The American Bahá’í/Volume 26/Issue 5/Text
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THE AMERICAN Bahá’í[edit]
Volume 26, Number 5 / Rahmat B.E. 152 / June 24, 1995
Service with a smile[edit]
Volunteers find fun, satisfaction while saving Fund precious millions
Bosch Bahá’í School volunteer coordinator Sima Cockshut (left) shows how it’s done—with lots of love and encouragement.
By TOM MENNILLO
Volunteerism has always played a large part in shaping America’s social landscape. Tennessee even earned the name Volunteer State because so many of its residents arose to help win the American Revolution.
Today, the revolutionary Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in the U.S. is being advanced through the sacrificial labors of a new generation of volunteers.
See VOLUNTEERS page 5
OK City Bahá’ís take lead[edit]
As the healing continues in Oklahoma City, Bahá’ís have taken a central role in interfaith efforts initiated since the bombing of the federal building.
A Bahá’í was elected chairman of Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City, and the new organization’s mission statement begins with a quote from Bahá’u’lláh: “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”
The mission statement has been distributed to all churches and synagogues in the area, as well as to governmental and other agencies involved in cleanup and recovery.
As a result of this participation, the Faith has been mentioned often in news media accounts.
Bahá’í prayers have been recited at many public gatherings, committee meetings and events such as tree plantings. Those who request copies of the prayers are given prayer books in response.
And Bahá’í concepts often are brought forth casually in the course of consultation. In fact, several committees have started using this tool revealed by Bahá’u’lláh to ensure that all faith groups’ viewpoints are expressed.
It is a collaboration that local Bahá’ís see as having immeasurable potential for bringing understanding among the churches, dispelling years of mistrust and competitive hostility, and showing how to be inclusive.
For a recent tree planting, a board member had randomly selected the First Baptist Church grounds downtown as the site and made the arrangements. At the next board meeting, many members objected to the site since the Baptists had refused to take part in the organization despite repeated invitations.
The Bahá’í chairman gently pointed out that retaliation was not in order, that the board could show its good faith and inclusiveness by embracing the Baptists even though the Baptists have not embraced others.
Members later expressed how much better they felt about the whole thing, and that it was the Hand of God that made the “accidental” selection of First Baptist Church for the ceremony.
The chairman also delivered a moving talk at the planting ceremony, describing the tree as representing unity. Several people asked for copies of his speech, which included the same quotation as in the mission statement.
“It seems that everywhere we can help people see what unity looks like and give it the name ‘unity,’ a whole world of new possibilities is opened up,” said a local Bahá’í. “God willing, we’ve seen only the beginning!”
90 declare as Houston aims for troops[edit]
Bahá’ís in the Houston, Texas, area, inspired by the example of Taiwan, whose Bahá’í community grew from 1,200 to 16,000 over a five-year period, have launched the Amatu’l-Bahá Teaching Crusade to help begin the process of entry by troops in Texas.
The campaign is named in honor of the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum who warmly praised the efforts in Taiwan, saying they are worthy of emulation.
Since the arrival of the first full-time teachers from several states on May 26 there have been 90 declarations—the number far outstripping last year’s total for Houston alone.
The crusade is a joint effort of the Spiritual Assembly of Houston and 11 nearby Assemblies, three of which have recently opened their own Bahá’í Centers.
Full time teachers 15 years of age and older are needed for the Houston campaign. Volunteers are asked to stay in the area for at least one month. Food, lodging, and local transportation are provided, but volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from Houston. If you are interested in helping to set this part of the country ablaze with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, phone Patti Lovejoy, 713-370-6566.
The Core Curriculum serves as the basis for nightly meetings, weekend institutes (held every Saturday and Sunday in four areas) and monthly institutes (held in one location to consolidate new believers who show special capacities).
The crusade, which was launched officially at a “March to Victory” conference May 21 at the Bahá’í Center in Houston, is enrollment-oriented.
As for financial support, a steady flow of contributions and pledges has been received, almost equaling the $60,000 budgeted for the next six months.
As of June 1, four full-time teams of three to five members each have been teaching in the greater Houston area. All teachers must attend a teacher training institute before serving in the field.
The experience in Taiwan has shown the effectiveness of teaching teams working under the guidance of the Spiritual Assemblies to allow the teams to develop into a dynamic force for engendering entry by troops.
India court lauds Faith’s harmony[edit]
The Supreme Court of India, in a decision last October concerning a religious dispute between Hindus and Muslims, cited the Bahá’í Faith as an example and its Teachings as guidelines for resolving such disputes.
The conflict was centered around the Babri mosque, in the northern town of Ayodhya, which was razed by a group of Hindus because the mosque had been built in 1528 on the spot where the Hindu god Rama is said to have been born thousands of years earlier.
After the mosque’s destruction, Muslim and Hindu mobs attacked each other’s houses of worship and homes in a number of cities, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and the destruction of property not only in India but in Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Great Britain.
In rendering its decision in the case, the Supreme Court of India said:
“A neutral perception of the requirement for communal harmony is to be found in the Bahá’í Faith. In a booklet, ‘Communal Harmony—India’s Greatest Challenge,’ forming part of the
See INDIA page 13
INSIDE THIS ISSUE[edit]
- The time has come to renew our commitment: letter from the National Teaching Committee 2
- A pictorial look backward to the historic 86th Bahá’í National Convention 10
- The National Treasurer’s Office presents its Community Honor Roll for B.E. 151 14
TEACHING[edit]
A letter from the National Teaching Committee
Time has come to renew our commitment to teaching
"When the hour cometh that this wronged and broken-winged bird will have taken its flight unto the celestial concourse...it is incumbent upon...the friends and loved ones, one and all, to bestir themselves and arise, with heart and soul, and in one accord...to teach His Cause and promote His Faith.
"Bestirred, without rest, and steadfast to the end, they must raise in every land the cry of Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá [O Thou the Glory of Glories]...that throughout the East and the West a vast concourse may gather under the shadow of the Word of God, that the sweet savors of holiness may be wafted, that men's faces may be illumined, that their hearts may be filled with the Divine Spirit and their souls become heavenly." (Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 10)
Dear friends,
As we set our sights on the last year of the Three Year Plan we hope that the progress made by this community will continue unabated. We wish that the love we feel for our glorious Cause, and for each other, will continue to grow. We pray that our devotion and steadfastness will ever increase so that we may achieve the goals before us.
In the Tablets of the Divine Plan ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells the North American friends, "The full measure of your success,...is as yet unrevealed, its significance unapprehended. Erelong ye will with your own eyes witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of divine guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of everlasting life."
The world is in desperate need of Bahá’u’lláh’s healing words. We must do all we can to share the treasure we have been so blessed to find. In an age when government buildings are bombed and children are killed, when musicians extol the virtues of killing police, when marriages fail and babies have babies, when justice is in name only, where else can people turn but to the Faith?
"All of the agony, suffering, and spiritual blindness afflicting people everywhere in the world," Shoghi Effendi writes, "is because they are unaware of, or indifferent to, the remedy God has sent them."
Who will give the people the message if not we, each one of us? We must reach out, each one, to his friend, his neighbor, his colleague. Only we can stop the anarchy and moral decay that consume our world. Only we can give the message that will heal the souls and transform individuals into people capable of turning the world around.
We must remember Bahá’u’lláh’s words to us: "With the utmost unity, and in a spirit of perfect fellowship, exert yourselves, that ye may be enabled to achieve that which beseemeth this Day of God. Verily I say, strife and dissension, and whatsoever the mind of man abhorreth are entirely unworthy of his station. Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God." (Gleanings, p. 201)
Millions have now heard the word Bahá’í. How do we reach beyond the name? How do we propagate the Faith, rather than simply proclaim it? We go back to the reason why we became Bahá’ís; love of God and Bahá’u’lláh.
This love is the foundation of our faith. It is this love that we must share with the rest of the world. How do we show this love to others? By reaching out to our fellow human beings.
This is the summer season, a time when it is easy to bring your friends together—Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í alike. Bring your friends and acquaintances together for food and companionship. Have a barbecue, or a picnic, or just invite a few people to your home.
Show them what we are about. Show them how diverse our Bahá’í gatherings are, how much we enjoy each other's company. Show them that we are a community joined together by our love for God and Bahá’u’lláh.
Where else but with us will they see a black man, a white woman, a red child, a truck driver, a doctor, an artist joined together in fellowship and unity? We are, first and foremost, lovers of Bahá’u’lláh. We are brothers and sisters who have joined together to share our love of God with the world.
If we show them, they will come. These are firesides.
And when they have come and seen, we ask them to listen. We share with them our treasure, the words of our Faith. We show our love of God through reading the Writings, through deepening. These words are divine poetry—their beauty and spirit will touch the souls. These are spiritual meetings.
What will we do with our newly found sisters and brothers when they flock to the light? We must have a house to hold them all, and it is this we are trying to build.
Bringing the world together is a difficult task, and love alone will not be enough. That is why we must have institutions and plans and meetings and projects because order is based on structure and we need a structure on which to hang the mantle of our faith.
How do we build this structure? By deepening ourselves and our communities, by strengthening our institutions so that we may take on the burden that society's converts will bring into our midst. We must be like the strong tree that will bend but not break in the storm. We must be able to shelter those who would seek safety beneath the branches of the Cause of God.
How is this achieved? By following the words of Bahá’u’lláh to "immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths." (Gleanings, p. 136)
Girded with our love of God and the divine words of Bahá’u’lláh we will go out among our fellows and show them our love and passion for this wonderful Faith. We will do this one-on-one, a few people at time, face to face.
How many times have we heard that actions speak louder than words? They do. We should not "[place] too much reliance on large, expensive projects, involving a great deal of successful public relations and proclamation. These are, in their own way, very useful activities, but it must be realized that they cannot be expected to produce large numbers of new believers. The key to the conversion of people...is the action of the individual Bahá’í conveying the spark of faith to individual seekers." (Excerpt from letter from Universal House of Justice, quoted in Vision in Action, p. 40). The wonderful successes we have seen so far are the results of people talking to people.
In California a busy professional couple hosts firesides every Wednesday night. If they are out of town, they give their house keys to other Bahá’ís so the firesides many continue even without them. The result: an average of two declarations a month.
In South Carolina the friends have been going from house to house telling people about the Faith. They have revisited those who declared years ago but who have been isolated since then. The result: 117 declarations over the past seven months.
In South Dakota a small community wanted to demonstrate its belief in race unity, but it had neither the financial nor human resources to do something on its own. So the community reached out to the population at large and asked for help. The result: the Bahá’ís made many friends among local civic groups and were asked to take part in a statewide cultural fair to help promote the unity of the races.
"Ere long the word of God will display a wonderful influence and finally that region [America] will become the paradise of Abhá. Consequently, strive ye bravely that this aim may be accomplished in the near future. Striving means this: ye must live and move according to the Divine commands and behests, be united in loving with joy and ecstasy....engage continually in the service of the Cause of God." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Divine Art of Living, p. 62).
To do this means we must reach out to our fellow man. After all, doesn't everyone need a hand to hold on to, a shoulder to lean on?
Ultimately it is our passion for our Faith that will demonstrate to others what being a Bahá’í means and that will bring them to us. No people have demonstrated this more clearly than our beloved friends in Iran. Even prison guards have been moved to tears by the dignity and love that the Persian believers showed.
That Bahá’ís find the Faith worth dying for is a message others will never forget. That it is also worth living for is the message that we here must convey.
This passion, this joy, this love for God is what changes hearts. Please God we may achieve it.
With warmest Bahá’í love, The National Teaching Committee June 1995
Four significant events bring spiritual confirmations during uncommon weekend in Mt. Vernon, New York[edit]
The weekend of March 31-April 2 was one of great spiritual confirmations for the Bahá’ís of Mount Vernon, New York. No fewer than four significant events distinguished the spiritual potency of those days.
First, Edwin Lindsay declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh (another declaration took place a week later) at his fifth fireside in the home of Beverley and Willis Burris.
Mr. Lindsay, a native of Jamaica, said at his declaration, "From the first night I came, I felt at home," testifying to the love and hospitality that was showered upon his soul. He said that since receiving a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, signed by all present at his first fireside, he has never gone to bed without reading at least one page.
The second spiritual thunderbolt to strike the city was the first Badi Training Institute, at which seven of the friends spent an intensive weekend of prayer, song, fellowship, study, consultation, meditation, direct teaching, and reflection.
The institute enabled the friends to immerse themselves in the story of Badí and on writings dealing with the heart as the throne of God, dying to self and to the world to be born again and enter the Kingdom, and a life of service to Bahá’u’lláh.
The third confirmation was the direct teaching performed by Badi Institute participants in the Three Year Plan goal city of New Rochelle. The friends encountered many souls whose hearts were receptive.
Capping the weekend was an article in the Sunday edition of the Mount Vernon Argus titled "Assembly finds faith in global religion Bahá’í."
The article, referenced from the front page, spoke about Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’í world community, the local Spiritual Assembly, the principle of unity, and the absence of clergy. It also told how members of the community became Bahá’ís in places ranging from Jamaica to Tobago to the U.S.
[Page 3]
TOTAL ENROLLMENTS[edit]
May ........................................ 183 Year to date ........................... 294
THE FUND[edit]
(As of May 31, 1995)
| YTD Goal | YTD Actual | |
|---|---|---|
| National Bahá’í Fund | $1,041,667 | $745,235 |
| International Bahá’í Fund | $37,435 | |
| Arc Projects Fund | $1,608,183 | |
| Continental Bahá’í Fund | $18,271 | |
| Other Earmarked | $25,055 | |
| Subtotal/Int’l Funds | $1,688,944 | |
| Total/All Funds | $2,434,179 |
| May ’94 | May ’95 | |
|---|---|---|
| National Bahá’í Fund | $668,004 | $745,235 |
| International Bahá’í Fund | $33,299 | $37,435 |
| Arc Projects Fund | $543,223 | $1,608,183 |
| Continental Bahá’í Fund | $11,513 | $18,271 |
| Other Earmarked | $16,976 | $25,055 |
| Subtotal/Int’l Funds | $605,011 | $1,688,944 |
| Total/All Funds | $1,273,015 | $2,434,179 |
National Bahá’í Fund: Goal & Actual
- Where we are: $745,235
- Where we need to be: $1,041,667
Arc Projects Fund
- Where we are: $1,608,183
- Where we were last year: $543,223
International Bahá’í Fund
- Where we are: $37,435
- Where we were last year: $33,299
Continental Bahá’í Fund
- Where we are: $18,271
- Where we were last year: $11,513
NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE[edit]
Army of Light National Youth Conference[edit]
December 28 - 31, 1995 Dallas, Texas
Personal Information: Name ____________________________________________ Street Address _____________________________________ City _____________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________ Phone ___________________________________________ Bahá’í ID Number __________________________________ Sex ____________ Race/Ethnic Background _____________________________ Special Assistance Required (i.e.-Wheelchair access, walking assistance, Blind Access) _________________________________________________
- Pre-registration deadline is DECEMBER 10
- Be sure to include payment with your registration form
- Use only one form per person. Photocopies are acceptable.
Fee for registration: $25. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Bahá’í Services Fund
HOTEL:
- Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth)
- 1-800-233-1234 or 214-453-1234
Rooms are $50 a night for up to four people, based on availability
Please Note: December 10 is the final day to reserve a room at these rates. These rates are available for the nights of Dec. 28, 29, & 30. Checkout is 12 noon on December 31.
FOOD: We have been notified that there will be no outside food allowed in the hotel. There are five restaurants on site. An optional meal plan is also available. Meal Plan is $55 for 7 meals.
On-Site Registration: On-site registration begins on Thursday afternoon, December 28.
VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers. Please check your area of preference: Ushering: _________________ Security: __________________ Registration: _______________ As Assigned: _______________
If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the following: I, ______________________________, the parent of ______________________________, a minor, authorize the Bahá’í Youth Conference Task Force to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act effective while my child is attending this event.
Date: ___________________________________________ Signature of parent: _______________________________ Insurance company: _______________________________ Policy#: _________________________________________
Medical Release for those under 18: Everyone under the age of 18 must have a parent fill out the medical release section on the registration form. NO EXCEPTIONS!
QUESTIONS: Any questions you may have about the conference should be directed to:
- National Teaching Office
- 708-733-3498
Send registration form to:
- Dallas Youth Conference
- c/o National Teaching Office
- 1233 Central St.
- Evanston, IL 60201-1611
If you are under 15, and attending without a parent, please fill out the following: I, ______________________________, parent of ______________________________, appoint ______________________________ to be my child’s sponsor at the Bahá’í National Youth Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindly parent to my child and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference.
Date ___________________________________________ Signature of parent ________________________________ Date ___________________________________________ Signature of Sponsor ______________________________
Holiday Blues?[edit]
Not this year. The National Teaching Committee is hosting the 2nd Army of Light National Youth Conference, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, the last weekend in December.
The conference, whose theme is "Excellence in All Things," will run from Thursday, December 28, to Sunday, December 31.
All nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly are planning to attend. We hope you will be able to join us.
Please watch for subsequent issues of The American Bahá’í for more information about the conference.
[Page 4]
PIONEERING[edit]
A pioneer's return home: it can be traumatic[edit]
By JIM BLAKE Veteran pioneer to St. Vincent
You've just stepped off the curb, ready to cross four busy lanes of traffic on your way to the supermarket. Glancing up at the oncoming traffic, you realize with a jolt that you're looking in the wrong direction. You pull your foot back just as the sound of screeching brakes reaches your ear.
Once safely in the store, you draw your breath for the small task ahead of you, picking up a little something for supper. Let's see, where to head first. Aisle after aisle and rows upon rows of cans and boxes and packages loom into the distance.
Suddenly you feel strangely heavy and nearly immobilized with this task that seemed so simple a few moments before. What do you look for? How do you tell what's a good price? What are the best brands? Should you have looked for coupons first? How do you deal with this immensity of choice?
An immigrant far from home? Just back in action after a long-term illness? Setting out to live on your own for the first time? No, a mature, healthy American, but a newly returned pioneer—coming face-to-face with the trauma of re-entry.
It's not at all strange for pioneers returning to the U.S. to experience the same kind of culture shock they had been so carefully prepared for when they went overseas in the first place. The Office of Pioneering confirms that pioneers almost universally experience difficulties in re-adjustment.
What can make this so hard is not expecting it and not having taken any steps to prepare for it. This is the country I grew up in, you say, why should I have to re-adjust?
The list of potentially disconcerting situations is long, but the important truth is that you will get past them in a reasonably short time, and there is nothing fundamentally wrong with you. Culture shock works in both directions.
The encounter with America's superabundance of foodstuffs can be shocking, for example, because it is likely to be in such sharp contrast to the sparsely stocked shelves in most developing countries. Before you went to your post you would have taken this abundance for granted. In fact, all the same stages of cultural adjustment that you experienced when you entered a foreign culture tend to repeat themselves in a subtler way when you return to your home country.
The initial euphoria, the first experiences with frustration, the low points of rejection and hostility, and the gradual adjustment leading finally to real acceptance and adaptation—all these may happen to you before you have really become part of your own environment again.
Re-entering the Bahá’í community may present its own special tests. For example, you spot one of your long-time friends coming out of a store. "Oh, good," you think, "Mary will probably ask me something about my pioneering experience." But after a warm exchange of greetings she says only, "Sorry, I've got to run—let's catch up sometime."
Though you feel hurt, you may not realize that Mary's curt behavior is not a case of her not valuing your pioneer services, but rather that reference points which identify your experiences overseas are different from those here, in the States.
Even if you've been at your post for only a year or so, the chances are that you yourself have changed. As a pioneer you may have seemed to be on the "front lines" all the time, teaching new contacts, running deepening classes or children's classes or both, hosting traveling teachers from abroad, visiting Bahá’ís out in the villages, attending Assembly meetings. You lived and breathed service to the Cause nearly every day.
The fact is, living outside your own culture for a year or more means you've almost certainly forgotten many details about what life at home is all about, and that can add up to a large case of disorientation and downright confusion when you re-enter. Returning adds another dimension, because your role as a Bahá’í, in the States, is bound to be different—though no less valuable—than at your pioneer post.
Looking the wrong way when crossing the street may be a trivial example, but it is typical of the many natural confusions returned pioneers face after spending time abroad.
A layer of new habits[edit]
Though you've spent far more of your life with traffic flowing in one particular direction, your recent experience has formed a layer of new habits and ways of doing things on top of your previous cultural knowledge, and it will take some time before those older habits can work themselves up to the surface again. Until they do, you have to make a conscious decision about such things as crossing the street—to make sure you survive daily life.
As a pioneer, you're likely to have become not only more deeply devoted to the Cause, but more mature and capable. Back home, the pace is different and you may feel less of a sense of urgency.
The Bahá’ís in your community have their own established patterns for practicing the Faith and are used to turning to certain members when organizing events or solving local problems. Though glad to have you back, the community has been humming along without you and often time is not taken to figure out just how you can make your own contribution to the advancement of the Cause there.
Speaking of the Bahá’í community's response, chances are they haven't had many occasions to welcome home a veteran pioneer, and so may not have developed an awareness of what that person's needs are or how they might help meet them. This is a major reason to engage in consultation with the Assembly as soon as possible. Your consultation may also prevent your developing the sense that your services as an individual are insignificant.
Rather than resent them for what they don't know, however, you will probably need to help them discover the nature of the pioneer re-entry phenomenon. That way, you will build unity and add to the community's knowledge and effectiveness even as you overcome your own obstacles to re-integration into home life.
The Office of Pioneering sends the same materials you received on returning to the States to your local Assembly so that there can be a greater understanding of your situation.
Even though these readjustment traumas are all too normal, that doesn't mean you have to just grin and bear it. There are quite a lot of things you can do to ease the process.
Some steps to take[edit]
One of the first steps you should take before your actual return if possible is to notify the Office of Pioneering of your intentions. They have some wonderfully helpful advice in a multi-page letter that starts by reminding you of what a priceless gift you have made to God's Cause by leaving the States and serving as a pioneer. Before the end of the letter they provide you with an extensive list of helpful steps.
Here are a few of them:
- "Look at your return to the U.S. as a pioneer move to a new post. Try to identify with the kinds of struggles and sacrifices the believers here make for the Faith."
- "Try to return to (live in) a different community than the one you left. Returning pioneers report their difficulties often multiplied when they returned to their former community."
- "Be active. You'll probably feel a need to be inactive, to go slowly and get your bearings. This is a valid need, but try to balance your low-key days with activity, especially if you're feeling depressed. Bahá’u’lláh, in His Tablet to Napoleon, states, 'He that secludeth himself in his house is indeed as one dead.' Activity is one of the best weapons against depression. Become involved with a project you consider worthwhile. Be active physically—go for a walk. Ask the local Assembly or the Teaching Committee for specific tasks. (Ask them, don't wait for them to ask you!)"
Another step that will be helpful after your return is to seek out other pioneers who have come back from the field, so you can share notes. This will undoubtedly confirm that you are not alone in what you are going through, and you may have a chance to help the other person as well. Your nearest Local Assembly, Auxiliary Board member or the Office of Pioneering may be able to help you identify a fellow veteran pioneer in your area.
One good antidote to the reverse culture shock syndrome is to understand more about it. Read some of the many studies now available; for example, Cross-Cultural Reentry: A Book of Readings, by Clyde N. Austin (Abilene Christian University, 1986), or The Art of Crossing Cultures, by Craig Storti (Intercultural Press, Inc., 1989). Bahá’í pioneers are not the only ones who have lived abroad and learned to cope with the transition from a foreign culture back to one's home country.
It is not uncommon for pioneers to suffer feelings of guilt or failure about leaving their post. The Office of Pioneering letter offers a loving answer:
"We only wish that there were some way to reach the inside of you where these feelings are and assure you that there is no need for them. Returning to the U.S. is difficult enough without adding a burden for which there is no foundation. The act of pioneering, of leaving your home to serve Bahá’u’lláh, was one from which there will be great results no matter how meager the 'results' you may have seen, how much work remains to be done, or whether you are coming back sooner than you had planned."
They add: "Meet each feeling of guilt and failure with the firm statement that you are NOT a failure and that only Bahá’u’lláh can judge the merit of your services. You cannot know the ultimate fruits of your labors at a post.
"Your service to the Faith has not ended with your return to the States. As Bahá’u’lláh Himself says, 'The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted and can now exert, its influence in the world.' Your return to the U.S. brings new strength to this community and you have more to offer than you had before."
If you continue to turn to Bahá’u’lláh in the same way you were accustomed to doing at your pioneer post, you will be helped in the process of becoming re-integrated into home culture. Patience, prayer, and an active search for new ways to serve the Cause will yield new rewards.
Decentralization means changes in forms for pioneering[edit]
At Ridván last year all local Assemblies received a packet of information about international service including guidelines for special areas.
Individuals were asked to approach their Assembly for the initial volunteer form for pioneering, traveling teaching and Bahá’í Youth Service Corps, and encouraged to arrange for consultation with their Assembly so that they might avail themselves of its guidance as they prepared for international service while the Assembly was made aware of their plans.
This year, as the second phase of decentralization of the Office of Pioneering, all local Spiritual Assemblies should have received an information packet in the mailing of the latest Bahá’í Newsreel. Also enclosed are new, updated information and guidelines.
Please note that the forms have been simplified. There is now only one form for pioneer/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers, and one for traveling teachers. The Assembly evaluation form is now the same for all international service.
All friends interested in serving our beloved Cause internationally are asked to contact their local Assembly or the Assembly nearest to them to consult about plans and to receive the necessary forms and information.
Please be sure to send the completed forms to the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (or fax them to 708-733-3509) so that we may work with you toward the fulfillment of those plans.
[Page 5]
NEWS[edit]
Volunteers[edit]
Continued from page 1
They guide at the Bahá’í House of Worship, enter data for Management Information Services, lend professional advice, coordinate Army of Light youth activities, cook and clean at the permanent Bahá’í schools, and perform many other tasks large and small.
In short, whatever it takes to serve the needs of the American Bahá’í community.
These volunteers’ efforts save the National Spiritual Assembly more than $3.5 million of its precious resources each year and free up a bare-bones paid staff to focus on high-impact tasks.
In return they receive enormous satisfaction and, in many cases, gain new skills.
Who are the volunteers? Here are some glimpses into their ranks.
Bosch Bahá’í School[edit]
“We couldn’t survive, much less accomplish the amazing and wonderful things we do at Bosch, without the extraordinary service of the friends,” is Administrator Mark Bedford’s assertion.
“We encourage volunteer involvement at Bosch in many ways,” he said. “At all of our sessions we reinforce the spirit of service and provide a number of ways everyone attending can serve their school, from making their beds with fresh linen for the next guest staying in that cabin, to after-meal cleanup and resetting tables.”
Mr. Bedford said the staff often sets aside 30 to 45 minutes each day for additional service projects, introducing the concept to guests with a “funny video” produced by a Bahá’í who donated his time and equipment for the project.
These services include basic housekeeping, gardening, window cleaning, groundskeeping and other short-duration tasks on the Santa Cruz, California, campus. “These allow us to keep the facilities and grounds in top shape all the time with few resources,” said Mr. Bedford.
Of course, Bosch encourages more significant service by providing opportunities for Bahá’ís to come and stay for a few days or longer to help with special projects or to staff certain areas during a session.
The school’s Youth Service Corps now boasts seven members, allowing Bosch to expand its session schedule to include every weekend, five-day sessions during the winter and spring breaks, and an 11-week summer schedule.
In addition, a number of Bosch’s full-time adult staff, including three departmental coordinators, are extended-term volunteers. They receive room and board in exchange for 40-plus hours per week of service.
Bosch has also benefited from professional services provided by Bahá’ís. Saeid Samadi, architect for the new classroom complex being built, donated his time and expertise. Gregg Moss, a building contractor, volunteered hundreds of hours to smooth the planning and permit application process.
Volunteer coordinator Sima Cockshut has an extensive pool of people she can call on when a need arises.
Bosch’s Bookshop/Cafe and Yogurt Shoppe is staffed almost exclusively by volunteers. Many people also help with projects such as cabin and Yogurt Shoppe renovation, building a bridge and pathways to the prayer/meditation island, and foresting.
“We’ve had months with more than 2,500 hours of volunteer service at Bosch, with few months under 1,000 hours,” Mr. Bedford noted.
Keeping track of all that is Mrs. Cockshut, herself a volunteer with almost three years of service to Bosch in several areas including food services and gardening. Her husband, Derek, is volunteer Bookshop/Cafe manager and often helps with teaching.
Sharon and Jerry Johnson, along with their 13-year-old daughter, Heather, and Mrs. Johnson’s sister, Ala, joined Bosch last September as extended-term volunteers. The family approached the school with an offer of several months of volunteer service to prepare for a yet-to-be-determined pioneer post.
Heather Johnson (left) and Keturah Bedford, daughters of Bosch staff members, volunteer in the school’s Yogurt Shoppe.
After a couple of months of selfless, generous and highly capable service, they were invited to consider Bosch as their service post, and they accepted. Now the family fulfills many critical support roles. Heather is a key volunteer in the Yogurt Shoppe on weekends; Ala is a gardener extraordinaire and “folds sheets like no one on earth,” according to Mr. Bedford.
Another family affair is Jim Johnson (no relation to Sharon and Jerry Johnson), his wife, Norma, and sons David and Mark.
While Mr. Johnson is on staff as maintenance coordinator, Mrs. Johnson volunteers as a children’s teacher and often uses her artistic talents in painting and touching up the cabins and other buildings. David and Mark help with special construction and maintenance projects.
Then there are the volunteers who get the program brochure mailings out the door, and those who serve as guest chefs in a pinch or help with dishwashing, cabin cleaning and children’s classes.
“The one thing we have come to accept is that whenever there is a special need, it seems we always get a call from someone offering to help us out in just the way we need,” said Mr. Bedford.
“For example, when Shirley Ellis, our food services coordinator, was about to come back from a serious surgery, we were concerned about how she would be able to manage on her own during her convalescence.”
No need to worry. “The same day we received a visit from Dorothy Hansen, a traveling teacher and pioneer,” related Mr. Bedford. “She had a few weeks free before traveling to South America and wondered if there was anything she could do for the school. A perfect solution to the companion needed to help Shirley during her recovery.”
Concludes Mr. Bedford, “Whether it’s a couple of hours, days, weeks or even months, we love to supplement our service team with enthusiastic volunteers. ...Without them, it would be truly impossible. With them, miracles happen every day.”
Louhelen Bahá’í School[edit]
Rick Johnson, administrator at Louhelen, proudly recounted the volunteer services rendered at the school, then added this parting image:
“I am sending this e-mail to you on a computer network planned, developed and created by a volunteer, who also donated the several thousands of dollars of computer hardware needed, who also drove six hours each way to the school for several months to put the system together, who in between this changed the oil on our vehicles and maintained them for us. This is the meaning of volunteers to the school.”
Yet others’ services to the Davison, Michigan, school are equally inspiring. One volunteer alone, Rebecca Wideman, has served at Louhelen for more than 50 years.
“This devoted, stalwart ‘master volunteer’ has served in many different ways,” said Mr. Johnson. “In most recent years she has been serving in the library, bookstore and archives.”
A couple from Iowa, Wayne and Rita Landers, have offered their professional-quality interior design and upholstery services to Louhelen for many years.
“Literally every upholstered item at the school is the result of their labor,” said Mr. Johnson. “They are currently in the ‘second round’ of reupholstering items they originally did more than 10 years ago!”
Carrie Kneisler, from Evanston, Illinois, has offered her artist-quality interior design skills for more than a year, with great impact on spirit at the school.
“It is literally true that people sometimes cry when they see her beautiful designs for the first time,” according to Mr. Johnson.
The prayer room at Louhelen—“one of the loveliest spots for spiritual refreshment around”—was completely done by a volunteer force.
Volunteers also played a key role in planning and implementing activities that raised more than $40,000 in special contributions to enable expansion of school facilities in the past year without calling on the Bahá’í National Fund to underwrite them.
As at Bosch, every person who comes to Louhelen offers service in some way. This is a “requirement” in that everyone—Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í—is requested to perform some meaningful and appropriate service.
It can be as simple as cleaning the dining room after meals or remaking beds with clean sheets, to gardening, painting or any of a number of other tasks. The point is that volunteer service is for everyone.
Each year, Louhelen has benefited from the devoted service of two to four Youth Service Corps volunteers.
As Mr. Johnson sees it, “The service provided by these youth is inspiring because it is offered with a spirit of ‘what I can do for Bahá’u’lláh.’ It is inspiring to see these youth grow and mature in their service.”
Louhelen makes every effort to offer volunteers service in an area of their skills or interests, but the major categories of service most often needed include:
Teaching a wide variety of classes and related programs for children, youth and adults; gardening and groundskeeping; food preparation and other food service tasks; housekeeping; maintenance of facilities and equipment; all manner of office tasks; librarian functions; bookstore operations; school committees; archivist; art, music and drama programs.
“Clearly, there would be no possibility of hiring all these functions. Volunteers truly are the life-blood of the Bahá’í schools,” said Mr. Johnson.
If a volunteer is not available, he said, key staff must often stop other essential work and take on a task.
“We are all prepared and happy to serve in many ways,” explained Mr. Johnson, “but to use our most highly skilled staff to complete tasks that do not make fullest use of their skills is not the most effective use of resources.”
Green Acre Bahá’í School[edit]
Green Acre, like the other permanent schools, relies heavily on volunteer support year-round. But it’s in the summer months that the level of activity is at a peak.
“We recruit about 15 full-time volunteers to help our small staff of five permanent employees provide full hospitality and program services to as many as 120 guests per week,” said Liz LaBelle, assistant administrator at the Eliot, Maine, school.
They serve in a variety of areas including food services, maintenance,
[Page 6]
The Bahá’í Faith in America, Volume 2
Early Expansion, 1900-1912
Robert H. Stockman
SC $29.95 (BFA2)
The long-awaited sequel to The Bahá’í Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, Volume 1. Charts the North American Bahá’í community’s early efforts to achieve consolidation, its expansion to the West and South, the establishment of its first national project (to build a House of Worship in Chicago), and its emergence as one of the world’s key Bahá’í communities on the eve of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to its shores. Though there was no individual leader and no national administrative structure, the Chicago Bahá’í community remained the hub of Bahá’í activity on the continent. The detailed and meticulously preserved correspondence of Thornton Chase, chairman of the Chicago House of Spirituality, is the principal source of information about the period. The book highlights the loving leadership of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who, through several thousand epistles, explained to Westerners the Bahá’í teachings, answered questions, settled disputes, calmed the angry, and consoled the grieving. Includes newly authorized translations of 33 of His Tablets.
5-1/2" x 8-3/4", 536 pp. George Ronald, Publisher
Teaching: The Crown of Immortal Glory by Hushidar Motlagh $20.00 SC (TCIG)
Teaching: The Crown of Immortal Glory focuses on the psychology of teaching and on principles of communication. Packed with practical information on how to proclaim and teach the new Revelation, this book imparts the principles of persuasion, effective discussion, public speaking, and the dynamics of spiritual transformation. By learning and applying the principles of communication examined in this timely book, readers will multiply their success in teaching the Faith.
5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 453 pp. Global Perspective, publisher
Teaching Children's Classes: Grade 1 Ruhi Institute $6.00 SC (TCCI)
Third in the Ruhi Institute’s series on the dynamics of teaching and learning in a community. Includes lessons for children and continuing education materials for the facilitators of children’s classes. The first section focuses on deepening the teacher’s understanding of the principles of Bahá’í education. The second section includes fifteen children’s lessons that incorporate memorization, singing, questions and answers, and stories. The last section deals with developing the skills needed to maintain a proper learning environment in class.
8-1/2" x 11", 128 pp. Palabra Publications
Release the Sun Coming this Summer $9.95 ORDER NOW! 1-800-999-9019
Words of Wisdom by Bob Simms CS $10.95 (WWCS), CD $16.95 (WWCD)
A collection of eleven selections from the Bahá’í writings set to music in a variety of musical expressions. Bringing together various musical talents, Bob Simms has created an album of joyful, uplifting music based on the Holy Word. This new release features a diverse, rich sound that brings together gospel singing and hand clapping, plaintive Eastern strains, reggae-like rhythms, sweet melodies, and memorable harmonies. The jacket cover includes a brief description of the Bahá’í Faith, making the album an excellent teaching gift for friends, family, or anyone who likes uplifting music.
39 minutes Resounding Pebbles Studio
Twin Holy Days Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, Birthday of the Báb $14.95 HC (THDH)
The most recent of the holy days series by Kalimát Press. This handsome edition includes prayers and tablets revealed for the holy days commemorating the births of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. Stories about the birth and childhood of these Twin Manifestations, the history of the first observances of Their birthdays, and a collection of quotations from Their writings will give readers everything they need to prepare their own holy day observances.
7-1/4" x 5-1/4", 129 pp.
Kalimát Press
[Page 7]
Teaching the Bahá’í Faith[edit]
compiled by the Universal House of Justice SC $9.95 (TBFC)
Extracts compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice on teaching, proclamation, and seeking divine assistance. Includes compilations on preparing for entry by troops, mass teaching, proclaiming the Faith through the media, teaching prominent people, teaching indigenous people, the use of media, and more. Excellent material for stimulating and guiding individuals and communities in their teaching efforts.
5-3/4" x 8-1/4", 256 pp., table of contents, index, references Bahá’í Publications Australia
Lectures on Bahá’í Inspired Curricula[edit]
by Farzam Arbab SC $4.00 (LBIC)
An examination of the approach to curricular development taken by educators in Colombia and other nations to infuse Bahá’í teachings into a general curriculum. Discusses education theory, the meaning of "understanding" and its role in education, and the construct of "capabilities". Includes examples of the advocated lesson approach. Of interest to Bahá’í educators and those who wish to incorporate Bahá’í teachings into general education. Based on a series of talks presented at the Bahá’í World Center by the author.
6" x 9", 76 pp., preface, notes Palabra Publications
Journey Into Exile[edit]
The Story of Bahá’u’lláh by Mary Firman SC $6.95 (JIE)
A new activity book for children aged 7-12, giving them insight into the life and times of Bahá’u’lláh through puzzles, games, quizzes, models to make, and pictures to color; an ideal framework on which parents and teachers can build lessons. Filled with interesting facts about the geography, culture, costumes, and habits of the Middle-East in the nineteenth century.
11-3/4" x 8-1/4", 32pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, UK
Life After Death[edit]
A Study of the Afterlife in World Religions by Farnaz Ma’sumian SC $14.95 (LAD)
Life After Death explores religious beliefs, through the ages and around the world, on death and the afterlife, offering an overview of afterlife doctrines of seven world religions and a summary of their beliefs about the end of time. This compelling investigation discusses the nature of the soul and concepts such as heaven and hell; explores the doctrines of reincarnation and transmigration; and examines accounts of near-death experiences, asking whether they can be regarded as evidence of life after death. An original, accessible book that will appeal both to students of comparative religion and general readers.
7" x 9", 153 pp. Oneworld Publications
In the Eyes of His Beloved Servants[edit]
The Second Bahá’í World Congress and Holy Year by J. Michael Kafes SC $14.95 (IEBS)
A compilation of stories from around the world that capture the magic of the Holy Year and the Second Bahá’í World Congress. Among the chapter themes are "Behind the Scenes" with the choir and media, the group leader of the Parade of Nations, the dramatic presentation director;; remarkable stories about "Getting There and Back"; "Dreams and Visions" Bahá’ís had about the Congress; "World Congress Diaries"; proclamation and teaching stories from around the world; and reflections on the centenary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh at the Bahá’í World Center in May 1992.
6" x 9", 187 pp. J. Michael Kafes Publications
Sexuality, Relationships and Spiritual Growth[edit]
by Agnes Ghaznavi SC $12.95 (SRSG)
An important contribution to understanding the link between the spiritual and the physical in marriage. A practicing Bahá’í psychiatrist and sexologist offers insight into age-old questions of sexuality and chastity within the new paradigm of equality and friendship between marriage partners.
5" x 7-3/4", 169 pp. George Ronald, Publisher
REFER Bahá’í Software[edit]
The Bahá’í Writings at your fingertips
TWIN MANIFESTATIONS RTM (3.5) $30 RTM5 (5.25) $35 The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and The Báb
ABDU’L-BAHÁ RAB (3.5) $35 RAB5 (5.25) $40 The Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
SHOGHI EFFENDI RSE (3.5) $45 RSE5 (5.25) $50 The Writings of Shoghi Effendi
THE MARS PROGRAM* MARS (3.25) $25 MARS5 (5.25) $30 Multiple Author Refer System
REFER/MARS MANUAL RMM $10
MARS consolidates the separate REFER programs into one database.
MANUAL MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY. NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS.
REFER runs under MS-DOS or PC-DOS versions 3.1 or above, & requires a minimum of 256k RAM. Disk space requirements: RMAB3.5 = 4.3 mb, RMTM3.5 = 3.2 mb, and RSE3.5 = 7.6 mb.
- MARS not compatible with earlier version of Bahá’u’lláh Refer or Refer: Central Figures Trilogy
Who Are the Bahá’ís?[edit]
$2.00 CS (WBAC)
A twenty minute audio cassette tape that discusses the principal beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith in a friendly, personal way and invites listeners to investigate further. Who are the Bahá’ís? can be given to people who can listen while commuting to work or school. It can be sent to friends or relatives in other cities, presented at firesides, offered to community leaders, advertised as a free gift, or handed out at proclamation events.
20 minutes Novene Group
Hand in Hand[edit]
by UNU MONDO CS $10.95 (HIHCS), CD $15.95 (HIHCD)
Ten contemporary jazz compositions with an international flavor. Features guitarist/percussionist Randy Armstrong and German bassist/keyboardist Volker Nahrmann, "formerly of Doa", Brazilian drummer Henrique Almeida, and saxophonist Charlie Jennison. Vocals by Narges Nouhnejad Fani, Kim Fleming, Vince Ebo, members of the Tennessee Bahá’í Choir, Tom Price, and Dash Crofts. Includes instruments such as the west African balofon and djembe, the Lakota courting flute, the Brazilian pandiero and cuica, and the mbira of Zimbabwe.
51 minutes UNU MONDO Productions and Global Pacific Records, Inc.
Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith[edit]
by Moojan Momen SC $11.95 (BBF)
A comparison of Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith, enabling Bahá’ís to understand something of Buddhism and Buddhists to understand something of the Bahá’í Faith.
5-1/2" x 8-3/4", 114pp. George Ronald, Publisher
Set Three of the Basic Truth Series[edit]
Wings of a Bird, When I Die, I Agree by Bambi Betts SC $13.95 (BT3)
The third in a very popular series of booklets for young children. Designed to help parents teach basic facts of the Bahá’í Faith to children, the booklets establish a basic vocabulary and foster important concepts that are both comprehensible to youngsters and consistent with reality. Wings of a Bird deals with the equality of women and men. When I Die helps children grasp the realities of death. I Agree conveys the benevolence of the laws of God. Includes line drawings suitable for coloring on every page. Also includes guidelines for parents.
5-1/4" x 7"., 32 pp./booklet, illustrations George Ronald, Publisher
[Page 8]
Behold Me[edit]
Bahá’í Writings on Unity Compilation HC $16.95 (BMH), SC $11.95 (BMS)
A comprehensive selection of Bahá’í writings on the central theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation - the unity of the human race. Includes more than 230 thematically arranged extracts from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice. Thoughtfully designed with the general reader in mind, Behold Me will be of special interest to those working to heal society’s divisions and to all concerned about the future of civilization.
8-1/2" x 8-1/2", 144pp., photographs, tbl contents, index, biographical notes, references, bibliography Bahá’í Publishing Trust, UK
A Way Out of the Trap[edit]
An Innovative and Unique Ten-Step Program for Spiritual Growth by Nathan Rutstein (WOTS) SC $11.95
An easy to follow guide for strengthening one’s connection to God. Intended to help both seekers and Bahá’ís discover their true selves, the book describes in compelling, practical terms what we must do to nourish our souls and explains how doing so makes our lives far more fulfilling.
6" x 9", 176 pp. Whitcomb Publishing
Healthy Planet, Healthy People[edit]
The Van Manens CS $10.95 (HPHPCS), CD $16.95 (HPHPCD)
A collection of 12 songs from Dave and Helene Van Manen on the theme of feeling good about ourselves and living in harmony with the natural world. Songs include “Healthy Planet, Healthy People,” “Don’t Whine,” “Building Bridges,” “Trees,” “Peace Like a River,” “The Fat Piglet Waltz,” “Earth Circles,” “The Happy Wanderer,” “My Body,” “I Am a Friend.” For preschool children.
People Records
Paris Talks[edit]
Addresses by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $13.95 (PTH), SC $5.00 (PTS)
A new edition of the popular collection of talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while visiting Paris in 1911. Offers guidance for applying spiritual principles to every-day life and explains major Bahá’í teachings such as the oneness of humankind, the need to abolish prejudice, the harmony of science and religion, and the equality of the sexes. Designed for easier reading, this illustrated edition includes photos of places where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke. Includes a comprehensive index and paragraph numbering, making it easy to locate specific themes and references. A good source of quotable quotes for media use, and an excellent tool for teaching and deepening.
7-1/2" x 5", 224 pp., tbl contents, introduction, index Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United Kingdom
Models of Unity II[edit]
Interracial and Interreligious Contacts and Interaction in Atlanta, Georgia The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States SC $3.00 (MOU2)
The second of two studies of racial and religious amity intended to serve as a counterbalance to descriptions of conflict. Following-up on the 1992 study of models of unity in the Chicago area, the Atlanta study sought to discover whether the kinds of amity and co-operation found in the Chicago area also exist in Atlanta. The results suggest there are “reservoirs of interracial good will and amity” that are being understudied and underused. The study also points to areas in which regular and significant interracial and interreligious contacts are being made.
8-1/2" x 11", 29 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust
The Spiritual Revolution, II[edit]
Announcing a new series of 12 half-hour television programs...
THE SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION A Series of Conversations about the Bahá’í Faith VT $25.00 EACH
A new series of 12 programs featuring informal conversations about the most critical issues of our time. Each tape has three half-hour programs covering a range of topics including personal transformation and life after death. An excellent tool for firesides and deepenings.*
Tape 1 (ESR21N) Empowered Parents, Healthy Children, Biblical Prophecy Fulfilled, The Near Death Experience Tape 2 (ESR22N) Towards a World Economy, Mind, Spirit, and the Soul, Interpretation of Biblical Prophecy Tape 3 (ESR23N) Youth Can Move the World, Peace by the Year 2000, A Bahá’í Fireside (Part 1) Tape 4 (ESR24N), Models of Unity, Personal Transformation, A Bahá’í Fireside
each tape 1 hour 30 minutes Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Francisco
- To order this series in television broadcast format, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Francisco, at (415) 431-9990.
The Great Adventure[edit]
by Florence Mayberry SC $14.95 (GAS) HC $19.95 (GAH)
The autobiographical story of “the great adventure life has been, and continues to be” for Florence Mayberry, former Continental Counselor and member of the International Teaching Center.
More than an autobiography, the book offers an account of a “pattern of search and struggle shared by all human creatures as we are nudged by instinctive yearning into discovery of who and why we are.”
6" x 9", 217 pp. Nine Pines Publishing
Order Form[edit]
SHIP TO ____________________________________________________________________
DAYTIME TELEPHONE ( ) _______________________________________________________
| ITEM | QUANTITY | COST |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | ||
PAYMENT METHOD —CASH —CHECK [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] —CHARGE ($10.00 MINIMUM—VISA, MASTER, AMEX)
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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 • 1-800-999-9019 • Fax: 1-615-843-0836 • Internet:
[Page 9]
State Teaching Committees support local efforts[edit]
Among the National Spiritual Assembly’s efforts to decentralize the work of the Cause in this country was the creation last year of 10 State Teaching Committees to extend the work of the National Teaching Committee to selected areas of the country.
Committees were established in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina in the Southeast; Arizona, Texas and California (southern and northern) in the Southwest and West; and Oregon and Washington in the Northwest.
The main function of State Teaching Committees (STCs) is to promote entry by troops by guiding and supporting local teaching efforts.
They do this by establishing state teaching goals, conveying the vision of teaching to the believers, monitoring and supporting local initiatives, encouraging the initiation of projects for large-scale growth, and facilitating intercommunity collaboration.
Since their formation last year, the STCs have been working with Assemblies, Groups and individuals to raise the vision of the friends, stimulate personal initiatives, and sponsor intercommunity activities that are beyond the jurisdiction of Assemblies.
STCs have also sponsored such events as state teaching conferences and fund-raising activities. Many have begun statewide newsletters, and some have assumed responsibility for coordinating traveling teaching and Army of Light projects.
Assemblies and believers in states where STCs exist are encouraged to contact them to share news and to consult on teaching opportunities. The State Teaching Committees may be contacted through their secretaries:
Arizona Mrs. Gwendolyn A. Calhoun, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-1627.
Northern California Mr. Shastri Purushotma, Cupertino, CA 95014.
Southern California Mr. James Schechter, Spiritual Assembly of Mesa, CA 91941-4634.
North Carolina Robert Tansik, Durham, NC 27713-7806.
South Carolina Mrs. Debbie Jackson, Hemingway, SC 29554.
Florida Mrs. Harriet Stafford, Gainesville, FL 32601-9025.
Georgia Mrs. Patsy T. Gailey, Baldwin, GA 30511-9660.
Oregon Mrs. Rachel Ann Greco, P.O. Box 568, Dallas, OR 97338.
Texas Mrs. Jeanette Hedayati, P.O. Box 417, Graham, TX 76450-9726.
Washington Mr. Aaron D. Lewis, Renton, WA 98059-7360.
Plan-making helps communities focus, coordinate teaching goals[edit]
At the beginning of the Three Year Plan the National Teaching Committee asked all local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups to develop and implement local teaching plans. In the Plan’s first two years, about 750 communities have established such plans and submitted them to the Teaching Committee.
Early this year the National Teaching Committee renewed its call for plans, asking that all Assemblies and Groups review their teaching plans, revise them as needed, or make new plans if they hadn’t already done so. As of the end of May, about 150 Assemblies and Groups had reviewed their plans and submitted them to the committee.
In its Ridván 152 message to the Bahá’ís of the World, the Universal House of Justice reminds individual believers and local Assemblies of their respective and mutually reinforcing roles in promoting the Cause of God.
On the one hand, the House of Justice affirms the duty and privilege of the individual to take the initiative in teaching the Cause of God and obtaining a deeper understanding of the purpose and requirements of the Faith. “Parallel with the exercise of such initiative,” the House of Justice emphasizes, “is the necessity of the individual’s participation in collective endeavors, such as community functions and projects.”
As to the role of the local Assembly, the House of Justice writes that it is “the role of the local Spiritual Assembly to welcome, encourage and accommodate the initiative of the individual believers to the maximum extent possible.”
It further states that it is “the responsibility of the Assembly to devise or promote plans that will employ the talents and abilities of the individual members of the community, and that will involve individuals in collective action, such as teaching and development projects, institutes, and other group activities.”
Plan-making helps in coordinating such important collective enterprises as teaching, proclamation, child education, deepening, community development, the development of financial resources, and involving the youth in various aspects of Bahá’í community life. The nature of the goals adopted may vary from place to place according to local conditions.
Local Assemblies often enlist the support of all the believers in their communities as they formulate their plans. Once plans are completed, they are presented to the friends so that everyone can be involved in carrying them out.
Plans received by the National Teaching Office are reviewed carefully and responses are provided to the local Assemblies. Both the plans and suggestions made by the National Teaching Committee are then shared with members of the Auxiliary Board, who in turn may share them with their assistants who work directly with the communities.
Local plans can contribute to the formulation of national teaching plans and strategies by the National Teaching Committee. Data gleaned from the various plans is helpful in determining the scope of teaching activities throughout the country and can help the National Teaching Committee to channel more effectively its human and material resources.
More details from incoming teaching plans will be shared in future issues of The American Bahá’í.
Bahá’ís in Dallas-Ft. Worth raise $23,330 for the Arc[edit]
Sixty-three Bahá’ís from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area attended a fund-raiser April 22 hosted by the Taeed family in Carrollton, Texas, at which $23,330 was raised for the Arc Projects.
The friends enjoyed an evening of love, fellowship and entertainment including a recitation of The Hidden Words and a poem, accompanied by the tar (a Persian instrument), and music on the santour and Persian drum.
Charleston, SC, to host Race Unity Conference[edit]
A Bahá’í conference with a difference is how organizers of “A Reunion of the Human Family” describe the race unity conference to be held September 21-24 in Charleston, South Carolina.
The hope is that Bahá’ís will bring their seekers to the weekend gathering, making it a true teaching event.
Tours of the Louis G. Gregory Museum, in the boyhood home of the late Hand of the Cause of God, also will be conducted.
Bahá’í Race Unity Conference[edit]
A REUNION OF THE HUMAN FAMILY
Charleston, South Carolina Gaillard Auditorium September 21 – 24, 1995
I will/we will attend the Race Unity Conference:
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Spouse: _________________________________________________________________
Children: _____________________________________________________ Ages: _______ ( Names please )
Youth (13–20): _________________________________________________ Ages: _______ ( Names please )
Address: ________________________________________________ City: ____________
State: ___________________________ Zip: _______________ Nation: _____________
Telephone: _______________________________________________________________
Bahá’í Community: ________________________________________________________
| $ 50.00 per Adult: | __________________ |
| $ 25.00 per Youth: | __________________ |
| $140.00 per Family: | __________________ ( 2 Adults and 2 or more Youth ) |
| $ 10.00 per Non Bahá’í Guest: | __________________ |
( No fee for children, but there will be a children’s program. Come one and all )
Enclosed is a check for: $ __________________ made payable to: Mt. Pleasant Bahá’í Fund
The Conference Hotel is: The Sheraton Inn Charleston 170 Lockwood Drive Charleston, SC 29409
| For Reservations Call
1-800-968-3569 - Ask For, “Bahá’í Race Unity Conference” $79.00 for 1 to 5 occupants Last Day for rate, August 21st |
Please send your registration form as soon as possible to:
Bahá’í Race Unity Conference The Spiritual Assembly of Mt. Pleasant P.O. Box 1389 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465-1389
for more information: call (803) 881-6333 10 am. - 6 pm, EST, or write to the address above.
[Page 10]
NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]
To the Universal House of Justice
Feeling more confident in ourselves assured by the faith that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has always had in the American Bahá’í community, we the delegates of the 86th National Bahá’í Convention of the United States send loving greetings to the Supreme Institution.
Inspired by the message of Riḍván 152, shared with the assembled delegates in the presence of our honored Counselors Stephen Birkland, Wilma Ellis, and William Roberts and our beloved esteemed National Spiritual Assembly and Dr. Daryush Haghighi, a Trustee of the Huqúqu’lláh in the United States, we offer you our commitment to achieve all of our goals in this last year of the Three Year Plan.
We are certain that with the completion of “the world shaking, world embracing, world directed administrative institutions” on God’s Holy Mountain and the maturation of our Assemblies, which are both proceeding steadily, the Lesser Peace is at hand. Eagerly, we anticipate the visit of Mr. ‘Alí Nakhjavání, a member of your honored body, to bring us closer to that vision.
To help this community achieve the goals set forth, we are determined that each of us will arise with constancy and confidence and accept the tasks and responsibilities outlined for the American Bahá’ís in your Riḍván 152 message and your May 19, 1994, letter to our National Spiritual Assembly for which our gratitude is boundless.
The unity that flowed from this Convention reminded us of the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during his historic visit to Chicago: “It is my hope that the unity and harmony of the friends in Chicago may be the cause of the unity of the friends throughout America and that all people may become recipients of their love and kindness. May they be an example for mankind.” Confident that “the hosts of divine inspiration,” as promised by Bahá’u’lláh, will assist us in this mighty endeavor, empowered by the love set forth by the perfect exemplar, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and encouraged by the vision of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, we, the American Bahá’ís, will triumph.
This confidence was expressed in song by the Gospel Ensemble at the Saturday evening program dedicated to our dearly loved Dr. Sarah Pereira.
We humbly beseech the Supreme Institution to supplicate the Holy Threshold for the spiritual awakening of the American people.
Delegates to the 86th United States Bahá’í National Convention April 30, 1995
Delegates to the 86th United States Bahá’í National Convention
Our hearts were uplifted by the confident spirit, noble aspirations and warm sentiments expressed in your message of 30 April 1995. Be assured of our fervent supplications at the Holy Threshold that the Blessed Beauty may pour upon the members of the dearly loved American Bahá’í community His unceasing confirmations, thus enabling them to fulfill the commitment you have made on their behalf to achieve the remaining goals of the Three Year Plan for their country.
The Universal House of Justice May 1, 1995
86th Bahá’í National Convention[edit]
A look back
The historic Bismarck Hotel in downtown Chicago played host to the Convention. It opened in 1894, the same year the Faith came to America. (Photo by Kim Mennillo)
The sights and sounds of an open National Convention included delving into the bookstore’s offerings (above) and visiting information booths (left) on pioneering, teaching, and the work of various agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly. (Photos by Kim Mennillo)
[Page 11]
NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]
Performances by such groups as Soul Folk (far left) and the Bahá’í Gospel Ensemble (left) put delegates in the right spirit. (Photos by Kim Mennillo)
Longtime Convention attendees Leonard and Eunice Braun of Glenview, Illinois, enjoy the proceedings. (Photo by Kim Mennillo)
Above, roses with ribbons bearing the names of martyrs are clutched during the Ninth Day of Ridván observance dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. (Photo by Kim Mennillo)
Delegates line up amid the ornate surroundings of the Bismarck’s Palace Theater for their opportunity to speak during consultation. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)
Left, delegates Joel Nizin and Ed Peace tap away at their computers to keep the Writings close at hand. (Photo by Kim Mennillo)
[Page 12]
ACTIVITIES[edit]
from the pages of Brilliant Star.
New Customs[edit]
by Victoria Cunningham and Meg Anderson
“May the trees of your hearts bring forth new leaves and variegated blossoms.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 38
Do your customs show your love?[edit]
‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us it is time to create new customs. But how? Stop and think. Do you have a special prayer that you say before a trip? What does your family do for ‘Ayyám-i-Há? You may be creating new customs already.
Our customs don’t need to be the same.
It is a custom for Mrs. Mayberry to teach by telling stories. These stories reflect her love for Bahá’u’lláh and for others. The love in her actions attracts others to the Bahá’í Faith. Do you have customs that reflect your love?
Let’s share our customs with each other. Together, we may think of some totally new ideas. Do this with your class or any gathering of friends.
Hearts for Everyone[edit]
1. Make one small paper heart for each person plus a few extras. Use the smaller, inside heart on this page as a pattern.
2. Make half as many large paper hearts. Use the larger, outside heart pattern.
3. Draw a larger copy of the tree picture onto a mural, chalkboard or poster. You will add to it later.
4. Have plenty of crayons or markers on hand.
Sharing Customs[edit]
1. Give a small paper heart to each person. The shape will remind you that good customs will reflect the love in your heart.
2. Think of your own family’s customs. Write down two or three on your paper heart.
3. In groups of three people, share with each other what you wrote.
4. Consult with your small group. Think of a new custom your families could start. This idea could borrow from other customs or be totally new.
5. When you all agree on a plan, use one of the large hearts. Turn your heart upside down with the point up. It will look like a leaf. Now write down your new custom. If you have more great ideas, use more leaves.
6. Your hearts will become leaves on your tree mural. Adorn or decorate your leaves with diverse colors and blossoms.
7. Tape or glue each leaf onto a branch of the tree. Be sure to tape the hearts so that the customs can be read.
8. Take time to look over the whole tree. You may find a new custom you want to share with your family. ★
Reprinted from Brilliant Star, The Door to the Future, May-June 1995
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NEWS[edit]
Volunteer Ala Kaaihue is master gardener at Bosch.
Volunteers[edit]
Continued from page 5
housekeeping, groundskeeping, office support, bookstore and library support, and teaching children’s classes.
Many volunteers, she said, benefit from their job training, acquiring marketable skills while providing valuable services to the school and to the Faith.
While summer volunteers are generally recruited for a duration of six to 10 weeks, periods of a shorter duration also are considered, said Mrs. LaBelle.
Generally, full-time volunteers provide 40 hours of service per week in an assigned area in exchange for on-campus room and board. A small stipend is available to those who require compensation in order to be of service.
Green Acre is always looking for Youth Service Corps volunteers who can offer long-term service, generally six to 12 months.
“We currently have one YSC volunteer, Abraham Reed from Anchorage, Alaska,” said Mrs. LaBelle. He came to the school last June for the summer and worked in food services, primarily as a dishwasher.
In September, said Mrs. LaBelle, he “decided to extend his stay through the entire year. He remains our head dishwasher, but...has assumed other responsibilities in housekeeping and maintenance departments, making him a valuable support to our limited staff in those departments.”
Opportunities abound for volunteers throughout the remainder of the year as well.
Weekend programs generally require volunteers to assist in food services, housekeeping and children’s classes. The bookstore and library also depend on volunteer help to maintain regular hours of operation, and the small office staff of three needs help several times a year in processing mass mailings.
A volunteer is presently being sought to fill a position as full-time resident caretaker. An on-campus residence is provided in exchange for fulfilling caretaker and light-duty maintenance responsibilities.
“It’s a perfect position for a retired or semi-retired person or couple,” said Mrs. LaBelle.
Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute[edit]
Administrator Charles Bullock has a long list of duties volunteers perform at the Hemingway, South Carolina, facility:
construction on the new Radio Bahá’í building; maintenance; clerical work (typing, answering phones, responding to letters, etc.); teaching children’s/youth classes; cooking; organizing events at the Institute; remote broadcasting; overseeing the GED instructional program; drawing up architectural blueprints for construction projects; helping with an organic gardening project; on-air radio shifts; and radio program production.
That doesn’t tell the whole story of their service, of course.
During Peace Fest in September, volunteers worked around the clock, transporting people back and forth, setting up, cleaning, cooking, working with security and parking, planning—even picking people up from the airport at three or four o’clock in the morning.
“They got up very early and went to bed very late,” said Mr. Bullock. “Their service has proven to be unconditional.”
Every week, volunteers teach the Institute’s classes for children and youth. They pick up and drop off the kids, play with them, and, in the words of one of the youth attending classes regularly, “They give me the respect that I don’t get at home.”
Native American Bahá’í Institute[edit]
Providing a constant presence on the Houck, Arizona, campus are volunteer caretakers Pat and Gene McMackin and cook Barbara Tong.
Mrs. Tong has also been known to wear the hats of construction supervisor and office assistant. For years she helped keep the books and manage finances.
Many other volunteers including young Bahá’ís from the U.S. and abroad, teach children’s classes, help with building projects, and assist in the kitchen.
“We would be hard-pressed to get much done without them,” says Brad Rishel, who has served at the Institute in various capacities for seven years and was interim administrator until Joel and Esther Orona arrived recently to take over the position.
House of Worship[edit]
The “great silent teacher” relies as well on a large number of active volunteers.
The most visible, of course, are the guides. In the visitors center and in the auditorium foyer, they can be seen greeting people from all over the world and answering their questions.
The need for guides is greatest from May through September, when the Temple must be staffed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Other times of the year it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sadly, there are times in which the visitors center must be locked because no volunteer is available to guide during that time slot. The first priority is keeping the auditorium open, and staff members serve there in a pinch.
Outside on the grounds, “garden teachers” circulate on balmy summer nights and engage visitors in conversation.
Other volunteers lead tours—varying anywhere from school groups to garden clubs—and help out in the office. Members of the House of Worship Choir and helpers at special events also volunteer their time and talents.
Whatever the task, it’s critical that volunteers commit to regular service, said Mary Yopp, volunteer coordinator.
Many times, she said, a Bahá’í community will arise to serve. Members might rotate days to fulfill the commitment, or they’ll pile into cars and arrive en masse to devote a weekend or week to the Temple.
Mrs. Yopp said that is true even of communities far removed from Illinois, but most are in adjoining states.
National Teaching Office[edit]
Shortly after layoffs at the Bahá’í National Center were announced in early 1994, Dorita Krapf called the National Teaching Office to offer her help in any area.
Her commitment to youth and children as teachers of the Cause, coupled with her reasonable proximity to the National Center, made her an ideal candidate to be national coordinator for the Army of Light. After consulting with her family, she agreed to accept the position.
Mrs. Krapf is in effect a staff member of the National Teaching Committee. She supervises a network of regional coordinators who, in turn, oversee the recruitment, training and mobilization of children, youth and adults in the Army of Light.
“She is the backbone of this teaching initiative,” declared Ada James of the National Teaching Office.
Mrs. Krapf has set up an office at her home in Manhattan, Illinois. To make her work easier, she has become proficient with word processing and is starting on electronic mail. She also travels to the National Center one day a week.
Pam Solon, a member of the Chinese Task Force, has taken on responsibility for literature distribution. The Winnetka, Illinois, resident visits the National Teaching Office periodically and handles the literature from her home.
The Unity of Mankind awards program in Scouting is Sherry Krannichfeld’s bailiwick. All mail about this program is forwarded to her in Springdale, Arkansas.
“This is a tremendous service to the National Teaching Committee because she has more experience with Scouting than any of our paid staff,” said Mrs. James.
The National Teaching Office also uses volunteers on an irregular basis for clerical tasks such as shredding, filing and collating materials.
Other offices[edit]
Christine Stanwood, volunteer coordinator in the Human Resources Office of the National Center, said other departments also need volunteer help from time to time.
One ongoing project is the task of scanning membership records into computers in the Management Information Services office. The Research Office has a multitude of filing tasks.
One place volunteers can always make a difference is the Bahá’í Home, a few blocks from the House of Worship.
Especially on afternoons and weekends, volunteers are needed to play games with residents, read to them, or just chat. The Home also is looking for a CPR specialist to teach the technique to employees.
Mrs. Stanwood echoed the plea of Mrs. Yopp that volunteers commit to either a block of days or service on a regular basis over a period of time. It is inefficient, she said, to spend hours training someone for only a day or two of volunteering.
She also pointed out that, unlike the schools and institutes, the National Center cannot provide accommodations or meals for volunteers.
Another important note: Wherever you plan to serve, you must contact the facility in advance. That allows the staff to send you a volunteer application on which you can list skills and interests. It also gives the staff time to check, for security reasons, your Bahá’í standing.
These formalities are minimal, though, compared to the joy of serving the Cause. Just ask the hundreds of believers who know first-hand, and the thousands their service has touched.
India[edit]
Continued from page 1
Bahá’í literature, it is stated thus:
“‘...The spirit of tolerance and assimilation are the hallmarks of this civilization. Never has the question of communal harmony and social integration raised such a wide range of emotions as today. ...
“‘Fear, suspicion and hatred are the fuel which feeds the flame of communal disharmony and conflict. Though the Indian masses would prefer harmony between various communities, it cannot be established through the accommodation ‘separate but equal,’ nor through the submergence of minority culture into majority culture—whatever that may be. ...
“‘Lasting harmony between heterogeneous communities can only come through a recognition of the oneness of mankind, a realization that differences that divide us along ethnic and religious lines have no foundation.
“‘Just as there are no boundaries drawn on the earth of separate nations, distinctions of social, economic, ethnic and religious identity imposed by peoples are artificial: they have only benefited those with vested interests.
“‘On the other hand, naturally occurring diverse regions of the planet, or the country, such as mountains and plains, each have unique benefits. The diversity created by God has infinite value, while distinctions imposed by man have no substance.”’
[Page 14]
Community honor roll: B.E. 151[edit]
We are delighted to publish the Community Honor Roll for 151 B.E. This year the list of local Spiritual Assemblies and registered Groups showing exemplary patterns of giving to the National Fund includes 772 Assemblies and 189 Groups, down slightly from last year’s totals of 773 and 205. Overall, more than 2,000 Assemblies and Groups contributed to the Fund during the year. Those whose names appear here have distinguished themselves by the diligence and care they have shown in support of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The criteria for listing on the Honor Roll are the same as last year. To be eligible, a community must either give 15 times or more during at least 12 of the 19 months of the Bahá’í year, or a community must take part in the Automatic Contributions System (ACS) for at least 10 of 12 Gregorian months between March and February. Communities whose combined contributions by mail and through the ACS fulfill either criterion are also included.
Regularity, consistency, reliability and responsibility—all hallmarks of maturity—characterize these communities’ material expressions of unified action. That the total number of communities contributing to the National Bahá’í Fund continues to grow each year is heartwarming evidence that we are making steady progress toward the Lesser Peace.
ALABAMA
Unit 1—Birmingham, Florence, Huntsville, Jasper, Jefferson Co, Madison, Morgan Co, Tuscaloosa.
Unit 2—Fairhope, Mobile, Montgomery.
ARIZONA
Unit 4—Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Coconino E, Flagstaff, Glendale, Peoria, Prescott, Rural Verde Valley, Sedona, Sun City.
Unit 5—Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Holbrook, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe.
Unit 6—Avondale.
Unit 7—Cochise Co SW, Oro Valley, Pima Co E, Pima Co S, Sierra Vista.
Unit 78—Ganado Chapter.
ARKANSAS
Unit 3—Fayetteville, Little Rock, Rogers.
CALIFORNIA
Unit 8—Belmont, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Mateo Co S JD.
Unit 9—Concord, Danville, Delta, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Martinez, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek.
Unit 10—Berkeley, Dublin, Fremont, Newark, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City.
Unit 11—Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co N.
Unit 12—Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale.
Unit 13—Monterey, Pacific Grove, Prunedale, Toro and Laguna Beach.
Unit 15—Bakersfield, Clovis, Hanford, Manteca, Modesto, North Fork, Ridgecrest, Stockton, Tracy, Tuolumne Central JD, Yosemite-El Portal.
Unit 16—Chico, Chico JD, Fairfield, Grass Valley JD, Nevada City, Nevada Co Central, Red Bluff JD, Suisun City, Vacaville.
Unit 17—Carmichael, Citrus Heights, El Dorado Co NW, El Dorado Co SE, Fair Oaks-Orangevale, Folsom, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento Co SE.
Unit 18—Arcata, Eureka, Greater Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Marin Co, North Humboldt JD, Novato, Petaluma, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co N, Sonoma Co S, Tiburon.
Unit 19—Burbank, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lancaster, Newhall JD, Palmdale.
Unit 20—Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Culver City, West Hollywood, Westlake Village.
Unit 21—Los Angeles.
Unit 22—Altadena, Arcadia, Azusa, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Temple City.
Unit 23—Gardena, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Torrance.
Unit 24—Diamond Bar, Downey, Lakewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Walnut.
Unit 25—Apple Valley, Chino Hills, Corona, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Mt. San Jacinto JD, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Springs, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Riverside JD, San Bernardino, Temecula, Three Lakes JD, Upland, Victorville.
Unit 26—Anaheim, Garden Grove, La Habra, Los Alamitos, Orange, Orange Co W JD, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Tustin, Yorba Linda.
Unit 27—Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange Co S JD, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano.
Unit 28—Arroyo Grande, Baywood Park-Los Osos, Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oak Park, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Co NW, San Luis Obispo Co S, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Maria JD, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Ventura Co.
Unit 29—Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook-San Diego, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego Co N JD, San Marcos, Vista.
Unit 30—Chula Vista, El Cajon, El Cajon JD, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Santee, Spring Valley.
COLORADO
Unit 32—Arapahoe Co, Boulder, Douglas Co, Englewood, Fort Collins, Lafayette, Lakewood, Larimer Co, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Northglenn, Westminster.
Unit 33—Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs.
Unit 34—Cortez, Durango, Glenwood Springs, La Plata Co.
CONNECTICUT
Unit 35—Hartford, Manchester, New Canaan, New Haven, Ridgefield Town, Roxbury Town, Southington, Stamford, West Hartford Town, Woodbridge Town.
DELAWARE
Unit 36—Dover, New Castle Co N, Sussex Co, Wilmington.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Unit 66—Washington DC.
FLORIDA
Unit 37—Altamonte Springs, Brevard Co, DeLand, Melbourne, Orange Co E, Orange Co W, Orlando, Osceola Co.
Unit 38—Atlantic Beach, Gainesville, Greater Gainesville, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Marion Co, Tallahassee.
Unit 39—Palm Beach Co Central, Palm Beach Co S.
Unit 40—Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Wilton Manors.
Unit 41—Dade Co Central, Dade Co N, Dade Co S, Key Largo, Key West.
Unit 42—Bradenton, Charlotte Co, Citrus Co, Clearwater, Hillsborough Co E, Hillsborough Co NW, Lakeland, Largo, Lee Co, Manatee Co, Pinellas Co, Polk Co, Sarasota Co N, St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Beach.
GEORGIA
Unit 43—Richmond Co.
Unit 44—Dalton, Gwinnett Co N.
Unit 45—Alpharetta, Atlanta, Cobb Co E, Cobb Co NE, Cobb Co S, Cobb Co SE, Cobb Co SW, Cobb Co W, Fulton Co Central, Marietta.
Unit 46—Clayton Co, DeKalb Co Central, DeKalb Co N, Rockdale Co.
Unit 47—Peach Co.
Unit 48—Glynn Co, Savannah.
Unit 49—Valdosta.
IDAHO
Unit 51—Latah Co, Lewiston, Moscow.
Unit 52—Boise, Idaho Falls, Power Co, Valley Co.
ILLINOIS
Unit 53—Aurora, Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Chemung Twp, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Rock Island, Rockford, Roscoe Twp, St. Charles, Wheaton, Woodstock.
Unit 54—Arlington Hts, Barrington, La Grange, Park Forest.
Unit 55—Evanston, Glencoe, Maine Twp, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Skokie, Winnetka.
Unit 57—Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, East Peoria, Mahomet Twp, Peoria, Urbana.
Unit 58—Belleville, Edwardsville, Springfield.
INDIANA
Unit 59—Bloomington, Elkhart, Gary, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Mishawaka, Mt. Vernon, South Bend, Vincennes.
IOWA
Unit 50—Ames, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Manchester, Marion, Marshalltown, Mt. Vernon, Sioux City, Warren Co, Waterloo.
KANSAS
Unit 60—Butler Co, Cowley Co, Derby, Dodge City, Emporia, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Newton, Wichita, Winfield.
KENTUCKY
Unit 61—Boyle Co, Frankfort, Jefferson Co, Lexington, Louisville, Murray.
LOUISIANA
Unit 62—Avondale, Bossier City, La Place, Lafourche Parish, Metairie, New Orleans, Ouachita Parish, Shreveport, St. Tammany Parish SE.
MAINE
Unit 68—Auburn, Augusta, Dexter Town, Eliot Town, Portland, South Berwick.
MARYLAND
Unit 66—Gaithersburg, Montgomery Co N, Montgomery Co NW, Montgomery Co S, Montgomery Co SE, Montgomery Co SW, Takoma Park.
Unit 67—Anne Arundel Co E, Baltimore Co Central, Baltimore Co W, Bel Air, Calvert Co, Carroll Co, Greenbelt, Howard Co, Laurel, Prince Georges Co N, Prince Georges Co S.
MASSACHUSETTS
Unit 63—Adams Town, Amherst Town, Belchertown Town, Easthampton Town, Longmeadow Town, Montague Town, Northampton, South Hadley Town, Springfield, Westfield, Wilbraham Town.
Unit 64—Chelmsford Town, Ipswich, Lowell, Marlborough, Worcester.
Unit 65—Barnstable Town, Boston, Bourne Town, Dartmouth Town, Foxboro Town, Lexington Town, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Wareham Town, Watertown Town.
MICHIGAN
Unit 69—Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Flint, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Niles Twp, Pittsfield Twp, St. Joseph, Ypsilanti.
Unit 70—Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, Midland, Saginaw, Saginaw Twp, Scottville, Vassar, White River Twp.
Unit 71—Bloomfield Twp, Canton Twp, Clinton Twp, Detroit, Farmington Hills, Huntington Woods, Lincoln Park, Oak Park, St. Clair Shores, Salem Twp, Southfield, Troy, Washington Twp, Wyandotte.
Unit 164—Cornell Twp, Escanaba, Marquette, Stanton Twp.
MINNESOTA
Unit 72—Aitkin Co, Baudette, Beltrami Co, Bemidji, Duluth, Embarrass, Grand Rapids, Moorhead,
[Page 15]
COMMUNITY HONOR ROLL[edit]
Onamia, Sartell, St. Cloud.
Unit 73—Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, Greenwood, Little Canada, May Twp, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Rochester, Roseville, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Stillwater, West St. Paul, Woodbury.
MISSISSIPPI
Unit 76—Gulfport, Jackson, Madison Co, Vicksburg.
MISSOURI
Unit 74—Kansas City, Phelps Co, Rolla, Springfield.
Unit 75—St. Charles Co, St. Louis Co S, University City, Webster Groves.
MONTANA
Unit 77—Billings, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Flathead Co, Great Falls, Helena, Lewis & Clark Co, Missoula Co, Yellowstone Co.
NEBRASKA
Unit 86—Aurora, Bellevue, Cass Co, Gering, Grand Island, Lincoln, Nebraska City, North Platte, Omaha, Saline County, Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff Co.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Unit 87—Concord, Exeter Town, Hinsdale Town, Lebanon, Lee Town, Manchester, Nashua, Peterborough.
NEW JERSEY
Unit 88—Bloomfield, Montclair Twp, Morris Twp, Ridgewood, Teaneck, Wyckoff.
Unit 89—Ewing Twp, Franklin Twp, Glassboro, Hamilton Twp, Hopewell Twp, Lakewood Twp, Lawrence Twp, Piscataway Twp, Trenton.
NEW MEXICO
Unit 78—Gallup.
Unit 90—Albuquerque, Belen, Farmington, Los Alamos Co, Los Lunas, Pajarito, Paradise Hills, Sandoval Co N, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co.
Unit 92—Alamogordo, Hobbs.
NEVADA
Unit 94—Carson City, Churchill Co, Reno, Sparks, Washoe Co S.
Unit 95—Boulder City, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Paradise Town, Sunrise Manor.
NEW YORK
Unit 96—Albany, Beacon, Bethlehem Town, Greenwich, Hoosick Falls.
Unit 97—Greenburgh Town, Mt. Vernon.
Unit 98—Brookhaven Town, Flower Hill, Garden City, Hempstead Town, Huntington Town, Islip Town, North Hempstead Town, Oyster Bay Town, Smithtown Town.
Unit 99—Amherst Town, Grand Island Town, Greece Town, Olean, Orchard Park Town, Pittsford Town, Rochester, Tonawanda Town, Webster Town.
Unit 100—Canandaigua Town, Ithaca, Sodus Point, Utica, Victor Town.
NORTH CAROLINA
Unit 79—Carrboro, Cumberland Co, Durham, Durham Co, Greensboro, Hamlet, New Hanover Co, Orange Co, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Raleigh, Wake Co, Aurora, Asheville, Buncombe Co, Henderson Co, Charlotte, Watauga Co.
NORTH DAKOTA
Unit 85—Fargo, Jamestown.
OHIO
Unit 101—Bucyrus, Mansfield, Springfield Twp, Sylvania, Weller Twp.
Unit 102—Bath Twp, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Jackson Twp, Kent, Mentor, Poland, Shaker Heights, Stow, Warrensville Heights, Willoughby.
Unit 103—Bexley, Centerville, Columbus, Dayton, Kettering, Miami Twp, Urbana, Westerville, Yellow Springs.
OKLAHOMA
Unit 104—Broken Arrow, Carter Co, Gore, Ponca City, Sapulpa, Tulsa.
Unit 105—Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman, Oklahoma City, The Village, Yukon.
OREGON
Unit 106—Bend, Deschutes Co, Hood River, Jefferson Co, Wallowa Co.
Unit 107—Beaverton, Clackamas Co NW, Clackamas Co S, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Tigard, Washington Co N, Washington Co S.
Unit 108—Gresham, Portland.
Unit 109—Corvallis, Eugene, Lane Co Central, Springfield, Woodburn.
Unit 110—Ashland, Douglas Co, Greater Grants Pass, Jackson Co, Klamath Falls, Medford.
PENNSYLVANIA
Unit 111—Bethlehem, Buckingham Twp, Cheltenham Twp, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lower Merion Twp, Philadelphia, Plumstead Twp, Springfield Twp, Susquehanna Twp, Swarthmore, Tredyffrin Twp.
Unit 112—Huntingdon Borough, Monroeville Borough, Pittsburgh.
RHODE ISLAND
Unit 113—Hopkinton Town, North Smithfield Town, Warwick.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Unit 114—Aiken, Lexington Co N, North Augusta.
Unit 119—Lydia.
Unit 124—Florence.
Unit 129—Conway, Horry Co.
Unit 133—Spartanburg, Spartanburg Co.
Unit 134—Fort Mill, Rock Hill.
Unit 135—Cross, Summerville.
Unit 136—North Charleston.
Unit 139—Clemson, Easley, Greenville, Greenville Co, Greenwood Co N, Pendleton, Pickens Co.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Unit 140—Custer, Rapid City.
TENNESSEE
Unit 142—Chattanooga, Hamilton Co, Knoxville, Maryville.
Unit 143—Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Rutherford Co, Wilson Co.
TEXAS
Unit 93—El Paso.
Unit 144—Austin, Round Rock, Travis Co, Williamson Co.
Unit 145—Bexar Co, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, San Antonio.
Unit 146—Allen, Denison, Denton, Flower Mound, Lewisville, McKinney, Plano, The Colony.
Unit 147—Tyler.
Unit 148—Arlington, Bedford, Benbrook, Colleyville, Ft. Worth, Grapevine, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Waco.
Unit 149—Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Duncanville, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Richardson.
Unit 150—Bryan, College Station, Lake Jackson, League City, Missouri City, The Woodlands.
Unit 151—Baytown, Bellaire, Harris Co NW, Harris Co SW, Houston, La Porte, Pasadena, West University Place.
Unit 152—Amarillo, Graham, Odessa.
Unit 153—Corpus Christi, Edinburg, McAllen, Victoria.
UTAH
Unit 154—Bountiful, Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co, Sandy.
VERMONT
Unit 159—Bennington Town, Brattleboro, Fairfax Town, Hartford Town, Norwich, Rochester Town, Shoreham Town.
VIRGINIA
Unit 155—Fairfax City, Fairfax Co Central S, Fairfax Co NW, Fairfax Co W, Great Falls, Greater Vienna, Loudoun Co, Reston, Round Hill, Vienna.
Unit 156—Arlington Co, Fairfax Co E, Falls Church, McLean, Mt. Vernon, Stafford Co.
Unit 157—Chesterfield Co, Henrico Co, James City Co, Newport News, Portsmouth, Richmond, Virginia Beach.
Unit 158—Albemarle Co, Charlottesville, Nelson Co, Roanoke, Roanoke Co, Scottsville, Staunton.
WASHINGTON
Unit 51—Greater Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Pasco, Pullman, Spokane Co CD 1, Spokane Co CD 2, Wenatchee, West Richland, Yakima, Yakima Co CD 1.
Unit 160—Arlington, Bellingham, Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Vernon, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, San Juan Island, Snohomish Co SE, Snohomish Co SW, Snohomish Co N, Whatcom Co CD 3.
Unit 161—Des Moines, Federal Way, King Co S Central, Seattle.
Unit 162—Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Juanita, Kenmore, King Co Central, King Co NE, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville.
Unit 163—Cowlitz Co CD 3, Kitsap Co Central, Kitsap Co S, Klickitat Co CD 1, Lakewood, Pierce Co CD 1, Pierce Co CD 2, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Shelton, Tacoma, Thurston Co E, Tumwater, Vancouver.
WEST VIRGINIA
Unit 167—Charleston, Morgantown, Princeton.
WISCONSIN
Unit 164—Algoma, Antigo, Appleton, De Pere, Eau Claire, Stevens Point, Wausau.
Unit 165—Green Lake, Janesville, Madison, Oshkosh, Sun Prairie.
Unit 166—Brookfield, Cedarburg, Cudahy, Delafield, Glendale, Kenosha, Meeme Twp, Milwaukee, Muskego, New Berlin, Sheboygan, Waukesha, Waukesha Twp, Wauwatosa, Wilson Twp.
WYOMING
Unit 168—Cheyenne, Laramie.
Highlights of teaching across country[edit]
Following are brief highlights of some of the more exciting teaching efforts being carried out in various parts of the country.
Houston, Texas—Entry by Troops campaign
Over the Memorial Day weekend seven new believers entered the Faith in Houston through the unified efforts of Bahá’ís teaching under the banner of an entry by troops campaign. A teaching conference was held June 2-4 in Houston to officially kick off the campaign.
St. Paul, Minnesota—intensive teaching
Since shortly before Ridván seven people in St. Paul have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. This is the result of a variety of activities ranging from a Hmong teaching project to a local TV cable program.
Atlanta, Georgia—Army of Light: Operation ’95
A training using Ruhi methods and field teaching was held June 20-25, ending with a Race Unity march on June 25. From June 26-August 6, dedicated youth are teaching the Faith full-time through the arts, firesides, direct teaching, and service aimed at achieving entry by troops.
Salt Lake City, Utah—Color Me Human
The conference, held July 1-2, has drawn interest from people locally and elsewhere. Bahá’ís in Salt Lake City have been contacted by a Catholic school with a request for staff training in race unity to be conducted before school starts in the fall. From outside Utah, Bahá’ís have heard from a nun in Niagara, New York, who wants to have a similar conference there. And the violin teacher of a Bahá’í student posted information about the conference on the Internet which drew the attention of someone in Hartford, Connecticut, who planned to be in Salt Lake City on July 1-2.
Modesto, California—Unity in Diversity, an Army of Light project
For three and one-half hours an 11-year-old and a 10-year-old served as masters of ceremony for a Unity in Diversity proclamation event. As one of the two Bahá’í Youth Workshops taking part was presenting its last piece, a man on a bicycle rode up and asked a Bahá’í why these people were so happy. Afterward, he attended a party at a Bahá’í home, and within a few days had attended the celebration of the Declaration of the Báb and signed his declaration card.
[Page 16]
ADS[edit]
CLASSIFIEDS[edit]
Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge as a service to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads can be accepted for publication. The opportunities referred to have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise their own judgment and care in responding to them.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES[edit]
THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has an opening for a full-time program coordinator. This is a year-round position primarily responsible for planning and coordinating educational programs and activities for adults, youth and children. The position requires a personable, creative, highly motivated person who is a strong self-starter. Experience in teaching or direct involvement in Bahá’í educational programs, ability to communicate effectively with large groups and to interact with a wide range of people, and proven success in organizing and coordinating multiple tasks in a similar position are highly desirable. Please send a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.
THE LOUIS GREGORY Bahá’í Institute has vacancies for Youth Service Corps volunteers. Applications are sought from youth who desire to grow in the fields of service and obedience. Service areas include teaching—entry by troops; Radio Bahá’í—broadcasting, maintenance; teaching/deepening children; education center—tutoring, G.E.D. programs. For information, phone 803-558-5093, or fax 803-558-2921.
THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has an immediate opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Seeking highly motivated, energetic self-starter with strong organizational skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, competency in word processing and data base management, and an ability to balance and complete a variety of tasks on time with minimal supervision. Candidate must have outstanding interpersonal skills and enjoy working with people. Accounting/bookkeeping skills and some retail experience desirable; requires a minimum of 2-3 years similar office experience. Applicants should have a strong desire to serve, and ability to work harmoniously within the Bahá’í administration and with diverse types of people. Please send a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.
THE LOUHELEN Bookstore Café and Twin Oaks Dining Room are new additions to the operation of the Louhelen Bahá’í School. Both offer improved service to those attending sessions at the school as well as to members of the general public. More volunteer staff are needed for these two operations. In particular, mature youth or adults are sought who are pursuing training or have career experience in the restaurant or hotel industries or other food service/hospitality-related professions. The possibility of internships exists for students who would wish to explore such options. While no cash stipends are available, full room and board are offered for those accepted to serve. Length of service is flexible, with service opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. For an application, contact Mrs. Penny Schmicker, volunteer services manager, Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-8850; INTERNET 72144,2420 @compuserve.com
Army of Light ‘worksheet’[edit]
Having trouble planning your Army of Light teaching campaign? The National Teaching Committee has prepared an Army of Light Teaching Plan “worksheet” to help you get started. It’s available on request from the National Teaching Committee Office. Phone 708-733-3493 or write to the committee at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.
THE GREEN ACRE Bahá’í School has an immediate opening for a resident caretaker. This is a year-round full-time volunteer position primarily responsible for building and grounds security at designated times, opening and closing buildings as needed for functions, light-duty maintenance, responding to emergencies and greeting visitors. Requires a mature person with a strong desire to serve. On-campus residence provided. Ideal for retired or semi-retired couple; spouse may also apply for other openings at the school. Please submit a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT needed to help in audio and video production for the Media Services Department at the Bahá’í National Center. Principal responsibilities: complete work orders and other Media Services requests in a timely manner; support administrative needs including help with billing; work in production, shooting and editing as requested, both individually and as part of a production team. Qualifications: ability to work as part of a team; demonstrated knowledge of and skill in using professional audio and video production equipment; 2-5 years experience in the field and/or specialized training in a recognized program; ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision; ability to work harmoniously within the Bahá’í administration and with diverse types of individuals; ability to work well under deadline pressures; ability to handle multiple assignments at one time; valid driver’s license. Knowledge of PageMaker and WordPerfect computer programs is desirable. For information or an application, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).
PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)[edit]
EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: The Gambia—volunteer pre-school teachers, rural education coordinator. Mali—field office director for Save the Children Federation local office. Mauritania—nurse/practitioner or physician’s assistant to work as medical officer for the U.S. Peace Corps office. Tanzania—urgent need for accountant; also, English teachers, computer teacher. Uganda—primary education teacher trainer, need for self-supporting couple to serve as caretakers at the Mother Temple of Africa, Temple guides. AMERICAS: Brazil—pre-school and primary school teachers. Costa Rica—radio programmer. Guatemala—elementary school teachers. Honduras—elementary school teachers. ASIA: Cambodia—teacher trainers. India—teachers. Kazakhstan—office manager/administrator to provide support for locally based Project HOPE programs. Macau—teachers. Sakhalin—teachers. Tajikistan—program manager for a Food for Work program of Save the Children. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—caretaker(s) urgently needed for Yerrinbool Bahá’í School and Institute. Marshall Islands—secondary school teachers in math, English, special education, bookkeeping, agriculture, secretarial science and social studies. Samoa—pre-school trained teacher. EUROPE: Czech Republic—dorm parents, teachers. Tanzania—Urgent need for an accountant at the Ruaha Secondary School. Panama has an urgent need for two Spanish-speaking couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. Brazil—School of Nations is seeking pre-school and primary school teachers (grades 1-4). The Peace Corps needs special education teacher trainers, teachers of the deaf and visually impaired, and speech therapists. For details from the Peace Corps office nearest you, phone 1-800-424-8580 and press 1 at the prompt. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail [email protected]).
NORTH KOHALA is a small, friendly, rural, culturally rich area (King Kamehameha was born here) with one of the most ideal climates on the Big Island of Hawaii, an hour from Kona and about 35 minutes from Waimea. It is especially ideal for retired persons, teachers, social workers, small business owners (tourist trade) or artisans, with a full range of housing available (world class to low income) including new low-income one-bedroom units with an ocean view and free shoppers’ shuttle. If we can help anyone who wishes to arise soon as a homefront pioneer, please write to Dale or Diana Hudson, P.O. Box 1165, Kapaau, HI 96755.
WOULDN’T YOU like to live in lovely Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas, and fill a pioneer post? Must sell or lease our home owing to the death of my husband. Two bedrooms, two full baths, vaulted ceilings, large deck overlooking the water, wonderful view, cisterns with pure water on three-plus acres. For information, write to Lois Lissner, Eleuthera, Bahamas, or phone 809-332-2350.
PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)[edit]
SOCORRO, New Mexico, needs homefront pioneers. Socorro, in lovely central New Mexico, has been a target teaching area for more than a year. It is home to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, one of the highest rated science and technological colleges in the country, and to the National Radio Astronomy Observatories. A rural hospital serves the city’s population of 8,100 as well as Socorro County and the nearby Alamo Navajo Reservation. Socorro is in the Middle Rio Grande Valley with mountains on one side and lovely mesas across the other. New Mexico’s largest lake is an hour’s drive south, and Albuquerque is an hour north. Come and help make Socorro County an active Bahá’í community. For information, phone Terri Brown, 505-835-8994, or write to P.O. Box 392, San Antonio NM 87832.
HELP IS NEEDED to establish new Assemblies by the end of the Three Year Plan on the west coast of Michigan. If you are an elderly Bahá’í who wants to remain active in service to Bahá’u’lláh, we can use your experience, knowledge and wisdom. An assisted-care home is available to help you adjust. For information, write to the Simms, P.O. Box 112, Scottville, MI 49454, or phone 616-757-3161.
HOMEFRONT pioneers are wanted in Florence, South Carolina, only 50 miles from the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute. Prefer mature, self-supporting couple with pioneering experience, but dedication is the main quality needed. Florence is a vital Bahá’í community with an active Assembly, a local Center in a prime location, and hundreds of people on its membership list who have not been truly consolidated. South Carolina is an exciting place to be as a Bahá’í, and this is a call to those with a sense of spiritual adventure who love to serve. Phone 803-667-1540 or write to the Spiritual Assembly of Florence, Florence, SC 29501.
RIDGECREST, California (pop. 25,000), 150 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mohave Desert, needs homefront pioneers to help save its jeopardized Assembly. Low cost of living, reasonable prices for renting or buying, possible employment in technical fields (China Lake Navy Base), education (Sierra Sands School District) or medicine (at the many medical offices in town). The Briggs mine will soon be opening. Ridgeway, the gateway to the southern Sierras, is central to the new Death Valley National Park, Red Rocks State Park, and the largest wilderness area outside of Alaska. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Ridgecrest, P.O. Box 1479, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, or phone 619-371-6868.
POMPANO Beach, Florida, on the state’s Atlantic coast, needs help to maintain its Assembly, which was formed in 1962, and invites Bahá’ís to come and serve the Faith while enjoying perfect beaches, sunny days and warm winters. A great place to work or retire. Pompano Beach is in Broward County, which has many Bahá’í activities and an abundance of Bahá’í love. For information, write to Annalean Schwandes, secretary, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, or phone 305-941-6052.
LAREDO, Texas, a goal city for the formation of a local Assembly by Riḍván 1996, invites homefront pioneers to help win the goal. Laredo (pop. 100,000-plus) is on a major route between the U.S. and Mexico; Nuevo Laredo, its sister city on the Mexican side of the border, has a population of more than 400,000. Texas A&M University has a branch in Laredo. Jobs are available in city government, education and other areas. For information, contact Lolita Pagarani, P.O. Box 78042, Laredo, TX 78042 (phone 210-725-2937).
NEEDED: Bahá’ís who are willing to help deepen and consolidate Southeast Asian Bahá’ís in fast-growing South Sacramento, California. Although there are more than 125 believers in the community, the majority of them are Southeast Asians new to the Faith. Ideally, the Assembly is looking for self-supporting individuals with free time, especially during the day; retired persons or a couple would be ideal. Experience with “developing” cultures or time spent living outside the U.S. would be an asset. For information, contact Sara or Marc Platz, Sacramento, CA 95828 (phone 916-689-9645).
ARCHIVES[edit]
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: James W. Wilber, Marion Wilcox, Edna M. Williams (died Johnson City, TN, 1969), Mary Williams, Roy Williams, Cozymine Merced Wilson, Dick Wilson, Esther Wilson, Helen Barker Wilson (died Seattle, WA, 1964) and Lucy M. Wilson (died Meadville, PA, 1959). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.
THE NATIONAL Bahá’í 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 1-2 mail auc-
[Page 17]
ADS[edit]
WANTED[edit]
THE GROWTH of the Faith in the area around the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina has led to an increased need for personnel and materials. There is a need for (1) four Youth Service Corps volunteers; (2) homefront pioneers (there are few Persians in South Carolina); (3) traveling teachers; (4) support services volunteers in construction, maintenance, food services and housekeeping; (5) full-time teachers (short- and long-term); (6) programmers, technicians and broadcasters for WLGI Radio Bahá’í; (7) funds for construction projects and to deputize program participants. For information, phone the Gregory Institute at 803-558-5093 or the National Teaching Committee.
PARENTS’ HELPER wanted. Teaching couple (in a remote Alaskan native village) looking for a non-smoker/drinker who has experience with pre-school children to care for a four-year-old girl (7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays) from August 20, 1995, to May ’96; light housekeeping, able to cook. Pays $650 plus room/board, round-trip air fare from Anchorage. Résumé to John and Lynn Clark, P.O. Box 198, Wrangell, AK 99929.
THE LIGHT of the World Teaching Institute in northwestern Arkansas is trying to reinstate music into its Sunday classes and needs help in obtaining Bahá’í music with simple guitar chords. Please send music or information about where it may be purchased to Patricia A. McHale, Holiday Island, AR 72632.
WANTED: original recipes by children (adult help is okay) for a Bahá’í children’s cookbook to be sold to benefit the Arc Fund. Recipes must be completed by children (with adult supervision). Send submissions as soon as possible to Allyson Larimer (age 10), P.O. Box 312, West Liberty, WV 26074. (Children may illustrate their recipes if they wish.)
THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Stanford, California, are seeking the names and addresses of Stanford alumni who were Bahá’ís while at Stanford or became Bahá’ís later to help form an Alumni Association. Please contact the Bahá’ís of Stanford, c/o Cheryl Khavari, Stanford, CA 94305.
WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Des Moines, Iowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee is establishing a program of public firesides called “Crossroads.” Meetings are to be held the second Thursday evening each month; special programs can be arranged for anyone wishing to use this format. For details, please write to Napolun Birdsong or Pamela Knox, Des Moines, IA 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-961-0605 (evening answering machine).
THE BAHÁ’Í Center in San Francisco, California, needs a caretaker (or couple) who are retired, self-supporting and can offer at least a year of service. The principal qualification is a warm, hospitable nature so that those who come to the Center, either for information or to attend meetings, find themselves welcomed in an atmosphere of dignity and reverence. The caretaker has many opportunities to teach, and should be open and ready to greet those who stop by or telephone, and to help them understand the teachings. The caretaker is responsible for opening and closing the Center at various hours and helping to maintain its appearance. A studio apartment will be provided on a major bus line within 10 minutes of the Center. Please write to the San Francisco Management Committee, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103, fax 415-431-9991, or phone 415-431-9990.
10 minutes of the Center. Please write to the San Francisco Management Committee, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94103, fax 415-431-9991, or phone 415-431-9990.
WANTED: The Mona Bahá’í School is seeking to expand its materials for classes and is looking for back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way, Bahá’í school lesson plans, the Bahá’í Teaching Guide, and Bahá’í books for children. Please send to Carri Smith, Spanaway, WA 98387-7005, or phone her at 206-847-4885. The Mona Bahá’í School can pay for postage.
THE BAHÁ’Í community of Conway, South Carolina, is seeking a couple or an individual to live in its newly acquired Bahá’í Center. Conway is an energetic community with an ongoing teaching project and is committed to “entry by troops.” Conway is close to the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Radio Bahá’í, and Myrtle Beach. The rent is negotiable based on services that the person/couple can provide. Phone (803) 293-7225 for information and details.
THE BAHÁ’ÍS of Franklin County, Missouri, birthplace of early American Bahá’í Phoebe Hearst, are seeking copies of photographs, letters, articles, etc. relating to Mrs. Hearst’s Bahá’í experience. Plans are being made to present the material to the Missouri Historical Society and the local Phoebe Hearst Historical Society. Please contact the Bahá’ís of Franklin County, P.O. Box 15, Pacific, MO 63069, or phone Shirley Lee, 314-257-7521.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES[edit]
ATTENTION YOUTH: the Nightingale Circle Bahá’í Correspondence Club is forming a branch for young people around the world. If you enjoy writing letters and getting to know your Bahá’í family around the world and would like more information on how to go about doing so, please contact Toni Isaac, Alpine, TX 79830, or phone 915-837-5916.
DIVERSITY Dance Workshop has ongoing openings for full-time dancers and performing artists ages 18-25 and also needs a road manager to coordinate its tours. DDW presents powerful programs addressing such issues as violence, racism, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, intolerance and gender inequality. Great opportunity to tour schools throughout the Pacific Northwest and to travel nationally and internationally teaching Bahá’í principles. The road manager should be a well-organized adult with good communication skills. If interested, please contact DDW at P.O. Box 803, Bellevue, WA 98009, or phone 206-391-3303.
THE National Teaching Committee is seeking Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service opportunities at the permanent schools and institutes and opportunities in such places as Phoenix and Holbrook, AZ; Conway and Orangeburg, SC; Buncombe County, NC; Holland, MI; Los Angeles, CA; St. Paul, MN; and Kansas City, MO. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a goal locality to serve as a homefront pioneer. If you would like to serve at any of these posts, or if you are interested in establishing a post in another locality, please contact Ada James in the National Teaching Committee office, 708-733-3493.
WANTED: Youth Workshop Coordinator. Mature, deepened individual or couple, excited about coordinating a Bahá’í Youth Workshop. Experience working with youth organizations, leadership skills, and Assembly recommendation required. Located in Gainesville, the 7th most desirable U.S. community to reside in, according to Money Magazine. Please write to: Spiritual Assembly of Gainesville, PO Box 249, Gainesville, FL 32601.
BAHÁ’Í Youth Worships from the U.S. are invited to attend the International Youth Conference to be held December 23-29 in Mmabatho, South Africa, a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture in a festival of art, music, dance and drama. For information, please contact the National Youth Committee of South Africa, P.O. Box 34603, Groote Schuur, 7937, South Africa. Phone (011) 447-5772 or (021) 448-5770; fax (021) 794-1651; e-mail
TEACHING[edit]
THE BAHÁ’Í community of Portland, Maine, is launching a summer teaching project from June through August and invites Bahá’ís who may be visiting the Green Acre School to travel to the Portland Center and help teach the Cause. Hospitality and local transportation will be provided. For information, please contact Marilyn Hickey, Portland, ME 04103 (phone 207-797-9068).
MATERIALS AVAILABLE[edit]
DON’T MISS the opportunity to own or give as a gift “Intone, O My Servant,” an inspirational cassette tape of Bahá’í prayers and writings sung and recited by Ladjamaya to original music by Lekan. This fund-raising effort is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to benefit the Arc Projects. Each cassette is $11. Send your name and address (please print) with check or money order made payable to the Spiritual Assembly of Glenwood Springs to P.O. Box 491, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602. Cassettes are available in quantity at reduced prices to community libraries. For information, phone 970-945-0999.
WHY NOT consider presenting a theatre fireside? A free script of “Day of Decision,” a three-act play about the Faith, is offered as a teaching vehicle to any community. Please request it from Dawn Edwards, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 (phone 801-264-1199). A posting cost of six stamps would be welcomed.
BOOKS, PERIODICALS[edit]
THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of Bulgaria is offering an English version of its national Newsletter. A subscription of six issues by airmail costs U.S.$15. For more information, please contact the NSA of Bulgaria, P.O. Box 48, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria.
THE ARTS[edit]
THE BAHÁ’Í Association for the Arts (BAFA), initiated in 1986 by a group of artists from various parts of Europe who are Bahá’ís, is a non-profit organization whose aim is to encourage networking, education and promotion of the arts across all disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Submissions and subscriptions ($18/year) to its quarterly professionally produced, 20-40 page newsletter, “Arts Dialogue,” can be sent to Kathleen L. Babb, Kirikushi, Etajima-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima-Ken 737-21 Japan (e-mail . Telephone/fax (81) 823-44-1150.
“SONGS from Our Children’s Hearts,” a project designed to spark and encourage creativity in our children, is looking for original songs based on Bahá’í themes and written by children (ages 14 and under). The project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beacon, New York, depends upon enough quality material being received. It could lead to a recording of selected songs to be sung by Red Grammer, Laurie Early and others, with all proceeds going toward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Bahá’í schools. Please send your name, age, address and telephone number with a cassette recording of your song(s)—non-returnable—and lyric sheet to Laurie Early, c/o BIC, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (no phone calls, please).
MISCELLANEOUS[edit]
THE NATIVE American Bahá’í Institute in Houck, Arizona, has issued a call for essays or other articles on several topics. As a part of its focus on education and social and economic development among American Indians, the Institute is asking for papers on these topics: (1) education; (2) social and economic development; and (3) health and wellness. Papers should be no more than 900 words (in the main body), typewritten on 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper, and include an abstract of 100 words or less. The due date for submissions is August 25. Selected papers are to be included in a bound booklet according to topic. For additional guidelines or information, write to the Native American Bahá’í Institute, attn: Dr. Joel Orona, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ or fax 602-521-1063.
TRAVEL with the World Citizens Peace Caravan. The World Citizens Diplomats, a multinational, multifaith organization, is looking for volunteers for the starting leg of its five-year World Peace Caravan, proclaiming that world peace is possible through multicultural understanding and a world federation. The journey starts in September at the United Nations headquarters in New York City and continues for a year through the U.S., Canada and parts of the Far East. Bahá’ís who are helping to organize the Caravan would like to see Bahá’í representation in it. People with an international background and knowledge of Bahá’í teachings in that area are preferred. Ability to lead a group in music is a plus. Most expenses will be paid, although volunteers should provide their own “pocket money” for incidental expenses. Please send a summary of your background to Jay Tyson, Mercerville, NJ 08619.
NEEDED: Spiritual Assemblies interested in hosting a Youth Year of Service volunteer to focus full-time on teaching the Faith. Please contact the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361.
GET YOUR NEWS ON THE AIR![edit]
Radio Bahá’í, North America’s first Bahá’í radio station, now has a weekly news broadcast. This unique news service covers U.S. and international Bahá’í events and achievements.
Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Bahá’í on the mailing list for your local newsletter today.
Your community is working hard for this beloved Cause. Now, let the whole world know about it!
Post your local newsletter to:
Radio Bahá’í
Route 2, Box 69
Hemingway, SC 29554
[Page 18]
THE ARC[edit]
Vineyard of the Lord, part 8[edit]
The contract for the building of the International Teaching Center was formalized with Perez G.G. Engineers Construction and Management Company Ltd. on February 21.
The International Teaching Center “...will be the seat of that institution which is specifically invested with the twin functions of the protection and propagation of the Cause of God. The institution itself, referred to by the beloved Guardian in his writings, was established in June 1973, bringing to fruition the work of the Hands of the Cause of God residing in the Holy Land and providing for the extension into the future of functions with which that body had been endowed.” —The Universal House of Justice, letter dated August 31, 1987
The International Teaching Center, one of the five buildings around the Arc, is located northeast of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. It has been designed in the round at the back with a semi-circular portico in the front and a vault at the top. Its columns are of the Ionic order similar to the ones in the Center for the Study of the Texts and the International Bahá’í Archives.
An integral part of the Teaching Center is an area comprising six levels which is known as the Common Area (CA). Three levels above it house the offices of the Counselors and their secretaries, the Council chamber and the library.
Although from the point of view of construction the Teaching Center and the CA constitute one building, functionally they have separate entrances and are intended to operate independently of one another.
The CA provides a base for the Teaching Center building to be at a level that is harmonious with the rest of the buildings around the Arc. It will be built over the original grade level, but covered with a landscaped garden slab blending into the mountain side. Along the external sides of the building will be a number of beautifully landscaped patios that will serve as inner courtyards to bring natural light into the building. Two of the patios will have fountains.
The CA encompasses a group of functions that are intended to serve the staff working at the World Center. It may also serve as a gathering place for briefing pilgrims and visitors.
The two upper floors of the CA—levels 4 and 5—include utilities such as the auditorium and dining hall that serve larger groups of people. The lower three floors—levels 1 to 3—mainly include a number of departments and sections that offer specific support services to the buildings around the Arc and also include three levels of parking.
Audio-visual materials available[edit]
Encouraged by the upsurge of enthusiasm and support for the Arc and Terraces projects, we have undertaken to produce various audio-visual materials. They are listed here for your convenience. Also included is the video commissioned by the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe.
The Arc and Terraces presentation at the World Congress in New York by Fariborz Sahba (produced 1993). Available from Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel. Fax 972(04) 358437.
Vineyard of the Lord, part 1 (produced 1994). Available from Bahá’í Distribution Service, 5397 Wilbanks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37343. Fax 1-615-843-0836.
The Arc and Terraces Slides, parts 1 and 2 (produced 1993 and 1994). Available from Images International, 5010 Austin Road, Chattanooga, TN 37343. Fax 1-615-870-4744.
The Ancient Promise (produced 1994). Available from Librairie Bahá’íe, 45, rue Pergolèse, Paris 75116, France. Fax 33(1) 45 000 579.
At the building site for the International Teaching Center, the reinforcement bars for the walls of the booster pump room, rising approximately eight meters high, have been fixed into place.
The main entrance hall, lounge and cloak room of the CA are on level 5. A meeting room, manager’s office and communications room are also located on this level along with a multi-purpose room for seminars, workshops and briefing smaller groups.
The auditorium and main self-service dining hall are on levels 4 and 5. Three smaller private dining rooms are intended to serve groups of visitors or working lunches whenever necessary.
Level 4 includes two relatively large offices for visitors. These rooms could be used by Counselors or other friends who visit the World Center to carry on their work.
Main access to the International Teaching Center will be through Golomb Street, close to the main entrance to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. In future, when the International Bahá’í Library will be built near the Teaching Center and CA building, there will be a number of connection points between them.
Bridge over Hatzionut Avenue[edit]
One of the exciting new activities on the Terraces project has been the development of the design of the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue that will link the Terrace of the Shrine of the Báb with Terrace 11 just above.
One of the major challenges in its implementation is the lowering of the street by 5.5 meters (17.5 feet) to allow the bridge to integrate with the general architecture of the Terraces in a natural flow.
Lowering the street is in itself a major undertaking, and the work must be coordinated with government agencies and will involve the diversion of traffic as the street is a main arterial road with two-way traffic.
See BRIDGE page 19
[Page 19]
Bridge[edit]
Continued from page 18
fect the general public, but several underground services such as water pipes, drains, telephone cables and electrical conduits will need to be relocated.
The bridge has been designed in the form of a trapezoid with the wide end toward Terrace 11 and the Arc. The edges of the bridge are situated in such a way that when one walks down the outermost path his sight is focused on the majestic Shrine, and attention is also drawn to the historic grove of cypress trees where Bahá’u’lláh stood and pointed out to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the spot where the remains of the Báb should be laid to rest.
The bridge is the critical link between the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces with the Shrine of the Báb in the center. It will also link the path from the Shrine to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
The basic idea for the design of the Hatzionut Avenue bridge is to make it appear as a continuation of the gardens, which have been raised up and extended across the road in such a way that a person crossing the bridge may not even notice the traffic on the road below.
There will be wide lawn areas and flower beds, and like the other gardens around the Shrine, the paths will be made of crushed red terra cotta roof tiles. Along the two edges, sheared cypress trees will be planted in a raised planting bed.
To maintain the spirit of the gardens laid out by the Guardian with such love and care has been a crucial aspect of the design. In keeping with this spirit, the grove of Norfolk pines between the Shrine and Hatzionut Avenue, which have been growing for many decades, will be preserved; all the ornaments in the existing gardens will continue to enhance the new garden design; and all plant selections will harmonize with those chosen by Shoghi Effendi.
The Terraces will be open to the public during daylight hours. A new path will be created around the outer edge of the gardens to allow public access to the Upper and Lower Terraces from Hatzionut Avenue during these hours.
The path will also provide access to an underground building that will house two offices—the new Central Security Office for the Bahá’í World Center, and the Public Information Office and Visitors’ Center. The entire area of Terrace 11 will be built on the roof of this building, which in terms of the technical aspects of the design presents a tremendous challenge.
Project leaders get together with Tsavta[edit]
The opportunity to introduce the Mount Carmel Projects to an elite gathering presented itself when a group called “Tsavta”—which means “Together”—invited the project manager and architect of the Terraces, Mr. Sahba, to take part in a lecture presentation.
The organization sponsors programs on a regular basis to acquaint the people of Haifa with ongoing efforts to develop and upgrade the area. A large and distinguished group of residents of Haifa was present at this gathering along with the mayor and city engineer who shared the platform with Mr. Sahba.
Not only were the Bahá’í projects explained to an appreciative audience with a video film, but an eminent Israeli architect chose to highlight the spiritual significance of these projects for the Bahá’ís as against their economic connotations for the citizens of Haifa.
During his presentation this architect, who has been the Town Planning Consultant serving as a liaison between the World Center and the Municipality of Haifa, dwelt at length on the historical figures of the Faith and its basic teachings.
Several newspapers in Haifa reported details of the presentation with admiration and interest.
The steering committee overseeing the restoration of the German Templar colony at the foot of Mount Carmel has been making efforts to expedite the project.
One of the steps it initiated was to arrange a design competition for development of Ben Gurion Avenue—the main axis of the colony.
Four major architectural firms in Israel submitted general designs. After three days of presentations, one of the designs was approved. It has been agreed in principle that construction is to begin soon, and the harbor will be opened within three years.
What is heartening is that during the deliberations, Bahá’í representation on the steering committee was acknowledged, and appreciation and gratitude expressed.
Moreover, it was decided that there would be no interference in the Bahá’í project, and that design specifics for the German Templar colony would complement the entrance plaza to the Terraces on Mount Carmel.
Taken from the top of the anchored retaining wall, this photograph shows work on level four of the Center for the Study of the Texts, in the foreground, and work on level two of the Archives Extension in the background.
The magnificent dome and facade of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice overlook the busy construction work on Mount Carmel.
Progress is being made on paving Terrace Eight, below the Shrine of the Báb. Other ornaments, such as the balustrades, are already in place.
[Page 20]
Mona School: dedication, work, growth[edit]
By SUSAN GIFFORD
It began with a handful of children learning about Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings in the living room of one of the friends.
Now the Mona Bahá’í School in southwestern Washington state is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a rapidly growing student body of more than 100 children, youth and adults who meet weekly to study the Core Curriculum at the spacious Brighton Creek Conference Grounds.
The school, named after a teen-age Bahá’í who gave her life for the Faith, has also appointed a school board and director to oversee its curriculum and general operations.
“It goes to show that you never know when you’re starting a small project what the future may hold,” says Sandee English-Cotten, who now lives in North Carolina but was a Bahá’í school teacher in western Washington when classes started a decade ago.
“We were full-time mothers,” she recalls, “who got together with our kids in various homes. There wasn’t a thought then of a formal school like there is today.”
Carri Smith, a mother of three who has been actively involved in the school since its inception, fondly remembers the early days when supplies were carried to and from Sunday classes in the trunk of her car and parents were asked to notify those hosting the classes in their home if a child was going to be absent or planned to bring a guest that day.
Today, guests are commonplace at the Mona school where seekers and new believers alike can deepen in the Faith in a “Bahá’í basics” class.
Classes are also held for nursery, preschool, kindergarten/first grade, second/third, fourth/fifth, junior youth, youth and adults.
A review of old lesson plans, some scribbled on paper that has faded with time, reflects a unity of thought and purpose through the years: teaching about virtues, the Funds, the Central Figures, unity in diversity, and, in general, what it means to be a Bahá’í.
Today the Mona School incorporates many of those thoughts and ideas in the Core Curriculum inspired by the National Teaching Committee. Among the school board’s goals is to improve students’ education by training all teachers and their assistants in the Core Curriculum.
Notes from the 1987-88 school year also reflect a continuing commitment to contribute to the Arc. In that year, the school raised $150 for the projects on Mount Carmel.
Now, eight years later, the school is again raising funds for that goal, but this time children and adults alike are contributing in the spirit of a friendly contest.
Two jars, one for pennies and one for quarters, are set on the stage at the start of each school session. Children are asked to give pennies, adults to give quarters. By the end of January the children had exceeded their goal of 20,000 pennies (one for each of the martyrs of the Heroic Age). The adults, who had raised $589.50 through January, continue to work toward matching the children’s efforts.
In addition to three nine-week sessions each year, the Mona School leaves plenty of room for family unity with its annual Ayyám-i-Há party in February and Family Day in June.
Classes also give presentations of drama, songs, speech and even games to the entire school at the end of each quarter. This past fall, for example, the youth class challenged adults to a Bahá’í history game focusing on Bahá’í heroes and heroines and early Bábí and Bahá’í history.
The youth came out on top, winning an ice-cream party courtesy of the adults.
“It has been my pleasure,” says school director Rick Bily, “to see the dedication and hard work of Assemblies, school board members, teachers, parents and the community to bring to fruition the principles of Bahá’í education.
“I think that with this kind of unity of spirit, we will see in the future a well-established and well-run school ready to serve the needs of a large and rapidly growing Bahá’í community.”
Wilmette Institute’s residential program postponed to July ’96[edit]
Since a majority of the applicants for the study program “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Society” of the Wilmette Bahá’í Institute were unable, because of time constraints and earlier commitments, to take part in the residential session in July, that part of the program has been postponed until July 1996.
The National Spiritual Assembly has reiterated its highest hopes for the program and has authorized plans for an introductory home-study program (October 1, 1995–January 31, 1996), home preparation for the residential section (March 1–June 30, ’96) and the residential component (July ’96).
Enrollment of students to begin their home-study preparations continues. For information, contact the Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091-1811 (phone 708-733-3492; fax 708-733-3502; e-mail
If you haven’t seen Brilliant Star magazine lately, it’s time you took another look at a ‘rising star’[edit]
Take a look at Brilliant Star. Over the past several years it has become an excellent medium for teaching, not only for children but for adults as well. The articles, stories and activities are all based on the Bahá’í writings or on news from the Bahá’í world.
Brilliant Star is committed to helping children develop their Bahá’í identities, to become teachers of the Faith, and to be deepened in the Bahá’í writings.
The magazine is easy to read and understand. It is highly adaptable for adults who speak English as a second language or for those who have not been able to receive an upper level education. It is also a springboard for research in the writings. The short quotations to be found on the pages of the magazine direct the reader to longer passages in Bahá’í texts for in-depth study.
Here are a few examples of what Brilliant Star has done for adults:
A grandmother wrote to Brilliant Star to say thank you for the wonderful magazine. One of the things she liked best about it was the large type. It enabled her to read aloud to the neighborhood children without straining her eyes or losing her place.
When the National Spiritual Assembly asked local Spiritual Assemblies to consider celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Faith in America, Brilliant Star shared a plan: a Centennial Fair. The magazine devoted several pages to each decade of the past hundred years of both Bahá’í and American history. These were followed by suggestions about how to have one’s own Centennial Fair.
In the San Diego area 16 local Assemblies used the ideas in Brilliant Star to do just that. One or two communities each picked a decade (1893–1994) and created a booth/display of that period. The parking lot at the San Diego Bahá’í center was converted into a sea of tents housing food, carnival rides, music, dancing, book sales and teaching materials. Local television was on hand to broadcast the event. Five hundred people from southern California attended.
The Feast Puzzle in a 1993 issue is a wonderful activity for adults and children to do together at Feast. Putting the puzzle together requires consultation, teaching everyone about the consultative process while having fun.
In one community a Bahá’í woman speaks little English. She treasures her copies of Brilliant Star because they help her understand the plans and ideas shared with us from the National Spiritual Assembly.
The letters from the National Spiritual Assembly are often complex. Translating them into various languages can be difficult. The pictures, diagrams and simpler text in Brilliant Star make the letters accessible to her.
Special issues focus on specific topics and can be used for teaching projects for adults and children alike. The issue “From Racism to Unity” reported in detail about the 1992 World Congress. The photographs, of participants in their native costumes, of Congress activities, and of the Abdu’l-Bahá exhibit really captured the spirit of the Congress.
Sharing the magazine with people helps them understand and appreciate the sense of unity in the Faith. For Bahá’ís who were unable to attend the World Congress it is a nice way to see what the event was like. For those of us who did attend, the magazine makes a wonderful souvenir.
Since Brilliant Star makes wide use of Bahá’í literature, one can often use the magazine instead of preparing new teaching materials. Multiple copies of special issues of Brilliant Star can be used for specific teaching projects.
The magazine can also be used in Bahá’í children’s classes. If your community offers English-as-a-second-language classes for Bahá’ís, Brilliant Star would be a wonderful additional tool. So catch a rising star.
[Page 21]
Myanmar campaign leads to 188 enrollments[edit]
Myanmar’s fourth Teaching Institute was held last December in Daidanaw with 28 males and 41 females from 16 countries taking part. A two-day teaching campaign, held following the institute, led to the enrollment of 188 new believers in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Hundreds of people have embraced the Faith recently as a result of teaching efforts in western Kenya. Ongoing deepenings are being held for old and new believers alike while teaching continues to gain momentum. The 14-member Youth Drama Group, which uses East African arts to teach the Faith, has toured Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. A long-term teaching campaign is being planned by the National Spiritual Assembly in consultation with Counselor Mehraz Ehsani.
A month-long nationwide teaching campaign in Chile that ended with a National Youth Conference in Talca last February led to the enrollment of 18 new believers after visits by traveling teachers to 16 cities. Two teams of young Bahá’ís who had been teaching in the northern and southern areas of the country were reunited at the conference to share news of their victories for the Cause and to analyze the campaign with the intention of resuming it on an even greater scale this summer.
More than 10 Roma people embraced the Cause recently in Tiszapüspöki and Törökszentmiklós, in the Szolnok region of Hungary, during a one-day teaching and deepening institute organized by the newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Tiszapüspöki. The number of believers in the Szolnok region is growing rapidly, especially among the Roma minority, and it was hoped that more local Assemblies could be formed at Ridván 152.
The three-month-long Collis Featherstone Teaching Campaign in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, initiated by the country’s National Youth Committee, ended successfully with the enrollment of 17 new believers. More than 150 people took part in a meeting to “bid farewell” to the campaign, during which the coordinator of the Bellambi Lagoon restoration project paid glowing tribute to Bahá’ís who had helped with the community service effort.
More than 60 people took part last November in the first Regional Conference for Women and the Family, held at the Bahá’í Institute in Labranza, Chile. Among the topics addressed were “Women as the First Educators” and “The Family.” The spirit of love and togetherness manifested on this happy occasion led three people to declare their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.
The Bahá’í musical group Millero Congo, playing Afro-Caribbean music based on a rhythmic interplay of drums, toured Valle and Cauca, Colombia, last December, performing a total of 14 concerts to proclaim the Faith including one at the Universidad del Valle, the largest public university in southern Colombia. The proclamation campaign introduced the Faith to more than 1,500 people.
The Bahá’í International Community had a strong presence in March at the United Nations World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, Denmark. At the NGO Forum which preceded the Summit, about 20 workshops or gatherings were sponsored by the Bahá’ís. Cultural events organized by the Bahá’í community included a ballet, attended by about 1,000 people, and a stand-up comedy and music show, whose audience numbered 700. Bahá’ís contributed directly to at least three of the major declarations that emerged from the Forum: “The Copenhagen Alternative Declaration,” “The Copenhagen Youth Declaration,” and “The Copenhagen Declaration of the World Conference on Religion and Peace.” The BIC was officially represented at the Summit, as were 24 National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies. Lawrence Arturo, a representative of the Bahá’í International Community, addressed a plenary session using the BIC’s document, “The Prosperity of Humankind,” as the basis for his speech. Meanwhile, young Bahá’ís were involved in every major youth event at the NGO Forum and Summit including the International Youth Consultation and Youth Caucus Room. The Bahá’í-sponsored panel, “Views of Young People on Social Integration,” was part of a week-long Children’s Forum ’95 aimed at involving children and youth in the World Summit.
The first 10-day residential school part of the newly established Three-Year Certificate Program in Bahá’í Studies was held recently at the Yerrinbool, Australia, Bahá’í School with about 35 people taking part. “This historic event,” says a report from the school, “unfolds further the vision of the Guardian for the Yerrinbool Bahá’í School to become the national center for intensive study in Australia and fulfills one of the major goals of the Australian Three Year Plan with respect to the systematic development of human resources.”
The second ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) Bahá’í Forum was held February 24-26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The gathering, whose purpose was to consult on reaching people of influence, pooling professional resources and reviewing the progress of activities geared toward entry by troops, was attended by eight Counselors; 20 members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand; and four representatives from the Bahá’í communities of Brunei and Vietnam. Also present were 12 representatives of national committees and 15 observers.
In response to a letter from the International Teaching Center asking for information about teaching activities that took place in the state of Bahia, Brazil, during the 1970s, Counselor Rolf von Czékus and the Regional Teaching and Administrative Committee organized a conference on mass teaching. Invited to take part in the event, held February 10-12 in Salvador, were believers who had taught the Faith in Bahia during the time under discussion. Among others attending were Kiser Barnes, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center; four members of the National Spiritual Assembly; six Auxiliary Board members; two members of the National Teaching Committee, and representatives of the indigenous people of Bahia. After consulting on mass teaching and studying the prophecies and promises of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi about the future of Bahia, special tributes were paid to the Hands of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir and Counselors Leonora Armstrong and Raúl Pavón.
The Bahá’í community of Hungary was invited to take part last November in a two-day seminar on “The Role of Women in Politics and Society,” organized by the Council of Europe and held in Budapest. The Bahá’í delegate presented a 20-minute lecture on “Women as Educators for Peace,” which was well received by the audience of about 50 women including prominent lawyers, doctors, sociologists and politicians from Hungary and other European countries.
The Vivian Wesson Institute in Togo, named in honor of a long-time pioneer to that country, was inaugurated last December with a six-week course on how to teach children’s classes attended by nine participants, who also received training in becoming literacy class teachers. The institute has also begun a program for spiritual deepening, conducted by three friends from outside the country helped by members of the Bahá’í community of Togo.
Two members of the Continental Board of Counselors, representatives of 11 local Spiritual Assemblies, three Auxiliary Board members, delegates from all national committees, and about 10 assistants to the Auxiliary Board attended a Unity of Vision Conference last January 13-15 in Kiev, Ukraine. Participants studied and consulted on ways to promote entry by troops including the role of local Assemblies in teaching and community development.
Pictured are some of the young people who took part in one of the many children’s classes held during the Edna Ford teaching campaign last December in Huasteca, Mexico. The campaign focused on indigenous people in the area.
Campbell Institute: Canada’s new alternative[edit]
Bahá’ís who are entering high school may wish to consider the Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute, an international secondary school in Stratford, Ontario, Canada that is committed to developing in its students the qualities of moral leadership, scholarly attainment and global citizenship.
The co-educational Institute, independently owned and operated, is named in honor of a dedicated Bahá’í from southern Ontario who was one of Canada’s most well-respected ballet teachers.
The NCCI arts program is aimed at promoting individuality, developing presentation skills, and raising social awareness about issues affecting the lives of young people.
The school offers a complete academic curriculum beginning in grade 9 and continuing for four years. The maximum enrollment is 80.
The school is in a residential area within walking distance of parks, theatres, shopping and sports facilities. The three-story brick building houses a gymnasium with stage and galleries.
Separate dorms for male and female students accommodate two to four students per room.
For an application or information package, please write to the Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute, Gordon A. Naylor, principal, Ontario N5A 4A8, Canada, phone 519-273-6435, or fax 519-273-1973.
[Page 22]
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS[edit]
Summer Activities at Regional Bahá’í Schools[edit]
Florida (Southern Flame Bahá’í School), June 30 - July 4 “The Destiny of America: A Call to Transformation and Action,” with member of the National Spiritual Assembly Jack McCants, Bob Harris, Joy Degruy-Leary, Dr. Behrouz Sabet, Zabine Linkins. Contact: Martha Marshall, 305/426-0991 or 305/236-0482
North Carolina, June 30 - July 3 “Bahá’í Community Life: Door to the Future” with family-centered environment, featuring classes, workshops, inter-generational activities and recreation. Contact: Sandra Miles, 910/767-6888
Washington (Eastern) / Idaho (Northern), July 1 - 7 “The Destiny of America,” with a large child and youth attendance and classes focused on family. Contact: Shannon McConnell, 509/943-1236
Nebraska (Great Plains Bahá’í School), July 14 - 17 “The Destiny of America.” Contact: Colin Taylor, 308/534-4939
Wisconsin (Summer School), July 17 - 21 “The Destiny of America: A Call to Transformation and Action.” Contact: Lisa Riemer, 414/338-3023
Colorado (West) / Four Corners School, July 19 - 23 “The Destiny of America,” with Joannie Yuille, a member of the National Bahá’í Education Task Force. Contact: Bill Bright, 505/722-0039
Illinois (Heartland), July 19 - 23 “The Destiny of America: A Call to Transformation and Action,” with Auxiliary Board member Dr. Curtis Russell and Jane Russell. Parent Facilitation and Core Curriculum workshops will be offered. Contact: Carl Clingenpeel, 708/898-6385
California (Southern), July 21-24 “The Tablets of the Divine Plan,” with Counselor Wilma Ellis. Contact: Edye York, 909/983-1022.
Montana (John H. Wilcott Bahá’í School), July 30 - August 4 “The Destiny of America: Transformation and Action,” with Joseph Galata, a Turkish Gypsy Bahá’í. Contact: Linda Wanzenreid, 406/538-8047 or Kay Maloney at 406/727-1120, email
Georgia, August 4 - 6 “The Spiritual Destiny of America.” Contact: LaVont Steele, Marietta, GA 30068
Maryland / Virginia (Dayspring School), August 4 - 7 “The Destiny of America: A Call to Transformation and Action,” with special guest Auxiliary Board member James Sturdivant. Robert Malouf will speak on “Spiritual Transformation of the American Bahá’í Community.” Mary Kay Radpour will speak on “Being Connected to the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh.” Contact: Ingrid Olson, 703/481-8393
Oregon (West), August 9 - 13 “The Destiny of America.” Contact: Norman Ives, 503/267-3157
Colorado (East), August 10 - 13 “The Destiny of America” (all children’s classes will feature teachers trained in Core Curriculum). Contact: John Bolz, 303/666-9275
Texas, August 10 - 13 “The Destiny of America,” with Core Curriculum-based agenda for adults, youth and children. Contact: Randy Black, 713/996-1935
Iowa, August 11 - 15 “America’s Spiritual Destiny: The Joy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” Come experience the “Wayfarer’s Journey,” a hands-on, learning center approach to some adult classes. Contact: Don Calkins, 515/282-7763
New York, August 11 - 20 “The Destiny of America.” Contact: Stephanie Jaczko, 914/566-7864
Oregon (East), August 24 - 27 “America’s Spiritual Destiny.” Contact: Shelley Hines, 503/962-0815
Tennessee, September 1 - 4 “Destiny of America, Creating Unity and Building Infrastructure.” Contact: Kaihan Strain, 615/842-1750
Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Sept. 15 - 17 “What is this Destiny?” with members of the National Spiritual Assembly Dr. Robert Henderson, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, and Bill Davis and special guests Aziz Yazdi and Dr. Jena Khadem Khodadad. Contact: 1-800-558-8898
The perfect vacation spot this summer[edit]
Green Acre is just the place! Situated on the banks of the Piscataqua River in the historic town of Eliot, Maine, the main campus offers peaceful surroundings amidst 25 acres of rolling lawns and gardens, walking trails and open fields. Excellent overnight accommodations and meal service are provided in the Sarah Farmer Inn and other historic buildings, all beautifully restored in recent years. Green Acre combines excellent programs for adults, youth and children, with loving hospitality to offer the perfect retreat for rest, relaxation, loving fellowship, spiritual awakening and renewal. It’s not too late to register! Openings are still available in most sessions, call the Green Acre Office to register.
New Programs a Success at Bosch[edit]
The first Children’s Academy to be held at Bosch was a great success this Spring. Due to popular demand of the students and families, Bosch plans to hold two Academies for Children next Spring. The children, mostly aged 10-12, learned the “Customs of the Kingdom” and the life histories of many early Bahá’ís.
The first “Women’s Awakening” weekend, held in May, addressed the particular concerns and needs of women. The workshops, outdoor activities, art experiences and reflective times allowed participants to examine their lives within a new light.
An old favorite, the Marriage Enrichment Weekend, is now in its ninth year. Facilitated by artist Carrie Kneisler and her husband, National Education and Schools Coordinator for the National Assembly, Dr. Terry Kneisler, this weekend allowed couples to examine their lives individually and as a couple, discuss their hopes, cares, and concerns, and make plans for the future.
Bosch has recently completed its renovations to its library, several cabins, and its children’s classrooms in order to prepare for summer.
Upcoming Programs at Bosch[edit]
July 2-6, Becoming Teachers of This Cause with Dr. Lameh Fananapazir and Pioneer Institute
July 8-13, Understanding Partnership Between Women and Men with Mrs. Rebequa Murphy, and Ruhi Deepening and Consolidation Method with Ruth and Hamilton Breton. Artist in Residence, Geraldine Robarts.
July 15-20, Creating a Vision for Spiritual Development with Leonard Smith, “The Tablets of the Divine Plan” with Azadeh and Nabil Fares, Core Curriculum Race Unity Training for Parents and Teachers, with LeNise Jackson-Gaertner and Sandy Coleman.
July 22-27, Achieving Unity in Spite of Race with Gloria Haithman-Ali, Historical Aspects of the Tablets of the Divine Plan with Javidukht Khadem.
July 22-27, College Youth Institute
July 29-Aug. 3, Youth Institute
Aug. 5-10, Junior Youth Institute
Aug. 12-17, Junior Youth Institute
Aug. 19-24, Literary Tools for Understanding the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh with Dr. John Hatcher, “The Heroine of a Thousand Faces” with Jaleh Joubine-Khadem, “The Mystical Background of Bahá’u’lláh’s ‘Seven Valleys’” with Mozhan Khadem, or an Adult Intensive Course with Arabic scholar, Kevin Brown.
Aug. 26-31, Spiritual and Social Transformation of the Individual and Our Global Society with Dr. David Ruhe, Margaret Kunz Ruhe and Dr. Alfred Neumann.
Education Seminar Offered at Louhelen[edit]
Be sure to attend this special session for educators July 14 - 19. Participants will investigate the role of education in fostering the prosperity of humankind, the use of spiritual principles in Bahá’í and secular environments, and educational planning with a spiritual approach. The seminar will be led by members of the National Bahá’í Education Task Force.
Don’t miss this opportunity to work with leaders in the field of education who can bring their perspective as Bahá’ís to this important task!
The garden is in full bloom, the weather is great, and the good times are here—just ask our volunteers.
New Administrators welcomed at Native American Bahá’í Institute[edit]
Gusty spring winds did not deter nearly 100 guests gathered May 13 and 14 to welcome Joel and Esther Orona and their son Roman as the new administrative family at the Native American Bahá’í Institute. Over half of the participants joining together in prayer, song, dance, and fellowship were Native Americans representing various nations.
Dr. Joel Orona, attired in traditional dress, honored those workers for NABI and the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from other “seasons” including the Kahn Family, Jeff and Helen Kiely, members of the various Institute Advisory Councils, and numerous volunteers over the years. Dr. Orona urged all to unite and join hands to work together in this new “season” of promise and hope.
Community building was mortared together with lots of food and socializing. The Orona family premiered their performing group, “iinda,” for an evening presentation of traditional song and dance with a Bahá’í message for the New Age.
Esther Orona has a long record of service for the Faith, most recently serving for the past six years in the Office of the Treasurer at the Bahá’í National Center. Joel Orona has been the director of the Blackhawk Native American Education Extension in Chicago for the past two years. They are warmly welcomed to their new service at the Native American Bahá’í Institute, joining Brad Rishel, who has served at NABI for several years, as the new administrative team.
== Office of Education and Schools, National Bahá’í Center (708) 733-3492 ==--BLANK--
[Page 23]
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS[edit]
First Northeast Regional Youth Weekend[edit]
Youth from eight Northeastern states rallied together for the first Northeast Regional Youth Weekend, held May 12 - 14, at Green Acre Bahá’í School. Sophia Berhane, Coordinator of Youth activities at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, teamed up with four counselors to facilitate an intensive program focused on teaching, personal transformation, deepening on the Ridván Message, and consulting on issues pertinent to youth. Music, artistic sharing, rendering daily service, and meeting new friends were also important elements in the weekend. Two carloads of youth traveled over eight hours from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, driven by dedicated adults who further supported the event by volunteering in hospitality services throughout the weekend. For many, the weekend experience was a prelude to the week-long Green Acre Youth Institute they are planning to attend this summer.
The new dining room at Louhelen. Come with your appetite and enjoy good food, good company, and beautiful surroundings.
Can You Help the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute?[edit]
The growth of the Faith through the activities of the Magdalene Carney/Louis Gregory Teaching Initiative has greatly amplified the personnel and material needs of the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute and Radio Bahá’í. These needs include:
- Up to four Youth Service Corps volunteers.
- Travel Teachers to visit new Bahá’í communities.
- Homefront Pioneers (Persians are in the minority in SC) to settle in the newly formed Bahá’í communities.
- Individuals with agriculture background to assist with Social and Economic Development programs.
- Support Services Volunteers in the areas of construction, maintenance, food services, and housekeeping.
- Full-time Teachers (short- and long-term) to participate in the Initiative.
- Radio Bahá’í programmers, technicians, and broadcasters.
- Funds for construction projects.
- Deputization funds for program participants.
There is something to do for everyone who has the desire and love to serve. “Redoubled Action” is the call of the Universal House of Justice! Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute gives everyone an opportunity to arise to this challenge.
Upcoming at Green Acre[edit]
This summer will kick off with the revival of the World Unity Festival June 30-July 4. Recapturing the spirit generated at last year’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and reminiscent of the early years at Green Acre, this international festival is dedicated to the theme of universal peace and the oneness of humanity. Highlights will include the annual raising of the Peace Flag, a special program dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, international food and artisan concessions, music and entertainment, including Gordi Munro from Canada, and Randy Armstrong with Uno Mundo.
Persian-American Conference, July 7-9. A special weekend on “The Life and Writings of the Báb,” with special guests Habib Riazati and Ahang Rabbani, to study the history of the Bábí Dispensation, the life of the Báb and salient features of His Revelation. Classes will be in English, and a full children’s program will be offered.
Papers on Native American Topics[edit]
NABI issues call for scholarly papers.
One of the focuses at the Institute is educational, social and economic development centering on the Native Americans of this Southwestern U.S. region. The Institute is requesting papers on the following topics, as related to the indigenous populations:
- Education
- Social and Economic Development
- Health and Wellness
Selected papers will be included in a bound booklet according to topic. Submission should include:
- a. Typewritten, copy-ready, 8½ by 11.
- b. Abstract (introduction) of 100 words or less.
- c. Main body of paper of 900 words or less.
- d. Perspectives on environmental, legal, social, economic, spiritual topics (as related to Native Americans).
Due Date: August 25, 1995. For additional guidelines and submission information write or call the Native American Bahá’í Institute.
Children and Families Take Center Stage at Louhelen[edit]
Several exciting programs held recently at Louhelen focused on meeting the needs of the youngest citizens of Bahá’u’lláh’s new world order. Louhelen, the site of the National Teacher Training Center, is the focal point for training in the Core Curriculum for children’s spiritual education. In April, over 30 teacher-trainers in this program returned to Louhelen for updates on the program and to consult together on how the Core Curriculum is used and can be used within our communities.
In April, the Youth Eagle Institute focused on creating Youth as Global Citizens. The program was facilitated by the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative to the United Nations, Rebequa Murphy, and her husband, former Auxiliary Board member and former member of the National Teaching Committee, Marshall Murphy. The youth were particularly struck by the discussion of the roles of men and women in achieving the equality of women and men and asked to have further classes on this subject.
The May Parents and Children session with former Counselor Thelma Khelgati and Kathy Grammer led to lively discussions of how to spiritualize one’s home, promoting unity, and enriching Bahá’í community life.
Summer Programs at Louhelen
July 7-12, Junior Youth Institute for youth ages 11-15 with Mr. Bill Wieties, Auxiliary Board Member for Protection and Mrs. Charlotte Joyner, Child Education Coordinator at Louhelen.
July 14-19, Education Seminar.
July 21-26, Family and Friends Session I with Dr. John Hatcher and Dr. William Hatcher, and Susan Engle as Musician in Residence. Study of “The Structure of Reality” and “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas.”
July 28-August 2, Family and Friends Session II with Dr. Habib Riazati and Janell Heise as Musician in Residence. Adult courses on “The Destiny of America,” “The Advent of Divine Justice,” and “The Kitáb-i-Aqdas.”
August 4-9, Family and Friends Session III with Dr. Michael Penn, Kathy Penn, Lorelei McClure with Joe Crone as Musician in Residence. Focusing on community and family life in light of America’s destiny with courses on “The Role of Love in America’s Spiritual Destiny” and “The Power of Prayer.”
August 11-16, Youth Eagle Institute for ages 15-20.
August 18-20, Multi-Cultural Family Camp.
September 1-4, Annual Homecoming.
Welcome to Green Acre! Step inside to register for a great time then be sure to shop in the bookstore. What a perfect place to meet and greet old friends and new ones, too.
[Page 24]
وظائف لجنات ایالتی نشر نفحات[edit]
FUNCTIONS OF STATE TEACHING COMMITTEES[edit]
یکی از کوششهای محفل روحانی ملی جهت تمرکز زدائی فعالیتهای امری تأسیس ۱۰ لجنه ایالتی نشر نفحات State Teaching Committees در سال گذشته بود تا فعالیتهای لجنه ملی نشر نفحات در برخی از نواحی ویژه نیز صورت گیرد.
لجنات ایالتی مذکور در ایالات فلوریدا و جورجیا و کرولاینای شمالی و کرولاینای جنوبی و آریزونا و تکزاس و کالیفرنیا و اورگان و واشنگتن تأسیس شد.
وظیفه اصلی لجنات ایالتی نشر نفحات تحقق بخشیدن به وعدهٔ یدخلون فی دین الله افواجاً از طریق هدایت و پشتیبانی از فعالیتهای تبلیغی محلی است. لجنات مذکور این وظیفه را با تعیین اهداف تبلیغی ایالتی و تشویق یاران و نظارت بر اقدامات محلی و حمایت از آن و تشویق طرح برنامههای کلی و تسهیل همکاریهای بین جوامع امری ایفاء میکنند.
لجنات ایالتی نشر نفحات از آغاز تأسیسشان در سال گذشته با محافل روحانی محلی و جمعیتهای بهائی و افراد احباء همکاری داشتهاند. همچنین مجامعی چون کنفرانسهای تبلیغی ایالتی تشکیل داده و برخی نیز اقدام به نشر اخبار نموده و بعضی دیگر وظیفه سرپرستی مبلغان سیار و برنامههای "سپاه نور" را بر عهده گرفته اند.
توصیه می شود محافل روحانی و افراد احباء در ایالاتی که لجنات مذکور وجود دارند، با آنها تماس حاصل نمایند و با فعالیتهای آنان آشنا شوند.
صورتی از نشانی لجنات مذکور در صفحات انگلیسی این نشریه درج شده است. از علاقهمندان تقاضا میشود جهت آگاهی خود به آن صفحات رجوع نمایند.
دفتر امور مهاجرت[edit]
OFFICE OF PIONEERING DECENTRALIZATION[edit]
در رضوان سال گذشته همهٔ محافل روحانی محلی اوراقی حاوی اطلاعات لازم جهت مهاجرت خارجه دریافت داشتند.
در این اوراق از احباء درخواست شده بود برای دریافت اوراق نامنویسی و تقاضای مهاجرت و خدمت در "سپاه جوانان بهائی" با محفل محلی تماس حاصل نمایند.
دفتر امور مهاجرت در سال جاری برای اجرای دومین مرحله از تمرکززدائی خود اوراق جدیدی به محافل روحانی محلی ارسال داشته است. اوراق مذکور سادهتر از اوراق سال گذشته است.
از همهٔ یارانی که مایل به خدمت در کشورهای خارج باشند تقاضا میشود با محفل روحانی محل یا نزدیکترین محفل به جمعیت خود تماس حاصل نمایند و راجع به اهداف و فعالیتهای مهاجرتی با محافل مذکور مشورت فرمایند.
علاقه مندان میتوانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور مهاجرت مستقیماً تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۰۹-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸)
سخنرانی دربارهٔ طاهره[edit]
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE IN CANADA[edit]
"بنیاد پژوهشهای زنان ایران" که یک سازمان غیربهائی در کانادا است از ۲ تا ۴ جون سال جاری کنفرانسی با عنوان "زن، جنسیت و اسلام" در شهر تورانتو تشکیل داد.
از سه نفر از احباء، خانم شکوه رضائی و جناب منوچهر وهمن و جناب روزبه رحیمپور، دعوت شده بود که برنامهای در این کنفرانس اجراء کنند.
خانم رضائی در حضور بیش از ۱۷۰ نفر نطقی با عنوان "زندگی، رسالت و اشعار طاهره" ایراد کرد. به گفته ایشان متن سخنرانی بر اساس مطالب کتاب قرن بدیع و "تذکرةالوفاء" و نیز پژوهشهای دانشمندان و نویسندگان بهائی تهیه شده بود.
پس از سخنرانی که مورد توجه حاضران قرار گرفت اشعار جناب طاهره همراه با نغمه موسیقی اصیل ایرانی در مایههای شور و سهگاه و همایون و با همکاری جنابان وهمن و رحیمپور اجراء شد.
در پایان جمع حاضران چنان تحت تاثیر شخصیت و زندگی پرافتخار طاهره قرار گرفتند که بر پا خاستند و مدتی طولانی ایستاده کف زدند و حتی برخی با چشمان اشکبار از مجریان برنامه سپاسگزاری کردند.
و گفتنی است که نمایندگان رادیو و تلویزیون و روزنامههای فارسی زبان کانادا نیز برای ضبط و گزارش این برنامه در محل اجرا حضور داشتند.
حکم دیوان عالی هندوستان[edit]
INDIAN HIGH COURT QUOTES BAHA’I WRITINGS[edit]
در ماه اکتبر سال گذشته دیوان عالی هندوستان در مورد دعوائی که بین هندوها و مسلمانان مورد بررسی بود از امر بهائی و تعالیم آن بعنوان راهنمائی برای حل اختلافات نام برد.
موضوع دعوا تخریب یک مسجد توسط گروهی از هندوها بود. اینان اعتقاد دارند که یکی از خدایانشان به نام راما چند هزار سال پیش در محلی که مسجد مذکور به سال ۱۵۲۸ میلادی در آن بنا شد، زاده شده بود.
پس از تخریب این مسجد گروهی از مسلمانان و هندوها در چندین شهر به معابد و منازل یکدیگر حمله کردند و در نتیجه صدها نفر کشته شدند و خرابیهای فراوانی در هندوستان و پاکستان و بنگلادش و حتی انگلستان به بار آمد.
دیوان عالی هندوستان در حکمی که صادر کرد، گفت: "درک بی طرفانهای از شرایط لازم برای هماهنگی جمعی در امر بهائی یافت میشود." سپس دادگاه مذکور به جزوهای از انتشارات جامعهٔ بهائی با عنوان "هماهنگی جمعی: مهم ترین مسأله هندوستان" اشاره کرد و بخشهائی از آن را در حکمی که صادر کرد نقل نمود.
رویداد بالا نشان از اثربخشی روزافزون امر مبارک در سراسر جهان دارد و بیتردید سبب امیدواری اهل بهاء خواهد بود.
مجمع عرفان[edit]
IRFAN COLLOQUIUM[edit]
چنانکه از پیش به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز رسیده است، "مجمع عرفان" عنوان جلسات بحث و مطالعه در کتب مقدسه ادیان و آثار مبارکهٔ امر بهائی است که با مساعدت "صندوق یادبود حاج مهدی ارجمند" تشکیل میگردد.
در این جلسات نتیجهٔ مطالعات و پژوهشهای محققان بهائی ارائه میشود و مورد مذاکره قرار میگیرد.
دومین "مجمع عرفان" از ۲۳ تا ۲۵ جون سال جاری در مؤسسه آموزش بهائی در اکوتو واقع در شصت کیلومتری جنوب رم در ایتالیا منعقد گردید.
سومین "مجمع عرفان" از ۸ تا ۱۰ سپتامبر سال ۱۹۹۵ در مدرسهٔ بهائی لوهلن در ایالت میشیگان برگزار خواهد شد.
از علاقهمندان به معارف امری و مطالعات بهائی دعوت میشود در مجامع مذکور شرکت فرمایند. یاران میتوانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر و ثبت نام با دفتر احبای ایرانی/امریکائی واقع در دفتر محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۶۳-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸)
برنامهٔ آموزشی مؤسسهٔ ویلمت[edit]
SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY[edit]
مؤسسه ویلمت تحت اشراف محفل روحانی ملی برنامهٔ دانشگاهی مخصوصی تحت عنوان بنیاد روحانی برای جامعهٔ جهانی تنظیم نموده است که در ماه جولای سال جاری در National Louis University در مجاورت مشرقالاذکار ایالات متحده در ایالت ایلینوی آغاز خواهد شد.
هدف این برنامه آموزش معارف امری در سطح دانشگاهی و تعلیم مهارتهای لازم برای تبلیغ امر الهی و دیگر خدمات امری است.
دانشجویان این برنامه به مدت یک ماه در دانشگاه مذکور اقامت خواهند داشت و در درسهای نظری و عملی که ترتیب داده شده است، شرکت خواهند نمود و سپس مطالعات خود را در معارف بهائی همراه با خدمات تبلیغی طبق برنامهٔ انفرادی خاص ادامه خواهند داد.
این برنامه میتواند بخشی از تحصیلات دانشگاهی به شمار آید. علاقهمندان میتوانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر و ثبت نام با مؤسسه ویلمت تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۴۹۲-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸) شماره فکس: ۳۵۰۲-۷۳۳ (۷۰۸)
| یکی از شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی فراموش کرده اند دوربین عکاسی خود را با خود ببرند! تقاضا میشود با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی تماس حاصل نمایند تا ترتیب اعادهٔ دوربین به ایشان داده شود. |
پنجمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی[edit]
FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE
گروهی از هنرمندان هنگام اجرای برنامه
جناب ابوالقاسم افنان هنگام سخنرانی درباره بیت شیراز
منظره عمومی تالار محل کنفرانس
پنجمین کنفرانس انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از جمعه ۲۶ تا یکشنبه ۲۸ ماه می سال جاری در هالیدی این Holiday Inn در اونستن در جوار ام المعابد غرب تشکیل گردید.
مقدمات کنفرانس ساعت ۱۰ صبح روز جمعه با نامنویسی و گردهمآئی شرکت کنندگان آغاز شد. اولین جلسه کنفرانس بعد از ظهر همان روز ساعت ۲ و ۳۰ دقیقه با تلاوت مناجات و اجراء موسیقی و خوشآمد گوئی به حاضران شروع شد.
جناب موسی امانت در نطقی با عنوان "دو شاعر صدر امر از کاشان" به بررسی زندگانی و اشعار جناب ذبیح کاشانی و جناب منیب پرداختند.
سپس جناب امیرفرهنگ ایمانی ساکن فرانسه و جناب عنایتالله صادقیان مقیم آلمان دربارهٔ نشریات فارسی زبان بهائی و بخش ماهنامه فارسی زبان پیام بهائی در ۱۲۷ کشور و اثر آن در ترویج معارف و فرهنگ بهائی در دورترین نقاط جهان سخنانی اظهار داشتند.
جلسهٔ صبح روز شنبه همه وقف بزرگداشت استاد بزرگوار بهائی دکتر محمد باقر هوشیار (۱۲۸۴-۱۳۳۵ شمسی، ۱۹۰۵-۱۹۵۶ میلادی) گردید. خانم لیلی ایمن و دکتر حشمت مؤید و دکتر ایرج ایمن و دکتر بهروز ثابت دربارهٔ زندگانی پربار و خدمات و آثار دکتر هوشیار مطالب سودمندی به سمع حاضران رساندند.
بعد از ظهر روز شنبه به هنر تذهیب اختصاص داشت. جناب عنایتالله صادقیان دربارهٔ این هنر و نیز شرح حال جناب لطفالله موهبت استاد معاصر تذهیب که بسیاری از الواح و آثار بهائی را به امر حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله و محفل روحانی ملی ایران تذهیب نموده است، بیاناتی اظهار داشت. سپس هنرمند خوشنویس جناب بیژن فردوسی جنبههای فنی هنر تذهیب را تشریح و بررسی نمود.
سپس شرکت کنندگان فرصتی یافتند که از محل فروش کتاب و نمایشگاهی که از آثار خوشنویسی و تذهیب جناب موهبت و جناب فردوسی ترتیب داده شده بود، دیدار کنند.
یکشنبه صبح دو شخصیت بزرگ عرفانی ایرانی مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. دکتر نادر سعیدی نطقی با عنوان "فلسفه خودشناسی از نظر شهابالدین سهروردی و آئین بهائی" ایراد نمود. سپس دکتر فرنک لوئیس Franklin Lewis به ایراد یک سخنرانی به زبان انگلیسی با عنوان "سنائی غزنوی و نقل اشعارش در آثار حضرت بهاءُالله" پرداخت.
بعد از ظهر آن روز دکتر طلعت بصاری دربارهٔ "ابو نصر فارابی و موسیقی ایرانی" سخنرانی کردند و سپس مهندس هوشیار اشرف مقالهای از معمار نامدار بهائی مهندس هوشنگ سیحون دربارهٔ معماری خانههای ایران در قرن سیزدهم هجری (قرن نوزدهم میلادی) همراه با نمایش تصاویری از نمونههای ممتاز آن ارائه دادند.
در هر دو روز شنبه و یکشنبه بعد از ظهر برنامه شعر خوانی با نظامت مهندس بهروز جباری دائر بود. در این برنامه دوستان فرصت مییافتند که از آثار خود یا از آثار شاعران دیگر اشعاری بخوانند.
همچنین برنامههای موسیقی و آواز و دکلمه در فاصلهٔ میان سخنرانیها اجرا میشد و غروب روزهای جمعه و شنبه به اجرای برنامههای هنری اختصاص داده شده بود.
هنرمندانی که در کنفرانس برنامه اجرا کردند عبارت بودند از: خانم آتیسا آذر اردکانی (رقص)؛ جناب نوید اردکانی (سنتور)؛ جناب سینا ثابت (ویلن)؛ دکتر ضیاء ثابت (فلوت)؛ خانم مرجان جباری (پیانو)؛ خانم کیلی حقیقی (پیانو)؛ جناب کیومرث حقیقی (سنتور)؛ خانم شکوه رضائی (دکلمه و آواز)؛ خانم روحا مطلق سبحانی (دکلمه)؛ جناب منصور سبحانی (آواز)؛ جناب بهروز سنائی (تنبک)؛ جناب فروغالدین فرزانه (آواز)؛ جناب جوآ گرینگس Joah Greengus (پیانوی الکتریکی)؛ جناب روحالله محمودزاده (سنتور و تنظیم صحنه و صدا)؛ جناب گرشا مظهر (دکلمه)؛ خانم گلنار مظهر (دکلمه)؛ دکتر پرویز موفق (ویلن)؛ خانم فرزانه ناظریان (دکلمه)؛ دکتر منوچهر وهمن (ویلن و مدیریت برنامههای هنری).
غروب روز یکشنبه که آغاز روز صعود حضرت بهاءُالله بود، جلسه با موسیقی شروع شد. سپس جناب ابوالقاسم افنان که مهمان انجمن از انگلستان بودند، دربارهٔ بیت مبارک شیراز سخنانی کردند. نمایش اسلایدهائی از شیراز و بیت مبارک که تعدادی از آنها مخصوص کنفرانس از ارض اقدس فرستاده شده بود ارواح همه حاضران را به آن آستان مقدس مشرف ساخت. باقی شب به اجرای برنامههای هنری و دکلمهٔ شعر برگزار گردید. هر کدام از این برنامهها به نوبهٔ خود احباء را به نحوی برای شرکت در مراسم سالگرد صعود جمال اقدس ابهی آماده میکرد.
از ساعت دو صبح دوشنبه شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس با اتوبوس به مشرقالاذکار رفتند تا در برنامهٔ مخصوص صعود جمال ابهی شرکت نمایند. این برنامه که توسط لجنة مخصوصی تهیه شده بود ساعت ۴ و ۳۰ دقیقه صبح پس از تلاوت زیارتنامه مبارک به دو زبان عربی و انگلیسی پایان پذیرفت.
از دوستانی که در کنفرانس شرکت جسته بودند بارها شنیده شد که آرزو میکردند مدت کنفرانس طولانیتر میبود. اشتیاق دوستان به اندازهای بود که برخی از حضرات در همان لحظات پایان کنفرانس در جستجوی تاریخ و محل تشکیل کنفرانس سال آینده بودند! به امید دیدار.
همت والا[edit]
EXEMPLARY SERVICE
۲۲ اپریل امسال احبای شهر کارولتون Carrollton در ایالت تگزاس جلسهای با حضور ۶۳ نفر از احباء تشکیل دادند. در این جلسه با شام و چای و شیرینی و نوای موسیقی از حاضران پذیرائی شد و در پایان مبلغ ۲۳ هزار دلار برای ساختمانهای قوس جمعآوری گردید که توسط محفل روحانی محل تقدیم مرکز جهانی شد.
در سال گذشته نیز جلسه مشابهی تشکیل شده بود و در آن ۹ هزار دلار جمعآوری و به صندوق قوس ارسال شد.
همت والای احبای کارولتون را دست مریزاد میگوئیم و توفیق بیشتر آنان را آرزومندیم.
[Page 26]
PERSIAN[edit]
هشتاد و ششمین کانونشن ملی[edit]
86TH NATIONAL CONVENTION
هشتاد و ششمین کانونشن ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده از ۲۷ تا ۳۰ اپریل سال جاری با حضور بیش از هزار نفر از احباء در هتل بیسمارک شیکاگو تشکیل گردید.
سه تن از مشاورین قارهای جناب استیون برکلند Stephen Birkland، خانم ویلما الیس Wilma Ellis و جناب ویلیام رابرتس William Roberts در کانونشن حضور داشتند و روز پنجشنبه جلسهای برای نمایندگان ترتیب دادند و در آن راجع به کیفیت انتخابات بهائی و وظائف اصحاب شور مذاکراتی صورت دادند.
جلسات کانونشن با بیانات مشاورین قارهای و انتخاب ناظم و منشی کانونشن آغاز شد و سپس گزارش سالانه محفل روحانی ملی توسط منشی محفل جناب رابرت هندرسن و منشی امور خارجی دکتر فیروز کاظمزاده و امین صندوق جناب ویلیام دیویس به آگاهی حاضران رسید.
گزارش منشی محفل[edit]
جناب هندرسن درباره برنامهها و نقشههای محفل روحانی ملی سخن گفت و همه را تشویق کرد که دستخط بیتالعدل اعظم الهی مورخ ۱۹ می سال ۱۹۹۴ را به دقت مطالعه نمایند.
جناب هندرسن اظهار داشت که محفل روحانی ملی در پاسخ به دستخط مذکور اقداماتی به عمل آورده است از جمله: سعی در تزیید معارف و آگاهی خود محفل و تغییر سازمانی آن؛ همکاری بیشتر با مشاورین قارهای؛ یافتن راههای جدید برای تمشیت امور اداری و آموزش کارکنان دفتر محفل؛ طرح برنامههائی برای جلوگیری از تمرکز همه امور در دفتر محفل و طرح نقشههائی برای تحول و تکامل بیشتر محافل روحانی محلی.
جناب هندرسن همچنین اظهار داشت که در سال گذشته محفل روحانی ملی چندین بار با مشاورین قارهای ملاقات کرده است که درباره دستخط معهد اعلی و چگونگی اجرای مفاد آن مذاکراتی به عمل آید.
همچنین منشی محفل روحانی ملی در رابطه با مشکلات مالی که از زمان انعاد کنگره جهانی به وجود آمده و اختلاف نظری که محفل ملی با شرکتهای هواپیمائی و هتلها داشته گزارش داد که بر اثر مذاکراتی که با شرکتهای هواپیمائی و هتلها صورت گرفته صدها هزار دلار مسترد شده و خوشبختانه از همه کسانی که در کنگره جهانی شرکت کردهاند وجوه مربوط به مخارج آنان دریافت گردیده است.
کلیه وجوهی که از شرکتکنندگان در کنگره و شرکتهای هواپیمائی و آژانس مسافرتی و هتلها دریافت شده، به ارض اقدس حواله میشود. بیتالعدل اعظم کلیه عملیات مربوط به حسابرسیهای کنگره جهانی را تصویب فرموده است.
پس از سخنان جناب هندرسن نمایندگان بر این نکته اتفاق نظر داشتند که اینگونه مطالب را باید با همه یاران در سراسر کشور در میان نهاد.
گزارش منشی امور خارجی[edit]
دکتر فیروز کاظمزاده درباره اهمیت روزافزون فعالیتهای امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی و ارتباط آن محفل با دولت و سازمانها و افراد برجسته غیربهائی مطالبی به آگاهی شرکتکنندگان رساند.
دکتر کاظمزاده گفت بیتالعدل اعظم الهی خط مشی محافل روحانی ملی را در رابطه با امور خارجی معین نمودهاند. مسائلی که تحت عنوان امور خارجی قرار میگیرد عبارت است از: حقوق بشر، وضعیت زنان، رهبری اخلاقی، و سعادت جهانی.
- حقوق بشر. دکتر کاظمزاده اظهار داشت تضییقاتی که برای جامعه بهائی ایران ایجاد شده مانند بلندگوئی برای امر مبارک بوده و خون شهیدان بهائی ایران راه پیشرفت امور را در مورد مسائلی چون تحریم قتل عام و تبعیض هموار ساخته است.
- وضعیت زنان. دکتر کاظمزاده گفت امر مبارک نه تنها آماده است که پیشنهادهایی در این مورد ارائه کند بلکه بارها توانسته است نمونهای از وحدت عرضه دارد. یک نمونه تدارکات لازم برای چهارمین کنفرانس جهانی زنان است که در چین تشکیل خواهد شد.
- رهبری اخلاقی. جناب کاظمزاده تأکید کرد که لازم است بر کسانی که باید صلح اصغر را تأسیس کنند، تأثیر بگذاریم. روزی خواهد رسید که مردم منشاء این تأثیر را دریابند و آنوقت است که تقلیب عظیمی رخ خواهد گشود.
گزارش امین صندوق[edit]
جناب ویلیام دیویس پس از بررسی وضع مالی و ستایش احباء برای همت و فداکاریشان در قبال صندوق ساختمانهای قوس اظهار داشت که کاهش تبرعات به صندوق ملی از ماه می تا سپتامبر دشواریهای مالی بزرگی برای اداره تشکیلات ملی ایجاد میکند.
جناب دیویس اظهار داشت که این کمبود مالی ما را در موقعیتی قرار میدهد که باید در زمانی که فعالیت بیشتر از هر وقت دیگری است، وام بگیریم و این نتیجه ناگواری به همراه دارد و لطمه عظیمی به اداره امور جامعه بهائی امریکا وارد میآورد.
پیام رضوان[edit]
صبح روز جمعه پیام رضوان ۱۵۲ بیتالعدل اعظم جهت بررسی و مشاوره نمایندگان به سمع آنان رسید. مشاور قارهای جناب ویلیام رابرتس از نمایندگان درخواست کرد که مفاد پیام را در پرتو رویدادهای دو سال گذشته در نظر بگیرند. ایشان گفت جلب مردم به امر مبارک کار آسانی نیست مگر اینکه کوششهای ما بر اساس عزمی جزم باشد. بیتالعدل اعظم در پیام خود اهل بهاء را به قابلیت و توان خودشان متذکر داشتهاند که نه تنها جلب نفوس کنند بلکه اهداف خطیرتری چون بنای ساختمانهای قوس را نیز متحقق سازند.
مشکلات[edit]
جناب هندرسن و جناب دیویس در سخنان خود اظهار داشتند که برخی از تصمیمات محفل ملی را به علت کمبود بودجه نمیتوان اجرا کرد. بعنوان مثال
۹ جولای سالروز شهادت حضرت رب اعلی[edit]
یکی از این تصمیمات طرح برنامهای برای تربیت اخلاقی اطفال غیربهائی و والدینشان است. خرج اولیه این برنامه ۱۳۵هزار دلار است که فعلاً بهیچوجه موجود نیست.
جناب دیویس گفت محفل روحانی ملی اعتبار مالی بیشتری ندارد که بتواند بر اساس آن وام بگیرد. وضع مالی محفل را در حال حاضر میشود تشبیه کرد به کشتی رانی بدون قطبنما در تاریکی شب آن هم در تنگه ماژالان!
نمایندگان اظهار داشتند که گزارش وضع مالی باید به آگاهی اعضای جامعه برسد. سپس نمایندگان و دیگر شرکتکنندگان در کانونشن همت کردند و به صندوق ملی مبلغ ۱۲۸۷۲۹ دلار نقد تبرع و ۲۰۱۹۳ دلار تعهد کردند. همچنین برای ساختمانهای قوس ۴۳۲۹۵ دلار نقد تبرع و ۳۸۱۰۰ دلار تعهد شد.
انتخاب اعضای محفل ملی[edit]
در یکی از بخشهای اصلی کانونشن که در طبقه زیرین مشرقالاذکار تشکیل شد، نمایندگان کانونشن با ادای رأی اعضای محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده را برای سال ۱۵۲ بدیع انتخاب کردند. اسامی اعضای محفل بدین ترتیب است: خانم جوانا کانرد Juana Conrad، جناب ویلیام ای دیویس William E. Davis، خانم آلبرتا دیز Alberta Deas، جناب رابرت سی هندرسن Robert C. Henderson، جناب فیروز کاظم زاده، خانم پتریشا لاک Patricia Locke، جناب جک مککنتس Jack McCants، خانم دروتی نلسون Dorothy W. Nelson، جناب جیمز نلسون James F. Nelson.
اعضای محفل روحانی ملی بلافاصله پس از انتخاب جلسه تشکیل دادند و هیئت عامله بدین ترتیب معین شد: جناب نلسن رئیس محفل؛ خانم نلسون نایب رئیس؛ جناب هندرسن منشی؛ جناب دیویس امین صندوق؛ جناب کاظمزاده منشی امور خارجی؛ خانم کانرد معاون منشی.
| حقوقالله |
|---|
| از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمیهای حقوقالله را در وجه Bahá’í Huququ’lláh Trust به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوقالله ارسال فرمایند. |
| Dr. Amin Banani
Santa Monica, CA. 90402 |
| Dr. Daryush Haghighi
Rocky River, OH. 44116 |
| Dr. Elsie Austin
9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, #612 Silver Spring, MD. 20901 |
Distinguished pioneer William Foster dies in Hawaii[edit]
“Deplore loss William R. Foster, long-standing servant Bahá’u’lláh, tireless promoter Bahá’í teachings, radiant champion Administrative Order. Apart from his extensive involvement vital activities communities United States and Hawaiian Islands, his valiant, sacrificial endeavors Africa before, during and after Ten Year Crusade ensure indelible record annals Faith, especially regarding Morocco and Liberia. Flame his love Shoghi Effendi, intensified by his direct contact with him while assisting with development Bahá’í World Center properties during brief period 1950s, has left enduring traces in hearts many students his classes on Guardian’s writings. Extend loving sympathy members his dear family. Assure ardent prayers Holy Shrines for progress throughout divine worlds this noble soul whose association Cause Blessed Beauty extended beyond six decades.” The Universal House of Justice May 22, 1995
At the passing May 18 of long-time pioneer William R. (Bill) Foster, the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii sent the following e-mail message to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly:
With saddened hearts we announce the passing to the Abhá Kingdom of our dearly-loved, staunch, faithful, zealous, unwavering and devoted Bahá’í brother, William R. Foster, first American of his race to respond to the call of the beloved Guardian to pioneer in Africa before the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, remaining there with his family for 17 years building Bahá’í communities for nine years in Morocco and eight years in Liberia.
He went to the Holy Land for two months in the 1950s where he personally assisted Shoghi Effendi on various projects associated with the establishment and beautification of the Bahá’í properties, and for many generations of Bahá’ís he is and always will be associated with the beloved Guardian, sharing his stories, sharing his profound love, admiration and awe of Shoghi Effendi.
He served on countless national committees and on several local Spiritual Assemblies on the United States homefront where he initiated his renowned deepening classes on the writings of the Guardian, and crowned his administrative endeavors as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands for nearly 12 years, once for four years and then, after returning to Hawaii a second time, for eight years.
The descendant of African slaves, his exemplary life inspired the friends wherever he resided by his unquestioned loyalty to the Covenant, his profound attachment to the beloved Guardian, and as a champion of minority peoples everywhere. The loss of one so deeply loved, honored and respected leaves a void in our hearts as we bid farewell to one of our most illustrious Bahá’ís.
We beseech prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his radiant soul and that he will be reunited with his beloved Guardian. Our prayers and condolences extend to all members of his devoted family, and to the friends throughout the Hawaiian Islands who mourn his passing.
William R. Foster, pictured at the U.S. Bahá’í National Convention in 1975.
Ruth Fendell, early pioneer to Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica who designed gardens around House of Worship in Panama[edit]
Ruth Fendell, an early pioneer to Latin America, was born in 1908 in Tacoma, Washington, and grew up in Lima, Ohio. She was operating her own photography studio in Lima when she met the Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy Baker.
She studied the Faith with Mrs. Baker, declared her belief in the early ’40s and, shortly thereafter, set out for a pioneering post in Bogota, Colombia.
On her way to Colombia, Ruth met Jacob Fendell, a journalist with the Army News Corps who lived in Bogota. They were married in 1942, making Ruth one of the first pioneers to Colombia where she served on its first National Spiritual Assembly.
In Colombia, as later in Panama and Costa Rica, Mrs. Fendell was an active teacher of the Faith, especially in her capacity as hostess to the many local and visiting prominent people with whom her husband had contact in his profession. Through her, many eminent persons came to know of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.
The Fendell home was often the guest house for visiting Bahá’í teachers and was also the site of large gatherings of the friends for Holy Day observances. In 1948, following the revolution in Colombia, the Fendells moved to Panama, and in 1952 moved again, with their two children, to Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, Ruth was well known for her many services to the local people: she insisted on and assisted with formal education for the children of the families working on her coffee farm and was prominent in local women’s activities. She taught art to private students and was an active traveling teacher for the Faith to other cities. Mrs. Fendell also donated a lovely piece of property to be the site of the future House of Worship in Costa Rica.
With several other pioneers, Mrs. Fendell founded the Escuela Intercontinental, a Bahá’í primary school, grades K-3, duly recognized by the Ministry of Education, which operated from 1954-1957. In 1957 Ruth was affected by an outbreak of polio, an illness which left her weak in her left side for the rest of her life.
Fortunately, she was able to continue her work as an artist. One of her most important artistic contributions to the Faith was her design and implementation of the gardens at the House of Worship in Panama. Although she was advanced in age and not too well, she often worked long, hard hours in the hot sun to make the gardens as lovely as possible.
Ruth Shook Fendell died in December 1992 in Escazu, Costa Rica.
United Nations’ 50th anniversary offers way to proclaim views on unity, peace[edit]
Many communities have realized that celebrating Martin Luther King Day is a wonderful way for Bahá’ís to proclaim the Faith, particularly in the area of race relations. This year we have a new opportunity. The United Nations is celebrating its 50th anniversary, giving us a chance to demonstrate our views on unity and world peace.
Already a number of Bahá’í communities are preparing UN booths for their county and state fairs. In the San Francisco and San Jose areas projects abound, many of them in conjunction with the Army of Light.
In Philadelphia the Bahá’ís allowed the United Nations’ own 50th anniversary committee to meet at the Bahá’í Center. The committee members then asked the Bahá’ís if they would be willing to have their Race Unity Day program be the kick-off for the UN 50 activities. This is a major breakthrough for the Philadelphia community. The Race Unity Day celebration will be much bigger than in the past and the tie-in with UN 50 will greatly increase the effectiveness of proclamation efforts.
If you are in a small Bahá’í community and feel you don’t have the resources to undertake a project alone, you can always ask other civic groups to take part with you. This is often a good way for Bahá’ís to make connections in the non-Bahá’í community.
The relationships that can be developed through joint projects can lead to requests for Bahá’í support in many other areas. (See “Laying Foundations” in this issue).
For help in planning a UN 50 event, please call your local UN Association chapter or your State Teaching Committee. If they are unable to help you, contact the National Spiritual Assembly’s United Nations office at 212-756-3500.
Bahá’í student’s demeanor casts favorable light on Faith among students, teachers[edit]
The power of the Faith to influence the thoughts and opinions of others was demonstrated recently at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, where a Bahá’í was one of 15 students to be chosen as Senior Helpers, considered a singular honor at the school.
In evaluating her qualifications for the position, one of the student’s teachers wrote:
“She is one of the most centered people (kid, adult, anyone) I have ever met. Angela is warm, intelligent, joyful and serene,” displaying “an inner peace that glows and manifests itself in her remarkable beauty.
“[She] really does put others first and is interested in their well-being, whether academically, socially or spiritually.
“She herself is religious—not evangelical, but knowing her makes me want to explore the Bahá’í Faith, since I believe it is one source of her power.
“Angela won’t become a Senior Helper to gain kudos, gifts or influence for herself. I know this sounds out of the ordinary, but Angela is a healing presence.
“Come to think of it, I have known one other like her—her older sister, a New Trier graduate. I don’t know what their parents are doing in raising their daughters, but if we could bottle it, mankind could be very hopeful.”
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
| Name | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Apple | Martin, SD | January 1995 |
| Susan Deuter | Sun Valley, ID | March 19, 1995 |
| Marcia Harrison | Ann Arbor, MI | February 22, 1995 |
| Wirza Stoakley | Batavia, IL | April 18, 1995 |
| Amir Ashouri | San Diego, CA | December 28, 1994 |
| Ed Doherty | St. Charles, MO | March 11, 1995 |
| Tom Lorry Karr | Schaumburg, IL | March 6, 1995 |
| Eulalia Bobo Taylor | Detroit, MI | May 14, 1995 |
| N. Virginia Beach | Cheyenne, WY | April 30, 1995 |
| Joseph V. Garcia | San Jose, CA | April 20, 1995 |
| Elizabeth Maddex | Orange, NJ | December 6, 1994 |
| Cliff Timmons | Pamplico, SC | April 1995 |
| Frederick Bills | Bellingham, WA | March 14, 1995 |
| Leonard Godwin | Eugene, OR | December 18, 1994 |
| Eddie L. Roach | Victorville, CA | May 15, 1995 |
| Robert A. Ward | Dunedin, FL | February 18, 1995 |
| Ethel M. Crabb | Pine Bluff, AR | April 3, 1995 |
| Irene Graham | Jamaica, NY | January 1995 |
| Nosrat Sabetzadeh | Fremont, CA | April 9, 1995 |
| Winifred Wilcox | Cambria, CA | December 23, 1994 |
| Tom L. Davis | Ft. Myers, FL | April 16, 1995 |
| Josephine Gregoire | Far Rockaway, NY | April 15, 1995 |
| Robert Schmitz | Ridgewood, NJ | February 18, 1995 |
| Frank M. Wilson | Bend, OR | January 5, 1995 |
CALENDAR[edit]
The Bahá’í Youth Group of Howard County, Maryland, sponsored its second annual retreat last November 4-6 at the Hashawa Environmental Center in Westminster. About 40 young Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís from throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia attended the weekend event, whose theme was ‘Youth’s Role in Establishing a Better Tomorrow.’ The program included workshops, deepenings, and presentations of visual and performing arts.
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| Name of new Bahá’í Community ____________ Moving date ____________ | Area code ____________ Phone number ____________ Name ____________ | ||
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BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER
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RAHMAT B.E. 152 / JUNE 24, 1995
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
JULY[edit]
4-August 4: “Call for Teaching” project, Bulgaria. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039.
8-13: “Partnership Between Women and Men,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” “Ruhi Deepening and Consolidation Method,” general session for all ages, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564.
9: North Georgia/Metro Atlanta “Spirit of Sacrifice” Conference and commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb, Bahá’í Unity Center, DeKalb. For information, phone Paul Vaughn, 404-499-0072.
9-15: Green Acre Youth Institute (applications required). For application or information, contact the Registrar, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.
9-29: Shawnigan Lake Bahá’í Summer School, Maxwell International Bahá’í School, British Columbia, Canada. Week 1: “Teaching the Cause of God.” Week 2: “Youth: Living the Life.” Week 3: “Arts and the Bahá’í Faith.” Registrar: Bill Warthe, BC V0R 1L0, Canada.
13-16: Second International Youth Conference, Brest, Belarus. For information on visa and travel arrangements, contact the Office of Pioneering.
14-17: Nebraska Bahá’í School, Camp Comeca. Contact Billie Kay Bodie, Burchard, NE 68323 (phone 402-865-4335).
15-20: “Creating a Vision for Spiritual Development,” “The Special Destiny of America,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” general session for all ages, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
19-23: Four Corners Summer School, Camp Kiwanis, south of Gallup, New Mexico. Contact Carole Hitti, Cortez, CO 81321; phone 303-565-7910.
21-24: Southern California Bahá’í School, Highland Resort, Cherry Valley. Contact Edye York, 909-983-1022.
22-23: Southern California Summer School, Westwind Center, Ontario. Classes on Tablets of the Divine Plan conducted by Counselor Wilma Ellis. For information, contact Edye York, 909-983-1022, or Bahía Farahi, 619-755-7623.
22-27: “Achieving Unity in Spite of Race,” “Historical Aspects of the Tablets of the Divine Plan,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” College Youth Institute, general session for all ages, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
29-30: Core Curriculum/Race Unity Training Session, Dallas (Texas) Bahá’í Center. For information or reservations (40-person maximum), phone Sherri Meinster, 214-324-9259, or Robin Cain, 817-249-0947.
29-August 3: Summer Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
30-August 8: Montana Bahá’í School. Contact Marjorie Williams, Wolf Point, MT 59201 (phone 406-653-3034).
30-August 28: “Call for Teaching” project, Bulgaria. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 708-869-9039.
AUGUST[edit]
5-10: Summer Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
10-14: Fourth International Youth Conference in South America, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of Venezuela. For information or reservations, phone Janet Woodard, 58-02-762-7806, or write to the National Spiritual Assembly of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela. A special invitation is extended to music and dance groups who wish to perform at the conference and/or tour the country afterward.
11-15: Iowa Bahá’í Summer School. Contact Diane Findlay, Dallas Center, IA 50063; phone 515-992-3388.
12-17: Summer Youth Institute, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
13-18: Tennessee Bahá’í Summer Academy, a summer experience for children ages 7-13, DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Sponsored by the Tennessee Bahá’í Institute and the Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga. For information, phone Dottie or Joe Ford, 615-892-4949.
19-24: “The Ocean of My Words: Tools for Understanding the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh,” “The Heroine of a Thousand Faces,” “The Mission of the Artist,” “The Mystical Background of Bahá’u’lláh’s Seven Valleys,” general session for all ages, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
25-27: Alaska Bahá’í Summer School, Haines. For details, phone 907-345-3740 or fax 907-345-3739.
26-31: “Spiritual Transformation of the Individual,” “Social Transformation of Our Global Society,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” “Introduction to Bahá’í Community Social and Economic Development,” general session for all ages, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
SEPTEMBER[edit]
1-4: Annual Labor Day weekend, “The Arts and Teaching,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.
1-4: Media & Arts Colloquium, Bosch Bahá’í School. Special guests to include David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice; and Marva Nabílí, great-granddaughter of Nabíl, author of The Dawn-Breakers. Producers, directors, patrons of the arts are invited to submit their productions on film and video for review. Send (in advance) to Media Arts Council, Malibu, CA 90265. Reservations: through the Bosch School (fax 408-423-7564; phone 408-423-3387) or write to 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9615.
1-6: SITA/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Institute, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509).