The American Bahá’í/Volume 25/Issue 9/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 25, Issue 9

Raumat B.€. 1517 June 24, 1994

Vo.ume 25, Numeer 9

The National Spiritual Assembly presented testimony May 11 at a hearing in Washington before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The testimony was presented on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly by its secretary-generai, Robert C. Henderson.

Dr. Henderson appeared as part of a public panel whose other members were Wade Henderson, director, Washington bureau, NAACP; Father Robert F. Drinan, S.J., professor of law, Georgetown Univer sity, American Bar Association; and William T. Lake, partner in the law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering and member of the Board of Directors, International Human Rights Law Group.

They were preceded by an administration panel that included the Hon. John Shattuck, assistant secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Department.

Portrait of Bab displayed during 150th observance

Some wept quietly.

Some beamed with pleasure.

Others were pensive.

But everyone was moved by the sight of a portrait of the Bab, displayed in the Auditorium of the Baha’t House of Worship on May 22 during the sesquicentennial observance of His momentous Declaration.

The approximately 1,000 participants had filed out of Foundation Hall and ascended the exterior stairs to the auditorium in two lines.

Group by group, they stepped onto

Vision in Action

om

@ ‘Spiritual meetings’ help spread Cause @ A journey of the spirit to Belarus . @ Quick action earns Faith public notice .......... 9 @ Be magazine connects Baha’i youth .....

@ Legacy of Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick

a Persian rug upon which a table and two stands of candles had been placed.

In the center of the table was the ornately framed portrait, last publicly viewed in 1944 when the Baha’f Era entered its second century.

Once everyone was seated, the Baha’i House of Worship Choir directed by Tom Price performed “O God, My God,” “Is There Any Remover of Difficulties,” “God Is Sufficient Unto Me,” and “Whither Can A Lover Go.”

The Tablet of Visitation then was recited in English and chanted in Arabic.

Earlier, in Foundation Hall, the overflow .. 4 audience—many of whom viewed the proceedings via closed-circuit television in the Visitors' Center—was trans

of the State Department; the Hon. Conrad K. Harper, legal adviser of the State Department; and the Hon. Deval L. Patrick, assistant attorney general, Civil Rights Division of the Justice

Robert C. Henderson (right), secretary-general of the National Assembly, faces the Senate Foreign Relations Committee alongside (from left) Wade Henderson, NAACP; William T. Lake, representing the International Human Rights Law Group; and Father Robert F. Drinan, representing the American Bar Association.

governmental organization) support for ratific tion. The working group included representatives from the American Bar Association, the International Human Rights Law Group, Amnesty

on the basis of race, ethnicity or national origin in all aspects of public life including the political, economic, social and cultural arenas. It guarantees equality before the law with respect to the enjoyment of rights in these areas.

The Convention also creates an institutional mechanism, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to promote the realization of this universal standard.

In May 1992, the National Spiritual Assembly's office in Washington had invited representatives of interested orga: tions to form a working group to organize NGO (non

International, the Lawyers’ Committee for Human

The Race Convention establishes an international legal standard that prohibits discrimination

the Visitors’ Center.

ported back to 1844 Shiraz.

Through the words of Nabil, they experienced the pivotal moment in which the young merchant of Shiraz revealed His mission to Mulla Husayn.

And through the Writings of Baha‘u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Bab Himself, they gained a greater appreciation for the Station of this Herald of the Faith.

Those who could not get in to Foundation Hall for the Declaration of the Bab observance watched the proceedings from closed-circuit television monitors in

See U.S. page I1

The singing of “Thou Art But One Step Away” from The Hidden Words completed the downstairs program, and it was time to move upstairs.

To end the evening, refreshments were served in the Visitors’ Center and the children presented to members of the National Spiritual Assembly special cards they had made to commemorate the occasion.—Tom Mennillo [Page 2]Vision in Act

fe eddua UEC

Letter from the National Teaching Committee

THe AmeRrICAN BanA'l 2

‘Spiritual meetings’ help spread the Cause of God

(This is the latest in a series of open letters to our fellow believers centering on aspects of the NTC’s “Model for Expansion and Consolidation,” published in The American Baha‘ earlier this year and recently sent to every Baha'i community in Vision in Action, a booklet which also includes the statement and compilation on entry by troops from the Universal House of Justice.)

. Dearly loved friends,

Every believer has had the experience of being in some Baha‘ gathering and feeling the power of the Holy Spirit that stirs and unites the hearts of all the participants. The sessions at the World Congress held in New York were premier examples of such an experience. Were we able to capture that spirit and share it with friends and seekers the American Bahd’i community would be able to greatly accelerate the process of entry by troops in our country, where so many people are starving for spiritual nourishment.

It is for this reason that the National Teaching, Committee has stressed the importance of meetings where the friends can gather with seekers, where all can feel and be uplifted by the spirit of Baha‘u’llah’s Revelation. These occasions, which may include prayers, music, fellowship, talks and readings from the Divine Word, can generate tremendous spiritual power and have a transforming impact on the hearts of all who attend them.

‘Abdu’l-Baha often urged the believers to hold such gatherings, which He sometimes referred to as “spiritual meeting: hey are distinct from the Nineteen Day Feast, which is open to Baha'is only, as well as from firesides, which are held by individual believers their personal contacts. In the spiritual meetings, groups of people can come together to worship God in “unity and concord,” where circumstances “will be conducive to changing strangers into friends” and “enemies into as— sociates” (Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, p. 553).

The following passages from the master’s Writings shed further light on this concept (the quotations are from the compilation, Baha'i Meetings / The Nineteen Day Feast, from the section on Baha’ meetings):

“You have written concerning the spiritual meetings. The foundation of the spiritual meetings must be the teaching and delivering of the Cause of God. In these meetings the believers and maid— servants of the Merciful must proclaim the proofs and arguments and explain the signs of the appearance of the Beauty of Abha—may my life be a sacrifice to the beloved ones! Meanwhile they may read some Tablets and Communes, and at the end of the meetings, if they desire to sing with the utmost supplication and meekness, it is acceptable. But the fundamental principle of the establishment of spiritual meetings is for the sake of teaching and delivering the Truth so that those souls who are present may become informed of the Divine

Re Aiea uaa

The American Bahd’t is published 19 times a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL, and additional maili offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113. Executive editor: Jack Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo. The American Bahd’é welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Ba— ha'{ Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all materials and correspondence to The Editor, The American Baha’, Wilmette, IL 60091. Postmaster: Send address changes to Man-agement Information Systems, Bahd't National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Copyright © 1994 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Evidence and Proofs.”

“It befitteth the friends to hold a gathering, a meeting, where they shall glorify God and fix their hearts upon Him, and read and recite the holy writings of the Blessed Beauty—may my soul be the ransom of His lovers! The lights of the AllGlorious Realm, the rays of the Supreme Horizon, will be cast upon such bright assemblages. ... These spiritual gatherings must be held with the utmost purity and consecration, so that from the site itself, and its earth and the air about it, one will inhale the fragrant breathings of the Holy Spirit.”

“Thou has written concerning the meetings and gathering places of the believers of God. Such as— semblies and gatherings will greatly aid the promotion of the Word and all the audience, whether friends or not, will become affected. But when the friends have the intention of entering into these meetings they must disengage the heart from all other reflections, ask the Inexhaustible Divine confirmation, and with the utmost devotion and humility set their feet in the gathering place. Let them not introduce any topic in the meeting except the mentioning of the True One, neither must they confuse that merciful assembly with complex outside questions. They must...either commune or supplicate and pray to God, either read Tablets or give out advices and exhortations.”

“Thou hast written in regard to the Sunday meeting, saying that it is established in the utmost of love. Undoubtedly you must be firm in holding it, and on the day of meeting sing such anthem and melody in the glorification and praise of Baha’u’llah that you may cause a tumult in that city—so that everyone may hear the Call of God and may obtain a new spirit through the soul-refreshing zephyr which is being wafted from the rose garden of the Covenant.”

“Therefore, this meeting is blessed. But if it is firmly established and become constant, it will bring forth great results and most weighty developments will be attained. Consequently, persevere ye in renewing your meetings and display utmost magnanimity in firmness and steadfastness. When the root of the tree of the garden is well established and its protection is safeguarded, it will bring forth luscious frui

“Likewise, when the regiment of an army and individuals of a cohort are united and related with ease, untold triumphs will be acquired. But if they come together one day and disperse another day, no fruits will be produced.

“Therefore, as ye have prepared an army of heaven and become the host of life, ye must continue to hold meetings, have spiritual communications, be firm in resolution, steadfast in purpose and be constant and persevering so that ye may win celestial conquest.”

‘Abdu’l-Baha thus described gatherings that were intensely spiritual while also allowing seekers the opportunity for clear and direct information about the coming of the Promised One.

Shoghi Effendi echoed this idea in advice given to an individual believer, explaining the attention that we can pay to the particular needs of the seekers:

“In some places the Baha'is have held meetings for prayer. ...As we have such wonderful prayers and meditations in our writings, the reading of these with friends who are interested in and crave for this type of small meeting is often a step toward attracting them to the Faith. ...” (From a letter dated February 4, 1956, written on behalf of the Guardian)

It is important that meetings should be customized to local needs and conditions, especially in areas where people are accustomed to worshiping God in a certain way. Baha'is can provide any

reasonable avenue for seekers to enjoy the spirit of the Faith in a manner that is compatible with principle and suited to their needs.

For example, some cultures value music as an important part of their devotional approach. Baha'i meetings can include music. If the recitation of prayer is important, that can be done. If storytelling is preferred, that too can be accommodated.

The Baha'i Faith allows for a rich expression of all cultural forms in worship; therefore our s tual meetings can express this diversity, speaking es-pecially to the population we are trying to reach. If we create atmospheres for seekers that show the true spirit of love and unity, manifesting a sincere appreciation for many forms of expression, the result will prove irresistibly attractive.

A number of communities in the United States have initiated regular spiritual gatherings, and virtually all of them have experienced victories in teaching as a result. The most successful ones have been undertaken as one activity in a many-faceted teaching plan, complementing other efforts such as firesides, public talks, media campaigns, socials and race unity events, in which all of the believers work in harmony to present the Faith to the community at large. Together these coordinated programs serve the social, intellectual and spiritual needs of the populations the friends are trying to reach.

For example, in Palm Beach County, Florida, a number of seekers were found through proclamaactivities and participation in non-Baha’i ac— related to race unity. The believers arranged firesides for these seekers. At a certain point, the seekers expressed a desire to attend Baha’ worship meetings.

The only meeting for worship in the community at the time was the Feast, which could not fill this need. Also, the communi in Palm Beach Coun— ty were rather small. Therefore, at the town meet— ings held in the beginning of the Three Year Plan, the friends decided to hold a once-per-month spiritual gathering supported by all communities in the county to meet the spiritual needs of Baha’is and non-Baha

The meetings were planned for the first Sunday of each month. Each meeting is held from 9:30noon and includes a half-hour of social time; 45 minutes of prayer, reading from the writings, and music; a 15-minute break; then one hour of study classes for adults and children. Bahd’is and seekers can attend all or part of the gatherings.

The first meeting, held last September, was at— tended by 60 people, including 20 non-Baha’is; five of the seekers who had been investigating the Faith became Bahda’is in the month following the first gathering. Spiritual meetings have been held every month since, with attendance ranging from 35 to 100.

Many seekers and believers who were previously inactive came to the meetings, which have breathed a new spirit into the communities. About 10 new Assemblies were formed in the county in the first year of the Plan. At the most recent meeting, attended by 100 people, the Florida Baha'i Youth Workshop performed and attracted the attention of a non-Bahd’i television personality, who is making arrangements to have the Workshop perform on her show.

This is only one example and one style of spir— itual meeting that can be developed by the believers in their communities to meet their local needs.

We hope that the friends everywhere will incorporate regular spiritual gatherings into their efforts for enkindling humanity with the love of the Blessed Beauty.

With loving Baha’i greetings,

The National Teaching Committee June,1994

[Page 3]

Three Year Plan SE agate

MISSION 1

(5 MONTHS TO GO!)

d.S. Baha’i Community Current Goals and Status - Rahmat 151 - June 24, 1994

S x] F QYeARRLAN J 1993 - 1996

@ e/a >

TEACHING ARMY OF LIGHT ON THE MARCH!

Youth from all over the nation are arising to teach the Faith in ever increasing numbers. Communities are supporting them by HoMErRONT TRAVEL GOALS

nal Coordinators listed at the bottom.

arranging teaching projects as a framework for their activities. With the support of these communities, the Army of Light will

assist and augment the local teaching effort and help carr: ity. For more information, call any of the (as 3,586

HoMEFRONT PIONEER GOALS

projects listed below, or the Re G

ss Valley, CA El Dorado County, CA Red Bluff, CA

Tiburon, CA

Willi; ars Hearts Afire Utah Teaching Projects Clarkdale, AZ

Joelle Goodwin Debbra Clark

Patton fara-Browne Dale Marxen

Mary O'Neal

\d Fore:

916/477-7982 916/621-2123 916/529-5856 415/435-0110 415/431-9990 801/485-6601 602/634-8102

Yuma County, AZ. Joan-Marie Johnson 502/726-1205 Proyecto Ensenanza Teresita Avid Navidi 602/934-5485 Akka Project Norris Cunningham 602/934-5485 Tempe, AZ 602/961-4241 INnt’L PIONEER, TRAVEL GOALS Lights the Eternal Flame 602/497-5706 Guadalupe, AZ 602/897-7987 Chandler, AZ 602/732-9597

HH 6021 for the 3 Year Plan

[2] Completed as of this report

THE FUND

Four Major Funps

HH oat for 151 B.E.

[2] Contributions to Date

NATIONAL FuND $713,362

INTERNATIONAL FUND

Gallup, NM

Light of the Valley Las Cruces, NM Albuquerque, NM

St Petersburg Te Magdalene Carne}

Franklin Township, NJ Susan Crossley 609/924-3459 rae Boston, MA David Dean 609/924-3459 (Preliminary, May 31, 1994) Mass Teaching in New Hampshire Phil or Joan Tussing 603/924-4224

Phelps County, MO Heart of the Heartland Minneapolis, MN

May Brown Summer Youth Project Seminole County, OK Emancipation Proclamation Parade Time for Transform: Leroy Ioas Project William Sears Hearts Afire Woodburn Project

Eliot, ME

Manchester, CT

New York City and the Bronx Amherst, NY

Lawrenceville, NJ

Ithaca, NY

Providence, RI

Wilmington, DE Charlottesville, VA

Loudoun County, VA

Howard County, MD

Silver Springs, MD

Rosanne Groger Laura Clayton Linda Munhall Layli Garrigues Elin Griffith Barbara McCord Marcia Lample Lisa McDowell Greg Kintz Chris and Jenni Mileham Alison McGee

Bruce and Sandy Palmberg Marlene Ebert

David Ingham

Jim Hinegardner Shawn Khavari

Phil Wood

Kevin and Janina Barnes Connie Crabb

Rachel Greco

Jan House

Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator Regional Coordinator

502/722-0112 502/722-3315 505/521-0166 505/527-4044 505/256-7934 505/294-7922 813/526-2318 407/687-5016 205/838-3028 803/248-5903 704/254-7432 615/395-7452

314/364-0845 317/462-7629 612/823-9074 913/233-7442 405/273-3914 316/662-1993 303/282-8166 702/972-6527 503/623-8035 503/678-5162

Beso Herndon, VA Regional Coordinator

Bel Aire, MD Regional Coordinator

$16,896 The coordinators for the Army of Light Summer Youth Project are as follows:

National Coordinator Dorita Krapf 815/478-3132 ee WI, IL, MI-UP. Sandra Fair 414/871-9919 NC, SC, GA, FL Vance Remick 919/968-0900 Arc Projects FUND KS, NE, ND, SD Marcell LaVine 913/831-2339 ME, NH, VT, CT, MA, RI, David Dean 609/924-3459

Se Rd

DC, VA, WV, MD Laura Cessna 804/229-1410 Navid Haghighi 703/406-2151 AZ, NM, CA, NV May Movafagh 602/963-4798 CONTINENTAL FUND IA, MN, MO Mary McDowell 319/556-1982 J[s10,000 OK, TX Andrenea King 409/886-4853 TN Alison McGee 615/395-7452 (] sss11 AL isa McDowell OR, WA Rachel Greco Qsiss1 & a HBR From Nav’ Baha'i Fund ( )

Earmarked Dollars

GD Total Contributions

NJ, PA, NY, DE CO, WY, MT, ID, UT MI, IN, OH, KY

John Homan, Jr Doug Hartman Janet Lyon

215/997-6075 303/635-9424 216/691-9540,

V

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

MAYO sitesse L7|

Three Year Plan to date......2,389

[Page 4]

My recent three-week traveling teaching trip to Belarus, a small, newly independent republic of the former Soviet Union located in Eastern Europe, was accomplished in the physical realm by a round-trip flight. The journey of my spirit, on the other hand, was a one-way trip. From here on, there’s no turning back from where I’ve been!

Despite being a Baha'i for eight years before I left for Belarus, I never felt “qualified” to say much about the Faith, especially with much deep conviction. It was as though my faith in Bahd'u'llah was only a kind of personal solace that was difficult to share with others.

As an international traveling teacher, I was given the opportunity to change this. Suddenly being treated as a “celebrity” was quite overwhelming. I realized that many of the local Baha’is in my host country felt just like I did at home—not qualified to speak. The only reason I was in the spotlight was because I was the for— eigner, not because I knew any more about the Faith than they did.

As [arrived at pre-arranged public meetings where I would speak, I worried that the energy and inspiration would not come. Despite my sleep-deprived state, I found that the right

A JOURNEY OF THE SPIRIT

thoughts, actions and words just came—not from me but through me.

One of the many things I reflected on during the trip was the extent to which I truly embrace the Writings regarding the aid promised to those who leave their home to teach the Faith. One example is this passage from the Writings of the Bab: “Issue forth from your cities, O peoples of the West, and aid God ere the day when the Lord of mercy shall come down unto you in the shadow of the clouds with the angels circling round Him. ...”

The only reason I went to Belarus, which is still contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident and not exactly a “hot” vacation spot, was to teach the Faith. My experiences there were also confirmed by the words of Baha-u'llah: “The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its in— fluence in the world. In the books of old the station of them that have voyaged far and near in order to guide the servants of God hath been set forth and written down.”

While I experienced considerable discomfort on my trip, I perceived tremendous spiritual wealth in the people of Belarus. At first the rapid declaration of seekers was surprising to me. After a while

After trip to Belarus, there's no turning back

it became a natural, not unusual, response to Bahd‘u’llah’s great gift to mankind.

It is widely accepted that our results are often tied to our expectations. After my teaching trip, Ihave come to expect this reaction to Baha’— u'llah’s healing Medicine. This was one of the most valuable acquisitions of my trip. To bring this expectation back to the U.S., where it is generally felt that receptivity to the Faith is not as great as in other parts of the world, has transformed the way I teach the Faith in my day-to-day life. People really are more open to hearing about Baha‘u'llah because I now tell them in a way that expects this reaction.

If you have never served as an international traveling teacher, as I had never done, I hope you will be inspired to go. Such trips, even for only a few weeks, have far-reaching effects not just in the receiving country, but in your own community when you return home.

Always remember that “He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though he be but a drop, shall become the boundless ocean, and the merest atom which the outpouring of Thy lov— ing-kindness assisteth, shall shine even as the radiant star.”—Shelly Saunders

Summertime a great time for traveling, attending events in countries around world

June 15-Sept. 15: CROATIA AND SLOVENIA’s “Istria Sunshine Project” under the auspices of the regional teaching committee for Croatia and Slovenia, which writes: “Tt seems that many of our Baha’f friends in other countries have been reluctant to serve in Croatia in the past few years due to their concern about the [political] conditions. ...The area of Croatia that the project will be in is very safe. It is also beautiful and most importantly, the population is receptive.”

June 15-Aug. 1: Summer camps in Siberia, RUSSIA. The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia have collaborated on this exciting educational project which urgently needs Baha‘i teachers of “Religions of the World and their impact on morality,” “Puppetry combined with English and morality,” “Folk dances of the world,” “Camping/survival skills,” and “First Aid/CPR.”

July: Summer teaching project in MONGOLIA. Details forthcoming.

July 28-Aug. 13: The “Jolly Viking Project: Conquering the “FAROE ISLANDS.” Work with the friends from the United Kingdom, Iceland, Denmark, Norway and other countries to increase the human resources of the Faith in this beautiful land, and move toward establishing a National Spiritual Assembly for the Faroe Islands.

Aug. 9-15: 1994 summer school of HUNGARY. Topics to include: The Revelation of Baha‘u’lléh, Spiritual Transformation, Entry by Troops. Guest speakers to include Counselor

Louis Hénuzet. “Beautifully located on lake Balaton, some 150 km from Budapest, offering a wide variety of free-time activities and sports.” Cost: $200/person/week.

Aug. 15: International conference for educators, Shenzhen, CHINA.

Sept. 15-24: Sixth International Research Conference on Housing in Beijing, CHINA. Sponsored by the Urban Studies Institute of China. Themes: Housing and Public Policies, Housing and Quality of Life, Sociology of Housing, and more. Papers requested.

Sept. 19-21: International Symposium on “Family Beyond the Year 2000” in Moscow, RUSSIA. Sponsored by 10 Russian institutions including the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Russia in recognition of the United Nations Year of the Family. The symposium is depending, on the international participation of “Baha'i family experts.” Summaries of papers for short presentations on various subjects needed immediately. Traveling teaching before and/or after the symposium encouraged.

Sept. 29-Oct. 3: First International Women's Conference in Kishinev, MOLDOVA (newly independent Eastern European republic). Theme: “Women, Spirituality and Family.” Conférence languages: English, Romanian, Russian, French.

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

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

Summer opportunities for youth

June 10-Aug. 1: Summer camps in Eastern Siberia, Russia. The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada and the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia have collaborated on a project to hold a total of four sessions at two summer camps in Russia. Serviceoriented youth age 17 and above with experience working with children are needed as counselors.

July: Summer teaching project in Mongolia. Details forthcoming.

July 9-Aug. 7: Dr. Muhdjir Teaching Project, Grenada. Four weeks teaching in villages around the island. Cost of $410 U.S. per person covers housing, food and transportation in Grenada.

July 10-Aug. 26: European Baha’i Youth Council's “Shaping Europe: The Mission of This Generation” summer teaching project and teaching conferences in Russia, Romania, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

July 10-17: Kralsava Unity Festival, Latvia. Culmination of three weeks of teaching activities in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia through the Baltic States’ “Martha Root Project.”

July 20-25: Regional Youth Conferences in Germany, Spain, Russia, Romania, and the United Kingdom through the European Baha’i Youth Council’s “Shaping Europe” project.

July 24-27, July 27-Aug. 2: Latin American Baha'i Youth Conference and Global Youth Forum, Brasilia, Brazil. The government of Brazil as well as several United Nations agencies will invite a select group of youth to the main forum. A parallel forum focusing on a wide range of topics relating to the issue of sustainable development, and including an

Ecological Fair, will be held during the same dates.

July 26-Aug. 26: One month of youth teaching work all over Europe including Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Romania, Russia, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Aug. 28-31: “Youth Prospects 2000—Choices and Voices” international conference in Singapore sponsored by FUNDEX of Singapore and the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “Young men and women from diverse backgrounds from all corners of the world” invited.

December: International Youth Conference in South Africa to evaluate progress at the mid-point of the Three Year Plan.

Begin planning to go now! Many youth from several countries including the U.S. are already signed up. Contact your local Spiritual Assembly for forms and initial information, and then the Office of Pioneering at 708-733-3508 (fax 708-733-3509) for specific details of these projects.

THe American Bana’ Subscription rates Outside continental U.S. only

1Year 2 Years

First class/ $24 $45 Surface Air Mail $32 $60

Please make check payable to: Baha'i Subscriber Service, c/o Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

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[Page 5]Summer's here—and where are the Baha'is?

Where do the Baha'is go each summer? That's the question the National Spiritual Assembly faces as the summer months begin.

Summer is the season when the big teaching, campaigns hit their stride, with a ready resource of participants. Summer is the time when the com— munity’s various building projects hit their peak. So where does the money to pay for all this go?

Each summer Fund contributions slide downward, sometimes as much as 40 percent! And yet this is the time of peak expenses for the institutions of the Cause. The results? Borrowing. Increased interest costs. Sleepless nights in the Office of the Treasurer, wondering if there will be enough money to meet the payroll.

In other words, a deep hole out of which we must struggle during the fall, putting the National Spiritual Assembly on the defensive instead of at the head of an accelerating pace of growth.

The good news

This past year the Baha'i community responded in an exemplary way to the challenge issued by the National Assembly to meet a looming financial shortfall. Unlike earlier years, however, there were few stories of extraordinary sacrifice—emptied bank accounts, cashed savings bonds and the like—and many stories of the friends changing, their lifestyles to rise to the occasion.

There was the six-year-old who, because “Mommy told me when the Arc is built there will be

Article on Chase Memorial in January issue contained inaccuracies, omissions

An article reprinted from The Los Angeles Bahd'i Journal in the January 19, 1994, issue of The American Baha'i contains inaccuracies and omissions.

The following corrected information on the Thornton Chas ment in Inglewood, California provided by the Spiritual Assembly of Inglewood and the Thornton Chase Committee:

The monument, to date, has cost $26,000. Contributions were sent from Baha’is all over the United States and from Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum.

The black granite was specially ordered from India and is engraved with gold lettering.

The architect who conceived and designed the monument was Arsalan

peace,” gave his “tooth money.” There was the 81year-old believer who gave more than half of the money saved for her funeral to the National Fund. And there were the three Midwestern families who banded together to give one $9,000 “unit” for the Arc, and whose giving generally increased.

The point is that the breadth and nature of the response shows that it is sustainable. We began late in the game; at the end of the year, although the National Spiritual Assembly was not able fully to eliminate the deficit, we did show what we can do when we choose to do so.

Had giving in the first half of last year reached the pace we set in the second half, our offerings for the four major Funds would have surpassed $18 million! And it would have come fairly easily!

Maintain or Increase

Which do we want this year: a last-minute, lastditch effort to break even, or a mature response that paves the way for future growth and achievement? What can we do right now?

Here are three suggestions to help keep the momentum going:

(1) Increase our numbers, and the number of givers, through teaching and deepening. Recent information suggests that there is still a time lag of more than 18 months before a new believer gives to one or more of the Funds. For our teaching to provide the “thousandfold” increase mentioned by the Guardian, new recruits must know that this is

Left photo: Marguerite of her late husband, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears. Center: Vocalist Carla Baker entertains the audience. Right: The Florida Baha'i Youth Workshop performs for the Family Reunion.

Baha'i ‘Family Reunion’ in Pompano Beach features food, fun, fellowship, musical fireside, 15 declarations—and 27,500 hugs!

Raumart 8.€. 151 /June 24, 1994 5

their Faith and that we all are the ones who “pay the bills.”

(2) Work toward universal participation by Assemblies and Groups. Last year, 36 percent of Assemblies met their contribution goals to the Baha'i National Fund, while only 303 Assemblies made no contributions—a good step forward but far short of universal participation.

(3) Enroll in the Automatic Contribution System (ACS). The regularity of this stream of income is an enormous help to the National Spiritual Assembly, and, indeed, to all of the Funds, since these contributions can be earmarked too. Growing subscriptions to this important program will go a long way toward leveling out the seasonal shifts that can stop us dead in the water.

Why are these issues important? We have an incredible mission that will directly affect the lives of millions of people and generations yet unborn. Baha'u'llah has stressed repeatedly that the progress of the Faith depends on material means.

It is well and good to suggest that the local or National Assembly make some effort or start some program, but when we make that suggestion we should be ready to pay the cost; the funds do not simply appear. We are all in this together. As we were reminded in the most recent Ridvan letter from the Universal House of Justice, it is the in-— dividual Baha'i who holds the key to victory.

ional Spiritual Assembly, recounts stories

Mottahedin of Beverly Hills, California.

The dedication and unveiling of the monument coincided with the annual memorial service for Thorn— ton Chase last September 26.

Before this monument was erected, the grave was adorned with a 3- by 5-foot stone “commissioned” by ‘Abdu’l-Baha when He was in Inglewood in 1912. Also, there were two benches, a boxwood hedge, a wrought iron fence around the gravesite, and two tall cypress treees.

A letter has been sent to all Assemblies, Groups and isolated believers in the 11 western states (as listed in the Tablets of the Divine Plan) soliciting an appropriate quotation on teaching to be carved on the back of the monument.

What's a family reunion without food, fellowship and fun?

The Baha’ Family Reunion, held April 29-May 2 in Pompano Beach, Florida, had all of the above—and an estimated 27,500 hugs.

More than 550 Baha’is and guests took part in the third statewide gettogether (the next will be three years hence in Orlando) of current, former and “wanna-be” Floridians.

And when the last family members had loaded up and headed home, they left in their wake 15 declarations and $25,200 raised for the Arc Projects Fund.

Of course, they also took with them. many memories:

observance of the ninth Day of

Ridvan;

Marguerite Sears relating events

from her life with the late Hand of the Cause of God William Sears;

performances by all five chapters

of the Florida Baha’i Youth Workshop, the Florida Baha’i Gospel Choir, and vocalists Carla Baker and Fred Johnson;

a Persian tea party in a room

complete with carpets, antique furniture, samovars, and dancers;

speakers such as National Spiritual Assembly member Dorothy

Nelson on “The Equality of Women and Men,” Auxiliary Board member Jack Guillebeaux and Fafar Guillebeaux on “Personal Transformation,” U.S. Baha’i United Nations representative Rebequa Getahoun Murphy on “1994, the International Year of the Family,” and Janice Smith of the Baha‘i International Community on

“The Paradigm Shift”;

a musical fireside play entitled

“The Hidden Treasure,” featuring National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants—moustache and all— playing the grandfather;

a bazaar featuring 19 Bahd’f

artists and representatives of the Baha’f Distribution Service;

children’s activities including a

treasure hunt, games and learning about the attributes of God and the principles of the Faith;

¢ a family album of photographs from past Florida summer schools and other events, including the second Baha'i World Congress;

a genuine “American picnic” for

more than 300 people.

And, since this was Florida, dawn prayers at the beach.

[Page 6]Distribution

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

‘THE LOUHELEN Bahd'f School is seeking applicants to fill an anticipated vacancy for coordinator of property im— provement. This is a regular, full-time permanent staff position, with salary and benefits appropriate to the core supervisory role it offers. The coordinator of pen improvement oversees Louhelen’s maintenance and grounds de— partment 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 persons may ask for more information and application materials from Dr. Rick Johnson, administrator, Louhelen Baha'{ School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423, or phone 810-653-5033 (fax 810-6537181).

WANTED: customer service representative/salesperson at the Baha’{ Publishing Trust ih Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom. Looking for someone with relevant experience and qualifications to be responsible for all aspects of order Bipoeay ond reception duties in this small but busy office in the heart of the English countryside. Training will be Ee but all applicants should have

ic keyboard and numeric skills; good written communication, and a pleasant telephone manner. Training or experience in customer services would be an advantage, and practical knowledge of Bah'{ administration is desirable. An interest in Bahd'{ literature and knowledge of at least one European language other than English would be an asset. The Baha'i Publishing Trust, a department of the National Spiritual Assembly, is an equal opportunity employer. Grou eet and Plat benefits Available: mi salary is negotiable according to qualifications and experience. Please reply in writing (including names of at least two references) by May 21 to: Manager, Baha'i Publishing Trust, 6 Mt. Pleasant, Oakham, Leics. LEI56HU, United Kingdom. For more information, phone 0572 722780.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to staff two summer school sessions for Lakota children at the Treehaven Institute in South Dakota. The sessions are designed to help the children improve basic academic skills including reading and mathematics. Volunteers are sought to teach, provide transportation for children, and help with various support ac— tivities. Training will be provided as re juired. It is best if volunteers can stay

for a two-week session, but no offer of help will be turned down. For more in— formation, please contact Pat de Boucher, 605-455-2621.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities over— seas. AFRICA: Tanzania—English/ESL teacher, arts/music teacher. Zambia— urgent need for math, physics, chemis

try, French and geography teachers. AMERICAS: Brazil—urgent need for teachers. Honduras—elementary and junior high school teachers. ASIA: Ma— cau—urgent need for teachers. AUS— TRALASIA: Marshall Islands—science teachers. Tuvalu—science/math teacher. EUROPE: Albania—need for volunteers to help develop and run professional ex— hibitions for Baha’{ Cultural Center being established. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha't National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

TO FULFILL THE GOALS of the

Three Year Plan, the Baha'is around the

‘oal cities of Akron and Canton, Ohio,

ve arisen and committed themselves to

forming Assemblies there. Needed in Akron, where a number of single Baha'is live, is a strong, active family to provide a base from which the teaching work can be carried out, to which seekers can be welcomed, and from which they and the community can be nurtured. The Akron Beacon Journal, the largest newspaper in the area, last year made a commitment to do all it can to help make Akron a model for race relations. More than 140 organizations have lent their energy to improving race relations, and more than 22,000 residents sent in New Year's resolutions to work for that goal. The “Army of Light” will devote significant time and energy in the area this summer. We need your help to realize this glorious opportunity, and are eager to hear from you. For more information, please phone Holly Timberlake, 216-678-0901, or Nancy Hooker, 216-650-2094.

PIONEERING—with all the comforts of home. In Providence, Rhode Island, you can find almost any language and culture. One neighborhood in Providence was described in the newspaper as having 54 cultures representing 34 countries. It's an ideal place in which to train for pioneering overseas. The need for English teachers is great. If you are a student, Rhode Island has a variety of schools with great diversity in both fac~ ulty and student bodies. If you need em— ployment, bilingual public school teach— ers and health-care workers are always in demand. For more information, please write to Barbara J. Camm,

Jamestown, RI 02835, or phone 401-423-2402.

HELP BRING IN the troops in mediaoriented Malibu, an oceanside community in southern California. Great op ortunities to reach the masses in this lovely coastal haven for celebrities. Become a ninth member of the Assembly with a year's commitment to pioneer within commuting distance of Los Angeles. Also needed is a family, preferably media-oriented with ethnic diversity, deepened in the Cause and able to take part in the many activities involved in attracting seekers in the industry. Pep— Poca University, Santa Monica Col— lege, and UCLA provide many educational /cultural opportunities. Reasonable housing available. Please respond to Ruth Rosenwald,

Malibu, CA 90265

(phone 310-457-5336).

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Mrs. E.T. Stansell, Albert W. Staub, Calvin C. Steimetz, Charlotte Steinhardt, Eleanore G. Stetson, Irving W. Stevens (died Winston-Salem, NC, 1961), Mary F. Stevison (died Sioux City, IA, 1959), Ella Steward, and Caroline E. Stewart. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked

THe AmeRrIcAN BanA'l

HELP WANTED

National Projects Administrator

Baha'i administration.

skills.

3427).

in the NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE

The office of the National Teaching Committee has undergone a recent restructuring in light of the present needs of the Faith. As a result, applications are being accepted for the following full-time positions:

Responsible for executing projects sponsored by the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include: .

¢ Manages national support of teaching throughout the U.S.

Monitors nationally appointed task forces and national initiatives.

Coordinates special activities and events.

Experience: Proven project management skills; excellent verbal ability; strong analytical and management capacity; superior interpersonal skills; experience in teaching and familiarity with the principles of

Communications and Development Administrator

Responsible for the communications and development agenda of the National Teaching Committee. Some duties include:

Develops news and messages to the American Baha'i community for

use in print and audio/visual media.

¢ Facilitates the production of teaching and deepening materials.

¢ Gathers and analyzes information related to the teaching work.

Experience: Professional background in writing and production for the media; superior writing skills; comprehensive knowledge of the Baha'i Writings; proven ability in research and data analysis; ability to coordinate the work of volunteer task forces; excellent interpersonal

For more information or to apply, please write to the Office of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733

to contact the National Baha'f Archives, Baha‘f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-869-9039).

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is maintaining a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book mail auction catalogs. The Archives has been having two mail auctions of duplicate books each year. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please send your name, address and Baha’t I.D. number to the National Baha’i Archives, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

WANTED: papers, correspondence, recollections, stories, photographs, tapes, newspaper clippings, notes of talks, programs, compilations, instructions, outstanding work, index cards etc., relating to the “Worlds of God” Index, National Reference Library Committee, Marian Crist Lippitt, and/or H. Emogene Hoagg, to help complete and document this monumental conceptual index. Any exRae you incur will be reimbursed.

‘lease send to Diane Iverson, Eliot, ME 03903-1825 (phone 207-4398532).

LOOKING for a mature, dedicated person and/or couple with experience in managing property who can commit to at least a year of service to coordinate use of the 19, juare-foot Baha'f Center in San Francisco, California. Apartment provided. The position is key to achieving entry by troops in this urban community. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94103 (phone 415-431-9990; fax 415-4311736).

PUBLICATIONS

THE SPARTANBURG County, South Carolina, Baha'i pamphlet: a must for teaching “the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker” and everyone else. This small booklet can easily be reproduced for less than 10 cents a copy. Contains basic principles, 25 prayers, and selections from the Writings. For a copy, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope

to Donna Landau, Greer, SC 29651.

DURING the Holy Year, the Baha'is of Plantation, Florida, printed and sold more than 80,000 copies of the Universal House of Justice's statement, Baha'u'llah. While we are no longer stocking the publication, the Assembly would consider span it if there were sufficient demand. Those who are interested in purchasing large quantities, at a price of 3/$1, are asked to contact the Spiritual Assembly of Plantation, c/o Pritchard,

Plantation, FL 33317 (phone 305-587-1863; fax 305-7911844)

DO YOU tell stories? Do you write stories? Can you create a picture that says more than a thousand words? Have you ever wished you could find a way to use your talents for educating and enter— taining children? May we introduce you to Brilliant Books—a new publishing company under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium. Our goal is to produce entertaining and inspiring children’s books, with color illustrations, on Baha'i themes. Books that are affordable, and that are available in most of the European languages. If you would like to hep us fulfill this goal of the Three Year Plan, please contact Bril— liant Books, c/o Jan Folkema, Bergstraat 1, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.

MISCELLANEOUS

THE BAHA'S of Pajarito, in northern New Mexico, extend thanks and appreciation to all who replied to the appeal for homefront pioneers at the beginning of this year. To every one of the more than 20 persons with whom we have had inspiring contact, by phone or by letter, we say, “thank you.” You have given us most welcome support, and have increased our courage to work harder to reach our goal of a stronger Assembly by Ridvan. Our Assembly is safe, hctiehs still fragile. We hope your interest in New Mexico continues, and we will con— tinue to be steadfast in cheering you on. Thelma Ramborger, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Pajarito,

- Albuquerque, NM 87121 (phone 505-873-4768).

[Page 9]_Mision. in Action

Raumat 151 8.€. / June 24, 1994 9

Baha'is act quickly to promote Cause |

A combination of quick thinking and consultation recently allowed three Baha'i communities to publicly further the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

In each case the Baha'is saw an opportunity, contacted the National Spiritual Assembly's Secretariat for External Affairs in Washington, D.C., then took

prompt action. .

Charlottesville, Virginia

The Spiritual Assembly of Charlottesville and the Baha’i Association at the University of Virginia knew they had to respond in some way when a campus organization invited Iran’s United Nations ambassador to speak.

Guided by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Baha‘is wrote letters to UVa President John T. Casteen III and to a campus publication. Then they confronted Ambassador Kamal Kharazzi with questions at his talk.

The letter to P: lent Casteen detailed the continuing persecution of Baha’fs in Iran including executions, the denial of civil and human rights, destruction of Baha’i holy sites and desecration of Baha'i cemeteries.

It also expressed the fear that “sponsoring the ambassador as a VIP at UVa, in light of these persecutions, sends ambiguous signals to the university community and may be interpreted as raising the stature of the Iranian government at the ex— pense of the need to increase consciousness of these atrocities.”

President Casteen, in response, said he shares the Baha’is’ “sense of horror” and emphasized that Mr. Kharazzi’s visit “in no way should be considered an endorsement of the Iranian government, or of its involvement in the violation of the human rights of any group.”

The president noted, though, that Mr. Kharazzi was invited by a student-run organization and should be afforded the right of free speech.

In the University Journal, the Baha'is again detailed the persecutions and conveyed an “urgency of communicating these facts to people who may not otherwise be aware of them.”

Having prepared the UVa community, the Baha'is showed up at Mr. Kharazzi’s talk ready to counter any misconceptions.

They got their opportunity when the ambassador asserted that Iran is a stable country and the most democratic in the region, and the comments of Michael Bernhard, a Baha'f who is a university library employee, were quoted in The Cavalier Daily's account of the speech.

Photo caption in error

The caption beneath a photograph that appeared on Page 10 of The

Hamilton Township, New Jersey

The Baha’is of Hamilton Township also mobilized to counter the impact of a campus talk, this one by Nation of Islam spokesman Khalid Abdul Muhammad at Trenton State College.

With the permission of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Baha'is co-signed a statement titled “Racism, bigotry, and hate speéches are always wrong” that ran as a full-page advertisement in The Times of Trenton.

“Our participation was noted by several prominent ecumenical/ Holocaust groups who are familiar with the Baha’is,” Barbara S. chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Town-ship, noted in a letter to the Office of External Af-fairs.

The statement, endorsed by dozens of political, civic and religious leaders, invited the public

Pictured (left to right) in ‘Akka (Acre), Israel, after signing a

es agreement are John Schwerin, Office of External Affairs, World Center; Kiska Dawes, a Baha'i from Deerfield Beach, Florida; Mayor Emile De Castro of Acre; Baha'is Polly Dawes and Helen Hauck of Deerfield Beach; and Mayor Al Capellini of Deerfield Beach.

to an interfaith Vigil of Conscience scheduled to coincide with Mr.

Muhammad’s speech. Several Baha‘is attended the

vigil.

The Times, in an editorial, praised the interfaith campaign for “focusing attention on the need to reach out to one another. We can’t hide from race, the reality that Gunnar Myrdal called ‘an American dilemma’; only by confronting that reality do we have any chance of dealing with its consequences.”

The newspaper also has launched a regular opinion column devoted to issues of race, and the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton Township is preparing an article for submission.

Deerfield Beach, Florida

It was no coincidence that when 27 political, religious and business leaders from Deerfield Beach visited ‘Akka (Acre), Israel, in March to signa Sister City agreement, they were greeted with open arms at the Baha’i World Center.

The Spiritual Assembly of Deerfield Beach had long ago built relationships within the community including involvement in the Education Advisory Board, Community Relations Board, Martin Luther King Day activities, Cracker Day parade and the Chamber of Commerce.

And after the “twinning” with ‘Akka was announced, the local Assembly immediately wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of Justice about Bahd’is’ participation in the trip.

As a result, six Baha’is from the Deerfield Beach area were present to show their fellow residents through the Holy Places. The visitors also were hosted in a special reception by the Office of Public Information at the Baha’ World Center.

In fact, all during the nine-day trip, the six Baha’is fielded many questions about the Faith from their traveling companions in conversations that lasted well into the evening.

One of the travelers was a clergyman who was visibly moved by the Baha’i message. He has since mentioned the Faith favorably on his weekly radio program and at a Methodist retreat.

The Baha’is have enjoyed other bounties from the “twinning.”

A week before the trip, the Spiritual Assembly of Deerfield Beach presented a 20-minute slide show of the Holy Land for the delegation. Upon their return, the Bahd’is were asked to talk about the Faith at two gatherings attended by more than 400 people.

Spiritual retreat helps strengthen bonds of love, friendship between N.Y.C. Assembly and assistants to Auxiliary Board

American Baha'i for February 7, 1994, was in error.

The photograph, of Baha'i Trish Hendon of Niceville, Florida, and Chief Donnie Ross, was taken at an Inter-Tribal Pow-wow last October 22-24 at Eglin Air Force Base, not at the Okaloosa County Fair, as indicated. We regret the error.

As the only religious group taking part in the event, the Baha'is were allowed to have pamphlets available for anyone interested in obtaining more information about the Faith.

As a result of the Baha'i participation, Ms. Hendon, the public relations representative for the Baha'i community of Okaloosa County, was asked by the tribal council to serve as local Intertribal Public Relations Representative.

Behold how, in this Day, the Beginning is reflected in the end, how out of Stillness Motion hath been engendered. (Baha’u'llah, Gleanings)

.

Generating motion out of stillness. was one of the purposes for a spiritual retreat for members of the Spir— itual Assembly of New York City and assistants to the Auxiliary Board.

They met April 2 at the home of an Assembly member for an afternoon of prayer, deepening, study of the recent compilation on “Entry by Troops,” and plain old-fashioned socializing, complete with hearty laughter and good food.

No decisions were made, no plan formulated. An informal venue was just what the members of the two. institutions wanted. Away from the

pressures of their day-to-day concerns, consultation was free-flowing and prayerfulness was the order of the day.

“Ks individuals, we have to pray hard for transformation, to the point where we'll recognize instantly what we have to do and do it,” said Assembly member Viola Wood. The retreat, she said, was a time to pray for that transformation, not as individuals but as institutions.

Another main reason for the retreat, apart from its meditative focus, was to strengthen the bonds between the “institution of the Rulers,” which includes local Spiritual Assemblies, and the “institution of the Learned, which includes Auxiliary Board members and their assistants.

“When there’s harmony among institutions,” said Assembly member Catherine Chapman, “it’s a sign of health in the community.”

The relationship between the New York City Assembly and the assistants is quite good, she said. “Some communities don’t even know who their assistants are.”

Though the Assembly and assistants to the Board meet monthly, they occasionally schedule a retreat to es— cape distractions and to see things in anew way.

By getting together informally, the two institutions hope to learn more about each other’s role and how the relationship between them can help prepare the community for entry by troops.

[Page 10]

What a difference a year makes. When the Spiritual Assembly of Dallas, Texas, debuted its half-hour radio program on March 30, 1993, it

took a team of four to six people more than 12 hours to plan and script a show.

The weary group, most of whom had stayed up half the night, met at 6:30 a.m. at the station to read the script live and gesture to the KNONFM engineer when it was time for music.

One year later, the series airs at a much less stressful 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, and some of the programs are taped beforehand.

Fewer shows are scripted; often, interviews are conducted instead. Four members of the task force even have earned FCC licenses, which means they can operate KNON’s mixing board themselves.

In short, experience has made creating and executing the show far easier.

Two dedicated families combine forces to teach Faith via social dinners

This is a story of two dedicated, generous families in eastern Pennsylvania who are eager to teach the Faith. It is also a story of unity.

In one of the families is a lovely lady who has the talent necessary to prepare and serve delicious meals for large gatherings. The other fam-ily owns a home that is spacious enough to accommodate such gath-erings.

Six years ago these two families combined their resources, their tal— ents, and their energies in a unique teaching effort.

And because other Baha'is support and help with this project, community unity is also evident.

The two families’ social-dinner, as it is called, is held faithfully every month. Usually 60 to 100 people meet in the warm, loving atmosphere of one home, dine on Persian dishes prepared in the home of the other family, and have an informal opportunity to learn about the Faith.

The evening progresses without any program, but with plenty of interaction. Even though there are usually many more seekers than Bahda’is, the Baha'is know that they are there to teach, and they make themselves available to anyone who wants to learn about the Faith.

This format brings together people from miles around and from around the world—as far away as Africa, Russia and South America.

The guests respond Postvely to the love and warmth felt at these gatherings, and often express surprise at seeing people from many countries and religious backgrounds get together to enjoy them-selves.

For many, this social-dinner has been their first opportunity to hear about Bahd’u’llah and the Baha’i Faith. They then can go back to their hometowns to further their knowledge of the Faith.

Shamil Fattakhov, chairman of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia

and Armenia, is interviewed on the Baha'i radio program, ‘Morning Ligh

Dallas, Texas.

i)

THe AMERICAN BAHA'T

It has been harder, though, to gauge the effectiveness of the program, called “Morning Light.”

A few listeners have called the station with questions about the Faith. The Dallas Baha’i Center also has received some calls of inquiry.

But for area Bahd’is, there is a thrill just in hearing the Faith presented on the air.

Over the past year, “Morning Light” has presented a wide variety of topics featuring local as well as visiting Baha'is.

Interviewees have included William Davis, treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly; Auxiliary Board member Kevin Locke; Shamil Fattakhov, chairman of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Russia, Georgia and Armenia; performer Ladjamaya Green Mahoney; and John Kavelin, who played a leading role in the second Baha’i World Congress.

Baha'is in northwestern Ohio dress for the occasion to mark Naw-Ruz, first Temple Unity convention

In March, Baha'is in northwestern Ohio celebrated Naw-Ruz and the 85th anniversary of the first Baha'i Temple Unity convention held in Chicago on March 21, 1909.

To prepare for the occasion, Baha'is were asked to come dressed as their favorite Baha'f hero or heroine and to be prepared to talk about them or portray a scene from their lives.

As at the 1909 convention, “Thorn— ton Chase” read a part of his wel coming speech, while “Corinne True”

shared a Tablet sent to the convention by ‘Abdu'l-Baha. Together, they introduced members of three groups of Baha'is:

The first group, contemporaries of the Bab and Baha'u'llah, included Quddis, Tahirih, and members of the Holy Family, Bahia Khanum and Asiyih Khanum.

In the second group were such notable early Baha'is as Lua Get singer, Edith Magee (the first Canadian Baha’), Ethel Rosenberg, AliKuli Khan, Lady Blomfield, May Maxwell with daughter Mary (Ama— tu'l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khénum), Agnes Alexander, Martha Root, and Queen Marie of Rumania.

The final group of more recent Baha'is included Marion Jack, William Sears, Dorothy Baker, Victoria Bedikian, Daniel Jordan and Florence Zmeskal.

One family with three small children came dressed as the crew of the S.S. Cedric, explaining how ‘Abdu'lBaha had chosen to come to North America in 1912 on the Cedric instead of on the more luxurious and wellpublicized liner, the Titanic.

The program ended a moving tribute to the three Baha'is who were recently murdered in Ciskei— Houshmand Anvari, Dr. Shamam Bakhshandegi and Riaz Razavi—

Detroit-area Baha'is on boards of directors

zur

of a number of non-Baha‘i organizations

As a result of various activities including Baha'i-sponsored talks to promote interracial understanding, Baha’fs in the Detroit area have been invited to join the boards of directors. of several non-Baha’i organizations.

Oliver Thomas was recently asked to submit an application to join the board of the Total Living Commission for the city of Southfield as a Baha'i representative. He was nominated by the city's director of com— munity relations who was impressed with the Baha’ principles.

Another Baha'i, Azar Alizadeh, is taking part as the Faith's representative on the Birmingham-Bloomfield

Task Force on Race Relations and Ethnic Diversity, which this month is hosting a public program on “Raising Children to Be Loving and Suc— cessful in a Diverse World.” The Baha'is of metropolitan Detroit are co-sponsoring the event, and one of the panelists is a Baha’.

Also, Hormoz Alizadeh was recently invited to become the Baha'i representative to the board of the American Mosaic Coalition, an um— brella group of various ethnic and religious communities sponsored by the Jewish Community Council and headquartered in suburban Bloom— field Hills.

‘Lavy BLoMFIELD (Tana Wats)

after which the friends shared a potluck dinner.

Baha'is in Ft. Lauderdale mark Black History Month by taking part in festival

In February, the Baha'is of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, observed Black History Month by taking part (with help from nearby communities in Broward County) in the Sistrunk Historical Festival whose theme was appreciating the contributions of In— dian and black Americans.

Baha'is marched in the festival's five-mile-long parade and manned a booth at which more than 6,000 pieces of literature were given away and several interest cards signed. Attendance at the annual’event runs well above 30,000.

[Page 11]

Be magazine helps connect Baha’i youth

A desire expressed at the second Baha’i World Congress for a Bahd’i youth publication has evolved into Be magazine, an international magazine published in New Mexico.

The magazine's principal aim is to help Baha’i youth around the world develop an awareness of their connection to one another.

According to a letter that the editors sent to readers, “It is a place to learn more about our worldwide community, so that when we think of our circle of friends and our community it is worldwide. It’s a place to learn of how our goals are being worked toward by our family all across the world, and how by our own actions in our own communities we can work toward the goals of our global community.”

A computer version of the magazine called Be On-line has been sent out monthly since March. It has subscribers in the mainland United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Thailand, New Zealand, Germany, Finland, England, Ireland, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, and Haifa.

A newsletter version of Be is soon to be launched by the » Office of Youth Affairs of the

Baha’is of New Zealand. A

South Korean version also is to

be launched this year.

And the first quarterly issue of Be magazine in the U.S. will be printed this summer. Details will soon be available at youth conferences and workshop gatherings.

The magazine's editors invite submissions (art must be camera-ready) and are willing to work with anyone who feels that Be might be able to help his or her project.

For more information, contact Be International at 505-256-7734 or write to Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Harrisburg Baha’is lead morality panel

For World Religion Day in January, the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sponsored a panel discussion whose theme was “Morality: A Spiritual Path to Security.”

Panelists included a priest, a rabbi, a Muslim imam, and a Baha'i. Despite cold weather, 25 people, most of whom were not Baha'fs, attended.

Hi

Ranmat 8.€. 151 / JUNE! 24, 1994

11 a

Baha'is in North Haven, Connecticut, launch teaching campaign to eliminate Pee

The Baha’fs of North Haven, Connecticut, launched a teaching project centered on the elimination of prejudice with a three-pronged program at the North Haven Memorial Library.

An exhibit featuring books by Baha'is and non-Baha’is on race, culture and the attainment of peace was displayed Hore the end of April.

On May 2, a panel discussion on the elimination of prejudice was moderated by a local Baha’i, Howard Garey.

The three panelists were Jack Has— egawa, who has been appointed by Gov. Lowell Weicker to promote regional schools ensuring equal education for all races; Ann Higgins, a United Church of Christ minister and activist in racial harmony; and Archie B. Savage, director of affirmative action programs for the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington.

Dr. Garey, in his opening remarks, emphasized the central importance of unity in the Baha’f Faith and ex— plained why racism is the “most challenging issue” in the United States.

Howard Garey presents a copy of Healing Racism in America to Patti LaTerza, representing the North Haven, Connecticut, Public Library. Seated behind them are Jack Hasegawa and Ann Higgins.

An audience of about 20 people, half of whom were not Baha’is, joined in a lively discussion.

At the end of the program, Dr. Garey presented the library with a

copy of Healing Racism in America by Nathan Rutstein. The book was ac— cepted by children’s librarian Patti LaTerza on behalf of library Director Lois Baldini.

d.S. urged to remain a human rights leader

Continued from page |

Rights, the United Nations Association, the National Education Association, and others.

In October 1993, representatives of the National Assembly helped solicit the support of major civil rights groups such as the NAACP and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, wrote a letter to Assistant Secretary John Shattuck at the State Department which was signed by 38 national organizations in support of ratification, and met with administration officials and congressional staff.

Together with the International Human Rights Law Group, which commissioned Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering to do a legal analysis of the Race Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly's representatives hosted meetings with State Department personnel and NGO representatives to discuss the administration's legal package supporting ratification.

The final package included three reservations, one declaration and one understanding to be deposited with the UN Secretary-General upon the advice and consent of the Senate and the signature of the President.

Following is the National Spiritual Assembly's statement:

Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. It is an insult to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States unequivocally supports the ratification by the

United States of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The proposal for a specialized convention on racial discrimination was a result of incidents of antisel m in Western Europe during the winter of 1960 and of memories of the Holocaust. Moreover, the newly independent African states were concerned about racial discrimination on their own continent and in North America. Today racial and ethnic conflagrations have exploded once again in the heart of Europe and of Africa, underscoring the need for an

T Peenietinn by the

United States is still essen tial to demonstrate to the

world this country’s

commitment. ...”

— NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY RTE ATRL RTT TEPPER PTT

international response.

The Convention, which was signed by the United States in 1966, provides a legal definition of “racial discrimination.” Some 30 years after the signing, the laws of the United States largely comply with the Convention. Ratification by the United States is still essential to demonstrate to the world this country's commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination and to the resolution of racial and ethnic conflicts both here and abroad.

Only two years ago we watched in horror the violence and fires in Los Angeles. America's peace, prosperity, and even her standing in the international community depend largely on healing the wounds of racism and building a society in which all people, irrespective of color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion live as members of one family.

Long-term solutions to ethnic and racial conflicts require a comprehensive vision of a global society, supported by international law, which should not be viewed as a constraint on the nation-state or a threat to its sovereignty but as a foundation for the next phase of the world's political development. The United States, faithful to its wellestablished tra-dition of concern for world peace and human rights, must continue to play a leading role in defining and building the international legal order.

Active participation by the United States is another important step in building structures and mechanisms that are necessary for the emergence of a truly new, just, and peaceful world order. Baha'is anticipate the “establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded.” America must continue to play a leading part in this historic endeavor.

[Page 12]

12

THE AmeRrICAN BanA'l

Publishers must send copies to World Center

On October 16, 1991, the Universal House of Justice reminded all agencies of the Faith engaged in publishing and printing Baha'i materials of the need to deposit copies with the Baha'i World Center Library. The list of materials attached to that letter has been revised. Please replace the earlier list with the following revised list.

For works in languages other than Persian, Arabic and major European languages, please enclose in the package or under separate cover an English translation of the title and, in the case of non-Roman alphabets, a transliteration into Roman letters of the following: the author's name, the title, the place of publication, the publisher, and the periodical numbering and date of issue. Transliteration is the process of putting into the Roman alphabet the equivalent of the original words. If the work is a translation or an adaptation of a work originally published in another language, please indicate this as well.

As more Baha'i publications and audio-visual materials are produced by independent Baha’'fowned and non-Baha'f publishing firms, it is important that the World Center Library become aware of and acquire these publications. The Library has agreements with major independent Baha'i-owned publishers, but needs to be aware of all the independently produced Baha'i publications. National Spiritual Assemblies may send pertinent information on such independently produced materials to the World Center Library so that the publications may be ordered by the Library, or the Assemblies may send copies to the World Center, in which case the Library will reimburse all costs.

We also remind you that the Universal House of Justice wishes to receive copies of non-Baha'i publications which contain significant mention of the Faith: books, pamphlets, magazine and journal articles, and newspaper stories. If it is not possible to send the original publication, please send a photocopy of the pertinent portion and of the title page of the work from which it is taken.

Your continued help in creating an effective Baha'i international library is deeply appreciated.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

The Baha'i World Center Library October 14, 1993 .

Materials to be deposited with the Baha'i World Center Library

Revised: August 1993

1. Monographs (books, booklets, pamphlets, leaflets)

1.1. 5 copies of each new publication

1.2. 5 copies of each new edition

1.3. 5 copies of reprints where the printing is done by a different publisher

1.4. 5 copies of “reprints” that contain corrections

1.5. 5 copies of reimpressions by the same publishing agency where there is no correction, change or revision

If the number of copies printed is small, you may reduce the number of copies sent to 2. By publication is meant not only typeset publications, but also mimeographed, photocopied and offset publications in those countries where these are important means for making literature available.

As more Baha'i publications and audio-visual materials are produced by indepen dent Baha'i-owned and non Baha'i publishing firms, it is important that the World

Center Library become aware of and acquire these publications.

2. Audio-visual and publicity materials (cassette and reel tapes, sound discs, video cassettes, slide shows, filmstrips, motion pictures, posters, broadsides, postcards, greeting cards)

2.1. 2 copies of published audio-visual materials except motion pictures

2.2. 1 copy of motion pictures (the Library can arrange to reimburse the producer for the cost)

2.3. 2 samples of all publicity and proclamation materials (posters, greeting cards, etc.)

3. Miscellaneous individual publications

3.1. 5 copies each of your annual reports, national convention reports and directories in the original language, as well as any translations you may choose to prepare

3.2. 2 copies of brochures/ programs relating to special events such as conferences, commemorations, institutes and schools

3.3. 2 copies of book sale catalogs, price lists and promotional brochures issued by your Assembly, Publishing Trust, Publishing Committee or Book Distribution Service

3.4, 2 copies of calendars

3.5. 2 copies of computer software diskettes (produced for sale)

3.6. 1 set of all correspondence courses produced

3.7. 2 sets of curriculum materials

3.8. 1 copy of each publication in Braille

4. Newsletters, bulletins, periodicals

4.1. 3 copies of every issue of all bulletins, newsletters and periodicals published by you or your subordinate bodies for nationwide distribution (to be sent by air mail if possible); more than 3 copies of some periodicals may be, or may already have been requested by the World Center Library, and such special arrangements remain in effect

5. Non-Baha‘t publications mentioning the Faith

5.1. Newspaper clippings/cuttings—1 copy of each clipping,

Such clippings should conform to the following criteria:

5.1.1. They should be articles containing direct reference to the Faith or to Baha'is

5.1.2. They should be from your country's major newspapers only, except where an article in a local newspaper is deemed highly significant; countries with infrequent newspaper publicity should send all articles

5.1.3. Articles should be complete, including all continuations if the articles appeared on several pages or in several issues of the newspaper

5.1.4. They should be sent as soon as possible after publication, as timeliness is important

5.1.5. They should be completely identified, including the title of the newspaper, where they were published, and the date of publication; transliteration of the newspaper and article titles should be provided if they are in a non-Roman alphabet

5.1.6. Original cuttings are preferred (or good quality photocopies if the original is not available, on plain white paper); kindly do not glue, staple or tape cuttings

5.2. Magazines, journals, periodicals by nonBaha'is, mentioning the Faith

1 copy of the entire issue. If this is not possible, a photocopy of the cover, the table of contents page, and the pages containing the entire article in which the Faith is mentioned would be acceptable

5.3. Books

1 copy of the entire book. If this is not possible, a photocopy of the title page, the publication data, and the relevant pages where the Faith is mentioned would be acceptable

Weekly television series being offered to Baha’i communities

A new television series aimed at attracting seekers to the Faith is being marketed to local communities.

“The Baha'i Faith,” a weekly program produced by RTI Visual Communications Inc. of Farmington, Michigan, is being offered to local Spiritual Assemblies in the top 20 U.S. media markets. The series is an outgrowth of a similar program that has aired on a commercial station in Detroit for the past two years.

RTI President Roxane Firmin says the Detroit program has resulted in about 250 seekers asking for information or visits. More than 20 of the seekers have been enrolled in the Faith.

She says the program’s purpose is

to “find those ‘waiting souls’ and provide them with a reason to call the local Baha’i communities.” Thus, the role of the teacher shifts from finding seekers to facilitating spiritual transformation.

Each 28-minute program consists primarily of feature segments that show the viewer who the Bahd’is are and what we believe. Segments run from two to eight minutes apiece.

The remaining time allows local communities to advertise upcoming, Bahd’i-sponsored events, to provide local contact information, and to promote local sales of books, videos and other Baha’i materials.

To keep costs down, RTI plans to

combine new features with existing Baha‘i video footage. All materials must be approved by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Advertisements for the sale of books, audio cassettes and videos that are highlighted on the program allow seekers access to the Creative Word while generating income for artists, authors, the Baha’t Distribution Service, and local communities.

The series is being targeted for placement on commercial television outlets because of their higher viewership and because those stations typically also are carried on cable systems that reach well beyond the signal area.

Ina February 1 letter to selected local Spiritual Assemblies, Kit Cosby of the National Spiritual Assembly Office of the Secretary for External Affairs pointed out that the project will be financed entirely by the local Spiritual Assemblies that subscribe to the service.

She said that Spiritual Assemblies are “free to accept or reject the proposal by RTI” and noted that the National Spiritual Assembly is not subsidizing or benefiting from the project.

Mrs. Cosby also suggested that Spiritual Assemblies in a metropolitan area might wish to consider pooling financial resources to pay for the program and its placement.

[Page 13]

Association for Baha’i Studies builds bridges

To the Editor:

Summer is a time of abundant opportunities to immerse oneself in Baha'i conferences and special events. While any Baha'i event has the potential for raising our sights to new levels, I would like to mention one that holds tremendous promise: the annual Conference of the Association for Baha'i Studies to be held August 11-14 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

As I have attended these conferences sponsored by the ABS over the years, I have been impressed by the depth, the continuity, and the diversity of the offerings. Last year's conference, in Montreal, focused on the Kitdb-i-Aqdas and included stellar presentations that touched the heart as well as the mind.

Two years before that, the conference in Victoria, British Columbia, was centered on our preparation for

the Holy Year, while race unity was the theme of the 1990 gathering in Atlanta, Georgia.

This year's theme—“Anarchy into Order: Understanding Humanity's Role and Destiny”—draws largely on the letters of Shoghi Effendi relating to the present crises afflicting humanity. What could be more timely?

The conference attempts to “build bridges between visionaries and practitioners in the ongoing efforts of humanity to achieve peace and harmony for itself and with the rest of creation.” This year's event will include an address by David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice; an evening with the Counselors; seminars on a number of topics of special interest; and a children's conference with parallel themes and activities.

In speaking with other Baha'is, I have found that many harbor miscon ceptions about the ABS and its purposes. Some feel it is too “academic” for the average Baha'f; in fact, it broadens the scope of scholarship to include all learning (including experiential).

Some say it is dominated by a few learned (generally white male) thinkers; the fact is that it strives to include diverse cultural (and gender) viewpoints and embraces a way of thinking that moves us away from power/control orientation and toward consultation and service.

Some assume the ABS is “Canadian” since its headquarters are in Ottawa; the truth is that it is international in scope, with members all over the world and functioning, chapters in many countries.

Others feel that its membership dues and/or conference fees are too high; in fact, the ABS is struggling to be self-supportive and not underwritten by a Baha'i Assembly, and it

charges much less than comparable groups outside the Faith.

In talking to those who hold such opinions, I have found that they have never attended an ABS event or read one of its journals. We all make judgments about things of which we are not aware.

But opinions can change, and one of the best ways to change them is through experience. Try the ABS Conference; see if you can make it a life-altering experience. In my opinion, the Association for Baha'{ Studies is one of the best avenues within the Faith to prompt us to grow intellectually and spiritually.

Anne Gordon Perry Dallas, Texas

(Editor's note: The Association for Baha'i Studies can be contacted at 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN 7K4. Phone 613-233-1903; fax 613233-3644).

It’s reality, not dream: We must teach

To the editor:

This morning I was dreaming of being a young apprentice teacher. I had a temporary teaching job, and had to prove my knowledge and ability quickly, in order to turn my teaching position into a permanent job.

The warning voice of my supervisor still rang in my ears as I woke at the (to me!) early time of 6:30 a.m.: “You must demonstrate your ability and skill quickly!”

In my dream, I felt full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Before I was fully awake, I realized that I was expected to teach the people of the world about the Baha’i Faith and modern science.

Being unable to sleep any more this morning, I

lave set down the essence of my dream in these few words.

There is a cleansing, quickening, purifying wind sweeping through our world. We must teach other people about it!

What do we teach? The source, nature and

timing of this wind, a spiritual force, turning our world from a materialistic, nationalistic, factorycentered “second wave” civilization into a worldwide, clan-centered, “third wave,” informationcentered civilization.

Whom do we teach? Any person who will listen! Young people, preferably, since they have less to unlearn, and more at stake.

How do we teach? By analogy, example, facts and history! Modern people are, by and large, unaware of history and science.

Why do we teach? God, through Baha’u’llah, said we should! The historic sweep of this transforming force is inevitable, and must less destructive of life and property, if done as quickly as possible. Only we Baha'is can speed up this process.

Where do we teach? Anywhere we are! The time is short! It is true that traveling teachers are often more effective, due to reasons I do not understand.

Clyde Eugene Corson Lawndale, California

Spirit of Mr. Yazdi’s visit lives on in teaching

To the Editor:

On April 7, the Baha'i community of Modesto had the honor and privilege of meeting with Aziz Yazdi, who as a child lived in the home of ‘Abdu’lBaha. The meeting was like nothing I had ever felt before.

Mr. Yazdi spoke first about his travels in Africa and the tests he received while living there.

Baha’i study table at university is example of loving association

To the Editor:

Baha'i students at one of our universities tell me that they have loving association by studying together at a particular table in the university library.

They meet, quietly greet one another, and spiritually share their presence—often with nonBaha'i friends. It has come to be known as “the Baha'i table.”

Sometimes, they say, they even have time to go out together. It's nice.

Violet Wuerfel Clark Highland Park, Michigan

Then someone asked him what it was like as a child living with ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Mr. Yazdi's expression was so beautiful and radiant as he explained that it was like being immersed in an ocean of love.

The spirit that evening was so full that I felt as if my heart would burst with joy. I felt as though I had been touched by the Hand of God. My heart was so full that all I could do was cry, and I still cry at the thought of the wondrous events that have shaped my life, before and after becoming a Baha'i.

Once home, I couldn't sleep. I phoned a friend in North Dakota and shared the evening with her. She said I sounded like the early believers after they had met with ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

When God touched my heart that evening with Mr. Yazdi, I felt as though I had been to the Holy Shrines. I will never be the same.

Mr. Yazdi's last words to me that evening were: “What are you going to do with this feeling?” As tears ran down my face all I could say was: “Continue to teach the world about Bahd'u'llah.”

Helen A. Hayton Modesto, California

LETTERS POLICY

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

The American Baha'i welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the “letters” column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are

those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

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

Baha'i, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

The American Baha'i

Who can counsel homosexuals?

To the Editor:

In less than two years I have seen four Baha'fs in our area who are homosexuals withdraw from active participation in the Faith.

When | asked two Baha'is who are doctors about Shoghi Effendi's advice to homosexuals to “consult doctors,” I was told that they don't know of any psychiatrist who doesn't advocate acceptance of the homosexual “lifestyle.”

It would be of interest to homosexuals to know if there are any Baha'i doctors who can counsel Baha'is who are homosexual.

Name and community withheld by request

[Page 14]

14

THE AMERICAN BaHA'i

Baha'is of Scotts’

ship in our beloved community.”

its residents and increased by nine-fold its size owing to a “boundary adjustment agreement” with surrounding Albemarle County.

The town grew from 105 acres to 960.89 and from 239 residents to 477. To mark the occasion, 13 Baha'is from Scottsville, Albemarle County and Charlottesville held a day of prayer, meditation and fellowship. The lle also addressed a letter to the pastors of the town's

five churches inviting them to join the Baha'is in prayer and to “use every opportunity that arises to promote unity, friendship and fellow On January 17, the Baha'is sent an “open letter” to all residents of

Baha'is use ‘boundary adjustment’ to proclaim Faith

On January 1, the town of Scottsville, Virginia, doubled the number of

Scottsville setting forth the Baha'i vision for the town: “Let us set for ourselves the goal of making Scottsville a model community because of the unity of its citizens; let us set our course by following the advice: ‘Set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance of its light shine upon you. Gather ye together, and for the sake of God, resolve to root out

whatever is the source of contention amongst you.

These activities were a prelude to the celebration this summer of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Baha'i Group of Scottsville, the community's 11th annual Race Unity Day picnic, and the observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Scottsville and Albemarle

County.

News in brief

Nevada ‘Vision’ campaign aims to enroll scores of new believers

The enrollment of “scores of wellinformed, committed new believers” is the aim of a recently-begun teach— ing campaign called the Southern Nevada Vision Project.

The campaign kicked off April 3 with an all-day meeting whose speakers included Counselor Arturo Serrano; James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; and Auxiliary Board member Edward Deliberto.

Baha’is in southern Nevada were given an opportunity to sign up ata “job fair” to offer their services to the campaign. It is hoped that at least 75 percent of the Baha’i community will be enlisted in the teaching effort.

Under the sponshorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Las Vegas, a project structure has evolved to harness the area’s resources; develop both an administrative and teaching structure capable of supporting entry by troops; and ensure wide participation.

Task forces already in operation for the project include fund-raising; media, which is developing a campaign consisting of billboards, bus stop shelter posters, radio and tele— vision advertisements, fliers and hand-outs; special events and exhibits; children’s classes; firesides and forums; race relations; consolidation; and a VIP committee.

A phone system to receive, screen and answer inquiries has been estab— lished, as has a computer bulletin board system.

San Jose Baha'i honored

Anita Marie Montero, a Baha’i from San Jose, California, has been honored by the Friends of the Hu— man Relations Commission of Santa Clara County for her untiring efforts as a community-builder.

Mrs. Montero received a Special

Merit Award during the 14th annual

Correction

The booklet titled “The Baha’{ Question” (see The American Baha'i, May 17, p. 31) is available only from the National Spiritual Assembly’s External Affairs Secretariat, 202-8338990. It costs $1.50 per copy. The publication can be used as documentation of proof of persecution when a Baha'i seeks refugee status overseas or seeks asylum in the United States.

Human Relations Award Banquet in San Jose on February 24. The longtime activist in the field of

child abuse treatment was nominated

for the award by the Spiritual As— sembly of San Jose.

She has been involved in crisis intervention training, lobbying and administration. San Jose Baha’fs also have been involved in mediation and conflict resolution through the Santa Clara Human Relations Commission.

More than 650 civic and religious leaders attended the banquet, which honored residents for their effort under the motto “Building Community: Value Diversity.”

San Jose Baha’is placed the open letter from the National Spiritual Assembly, “An Appeal to the Conscience of Humankind,” as a fullpage advertisement in the banquet program. The appeal, co-signed by 40 distinguished Americans, highlights the plight of Baha’fs in Iran and their persecution since the Is— lamic Republic was established 14 years ago.

Justice speaks on ‘Justice’

On April 30, the Baha'is of Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, cosponsored a public talk by state Supreme Court Justice Conrad J. Mallett Jr. titled “Is Justice for All Possible?”

About 35 people, most of whom were not Baha'is, attended the talk. Justice Mallett spoke for about half an hour, then responded to questions for another hour. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and music by operatic soloist Jennifer Moss, accompanied by pianist Gary Ball.

Baha'i bibliography displayed

A scholarly bibliography of the Baha'i Faith was included in the first Library of Congress Professional Association Employees Book Showcase which was displayed in April and May.

The Library of Congress Professional Association—an association of staff at the library—decided this year to inaugurate a series of employee book showcases from among those authored by Library of Congress employees outside of their official duties during the past five years.

Among the 25 volumes chosen for the exhibit was William Collins’ Bib—

Pictured are young Baha'is who took part in the first Baha'i Youth Retreat sponsored by the Baha'is of Howard County, Maryland, and held last December 10 in Westminster. The focus of the three-day event was the elimination of all prejudices. About 50 young people from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia shared their opinions and concerns as they worked together to confront America's most

liography of English-Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faiths, 1844-1985 (Oxford: George Ronald, 1990).

The text accompanying the book in its display case notes that it is the most comprehensive bibliography of English-language Baha'i publications. Mr. Collins compiled it during his 13 years as director of the Baha'i International Library in Haifa, Israel.

‘Okies for Arc’ launched

Baha'is in Oklahoma have launched a campaign to raise money for the Arc Projects over and above the con— tributions individuals make to the various Funds.

The campaign, called “Okies for the Arc,” is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Shawnee. The idea came out of consultations with Auxiliary Board members George Cooper and Firuz Mollaian.

The Oklahomans’ goal is to raise as many units of $9,000 as they can to— ward the $75 million needed for the Arc during the Three Year Plan, with the first unit to be completed by the anniversary of the Birth of Baha’— u’llah this November.

A second, equally important goal is to foster unity and allow every Baha'i in Oklahoma to take part.

When each $9,000 unit is collected, it will be sent directly to the Baha'i World Center with a card that adequately conveys the friends’ love and support. The contribution will be

challenging issue, presenting their ideas on ways to eliminate prejudices based on race, gender or age through skits, dances, songs and art.

from the Baha’is of Oklahoma as a whole.

The first receipt received from the World Center will be framed and hung in the Oklahoma City Baha’i Center to serve as a permanent re— minder of sacrifice and ultimate vic— tory. Subsequent receipts can be sim— ilarly displayed in the other centers throughout Oklahoma.

Two fund-raising events, a potluck lunch and a dinner/auction, have been held. Other events will follow.

30 attend Belarus conference

About 30 Baha'is were among the more than 240 women and five men who attended Belarus’ first International Women’s Conference held April 8-10 in Brest. Olga Ruys, a pioneer to Belarus from Washington state, was one of the principal organizers of the conference.

Taking part were representatives from Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Canada, Holland, England, Belgium, Belarus, Panama and the US.

The conference provided many opportunities for teaching, and dur— ing its course four people declared their belief in Baha'u'llah.

After the conference, some of the Baha'is undertook teaching trips through parts of Belarus and Poland.

[Page 15]Feature

A legacy of service

Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick left indelible mark on World Order, Louhelen Baha’i School

By Duane Herrmann

She earned a unique place in the literary and educational history of the American Baha'i community. She played an important role in the development of two major Baha'i publications and was among those who initiated an institution the Guardian would praise as a major educational and cultural center of the community. She won over to the Cause of God a Congregational minister who had spent years as an antagonist of the Faith, and she helped establish the first Spiritual Assembly of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In spite of these and other accomplishments, Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick remains almost unknown to today's generation of Baha'is.

She was born June 16, 1874, in Rockville, Connecticut, into a devout Christian family—her father, Henry F. Hyde, was pastor of the Rockville Congregational Church. Bertha learned early in life that one's belief must be supported by action, and that one's first understanding of certain information was usually not the sort of mature understanding one might eventually attain.

Her father died when she was six years old, and she and her four siblings were left nearly destitute as her mother eked out a living by taking in boarders. Despite the struggle, four of the children eventually completed college including Bertha, who was graduated from Holyoke College in 1898 and spent the next 10 years as a science teacher at schools in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania."

History teacher

In 1908 Bertha moved to Topeka, Kansas, to help her brother, Arthur, who was teaching history at Washburn College and was left alone with a young son after the death of his wife that September. She was hired to teach science at Central Park Elementary School, where she remained for the next 11 years.

Also hired as a history teacher at Washburn College in 1908 was Dr. John E. Kirkpatrick, who became Arthur Hyde's closest colleague on the faculty.

It is likely that Bertha’s sister, Mabel Hyde Paine, was the first of the two to learn of the Faith when she heard a talk by Lua Getsinger in Urbana, Illinois, in 1912. It could not have been long before she shared the news with Bertha, who was drawn to the Faith but puzzled.

Finally the realization dawned on her: here was the return of Christ. By 1915 both she and Mabel had accepted the Faith.”

Bertha was the second Baha'i to reside in Topeka; the first, Rose Hilty, who had been there since 1906, returned in 1916 to her home town, Enterprise, Kansas. She and Bertha may not have known each other until later.

Bertha's contacts with Baha'is in Urbana brought traveling teachers to Topeka, and by 1919, at the second “Baha'i Teaching Convention of the Central States,” Albert Vail could report on “new and joyous groups” in several cities including Topeka.*

Petition to ‘Abdu’l-Baha

The group was fairly active, electing officers (Bertha served as treasurer) and contributing to Baha'i Temple Unity [the forerunner of the National Spiritual Assembly]. Also in 1919, Bertha signed a petition to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, along with some 1,130 other American Baha’is.°

Bertha left Topeka at the end of the 192122 school year and settled two years later in Olivet, Michigan, by this time married to Dr. John Kirkpatrick who was teaching at Olivet College. Before becoming a teacher, Dr. Kirkpatrick had been ordained a Congregational minister in Seabrook, Kansas (in 1895). When he first heard of the Faith, he found it strange and uncomfortable. He and Bertha agreed not to discuss rel

To look further into the new religion, Dr. Kirkpatrick wrote to Neal Alter, the author of a recent thesis on the Faith. Mr. Alter's reply was largely negative; the Baha'is of that time, who themselves had precious little knowledge of Baha'i teachings or principles and accepted the Cause largely on faith, could not have comprehended his treachery or status as a Covenant-breaker. Mr. Alter's conclusion that “Baha'ism is so vile...”° stayed with Dr. Kirkpatrick to the end of his life.

Bertha would not compromise her beliefs, but in the early years of their marriage was not as involved in community activities as she had been. They agreed to disagree.

Dr. Kirkpatrick became ill in the late 1920s and by 1931 his condition was critical. He and Bertha traveled to Topeka to be near his family and doctor. Even after he was hospitalized the couple continued a practice they had begun earlier, studying both the Bible and the Baha'i Writings, especially The Divine Art of Living, compiled by Bertha's sister, Mabel Paine.

Ina letter to a friend, Bertha wrote of her husband's last days: “Before dawn on the day of his ascension I was called to his bedside. He signified his desire for pencil and paper. Slowly his weakened hand, unable to hold the pencil without aid, formed the almost illegible words, ‘One thing only, to be a good...’ Then for a moment there seemed to be a great influx of strength and spirit as with firm hand he completed the sentence with the word ‘Baha'{’ in large clear letters.””

A ‘radical change of heart’

It was his last significant communication; evidence of a radical change of heart and fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Baha's assurance to Bertha of a “spiritual victory.”*

That confirmation stimulated her to greater service in the Cause of God. That summer she was one of the Baha'is who planned the first session at the Louhelen Baha'i School. She was appointed to the School Committee the following year, and reappointed every year for the rest of her life, serving for most of those 16 years as its secretary.

In that capacity Bertha wrote often to the Guardian to apprise him of plans, ask for guidance or report accomplishments. Most of his statements about the school are from letters written to her.

For a time during the winter of 1931-32

Ranmat b.€. 151 / June 24, 1994 15

ah

Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick in her later years in Olivet, Michigan. Photo courtesy of

Bertha was the “resident teacher” in Ann Arbor to help its newly formed Assembly get under way. Besides serving on the Louhelen School Committee, she was appointed, from 1935-38, to the “Index Committee,” whose purpose was to compile or create a master index of the Baha'i Writings, and, from 1938-40, to the Regional Teaching Committee of the Central States.

She had begun writing for the Baha'f periodical “Star of the West” in 1927, and continued to do so as the name was changed first to “The Baha'i Magazine” and then to “World Order.” In 1932 she was appointed “Assistant Editor,” and served for the next 15 years on its Editorial Board.

Most of Bertha's articles were signed simply “B.H.K.” Her literary abilities were further recognized in 1940 when she was asked to help with the production of volumes of The Baha'i World, beginning with Vol. IX. She served in that capacity until the end of her life.

Auto accident Is fatal

To her last days Bertha's efforts were in service to the Cause of God. On Sunday, May 15, 1948, while returning home to Olivet from a Louhelen School Committee meeting, her car, in which she was a passenger, went out of control and veered into an approaching car. Three people died instantly, and Bertha died four days later of internal injuries.’ Her services of more than 30 years to the Cause of Baha'u'llah had come to an end.

Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick's contributions to the American Baha'i community were many and varied. How many souls did she help deepen and confirm through her articles in “World Order” magazine? What would the Baha'i community of Ann Arbor be like today were it not for her invaluable help in establishing its Assembly? And what would the American Baha'i community be without the Louhelen school? All of these stand as testimonies to her years of devoted service to the Cause.

NOTES

1. Mabel H. Paine, “Tribute to Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick,” unpublished script in the author's possession courtesy of Sylvia Parmelee, pp. 1-2.

Sylvia Parmalee and Olin Karch.

mar

d,, p. 2. f of the West,” July 13, 1919, p. 132. 4. Bahai Temple Unity financial ledger, “Topeka, 1919-1920," National Baha'i Archives.

5, "Star of the West” August 1, 1919, p. 161 6. S. Neal Alter to John E. Kirkpatrick, January 28, 1924, in the author's possession courtesy of Sylvia Parmelee.

7. Bertha H. Kirkpatrick, “Excerpt from a letter about John to a friend,” December 20, 1931, in the author's possession courtesy of Sylvia Parmelee. 8. “Abdu'-Baha to several Baha's in the wes,” July 24, 1919, Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick papers, National Baha Archives

9, Olivet Optic, May 20 and 27, 1948,

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[Page 19]in memoriam Cult reference corrected by Omaha Baha’is

When the Spiritual Assembly of Omaha, Nebraska, learned that a campus Christian newsletter had included the Baha'i Faith on a list of “cults active on college campuses,” it sprang into action.

That diligence was rewarded with an apology and a promise that “if there is anything we can do to encourage your group, we would like to know.”

The offending article had been compiled by a speaker on the University of Nebraska-Omaha campus and was printed in the February issue of The Campus Crossroads, a

Minis:

onene:

newsletter of the United Christian

The Spiritual Assembly of Omaha immediately wrote to the Rev. Darrel Berg, campus pastor for United Christian Ministries in Higher Education, and Barb Deats, editor of The Campus Crossroads.

“We were deeply saddened,” the Assembly wrote, “to see the Baha’f Faith listed [among cults]. ... The central theme of the message of Baha’u’llah is the oneness of God, the f religion and the oneness and unification of the entire human race as members of one physical and

spiritual family.” in Higher Education.

lished statement. ...”

the Faith.

the newsletter.

The Assembly extended an invitation to study the teachings of Baha’u’llah and requested “that you consider a retraction of your pub Enclosed with the letter was literature giving a brief overwiew of

The Rev. Berg quickly responded with an assurance that an apology would be printed in the next issue of

He wrote that he himself was “saddened that Baha’f was listed along with certain cults that are as

Contact with Christian churches in Fairfax County East, Virginia, has benefited the Baha’i community in more ways than one.

The Baha’is have been able to present several churches with lovely scrolls of Baha’u’lléh’s Tablet to the Christians and copies of the Statement on Baha'u'llah. The three-foot-long parchment scrolls are rolled on two stained dowels and encased in a green felt bag.

In addition, the visits have helped Baha’is break down their own negative perceptions of these churches.

And the act of shared worship has provided a means for all in the Baha’i community—even those with language barriers—to take part in the work of the Faith.

Fairfax County East began the campaign in January by sending to 44 churches a letter accompanied by Baha’u’llah’s tribute to Christ (Gleanings, No. 36).

Follow-up calls were made soon afterward.

Thus far, the Baha’is have visited area Christian Science, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter

Proclamation to churches helps Baha'is dispel own, others’ notions

Day Saints (Mormon) and United Methodist churches.

In a typical visit, the Baha’i group makes a presentation to the church or its leader, then joins in the congregation’s worship service.

The reception has been overwhelmingly warm and positive.

Christian Science church leaders asked questions of the Baha'is in private, specifically asking a Persian woman about the persecutions in Iran. They indicated the books presented to them would be placed in the church library for all to enjoy.

Baha'is were invited to dinner with the Mormon elders and learned much about that denomination’s focus on the family. They also shared with Bishop J.D. Evans the message of is Lord’s return and asked him to pray about

it.

At the Methodist church, the Baha’is attended on a Sunday in which the minister preached on how Christ might appear unexpectedly in some other form.

151 / June 24, 1994 19

far removed from Baha’{ as the north pole is from the south. ...Our mistake was in failing to edit the list before publishing it.”

The Rev. Berg added that he has good friends who are Baha’fs and knows the Faith “to be one of the truly inclusive religious fellowships.”

In a follow-up letter, the Spiritual Assembly thanked the Rev. Berg for his attention and consideration. The Assembly further expressed its hope “that there will be opportunities for these two college groups to assist and encourage one another.”

Thomases persevere, help form Assembly

Perseverance has its rewards.

Baha’is Russ and Laurie Thomas found out in February that Russ’s separation from the military was imminent.

That meant quickly finding new work and anew place to live. Talk about stress.

But the Thomases (son Andrew is 4 years old) were determined to turn setback into opportunity.

So Russ, a licensed practical nurse, started to hunt far and wide for a challenging position in a goal community where they could serve the Faith as homefront pioneers.

And a solution soon presented itself. Russ was hired to work in psychiatric nursing at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Veterans Hospital in Montrose, New York.

“We turned the whole thing over to Baha‘u'lldh,” said Russ. “Now I have the perfect job and we're renting the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood.”

That neighborhood is in nearby Newburgh. This Ridvan, with the addition of the Thomases and another couple, Newburgh was able to forma local Spiritual Assembly.

The other couple? David S. Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, and his wife,

Margaret K. Ruhe.

Phoenix-area Baha’is reaching Hispanics through radio, center

A combination of group and individual initiative is allowing the Bahd’is of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, to reach many of the 700,000 Spanishspeaking people in the state with El Proyecto Ensefianza Teresita.

Area Baha'is raised close to $5,000 to air five Baha'i spots on Radio Campesina KNAI-FM each day for three months. Seekers often mentioned having heard the radio messages.

Baha'is in Mesa rented a room in an office building to serve as a teaching center. The center is located close to a goal Hispanic neighborhood. That means the local seekers and believers, many of whom lack transportation, can walk to it.

On an individual level, a Baha’ has started a sister project called Akka to spread the Faith in her central Phoenix neighborhood. This project consists of

Unity Feasts, firesides and door-todoor teaching of Hispanics, AfricanAmericans and American Indians.

As a result of thes itiatives, more than 50 declarations of faith have been won thus far in Mesa, Avondale, Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The teaching doesn’t stop there, of course.

New declarants as well as seekers are visited regularly by Baha’is and

presented with passages from the Writings to deepen on and memorize together with their Baha’{ teachers.

Children’s classes also have been implemented all over the area.

A need for more participation in the project continues to exist. Language is not a barrier, but there are too few bilingual Baha’is in the area. For more information, contact Ruth de Vargas at 602-892-4278.

Former pioneer to East Africa dies at 89

Allen Elston, a former pioneer to Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, died April 22 in Ukiah, California. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Elston, who was born in Hawaii, and his wife, Marye, arose in the Seattle, Washington, area during the Ten Year Crusade to pioneer to East Africa, arriving in Uganda in January 1953. After five years in Uganda and another in Kenya, they settled in Tanzania, where both

served for several years on the National Spiritual Assembly.

After 13 years in Africa, Marye's health made it necessary for the Elstons to return to the U.S. Mrs. Elston died in 1974 during a trip to Hawaii to visit Allen's family.

The next year Mr. Elston pioneered again, this time to Mexico. He and his second wife, Evelia, remained there until 1983, when they moved to Arizona, then to California.

IN MEMORIAM ||

Ann B. Allen Warwick, RI April 20, 1994 Ali Behjat Santa Clara, CA March 9, 1994 Etta J. Catlin Detroit, MI April 10, 1994 Richard Curren Peoria, IL

May 7, 1994

Bernard Pretends Eagle Ft. Yates, ND

April 24, 1994

Walter F. Fisher Lincoln Park, MI

April 20, 1994

Helen Gardner

Elloree, SC

April 1994

Lillian S. Gay El Sobrante, CA February 1993

Mary R. Robbins Washington, DC April 18, 1994

Fanny Mae Griffin _ Lillian Stephens Warner Robins,GA Aurora, IL 1994 May 9, 1994

Leonard Jack Mission, SD May 9, 1994

Bernyce Stilwell Citrus Heights, CA December 35, 1993

[Page 20]THe American BanA’l

juLy

1-4: Persian-American Conference, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810-653-5033.

1-4: Media/Communications Conference, “Everything You Want to Know About Media,” Loews Hotel/Vanderbilt Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Nashville and Pavon Media International. For in— formation, phone 310-652-3983.

1-5: North Carolina Summer School. Registrar: Maria Hillis,

Wilson, NC 27893; phone 910-291-1187.

2: Memorial “Potlatch” in the Tlingit-Tagish tradition for Mark Shoghi Anderson, Sylvan Lake Baha'i Center, Alberta, Canada. For information, contact Ted Anderson, 403-347-4230.

2-7: General Session, “Historical Perspective on the Tablets of the Divine Plan,” “Blessings & Bounties,” Bosch Baha'i School. Also, Core Curriculum training (with Sharon Jensen and Robin Evans). For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

2-8: Washington (East)/Idaho (North) School. Registrar: Shannon McConnell,

Richland, WA 99352; phone 509-943-1236. 3: 25th anniversary Roundup/Reunion celebrating the formation of the

Pictured is a group of Baha’is from Florida and Georgia including 10 gospel singers who took part April 12-18 in celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the Spiritual Assembly of Idaho Falls, Idaho. For information, write to the As~ establishment of the Faith in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Also pictured (second from sembly at 900 S. Emerson Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83404, or phone 208-522-0333. right in the front row) is the Custos (representative) of St. Catherine, Jamaica, the 8-10: Hemlock Haven Baha'{ School and Youth Retreat, Hungry Mother State Hon. Gladstone Edwards. The mayor of Spanish Town, Jennifer Edwards, pro- Park, Marion, Virginia. For information, phone Brenda Price, 703-626-3619. claimed the week ‘Bahai Week’ in that city. 8-13: Conference for Baha'i Educators, Louhelen Teacher Training Center, to

plan strategies for introducing Baha'i concepts and principles in schools and rolleges throughout the country. For registration information, please phone Dr. Barbara Johnson, 313-653-5033, between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. E ern time, or write to the Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 tate Road, Davison, MI 48423.

9-1 eneral Session, “The Destiny of America: A Different View,” Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

9-August 7: Dr. Muhajir Teaching, Project, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Grenada, covering small towns and villages around the island. For information, phone the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, 708-869-9039.

15-20: Bahd'i Youth Service Corps/Pioneering Institute, Louhelen Baha'i School, Davison, Michigan. For information, phone 708-733-3511 (youth) or 708733-3512.

16-21: General Session with David and Margaret Kunze Ruhe,Bosch Baha'f School. Also, third summer of Bosch Research Institute. For information, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

17-24: “The Spiritual Transformation of the Huasteca,” an ongoing traveling, teaching campaign in Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Sponsored b National Teaching Committee of Mexico. For information, phone or fax Mike

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your This formmay be copy of The American Baha’, send your r

address and your mailing label to MANAG! MENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, Bo) National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, as sooo as ‘you know what your new address will be,

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TAparineat # OF apliabie) “Aparent applicable) 20-24: Illinois (Heartland) Baha'i School, Knox College, Galesburg. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Naperville, IL 60563; phone 708-961-9806.

20-24: “Two Years After UNCED: Exploring Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” Davenport, Iowa. Sponsored by the Citizens Network for Sustainable Development, the Stanley Foundation, and the lowa Division of UNA-USA. Baha'is who plan to attend should contact the National Spiritual Assembly, Office of External Affairs, Washington, DC 20036 (phone 202-833-8990).

22-27: Family Session I, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information, phone 810653-5033.

23-28: General Session, “Midsummer Music,” “America’s Destiny,” “Documents of the Covenant,” Bosch Baha'i School. Information: phone 408-423-3387. fax 408-423-7564.

[[G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: TET WOUIMLIRWA'CORY: 28-31: Colorado (West)/Four Corners School, Camp Kiwanis (18 miles south L(y wee are te ae FY eh ied cdcten oe vetoes | of Gallup. New Mexico) Repistraribill Bright) b05-722,000%, ‘

Ley canine aieaauspeinane)i sl asaseasatarcioanx wail ak cisaateiseiaaaars 29-August 1: Maryland/Virginia summer school, Frostburg, MD. Registrar: | cancel the copy for the persons) and LD. listedabove the fullnamesofallfamilymem. | receive my owncopy. thavelisted my name, | Ingrid Olson, Herndon, VA 22070 (703-481-8393). | number(s) listed above. bers as they should appear on the national LD. number and address above. | 29-August mily Session IL, Louhelen Baha'i School. For information,

5 ego aate tn caw eases ory phone 810-653-5033. rd 1994 quarterly Teaching Conference, “Promoting Entry by Troops,”

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State Zip code State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY: E, HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

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‘Area code Phone number Name Area code Phone number Name

PALS) BOL eee ee 30: Keystone, South Dakota. For information, contact Joseph Howell,

ish, SD 57783 (phone 605-642-4391).

sch Youth Institute, Bosch Baha'f School. For information, 387; fax 408-423-7564.

lontana Baha'i School, Luccock Camp. Registrar: Linda Wanzenreid, Lewiston, MT 59457 (406-538-8047).

AUGUST

2-14: Baha'i Summer Jamboree, Queen Charlotte Islands, Northwestern VeslalestslasllsElccUlsssdlellatatallallal British Columbia, Canada. If you have a proposal for the Jamboree, please contact Leanne Boschman-Epp with a brief description:

BC V8G 4V2, Canada (phone or fax 604-638-1287). For other information, contact Baxter Huston, BC VOT 180, Canada (phone 604-559-8242).

4-7: Texas Summer School, Bridgeport. Registrar: Randy Black, Friendswood, TX 77546 (phone 713-996-1935). 5-10: Family Session III, Louhelen Baha’ School. For information, phone 810653-5033. 6-11: Junior Youth Institute (ages 11-14), Bosch Baha'i School. For in-formation, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564.

BAHA'f NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue 60091

Wilmette, IL

Ranmart B.E. 151 /June 24, 1994

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