید بار دیگر از ادعیه جوامع امری آن دیار و اظهار نگرانی و محبت آنان سپاسگزاری می‌کنیم.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی ویولت هاک Violette Haake

دیدار رئیس امور مالی مرکز جهانی بهائی از آمریکا / MR. MONDSCHEIN’S VISIT

جناب جفری ماندشاین Jeffrey Mondschein رئیس امور مالی مرکز جهانی بهائی از ۲۷ دسامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ تا ۹ ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۴ سفری به این دیار کرد و در ضمن آن با احبای ۱۵ شهر مختلف دیدار نمود.

پیام اصلی جناب ماندشاین به احبای ایالات متحده این بود که شکی نیست که ساختمانهای قوس دیگری ساخته خواهد شد. اما در این مورد دو پرسش می‌توان طرح کرد: یکی اینکه آیا این ساختمانها به همت نسل کنونی بنا خواهد شد؟ و دیگری اینکه زمان بنای آنها کی خواهد بود؟

محفل روحانی ملی بعنوان یکی از پیآیندهای برجسته جلسات آرمان و عمل که در سراسر ایالات متحده در شرف تشکیل است یا تشکیل شده از آقای ماندشاین تقاضا کرده بود که به این سفر مبادرت جوید. در جلسات مذکور اقدامات فردی یاران و نیز تعهد برای برآوردن نیازهای تبلیغی و مالی جامعه که منجر به گسترش چشمگیر امر الهی شود، مورد تأکید قرار می‌گیرد. به همین جهت از جناب ماندشاین دعوت به عمل آمد که اطلاعات لازم را درباره تحولات جاری در مرکز جهانی و بنای ساختمانهای قوس حول مراقد مطهره در دسترس یاران قرار دهد.

محفل روحانی ملی امیدوار است که یاران با بهره بردن از اطلاعات مذکور بتوانند کوششهای لازم را در راه خدمت به امر مبارک در آینده نزدیک به عمل آورند.

جناب ماندشاین در سخنان خود از مشکلات روزافزون جهان یاد کرد و گفت پاسخ امر بهائی به مشکلات مذکور این است که ساختن بناهای کوه کرمل چنانکه بشارت آن در کتاب مقدس نیز آمده است - نیروی روحانی لازم را برای تحقق صلح اصغر ایجاد خواهد کرد.

رئیس امور مالی مرکز جهانی اظهار داشت که برخی از حوادثی که تا کنون رخ داده نوید آنچه را که در آینده صورت خواهد گرفت به ارمغان آورده است. اخیراً نمایندۀ نخست وزیر پاپوا نیوگینی Papua New Guinea به ارض اقدس سفری کرد که درباره آینده کشورش با بیت العدل اعظم الهی مشورت کند.

جناب ماندشاین خاطرنشان ساخت که مرکز جهانی بهائی بعنوان اداره کننده امور یک نظم جهانی به منابع انسانی و مالی بسیار بیشتری از آنچه تاکنون تصور آن می‌رفته است نیازمند خواهد بود و این نیازی بس مبرم است. هنگامی که صندوقهای مالی امرالله وجوه لازم را نداشته باشد ناچار باید از صندوق بین المللی وجوهى برای ساختن بناهای قوس برداشت شود و این امر مانع از آن می‌شود که بیت العدل اعظم بتواند به نیازهای فوری عالم انسانی بپردازد و از فرصت های موجود جهت انتشار پیام حضرت بهاء الله بهره گیرد.

جامعه امری امریکا باید فداکاری و ایثاری از آن دست که جامعه امری ایران از خود نشان داده است به ظهور رساند تا امر حضرت بهاء الله بتواند در جهان استقرار یابد.

آقای ماندشاین اعلام کرد که نیاز مالی جهت ساختمانهای کوه کرمل در طی نقشه سه ساله ۷۴ میلیون دلار است هر چند این رقمی چشمگیر است با این حال احبای مهد نظم اداری امرالله قابلیت آن را دارند که از عهده تقدیم آن برآیند.

کلوپ بهائی دانشگاه لوئی ویل / UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE BAHÁ’Í CLUB

اعضای کلوپ بهائی لوئی ویل در ایالت کنتاکی در پائیز سال گذشته به تشکیل یک سلسله جلسات دربارۀ حقوق بشر همت گماشتند و بدین ترتیب به تحقق یکی از اهداف ملی نقشه سه ساله توفیق یافتند، بدین شرح که گروهی از استادان ممتاز دانشگاه و دیگر افراد را به این جلسات دعوت کردند.

• مشکلات مربوط به تعصبات و تبعیضات نژادی را مورد بررسی قرار دادند و کلوپ بهائی را بعنوان یکی از هواداران عدالت نژادی معرفی نمودند. • مسائل مربوط به زنان را با دقت موشکافی کردند و پیشنهادهائی برای بهبود وضع آنان ارائه دادند. • با محافل روحانی محلی مشورت کردند و بدین ترتیب جلسات مذکور را به صورت وسیله ای برای تقویت و بلوغ محافل روحانی در آوردند.

فکر تشکیل جلسات حقوق بشر بعنوان پیآیند سال بین المللی حقوق بشر و سال بین المللی مردم بومی به همت آقای مهیار مفیدی، دانشجوی رشته دندانپزشکی ارائه شد.

آقای مفیدی با دفتر نماینده بهائیان در سازمان ملل متحد تماس حاصل کرد و بيانیه مربوط به حقوق بشر را به دست آورد همچنین با دکتر ایرج ایمن درباره تشکیل جلسات مذکور مشورت کرد.

جلسات حقوق بشر در ۶ چهارشنبه متوالی تشکیل شد. موضوع این جلسات عبارت بود: درک حقوق بشر؛ اعاده حیثیت آدمی؛ دین نیروی مورد نیاز برای ایجاد وحدت؛ زنان و مردان همکاری برای نگاهداری سیارهای سالم؛ تعصبات نژادی بزرگ ترین مشکل امریکا؛ ارتباط پیوسته سیاست جهانی به سوی نظم بدیع جهانی؛ مردمان بومی کشف نجابت و شرافت انسان.

جلسات مذکور با بیانیه ای درباره تجارب جامعه بهائی ایران آغاز شد و تاریخ جامعه بهائی مهد امرالله بعنوان نمونهای برای مطالعه موارد نقض حقوق بشر ارائه شد.

تشکیل این جلسات سبب شد که از کلوپ بهائی دعوت شود که در دیگر فعالیت های دانشجویان شرکت نمایند. [Page 17]

کنفرانس آتلانتا

ATLANTA CONFERENCE مورخ ۱۱ ژانویه ۱۹۹۴

موقوفه دارالإنشاء مرکز جهانی بهائی خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده مورخ ۱۱ ژانویه ۱۹۹۴

بیت العدل اعظم الهی از شوق و شور مندرج در پیام رسیده از کنفرانس آلمان و عمل که در آتلانتا از ۷ تا ۹ ژانویه سال ۱۹۹۴ تشکیل شد، بسیار مسرور گردیده است. محفل اعلی مطمئن است که اگر یاران مطابق آمالی که در امور تبلیغی در دل دارند عمل نمایند، تحولات عظیمی نصیبشان خواهد شد، چنانچه چشمگیر در افزایش امت و اقبال به پیام الهی در جنوب شرقی ایالات متحده حاصل شد. بیت العدل اعظم امیدوار است که یکی از نتایج این کنفرانس تلاشی در زمینه تبلیغ به میزانی خواهد بود که همه نواحی دیگر آن کشور بزرگ را نیز شعله‌ور سازد. معهد اعلی از درگاه الهی مسئلت می‌نماید که آن عزیزان به آنگونه نتایج شکوهمند دست یابند.

دارالإنشاء، بیت العدل اعظم

لشکر نجات در جوش و خروش است. این نیروی وحدت و محبت مأموریتی یگانه دارد که عبارت است از به کار گرفتن نیروهای روحانی افراد تا همگی تقلیب شوند و به امر الهی خدمت کنند.

کنفرانس آتلانتا از ۷ تا ۹ ژانویه سال جاری با حضور ۱۰۰۰ نفر از یاران تشکیل شد. سه تن از مشاورین قاره‌ای و کلیه اعضای محفل روحانی ملی و اعضای هیئت معاونت در ایالات جنوب شرقی و همچنین اعضای لجنه ملی نشر نفحات در کنفرانس مذکور شرکت داشتند.

شرکت کنندگان در این کنفرانس از نیاز قطعی زمان حاضر که همان نشر و توسعه چشمگیر امر مبارک جهت درمان دردهای جهان بشری است، آگاهی یافتند. از هر یک از یاران دعوت شد که در جان و دل خود تبلیغ امر الهی و توسعه دامنه آن را بعنوان یک هدف شخصی بپذیرند و در نتیجه هر غیربهائی را همچون بهائیان بالقوه تلقی کنند و همه لحظات حیات را وقف خدمت به امر مبارک نمایند.

شرکت کنندگان الگو و نمونه‌ای از توسعه عظیم و گسترده امرالله و تحکم اساس آن را که اخیراً تهیه شده است، دریافت نمودند. این الگو در آن واحد افراد را هدایت می‌نماید و طرح حیات جامع جامعه را نیز ایجاد می‌کند.

حاضران در کنفرانس بی‌درنگ این نقشه را از راه‌های زیر به مرحله اجرا نهادند:

• مشورت با اعضای هیئت معاونت جهت ایجاد خط‌مشی محلی.
• برگزاری ظهور حضرت بهاءالله در جلسه‌ای که بسیاری در آن شرکت کردند.
• تشکیل یک سلسله بیوت تبلیغی در خانه‌های شخصی افراد که در آن اعضای محفل روحانی ملی شرکت و صحبت کردند.
• ایجاد یک برنامه تبلیغی در جنوب دی‌کاب کانتی DeKalb County در ایالت جورجیا.

تأکید بیشتری بر اساس روحانی حیات جامعه

یعنی اجتماع روحانی یاران و گشوده امرالله نیازی به توسعه عظیم و گسترده عملیاتی دارد. دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده، مشاور امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی موضوع جلسات "آرمان و عمل" Vision in Action را یادآور شد و اظهار داشت که احباء باید علمداران نجات ابدی در زمان حاضر باشند.

ایشان خاطرنشان ساخت که هیچیک از مظاهر ظهور نتوانسته‌اند در زمان حیات خود غنای الهی را به بیش از چند صد نفر از پیروانشان القاء نمایند. از ‎جده جمله‎ امر است، بر ما اهل بهاء است که بعنوان فرستادگان این حضرت پیام الهی را به گوش همه مردمان زمین برسانیم. دکتر کاظم‌زاده در ادامه سخنان خود گفت هیچ کار دیگری اهمیت این رسالت را ندارد به خصوص که در زمان حاضر بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی فرموده است که تاثیری که امر مبارک می‌تواند داشته باشد بسیار شدید است اما به اندازه کافی بهائی نداریم. در باز است اما کسی نیست که از آن بدر آید!

فداکاری برای خدمت به امر مبارک

دکتر کاظم‌زاده گفت تعداد افراد جامعه بهائی آمریکا باید تا ۱۰ سال دیگر بالغ بر یک میلیون نفر شود تا بتوانند در هدایت جامعه و تعیین خط مشی آن سهمی ایفا نمایند.

جناب استیون برکلند Stephen Birkland، مشاور قاره‌ای اظهار داشت که جهت دستیابی به چنین مقامی، میزان فداکاری یاران نیز باید به همان درجه افزایش یابد. ایشان گفت آمریکای ما در هر قدمی از این راه طالب فداکاری بوده است. هر چه پیروزی عظیم‌تر باشد، میزان فداکاری نیز باید افزایش یابد. این نشانه‌ای است که وقت و راحت و خود تفکر و عمل ما باشد. اگر بعضی از اعمالمان به اتحاد نمی انجامد، باید آن را تغییر دهیم.

جناب برکلند بعنوان مثال اظهار داشت که کاملاً طبیعی است هنگامی که نظریاتمان را نمی‌پذیرند، ناراحت شویم، اما اصول مشورت مستلزم این است که ناراحتی را تاب بیاوریم و برای پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاءالله آن را بپذیریم.

خانم ویلما الیس، مشاور قاره‌ای اظهار داشت این جریان فداکاری و از خود گذشتن به ما می‌آموزد که چگونه جوامع بهائی را بسازیم. هنگامی که در پی وسعت و رشد کثرت به وضعی می‌رسیم که در آن برای نخستین بار با بهائیانی روبرو می‌شویم که اعضاء دیگر جامعه را نمی‌شناسند. آیا برای رویارویی با چنین وضعی حاضر هستیم؟

خانم الیس گفت که رشد وسیع امر الهی و افزایش تعداد افراد مستلزم این است که در برداشتمان از حیات بهائی جامعه تجدید نظری کاملاً متفاوت با آنچه از پیش داشته‌ایم، بکنیم.

احباء باید در دل‌های بستگان و همسایگان و همکاران غیربهائی خود اثر بگذارد تا آنها هم بتوانند در همان راه قدم بگذارند و تغییر روحانی که ما در آن گام برمی‌داریم، وارد شوند.

این مطلب مسلم است که برنامه‌هائی ترتیب دهیم که در آن بهائیان و غیربهائیان بتوانند معلومات مادی و روحانی کسب کنند و در ترفع امر حضرت بهاءالله مساعی کنند و برای گسترش آن بکوشند.

خانم آلبرتا دیز Alberta Deas عضو محفل روحانی ملی گفت یکی از معانی گسترش عظیم امر مبارک این است که مردم را به راستی دوست بداریم. سپس خانم دیز از ملاقاتی که در دهه ۱۹۷۰ در ایالات جنوبی به ابلاغ کلام الهی پرداخته بود یاد کرد و با نشان سپاسگزاری از افرادی که از آنان در جلسه حضور داشتند درخواست کرد که به پا خیزند.

نمونه‌ای برای رشد

آقای سیلویستر اسکات Sylvester Scott رئیس لجنه ملی نشر نفحات اظهار داشت که در گذشته احتیاج به کاری است که باید از آن تجارب درس بگیریم. کار ما این است که بر اساس کارهایی که به خوبی انجام گرفته است به پیش رویم.

امرالله باید همه ما شخصاً اعتقاد داشته باشیم که عالی‌ترین امکانات جهت برتری موفقیت در تبلیغ امرالله روند جدیدی است. اگر به ممتاز بودن کلامی که عرضه می‌کنیم اعتقاد نداشته باشیم، نخواهیم توانست آن را بفروشیم.

خانم دان Dawn خادم حقیقی، منشی لجنه ملی نشر نفحات، بیان داشت ساختار هر اعتماد و اطمینانی که احباء باید نیاز داشته باشند در پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی مورخ رضوان سال ۱۵۰ یافت می‌شود.

یکی دیگر از اعضای لجنه نشر نفحات اظهار داشت که همه روش‌های تبلیغ دسته‌جمعی معتبر است اما به جریانی نیاز داریم که هر جامعه امری بتواند آن را ابداع کند و به بنای آن عمل نماید.

شهامت و مهر و وفا

شواهد گوناگون مهر و محبت در فعالیت‌های آخر هفته به چشم می‌خورد. نخست یک جلسه عمومی برای بزرگداشت ظهور حضرت بهاءالله تشکیل شد.

دکتر رابرت هندرسون، منشی محفل روحانی ملی نطقی درباره حضرت بهاءالله و مقام آن حضرت در مقایسه با دیگر مظاهر امر ایراد کرد. دکتر هندرسون گفت همه مظاهر ظاهر شدند تا ‎تائید تأیید‎ قول روزی و بشارت‌هایی را که قبلاً ظهور خواهد کرد و تورات و بشارات الهی را محقق سازند.

جناب هندرسون به حاضران که بسیاری از آنان غیربهائی بودند، گوشزد کرد بهائیان حضرت مسیح را به جان و دل اعزاز می‌کنند. سپس دکتر هندرسون از حاضران دعوت کرد که درباره امر بهائی تحقیق کنند و به جرگه مؤمنان آن بپیوندند تا فرمان الهی بر روی زمین محقق ‎تابد یابد‎.

بی‌گمان بازتاب سخنان جناب جیمز نلسون، رئیس محفل روحانی ملی در ذهن و دل شرکت‌کنندگان حاضر بود. ایشان گفت کار ما نبرد است و ما در میدان جنگیم. احباء به بهترین وجهی مسلحند. اشکال در این است که ما فقط در حاضر شدن و نشانه گرفتن مهارت یافته‌ایم! اما از یکشنبه شب به بعد زمان شلیک است!

و ‎گوشی گویی‎ صدای شلیک ‎سیاه سپاه‎ نجات در سراسر جهان شنیده می‌شود و به زودی این نبرد به دیگر نقاط این دیار نیز سرایت خواهد کرد. [Page 18]

پیام‌های مرکز جهانی بهائی

MESSAGES FROM THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۶ دسامبر ۱۹۹۳

که با وسائط الکترونیکی مخابره شده است

یاران عزیز الهی،

خانم الیزابت مولشلگل پس از پنج سال و اندی خدمات پر ارزش به علت شرایط اضطراری شخصی از عضویت در هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در اروپا استعفا داده‌اند. اطمینان داریم که خانم مولشلگل خدمات امری خود را با خلوص وفیر به طرق دیگر ادامه خواهند داد. آن امهٔ روحانیه و خانواده ایشان را به ادعیه محبت‌آمیز خود اطمینان می‌دهیم.

بجای ایشان انتصاب خانم لاریسا گریگوریونا تسوتسکوا ساکن شهر پرم در روسیه را به عضویت هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در اروپا برای مدت باقیمانده از دوره کنونی اعلام می‌داریم.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۴ دسامبر ۱۹۹۳

که با وسائط الکترونیکی مخابره شده است

یاران عزیز الهی،

با کمال مسرت اعلام می‌داریم که در بعد از ظهر یکشنبه ۱۹ دسامبر ۱۹۹۳ موافقت‌نامه قرارداد عمومی برای ساختمان مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص و الواح و بنای ضمیمه دارالآثار به امضاء رسید. پیمانکارانی که مسؤول امور سیم کشی، لوله کشی، آسانسورها و تهویه مطبوع خواهند بود، بلافاصله تعیین خواهند شد و سپس سایر مؤسساتی که انجام کارهای نهایی را به عهده خواهند داشت، مشخص خواهند گردید.

هم اکنون ساختمان این مشروعات آغاز شده است.

از آستان مقدس حضرت بهاء‌الله برای این اقدام تاریخی طلب تأیید می‌کنیم.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مورخ ۹ نوامبر ۱۹۹۳

یاران عزیز الهی،

در پیام رضوان گذشته عالم بهائی را به نیاز شدید توسعهٔ جامعه جهانی بهائی در آینده نزدیک متذکر داشتیم. آمادگی روزافزون مردم جهان به پذیرفتن پیام حضرت بهاء‌الله ما را مطمئن می‌سازد که دخول افواج مقبلین به شریعهٔ حضرت رب‌العالمین به زودی در ممالک مختلفه یکی پس از دیگری تحقق خواهد یافت.

به منظور کمک به محافل روحانی ملی و عموم یاران در درک و استقبال از این جریان و ادامه تحرک آن، مجموعه‌ای از منتخبات نصوص مبارک تحت عنوان "موجبات تحقق يدخلون في دين الله افواجا" و نیز شرحی که دربارهٔ این موضوع بوسیله دایرهٔ مطالعه نصوص و الواح در مرکز جهانی تهیه شده، به ضمیمه ارسال می‌گردد. [متن انگلیسی مجموعه فوق در صفحات میانی نشریه درج شده] هر کس این بیانات مبارکه را زیارت نماید متوجه خواهد شد که دخول افواج مقبلین تنها یک مرحله از پیشرفت امر نیست که وابسته به پذیرش جامعه به صورت کلی بوده و مقدر باشد که در میقات معین تحقق یابد، بلکه پدیده‌ای است که جوامع بهائی می‌توانند در اثر مساعی و مجهودات خود آن را آماده و به منصه ظهور رسانند و جریانی است که به محض شروع می‌توان آن را ادامه داد. جریان دخول افواج مقبلین با تخصیص خردمندانه منابع و پیگیری مجدانه نقشه‌هایی که به موازات یکدیگر برای تبلیغ و تزیید معلومات و تحکیم مبانی معتقدات تنظیم و اجرا می‌شود، می‌تواند موجب ازدیاد روزافزون مؤمنین فعال و تأسیس جوامع قوی‌البنیان و مؤسسات امری محلی و ملی که مستمراً راه کمال خواهند پیمود، گردد.

عالم بهائی نیازمند آن است که برای توسعهٔ امرالله و کلیهٔ مؤسسات آن متحداً بینش و بصیرتی روشن را پرورش دهد و فعالیت‌های متنوع و وسیعی را آغاز نماید که با شرایط و احوال عامه مردم و نیز افراد مجموعه نصوص مبارکه را مطالعه نمایند، نکات و مطالب آن را دریابند، تذکارات آن را به کار بندند و برای اتساع نطاق و تأسیس مؤسسات امرالله شهامتی جدید حاصل فرمایند.

برتر از آنچه گفته شد، یاران الهی باید در جمیع مساعی تبلیغی خود به نیروی خلاق و حیات‌بخش کلام الهی اطمینان داشته باشند و از برکات تأییدات الهی کسب قدرت نمایند و مترصد نزول مستمر عنایات ربانی باشند. بنای جهانی جدید کار آسانی نیست. راه ناهموار و پر از موانع است، اما طی این سبیل جاذب الطاف لانهائی خواهد بود.

در آستان مقدس صمیمانه رجا می‌کنیم که یاران الهی در سراسر جهان با قلوبی طافح از عشق به حضرت بهاء‌الله قیام نمایند، پیام مبارکش را به جماعاتی که تشنهٔ آنند برسانند و جمیع نفوسی که دعوت الهی را لبیک می‌گویند و در این طریق شریک راه سازندگان ملکوت الهی بر صفحه غبرا می‌گردند، خوش آمد گویند.

اطمینان داریم که با هدایت مشاورین قاره‌ای و اعضاء هیئت‌های معاونت و مساعدین آنان در مساعی مبذوله جهت هدایت قوای یاران الهی به سوی اجرای این وظیفه خطیر توفیق خواهید یافت.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی بیت‌العدل اعظم

تضییقات احبای ایران

UN RESOLUTION PASSED

۲۰ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ آقای ویکتور مارو Victor Marrero نمایندهٔ علی‌البدل ایالات متحده در سازمان ملل متحد در ضمن بیاناتی که از جانب کشورش در مجمع عمومی سازمان ملل اظهار می‌داشت، جمهوری اسلامی ایران را به نقض حقوق بشر و آزار دینی متهم ساخت و بعنوان مثال از حکم اعدامی که اخیراً برای سه نفر از احبای ایران صادر شده است، شاهد آورد.

مجمع عمومی سازمان ملل متحد در ضمن بیانیه‌ شدیداللحنی که علیه دولت ایران صادر کرد، نگرانی خود را از تبعیضاتی که آن دولت در مورد برخی از شهروندان، بویژه بهائیان، به علت اعتقادات دینی آنها قائل می‌شود، اظهار داشت.

آقای مارو پیش از صدور بیانیهٔ سازمان ملل گفت: "... ایالات متحده مایل است توجه مجمع عمومی را به گزارشی که آقای گالیندو پل Galindo Pohl نمایندهٔ ویژهٔ کمیسیون حقوق بشر برای رسیدگی به مراعات حقوق بشر در ایران تهیه نموده است، جلب کند.

آقای پل در گزارش خود اشاره کرده است که دو تن از بهائیان ایران، آقای بهنام میثاقی و آقای کیوان خلج‌آبادی که از اپریل سال ۱۹۸۹ بدون اتهام زندانی شده‌اند، در ۳۱ ماه آگست سال ۱۹۹۲ آگاهی یافتند که دادگاه اسلامی انقلاب در کرج آنان را به اعدام محکوم کرده است.

مطابق خبرهای رسیده در ۱۷ دسامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ آگاهی یافته‌ایم که حکم اعدام توسط دادگاه دیگری در ۲۳ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ تأیید شده است.

همچنین گزارش داده‌اند که نفر سومی به نام آقای رمضان‌علی ذوالفقاری اخیراً در رفسنجان به اتهام ارتداد محکوم به اعدام شده است.

از این مورد و دیگر موارد واضح می‌شود که رژیم همچنان به اهانت خود به حقوق انسانی شهروندانش ادامه می‌دهد و بی‌رحمانه به آزار برخی از آنان صرفاً به علت اعتقادات دینی آنها می‌پردازد.

ایالات متحده قصد دارد برای صدور این بیانیهٔ مربوط به وضع حقوق بشر در ایران رأی موافق بدهد و از همه کشورهایی که مخالف تعصبات نژادی و نقض عامدانهٔ حقوق بشرند تقاضا می‌کنیم همین کار را بکنند."

در ماه سپتامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ محفل روحانی ایالات متحده آگاهی یافت که جناب میثاقی و جناب خلج‌آبادی به جرم بهائی فعال بودن توسط یک دادگاه اسلامی در نزدیکی طهران محکوم به اعدام شده بودند. سازمان ملل متحد و چند کشور اعتراضات شدیدی به این حکم‌های اعدام کردند و در همان حال جنابان میثاقی و خلج‌آبادی به دادگاه‌های بالاتری استیناف دادند.

روز ۲۳ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۳ در همان روزی که گالیندو پل بیانات شفاهی خود را دربارهٔ وضع حقوق بشر در ایران خطاب به مجمع عمومی سازمان ملل متحد اظهار می‌کرد، آن دو بهائی عزیز دوباره توسط دادگاه‌های اسلامی ایران محکوم به اعدام شدند.

در رأی دادگاه آمده است که این دو تن بهائی به "جنایاتی" چون تبلیغ و نشر سازمان‌های بهائی و تهیه گزارش‌هایی که به سازمان ملل و مؤسسات بهائی خارج از ایران فرستاده شده است، متهم شده‌اند.

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله 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 19]Since these electronic discussions are a new form of communiction, sometimes unusal social phenomena take place, so there are a few basic guidelines to follow. They may seem obvious, but should be kept in mind anyway:

On original postings, be sure you give a good descriptive subject or title.

• Be as clear and brief as possible.

•Respond only to the whole Forum if necessary.

Read all your mail before you respond. Others might have responded already.

•Write carefully since your message will be seen by many other people.

•Always remember you are writing to your peers and companions.

Other Bahá’í activities on worldwide computer networks

The Bahá’í Campus Forum is only one of many Bahá’í online activities. There are teaching and discussion activities on a number of networks. There are also discussion groups for Bahá’ís involved in specific areas such as technology, science, women, race unity and parenting.

Some of these are accessible via Internet and some via the FidoNet technology-based BahaiNet. A full list of activities can be obtained by sending a message to activities@bahainvs.org.

Some of the other Internet-based activities are:

Bahai-announce—Bahai-announce is the largest discussion group, with more than 300 participants worldwide. Its main use is for announcements, press releases, and short questions. Postings are moderated to ensure high quality and keep traffic low. To join the list, send e-mail to bahai-announce-request@bahainvs.org.

Bahai-discuss—Discussions, consultations and questions/answers are held here among a worldwide group of Bahá’ís on a wide variety of topics. You may receive over 10 messages a day. To subscribe, send a request to bahai-discuss-request@bahainvs.org.

Soc.religion.bahai—Soc.religion.bahai is a USENET/Internet newsgroup for teaching the Bahá’í Faith. It is publicly accessible at thousands of sites and has a large potential readership. Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís post messages here. The news group is moderated by a panel of Bahá’ís who approve each posting.

Teachers—The teachers' list is an Internet-based mailing list for discussion of online teaching techniques, opportunities and difficult teaching questions. To subscribe, send an Internet message to teachers-request@justice.medford.ma.us.

Bahá’í action for unity ‘Watchword’ of new magazine

Rick Higgins describes the newsletter Watchword as "a quarterly journal reflecting on Bahá’í action in the promotion of racial harmony."

Mr. Higgins, a Bahá’í who lives outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina, started Watchword as an outgrowth of an Institute for the Healing of Racism. Many participants had expressed a desire to expand their dialogue in a way that especially would help white Bahá’ís in dealing with racism.

He wasn't sure how to proceed at that point, but found a direction in race unity goals set by his local Spiritual Assembly in Orange County, North Carolina, for the Three Year Plan.

Still, it was only a week before the March on Washington that a decision was made to go ahead with the eight-page initial issue, dated Fall 1993. That issue, printed on high-quality newsprint with headlines and other graphic elements highlighted in blue, includes a first-person report of the March on Washington; an editor's column; a reflection on Bahá’í race unity activities; side-by-side "seeing things in black & white" columns by two Bahá’í youths; a look at the impact of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.; and an article about ways in which Bahá’í communities can set systematic race unity strategies.

Five hundred copies of the first issue were printed and distributed. All Bahá’ís in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina received copies, and the rest were sent to Bahá’í friends and acquaintances around the country.

Mr. Higgins says he won't have any trouble generating enough material to publish Watchword on a quarterly basis. The biggest problem with the first issue, he says, was keeping it to eight pages.

The first-time publisher was editor of his high school paper—"my only academic award in a career focused on sports"—and took several writing courses in college. He works as an international sales agent for American Airlines.

An editorial advisory board made up of seven people of diverse backgrounds helps guide him. Also helpful, he says, have been the local Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board assistants Chuck Egerton and Bob James; and David Rouleau and Robert Stockman at the Bahá’í National Center.

Mr. Higgins welcomes submitted articles. He also encourages anyone who wants to be on the mailing list for Watchword to write to him at Chapel Hill, NC 27516. No contribution is necessary, though he would welcome any help toward meeting the costs of printing and mailing.

25 Bahá’ís from three youth workshops help flood clean-up in Alton, Illinois

Twenty-five Bahá’í youth and their coordinators from three Illinois workshops arrived last September 18 in Alton to help with the town's flood relief clean-up.

Working from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing gloves and boots and armed with buckets and rakes, the young Bahá’ís set about cleaning up the destruction left by the floods of '93. News of their participation was printed twice in the local newspaper. Meanwhile, more than 100 flyers were distributed by the youth and local Bahá’ís inviting residents to various activities.

Ten guests attended a Friday evening concert and fireside, and 12 others attended a post-clean-up party. Music for both events was provided by Generation 13. The Youth Workshops taking part were Candles of the Covenant, Peacemakers, and Harmony.

Virginia Sims, who saw Master in 1912, dies

TO THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES PASSING LOYAL, STEADFAST, STALWART VIRGINIA TAYLOR SIMS SADLY DIMINISHES DWINDLING NUMBER FRIENDS WHO WERE PRIVILEGED ATTAIN PRESENCE BELOVED MASTER DURING HIS EPIC JOURNEY NORTH AMERICA. SHARE DEEP SENSE LOSS YOUR COMMUNITY THIS INTREPID TEACHER CAUSE GOD. FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HER NOBLE SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM. THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE DECEMBER 27, 1993

Bahai-tech

This is the discussion for the Bahá’í Computer and Communications Association (BCCA), a group of Bahá’ís who provide technical services to the Bahá’í community. To subscribe, send a message to bahai-tech-request@oneworld.wa.com.

Bahá’í Resource Archive

Electronic copies of the following documents can be retrieved by sending e-mail to the listed addresses:

• The Vision of Race Unity: voru@bahainvs.org • The Statement on Bahá’u’lláh: tsob@bahainvs.org • The Promise of World Peace: powp@bahainvs.org • General help/full index for resource archive: bahai-resource-archive@bahainvs.org.

For more information on the BCCA, join the Bahai-tech forum or write to BCCA, c/o OneWorld Enterprises, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Correction

Alice Lovejoy (right), pictured here with longtime friend and fellow Bahá’í Maggie McLendon at last October's International Hispanic Teaching Conference at the Bosch School, was listed last September 8 in the 'In Memoriam' column in The American Bahá’í. Although she is recovering from a stroke and has moved to San Jose to live with her daughter, Mrs. Lovejoy is very much alive—and we and her many friends (who have called or written from many parts of the world to offer condolences) are delighted that the listing was in error.

IN MEMORIAM

Pamela Abrahamson St. Paul, MN October 12, 1993

Virginia Breaks Caroline Islands December 1993

Leon Brooks Chicago, IL December 22, 1993

Mindy Chvatal Scottsdale, AZ December 4, 1993

Olive Pretends Eagle Fort Yates, ND August 19, 1993

John Fields Jr. Shreveport, LA October 20, 1993

Richard Gowan Saranac Lake, NY December 22, 1993

Florence Holland Nipomo, CA June 5, 1993

Anna Iben Manchester, IA December 29, 1993

George Patten Sanger, TX 1993

Juanita Rowe N. Haverhill, NH November 30, 1993

Fatemeh Samari Jasper, AL November 11, 1993

Mary Ann Sawyer Mukilteo, WA December 3, 1993

Virginia Sims Evanston, IL December 20, 1993

Ella Swanson Yakima, WA October 22, 1993

Elza Weaver Ventura, CA November 27, 1993 [Page 20]

Ad placards in New York City buses spread word about Bahá’í 'Racism: Just Undo It' campaign

The Racism: Just Undo It message is really getting around New York City, thanks to the placement of advertising placards in nearly 500 city buses during November and December.

The posters were conceptualized, designed and negotiated by the RJUI Task Force. They read: "Racism will end. But not without you."

As a result of the campaign, many people have been calling the RJUI hotline and indicating their interest in joining the movement.

Phone calls also are coming in about the "RJUI Second Annual Show of Solutions" school contest. About 1,800 posters were mailed out by RJUI volunteers to public, private and parochial schools in the five boroughs of New York City.

Later, press kits were sent to key media outlets announcing the contest and giving background information about RJUI and its various programs for social change. A telephone campaign will follow.

The RJUI Volunteer Orientation Group is inviting people who call the hotline to a series of orientation programs that will be held at the Bahá’í Center.

These full-day sessions will address the Bahá’í view on racism, explore the history of racism in America, and reveal personal plans of action toward the healing of racism.

Other recent RJUI activities have included an address to volunteers by Bahá’í author/educator Nathan Rutstein and participation by RJUI members in a weekend conference on education at Harvard University.

Also, RJUI was invited to speak to several high school classes about the healing of racism and the Bahá’í perspective on human rights issues.

The RJUI hotline number is 212-465-3150.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

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

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

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: Street address ________________ Apartment (if applicable) ______ City __________________________ State ________ Zip code _______

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box or Other mailing address Apartment # (if applicable) ____ City __________________________ State ________ Zip code _______

D. NEW COMMUNITY: Name of new Bahá’í Community ___ Moving date ___________________

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER: Area code ____ Phone number ____ Name __________________________

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

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] we do not have the same last name. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy. [ ] We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY: [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

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

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

FEBRUARY

11-13: Married Couples Retreat, "Strengthening Bahá’í Marriage," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

12: Jazz concert and fund-raiser with Roger Hogan/Andre St. James Ensemble, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

18-20: Junior Youth Institute, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

18-20: "Unity Trek," Bahá’í Youth Retreat, Camp Winona, Deleon Springs, Florida, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Deland. For information, phone Debbie or Edmond Wilke, 904-822-9554.

18-21: North Dakota Winter School, Mayville State University. "The New Jerusalem: A Study of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas" with Auxiliary Board member Bill Wieties. Contact Rosalyn Thingelstad, P.O. Box 1913, Minot, ND 58702 (phone 701-839-1015).

18-21: Adults/Singles Session, "Needs of the Spirit" and "Challenges to the Spirit," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

19: 10th annual David Kellum Awards, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. Speaker: Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly. Recipients: Chicago Area Project and Soul Children of Chicago Inc. For information, phone 708-853-2300.

19-20: Pioneer Emphasis Days, Denver, Colorado, and Miami, Florida.

25-27: Weekend on Family and Child Education with Preview of the CORE Curriculum, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

MARCH

4-6: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

11-13: Young Adult Research Weekend (ages 18-35), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

19-20: Study session, Bahá’u’lláh’s Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

20: Naw-Rúz celebration, Louhelen Bahá’í School.

20-26: Elderhostel, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

25-27: Oklahoma Spring School. For information, contact David Gainey, Sulphur, OK 73086 (phone 405-622-2655).

APRIL

1-3: Regional Bahá’í Conference, DuBose Conference Center, Mont Eagle, Tennessee, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton County, Tennessee, to promote a deeper study of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and to celebrate the centennial of the Faith's establishment in the U.S. Those who wish to offer a presentation (talk, music, poetry reading, etc.) should phone Ahang Rabbani, 713-251-9989, no later than March 1. For conference information, phone Keihan Strain, 615-842-1750.

1-3: Rendezvous of the Soul, personal deepening program, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

1-3: Youth Eagle Institute, "Breaking Through the Barriers," with Morris Taylor, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

5-9: Spring Break session, "Women: Ethical, Spiritual and Social Issues," Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

9-11: International Conference, "Once Empires Fade: Religion, Ethnicity and the Possibilities for Peace," University of Maryland, College Park. Sponsored by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, the Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies, and the university's Department of History. For information, phone Leslie Gottert, 301-314-7714 (fax 301-314-9256), or Sandi Greene, 301-405-4975 (fax 301-314-9399).

10-16: Elderhostel, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

14-17: Washington West Spring School, Brighton Creek. For information, contact Carol Spell, P.O. Box 67, McKenna, WA 98558 (phone 206-458-3910).

15-17: Wisconsin Youth Weekend, Environmental Station. For information, contact Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

16-17: "Preparing for Large-Scale Expansion," Grand Rapids, Minnesota. For information, contact Jeff Wartchow, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, or phone 218-327-0319.

22-24: Preparation for Marriage, pilot program for deepening Assembly members, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

29-May 2: Bahá’í Family Reunion, Pompano Beach, Florida. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. All Bahá’ís who live in Florida, who used to live in Florida, or who would like to live in Florida are invited. For information, phone Denise or Dennis Godsey, 305-942-1844; fax 305-946-9299.

MAY

6-8: Youth Research Weekend (ages 12 and older), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

6-8: Parent-Child Conference, "A Family Is a Nation in Miniature," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

13-15: Professional Development Workshop, "Creativity Training for Bahá’ís," Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

14-15: San Jose Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.

20-22: Annual session on Southeast Asian teaching, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone Puran Stevens or Rosemarie Grushka at the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, 708-869-9039, or fax 708-869-0247.

20-22: LSA Bonding Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387.