The American Bahá’í/Volume 26/Issue 5/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 26, Issue 5

Next→

Return to PDF view

[Page 1]

Wola PL ltl oL la)

me AAMERICAN BaAHA'

Rahmat B.E. 152 / June 24, 1995

|

ervice with a smile

Volunteers find fun, satisfaction while saving Fund precious millions

Bosch Baha'i School volunteer coordinator Sima Cockshut (left) shows how it’s done—with lots of love and encouragement.

By TOM MENNILLO

tion of volunteers.

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 Bahd’u’llah in the U.S. is being advanced through the sacrificial labors of a new genera See VOLUNTEERS page 5

90 declare as Houston aims for troops

Bahd’is in the Houston, Texas, area, inspired by the example of Taiwan, whose Baha’i community grew from 1,200 to 16,000 over a five-year period, have launched the Amatu’l-Baha 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’lBaha Ruhiyyih Khénum 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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

> The time has come to renew our commitment: letter from the National Teaching Committee

> Apictorial look backward to the historic 86th Baha'i National Convention 10

> The National Treasurer's Office presents its Community Honor Roll for

B.E. 151 14

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 theirown transportation to and from Houston. If you are interested in helping to set this part of the country ablaze with the Message of Baha’u’llah, phone Patti Lovejoy, 713-370-6566.

opened their own Bahd’i Centers.

The Core Curriculum serves as the basis for nightly meetings, weekend institutes (held every Saturday and Sunday in four areas) and month 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 Baha’f 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

The Supreme Court of India, in a decision last October concerning a religious dispute between Hindus and

luslims, cited the Baha’i 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 syed a 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 Baha’i Faith. In a booklet, ‘Communal Harmony—India’s Greatest Challenge,’ forming part of the

See INDIA page 13

OK City Baha’is take lead

As the healing continues in Oklahoma City, Baha’fs have taken a central role in interfaith effort iated since the bombing of the federal building.

A Bahd‘i was elected chairman of Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City, and the new organization’s mission statement begins with a quote from Baha‘u'llah: “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.

Baha'i prayers have been recited at many Publich pat eninge, committee meetings and events such as tree plantings. Those who request copies of the prayers are given prayer books in response.

And Baha’i concepts often are brought forth casually in the course of consultation. In fact, several committees have started using this tool revealed b’ Baha’u’lléh to ensure that all fait groups’ viewpoints are expressed.

It is a collaboration that local Baha’is 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 Baha’ 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 Baha’. “God willing, we've seen only the beginning!”

[Page 2]THe American BAHA'i 2

ACHING

A letter from the National Teaching Committee

Time has come to renew our commitment to teaching

“When the hour cometh that this wronged and brokenwinged 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 Baha’u'l-Abhé [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 Abdw'l-Baha,

. 10) p 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-Baha 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 Bahd’u’llih’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 Baha‘u’llah’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 Baha'i. How do we reach beyond the name? How do we propa a PW er NICS VG EW

Published every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahd'f Faith. Articles should be clear and concise; color or black-and-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Bahd’f, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

Copyright© 1995 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

ate the Faith, rather than simply proclaim it? We go ack to the reason why we became Baha'is; love of God and Bahd’u’llih.

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—Baha’‘f and nonBaha’f slike. 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 Baha’f 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 Baha’u‘flah.

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 Bahd’u’llah. 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 institu 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 Baha‘u’llih to “immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its 's, 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 Baha’u'llah 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 seals 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 beliewers. The key to the conversion of people...is the action of the individual Baha’ 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 Baha firesides many continue even without them. sult: 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 o1 own. So the community reached out to the population at large and asked for help. The result: the Bahd’is 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 Abha. 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 Ph the Cause of God.” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, 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 Baha’i 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 Bahd‘is find the Faith worth dying for is a message others will never forget. That itis 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 Baha‘i love,

The National Teaching Committee June 1995

Four significant events bring spiritual confirmations

during uncommon weekend

The weekend of March 31-April 2 was one of great spiritual confirmations for the Bahd’is of Mount

ernon, New York. No fewer than four significant events distinguished the spiritual potency of those days.

First, Edwin Lindsay declared his belief in Bahd‘u'llah (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 Bahd'u'lléh 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,

in Mt. Vernon, New York

direct teaching, and reflection.

The institute enabled the friends to immerse themselves in the story of Badi 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 Bahé’u'llah.

The third confirmation was the direct teaching petiormied by Badi Institute participants in the Three

fear 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 Baha’.”

The article, referenced from the front page, spoke about Baha'u'llah, the Baha’i world community, the local Spiritual Assembly, the principle of unity, and the absence of clergy. It also told how members of the community became Bahd’is in places ranging, from Jamaica to Tobago to the U.S.

[Page 3]THREE YEAR PLAN

Raumar B.E. 152 June 24, 1995

3

May’94- May 95

c- IN 1. > Army of Light National Youth Conference December 28 - 31, 1995 IVIGY ser ncestresetetente ee OD Dallas, Texas ¢ Pre-registration deadline is DECEMBER 10 Year to DALG a seisicnicsscs 294. Personal Information: * Be sure to include payment with your regisN tration form ame * Use only one form per person. Photocopies Street Address are acceptable. Sy : Fee for registration: $25. Fee must be included State Zip with registration form. Please make checks payTHE Phone able to: Baha’f Services Fund Baha'i ID Number HOTEL: FUND Sex Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) Race/Ethnic Background 1-800-233-1234 or 214-453-1234 ze Pe $ y 2 Rooms are $50 a night for up to four people, (As of May 31, 1995) Special Assistance Required (Le Wheelcharr based on availability P access, walking assistance, Blind Access) Please Note: December 10 is the final day to reserve a room at these rates. These rates are availFics pane Te eal Aca able for the nights of Dec. 28, 29, & 30. Checkout ational Bal nod Lee S748 255 VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers. Please | is 12 noon on mber 31. Inteznational Baha’ (rund $37,435 check. your area\of preference: FOOD: We have been notified that there will Are Projects Fund $1,608,183 Ushering: be no outside food allowed in the hotel. There are Continental Bahé’f Fund $18,271 Security: five restaurants on site. An optional meal plan is ome eanmatked $25,055 ii also available. Meal Plan is $55 for 7 meth, Subtotal/Int’! Funds $1,688,944 Registration: Total/All Funds $2,434,179 As Assigned: On-Site Registration: On-site registration be gins on Thursday afternoon, December 28.

National Baha’f Fund $668,004 $745,235 If you are under 18, please have your parent Medical Release for those under 18: EveryInternational Baha’ { Fund $33,299 $37,435 fllontitherfollovwine: one under the age of 18 must have a parent fill Are Projects Fund $543,223 $1,608,183 8: out the medical release section on the registration Continental Baha’{ Fund $11,513 $18,271 I, ____________________, the parent | form. NO EXCEPTIONS! Other Earmarked $16,976 $25,055 of ,aminor, Subtotal/Int’| Funds $605,011 $1,688,944 z ie QUESTIONS: Any questions you may have Total/All Funds $1,273,015 $2,434,179 authorize the Bahd’f Youth Conference Task aboutitheiconference shouldibe directed to: Force to consent to any and all medical or sur- " : é gical treatment deemed advisable by any phy- Neen eects Office sician or surgeon licensed under the provisions National Baha’ Fund: Goal & Actual of the Medical Practice Act effective while my Send registration form to: $745,235 child is attending this event. Dallas Youth Conference

c/o National Teaching Office

Signature of parent: Evanston, IL. 60201-1611 Insurance company: Policy#: . Are Projects Fund Holiday Blues? stems |} | i¢you are under15,and attending without a | | Not this year yee a oe a a ee ae ee one The National Teaching Committee $543,223 Parent please ie One ORO gane: is hosting the 2nd Army of Light NaLs, parent of tional Youth Conference, which will , appoint be held in Dallas, Texas, the last week= sere to be my end in December. International Bahé’i Fund child’s sponsor at the Baha’i National Youth The conference, whose theme is “ - . Te $37,435 Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same Excellence in All Things,” will run sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindl fromThursday, ember 26 tO outs ee) : derssroaney es “| | day, December 31. parent to my child and is fully responsible for All nine members of the National him/her at the conference. Spiritual Assembly are planning to ati fr Dee tend. We hope you will be able to join Continental Baha’{ Fund é us. $18,271 penaureobbarent Please watch for subsequent issues Date of The American Bahd’t for more in$11,513 Signature of Sponsor formation about the conference. N J \ J

[Page 4]PIONE

iN}

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 4

A pioneer's return home: it can be traumatic

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 heav and nearly immobilized with this tas! 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 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 allaboat and that can add up toa large case of disorientation and downright confusion when you re-enter. Returning adds another dimension, because your role as a Bahd’{, 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

hough 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 See ae, make sure you survive daily life.

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 Baha’i community may present its own special tests. For example, you spot one of your ib 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 Bahd’is out in the villages, attending Assembly meetings. You lived and Breatiied service to the Cause nearly every day.

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 Bahd’is in your community have their own established patterns for practicing the Faith and are used to turning to certain members when orpanizing 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 Baha’f 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 porens needs are or how they might

elp 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

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 multipage 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. Baha’u'llah, 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). Baha’f

ioneers are not the only ones who

ave 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 Bahd’u’llah, 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 Baha‘u’llah 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 Baha’u’[lah 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 Baha’u’llah 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 your 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

At Ridvan 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 Baha’{ 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

jahd’i Newsreel. Also enclosed are new, updated information and guide lines.

Please note that the forms have been simplified. There is now only one form for pioneer/Baha’i 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, Baha‘f 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]Ranmar B.E. 152 ¢ June 24,1995 5

Volunteers

Continued from page 1

They guide at the Baha’f House of Worship, enter data for Management Information Services, lend professional advice, coordinate Army of Light youth activities, cook and clean at the permanent Baha’f schools, and perform many other tasks large and small.

In short, whatever it takes to serve the needs of the American Baha'i community.

These volunteers’ efforts save the National Spiritual Assembly more than $3.5 million of its precious resources each year and free up a barebones 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 Baha'i School

“We couldn’t survive, much less accomplish the amazing and wonderful things we do at Bosch, without the extraordinary service of the friends,” Administrator Mark Bedford’s assertion.

“We encourage volunteer involvement at Bosch in many ways,” he said. “Atall 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 Baha’i 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 and 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 Baha’fs to come and sta 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 springs presley and an 11-week summer schedule.

In addition, a number of Bosch’s fulltime adult staff, including three departmental coordinators, are extendedterm 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 Bahd’is. 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 al most 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.

After a couple of months of selfless, generous and hi phly 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 vol Heather Johnson (left) and Keturah Bedford, daughters of Bosch staff members, volunteer in the school’s Yogurt Shoppe.

unteers. ...Without them, it would be truly impossible. With them, miracles happen every day.”

Louhelen Baha'i School

Rick Johnson, administrator at Louhelen, proudly recounted the volunteer services rendered at the school, then added this parting image:

“Lam 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.”

Acouple 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!”

‘arrie 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 aston 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 Baha’{ 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—Baha‘i and nonBaha’fi—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, ing or any of a number of other t 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. Johson sees it, “The service provided by these youth is inspiring because it is offered with a spirit of ‘what I can do for Bahd’u’llah.’ 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 Bahda’f 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 Baha'i School

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 ata peak.

“We recruit about 15 full-time volunteers to help our small staff of five pemmancnt employees provide full

ospitality 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,

See VOLUNTEERS page 13

[Page 6]The Baha'i Faith in America, Volume 2 Early Expansion, 1900-1912 Robert H. Stockman SC $29.95 (BFA2) The long-awaited sequel to The Bahd't Faith in America: Origins, 1892-1900, Volume 1. Charts the North American Bahd'f community's 1 ACHING 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 Bah4'f communities on the Ree uc ci4e RC

eve of “Abdu'l-Baha's visit to its shores. Though there was no individual leader and no national administrative structure, the Chicago Baha'f community remained the hub of Baha'f activity on the continent. The detailed and meticulously preserved correspondence of Thornton Chase, chairman of the Chicago House of Spirituality, is the principle source of information about the period. The book highlights the loving leadership of Abdu'l-Baha, Who, through several thousand epistles, explained to Westerners the Bahd'f 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 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 Bahd't 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

Words of Wisdom

by Bob Simms

CS $10.95 (WWCS), CD $16.95 (WWCD) Acollection of eleven selections from the Baha'i writings set to music 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 rythms, sweet melodies, and memorable harmonies. The jacket cover includes a brief description of the Bab Faith, making the album an excellent teaching gift for friends, family, or anyone who likes uplifting music.

39 minutes Resounding Pebbles Studio

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

Sun Sc the this Summer

1-800-999-9019

Twin Hoty Days BirtHpay oF BAHA'u'LLAH, BIRTHDAY OF THE BAB $14.95 HC (THDH)

The most recent of the holy days series by Kalimat Press. This handsome edition includes prayers and tablets revealed for the holy days commemorating the births of Baha'u'llah and the Bab. 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. Kalimat Press

[Page 7]BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Tue American BAHA’i 7

00-999-9019

Toscan Teaching the BarAt Pant Baha'i Faith 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 Baha'i Publications Australia Lectures on

Baha'i Inspired Curricula

by Farzam Arbab

SC $4.00 (LBIC)

An examination of the approach to curricular dvelopment taken by educators in Columbia a

nations to infuse Baha’ into a general curriculum. Di cusses 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 Baha"{ educators and those who wish to incorporate Bahd'f teachings into general education. Based on a series of talks presented at the Baha'f World Center by the author.

6" x 9", 76 pp., preface, notes Palabra Publications

ercrern)

Journey Into Exile The Story of Baha'u'llah

by Mary Firman

SC $6.95 (JIE)

» Anew activity book for children aged 7-12, giving them insight into the life

and times of Baha'u'llah through puzzles, games, quizzes, models to make, n ideal framework on which parents and teachers can ‘illed with interesting facts about the geography, culture, in the nineteenth century. Baha'i Publishing Trust, UK

and pictures to color: build lessons. costumes, and habits of the Middle-E 11-3/4" x 8-1/4", 32pp.

Tr a)

OR eli oi

$2.00 CS (WBAC)

PEO ADC)

Hand in Hand 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 Baha’ { 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.

A twenty minute audio cassette tape that d Faith in a friendly, personal way and invites listeners to inv! Bahd'ts? 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

Life After Death STEM iaticad A Study of the Afterlife in World Religions | bd by Famaz Ma'samian SC $14.95 (LAD) Life After Death explores reI is 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.

In the Eyes of His

Sommers

Life After Death 2

Fs

ae a)

ARNAZ MA'S

Oneworld Publications

Beloved Servants The Second Baha'i World Congress and Holy Year by J. Michael Kafes

SC $14.95 (IEBS)

A compilation of stories from Zi around the world that capture I fi

the magic of the Holy Year and w 5 the Second Baha'f 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 presenta In the Eyes of His Beloved Servants

‘The Second Bahd | World Congress and Holy Year

tion direct emarkable sto ries about "Getting There and Back"; "Dreams and Visions Baha’fs had about the Congress; "World Congress Diaries"; proclamation and teaching stories from around the world; and reflections on the centenary of the Ascension of Bahd'u'lléh at the Baha'f World Center in May 1992.

6" x 9", 187 pp. _J. Michael Kafes Publications

JOURNEY INTO EXILE ‘The Story of Bahd’u'llah

Who Are the Baha'is?

sses the principal beliefs of the Baha'f ‘tigate further. Who are the

Buddhism and the Baha'i Faith

by Moojan Momen

SC $11.95 (BBF)

A comparison of Buddhism and the Bah’ Faith, enabling Baha'is tounderstand something of Buddhism and Buddhists to understand something of the Baha'f Faith.

5-1/2" x 8-3/4", 114pp. George Ronald, Publisher

Moojan Momen

Sexuality, Relationships and Spiritual Growth

by Agnes Ghaznavi

SC $12.95 (SRSG) Animportantcontribution tounderstanding the link between the spiritual and the physical in marriage. A practicing Baha'f 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 Bahé’i Software

The Bahd’t Writings at your fingertips

TWIN MANIFESTATIONS RTM (3.5) $30 RTMS (5.25) $35 The Writings of Bah@’u’lléh and The Bab ABDU’L-BAHA

RAB (3.5) $35 RABS (5.25) $40

The Writings of Abdu’l-Bahd SHOGHI EFFENDI

RSE (3.5) $45 RSES (5.25) $50

The Writings of Shoghi Effendi

THE MARS PROGRAM* MARS (3.25) $25 MARSS (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 compatable with earlier version of Bahd'u’lldh Refer

or Refer: Central Figures Trilogy

Set Three of the Basic Truth Series 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 Bahd'f 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. / 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]BAHA'I DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Rawmar e.e. 152 / June 24,1995 8

1-800-999-9019

Behold Me Baha'i Writings on Unity Compilation HC $16.95 (BMH), SC $11.95 (BMS) Acomprehensive selection of Baha'i writings on the central theme of Bahd'u'lléh's Revelation a] - the unity of the human race. Includes more than 230 thematically arranged extracts from Bahé'u'llah, the Bab, Abdu'l-Bah4, 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, blographical notes, references, bibliography Baha'i Publishing Trust, UK

A Way Out of the Trap

An Innovative and Unique Ten-Step

am 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 Baha'is 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

The Van Manens

CS $10.95 (HPHPCS), cD

$1695 (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 i “Don’t Whine, a River,” “The Fat Piglet Waltz,” “!

Happy Wanderer,” “My Body,” “I Am a Friend.” For preschool children.

People Records

nae

by Nathan Rurstein

Paris Talks Announcing a new series of 12 half-hour television programs... Addresses by

‘Abdu'l-Baha THE "Abdu'l-Baha

SPIRITUAL cm REVOLUTION

HC $13.95 (PTH),

SC $5.00 (PTS) ra

A new edition of the eet BS 5 ASsrice of Caceceutnt Alot popular collection of Fees the Baka! Fath talks given by

“Abdu’l-Baha while pi

visiting Parisin 1911. The Spiritual Revolution, II

Offers guidance for applying spiritual principles to everyday life and explains major Baha’f 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’ lBaha 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 deepe:

A Serles of Conversations about the Baha’i Faith Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of San Francisco

VT $25.00 eacn

A new of 12 programs featuring information 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.* R21N) Empowered Parents, Healthy Chil‘al Prophecy Fulfilled, The Near Death Expe

Tape 2 R22N) 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 Bahd’f Fireside (Part 1)

Tape 4 (ESR23N), Models of Unity, Personal Transformation, A Baha’ Fireside

each tape 1 hour 30 minutes

Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of San Francisco

• To order this series in television broadcast format, please

contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ of San Francisco, at (415) 431-9990.

The Great Adventure

ng. 7-1/2" x 5", 224 pp., tbl contents, Introduction, Index

Baha'i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

Models of Unity II

Interracial and Interreligious Contacts and Interaction In Atlanta, Georgia

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is

Be Ciaeo tee ila a-)

of the United States by Florence SC $3.00 (MOU2) Mayberry

The second of two stud- SC $14.95 ies of racial and reli- (GAS) HC gious amity intended to MODELS OF UNITY It $19.95 (GAH)

The autobiographical story of "the great adventure li 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 ar 6" x 9", 217 pp. Nine Pines Publishing

a counterbal

“ollowing-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 cooperation 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.

Baha'i Publishing Trust

QUANTITY

Daytime TELEPHONE (

Payment METHOD —Casn » —CHECK

—Cnarce ($10.00 minimum—Visa, Master, AMEX)

AUM For onptrs smirrt oursioe Tmt U.S., rLtast ADD 15% (mi. $3.00) No SHIPPING CHARGES WITHIN CONTINENTAL ULS. Tennessee Risients Purast App 7.75% Sats Tax

[ | ns a nee sees ied Expiration Date ————___

1-800-999-9019

Baha’ Distribution Service * 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Hixson, TN 37343 * 1-800-999-9019 * Fax: 1-615-843-0836 ¢ Internet: [Page 9]Ranmar B.E. 152 © June 24,1995 9

TEACHIN

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 b lievers, 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 indi

State Teaching Committees support local efforts

viduals 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, NC 27713-7806. South Carolina

Mrs. Debbie Jackson, Hemingway, SC 29554. Florida

Mrs. Harriet Stafford, Gainesville, FL 32601-9025. Georgia

Mrs. Patsy T. Gailey, 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.

Durham,

Baldwin, GA

Plan-making helps communities

Charleston, SC, to host Race Unity Conference

focus, coordinate teaching goals

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 Ridvan 152 message to the Baha'is 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 pur ose and requirements of the Faith.

“Parallel with the exercise of such ini tiative,” 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,

Baha'is in Dallas-Ft. Worth raise $23,330 for the Arc _

Sixty-three Baha’fs from the DallasFt. 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.

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 itis “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 pels 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 Baha’i community life. The nature of the goals adopted may vary from uplace 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 Teach: ing 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 Bahd'i.

A Baha'i 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 Baha’is will bring

act 0 Unity

OIC

1 will/we will attend the Race Unity Conference:

Name:

their seekers to the weekend gathering, making it a true teaching event.

‘ours of the Louis G. Gregory Museum, in the boyhood home of the late Hand of the Cause of God, also will be conducted.

Charleston, South Carolina Gaillard Auditorium September 21 - 24, 1995

Spouse:

Children: (Names please )

Youth (13-20)

(Names please ) Address: State: Telephone:

Bahs'f Community:

Zip:

Ages:

Ages:

City:

Nation:

$ 50.00 per Adult:

$ 10.00 per Non Baha'i Guest:

(2 Adults and 2 or more Youth )

(No fee for children, but there will be a children’s program. Come one and all )

Enclosed is a check for: $ The Conference Hotel is:

Charleston,

The Sheraton Inn Charleston 170 Lockwood Drive SC 29409

made payable to: Mt. Pleasant Baha'f Fund

For Reservations Call 1-800-968-3569 — Ask For, “Bahd'f 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:

Bahé't 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]

To the Universal House of Justice

Feeling more confident in ourselves assured by the faith that ‘Abdu’l-Baha has always had in the American Baha’{ community, we the delegates of the 86th National Baha’f Convention of the United States send loving greetings to the Supreme Institution.

Inspired by the message of Ridvan 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 Huqtqu’llah 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. ‘Alf Nakhjavan{, 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 Baha’fs in your Ridvan 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-Baha 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 Baha‘u’llah, will assist us in this mighty endeavor, empowered by the love set forth by the perfect exemplar, ‘Abdu’lBah4, and encouraged by the vision of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, we, the American Baha’fs, 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 Baha'i National Convention April 30, 1995

Delegates to the 86th United States Baha'i 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 Baha'i 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

Tue American Banat 10

NATIO Lore) ASN

i rill ea

a a rs

The historic Bismarck Hotel in downtown Chicago played host to the C same year the Faith came to America. (Photo by Kim Mennillo)

MYA look National

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

[Page 12]LAC

New

SS

Gusitoms:

by Victoria Cunningham and Meg Anderson

Tue American BAHA'’ 12

from the pages of Brilliant Star.

“May the trees of your hearts bring forth new leaves and variegated blossoms.” —Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 38

Do your customs show your love?

‘Abdu’'l-Baha tells us it is time to create new customs. But how? Stop and think. Do you have a special prayer that you say before atrip? What does your family do for ‘Ayyam-i-Ha? 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 Baha’u'llah and for others. The love in her actions attracts others to the Baha'i 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

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

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. *

(SIE ee ee N Order Now! Give the gift that teaches all year long!

( Purchase a Subscription from \

Baha'i Subscriber Service:

Please enter my subscription for (check box)

Q $15 United States, one year (six issues)

$28 United States, two years

Q $15 All other countries, surface mail, one year Q $28 All other countries, surface mail, two years Q $26 Airmail, one year

Q $50 Airmail, two years

Bahd‘f ID # Name

Street

City & State Zip/Postal code

Payment must be enclosed. Canadian/International orders enclose international money order or bank cheque drawn ona U.S. bank in U. S. dollars. To charge your VISA/MC account, give number, expiration date, and name on account. Telephone orders accepted.

VISA/MC #

Exp. Date

Make check out and mail to: Bahd't Subscriber Service

Baha’f National Center Wilmette, IL 60091

Name

\ 1-708-733-3453 y,

Your Subscription Helps the Fund!

( Purchase Single Issues, Back Issues, Special Editions and Bulk Orders from Baha'i Distribution Service: Five or more copies of any one issue cost $2.00 ea.

One to four copies cost $3.00 ea. Back issues available in limited quantities.

Call: 1-800-999-9019

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

Give a Resource Library to Your

Child's Bahd’t Class Teacher! Issues Available:

The First Prejudice-Free Generation MA 95

Press On to Meet the Dawn JF 95

In the Darkest Hour ND 94

Putting the Vision into Action! so 94

Starship: Life of the Bab 4 94

Courage MA 94

Families jr 94

My Part of the Plan np9

Being Leaders so 93

Life's Journey: Purpose of Life mj 93

From Racism to Unity ma 93

The Life of ‘Abdu'l-Bahé Np 92

The 1992 World Congress so 92

Bahd‘u'll4h Special Edition 1991

The Covenant Special Edition 1992

The Kitdb-i-Aqdas Special Edition 1993

From Gnats to Eagles Special Edition 1994

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, The Door to the Future, May-June 1995

[Page 13]

NEW:

.* ot

Volunteers

Continued from page 5

housekeeping, Frown daring 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 oncampus 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 cXfrently 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 (oases vices, 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.

Volunteer Ala Kaaihue is master gardener at Bosch.

Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute

Administrator Charles Bullock has a long list of duties volunteers perform at the Hemingway, South Carolina, facility:

construction on the new Radio Baha’i 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 perpiatey 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 Baha’ Institute

Providing a constant presence on the Houck, Arizona, campus are volunteer caretakers Pat and Gene McMackin and cook Barbara Tong.

Mrs. Tong has also en known to wear the hats of construction supervisor and office assistant. For years she helped keep the books and manage finances.

Many other volunteers includin, young Bahd’is from the U.S. and abroad, teach children’s classes, help with building praiects, 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

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 offees 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 Baha’{ community will arise to serve. Members might rotate days to fulfill the commitment, or they'll pile into cars and arrivé en masse to devote a weekend or week to the Temple.

Mrs. Yopp said that is true even of communities far removed from IIlinois, but most are in adjoining states.

National Teaching Office

Shortly after layoffs at the Baha’i 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 but handles the literature from her home.

The Unity of Mankind awards program in Scouti is Sherry Krannichfeld’s bailiwick. All mail about this program is forwarded to her in Spaiigdales 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

Raumat B.E. 152 © June 24, 1995

13

for clerical tasks such as shredding, filing and collating materials.

Other offices

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 Baha'i 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 Baha’f 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

Continued from page 1

Bahd’{ 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.

“ust 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]14

Tue American BAHA'I

Community honor roll: B.E. 151

Weare delighted to publish the Community Honor Roll for 151 B.E. This year the list of local Spiritual Assemblies and registered Crops showing exempay patterns of giving to the National Fund includes 772 Assemblies and 189 Groups, down slightly from lnstiyearis 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 Baha'i 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 Baha’{ 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, Madeort Morgan Co, Tuscaloosa. Unit 2—Fairhope, Mobile, Montgomery.

ARIZONA

Unit 4—Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cococino E, Flagstaff, Glendale, Peoria, Prescott, Rural Verde Valley, Sedona, Sun City.

Unit 5—Chandler, Foutain Hills, Gilbert, Holbrook, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe.

Unit 6—Avondale.

Unit 7—Cochise Co SW, Oro Valley, Pima Co E, Pima Co §, 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 Oak-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 §, 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

arcos, 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 Ss.

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 CoS, Cobb County 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, Montomery Co NW, Montgomery CoS, Montgomery Co & 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, Northhampton, 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]Ranmar B.E. 152 ¢ June 24,1995 15

COMMUNITY HONOR RO}

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—Greensburgh 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, M. 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.

lansfield, Springfield Twp,

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—Bay town, 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, Penton, 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

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 Baha’is teaching under the banner of an ey 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 Ridvan seven people in St. Paul have declared their belief in Baha’u’llah. This is the result of a variety of activities ranging froma Hmong teaching project to a local TV cable program. Atlanta, Georgia—Army of Light: Operation ‘95

A training using Ruhi methods and field teachin, was held June 20-25, ending with a Race Unity marc! 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. Baha’fs 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, Baha‘is have heard from a nun in Niagara, New York, who wants to have a similar conference there. And the violin teacher of a Baha'i 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 Baha‘i Youth Workshops taking part was presenting its last piece, a man ona bicycle rode up and asked a Bahd’{ why these people were so happy. Afterward, he attended a party ata Baha’f home, and within a few days had attended the celebration of the Declaration of the Bab and signed his declaration card.

[Page 16]ADS

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

THE GREEN ACRE Bahd‘{ School has an pent for a full-time program coordinator. This is a year-round position primarily responsible for planning and coordinating educational programs and 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 Baha’{ educational programs, ability to communicate effectively with large groups and to interact with a wide range of people, and proven success in organizing and coor— dinating multiple tasks in a similar position are highly desirable. Please send a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, administrator, Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

THE LOUIS GREGORY Bahd‘{ Institute has vacancies for Youth Service Corps volunteers. Applications are sought from youth who desire to grow in the fields of service and obedience. Ser— vice areas include teaching—entry by troops; Radio Baha‘i—broadcasting, maintenance; teaching /deepening children; education center—tutoring, G.E.D.

rograms. For information, phone 8035093, or fax 803-558-2921.

THE GREEN ACRE Baha’{ School has an immediate opening for a full-time administrative assistant. Seeking highly motivated, energetic selfl-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 Baha’f admininstration and with diverse types of people. Please send a letter of introduction and résumé to Ray LaBelle, Green Acre Baha'i 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 Baha'f School. Both offer improved service to those attending sessions at the school as well as to members of the gen

Army of Light ‘worksheet’

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 708-7333493 or write to the committee at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.

eral pepe 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 indust 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 Baha'f School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423. Phone 810-6535033; fax 810-653-8850; INTERNET

THE GREEN ACRE Bahd’i 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 rims Opening and closin; buildings as needed for functions, lightduty 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 La— Belle, Green Acre Baha’f School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT needed to help in audio and video production for the Media Services Department at the Baha’{ National Center. Principal responsibilities: complete work orders and other Media Services requests in a timely manner; sup} inistrative 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; demon

strated knowledge of and skill in using professional audio and video production xperience in the training ina

equipment; 2-5 years field and/or speci: recognized program; assigned tasks with minimal su ability to work harmoniously wi Baha‘f 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, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3429).

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

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 Pro ram of Save the Children. AUS‘RALASIA: Australia—caretaker(s) ur

ently needed for Yerrinbool Baha’f

‘hool and Institute. Marshall Islands— secondary school teachers in math, English, spécial 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, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (hone! 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; email ).

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 icone} including new low-income onebedroom 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 overlookin; the water, wonderful view, cisterns wit) pure water on three-plus acres. For information, write to Lois Lissner,

Eleuthera, Bahamas, or phone 809-332-2350.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

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 Richest rated science and technol ol ees in the country, and to the tional 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 Baha’f 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 Bah4’{ who wants to. remain active in service to Baha’u’llih, 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 616-7573161.

HOMEFRONT pioneers are wanted in Florence, South Carolina, only 50 miles from the Louis Gregory Bahd't Institute. Prefer mature, self-supporting couple with pioneering experience, but dedication is the main quality needed. Florence is a vital Baha'i community with an ac— tive Assembly, a local Center in a prime

sical

16

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

location, and hundreds of people on its membership list who have not been truly consolidated. South Carolina is an excit— ing place to be as a Baha'i, and this is a call to those with a sense of spiritual adventure who love to serve. Phone 803667-1540 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 As~ sembly. 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 Baha'fs 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 Baha'{ activities and an abundance of Baha’f 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 Ridvan 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 210-7252937).

NEEDED: Baha'is who are willing to help deepen and consolidate Southeast Asian Baha'is in fast-growing South Sac— ramento, 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).

THE NATIONAL Baha‘i Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: 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 Baha’t Archives, Baha’f National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or to phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahd‘f 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]

152 © June24,1995 17

tions of duplicate books each year. If you would like to be on the mailing list, send ‘our name, address and Baha’i ID numr to the National Baha’ Archives, Bah4’f National Center, Wilmette, IL, 60091.

Wantep

THE GROWTH of the Faith in the area around the Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ 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 Baha’f; (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 Bahd’{ 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 Baha’ 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 BAHA'IS of Stanford, California, are seeking the names and addresses of Stanford alumni who were Baha’is while at Stanford or became Bahd’fs later to help form an Alumni Association. Please contact the Bah4’is of Stanford, c/o Cheryl Khavari,

Stanford, CA 94305.

WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Des Moines, lowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee is establishing a program of

ublic firesides called “Crossroads.”

jeetings are to be held the second

Thursday evening each month; special Brera 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 515-9610605 (evening answering machine).

THE BAHA'f 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 415431-9990.

WANTED: The Mona Baha'f School is seeking to expand its materials for classes and is looking for back issues of Brilliant Star and Child's Way, Baha’ school lesson plans, the Baha'{ Teaching Guide, and Baha’ books for children. Please send to Carri Smith,

Spanaway, WA 98387-7005, or hone her at 206-847-4885. The Mona ha'f School can pay for postage.

THE BAHA'f community of Conway, South Carolina, is seeking a couple or an individual to live in its newly acquired Bahd’f 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 Baha'i Institute, Radio Baha’{, 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 BAHA'S of Franklin County, Missouri, birthplace of early American Baha’ Phoebe feared are seeking copies of photographs, letters, articles, etc. re— lating to Mrs. Hearst's Baha'f experience. Plans are being made to present the material to the Missouri Historical Societ: and the local Phoebe Hearst Historical Sealey, Please contact the Baha'fs of Franklin County, P.O. Box 15, Pacific, Me 63069, or phone Shirley Lee, 314-257 1.

bo CouN LS)

ATTENTION YOUTH: the Nightingale Circle Baha’ Correspondence Club is forming branch for young people around the world. If yon enjoy writing letters and getting to know your Baha’{ 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 on— going 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, rac— ism, 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, Bah4’{ 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 206-3913303,

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Baha'i Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service op rtunities at the permant 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 Baha’i 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.

BAHA’f YOUTH Worshops from the US. 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 infor-mation, please contact the National Youth Committee of South Africa, P.O. Box 34603, Groote Schuur, 7937, South Africa. Phone (011) 447-5772 or en) 448-5770; fax (021) 794-1651; email i

TEACHIN

THE BAHA’f community of Portland, Maine, is launching, a summer teaching

roject from June through August and invites Baha’is 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 Mickey Portland, ME 04103 (phone 207-7979068).

MateriAts AVAILABLE

DON’T MISS the opportunity to own or give as a gift “Intone, O My Servant,” an inspirational cassette tape of Baha’

rayers and writings sung and recited by

adjamaya to original music by Lekan.

is 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 801-2641199). A posting, cost of six stamps would be welcomed.

Books, PERIODICA

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 BAHA' Association for the Arts (BAFA), initiated in 1986 by a group of artists from various parts of Europe who are Baha'is, is a non-profit organization whose aim is to encourage networking, education and promotion of the arts across all disciplines and cultural back rounds. Submissions and subscriptions 18/ 'year) to its quarterly professionally produced. 20-40 page newsletter, “Arts

ialogue,” 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 Baha'{ 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 to-ward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Baha'{ schools. Please send your name, age, address and tele-phone 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).

MisceLLANEO

THE NATIVE American Baha‘ Institute in Houck, Arizona, has issued a call for essays or other articles on several topi .s 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), iypewritien on8 1/2 by 11inch 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 Baha‘{ 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 Citizen Diplomats, a multinational, multifaith orga— nization, is looking for volunteers for the starting leg of its five-year WorldPeace 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. Baha ’fs who are helping to organize the Caravan would like to see Baha’{ rep— resentation in it. People with an international background and knowledge of Baha’f 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 ex—

enses. Please send a summary of your

ackground to Jay Tyson, Mercerville, NJ 08619.

NEEDED: Spiritual Assemblies interested in hosting a Youth Year of Ser— vice 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!

Radio Baha'i, North America's first Baha'i radio station, now has a weekly news broadcast. This unique news service covers U.S. and international Baha'i events and achievements.

Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Baha’‘{ 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 Baha'i

Route 2, Box 69

Hemingway, SC 29554

[Page 18]18

Tue American BAHA'I

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.

he International Teaching Center “...will be the seat of that in itution 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

They are

lors in Europe.

The International Teaching Center, one of the five buildin 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 semicircular portico in the front and a vault at the top. Its columns are of the Ionic order

843-0836.

Audio-visual materials available

Arc and Terraces projects, we have undertaken to produce

convenience. Als: the video commissioned by the Continental Board of Counse

The Arc and Terraces presentation at the World Congress in New York by Fariborz Sahba 2 (produced 1993). Available from Mount Carmel Baha'i Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel.

s Fax 972(04) 358437.

Vineyard of the Lord, part 1 (produced 1994). Available from Bahd’f Distribution Service, 5397 Wilbanks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37343. Fax 1-615 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 (pro 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

Encouraged by the upsurge of Arc. It will be enthusiasm and support for the built over the original grade

level, but covered

various audio-visual materials. with a_ landed here for your scaped garden

> included is 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 § include utilities

similar to the ones duced 1994). Available from in the Center for Librarie Bahd’fe, 45, rue

the Study of the Pergolése, Paris 75116, France. Texts and the In- Fax 33(1) 45 000 579. ternational Baha’i

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

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.

a

ineyard of the Lord. part 8

a ms as ing site for the International Teaching Center, the reinforcement

bars for the walls of the booster pump room,

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 Bahai Library will be built near the Teaching Center and CA

ing approximately eight meters

building, there will be a number of connection points between them.

Bridge over Hatzionut Avenue

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 Bab 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]Ranmar B.E. 152 © June 24,1995 19

nl N ce

Bridge

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 Baha’u'llah stood and pointed out to ‘Abdu’lBaha the spot where the remains of the Bab should be laid to rest.

The bridge is the critical link between the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces with the Shrine of the Bab 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

lanted in a raised planting

ed.

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 Baha’f 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

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 Baha‘f projects explained to an appreciative audience with a video film, but an eminent Israeli architect chose to

highlight the spiritual significance of these peviccs for the Baha’fs 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 hs been making efforts to expedite the project.

One of the steps it initiated was to arrange a design competition for

The magnificent dome and facade of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice overlook the busy construction work on Mount Carmel.

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, Baha'i representation on the steering committee was acknowledged, and appreciation and gratitude expressed.

Moreover, it was decided that there would be no interference in the Bahd’f 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.

Progress is being made on paving Terrace Eight, below the Shrine of the Bab. Other ornaments, such as the balustrades, are already in place.

[Page 20]20

THe American BAHA’

TEACHI

Mona School: dedication, work, growth

By SUSAN GIFFORD

It began with a handful of children learning about Baha'u'llah and His teachings in the living room of one of the friends.

Now the Mona Baha'i 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 Baha'i who gave her life for the Faith, has also appointed a school board and director to oversee its curriculum and general operations.

“Tt goes to show you that you never know when you're starting a small pose what the future may hold,” says

ndee English-Cotten, who now lives in North Carolina but was a Baha'i 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 “Baha’{ 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

Wilmette Institute's residential program postponed to July ‘96

Since a majority of the applicants for the study program “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Society” of the Wilmette Baha’{ 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

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 Baha'i.

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.

Twojars, 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 eyamare arty in February and Family Day in es

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 Bahd'f history game focusing on Baha'i heroes and heroines and early Babi and Baha'i 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,

arents and the community to bring to Fain the principles of Baha'i education.

“1 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 Baha'i community.”

Sa _ Pictured at their annual Ayy4m-i-HG party last year are students and faculty at the Mona Bahd’i School in southwestern

Washington state, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 1995.

If you haven’t seen Brilliant Star magazine lately, it’s time you took another look at a ‘Ti

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 Baha’i writings or on news from the Baha’i world.

Brilliant Star is committed to helping children develop their Baha’f identities, to become teachers of the Faith, and to be deepened in the Baha’‘f 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 Baha’‘{ 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 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

lace.

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 uncial years of both Bahd’f 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 Baha’i center was converted into a sea of tents housing food, carnival rides, music, dancing, book sales and teaching, materials. Local television was on

rising star’

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 Bahda’i 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-Baha 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 Baha’fs 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 Baha’‘f 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 Baha’f children’s classes. If your community offers English-as-a-second-language classes for Baha’is, Brilliant Star would be a wonderful additional tool. So catch a rising star.

[Page 21]Raumat B.E. 152 © June 24, 1995

21

Myanmar campaign leads to 188 enrollments

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 Baha’u’llah.

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 14member 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 Baha’is 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 Tiszapiisp6ki and Térékszentmiklés, in the Szolnok region of Hungary, during a one-day teaching and deepening institute organized by the newly formed Spiritual Assembly of Tiszaptisp6ki. 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 Ridvan 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 coor dinator of the Bellambi Lagoon restoration project paid glowing tribute to Baha’is 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 Baha‘i 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 Psohie to declare their beief in Baha’u’llah.

.

The Baha'i 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 Baha‘ 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 Baha’is. Cultural events organized by the Bahai community included a ballet, attended by about 1,000 people, and a stand-up comedy and music show, whose audience numbered 700. Baha'is 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 Baha’i International Community, addressed a plenary session using the BIC’s document, “The Pros Campbell Institute: Canada’s new alternative

Baha’is 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 Baha’{ 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.

pene of Humankind,” as the basis for is speech. Meanwhile, young Baha’is were involved in every major youth event at the NGO Forum and Summit including the International Youth Consultation and Youth Caucus Room. The Bahd‘i-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 Thre: Year Certificate Program in Baha Studies was held recently at the Yerrinbool, Australia, Baha’ 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 Baha’{ School to become the national center for intensive study in Australia and fufills 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) Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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

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.

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-Baha and Shoghi Effendi about the future of Bahia, special tributes were paid to the Hands of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and Rahmatu’llah Muhdjir and Counselors Leonora Armstrong and Ratil Pavén. °

The Baha’i community of Hungary was invited to take part last November ina two-day seminar on “The Role of Women in Politics and Society,” organized by the Council of Europe and held in Budapest. The Baha'i 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 Baha’i 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.

[Page 22]

lor NON NN|P Ee: sel)

Summer Activities at Regional Baha’{ Schools

Florida (Southern Flame Baha’{ 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

“Baha’{ Community Life: Door to the Future” with family-centered environment, featuring classes, workshops, inter-generational activities and recreation.

Conta andra Miles, 910/767-6888

Washington (Eastern) / Idaho (Northern), July 1-7

“TheDestiny of America,”witha largechild and youth attendance and classes focused on fa Contact: Shannon McConnell, 509/943-1236

Nebraska (Great Plains Baha’{ 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 Baha’f 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 Bahd’{ School), July 30 - August 4

“The Destiny of America: Transformation and Action,” with Joseph Galata, a Turkish Gypsy Baha’t.

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

Education Seminar

Offered at Louhelen

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 Baha’f and secular environments, and educational planning with a spiritual approach. The seminar will be led by members of the National Baha’{ Education Task Force.

Don't miss this opportunity to work with leaders in the field of education who can bring their perspective as Bahd’fs to this important task!

Maryland / Virginia (Dayspring School), August 4-7 ‘The Destiny of America: A Call to Transfor mation and Action,” with special guest Auxiliary Board member James Stu . Robert Malouf will speak on “Spiritual Transformation of the American Bah4’{ Community.” Mary Kay Radpour will speak on “Being Connected to the Mission of Baha’u'll4h.”

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

Towa, August 11 - 15

“America’s Spiritual Destiny: The Joy of ‘Abdu'l-Bah4.” Come experience the “Wayfarer’s Journey,” a hands-on, learning center approach to some adule classes.

Contact: Don Calkins, 515/282-7763

New York, August 11 - 20

“The Destiny of America.” Contact: Stephanie Jaccko, 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 Bah4’{ 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 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 Baha’{ Institute

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 Bahé’t 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 Bahé’u'lléh 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 ing. ‘The Orona family premiered their performing group, “jinda,” for an evening presentation of traditional song and dance with a Bahd’i 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 Baha’ 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 Bahd’{ Institute, joining Brad Rishel, who has served at NABI for several years, as the new administrative team.

Office of Education and Schools, National Baha'i Center

(708) 733-3492

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

22

The perfect vacation spot this summer

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 surroui 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

The first Children’s Academy to be held at Bosch was a great success this Spring. Due to nd of the students and families, to hold two Academies for Children The children, mostly aged 10-12, learned the “Customs of the Kingdom” and the life histories of many early Bahd’ts. ening” weekend, held

in May, addressed the particular concerns and needs of women. ‘The workshops, outdoor actimes al

tivities, art experiences and refle: lowed participants to examine their lives within a new light.

An old favorite, the Marriage Enrichment Weekend, is now in its ninth year. Fa by artist Carrie Kneis tional

ucation and Assembly, Dr. Terry Kneisler, this weekend allowed couples to examine their lives idually and as a couple, discuss their hopes, cares, and concerns, and make plans for the fa: ture.

Bosch has recently completed its renovations to its library, several cabins, and its children’s classroom: order to prepare for summer.

Upcoming Programs at Bosch

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 fo tual Development with Leonard Smith, “The Tablets of the Di Plan” with Azadeh and Nabil Fares, Core Curriculum Race Unity Training for Parentsand 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 ine Plan with Javidukhe 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 Baha’u'llah with Dr. John Hatcher, “The Heroine of a Thousand Faces” with Jalch Joubine-Khadem, “The Mystical Background of Bahd’u'llah’s ‘Seven Valleys” with Mozhan Khadem, or an Adult Intensive Course with Arabic scholar, Kevin Brown.

Aug. 26-31, itual and Social Transformation of the Individual and Our Global Society with Dr. David Ruhe, Margaret Kunz Ruhe and Dr. Alfred Neumann.

[Page 23]EDUCATION AND SCHOO

First Northeast Regional Youth Weekend

Youth from eight Northeastern states rallied together for the first Northeast Regional Youth Weekend, held May 12 - 14, at Green Acre Baha’{ School. Sophia Bethane, Youth activities at the Louis Gregory Baha’ In

Soordinator of

stitute, teamed up with four counselors to facilitate an intensive program focused on teaching, personal transformation, deepening on the Ridvan Message, and consulting on issues perti nent to youth. Music, artistic sharing, rendering daily service, and meeting new friends were also important elements in the weekend carloads of youth traveled over eight hours from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, driven

Two

by dedicated adults who further supported the event by volunteering in hospitality services throughout the weekend. For many, the week end experience was a prelude to the week-long n Acre Youth Institute they are planning to attend this summer.

Upcoming at Green =

Acre

This summer will kick off with the revival of the Wodd Unity Festival June 30-July 4. Recapturing the spirit generated at last year’s 100th le Anniversary Celebration and reminiscent of the carly years at Green Acre, this in

ternational festival is dedi cated to the theme of uni

2 3. 4, versal peace and the oneness | 5, 6 7 8

of humanity. Highlights will include the annual raising of the Peace Flag, a special program dedicated to the 50th Anniversar United Nations, tional food and artisan con of the

interna: cessions, music and enter

tainment, including Gordi Munro from Canads Randy Armstrong with Uno

Mundo.

Persian-American Conference, July 7-9. A special weekend on “The Life and Writings of the Bab,” with special guests Habib Riazat Ahang Rabbani, to study the history of the Babi n, the life of the Bab and salient fea tures of His Revelation. Classes will be in En: glish, and a full children’s program will be of fered

Tene!

and

Dispensai

Papers on Native American Topics NABI issues call for scholarly papers.

One of the focuses at the Institute is educa: tional, social and economic development centering on the Native Americans of this Southwestern U.S. region. The Institute is requesting pa

pers on the following topics, as related to the indigenous populati 1. Education

2. Social and Economic Development 3. Health and Wellness Selected papers will be included in a bound book

lec according to topic. Submission should include: ‘Typewritten, copy-ready, 8% 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 Baha’t Institute.

Raumar p.c. 152 / June 24,1995 23

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 Bahd’t Institute?

The growth of the Faith through the activities of the Magdalene Carney/Loui personnel and material needs of the Louis Gregory Baha’ Institute and Radio Baha’.

Up to four Youth Service Corps volunteers.

. Funds for construction projects .

. Travel Teachers to visit new Baha’f communities.

. Full-time Teachers (short- and long-term) to participate in the Initiative. Radio Baha’{ programmers, technicians, and broadcasters.

Deputization funds for program participants.

There i is something to do for everyone who has the desire and love to serve.

Gregory Teaching Initi These needs include:

ive has greatly amplified the

- Homefront Pioneers (Persians are in the minority in SC) to settle in the newly formed Baha’{ 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.

“Redoubled Action” is the call of the Universal House of Louis Gregory Baha’f Institute gives everyone an lepportunity to arise to © this challenge.

Children and Families Take Center Stage at Louhelen

Several exciting programs held recently at Louhelen focused on meeting the needs of the youngest citizens of Baha’u'Ilih’s new world order. Louhelen, the site of the National Teacher Training Center, is the focal point for training in the Core € ren’s spiritual ion. In April, over 30 teacher-trainers in

rriculum for c

educa 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 ing 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 b the discussion of the roles of men an womer the equal 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 and

crea

y of women and mer

achie

lize one’s home,

spiriu enriching Bah4’f 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 Louhelen.

July 14-19, Education $

July 21-26, Family and Friends Session I with Dr. John Hatcher and Dr, William Hatcher, and Susan Engle as Musician in Residence. Study

promotin

zB unity,

iducation Coordina

or at

inar.

of “The Structure of Reality” and “The Kitab-iAqdas.”

July 28-August 2,

Family and Friends Ses

sion 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 Kitab-i-Aqdas.”

August 4-9, and Friends Session III with Dr. Michael Penn, Kathy Penn, Lorelei

McClure with Joe Crone as Musician in Resi

dence. 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 15-2. 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]24

THe American BAHA'I

ESN

obs come IRFAN COLLOQUIUM

Supe (SAIS AlST a ty jl SL 9 oy Shale gle “Ope pare” cul wy tle pal WSs SUT 5 ola! Kade CoS 52 alles Sree cE sypl Gare’ Cache & 6S CI 998 ge $S5 “aeey!

GE pay 5 Oldies tn CLL 5! 52 Md ojSlie rye 5 rptige Ath! ly gli Se

Je ase YO YY GI “yb, e pare” geese eat 42 Gly 251 12 Sly Hirt Lee 32 We eS sine WLI 52 po ee GAAS

peti VEGA Gh Gb Care” gee OWRetee IU 52 ghey tly depres 52 V4K0 JL wat wld 1S,

OLNUs 5 pel Glee & gle He 5! satyled CS 2 5 She poles 42 apt gs O09 ly pb AS 5 Fty CLI C5L)2 Gly 515 obk dine 532 > Gly SRY la! clo! => & mcs) feels gla tales)

(V-A) VEY-FONY sods 5l5

Solig Lipo odjq0T dob» SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY he es fire GIA coe Cubs Lupe wes Ly oie Cos popaiee IRs UL, SL le 43S Col v3 p05 hs “lee Lek Gl, yslore 42 National Louis University 59 le JLo SUT Gel! CILI yo mee GIL! JLSSYIG te cad sls the 52 Syl Glee Sigel by gl Ge tl al fle she PSY GOs pls 4 2K seul gpl Gls Soo 5 2? te So Ode ay web gel gLyntile GH G9 49 5 Ctl seals Cull 4,5 lRtsls daly CS pt cul ot vals 55 WS lee 5 obs oar lg, Gyles 59 1) 255 GLIee Gane 5 ayes als! yo gol tl ob, Gb Wls ol L sola sal, > Meas ji ty wl web, yl ly suse ghee Ke aT GL walls Caney pe pb OS 4 ty CL CSL,» Les Grol ls (V-A) VPP-PFAY cea ols (V>A) VIPAPO>Y 2455 5s

ar th aS 52 YS eS 5! SD ome Bho S trols le! Saad obeys & opt ige Lol $y 95 LL 255 plKe} doe bs SE glp! slo! s+! 3 sop als GLO! & gays Solel 5 G aks

orld byb55 Slyicw

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IN CANADA

Obese Se 4S “ale! obs Ge tas ole! le Vee FO Y cal iss 53) lee ze “pul some WF ole L lis vals eK8s gh,

3 ile, St iE alo! jl po a 5! S98) Res Yi CLe 5 ors rere Cle Ace Nel elias aly Neel ace Up yasp soe

cis NV" i) Ae oper 32 lo, SE 4% -395 all wal jlatlig cILe, «855 alae U OF GES lee LI, She ote ola! Ei 3 laredils slegtaryy 55 5 “USES 5 “Cy soy OAS kgs ly (Sains

NB pele da55 rope SF he i) rol imps dats baler oplb ole jt! 5 © 5 appler 5 Wee 5 opt GE 4> QI! wt lel aay pera 9 cats able yy\Sur

Ab cos ale dol eo all » nS asa S N35 owl bail, (5255 5 craks > 5 4595 GF wale! SI Gre y Eb & CIS by ob re 5l JLSH! ghee b Sy aS

3 dri 4 pal) Warls Sf Cul iF , GIS 5 bee Sly 53 IL Obj ob GEL, acti yyt> Lol fore 42 web, yl!

Clwarie Se glad pS INDIAN HIGH COURT QUOTES BAHA'I WRITINGS

BEugee Sle gles tif JLs ps5! obs 59 dap GULLus 5 Lace ge 4S ilpcr syp0 59 ileal, oben of pdle 4 tly pl 5! oy Geo 12g pb OUI! Yo ly

PIS tags tree So uss N09 Epnye BI Se 4S s5ylo slitel glut oy) Lares jl AS lows 9 Ry Sle lye ee GL 6 LLL es CL oll 53), ces Neve) NOW A Nera ny, Stlce munca +29) odd oalj

Glabme 5h par S dremel esd 5! Bud, Sr 5 wle 4 44 gre » Lys , 9 VAS act 4 Lars ant 4 4 19,5 slo PIE 5 GEASY 5 Seamer 49 hI GE GS dat gl gy QeWSI > 5

28 gale WS pS 52 gupta Se glys Bale ly ps¥ Lt jl lib yy 53" sci Nite CHL tly pl > ae Ole Lily dele OLLADI 5! loge 4 35Si0 2S oltl “Glugria Wher guimge tyrar Rule’ GE 2S yale WS BS yo bh of I Sate pd

ace

rl oss tu, 5! ols YL sluy, Salkeel me Fo 9 Id ler ale 52 She Pop ieal ere nial

FUNCTIONS OF STATE TEACHING COMMITTEES

Ce Gb Gilby, ime GO AHS 5! SS BU dN eel gpl GELS 5135555 dy 42445 JL. 59 State Teaching Committees Gli 5 Spx» O68 5 de ie Geol & 2S Qype 55 thes ele

5 Woy CYL! 49 5,556 ILI ola a ee SENS 5 JE SEALS 5 Ley atl, 3 Wal 5 Letts 5 vhs 4 Gyt peels

Gis Olt 5 SU old UL! ab, Serb i GLa! abl goo Go ayer, Srey & oredy eel goer Gils GEedls 5! Shy 4s he ths Gh! gee Lb dibs gi! 5 She Olod 3 he OLS! » OU 5 bk GS s SU! eet 5 IS GEL, Cb Supt 5 of j! le eS oe ll Sl le on GE URS

glides GUT sf oles 2 LI old Bere 3 ou Shy Joe & atit JL 5» eee lactl GlSae eLol dl y le vals JR SU ds Go WLS a2 Qube De pan 5 rp LS! Sw phil 5 Sx Ly ah he Glaasby 5 she oll uy ibs lace sage

elol bal 5 pos Ble 4 4 oy ls TL casts oge5 sSde Old 4S SILI 9 yd GAT olf Geodhs by als Job

lite 52 4,Sie olbe Gks 5! aye Glan Be Gf cd os Gy de Gl eel Err Clie of 4 25 AT Cee pte ols dhs

Syrkeo sg0l 450

OFFICE OF PIONEERING DECENTRALIZES

ws, ls ie ti JL glo, 5s ob Oples See iY CLI sub 3h! Gb wt! cdlys

She 27 0d Culyd ys elo! 5! Ghal gl 52 22 Cede 9 Splge SLAB 5 pri el Gly! CdLy> Bel obs plu Jie & “Utley able le”

sla! Sle we JL 3» Opls ay! 59 Ae SArde Ghat 295 51559 5! dee gneye 295 de Ghyy! ced actls JLyl ber pbs, Lb. cual a2t5S JL. Gh! 5! sol.

GyAS 52 Cade 4 LL oS SLL dee 5 © foe ios, dee & apt e lS th OE Babs fool ls 25 Corer & foe 5 Say Ble & srl Geedls , Gale obs styled Gypte 5 Sie

OLD! CdLy> Gly wile ge gle De drole els Lites ples yal cho b nt (V-A) V¥Y-90°4 sya LS .anls

[Page 25]

Ranmar B.E. 152 ¢ June 24,1995 25

ESA

ALS foro IG cogee 8 shite

2 (WARS CS ph Attys pe 99 els jl Malis Hse AEILAISONI Gets Bo heoys gall yal as sole gl aQls CSS gt! Je ape pate oF Cle oy hd a epee deed buys BA Sle bobo) OG 5 wy Gro dibs F bp OL ad! 5 Gt ob} Wry dam CSS il LS 49 4S ileuys jl pas PES? SNe A555 aj te AS; wd eee Ea 4S oy slojlasl ay lings GLrtl op 2 5 SUb 9? Las ghlh ole gle 4» ole jl SG, wast Sle Guile JK Jor 4 Qylb Gorter

wgled del a, Ltay,

Yio Cxoes EXEMLARY SERVICE

Carvoltton Bey IF jot slo! Jlool Ln! YY shel SI BW jpee & slanle lS CILI 59 suet 3s Ge 5 (EG duke gl 52 ols Pts Ghee aby 39 5 at led Lob 5! imee Gls 5 aS solr oy3 Gosh Gly Yo ety AS Slee Se eh Joe Sly foe bug

MS Nts ples tele cs waalS Gls ws Gre as wal ee oYs Neh of 5 5 on ee

dyape Con Ly Getty lS clol GY, Cus

eat b oT pte 535 5 pS

jy 32 PD? SN day AES yg at ols ~s UL, 4b Jar tte Coll clo ae Sh ole Cu0;d Glaus wlG, oT | ase els GUT 3! & 25 sdlsy gat! Sos 3 imp Geol, ddols 59 alos 4 5lt Leal elise ole SRin vit y Hie vals Golacsl sie sledel, lel ay Ait 5 deer oy 0S

dF lel ob, Ql as 42 4S Slope $(4a3)) Sa) iT Last ile oi! rian, Cole Shs) CoG Lae Ge Hythe) Sa)! ays GLe Hpk) whe sb» BE Mosh) QU .be Ss ie Spr S ole Waly) Gib LS BE bea pie SOL 4 relSs) olay 0,58 pe tL) GIT) ile gpatee Ole {(4lSs) lew Glbe 3 lead Che (663) ihe jay Cle Gril) Joah Greengus yaSa,S tye Glee Gh) pbs 5 oe) orljrperee Wey Che (RAS! DUIS pil S(delS2) phe LES Ole (lao 5 aro BD LE (obs) Ghxe jerry So t(aelSs) ghee Sete 9 chs) oats seeps So tals) ob bb ope Geaeby

Spar spre jy GUTS tS Sy Gt le wet pt hee b tee cay athe ly bboy QI 51 peril glige af Qh! pil! Puls eS Sle jet he oy UL» UT i! polars aS Silo coe 9 Set 5! slaadel Chal ayy oat volt d Guid Gor! i! WwLES Gena wedls Gpte Gade glal of wb olwl- ts pt Ss 5 Ge Geb, Glel ae nt Jb ae bys ye eels ool jl pS 2 aS Sn aye 2 SNLe pale 92 OS 4 Gly Gerd 4 L abo! 1S ge el pel Gail Je

Woed cap 8499 Gilde pin SUH pallies Wee

Cost Hla Oro Sty! as Oly friugs FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

Sand ghlacays gerd uth tS greny Sle Nes poole VA ats G YN ance sl lal lala! she 52 gels! 52 Holliday Inn yl sadle 59 pS SSt5 ob

seer gy Gre V0 tle ila Sliaie wat GUT gSaScS pt Tard 5 cui & oY Cele 55) ober 4b jl ae ES dale gots! 3 tye ell yg Obs OMG L aids YAd gat ooh © oS ul os

a2 Ole & pls p> COL garpe Ole etl 5 S85 ery & OLS 3! pl jae pelt Sly Cte Oke 4 GE ari Ole

9 AnD QSLe lal Sardjaal Ole Ga OLS Hly> QhIT pete glosle ablejie Gl phy obs eyG lal see sy Sly 8bj5 0 3 Gyles wy 39 ot I 5 apt VV 59 ly DUB! glee ober bE psy p> Sly Sos eels

CNT GS, der ad jy Gre Lake sete Bo awe 2S. le ID el weed (gsee VADT-NV4-D cued VIO-V YAR) ol Gel ASo 5 pe Cote 259 5 gel dL BE 9 CL 4 gly 5845 HL» QU je 5S 5 Oe Ee 4 Garerps lee slhtye 55> {UT sila

elas! oes pee aed jy ph jl ay 59 9 2 oul HLyo gldale dtleuke Oke ctl ee poles ol! eye abla) Ole Jb co dy Spee pal Ly le IT 5 cll 5! lw ipadiecnss lal cle cose) lasegs Mall lal toe ay ee gee tl Ub! bly «cul eb a pe 8 GE ee 9d ote Ole 3 mus 3

owe 5 oS dh od WAS CS 8 ges Semis SUT 51 as lB 4 OLS ta} oats wale C55 esd Cle 5 dye Oke AS slays coy

wll Boe Sy Cpart 99 Gre ES & pbs Ga pab 25s 2 Sut lols at SE So ee tes oll “le Il & ed oly & Le SK ol pl & Frankiin Lewis Spar UT 53 Aylatl JB 5 opt GLA" ole Slay “ale Ug

Bylys gla, Calb 25 jn ot 4b jl ae 9 2S She “lel Gere 9 Abb pai of glade jline 31 clalie Gt! lite tige Gua BE glee 4b 2 ape Satyr gage ily alae (see pP9iy 05) Gre pri 05 52 al sale atl! gl Glace Gleaiges jl Gules Gils L

AS NS ey ee St ulead Suds” glare

[Page 26]26

THe AMERICAN BAHA'I

Spar Sdksd jg tly CG¥g> 4

lel

oe sly eb, ob Ohne ol jl Bb ee col oleh 4 Slot Jbl SG! ape begets SG AS cual Yo JUDVYD. aalip ool

shel le boy fire OS Gus ole Se ply ot GL 2 wl SF yl Gate JL 2S beet rptige pole Jb 42 | Jims JL aay 2 PT ot SG 59 Wd oy Sh AS © [gb Ses

DE wey AIS 6S rcrtl (YB! gas 9 SAL Gree ste drole lac! IST 4 ub Ay y A2S Cam GtilS 42 WS CS,% So YVAN 5 gn5 ae Yo VYAVY Gls le Gute wd SH ILSL Gly gaper -ti0,S age Yo AS sagas Yo YAV- = £5 Ab WY ¥¥¥4d tole Sire Shae! weal

AS lS del Gl pe 5! SD »» OSanls at JS ISG» yj) Lib He ply Jie clas! gi, Glut & pals 153,5 GES! pr VOY JLs Gly Ly ance GYU 2 otk jie slacl LI William BE. gasyzd gl ply GL> Juana Conrad 9515

Cle pile cul

x Spl Gke «Alberta Deas 529 GST pits «Davis pie coals BIS 55,03 Ole «Robert C. Henderson gaye Jack iS Ke Se ol> «Patricia Locke SY Lt = Le «Dorothy W. Nelson Spal (5453 psls «McCants «James F.Nelson (yy jon> Ny Me he ls fiw clacl SF guy able Cre 5 wool PSD wh Cbs! AE pal IE tree Gast) gu Ole iat gone oe! ce ole tte gee Ole tay

SO hE Cul otis pe glings 5! 4 Baha'i Huququ'llah Trust 4>3 52 1, Wl Gpi> dled JL! al Gm Glo! 5I So Gks

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

23% ayel oitio NS

oasis, Comal HLy2 v3) BS 555 252 bla s be shy Jie arb op! Goole doen AS y Legh 5 ct & fire of ley (WF cSt AIT 4 glee Sly nt

bs gil plac! Jalon CaF v315 BIS 253 er axl & abel ooh be by jibe 2» er oyl ole CoG FS Ls loo ge (OU) Ceres py Gob 5) Col Oye 9,5 IIB lee Coles 5 (DE! 5) Plage as Cotls Ub! o3lj BIS AS.) Grim © isch atls oat slut ale! sly dele Gly of Hh abel Ue Sle Od 5 297 he pl cle phe 5 pe are les aye 92 Ly opel CS tn seul ol slam Garas 4 6 Silo pal CW sali blS 253 hy Corey © AS all ype gal 59 (sloslgntey aS Cul solel Yas ayo arype Gary jl glaiged Cul aruils Ll «Sh Ue HES omrler Gly SY OGLE Gp SK AS sale fS25 gee 59 SF Cul gh5 PY SF 9S 286 obj BU Oke DEI Gy © ES eel Ly rol dle 4h oS BLS» cul cl Lee pope WS dey als shy puoi Jb Bhs el oT y aL | tb +p sald ghico nal HS

Ie 29 ur NI ce pls ole JES 42 glans 4 cw Gly lol HE. 5 AF 4S Ctl Ub 5 Gleobsl. Gare rele G ge le iI he Gyre Ole,5 ee ALY Hb! cle Di SE soul 125 ge obeul

DL ageaS gil S ctl SUB! Gry Ole WS plej 92 HL S srr IB Saye pb 3 pe ply coud 5 Sua Ody pe GI Atty ILS 4 relic eb) 5 oto oleae 4 LSE dnd oA! 23yst cee daly Capel ily Aaole gyal Sylo! leas ply

Jalon VOY glo, ply ser Sy Er OUT pa dy QWALLs Bylde 5 ayy Cee plicl OGL I GS zh pls Cle GlyG lie ray 32 Gleokis, 932 99 Ly ply sie af 98 Culydye 4 pe be OS gle! we yo His JL Le gla BaF Sal Ss ces BLT WT Sle pl ply 09 plc! Jadicy ath pie Gee Ul » Sica gltrg obs 5 Ch 4 ble Jal o> GLal aS 2S Gaps Cle Uys as aS slats Gee 55 HS GHILSL GLY one GA 2053s OrSno

age Se 99 Grd Ge 5 edie OLe 4 by he Sie Slareas 5! dy fF atl WUyb! Jee lyre, 22,5 Leal obs pe drop apn Che

wh omigily COD 9 obit 86TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

CVG ltl he GAS grett 5 sete JN te apae & Sle JL byl FG YY Gt ace SSH SIR Slam or yo eLel jl bile woS

ANS oyre be ley] guslie jl go be 45 Wilma Ellis Gat! Liby pil «Stephen Birkland Btls ppm ti si/S 52 William Roberts Gap!) ples 9 Hale 55 QWALLG Gly Glaule aitny jy 5 bes! Gilby 5 Sly, CLES! CAS & el of 59 Wald ype Slide yp5

3 SIG gayle Olly & gHlS Ole uae 9 A LT gti Gt 5 bE GL dime gts begs Gs hy Jie WIL ELS Sard AS2 rob apl e g eds Oph ole PIT geryee ploy Ge Gio gael 5 09 bY vey dle

Sire oti GIS

seats y bub, UL gre ole WS 2S Gop |) dar 9 CHS gin he iby, jie VAAE JLo coe V8 Gaps capil pltel Jal cre, azas wdigls alee C52 4 |

les, jie 4S tls SUB! gre Ghee vay Jae 4 LG! ySio bares a Gul 42 be 2g AIT 5 Gyles anys yr ae tale 5! cul cule & pty ger tol Glog jn 5 Jie 3 SII gpl Cts Sly twee Glool) gS tslyG Gly GOL, Cb thie nh gk Sil Tb 5 Sirs b> > spel der 5S p05 5! GS wy Boe sty LS 5 dps Gly pate be

22 4S Ctls Ugbl garzer Gaye Ole cpaslte & ob gadis Gl ly fire tit JL ages bans HL 2 4S Cul 09,5 OG GliG wT Jac a al Slie of olin shel SS 5 del

tbat) 59 he les) jire pt paz 4 lee URS lial glj 51 aS JL oS L Ly he dine 45 bs GAG! 4 wT 2,2, 2S ahs GolF arth bf , SLile goo, de 5 parle Goost bs Isle ZI Wnts 4 at otue Yo se bro sb S Oyo rgey ler Sf CS Slee RS 52S GLS ir 5 ween oS cilLy> alt Glee & by

3 ASS 52 MESES pb 5S rsrs LS Lager 5 pile Quis Sale peos+ Jule, aye Ile Gaul esl 4 ods Coby BSS SE yoke 4 by obbe US pbel reel 09909 Ce pad |) Se

cl 7 WALLS gepate Ole alse 5 oy Gb L les Sat aS suctl bs Glol oS 23s ole 42 aS pl 39 LL dee [Page 27]Raumar B.E. 152 ° June 24, 1995

27

IN MEMORIAM

Distinguished pioneer William Foster dies in Hawaii

“Deplore loss William R. Foster, longstanding servant Baha’u'llah, tireless promoter Baha’i teachings, radiant champion Administrative Order. Apart from 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 asing with development Baha’i 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 decade 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 email message to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly:

With saddened hearts we announce the passing to the Abha Kingdom of our dearly-loved, staunch, faithful, zealous, unwavering and devoted Baha’f 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 uilding Bahd’f 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 Shog| fendi on various

in 1975.

William R. Foster, pictured at the U.S. Baha'i National Convention

projects associated with the establishment and beautification of the Baha’f properties, and for many generations of Baha’is 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 Assembl the United States homefront where he initiated his renowned deepening cla on the writings of the Guardian, administrative envors as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands for nearly 12 years, once for four

and crowned t

Ruth Fendell, early pioneer to Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica who designed gardens around House of Worship in Panama

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 photograhy 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, M ndell 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 Bahd’u’llah’s Teachings.

The Fendell home was often the guest house for visiting Bahd’i te ers and was also the site of large gatherings of the friends for Holy Day observances. In 1948, following the revolution 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

United Nations’ 50th anniversary offers way to proclaim views on unity, peace

Many communities have realized that celebrating Martin Luther King Day is a wonderful way for Bahd’fs 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 Baha’i 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 Baha’fs allowed the United Nations’ own 50th anniversary committee to meet at the Baha’f Center. The committee members then asked the Baha'is 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 Bahd’f 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 Baha’is to make connections in the non-Baha‘i community.

The relationships that can be developed through joint projects can lead to requests for Baha’i support in many other areas. (See “Laying Foundations” in this issue).

For rh 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.

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 Baha’i primary school, grades K-3, duly recognized by the istry 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.

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 Baha'is.

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.

Baha’i student’s demeanor casts favorable light on Faith among students, teachers

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 Bahd’f 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 Baha’i 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

Susan Deuter Sun Valley, ID March 19, 1995 Ed Doherty

St. Charles, MO March 11, 1995 Joseph V. Garcia San Jose, CA April 20, 1995 Leonard Godwin

Tony Apple Martin, SD January 1995 Amir Ashouri

San Diego, CA December 28, 1994 N. Virginia Beach Cheyenne, WY April 30, 1995

Frederick Bills

Bellingham, WA Eugene, OR March 14, 1995 December 18, 1994 Ethel M. Crabb Irene Graham

Pine Bluff, AR April 3, 1995 Tom L. Davis Ft. Myers, FL April 16, 1995

Jamaica, NY January 1995

Josephine Gregoire Far Rockaway, NY April 15, 1995

Marcia Harrison Ann Arbor, MI February 22, 1995

Tom Lorry Karr

Wirza Stoakley Batavia, IL April 18, 1995

Eulalia Bobo Taylor

Schaumburg, IL. Detroit, MI March 6, 1995 May 14, 1995, Elizabeth Maddex Cliff Timmons Orange, NJ Pamplico, SC December 6, 1994 — April 1995

Eddie L. Roach Robert A. Ward Victorville, CA Dunedin, FL May 15, 1995 February 18, 1995 Nosrat Sabetzadeh Winifred Wilcox

Fremont, CA April 9, 1995 Robert Schmitz Ridgewood, NJ February 18, 1995

Cambria, CA December 23, 1994 Frank M. Wilson Bend, OR

January 5, 1995

[Page 28]

en P

The Bahé" Youth Group of Howard County, Maryland, sponsored its second an nual retreat last November 4-6 at the Hashawa Environmental Center in Westminster. About 40 young Bahd'is and non-Bahd’is 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.

ae cy rng Thr Ann Bt, Meynct Pel anbesbcperir nord Wiatpere cesar sartceanenien TELL USYoUR | GomtS" pram itr eh tenpey shor ote EW ADDRESS. | oo see uc aa ee Pee oe pert atieenntg oy perth oleic | A. NAME(S): L ee Ton = 2 snl 3. Bs Ti

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS: C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:

‘Street address P.O. Box or Other mailing address ‘Apartment # (If applicable) ‘Apartment # (If applicable)

City City

‘State Zip code ‘State Zip code

=

| D. NEW COMMUNITY: E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

[__Name of new Bahé Community Moving date ‘Area code Phone number Name | F: WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S): | ‘Area code Phone number ‘Name ‘Area code Phone number ‘Name

| G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:

1 [7 we do not have the same last name. [J the last names and addresses 00 our ‘Wedo not wantextra copies, so please address labels do not match. We have

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY:

[Co Omrhousehotdreceives only o0e copy ef The American Baha. 1 wish to

‘cancel the copy for the persoo(s) and LD. | numbers) listed above.

listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the correc+ tions s0 that we will receive only one:

receive my own copy. Ihave listed my name, LD. number and address above.

VasLaleatabealaMassaDbsassallasUsabsstsalbssthal

BAHA' f NATIONAL CENTER IL 60091

112 Linden Avenue

Wilmette,

Ranmar 8.£. 152 / June 24, 1995

28

Tue American BAHA'i

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY

4-August 4: “Call for Teaching” project, Bulgari information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i 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 Baha’{ 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 Bab, Baha’f 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 Baha’{ School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903, or phone 207-439-7200.

9-29: Shawnigan Lake Baha’f Summer School, Maxwell International Bahai School, British Columbia, Canada. Week 1: “Teaching the Cause of God.” Week 2: “Youth: Living the Life.” Week 3: “Arts and the Baha’i Faith.” Registrar: Bill Warthe, BC VOR 1L0, Canada.

13-16: Second International Youth Conference, Bres on visa and travel arrangements, contact the Office of Pi

14-17: Nebraska Bahd’f School, Camp Comeca. Contact Bil

Burchard, NE 68323 (phone 402-865-43. reating a Vision for Spiritual Development,”

‘or information

Kay Bodie,

15-20;

he Special Destiny of

America,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” general session for all ages, Bosch Baha’f 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, 565-7910.

21-24: Southern California Baha’{ School, Highland Resort, Cherry Valley. Contact lye York, 909-983-1022.

22-23: Southern California Summer School, Westwind Center, Ontario. Classes on Tablets of the Divine Plan conducted b ounselor Wilma Ellis. For information, contact Edye York, 909-983-1022, or Bahia Farahi, 619-755-7623. ‘Achieving Unity in Spite of Race,” “Historical Aspects of the Table Plan,” “A Voyage into the Mystical Realm,” College Youth Institute, general session for all ages, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408423-3387 or fax 408-42:

29-30: Core Curriculu ‘ace Unity Training Session, Dallas (Texas) Baha’t 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 Baha’ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

30-August 8: Montana Baha‘f School. Contact Marjorie Williams,

Wolf Point, MT 59201 (phone 406-65 034).

30-August 28: “Call for Teaching” project, Bulgaria. For information, contact

the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, 708-869-9039.

AUGUST

5-10: Summer Youth Institute, Bosch Bah4’f 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: lowa Baha’{ Summer School. Contact Diane Findlay,

Dallas Center, IA 50063; phone 515-992-3388.

12-17: Summer Youth Institute, Bosch Bahd’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

13-18: Tennessee Bahd’i Summer Academy, a summer experience for children ages 7-13, DuBose Conference Center, Monteagle. Sponsored by the Tennessee Baha’f 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 Bahd’u'lléh,” “The Heroine of a Thousand Faces,” “The Mission of the Artist,” “The Mystical Background of Bahd’u'llah’s Seven Valleys,” general session for all ages, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-4337564.

Cortez, CO 81321; phone 303

25-27: Alaska Bah4’{ 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 Baha’f Community Social and Economic Development,” general session for all ages, Bosch Baha'i School. For information, phone 4081-423-3387 or fax 408-4237564.

SEPTEMBER

1-4: Annual Labor Day weekend, “The Arts and Teaching,” Bosch Baha’i School. For information, phone 408-423-3387 or fax 408-423-7564.

1-4: Media & Arts Colloquium, Bosch Baha’i School. Sj | guests to include David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice; and Marva Nabili, great-granddaughter of Nabil, 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/Baha'f Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Institute, Louis Gregory Baha'{ Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3909).